Category: Home & Lifestyle

If you get a shiver down your spine at the mere thought of stepping foot into your chilly bathroom during these cold winter months, you’re not alone. Between the ice-cold tile floor and the feeling of the frigid air as you step out of your shower or bath, it’s enough to make you want to avoid the room altogether. But fear not because we’ve found some easy ways to take the chill out and turn your bathroom into the cozy retreat it should be. Unless you’re sporting socks or slippers, there is nothing worse than touching cold tile with your [...]

When the temps dip and the nights grow longer, we tend to seek the warmth and comfort of home. So do outdoor such pests as squirrels, mice, and other unwanted guests. So to prevent your home from becoming a proverbial motel that even you wouldn’t want to be a guest at, we urge you to take the following precautions. Put Pet Food Away – Don’t leave pet food out once designated meal times are over. Otherwise, your pet might be joined at its bowl by something else with four legs. Have an Energy Audit – An effective way to keep [...]

Between holiday festivities, end of year organizing, and limited daylight hours, the month of December seems to go by in a flash. But don’t let that prevent you from tackling some important home maintenance tasks. Here are 5 things to check off your list this December that will help you save money, save time, and make your home more enjoyable this month and beyond. Have your furnace inspected and cleaned. As temperatures continue to drop, make sure your home heating system is up to the task of keeping your family warm. A qualified HVAC specialist not only will clean the [...]

Thanksgiving seems to be an especially appropriate time to focus on a few time-honored methods for fostering gratitude in your children. Soon, you’ll be watching your child’s face light up as she unwraps that perfect gift. The one you’ve scoured the stores for; the one she’s been dreaming of for months. And nothing can ruin such a moment faster than your child still wanting more. But with the constant barrage of TV ads and circulars screaming “buy me!” at every turn, is it really a wonder that today, gratitude seems to be in short supply pretty much everywhere you go. [...]

It’s November, and that means the holiday season is officially in full swing. And with Thanksgiving right around the corner, our thoughts turn to warm family gatherings, festive decorations and, of course, copious amounts of home-made foods. But before you dust off your grandmother’s china and plan out your Thanksgiving Day menu, take some time to gather with your family and think about the true meaning of Thanksgiving. While you’re at it, ask each other if any of your holiday traditions capture its true meaning. Then, if you’re looking to enrich your experience, here six ideas for new Thanksgiving traditions [...]

Everyone loves a good scare on Halloween, but not when it comes to personal or home safety. So before you carve those jack-o-lanterns, adorn your home with creepy-crawlies, and stock up on sweet treats, follow these simple tips to make sure this Halloween is safe and spooky fun for everyone concerned. Costume Safety When selecting a costume, make sure it fits appropriately to prevent trips and falls. Add reflective tape or stickers to make it visible at night, or have your children carry a flashlight. Whenever possible, choose face paint or makeup instead of masks; the latter can obstruct a [...]

With autumn nearly upon us, it’s time to start thinking about fall home maintenance. In fact, as you tackle the usual to-dos, like putting the patio furniture away, clearing the gutters of debris, and stocking up on leaf bags, don’t forget to prepare your lawn is ready for the colder months ahead and, more importantly, next spring. Don’t Stop Mowing - Water and mow your lawn as needed throughout the autumn months. Then, for the last two cuttings of the season, adjust the mower's blade to its lowest setting, but don’t trim off more than one-third of the grass blades. [...]

Have you ever noticed the lights flickering, or hear strange noises in your basement, attic, or between the walls? Or perhaps you get an occasional whiff of a less-than-pleasant odor but you’re not sure from where. Well don’t call the Ghostbusters just yet. Chances are your home is just trying to tell you that something isn’t quite right. Here are some common home maintenance warning signs that you should not ignore. Musty smells in the basement or attic could mean that moisture is getting into your home, which not only can result in mildew and mold growth, but costly structural [...]

A new school year brings new friendships, opportunities, and adventures. Unfortunately, it also brings the dreaded cold and flu season, or as some parents and teachers call it, the “Back-to-School Plague”. And while the chances of your child coming home with a fever or the sniffles at some point during the year are pretty high, that doesn’t mean you have to sit back and wait for it to happen. These 5 important preventive measures can help keep those missed school days and doctor visits to a minimum. Avoid the Danger Zones. The water fountain is one of the most germ-filled [...]

When it comes to home design and decorating trends, there are some we’re glad to see go – like salmon-colored toilets and the ever popular matching wallpaper/window treatment/upholstered headboard combo. Then there are those we wish we had all along; trends that make our homes more beautiful, more energy-efficient, and more functional. Here are just a few building and design ideas that we think will stand the test of time. Kitchen cabinets that go all the way up to the ceiling, making use of all the vertical space and eliminating dust – or clutter – collecting tops. Deep cabinet drawers [...]

For many families, the kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s where homework is done, meals are made, and special moments are shared. But many kitchens, especially in older homes, simply don’t function the way they could or should. So if you’re thinking of taking on a kitchen remodel because yours simply doesn’t meet the needs of your family and lifestyle, here are 4 things to consider. Who Uses the Kitchen? A family of 5 will have different needs than a couple of empty nesters. If you have young children, perhaps you’d like lower food and beverage storage or [...]

Did you know that May is National Barbecue Month? Well, as luck would have it, it’s also National Hamburger Month. And what better way to celebrate this tasty coincidence and the unofficial start of summer than by grilling up a juicy burger. But whether you’re a charcoal chef or a gas grilling guru – and whether you prefer to bite into a meaty beef burger or a mouthwatering veggie burger – there are a few safety precautions you should take before firing up the grill. Here are a few tips to ensure that your celebration is fun, delicious, and safe. [...]