Sometimes, there’s nothing better than splashing in your backyard pool, sipping lemonade and enjoying the sunshine. And by landscaping around the pool, you have the potential to enhance or completely transform the atmosphere into something that’s even more welcoming and beautiful. Whether you add a protective fence or plant decorative shrubs, there are many pool...
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Having virtually no yard maintenance is one appealing benefit of apartment living. But while this lifestyle is convenient, you may find yourself wanting a little more greenery in your home. Bringing the outdoors in is an easy way to enliven your apartment. Even small spaces have room for a bit of nature, and adding a...
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The best bargain shoppers know that timing is everything. Different products follow different cycles of pricing, depending on everything from holidays to weather to annual trade shows. Check out our month-by-month suggestions for the best deals and steals.
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There are numerous apps that give you control of your home no matter where you are. Discover home automation technology designed to make your life easier.
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Hosting a party is a great way to celebrate special occasions like birthdays, holidays and promotions. However, it can get expensive if you don’t set a budget and stick to it. With a thoughtful plan, you can throw a memorable party on a budget. Use these tips to know how to plan a party without...
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Building a fire pit can be as simple as circling stones in your backyard or as complex as a professionally built unit on your patio. Whichever way you choose to go, be sure to keep these fire pit safety tips in mind. Preparing your outdoor fire pit Make sure the ground or surface is even...
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Get out your gardening tools and stock up on seeds. Growing your own food provides fresh ingredients for your meals, but you’ll soon see other benefits of home gardens that you may not have expected. Here are six ways to make the most of growing your own vegetables: 1. Control your crops Growing your own...
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Are you looking for a romantic getaway? If it’s time for you and your partner to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, take a look at this list of 10 picture-perfect vacation ideas for couples. See the descriptions below the slides for a complete list of couple-friendly locations. Bora Bora Bora Bora offers...
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Making big decisions about where and how you live isn’t always easy. Your space needs to meet your needs and remain comfortable for you for the unforeseeable future. However, you may find yourself having too much space — and it isn’t comfortable or convenient. In fact, 60% of Americans living in a 2,000-square-foot home said...
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If you’re looking for ways to save money, learning how to reuse household items is a good place to start. These eight common items can work double-duty, stretching their usefulness and your dollar. 1. Cereal bags When you finish your favorite breakfast cereal, keep the plastic bag and reuse it like wax paper to separate...
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It’s easy to overlook your auto weather stripping, the pieces of rubber and soft plastic that help seal the insides of vehicles and make closing the door quieter. Car weather stripping seals gaps and helps to keep dirt, wind, rain and snow out. But with time the stripping can crack and split. You can usually...
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A plate of cookies can go a long way. “Getting to know people is a peacemaking strategy,” says Laura Jeffords, an Asheville, N.C. community mediator who is on the board of the National Association for Community Mediation (NAFCM). Starting off as a friendly neighbor Making friendly overtures to newcomers sets the tone for your own...
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Sheds need not be mere storage space for garden tools and bicycles. They can be an extension of the homeowner’s living space. In the right hands, 120 square feet will never look so good or add so much. “A shed is that vacant space outside your house that can be used for pretty much anything,...
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Raleigh, the tidy, oak-studded capital of North Carolina, is on the Piedmont plateau in the north-central part of the state, between the Appalachians and the Atlantic Coast – the prosperous heart of the state. It is one of the three cities comprising the zone that’s known as the Research Triangle, a name referring to the...
Read more about Touring Raleigh’s Triangle and Beyond, Where Old South Meets Cutting Edge
More people are paying attention to what goes into their food, even their healthy vegetables. They see the advantage of buying food that is locally grown because it tastes better, picked at the best moment of flavor. So what could be more local than growing your favorite vegetables on your sunny porch? If you don’t...
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