By Cathy Hobbs From Tribune News Service Bookcases, especially those that are built-in, are often viewed as a decorating challenge. From functional uses to display purposes, if dressed and styled properly, bookcases can serve as a highlight or focal point in a space. Looking for bookcase design inspiration? Here are some top tips. 1. Create…
Save Big Money on Exterior House Projects by Doing Them Yourself
The volume of incoming requests I receive from DIYers at the Ask Tim page of AsktheBuilder.com is rising faster than the Fed can hike interest rates to tame the raging inflation. With the prices of necessities such as fuel and food taking larger bites out of family budgets, there’s often scant money left over to…
For the Inner Count or Countess—Castle of Ostemerée
Wrapped in a lush 50-acre garden park in the heart of Belgium, the Castle of Ostemerée enjoys an all-encompassing view over a stunning valley, magnificent ponds, and mature woods. It’s the sort of place a count or a baroness might live. In fact, this magnificent chateau has been the home of famous financiers, counts, and…
Superior Sprouting: Seed Germination Essentials, Tips, and Tricks
Growing plants from seeds is budget-friendly, allows you to select from more varieties than just those available at the local garden center, and lets you get a jump on the growing season. By following a few simple rules, you’ll significantly improve your germination rate—starting with quality, fresh seeds. While many people save leftover seeds from…
Would You Put a Teenager in Charge of the Family Vacation Budget?
One of the most memorable letters I’ve received in my writing career came from a mother, reporting on how she and her husband took a big financial leap of faith with their daughter — a move that paid off big. Dear Mary: I wanted to tell you the secret of sticking to a budget on…
Design Recipes: The Beauty of Brown
By Cathy Hobbs From Tribune News Service Like black, the color brown is neutral, blends well with other colors and adds a sense of luxury. For many, brown is a wonderful and soothing alternative to black while viewed as not as harsh. The beauty of brown is it adds warmth to nearly any space without…
Excessive Sun Exposure Causes Sunburn and Skin Cancer in Dogs
Q: I recently adopted Rosie, a greyhound who is mostly white. Earlier this summer, she was out in the sun too long and got sunburned. When we go on vacation together later this summer, I’ll try to keep her inside as much as possible between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., but I’m worried about sunburn….
Board-and-Batten Fence Is a Simple Project
Dear James: We have a new unpleasant neighbor, so we want to build a low-cost board style of fencing ourselves. What is a good design to build to block the view? — Angie M. Dear Angie: As they say, “Good fences make for good neighbors.” Your choice of a board-type fence is good for several…
Versatile Bathroom Sink Does Double Duty
By Ed Del Grande From Tribune News Service Q: Hi Ed: We’re adding a small master bathroom and I’m looking for something besides a vanity sink setup. I want open space under the sink but would also like it to be usable open space for storage. Do they make such a bathroom sink? — Jodie,…
Best of Treasures: Glass Vessels Likely From Former Bohemia
By Helaine Fendelman and Joe Rosson From Tribune News Service Dear Helaine and Joe: My parents purchased these hurricane lamps possibly around 1950. In a note they said they had been made in occupied Germany. Might they have any value in today’s marketplace? Thank you, B. S. Dear B. S.: We have several problems with…
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