Budget-Friendly Ideas to Boost Curb Appeal (Family Features) Your home’s first big impression is its curb appeal, so if your place is in need of some sprucing up, you may wonder how you can make some updates without breaking the bank. These 10 ideas are easy on budgets, but they can also make a big impact on your home’s exterior image. Paint your front door. As long as your front door is in good condition, there’s no need to replace it completely. A fresh coat of paint can instantly update your home’s facade. Go bold or stick with a classic ..read more

Since the pandemic created new relationships with living space, homeowners are embracing the opportunity to spruce up and even reimagine what their home and outdoor space can be. One of the ways homeowners are rethinking their outdoor space is to add an outdoor kitchen. From fully equipped to a simple grill and a few chairs, outdoor kitchens are on homeowners’ must-have lists for 2023. Our experts have a few trends to watch for when creating that perfect outdoor space. For many, an outdoor kitchen may seem like a true luxury, but when you spend a significant amount of time enjoying ..read more

It’s been three years since the pandemic hit and forced everyone inside for an extended period. Now, outdoor living is becoming more and more popular with homeowners. Creating an inviting and engaging space for family, friends, and neighbors to hang out is quickly becoming a new priority. With that, homeowners want to upgrade or design a deck space that marries the practical with the beautiful. Decks expand usable outdoor space while improving the functionality of entertaining. They can surround pools and create outdoor patio areas that make it easy to establish multitiered living spaces, enha ..read more

(Family Features) Whether you’re a novice just learning to cultivate a magical display or an avid gardener with years of experience, early planning can help bring this year’s garden to life. These simple tips can help you start planning, and before you know it, you can start putting your plans into action. Assess your environment. Determine what factors may aid or hinder your garden’s success. What do you know about the soil? Lighting? Exposure to threats such as hungry or curious wildlife? Uncovering potential roadblocks early can help you identify potential solutions or alternatives that may ..read more

(Family Features) Renovating your home’s outdoor spaces not only enhances the aesthetic but can also provide a host of recreational benefits. Taking a look at award-winning projects can help many homeowners draw inspiration while also identifying capable, reputable contractors to take on the project. For example, selected by a panel of industry experts based on functionality, aesthetics, craftsmanship, innovation and degree of difficulty, these 2021 National Association of the Remodeling Industry National Contractor of the Year (CotY) Award Winners showcase a variety of ideas for upgrading you ..read more

(Family Features) Renovating your home’s outdoor spaces not only enhances the aesthetic but can also provide a host of recreational benefits. Taking a look at award-winning projects can help many homeowners draw inspiration while also identifying capable, reputable contractors to take on the project. For example, selected by a panel of industry experts based on functionality, aesthetics, craftsmanship, innovation and degree of difficulty, these 2021 National Association of the Remodeling Industry National Contractor of the Year (CotY) Award Winners showcase a variety of ideas for upgrading you ..read more

Written by Peter Grimaldi, Vice President of Gardens & Facilities at Cheekwood Ornamental grasses are commonly emphasized in garden design for winter interest, and the summer months present an important opportunity to appreciate and manage our perennial grasses as spring blooms fade and our gardens settle into various shades of green. Imagine your garden in black and white for a moment or, better yet, take a series of black and white photographs over the course of the growing season. The thoughtful use of plants with variation in size and texture creates a visual framework for your garden ..read more

Basic tips for feeding wild birds (Family Features) With all the constraints people lived through in 2020, many turned to their own backyards – nature, in particular – for hope, solace, wonder and even entertainment. Despite the worldwide crisis, nature’s normalcy remained intact; flowers continued to bloom, bees continued to pollinate and birds continued to fly and forage food. Feeding birds can be enjoyable for any age group and provide stress relief for all who partake. A University of Exeter study, focused on nature’s impact on humans in suburban and urban areas, found lower levels of depr ..read more

The world’s first one-key automatic inflatable loungerInflate Complete in 60s Exclusive and innovative design with an integrated AirVorTech electric air pump, which can automatically inflate the air lounger with a simple touch. Very easy to operate by yourself, even kids can handle. It is easier to inflate than traditional air bed, takes only 60s. Relax and enjoy whenever you want. 3 Steps, One Touch Step 1: Fold the vent to adjust the hardness of the lounger according to your preference. Step 2: The top buckle is designed to strongly seal the air outlet. Step 3 ..read more

I get asked this question often. Or more often, I hear from friends who are sure they already have the answer: “Isn’t it too late to start a garden?” All the big box store commercials would have us believe that we have a short little window of 4 to 6 weeks when it’s the ‘perfect time’ to start a garden and if we didn’t get our timing just right, then we might as well wait until next year. It was a Nashville summer in 2011. With three small kids in tow, desperate for something new to do at home that ..read more