Plain picture frames cost a lot less than fancy ones, so buy a plain frame and decorate it yourself. If you have some white household glue or a hot-glue gun, you can attach all kinds of trinkets to the face of most frames to create a custom picture frame. Here are four ideas to get […]
The outside living season is short in New England, so it’s important to make the most of it. Follow these five maintenance tips to extend the life of your patio and ensure it lasts for years to come. When building a flagstone patio on a sand bed, you can make it hold up better over […]
Rid your home of germs using lavender water, an all-natural and time-tested disinfectant. Follow our recipe to make your own batch. If you’re looking for a natural way to fight household germs, try lavender. In ancient Rome, people added lavender to the water at public baths not only for its relaxing qualities but also to help […]
Chances are you don’t live in a clutter-free house, but sometimes it’s nice to pretend you do. Like when guests are on their way over and you realize the living room needs a quick pickup. You may be tempted to hastily pick up all the stuff on the floor and toss it into miscellaneous drawers […]
Small, boxy rooms can sometimes make you feel as if the walls are closing in. But the way you decorate a small room can make a big difference. A light touch generally works best for creating a more open feeling—lighter colors, fewer big objects, simpler patterns and window treatments. If a tiny space has you […]
You have a yard maintenance dilemma. You can’t find an efficient way for mowing the lawn, so you avoid the task which causes the lawn to grow out of control. Finishing off all the odd spots and missed patches adds an hour to a process you don’t enjoy to start with. Do This Now Begin […]
Banish dirt and grime from outdoor entertaining areas by following these cleaning tips for patios and decks. Protect Deck Furniture from Fading and Peeling Too much sun can be just as harmful to deck furniture as it is to people. To protect your outdoor wooden furniture from sunburn and avoid messy and time-consuming refinishing jobs, […]
Nobody enjoys washing windows, but it’s a chore that has to be done. When you want your glass to sparkle, follow these practical tips on the best ways to clean windows. Make a Window-Washing Solution Wash dirty windows with a solution of ½ cup ammonia and 1 gallon hot water. If the windows are greasy (in […]
Grubs—the larvae of Japanese beetles, oriental beetles, or chafers—are a common lawn care problem. They eat the roots of grass, eventually causing the grass to turn brown and die. It’s important to get rid of grubs before the infestation becomes so bad that they deplete the root system to the point where the turf will […]
For a return on your investment, there’s no substitute for wood furniture. Cherry, maple and oak are the most durable, although many people like the look of pine, a softer wood that’s susceptible to nicks, dents and scratches. Stay away from pressboard furniture. It’s more unstable than wood, and the piece will have a much […]
Ever wonder how flower farmers and florists make their bouquets so pretty and full? If you have a flower garden in your yard — or an abundacnce of the “right: weeds — follow these ideas for flower arrangements that save money and create beautiful homegrown bouquets. Ideas for Flower Arrangements Choose flowers that have a […]
Small, backyard greenhouses like the kind shown in mail-order catalogs are a gardener’s dream. They prolong the growing season and offer protection to young plants. Unfortunately, they can also be quite pricey. Don’t waste your money — you can save hundreds of dollars and achieve the same results when you build a greenhouse yourself. Use […]
