Lifestyle Trends

Can smarter closets smooth school days?

Experts say children with good organizational skills do better in school. Performing activities such as sorting and classifying when children are pre-school-age and older can help them acquire organizational skills. It may even help to build self-confidence and self-control, too. What better way to teach kids organization than by starting with their own clothes and toys? Read More

Answers to five common questions about the water in your home

Do you take clean water for granted? As one of the basic necessities of life, you are constantly consuming water. Whether you are drinking it, cleaning with it or using it in your home appliances, the quality of your water affects your life. Read More

Tips for quick and easy wallpaper removal

The lilac print wallpaper in your bedroom may not be your style. And if your house is on the market, that lilac print wallpaper is probably not your prospective buyer's style either. Removing wallpaper is easier than you may think and it has a big impact on a home's appearance. In fact, removing aging, sagging wallpaper is one of the least expensive ways to improve a home's resale value and shorten its time on the market, according to a survey of real estate appraisers. Read More

Back-to-basics home improvements can help lower taxes

While small things help, it's the big steps consumers take to improve their home's energy efficiency that truly make a difference. Here are a few things you can do to make your house more energy efficient this winter. Read More

Create a playful kid zone on a budget

Nothing better sums up kids' personalities than their favorite spaces: their bedrooms or playrooms. And in today's design-conscious society, there's no limiting the ways you can create inviting, kid-friendly spaces that reflect your children's personal tastes while encouraging imaginative play and creativity. Read More

Three tips to make your utility meter run backward

(ARA) - What would you do with an extra $2,200 per year? That is the annual energy bill for a typical American home, according to the U.S. Dept. of Energy (DOE). Dramatically reducing that cost, or even selling power back to the utility company, could mean having enough money for a vacation, a down payment on a car or a boost to your child's college savings. Read More

What you need to know about protecting your ash trees

Virtually all of the 7 billion ash trees in the United States are at risk for infestation by the emerald ash borer, also known as EAB. You can save your ash trees by acting now and starting a prevention program. Read More

Ten simple ways to make your home safe for every generation who lives in it

Most of us start life depending on our parents to take care of us. But as they age, chances are the roles will reverse. And, whether you provide additional help in their own homes - or move aging parents into your home - how do you prepare to meet the new needs of aging adults? Read More

Fall ceramic tile trends go bold and beautiful

Home renovation and building go on year-round, but as with any design statement, each season brings new looks and trends. This autumn's trends share a flare for boldness and innovation. Here are the hot trends to watch in ceramic tile this season. Read More

Five innovations to make your home more energy-efficient this winter

Old Man Winter brings a variety of gifts for us each year - cold winds, snow and, of course, higher energy bills. You can't control the cold and the snow, but you do have a little control over how much energy you will use this winter. With today's technological advances, it has never been easier to lessen your impact on the power grid and reduce your heating bills. Read More