BY POPULAR MECHANICSA Hearst MagazineFor AP Special FeaturesWhen restoring an old foundation, a standard mortar starting mix for restoration work is one part Portland cement, two to four parts lime and eight to 12 parts sand. You may have to do some experimenting with the different kinds of sand available locally before you choose what’s […]

Dimension, texture and color help create areas of comfort in a home. Fabrics, such as the throw on the wicker armshair and at the window, soften the look of this family’s favorite gathering space.The valance, made with a fabric remnant, is finished with an iron-on hem and slipped through a pair of tassels that come […]

(ARA) – Now is the time to throw out those wilting, brown plants you’ve been harboring all winter hoping they would regain consciousness, those pea green bathroom accessories that were purchased at the thrift store for $.99 – for the complete set, and that out-of-date Nagel print that no one has laid eyes on without […]

Today’s dining rooms reflect consumer’s changing lifestyles. Once used solely for daily dining, this room has become more multipurpose.“During the week, we use the dining room as a work zone – for homework, crafts, church work, organizational meetings,” says Dan Blitzer, continuing educator for the American Lighting Association. “On the weekends and special occasions, it […]

Before we know it, it will be springtime, signaling time to care for our lawns and gardens. There are a few things homeowners should do to prepare their lawn and garden equipment for the warmer months and avoid grass that’s up to their knees. The following are tips from the experts at Sears Homecentral:• Give […]

The average person wears 20 percent of his or her wardrobe 80 percent of the time, according to professional organizer Mary Howard of Lets Get Organized! of Fort Worth, Texas. She advocates keeping “your wardrobe friends” front and center at all times. The payoff of a well-organized closet, Howard says, “is a savings in time, […]

(ARA) -A lot of people would love to have a new kitchen or bathroom, but once they learn about the costs involved, they may get discouraged.Cabinets alone can run you in excess of $10,000, and that’s not including the cost of installation. Add in fixtures, appliances, electrical work, and the like, and before you know […]

(ARA) – Planning on tackling a do-it-yourself project? Professionals will advise you: “Don’t cut corners – do it right the first time.” The proper planning and right materials will ensure a longer lasting project. One home improvement product often overlooked by do-it-yourselfers is construction adhesive.“Using a construction adhesive reduces the number of overall nails and […]

Just like your boat and motor, your marine battery requires proper care in order to perform well and provide years of service. Such care does not require a great deal of effort, but a little maintenance and proper storage can give big payoffs in protecting a vital part of your boating investment.“A good marine battery […]

Sports take on a whole new dimension on the water. From surfing to snorkeling in oceans to rivers, there’s lots of fun activities for every type of water environment. Even if you know how to swim, you still have to remember to be safe. The American Red Cross offers these tips: Beach safety • Watch […]