Category: HOME

Racehorse Sold for Over $300,000 Left in Filthy Barn to Starve Is Rescued and Now Thrives

A thoroughbred racehorse worth over US$300,000 almost met a tragic end when she was abandoned in a stable to perish. However, in the nick of time, a charity found and rescued her and she survived, despite the huge odds stacked against her. Today, 9-year-old War Celeste is in the loving care of fosterers, living the life…


‘World’s Lightest’ Baby, Born the Weight of an Apple, Goes Home After 13 Months in Hospital

A baby girl born in Singapore weighing the same as an apple is believed to be the world’s lightest baby to survive a premature birth and be discharged healthy. She finally headed home with her grateful parents after 13 months of fighting for her life in the hospital. Kwek Yu Xuan was born at 24…


5 Home Projects to Do Now to Avoid Costly Repairs This Winter

Home improvement projects may not be the first things on your to-do list this fall, but you may want to add a few items to that list (maybe after “book holiday travel” but before “buy new soccer cleats for the kids”) to help prepare your home for the chillier months approaching. Steve Wadlington, president of…


Yes, Cleaning Products Can Expire. Here’s What That Really Means

If you look closely at your cleaning supplies, you’ll notice that many of them are printed with an expiration date. But if we’re being honest, most of us likely don’t check this fine print. The next time you’re embarking on a big cleaning spree, check the expiration date or manufacture date on that bottle of…


Plan and Build a Birdhouse for Various Birds

Dear James: Many trees were recently bulldozed for new homes, so I want to build some birdhouses to help out the birds. What are some good birdhouse design tips? —Donald F. Dear Donald: As more land gets developed for human use, there is less habitat available for wildlife. People don’t often think this is a…


Missing Flowers? Inspect for Insects.

Q: I read your column and want to add to your answer to the question of why the rose plant hasn’t bloomed again despite new branches. You mentioned that it could be the variety of rose or the lack of fertilizer. I also had this problem in New England and found that I had a…


Australian Home Prices Jump Record 6.7 Percent in Q2

SYDNEY—Prices for Australian residential properties in the major cities climbed a record 6.7 percent in the June quarter versus the previous quarter amid super-low borrowing costs and strong demand for work-at-home property. Data out on Tuesday from the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed gains across the country, led by an 8.2 percent jump in Canberra…


New Jersey Mom Finds Message on Pantry Wall From Prior Owners: ‘We Lived, Loved, Laughed’

A few weeks after buying the house next door, a New Jersey woman and her daughter discovered a heartfelt handwritten message on the pantry wall from the home’s previous owners. The message brought the woman, who had known the prior occupants, close to tears. Susan Marie Smuzinsky of Newfield told The Epoch Times that their kitchen…


Fairy Rings and Barn Spiders

Q: A circle of mushrooms suddenly appeared in my lawn, which has never happened before. The mushrooms are about six inches tall and almost orange in color. How do I get rid of them, and are they harming the grass? A: Your lawn has a fairy ring, also known as an elf ring or pixie…


Why Are Real Estate Companies Advertising They Will Buy Your House?

Dear Monty: We are not planning on selling our home just yet. One of the curious observations we have is that real estate companies have started to promote buying our home within the last year. The idea is that by selling directly to a real estate company, we can avoid the hassle and uncertainty involved…