Life style

If you have a less-than-attractive fireplace in your home, or simply want to make the one you have more trendy, you're in luck. Whether you're looking for a project that is inexpensive and easy, or one that requires a bit of DIY know-how, there are s...

If you have a less-than-attractive fireplace in yo...

Hedges serve several purposes in landscape design. Using hedges to create a privacy screen is a key factor in planting shrubs side-by-side. Hedges also create a wind break or help direct drifting snow. I like using hedges in landscape design to fill ...

Hedges serve several purposes in landscape design....

Choosing flowering plants that bloom in stages is one way to keep flowers blooming for long periods in your landscape design project. Alternatively, you could choose flowers with long bloom periods. Select from the perennial flowers and annual flower...

Choosing flowering plants that bloom in stages is ...

Winter is always sad for gardeners, especially in areas where ice and snow abound. I used to long for spring with its bounty of flowers until I found these winter-blooming shrubs to bring brightness to the gloomy winter landscape. There are many wint...

Winter is always sad for gardeners, especially in ...

Squirrels are everywhere, and some are more destructive than others. These "rats with fuzzy tails" can wreak havoc on your landscape and especially your edibles. I've found certain ways to keep them where they belong. -- away from your garden. Some s...

Squirrels are everywhere, and some are more destru...

Many people don't realize that like people, trees suffer from stress, too. So how do you know if your tree is stressed? Trees actually speak quite loudly when they are stressed; you just need to learn how to listen! Wilting This is an easy one. If yo...

Many people don't realize that like people, trees ...

Everything old is new again in the garden. Recent interest in organic gardening and self sustaining lifestyles have prompted many to look to the past for unique gardening techniques. Isn't it funny how progress isn't really all that progressive? Here...

Everything old is new again in the garden. Recent ...

Get a head start on the growing season by starting seeds indoors. Sure, you have tried to do so in the past and met with fungi, disease and early plant death. Yet if you know when to start seeds indoor, what types of seeds to use and which hardware o...

Get a head start on the growing season by starting...

There still may be snow on the ground but it's never too early to get a jump on your summer gardening chores. While gardening season doesn't start for most of us until April or May, the end of winter is a great time to tackle those little chores and ...

There still may be snow on the ground but it's nev...

Container plants and flowers do not have to be placed in plastic pots and other regular planters that are commonly found in stores. They are not cheap, and they do nothing to add to add interest or beauty of the contents therein. It takes a combinati...

Container plants and flowers do not have to be pla...

News from the cold front: The newest refrigerators are super-stylish, keep food fresher, save energy, and are loaded with user-friendly features. First Things First 1. Pull out the measuring tape. Figure out the dimensions of the area that will acco...

News from the cold front: The newest refrigerators...

Over time a thick layer of ice can build up on the inside of freezers. This reduces the efficiency of the appliance, adds to your electricity bill and also makes it tricky to get things in and out. Here is how to defrost a freezer as quickly and pain...

Over time a thick layer of ice can build up on the...

Daily: As with the refrigerator, everything you put into the freezer should be immaculate --wipe drips and smudges off ice cream cartons and plastic storage containers. Monthly: Check packaged foods for expiration dates and throw out anything that’s ...

Daily: As with the refrigerator, everything you pu...

A refrigerator is a blank canvas with numerous decorating possibilities that go far beyond cheap plastic magnets. It is possible to decorate a refrigerator in ways that will add practical style to the kitchen, and for far less than most people realiz...

A refrigerator is a blank canvas with numerous dec...

Appliances are main components of a kitchen, and when the refrigerator is ugly it can bring down the entire look of the room. Even if the rest of the kitchen is updated and in tiptop condition, an ugly refrigerator can ruin the overall appearance. Tr...

Appliances are main components of a kitchen, and w...

The best time to clean your refrigerator is when you really need to go grocery shopping because the refrigerator is almost empty. At that time, you will have much less to deal with than if you undertake this task when you already have the fridge stoc...

The best time to clean your refrigerator is when y...

Going through my e-mails, I decided to answer a few of the frequently asked cleaning questions. The following is a compilation of several questions. Q: I read an article you wrote on home tips in my local paper and thought you might be the one to so...

Going through my e-mails, I decided to answer a fe...

If a clean machine is what you're after, look no further than this to-do list. 1. Clean up spills quickly, before they have a chance so soak in and set. 2. When vacuuming, use the duster-brush attachment to get in all the nooks and crannies of the d...

If a clean machine is what you're after, look no f...

How to Clean Tile, Wood and Vinyl Floors Ceramic-tile floors can be cleaned easily with nothing but warm water, but be sure to sweep or vacuum first to remove any loose soil or grit. Never use a sponge mop to clean ceramic-tile floors. It will pull ...

How to Clean Tile, Wood and Vinyl Floors Ceramic-...

Don't be afraid — cleaning a refrigerator (and keeping it clean) isn't a herculean task if you follow these tips: Create a homemade all-purpose cleaner by combining the following in a gallon of hot water: 1 cup clear ammonia, ½-cup vinegar and ¼-cup...

Don't be afraid — cleaning a refrigerator (and kee...

A moderately-sized refrigerator may be sufficient for your family most of the time, but when holidays, special events or summer rolls around, there's never enough space for all the food and beverages that must be kept cool. Upgrading to a much larger...

A moderately-sized refrigerator may be sufficient ...