As autumn weather sets in, the crisp air and colorful leaves are a welcome change after summer’s heat. But for homeowners with home maintenance in mind, the shift in seasons also signals it’s time to prepare for cooler temperatures and potential weather-related challenges. Taking care of a few key maintenance tasks now can save you […]
Habanero Part 1: Habanero Beef Jerky
I originally wrote this article for Habanero Beef Jerky for Tennessee Valley Outsider, but this recipe is too good not to share … I was at the grocery store a couple of days ago and bought an armload of habanero peppers. I couldn’t resist. They were bright orange and shiny. Just their appearance promised a […]
The Messy Truth About Home Maintenance: Confessions, Shortcuts, and Surprises
I used to think home maintenance was something only overly-caffeinated neat freaks took seriously — until my Great Dishwasher Flood. That disaster could’ve been avoided by, you guessed it, a simple filter cleaning. From that day on, my relationship with home maintenance changed, but not always gracefully. Here’s my guide to staying (somewhat) afloat among […]
That Bulb Won’t Shine Itself! Real-Life Revelations in Cleaning Light Fixtures
A few weeks ago, I decided to tackle a chore I’d dodged for years: cleaning the light fixtures. It started with a heroic sneeze attack after disturbing a suspicious cobweb above my dining table, followed by the humbling realization that my dust-caked bulbs were sabotaging my home’s brightness (and my energy bill). Who knew? Let’s […]
Beyond Pressure Washing: Genuine Ways to Get Your Driveway Sparkling Clean
Want the truth about driveway maintenance? Your driveway can look fabulous without ever touching a power washer. If you love a good DIY adventure or simply want to skip the rental line on a sunny Saturday, I’ve rounded up reliable, low-tech methods for driveway cleaning that have worked for real folks — myself included. Expect […]
The Unseen Magic of Window Cleaning: A Fresh Look at an Overlooked Ritual
Back when I first moved into my home, window cleaning seemed like the kind of task you’d only do if society forced you. Then one day, begrudgingly, I gave the whole thing a go. By the time I was done, it felt like the whole house had gotten a facelift and — no joke — […]
The First-Time Homebuyer’s Guide: Part Two
Introduction In First-Time Homebuyer’s Guide (Part One) we covered key elements such as deciding to buy, finding your agent and securing financing. In part two, we will explore three more components of the first-time homebuying experience so you can embark on it with ease and confidence. Each magnificent tip below is brought to you courtesy […]
The First-Time Homebuyer’s Guide: Part One
Introduction Welcome to the Homebuyer’s Guide … As shared in the second edition of Your First Home, written by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan: “Buying a home is a big decision – particularly your first home – but it is one of the best choices anyone can make. It’s a place that is entirely your own. […]
Sherwin Williams’ 2025 Color Capsule of the Year
Sherwin Williams’ 2025 Color Capsule of the Year is curated of nine colors – Grounded, Sunleached, Chartreuse, Rain Cloud, Clove, Malabar, Bosc Pear, White Snow and Mauve Finery. “Our Color Capsule of the Year can be curated to stand out with any style. We wanted a modern, fresh take on color, with a balanced and […]