At Home: 10 steps to the perfect sofa

I still remember my shock and dismay when I realized that sofas had to be bought. Somehow I thought sofas just happened. They always simply showed up in homes, hotels, and offices without explanation or fanfare, like feral kittens or bills.

At Home: Fixin' to Sell

Maybe it’s because I was the youngest in my family. Maybe it’s because I’m five-foot-three and have a voice like snow white, but I lash out like a cornered rattlesnake when someone doesn’t take me seriously.

At Home: If you can dress, you can decorate

I know, I know, to many of you the idea of decorating an empty room feels as horrifying as one of those dreams where you're suddenly in public naked. But I'm going to fix that.

At Home: Turn Your Closet into a Boutique Just for You

Quick: Which room in your house needs attention the most? Kitchen? Bathroom? Garage?

At Home: How to sell what where

The author of "Garage Sale Millionaire" had come to Orlando to visit theme parks with his wife and 3-year-old son. I took it as a sign. Divine deliverance.

At Home: Parents’ possessions put past in perspective

Like my mother, the Roman God Janus — for whom January is named — had eyes in the back of his head. In fact, he had an entire face on the back of his head, so he could look backward and forward at once. This feature earned him the distinction of “god of doors.” He ruled comings and goings.

At Home: Resolving to repurpose

This time of year I always feel a little sick to my stomach, and not just because of those midnight romps at the dessert buffet with the bottomless glass of Prosecco. (Do they make a combo antacid headache tablet?)

At Home: A Look Back at Lessons Learned 2012, Part 2

A look back at the lessons the year served up reveals I once again had my share of jams, upheavals and awakenings. I faithfully reported these with what I hope some would call humor served with a dollop of advice on the side.

Porter County man guilty in child porn case

Ryan Schroeder is escorted out of the Porter County Courthouse on Thursday after being found guilty on 23 counts of aiding child molestation and exploitation.

Porter County man guilty in child porn case

Ryan Schroeder is escorted through the Porter County Courthouse by officers Thursday after being found guilty on 23 counts of aiding child molestation and exploitation.

Porter County man guilty in child porn case

Ryan Schroeder is escorted through the Porter County Courthouse by officers Thursday after being found guilty on 23 counts of aiding child molestation and exploitation.

Museum of Science and Industry's Christmas Around the World fun for all ages

Visitors to Christmas Around the World will stroll through 50 trees decorated by local ethnic communities, enjoy intermittent falling "snow" and see performances on the Holiday Stage.

Valparaiso soldier returns home

Spc. Jacob Schroeder, 20, of Valparaiso poses for a picture Tuesday with his parents, Julie and Keith Schroeder, after returning home from Afghanistan.

Valparaiso soldier returns home

Spc. Jacob Schroeder, 20, of Valparaiso hugs his fiancee's mother, Tammy Schwanke of Knox, after arriving back from Afghanistan on Tuesday to his family's home. Schroeder is only home for a few weeks and has plans to marry his fiancee, Amber Schwanke, left.

Valparaiso soldier returns home

Valparaiso resident P.J. Imm, left, welcomes home Spc. Jacob Schroeder, 20, of Valparaiso after arriving home from his tour in Afghanistan on Tuesday.