Discover More from This Category: Lifestyle

Reclaimed wood adds instant appeal to home projects

March 16, 2016
Submitted Salvaged doors, fences, shutters, beams, and so much more can be put to new use. (MS) Repurposing salvaged wood is a popular trend in the home improvement industry. Not only can using salvaged wood give a home a one-of-a-kind look, but it’s a handy way to incorporate the three Rs of green living into…

Save money and stay cool as temperatures rise

March 16, 2016
(MS) — Excessive energy bills can be a concern in spring and summer, just as much as they are in the winter. So how can you save money while keeping your home cool? The solution is simple: Top up your attic insulation. A poorly insulated attic is a primary source of energy loss, forcing your…

Clover Comeback: Today’s twist to a lush, green, easy, eco-smart lawn alternative

March 16, 2016
Submitted Clover is is a lush alternative to grass that is easier to grow, lasts longer and requires less work. Who doesn’t love the look and feel of a lush, green lawn? Having your home surrounded by gorgeous green turf has forever been part of the American dream. But once reality sets in, maintaining and…

How to clean and maintain stainless steel

March 16, 2016
(MS) No matter the style of a homeowner’s kitchen, be it modern, traditional or farmhouse, stainless steel appliances can add a pop of shine and a touch of class. Proponents of stainless steel appliances note their easy maintenance, stylish look and durability. Plus, the neutral tone of stainless steel helps it blend in with just…

Modifications make bathrooms safer

March 16, 2016
(MS) Few areas in a home can prove as perilous as bathrooms. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says every year around 235,000 people over the age of 15 visit emergency rooms in the U.S. because of injuries suffered in bathrooms, the majority resulting from falls. Injuries sustained in bathrooms typically occur in and…

Cost-cutting measures for your renovation project

March 16, 2016
(MS) Home renovation projects can help homeowners transform their homes into their own personal oases. But such transformations do not typically come cheap, costing homeowners tens of thousands of dollars depending on the scope of the project. Each year, Remodeling magazine releases its “Cost vs. Value Report,” which helps homeowners determine which projects are likely…

Embrace the wonders of wireless at home

March 16, 2016
Electronic devices enable us to access information, communicate and engage in entertainment. Consumer electronics also have transformed the typical household. Data from the Consumer Electronics Association, CTIA and U.S. Census Bureau paint a picture of just how immersed in new technology society has become. Statistics indicate the typical home of 2.6 people has an average…

Expert offers ways to ensure a successful basement remodel

March 16, 2016
By Scott McGillivray Americans continue to fuel remodeling spending across the country, driven by upward growth in real estate prices and the rising cost to trade up to a larger home. Basement renovations are expected to be a hot trend in 2016, as buyers look to maximize available living space rather than move, and as…

Clever takes on the “something old, new, borrowed, blue” tradition

January 27, 2016
Submitted Blue gloves and garter can fulfill the “something blue” in the popular good-luck wedding tradition: “something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.” (MS) Wedding day tokens of good luck come in many forms, but the“something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue (a sixpence in your shoe)” adage remains one of the most…

Inspiration boards bring wedding plans to life, with style

January 27, 2016
(MS) — Making the wedding of your dreams a reality may require some creativity. It can be challenging to organize all of the creative ideas swimming around in your head, but inspiration boards may be able to help. Inspiration boards, sometimes referred to as idea boards, are commonly used by interior designers, artists, writers, and even…

Keep your pets safe in the cold, winter weather

January 25, 2016
The Rutland County Humane Society (RCHS) would like to remind you that pets need special care during the cold winter months. Dogs and cats should be inside when the temperature drops. If your dog is being kept outside, it must be protected by a dry, draft-free doghouse. Windchills can be especially difficult for animals and can threaten…

Planning your party menu

December 22, 2015
Submitted Keep your party theme and your venue in mind when planning the menu for your next get-together. MS — Many partygoers admit that they often look forward to foods served during social gatherings. The way to a man’s heart may be through his stomach, but the same sentiment can be applied to both male and…

The seven worst items in your kitchen

October 6, 2015
By Amy Lewis Sure, you consider yourself to be a healthy person, but do you really have healthy food in your kitchen? Here are the 7 worst items you may have in your kitchen: 1. Breakfast cereal It’s delicious, easy to prepare, and sometimes gives you enough energy to get to lunch. Unfortunately, breakfast cereal…

Smart pumps are a smart investment

September 30, 2015
Courtesy of Efficiency Vermont Sandy LaFlamme By Sandy LaFlamme, Efficiency Vermont I’ve been working with a K-12 school for almost a year now. My main contact there is an electrician who also happens to be a parent, and he’s always looking for ways to reduce their energy costs. A while back, I brought up the…

GMP Partners with Vermont State Parks for First e-Park

September 30, 2015
Park will be removed from electric grid and powered by solar and battery As Vermonters enjoy the last warm days of summer and the beautiful outdoors, one state park is about to take our green image to a whole new level by going green and off the grid. Green Mountain Power is partnering with the…