Category: HOME

Readers Share Creative Solutions for Chains, Stains, Sprains and More

I call it my mailbag, but in truth its my email inbox and lately, it’s been loading up with creative tips from you, my clever readers! Creative Gifting My teenage grandchildren don’t want “stuff” anymore — they want cash! And I understand; being a teenager can be expensive. But I don’t want to just hand…


Wire Shelves Are Strong and Reasonably Priced

Dear James: We have many closets in our new house, but they are already a mess and full. Are wire shelving kits good, and are they easy to install? — Denise S. Dear Denise: Builders often just install a typical standard closet storage system which consists of a horizontal hanger rod with a single plank…


Year-Round Harvest: Tips and Secrets of an Indoor Garden

An indoor garden allows apartment dwellers or those with a small yard or imperfect climate to enjoy fresh fruit and vegetables year-round. It gives you fresh herbs and veggies ripe for the picking, ready to add vibrancy to the most basic recipes or as a snack right off the plant. Whether you want to garden…


13 New Uses for an Old Credit Card

Before you cut up an expired credit card — or toss that silly fake one you got as junk mail — consider all the great things you can do with it! 1. Bookmark. It’ll keep your place and act as a handy straightedge for underlining or highlighting. 2. Glass scraper. A credit card is just…


The Pros and Cons of a Home Sale Contingency

Dear Monty: Our home just went up for sale 10 days ago. We have had two showings. We just received an offer for our asking price, which is acceptable. We are hesitating because the buyer has a home to sell. We asked our agent about the buyer’s home, but the offer came from another company….


What Home Services Can I Buy as Gifts?

By Brigitta Shannon Rose From Ask Angi Holidays mean family, friends, food and gift-giving. If you’re looking to give unique presents this year, consider buying your loved ones things they can use in their homes. Here are 12 great gift suggestions for homeowners this year. Contact your pro for the best way to give a…


Another Choice to Consider When Installing Multiple Water Filters

By Ed Del Grande From Tribune News Service Q: Ed: For cooking and drinking water we have a water filter at our kitchen faucet and a second filter on our refrigerator ice maker line. I would like to add a third filter for showering, Do they make water filters for showerheads? — Tony, Massachusetts A:…


Best of Treasures: Platter Has Colorful History

By Helaine Fendelman and Joe Rosson From Tribune News Service Greetings: I would appreciate any information you might have on this colorful cow platter and its value. The marks on the back are not very good or distinguishable — it looks like a crown and a blue stamp. There are some impressed letters that appear…


Brighten up Your Space With a Citrus Color Palette

By Cathy Hobbs From Tribune News Service Citrus colors are bright, friendly and gender-neutral. They are also often the perfect way to add pops of color to neutral spaces. From lemon and lime to orange and their various tints, tones and shades, when looking for ways to perk up your decor, citrus colors may be…


What Projects Can I Do This Winter?

By Paul F. P. Pogue From Ask Angi The colder months after the holidays, especially January and February, will be here before you know it. These tend to be times when we put a lot of home maintenance out of mind. But winter can be an excellent time for home renovations. Pros are less busy,…