I’ve been wanting a patio bar for a long time–one with a sink and an outlet to plug in a blender. Commercial portable bars are very expensive, and they don’t have all the features I wanted. So I decided to build one of my own.

My portable bar is based on the instructions at Bar Plans Online. Rather than build a 10-foot indoor bar, I modified the plans to shorten the bar to about 6 feet across the bar top. Wheels make it easy to roll around on the patio, and hose hookups for water and drain get much-needed water to the bar. The outlet and under-cabinet lights round out the features.

Rather than go into the details here, download the PDF file which has basic instructions for building the bar. I’ve even included a materials and price list. I’ve reviewed the list, and created the assembly drawings after building the bar, but do double-check all measurements in case I made an error. You also may want to make the bar about 3 inches shorter–I didn’t plan for the additional height created by the wheels. Even so, the bar is very serviceable.

Mobile Bar Plans (PDF)

Things I learned (and remembered) while building this bar:

• Wood is far more forgiving than metal.
• Metal is also sharp.
• PVC glue is instant.
• When you get tired, stop. You’ll just goof up otherwise.
• Remember what your Dad said: Measure twice, cut once. Cut plywood with a skil-saw good side down.
• Don’t sweat the imperfections. Otherwise, you’ll be too paralyzed to even start, fearing the results won’t be perfect.
• Building stuff gives you an incredible sense of accomplishment and self-sufficiency.
• When you’re done, go ahead and plan something else. You’ll be hooked.

UPDATE: I sent pics in to Bar Plans Online, and they’ve posted my photos on their site! I highly recommend their site if you dream of having a bar of your own. Their plans, as you can tell, are highly adaptable for whatever style or size you want.

Also, if you need supplies and equipment for your bar, Bar Plans Online has an excellent store. Check it out! Tha Mixologist Barstore

I’ve been working out for a few months, and recently really increased my intensity at the gym, and have been modifying my diet to help me gain weight. I’ve discovered that smoothies are a great way to get extra calories and protein in my diet, and are quick and easy before going to work out.

The thing is, yogurt is kind of expensive. You can buy a whole gallon of milk for what you’d pay for a quart of yogurt. By making your own, you can get four times the yogurt for the same price!

There are lots of instructions on the internet for making your own. I followed the steps at wikiHow and had success the first time.

Here’s the stuff you’ll need:
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