Tools: Not Just a Man’s World

Tools: A Man’s World

Men have always been physically stronger than women and therefore it has been a part of humanity that the men are usually the ones to take on the tougher responsibilities within a household. They are historically the ones to build a home, maintain the home, and everything else that could come with being a homeowner. Because it is the men’s responsibility to fix things or build things, the tool industry has always been geared toward them and their needs. The tools can be big and powerful, too heavy, and the colors and styles are not particularly popular to the likes of women.

Tools: A Woman’s World

A woman’s role in the household traditionally is taking care of the children, the gardening, the sewing, the cooking, and the cleaning. With all these responsibilities while enjoying things that are appealing to the eye, it is inevitable that women are always looking for ways to decorate their home while also making it functional. To make the projects a reality, women have to use the tools that are made for bigger built bodies and are just too heavy and powerful for them. Majority of women also have to wait for the men in their lives to complete their projects because they are not familiar with the tools enough to properly and safely use them. There may even be some women who have not been taught or introduced to tools. And that is okay! Everyone has the ability to learn a new skill.

Building Confidence

As individuals, people naturally gain confidence in themselves as they achieve a new goal and or task. Self-confidence (and self-reliance) is priceless.

With a mission to build confidence and empower women of all ages and all walks of life, we at Tomboy Tools are here to assist them through education, quality tools and an independent business opportunity.

We want…

·       To inspire you to tackle that project you’ve always dreamed of.

·       You to learn how to maintain your home and happiness using the best tools out there – made with women in mind.

·       You to gain confidence in yourself, knowing that you can complete a project –even live- on your own without the help from a male figure.

·       To empower you to not be afraid.

Education

With education comes knowledge. With knowledge comes the opportunity to share your wisdom with others. Learning about tools, how to use them properly and safely, and even being aware of the science behind them are some of the basic fundamentals to accomplishing your project goals - as well as to being self-reliant. It is never too early or too late to acquire a new skill.

Education is not only attained by words on a paper or screen, but by videos, hands on experience, and word of mouth. You can find these ways of learning on our main website, on this blog website, at our tool parties, and within a community (online and offline) of women who like to learn from other women.

Quality Tools

Our tools are ergonomic. They fit a woman’s hand very nicely, making it comfortable for them as they tackle projects all around the home.

We currently provide hand tools, power tools, and accessories that will aid in the completion of projects in the following areas:

·       Gardening

·       Painting

·       Crafting

·       Dry Wall

·       Plumbing

·       Tiling

·       Auto

·       Safety

Most of our tools can be found in kits, providing a better value for your dollar. Click Here to shop or browse our products.

Our tools are also pink. We are Pink for a Purpose, a Tomboy Tools Fund where we give back to organizations that are dear to our hearts:

·  

·       Avon Foundation for Women

o   breast cancer

o   domestic violence

o   www.avonfoundation.org

·       Denver Dumb Friends League

o   Humane Society Animal Shelter

o   www.ddfl.org

Since 2006, we have donated almost $300,000 to these and other charitable organizations.

Independent Business Opportunity

Sharing your knowledge is always a good thing. How would you like to make money doing so? Would you like to learn and make money at the same time? Are you ready to be a leader? Great! Join us! Help us inspire other women and girls through our mission and tools. Getting paid is just a bonus.

With endless possibilities and opportunities, the Independent Business Opportunity is a great way to…

·       Pay off credit cards and other debt

·       Take your family on vacations

·       Save for education and retirement

·       Receive tax incentives

·       Create wonderful friendships and a community of women

Together we can change the tool industry. Let’s make it a woman’s world too – and have fun in the process!

Ready to Inspire?

Call our office toll free at 1.866.260.1893 or Click Here. Ask about our payment plan.

Have any questions or comments?

Call our office toll free at 1.866.260.1893 or connect with us here.

Do It Together: 10 Tips for Going Green with Kids

Want to go green with your kids but don’t know how? Keep in mind that small changes make all the difference. Your family can adopt green habits easily by making them fun and routine. Consider placing friendly reminders around the house to help enforce the environmentally friendly changes or singing a “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” song when kids are helping out. Use these tips as a guide to teach your kids about being environmentally conscious – it’s better for the planet if they learn young! Ready to make some green changes? Do it together!

Turn Off the Water
Help your kids get into the habit of turning off the water while they brush their teeth. After wetting their toothbrush, tell them to play their favorite song while the water is off (which should be around two to three minutes, the perfect time to brush their teeth).

Photo Credit: jupiter images

Switch Off Lights and Appliances
Kids can help out by turning off lights and appliances when not in use. Put them on “light duty” and have them go around the house shutting off lights that are not needed and turning off unused appliances. 

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Make Your Home Green

Your children can go with you to a local nursery and pick out their favorite plants to have in the house. This equals more oxygen for your home! Take this opportunity to teach your children about plant care as well and have them help you water and care for the plants.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

E-Waste

No more disposing of e-waste in the trash! Teach kids that batteries from everyday objects like video game controllers or Wii remotes should be recycled, as well as any electronic equipment. Place an e-waste bin in your home and label the container with a bright color so kids won’t forget!

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Sorting Fun

Make sorting recyclables a fun activity for kids. With color-coded bins, kids can sort paper, glass, plastic, etc. while singing a recycling song!

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Learn Green

When kids need new school supplies, take them on a hunt for eco-friendly school supplies. Have them search for supplies that say “recycled” or “eco” or “green” on the packaging and celebrate their finds!

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Plant a Small Garden

Whether it’s a flower garden or vegetable garden, kids can learn about green living by helping plant a garden. From seed to bloom, kids can see how rewarding it is to have a garden of their own!

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Buy Reusable Water Bottles

Have your kids choose a favorite reusable water bottle and pack it in their lunch box instead of a juice box. This way, you reduce waste while they enjoy drinking out of their cool water bottle!

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Donate Old Clothing

Have kids go through their closets and make a “donate” and “keep” pile. Teach them that donating their clothes helps reduce waste in the environment while helping those in need.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Meatless Monday
Have kids vote for their favorite vegetarian recipe for Meatless Monday. Cutting down on meat consumption can help cut greenhouse emissions.

Photo Credit: jupiter images

Double Take

For homework, help kids get in the habit of printing on both sides of paper.  Place a sign above your printer for a friendly reminder or have kids ask their teachers if they can email assignments – that way, no paper is used!

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Go Organic

Take your kids with you to the grocery store and have them help you search for products that are labled organic, like milk, fruits, and veggies. They’ll be excited to help out the family when they make their finds!

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Resource:  Homesessive

All the Single Ladies: How to Move Furniture Alone

A lot of people may say they’ll lend a hand when it’s time for you to move, but when the big day finally arrives, good help can be hard to find. If your friends and family pull a disappearing act on moving day, don’t stress! Most items in your house can be moved with just one person.

Safety Note: Don’t try to be a hero! If you don’t feel in control of a heavy piece of furniture, don’t move it! A hospital bill is a lot more expensive than a mover’s fee, and sometimes hiring help is the only safe option. If you’re on a budget, check out these eight ways to cut your moving costs by $100 or more.

1. Strip it. If you struggle to shift your dresser just a few inches, getting it down a flight of stairs can be downright intimidating. But, a lot of heavy furniture can be disassembled, which makes it much lighter and easier to move. Basically, anything that’s screwed on can be taken off to lighten the load. Tip: Use an ice cube tray to keep track of small parts during the move.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

2. Rent moving gear. One dolly can prevent a lot of sweat and frustration (and possibly a hernia). Plus, the cost of renting a few moving tools for the day is a drop in the bucket compared to hiring professional movers. Visit your local hardware store and check out their furniture jacks, scissor lifts and dollies. They’ll do the heavy lifting for you!  Photo Credit: Getty Images

3. Don’t lift, slide. You could rent commercial sliders, but a large blanket or throw rug all work just as well! Lift the legs of your furniture one at a time and put them onto your makeshift sliders. Then, drag! Patience is key – move slowly to avoid damaging your floor, walls or furniture.

Photo Credit: Alamy

4. Walk it out. If you don’t have a slider handy, and you’re moving a chair, use it’s legs. It’s time consuming, but you’ll avoid the heavy lifting! Put the chair on its back two legs and “walk” the chair left foot and then right foot. You’ll eventually get it out the door.

Photo Credit: jupiterimages

5. Remove the hinges. If you ordered some furniture and then had it assembled inside of a room, getting it outside can be tricky! Before you think about sawing that entertainment center in half, try taking the doors off of their hinges. You’ll gain a few inches of wiggle room – which can sometimes be enough to slide that bulky furniture right on out!

Photo Credit: Getty Images

6. Beware of the second floor. If you have extremely heavy pieces of furniture on a second or third floor – such as a big sofa or desk – it’s really not safe to move it by yourself. This is because once you angle something down the stairs, gravity will actually increase the weight of the furniture, and it’s very easy to lose control!

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Resource: Homesessive.com

Make a Home Garden Journal

If you're someone who has trouble when you used fertilizer on your plants or when you watered them, it's time you got yourself a garden journal. This will help you keep track of your greenery... 

 

What you'll need:

• A large diary
• A ring-binder
• Colored tabs or divider

 

Design matters

Gardening is a stress-release activity. So, make sure the pages are light, colourful and fun. Each section can have a vibrant heading, information spaceholders and borders. You can add photos of your own plants to decorate the pages.

Info to include

The journal has to keep a track of all your plants — when you bought and planted them and how to take care of them. Write each plant's common name as well as its botanical name, its light and water requirements and a record of seedlings and cuttings. 

Your thoughts

These are self-notes: your problems, experiences as well as garden victories.

Where to Buy

Ideally you should be able to find the products from stationary shop. Or you can order one Gardening Journal from Amazon

 

Resource:  Easy Homestead

 

Spring Gardening Tips

It's spring and that means it's time to get your garden ready and we have the tools and tips to get you going!  Follow the 10 tips outlined below for a welcoming garden that's filled with color and fragrance -- and song.

Survey the YardMake note of tree limbs that should be removed or cabled, especially those that overhang structures. Hire an arborist to maintain large trees.Cut down last year's perennial foliage, and toss it into the compost pile. Rake mulch from beds planted with bulbs before foliage appears, and refresh mulch in other planting areas after soil warms. Check fences, steps, and pathways for disrepair caused by freezing and thawing.

Order Tools and PlantsTune up tools so everything is ready when things start growing. Make note of what is missing, and order tools for the new growing season. Choose new plants for the garden. Order perennials, trees, and shrubs for spring planting.


Get Ready to Mow
Send the mower and leaf blower for servicing, or if you have the right tools, sharpen the mower blades yourself. Refill your mower with oil, install fresh spark plugs, and lubricate moving parts if necessary. Clear the lawn of winter debris, and look for areas that need reseeding before mowing.

Prune Trees and ShrubsRemove dead, damaged, and diseased branches from woody plants. Thin and trim summer-blooming shrubs such as butterfly bush, hydrangea, and most roses, except for old-fashioned once bloomers. Prune cold-damaged wood after plants resume spring growth. Prune spring-blooming shrubs and trees after flowering.

Take a Soil TestCheck soil pH with a home soil- test kit, taking several samples from different planting areas for an accurate reading. Enrich soil as necessary: Add dolomitic lime to raise the pH or elemental sulfur to lower the pH.

Prepare New BedsClear the planting area as soon as soil can be worked, removing sod or weeds and debris. Spread a 4-inch layer of compost or well-rotted manure and any amendments over soil, and cultivate it to a depth of 10 to 12 inches with a spading fork.

PlantPlant bare-root trees, shrubs, and perennials such as hostas and daylilies by early spring. Choose a cool, cloudy day if possible. Transplant container-grown plants anytime during the growing season except midsummer; be sure to water them thoroughly. Sow seeds of cool-season flowers like sweet peas, poppies, and calendula, and vegetables such as lettuce, parsley, and spinach.

FertilizeApply balanced fertilizer (6-6-6 or 8-8-8), fish emulsion, or other soil amendments recommended by soil-test results around trees and shrubs when new growth appears. Spread high-acid fertilizer and pine-needle mulch around acid-loving shrubs like azaleas and camellias. Begin fertilizing perennials when active growth resumes.

Start a Compost PileStart a compost pile, or use a compost bin, if you don't have one already. Begin by collecting plant debris and leaves raked up from the garden. Chop these up first to speed decomposition. Add equal amounts "brown" (carbon-rich) materials like dried leaves and straw and "green" (nitrogen-rich) materials like grass clippings and weeds in even layers with water and a compost bioactivator. Turn regularly. Continue adding to the pile throughout the season for rich, homemade compost next spring.

Clean Bird Feeders and BathsDisinfect the feeders by scrubbing with weak bleach solution (1/4 cup bleach: 2 gallons warm water). Rinse and dry the feeders thoroughly before refilling them.Scrub birdbaths with bleach solution, then rinse them thoroughly and refill, changing water weekly. Clean birdbaths and feeders regularly throughout the season.

Resource:  Martha Stewart Living

Picture Perfect Hanging Made Easy

Whether you're installing a mirror, shelf, picture, gallery hanging, coat rack or hooks, your projects can be easy with the right tools and tips.  Dust off those framed family photos and display them; hang up a shelf and bring sense to your collectibles; affix the mirror to the wall, and hang the new window treatments.  Adoring the walls with all of your favorites will pull your living space together.

Where on the wall do you have your pictures?

Most people make the mistake of hanging their artwork or photographs too high on the wall. Hang your pictures at eye level. What exactly is eye level? According to the standard that is used in art galleries, the center of the picture should be between 60" -65" from the floor.  You can even break this rule and go several inches lower in a room where people are generally seated, such as a dining room.

The size of the artwork should relate to its surroundings.

A small picture on a large empty wall will get lost, while a large picture will overwhelm a small wall. Pictures should be smaller than the furniture over which they hang. For example, a large painting hanging over a tiny table will look unbalanced and top heavy.

Hanging some artwork over your couch?

Similar to hanging artwork over a table or sideboard, you want the artwork to be smaller than the couch. If your couch is 72" in length, your artwork should be no longer that 62" in length.

You do not want to have a painting floating halfway between the top of the sofa and the ceiling. Your picture should hang between 4"-8" above the back of the sofa. This same rule of thumb applies to tables as well.

So, now you know where to hang your pictures. But how do you hang them?

Back in college I would hang everything using a nail and the heel of my shoe. This is not a good idea. Use picture hooks, not nails. Should I say that again? Do not use nails.

Picture hooks are designed specifically to redistribute the weight of your picture. The weight of the picture is pushed into the wall. 

When you use nails, the weight pulls down, often pulling the nail right out of the wall and damaging the Drywall/Sheetrock, not to mention sending your artwork crashing to the ground.

Tomboy Tools and most hardware stores sell picture-hanging kits. They include everything that you'll need. Just grab your hammer and get started.

Project Steps:

1. Visually identify the area of where you want to hang your fixture, the condition of the surface, and the weight of what you are hanging on your wall.  If it is light, you may only need a nail and hook. For heavier hangings, anchors will most likely need to be used.
2. Use your stud finder to locate where the studs are; these are areas that you do not want to screw into with anchors (it is good to nail or screw into studs when anchors are not being used).
3. Use your Picture Perfect Level to measure the appropriate hook or fastener on object being hung.
4. Move the adjustable pointer block to the necessary distance for the item you are hanging and tighten the thumbscrew.
5. Center the level block between the two pointer blocks and tighten.
6. Position the Picture Perfect Level in the desired location on the wall.  Make sure the bubble in the level block is in the middle of the two black lines.
7. Using firm pressure, press the pointer blocks into the wall with your thumbs. This will leave small dimple marks in the wall surface, showing you precisely where to drill and insert your wall anchor or nail.
8. By using the pivoting method with the pointer blocks, you can work your way across the wall with precise spacing between wall hangings.
9. Pre-drill your holes where the dimple marks are using your drill and drill bits then screw in your anchors and screws using your drill; hammer in your picture hooks for lighter hangings.

Resource: Tomboy Tools and Homesessive