Lifestyle Columns

Fix-It Chick: How to use a spirit level

A spirit level is the most common type of leveling device. Sometimes called a bubble level, the spirit level’s name is derived from its mineral spirit-filled vials. The air bubble within the horizontal vial rests precisely in the center of the vial when the level’s edge is directly parallel ...

Behind the Lens: Prom photos in perspective

After a short hiatus, we are bringing back our Behind the Lens column. To start, this will be a monthly photography feature with an emphasis on displaying images. We will spotlight a variety of subjects and tools, but the focus will be on the photograph and the creative process of image-making. ...

Fix-It Chick: Add a hands-free mesh screen door

Hands-free mesh doors are a great substitute for traditional screen doors. Mesh doors are made from two fiberglass screen panels sewn together at the top. The center is held closed by a series of magnets. The screens are easy to install and can be used with standard and sliding doors. Once ...

Bite Sighs: Semi-gluten-free cookies to help you kick the wheat

If you, like a lot of people these days, are making the switch to a gluten-free diet, you’ve probably made two discoveries already. First, it can be quite … undelicious. Second, baking with gluten-free flours is not the most straightforward process. Have no fear! With these Transition ...

Garden Variety: Dress up a wall with plants

Inside homes, people often use pictures, art, paint, window treatments and other items to create visual interest on walls. Take that concept to the garden, and think about how fences and the exterior walls of homes and other buildings define the yard. There are many ways to “decorate” ...

Fix-It Chick: Patch a hole with FiberFix

If you have a hole or crack in almost anything, including your boat, wheelbarrow, gutter or tub, you can fix it in 30 minutes or less using a FiberFix brand rigid patch. Available in several sizes, the patches can be used separately or side by side to repair large areas.Step 1: Apply FiberFix ...