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

Money Pit Blogs

Solar Energy Comes to the Cincinnati Zoo

Mon, 01/24/2011 - 10:22 - Tom Kraeutler

Solar energy appears to be growing in popularity.  Not only are we seeing more homes sporting solar panels, but now even the greenest zoo in America will generate power from the sun. 

This spring, visitors to the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden will be greeted by the largest publicly...

Owning More Affordable Than Renting in 72% of Major U.S. Cities

Fri, 01/21/2011 - 13:10 - Tom Kraeutler

Today, Trulia.com released its latest Rent vs. Buy Index which found that it is now more affordable to buy than to rent a two-bedroom home in 72% of America’s 50 largest cities.  

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, a nation of renters has emerged as more Americans choose to rent -- often due to...

Be Better Prepared for Snow

Thu, 01/20/2011 - 09:45 - Leslie Segrete

Winter storms are unpredictable and can whip up at any moment.  Snow can accumulate quickly and suddenly.  Many of you have already seen Mother Nature at work this year.  Multiple times.

Your best defense is preparation. Gather all of your snow removal supplies and check that they are in top...

Danger: Don't Use Your Oven to Keep Warm

Mon, 01/10/2011 - 07:00 - Tom Kraeutler

Earlier this month, a family in southern California was reported to have used an oven to try to stay warm in the cold temperatures, resulting in the deaths of two people from carbon monoxide poisoning.  This tragic incident is a reminder that carbon monoxide poisoning can be fatal, but can be...

Make Your Bathroom Safer

Fri, 01/07/2011 - 10:09 - Leslie Segrete

January is Bath Safety Month.  Yes, I know -- there seems to be a month devoted to awareness for just about every problem.  But this one actually deserves a little attention.  Falls at home injure millions of Americans every year, but here are simple things you can change inexpensively in your...

Ask Your Electrician for These Outlet Upgrades

Mon, 01/03/2011 - 11:44 - Tom Kraeutler

Got an electrician coming out to the house sometime soon?  Make a note to kill several electric birds with one stone.  While he or she is there, have your electrician make these relatively easy upgrades to your home electric outlets:

-- Raise some outlets.  It helps keep them out of reach of...

Kill Germs in Your Washing Machine

Thu, 12/23/2010 - 12:05 - Leslie Segrete

Did you know that your washing machine might not be washing the germs out of your family’s clothes? 

Over time, washing machines can become contaminated with bacteria, potentially leaving millions of germs behind in your laundry.

To correct this problem, run the washer without clothes using...

Your Clutter Helps Habitat for Humanity

Mon, 12/20/2010 - 01:00 - Tom Kraeutler

Looking to clean out that clutter, donate to charity and maybe even find a great deal on that kitchen sink you've been looking for?  Look no further than DiggersList and the Habitat for Humanity Re-Stores.

DiggersList is a website of home improvement classified ads, and it's giving Americans an...

Natural, Non-toxic Wood Stains from Coffee, Berries and More

Thu, 12/16/2010 - 07:00 - Leslie Segrete

If you’re looking for a natural, non-toxic wood stain, you might want to raid your kitchen. 

- Coffee, tea and black walnut hulls can be steeped to make a concentrated solution that case be used as a stain. 

- Black raspberries are an effective wood stain when crushed and then rubbed onto...

Tips for Seasonal Fireplace Maintenance

Mon, 12/13/2010 - 11:57 - Tom Kraeutler

Make sure your fireplace is in tip-top shape this winter to keep your home and family safe.  Follow these tips for thorough seasonal fireplace maintenance:

-  Check your flue, damper and firebox for creosote build-up.  Creosote is highly combustible and can lead to a dangerous chimney...