As a columnist, it’s my job to save you money and time on every repair or improvement project you plan for your home. While I try my best, I’m thwarted by at least two factors. First and foremost, there are thousands of contractors who do less than acceptable work. I hear about them from readers…
Don’t Just Hope Your Contractor Does the Job Right. Inform Yourself Beforehand
Make a Shower Seat for Comfort and Safety
Dear James: I am getting older and while vacationing found a shower seat to be convenient. How can we incorporate one into our tile bathroom when we remodel it?—Scott C. Dear Scott: Both convenience and comfort are attributes of a properly sized shower seat. Sitting in the spray of a hot shower is often much…
In-Town Estate in Colonial Mexico
This residence in the heart of colonial Mexico is a charming blend of Mexican architecture and California mission style. Listed for $1.95 million, the four-bedroom, five-bath, 6,286-square-foot property is an ideal in-town estate. The residence’s central courtyard features fruit trees and a classic fountain. Above, covered terraces afford lovely sunset views over San Miguel De…
Guinea Pigs Need Vitamin C in Diet
Q: Next month, my daughter’s friend will move away and give us her guinea pig. Miss Piggy will be our first guinea pig, and we don’t know much about her care. For starters, should we continue to feed her the rabbit pellets she’s been eating? A: Guinea pigs, also called cavies, are affectionate, communicative and…
Houseplant Problems
Question: Hopefully you can help me with my houseplant problem. Recently I bought some indoor palms—discount specials—and have them in various places in my home and patio. However, they seem to be turning yellow at a fast pace, and I really don’t know what to do to them to keep them green. Any advice? Answer:…
Why Paint Colors Look Different in the Store Than in Your Home
Whether refreshing a room or renovating a home, fresh paint is the easiest and most impactful way to breathe new life into a space without breaking the bank. But after pursuing thousands (yes, thousands) of tiny paint-color chips at the store, analysis paralysis takes over. Is this white too warm? Blue too cool? Then, once…
How to Stop Leaving Items in Hotels and Other Tips
I am embarrassed to admit how many personal items I’ve left behind in hotel rooms over the years. I’m talking about phone chargers, flash drives, hair products, power toothbrushes — and even clothes left hanging in the closet. What’s wrong with me? I left my must-have travel pillow — not once, but twice. My recovery…
Agent Calls Lender Without Client Approval. Is This Unethical?
Dear Monty: My wife and I are currently looking for homes with an agent. We have received preapproval letters from three lenders and are still deciding which way we will go. Upon providing our agent with our preapproval letters (all for the same amount and similar interest rates), the agent called our potential lenders and…
A Case for Raised Bed Gardening
Necessity is the mother of affection. That’s the executive summary of my journey from disdain to delight about gardening in raised beds. Now the bottom line: Raised beds are better. More vegetables and flowers, less strenuous, more robust all around. The beds look nicer, too. Hardscrabble, puny ground led me to this epiphany. The 27-acre…
How to Save Money on Groceries
Feeding a family is complicated enough without worrying about the cost of groceries. But here we are in a world where food costs continue to soar. If you’re feeling a particularly sharp pinch at the supermarket, you’re not alone. Inflation and continued supply chain issues are impacting consumers around the globe. Luckily, there are plenty…
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