Thanksgiving’s arrived, and we’re on the home stretch to the Christmas season: welcome to Decorate Week! Today, it’s time to take stock of all we’ve achieved, and chart a course for the remainder of the Organized Christmas Countdown. Where are you with your holiday preparations? Ahead of the game this Read more…
Check on your liquor supply and pay a visit to your local wine merchant for seasonal suggestions to pair with your favorite fall foods.
Replace spices that are more than six months old or no longer fragrant, and stock up on staples such as flour and sugar.
Your guest rooms should be not only clean, but inviting too. Set out flowers or other special touches to make guests feel extra welcome
Store wicker, iron, and other yard furniture in the garage or shed to prevent weather damage.
Test batteries in smoke detectors twice per year; daylight savings time is an excellent reminder to do this task.
Plant spring-blooming bulbs in well-drained soil — they’ll need 12 to 16 weeks of temperatures that are 45 degrees or colder.
Turn off all outdoor faucets; coil and tie all garden hoses, and store them in a frost-free place.
Check for cracks in siding and shingles, and for window drafts. Plug air leaks with caulk or weather stripping to limit heat loss in your home.
Feeding birds during the winter increases their odds of survival by allowing them to raise their young and restore their populations.