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Home and Garden

Paint sprayer works quickly — and on everything

: One of my neighbors recently moved and, as a parting gift, he gave me an airless paint sprayer. I want to paint my living room. I have never used a paint sprayer before, but he did give me the manual. Is spraying paint easier than using a brush and roller?

Family restores home in deepest shade of green

When it comes to green living, there are many shades. The lightest shade is “greenwashing” which surprisingly, isn’t really green at all (all talk, no action). On the other end of the spectrum, the deepest shades of green represent a restorative path that helps to actually reverse environmental damage and enhance the human experience.

Home offers haven, reason to give thanks

“Not a gift of a cow, nor a gift of land, nor yet a gift of food, is so important as the gift of safety; which is declared to be the great gift among all gifts in this world.” “Panchatantra” (originally a canonical collection of Sanskrit as well as Pali animal fables in verse and prose circa the 5th century).

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Proper pruning method needed for making evergreen, holiday wreaths

: I enjoy making wreaths for fall and winter to hang on my door. I use parts from all kinds of plants in my yard, but I was recently told that I shouldn’t cut the evergreens; I would harm them this time of year. I have removed evergreen branches for years and haven’t noticed any problems, but I also don’t want to hurt my plants.

Rock Your World

Like many young boys, Mark Erickson liked to explore his surroundings and was fascinated with the rocks he discovered. As he became a man, his fascination didn’t waiver and his adventures took him to exotic locations around the world.

Paint becomes Earth friendly

DEAR DEBBIE: I am hearing about paint with low VOCs, and saw a display at my local home show. I thought I was safe with water-based (latex) paints. What do you recommend? — Richard.

Majolica favored by today’s designers

Majolica was made in many countries, the United States, England, France, Spain, Italy, Germany and Sweden. The word majolica has two meanings to collectors. The first of the tin-glazed pottery known as majolica was made in Spain, then Italy in the 15th century. That type of pottery was popular until the 18th century. Today it can be seen in museums.

Carve out cozy retreat

Interior designers sometimes assume that the terms they use — especially seemingly common ones — will cause no confusion on the part of a client. It isn’t always so. Take the term “alcove,” for example. Everyone knows it refers to a cozy recess in a room — right? Wrong. Homeowners don’t all have the same image of an alcove. They may be uncertain about what exactly it involves, particularly if construction is going to be necessary.

Select perfect sofa from the inside out

I’m a firm believer that there are some things in life you can — and should — cheat on. Like your diet. When the hostess brings out a chocolate souffle for dessert, I kiss my calorie counting goodbye for the evening. I also love to cheat on food prep. If I can buy a fabulous meal instead of fix one, why sweat over a hot stove?

Home’s heart blends contemporary with conventional

Ken and Annette were longtime suburban dwellers, but their downtown jobs and long commutes left them longing to live in the heart of the city. They found the house of their dreams during one of their long city walks — a charming, Victorian-heritage row house. And although it needed tons of work, they bought it with an eye to moving in slowly and retiring there for good.

Designers bring out the bling

An exhibit of showgirl costumes was one of the highlights of last week’s Passport to Glamour event at the Las Vegas Design Center at World Market Center Las Vegas.

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