Blog by Beebe Cline, PREC*

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6 Ways to Cool Off Without Air Conditioning

October 5th, 2018
Having an air conditioner is a near-must in climates where months-long heat waves are a summer norm. And with that comes an equally scorching energy bill. Even in regions with gentler climates, homeowners can still experience enough hot days in a row to nearly go mad. It doesn’t have to be so hard. Whether you want to save money by running your air conditioner less or brave the heat without ...

10 Decluttering Projects You Can Do in 15 Minutes or Less

October 4th, 2018
Let’s face it: Clearing clutter doesn’t usually top our list of fun things to do. Sure, the joy of a clutter-free space is something we can all get behind, but finding the time (and the motivation) to make it happen is quite another matter. That’s where quickie clutter clearing comes in. Instead of waiting for that mythical perfect storm of ample time, energy and motivation to appear (spoil ...

How to Hang String Lights Outdoors

October 3rd, 2018
Nothing beats cafe-style string lights for their ability to quickly improve the ambiance in an outdoor space. In the evening, their soft glow overhead can visually transform an ordinary patio into a party-ready spot for hosting friends or cheer up a dim walkway with an inviting luminescence. Outdoor string lights are a cinch to put up if you have the perfectly positioned trees or fence. If ...

Homes on Wheels Keep the Vacation Rolling All Year Round

October 2nd, 2018
Lucy Call EmailSave 1. The Spirit of ’76The exterior of the 1976 29-foot Ambassador trailer that Jordan Menzel bought was in good condition for its age. But the interior came with the shag carpet, wallpaper and claustrophobic curtains common to vintage Airstreams. While the trailer’s interior received a complete makeover, Menzel decided to keep the exterior unchanged. “Nothi ...

10 Popular Rooms Capture the Magic of Being a Kid

October 1st, 2018
ids’ spaces can be so fun to decorate, especially if you design the rooms to encourage the sense of discovery and wonder inherent in growing up. These 10 kids’ rooms, pulled from the most popular photos uploaded to Houzz since Jan. 1, 2018, feature elements such as a climbing wall and a hanging chair that are sure to delight children of all ages. Anna Finnegan Design Ema ...

8 Things Interior Designers Want You to Know

September 28th, 2018
Have you been dreaming of hiring an interior designer? Wondering if hiring a designer is right for you, or just want to know more about what the process is really like? We asked interior designers, Kate O’Hara of Martha O’Hara Interiors and Andrea Schumacher of Andrea Schumacher Interiors, to share their insights.What do interior designers do? The popular image of an interior designer totin ...

10 Tips for Beginning Gardeners

September 26th, 2018
The rewards of gardening are great — fresh air, exercise, beauty and relaxation, to name a few. But designing and planting your very first garden can feel like an overwhelming task. Luckily, gardens are surprisingly forgiving creations, and the best way to learn is by simply diving in. Here are 10 tips to help get a new garden off on the right foot. The Cousins EmailSave ...

Get Organized: Take a 10-Day Simplification Challenge

September 24th, 2018
Emily Ley has twin toddlers and a 6-year-old, runs a business that employs five people, writes books and creates the popular organizer line Simplified Planner. To make it all work and still have time to have a life, she has simplified in as many ways as possible. After reading her latest book, A Simplified Life: Tactical Tools for Intentional Living, I spoke with her at length about where t ...

Get Your Garage Ready for Winter

September 17th, 2018
1. Pick a Sunny DayCheck out the weather forecast and select a sunny, comfortable day to clean out your garage. Make sure there aren’t any rain, high winds or thunderstorms on the horizon that could sneak up and really put a crimp in your cleaning plans. Rockport Doors & Closets Inc. 2. Empty the GarageMove the cars out of the garage and toward the end of the driveway so ...

What to Know About Adding an Outdoor Sink

September 14th, 2018
or many homeowners, especially avid gardeners, home hobbyists and frequent hosts, an outdoor work sink can be a useful home feature. It can keep messy cleanup tasks like washing paintbrushes and planting containers out of the house and take pressure off your kitchen, standing in as a useful place to arrange flowers, wash garden produce or fill with ice and store drinks for a party. Sound li ...
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