Host a Hall of Fame Homegate

(Family Features) From kickoff to the final whistle, taking your game day party to the next level starts with serving an all-star lineup of menu items. From starting-caliber appetizers to MVP-level main courses and a supporting cast of side dishes, dips like salsa and hummus can play the role of superstar when it comes to serving up game day grub. One of the benefits of cheering on your favorite teams from the couch and bringing the tailgate to your literal home field is the availability of appliances you may not otherwise have access to at the stadium like the oven …

Outdoor Kitchens

Since the pandemic created new relationships with living space, homeowners are embracing the opportunity to spruce up and even reimagine what their home and outdoor space can be. One of the ways homeowners are rethinking their outdoor space is to add an outdoor kitchen. From fully equipped to a simple grill and a few chairs, outdoor kitchens are on homeowners’ must-have lists for 2023. Our experts have a few trends to watch for when creating that perfect outdoor space. For many, an outdoor kitchen may seem like a true luxury, but when you spend a significant amount of time enjoying …

Deck Design

It’s been three years since the pandemic hit and forced everyone inside for an extended period. Now, outdoor living is becoming more and more popular with homeowners. Creating an inviting and engaging space for family, friends, and neighbors to hang out is quickly becoming a new priority. With that, homeowners want to upgrade or design a deck space that marries the practical with the beautiful. Decks expand usable outdoor space while improving the functionality of entertaining. They can surround pools and create outdoor patio areas that make it easy to establish multitiered living spaces, enhancing the functionality of outdoor areas. …

5 Ways to Make Your Home Smell Fresh and Clean

(Family Features) A clean and inviting home doesn’t just look tidy, it smells pleasantly refreshing, too. However, running a household can be a stinky business and it may take some special effort to make your living spaces feel more welcoming. Consider these sensible ideas to improve the scents throughout your home: Bring the Outside In  Fresh air is a terrific option for banishing bad smells. Throwing open windows creates a cross breeze that can chase stale, musty air away in a hurry. You can also improve your air quality by adding house plants, which naturally help purify the air by …

Creatively Configure Interior Spaces with Sliding Bypass Doors

(Family Features) Customizing interior spaces to suit your unique needs can be easy and economical with a solution like versatile sliding bypass doors. If you want to create a multi-functional living area, save space, allow more privacy or enhance architectural appeal – or all of these at once – sliding bypass doors can help you achieve your goals. From kitchens to laundry areas, installing bypass doors provides a fast, economical way to adapt floor plans to diverse lifestyles. Kitchens with adjoining spaces are perfect spots for bypass doors. For instance, Johnson Hardware 111SD Sliding Bypass Door Hardware lets you re-configure …

August Is National Curb Appeal Month

August Is National Curb Appeal Month Fypon launched the first annual “National Curb Appeal Month” in August, 2014, to create a month-long period dedicated to helping homeowners focus on ways to add value and design appeal to their home’s exterior. Among home improvements that can affect curb appeal are roofs, garage doors, residential doors, lighting, easy-care options such as Fypon and similar decorative trim, and manufactured stone,

July/August 2017

About the Cover A modern farmhouse kitchen is interpreted utilizing a quartz countertop surface from Cambria. Industrial lighting, wide plank flooring, and vintage bar stools add to the look. Shown is  Cambria’s Praa Sands™ color/pattern, one of a vast number of choices. For information call 615/ 331-8395 or visit www.cambriausa.com.  

Sweet Potato Crisp

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This recipe is courtesy of Mrs. Michael Richardson of Franklin, TN (Jolene.) It is served annually at the Thanksgiving Night in the Hunger Fight annual fundraising supper at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church which has raised thousands of dollars to feed and educate children in Haiti. It’s been served to many groups and families, over the years that it’s become a holiday favorite.   Sweet Potato Crisp  Potatoes 3 cups sweet potatoes (peeled, cooked and mashed) 1/2 cup butter 1 cup sugar 2 eggs  1/3 cup milk 1 teaspoon vanilla Mash cooked sweet potatoes, add all other ingredients and put into a …

Planning for More Outdoor Time

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Plan More Time for Outdoor Living Daylight-Saving Time not only signals the onset of longer days, but also the beginning of the outdoor living season. Homeowners shopping for new outdoor furnishings this year will find fresh colors, surprising new motion furniture, and maximum value in all categories.