Home Safety: Extension Cords

Most people have used extension cords at some point. Many people use them regularly. They are very convenient but they can also become hazardous if not used with care. The following tips will help you use extension cords more safely: Make sure you have selected the appropriate type of extension cord and choose a sufficient gauge of wire for the item you want to plug in. Remember, lower is better in this case as lower gauge numbers mean that the cord can better handle higher levels of electricity. Next, check the amperage and never exceed the maximum. In fact, it … Continue reading →

Choosing The Most Energy-Efficient Ceiling Fan

If there was a way you could save $20 a year on your energy bill would you jump at the chance? It would take resisting the temptation to flip on your air conditioner, and instead opt to use a ceiling fan to cool down. If you’re game, the key is finding the most energy-efficient fan on the market. Before you roll your eyes and mumble something about having better things to do with your time, consider this: finding the right ceiling fan that will save you the most money is not as challenging as you might think. Here are a … Continue reading →

Spring Fling: Inject Some Springtime into Your Home

Bring springtime indoors and freshen up your décor with some of these ideas: Wicker or Woven Baskets You don’t have to wait until Easter to start using baskets around your home. There are many different sizes, styles, and shapes to choose from that can be used in nearly any space. They are great for organizing, creating displays, covering plain planters or pots, and even making lampshades. Because wicker and woven baskets have a natural look (even if not made from natural materials), they create a sense of bringing the outdoors in. Wicker Furnishings or Accessories Exchange some of your more … Continue reading →

Hosting A Virtual House Tour

What do you dread most about hosting an open house? Making sure that it is in pristine condition? Finding some where for the entire family to go during the showing? Or, the thought of having all those people traipsing in and out of your home with no serious intention of buying? If any of the aforementioned scenarios makes your stomach churn you may consider hosting an open house online. Hotels offer them, convention centers offer them, and now virtual Web tours are the hot new marketing tool being used by homeowners and realtors trying to sell various properties. Web tours … Continue reading →

Caught off Guard: Winter Weather Tips

Have you ever been caught off guard by winter weather? If you live in a climate that is generally mild, you not be prepared for a serious cold snap. You could find yourself without water due to frozen pipes, and even worse, you could end up having to replace broken pipes due to freezing. Foam Pipe Wrap Foam pipe wrap is just a simple foam tube, split down one side, with adhesive to hold the edges together once it’s placed on the pipe. It’s easy to use and inexpensive, and it might just save you from dealing with frozen pipes … Continue reading →

A New Home: Something to Celebrate

My brother in law and his wife invited us to their new home to watch the Super Bowl. Don’t ask about the game, because I don’t want to talk about it. I’m too depressed! Anyway, it was great to get out and I was thrilled to see their home. I’m really close to my brother in law and love him like a little brother. His wife is great too. They are now officially first time homeowners and I couldn’t be happier for them. Their home is on ten acres with a huge pond, which makes a gorgeous view from the … Continue reading →

E.T. Phone Home—For Free!

As you can imagine living 5,000 miles away from my parents can translate into some HUGE phone bills. This is especially true since their first grandchild (my 2-year-old daughter) is more than willing to chat endlessly to grandma and grandpa about her daily accomplishments. Consequently, I have researched various phone plans, 3-in-1 plans, cell phone offers, pre-paid phone card options… the list goes on and on. Some deals were better than others (I found one that offered calls to Hawaii for 2 cents a minute), but none compared to what any homeowner would consider hitting the jackpot: FREE phone service. … Continue reading →

Would You Like a Q and A in the Home Blog?

Some of the blogs here at Families.com are beginning to incorporate Question and Answer sections or advice columns into their regular offerings. Would you like to see something similar here in the Home Blog? You can respond by either leaving a comment or sending a private message. Marjorie, Michele, and I can put our heads together or research the answers to your questions, or we could each offer tips and advice. This is how it might work: If you have a question, you would send a private message or email. We would use your question in an upcoming article, but … Continue reading →

Block Those Drafts

With the winter winds blowing, heating your home can get expensive. One of the simplest ways to help ease the burden is to block drafts, keeping cold air out and warm air in. Many people will simply place a rolled up towel in front of doors, which works, but there are some other options. You can find some nice draft blockers that coordinate with your décor or you can make your own draft stoppers. Doors aren’t the only issue, however. What about windowsills? You don’t want to stuff towels up by the window, so choose from an assortment of attractive … Continue reading →

On Lighting for the Home

My daughter asked what I was working on and I replied, “I’m going to write about lighting.” “Well, duh,” she said, “we need light so we can see.” I had to laugh. It’s true that lighting is an element that provides a basic function in every home, creating enough light to see, but there is a little more to it. Lighting can also be used to set a mood or to make a room feel cozier. Bright light can make a space appear larger and give it an airy feel. There is also task lighting, like the light that sits … Continue reading →