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Owning My Mistake

The moment you sign the papers and the keys become yours, the education begins. It's not so much the information you're learning about the house or equity or basic maintenance; it's an education in how much you don't know.

Moving The Bad Stuff With Feng Shui

Feng (wind) Shui (water) is an ancient Chinese art that promotes peace and balance in your personal space by strategically placing items and omitting clutter. The Chinese believe that luck, when created, can enhance wealth and happiness in your life.

Solar Remodel

I think about my retirement often and how great it has the potential of being. Then I panic thinking about whether we'll have enough, about the best strategy for saving and about where our hard-earned money will be the safest. We are running out of space in the backyard with all the mason jars full of nickels we've buried.

Everyone New Again

I'm a big fan of old things. Architectural salvage, vintage accessories, old books—I like the idea of things that have a history. Apparently, though, I'm getting to the age where I have a past myself.

Sailing Our Own Race

"There's a feeling in the air ..." So starts a favorite Better than Ezra song that reminds me of fall. Lately, that feeling has made me want to get outside and enjoy the great weather that this time of year brings. But beyond football fields, I found myself drawn to water this fall.

Sequins and Livestock

It's really no secret that I love shiny things and a good show. My childhood included playing dress up, thanks to an extensive wardrobe of old dance-recital costumes and treasures from the Junior Auxiliary's thrift store. Then the general rule was the more sequins, the better.

Flower Girl Panic

When Bebo, my younger brother, proposed to his girlfriend Anna, they asked my 4-year-old and my 2-year-old to be flower girls. The girls were as thrilled as I was terrified.

Avoiding Toddler Tragedy

An "adults only" ceremony sounds nice, but for many weddings, it's almost impossible to keep the little people away. So what's a couple-to-be to do? Here are a few tips to prevent a toddler tragedy on your wedding day.

Let Go and Move On

Most people have several reasons why they keep stuff they do not need.

The Joy Of Washing Dishes

In one of Zen Buddhism's most famous stories, a new monk approaches his teacher after a meal.

Mark's Man Cave

When my brother-in-law, Mark, and his wife, Cathryn, were looking for a house a few years back, he knew that she would decorate it as she saw fit. Fortunately, the house they wanted to buy also had a 23-by-11-foot workshop that Mark instantly claimed like an explorer planting his flag on new territory. Mark and Cathryn got the house, and laid plans for Mark to have a man cave.

Gold and Orange and Red, Oh My!

When it comes to color, I'm usually an equal opportunist. But since fall officially arrived and the temperatures are changing, I seem to only be able to focus on one side of the color wheel.

The Meanings Of Colors

Colors attract or give off certain energies. They have symbolism, can represent or follow a trend and even heal, according to chromotherapy. It is important to choose the right colors because colors are powerful and can help create the atmosphere you want to achieve. Below are some universal meanings of colors that can help in determining what mood you want to set within your home.

Understanding Colors

As a new homeowner or someone looking for a new home project, painting and decorating can be fun but frustrating when trying to decide on the colors and schemes to use. Knowing the basics about colors and using the color wheel can help the process.

Proms and Pork

Some truisms are absolute. Among them: Ladies my age love an 1980s party, and guys love fire and meat. But when undertaken properly, these different undertakings can appeal to both sexes.

Don't Give a Dog a Bone

It is always tempting to throw the dog a bone off your plate, especially during the holidays, but some human foods are not safe for your pets.

Cocktail Parties Made Easy

The effort involved in planning a cocktail party is can be daunting. For a small, intimate—and even middle-of-the week—cocktail party for friends and family, consider a simple but impressive wine and cheese gathering.

Here's to the Season

'Tis the season—no, it's not Christmas in July. It's wedding season. I've strapped on my stilettos and made the rounds, toasting happy couples and collecting commemorative koozies.

Cooking 101: A Glossary

Maybe, like me, you're not that great of a cook, but you want to improve your skills. As you watch cooking shows and read cooking magazines, you may found that some words are unfamiliar. Below are a few cooking terms that might be new to any novice in the kitchen, or they may be a refresher course for the foodie pro.

Kelly's Picks

Are you in need of a little help with your special day? Kelly Pickerill, front desk manager at Lemuria Books, front desk manager at Lemuria Books, suggests these helpful titles.