Savvy shoppers discover unique resale items to decorate and furnish their homes
Thrift is thriving! Thats how Eric Raber, co-manager of Save and Serve thrift store in Millersburg, describes the trend toward using recycled décor. To create a whole design from thrift is wonderfully creative and fits in well with the philosophy of recycling and caring for the earths resources, added Raber, who has been managing the store for seven years. It leaves people to be...
Summertime...hit the deck
You finally decided to make the investment to build a deck. Now that you have a new outdoor space to enjoy, it is time to turn it into the room you dreamed of when it was just a stack of lumber and deck screws. While the builders were digging holes, pouring concrete and setting posts you probably had visions of sitting in a comfortable chair, reading a book and enjoying a sweet tea with the...
Landscaping on a budget is not impossible
Landscaping on a budget is not the challenging part. Landscaping on a small budget is where trouble arises. Face it, it can get expensive. There are ways to stay within a budget, even a small one and still get the landscaping you want. Set a budget Setting a budget is the first thing you need to do. When you know how much you have to spend you can tailor your purchases to fit within the...
Delicious summer drinks that are good for you
Summertime calls for healthy low calorie drinks that will keep you hydrated and refreshed. Water is best when our bodies need fluids after periods of exertion, but taste matters and water can be a little plain. Summer drinks like iced coffees and fruit smoothies sound delicious but oftentimes contain hundreds of calories when you factor in the cream and sugar. Diet sodas, though they contain no...
Keep your cool this summer without the AC
The movement of air over the skin is what keeps us cool in hot weather. We have come to rely on air conditioning in our homes and businesses to keep us cool but it comes at a cost. In the summertime, 60-70 percent of our electric bill may be for cooling costs. There are ways to reduce energy costs and still stay cool when the thermometer rises. Temperatures are typically cooler at night. This...
Keeping up the garden for food... and a place to relax
Perhaps it is the very idea of growing your own food or maybe you simply enjoy the outdoors. We all have different reasons why we garden and most of them have something to do with taste. Vegetables, herbs and fruits grown in a home garden simply taste better. Studies show homegrown food is more nutritious and that can only be a good thing, but its the taste that keeps dirt under our...
Properly installed and maintained gutters will protect your home
Water is one of the biggest enemies of your home. It can lead to expensive repairs and even destroy it if it is not redirected away from your home. Improperly functioning gutters can lead to damage of your foundation, siding, exterior paint, sidewalks, driveways, soffits, fascia and roof. When gutters are not functioning properly water can enter interior walls causing mold to grow. Unsightly...
Colors that evoke summer
Just like in fashion, trends dictate how we decorate our homes and patios each spring and summer. With more of us choosing to stay home rather than vacation, creating a space for relaxation and recreation is more important than ever. Choosing colors that complement our homes and sooth the senses can include following trends or simply deciding what you like and what makes you feel good. Now...
Delightful deck or gorgeous gazebo? Homeowners may find the choice difficult
Installing an outdoor living area, such as a deck or gazebo, can give you extra room for spring, summer, and fall. Carefully consider which options are best for you and your family before choosing between the two. Choosing to add a deck or gazebo for outdoor living space is not a decision to be taken lightly. Most likely, the new addition will be a permanent part of your backyard, so take time...