Category: HOME

What Red Flags Should I Look out For?

By Paul F. P. Pogue From Ask Angi Nearly all contracting jobs go smoothly. You hire them, they do the work, you pay them, everyone moves on happily. Nonetheless, every so often, you run into an unscrupulous contractor who only has dollar signs in their eyes and thinks you’re the perfect mark. And in times…


Discover the Timeless Charm of a New Traditional Lake House

By Katie Laughridge From Tribune News Service Nestled amid the breathtaking landscapes at Lake Waukomis, our design manager Carlie’s home is a haven that brings her dream of living in a lodge in the mountains to life. While Carlie patiently awaits her future mountain retreat, she has created a space that exudes the essence of…


Heat Wave Gardening: How to Protect Your Plants in Extreme Heat

As the mercury rises, keeping plants properly hydrated and thriving becomes a battle that requires a significant change in watering practices, protecting plants from the sun’s scorching rays, and more. First things first: Make sure you’re staying safe, cool, and hydrated yourself. Schedule yard work during the cooler times of day, such as early morning….


A Case for White Cabinets

By Cathy Hobbs From Tribune News Service Cabinets come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, too! Selecting the right material and color may be one the most important decisions to make when designing the overall look and feel of your kitchen. When considering renovating or creating a new kitchen, what is the best cabinet color?…


Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring Is Remarkable

Several months ago, a pesky mouse caused a small water leak in a PEX water line that supplied water to a second-floor bathroom in my home. A new hump in our master bedroom hardwood floor foreshadowed what I’d discover hours later at dawn. By then, the water had leaked to a basement bedroom as well….


4-Ingredient Orange Julius Recipe (5-Minute)

In our culture of smoothies galore, anything goes. Smoothie add-ins range from whey protein to wheatgrass to collagen. I’m not betting on wrinkles miraculously disappearing by gulping smoothies. {Anything’s possible?} That said, this Chia Seed Pudding and this Tropical Green Smoothies are on-trend, healthy, and taste pretty awesome. But sometimes, we all just long for sweet and simple. Nothing…


The Marble Palace

Not all that long ago, the country of Dubai was mostly desert, but it now boasts Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, and a booming economy founded on oil and boosted by tourism. The curated artwork and handcrafted furniture are all included in the purchase of the residence. (Courtesy of Luxhabitat Sotheby’s Int’l) Located in…


Getting to the Root of the Problem

Question: I plant my annuals and perennials the same way, and some plants flourish while some just sit there. What am I doing wrong, and can the problem be fixed after the plant is in the ground? For instance, I planted six tomato plants at the end of May, and though their color is fine,…


The Best Way to Change up Your Space Without Spending a Dime

From thrifting to perusing flea markets to garage sale hunting and joining your local Buy Nothing group, there are plenty of ways to keep your home decor fresh and on-trend on a tight budget. Now, you can add a decor swap to your list of ways to acquire affordable decor. Gather a group of your…


I Tried Dozens of Methods to Clean Kitchen Counters—This Is the One I’m Excited About

A kitchen counter is more than just a surface for cooking and meal preparation. In many homes, the kitchen counter serves as the primary workhorse. It’s where we place the day’s mail and where kids do their homework. It’s also where I fold clothes, daydream, and make big plans. On cooking days, my counters endure…