Online Features
Home Improvement
Save money and help the environment by checking on your water quality
Nearly 90 percent of American homes have hard water - water containing high levels of calcium and magnesium, according to The U.S. Geological Survey. If your shampoo and soap don't lather up like they should, if you see scaling on your pipes and showerheads or if you have nasty brown rings in your sinks and toilets, your...
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Look up to spectacular ceilings in a basement remodel
Finishing a basement is an ideal way to expand your living space without expanding your house. Since your basement already has the basics of a room in place - walls, floor, ceiling - it doesn't take a lot of time, effort or money to turn that generally unused space into something functional and enjoyable for your family.
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Three things to consider before purchasing your first home
Buying your first home will likely be one of the most exciting and scary times of your life. Beyond the basic considerations - location, number of bathrooms, ranch style vs. multilevel - there are a number of important financial factors to determine before deciding which house is right for you.
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Think of lighting as art for your home
Lighting is possibly the most powerful tool you have when it comes to interior design. It does not make sense to invest in beautiful furniture, rugs, paintings and accessories if they are in the dark. The perfect light fixture not only illuminates a space - it is also a beautiful, decorative design element.
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Gift ideas for the handyman
For some families, the local handyman never gets a call because the right man for the job is already at home ready to tackle do-it-yourself (DIY) projects. Show him that his hard work around the house has not gone unnoticed. Whether it's for Father's Day, or any other occasion throughout the year, here are a few gift ide...
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Escape from reality by creating at-home retreats
Life is hectic. And although technology has made our lives easier to multitask and stay connected, it also means that no matter where you go, it's hard to fully escape. While traveling to a remote island to get away for peace and relaxation would be a wonderful retreat, you can easily avoid the hustle and bustle of your ...
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Decorative painting: How to transform a room with a few simple strokes
Paint can do more than change the color of a room - it can add texture, pattern and visual interest. Today's decorative painting techniques are simple and sophisticated alternatives to wallpaper, and a far cry from the dated sponge painting from years past. Whether you're a painting pro or a DIY beginner, here's how you ...
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How to make sure your indoor air is healthy
As soon as the temperatures warm up, you open up the doors and windows and let the "fresh" air in. Many people go on a cleaning spree, vacuuming, dusting and getting rid of all the dust bunnies hiding under furniture. With a fresh, clean house, you assume you'll be breathing much easier. Think again. Here's what every ho...
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Choosing the right mower for you
As the weather continues to warm, it's time to get back outside and start working in the yard again. If your mower is on its last leg, it may be time to invest in a new one, and now is the perfect time to research which unit is right for you.
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Easy lawn and garden tips for summer
Having a beautiful lawn and garden doesn't mean the work has to be difficult or complicated. With a little planning and the right tools, you'll spend less time working and more time hosting cookouts, lounging in the sun and watching the kids play in the backyard. Here are some top lawn and garden tips that keep work easy.
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By David Schwartz PHOENIX (Reuters) - The foreman of an Arizona jury that deadlocked over whether Jodi Arias should be put to death for murdering her ex-boyfriend believes she was mentally abused, but said on Friday that had not been enough to excuse her crime. Arias, a former waitress from California, was found guilty this month of murdering Travis Alexander, whose body was found slumped in the shower of his Phoenix-area home in June 2008. He had been stabbed 27 times, had his throat slashed and been shot in the face. ...
By Joanne von Alroth SPRINGFIELD, Illinois (Reuters) - The Illinois House of Representatives on Friday voted overwhelmingly to allow residents to carry concealed guns, taking the state one step closer to joining all others in allowing some form of carrying guns in public. Illinois is the only state in the nation to ban most people from carrying a concealed gun outside the home. Lawmakers acted on Friday after a federal appeals court in January struck down the ban, saying it violated the right to bear arms enshrined in the U.S. Constitution. ...