Category: HOME

How to Apply Stain and Topcoat Finish on Wood Trim

Dear James: Our church has some beautiful old decorative woodwork that needs some repairs and to be refinished. What is the best way to retain the original appearance?—Karen L. Dear Karen: It is possible to bring old woodwork back to nearly its original appearance, but don’t expect to duplicate it perfectly. This will probably require…


Seafront Côte d’Azur Estate Epitomizes Luxury

This luxurious seafront villa in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region of southeastern France is a rare find, even in such an exclusive market. An outstanding estate blessed with provincial charm, it offers every convenience, unique surroundings, and uncompromising exclusivity. The massive 625-square-meter (6,727-square-foot) home has eight bedrooms, six bathrooms, and 14 lavishly designed rooms overall. Located…


How to Detail Car Interiors Using These Homemade Cleaners

Remember that pristine, fresh, clean feeling of slipping behind the wheel of your new car? Knowing how to detail car interiors may not restore that new car smell but it will certainly improve the air quality. Washing the windows, getting rid of trash and clutter, cleaning the carpet, and scrubbing the upholstery seats will help…


Snowbird Kitty: Lost Cat Heads Home to Maine—From Florida

PORTLAND, Maine—A Maine family that long ago gave up on a lost family cat is being reunited—more than six years and 1,500 miles later. Denise Cilley, of Chesterville, said she was shocked to get a voicemail last week announcing her cat, Ashes, had been located in Florida. Ashes disappeared in 2015 during a 10th birthday…


Loud Noise Can Damage a Dog’s Hearing

Q: My husband began taking Winchester, our 5-year-old Labrador retriever, hunting with him this season. Win seems too young to be going deaf, but I’m convinced his hearing isn’t as sharp as it was before hunting season. Could the gunfire have damaged Win’s hearing? Can it be tested? A: Yes, any loud noise can damage…


Meet the Winners of the 2022 Green Thumb Awards

Winners of the 2022 Green Thumb Awards were chosen by an independent panel of National Garden Bureau (NGB) members who are garden writers, breeders, retailers, brokers, and growers. The winners are selected based on their uniqueness, technological innovation, ability to solve a gardening problem or provide a gardening opportunity, and potential appeal to gardeners. The…


7 Smart Reasons to Use Vinegar in Laundry

Using inexpensive distilled white vinegar in the laundry is smart because it will whiten, brighten, reduce odor, and soften clothes without harsh chemicals. It’s Cheap Plain distilled white 5 percent vinegar runs around 3.5 cents per ounce in the typical supermarket when purchased by the gallon, and even cheaper when you can find it at…


Clutter’s Last Stand

What would we do if we actually had to use everything we own, including all that stuff in the drawers, cupboards, closets, shelves, and boxes in our kitchen, bedrooms, living room, basement, attic, garage, rafters, driveway, patio, side yard, and cars? Could we do it? It’s not likely. Instead, we pack it, stack it, and…


Clutter’s Last Stand: How to Win the Battle Against Unnecessary Stuff

What would we do if we actually had to use everything we own, including all that stuff in the drawers, cupboards, closets, shelves, and boxes in our kitchen, bedrooms, living room, basement, attic, garage, rafters, driveway, patio, side yard, and cars? Could we do it? It’s not likely. Instead, we pack it, stack it, and…


A Quirky New Zealand Beach House Lists for $3 Million

Sitting right on the Tasman Sea in the charming village of Mapua, New Zealand, a laid-back private estate is all about harmony and taking things easy. On the market for $4.5 million NZD (about $3 million), this property embodies the iconic Kiwi lifestyle. Over 12 acres of lush nature surrounds this classic 2,368-square-foot beach house….