Several years ago, my son gave me the bounty from the two fruit trees that pretty much rule his backyard. My Mother’s Day gift of Meyer lemons weighed in at 124 pounds. I know, lucky me! I had to figure out ways to use, share and preserve lemons in a big hurry. I juiced, cooked…
Would Love to Get a Dog but Don’t Like the Shedding? Here Are Some Breeds That Don’t Shed
Adding a new dog or puppy to your family can be exciting and fun, especially if it’s your first pet. Many new owners know that dogs require a lot of care and maintenance from getting shots and finding the right food. However, it can get tiresome and frustrating to constantly clean up dog hair from…
Stunning Condo in Chicago’s Near North Side Offers It All
If traditional elegance and livability in the heart of Chicago are your desires, consider this amazing Gold Coast condo offered at just under $2.2 million. The 4,000-square-foot luxury condo in one of the city’s most elegant low-rise buildings is a perfect refinement of iconic 1920s style. The entrance foyer adjoins the apartment’s massive living room…
Foxglove Plants Toxic to Pets
Q: I planted foxgloves because I love their spikes of colorful, speckled, bell-shaped flowers. My cat Stormy is walking through them, rubbing her face on them. Should I worry about this? A: If she only walks through your foxgloves and doesn’t chew on them, she should be fine. But watch her closely to be sure…
Paint Like a Pro: Better Painting Techniques Ensure Better Results
Although it may seem superficial, a new coat of paint has transformative powers. Inside the home, light colors make a room seem bigger, bright colors make a room energized and welcoming, and pastels soothe. Years of stains, dings, and general wear and tear are completely gone at the touch of a brush or roller. Outside,…
Hydrangea Pruning
Q: I have several hydrangeas in my yard. When is the best time to prune them? A: I am glad you asked as this is National Hydrangea Week. There are several species of hydrangeas, and it does make a difference as to when you prune them. Woody plants have old and new wood. New wood…
6 Things Almost Everyone Has Trouble Decluttering
Somewhere along the way, we all got the impression that decluttering our homes should be easy. If you don’t need something, you simply … let it go — right? That is much easier said than done, especially when it comes to items that tug at your heartstrings like photographs and letters. Still, chances are there…
Fluffy Salt Crystals Are Not Mold
I routinely presume that people know all about efflorescence, but in fact many don’t understand it at all. I’m referring to the fluffy white deposits you might find on your concrete floors, brick walls or basement walls. It’s harmless salt, but people often mistake it for mold. A few years ago, in early spring, I…
Manufactured Stone Is Attractive and Durable
Dear James: My house now has siding, but some of it is deteriorating. I would like to replace those spots with manufactured stone accents. Is this a reasonable project? — Tim D. Dear Tim: This definitely can be done by an experienced do-it-yourselfer. Plan to use the stone for just accents, so you may still…
Why You Should Never Be Late Paying Your Rent
Some days, my email inbox fills me with joy. And then there are the days that a message nearly breaks my heart. That was the case when I opened this letter from one of my dear readers who lives in Missouri. Dear Mary: In one of your columns (“What To Do When You Can’t Pay…
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