About House & Home: Post Holiday Tasks, Sales & New Year Predictions

House & Home In the Spotlight | More Topics |   from Diane Schmidt After all the food, wrapping paper and blinking lights, the time in between celebrations is a perfect time to put away the Christmas decorations, find some great bargains and look forward to the upcoming year. Happy New Year everyone!   In the Spotlight 6 Ways to Recycle Your Christmas Tree There's something a little sad about seeing all those Christmas trees without their decorations, sitting at the curb. Instead, why not give your tree a second chance with these great suggestions on how to recycle, reuse and rejuvenate its holiday splendor?              More Topics How to Recylce Greeting Cards Family Crafts Get the 2010 Quilting Calendar Quilting Four-Season Landscaping Landscaping Send a Vintage New Year Greeting Antiques How Old Is Your House? Architecture 10 Baby Steps to a Healthy Child Green Living Use Up Christmas Leftovers Frugal Living How to Find After-Christmas Bargains Okay, it's time. I've finally given into the rest of the family. It's only taken sixteen years of persuading to give up our old 15-inch television for a flat-screen model that will make Brad Pitt look like he's in our living room. Before we do, I'm printing out this guide to finding post-holiday bargains since I don't want to be taking out a second mortgage even though Brad Pitt might be worth it.   Top 10 Real Estate Predictions for 2010 It's that time of year again when About's Guide to Home Buying and Selling makes her real estate predictions for 2010. Even if you're not thinking of buying or selling, it's interesting to read what is to come in the new year, in particular when the market is still so volatile. Check it out!     Sponsored Links   Feeling Under the Weather? Evaluating Your Cold Symptoms How to tell when a runny nose is just a cold, and when it might be turning into something more serious and require a visit to the doctor. More> House & Home Ads Feng Shui Decorating Living Room Decor Christmas Card Bedroom Designs Bedroom Decorating Advertisement     Visit Related About GuideSites: Antiques Apartment Living/Rental Architecture Entertaining Home Buying/Selling Home Repair Interior Decorating Landscaping   Search About      Sign up for more free newsletters on favorite topics. You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About House & Home newsletter as batman8672@GMAIL.COM. If you wish to change or remove your email address, please visit: http://www.about.com/nl/usgs.htm?nl=househomesl&e=batman8672@GMAIL.COM About respects your privacy. Our Privacy Policy. Our Contact Information. 249 West 17th Street New York, NY, 10011 © 2008 About, Inc.

About House & Home: Have a Safe & Stress-free Holiday

House & Home In the Spotlight | More Topics |   from Diane Schmidt From all the Home and Garden Guides, we wish you a safe, peaceful and stress-free celebration, from our family to yours. Happy Holidays, everyone!   In the Spotlight Have a Stress-free Holiday If you find yourself running ragged over the next two days, take some time out to read these great tips for a relaxing and peaceful Christmas. You deserve a little TLC.              More Topics Christmas Shopping for Dad Electrical Christmas Tree Safety Apartment Living / Rental Plan a New Year's Eve Party Entertaining Hot Herbal Chai Drink Herb Gardens Quick Knitting Patterns Knitting Why Do We Wrap Presents? Ergonomics Small Kitchen Ideas Home Renovations 9 Great Last Minute Gifts for the Home Workshop I don't know about you, but I still have some last minute gifts to buy. I always seems to leave the hardest to buy for until the end. Probably because I'm waiting for divine inspiration to strike. But wait no more, because here are some great last minute gift ideas for those handy-people in your life.   Holiday Safety for Your Dog In all the last minute prepping and preening, we can sometimes forget our four-legged friends and the special care they need around the holidays. Check out these tips to ensure your pet stays safe this holiday season.     Sponsored Links   Feeling Under the Weather? Evaluating Your Cold Symptoms How to tell when a runny nose is just a cold, and when it might be turning into something more serious and require a visit to the doctor. More> House & Home Ads Living Room Photos Fun Christmas Gifts Christmas Presents Best Interior Design Interior Home Decor Advertisement     Visit Related About GuideSites: Antiques Apartment Living/Rental Architecture Entertaining Home Buying/Selling Home Repair Interior Decorating Landscaping   Search About      Sign up for more free newsletters on favorite topics. You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About House & Home newsletter as batman8672@GMAIL.COM. If you wish to change or remove your email address, please visit: http://www.about.com/nl/usgs.htm?nl=househomesl&e=batman8672@GMAIL.COM About respects your privacy. Our Privacy Policy. Our Contact Information. 249 West 17th Street New York, NY, 10011 © 2008 About, Inc.

About House & Home: Save Money on Holiday Gift Giving

House & Home In the Spotlight | More Topics |   from Diane Schmidt This year we're spending the holidays with my husband's entire extended family. It'll be nice, I'm sure, however, when I found out that my in-laws don't like the idea of picking names out of a hat to make gift buying a little easier, I panicked. I need all the help I can get to try to stay within budget this year. Help!   In the Spotlight How to Be a Smart Shopper This handy list is full of great ideas, including how not to feel guilty if you want to re-gift. That means I can now check-off three gift recipients from my list.              More Topics Creative Gift Wrapping Ideas Family Crafts Convert Your Garage into a Liveable Space Garages & Storage Spaces Adopt an Exotic Pet From a Rescue Organization Exotic Pets History of Santa Claus Antiques Build a Backyard Ice Rink Lawn Care 9 Ways to Clean When You're Hosting Guests Housekeeping Prevent Frozen Pipes Home Repair Frugal Food Gifts Who doesn't like to receive food? Last year a friend gave me a huge jar of homemade pickles which meant that I thought of her fondly every day along with my lunchtime sandwich.   Budget-Priced Home Theater Gadgets Usually electronics don't have a place on a budget-limited gift giver's list, but these great suggestions make giving new gadgets affordable and fun.     Sponsored Links   Feeling Under the Weather? Evaluating Your Cold Symptoms How to tell when a runny nose is just a cold, and when it might be turning into something more serious and require a visit to the doctor. More> House & Home Ads Christmas Gift Ideas Gift for Holiday Honeymoon Gift List Wedding Gifts Money Gift Etiquette Advertisement     Visit Related About GuideSites: Antiques Apartment Living/Rental Architecture Entertaining Home Buying/Selling Home Repair Interior Decorating Landscaping   Search About      Sign up for more free newsletters on favorite topics. You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About House & Home newsletter as batman8672@GMAIL.COM. If you wish to change or remove your email address, please visit: http://www.about.com/nl/usgs.htm?nl=househomesl&e=batman8672@GMAIL.COM About respects your privacy. Our Privacy Policy. Our Contact Information. 249 West 17th Street New York, NY, 10011 © 2008 About, Inc.

About House & Home: Holiday Gifts Worth Making & Giving

House & Home In the Spotlight | More Topics |   from Diane Schmidt I've never been one of those people who can make a stunning gift with just a few basic supplies. But this year I thought I'd try with assistance from our Home and Garden Guides. With these easy to follow instructions, I might just be foregoing the mall in favor of the craft supply store!   In the Spotlight Holiday Soaps - Perfect for a Christmas Stocking Now the danger of these gorgeous handmade soaps is that you might want to keep them for yourself. Take note: make extras so you can put some in your own stocking, too.              More Topics DIY Christmas Fish Card Art Saltwater Aquariums More Christmas Tree Choices Trees and Shrubs Remove Mystery Stains in the Laundry Laundry Frugal Gifts for Kids Frugal Living Organize Your Kitchen Before the Holidays Housewares / Appliances 8 Reasons to Buy a Home Home Buying / Selling What Is New Urbanism? Architecture Folded Fabric Star Ornament I have a friend who collects handmade ornaments so I usually end up running to the local import store, hoping to find something unique. But this year, with the help from About's Guide to Quilting, I can make my own ornament that will not only be a one-of-a-kind gift, but will better reflect my love for a very dear friend.   Create a Mini Memory Book Of all the presents I've ever received, the one that stands out in my mind is a memory scrapbook that friends made for me the first time I moved overseas. It was like I took them with me, and I will always, and still do, treasure it - dearly.     Sponsored Links   Feeling Under the Weather? Evaluating Your Cold Symptoms How to tell when a runny nose is just a cold, and when it might be turning into something more serious and require a visit to the doctor. More> House & Home Ads Gifts Presents Homemade Food Gifts Handmade Gift Ideas Fun Christmas Gift More from About.com: the Shopping List Top Holiday Toys Gift Giving Made Easy Best Xbox Video Games Beauty Presents for Her Coupons and Bargains     Visit Related About GuideSites: Antiques Apartment Living/Rental Architecture Entertaining Home Buying/Selling Home Repair Interior Decorating Landscaping   Search About      Sign up for more free newsletters on favorite topics. You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About House & Home newsletter as batman8672@GMAIL.COM. If you wish to change or remove your email address, please visit: http://www.about.com/nl/usgs.htm?nl=househomesl&e=batman8672@GMAIL.COM About respects your privacy. Our Privacy Policy. Our Contact Information. 249 West 17th Street New York, NY, 10011 © 2008 About, Inc.

About House & Home: How to Survive Holiday Entertaining

House & Home In the Spotlight | More Topics |   from Diane Schmidt I used to stress about holiday entertaining. So much so that one year my husband said he'd take it over completely, and while he can cook up a mean batch of chili, his other culinary skills are less savory. What I learned from his entertaining style was that when things aren't perfect, and you can laugh about it, your guests tend to have a lot more fun.   In the Spotlight You Can Survive Holiday Entertaining Any survival guide that starts with an order to eat cookies is one that needs to be posted prominently on the refrigerator.              More Topics Woodworking Gifts for Under $50 Woodworking Santa Postcard Collection Antiques Top 10 Home Theater Gifts For Dad Home Theater Thrift Store Shopping Tips Flea Markets & Yard Sales Homemade Doggie Gobblers Dogs Apartment Hunting 101 Apartment Living / Rental Beautiful Dining Room Paint Colors Home Renovations Get Your Home Ready for Entertaining Simple tips to help make your home more welcoming. After all, it's not how much you spend, rather the feeling that people sense when they walk through your front door.   Pick the Perfect Christmas Tree I used to drive my mother crazy, insisting that we buy the most downtrodden tree in the lot. Having low standards makes it a little easier, but what if you're looking for the perfect tree, the one that's just right for you?     Sponsored Links   Feeling Under the Weather? Evaluating Your Cold Symptoms How to tell when a runny nose is just a cold, and when it might be turning into something more serious and require a visit to the doctor. More> House & Home Ads Holiday Rent Holiday House Disney Holiday Homes WWW Thermen Holiday Elie Holiday Lets Advertisement     Visit Related About GuideSites: Antiques Apartment Living/Rental Architecture Entertaining Home Buying/Selling Home Repair Interior Decorating Landscaping   Search About      Sign up for more free newsletters on favorite topics. You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About House & Home newsletter as batman8672@GMAIL.COM. If you wish to change or remove your email address, please visit: http://www.about.com/nl/usgs.htm?nl=househomesl&e=batman8672@GMAIL.COM About respects your privacy. Our Privacy Policy. Our Contact Information. 249 West 17th Street New York, NY, 10011 © 2008 About, Inc.

About House & Home: Last Minute Holiday Tips

House & Home In the Spotlight | More Topics |   from Diane Schmidt I try not to leave things until the last minute, but I usually underestimate the time needed to get something done. It would help if I at least quadrupled the hours it'll take to complete a certain task. Like if I'm planning on getting all my holiday gift buying done in eight hours, I should probably count on needing eight days instead since I tend to get sidetracked by all the super sales, like the cozy, cute sweaters that happen to be in my size.   In the Spotlight How to Clean Up After a Big Meal Cleaning up after a big meal has to be the least favorite task of all. My mother had the perfect solution. It was called children.              More Topics Thanksgiving Scrapbook Page Ideas Scrapbooking How to Rewire a Kitchen Electrical Best Way to Get Rid of Leaves Lawn Care Do Water Changes Kill Fish? Freshwater Aquariums Water Heater Tips to Save Energy Home Repair 8 Easy Ways to Add Curb Appeal Architecture 10 Ways to Lose Your Home Home Buying / Selling Black Friday Shopping Tips This is where I get a little lost. Super sales, bargains and freebies always lure me in. Even if I don't need another pot scrubber, if it's on sale, and the last one, I might have to arm wrestle you for it.   Feng Shui Thanksgiving Tips Okay, this is really what it's all about. Family, friends, good food and good company, plus some extra ingredients to ensure your holiday is the best one yet.     Sponsored Links   Feeling Under the Weather? Evaluating Your Cold Symptoms How to tell when a runny nose is just a cold, and when it might be turning into something more serious and require a visit to the doctor. More> House & Home Ads Bedroom Designs Home Interior Design Bathroom Ideas Kitchen Ideas Bathroom Designs Advertisement     Visit Related About GuideSites: Antiques Apartment Living/Rental Architecture Entertaining Home Buying/Selling Home Repair Interior Decorating Landscaping   Search About      Sign up for more free newsletters on favorite topics. You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About House & Home newsletter as batman8672@GMAIL.COM. If you wish to change or remove your email address, please visit: http://www.about.com/nl/usgs.htm?nl=househomesl&e=batman8672@GMAIL.COM About respects your privacy. Our Privacy Policy. Our Contact Information. 249 West 17th Street New York, NY, 10011 © 2008 About, Inc.