A Simple DIY Upgrade That Delivers GIVE OLD CABINETS NEW LIFE
When thinking about home improvement tasks, we don’t always realize how something as simple as cabinet hardware affects the feel of our space. Old knobs and pulls tend to blend into the background, but when you swap them out, the difference is often bigger than expected. This small change can make areas like kitchens and bathrooms feel cleaner and more current. Best of all, you can tackle this project in an afternoon. Start by looking at what’s already there. If you’re swapping out knobs for similar knobs or replacing pulls with ones the same size, you might not need to do much more than unscrew the old ones and pop in the new hardware. But you need to double-check the spacing. Pulls typically measure 3–4 inches between the mounting screw holes, but there are plenty of exceptions. It only takes a minute to measure before you start. If the new hardware you’re after is a different size or shape, you’ll need to drill new holes. That also means patching the old ones with wood filler. It requires a few
extra steps, but it’s not complicated. Simply remove the old knobs or pulls, fill in the existing holes with filler, and wait for it to dry. Then sand and paint it, and you’re ready to drill the new holes. You’ll need the basic tools: a screwdriver or a drill, a pencil, and something to measure with. A hardware template can help keep everything even, though careful measuring works fine, too. If you have to drill new holes and are worried about splintering, especially on soft wood, using painter’s tape over the drill spot is a good precaution. Try one drawer or cabinet first. Mark your placement, drill slowly and cleanly with the right-size bit, and test the fit. Once you’ve done a couple and know the process, the rest tends to go quickly. After the update, you might notice other changes that can make a big difference around your house. Simple upgrades have a way of making the whole space feel more finished, and that’s sometimes all the motivation you need to keep going.
SLOW COOKER BRISKET
TAKE A BREAK
Ingredients
• 1 (1-oz) envelope onion soup mix • 1 tbsp brown sugar • 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper • 1 3-lb piece of beef brisket (flat cut)
• 2 bay leaves • 1 lb carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces • 1 lb baby golden potatoes • 3 celery stalks, cut into 1-inch pieces • 1 large sweet onion, cut into 8 wedges • 2 1/2 cups beef stock • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce • 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 8 fresh thyme sprigs • 8 whole garlic cloves
Directions
1. In a small bowl, combine soup mix, sugar, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle over brisket. 2. Place meat, fat cap side down, into an 8-qt slow cooker. 3. Top brisket with thyme, garlic, bay leaves, carrots, potatoes, celery, and onion. 4. Whisk stock, Worcestershire sauce, and cornstarch until fully dissolved. Add to slow cooker. 5. Cover and cook on high for 5–6 hours until tender. 6. Remove to a cutting board, fat side up. Remove thyme and bay leaves. 7. Thinly slice brisket against the grain. 8. Serve with vegetables, drizzled with gravy from the slow cooker.
Inspired by ThePioneerWoman.com
• 3 MelvinUpchurchSells.com
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