Home And Garden
Heath beds require some soil preparation
Botanical kin sometimes make good garden companions, and such is the case for the heath family.
Feb 09, 2012 | 12:00 am | Loading…
Herbal Healer: What is rhatany?
Its alluring red bloom gracing the mile high atmosphere of South America's mountains, rhatany is valued for the bark covering its roots. The chemicals residing within have been used in dentistry, herbal medicine and to color port wine.
Feb 08, 2012 | 8:30 pm | Loading…
Manage your foyer clutter
To determine how much havoc winter will play on your foyer, do the math. Take the number of people in your home and multiply by three. Three, of course, represents one heavy winter coat, one light winter coat and one ratty hoodie for unseasonally balmy February days. Double that figure to…
Feb 08, 2012 | 8:00 pm | Loading…
Snow shoveling 101: advice and gear
Although much of the country has been relatively flake-free this winter, snow removal woes are just one storm away; in fact, this time last year we were still shoveling our way out of a major blizzard.
Feb 08, 2012 | 7:00 pm | Loading…
Fast and fun fix-up for kids' rooms
During these waning weeks of winter, it's the perfect time to add a major dose of personality to your child's bedroom — and do it on a budget. Here's how to dress up a dresser, create a headboard, customize bed linens, and jazz up those tired old walls.
Feb 08, 2012 | 6:00 pm | Loading…
The Importance of a Reasonable Purchase Offer
Buying a home can be exciting and stressful all at once. Most people look forward to making a move, but the financial aspect can be a bit unnerving - especially when it's to your advantage to find the best mortgage for your situation before you even start looking at homes.
Feb 05, 2012 | 12:00 am | Loading…
Decor tips for huge rooms
ORLANDO, Fla. — Vast rooms with soaring ceilings, extra-tall doors and towering windows are designed to look grand. But how do you make such vast spaces feel warm and inviting — without minimizing their grandeur?
Feb 05, 2012 | 12:00 am | Loading…
It’s a buyer’s market, but the lending environment is still tough. Here's how to make your case for a loan
There's no better feeling than checking off every item from your to-do list. It's smart to try to take that same approach to homebuying.
Feb 04, 2012 | 12:00 am | Loading…
Own your home? If you do, there's a good chance your satisfied with your situation, says a recent homeowner survey
Over the past few years, there has been plenty to be unhappy about in regards to the housing market. But those who own their home are feeling pretty good.
Feb 04, 2012 | 12:00 am | Loading…
Take heart - women's cardiovascular disease may be preventable
When Dina Piersawl went home to visit her family for the holidays eight years ago, she suffered from severe headaches. By the time she made it back to her home in Chicago, her pain had become worse, and Piersawl had no choice but to go to the hospital the day before New Years Eve. Her pro…
Feb 04, 2012 | 12:00 am | Loading…
Sugar intake should be regulated to control its toxic effects, researchers say
Sugar consumption is driving disease and obesity epidemics in the U.S. and should be regulated like tobacco and alcohol, according to researchers at the University of California, San Francisco.
Feb 04, 2012 | 12:00 am | Loading…
Home accents with a sunny disposition
Winter won't be over for several more weeks, but already the sun is climbing a little higher in the sky, and feeling a little warmer.
Feb 02, 2012 | 12:00 am | Loading…
Spreading rock on your garden can help feed soil
If you feel like getting out in the garden, now is as good a time as any to spread rock on the ground.
Feb 02, 2012 | 12:00 am | Loading…
Notice of scholarship opportunity
The Lake County Master Gardeners are continuing their scholarship program for the 2012-13 academic year. Scholarships will be awarded to college and university students who are residents of Lake County. In addition to the majors of horticulture and landscape architecture, majors of forest…
Feb 02, 2012 | 12:00 am | Loading…
Salt Creek Watershed meeting on Feb. 9
Save the Dunes will host a meeting of the Salt Creek Watershed Group on Thursday, Feb. 9, at 3:30-5 p.m. at the Valparaiso Public Library, 103 Jefferson St., meeting room B. Save the Dunes will provide updates on the implementation of the Salt Creek Watershed Management Plan and preview p…
Feb 02, 2012 | 12:00 am | Loading…
'Semi-homemade' furniture increases in popularity
If you can look at a dented, chipped, dusty piece of furniture that's been in someone's garage for years and see potential and beauty, then Debbie Nelson is impressed.
Feb 01, 2012 | 9:00 pm | Loading…
Herbal Healer: What is remo caspi?
When Old World explorers from Spain encountered this tall, lightweight tree flourishing in the Amazon basin, its impressive aboveground buttress roots moved them to name it "remo caspi," Spanish for "paddle wood." Indeed, natives long relied upon this giant for the construction of their c…
Feb 01, 2012 | 8:00 pm | Loading…
Come on in: Entryway floors fit for winter
During this season of snow boots and slush, entryway floors can really take a beating.
Feb 01, 2012 | 6:00 pm | Loading…
Building Budget-Conscious Energy-Efficient & Sustainable Homes
Created to promote and educate building professionals and the public about high performance housing and encourage a greener, healthier, more sustainable living experience in northwest Indiana, the NWI Green Building Alliance of the Home Builders Association of Northwest Indiana (HBA of NW…
Jan 29, 2012 | 12:00 am | Loading…
BEANS FOR THE “BOWL” AND BEYOND
I am a fool for black beans and think they are particularly great in the winter. Full of protein, they are a nutritional powerhouse and look gorgeous when garnished with avocados, tomatoes and oranges. These two recipes would certainly lend themselves to Super Bowl watching - and, of cour…
Jan 29, 2012 | 12:00 am | Loading…
Nashville resort gardener tends to 50,000 plants
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Hollis Malone's garden is gigantic and enjoyed by many. Malone is in charge of maintaining 50,000 tropical plants, rare international blooms and Southern species at the sprawling Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center.
Jan 28, 2012 | 12:00 am | Loading…
New federal map for what to plant reflects warming
WASHINGTON (AP) — Global warming is hitting not just home, but garden. The government's colorful map of planting zones, most often seen on the back of seed packets, is changing, illustrating a hotter 21st century.
Jan 28, 2012 | 12:00 am | Loading…
Look for luck when decorating for Chinese New Year
An apple a day keeps the doctor away, but did you know a bowl of tangerines can usher in good fortune for the Lunar New Year?
Jan 28, 2012 | 12:00 am | Loading…
As we move into the election year, promoting homeownership remains a top issue among likely voters
The majority of Americans are saying, Read our lips: We want tax incentives. At least when it comes to promoting homeownership, according to a survey of 1,500 likely voters recently released on behalf of the National Association of Home Builders.
Jan 28, 2012 | 12:00 am | Loading…
Looking to boost your creditworthiness? Those monthly rent checks just might be the thing to do it
Does your landlord love you because you're always on time with the rent? Well, your good reputation may spread to others, like credit card issuers.
Jan 28, 2012 | 12:00 am | Loading…
Interior design specialist to speak in Crown Point
Jane Leslie, CEO of Jane Leslie Design, will share insights on design, wall color, and eliminating clutter in a talk titled "New Year, New Interior Design for Your Home/Office." The free event will take place on Saturday, Jan. 28, at 10 a.m. at First Financial Bank, 11890 Broadway in Crow…
Jan 26, 2012 | 12:00 am | Loading…
Gary's first urban farm seeks community input
A community development project that seeks to transform an abandoned lot at 15th and Massachusetts in Gary into a lush green space producing fresh fruits and vegetables is seeking citizens' input at a Community Day planned for 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28, at the Christ United Metho…
Jan 26, 2012 | 12:00 am | Loading…
Herbal Healer: What is shell flower?
Named after its beautiful pink-tipped white flower buds that resemble seashells, this member of the ginger family is grown as much for its ornamental appeal as it is for its healing properties. Each part of the plant is aromatic, adding another dimension to its popularity as a greenhouse …
Jan 25, 2012 | 9:00 pm | Loading…
Plant flower bulbs right to avoid spring no-shows
Flower bulbs are a forgiving bunch. They can be buried upside down, stomped on or ignored, yet most will bloom for several seasons.
Jan 25, 2012 | 9:00 pm | Loading…
Garden water features: Thinking small is less work
Water features can bring interest, beauty and wildlife to a garden, but they also can be work.
Jan 25, 2012 | 8:00 pm | Loading…
Workshop helps photographers capture their natural surroundings
Mike Moats is the Lady Gaga of macro nature photography.
Jan 25, 2012 | 7:00 pm | Loading…
List of Improving Markets Nearly Doubles
The number of US housing markets showing measurable improvement almost doubled in January according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/First American Title Insurance Company Improving Markets Index (IMI), released last week.
Jan 22, 2012 | 12:00 am | Loading…
Olthof Buyers Relish Lake Hills Lifestyle
For many local empty-nesters, the decision to downsize does not happen overnight.
Jan 21, 2012 | 12:00 am | Loading…
A room designed in a single style is a dated way to decorate. Learn to mix styles like the pros
Kim Salmela grew up with Finnish parents in a home steeped in modern Scandinavian design, but as an adult she studied in Milan and fell in love with the antiques of old Europe.
Jan 21, 2012 | 12:00 am | Loading…
Longer processing timelines resulted in fewer filings in 2011
Drive around and you might see a lot of for-sale signs up, but the number going up as a result of a foreclosure is on the decline.
Jan 21, 2012 | 12:00 am | Loading…
From would-be sellers to property-management companies, today's landlords have many faces
Thinking of renting?
Jan 21, 2012 | 12:00 am | Loading…
Seeking vendors for Antique and Collectibles Show
Vendors are needed for the Crossroads Regional Chamber of Commerce Antique & Collectibles Show, which is being held on Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 25 and 26, in the Industrial Arts Building at the Lake County Fairgrounds. Hours for the show are Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, 1…
Jan 19, 2012 | 12:00 am | Loading…
A good cart helps make a good garden
Let us now praise an unsung hero of the garden: the humble garden cart.
Jan 18, 2012 | 9:00 pm | Loading…
Define 'shade' before planting a shade garden
One of the toughest tasks in gardening is dealing with the dark side: coaxing plants to grow where the sun won't shine.
Jan 18, 2012 | 8:00 pm | Loading…
Home repairs: knowing when you can do-it-yourself
In times of economic hardship, "do-it-yourself" is a tempting mantra for many homeowners with dripping faucets, running toilets, leaky windows or sticky locks.
Jan 18, 2012 | 7:00 pm | Loading…
Herbal Healer: What is parsnip?
While most taste buds are familiar with carrots, celery and parsley, another member of this family — parsnip — has yet to be mainstreamed into garden and kitchen. The tide of popular opinion, however, seems to be changing in parsnip's favor as more and more health seekers discover its edg…
Jan 18, 2012 | 6:30 pm | Loading…
Gardening show offers something for everyone
The ground may be frozen, but gardeners from around the area are already planning ahead for warmer weather.
Jan 18, 2012 | 6:00 pm | Loading…
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