Fall Kitchen Trends: Rustic Themes

We all know there will be hot new fashion trends this fall, but did you know kitchens can have trend, too? While these styles may be off the runway, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t keep them in mind while stylizing. With the holidays in mind, many...

Read More

How Do You Really Know if Your Home is Odor Free?

With all that goes on inside the home, it can be hard to keep it smelling fresh. Last night’s dinner, the kid’s dirty soccer jersey sitting in the laundry, and Fluffy’s litter box—well, they all can create lingering odors. When it comes to ensuring the home...

Read More

Nobody Likes a Pest!

Everyone wants to keep their homes safe. But even the best alarm system can’t keep out the smallest of home intruders: the pest. Nobody likes a pest, especially the creepy, crawly kind. But they exist, and, unfortunately, too many of us make it easy for...

Read More

Get Away Without Actually Going Away

Backyards have always been places where families can get away without actually going away. Outdoor areas connect people with their favorite natural treasures while providing a place to relax. Whether it's adding an outdoor kitchen and replacing your old picnic table with a truly impressive...

Read More

Score Big Back-to-School Savings

While September may seem far away, it will be upon us before you can say “back to school.” As a parent, you know that between school supplies, dorm essentials and clothing, the cost of returning to the classroom can add up fast. ShopSmart magazine, from the...

Read More

Top 5 Mid-Year Tax Tips

With taxes in the news almost every day, and many important tax breaks having expired at the end of 2011 and more set to expire at the end of 2012, taxpayers would benefit from spending some time this summer reviewing their tax profiles and learning...

Read More

Top 5 Ways to Lower Your Mortgage Payment

Your monthly mortgage loan payment may be fixed, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find ways to lower it, notes consumer finance advocate Sarah Tann. Tann, a frequent contributor to consumer finance publications, suggests the top five ways you may be able to lower your monthly...

Read More

Do-It Yourself: Deck Staining

Most deck owners know that one of the keys to keeping their decks looking good is staining it every few years. However, while deck staining is a process that most homeowners are capable of doing themselves, finding the time to do it can be difficult....

Read More