Dear James: I have a landscaped yard and the neighborhood children cut through it. I want a simple-to-build yet attractive fence that complements my yard. What do you recommend? —Don W. Dear Don: If children are determined to get into and through your yard, you would require a fence that is very substantial and likely…
Evaluate Lot Drainage Characteristics
Dear James: Our last house had drainage problems after storms. When we select a lot to build our new house, what steps should be taken to evaluate possible drainage issues? — Jessica R. Dear Jessica: When selecting a lot for a new house, most people think poor drainage can just make the yard muddy or…
Want to Start Spring Cleaning Early? Start With These Tasks
The days are getting longer, and the temperature is slowly starting to creep higher. Spring is officially on its way! But before you throw open the windows and break out the patio furniture, you can take advantage of these winter-to-spring transition days to get a jumpstart on your annual spring-cleaning routine. Read on for chores…
A Charming French Countryside Villa Lists for $4.8 Million
This charming and spacious French residence, located just minutes from Cannes and Nice, exudes priceless privacy and charm. The Italian-style villa offers unobstructed views of the lush countryside and the championship golf course adjacent to the property, as well as quite a bit more, for the list price of 3,600,000 euros ($4.8 million). Situated on…
When It Comes to Storing Bananas, Don’t Believe Old Wives’ Tales
For years, I believed an old wives’ tale that bananas will turn black and spoil almost instantly if you put them in the refrigerator. In fact, I even passed this notion on to you. Whoops! Hearing from reader Lin made me reconsider, test, and now, recant. Lin is right. I was wrong! Bananas In The…
14 Surprising Ways a Bar of Soap Can Make Your Life Easier
If you’re a fan of liquid soap for hand-washing and prefer to use body wash in the tub and shower, bars of soap may seem quite old-fashioned. You may be surprised to learn that good old bar soap still has a valuable place in an active household! Bar soaps—any scent, and even those little bars…
How to Clean a Child’s Bedroom
Tackling your child’s room gets easier when you enlist the help of little hands. Read our kid’s bedroom cleaning checklist, including tips on when you should get your child involved in the process. After all, if your child is old enough to make a mess, he or she is old enough to help put it…
11 Painting Tools You Need (And 5 You Don’t)
When it comes to painting tools, if it sounds too good to be true, then it usually is. There’s really no substitute for quality painting tools, adequate preparation and careful work. “One of the easiest things to remember about paint tools is that you get what you pay for,” says Lou Manfredini, a home expert…
Cheap Source for Quality LED Lightbulbs and More Great Reader Tips
Not all companies are starving for business these days. If my mailbag is a good indicator, businesses that offer any kind of repair do better during economically turbulent times. Makes sense. After all, it doesn’t require a Mensa membership to know that it is often cheaper to repair than to replace. And how about those…
Chinoiserie: Reimagining the East
How the whimsical, hand-painted wallcoverings have captured the imagination of artists and homeowners for centuries Precious exotic items from China, such as fine porcelain, silks, and lacquer panels started to trickle into Europe beginning in the early 16th century. These decorative items quickly gained popularity with Europe’s aristocracy. By the late 18th century, nearly all…
-
Recent Posts
-
Archives
- May 2025
- April 2025
- July 2023
- June 2023
- May 2023
- April 2023
- March 2023
- February 2023
- January 2023
- December 2022
- November 2022
- October 2022
- September 2022
- August 2022
- July 2022
- June 2022
- May 2022
- April 2022
- March 2022
- February 2022
- January 2022
- December 2021
- November 2021
- October 2021
- September 2021
- August 2021
- July 2021
- June 2021
- May 2021
- April 2021
- March 2021
- February 2021
- January 2021
- December 2020
- September 2013
- July 2013
- March 2013
- January 2013
- December 2012
- November 2012
- December 1
-
Meta