We avoid buying bottled water for environmental and cost reasons, especially since much bottled water is essentially the same as tap water. Still, we prefer filtered tap water because it reduces sediment and improves taste and odor by removing chlorine and other common contaminants. For years we used a pour-through filtered pitcher, which worked well … Read more

A wood-burning sauna is the ultimate winter indulgence. While hot tubs offer unmistakable health benefits and simple pleasures, their close cousin—the sauna—deserves equal attention for the restorative experience it provides. I grew up around dads who loved saunas and had them installed at home. This barrel-style wood-burning sauna in the Berkshires raises that tradition to … Read more

A relaxing family weekend at Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks almost ended on Sunday night because of three terrifying words: full septic tank. A mistaken appraisal had misstated the tank’s capacity, and after 13 people used the facilities over the weekend, the system failed. Once a plumber diagnosed the issue, a pump truck was called … Read more

We recently returned from an RV adventure of a lifetime, following the path of totality during the April 8, 2024 total solar eclipse. That trip introduced us to the joys of #vanlife and cemented our love for road-tripping in a comfortable, well-equipped RV. If you dream of sweeping mountain views, lakeside sunsets, and clear nights … Read more

I recently completed a backyard privacy fence as a Father’s Day DIY gift to myself. The new fence gives us a private space for weekend barbecues and lets us enjoy gatherings without worrying about disturbing the neighbors. Throughout the project I wore a pair of DuluthFlex Ultimate Fire Hose Cargo Pants, and they’ve quickly become … Read more

Garages can quickly become cluttered and disorganized, making it hard to find tools, sports gear, or even a place to park your car. With some thoughtful planning and practical storage solutions, you can turn your garage into a tidy, functional space that saves time and improves safety. This article outlines the key principles and a … Read more

Recognizing early warning signs can help prevent expensive repairs, structural damage, and interior water problems. Knowing when to call a roofing contractor can save homeowners time, money, and stress while extending the roof’s usable life. Why Roof Problems Should Never Be Ignored Small roofing issues often develop into serious structural problems if left unaddressed. Water … Read more

This was our first visit to the International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) and it proved to be a captivating experience. Held at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center on Manhattan’s West Side, the show fills a vast exhibition space with innovative furniture, lighting, and home accessories from designers around the world. Strolling the aisles felt … Read more

A few months ago we built a stackable, sturdy sawhorse project. After painting the sawhorses gold, we entered them in the ReadyMade 100 contest. We were thrilled to learn a few days ago that our project was selected as a finalist and appears in the April/May 2011 issue of ReadyMade magazine. ReadyMade also published an … Read more

We inherited an old wooden wagon a few years ago that looked good but didn’t hold up to heavy use. It finally broke after hauling sod, so we started searching for a durable utility cart that could handle tougher jobs. That search led us to the Garden and Farm Utility Cart from Ace Hardware. Ace … Read more