Fourth of July sales on furniture and appliances are retail traditions followed by deep discounts on summer items, making this month a great time to purchase home-related items. So Long to Summer Gear… Now’s your chance to purchase summer items at a steep discount. Beach towels, patio equipment, summer sporting goods, outdoor lights, grills, outdoor… Read more »
Father’s Day and high school graduations are big drivers of what’s on sale during the month of June. Grills, tools, coffee makers, TVs and other electronic equipment, and summer sporting goods are all marked down, making it a great time for home-related purchases. ✓ Kitchen gear. The latest and greatest home gadgets that appeal to… Read more »
The modern indoor waste basket has come a long way since its modest beginnings as a simple circular catch-all stuck in the corner of every bathroom and kitchen. Today’s trash receptacles are made of all sorts of materials in all shapes and sizes — and prices. The basic open-topped plastic models can still be picked… Read more »
You can thank Mom for many of the home best buys that can be scored in May with Mother’s Day sales driving many of this month’s discounts. Later in May, the three-day Memorial Day weekend offers another round of discount opportunities. Kitchen Gear The latest and greatest home gadgets that appeal to busy moms —… Read more »
It’s April, which means it’s a great time for spring cleaning, gardening, home repairs, and let’s not forget, pressing the button on those last-minute tax documents that could yield a refund large enough to make a few purchases for the home. Retailers are ready with sales in all the right categories. Home and garden Expect… Read more »
Project materials for home repairs and renovations, garden supplies, winter-related items and digital cameras are among the items on deep discount during the month of March. Countertops and flooring. Kitchen and bathroom countertops and home flooring materials are often on sale during the month of March. As inventory is restocked, prices drop on last year’s… Read more »
If you find yourself living in a house or apartment without central air conditioning, it’s time to go shopping for a window unit. Here’s what to look for and how to properly maintain it. It’s a matter of BTUs. Shopping for a window air conditioner isn’t complicated. The main thing to look for is the… Read more »
If you’re in the market for a leaf blower, it’s best to do your homework before heading to the store. Do you prefer a gas-powered machine or an electric- or battery-operated one? Do you want a blower that will also mulch all those leaves? You’ll also want to consider the power of the air stream,… Read more »
If you watch any of the TV design shows, the ceiling fans seem to be ignored in makeovers. By omission, you could easily get the impression they have become a design faux pas. The fan industry sees things otherwise and has some sleek designs hitting the market. Fan makeover. Forget the brass trim and pressed-wood… Read more »
When it comes to safety, be sure to travel with a fully charged cellphone and a car charger. But it doesn’t hurt to have a Plan B. A well-stocked emergency car kit can save the day when cell service is spotty or help hasn’t yet arrived. Here’s a dozen items to keep in your vehicle… Read more »
If you are in the market for a laptop, the choices are better, but more confusing than ever. Here’s how to shop for the best model to suit your needs. Ask yourself a few questions. Before delving into the hardware, assess how you will use your new laptop. The more demands you place on it,… Read more »
Painting can be a big job, but with the right tools the task will be easier and the finished product more professional. Here are nine essential tools. Masking tape will keep paint off of adjacent areas where you don’t want it, making your job decidedly easier. Most often this will be masking trim work from… Read more »
As the weather warms up, it’s prime time to buy a new grill for those backyard barbecues. To keep your guests coming back for more, choose a grill to match your level of cooking skill. Here are the basics to consider when shopping for a new grill. Types of grills. Outdoor grills are available in… Read more »
If you start your day with coffee, buying a new coffee maker is a major decision. With so many options, finding the best one to suit your needs can be tricky. Here’s what you need to know before you shop. Drip coffee makers brews larger quantities (4 to 12 cups) of coffee, so it’s a… Read more »
Advances in television technology move so quickly these days that it’s hard to keep up with what’s truly the latest and greatest. And why does it seem like you need to learn a new language just to discuss TV features? Whether you’re in the market for a new television or just want to learn the… Read more »
Digital technology is revolutionizing home entertainment, including headphones and earbuds. Listen up, audiophiles. Bluetooth technology has matured, making wires and plugs obsolete. Listeners can roam the house with the audio source several feet away. A processing method called apx HD is the technology standard for delivering sound wirelessly from the player to earpieces. Headphones versus… Read more »
Most wine enthusiasts don’t have the room or the budget for a wine cellar, but a wine refrigerator or chiller can be the next best thing. Here’s what to consider when shopping for a wine chiller. Size/type. Wine chillers come as countertop, freestanding, or under-countertop units. To determine which unit you’ll need, consider these questions…. Read more »
Proper cooking ventilation is a must for every kitchen. A hood removes grease, smoke, chemicals, condensation, and odors generated by cooking, and keeps your kitchen and the air inside your home cleaner. Nowadays, lots of ventilation options are available. Here’s what you need to know before you buy. Types. There are three main types of… Read more »
Dealing with dirty laundry is a lot of work, but the right washing machine can make this chore a lot easier. Newer models not only offer improved performance and convenient features, but they use less water and energy. Before you shop, consider these factors. Types. The two main types of washing machines are traditional agitators… Read more »
The average dishwasher lasts about 15 years, so it’s important to do your homework before shopping. The ideal model will fit your home’s space requirements, your lifestyle and your budget. Unit type. Dishwashers come in three configurations: under-the-counter, under-the-sink, or drawer units. Under-the-counter units are the most common type of dishwasher. They range from budget models… Read more »
