As summer wraps up and fall and winter approach, there’s plenty to do to get your home ready for the coming season. To figure out what seasonal tasks to tackle first—yes, starting today—we spoke with Joni and Kitt of Practically Perfect, a Los Angeles–based organizing and lifestyle company, and Ria Safford of RiOrganize, a Southern…
Set Yourself Up for a Calmer, Happier Fall by Tackling These Household Projects
Flavored Vinegars Make Elegant Holiday Gifts
Just as I was wondering what on earth I would do with all of the basil, oregano, and chives in my garden, here came a note from Ginny M. of Minnesota: “I love using flavored vinegars. How can I make my own?” Her note reminded me that herb vinegars are so easy to make, but…
Oak Wilt and Peach Tree Suckers
Q: I have an old oak tree. During the recent cicada invasion, this tree took a mighty hit from those insects. Numerous small branches began to fall. I assumed they were falling because of the cicadas having made slits in the branches to lay eggs. Then, later, the tree began to literally dry up. The…
US Pending Home Sales Race to Seven-Month High in August
WASHINGTON—Contracts to buy U.S. previously owned homes rebounded to a seven-month high in August, but higher prices amid tight supply are slowing the housing market momentum. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) said on Wednesday its Pending Home Sales Index, based on signed contracts, jumped 8.1 percent last month to 119.5. That was the highest…
How to Store Extension Cords and Hoses for Easy Use
Dear James: I am a do-it-yourself type of guy. It always is frustrating trying to untangle extension cords and air hoses. What is the best method to store them after each use? —Clark H. Dear Clark: Many people now use lithium cordless tools, so cord storage is not a problem. If you do a lot…
What to Do When You Have Too Many of These Things
Before we get going here, and in the interest of full disclosure, I have an inner hoarder who puts up quite a fuss from time to time. I’ve managed to tame her, but now and again, she gets out. Before I know it, I have 48 boxes of borax on my storage shelves or 9,082…
10 Things You Should Declutter Every Time You Move
The moving process certainly has a downside—namely, the physical and financial burden of having to pack up and transport all of your stuff. The upside is that it presents the perfect opportunity to reassess your belongings and break free of what no longer suits you or the life you’re looking to create. Whether you’re making…
Repair Asphalt Driveway Gaps, Holes, and Cracks
Dear James: My asphalt driveway has many cracks and small holes. It is only a few years old. My repair attempts don’t last for long. How can I fix them better? —Carla A. Dear Carla: Asphalt driveways do require periodic sealing, but they should not be deteriorating in just a couple of years. It sounds…
Knowing Your Cleaning Products Is Good for Your Health and Wealth
Two women. Different locations. Same accident. Both were using an ordinary commercial toilet bowl cleaner containing ammonia and weren’t satisfied with the way it was removing stains. Each added household chlorine bleach to that commercial product and stirred with a brush. One died quickly; the other spent a long time in the hospital. Here’s the…
How to Save a Melted-Out Lawn
Q: All of a sudden, half my lawn grass died. It’s mostly on the sunny side, with some in the shade. This doesn’t look like the grass has simply gone dormant with the usual hot, dry summer weather. When I pull up on the grass, it just comes off by the handful without the roots….
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