If you love the special warmth created by a woodstove or wood-burning fireplace, winter is the season of wood envy. That’s the feeling you get when you see a neighbor’s big, beautiful stacks of perfectly seasoned wood. Wood that has been split, stacked and seasoned properly gives you a fire that lights easily and burns longer, adding to the enjoyment of your fireplace or stove Read More...










How to Build a Firepit
If a crackling fire, and friends and family gathered around it, are part of your dream outdoor space, here’s good news. If you build it, they will come! Even better news? It’s not that hard to do it yourself. This helpful article and video from The Spruce shows you exactly how to pick the right spot, prepare the area, buy materials, gather the right tools and build a fantastic fire pit Read More...
It’s Chimney Cleaning Time
If your winter home life includes sitting by a crackling fire, or feeling the warmth of a woodstove, there’s almost a 100% chance that you need to clean your chimney – now. That’s because the creosote and soot that built up over the last winter season needs to be cleaned out before you light up again this year Read More...
Creating the Perfect Homework Space
September is the month parents love – and students dread. It’s back-to-school time and that means homework. If your little scholars have trouble staying focused and organized, you might consider creating a special spot in your home just for studying, reading and writing. Scholastic Parents offers these 9 Tips for Creating the Perfect Study Space, with ideas to help your child tackle homework better, faster and more comfortably Read More...
Aging in Place
Most people would like to remain in their homes as they age. But, the practicality of doing so becomes a challenge when considering how a home may need to be renovated to accommodate safety and mobility issues. Wheelchair accessibility, lighting, floor coverings, furniture, bathroom fixtures, and kitchen functionality are just some of the factors that need to be considered Read More...
7 Tips for Renting a Storage Unit
If you are outgrowing your current home (waiting to own a beautiful Sal Paone Builders home) you may be feeling a bit overstuffed. If that’s you, you might be considering a storage unit. Although it seems like a simple decision, there are some things you should consider before shelling out the money and signing a rental agreement Read More...
Your Favorite Robot
Hate vacuuming? Tired of buying Swiffer pads? Consider a robot vacuum! Commonly known by the brand name Roomba, these are the little circular machines that run around your floor searching for and gobbling up dust, pet hair, crumbs, sand and all of the other bits and pieces that live on your hard-surface floors Read More...
The Secret Warming Drawer
You know that little drawer that pulls out under your electric oven? It’s not for storing cupcake tins and cookie sheets! As revealed in this article from myrecipes.com, the real purpose of that little space is to serve as a warming drawer. It’s meant to keep food at serving temperature. Think of it next time you’re entertaining and need to keep food warm Read More...
Building a Storm-Proof Home
Intense storms are becoming more common, as climate change increases. Hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, wildfires, high winds and extreme heat and cold seem to be accelerating in both frequency and intensity. In response, resilient design of homes is a developing practice. According to the Resilient Design Institute, this refers to intentionally designing buildings, landscapes, communities and regions to adapt to a wide variety of impacts from climate change Read More...
Choosing a Home Security Camera
Many homeowners are installing home security cameras to add an extra measure of safety and peace of mind. If you’re considering a camera, you may be overwhelmed by the many options. Do you want something wireless or wired? Do you want to record 24/7 or only when motion triggered? What about a built-in alarm or audio capabilities? This USNews guide to features and functionality can help you decide where to put a camera, what features are most important, budget considerations, power sources and more Read More...