That can be both good and bad. The Christmas season adds another layer of stress that takes some to the edge of their sanity.

CLICK HERE to view my video overview of this newsletter and for a special message.

For that reason, I’ve decided the rest of the newsletters for December are going to be a little light on home improvement and heavy on things that may make you chuckle or look at what’s going around us in a different light.

If you’re a new subscriber, I’d like you to sit back, relax and partake in what might be one of the most unique newsletters you’ll ever receive. Each week I get multiple responses from subscribers that tell me how much they enjoy the personal touch I attempt to fold into each issue.

I hope you agree!

Tip of the Week - That Unusual Odor in Crawl Spaces and Basements

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Have you ever been in an old house’s basement? It’s got that musty, damp smell? Do you know what causes that?

Mold spores are ejected from the mold plant - if you want to call it that - by pressurized gas. Think of it as a very tiny mortar. The gas has the distinctive odor you and I smell. So when you smell that odor, there’s mold present even if you can’t see it.

The builders of old didn’t have something that was developed in the 1960’s that would have allowed them to prevent the mold. Do you know what this magical product is?

CLICK HERE to discover what it is and why you need it in your home.

Funny Christmas Card Story

I’ve been a professional writer now for over twenty years. I didn’t major in English in college, but had the very good fortune to have great editors at my newspaper syndicate, and some newspapers, that have taught me much about grammar, punctuation and writing rules.

One thing I’ve become hypersensitive to are hyphens. Frequently people don’t put in this connection punctuation when they should.

Kate Brannen happens to bork out about apostrophes in Christmas cards.

Are you making this mistake when you order yours?

What’s on Your Wall Tim?

Two weeks ago I introduced you to the newsletter opening video experiment. I taped it in my garage as I had my back to my workbench.

If you’re looking for a unique gift that keeps on giving year after year after year, you should really give Wall Control a serious look. I had the good fortune to see this product just after it was invented and talked with Richard Grove, a second-generation family member who was displaying it at the National Hardware Show in Chicago.

Why should you look now? I’ve teamed up with Wall Control to offer you a special 10% off discount from now until December 31st. Every penny counts this time of year, so you should click each of the links below to see the amazing line of products.

Use this promo code:  ASKTHEBUILDER1231TC

The pegboard comes in many different colors and comes with traditional holes if you want to use your existing hangers.

But once you see their unique hangers that will NOT pull out from the pegboard, you’ll want to switch over to the Wall Control hangers and accessories.

For example, check out these following products they have, including pre-packaged systems so you don't have to wonder what to buy.

If you spend over $55.00 before you use the above promo code, you'll also get FREE SHIPPING here in the USA.

Garage and Workshop Kits

Craft and Hobby Kits

Garden and Shed Kits

Kitchen and Pantry

Hooks and Accessories

When you use the promo code, here are the simple terms:

• For ONLINE use only - no phone or fax orders

• Expires on December 31, 2014

• One coupon use per customer

Paint Spinning Tool

ohn Edmond reached out to me on Sunday and, well, let him tell you: