The Home Know-It-All

Tighten Up Your Home This Winter

I don’t know about you, but I’m already starting to get my apartment ready for winter because I want to see if I can reduce my winter energy bills. Last year, they were a little overwhelming, to say the least, and I’d rather spend my money on apartment décor or a new outfit.

If you own a home, you should also start thinking about tightening it up for winter if you haven’t already: The average family spends $1,400 a year on energy bills, according to Energy Star, and approximately half of that is spent on heating and cooling.

My plan of attack? I’m heading to the store this weekend to purchase an indoor window insulator kit and door sweeps to keep drafts out. Because I’m a renter, I’m slightly limited in the number of preventative measures I can take. But if you’re a homeowner, there are all sorts of steps you can take to tighten up your home and take the chill out of your winter energy bill. 

Start by sealing your air ducts. It’s an important move, considering that approximately 20 percent of the air that moves through your duct system is lost because of leaks, and poor connections between ducts, according to Energy Star. On board? Download this handy guide from Energy Star.

Then you’ll want to make sure your insulation is up to par, too. And to do that, you’ll first want to get acquainted with your home’s R-value, which measures insulations resistance to heat flow. Different levels of insulation are recommended for different areas of your home, including the attic and basement, and recommended insulation levels vary based on were you live. See what levels of insulation are recommended for your region here. Should you find that you need to beef up your insulation, you can simply add it on top of your existing layers.

Finally, check out this post on fall cleaning, which includes a couple great ideas for tightening up your home such as installing weatherstripping around doors.

On a totally unrelated note, I hope you have a fabulous, treat-filled Halloween!

Until Monday,
The Home Know-It-All

Green Entertaining

The holiday season is right around the corner. Considering that Americans produce 25 million tons of holiday-related garbage each year and buy a whole lot of stuff in preparation for parties, perhaps it’s time to start thinking about environmentally friendly entertaining.

To get you started, here are some of the key areas where you can go green—and still throw one heck of a party.

Invitations. If you’re sending out snail-mail invites, opt for recycled paper products. Or, better yet, if it’s not a super-formal event, send an Evite. Online invites are free, easy to create, and arrive almost the second you hit “send”—no postage required.

Food. Shop for local and organic ingredients as much as possible. I realize, particularly this year, that food in general is pricey and organic even more so. Make organic entertaining easier on your budget by going light—rather than whipping up a five-course meal, why not stick with appetizers or desserts? It will be less expensive and you won’t have to purchase mass quantities of food, so you can focus on quality instead. Of course, as Green Savvy reminded me, don’t forget the organic wine and beer too!

Dishware. Use real plates, cups, silverware, and napkins rather than disposable items. If you don’t have enough for the whole crowd, ask to borrow a friend’s dishware. Or take a trip to your local Salvation Army or a secondhand store to see if you can snag extra plates and silverware for cheap. Who cares if the plates don’t match? If you must go the disposable route, purchase biodegradable options. Many, like VerTerra’s organic and compostable dinnerware, are so attractive you may want to wipe them down and reuse them after all!

Decor. Sure, themes are great, but they often involve purchasing a lot of items you don’t already have on hand. Instead of buying all sorts of paper products, streamers, and goofy seasonal items, opt for the less-is-more approach by decorating with objects you already have or nice pieces that, once purchased, can be reused again. I particularly like the suggestions in this Fine Living article—for instance, green guru Danny Seo suggests using glass jugs as wine decanters for one party and the same jugs as flower vases at another. Or, if you do purchase decorations specifically for the big event, why not use them as gifts for guests? Then you don’t have to worry about buying party favors too.

Cleanup. Set out bins or bags in which guests can toss recyclable items such as cans and bottles. That way, you don’t have to mess with fishing them out of the garbage can later. Once it’s time to tackle the dishes, scrape rather than rinse them to save water. Cleaning items in the dishwasher is much more efficient than hand-washing, so fill the dishwasher as full as possible (but not overfull) before running it. Odds are you won’t be able to get everything in one load if you’re entertaining for more than a few guests. If you can’t handle waiting to clean all the dishes in the dishwasher, fill the sink up with water rather than leaving the water running to wash the rest. Also, consider what you’re going to do with all that leftover food. If you won’t eat it yourself, can you send it home with guests? Or make plates to take to a homeless shelter?

If you’re looking for more ideas on how to green your entertaining, let Danny Seo walk you through everything you need to throw a green party, from food and drinks to décor and entertainment, at Epicurious.com. Or steal ideas from “A Night of Eco-Chic Entertaining” over at Notes on a Party.

What great green entertaining advice do you have? Share here—and happy holiday party planning!

Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All

Transitional Fall Decorating

Clearly you know by now how I feel about autumn’s rich hues. But my apartment tells a much different story. That’s because I’ve got one small wall shelf dedicated to my favorite season, lined with a small display of miniature pumpkins and gourds. Oh, and then there’s the delish apple-cinnamon scented candle that infuses my living quarters with an autumnal scent regardless of the season.

It’s about time that my apartment reflects my sentiments toward autumn—especially since it’s now the end of October. And since I’m on a budget (and I bet a lot of you are, too), I’m especially interested in fall décor that lasts through the time I bake a Thanksgiving pumpkin pie (my best contribution) or, even better, December. Long-lasting, multipurpose decorations are something worth celebrating on their own.

My grandmother is steering me well on my way to achieving this goal: For my birthday, she surprised me with some festive red tableware. It was intended for Christmas entertaining, but its rich jewel-tone hue lends itself to a variety of purposes. (A talented decorator, she’s also the reason why I have assorted gourds in my apartment.)

One project I can’t wait to dig into tonight was actually inspired by The Home-Know-It-All, and it involves poking cloves into an orange to make a pumpkin face. (I love the way they smell.) When Halloween is over, I can create new designs with new oranges. Easy schmeazy!

And once I’ve got my oranges finished, I’m going to adorn my dining room table with these cornhusk votives, a la Martha Stewart. The pretty craft involves wrapping votives in dried cornhusks and tying a white ribbon around the middle. If you’re crafty, check out her other ideas.

I especially love interior designer Libby Langdon’s take on transitional autumn decorating. For Halloween, she lines her fireplace mantle with a display of white pumpkins and votive and pillar candles. But the radiant glow looks fresh through Turkey Day. Another idea? Making twig hurricanes by hot gluing twigs to a cylindrical vase. Learn how to make them here.

If you’ve gathered a bounty of farm stand produce—pumpkins, gourds, apples—put them to good use with these tips from Real Simple.

Because Halloween is just around the corner, I’ll leave you with these fabulously frightful (and quick and easy, of course) decorating ideas to impress your trick-or-treaters. Even if you’re decorating the day before, no one will be the wiser.

Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All

How to Build a Window Seat

Have I mentioned that both my kid sisters’ rooms have beautiful bay windows with cozy window seats? Oh, I have? Well, did I tell you I had no such thing growing up? Oh, I did?

I guess that’s the problem with being the oldest. My mother doesn’t feel a bit sorry for me—and I suppose you shouldn’t either. But you should know how fantastic window seats are. Not only do they let you take in beautiful sunsets and catch events happening in the yard, they also provide a spot for storage and perhaps even a bed for overnight guests. If I wasn’t so jealous of my sisters’ little nooks, I’d probably use them every second I was back home.

To cure my envy, I plan to have one of those snazzy seats someday when I no longer live in an apartment. And lucky for me, they’re pretty easy to build if a bay or picture window is already in place or if the window rests on a wall short enough that the seat can stretch its entire length without looking clunky. Unfortunately, without a suitable window, I’ll likely have to extend the exterior of the home to create a true window seat, and unless I turn into Bob Vila soon, I’ll probably have to hire a professional. But in case I do buy a home with the right window, I’ve dug up information on how to construct one myself.

Begin by measuring the window seat area and selecting size-appropriate, ready-made cabinets. Remove the shoe molding, build a frame pedestal with a center support for more stability, and secure the frame to the wall. Then, center the cabinets and drill them into the frame. Next, cut a piece of trim to create a toe kick and fasten it to the bottom edge of the cabinets. Cut a piece of shelving material and secure it with finishing nails. Finally, replace the shelving doors.

For a more in-depth explanation, Ron Hazelton tells you how to build a window seat with a hinged top for storage. Mother Earth News shows you how to create one with bookshelves on each side, and HGTV has a video of how to make one if you’re more of a visual learner like myself.
And, of course, if you don’t do the whole tool thing, there are ways to construct a window seat sans hammer and nails. Simply purchase a storage bench—like this one from Ikea or this one from Overstock.com—and place two large bookcases on each side. You’ll get the look of built-in furniture without the hassle of creating it.

Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All

Clever Thank-You Notes

Photo courtesy of Crane & Co.

I had a birthday not too long ago, and once the presents were unwrapped, the cards opened, and the cake eaten (okay, devoured), I went to my desk and pulled out my favorite thank-you stationery.

That’s right. From an early age my mother ingrained in me the importance of writing thank you cards. And while I can’t say I always agreed with her on this topic, I appreciate her influence.

So now I have one cubbyhole in my desk hutch dedicated to thank-you stationery (every time I see some on sale, I pick up a pack). And while I have several varieties, these colorful cards from Target ($15.99 for a set of 48) are my favorites, because I love the fun hues and the chic yet simple design.

For other cool thank-you card options, look no further than Crane & Co., where you’ll find appropriate thank-you notes for every purpose—business, sympathy acknowledgements, baby, and holiday. Another bonus: Crane & Co. cards are made from recovered cotton fibers, and they’re printed with low-VOC water-based engraving inks. Since the holidays are coming up, I might have to order these awesome Letterpress Deer Thank You Notes ($14.00 for a pack of 10).

Then hop on over to Egg Press, which specializes in bold, funky stationery. I especially love their letterpress stationery. The Thanks Alligator card ($4.50 a piece) could be a fun option for kids. (Maybe if I had stationery like this growing up, my mother wouldn’t have had to plead with me to finish my thank-yous in a timely manner.)

I also love the thank-you cards featured in this Washington Post article on the topic, especially the whimsical “You Rock” card from Paper + Cup. Which ones are your favorites?

If you want to nix the paper idea all together, you could send an especially eco-friendly (and equally fun) e-card instead. Some are free, others come with a nominal fee. Try Hallmark, Blue Mountain, or Evite to get started.

Happy thank-you note writing!

Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All

Cool Craft Room Essentials

No matter if you do your crafts in a dedicated room, spare bedroom, or just on the dining room table, you can probably make the space more efficient. (Now if you do your crafts sprawled out on the living room floor like myself, you’re out of luck. Just kidding. I have a few tips for you folks as well.)

The way I see it there are four craft room—er, craft location—requisites: storage, accessibility, lighting, and originality. And it doesn’t matter how large or small your space is—you can still achieve all four.

Storage. If your craft area offers only one thing, it should be storage. A simple toolbox to tuck away buttons and safety pins may be all that you need. Or you could get more creative and recycle storage items. Better Homes and Gardens knows what I’m talking about.

Look for little jars, shoeboxes, and plastic containers at garage sales and thrift stores. (No need to buy those things new!) And if you get enough jars, like these from Ikea, you can screw the lids onto a 2x4 and fashion an easy-to-see rack.

Accessibility. Once you’ve located storage devices, it’s important that you arrange them so they’re accessible. You don’t want to interrupt the creative process to search for your favorite marker. Consider buying a label maker to clearly identify what’s in each box or jar. Here’s a good example. (Be sure to check out the rest of that craft room while you’re there—it’s pretty cool!)

And to keep everything in sight, arrange your supplies on a bookcase. Try one of these to make your craft room accessible and stylish.

Lighting. Natural light is a must for any craft room. It’ll help you identify true colors and keep you inspired. If there’s not a window close by, purchase a lamp that simulates daylight, like this one or this one. But if you plan on using your craft room often, it may be worth renovating to capture the sun’s glow.

Originality. How can you expect to be creative if your craft room isn’t? Don’t be afraid to let loose in this space and let your wild side show. Paint it a funky color (my coworker insists light blue stimulates imagination), and hang eye-catching posters and other artwork.  I think this one would inspire me—and it’s in a closet! Or this one…oh, I love this one. It’s the perfect balance of organization and craziness.

Hey, I have an idea. When you get your craft room settled, why don’t you send pictures my way? Heck, I may even post them for the world to see.

Until Monday,
The Home Know-It-All

End-of-Season Lawnmower Tune Up

Thank goodness it’s almost time to put away that lawnmower for the winter. Now, I know I live in an apartment and I didn’t mow one lousy lawn this summer, but don’t think for a second I’ve forgotten my yester years. I remember just how much energy it took to mow my parents’ lawn and the thrill of tucking away the mower for five or six months in the winter.
But before you rejoice and let the push mower hibernate, inspect it as you prepare it for storage. Here’s what you need to do:

• Empty the gas tank. Use a siphon to make the job easier. Don’t know how? This site will help. Or skip that mess and fill the gas tank full and add fuel stabilizer instead. It’ll keep the gas gum-, varnish-, and rust-free through the winter months. Run the engine for a few minutes to disperse the stabilizer.
• Disconnect the spark plug wire and the negative battery cable (if you have one).
• Tip the lawnmower on its side to remove built-up grass clippings. Try using a putty knife to get the really tough guys.
• Attach a high-pressure nozzle to your hose, and wash your entire mower.
• Spray rust inhibiter on the blade and other unpainted metal parts.
• Store it in a sheltered area to keep the fuel tank dry and prevent rust damage.
• Finally, throw your hands in the air and let out a cheer for a much-needed grass-clipping break.

If you need more advice for keeping your mower in tip-top shape, check out Popular Mechanics’ words of wisdom.

Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All

Solving CFL Problems

It seems like every week a light bulb goes out around our house. And every week, I diligently replace that burned-out bulb with a brand-new CFL (and grin in satisfaction knowing I won’t have to replace that bulb again anytime soon—in case you didn’t know, you can reap major energy savings by using long-lasting, energy-efficient compact fluorescent light bulbs).

The only time I didn’t grin in satisfaction? When I went to replace the bulbs in our kitchen light fixture with CFLs only to discover they didn’t work—and neither did the additional bulbs I tried after the first ones didn’t work. Great. The light fixture just didn’t work. So I spent quite a few weeks cooking in the semi-dark, aided by the light in the range hood and the one above the sink and one lonely undercabinet light without much power.

And then one day, just as we were finishing dinner, a light bulb went on above the head of my honey’s father. (Sorry for the pun, but it’s true!) “Have you tried a regular light bulb?” he asked. I looked at him in horror. Why would we do such a thing? But then he explained that in some fixtures at their house (built around the same time ours was), the CFLs don’t work. So we found another overhead fixture that still had a regular bulb and tried it in the kitchen one. And it worked.

So I decided it was time to do some sleuthing and figure out why the standard CFLs—which should have been comparable to the standard bulbs we’d been using—didn’t work.

When CFLs first appeared on the scene, the bulb options were few. So that meant CFLs often didn’t work in lamps or fixtures of certain types. But now there are CFL bulbs to fit almost any fixture in your house—I have small ones in some of my lamps, and you can even get ones made for dimmers, track lighting, pendants, and chandeliers with miniature bases (and no, you don’t have to have those little spiral bulbs on display in your chandelier—they’ve available in enclosed plastic covers that mimic the look of standard candelabra bulbs).

I’ll let Grist’s Umbra explain why you can’t use regular CFLs with a dimmer fixture, because that may solve some of your CFL problems.

But what about my kitchen light fixture, which is just as plain as can be? I did some digging and, honestly, didn’t find much solid information on why CFLs don’t work well in some standard light fixtures. Since they tend to have fits in old fixtures, it could be a problem with decomposing or bad wiring. (I hope not, but it may be time to call in an electrician just to be sure!) On some message boards I was scouting out, the consensus seems to be “no one knows why it happens in some fixtures, it just does” (even from electricians!).

Not very promising. But why not do this: try a few other types of CFLs to see if you stumble upon one that works. And if you don’t? Stick with a regular light bulb—just make sure to turn that light off when you’re not in the room. Using one regular light bulb isn’t going to destroy your electricity bills or the environment—but please do keep using CFLs where they work!

And, to help ensure you are using your CFLs correctly, remember:

• Only dimmable CFLs should be used in light controlled by dimmer switches.
• CFLs should not be used in lights controlled by electronic timers or on photocell devices or fixtures.
• Do not use CFLs in fixtures that are both enclosed and recessed.
• Turning CFLs on for only a short amount of time—less than 15 minutes—doesn’t allow them to warm up and reach the point at which they operate most efficiently. So, turning them on and off frequently may shorten their life.
• Using CFLs in ceiling fans or garage doors (where there’s vibration) can shorten the life of the bulbs.
• Because they do contain small amounts of mercury, remember to properly dispose of CFLs that do burn out or break.

Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All

What We’re Loving: KitchenAid Artisan Series Stand Mixers

Photo courtesy of KitchenAid

This summer, my mother surprised me with an early birthday present: my very own KitchenAid Artisan Stand Mixer. And what a fabulous birthday present it was!

Some people covet fancy ranges, furniturelike islands, or custom cabinetry for their kitchens. Not me. For as long as I can remember, a KitchenAid Stand Mixer has always topped my kitchen wish list. Why? So that I could whip up brownies, cookies, cakes, and other tasty treats just like my amazing great-grandmother who instilled in me a love of baking from an early age. (Our specialty? A tried-and-true classic: Chocolate chip cookies.) She was a chef extraordinaire who used her KitchenAid mixer so often that she went through three of them in her 103-year-lifetime.

But that’s not the only reason I harbor a slight obsession over this timeless appliance. I love its functionality, too. The mixer’s tilt-head design makes it easy to access the beater and bowl. (I’ve found this especially comes in handy when you’re pouring a messy can of Hershey’s syrup into the bowl.) Mine also has 10 mixing speeds, a multipurpose attachment hub, and 9-cup Flour Power, meaning it can produce 9 dozen cookies (though I haven’t needed to use its full capacity yet).

Photo courtesy of KitchenAid

I also can’t resist its dazzling array of eye-catching colors, from classic white or black to modern tangerine and reef blue. My mother opted for basic white, knowing that it would match any kitchen of mine in the future. But if you’re sold on red, there’s a mixer to meet your fancy.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the extras, too. The mixer comes with a flat beater, a ‘C’ dough hook, a 5-quart stainless-steel bowl, and a wire whip, but you can also purchase all sorts of attachments and accessories to increase its versatility. The options? A ravioli maker, an ice cream maker, a can opener, a citrus juicer, a sausage stuffer kit, and much, much more. But don’t just take my word for it. See for yourself here. I’d love to be able to churn out my own ice cream and sorbet at home (in case you haven’t guessed, I’ve got quite the sweet tooth), so the ice cream maker would be perfect for me.

Chances are, I won’t wear out three mixers in my lifetime. But I do plan to squeeze every ounce of use out of my machine as possible. So as I leave you for the day, you can bet I’ll be thinking about what to make next.

Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All

Silencing Squeaky Stairs

It’s almost Halloween, so perhaps, you want to leave that squeaky stair alone until after the holiday—just to add a little extra spook to your house. But once the trick-or-treaters have all gone home, give yourself some peace and quiet by fixing the squeak.

Before breaking out the tool belt and peeling away risers, first familiarize yourself with the anatomy of stairs. This Old House has a great explanation.

It’s possible that your creaky step need only a squirt of liquid graphite or a dusting of talcum powder, so give that a try before diving in too deep. If that doesn’t work, dig out your hammer, screwdriver, and nailset, and determine your plan of attack. Depending on where the stairs are located in your home, it may make the most sense to repair the staircase from below or at stair level. For example, if your stairs are left exposed on the underside, it’s easiest and most effective to fix the squeak from below, but if your steps have been encased, you’ll need to make repairs from above.

After examining the lay of the land, follow these instructions on Old House Web. The friendly folks over there have even ranked their advice from easy to hard, so you can figure out which method is most appropriate for your skill level.

Better Homes and Gardens also features easy-to-follow directions. And if your stairs are carpeted, This Old House has good advice.

When you’re finished, walk up and down the stairs a few times to enjoy the silence. Ah, beautiful, huh? No need to thank me the next time your midnight snack run goes unnoticed!

Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All

Paint a Ceiling in 5 Steps

I have this itch where I constantly need to update my surroundings. It can be as easy as moving a bookcase to the other side of the room—or as complicated as repainting my bedroom. (Remember the time back in high school when I bedecked my ceiling in Hawaiian print?) There’s just something about a reorganized or freshly painted room that gets to me.

So despite having only painted one ceiling in my life, I have a special interest in the topic, and I’ve recently spent time delving into the process. Here’s what I’ve come up with:

1. Clear the room. Take down curtains and light fixtures—and don’t leave anything to chance. You may think you’re pretty handy with a paintbrush, but mistakes happen. And you wouldn’t want a nice dollop of paint ruining the curtains you spent months scouring the Internet to find.
This is also the time to remove furniture from the room. If anything is too heavy or bulky to move, push it to the center and cover it in an old sheet or drop cloth. And to make sure no cobwebs or dust make it into your fresh coat of paint, take a damp cloth and wipe down the ceiling.

2. Roll out the tape. If the ceiling is a different color than the walls (which this interior decorator and I strongly urge you to consider), you’ll need to tape off the ceiling. Using painter’s masking tape, begin at a corner and carefully place short (for better control) pieces at the top of the wall, overlapping each piece by an inch or two. To finish it off, use a clean putty knife to securely press the tape down.

3. Fill in the corners. Next, grab your paintbrush and get ready to paint. You should have picked up a thick, splatter-resistant paint, like this one from Behr, at the paint store. It’ll help keep your head from looking like a Jackson Pollock painting when all is said and done. Start by painting the corners to make sure they get filled in properly.

4. Paint away. Now break out your roller and get to town. Use the technique detailed in this previous post, always remembering to roll into wet paint and move at the same angle throughout. If your ceiling is textured, be sure to use a roller with a higher nap to get in the nooks and crannies.

5. Peel back the tape. Wait three to four days, and then remove the tape to unveil your masterpiece.

Good luck!

Until Monday,
The Home Know-It-All

Winterize Your Pool

All summer long I enjoyed lazy weekend afternoons spent lounging poolside (covered in SPF 45, of course) with my fellow apartment complex residents. The best part? Because the apartment maintenance crew winterizes the pool, I didn’t have to lift a finger when the pool closed in September. 

However, I grew up with a couple friends who were lucky enough to have their own backyard pools—including my next-door neighbors—so I know that getting a pool ready for winter is a detailed process. And even though it isn’t exactly a treat, it’s necessary.  Because if you don’t, you risk damaging pricey pool equipment and dealing with underground pipe damage when you’re ready to jump in next summer.

One of the first things you’ll want to do is clear the water of debris—leaves, bugs, and more. Be sure to clean the skimmer basket, lint trap, and pool cover, which may have started breeding icky mold over the summer. To clean the filter, use a cleaner specifically designated for filters.

You’ll also want to drain the pool, because the more water you leave in the pool, the more chemicals you’ll need to keep it clean all winter.  Not sure how much you need to drain? Talk with someone at your local pool store who can give you a customized answer. At the pool store, you’ll also find ready-made winterizing chemical kits. Just be sure to follow manufacturer’s instruction for proper use.

Another important tip? Use a pool cover for protection against wind, dirt, and debris. And if you live in a cold area, make sure it’s a heavy-duty cover that can withstand everything winter throws its way. That’s what this pool-cleaning expert suggests—plus, she provides other handy pointers for securing a hefty cover so that it stays in place.

Of course, the pool process may change depending on whether your pool is aboveground or inground. Want more specifics? Specialty Pool Products arms you with the tips and tricks you need to ensure your pool is ready to go when the temperatures heat up again.

Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All

All for Area Rugs

If you have a particular room in the house lacking a certain something, chances are a well-appointed area rug is the missing piece. Providing a boost of color, depth, and personality, area rugs pull rooms together nicely.

You can find area rugs in an abundance of styles at most home stores and on the Internet, so often the hardest part of rug shopping is picking your favorite one. That definitely was my dilemma when I started browsing. Here’s what I couldn’t resist:

Bridget Rug in Blue
Photo courtesy of Pottery Barn

Flower power. I was instantly drawn to the Bridget Rug in Blue from Pottery Barn ($99-$599, depending on size) because it matches my brown-and-blue living room color scheme. And I love the fresh floral design, which would surely make a bold yet sophisticated statement.

If you’re a floral fanatic like me, also check out Pottery Barn’s Kaley Bloom Rug ($149-$799, depending on size), which is abloom with a cool chrysanthemum pattern inspired by a 19th-century Japanese wood-block print. Choose from three lively colors: orange, green, and yellow.

Back to basics. There’s no doubt that patterned rugs add flair, but sometimes they can overwhelm—especially if you already have a lot going on décor-wise. If that’s the case, a single pop of color might be all you need. Take the simple—but no less eye-catching—Hanson Rug from Crate & Barrel ($19.95-$269, depending on size), for instance. The tonal rug comes in a variety of luscious hues: berry, pumpkin, plum, and fern. What’s more? Its high-low weave creates depth. Another bonus: The rugs reverse to a darker color so you get even more wear out of it.

Milliken NFL Rug
available at www.homedepot.com

Team spirit. Oh yes, that’s right. In the heart of football season, I can’t help but shamelessly pay tribute to my all-time favorite NFL team—The Green Bay Packers—with this awesome Milliken Green Bay Packers NFL Rug from The Home Depot ($99-$379, depending on size). Although it would seriously clash with just about everything in my apartment—except for my game-day attire—this Packer Backer would gladly sport the green and gold rug during football season. And worry not, all you Cowboys, Vikings, and Steelers fans out there: There are rugs for just about every team.

Want information for selecting the ideal interior area rug? We’ve got you covered. So do the folks at Lowe’s.

Oh, and if you’re looking for rugs based on a certain color, shape, or pattern, you can easily categorize them on Target’s website.

Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All

Wine Racks Galore!

My roommate is somewhat of a wine connoisseur, so when we moved to our new apartment, you can guess the first piece of furniture she bought. Yep, a wine rack. And all in all it makes a pretty nice addition to our humble abode, storing our bottles at the optimal horizontal angle (it keeps the corks moist to prevent air from entering the bottle and spoiling the wine) and positioning our glasses at arm’s reach.

Vintage Wine Rack
Photo courtesy of
Howard Miller

Ours is wrought iron with a glass top, but wine racks come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials. For example, this console from Howard Miller ($1,500) is wood with a black coffee finish. The top even slides apart to expose a granite prep-surface, and two cabinets on each end offer abundant storage.

If you don’t have the floor space for a furniture-style rack, opt for one that mounts on the wall. This rack ($52) found at A+R Global Design is cleverly designed to suspend six wine bottles of virtually any shape and size. The best part: It goes up with just two screws. I think I could even handle that!

Wall-Mounted Wine Rack
Photo courtesy of
A+R Global Design

But if you need your wall-mount rack to hold more than just six bottles, I’d go for one of Vintage View’s holders ($61.95). They’re simple, but hung side-by-side they look pretty snazzy. In fact, my mind is already racing with possibilities in my apartment. (However, I think I need more than one bottle of wine to really put them to good use.)

To keep a chilled bottle of wine at your beck and call, consider a refrigerated console. This one from Franklin Chef is a bit pricey at $2,030.95, but it’s well worth it if you like playing host. Not only does it keep your wine nice and cold, it also makes room for cans of soda and bottled water—a sure hit at any party!

And, of course, no Home Know-It-All post is complete without a do-it-yourself option. Try this one from ReadyMade and fashion your rack from a box spring mattress.

Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All

Cool Bookcases

If you’re a bookworm like me, chances are you’ve got more books than you know what to do with (and stacks of magazines, of course). The lone bookshelf in my apartment is absolutely overflowing, and I’m thinking I need another one.

I had no idea there were so many cool options out there! Maybe that’s because I’m ever the traditionalist and adore classic bookcases like the Dolce Dark Walnut Bookcase from Target ($149.99) and the Graham Desk and Hutch combo from Pottery Barn ($599-$1,598), which combines bookshelf space with a desk in a very refined package.

Intrigued, I did a little searching around on the Internet for some sweet bookcases. Here are just a few of my favorites:

Graphic pop bookcase
Photo courtesy of PBteen

Think pink. True, the Graphic Pop Bookcase from Pottery Barn Teen ($499) wouldn’t go with my décor now, but I definitely wish I would have had this in my bedroom when I was a teenager—it’s the perfect blend of girly and edgy, thanks to its pink interior and circular cutouts. The unit comes with five deep shelves; three are fixed and two are adjustable. You’ll also find a cord cutout and mouse hole cutouts on every shelf—perfect for storing electronics.

Photo courtesy of
Peter Pepper Products, Inc.

Sleek statement. I asked my honey for his input on bookcases, and he picked this Peter Pepper-Envision Floor Standing model ($1,431; price varies with options) because of its clean, contemporary styling. And I love it too, because its four glass shelves (you can choose from two widths) provide ample room for storing all your novels, yet the unit itself doesn’t consume lots of floor space. Another benefit: You can choose a black, cool grey, or natural maple background panel finish.

Soho Bookcase
Photo courtesy of World Market

For a different, equally contemporary option, check out the ebony-finish Soho Bookcase from World Market ($269). It’s got a simple, four-tier design, but it makes a big statement.

Wall art. Seeking a small-space option? I always am, as you very well know by now. And that’s why I was drawn to the functional Corner Space Saver Bookcase from Stacks and Stacks ($45.99). As its name points out, this awesome unit fits neatly in any corner. And it’s got a stylish shape to boot. I’m sold.

Corner Space Saver Bookcase
Photo courtesy of
stacksandstacks.com

Multitasker. The Exotic Retreat Bookcase/Room Divider from Target ($299.99) is one hardworking bookcase. Not only does it meet the standard requirements of a bookcase—to hold books and provide display space (obviously), it also functions as a room divider. And thanks to its unique shape and rich dark finish, it looks darn good doing it. Also check out the customizable Puzzle Bookcase from Crate & Barrel ($99.95-$379).

Want to see some really creative bookshelves? Then you have to hop on over to Freshome. My favorite? Definitely the Equation Bookcase. But the Quad Bookcase is pretty nifty too. Whatever your style, you’ll find oodles of cool bookshelves on this site.

Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All

Top 5 Ways to Use Fall Leaves

If it wasn’t already evident by the number of posts we’ve done on the subject, we love fall here at the Home Know-It-All. But we also recognize that the very same leaves we rave about now in this post will become our nemesis in a little more than a month, blanketing our lawn and clogging our gutters in all their fine glory. So before the temperature really starts to drop, we’d like to unveil our top five ways to get rid of the suckers.

Drum roll, please…

5. Sweep them up with the Rolling Leaf Sweeper ($99.95) we talked about in this previous post. You’ll save yourself serious time—not to mention throbbing back aches.

4. After raking or sweeping the leaves, compost them with the Big Ben Leaf Composter ($39.95). Designed to optimize aeration and decompose leaves faster, it’s the perfect tool to start your composting pile. Remember? You were supposed to start one last August when we first told you about them in this post.

3. Check with local municipalities to see if there’s an official leaf-pick-up day. Oftentimes, they’ll truck your leaves to a city mulch pile. All you have to do is put them in a decomposable bag, like these from Frontgate ($39.99; currently on sale for $19.00).

2. Press them to preserve their stunning colors forever. Country Living shows you how in a helpful step-by-step slideshow.

1. Get crafty. Martha Stewart offers a variety of projects, including leaf-covered candles, leaf-print tablecloths, and my personal favorite, leaf collages.

Have any other ideas? Post them soon—winter is sure to arrive promptly.

Until Monday,
The Home Know-It-All

Fired Up for Fall Color

Autumn is by far my favorite season, and no, it’s not just because of my birthday. It’s a season that’s ablaze with a rich palette of fiery colors: eye-catching reds, oranges, and yellows that leave little to be desired. Just look outdoors at the rapidly changing trees and leaves blanketing your yard for proof. I could gaze at multihued fall foliage for hours.

Want dazzling color in your yard? Celebrate the season with a striking array of trees and shrubs known for their fall color. Here are a few of my favorites:

‘Tiger Eyes’ Sumac. When autumn rolls around, this shrub infuses your yard with a brilliant orange hue tinged with touches of scarlet and yellow. But it’s not just a stunner in the fall—this shrub features pretty chartreuse foliage in the summer. Because of its relatively compact size (reaching approximately 6 feet tall and 6-8 feet wide in maturity), it’s a good addition for small gardens. Learn more about ‘Tiger Eyes’ Sumac here.

Sugar Maple. One of the most famous cultivars for fall color, the Sugar Maple doesn’t disappoint—it provides a show of flashy hues regardless of what variety you choose. (Personally, I’m partial to the Bonfire variety.) Because there are so many maples, the key to growing success is to select a type that adapts well to your local climate. Read up on Sugar Maple habits here.

Sweet birch. Also known as black birch or cherry birch because of its dark bark, this large tree produces beautiful golden-yellow leaves that make a statement in the fall. In fact, it’s one of the best birch tree varieties for fall color (if not the best). I also love the fact that when twigs are cut from the tree, they emit a sweet wintergreen scent. Another bonus: Sweet birch is resistant to birch borer disease, which often plagues birch trees. Learn more about sweet birches here.

Want more planting pointers for scoring fabulous fall foliage? I found this Bob Vila.com article particularly interesting because it explains which trees and shrubs are the first to explode with color, and which are the last. This Better Homes & Gardens slideshow features 17 stellar plant varieties for fall. Also check out these top picks from iVillage.

What types of trees and shrubs are you loving this fall?

Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All

Cool Candle Sleeves

I absolutely love the old chandelier that hangs in our dining area—it’s one of those great antiques loaded with dangling clear glass pendants. What I don’t love about it, however, are those terrible fake plastic sleeves below the bulbs that are supposed to look like candle bases, complete with dripping wax. Can you say “ugly” and “fake”?

That’s why I was so excited when I received an email about kaarsKoker (it’s Dutch for “candle sleeve,” in case you’re wondering) replacement sleeves, which come in all sorts of great styles to fit your décor. We’re talking houndstooth, stripes, peacock patterns, an array of solid colors—and even skulls if you’re ready to get into the Halloween spirit.

Best of all, the sleeves aren’t ridiculously expensive (they range from $12–$23 a pair), so it’s pretty darn easy to change them with the seasons, the holidays, or your moods. I’m contemplating ordering some myself, just as soon as I figure out which ones would look best with my retro wallpaper. Mom, any suggestions? (Yes, I always ask my mother for decorating advice. Don’t you?)

Also, be sure to check out the kaarsKoker blog as well as what other great design blogs such as design*sponge and Simply Stated have to say about the chandelier sleeves.

And if you have any DIY ideas for hiding those boring old plastic chandelier sleeves, share them here!

Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All

Water-Saving Showerheads

Evolve Roadrunner.
Photo courtesy of Evolve.

As much as I enjoy saving energy, I enjoy saving water even more. And wouldn’t you know it? By saving hot water, you save energy as well, which makes water-saving showerheads the be-all and end-all of my happiness. (Okay, that’s not necessarily true, but I love doing my part to save our planet.)
    So you can only imagine my excitement when I happened upon this showerhead (pictured right). Evolve’s Roadrunner eco-friendly showerhead uses 1.59 gallons per minute. (The typical showerhead wastes as much as twice the amount of H2O as that, spewing nearly four gallons of water per minute.) And guess what? The Roadrunner comes with Showerstart technology, which senses when water is warm and pauses the flow. No longer do you waste water waiting for your shower to warm up! With this showerhead, you save nearly eight gallons of water for every five minutes of shower time.

Delta Water-Efficient Showerhead
Photo courtesy of James A. Stepp,
Lexicon Multimedia

Because showers account for nearly 17 percent of your daily water usage, according to the American Water Works Association, low-flow showerheads are a great way to decrease water consumption.
Check your showerhead for a rated flow imprinted on the side. If the number is not below 2.5 gpm, you’re in need of a replacement. And don’t think for a second that you’ll be sacrificing water pressure. For example, this water-efficient showerhead from Delta (pictured left) comes with H2Okinetic Technology, increasing the size of water droplets to maintain water pressure but using only 1.6 gpm. Others, called aerating showerheads, mix air in with the water to maintain pressure, and another variety is designed to pulse, creating a massage-like effect.

Low-flow showerheads are available in a variety of styles for as little as $10 for a basic model to more than $200 for a luxury version, but over time, they all pay for themselves because of reduced water bills.

Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All

What We're Loving: Itso Modular Storage

Just the other day I was walking through Target (Best. Store. Ever.), when I came across an eye-catching display of stacked storage cubes that I couldn't helping staring at. That was my introduction to Itso modular storage, the creative brainchild of a collaboration between Target and design firm Ideo.

The best part? It's completely customizable—you can buy individual storage cubes in different sizes (they come in white plastic or wood laminate finish)—and stack 'em or line 'em up to your heart's content. If you crave closed storage, you can purchase coordinating storage bins made from fabric, plastic, or paperboard (bonus: they come in seven bright hues). Use the pieces in a dorm room to stash papers and books (trust me, they're a trendy alternative to those plastic crates) or in a crafts room to corral all your supplies. Or why not create your own media center with the perfect amount of storage for your family room? I'm thinking of snapping up a few cubes myself to tame my beast of a closet.

To see how the Itso storage system can work for you, try the Itso Builder tool here.

Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All

How long is food safe when the power goes out?

Recently, a reader asked this very important question: How long can food stay in the refrigerator when the power goes out?

It’s one I wondered about myself last winter when our power was out for almost 24 hours because of a particularly bad snow and ice storm.

Whether you lose electricity because of bad weather, a utility company error, or something else altogether, the thought of losing an entire refrigerator’s worth of perishable food is none too pleasant.

First and foremost, when your power goes out do not open the fridge or freezer if you can help it. The temperature in an unopened refrigerator will stay cold enough that your foods will be OK for a couple of hours. And a freezer that is full can—if it’s not opened—stay cold for as long as 48 hours. (And even if it’s only half full, everything should stay frozen for up to a day.)

(By the way, in order to have something to eat when the power is out, it’s a good idea to always make sure you have food in the pantry that doesn’t require refrigeration and that can be eaten cold or grilled.)

According to The American Red Cross, perishable food should not be held above 40 degrees for more than 2 hours. If the power outage is short, your food is probably fine. But if it’s out for longer than 2 hours, you’ll need to take action.

If you can obtain ice, pack your food away in coolers until the power is back on. If that’s not an option, you’ll have to hope the power comes back on soon enough that your food is safe—or fire up the grill when you find out it’s going to be a while and start cooking!

Once the power does come back on, if it hasn’t been longer than 4 hours, use a quick-response thermometer to check the internal temperature of food such as milk, meat, and leftovers—if it’s above 40 degrees, you better toss it. Some items are safe at temperatures over 40 degrees, including fruit, butter, peanut butter, raw vegetables, cheeses, and catsup. For a list of other items that are probably OK after a power outage, visit MissouriFamilies.org.

If the power comes back on within 24–48 hours it’s likely your frozen food is safe. But it’s a good idea to double-check, because if items near the door have started to thaw out you may need to throw them out. When examining food, MissouriFamilies.org recommends checking for ice crystals. If the food (aside from seafood) still contains ice crystals, refreeze it as quickly as possible and write “refrozen” on it so you know to eat those items as soon as possible.

If the food has thawed and you don’t see any ice crystals, it’s time to throw it away.

The American Red Cross offers some terrific, specific information about what to do with perishable items, including a detailed chart broken down by food type. So be sure to visit their website.

And remember: When in doubt, throw it out.

Until Monday,
The Home Know-It-All

Planting a Serviceberry Tree

You know how to plant a tree—thanks to this handy-dandy post from last fall. But I wanted to remind you how great this season (mid-August to mid-October) is for planting deciduous trees in particular. Don’t believe me? The Green Line backs up my claim. Fall’s favorable temperatures and moisture conditions are good for your tree’s roots, and all the nutrients the roots soak up now will sustain the tree throughout its life.

Try planting a serviceberry tree (pictured right). Though it may not look like much now, white flowers will bloom in early spring, and come June, you’ll have purplish-black berries that are perfect for jams and pies.

Make planting easier by using a post-hole digger to get started. And if I may say so, Fiskars offers a pretty spectacular version. Engineered so you don’t smash your fingers, the Fiskars post-hole digger is made to easily dig deeper.

Now get out there and enjoy the fall weather!

Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All

Air Purifiers

Recently one of our readers inquired about affordable air purifiers—specifically models under $500. And as an allergy sufferer myself, I couldn’t wait to see all the different options available.

So, I did a bit of digging through Consumer Reports’ top picks. It turns out you can get some excellent whole-house and portable room air purifiers without a hefty price tag.

Whole-House Purifiers: The Lennox Healthy Climate HC16 ($350.00) was rated a Consumer Reports Best Buy, and it’s easy to see why. Not only does it produce zero ozone emissions (many air purifiers generate small amounts of emissions), it removes more than 95 percent of particles ranging in size down to 0.3 micron and more than 90 percent of bioaerosols and microorganisms down to 0.01 micron. Like other whole-house models, you’ll need a pro to install it.

Other good options? Try the Aprilaire 5000 ($450.00), which removes up to 80 percent of airborne virus-size particles, or the Carrier EACB ($500.00).

Portable Room Purifiers: If you need an air purifier for a large room, try the Honeywell Enviracaire 50250 ($170.00), a model with a HEPA filter and CADR* rating of 250 for a 17x22 room. My favorite feature: An Intelli-Check filter monitor that reminds you when to replace the filters.

If you’re an apartment dweller like me, you might also want to consider the sleek, modern-looking 3M Slim Living Room Air Purifier FAP04RC ($170.00), which boasts 98-percent particle removal and cleans air in rooms up to 150 square feet. Though portable purifiers generally aren’t massive, this one is only 4-inches thick and takes up minimal room. Plus, it has wall brackets, so you can mount it on the wall to conserve even more space.

Just for Fun: Who says air purifiers have to be boring? The blue Crane Shark Air Purifier ($99.99) adds a whimsical touch to a kid’s rooms, and its child-friendly features make it an even more appealing option. (There’s also a penguin-shape one too!) An automatic safety shutoff function kicks in when the unit is tipped over. Its HEPA filtration system removes 99.97 percent of airborne allergens while a UV germicidal light gets rid of nasty airborne germs. Note: This model was not rated by Consumer Reports.

*When shopping for your air purifier, keep a few things in mind. Consumer Reports recommends looking at the model’s clean-air delivery rate (CADR), which measures cleaning speed. CADRs above 350 are excellent by Consumer Reports standards. Anything below 100 is considered poor. If you’re considering a whole-house model, also consider the minimum efficiency reporting value (MERV). MERV ratings range from 1-16; higher MERV ratings mean fewer airborne contaminants pass through the filter. I recommend reading this air purifier buying guide from Lowe’s and this one from Consumer Reports. Also check out this list of energy-efficient models from the Green Guide.

In the meantime, keep those great questions coming!

Until tomorrow,
The Home Know-It-All