When I was growing up, life was about gain, gain, gain. People wanted to fill their houses with objects they didn’t really need, as outward evidence of their financial well-being. Nowadays, though, with the current trend for de-cluttering and simplifying, it seems to be that he who has the least, wins. Emotional and psychological well-being has...
Slipcovers have a long and venerable history. Their origin dates back to Medieval Europe when furniture-making wasn’t the craft it is today. Wealthy families who could afford wooden stools and chairs made them more comfortable by adding cushions. They also realized that covering their furniture with fabric added a bit of color that livened up their...
I don’t buy clothes or shoes often. When I do, however, I want to ensure that my hard-earned money does not go to waste, so I take care of my clothes and accessories. Some of the tools I use to keep my clothing, shoes, and accessories at their best are: Clothes Steamer I hate to iron....
Everyone talks about saving the environment through renewable energy, but what exactly does that mean, and how will the shift be made? Changing over to renewable sources is, of course, something that is already happening throughout the world, and in some places the transformation has been an ongoing process that started many years ago out of...
Knowing what’s hot and what’s trendy in interior design is easy. Cable television offers subscribers channels like HGTV and Discovery Home, which provide plenty of “how to” decorating shows. The Internet also gives the non-professional access to numerous web sites that offer tips and resources that will make your home look as though you had it done by a...
As the weather turns colder, many homeowners rely on fireplaces to keep a family room warm and comfortable. However, improperly using your fireplace can make your home vulnerable to a fire. The leading cause for these types of house fires is a buildup of creosote in the chimney. Creosote is a byproduct of the burning process....
You’re tired of looking at those drab walls, and you really want to make a change. The easiest way to do that is to paint — or is it? Painting means making decisions and assembling equipment, all of which can seem a little overwhelming. The reality is that with a little planning, and some insider expertise,...
Whether you are a senior, a person living with limited mobility, or someone who is simply having a clumsy day, the bathroom is an area of high risk, packed with potential accidents just waiting to happen. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that over 230,000 people are annually injured in this very...
