Home and Consumer - ArcaMax Publishing

CPSC: Children's Toy Jewelry Sets Recalled by Playmates Toys; Charms Violate the Total Lead Standard

WASHINGTON, DC - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following products. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. Name of Product: Tiny

CPSC: Innovage LLC Recalls Discovery Kids Lamps Due to Fire and Burn Hazards

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. Name of Product: Discovery Kids(

CPSC: Bristol Model and Martha Stewart Collection® Enameled Steel Tea Kettles Recalled Due to Burn Hazard

Small Spaces: A Washer/Dryer Combo May Be Just the Thing

These are days of common sense and practicality. I walked into one of our local kitchen and bath showrooms the other day looking for a sophisticated vanity and was struck by the change in the character of the place. Things were shifted around, and there were few fancy vanities on the showroom

Everyday Cheapskate: How To Live Below Your Means

I wouldn't call it a radical new idea, although a popular women's magazine declared recently that living below your means, or LBYM, is the hot new trend. It is a simple concept: to spend less than you earn. Still, LBYM is seen by many as a life sentence, not the lifesaver that it is. It can take

Here's How: Repairing Concrete

Dear Pat: I want to convert my kid's playroom into a study. I plan to put paneling over the damaged drywall. What is the best type of paneling that won't look "cheap," and how do I begin to install it? -- Melissa L.

Dear Melissa: Children certainly can damage drywall through years of

Everyday Cheapskate: Paying Yourself To Get Creative

Usually, it is cheaper to repair than to replace. Sure, there are exceptions, but they are few and far between. Repairing things, it seems, brings out the inner clever person in all of us. Don't believe it? Check out these clever readers: UNDERWATER BASKET WEAVING. The silverware basket in my

Chimney Leaks - 6 Ways to Prevent Your Chimney From Leaking Water

Chimney leaks are a common problem that can often be avoided with proper maintenance and upkeep. By making sure to take care of issues before an actual leak starts you will protect your home from potential costly damage. There are several ways that a chimney can become susceptible to chimney

Everyday Cheapskate: Where To Find Discounts for Universal Studios

Dear Mary: We are hoping to take a short vacation in May. Universal Studios in Orlando, Fla., would be great if I could find cheap or free tickets. Do you have any ideas? -- Linda, e-mail Dear Linda: Head over to MouseSavers.com, a wonderful Web site that is, without a doubt, the best source for

Decor Score: Letting a Collection Inspire a Color Scheme

Q: I've been given a collection of old plates by my aunt, who told me in no uncertain terms that they are "works of art and must be displayed prominently." They are beautiful, but I don't know where to put them. Our dining room is small and already full of things I love looking at. Are plates

CPSC: Children's Fork and Spoon Sets Recalled by Peachtree Playthings Due to Choking Hazard; Sold at Dollar Tree and Deals

CPSC: Risk of Strangulation Prompts Recall to Repair Roman Shades and Roll-Up Blinds by Meijer

Meijer has added its name to the retailers joining the voluntary recall in December 2009 of ALL Roman shades and roll-up blinds. WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer

CPSC: Boys' Hooded Jackets with Drawstrings Recalled by Ten West Apparel Due to Strangulation Hazard; Sold at Burlington Coat Factory

CPSC: Children's Bracelets Recalled by Chandigarh Fashion Due to Violation of Lead Paint Standard

CPSC: Outdoor Lighting Fixtures Recalled by American Electric Lighting Due to Shock Hazard

Coping With Flood Damage

You have done everything you possibly could do to avoid flooding but you are still faced with the disaster. Rising water in a river near by is one of the leading causes of flooding. You can put up dikes and sand bags to hold back the water. There are instances where it rises too fast or too high

Fireplace Tools - Take Care of Your Fireplace

A fireplace is a lovely addition to any home. They are perfect for setting the mood in the home and for keeping things warm and toasty. There are two kinds of fireplaces, wood burning and gas burning. When most people think of fireplaces they think of wood burning fireplaces. They are really nice

House Calls: Just Sympathy

Dear Ms. Lank: I lost my job last year and was unable to make my mortgage payments. I owe $400,000 on two loans, but the house is now only worth approximately $310,000. It has been on the market since last June, and we received three good short-sale offers that required bank approval. The first

Home Zone: Get Rid of Dog Urine Spots from Your Lawn

With Rascal Spots, you can forget about those urine spots Fido leaves on your lawn. This is a product that eliminates dog urine spots as they occur or even prevents them in the first place. Rascal Spots concentrate is a natural, organic, non-chemical product designed to protect or cure damage

Everyday Cheapskate: Cheap Is Chic Again

There was a time when I lived and breathed to make sure no one ever thought I was cheap. I went to great lengths to prove it, too. Boy, did that get me into a lot of trouble. It's not cheap to make sure others think you have a lot of money. You might know my story, where that got me and the