This past week, my beautiful and patient bride of 49 years and I had to endure the throbbing and nerve-rattling experience of a massive hardwood floor sander grinding off the finish from the birch hardwood in our home. We were huddled in the basement along with our nervous pets as the workmen busied themselves with…
Summertime Pet Essentials
Sunny days can lead to overheating or dehydration, making this selection of pet gear ideal for making outside playtime and hikes safe—and fun, too. Splish Splash! Peteast Splash Sprinkler Pad $33.99 Dogs that love the water will love this pad that sprays them with cooling water. Crafted from heavy-duty vinyl, it can be simply attached…
When Not to File an Insurance Claim
Insurance is a funny thing. You pay a small fortune to get it and keep it. Then, if you have the blatant audacity to actually file a claim, the company either increases your premiums or cancels you altogether. While the world of insurance can at times be so confusing as to be maddening, going without…
Oceanfront Luxury
Developer Michael Dezer has resolved one of the drawbacks to condo living: namely, the experience in which you have to park your car in the garage and then take an elevator to your unit, all while carrying groceries and herding the children or pets. To say Michael Deezer is a car guy is a massive…
Use Simple Patterns for Inlaid Wood Floor
Dear James: I have seen inlaid wood floors in older buildings and would like one in my own home. Can I add decorative inlays to my existing hardwood floors?—Trish K. Dear Trish: Decorative inlays in a hardwood floor can enhance the decor of any room. Each one is custom designed and made so the floor…
DIY: Get Your AC Ready for Summer’s Hottest Months
A warm breeze signals summer—and the time for a quick DIY air conditioning prep and service. Experiencing the bliss of stepping into a cool room after being out in the sun starts with a clean air conditioning filter. If you changed it out as part of your fall shutdown and haven’t run it since—if you…
Tree Staking and Palm Trunks
Q: We planted some small trees last year and this spring. We tied stakes to them to hold them up. We tried untying some of last year’s trees and they seemed to be wiggly, so we tied them back up. How long should trees be staked after planting? A: You didn’t say how tight the…
Young Man Fills His One-Bedroom Home With 1,400 Plants: ‘It Takes My Mind Off Overthinking’
Since a spider plant cutting from his grandmother sparked a deep passion for collecting houseplants ten years ago, a young man from England has filled every nook and cranny of his one-bedroom home with a 1,400-strong plant collection. He now shares his green-fingered expertise on his website, hoping to spark the joy of plants in…
Ask Me Anything: Recycle Prescription Bottles, Help with Student Financial Aid
Dear Cheapskate: Do you know of any place where I can donate empty plastic prescription bottles? It seems such a waste to throw them away.— Susan H., Tennessee Dear Susan: Call your local veterinarian. Most vets are more than happy to receive cleaned prescription bottles with labels removed for dispensing medicines for animals. Humane societies…
How to Make a Small Garden Feel Like an Oasis
A small garden does not have to look or feel small. A few simple design tricks can make small-space gardens appear larger than life. And today’s plant selections are tailored to ever-shrinking gardens. From patio pots to courtyards to urban backyards, these gardening ideas for small spaces will help you make the most out of…
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