We’re all playing Russian roulette with devices powered by lithium ion batteries. Read More ⇒

Who among us doesn’t love a practical gift? Something that won’t merely collect dust. Something that you can use over and over again, reminding you of the giver every time you pull it out. For certain people, that might mean a beautiful cashmere scarf, or a handcrafted wallet. For those of u… Read More ⇒

Southern or farmhouse style is certainly having a moment. Many homeowners crave a cozy retreat, particularly as the outside world feels increasingly harsh and polarized. And the style, long a staple in rural areas, has become an aspirational look for urban homes as well, in part thanks to HG… Read More ⇒

WASHINGTON — “Anything on the tables. Take it,” she announced to the room, after getting everyone’s attention with the golden ping of a Tibetan singing bowl. Read More ⇒

LOS ANGELES — Hip-hop star Tyga is getting a taste of L.A.’s Westside. The Grammy-nominated artist has inked a deal to lease a hillside mansion in Bel-Air for $58,000 a month. Read More ⇒

Homeownership has its perks, among them tax advantages (the mortgage interest deduction and capital gains exclusion), as well as equity-building opportunities. With the homeownership rate at 64%, clearly Americans value having a stake in where they live. Read More ⇒

MANCHESTER, Maine —Tiny houses have cropped up everywhere across the United States — proving their popularity and solidifying their permanence in the nation’s housing market. Read More ⇒

Growing up, there was one place to be after every holiday meal: my grandma’s kitchen table. It was a hub of activity and chatter that went far beyond divvying up leftovers and discussing who should get the last slice of pie. Stories were swapped, highballs were drunk, and cards were played. … Read More ⇒

The last day of October has arrived already. To some today is Halloween, but we don’t celebrate it so for us it’s just another day. Read More ⇒

If you are or have a hunter in your life you are fully aware that it is open rifle season for whitetail deer. You can tell by the early morning wake ups, and the many smells of hunting; the tang of gun cleaning solvents, the clean aroma of cover scents, (spray me so a deer won’t catch a whif… Read More ⇒

As pet owners protect themselves against flu this season, vets say they should also be thinking about their dog. Read More ⇒

LOS ANGELES — Gwen Stefani, who rose to fame as the face of rock band No Doubt, has sold the Beverly Hills Post Office-area home she shared with ex-husband Gavin Rossdale for $21.65 million. Read More ⇒

The arrival of crisp fall weather has gardeners thinking about the winter, a period of retreat in the garden but not of death. Read More ⇒

When the little pig darted off the delivery truck and high-tailed it into the woods behind Teresa Billig’s hog farm, she worried he’d be killed. Read More ⇒

You’ve heard of Holiday Barbie and Superstar Barbie. Now get ready for Airbn-Barbie. Read More ⇒

LOS ANGELES — Blockbuster film producer Joel Silver is looking for his second major home release in two years. After selling his Malibu estate last year for $38 million, Silver has listed his Brentwood home for sale at $77.5 million. Read More ⇒

Some might say hunting season is the highlight of autumn, but a lesser-known group of brave souls are also willing to do what it takes to bag a trophy: rummage-sale hunters. Along with colorful leaves, migrating birds, Thanksgiving and all that, fall is also rummage sale season. Read More ⇒

Beloved for their old-fashioned charm, small mosaic tiles are resonating with homeowners who want floors that are uniquely patterned and boldly expressive. From itty-bitty hexagons to miniature squares, tiny tiles are back in a big way. Read More ⇒

My recent story on unwanted old china generated a lot of responses — so many that I thought it was worth sharing some of the best ideas for selling, donating, upcycling and repurposing. Read More ⇒

A hillside of gold in the Old Town community of North Columbus, Ga., not only caught my eye but enticed me to get out of the car with my camera in hand. It was a hill planted with dozens of Winterberry hollies; and despite a fall season of high heat and drought, it was creating quite a show. Read More ⇒

CHICAGO — It’s autumn, and if you’re a deer, that means love is in the air. Read More ⇒

LOS ANGELES — Russell Peters is looking to leave his landlord responsibilities behind in Malibu. The comedian-actor’s ocean-view estate, which is now tenant-occupied until 2023, is back up for sale at $7.995 million. Read More ⇒

The Obamas’ purple and chartreuse English garden-themed state dinner for the British prime minister at the time, David Cameron. A lavish wedding in a sultan’s palace in Istanbul under arches of hanging wisteria. A magical Winnie the Pooh storybook ball featuring a giant beehive and hundreds … Read More ⇒

The first time Matthew Bremer saw the listing for the church he would eventually buy in Phillipsport, Sullivan County, it arrived like so many unwanted emails, as inbox-clogging spam. But rather than immediately hitting delete he scrolled down the email while eating lunch and was intrigued b… Read More ⇒

PAUL SMITHS — The Adirondack Center for Loon Conservation invites the public to celebrate common loons at Paul Smith’s College’s Visitor Interpretive Building, 8023 state Route 30, from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Sunday. Read More ⇒

Ariel Davis was taking an evening run in Brooklyn when she literally stumbled over a pile of 75 pieces of china set out in the street. Read More ⇒

LOS ANGELES — They may not be moves like Jagger, but James Valentine is certainly making moves. The Maroon 5 guitarist has listed his Los Feliz home for sale at $3.785 million and bought a Toluca Lake home from mega-producer Dana Brunetti for $6.4 million. Read More ⇒

Whether your historic home is new to you or has been in the family for generations, an essential element of taking care of the property is adequate insurance. Read More ⇒

LOS ANGELES — Kirsten Dunst’s Toluca Lake home is staying in Hollywood hands. Actress Annie Potts was the buyer of the two-story, which sold last week for $4.55 million. Read More ⇒

Greetings from Michigan! Son Kevin just left for school. The sky is starting to lighten up. Thermometer is at the 59-degree mark. Read More ⇒

It makes sense that dying trees have terminal bud scars. Sounds like an awful condition — my condolences. But the healthiest trees have them, too (terminal scars, not condolences). It’s a good thing, since terminal bud scars provide an excellent way to leaf through a tree’s health records go… Read More ⇒

Dear Aggie, someone told me the corn growing around the county is for corn silage. What is that? Read More ⇒

Your laundry area, whether it’s a tiny closet or a corner of the basement, can actually be a happy place. Read More ⇒

LOS ANGELES — A high-profile name has emerged as the buyer of the Razor House, an architectural masterpiece on the coast of La Jolla. Read More ⇒

A big thank-you to all you readers who came to my book signing at the Nappanee Public Library last Saturday. Thanks for all the kind words and encouragement. Read More ⇒

The skies are emptying out. Read More ⇒

In an age when practically anything can claim a spot on social media, the lowly kitchen spray is having its day — reimagined as a curated, crafty and oh-so-pretty countertop accessory. Read More ⇒

On the back of Susan Eisendrath’s little SUV, a bumper sticker reads: “Be the change you want to see in the world.” Read More ⇒

In their new outdoor living room, Coco and Rosie have lounging areas, exercise equipment, fragrant plants, tasteful lighting accents and a water fountain. The three-season sanctuary is connected to the main house with a stylish elevated breezeway. Read More ⇒

LOS ANGELES — Michael Mizanin, the former World Wrestling Entertainment champion who performs under the name “The Miz,” and his wife, professional wrestler Maryse Mizanin, have slammed down $6.4 million on an English manor-style home in Westlake Village. Read More ⇒

A benefit (and hazard) of my job as a design writer is spending chunks of time with decorating experts in beautiful homes. I always learn something from pros who have a refined eye for detail. Read More ⇒

When I’m standing outdoors in the depths of winter, I try to imagine what it’s like now, at the end of a hot summer. This isn’t to get the blood flowing in January — it’s a way of enduring the cold and reminding myself how much more bearable it is than the heat. Read More ⇒

Think soup stock. Everything goes into the pot including all the unappetizing bits and pieces of vegetables you may rather not have on your plate. Many cuisines from around the world eat the entire animal or plant with very little waste. Americans could increase health and lower waste if we … Read More ⇒