Jodi's Blog by Jodi Marks
I am excited to be gearing up for my annual visit out west to Vegas, baby. But alas, it is for work and no play . . . though some fine dinning might be thrown in for good measure! I’m heading to the International Builders’ Show, which will be held January 20-23 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
This is the grand daddy of all builder shows, and I love walking the floor going up and down each and every aisle to see what’s new for the industry I love so much. I’ve given myself two days to see it all. That’s a tall order, so I might need to stay over a few days to recuperate. 
But the demands of home will win out and I will return exhausted, I know, but excited to share what I have discovered! I wish my schedule would allow for the Grand Opening Ceremony with Lou Holtz as key note speaker. Being a University of South Carolina Gamecock myself, seeing him would be the icing on the cake!
DIY Projects, Featured, Jodi's Blog by Jodi Marks
Here’s an old Southern tradition for a quick and easy Christmas tree that’s perfect for the front porch, a nook in your kitchen, or even for your entryway. And all you need are tomato cages! That’s right, just take about four regular sized tomato cages—or one big one if you have it on hand—and turn them upside down to create your “tree”.
If you’re using several cages, simply stack them one by one on top of each other, but raise them up a bit—about three or four inches each—and then secure them with floral wire. Secure each cage before adding another to the stack. Place your “tree” in a decorative plant container to create a secure base.
Now decorate! I love using garland with lights already attached so I can loosely wrap the greenery around the top to the bottom. Using two strands of garland and wrapping each in the opposite direction creates a fuller look to the tree. Since I keep them primarily on my front porch, I like to use tiny bird house ornaments and snippets from the holly bush to trim it out with color. But use your imagination!!
So drag out those tomato cages you’ve stored for the winter and start decorating. You’ll never look at tomato cages the same way again!
Featured, Jodi's Blog, Tools & Hardware by Jodi Marks
With the holiday’s right around the corner, I bet you’ve got some pretty good ideas on what should be on your wish list this year. Maybe it’s a new circular saw or miter saw. Even a new router or drill press is just the right gift idea. But before you top the list with those nicer, “big toy” items, now’s the time to take a look at the smaller work horses in your tool box…there you might find some good ideas to pass along to your loved ones.
Start by dragging out all of your screwdrivers. Do you like the handles on your set? Would you rather have a rubber grip for easier handling or do you like plastic grips? What about sizes? Can you get into all those tight spaces with the ones you’ve got? Do you have five Phillips heads but only two Flat heads? Maybe it’s time to update or upgrade your screwdriver set. The best part is these sets can be found at great prices…usually just under $30.
Now, what about a hammer? Do you like the feel and weight of the one you have? Is the wooden handle cracking or is the rubber grip fraying? Maybe a 22-ounce weight is more than you should be swinging and a 16-ounce hammer would be better for your projects. And if you use brads instead of finish nails on your projects, maybe a tack hammer would be a great addition to your tool box. The best part is you can find a quality hammer for around $25 or so.
Pliers are another tool that I often reach for when working around the house. But they are each different and depending on the task at hand, you should have a variety of pliers to choose from. Tongue and groove pliers are perfect for quick adjustments and nothing beats long, needle nose pliers for bending wire or getting into “hard to reach” areas. Diagonal pliers for cutting wire are great to have on standby, too. Most pliers can be bundled in a set which is perfect for gift giving.
Other great gift ideas for filling up the stocking could a new tape measure…I like the one that has about a 10-foot standout before it bends and now you can get one that measures out to 40 feet. A new torpedo level is another little tool that can easily slide into the stocking and is so handy to have when your projects call for absolute perfection. And who can resist a new stud finder! All of these gift ideas range from about $30 and under depending on function or size.
Last but not least, where are you going to store all of these new gifts? Is your old toolbox worn out or falling apart? Everybody could use more storage to keep all their tools clean, rust free, and organized. There are so many options and styles available now that can fit into everyone’s holiday budget.
So, there you go! These ideas may not be the big ticket items that many folks want for the holiday’s, but I can assure you, these are the ones that are going to serve you most in all those projects you have coming up, and you’ll be proud how well each one turned out!
Jodi's Blog by Jodi Marks
Another great week of shooting with Danny and the guys down in Mobile! It was so much fun hanging out Monday all day at The Home Depot shooting more Best New Products segments. There are so many new items, many of which are designed not only to make life easier, but also to be gentler on the environment. Art, Greg, and Terry of The Home Depot were great and made us feel so at home.
On location: Scott, Jasen, me, and Allen
Allen and I had a blast on Tuesday shooting our segment installing a closet organizer in the project house they are finishing up…we laughed and laughed. I don’t think Scott, our director, thought we’d ever get serious and get the system installed. But Allen drilled and I hammered until the organizer was finally in place. Turned out great and a perfect beginner DIY project.
On Wednesday Danny joined us, along with Joe Truini, in the studio for a photo shoot. Danny, Allen, Joe and I laughed and try to make each other crack up right before the photographer, Alec, and his assistant, Valerie, could take the shot…I hope they didn’t get too frustrated with our playful antics! Photos at the new project house were just as fun with Joe “hanging” from a ledge and Allen trying to throw me out of the wheelbarrow. Wonder where Danny was while we acting up? Well, the mice get to play when the cat’s away!!
On a sad note, Jasen, our wonderful camera operator who has been with Danny for two years now, decided to make a break from the television world…so his last week of shooting was with us this week. Everyone is going to miss him terribly…I guess Allen and I will be the only ones now coming up with songs to sing in between takes! Farewell, Jasen…it was great working with you!
Looking forward to my next visit down with more stories to tell of what REALLY goes on when the camera isn’t rolling! 
Home Improvement, Jodi's Blog by Jodi Marks
Fall leaves and footballs are in the air… Sort of sad to say goodbye to the summer fun and warm weather, but it’s time to get energized for those seasonal “honey-do’s”!
Simple projects you can tackle now will help ensure a nice, toasty winter, and also help you save on those energy bills.
I’ve created the perfect list you can print to keep things organized…pick the ones you find most helpful or add ones you’d like to get done.
Happy Home Improving!
Jodi's Blog by Jodi Marks
What a joy it is to join Danny and his team this season! Everyone at Today’s Homeowner is just wonderful to work with, and they have already made me feel like an old family member. Being from the South, but never having been to Mobile, I was blown away by this jewel of a town along the Gulf Coast … I love it that I get to shoot there, too!
As the new host of the Best New Products segment, I’m so excited to share with you all the latest products and innovations that will help make your DIY projects run smoothly and be more enjoyable. We’ll highlight everything from environmentally friendly patio furniture and hot water recycling pumps you can install in under two hours to tool sharpeners and self-balancing ceiling fans. This is going to be a great season of fun projects and fresh ideas to inspire and motivate you to finish up that honey-do list!
