Category: Life at home

Once you close on your new home, the fun can begin! We’re sharing recipes, holiday ideas and more to help you get the most out of your living space.

  • Fall Mantel Decorating Ideas

    It’s finally fall—the season of hearty soups, cozy mittens and pumpkin-flavored EVERYTHING. What better way to celebrate than by bringing the natural beauty of autumn into your home? Here are a few ideas that may help inspire your fireplace mantel décor this year: THEMES Are you planning to decorate for each of the holidays, or […]

    Read more
  • Back-to-school Lunch Ideas

    Summer is winding down and school bells will soon be ringing. That means it’s time, once again, to brainstorm delicious, nutritious lunch ideas for your star student. Check out these simple, satisfying suggestions to beat lunch box boredom and promote productivity throughout the afternoon. Think beyond the sandwich. If your son or daughter loves PB&J or […]

    Read more
  • 3 Ideas for Planning the Perfect Picnic

    Summer is winding down and school supplies line the store shelves. Now is the time to enjoy the outdoors before the weather shifts in many areas of the country. And what better way to make the most out of warm days than a picnic? Summer picnic planning can be as simple or as elaborate as […]

    Read more
  • Setting up Your Outdoor Living Space

    Summer is here, and it’s time to bring the party outdoors. But is your backyard ready for entertaining? Here are some simple, stylish elements to help spruce up your outdoor living space just in time for your next get-together! Lighting It’s one of the easiest ways to alter the ambiance of your patio, deck and/or […]

    Read more
  • 4th of July BBQ Ideas

    The 4th of July is the highlight of the BBQ season. Are you ready for it? If you need a little inspiration, check out these ideas collected from some of our favorite bloggers, pinners and party planners. Create a (tastefully) star-spangled menu. Pinterest is flooded with red, white and blue cakes, kebabs, candies, salsa, cookies, ice […]

    Read more
  • 5 Fun Summer Activities for Kids

    School’s out and the kids are home for the summer. Now what? Left to their own devices, many kids will spend all day using devices—like a computer, tablet or TV. If you’re looking for some more active, educational and creative alternatives for young children, check out some of our favorite ideas for summer fun at […]

    Read more
  • Mother’s Day Gift Ideas for the Home

    Mother’s Day is right around the corner. Give the flowers, chocolates and other go-to gifts a rest this year, and surprise her with something special for her abode. After all, home is where the heart is. A floral bouquet might make Mom’s day, but a potted plant for her living room will provide year-round enjoyment. […]

    Read more
  • Spring Cleaning Checklist Part 4: Home Office and Laundry Room

    You’re in the home stretch! Use these checklists to help you finish up your spring cleaning. Did you miss the earlier parts of our series? Get checklists for spring cleaning kitchens and mudrooms, common areas and bathrooms, and bedrooms and kid clutter! Home office Declutter the desk. If you have a buildup of paperwork, set […]

    Read more
  • Spring Cleaning Checklist Part 3: Bedrooms and Kid Clutter

    It’s tempting to let spring cleaning stall out once you get to the more personal parts of the home, like bedrooms and playrooms. Keep your momentum with these checklists! Did you miss the earlier parts of our series? Get checklists for spring cleaning kitchens and mudrooms, and common areas and bathrooms. Bedrooms Open the windows […]

    Read more
  • Spring Cleaning Checklist Part 2: Common Areas and Bathrooms

    ‘Tis the season for a clean sweep! Tackle your spring cleaning chores with our series of handy checklists. Did you miss Part 1 (kitchens and mudrooms)? It’s here! » Common areas (living room, great room, media room, dining room, etc.) Open the windows to let fresh air in and cleaning fumes out. Set aside a box, […]

    Read more
  • Spring Cleaning Checklist Part 1: Kitchens and Mudrooms

    Spring cleaning can seem like an overwhelming task. Use our series of room-by-room checklists to help you plan and track your progress! Kitchen Open the windows to let fresh air in and cleaning fumes out. Declutter. Clean and store (or get rid of) any kitchen gadgets or cookware you don’t use regularly. Check water bottles, […]

    Read more
  • Easy Valentine’s Day Treats

    Short on time, but big on sentiment? Well, you’ll be pleased to learn that preparing confections for the object of your affection doesn’t have to take a lot of time or effort. Here are five easy Valentine’s Day treats that your special someone will absolutely LOVE. You won’t have to bake your heart out, but […]

    Read more