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...
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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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When it comes to owning a personal watercraft, or PWC, there’s a lot to consider. First, you have to learn the skills, and then invest in the right safety equipment. But what about keeping your PWC running smoothly? Like any other vehicle, a personal watercraft needs regular maintenance and upkeep. Review this guide to get...
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After moving into a new home, it’s going to hit you: The rooms won’t decorate themselves. While the idea of spending more money makes your stomach churn, it is possible to furnish on a budget. Here are some less expensive ideas from Better Home and Gardens to get your ideal interior. Garage sales galore One...
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Do your allergies flare up when you switch on your central air or heat? You’re not alone. Turning on the air conditioning or furnace when the weather changes stirs up all kinds of allergens, and circulates them throughout the house. Take a look at what may be lurking in your vents, and learn what you can do to clean up the air in your home.
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