Home & Garden

Home & How It Helps Getting Your Kids Ready for a Good School Year... The waning summer vacation can not only be used for family fun but for projects that help kids look forward to success in the coming school year. As a designer for over four decades, I have often seen the positive results of creating a home environment that promotes good habits and focus.

Remodeling your home can be one of the most exciting projects to undertake. Whether you're thinking about a bathroom update, kitchen overhaul or a new room addition, planning and setting realistic expectations are critical in ensuring your project goes as smoothly as possible.

Usually at this time of year, I would write about being “house ready” or “backyard ready” for company this summer.

There are few hallmarks of spring and summer that catch our eye; like the pop of color Mother Nature gifts us with when the weather warms from the cold, harsh winter. Those colors are the perfect palette for outdoor decorating from springtime through summer’s end.

If any season can be associated with a definite desire to decorate, it has to be spring! The term “spring cleaning,” dating back to before the turn of the century, inspired many feelings.

Spring Cleaning, Pruning and Feedings in the Garden! We have all heard of a good spring cleaning inside our homes, but this is also true for spring in the garden!

So – with winter hopefully behind us, spring is the time to think of your outdoor property as an extension of your living space. Plan in the spring and you will ensure a great summer getaway within your own home.

Our ever-changing environment is everyone’s responsibility and we are learning that each of us must act to protect it. Of course, you’ve noticed that global warming has occurred, but I’m sure you didn’t realize that the hottest 21 years on record all occurred in the last 25 years! I know you’ve read that autism, AD/HD, allergy and Alzheimer’s disease, and many forms of cancer have increased (or have been more widely diagnosed). But why?

Birding may take some extra effort, especially on a cold winters day. But your efforts will be rewarded when you see species that normally don’t visit your yard and bird-feeders during the spring and summer. Besides, seeing all the different species of birds that visit your yard in winter is a wonderful pastime!

What “Techie” isn’t excited about new gadgets – anywhere, especially in the home – and some are actually useful and should be considered when planning to upgrade or renovate.

What do the different colors mean? Red Roses: Love, Respect, Courage, Passion White Roses:Purity, Innocence, Reverence, Worthiness Pink Roses: Happiness, Elegance, Romance, Admiration, Sweetness

Herbs not only enhance the taste of food, but many are beautiful ornamentals, produce attractive flowers and fragrance. It's too early to sow seeds directly in your outdoor garden, however you can plant seeds for herbs in a sunny window.