Gravel patios or “terraces” are an outdoor element used in home landscapes in Europe for many centuries. Elegant and natural, they are typically made of crushed indigenous stone, widely used for many years because it was a readily available and inexpensive material. The … read more

Model Tested: 2015 Volvo XC60 T6 AWD  Engine: 3.0-liter I-6 gas, 300 horsepower 325 lb-ft torque Transmission: 6-speed automatic transmission all-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 17/City—24/Highway—20/Combined  Base Price: $42,400 As Tested: $51,675 Performance: Loaded with high tech safety and performance features Pedestrian detection with Auto … read more

Model Tested: 2015 BMW X4 xDrive35i  Engine: 3.0-liter I-6 gas, 300 horsepower 300 lb-ft torque  Transmission: 8-speed automatic transmission all-wheel-drive  EPA Ratings: 19/City—27/Highway—22/Combined  Base Price: $48,000  As Tested: $57,450  Performance: Legendary BMW straight 6 torque and horsepower Pulls like a freight train Paddle … read more

Model Tested: 2015 Chrysler 200C 4-door sedan  Engine: 2.4-liter I-4 gas, 184 horsepower 173 lb-ft torque Transmission: 9-speed automatic transmission front-wheel-drive EPA Ratings: 23/City—36/Highway—28/Combined Base Price: $25,995 As Tested: $30,475 Performance: Nine-speed automatic transmission Ample power Smooth highway ride Unique, but fine rotary … read more

Model Tested: 2015 Toyota Camry Hybrid SE 4-door sedan  Engine: 2.5-liter I-4 gas plus Synergy electric motor, 200 horsepower  Transmission: CVT automatic transmission front-wheel-drive  EPA Ratings: 40/City—38/Highway—40/Combined  Base Price: $27,995  As Tested: $32,133  Performance: Strong acceleration and torque Smooth highway ride Seamless transition … read more

As your winter schedule is sure to be packed with gatherings that bring family and friends closer, have plenty of treats that are gentle on the waist and wallet. Sweet, spicy, salty or with an Asian twist — any way you pop it … read more

Like shopping and seeing a great pair of shoes that knocks your socks off, but in my case it was a gallon of mismatched paint on a back-corner sale shelf. It was an odd color — not vermilion, not burgundy, not orange and … read more

Are you looking for some color to liven up the gray winter landscape? By choosing winter-blooming plants, you will get the satisfaction of a few flowers when much of the country is under ice and snow. Some of your choices are available in … read more

The second most-popular remodeling project is definitely the master bath. And people have very specific ideas. We do see some common trends. Let’s dive right in. Number one on the list is what we call the party shower. Yep, huge — sometimes as … read more