Before frost flings its crystal cloak over your gardens, prepare your soil and perennial plants for a long winter slumber. You will be rewarded with herb, fruit and vegetable patches that burst back to life in the spring.   Promote healthy growth Start by removing any leaves that are affected by fungus or mildew. White, powdery mildew often develops on the leaves of squash plants causing them to die prematurely. Remove any affected leaves and put them in a garbage bag, rather than in your compost. This reduc... read more

Imagine walking into a room that contains a rectangular couch, rectangular end tables, rectangular artwork, and square-backed chairs. Now, imagine a different room that includes a curved couch, a round coffee table, and a wavy, pendant light fixture. You likely feel more comfortable in the second space, and science would back up that perception.  Researchers have found there is higher activity in the brain when people are in a room containing curvy items versus a room with sharp-edged or pointy objects (Inver... read more

Achieving that perfect display home condition is not really as overwhelming as it sounds. Some sellers use professional "fluffers" to improve their home's appearance and sale price. Talented fluffers are masters of illusion. They have large storehouses of furniture and accessories or rental arrangements with various stores. After evaluating your home, they may decide to swap your old sofa for one that will make buyers take a second look at the room. After the house is sold the loaner sofa goes back to the store. Th... read more

Frozen water pipes, floods, fire, infestations, theft, roof damage, and injuries on snowy sidewalks are some of the unfortunate incidents that can take place when a home is left unoccupied during the winter. Snowbirds may return from their sunny holidays to discover thousands of dollars in damages and liabilities. Safeguard your home and belongings by taking precautions before you leave. Insurance Insurers typically require that you have someone check on your home every four to seven days while you are away. If t... read more