About This Episode

We’re back with season 3 of Home Savvy and this time we’re in search of a brand new host! MadameNoire, in conjunction with The Home Depot, sought out engaging, dynamic candidates with passion and personality. After a full day of in-house auditioning at our NYC studio we’ve narrowed down our list of finalists to five lucky ladies who have moved to our final casting challenge.

In this episode you will see the finalists compete to be the next host and who the judges selected to be our lucky winner!

Finalists

Aliah Davis-McHenry

Aliyah Davis-McHenry is a  mom of two, wife, business owner, blogger, and volunteer on several nonprofit boards. She recently bought a home with her husband in New Jersey and they have put a lot of blood, sweat, and tears into making this house a home and would love to show the tips and tricks that they have learned along the way.

Sherie Graves 

Sherie Graves is a native of Oakland, CA with a BA in Radio & Television. She was Associate Producer and Reporter on “The Lady of Soul Awards”, hosted various television shows such as “HYPE” and Fashion Buzz”. For years she has also worked in interior design with a gift to create new and exciting designs within the home.

Patrice J. Williams

Patrice J.Williams is a freelancer writer and creator of the website Looking Fly on a Dime. In addition to the website she’s also hosted recurring fashion segments for Today Show, WE TV and the Nate Berkus Show. Previously she was the Savvy Shopper reporter for WPIX-NY where she wrote and produced weekly fashion and lifestyle pieces.

Brandhyze Stanley

Brandhyze Stanley is a NYC based actress/on-camera host.  She is currently a How-To Instructor for the popular site, eHow and a freelance fashion writer and video journalist for Newsday Westchester. In addition to this, she is also a hosting instructor at TVI Actors Studio in NYC and the resident DIY girl at Mood Fabrics.

WANT MORE HOME SAVVY? WATCH THESE EPISODES:

SEASON 3

• Episode 1: The Savvy Search for a New Host

SEASON 2

• Episode 1: How to Install a Bathroom Vanity
• Episode 2: How to Install a Bathroom Faucet
• Episode 3: How to Save Money on Your Home Energy Bills
• Episode 4: Home Decor Tips
• Episode 5: How To Decorate For The Holidays
• Episode 6: How to Light Your Home For The Holidays

SEASON 1

• Episode 1: Creating a Container Garden
• Episode 2: How to Grow Vegetables at Home
• Episode 3: Interior Painting
• Episode 4: Closet Makeover
• Episode 5: Kitchen Backsplash

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What can you do for less than $500? Well, you can’t buy a new couch but you can invest in smaller items that will completely transform your living space. You can go to The Home Depot and actually purchase all of these items for less than $500. Just add in some elbow grease and you’ve got a whole new living room. Ready? Let’s review a few options.

1)  Paint. Paint provides an affordable way to brighten your space. The first thing you need to do is select the base color and trim color. Make sure you go to The Home Depot and pick up swatches of several color families you’re interested in before you make the final decision of which colors to go with. You can hold the color swatches against your wall to see how they will complement your existing furniture.

2)  Invest in pillows and curtains. Investing in fabrics for your windows and sofa cushions is a great and incredibly easy way to add color and upgrade the look of your furniture. Decide on colors that will enhance your furniture and the new color of your walls when picking out fabric colors and patterns.

3) Area rugs. Rugs can be expensive but they don’t necessarily have to be out of your budget. Although this is the most costly investment within your $500 budget, you can get a nice plush and/or colorful area rug that will really pull the space together and provide a great foundation for your makeover. Check out the great selection of rugs online and in-store at The Home Depot.

4) Add Wall Décor. Art is a great way to heighten the design quotient in your space as well as communicate your personal taste. Another option is to add a mirror to make your living room larger. Mirrors are not only functional (don’t you want to check yourself out before you step out of the house?) but they can influence the physical interpretation of your space. For example, floor length mirrors elongate spaces vertically so that your room looks taller.

The Home Depot has a great selection of home décor items- you can check it out by visiting homedepot.com and viewing the Home Decorators Buying Guide.

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Whether or not you have tons of natural light in your space, It only takes a small investment of time and energy to brighten up your room. Here are ways you can brighten up your space and lighten things up a bit. One trip to The Home Depot can provide you with all the supplies you’ll need for your “bright project.”

1)      Paint your room. Neutral colors like beige and pale colors like a light lemon will instantly brighten up your walls and space. Make sure you go to Home Depot and pickup swatches of several color families you’re interested in before you make the final decision of which color to go with. Your selection will determine the other accent pieces inyour home.

2)      Add Lighting. Lighting can add a warmth and brightness to your room in the evenings. Aside from your central light fixture, add a lamp to two corners of your room that will provide soft light. Home Depot has an incredible Interior Lighting Collection. You can not only add light but also add style with these pieces such as floor lamps, to ceiling lamps, sconces and can lights.

3)      Accessorize. You can add elements of color to your space via artwork or curtains or a fun duvet cover. In terms of really expressing your artistic sensibilities, you’ll have more wiggle room to do so through the selection of patterns for your curtains and duvet cover. Home Depot offers many options for your room, even artwork.

For more information and tips on making over your space, go to homedepot.com or visit your local Home Depot.

Sponsored by

Organizing one’s home is an ongoing and challenging task – but a fulfilling one. The level of satisfaction that derives from adding order to all your stuff is well worth the imagination and effort it takes. For busy moms and working women, adding a layer of organization can save you tons of time and energy in the long run.  Not only can it be an organizational project but also a stylish one.

With that, we’ll look into ways you can convert a corner into a useful space with the help of The Home Depot.

First things first, examine the room in which you’re planning to establish your corner space. Is your room big enough to afford a corner space dedicated to organization? Assess whether the room can accommodate your corner or if it will be overwhelmed by the dedicated space.

Once you’ve established that you can use your corner, invest in some key items like a corner cabinet, a cork board, baskets, and lamp - all which can be found at your local Home Depot, or homedepot.com.  You can now buy the items online, and pick them up in store.

You can use the cabinet to store books, files, toys or any number of items that you’d like within reach of your living space.

The cork board can help you organize your time and highlight certain important documents like your children’s school schedule or your own gym class schedule.

Floating shelves are a great way to further make use of the wall space. Use floating shelves to keep track of important files that you don’t want to have out in the open.

And what about all the things you’d want more easily accessible? You can use a decorative basket to hold your mail and your keys.

To top it all off, add a lamp to the mix. A lamp will add a decorative element to the space as well as provide another source of lighting to the area, which is an extra bonus.

In this episode we’ll show you how to efficiently save money on your home’s energy, heating and water bills.

How To Save Money On Your Home Energy Bills:

Great installation paired with a good sealant can save you up to 33% on your home energy bills.

Great Stuff Window And Door Insulating Foam Sealant- Seals, Feels & Insulates Cracks & Gaps up to 1 inch. Takes the shape of the crack or void to form an airtight water resistant seal.

Dap Dynaflex 230 Premium Indoor/Outdoor Sealant- Used for Door & Window Treatments.

Honeywell Wi-Fi Programmable Touchscreen Thermostat-  Has wifi compatibility, which allows you to control it from your smart phone, tablet or other mobile devices.

How To Save Money On Your Water Bill:

The average household can save up to 2,300 gallons of water a year, by ensuring they have the correct shower head installed.

WaterPik EcoFlow 5- Spray Hand Shower- Provides great water pressure and conserves water.

How To Cut Back On Appliance Bills:

Save up to $104.00 on lifetime operating expenses, by changing to an appliance model that is energy star qualified.

Using Energy Star Appliance brands such as GE, LG, Maytag & World Pool will provide you with optimal savings.

WANT MORE HOME SAVVY? WATCH THESE EPISODES: 

SEASON 2

• Episode 1: How to Install a Bathroom Vanity 
• Episode 2: How to Install a Bathroom Faucet
• Episode 3: How to Save Money on Your Home Energy Bills
• Episode 4: Home Decor Tips
• Episode 5: How To Decorate For The Holidays

SEASON 1

• Episode 1: Creating a Container Garden
• Episode 2: How to Grow Vegetables at Home
• Episode 3: Interior Painting
• Episode 4: Closet Makeover 
• Episode 5: Kitchen Backsplash

In this episode we’ll show you how simple it is to install a new faucet for your  bathroom vanity!

Featured Products

• Delta Classic 4 in. Centerset Mid-Arc Bathroom Faucet / Store SKU # 865122
• Husky 12 in. Adjustable Wrench / Store SKU # 831332
• GE 2.8 oz. Silicone II Kitchen and Bath Clear Caulk / Store SKU # 469301
• Homewerks Worldwide Universal Connector Kit x 20 in. Faucet Supply Line / Store SKU # 703387
• Pegasus Estates Towel Ring in Heritage Bronze / Store SKU # 861360
• Home Dynamix Avalon Brown/Blue 19-2/3 in. x 31-1/2 in. Polypropylene Striped Bath Mat  / Store SKU # 17391
• India Ink Prescott Dispenser in Bronze with Topaz Cut Glass / Store SKU # 156298
• India Ink Prescott Waste Basket with Topaz Cut Glass in Bronze /  Internet # 203133852
• India Ink Prescott Toothbrush Holder in Bronze with Topaz Cut Glass / Internet # 203133830

Here’s how to do this project:

Before you start, make sure your water supply lines at the sink or at your home’s main supply are shut off, and disconnect the supply lines and the waste trap from the sink.

Apply bead of silicone on gasket

Position the faucet and gasket on the sink. Ensure to hand tighten the nuts.

Make connection to the water lines using a half inch IPS faucet supply line.

Now install the pop up connection. Be sure to install the pop up connection according to manufacturer’s instructions.

Now remove aerator and turn faucet handles all the way on.

Finish the assembly and tighten the connections.

When assembly is complete, turn on the hot and cold water supplies and flush water lines for one minute.

WANT MORE HOME SAVVY? WATCH THESE EPISODES: 

SEASON 2

• Episode 1: How to Install a Bathroom Vanity 
• Episode 2: How to Install a Bathroom Faucet
• Episode 3: How to Save Money on Your Home Energy Bills
• Episode 4: Home Decor Tips
• Episode 5: How To Decorate For The Holidays

SEASON 1

• Episode 1: Creating a Container Garden
• Episode 2: How to Grow Vegetables at Home
• Episode 3: Interior Painting
• Episode 4: Closet Makeover 
• Episode 5: Kitchen Backsplash

Image: BananaStock

Danielle Mailhoit filed a discrimination lawsuit against her former employer, a Burbank, CA Home Depot, in 2010, alleging bias based on her gender and her disability (vertigo). Last year, Home Depot went to the judge requesting:

Any profiles, postings, or messages (including status updates, wall comments, causes joined, groups joined, activity streams, blog entries) from social-networking sites from October 2005 (the approximate date Plaintiff claims she first was discriminated against by Home Depot), through the present, that reveal, refer, or relate to any emotion, feeling, or mental state of Plaintiff, as well as communications by or from Plaintiff that reveal, refer, or relate to events that could reasonably be expected to produce a significant emotion, feeling, or mental state…

And they wanted any photos that she was tagged in or posted herself.

According to CNET, the request was deemed “too broad” by U.S. Magistrate Judge Suzanne Segal, but she did allow postings about Mailhoit’s job and the lawsuit.

We all know at this point that we must be mindful of what we post on social media. Or if you don’t know by now, let me say it plainly: Don’t put incriminating, personal things on your social media sites, especially if you haven’t changed the privacy settings to keep out the roving eyes of potential employers. What qualifies as incriminating and personal? Pictures of you drunk  and sloppy at the club. Snapshots of you making out with your boyfriend (or someone else’s boyfriend. OH!). Status updates that use excessive profanity or other language that could be taken the wrong way.

If your profile is private, for the eyes of only close friends and family, then certainly there’s leeway. But if your profiles are public, or if you do a job where showing your social media savvy is important and your digital activity has to be public, think about what you’re posting. As a writer, I know other writers who let it all hang out and it’s totally fine. It speaks to the topics they cover and their personal style. But if you’re not in one of those jobs, you’d be best advised to think twice.

Moreover, no matter the job, you might want to reconsider what you’re posting about the company you work for or the people you report to. With or without a lawsuit, they can become sensitive to negative talk. And if you decide to sue your employer, you might want to take a look back at your status updates to see how you’ve been feeling over the past few months.

[h/t Mashable]

In this episode we’re learning how easy it is to install a bathroom vanity!

Featured Products

• St. Paul Valencia 25 in. Vanity with Porcelain Top and Mirror / Internet # 100672702
• Ryobi 3/8 in. 9.6-Volt Cordless Drill / Store SKU # 756950
• Ryobi SpeedLoad+ 17-Piece Titanium Drill Bit Set / Store SKU # 113248
• Zircon Corporation StudSensor EDGE Stud Finder / Store SKU # 826552
• Husky 48 in. Aluminum Box Level / Store SKU # 386988
• Husky Turboslide Utility Knife with Storage / Store SKU # 522817
• Husky 20 oz. Steel Rip Hammer / Store SKU # 594131
• Grip-Rite #6 x 1-1/4 in. Phillips Drywall Screws / Store SKU # 479652
• 8 in. Homeowner Pine Shims / Store SKU # 879282

Here’s how to do this project:

Before you start, make sure to shut off the water supply lines at the sink, or at your home’s main supply if necessary; Disconnect the supply lines and the waste trap from the sink; Disassemble the sink and existing vanity; Patch up and paint or tile the wall where the sink and old vanity once stood if necessary.

Put the vanity in place against the wall and trace its outline on the wall.

Use a stud finder to locate the  studs to which you will screw the vanity.

Then, with a level, draw lines along the studs from the  floor to the top of the vanity. These lines will help you spot where to place the screws later on.

If the vanity has a back, measure, mark, and drill holes through it for drain pipes and supply pipes.

Set a level on top of the vanity and shim at the floor until the vanity is level. Then hold the level against the edge of the unit and shim at the wall until it’s plumb.

From the inside, attach the unit to the wall by screwing 3-inch drywall screws through the mounting rail into the studs.

Check the level again before trimming the shims flush with a utility knife. If it’s not level, add shims.

If there are large gaps at the wall or floor, attach quarter-round moulding along the wall or floor edge with finishing nails.

WANT MORE HOME SAVVY? WATCH THESE EPISODES: 

SEASON 2

• Episode 1: How to Install a Bathroom Vanity 
• Episode 2: How to Install a Bathroom Faucet
• Episode 3: How to Save Money on Your Home Energy Bills
• Episode 4: Home Decor Tips
• Episode 5: How To Decorate For The Holidays

SEASON 1

• Episode 1: Creating a Container Garden
• Episode 2: How to Grow Vegetables at Home
• Episode 3: Interior Painting
• Episode 4: Closet Makeover 
• Episode 5: Kitchen Backsplash

ABOUT THIS EPISODE

In this episode we’ll show you the easiest, most cost-effective way to give your kitchen a beautiful, fresh new look!

When it comes to entertaining the kitchen is undoubtedly the most popular area in your home. Not only is it an high traffic area in your home, but it’s the place where with the right look and feel can set the tone for memorable entertaining. With Home Depot Associate Yvette Williams’ help and expertise, you’ll see how simple and easy it is to transform your home’s walls from bland to grand with SimpleMat. See how easy upgrading a kitchen backsplash can be!

MATERIALS USED IN THIS EPISODE:

• Custom Building Products SimpleMat Tile Setting Mat / SKU #724284
• EPOCH Color Blends Selva-1601-S Gloss Strips Mosaic Glass 12 in. x 12 in. / Internet #203434356
• Daltile Circa Glass Khaki 2 In. x 2 In. Glass Tile / SKU #350977
• Custom Building Products #122 Linen 1 qt. Premixed Grout / SKU #515072
• QEP 4 In. x 9-1/2 In. Gum Rubber Grout Float / SKU #814725
• QEP 1/16 in. Tile Spacers / SKU #786446
• QEP 7-1/2 x 5-1/2 x 2 In. Extra-Large Grouting Sponge / SKU #461457
• Johnson 9 in. Magnetic Torpedo Level / SKU #817146
• Workforce 12 ft. Tape Measure /  SKU #848539
• Clauss ExtremEdge Titanium 9 in. Shop Shear / SKU #909791

HERE’S HOW TO DO THIS PROJECT:

Measure the space in order to determine, the number of simple mat sheets to use.

Clean the surface so that the adhesive on the simple mat will stick better.

Use a level to make sure everything is even.

Place SimpleMat in position and mark cuts, if needed.

SimpleMat has an adhesive on both sides, make sure the rubber side goes on the outside.

Pay close attention when mounting the sheets next to each other, don’t leave any space between the sheets.

Use the groat float to push the panels into the sheets, in order to active them. Flatten any creases or air bubbles. When finished, take the top sheet off.

Use groat float to coat the tiles with groat or cement.

Clean the tiles. You have now finished your backsplash.

MEET THE CAST:

• Suzanne Rust
• Shenell Leighton
• Yvette Williams

WANT MORE HOME SAVVY? WATCH THESE EPISODES: 

SEASON 2

• Episode 1: How to Install a Bathroom Vanity 
• Episode 2: How to Install a Bathroom Faucet
• Episode 3: How to Save Money on Your Home Energy Bills
• Episode 4: Home Decor Tips
• Episode 5: How To Decorate For The Holidays

SEASON 1

• Episode 1: Creating a Container Garden
• Episode 2: How to Grow Vegetables at Home
• Episode 3: Interior Painting
• Episode 4: Closet Makeover 
• Episode 5: Kitchen Backsplash

ABOUT THIS EPISODE

In this “Get It Done” episode we’ll show you how to organize your closet clutter and maximize your space.

Clearing the clutter in your closet can be a daunting task, but with a manufactured off-the-shelf closet system like ClosetMaid you are able to transform your closet into a more functional space. Home Depot Associate Yvette Williams is on hand to show you how to organize your home’s closets with shelving, baskets and storage bins. It’s a project that the entire family can participate in. See how with the use of Martha Stewart Living and ClosetMaid organizing solutions the Pratt Family was able to create a more functional and better organized closet for their sons Jackson and Christian in this episode of Home Savvy.

FEATURED PRODUCTS USED IN THIS EPISODE:

• ClosetMaid Selectives 16 in. White Custom Closet Organizer  - SKU #220117
• ClosetMaid Selectives 30 in.- 48 in. Adjustable Teardrop Closet Rod - SKU #228430
• ClosetMaid Selectives 48 in. White Laminate Shelf - SKU #225452
• Martha Stewart Living 10-1/2 in. x 11 in. Fabric Drawer - SKU # 282317
• Martha Stewart Living Hemisphere Telescoping Curtain Rod Set - Internet #202195009
• Martha Stewart Living Monk Cloth Thermal Tweed Back Tab Curtain - SKU #776286

CLOSET DESIGN TIPS:

• Measure the back wall and the two return walls of your closet before you begin. We recommend that you measure across the wall at three different heights and take the smallest dimension.
• Reach in style closets need to be at least 22″ deep to accommodate hanging clothes.
• Donate or throw away any clothing items you no longer plan to wear.

• Invest in the right kind of hanger for the type of clothing you’re choosing.  Use plastic hangers for button down shirts and wooden hangers for suit jackets.

• Remove all wire hangers and plastic dry cleaner bags.
• Personalize your closet solution with shelving, baskets and storage bins. Home Depot carries various Martha Stewart Living and ClosetMaid products, to help you create a more functional and better organized closet.

MEET THE CAST:

• Suzanne Rust
• Shenell Leighton
• Yvette Williams

WANT MORE HOME SAVVY? WATCH THESE EPISODES: 

SEASON 2

• Episode 1: How to Install a Bathroom Vanity 
• Episode 2: How to Install a Bathroom Faucet
• Episode 3: How to Save Money on Your Home Energy Bills
• Episode 4: Home Decor Tips
• Episode 5: How To Decorate For The Holidays

SEASON 1

• Episode 1: Creating a Container Garden
• Episode 2: How to Grow Vegetables at Home
• Episode 3: Interior Painting
• Episode 4: Closet Makeover 
• Episode 5: Kitchen Backsplash