Pat's Blog

Out with the old, and in with the new! When you're thinking through your goals for the months ahead, make your home a priority too. The following ideas can help you set resolutions to improve your living space.

Make safety a priority

Everyone is guilty of forgetting to turn off an appliance or blow out a candle from time to time, but this year, take these steps to keep your home's safety top of mind.

Post and set reminders
You'll be less likely to forget important safety measures if you post sticky notes throughout your home, like Clean the lint screen near the dryer and Lock the door by the front door. You can als...

When weather turns cold, it's not just rough on us. Snow, ice, and cool air can all do a number on our cars, too.

Though you might not be able to stop Mother Nature from unleashing harsh weather this season, you can make sure you've done all that you can to make sure your car comes out of winter unscathed.

Look it over
Channel the first time you ever saw your car, and do a thorough inspection to identify any cracks, dents, or other obvious signs of wear and tear that could worsen under severe weather conditions. Depending on where you live, it's a good idea to start this process in October or early November.

If you do notice a crack in the windshield or peeling paint, be sure to have it repaired immediately.

Take care of the tires
Tires are one of, if not the most important piece of the car to pay attention to before w...

Plants can bring so much joy to a home, so it can be discouraging when cold weather and a lack of sunlight force you to scale back your indoor and outdoor gardening. However, there are many beautiful cool-weather plants that can adorn your home in the winter months.

Flowers

Having the colors of spring around during winter can help lift your spirits if you're wishing for a quick return to the colorful outside blooms.

Lilies of the valley – Though they look dainty, lilies of the valley are strong. Be sure to keep them in their own pots and away from children and pets because they are toxic when consumed.

Pansies – If you want color that won't...