Exterior Design Trends That Elevate Your Home’s Curb Appeal

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Most homeowners rarely examine the exterior of their house closely. Because you see it every day, you stop really noticing it. A color fades, a trim chip appears, or a feature begins to look dated. At first it registers; then it fades into the background. Life goes on, and the front of the house simply … Read more

Organize Your Life with Field Notes: Simple Systems That Stick

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Even in an age of screens and digital tools, there’s an irreplaceable pleasure in putting pen to paper—sketching ideas, solving equations, or jotting quick reminders in a pocket-sized notebook. Field Notes has become synonymous with that tactile experience, producing beautifully designed memo books that thousands of people carry daily. I’ve long admired designer Aaron Draplin, … Read more

8 Quick Unpacking Hacks to Settle In After a Move

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Autumn is approaching, and with it comes one of the busiest moving seasons of the year. Whether you’re heading off to college, making room for a growing family, or downsizing after the kids have left, packing and moving remain some of the most stressful parts of major life transitions. Below are practical, sensible strategies to … Read more

Jonathan Adler and KOHLER: A Colorful Design Collaboration

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Jonathan Adler has become a self-made icon in the world of design. He began his career as a potter and soon expanded his talent into home furnishings and décor. Known for his vibrant use of color and witty sensibility, Adler’s collaboration with KOHLER—KOHLER Colors featuring Jonathan Adler—was a natural extension of his work. Adler’s well-known … Read more

AT&T Digital Life: Home Security and Smart Automation Combined

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I’ve been an AT&T wireless customer since the first iPhone, and I recently learned that the company now offers home security and automation through AT&T Digital Life. Launched last year, Digital Life is available in 63 markets, and many AT&T retail stores have in-store displays that demonstrate how the system works. During a visit to … Read more

IKEA Shopping Tips You Need to Know

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Shopping at IKEA can be a love-hate experience: their designs are stylish and prices are hard to beat, but sometimes the furniture feels less sturdy than expected and the shopping trip can turn into a long, tiring task. It isn’t necessarily IKEA’s fault—its popularity means crowded aisles, long waits for staff to bring out products, … Read more

Add Metalworking to Your Home Workshop: A DIY Guide for Makers

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If you spend enough time building and repairing things in your garage, you eventually reach a point where wood, standard fasteners, and off-the-shelf hardware no longer meet your needs. In any trade or serious hobby there’s a “hard way to easy way” cycle: once basic materials limit your results, you move on to stronger, more … Read more

Build a Sturdy Picnic Table: Step-by-Step DIY Guide

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Building a picnic table is one of the most satisfying ways to enjoy warm weather and outdoor meals. Dining outside instantly elevates even simple meals, and a well-built picnic table makes your backyard a welcoming place for gatherings and relaxation. If you want a durable, attractive table without buying one, a DIY picnic table is … Read more

Practical Home Choices for a Calmer, Stress-Free Life

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Ever feel like your house is working against you? Whether it’s a mysterious leak in the ceiling or a washing machine that swallows socks, home life shouldn’t feel like a full-time job. Especially in rainy cities like Portland, where weather tests everything from your mood to your roof, your home should be a refuge—not a … Read more

The Tank: Casemate’s Military-Grade iPhone Protective Case

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After switching to using an iPhone case, I’ve had the chance to test several of the more durable options on the market. One of the most robust—and visually distinctive—cases I tried is the TANK from Case-Mate. The TANK delivers exceptional protection without adding unnecessary bulk. Its rigid polycarbonate outer shell is paired with a silicone-cushioned … Read more