When I designed our master bath, I knew from the onset that I wanted to use glazed porcelain floor tile that resembled tumbled marble. It has a weathered, old world look that I find more interesting than traditional polished marble. Plus, porcelain tile is much stronger and harder than real marble, so it’s less likely to crack. Read in full.

Susan asks, “I’m having a serious problem with ladybugs. Do you have any ideas for ridding my home of these beautiful but pesky insects?”

For many homeowners, the battle against ladybugs is a yearly chore without a satisfying solution. Prevention, along with regular removal, is the best strategy. Read on to find out more. Read in full.

The recession is over. I have decided that I’ve heard enough positive news about the stock market, housing starts, banks recovering, etc. that I’m convinced that we are on our way back from a tough period in America. Times like this make us appreciate what we have and where we live. I’m proud and ready for great times ahead . . . for everyone. Read in full.

One of the perks of being on television is the chance to do all kinds of crazy things. Several years ago when I was anchoring a morning news program, I was invited to this out-of-the-way zoo in a sleepy little town. I’ve always been a nature lover, but apparently it wasn’t my day to be a friend of the animal kingdom. I should have known better when the zoo director said, “Oh, you can go in there with the lion. He won’t do anything.” Read in full.

Rainfall is scarce in July, and soaring temperatures can cause your garden and lawn to slow down and conserve energy. Vegetable gardens kick into high gear and need some extra attention to stay happy. Other plants in your garden can benefit from special treatment as well. Read on to find out more. Read in full.

Comfort is key for outdoor activities so go prepared. Remember to drink fluids, wear sunscreen, and bring an area mosquito repellent. ThermaCELL mosquito repellents are 98% effective in fighting mosquitoes, black flies and no see-ums, and they create a 15′ x 15′ comfort zone from biting insects. Read in full.

To keep the items you have stored in the trunk of your car from sliding around, attach self-adhesive strips of hook-and-loop fastener (hook side) to the bottom of a storage conntainer, then press the container to the carpet in the truck. Watch this video.

I’m a little embarrassed to tell this story, but here it is. This is an African violet, one of a trio of violets that I’ve grown rather unsuccessfully for years. African Violets are known to be a little fussy, but I thought I was doing everything right, yet they sat there stubbornly, season after season, refusing to bloom. Read in full.

The Heat Seeker Infrared Thermometer from General Tools is perfect way to conduct a do-it-yourself inspection of your heating/cooling system for leaks in the ductwork, or a general home energy audit. To use, simply train the laser pointer on the object and read the remote temperature reading on the LCD screen. The Heat Seeker is available at The Home Depot. Watch this video.

Here are six simple do-it-yourself projects that can solve some common home improvement problems around your home. Read on to find out how to coat a garage floor, replace a security light, install bifold closet doors, refurbish an entry door, replace a showerhead, and install a tile floor. Read in full.

Brenda asks, “When it rains, the water runs toward the house and foundation, causing flooding. The cost of professional grading is prohibitive. Any ideas?”

A French drain around the perimeter of your house would be a great, inexpensive way to divert water runoff without having to regrade the entire yard. Read on to find out more. Read in full.

Lin asks, “I want to install attic vent fans in my roof. Is there a formula on how many you need and the size?“

Attic exhaust vent fans can reduce your air conditioning bill in the summer while preventing condensation and ice dams from forming during the winter. They are available as hardwired or solar powered models, and fit over a hole cut in your roof or mount on the inside of a gable vent. Read on to find out how to select the correct size attic vent fan for your home. Read in full.

These LED surface mounted accent lights are available in battery powered or wired versions, and are great for mounting under cabinets or for accent lighting. LED bulbs stay cool to the touch and use half of the electricity of regular bulbs. They’re easy to install and can last up to 20 years. LED Accent lights from Hampton Bay are available at The Home Depot stores. Watch this video.

Bitsy asks, “What can I do to relieve allergies and keep the dust and pollen out of my house?“

A good quality air filter on your HVAC heating/cooling system is the first line of defense against dust, dirt, and airborne allergens in your home. Watch this video to find out more. Watch this video.

If you’re looking to add color and life to your garden, perennials are a great long term investment that won’t break your budget. A well planned perennial garden offers a constantly changing variety of flowers for years to come, making it well worth the initial time and work involved. Read more to find out how to plan, plant, and care for perennials in your garden. Read in full.