At Home 2023

At Home 2023

Bird Feeders

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Autumn is a perfect time to focus on providing nourishment and support for our feathered friends.

Bird feeders play a crucial role in attracting and sustaining birds during the fall and winter months when natural food sources become scarce. Many people set up bird feeders not only to benefit the birds, but so they can enjoy watching them through their windows.

PUTTING OUT BIRD FEEDERS

Before setting up your fall bird feeders, inspect them for any damage or wear from previous use. Look for cracks, loose parts or signs of deterioration. Clean the feeders thoroughly with warm water and mild soap, ensuring there is no mold or residue. Rinse and air dry the feeders before filling them with fresh food.

Different bird species have different feeding preferences. Select feeders that accommodate the types of birds you want to attract. Common feeder types include

hopper feeders, tube feeders, suet feeders and platform feeders. Consider using a variety of feeder styles to cater to a wider range of bird species. Birds & Blooms recommends using more hopper feeders in the fall and avoiding tray or platform feeders. The latter can collect snow and moisture and ruin the food. They also recommend putting out twice as many bird feeders if you are in the North as birds are migrating and there are many more mouths to feed.

Sugar-water feeders for hummingbirds are good to have out in the fall as the birds are migrating, but should be taken down and cleaned after the last of the orioles and hummingbirds have flown through on their way south.

BIRD FEED

To attract a diverse array of birds, provide a mix of seed types in your feeders. Black oil sunflower seeds are popular as they are nutrient-rich and attractive to a wide variety

Feeders

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Buying Home Appliances

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Fall is an opportune time to buy home appliances.

This month brings a host of advantages for appliance shopping, including the release of new models and enticing discounts on older ones. If you’re in the market for home appliances, take advantage of all the deals that pop up in early fall.

PURCHASE OPPORTUNITIES

Fall marks the release of the latest models from major appliance manufacturers. Companies often unveil their newest innovations and technologies during this time, making it an exciting period for appliance enthusiasts. By keeping an eye out of these new releases, you can stay ahead of the curve and be among the first to experience the latest features and advancements in home appliances.

With the arrival of new models, retailers need to make room for inventory. As a result, older models often receive significant price reductions and discounts to encourage their clearance. This presents a prime opportunity for savvy shoppers to snag high-quality appliances at lower prices. Keep an eye on advertisements, online promotions and local stores to find out about clearance sales and take advantage of the attractive discounts.

September is also a time when many households are preparing to send their children and young adults back to school. Retailers often offer special promotions and deals targeting families and students, including discounts on home appliances.

PURCHASING TIPS

Look for appliances with the Energy Star label, as they are designed to consume less energy and save you money on utility bills. They can provide you with long-term savings

continued on page 15

Dress Your Porch For Fall

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Your front porch is the portal that welcomes people to your home, greets passers-by and expresses your style.

Decorating your porch for the fall is a great way to welcome the season and make your home feel cozy and inviting. With so many colors, options and themes, you can create a look that is uniquely you and makes you smile every time you return to your home.

One great way to get inspiration is to browse Pinterest or Instagram and look at what other people have done. However, don’t let yourself get intimidated. You can go as simple or as complex as you want and find your own style. Let those pictures be an inspiration, not an unreachable standard or an impersonal facsimile of someone else’s expression.

Decide whether you want a particular theme. Do you want a traditional fall/harvest look? Do you want to decorate for one of the fall holidays? Do you want something that expresses your personal hobbies or interests? A porch display made from hockey sticks and pucks might not be traditional, but if that’s your favorite sport, go for it.

Fall Cleaning

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Spring cleaning may get all the attention, but some experts say it is even more important to do fall cleaning.

For months now, people have been trekking mud, sand and dirt through your house as they’ve celebrated all that summer has to offer. You’re about to hunker down during the cold months where deep cleaning is often impractical. Take advantage of the last hurrah of beautiful weather and prepare your home for the winter season.

INSIDE JOBS

Fall is an excellent time to declutter your home and get rid of things you no longer need. Start by sorting items into categories such as things to donate, things to put away, things to fix, things to recycle and things to throw away. Organize your storage space and figure out how to get the most out of it. Consider following the “20-20 decluttering rule”: If you can replace it in 20 minutes for less than $20, get rid of it.

The Spruce recommends focusing on a single room or even a single zone within

a room and working on it until it has been decluttered.

Deep clean your home. Make a list of cleaning tasks you would like to get to, especially those that aren’t a part of ongoing, routine cleaning. Clean your carpets, dust your baseboards and wipe down your kitchen cabinets. Wash your walls and baseboards. Schedule time to wash your windows indoors and out, including all the window sills and window grooves. Move your furniture and beds and vacuum or sweep underneath them.

Check your heating system before the temperatures drop to make sure it is working properly. Schedule a maintenance appointment with a professional and change filters. If you have a wood-burning fireplace, have the chimney professionally inspected and swept.

Check all your batteries, especially in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.

OUTDOOR TASKS

Cleaning your gutters is an important task that will help prevent water damage to your home. Consider hiring a local, trustworthy contractor to come out and do the job. If you do it yourself, be sure to wear protective

gear and follow all safety procedures for using a ladder. Make sure you work with someone else for safety reasons. Check your downspouts at the same time. Store your

good time to check your exterior

and provide touch-ups as needed.

Trim any tree branches that might pose a danger during a winter

paint

storm. Clean out

Table Settings

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With so many fall holidays, there is an abundance of entertainment opportunities in which the dining table becomes the centerpiece for celebratory meals.

The fall season provides numerous creative and festive options for setting a beautiful and memorable table, one that can fill your guests with the joy of family, friendship and community.

PLANNING A TABLE

Colors and themes can boost the appearance of your table and provide a foundation for your creativity. Popular fall colors include warm hues like orange, red, yellow and deep greens mixed with pops of color from seasonal accents like fall leaves, berries or mini pumpkins.

Themes are limited only by your

imagination. Popular seasonal ideas include rustic harvest, elegant autumn or whimsical woodland. Picking a theme can set the tone for your table décor and help you make cohesive choices. Also, if faced with an abundance of options, it can help you narrow your choices to something that tells a story and delights your guests. Add dimension to your table setting by layering different textures and fabrics. This can create visual interest and depth. For example, you can use burlap or linen table runners, textured placemats or patterned napkins.

CHOOSING ELEMENTS

Once you have chosen a theme and color, consider what you want to put on your table. Fall is all about nature’s bounty, so one option is to bring the outdoors inside by incorporating natural elements into your table décor. Consider using seasonal foliage like colorful leaves, branches or

Table continued on page 14

There’s never been a better time to upgrade your home to the beauty and convenience of maintenance-free vinyl or steel siding, vinyl windows & various types of roofing.

Stock Up On Winter Supplies

If one thing is a certainty in these post-pandemic days, it’s that shortages are an ongoing reality.

When the crisp autumn air starts to descend, it’s a clear sign that winter is just around the corner. As the seasons change, it’s important to take time out to prepare for the colder months ahead. One essential aspect of this is to stock up on winter supplies in the fall. This ensures a smooth and comfortable transition into winter and doesn’t leave you flailing when there is a run on winter goods and shelves become as fallow as the trees.

INDOOR ITEMS

Prepare your home for the colder months by making sure you have enough extra blankets, space heaters or programmable thermostats to maintain a cozy indoor temperature. Purchase air purifiers.

If you have a fireplace or wood-burning stove, stock up on firewood. Make sure it’s properly seasoned and stored in a dry place. Additionally, if you rely on other fuel sources such as propane, kerosene or heating oil, purchase an adequate supply to last through the winter.

Winter storms can lead to power failures or other emergencies. Don’t be part of the crowds making a last-minute rush on the grocery store for toilet paper. Stock an emergency kit in advance with items such as flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, bottled water and a battery-powered radio. Stock your pantry with non-perishable food items like canned goods, dried fruits, nuts, pasta, rice and long-lasting staples.

Consider purchasing a backup power source like a generator or portable power bank. Winter often brings a higher risk of colds, flu and other illnesses. Stock up on over-thecounter medications for common cold symptoms, cough syrup, sore throat lozenges and fever reducers. Don’t be without a COVID-19 test as if you start experiencing symptoms, you’re not going to want to leave the house. Have a well-stocked medicine cabinet with any prescription medications you may need.

OUTDOOR ITEMS

Climate change has brought snow to places unused to getting it. Be ready to tackle snowfall by equipping yourself with essential snow removal tools. This may include snow shovels, ice scrapers and de-icing agents such as rock salt or calcium chloride. If you live in an area that gets regular snow, don’t wait until the first blizzard to buy a snow blower. Regularly check and maintain your tools to make sure they are in good working condition.

Fall is a good time to buy patio heaters and winter sports equipment.

If you live in an area with heavy snowfall or icy conditions, it’s essential to have a winter car kit. Include such items as an ice scraper, snowbrush, jumper cables, a shovel, a flashlight, extra blankets and non-perishable snacks. Buy winter snow tires in the fall so you are ready when the first bad weather hits. If you need them, buy snow chains for your tires.

HOLIDAYS AND SEASONAL DECORATIONS

Some holiday stuff will go fast, especially since they are hitting the store shelves earlier every year. Buy whatever decorations you need for the holidays you celebrate early. Purchase or retrieve items such as ornaments, lights, candles and festive indoor and outdoor décor to add cheer and warmth to your home.

If there are certain gifts that are on your “must-have” list, make sure you get them early in case these items are out of stock later in the season.

By stocking up on essential winter supplies in the fall, you can face the colder months with confidence and ensure a comfortable and safe winter season.

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Get Returns On Renovations

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Home renovations shouldn’t be done just because you don’t like your tile or cabinetry anymore.

With the cost of renovations these days, return on investment becomes an important consideration. The National Association of Home Builders and HomeLight looked at top renovations that will offer bang for your buck.

HOME OFFICES

More people than ever are working from home and for those toiling away remotely, a dedicated space to work in is priceless. Some buyers may even want a room they can divide into two home offices.

Data from 2020 shows that adding a home office can add more than $10,000 to the value of your home and may even be more in some markets. Look to see if you have walkin closets or even space for an extension.

CURB APPEAL

Landscaping, repainting and sprucing up

the outside of your home can also pay off big. A 2021 HomeLight survey showed that buyers will pay 7% more for a home with great curb appeal. Even though it’s chilly out, there are still projects you can do to enhance the beauty of your home. Work on building a healthy yard now and put down fresh mulch and plants as soon as you can in your planting zone. You could even start as small as cleaning up your mailbox and putting in fresh new house numbers.

REPLACE YOUR GARAGE DOOR

A noisy or damaged garage door can be an eyesore. HomeLight says that agents report a new door can return 133% of your investment in some areas. Look for features that are popular with buyers, such as code boxes that allow for remote opening and quiet lift door openers.

PUT IN A FIRE PIT OR OUTDOOR FIREPLACE

More than half of real estate agents HomeLight surveyed said a fire pit or other

cozy outdoor entertaining space was a top priority. Coming out of the pandemic, families began to value more time together, and gathering around a fire outside is a

great way to do that. While you’re outside, consider starting a plan for an outdoor kitchen, which can add upwards of $10,000 to your home’s value in some markets.

Flex Your Green Thumb Inside

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Winter’s long, dark days can leave you longing to get your hands dirty in the garden.

Don’t wait for spring; start potting an indoor paradise that will add some color and vibrancy to your living space.

PLANT A MONEY TREE

Not literally (we wish). A money tree features a braided trunk topped by bright green, almond-shaped leaves. Give it six or so hours of indirect sunlight and water it when the soil is dry. Give it a big enough pot, and it can grow up to eight feet tall for a real showstopper of a plant.

PURIFY THE AIR

Houseplants can also work to clean up the air in our homes. Spider plants are particularly good at this, and their striking green and white foliage adds interest to any space. Give it plenty of light and water weekly, and the plant just might start shooting off babies that you can repot and give as gifts or liven up any other room.

PLANT SOME PEACE

Peace lilies are great for plant parents

who love a little too hard. And by that, we mean overwatering. Give it plenty of light and you’ll see flowers in no time. Be warned if you have pets; this plant can be toxic to cats and dogs.

GIVE SOME LOVE

If you have a corner that needs an interesting trailing plant, look no farther than the string of hearts. This African succulent has vines festooned with heartshaped leaves. They can grow up to 12 feet long and, like most succulents, are forgiving and easy to propagate.

NO LIGHT? NO PROBLEM

The rubber plant, a native of Asia, thrives in low-light environments. Water it about once a week or whenever the soil is dry for best results, and keep it well pruned. Another warning for pet owners: Rubber plants are toxic to cats and dogs.

AIR PLANTS

If soil gives you the ick, welcome to air plants. Tillandsia grows without dirt and comes in funky shapes and sizes. Dunk them in water for a few hours every couple of weeks.

When To Start Seeds Indoors

It’s common for gardeners’ green thumbs to get itchy just after the new year, when seed catalogs start coming in and you can see spring just around the corner.

The good news is that, even in the dead of winter, this is the perfect time to begin planning and starting seeds for your spring and summer gardens.

SUPPLIES

You will need some hardware for this project. Hardware will include some seed trays, shelving and possibly a light if you don’t have an appropriately placed window to devote to your seedlings. A great way to get started is with a trip to your local garden center, where you can pick the experts’ brains about what plants do best in your area, growing mediums and more.

For software, you’ll need a growing medium, plenty of water and a way to gently apply it (spray bottles are great for this) and your seeds, of course.

LIGHTING

Since lighting will be a factor for most people in the U.S., consider using LED grow

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Staying Warm, Safely

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Portable space heaters are a popular way to supplement your central heating system or to keep yourself warm during winter. But they can also be dangerous.

The National Fire Protection Association says that two in five deaths in home heater fires involve portable electric space heaters.

Electric space heaters can create and radiate heat through an oil- or water-filled radiator, by blowing a fan over warm metal coils, by warming a ceramic heating element and by using infrared bulbs.

No matter what fuel your space heater uses, it can be dangerous if not used properly. Here’s a checklist for using space heaters safely from the NFPA:

• Choose a heater with the seal of a qualified testing laboratory.

• Keep the heater at least three feet away from anything that can burn, including people and pets. This also includes rugs, curtains and furniture. Do not store flammable liquids near the heater.

• Choose a heater with a thermostat and overheat protection.

• Place the heater on a solid, flat surface.

• Your oven is not a space heater. Do not use your oven or any other cooking appliance to heat your home.

• Make sure your heater has an auto shut-off to turn the heater off if it tips over.

• Keep space heaters out of the way of foot traffic. Don’t block an exit.

continued on page 13

Wintertime

Indoor Projects

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While the weather outside may be frightful, inside, it’s just the right time to get some serious home improvement work done. Here are four projects you can tackle this winter.

INSTALLING A PROGRAMMABLE THERMOSTAT

With rising utility costs, it may be time to invest in a smart thermostat to help keep your heating bills in check this winter. Check with your HVAC professionals to make sure a smart thermostat will work with your system, then get shopping. You can control some thermostats from your phone or tablet. Others are set to learn your routines throughout the day and set itself accordingly. Do your research and talk to the experts at your local home improvement store to make the best decision for your home.

REPAINT YOUR DOORS

You can give your home an overhaul by just paying a little attention to your interior doors. Give each door a good cleaning and fix any scratches, nicks or even holes. Sand it down and add a new coat of paint to create a completely new look. You can also change outdated hardware for something more modern or, vice versa, change out modern sets for those with a little more character. Look to your local antique dealers and hardware shops for a selection of hardware that thinks outside of the big box store.

WASH YOUR WINDOWS

Give your rooms some new life by washing the interior side of your windows. While you’re there, take down and give any blinds or other window treatments a good cleaning. Check for drafts and repair sealant and caulk as necessary.

REGROUT YOUR TILE

If you’ve got old, dirty tiles lurking in your kitchen or bath, roll up your sleeves and regrout it for a crisp, clean new look. Start by talking to your local tile store about what kind of tile you have and grab a few tools. You want to start by cleaning out the old grout, making sure to thoroughly clean every grout line. Be careful not to scratch the old tile as you go. Next, clean and wipe the tiles before going in with your new grout, making sure to follow the instructions on the label, especially for curing. Seal with a recommended sealant at the end of the cure time.

Insulation 101

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Insulation in your home keeps it warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

Properly insulating your home can reduce heating and cooling costs and improve the comfort inside. Here’s what you need to know about the insulation inside your house.

HOW DOES INSULATION WORK

The most common types of insulation work by keeping the heat where it’s supposed to be – either inside or out. Insulation is categorized by an R-value, or its thermal resistance. The R-value depends on what the insulation is made of, the thickness of the insulation and its density. It can also depend on temperatures, how old the insulation is and moisture accumulation.

INSULATION MATERIALS

Insulation can be made from a variety of materials. The most bulky insulations are usually made from fiberglass, rockwool, cellulose or natural fibers. For tighter spaces, you can get rigid foam boards or sleek foils. These kinds of insulation reflect radiant heat away from living spaces, making them effective in climates where it’s important that houses stay cool.

RADIANT BARRIERS

Radiant barriers are highly reflective materials that radiate heat back out into the atmosphere rather than absorbing it, reducing the load on the climate control system in a structure.

It has no inherent R-value, but, depending on where you live, can still be a valuable part of your home insulation plan.

ADDING INSULATION

Before you start adding insulation, have your utility company conduct an energy audit. These qualified professionals can help you find areas of your home that could use more insulation, what kind of insulation you already have, and what kinds of insulation work well in your area.

You can use a Department of Energy online calculator or ask your auditor what the recommended R-values are in your area to determine how much insulation you should add and where.

Don’t forget that moisture and air flow also contribute to higher heating costs. Check for air leakage around windows and doors and recaulk and reseal as needed. The energy audit may test for leakage for you and help you identify where more work is needed before you invest in new insulation.

KNOW YOUR FIREPLACE

AtColdwellBankerTomlinsonAssociates,wedon’tjustworkhere,welive here–andtrulyknowallcornersofourneighborhoodsandhousingmarket. Letushelpyoufallinlovewithanewhome.Visitusat cbquadcities.com

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Nothing’s more cozy in winter than sitting in front of a crackling warm fireplace.

That sweet scene, however, can turn dangerous in a hurry. Here’s what you need to know to keep your family safe.

HAVE YOUR FIREPLACE INSPECTED

Have a professional chimney sweep come out and check your fireplace and chimney for soot buildup that could cause a fire. The chimney sweep will also clear out any debris that may have accumulated during the warmer months.

USE THE RIGHT WOOD

Soot in the chimney comes from burning wood that’s too moist. Wood with accumulated moisture can also explode in the fire, sending shards of burning hot wood throughout your room. Use kiln-dried or dry, fresh wood in your wood-burning fireplace or stove.

MAKE SURE THE FLUE IS OPEN

Make sure your flue is open before you start your fire. A blazing fire can make it difficult to open the flue, sending smoke and even flames into the room.

Also make sure you have a working carbon monoxide detector in case the flue gets closed by accident, as well as a fire extinguisher.

USE A FIREPLACE SCREEN

Fireplace screens aren’t just decorative. They keep sparks and cinders in the fireplace where they belong and are especially important when you’re not in the room. A solid set of grates or andirons are also important because they keep the burning hot wood from rolling out of fireplaces.

USE THE PROPER TOOLS

A good fireplace tool set should include a stand, a natural fiber broom, a poker, a shovel and tongs. These tools will help you move burning wood safely and keep your fireplace clean. You may also want to invest in a set of firefighter gloves so that you can reach into the fire safely if you need to.

DON’T LEAVE A FIREPLACE UNATTENDED

Make sure fires burn out before bedtime, especially in insert or prefabricated fireplaces made of metal and not brick or stone. While we’re on the subject, keep small children and pets away from the fireplace, too. Teach them to stay away from the flames, the wood and the tools.

Warm

continued from page 10

• Keep children and pets away from the space heater.

• Make sure heating appliances are allowed in your community, especially if you live in multifamily housing.

• Plug the heater directly into a wall outlet, not an extension cord.

• Turn space heaters off and unplug them whenever you leave the room or go to bed.

• Inspect your heater regularly and perform any recommended maintenance.

• Use qualified technicians to install fixed space heaters.

• If your heater burns fuel such as kerosene, always use the proper grade of fuel. Refuel your unit in a well-ventilated area when the heater is cool.

• Install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in every room. Test them regularly and replace the batteries as needed.

• Inspect the plugs on your heaters regularly and look for cracked plugs, loose wires or loose connections.

• When you’re using a fuel-burning space heater, crack a window for adequate ventilation.

Seeds

continued from page 9

lights for maximum efficiency. Fluorescent lights can lose brightness as they age and may take a bite out of your electric bill. Set up your seedlings so the lights can be a few inches from the tops of the plants and can be adjusted to keep them there as the plants grow. Seedlings generally like 1216 hours of light per day; a timer can make giving them the right amount of light a snap.

WHAT TO PLANT WHEN

Talk to the experts at your local garden center and know your growing zone to determine exactly what you should plant when. You should also be aware that some plants like to go outside as seedlings, while others should be planted directly into your outside garden as seeds because they dislike being transplanted.

CARING FOR YOUR SEEDLINGS

Once you decide what to

plant and get your seeds in your soil, check on them a couple of times a day, making sure the surface of the soil remains slightly damp. Too dry and the seeds won’t germinate; too wet, and they’ll rot. When at least half of the seeds are sprouted, you can remove the cover from your seed tray. Keep the seedlings moist, but not soggy, and, as they grow, start to thin them out when the first sets of true leaves emerge. Once you have two sets of leaves, you can start fertilizing with a water-soluble fertilizer. Depending on your area, you may need to harden your seedlings by getting them used to the great outdoors. Place your seedlings outside in a protected area in the shade for an hour on the first day, extending the outdoor time by an hour each day for three days, when you can allow them a little morning sun as well. Gradually let them stay out longer and get more sun for about a week, when they’re ready to go in the ground.

Table

continued from page 5

acorns as centerpieces or scattered along the table. Add a touch of elegance with mini pumpkins, gourds or pinecones.

Consider using dinnerware and glassware that complements the fall theme. Opt for earthy tones, rustic ceramics or even vintage-inspired pieces to add charm to your table setting. If you don’t want to buy all new dinnerware, consider putting out a fallthemed serving platter or serving bowls that speak to your themes. Use slabs of wood or wicker baskets to serve bread or other fall treats.

Add a personal touch to your table setting by using place cards and napkin rings. Get creative with homemade place cards using fall-themed materials like leaves, twine or miniature pumpkins. DIY napkin rings made from ribbon, twigs or cinnamon sticks can also add a unique touch.

Enhance the ambiance of your fall table by incorporating candles. Choose candle holders in autumnal colors or natural materials like wood or metallic finishes.

Consider using scented candles with warm and cozy fragrances like cinnamon, apple or pumpkin spice.

The focal point of your table is likely to be the centerpiece—at least until you put the food on the table. Make your own or find one that uses a mix of autumn flowers such as sunflowers, mums or dahlias. Put the flowers in a rustic vase, a pumpkinshaped container or a cornucopia basket. Add depth with candles, foliage or seasonal fruits.

Don’t forget your chairs. Enhance the coziness of your table by incorporating soft and cozy textiles like blankets or throws draped on chairs.

Finally, consider the overall layout of your table. Leave enough space for each place setting and room for guests to comfortably interact with each other. Pay attention to the flow of the table and make sure there’s room for serving dishes.

Your decorating efforts will likely pay off with the delight of your guests as they gather around your lovingly set table and celebrate fall meals with you.

Porch

continued from page 3

SELECTING ITEMS

Start by choosing a color scheme that reflects the season and your other decorations. Consider using warm colors such as orange, yellow and red to create a cohesive look. Pantone releases seasonal color trends every year and 2023 will see a rise in such colors as Rose Violet, Red Orange, Red Dahlia, Viva Magenta, Tender Peach, High Visibility (a warm, vibrant yellow), Persian Jewel (a cooling blue), and Carnival Glass (a mentholated green).

WGSN fingered galactic blue, sage leaf, Astro dust, digital lavender and apricot crush as the in colors this fall.

Fall is all about nature, so consider incorporating natural elements into your porch décor. Standard favorites that never go out of style include pumpkins, gourds, corn stalks, hay bales and colorful fall foliage that creates a festive atmosphere.

Other elements might include statuary of animals, signs or boards with text on them welcoming people to your home or rocking chairs.

Adding lighting to your porch can create a warm and inviting ambiance as the days get shorter. Consider using string lights, lanterns

or electric candles to add a cozy glow to your fall porch décor.

Another way to add interest to your fall porch décor is to use seasonal textures. For example, you can use a burlap wreath, plaid blankets or pillows and textured doormats to create a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.

DESIGNING THE DISPLAY

To make a statement with your fall porch décor, create a focal point that draws the eye. This could be a large wreath, a pumpkin display or a cozy seating area with fall-inspired pillows and blankets. The size and shape of your porch will dictate many of your choices.

When possible, add layers. Have some elements sitting on the porch and others hung higher.

While it can be tempting to go all-out with fall decorations, it’s important to keep it simple and avoid a cluttered look. Focus on a few key elements that create a cohesive and inviting atmosphere.

Visit your local stores to find unique display items made by local artists or head to a craft store to make your own personalized porch décor. Maybe you want to experiment by making your own wreath or a pumpkin topiary. Remember it doesn’t have to qualify for the cover of Better Homes and Garden, it just has to be made with love and enthusiasm.

Feeders

continued from page 2

of birds. Other foods to consider include nyjer (thistle) for finches, millet for ground-feeding birds and safflower seeds, which are less favored by squirrels. Suet cakes or blocks can attract woodpeckers and other insect-loving birds.

Birds & Blooms recommends that people in northern areas use suet exclusively and just a few types of birdseed. They also suggest storing bird food in waterproof garbage cans with bricks or bungee cords holding down the lids to keep out raccoons and squirrels.

It also might be time to buck long-held habits of raking leaves or mowing dandelions. Letting dandelions grow in the fall (and the winter if the climate allows) gives birds something to eat. Creating brush piles with fallen leaves protects ground-feeding birds from predators and gives them somewhere warm to stay. They also attract insects that birds eat.

Consider including a water source near your bird feeders. This can be a bird bath, a shallow dish or a small fountain. Ensure the water remains clean and unfrozen during colder months by using a heated bird bath or regularly changing the water.

PLACEMENT AND MONITORING

Strategically place your bird feeders near trees and shrubs that can provide cover and perching spots for birds. Position feeders away from windows to prevent bird collisions. It’s also helpful to place feeders in a quiet area, away from high traffic or noise, so birds feel safe and comfortable while feeding.

Monitor your bird feeders to ensure they are well-stocked and clean. Refill feeders as needed, especially during periods of heavy bird activity or when food supplies are running low. Clean the feeders periodically to prevent the spread of diseases and remove any moldy or spoiled food.

As fall progresses into winter, be mindful of changing bird preferences. Some bird species may switch their feeding habits, relying more on suet or high-energy food sources. It is a good time to add extra suet feeders or provide food options that cater to the specific bird species that visit your area during the colder months.

Appliances

continued from page 2 and environmental benefits.

Before making any appliance purchase, do thorough research and comparison. Read consumer reviews, visit manufacturer websites and consult reputable sources for information on the features, reliability and performance of different appliance models. Compare prices and warranties from various retailers to ensure you’re getting the best value for your investment.

Assess your specific needs and priorities. Think about the size, capacity and functionality needed for your household. Take into account your lifestyle, cooking habits and space availability. This can help you narrow your choices and find the best appliances for your needs.

Factor in the long-term costs and maintenance requirements of any appliance you plan to buy. Research the estimated energy consumption, maintenance needs and durability of different models. While it is tempting to buy the cheapest model, opting for appliances that offer good value over time and have a reputation for reliability can save you money and headaches.

Appliances can be significant investments. Research the warranty that comes with them and the customer service that the retailer and manufacturer offers. Look for appliances with extended warranties, favorable return policies and reliable customer support. This can give you peace of mind and assistance should any issues arise after your purchase.

If you’ve been needing to replace one of your tried-and-true appliances or want to check out the newest gadget, fall is a great time to head to your local store and bring home an appliance that will make your life easier.

Thursday, Nov. 9 — 9:00am-7:00pm Friday, Nov. 10 — 9:00am-5:30pm Saturday, Nov. 11 — 9:00am-4:00pm