Old wood siding, fast becoming a dinosaur in new construction, regularly needs the protection of a new coat of paint, so I bought a Xboost Turbine Wagner sprayer (more power, less time) realizing I do not have to be fancy…
We know how to connect our computers and smartphones, now we can connect clocks, speakers, lights, door bells, cameras, windows, window blinds, hot water heaters, appliances, cooking utensils, you name it. And what if those devices could all communicate, send you information,…
This time of the year, is a good time to paint the interior of your home, not too hot to leave your window open. In a world where thousands of colors of paint can be yours for just $25 a…
Here are some ideas to consider before installing an island in your kitchen. A kitchen with an island should have at least 42 inches of clearance on each side of the island. Why so much? It is meant to be a work…
Farm Credit Services of America Updates Benchmark Farm Values for First Half of 2018 in the grain belt states served by Farm Credit Services of America (FCSAmerica) appear to have adjusted to a new normal. Even with seasonal fluctuations, farmland…
Window Boxes Putting up exterior window treatments such as shutters and window boxes can beautify your home while adding some practical benefits. On top of curb appeal (both through flowers and paint colors), awnings and closable shutters can help keep…
Focal points in a garden design to draw and direct the eye. Think of a garden or your backyard, large or small, that was just a swath of plants. Your eye sweeps along, not knowing where to land. A sense…
A gazebos are freestanding, open garden structure, sometimes hexagonal or octagonal in shape, with a roof. Most gazebos are constructed of wood or metal and have built-in seating inside the sheltered area. To add a sense of enclosure and privacy, latticework or…
Window Boxes Putting up exterior window treatments such as shutters and window boxes can beautify your home while adding some practical benefits. On top of curb appeal (both through flowers and paint colors), awnings and closable shutters can help keep…
Fall in love with your yard again with a pergola. For homeowners, beautiful landscaping can make a significant difference. While lush plants and verdant lawns are common outdoor features, adding a structure to complement the greenery in your backyard is a popular…
Often the appearance of your home depends upon the arrangement and placement of your things. Most of the time people concentrate on the decor of their homes, but forget that arranging stuff you own in a certain manner also matter that…
One of the most important design elements in a garden is structure. It’s easy (with a little bit of work!) to add structure by adding paths and garden walkways and certainly the sidewalk coming to your front door. They give…
One in four Americans with two-car garages don’t have room to park their cars inside of them, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. The main reason? Clutter. Your garage should be much more than a place to park cars: it’s…
Zucchini is so easy to grow, and you take pride it over the limping tomatoes and insect ridden cucumbers. So, if you are like myself, you plant a lot of it! I think it will be another year of excess.…