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Around the House 2012
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The spring to-do list can include a garden journal

Try something new this season by starting a garden journal. Use it to keep track of chores, wildlife, planting times and harvests. There's always work to be done. A journal keeps you organized and becomes a reference you will go to again and again.

Don’t flush dollars (and unnecessary water) down the commode

Commodes are not a common social gathering topic, but they should not be overlooked when it comes to discussions about ways to save energy and dollars while thinking green.

Creatively constructing curb appeal

Do you smile when you pull into your driveway at the sight of the pleasing, inviting place your home appears to be? Or do you frown and have a vague sense of dissatisfaction with the sight that greets you? Take these steps to enhance the curb appeal of your home.

Rainy days won’t be an issue with properly installed and cleaned gutters and downspouts

Spring and summer can bring torrential downpours that can wreak havoc on the unprepared homeowner's gutter and downspout system. Take steps now to be prepared.

Up on the housetop: Attic insulation and ventilation important for reduced cooling and heating costs

Summer is rapidly approaching, and homeowners will want to look at their attic insulation and ventilation systems in order to save on cooling costs, as well as maximizing careful use of resources for a greener environment.

Using color to define a space

Paint can change the look of a room without spending a fortune. One of the easiest ways to redecorate is to add a new color or two to walls, floors and ceilings with modern paints that are better for the environment and easy to clean up. The only decision is what color to choose.

Even beneficial insects are pests indoors

Keeping insects, even beneficial ones, out of homes can be done safely and without pesticides in most cases. Eliminating the small cracks in siding and holes in window and door screens can prevent them from entering, but removing the items that are attracting them can be the key to a pest-free...

Getting rid of the carpet ‘nasties’

Carpet can be plush and lovely underfoot, but do you know what is lurking there? Use a few simple, healthy tips to get your carpet clean and keep it that way.

No worries when we stay within a budget for home improvement projects

Home improvement projects don't have to put us into debt. Set a plan and stick to it. Staying within a budget takes honesty and willpower but it results in a nicer space to call home.

Local vs. big box when it comes to home improvement

Choosing to shop at locally owned family businesses when you are ready to begin your improvement project will stimulate the local economy, reduce pollution and make your community a better place to live.

The perfect picnic

Welcome spring with a picnic. Take along your favorite sandwiches or salads and enjoy a meal in a new setting with someone you care about. Listen to music or perhaps just the birds and take in some sunshine.

Plants used as ground cover remain affordable and easy to care for

Ground cover can be an alternative to turf or the solution to landscaping woes in hard to plant areas. Easy to care for and available in varieties that will do well in sun or shade, groundcovers might be the answer you are looking for.

Phantom load is costly and preventable

The high cost of energy can be even higher when we leave appliances and electronic devices plugged in when not in use. Phantom load is when power is consumed even when the device is turned off. Reducing or eliminating phantom load is easy and sometimes free.

Warm weather, cool drinks

Warm weather begs for cool drinks. Why opt for canned soda or bottled sports drinks when you can customize a beverage using fruits and vegetables that celebrate the season.

Hit the deck this spring

With spring comes more time spent outdoors. The deck can be the perfect place to enjoy the warmer weather. Customized to meet the needs of your family, the deck will be everyone's favorite room this season.

Hung out to dry

The sight of freshly laundered linens blowing in the breeze has a timeless appeal. Much more than being picturesque, hanging out the laundry can save a great deal of money as well as positively impacting the environment.


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