Month: October 2012

Home Building on a Budget

Building a home does not have to be a financial nightmare. There are a number of ways that you can make building your dream home a bit more affordable. If you are working with a specific budget in mind, you can stick to this and still get the home that you want.   Here are a …

Garden Style Guide

For many people, their garden is a place to enjoy nature, relax, read a book, and have a cup of tea in the morning. Really it’s a small place to just get away from all the hustle and bustle of the rest of the world. So, it’s no wonder that so many people take a keen …

Popular Alternative Sources of Energy

More and more, people are becoming conscious that they should reduce the carbon footprint of their home and focus on ways of becoming eco-friendly. To accomplish this, homeowners are looking to utilise some of the most popular sources of alternative energy in their homes. Not only are these alternative energy sources much more eco-friendly and sustainable …

Six tips for taking the best family portraits

(BPT) - As the holidays approach, many families are planning annual portraits for personalized cards and gifts to loved ones. But this can be a complex planning ordeal for even the most organized person. In addition to coordinating schedules and what e...

Holiday shopping strategies: Save time, save money

(BPT) - The festive spirit of the holidays comes in all forms. From parties and traditional holiday outings, to elaborate family gatherings, there is a lot to celebrate. But, in truth, it takes a lot of work to make an unforgettable holiday. One of the...

Getting away from home for the holidays

(BPT) - Do thoughts of the holidays make you yearn for home? For many people, spending time with loved ones in the comfort of their own home is an integral part of the holiday season. But there’s something to be said for getting away from home fo...

Bathroom design: It’s all in the details

(BPT) - It’s most likely one of the top reasons you’ve been putting off that bathroom makeover or remodel - you’re not sure where to begin. What should the decor be like? Do you want a pedestal sink or a furniture-style vanity? Will y...

Holiday safety tips for older drivers

(BPT) - Trips to visit family and friends, nighttime drives to midnight Mass or to look at Christmas lights, emergency runs to the grocery store – driving is as much a part of the holiday season as gift wrap and Christmas carols. No matter where ...

How to take the hassle out of holiday travel

(BPT) - While everyone else eagerly anticipates the upcoming holidays, you’re feeling like a Grinch because you’re stuck organizing the family’s travel plans. Whether you’re heading over the river, through the woods or completel...

Tips on saving energy at home this winter

It’s that time of year again when homeowners brace themselves for low temperatures ... and high heating bills. According to the Alliance to Save Energy, a nonprofit group that promotes energy efficiency, the average U.S. household will spend near...

From patch to table: the many uses of a pumpkin

While pumpkins are most often associated with holiday pies, don’t underestimate this favorite of the squash and gourd family. Not only is the mighty pumpkin delicious, but it is also quite the multi-tasker.  “Pumpkins are incredibly ve...

Holiday entertaining made easy

The holidays are just around the corner, which means family and friends will soon get together at your home to celebrate. Whether you're hosting large or intimate gatherings, having a game plan in place well in advance of your event is essential. With ...

Governments prep for another snowmageddon

<iframe src="http://www.aracontent.com/PrintSite/VideoDisplay.aspx?articleid=16694&videoid=203" width="250" height="184" scrolling="no" align="left" frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0"></iframe>While American drivers enjoyed a ...

Continuous hot water report [Infographic]

When Americans wake up in the morning, they want one thing: a good hot shower.A recent study commissioned by Noritz America, a tankless water heater manufacturer, showed that while shower styles varied, the demand for continuous hot water and strong wa...