Decorating Tip: A matter of scale
Scale refers to the size of pieces relative to one another and to the size of the space. Similarly scaled pieces are more serene when used together, but a nice balance of pieces creates a harmonious atmosphere, utilizing the differing physical qualities of height, depth and width throughout the room.
-- HGTV/ Scripps Howard News Service
Home-Selling Tip: Should you hire an agent?
A real estate agent will take a commission that is usually along the lines of 5 or 6 percent of the finale sale price. If you feel confident selling your house without the help of an agent, have a real estate lawyer review your paperwork. However, only a licensed realtor can list your house on the Multiple Listing Service, a national database of for-sale homes. An agent can also help you understand the market, negotiate and coordinate the selling process.s
-- FrontDoor.com
Going Green: Veterans Affairs recycles food
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that it will begin to recycle about 583,000 pounds of cooking oil each year, reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent by 2020. The agency has a goal of reducing its waste stream by 50 percent by 2015.
-- Earth911.com
Did You Know …
April is Keep America Beautiful Month, National Card and Letter Writing Month, National Landscape Architecture Month and National Garden Month.
Garden Guide: Your container garden
Containers are available in a wide range of sizes, styles, materials and colors. Anything that will hold soil and mature plants, and will drain, will make a good container. No matter what you use, it should have adequate drainage holes, otherwise it will create water-logged soil, which will cause root rot. If using a decorative container without drainage holes, put plants in a pot with drainage holes and nest it inside the decorative container.
-- University of Illinois Extension