Happiness is a butterfly…

Butterflies are the closest thing we have to living magical creatures – like fairies come to life. They delight us when we spot them in a field or garden. To be able to wander among over 4,000 of them is just enchanting.

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More than ‘downsizing’

By Melissa Erickson

Explore ‘rightsizing” to find your perfect home.

After the kids move out on their own, many adults consider downsizing to a new home, possibly moving to the city or to a beach town away from it all. Why downsize, though, when the better option is to rightsize? Read more

Grow an Indoor Vegetable Garden

By Karen Evelyn

Many homes have a sunny window, sun rooms or patio where house plants can soak up the winter sun. Vegetable plants can grow as well as your potted plants if you give them a little extra light. Read more

Dressing Your Windows

By Joseph Pubillones, CNS

Dressing your windows can dramatically change the look and even the size of a room. There are many ways to dress a window. The most popular style is using side panels. Side panels frame the window opening regardless of size.  Read more

The Dahlia Bequest

By Fred Kenney

When my father-in-law passed too soon in 2015, he left many legacies.  I experience his faith when I’m with his wife of 60 years and with his daughter, my wife. I hear his passion for a good debate or deep conversation when I’m with his son.  I see his enthusiasm for a great book, love of an adventure and appetite for good food in my kids. And for me, his love of gardening is alive and well when I sink my hands into the dirt each spring to replant his dahlia bulbs.   Read more

Dealing with Dahlias

When & Where to Plant

For best results, dahlias should be planted from mid-April through May for most areas with ground temperature reaching approximately 60 degrees. In general, about the same time you would plant your vegetable garden. Dahlias need a sunny location to thrive. An area that receives at least 8 hours of direct sunlight is best. Less sun equals taller plants and less blooms. Exception for hot climates, they will need morning sunlight, afternoon shade. Read more

Add Drama to Summer Gardens with Dahlias

By Melinda Myers

Plan now for a memorable grand finale in this year’s garden. Dahlias are spring-planted bulbs with big, colorful flowers that bloom continuously from midsummer to the first fall frost. Read more

Table Settings 101

By Joseph Pubillones

Setting a proper table takes a lot of skill and thought. The decor of the home can set the tone, the kind of food, the type of occasion and number of guests can affect the overall design and setting of a table. Protocol and etiquette rules play a role in the arrangement of tables as well, but sometimes rules are meant to be broken, especially if in search of a good time. Read more

BBB Offers Tips on Finding Reliable Help for Fall Cleanup and Maintenance

Now is the time to get your home and yard prepared for the cold. Though there are many reliable businesses that provide these services, there are also a few that have no plans to actually do the work. Better Business Bureau serving E. MA, ME, RI and VT offers some steps to ensure your property is taken care of this fall. Read more

Homebuyers Beware: Email Closing Costs Scam Alert

Buying a home this spring? If so, watch out for this cunning new con. A recent alert from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warns that scammers are hacking into email accounts and instructing homebuyers to wire closing costs straight into their pockets.  Read more

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