Category: HOME

Retired Military Dog Gets Forever Loving Home With Former Handler After Near-Fatal Incident

A military dog who formed an inseparable bond with one of his handlers during deployment in South Korea has been adopted by the airman after a near-death experience. The pair had a joyful reunion in New Mexico after being separated for eight months. On July 12, military working dog Akim was reunited with Senior Airman…


Here’s a Tip: The Fine Line Between Over-Tipping and Cheapskate

Tipping is important; waiters count on their tips to survive, or perhaps your plumber went above and beyond without charging you extra. But do you need to tip everyone you come into contact with? The short answer is no. Sit-Down Dining One legend says that the term tip—“to ensure promptness”—began as a box that was…


You Need an Income of Over $220K to Buy a Home in Toronto, Vancouver, New Data Shows

You’ll need to be making more than $220,000 to buy a home in Toronto and Vancouver with a 20 percent down payment, according to new data from Ratehub.ca. While home prices have been going down in cities like Toronto, Vancouver, Winnipeg, Ottawa and Hamilton, the income required to purchase a home in these markets still…


Add Wooden Brackets as Decor

To add personality to a plain vanilla room consider installing two corbels, or wooden brackets to frame a doorway or opening to add interest and appeal. In an older home the bracket may be ornate as part of an architectural feature of the room, and usually painted or finished like the woodwork. They’re often sold…


Do It Yourself: Lay Vinyl Sheet Flooring

A seamless vinyl floor in a room can create a stunning backdrop for furnishings, whether installed a kitchen, bathroom or any living space. And the choices of colors, patterns and designs has never been greater, many mimicking materials like stone, quartz and planks of embossed wood in small to large formats. The new designs are…


What Should I Ask Driveway Installers?

By Paul F. P. Pogue From Ask Angi A new driveway is a fantastic way to spruce up your exterior and add more useful space for your vehicles. But not all driveways are created equal, so you want your installer to do the best job possible. Concrete and asphalt driveways bring different pros and cons,…


Best of Treasures: Miniature Painting May Have Belonged to Prominent Philanthropist

By Helaine Fendelman and Joe Rosson From Tribune News Service Dear Helaine and Joe: I purchased this miniature painting at a local St. Vincent de Paul thrift store for a penny. I love it and hope you can tell me more about its history. Thank you, A. R. Dear A. R.: A penny for our…


Adopting Rescue Dogs

There are endless benefits to adopting rescue dogs. When you adopt shelter dogs, you’re providing a loving home for an animal in need, freeing up space at the shelter for another animal, and you’re saving a life. You’re also beginning a loving relationship with a dog who will undoubtedly provide you with unconditional love for…


Nothing That Special About Age 70

I wrote a recent column in which I pointed out that waiting until 70 to start your Social Security, which is the mantra of almost everyone who is trying to “maximize” their retirement benefit, is not always the smartest move. But still many people insist on waiting until that alleged magic age to draw their…


You Need an Insurance Checkup

From regular oil changes to changing furnace filters and annual trips to the dentist, smart consumers know that preventive maintenance can avoid costly repairs down the road. Insurance is another item that needs to go on your routine maintenance list. Here’s the challenge: No one wants to think about insurance unless forced to. But at…