Dear James: Our kids could use a rec room. We could use part of a large garage or the basement. What design aspects should we consider when converting these into living space? — Michael J. Dear Michael: Converting either a basement or garage into additional living space is one of the most common remodeling projects…
Ask The Vet: Long Fingernails Harbor Germs
Q: At my Yorkshire terrier’s recent wellness visit, we saw a new veterinarian, a woman with surprisingly long fingernails. My Yorkie needed to have her anal sacs emptied, as she often does, and I was afraid the vet’s long nails would hurt her, so I asked that someone else empty them. Was my request rude…
How to Clean the Dirty Edges of Carpet
Dark, shadowy, dirty lines on the carpet along baseboards, under doors and draperies, along the edges and in the crevices of carpeted stairs are visible signs of a problem called filtration soil. With the right tools and information, you can clean the dirty edges of the carpet. But first, it’s important to know what that…
Crocus Problem and Salad Bowl Gardens
Q: Last fall we bought some crocus, daffodil, and tulip bulbs. The daffodils are blooming, but the crocus and tulips are not. The crocus leaves started to come up but then stopped. The tulip leaves are there, but there are no flowers. What do you think happened and what can we do to prevent it…
10 Ways to Get Rid of Ants Using Ordinary Stuff in Your Pantry
Knowing how to get rid of ants around the house is important. But it’s also fun to learn just how fascinating these creatures are. They’re industrious and super smart, as far as insects go. Some ants can support up to 50 times their own weight while upside-down on glass. Ants are found almost everywhere on…
Food Forests for Life and Prosperity
“Though the problems of our world are increasingly complex, the solutions remain embarrassingly simple.”—Bill Mollison, the father of modern permaculture In the West, we’re used to seeing lawns everywhere. A well-manicured lawn may even be said to be part of the “American dream,” offering a great place to relax, a clean foreground to our homes,…
A Luxurious Destination: Portonovi, Montenegro
Thanks to pristine beaches, lush nature, and relaxing resorts, the Portonovi real estate development has been crowned “the Monaco of Montenegro.” Sitting at the entrance of a natural harbor, this mixed-use destination features a Mediterranean-inspired, Riviera-lifestyle village. It features 218 luxury residences, a helipad, 30 swimming pools, a tennis club, restaurants, shops, an art gallery,…
Ask Me Anything: Credit Reports, Storing Potatoes, Deadbeat Relatives
I don’t really have a mailbag, but it would be fun if I did. What I do have is a file named “EC Mailbag.” That’s where I save all of the questions and letters that you, my dear readers, send to me. I just don’t have the time to respond personally, so I love it…
How to Care for Your Cast Iron Pan? Avoid This Fatal Mistake
A cast iron pan is an indispensable kitchen tool, and something that every home cook should own. Cast iron pans have a reputation for being high-maintenance, and many pan owners live in fear or somehow doing something that would render their prized heirloom unusable. In reality, however, cast iron pans are nearly indestructible. If it gets…
A Fabulous Porto Heli Estate Is Now Available
Set in a stunning landscape on the waterfront of the southeastern cape of the Greek Peloponnese, the Alexander estate is a magnificent combination of luxury and serenity. Well-designed living areas on the pool level open up onto a vast terrace and manicured lawns overlooking the sea. (Courtesy of Greece Sotheby’s International Realty) This classic estate…
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