Tile, in all its many forms and installation options, is a great way to put your personal stamp on a residential project. To ensure your tile installation is done properly and provides the aesthetic return on investment you are looking for, it important to understand the basics of this beautiful, versatile material. Know how a […]
how-tos
Posted inAt Home
Benefits of Laughing Your Way through Life
Like clockwork, people are composing their lists of resolutions around the New Year, and at the same time they’re ending that year with some of the same problems, frustrations or worries of past years. They want to take a brighter outlook and ride those resolutions to a higher quality of life — but inevitably, familiar […]
Posted inAt Home
Easy and Fast Recipes Using a Pressure Cooker
The once-lowly and maligned pressure cooker is making a comeback. This relic of our grandparents’ kitchen is not only improved and safer than ever before, but it saves time, creates more flavor and conserves energy. Cookbook author and cooking teacher Laura Pazzaglia wasn’t thinking of all this when she tried pressure cooking for the first […]
Posted inAt Home
Fresh Home Upgrades for Spring
After a long winter cooped up indoors, spring is the perfect time to start re-imagining your home and making upgrades that create a fresh, welcoming vibe. These project ideas — some big, some small — can help breathe new life into your home so you’re ready to enjoy your favorite rooms to the fullest. Air […]
Posted inGardeners Corner
Take It Up a Notch Out Back — Adding Appeal to your Patio or Deck
Summer means time spent gardening and relaxing with friends. And just like the kitchen in winter, the patio or deck tends to be the gathering spot when the weather turns warm. Get the most from this space with a bit of preseason planning and decorating. Select functional and beautiful furnishings to create a special spot […]
Posted inFood & Entertainment
Marnie Rae’s Soft Cocktails
There are many reasons why people choose a nonalcoholic beverage at a restaurant, bar or party. Marnie Clark thinks it is a shame that the choice of nonalcoholic cocktails is limited to Shirley Temples; “virgin” daiquiris, margaritas and mojitos; iced tea and soft drinks. So, after searching unsuccessfully for special, nonalcoholic cocktails or celebratory beverages […]
Posted inAt Home
Five Myths about Solar Panels, Debunked
Home solar panels can drastically cut or even eliminate electricity bills, reduce a home’s carbon footprint, increase resale value, and may even help a home sell faster. The cost of rooftop solar systems has fallen dramatically in recent years, and most homeowners have the option of buying the system, leasing it on reasonable payment terms […]
Posted inHome
Fresh or Refresh — Top 10 Ways to Create a ‘New Look’ at Home
A few tweaks of your home décor can have a huge impact. Your friends will think you’ve freshly redecorated, when in fact, you made just a few well chosen changes. Here are the easiest ways to achieve a new look. 1. Remove Clutter and Junk This is the single biggest thing you can do to […]
Posted inGarden
Beat the Winter Blues, Plan a Dream Garden
Today the wind is blowing the rain sideways. West Sound has not seen the temperature rise much above the low 40s for over a month. After the winter solstice, many people turn their thoughts to their garden. Every day there are more minutes of light added to the day. The garden season is almost here […]