We are taking a little trip back in time to right after Christmas! 🎄 In this episode, we are recapping the gifts we received (including a pink bucket that almost made Arly cry), sharing the moment Emily got recognized from the podcast while sitting in her car looking like a "Gremlin," and answering the ultimate beginner question: Do you really need power tools to DIY?

We break down the most common home renovation projects—from installing trim to tiling a backsplash—and decide whether you need to invest in the expensive power tool or if you can just "power through" with a hand tool.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Christmas Recap: Arly’s pink bucket saga, Samantha’s label maker obsession, and the Hamilton experience.

• The "Gremlin" Incident: Emily tells the story of eating Dunkin’ Donuts in her car (filled with trash) when a stranger knocked on her window because they recognized her from the podcast!

• Boob Lights vs. Titty Lights: A very important debate on ceiling fixture terminology.

• Power Tools vs. Hand Tools: We go project-by-project to tell you what you actually need:

  • Trim & Baseboards: Can you use a miter box instead of a miter saw? (Yes, but get ready to sweat).

  • Flooring: Do you need a wet saw for tile or a jigsaw for laminate?

  • Drywall Repair: The magic of "California Patches" vs. cutting a new hole.

  • Hanging Heavy Stuff: Why you might not need a drill if you have a stud magnet.

    
    

    
    

    Resources Mentioned:

    • ​Community: Join the⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ How to Handyma’am Facebook Group⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to ask questions and post your project pics.

    
    

    Products We Love: Find the tools mentioned in this episode at our storefront:

    • ​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop the Handyma'am Favorites on Lowe's⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Check out the blog post ⁠here!⁠

    Join the Village!

    • ​Web:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ myhandymaam.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
    • ​Socials:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ @howtohandymaam⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
    • ​⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/howtohandymaam⁠

    
    

    Credits

    Host -Samantha Pearl

    Host- Arly Streed

    Host - Emily Pearl Reist

    Editing and Music - Thomas Streed