Digital dudes and divas everywhere may understand the importance of a thank-you email but may underestimate the power of a handwritten “thank you” or “just because.” “Letters are magical. It’s like giving someone a hug and saying, ‘I care about you,’” said Dee Fergusson, an avid letter-writer and a title clerk at Pacific Northwest Title […]
diy tips
Posted inGardeners Corner
Plants for Every Room of Your Home
Gardeners know the benefits of digging in the soil. It elevates a person’s mood, improves mental and physical well-being, and the outcome is always good — added beauty or tasty nutritional food. But many of us are stuck indoors for the winter, have a lack of space to garden outdoors or just can’t get enough […]
Posted inFood & Entertainment
Holiday Appetizer Soiree
Growing up in the ’50s and ’60s, Trudy Northover recalls her parents always hosting get-togethers for friends and family. Christmas was a massive celebration at their home. “Tech has taken so much away (web, email, etc.),” Northover says. “It’s such a gloomy time of year, so our appetizer party is a wonderful time to host […]
Posted inAt Home
Simple Sides for Holiday Entertaining
Like many hosts, you are likely searching for perfection in your holiday get-togethers. With an ever-expanding guest list, each year may seem more and more difficult to pull off the perfect gathering. Make things easier and still delicious by serving ready-to-eat options like refrigerated macaroni and cheese made with real milk and cheese. Here are […]
Posted inAt Home
5 Steps to Incorporate Universal Design into Your Home
As more homeowners opt to remodel their current homes for accessibility and safety, those concerns are particularly important in kitchens and bathrooms. Baby boomers should especially take into account the accessibility of their homes and improvements that can be made. Incorporate universal design strategies into your next remodeling project with this five-step guide from the […]
Posted inAt Home
How to Avoid Overspending and Going into Debt on Black Friday
Many people look forward to Black Friday so they can cash in on those special holiday deals. But if you’re not careful and don’t have a plan, impulse spending on tempting sale items can swallow your wallet. If you are already in a significant amount of debt and enter Black Friday blindly without a plan […]
Posted inAt Home
Stay Safe while Using a Portable Generator During Inclement Weather
For many people, inclement weather can be frightening — especially when the wind is blowing hard, the rain is pouring and the trees are rustling. To weather a storm safely, it’s important to remember certain safety tips and proper use of tools. Portable generators can serve many purposes after severe weather strikes, including providing power […]
Posted inAt Home
Millennials to Baby Boomers, Gifts that Grow are All the Rage
It’s a jungle in there. Every window, surface and brightly lit corner is filled with decorative or edible greenery. There is no doubt what to gift this person for the holidays. More of the same. A lack of outdoor growing space, limited growing seasons and time constraints have many people filling their apartments and homes with […]
Posted inHome
Are ‘Smart Toys’ a Dumb Gift Idea?
Techy toys make for some of the trendiest kids’ Christmas gifts, and what can be nerdier than interactive playthings and gadgets that give the adult versions — the likes of Alexa — a run for their money? Ask any child what’s cooler — an old-fashion Lego BB-8 droid or a BB-8 that can be controlled […]