Water bills, energy bills, cell phone bills — oh my! Here’s how to cut costs on each and every one. Cut Overall Energy Costs Ask your utility company for a free energy audit. A representative will come to your house and explain what you need to do to make your home more energy efficient. You can…
Here’s why the simple step of trimming a candle’s wick before lighting will help you maximize the life of your candles. The winter holidays could also be called the candle holidays. About one-third of all candle sales (which, in the U.S., total about $3 billion annually) occur during Christmastime, according to the National Candle Association. That means $1…
It’s a series of feelings familiar to more than one new homeowner: joy, freedom, pride….and a growing sense of impending doom. First time homeowners are often overwhelmed with the new freedoms and responsibilities that come with owning a property. Suddenly there are so many things to worry about that weren’t your concern while you were…
Are Air Conditioner Unit Covers Worth It? Your air conditioner is your friend. It keeps your home from becoming a sweltering jungle during summer, cools your bedroom so you can sleep better, and likely costs as much as your first car. Despite refrigerated air being a relatively new invention, few of us can imagine living…
Let’s talk about late-season tasks to wrap up the gardening season and set you on the right path for a successful spring. If you live where there are four distinct seasons, you can feel it in your bones when the growing season nears its end and it’s time to wind things down in your landscape. Even if…
Wood floors are gorgeous — and easy to ruin. Avoid these damaging mistakes and find out what you really need to keep your wood floors in tip-top shape. Stop Before You Mop! Wood floors are the crowning glory of any home. They’re beautiful, shiny and rich in hue and character. As gorgeous as they…
From composting to mulching to decorating your home, or just having some backyard fun, you can do a lot with a pile of leaves. Jump in Them Let’s just start with the most obvious, fun thing you can do with a pile of leaves. Jump in them! This classic childhood activity is sure to get any youngsters…
A home renovation project can increase the value of your home, but it can quickly spiral out-of-control if you’re not careful. Here are 12 things to keep in mind when determining your home renovation budget. Have a Plan Having a plan, and sticking to it as much as possible, is one of the most important…
One of the most stressful aspects of moving is packing. When considering how to pack for a move, a smart approach is first to gather the moving supplies you’ll need and then systematically go room-by-room until the job is done. Follow the checklist for moving to make the process more manageable and creates less stress.…
These 11 Instagrammers will inspire you and make sure you’re up on the latest home décor trends. @em_henderson Emily Henderson is a TV personality and founder of a daily style blog. Her Instagram page features eye-catching decor styles for every room, including this living room shot from photographer Mike Kelley which highlights flea market finds. “When you’re on…