Category: HOME

A Swedish Conversion Pushes the Envelope of Unique

In a world where even the most luxurious properties have begun to take on a kind of cookie-cutter glamour, the rare and unusual are eye-catching. This amazing residence in the heart of Sweden’s most biodiverse nature areas was once used as stables for livestock. The guest house is simple, yet well-equipped to ensure guest comfort….


Hyperthyroidism Common in Older Cats

Q: Our senior cat is hyperthyroid. How common is hyperthyroidism, and what causes it? A: Hyperthyroidism is caused by benign tumors in the two thyroid glands located in the cat’s neck. The tumors produce excessive thyroid hormone, which impacts all body systems. Feline hyperthyroidism affects more than 10% of cats over age 10 and is…


How to Trap Wasps and Other Great Reader Tips

Are you aware that your health insurance provider may be willing to cover the cost of your gym membership? Or that all you need to take care of those annoying wasps flying around your home may be as close as your food pantry? How about where and how to purchase beautiful, high-quality, name-brand men’s belts…


My Dog Bites Me When I Give Her A Treat!

Do you ever lovingly share a bite of your food with your dog, or offer her a treat for a job well done, only for her to bite your fingers? I’ve realized that there’s a few ways to stop this from happening, and that it’s only partially a training or self-control related issue. Why Small…


Lawn Pests and Fungus

Question: Lately I’m finding small clumps of lawn grass, roots and all, dug out and laying there. The clumps are only an inch or two across. At first, I thought it was a mole or gopher, but I don’t see any tunnel beyond the removed clump. I read that moles prefer areas that have a…


Valuable Tips for Every First-Time Homebuyer

Dear Monty: I live in the Washington, D.C., area, where home prices are always higher than in other parts of the country, and I hope to move closer to the city. I work as a freelancer and have about $150,000 saved up. I think I will have to get a modest condo if I buy…


This Caladium Creates a Burning Heart for Your Garden

By Norman Winter From Tribune News Service Imagine a plant so unusual and beautiful in your landscape you stare hypnotically at it every day. Go further and say, 100 days. That is precisely how I feel about Heart to Heart Burning Heart caladium, and the reason is this: It simply can’t be that color. In…


Design Recipes: Shades of Blue

By Cathy Hobbs From Tribune News Service For those looking for an alternative to black, consider blue. Whether deep and dark or light and bright, blue is a versatile choice. In many instances, you can also use blue to add richness and glamour while not overwhelming a space. Looking for interesting and innovative ways to…


6 Things to Clear out for a More Organized, Less Cluttered Bathroom

We can all recognize a beautiful bathroom, but it can be difficult to tell what actually makes the space appealing. Some folks choose to incorporate bold, bright colors into their bathrooms, with a textured mat or patterned shower curtains. With other bathrooms, neutral tones and pops of fresh greenery read as modern and elegant. Your…


Elegant Counters: How to Keep Quartz, Granite, and Marble Looking Their Best

The heart of the home is the kitchen, and the heart of the kitchen is the countertops. It’s where you cook meals and make drinks, the kids do their homework, and your friends and family hang out. If you are lucky enough to be planning a new kitchen in preparation for the upcoming family Thanksgiving…