Ep 23: Summer Hosting Part 1 — Fire Pits, Lighting, & How Not to Burn a Hole in Your Deck 🪵🔥

Winter is finally over in Michigan, and the Handyma’ams are ready to head outside! This episode kicks off a two-part summer hosting series designed to help you get your home party-ready and, most importantly, safe for your guests. In this episode, we cover:Memorial for Carla Jean: A special dedication to a "girls' gal" who loved life. The 3-Minute Catch-up: New eyebrow freckles , a heartwarming story about Marshall at Pizza Hut and his wood-crafting daughter , and getting rained on at an Alabama Shakes concert . Tales from the Field: The struggle of replacing niche, patented hinges on a massive glass door . Arly’s Prep Checklist: Why you need to power wash (or soft wash) your surfaces , checking your deck boards for soft spots , and the importance of a working bathroom lock for guest privacy. Backyard Lighting & Pests: Inexpensive solar options , DIY planter light posts , and how to manage standing water to keep mosquitoes away . Samantha’s Fire Pit 101: The 10-foot rule , why wood-burning pits and decks don't mix , and a step-by-step guide to building a stone fire pit with proper drainage . Handyma’am Pro-Tip: Always put a plunger in the guest bathroom so nobody has to die of embarrassment. Check out all our links at linktr.ee/howtohandymaam