Tiny Space Poses Huge Challenges

Once Michael saw the long driveway, he was more than willing to ignore the crumbling structure at the end of it. A property in the heart of Philadelphia’s Manayunk section with four cars worth of parking is a rare commodity – and it was precisely the slice of urban suburbia the Lancaster Country orthodontist required for his weekend retreat. 

There is an easier way to shop for roses.

Most of us who enjoy gardening, and know how demanding that hobby can be, breathe a sigh of relief when cold weather sets in. After the leaves have fallen, blanketing beds and lawns, a hard-earned winter’s rest seems to be the order of the day. For the rose gardener, however, plans for next season are already in full swing. As soon as the beds been prepared for winter and the equipment cleaned and stored, online rose catalogues are released with new offerings and specials for the upcoming year.

This year when you deck those halls, know that those plants have roots far away.

At your local Hallmark store, the day the jack-o-lanterns and plastic spiders are packed away, out come the red velvet stocking and twinkle lights. Decorating for Christmas is a multi-billion dollar business, one that we just can’t get enough of. In most homes, it’s packed with tradition and meaning, as family heirlooms and favorite ornaments are put on display.

A feast for the eyes: make your meal shine with a harvest-hued table.

Thanksgiving is a day that celebrates the senses. There is nothing like that first whiff of roast turkey and cinnamon as you enter the kitchen, or the taste of the sweet potato pie you have been craving for a year. The sounds of family, and the all-important football game, fill the air as you snuggle on the couch and let the food coma kick in. But wait, there is one element that seems to be missing here. Where’s the eye candy? Don’t get us wrong—little Becky’s paper bag turkey and the plastic Halloween pumpkin are festive, but when celebrating family and friends, why not reach a bit higher? You don’t have to be a budding Martha Stewart—just a few hours and a bit of creativity can turn that dusty dining room table into an autumnal haven.

From butcher block to concrete, countertops define the look of any home.

Aside from your floors, your kitchen countertop is probably the most-used surface in your home. Putting the time and research into the type of surface you want in your kitchen should be as important as deciding between carpeting or hardwood floors. Here’s some background on eight of the hottest countertop trends and whether they work for your needs. And if you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.