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Home Exterior Trends for 2024

(Family Features) If you're looking to refresh or improve your home's function and style in the new year, consider these 2024 home exterior trends.
Brett Eldredge’s Top 10 Holiday Decor Picks
(BPT) - This is it, folks. Platinum-selling recording artist Brett “Mr. Christmas” Eldredge has unwrapped his décor picks for the 2023 holiday season, and it might just be the …
Top 5 outdoor design trends for 2024
(BPT) - With the new year just around the corner, you may be thinking ahead about home improvements you want to make in the coming year. Especially if you'd like to maximize your outdoor space, …
5 Simple Holiday Hosting Hacks
(Family Features) Make this season's holiday hosting effortless and enjoyable with these tips and this delicious holiday-themed recipe for Iced Gingerbread Caramel Coffee that is sure to become a favorite.

7 Smart Home Solutions that Enhance Convenience and Security

(Family Features) If you're looking to seamlessly integrate innovative solutions into your home for added convenience, security and peace of mind, you'll need smart tech with the right features.

To the holidays and beyond: 5 uses for strip and rope lights

(BPT) - As the seasons change and the nights grow longer, it's natural to start looking for new and exciting ways to light up the night, both indoors and out. Whether you're planning to create a …

6 proven tips to keep your pipes clear this Thanksgiving

(BPT) - Thanksgiving should be a time to enjoy a delicious feast and spend time with loved ones. However, many households face plumbing issues the day after this joyous meal.While most people call …

AROUND THE NEIGHBORHOOD
Fourteen-year-old Graham Bennet volunteers at The Kenwood once a week. (Photos submitted)
Local teen volunteers to help seniors with technology
Graham Bennett, 14, is a tech wizard who goes to The Kenwood Retirement Community once a week to help residents with their phones, iPads, laptops, and computers. His path to the Kenwood was a natural …
Knute Nelson, Walker Methodist to merge jan. 1
Faith-based, nonprofit healthcare and housing organizations look to expand options for customers, team members, and communities Knute Nelson, based in Alexandria, Minn., and Walker Methodist, based …
Donald L. Hammen is a longtime south Minneapolis resident, and serves on the All Elders United for Justice steering committee.
Summertime celebrations continued
It’s August 2023. A theme is emerging out of my life experiences to date. The theme can be captured in two words: self care. My life as it is unfolding in 2023 is revolving around self care. I …
Fond farewell
Thirty-five years ago, at Thanksgiving, I moved to Minnesota from my Philadelphia home. I relocated back to my hometown in time for Passover and Easter. In November 1988, the Twin Cities were cold …
Original collage by Susan Schaefer
10 guidelines for a strong, long and happy life
Some time ago, after suffering the shocking and unexpected loss of my still young husband, Martijn, while we were living in Europe, I experienced what is called traumatic grief. In addition to a year …
More ideas for your home
The Cost of Resiliency During Power Outages: 5 tips to stay prepared ahead of storms
(Family Features) Safeguarding your family, home and finances from disaster starts long before an extreme weather event occurs. While no amount of preparation can stop the forces of nature, planning ahead to manage blackouts can have a significant impact on you and your family.
Heat Up the Holidays with Gift Ideas for Grillers
(Family Features) Give a gift the whole family can enjoy this holiday season with a new tool for grilling, smoking and searing favorite meals.
How to Prepare for Hurricane Season
(Family Features) Among nature's most powerful phenomena, hurricanes are destructive, rotating storms that form over warm water and move toward land.
Greet holiday guests with a home that looks and smells as clean as you’ve made it.
Three No-Stress Tips for Tidying Up at Holiday Time
(NAPSI)—If the holidays are at your house this year, you may find they can be even more magical when you have a good plan for cleaning up before and after the company comes.   Keep Holiday …
Heat up safety precautions this winter
(BPT) - Nothing says winter like cooking festive foods, getting cozy around the fireplace and spending time with loved ones during the holidays. During the cooler months of the year, when more …
Caring for your home and family

Prepare your bathroom for holiday guests with 7 simple upgrades

(BPT) - If you're hosting guests this holiday season, there's much to do to prepare. Decorating, baking, cooking and organizing entertainment are likely your priorities leading up to their arrival. …

How to Pick the Perfect Artificial Christmas Tree

(BPT) - Your Christmas tree is much more than a place to gather around on Christmas morning and exchange gifts. It’s family tradition. It’s priceless memories. It’s the centerpiece …
Home ideas

6 Tips to Prepare Your Home for Winter Weather

(Family Features) Winter weather, while often beautiful, can prove challenging for homeowners. Consider these tips to help prepare your family and home for winter weather.

In Smaller Homes, Pocket Doors Can Provide Space Savings

(Family Features) When finding extra space is crucial, an option like pocket doors can help maximize available floor space.
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