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Share ideas and learn about the latest in home improvement and décor from Tom and Leslie.

Money Pit Blogs

DIY Packing Tips for Your Summer Move

Fri, 05/17/2013 - 22:56 - Leslie Segrete

While many homeowners are staying put these days, summertime is still prime moving season for those who plan to relocate across town or across the country. If a house move is in your near future, save money and protect your belongings by doing your own packing with methods used by the pros. Here...

For Cool Comfort, Get Ceiling Fan Turning in the Right Direction

Sat, 05/11/2013 - 21:59 - Tom Kraeutler

As you turn toward a summer routine of cooler temperatures indoors, make sure your ceiling fan does the same. A ceiling fan can be a big help with indoor comfort, allowing you to spin down overall energy costs with just the flick of a switch.   The ceiling fan’s secret to a cooler summer is its...

Rather Than Move, Americans Improve

Sun, 05/05/2013 - 00:23 - Leslie Segrete

If you're more motivated to improve your present home than move to a new one, you're not alone. According to the U.S. Census Bureau's recent American Housing Survey (AHS), homeowners have been busy modernizing their kitchens, finishing basements and ramping up overall home efficiency--all to...

Keep Deer, Rabbits and Groundhogs Out of Your Garden

Sat, 04/27/2013 - 23:17 - Tom Kraeutler

As you head out to your yard this spring, you may discover you’re not the first to get your paws in the dirt. Deer, rabbits and groundhogs can be pleasant reminders of the wonders of this season, but they’re also destructive intruders, trampling and chomping on all your hard work. Before you...

Bring Your Garden Up-to-Date by Going "Downton"

Sat, 04/20/2013 - 19:38 - Leslie Segrete

As gardeners once again dig into the most popular hobby in the U.S., many are hopping online for inspiration. One place they’re going for ideas is StumbleUpon, the mobile and desktop exploration tool, and recent rankings of its 30 million users’ top gardening “stumbles” (searches) revealed a...

Is DIY Home Remodeling On Its Way Out?

Sat, 04/13/2013 - 21:46 - Tom Kraeutler

According to the Spring 2013 U.S. Remodeling Sentiment Report from RemodelOrMove.com, strong growth in higher-end remodeling projects means a lot more contractor hiring and a lot less do-it-yourselfing. As the influences of the recession on home improvement plans continue to diminish,...

For Natural, Non-Toxic Wood Stains, Raid the Pantry

Fri, 04/05/2013 - 01:49 - Leslie Segrete

If you’re looking for a natural, non-toxic wood stain, you might want to raid your pantry. Everyday items make great natural wood stains, offering beautiful colors and an artistic, wholesome way to decorate. Here are a few possibilities that await in the kitchen cupboards and produce basket....

To Save Some Green, Plant a Garden

Fri, 03/29/2013 - 16:12 - Tom Kraeutler

Want truly organic produce? Plant your own backyard garden this spring. It’s a great way to save money and get a lot of good-for-you greens. Believe it or not, by investing just a little of your landscaping budget in veggie gardening, you can reap 25 times that value in a bounty your local...

Get Your Lawn in Shape for Spring

Sat, 03/23/2013 - 18:13 - Leslie Segrete

If the weather cooperates, next weekend’s Easter egg hunt will mark a springtime return to the great outdoors and serve as a reminder that it’s time to get going on turf rehab. Your lawn may look a little patchy and yellowed now, but with some time, attention and the right products, you’ll enjoy...

Avoid Accidental Poisoning at Home

Fri, 03/15/2013 - 23:06 - Tom Kraeutler

One of the biggest threats to your family could be lurking under the sink, in the medicine cabinet, or out in the garage. Accidental poisoning is the second-leading cause of home injury deaths, and a top safety concern for most Americans. Yet fewer than 20 percent take proper precautions to...