How many times have you reached for a spray bottle to kill off an irritating bug? Have you spent time and money mixing powders and potions in buckets of water to dowse the creepy-crawlies that feast on your favorite flowers? Have you ever gone “Full Metal Jacket” on all things arthropod, fueled with an uncontrollable…
Let the Bugs Do the Legwork: Before You Reach for Insecticide, Consider Mother Nature’s Built-In Pest Control
Install Solar Landscape Lights
If you’re a home body and appreciate the summer months in your backyard, an upgrade to the lighting is a nice improvement you’ll enjoy for years to come. Landscape lighting can be practical and illuminate a dark path between the garage and back door or more fanciful used to highlight a striking flower bed or…
The Gourmet Landscape: How to Grow a Backyard Garden as Beautiful as It Is Delicious
The grow-your-own-food movement is sweeping the country one backyard—and even some front yards—at a time. It’s healthy, fun, and budget-friendly and, if done right, can be downright gorgeous. The days of horticultural segregation are over, meaning you can start by simply planting a few “ornamedibles” in between your decorative plants, or clearing out those dated…
Install an Outdoor Shower
An outdoor shower is ideal for a nice, quick wash down with fresh water after a day at the beach, dip in the pool or swim in the lake. While you’ve probably seen custom-built outdoor showers that look like they’re an indoor bathroom with hot and cold running water, we’re talking about a more modest…
Build a Swing Set
Before you look at play equipment, like a swing set for your backyard, look at public parks or schools where the systems should be thoroughly tested, safe and well designed. Notice what they are made of, the features they include and how they’re installed. When you go shopping for one, you’ll see many are made…
Build a Raised Garden Bed
Gardening has reached new heights as a favorite pastime, and more gardeners are discovering that raised beds make it easier. What’s not to like about bringing plants to a higher level so you don’t have to bend down and work on your knees? You can grow flowers, herbs and vegetables and work the soil while…
A Saint-Tropez Fairy Tale Estate up for Sale
An exquisite villa overlooking the Bay of Saint-Tropez delivers on a promise of exclusive seclusion with the right touch of romance. Nestled on a green hillside overlooking the Côte d’Azur, this majestic property is well worth its $18.7 million asking price. With a commanding view of the local countryside and the Bay of Saint-Tropez, the…
Veterinary Dentistry Requires Anesthesia
Q: My holistic veterinarian says my 10-year-old cat Moses has rotten teeth, and at least one tooth has fallen out. Because of his age, I don’t want him anesthetized for dental treatment, so the vet said she would clean his teeth using only essential oils and light. I’m concerned about Moses feeling stressed. What should…
Taking the Leap Into DIY
In this column I want to inspire you as dark financial storm clouds form on the horizon. Over the past few months, we’ve all been alarmed at the steep rise in the prices of food, gas and, well, everything. That, of course, includes building materials and the prices contractors charge — if you can even…
8 Things You Can Do to Survive Tough Times
Current headlines and world events serve as a grim reminder of how quickly one’s personal economy can change. If the rain of an economic downturn were to fall on you tomorrow, would you know how to find shelter from the storm? Troubles come and troubles go. Economic recovery is sure, eventually. In the meantime, knowing…
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