Water is a source of Both life and comfort; it invokes all the senses with its natural delights. Because of these inherent qualities, there is nothing quite like a water source to enhance the landscape. Swimming pools are one way for homeowners to bring the aesthetics of water close at hand. And today’s pools are [...]
In eighth grade, the girls in my middle school were required to take one year of Home Economics. The course was cleverly divided into two sections: cooking and baking the first semester, followed by sewing the second semester. Our teacher, Mrs. Blythe, (who wore a flour-dusted apron to match her flour-dusted hair) taught us to make [...]
Today’s seniors are more active than ever, and retirement communities, home builders and independent contractors have become even more adept at addressing their physical and social needs. Whether retired, empty-nesters or those seeking a change in lifestyle, seniors today have many options for making their homes in the Central Virginia area.
Blakely also believes in what [...]
Patience doesn’t come easy, we know. After all, it’s hard to wait for something when most of the time you can run to the 24-hour store, get online, or make a phone call to get what you want right away.
Alas, many gifts from nature do require patience. In particular, one illustrious and desirable spring [...]
We may not have all the power of the sun but we can certainly recreate the happy feeling we get from its warm light. All you need to do is learn how to put the right light in the right places in your home, and voila—instant good mood.
Even though the concept of mood lighting has [...]
I admit it. I sometimes find choosing furnishings for my home stressful. When I’m making an investment in things like floor coverings, light fixtures and sofas—pieces I know I’ll be living with for quite a while—I want to get it right and spend my money wisely. Pass the Alka-Seltzer, please.
But when it comes to designing a [...]
For some of us wine is simply a drink to enjoy at dinner parties; for others, wine is a way of life. There are also plenty of folks in between. Regardless of your place on the wine lovers’ spectrum, it’s helpful to understand your options for collecting and storing this beverage. Who knows? This information [...]
Unlike Santa Claus who needs a solid roof only once a year to ensure a safe landing, homeowners depend upon their roofs every day as the first line of defense against the elements. A neglected roof can quickly become an expensive problem.
Even if you never plan to set foot on a roof, it is important [...]
Sacre bleu! I knew there had to be a reason that I am a bit of a Francophile. Along with champagne, Monet, Gerard Depardieu and wine bars, the French are generally credited with having developed what has become the modern incarnation of the armchair. In fact, the word armchair (chaise a bras) was coined in [...]
As your colorful summer garden fades, you may think you’re finished pinching, pruning, digging and deadheading…but no! There’s no rest for the gardening weary. There’s just one more gardening project for you this fall that will bring you immeasurable joy after a long cold winter. So grab your gear, one last time: It’s time to [...]
