Are you in danger of falling prey to The Wealth Effect? Are your investments doing well? Is your house valued higher than when you bought it? Is the housing bubble coming back? In some areas of the US, it does seem to be happening. If so, you need to beware "The Wealth Effect." What Is The Wealth Effect? The wealth effect happens to us when … [Read more...]
Kid Proof Decor? What Survives and What Doesn’t
If you have kids you know things around the house seem to get ruined on a regular basis. I know of the many ways that happens having raised three boys and one girl to fairly responsible adults. We lost a number of furniture and decor items via normal contact with kids. I'm sharing what worked, what lasted, and what didn't.Here are the things that … [Read more...]
DIY Slate Tile Backsplash for Your Kitchen
According to the linked tutorial, slate tile is much more cost effective than most other kitchen/bathroom backsplash materials. I think it looks very modern being a natural stone material. And you can DIY to save on labor costs.You can check with your local home improvement store to see what colors of slate tile are available. They might allow … [Read more...]
Which House Improvements Pay Off in Today’s Market?
Which home improvements are worth it now? The quick answer: none will return 100% on your investment. None. So if you are considering remodeling your house, realize you will not get all the remodeling money back when you sell your house. Still, some improvements pay off better than others. Many times a realtor will encourage you to … [Read more...]
5 Fastest Growing Trees to Shade Your House and Add Color to Your Yard
You know how great shade trees are. You can save 50% on your air conditioning bill if their shade falls on your house during the hottest part of the day. (Choose your planting spot with that in mind.) They drop their leaves to allow warming sun through to your house in the fall and winter. They add value to your house when it's time to sell. … [Read more...]
Fall Is a Great Time to Plant a Tree!
Fall is a great time to plant a tree. Not only is it a great time, it's the best time to plant a tree! You can pick out a tree when the leaves have turned colors to be sure how it will look with your house. Even trees of the same name can show slightly different colors, so choose the one you like the best. Trees are often on sale in … [Read more...]
Color Therapy: Coral
Is a bit of coral color just what your home needs? It's cheerful, warm, and perhaps adds "a touch of whimsy" that so many decorators prize. In these recessionary times, we could all use a bit of cheer in our surroundings.I happen to like coral, but in small doses. It seems to be a bit of a trendy color, so it could easily look dated in a while. … [Read more...]