Homes

Published April 7, 2021

New program to help with rent, utilities for those struggling in the pandemic

METRO DETROIT — The advent of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 changed everything for everyone, but shutdowns have affected some residents more than others.

Published March 24, 2021

Metro

Spring forward in the garden

METRO DETROIT — For new and experienced gardeners, springtime is the perfect time to assess, observe, prepare and plan what the garden will look like and what it will need for the, hopefully, long and fruitful growing season ahead.

Published March 17, 2021

Metro

Local Realtors discuss current market conditions

METRO DETROIT — Local Realtor John Cotter recently described the current real estate market as a little crazy.

Published March 9, 2021

Metro

As winter temperatures fluctuate, beware of ice dams

METRO DETROIT — Icicles hanging off the roof of a house can be beautiful, but they can also do damage to the home in multiple ways.

Published March 7, 2021

West Bloomfield Beacon

West Bloomfield real estate encounters ‘crazy’ market

WEST BLOOMFIELD — Last year, West Bloomfield resident Amber Finley had an opportunity to experience what it’s like to be on both sides of the real estate market.

Published February 23, 2021

Metro

Home aquariums get popular amid pandemic

METRO DETROIT — As the COVID-19 pandemic rages on and people are confined to the comfort of their own homes, many are looking for new hobbies and things to do.

Published February 9, 2021

Metro

Dreaming about — and planning for — next spring’s yard and garden

METRO DETROIT — Families once were busy running from school to dance class to basketball practice, and from family parties to hanging out with friends all weekend, but the past months have made for a change of pace that’s affecting how residents feel about the importance of their yard to their peace of mind.

Published January 26, 2021

Metro

The Stars and Stripes in all its Old Glory

METRO DETROIT — For many Americans, especially military veterans, the U.S. flag waving in the breeze brings a sense of pride, honor and patriotism.

Benjamin Moore, Pantone release colors of the year

Published January 12, 2021

C&G Newspapers

Benjamin Moore, Pantone release colors of the year

METRO DETROIT — For many people, 2021 is a welcome transition away from the unprecedented global turmoil in 2020. Both the Pantone Color Institute and Benjamin Moore Paints annually release a color of the year, and their selections for 2021 reflect a desire for optimism, grounding and soothing.

Published December 19, 2020

C&G Newspapers

Always home? Reduce energy usage to save money

METRO DETROIT — In the early months of 2020, most children spent their weekdays at school and most adults spent their weekdays at a job, both of which likely meant that the energy needed to heat or cool the air around them, and to power computers, tablets and phones, might have been paid for by someone else.

Published December 8, 2020

C&G Newspapers

Avoid getting scammed when shopping from home this season

METRO DETROIT — With Michiganders following state guidelines to stay home, wear masks and limit social interactions, online shopping is perhaps more popular than ever this holiday season.

Published November 18, 2020

C&G Newspapers

‘Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree’ at home with your favorite holiday music

METRO DETROIT — This holiday season will be different for many because of COVID-19, but that doesn’t mean it has to be a “Blue Christmas.”

Published November 10, 2020

C&G Newspapers

Preserve and display military memorabilia in the home

METRO DETROIT — For veterans and their families, memorabilia represent an individual’s service and can bring back memories of one’s time in the military.

Published October 27, 2020

C&G Newspapers

Northern Michigan real estate becomes red-hot during pandemic

NORTHERN MICHIGAN — For many Michiganders living downstate, going up north means getting away for a vacation, for an escape to greener, quieter pastures, but some families are beginning to stay past the three-day weekend and starting to call the state’s northern counties home.

Published October 20, 2020

C&G Newspapers

Summer to fall transition is ideal time for closet makeover

METRO DETROIT — The leaves are turning colors and falling, pools are closed for the season, and we are still in a global pandemic.

Published October 6, 2020

C&G Newspapers

Sellers’ market is ‘scorching hot’

METRO DETROIT — According to local real estate agents, the housing market this time of year has never been hotter for those interested in putting their homes up for sale.

Published September 22, 2020

C&G Newspapers

To keep hungry kids fed, the Designers’ Show House must go on

DETROIT — COVID-19 has caused the cancellation of scores of important events, but the Junior League of Detroit’s 23rd biennial Designers’ Show House isn’t one of them.

Thomas, left, and Joseph Martin, of Grosse Pointe Woods, are ready for virtual learning this semester in the Grosse Pointe Public School System.

Published September 11, 2020

C&G Newspapers

Preparing for virtual learning for the 2020-21 school year

METRO DETROIT — With many local students returning to school in a virtual learning environment because of COVID-19, parents are setting up areas at home specifically for school instruction.

Conservationist says restoring nature starts at home

Published August 25, 2020

C&G Newspapers

Conservationist says restoring nature starts at home

METRO DETROIT — Addressing global damage to nature seems overwhelming, but author and researcher Doug Tallamy says that even small changes in your yard can make a difference.

Agriculture experts: Don’t plant unsolicited mystery seeds

Published August 11, 2020

C&G Newspapers

Agriculture experts: Don’t plant unsolicited mystery seeds

METRO DETROIT — While some of the unlabeled seeds have reportedly now been identified as common plants including cabbage, mustard, lavender, rosemary, sage and various flowers, agriculture experts have issued clear guidance about what to do and what not to do if any mystery seeds arrive in your mailbox.