Month: May 2012
Depending on the exact type of flooring that you choose and then purchase for your home environment, there are various benefits that come with each choice of flooring type. For the purposes of this short article, let us just compare the benefits of two kinds of flooring types: wood flooring and cork flooring, which are basically …
(ARA) - Water and the summer months tend to go hand-in-hand - water skiing or fishing at a lake, taking a dip in a swimming pool and watering home-grown plants with a garden hose are among the season's most popular activities. Recent summers have also ...
The number of kitchen styles and design options for homeowners to consider during the building and remodeling process is enough to make a person go crazy. Avoid feeling overwhelmed by simplifying your options. Keep an eye on trends Traditional? Transitional? Contemporary? The National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) recently surveyed more than 350 designers to identify …
(ARA) - Gathering with family and friends in the summer helps to create enjoyable memories of afternoons and evenings spent with delicious grilled foods, fun games and good socializing. Organizing these gatherings isn't difficult, and with a little pra...
(ARA) - Healthy eating is defined in many different ways, but the United States Department of Agriculture replaced the former Food Pyramid with MyPlate - creating an easy visual for everyone to enjoy healthy and balanced meals. The MyPlate graphic sho...
(ARA) - Swimsuit season is upon us, but that doesn't mean adopting yet another fad diet to shed those lingering winter pounds. In fact, according to a recent study, "Successful Weight Loss Among Obese U.S. Adults," which was released on April 10, 2012 ...
(ARA) - The kitchen and bathroom are at the top of most home remodeling project lists. But homeowners intent on remodeling should also consider investing in the exterior of their homes - maybe even start there. That's the advice of Sarah Susanka, one ...
(ARA) - From the way the charcoal briquettes are arranged to finding that perfect set of tongs, every home grilling expert has his or her secrets. For many, grilling goes beyond just a practical warm-weather cooking method and it becomes more of an art...
(ARA) - The arrival of summer has many homeowners outside planting, preparing the patio for cookouts, and taking evening strolls through the neighborhood. Often, this extended outdoor time brings on a desire to improve a home's curb appeal. But home i...
(ARA) - As temperatures climb this summer, cool down with tasty and colorful frozen treat recipes for your next backyard barbecue or pool party. Offer everyone's favorite summertime treats - ice cream, sherbet and sorbet - in unique and unexpected ways...
(ARA) - As the weather warms up, garage sales begin appearing all over the U.S. Garage sales are a great way to clean out clutter while making some extra dollars for home improvements, bills, vacations or even "retail therapy." Marcela Iannini, depa...
(ARA) - Wood is one of the oldest building materials we know, and one of the most beloved. It's a love affair that has lasted - like hardwood itself - through the centuries, from the log cabins of earliest America into the early 21st century. The stor...
(ARA) - Summer is finally here, and with warmer temperatures and longer days, it's the perfect time to brighten up your home with a few outdoor painting projects. You can add the right amount of color and increase your curb appeal in just one weekend, ...
(ARA) - Let's face it - flip-flops are mainstream, and not just because they're stylish, easy-to-wear and cooler when the weather warms. For many of us, flip-flops are the equivalent of comfort-food for the sole. Slip into those comfy, light, lovely sh...
(ARA) - Most people have experienced the shriek of a smoke alarm when cooking a meal or stepping out of a steamy shower, when there is no hazard present. The instant reaction is to find a way to silence the alarm. Unfortunately, some people may even pu...
(ARA) - Whether you are looking for a way to increase the marketability of your home, or simply looking for a way to make your outdoor space more enjoyable, a deck remodel adds living space to your home and value to your house. Home remodeling is pro...
(ARA) - Everything about summer should be fun, including the food. But if you always serve the same old burgers and potato salad, or hot dogs and coleslaw, your get-togethers could start to feel stale. Never fear: a few simple tips can really amp up yo...
(ARA) - Each year, hundreds of millions of people visit the 397 destinations that comprise the country's National Park System. Summer is the ideal time to explore many of these parks, as the kids are out of school and activities in the parks are in ful...
(ARA) - Why is it that a steak from a restaurant just seems to taste better than what you make at home? Often, it's because the chefs in the restaurant know the secrets of great grilling. "Steak is a summer staple for many home cooks when the weather ...
(ARA) - Food experts know that the right wine or spirit can enhance the enjoyment of any dish. The perfect marriage of the right wine and a flavorful meal creates a combination that celebrates and enhances the experience of both. Navigating an extens...