Love the decorating..hate the "house preparation?" I think the worst chores are the stacks of paper, magazines, mail...it is enough to paralyze my energy. Take the U Out of Clutter: The Last Clutter Book You'll Ever Need is on your side.    >> Read more

And what did you do with the paper towels?

If you've been to the library lately, or to the Blue Marlin or the Koger Center, you've seen our wacky new hand dryers in the restroom.  (They're probably elsewhere, too, but I've only spotted them in the wild in those habitats.)  They're Dyson Airblades, and when we first got them half of us had no idea we were supposed to stick their hands in them.     >> Read more

Growing plants indoors can be just as rewarding as planting and caring for an outdoor garden. Houseplants add color and charm to rooms and make any space more inviting.     >> Read more

Beautifully, that is. I got tired of either paying extra for gift wrapping or giving an unappealing package. Once at an office party, my gift was one of the last gifts picked, even though the gift itself was well-received by the taker.

The wrapping was so unappealing that no one believed that a nice gift would come in such a package. I immediately decided to put the same amount of time into wrapping gifts that I took to select them.     >> Read more

Recently, when I bought some of my usual collectible ornaments, I had to install a different type of battery. In the last few years, my favorite series have changed the requirements.     >> Read more

Do you wish you could brighten up your walls? Thinking of painting a room in your house but can't decide on a color?

I've just read a very favorable review for a new book, The Complete Guide to Upholstery, by Cherry Dobson. I've always wanted to try my hand at upholstering a chair, but recovering a piece of furniture has always seemed rather daunting.

This time of year the sunlight in your home is getting brighter.    >> Read more

There's nothing I love better on TV than a makeover show. It can be anything from overhauling a truck, to transforming your body through diet and exercise.    >> Read more

Do you find the holiday decorating that's ahead of you stressful? Shorter days inspire seasonal decorating ideas.    >> Read more

As the days get shorter, and darkness descends earlier, we must look to artificial lighting more than we might during the summer.    >> Read more