Homedecortips

About House & Home: Tips for a Romantic Valentine's Day

2012-02-08T11:20:00.000-08:00

From Diane Schmidt, your About House & Home Editor

With all those paper hearts and cupid bows adorning every shop window, I know I don't need to remind you that another holiday is about to arrive. So instead, I'm here to offer some advice straight from our Home and Garden Guides on how to ensure that hearts are won, and love sustained and deepened, this Valentine's Day.

14 Top Valentine Flower Gifts

Okay, so you're probably thinking that flowers are cliche. Think again. This list of creative gifts is the perfect way to express your heartfelt love and devotion.

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How to Make Your Love Life Beautiful

This article is a must-read for every wanna-be romantic and can add magic and intensity to even the most passionate and lasting love connection.

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Create the Perfect Setting for a Romantic Valentine's Day

If you've decided to surprise your sweetheart with a quiet night in, then look no further than these suggestions for creating a romantic setting right in your own home.

Heart-Shaped Hot Tubs & Swimming Pools

Just when you thought you'd completely run out of ideas to up the romance factor, along comes this picture gallery of heart-shaped spas and pools that are just perfect for a star-studded night for two.

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	Top 10 Skin Myths How do you know the information and advice you get about your skin is true? Start with this article, which debunks some of the the most persistent myths out there. More>				Living with Infertility Infertility is extremely difficult emotionally, and it's easy to start feeling overwhelmed. Here are 10 ways to cope and keep infertility from taking over your life. More>

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About House & Home: Home Fix it Guides

2012-02-01T11:20:00.000-08:00

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From Diane Schmidt, your About House & Home Editor

I was at our auto mechanic's the other day, and nearly fainted when he showed me the estimate for repairs to our car. He was going to charge me $150 just to replace two bulbs. Which forced me to think about the other repairs around the house that I had paid people to do, simple jobs that I could probably do myself with the right help.

Replace Your Headlight Bulb

So no, I didn't have our mechanic change the light bulbs. Instead, I found this guide to doing it myself. Not only did I save $150, but also felt pretty good about mastering the art of light bulb changing.

See More About: regular maintenance electrical lights

Appliance Repair Projects

Two weeks ago our dishwasher failed to start. Now, I hate doing dishes so this sent me into panic mode. Ended up we needed a new dishwasher, but instead of paying for someone else to install it, I should've referred to this informative guide and installed it myself.

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	Top 10 Skin Myths How do you know the information and advice you get about your skin is true? Start with this article, which debunks some of the the most persistent myths out there. More>				Living with Infertility Infertility is extremely difficult emotionally, and it's easy to start feeling overwhelmed. Here are 10 ways to cope and keep infertility from taking over your life. More>

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Changes to Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service

2012-01-26T02:53:00.001-08:00

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Dear Google user, We're getting rid of over 60 different privacy policies across Google and replacing them with one that's a lot shorter and easier to read. Our new policy covers multiple products and features, reflecting our desire to create one beautifully simple and intuitive experience across Google. We believe this stuff matters, so please take a few minutes to read our updated Privacy Policy and Terms of Service at http://www.google.com/policies. These changes will take effect on March 1, 2012.
One policy, one Google experience

Easy to work across Google Our new policy reflects a single product experience that does what you need, when you want it to. Whether reading an email that reminds you to schedule a family get-together or finding a favorite video that you want to share, we want to ensure you can move across Gmail, Calendar, Search, YouTube, or whatever your life calls for with ease.	Tailored for you If you're signed into Google, we can do things like suggest search queries – or tailor your search results – based on the interests you've expressed in Google+, Gmail, and YouTube. We'll better understand which version of Pink or Jaguar you're searching for and get you those results faster.	Easy to share and collaborate When you post or create a document online, you often want others to see and contribute. By remembering the contact information of the people you want to share with, we make it easy for you to share in any Google product or service with minimal clicks and errors.

Protecting your privacy hasn't changed Our goal is to provide you with as much transparency and choice as possible, through products like Google Dashboard and Ads Preferences Manager, alongside other tools. Our privacy principles remain unchanged. And we'll never sell your personal information or share it without your permission (other than rare circumstances like valid legal requests).	Understand how Google uses your data If you want to learn more about your data on Google and across the web, including tips and advice for staying safe online, check out http://www.google.com/goodtoknow	Got questions? We got answers. Visit our FAQ at http://www.google.com/policies/faq to read more about the changes. (We figured our users might have a question or twenty-two.)

Notice of Change March 1, 2012 is when the new Privacy Policy and Terms will come into effect. If you choose to keep using Google once the change occurs, you will be doing so under the new Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. Please do not reply to this email. Mail sent to this address cannot be answered. Also, never enter your Google Account password after following a link in an email or chat to an untrusted site. Instead, go directly to the site, such as mail.google.com or www.google.com/accounts. Google will never email you to ask for your password or other sensitive information.

About House & Home: Host a Superbowl Party

2012-01-25T11:20:00.000-08:00

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From Diane Schmidt, your About House & Home Editor

I have to admit, I'm not a huge football fan. But I do like hosting a get-together with friends and family and any excuse to do that is fine with me.

Plan Your Super Bowl 2012 Party Menu

Another thing I love about sport-themed parties is that the food is easy to make and fun to eat. While most of us equate Superbowl parties with junk food and beer, you can shake things up a bit with this wide-selection of menu ideas.

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Super Bowl Sunday in High Definition and Surround Sound

If you're going to host the game, it's a good idea to check out this guide to setting up your home theater system. Even if your equipment is a little out of date, you'll find tips for making the most of what you have to make this year's game the best yet.

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Super Bowl Crafts and Activities

Whether your child is a football fan or not, football themed crafts are a great way to keep young ones entertained. All you need are a few supplies and a little imagination.

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How to Remove Game Day Stains

Fun, festive food and drinks usually means that your laundry skills are put to the test. But rather than making everyone wear plastic bibs and eat at the table, why not use this laundry guide as your stain-removal guru so the drips and drops don't hamper the fun.

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	What is PMDD? If prior to your period you experience emotional symptoms that are severe enough to interfere with your day-to-day functioning, you may have premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). More>				Living with Infertility Infertility is extremely difficult emotionally, and it's easy to start feeling overwhelmed. Here are 10 ways to cope and keep infertility from taking over your life. More>

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About House & Home: Baby, It's Cold Outside

2012-01-18T11:20:00.000-08:00

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From Diane Schmidt, your About House & Home Editor

Many of us are suffering through a January deep freeze that is setting records, forcing even the outdoor enthusiasts inside where we crank the heat, cuddle beneath warm blankets and dream of summer suns.

7 Ways to Save on Your Utility Bill

With temperatures dipping down to record lows, I've been visiting our home's thermostat several times a day, slowly inching up the red dial until finally I panicked, thinking only of the utility bill that would soon surprise me in the mail. But wait. There are ways to cut your home heating costs without sacrificing comfort.

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Quilt Block Patterns with Step by Step Instructions

One way to beat the cold is to spend the long, dark evenings cuddled beneath a homemade quilt. If the thought of making your own is a little daunting, take a look at this gallery of patterns and instructions for a beautiful yet practical comforter.

See More About: quilt patterns easy quilt patterns baby quilt patterns

Cold Weather Checklist for Pets

We're not the only ones who suffer during a cold snap. Our four-legged friends also find it difficult to take daily walks, stay warm in their beds and ensure paws don't freeze in deep snowy drifts. Help pets stay warm and safe during the long winter months.

See More About: winter health tips cold weather safety pet toxins

5 Tips for Starting Seeds Indoors

Now that you and your pets are warm and dry, it's time to make those summer dreams a reality by doing a little indoor gardening and you can start by planting garden seeds indoors.

See More About: plants for sun diy container gardens container gardening videos

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About House & Home: Sleep Easier, Home Makeovers, Selling on a Budget

2012-01-11T11:20:00.000-08:00

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From Diane Schmidt, your About House & Home Editor

Today's newsletter offers a little bit of something for everyone, whether you're having a hard time sleeping after the holiday craziness, or thinking of selling your home but are worried about staying within a limited budget.

Products to Make Sleeping Easier

After the holidays, as I get back into the routine of work and home life, I often have a hard time sleeping. I tried moving our bed around and listening to restful sounds, but nothing is working so far. That is until I came across this article.

See More About: sleep products pillows mattress toppers

30 Minute Home Makeovers

We have company arriving next week and I have no time to overhaul our spare bedroom, which desperately needs it. Right now it's storing our skis, Christmas decorations and all my arts and crafts. So how do I transform this junk space into a comfortable bedroom for an elderly aunt and uncle? It's easy and all in just 30 minutes.

See More About: flea market decorating diy projects trash to treasure

Tips for Home Selling on a Budget

My in-laws are thinking of selling their home, but are a little intimidated by the amount of staging their real estate agent has asked them to do. Plus, they're on a budget. So I sent them this article on how to stage your home without spending too much.

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Winterize Your Plumbing

Friends came home from their tropical vacation to find their basement flooded because of a frozen, burst pipe. It's a common story, but one that can be avoided if you know how to protect your plumbing from cold winter weather.

See More About: winterizing plumbing maintenance plumbing insulation

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About House & Home: Learn Something New in 2012

2012-01-04T11:20:00.000-08:00

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From Diane Schmidt, your About House & Home Editor

If your resolution list has you feeling a little overwhelmed and uninspired, why not swap some of the have-to-dos with a plan to learn something new? Take it from our Home and Garden Guides, if you want to expand your horizons and have fun at the same time, then this is the place to start.

Free Landscaping Classes

I'm by no means a landscaping guru. In fact, I'm lucky if my bushes are trimmed and my flowers finally bloom. So when I saw this set of free landscaping classes, I knew I had to sign up. With 128 lessons covering everything from planning and designing through to picking the perfect plants, your home will be the envy of the neighborhood.

Learn How to Knit and Purl

I took up knitting a couple of years ago, but because I'm not a consistent knitter, my stitches aren't consistent either. So I checked out this free video on how to knit and purl and voila! I can now knit a scarf that will actually keep the cold out.

Learn to Ride a Horse

Because I grew up on a farm, most people assume I know how to ride a horse. But I don't. So this has gone on my list for 2012. And the best place to start my lessons? Right here. Know what you need to know (and it's free!) to make your first ride comfortable, safe and oh-so much fun.

See More About: choosing a coach basic riding skills riding safety

How to Clean Your Dryer Vent

Okay, so this isn't necessarily a fun thing to learn how to do, but with all the recent house fires due to clogged dryer vents, it's the first thing on my list. This guide will walk you through step-by-step to ensure your home (and mine) is fully protected.

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About House & Home: Tips for a Happy & Properous New Year

2011-12-28T11:20:00.000-08:00

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From Diane Schmidt, your About House & Home Editor

The new year can either feel a little overwhelming, what with all the resolutions or exciting, thinking about the prospects that the new year may bring. Part of my anxiety is not knowing how to plan and the excitement from not planning at all. But this year, I'm going to attempt to straddle the line between the two with some tips from our Home and Garden Guides.

Transition from Christmas to New Year's Day

One way to jump start the new year is to host a New Year's get-together. But if this sounds like too much work then check out this practical guide to transitioning your home with some easy changes to your home holiday decor.

8 Easy Green New Year's Resolutions

Need some inspiration to finish your resolution list? Look no further. These suggestions will not only put you on the road to living a greener life, but are so very simple that you'll be able to say you've met at least some of your goals for 2012.

See More About: green shopping organic food energy use

Improve Your Finances in 2012

This should be on everyone's resolution list, especially now that the holiday shopping and gift-buying are behind us and our credit card bills are on their way. Get your finances under control and reign in debt with these easy to follow suggestions for improving your financial outlook.

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Feng Shui Tips to Begin the New Year

Many of us make resolutions and promises that are often hard to meet. Like losing that extra 20 pounds or cutting back on chocolate (both on my list for 2012); however, the new year is about more than just setting goals, it's also about new starts and making positive changes for a happier life. This article is the perfect place to begin.

See More About: feng shui tips feng shui for a healthy home feng shui colors

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About House & Home: Holiday Time Savers

2011-12-21T11:19:00.000-08:00

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From Diane Schmidt, your About House & Home Editor

Even though I had carefully planned each holiday task, including all the gift-buying, decorating and Christmas baking, I'm still going to run out of time. I could cut back on all the stuff I want to do, but instead, I turned to About's Home and Garden Guides for tips to save time and money for a stress-free holiday.

Christmas Decorating in 5 Minutes

Whether you have five minutes or four hours, this guide will show you how to decorate your home in the time it takes for the coffee to brew, the cookies to bake or the turkey to cook.

See More About: christmas decorating holiday organization holiday decorating

8 Quick Holiday Travel Tips

Our family is traveling this Christmas, and while I've been concentrating on all the other prep, I haven't thought at all about our travel plans. I only realized this yesterday. So I was glad to find these quick tips for traveling during the holidays.

See More About: travel organizing tips productivity

Last Minute Holiday Dinner Tips

Dinner is usually the most stressful task on your to-do list. This year, I'm not the one having to prepare the family feast, but because I feel sorry for my sister, who'll be roasting a dinner for a group of 22 hungry individuals, I sent her these last minute holiday dinner tips.

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Save Time & Money with Affordable Gift Giving Ideas

My favorite last minute gift from this long list is a restaurant coupon - perfect for the whole family. With the number of presents we give and receive that are never used, these suggestions are not only practical and affordable, but fun, too.

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About House & Home: Tips for Hosting Holiday Guests

2011-12-14T11:19:00.000-08:00

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From Diane Schmidt, your About House & Home Editor

For the first time in a long time, we're not hosting holiday guests. So why the newsletter dedicated to hosting? Because we'll be visiting and staying with family, I'm a little more appreciative of how difficult and stressful it can be to host friends and family during the holidays.

Tips for Hosting Houseguests

Whether you're hosting guests for a day or two long weeks, this article is a must-read. Not only does it offer suggestions for being a good host, but as a guest this year, this article gave me some useful tips that will help me be the perfect guest.

See More About: holiday houseguests holiday houseguest cleaning invitations

Fast Home Remodeling for When Guests Come to Stay

Most of us have been through this kind of scenario: family are coming to stay and the guest room is not quite ready now that it's been turned into the home office or junkyard storage locker. If you find yourself panicking over where everyone is going to sleep, check out this how-to for quick renovations to get your home ready for holiday guests.

How to Fake a Clean House

This article saved my life more times than I can count. Especially over the holidays when things can get a little out of control. Take last week when my in-laws called from the ferry to announce that they'd be arriving at our house for an impromptu visit in less than 30 minutes. Our house was a disaster. But we managed to make the place presentable just following these easy tips. Whew!

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Christmas Decorating All Around the House

So after you've prepared as best you can for holiday guests, don't forget to decorate your home with the things that make the season sparkle and shine. And you can do it all without breaking your holiday budget.

See More About: christmas decorating holiday decorating seasonal decor

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About House & Home: Unique Holiday Gift Ideas

2011-12-07T11:19:00.000-08:00

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From Diane Schmidt, your About House & Home Editor

Every year, I struggle with what to buy members of my social group who some would call unique. Take my friend, Carson. He's an urban planner who moved to a few acres of land just outside the city and now grows turnips. Then there's Shayesteh whose passion for all things canine goes beyond the usual cute doggy collars and matching boots. But I think I've solved the gift-buying dilemma with this collection of great ideas for the impossible-to-buy-for.

Top 15 Gifts for Dog Lovers

As I mentioned, Shayesteh loves anything that barks, sits and stays on command. Really, I can't blame her - after a long day, there's nothing like being greeted at your front door by a big ball of tail-wagging fur. So for anyone with dog lovers on their holiday shopping list, check out these unique and creative gift-giving ideas.

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Top 10 Best Gifts for the Farmer

Whether you have a farmer to buy for or someone who simply likes to dig in the dirt, here's a list of perfect gifts for the farmer, the gardener and the digger in all of us.

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Top 10 Architecture Gifts

I'm a big fan of a cityscape even though my knowledge of architectural form and design is lacking. That's why I'll be forwarding this list of gift suggestions to my husband so he knows how to fill my Christmas stocking.

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Ergonomic Tips and Tricks for Wrapping Gifts

Once you've purchased a unique gift, the next step is wrapping it in festive paper and bows. I'm not the best gift wrapper, but this year I'll be using this guide to wrapping presents. It provides everything you need to create the prettiest packages under the tree.

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About House & Home: Holiday Greenery for a Festive Home

2011-11-30T11:19:00.000-08:00

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From Diane Schmidt, your About House & Home Editor

Just because you still have turkey leftovers sitting in the fridge, doesn't mean you can put off December holiday planning and preparation. Like getting your home ready with Christmas greenery and finery that will put you in a festive frame of mind.

Trim the Tree with Uncommon Ornaments

If digging through that box of decorations leaves you feeling a little uninspired, then you need to check out this article on how to trim your tree with unique and beautiful pieces.

See More About: christmas collectibles victorian christmas customs chirstmas decorating

Alternative Christmas Trees

For those of you who aren't into the traditional look or lack the space needed for the classic tree, this gallery of alternatives is a great place to start. I love the idea of painting tree branches or creating an ornament bouquet - both of which would look great in any space.

See More About: holiday decorating christmas diy projects

Find a Truly Green Christmas Tree

Every year, before we choose our holiday tree, we debate whether we should buy a real or artificial tree, never knowing which is really the greenest option. If you've been asking the same question, find the answer here along with eco-friendly ways to decorate it.

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Guide to Poinsettias

If you're not into decorating a tree or some kind of alternative, or even if you are, poinsettias will bring the spirit of the holidays into your home. This guide provides everything you need to know about choosing the right plant, caring for it, and incorporating it into your personal decor.

See More About: greenhouse flowers red flowers christmas flowers

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About House & Home: Last Minute Holiday Hosting Tips

2011-11-23T11:19:00.000-08:00

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From Diane Schmidt, your About House & Home Editor

No matter who's coming over to your house for the holidays, whether it's for a party or dinner or extended stay, every host could use a little help.

Ideas for the Easiest Appetizers

Around the holidays I tend to keep the cupboards stocked with fixings for quick and easy appetizers. But, I have to admit, I was getting a little bored with the usual tinned pate and jars of antipasto. So I was excited to find this list of easy-to-prepare appetizers that will delight both you and your guests.

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How to Pair Wine with Holiday Vegetables

Most of us are familiar with pairing wine with meat or seafood, but few of us know or understand the intricate flavors that vegetables bring to varietal choices. This easy-to-use chart with an exhaustive list of vegetables and well-matched wines will ensure your pairings are perfect.

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Thanksgiving Crafts and Activities

Holidays in our house means a roomful of kids - big and small - who, once desert has been served, start looking around for something to do. With games, crafts and songs to sing, this collection of Thanksgiving activities will please one and all and allow the adults time to savor another piece of pumpkin pie.

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Holiday Pets 101

If hosting the holidays at your house includes four-legged family members, you need to check out this critter-catalog of pet safety, fun and gift ideas for all the creatures in your life. My favorite doggie gift? The Thundershirt developed to calm your dog's anxieties.

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About House & Home: Get Ready for the Holidays

2011-11-16T11:19:00.000-08:00

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From Diane Schmidt, your About House & Home Editor

With American Thanksgiving just around the corner, we're reminded that the holidays will soon be upon us and, accompanying their arrival, is that endless list of things to do. So before you find yourself overwhelmed by everything on that list, why not start preparing with some simple tips for holiday hosting, decorating and perfect-gift buying.

Ideas for a Beautiful Holiday Table

Setting a beautiful table not only tells your guests how much they're welcomed, but it can also express your creativity as a host. If inspiration is what you need, look no further than this picture gallery of holiday tables with ideas that you can mix and match to reflect both your taste and talents.

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A Holiday Wreath for Every Door

My mother always told me to make a good first impression. And what better way to do that than to welcome guests with a beautiful holiday wreath for your home's front door.

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Tips for Picking a Christmas Tree

In our household my husband usually decides which Christmas tree we get and, until now, I've always let him. But this year, thanks to the helpful tips offered in this free video, I'm determined to find the perfect tree all on my own.

Gift Guide: Top LCD TVs

Some of you might think it's too early to get started on your holiday shopping, and if you do, think again. With Black Friday just over a week away and December right on its heels, it's time to start planning and budgeting for your gift buying. To whet your appetite, check out the top LCD TVs for those hard-to-buy-for people.

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About House & Home: Tips for a Festive & Stree-free Thanksgiving

2011-11-09T10:19:00.000-08:00

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From Diane Schmidt, your About House & Home Editor

Whether you're preparing for Thanksgiving or the upcoming holiday season, you'll find that this collection of helpful tips and suggestions will ensure you're well-prepared for guests, and at the same time, enjoying all the festivities - stress-free.

Tips for Holiday Entertaining

This list of holiday tips will take you from preparation all the way to welcoming your guests with easy-to-follow guides to all things celebratory.

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Simplify Your Holiday Meal Planning

This is always my problem - I start off with a very simple plan for our holiday dinner, but very quickly it escalates into a ten-course meal that I can't possibly manage. But not this year. Nope. I'm determined to keep it simple with this extensive meal planning guide.

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Prepare Your Home for Dinner Guests

Holidays and guests means that homes receive a thoroughly cleaning before the party begins. But if you're short on time or feel overwhelmed by the enormity of the task, look no further than this list of preparation steps.

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Top 5 Herbs For Holiday Cooking

While you might know the herbs you need for the holiday roast, check out this list with accompanying recipes that will be sure to bring out the best of your Thanksgiving cooking.

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About House & Home: Turkey Tools, Career Tips, & Home Buying Guide

2011-11-02T11:19:00.000-07:00

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From Diane Schmidt, your About House & Home Editor

Now that November is here, it's time to start thinking about the holiday season. Why not begin with making sure you have all you need to prepare the Thanksgiving turkey, including tips for saving money on the feast? This week, we're also thinking about revamping our careers and buying our first house.

Turkey Tools

There's nothing worse than having the table set, your guests seated, and everyone watching while you take the turkey out of the oven only to have the pan tip, the drippings spill and the bird slide onto the floor. Knowing which turkey tools you'll need for the upcoming feast will ensure you and your guests don't end up ordering pizza.

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Save Money on Thanksgiving Dinner

If you've made up the grocery list for your upcoming Thanksgiving dinner and you're beginning to panic about the drain it'll be on your wallet, stop worrying. This article will guide you through a budget-friendly feast that will make your bank account - and dinner guests - sing.

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How to Unstick Your Career

Are you caught in a career rut? November is the perfect time to think about getting unstuck and the place to start is right here with these easy and inspiring tips to boost your career.

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Tips for Buying Your First Home

If you've been thinking about plunging into the real estate market but feel a little gun-shy, then this is the guide for you. With everything from securing a lender to determining the down payment, you'll soon be shopping for your very first home.

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About House & Home: Decorate Your Home with Fall Colors

2011-10-26T11:19:00.000-07:00

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From Diane Schmidt, your About House & Home Editor

Where I live, fall is well underway with golden leaves covering the driveway and bright, red bushes lining the walkway that leads to the front door. The colors of fall are so warm, rich and intense, providing an inspiring palette for your home, both inside and out.

Warm Up Your Home with Fall Decorating

When the temperatures start to drop and fireplaces are lit, it's time to add some warm touches to the interior, like soft lighting, textured throws and plush area rugs. According to this article, it's the small changes that will create a cozy and serene space.

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Colorful Fall Container Garden Ideas

Just the other day, I removed all the old veggie plants and summer flowers from our outside containers, thinking it would be months before I'd be able to use them again. That is, until I came across this inspiring gallery of fall container gardens.

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Flowers for Fall Gardens

This is a great list of fall flowers that will continue to bloom long past the retreat of summer suns. Just the other day, my father-in-law pointed out the hardy cyclamen that began to bloom over the weekend, and after reading more about it here, I'll be sure to include it in my fall garden.

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Pumpkin Soaps and Candles

There's nothing like using nature as a point of inspiration. These recipes go a few steps further: they take the scent and color of pumpkin and pumpkin spices and transform them into a beautiful yet practical addition to any home decor.

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