Some people were born with the organization gene—they were the kids who color-coded their Big Box of crayons. But for the rest of us, getting organized (and staying that way) remains a perennial springtime promise—as dependable as daffodils, but not nearly as pretty. Karen York, an Evanston-based professional organizer and one of those color-coding kids, knows […]
An organized home is a beautiful thing, but sometimes the methods of organizing are less than luxurious. Wire mesh? Plastic bins? No, thank you! Organization should work with a room’s design, but in case you weren’t blessed with built-ins, we’ve rounded up 10 stunning solutions for clutter containment that won’t clash with your décor. 1. GRAHAM […]
Does the warm weather have you feeling inspired to tackle spring cleaning? Whether you want to revamp your closet, clean your fridge or (finally) tackle those piles of paperwork, we can help. If it’s your marriage that could use some sprucing up, we’ve got a guide for that, too. And, if you just want to […]
Staging your home can be the most valuable tool that a home seller can utilize when selling their home. Research shows that there are solid statistics to support this approach. According to Kiplinger (February 2009) “Homes listed for sale prior to staging sat on the market for an average of four and a half months […]
The Chicago Flower & Garden Show is getting serious about going green. Last issue, we shared some advice on how to be more eco-friendly in the garden, including harvesting rainwater, avoiding harmful pesticides and repurposing planters. Here are three more tips to be a greener gardener! 1. Recycle your waste. After a day in the […]
As Midwesterners we’re no strangers to layering up on clothes and trekking in knee-deep snow. It’s made us tougher in the winter and more appreciative in the summer. But we’ll admit, those frigid months from November to (let’s be honest) April, can wear us down. So what should you do to avoid those dreary winter […]
Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching… don’t forget to stop by Nothing Bundt Cakes in Skokie for your sweetheart! Nothing says “I love you” like the handcrafted goodness of a Nothing Bundt Cake. This Valentine’s Day, share the love and if you’re lucky, they’ll share a piece. This cute boutique not only has delectable cakes, but […]
As a parent, I always wanted the home where the neighborhood kids wanted to hang out in. I thought it would keep my own children close, where I felt they were safest. I also love to entertain, and not just during the holidays. A week doesn’t go by without some friends or family stopping by […]
A furnace that breaks down, pipes that freeze and burst, and pesky rodents that take up residency in your home—these are a few of the common winter problems that can be prevented with some planning and a trip to the hardware store. By making it a priority to keep your house in working order this […]
The holidays are almost here. For many of us, that means welcoming, and sometimes stressing over, holiday guests. No need to worry though, these steps will help you get your home in order. Plan Ahead Eddie Ross, East Coast editor of Better Homes & Gardens, says it’s all about the preparation. “Try to plan in […]
