Summer is peak season for gorgeous fresh flowers. What a pleasure to walk through fragrant, lushly blooming gardens in backyards and parks! And what a temptation it is to bring the outdoors...
Summer is peak season for gorgeous fresh flowers. What a pleasure to walk through fragrant, lushly blooming gardens in backyards and parks! And what a temptation it is to bring the outdoors inside...
Outworn, outgrown or out of style, old shoes are a fact of life.
Outworn, outgrown or out of style, old shoes are a fact of life.
Are you depressed by the blah look of your personal space when you come home at the end of the day? Maybe you have a stack of old clothes, unfiled paperwork and cassette tapes un-listened...
Are you depressed by the blah look of your personal space when you come home at the end of the day? Maybe you have a stack of old clothes, unfiled paperwork and cassette tapes un-listened to since...
![© iStockphoto.com / Justin Horrocks]( "© iStockphoto.com / Justin Horrocks")
© iStockphoto.com / Justin HorrocksCurb appeal is that essential it factor which makes your home stand out from its neighbors in a good way. If you are looking to sell your home but lack a huge amount of time or cash to...
Curb appeal is that essential it factor which makes your home stand out from its neighbors in a good way. If you are looking to sell your home but lack a huge amount of time or cash to invest in...
The kitchen is the heart of your living space, and an excellent place to express your personality. Today's kitchen cabinets come in a vast array of colors. Which to choose for your...
The kitchen is the heart of your living space, and an excellent place to express your personality. Today's kitchen cabinets come in a vast array of colors. Which to choose for your home? The key...
There's a lot to like about cast iron, but it does come with a call for some special handling. Here are the facts you're looking for.
There's a lot to like about cast iron, but it does come with a call for some special handling. Here are the facts you're looking for.
Whether your home already features an exterior deck or you are planning to build one, a built-in bench or two will add immensely to its beauty and usefulness. A built-in bench is a dcor...
Whether your home already features an exterior deck or you are planning to build one, a built-in bench or two will add immensely to its beauty and usefulness. A built-in bench is a dcor focal point...
Ironing is a subject that brings up an enormous split in attitudes. Some folks achieve a Zen-like state of tranquility at the ironing board steaming their wrinkles away. Others would rather...
Ironing is a subject that brings up an enormous split in attitudes. Some folks achieve a Zen-like state of tranquility at the ironing board steaming their wrinkles away. Others would rather crouch on...
Back in that misty time between the era of avocado refrigerators and Corian countertops, the accent wall was born. When showing up at work wearing mismatched earrings was trendy rather than...
Back in that misty time between the era of avocado refrigerators and Corian countertops, the accent wall was born. When showing up at work wearing mismatched earrings was trendy rather than a sign...
Showers are big bathroom news right now. Up-to-the-minute features such as stone wall tiles, pebble floors, rain showerheads, body sprayers or no-threshold showers are making this...
Showers are big bathroom news right now. Up-to-the-minute features such as stone wall tiles, pebble floors, rain showerheads, body sprayers or no-threshold showers are making this often-neglected...
Recently, the leaves of my beautiful geranium plants started to look a lot less beautiful. In fact they were downright yellow at the edges. And with the dry spell weve been having, the off...
Recently, the leaves of my beautiful geranium plants started to look a lot less beautiful. In fact they were downright yellow at the edges. And with the dry spell weve been having, the off color...
Much as we might want to deny it, housework is a basic fact of adult life. And because everyone needs at least a rudimentary path to their doorway, you cant get much more basic than...
Much as we might want to deny it, housework is a basic fact of adult life. And because everyone needs at least a rudimentary path to their doorway, you cant get much more basic than cleaning the...
Folk wisdom says that remodeling your home is hell while its in progress and heaven when its done. To make sure you end up with that heavenly feeling at your projects completion, plan ahead...
Folk wisdom says that remodeling your home is hell while its in progress and heaven when its done. To make sure you end up with that heavenly feeling at your projects completion, plan ahead carefully...
Lower your energy bills and keep your family more comfortable. If that sounds good to you, it may well be time to perform a home energy audit.
Lower your energy bills and keep your family more comfortable. If that sounds good to you, it may well be time to perform a home energy audit.
Do you ever take a load of just-washed towels out of the dryer, only to find that they have well an odor, and not a pleasant one? In fact, they may smell downright musty. It could well be...
Do you ever take a load of just-washed towels out of the dryer, only to find that they have well an odor, and not a pleasant one? In fact, they may smell downright musty. It could well be that,...
A teapot is a pretty sad sight without a lid, whether lost, stolen or smashed. There is a certain element of frustration - the pot itself is perfectly sound, yet perfectly useless without...
A teapot is a pretty sad sight without a lid, whether lost, stolen or smashed. There is a certain element of frustration - the pot itself is perfectly sound, yet perfectly useless without its topper....
![© iStockphoto.com / Yin Yang]( "© iStockphoto.com / Yin Yang")
© iStockphoto.com / Yin YangSummer's here, and hopefully your yard (or balcony) is abloom. Enjoy the colorful beauty of your flowers and plants in the sunshine, but don't forget that evenings in the garden have a special charm all their own.
Summer's here, and hopefully your yard (or balcony) is abloom. Enjoy the colorful beauty of your flowers and plants in the sunshine, but don't forget that evenings in the garden have a special charm all their own.
The bathroom, whether a guest powder room or master en suite, is an area of the home where you can let your decorating imagination run free. Paint the walls in your favorite vibrant color...
The bathroom, whether a guest powder room or master en suite, is an area of the home where you can let your decorating imagination run free. Paint the walls in your favorite vibrant color such as...
If youre a traveler, student or frequent mover, you may already be familiar with the plethora of so-called portable washing machines on the market. Most of these run on electricity and are...
If youre a traveler, student or frequent mover, you may already be familiar with the plethora of so-called portable washing machines on the market. Most of these run on electricity and are geared...
After cabinets, countertops are the main focal point of your kitchen. Besides serving as an essential work surface, your counters set a mood and express your character. Do you prefer the...
After cabinets, countertops are the main focal point of your kitchen. Besides serving as an essential work surface, your counters set a mood and express your character. Do you prefer the rustic...
Summer's here and the temperature is rising. On scorching days, you may be very tempted to stay home huddled next to your air conditioner. But, like it or not, you're going to have to go out some time.
Summer's here and the temperature is rising. On scorching days, you may be very tempted to stay home huddled next to your air conditioner. But, like it or not, you're going to have to go out some time.
When you head to your laundry room, you may think youre just doing the wash. In reality, though, the home laundry room is much more ... a place where you can make a positive difference to...
When you head to your laundry room, you may think youre just doing the wash. In reality, though, the home laundry room is much more ... a place where you can make a positive difference to the...
Electrical outages have become much more common in the US over the past two decades. Summer storms and winter freezes are both capable of knocking out local power for hours or even days....
Electrical outages have become much more common in the US over the past two decades. Summer storms and winter freezes are both capable of knocking out local power for hours or even days. During an...
Wall-to-wall carpeting, once a home decor status symbol, has been overshadowed in recent years by the popularity of hardwood flooring. However, carpet can be a comfortable, affordable, green and attractive floor covering option.
Wall-to-wall carpeting, once a home decor status symbol, has been overshadowed in recent years by the popularity of hardwood flooring. However, carpet can be a comfortable, affordable, green and attractive floor covering option.
My introduction to recycling came in my grandmother's garden. Granddad was a big-city veterinarian who, years ahead of this century's homesteading movement, decided to buy a farm...
My introduction to recycling came in my grandmother's garden. Granddad was a big-city veterinarian who, years ahead of this century's homesteading movement, decided to buy a farm and leave...
Gardening in your backyard ... and front yard, and indoors, and on your balcony ... is enjoying a huge wave of popularity among Americans. Everyone seems to want to get their hands dirty...
Gardening in your backyard ... and front yard, and indoors, and on your balcony ... is enjoying a huge wave of popularity among Americans. Everyone seems to want to get their hands dirty sowing,...
The trend toward open kitchens, which first began back in the 1980s, is still going strong. Decorators tend to love the style and often assume that when you update your home, of course...
The trend toward open kitchens, which first began back in the 1980s, is still going strong. Decorators tend to love the style and often assume that when you update your home, of course youll want to...
Designer kitchens, as depicted in recent years via the Internet and glossy decorating magazines, almost invariably feature separate cooktops and wall ovens. Interestingly, though, Consumer...
Designer kitchens, as depicted in recent years via the Internet and glossy decorating magazines, almost invariably feature separate cooktops and wall ovens. Interestingly, though, Consumer Reports...
The handsome look of wood is enduringly popular as a building material or a dcor accent. Features such as rustic ceiling beams are now coming back into style after a long hiatus. However,...
The handsome look of wood is enduringly popular as a building material or a dcor accent. Features such as rustic ceiling beams are now coming back into style after a long hiatus. However, natural...
Gardens that grow vertically rather than spreading across the landscape are all the rage these days.
Gardens that grow vertically rather than spreading across the landscape are all the rage these days.
Water from flooding or plumbing problems can be a very destructive force in your home. Be prepared for a possible emergency scenario so that you can act quickly should water damage actually...
Water from flooding or plumbing problems can be a very destructive force in your home. Be prepared for a possible emergency scenario so that you can act quickly should water damage actually occur....
Turning your home more eco-friendly makes sense in terms of reducing energy consumption (while often increasing comfort levels due to more efficient HVAC) for you and your family. And the...
Turning your home more eco-friendly makes sense in terms of reducing energy consumption (while often increasing comfort levels due to more efficient HVAC) for you and your family. And the benefits...
When your oven starts to serve up dinner more charred than broiled or your washer begins making suspicious clunking sounds, youve got a problem appliance on your hands. If the trouble...
When your oven starts to serve up dinner more charred than broiled or your washer begins making suspicious clunking sounds, youve got a problem appliance on your hands. If the trouble continues,...
When your homes interior needs a decorating boost, painting is a cost-effective method which can give you a great new look with a price tag much lower than that of a complete renovation....
When your homes interior needs a decorating boost, painting is a cost-effective method which can give you a great new look with a price tag much lower than that of a complete renovation. Whether its...
When youre trying to live a greener lifestyle, its helpful to take a closer look at all your daily activities to evaluate their environmental impact. You may be surprised to learn that...
When youre trying to live a greener lifestyle, its helpful to take a closer look at all your daily activities to evaluate their environmental impact. You may be surprised to learn that drying...
After this winters heavy gales, a friend of mine was left with a dangerously unsteady tree in her front yard. She hired a gardener to chop it down before it could come crashing to earth on...
After this winters heavy gales, a friend of mine was left with a dangerously unsteady tree in her front yard. She hired a gardener to chop it down before it could come crashing to earth on its own....
Curb appeal is a hot topic for anyone who is hoping to sell a property.
Curb appeal is a hot topic for anyone who is hoping to sell a property.
Imagine a car that travels more than 12,000 miles per gallon! This is not a science fiction writers vision of fuel consumption in the far distant future. Rather it shows the incredible...
Imagine a car that travels more than 12,000 miles per gallon! This is not a science fiction writers vision of fuel consumption in the far distant future. Rather it shows the incredible achievement of...
Many people have an instinctive dread of the house mouse, despite the small size and unaggressive behavior of this common rodent. Fear of house mice is actually a very appropriate reaction,...
Many people have an instinctive dread of the house mouse, despite the small size and unaggressive behavior of this common rodent. Fear of house mice is actually a very appropriate reaction, though,...
Graduation, weddings, the Fourth of July summer is jam-packed with exciting events! Why not take advantage of the warm weather and host a celebration in your own garden? Make sure your...
Graduation, weddings, the Fourth of July summer is jam-packed with exciting events! Why not take advantage of the warm weather and host a celebration in your own garden? Make sure your party will be...
A washing machine is an essential household appliance. Its also a major financial investment. Heres how to avoid common laundry-day mistakes that have the potential to damage your washer...
A washing machine is an essential household appliance. Its also a major financial investment. Heres how to avoid common laundry-day mistakes that have the potential to damage your washer ......
Vitamin B12 is essential to the normal functioning and regeneration of your body. A water soluble vitamin available via numerous dietary sources, B12 is currently being researched as a...
Vitamin B12 is essential to the normal functioning and regeneration of your body. A water soluble vitamin available via numerous dietary sources, B12 is currently being researched as a preventative...
The story is told of a dedicated crafter whose workroom was filled floor to ceiling with leftovers from her past projects. She couldnt bear to throw any of them away. Among the cartons,...
The story is told of a dedicated crafter whose workroom was filled floor to ceiling with leftovers from her past projects. She couldnt bear to throw any of them away. Among the cartons, there was...
April showers bring May flowers and often June, July and August heat waves. If youd like to enjoy your HVAC cooling system to the fullest this summer without breaking the bank, spring is...
April showers bring May flowers and often June, July and August heat waves. If youd like to enjoy your HVAC cooling system to the fullest this summer without breaking the bank, spring is the time...
Metallics have long been used in household dcor as eye-catching accents or impressively bold statements. These days copper is catching up to stylish silver and gold tones in popularity....
Metallics have long been used in household dcor as eye-catching accents or impressively bold statements. These days copper is catching up to stylish silver and gold tones in popularity. This...
Summer is coming though it may seem a little hard to believe after an exceptionally cold winter! Take the time to get your yard in shape so youll be ready for the coming hot weather. ...
Summer is coming though it may seem a little hard to believe after an exceptionally cold winter! Take the time to get your yard in shape so youll be ready for the coming hot weather. Prepare Your...
What is an Earthship, you ask? Good question. It's a highly sustainable building created entirely from recycled and natural materials, typically integrated together in a seamless whole:...
What is an Earthship, you ask? Good question. It's a highly sustainable building created entirely from recycled and natural materials, typically integrated together in a seamless whole: think a...
Right now, the wet stuff is pouring outside; it's raining so hard that it looks a lot like someone is sitting on a cloud and upending bathtubs over the side, watching the water cascade...
Right now, the wet stuff is pouring outside; it's raining so hard that it looks a lot like someone is sitting on a cloud and upending bathtubs over the side, watching the water cascade down in...
I know it's spring outside because the wisteria planted by my front door has begun to burst into bloom. It started with a single delicate spray of flowers at the end of March, but now,...
I know it's spring outside because the wisteria planted by my front door has begun to burst into bloom. It started with a single delicate spray of flowers at the end of March, but now, the whole...
Lewis Carroll's classic novel has been captivating minds for generations, and it's been inspiring decor for almost as long. There's something about those rich, lush, captivating...
Lewis Carroll's classic novel has been captivating minds for generations, and it's been inspiring decor for almost as long. There's something about those rich, lush, captivating scenes...
Ever walked into a home and felt like it's just a little more classy than your average house? Chances are that sleek interior look was helped along by crown molding, or wainscoting.
Ever walked into a home and felt like it's just a little more classy than your average house? Chances are that sleek interior look was helped along by crown molding, or wainscoting.
Around the world, the first sign of spring after the appearance of delicate crocuses poking their way through a crust of snow is plum blossoms, which burst out earlier than every other...
Around the world, the first sign of spring after the appearance of delicate crocuses poking their way through a crust of snow is plum blossoms, which burst out earlier than every other fruit tree for...
With a name like "chicken wire," you'd think this popular metal fencing product is a bit of a one-trick pony, but it's actually anything but. Sure, you can use chicken wire for...
With a name like "chicken wire," you'd think this popular metal fencing product is a bit of a one-trick pony, but it's actually anything but. Sure, you can use chicken wire for building safe...
Those of us who are fond of the environment and our pets sometimes feel like eco-traitors, thanks to the periodic stories about how pets are ecologically unsound.
Those of us who are fond of the environment and our pets sometimes feel like eco-traitors, thanks to the periodic stories about how pets are ecologically unsound.
Every now and then I read something that reminds me of the ubquitous and far-reaching dangers in the world around me. It seems like I can't even enjoy the simplest things in life these...
Every now and then I read something that reminds me of the ubquitous and far-reaching dangers in the world around me. It seems like I can't even enjoy the simplest things in life these days...
One of the great things about Hometalk is that I get to live thousands of redesigns, home decor experiments, and more vicariously. I can see what DIY remodelers are up to and follow...
One of the great things about Hometalk is that I get to live thousands of redesigns, home decor experiments, and more vicariously. I can see what DIY remodelers are up to and follow projects from...
Medical school is already a whirlwind of classes, intensive training, and first-hand experience with patients and other health care providers. Yet, as our understanding of medicine grows,...
Medical school is already a whirlwind of classes, intensive training, and first-hand experience with patients and other health care providers. Yet, as our understanding of medicine grows, it's...
Thanks to growing social awareness of how much trouble the planet is in, more and more people are building green and demanding enviromentally-friendly options in their housing. An entire...
Thanks to growing social awareness of how much trouble the planet is in, more and more people are building green and demanding enviromentally-friendly options in their housing. An entire industry had...
Old hardwood floors are enchanting. While they're easy to admire, they can be tricky to restore and repair for the very reasons that make them so desirable.
Old hardwood floors are enchanting. While they're easy to admire, they can be tricky to restore and repair for the very reasons that make them so desirable.
Now that spring is here (FINALLY) and the garden is ramping up, you might be thinking about getting started with easy, high-yield spring veggies. These lists usually include things like...
Now that spring is here (FINALLY) and the garden is ramping up, you might be thinking about getting started with easy, high-yield spring veggies. These lists usually include things like spinach,...
Friday, 21 March marked World Water Day, a consciousness-raising global event to make people aware of ongoing water scarcity, particularly in the Global South. While many of us in places...
Friday, 21 March marked World Water Day, a consciousness-raising global event to make people aware of ongoing water scarcity, particularly in the Global South. While many of us in places like the...
