(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…

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…

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…

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…

(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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Submitted Got old paint? With a little imagination, you can create a new home piece. If you’re sitting on a stash of leftover latex paint, you have a gold mine when it comes to home decorating. With a little imagination and creative flair, you can use paint leftovers to give your home extra appeal, and have…

Submitted There’s a whimsical appeal to framing children’s artwork and putting it on display in your home — not to mention a totally unique gallery! Some home renovation projects require the expertise of professionals, but there also are many ways for homeowners to improve their homes without hiring a pro or spending too much money. The…

Submitted Hard water can cause scaling, deposits inside of pipes, reduced cleaning ability, and several other problems. Home ownership opens people’s eyes to many new experiences, even requiring homeowners to familiarize themselves with certain things they never encountered as renters. Homeowners become novice plumbers, electricians, horticulturists, and even chemists as they wade through the projects…

Submitted Plants can improve indoor air quality by helping to remove harmful irritants from the air. Homes tend to be stuffier in autumn and winter. As temperatures outside dip, windows are closed and air quality inside homes can suffer. Poor indoor air quality can not only be uncomfortable, causing residents to experience headaches, dry eyes…

Submitted Take the steps to becoming a great landlord, in hopes of gaining great tenants. Renting out a home is a great way for homeowners to earn some extra income. Some homeowners rent their homes in an attempt to wait out a sagging housing market, while others see renting their homes as a long-term commitment…