Gift baskets are wonderful for many occasions. The best — and most frugal — is one you fill yourself, and you can save even more if you think like a Yankee. First, set a budget and stick to it. Second, buy an inexpensive but attractive basket at a discount store or use one you’ve saved […]
Living
Wondering how to create that perfect, invisible china plate, cup, or statue fix? China and crystal repair expert Dean Schulefand explains repairing china in 5 steps. For the last 32 years, Dean Schulefand, a china and crystal repair expert, has stood as the last line of defense for broken, sometimes shattered, vases and platters, statues and […]
Gardens
Propagate Succulents
Succulents have textures and shapes that differ from traditional house plants. Their diverse and visually interesting forms have caught the eye of plant lovers everywhere. These drought tolerant plants have found their way into the hearts and homes of even hard core brown thumb’s due to their easy care and low maintenance. Succulents are native […]
Gardens
Remove Weeds from Walkways
A walkway can add a lot of punch to the curb appeal of a house, unless its been overrun by pesky plants. When that happens, try these two methods to remove weeds from your walkway. If weeds start to flourish in the spaces of your brick or stone walk, here’s a good way to combat […]
For a special handmade gift, a vintage-inspired scented lavender heart is sure to please. Antique linen and old-fashioned sewing methods are all you need to make these beautiful, lavender-filled sachets. Materials to Make Vintage Scented Lavender Hearts: Linen Small bits of ribbon Lavender Needle and thread Instructions to Make Vintage Scented Lavender Hearts: Cut out […]
How To
How to Shop for Free
Every week Kathy Spencer does the impossible: For her family of six, she spends just $4 a week on groceries. No, that’s not a typo. Spencer, who lives north of Boston and is the author of How to Shop for Free (Da Capo Press), is a master when it comes to coupons and rewards programs. […]
From this year-round waterfront property in Tenants Harbor, Maine, you can see Andrew Wyeth’s summer house across the water. And the land once belonged to author Kenneth Roberts. How many couples do you know who have 10 children? No twins or adopted children–just seven boys and three girls. Oh, and let’s add that the father […]
Patti Moreno discovered her passion for gardening in 1998, when she was looking for a way to lose weight: “I needed to do something physical, so I started beautifying our yard.” Failed hydrangea bushes soon gave way to bountiful raised beds. Today, not only are Moreno’s gardens flourishing, but so is her Web site, GardenGirlTV.com, […]
Local artisans keep used goods out of the landfills by turning reclaimed materials into beautiful pieces for the home. 1. Woodworker Scott Bradford, manager of the recycling center in Peterborough, New Hampshire, salvages boards, discarded hardware, and other materials to create one-of-a-kind birdhouses like this one ($115). Available at New England Everyday Goods, Peterborough, NH. […]
This sweet and touching project has become my favorite Valentine’s gift, and it’s far more personal than the standard roses and chocolates! It’s so simple to transform a shadow box into a valentine keepsake inspired by your sweetheart or loved ones. I dedicated this February 14th gift to my two daughters, Sylvie and Lila. During […]
Nancy Jordan grows and serves vegetables year round on her island home in Maine. She shares her top tips for cultivating a successful vegetable garden. Protect Plants with Netting Lay plastic netting on bedded plants (tulips, bush beans) or make net tepees around tall crops (fenced peas, pole beans) to keep the deer away. Welcome […]
How To
Valentine’s Day Wine Tags
If you’re planning a romantic Valentine’s dinner for two, or a Valentine’s bash for friends, why not wear your heart on your sleeve (or on your wineglass!) with these easy-to-make tags.Materials: Modeling clay (air-dry is best), heart-shaped cookie cutter, rolling pin, decorative stamp, wax paper, toothpick, indoor/outdoor satin spray-paint, decorative wire, beads.Instructions: Step 1: Put […]