How Solar Water Heaters Can Save Your Household Money

A solar home: for most people, this idea conjures images of rooftop photovoltaic (PV) panels steadily yielding electricity to power their computer, their TV or maybe even an electric car. Though were you aware that there is another type of solar that can help save money, even in the shower? A solar water heater is […]

There Goes the Neighborhood: Do You Trust the Folks Next Door?

Every now and then, we call on our neighbors for favors. That’s what they’re there for, right? These one-off requests rarely take a turn for The ‘Burbs—and we always pardon the elderly neighbor-turned-pet sitter for peeking through our mail. (I’m looking at you, Mrs. Schmidt.) Turns out, a lot of us don’t trust our neighbors —and it’s for reasons […]

10 Tips for Taking Care of Wood Furniture

Quality wood furniture can last a lifetime and is often a treasured heirloom, passed down through multiple generations. Still, even the highest quality wood is susceptible to scratches and abrasions if not properly cared for. When purchasing furniture, it’s always a good idea to ask for specific cleaning and care instructions. For furnishings already in […]

How to Choose the Right Vertical Blinds for Your Home

After making the decision to use vertical window blinds in their homes, many people are surprised to learn that the decisions don’t end there. There are plenty of different options to choose from and choosing the right ones for your home is imperative. Fortunately, asking yourself a few simple questions can help you determine what […]

Commit to Living a Greener, More Sustainable Life this Earth Day

With more than 1 billion people participating in Earth Day activities each year, it’s hard to fathom what we all did on April 22 prior to 1970—the year Senator Gaylord Nelson put into motion a movement that continues to motivate people into action when it comes to caring for—and protecting—our environment. Whether you’re a preservationist, or activist—or somewhere […]

Rethinking Your Landscape: Lush Lawns Offer More than Just a Pretty Face

With summer quickly approaching, homeowners and renters alike are doing everything they can to prepare their lawns for family-friendly soccer games, neighborhood cookouts, evenings gathered around the fire pit roasting marshmallows and nights spent sleeping under the stars. While a lush, healthy lawn will certainly go a long way toward making your neighbors jealous, the […]

The Gender Pay Gap: 3 Reasons Women Earn Less than Men

(TNS)–Tuesday was Equal Pay Day, which was invented by an activist group two decades ago to draw attention to the wage divide between men and women. The day comes in April, roughly marking how many extra months women would have to work into the new year to make what men made the year the year […]

DIY Garden Beds the Whole Family Can Help With

What’s a surefire way to get kids to eat their vegetables? Heap their plates with homegrown bounty plucked right from the backyard. Gardening as a family gives children an appreciation for the work behind the food on the table, an understanding of basic ecology, and a chance to help parents outside. Meanwhile, for us adults, […]

3 Savings Mistakes Even Smart People Make

(TNS)—Do you always tell yourself that you’ll start saving more money, but you never actually get around to it? If that describes you, you’re probably making these three savings mistakes even smart people make. Not Paying Yourself First Let’s begin by accepting two facts. Fact one: You spend all your money every month, and have […]

Home Security Tips for Condo Owners

While living in a condo or apartment building may have certain security advantages over a traditional house, there are still several important home security tips that owners and renters should keep top of mind. Weiser, manufacturers of innovative, high quality and secure door locksets, recommend simple, common sense security when it comes to keeping your […]