Party on the Patio: How to Get Your Yard Set for Summer Fun

Posted on May 05, 2015 by James Florence

If you’re like most Bay Area residents, as the long days and balmy evenings of summer set in, you’ll want to be spending as much time as possible outside. An outdoor living space can serve a variety of functions, whether an ambient setting to entertain guests or a relaxing oasis for lounging during your annual staycation. In order to get the most enjoyment out of your space, however, you’ll first need to get it clean and functional again after having sat unused all winter. Here are a few aspects likely to require your attention:

Swimming Pool
Following its winter dormancy, your swimming pool needs a bit of maintenance to get it ready for summer use. Read more

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Posted in: Decks and Patios, Consumers, Home Tips
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Diamond Certified Experts: Heating and Cooling System Tips

Posted on April 14, 2015 by James Florence

Temperature regulation and air quality are key concerns in any indoor environment, which is why, in addition to keeping your home’s heating and cooling systems functional, you’ll want them working as efficiently as possible. We’ve asked five Diamond Certified Expert Contributors to share their tips on basic HVAC maintenance and troubleshooting. Read more

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Posted in: Diamond Certified Experts, Home Tips
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Spring Cleaning: Simple Ways to Brighten, Freshen and Rejuvenate Your Home

Posted on April 07, 2015 by James Florence

April is here, which means it’s once again time to engage in the longstanding domestic ritual known as spring cleaning. In addition to tackling annual maintenance tasks like cleaning your carpets and flushing your water heater, spring cleaning offers a chance to optimize your home for enjoying the temperate weather and extended daylight. Here are some simple things you can do to brighten, freshen and rejuvenate your home.

Brighten
During the sunny season, you’ll want to bring as much light as possible into your home. Start by washing your windows. Regardless of the tools or methodology you employ (most professionals recommend using a squeegee and a 100 percent cotton cloth), there are a couple of important rules to follow. Read more

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Posted in: House Cleaning, Consumers, Home Tips
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Nomad for a Day: 31 Hacks to Make Moving Easy, Straightforward and (Even) Fun

Posted on March 26, 2015 by Maria Onrubia

 

“People wish to be settled. It is only as far as they are unsettled that there is any hope for them.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

There’s nothing like a change in perspective to help you see the world anew. And when that change involves getting a new view from your bedroom window, your daily routine is in for some jolts. In other words, whether you’re moving across the country or across the street, moving can be one of the best ways to get re-energized. That said, it can also be a real pain, so here are 31 ways you can minimize the stress of moving while maximizing the adventure.

One month before you move

  1. Create a binder.
  2. Read more

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Posted in: Moving, Consumers, Home Tips, Savvy Tips
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Putting the Freeze on Fleas: A Basic Tutorial

Posted on March 19, 2015 by James Florence

So your dog went out back to do its usual business, but this time, when it returned, it brought along some uninvited guests. That’s right: fleas have dropped in for a surprise visit, and they just might end up staying for dinner. Before you know it, you’re scratching and slapping at these nearly imperceptible pests. A barrage of questions storm through your mind: Will I have to vacate my house? Are chemical treatments my only option? Will Fido have to go to the vet? Relax: the answer to all of these questions is a resounding “no.” Take a deep breath and follow these simple steps:

1. Decontaminate the host. Since your pet is the one who started this mess (albeit unwittingly), Read more

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A Top-Down Approach to Home Maintenance

Posted on March 05, 2015 by James Florence

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How a Bedtime Story Inspired Me to Get Organized

Posted on January 22, 2015 by James Florence

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Posted in: Uncategorized, Home Tips, Personal Stories
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