HGTV Urban Oasis: Tour a Stunning Ann Arbor Home

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Starting today, you can enter for a chance to win this beautifully restored Craftsman home located in the picturesque college town of Ann Arbor, Michigan. Recently we toured the latest HGTV Urban Oasis in Ann Arbor. It was our first time visiting an HGTV giveaway home and our first time in Ann Arbor, and we … Read more

6 Essential Items to Pack in Your RV for the Perfect Road Trip

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This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. All opinions are 100% mine. Nationwide provided information used in this article summarizing tips from its In The Nation blog. Summer is in full swing, and many families are loading up their RVs for road trips and outdoor adventures. Whether … Read more

How to Unclog a Drain Fast: Step-by-Step Guide for Homeowners

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A clogged drain is unpleasant, inconvenient and unattractive. The process of unclogging it can often be more frustrating than the clog itself, so here are several effective approaches to try before calling a plumber.
Note: Before you begin, try to identify what’s causing the blockage so you can choose the most effective method. Bathroom clogs are often caused by hair and soap scum; kitchen clogs are commonly due to grease or food buildup.
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Insta-Flo Drain Cleaner. If you prefer not to use traditional chemical drain cleaners, be cautious: Insta-Flo is an alternative recommended by some hardware stores for tough clogs. It consists of non-acid crystals that are activated with hot water. To use, flush the drain with hot water for a minute, pour in a cup of crystals, let them sit briefly, then flush again with hot water. The crystals fizz and dissolve, allowing the solution to move down the pipe and break up the clog.

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Surviving a Home Remodel: Family Tips for Stress-Free Living

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Theresa and Mark Clement, the husband-and-wife team behind the popular do-it-yourself radio show and website MyFixItUpLife, spend a great deal of time together. As life partners and business collaborators, they tackle more projects together and interact on more levels than many couples do. They’ve gone through numerous remodels and renovations as a team. DIY Life … Read more

Husqvarna Silent City Trimmer — North America Specs & Dealers

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The Husqvarna Silent City North America event held in Miami showcased the company’s vision for urban landscaping and the growing role of battery-powered outdoor equipment. Attendees learned about Husqvarna’s direction for 2017 and beyond, with presentations and demonstrations emphasizing quieter, cleaner tools designed for modern city environments. The event highlighted how battery technology can support … Read more

Shaw Floors & HGTV Home Design Challenge: Event Recap

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I love my job. I had the honor of representing Charles & Hudson at Shaw Floors’ media event unveiling the company’s new flooring partnership with HGTV. At the event we saw Shaw’s new products — some exciting innovations I’ll share more about later this week — and enjoyed an unforgettable tour of Asheville’s Biltmore House, … Read more

Balance Your Pool Effortlessly with pHin Smart Monitor

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Owning and maintaining a pool can be a joy or a source of frustration. We love our pool and hot tub, but when water chemistry falls out of balance it can take days to restore proper conditions. With pHin, we now receive real-time alerts about sanitizer levels, pH, and temperature. Just open the mobile app … Read more

Affordable Fireplace Makeover Ideas Under $500

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A fireplace is often the focal point of a living room, so it’s important that it enhances the space instead of making you cringe every time you look at it. When Heather and Neil moved into their 1940s traditional home in Santa Monica, their new living room’s fireplace had that unfortunate effect. Their living room … Read more

SureStep Ladder Stabilizer: Secure Grip for Safer Climbing

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Falls from ladders remain a significant cause of injury and death each year. Even with careful precautions, climbing and working from a ladder carries inherent risks. A U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics study reported that in 2009 more than one-third of all fatal falls were related to ladder incidents, and other research estimates that over … Read more

Chimney Cleaning Guide: Step-by-Step Tips for a Safe Sweep

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Fireplaces are sometimes criticized for contributing to indoor and outdoor pollution, heat loss, and safety concerns. Still, many people cherish the warmth, crackle, and aroma of a wood-burning fireplace. A common problem with these fireplaces is creosote buildup inside the chimney, which increases the risk of a chimney fire. Regular maintenance and proper burning practices … Read more