Category: HOME

Finding Beauty in the Little Things

The other day, I was filling up my washing machine for what was probably load number 1,658,432 of my life. The sun was shining through the window, and as the suds began to develop, I happened to notice the beautiful pink, blue, and purple hues being reflected in the bubbles. They had a pearlescent quality…


Western Cape’s Tortoise Hill Estate: Grandiose Property Is Set on 1,500 Acres of Game Preserve

New on the market in the wonderful Cape Winelands of South Africa, Tortoise Hill is listed for $4.8 million. A game preserve and recreational estate, the property is centered around a main residence built in 2014. In all, there are seven bedrooms and nine full baths and a half-bath, spread out over three residences; outdoors,…


The Art of Chickening: Whimsical Designs, Serious Craftsmanship

According to Sally Jane Linville, the egg came first. Well, at least it does at The City Girl Farm studio in Kansas City, Missouri, where Linville has perfected what she calls “the art of chickening.” Just peeking through the window, you’ll receive a warm and whimsical welcome from a flock of beautiful, larger-than-life chicken sculptures….


Giving Is Good for You

Fundraisers and requests from charities used to bother me. So did the collection plate at church. I felt guilty because no matter how much money we made, there was never enough to give any of it away. And with all the debt we had (it was plenty!), how could I be expected to help others…


6 Mistakes Everyone Makes When Picking Paint Colors

Picking out a paint color you’ll want to live with for years is perhaps one of the hardest design decisions to make. When we analyze a tiny paint chip, it’s hard for us to imagine how the color will look once brushed across an entire wall. And forget about envisioning how the hue might change…


4 Rules to Get Out of Debt

If you’re in debt, you have to get out. The best way to do that is to put together a plan—but remember, a plan is only as good as your ability to stick with it. Just like diets, all of them work: The true test is sticking with one. No matter how effective the plan…


How to Assemble a First-Aid Kit for DIYers

Dear James: I have worked with hand and power tools for years, but recently hurt myself with no one around. What things should I include in a first-aid kit for my toolshed?—Isaac L. Dear Isaac: It definitely is a good idea to have a complete first-aid kit readily available, even if you are not alone…


Nursing Home Fire Kills 6 in Eastern Spain

MADRID—Six residents of a nursing home in eastern Spain perished after a fire broke out in the night, authorities said Wednesday. Valencia’s regional head, Ximo Puig, said that 17 more residents were hospitalized, with three in serious condition. Firefighters said that they rescued 25 residents out of a total of 70 that were evacuated from…


Secondhand Clothes, First-Class Style

While most retail stores are hanging on by a thread due to COVID-19’s assault on the U.S. economy, thrift stores, specifically consignment stores, are having the opposite problem: Business is booming! According to thredUP.com, a major secondhand shopping site, the resale apparel market will grow to $64 billion from $28 billion in the next five…


Best Inexpensive Toaster, Eufy Customer Service, Stainless Steel Cleaner

There are times when the old adage “you get what you pay for” doesn’t hold up. Sometimes the less expensive option turns out to be best. Best Inexpensive Toaster Dear Mary: Does anyone make a decent, simple, reliable pop-up toaster? I don’t need it to do anything but make evenly toasted toast! —Bev Dear Bev:…