Having more meaningful relationships with friends both new and old is a great goal, and it can start with your conversations. Below are five tips for those of us frustrated with small talk.
Skip the weather. As tempting as it may be to springboard off the weather, this can lead you down the empty-conversation rabbit hole and into a twenty-minute dialogue about rain. Asking about almost anything else should yield more interesting results.
Think of base questions. So, what should you talk about,...
When it comes to major home remodeling, there is more involved than money. Your home is more than your largest investment—it’s where you and your family live. If you love your neighborhood, your school district and your commute, and you plan to stay for many years, then remodeling to improve your family’s daily life makes sense.
But unless you plan to stay for the long haul, it pays to know which renovations will add the most resale value when you sell. From the 2018 Cost vs. Value Report publ...
Looking to kick the caffeine? While a moderate amount of the buzzy stuff has been shown to have heart benefits, it’s easy to overdo it or find yourself addicted to that morning jolt. If you’re looking to slay your latte habit, consider the following tips.
Time it right. Quitting anything you’re addicted to is challenging, and coffee is no exception. Choose a time that will support your withdrawal. The Monday your big work project is due? Not the best time.
A long weekend is a great time to begi...
Looking to add some fresh, chic touches to your bathroom? Below are a few ways you can add a little oomph to your powder room.
Climbing plants. Climbing vines indoors can add a jungly, naturalistic element to your space. Some of the coolest vines for interiors are ivy, heartleaf philodendron, jasmine and betel leaf plant.
Art. Don’t be afraid to add some unique art to your bathroom! A cool painting or sculpture can make a great focus piece.
Lighting options. From an interesting lighting fixture...
Getting your house ready to put on the market can seem like a massive undertaking. From cleaning to staging, you might not know where to begin. In search of advice? Break each room into sections, and tackle the room head on with this house selling checklist.
Living Room
- Use pillows and throw blankets to soften up the room.
- Clear off the coffee table.
- Store toys out of sight.
Dining Room
Clear off the dining table—only leave the centerpiece. Remove extra chairs from the table. Set the table...
There are so many things to think about when deciding to begin a home search. How many bedrooms and bathrooms do you need? Do you want stairs or are you hoping to have everything on one level? Of course, there’s the all-important question of flooring, countertops, and light fixtures. But what else should you be thinking about—and how can you build a smarter wish list that really adds value?
What does your wish list look like?
When you start perusing listings online, you’re probably spending mos...
In your home or in your vacation cabin, a handsome stone hearth is often the gathering place for comfy family evenings. But accumulations of dirt, soot and ash can make your fireplace less efficient and ruin the lovely patina of natural stone.
You can help maintain its beauty and safety with this once-yearly facelift routine:
Clean the firebox. At least 12 hours after extinguishing the last fire, or preferablybefore lighting the first fire of the year, lay drop cloths around the fireplace area...
