Rosalie Harrinton's Chocolate Macarons.

Apricots, Chocolate, and Love

Beverly Farms-based chef Rosalie Harrinton may be getting ready for Valentines Day, but she's wondering: Why wait for a love holiday to make food inspired by love? 

Smart Renovation Strategies: Getting the Most Without Breaking the Bank

I have a return-client who bought a little granny-house as an investment, and she’s entrusting me to give it an “update.” She’s not sure if she’ll sell it or rent it, …

2024 Buy-A-Bulb Sponsors in Manchester

The Manchester Women’s Club announced the following sponsors who have made donations in support of this year’s Manchester Friendship Tree lighting, which took place Sunday, …

Are ADU’s 4U?


I have long been obsessed with discovering how people live in small spaces. One year for my birthday, I dragged my husband and four young children to the RV show at the convention center in Boston. …

Old or New? Which Way Does Your House Lean?

Reconciling an historic home with modern living can be tricky. These properties are beautiful house with solid bones, but it's important when you tackle this type of design renovation to proceed with a healthy dose of caution ...

A chic interior with a nice, light filled room to read books or browse interior design publications. Armchair design and wallpaper with a floral motif. Generative AI
Old or New? Which Way Does Your House Lean?
Reconciling an historic home with modern living can be tricky. These properties are beautiful house with solid bones, but it's important when you tackle this type of design renovation to proceed with a healthy dose of caution ...
It’s Outside Time
It’s early June and it’s one of my favorite times of year.  We’re in the middle of this summer’s Big Reveal, and it is presenting with a giant “Ta-dah!” …
The Creatures' Return
Conservationists use the term “rewilding” to describe the phenomenon where habitat is restored and native flora and fauna return (or are reintroduced) to their former range. Naturalist …
Cape Ann Blossoms (2023) image of Augustus W. Buhler (1853-1920), Shoving Off. C. 1907. Oil on canvas, Gift of Dr. Bernard S. Cohen, 1979. [Accession # 2199]. Floral Arrangement by Joni Pesola of Danvers Garden Club.
Cape Ann Blossoms Returns to Cape Ann Museum May 4
Just in time for the beginning of spring, Gloucester's Cape Ann Museum is bringing back its popular Cape Ann Blossoms event on Saturday, May 4 and Sunday, May 5 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Floral …
Lean into a non-neutral this year.  Jen Coles like jewel tones, like this.
What's New in Home Design for Cape Ann?
Spring is finally starting to be sprung.  Those brave spring bulbs are sticking their skinny green necks out, and so far all I’ve wanted to do is wrap a scarf around them—but they …
Colors are back after a long love affair with cool whites and greys.  And part of that is the opportunity to lean into new finishes in fixtures, like rubbed bronze, brass, and yes, gold.
It’s all in How You Finish That Counts
I   don’t know if you’ve noticed, but it’s the wild west out there when it comes to the finishes we find on hardware, bathroom fixtures, and lighting.   Where we used to …
This kitchen embraces several design trends for 2024—creating an outdoor connection inside with lots of plants, embracing eclectic elements, and entering the world of bright colors.
Some Top Interior Design Trends to Look Out For in 2024
As we delve into the year 2024, there are dozens of notable interior design trends that Cape Ann experts point to, from color schemes to furniture styles, and even building materials.   Here are three great …
woman gardening herbs in her backyard garden
Welcome, Cape Ann Gardeners, to an Early Spring!
Spring is here, bringing an array of colors and a sense of renewal to Cape Ann’s gardens. Right now, it’s the perfect time to highlight the beauty of your surroundings.   Can you …
Gray House is Anything But
Behind its simple exterior lives a visual feast By Kris McGinn L ast month, during a particularly lovely and lively holiday lunch at the Cricket , an unexpected visitor stopped by. …
Designing a Great Room? Make it Great
Great rooms.  There are so many of us that have them.  Perhaps you have one because you own a large older home, with its elegant bones, grand rooms and high ceilings.  Or maybe your …
Home improvement coverage from around the web

How to Prepare Now for the Storm-Induced Power Outages That Are Becoming the New Normal

(NewsUSA) - Storm seasons are getting stronger, longer, and more unpredictable. Whether it’s a thunderstorm knocking out neighborhood power lines, a tornado carving through a region, or a major …

Don't skip these 4 important spring home maintenance tasks

(BPT) - As the world starts to wake up after a cold winter, it's the perfect time to perform routine home maintenance tasks. Simple spring to-dos are the easiest way to find and fix existing problems …

Garage Safety Month: 5 expert tips to care for your door

(BPT) - When was the last time you gave your garage door some TLC? Garage doors can weigh over 400 pounds, depending on the material, thickness, door size, and added windows, so keeping yours …

4 Reasons Why Spring is the Best Time to Buy Outdoor Power Equipment

(BPT) - Now that winter has officially ended, it's time to get started on spring yardwork! As you start your to-do list, take stock of your current lawn equipment. You may find that you have old, …

Combatting Cracked Concrete: Causes of failing concrete and how to solve them

(Family Features) Concrete is a strong, durable and easy-to-maintain material that is popular for driveways, walkways, patios and more. Like most materials, though, it can inevitably wear down over time.
Military families can master their next move with support from SmartMove’s online resources.

Moving Resources For Military Families

(NAPSI)—Military families and veterans know that relocating loved ones when PCS orders arrive can be stressful—but there are steps you can take to make things easier.   Keeping Military …

4 easy ways to give your garage workshop a spring refresh

(BPT) - Spring has sprung! Are you ready to start some spring projects? If you're a DIY hobbyist, it's time to give your workspace a spring cleaning.During the winter, your garage workshop …

Expert tips to upgrade your outdoor space for spring

(BPT) - Longing to finally embrace that springtime feeling? If so, you're probably ready to refresh your outdoor space in time for the warmer weather, whether for at-home entertaining or relaxing …

Big Upgrades for Small Spaces: Renovate your bathroom for style and function

(Family Features) Home renovations happen for a variety of reasons. Among the most popular upgrades homeowners tackle, bathroom renovations can be a smart and worthwhile investment.

More ideas for your home
5 POOL TRENDS MAKING WAVES IN 2025
(NewsUSA) - Backyards are getting a serious glow-up—and pools are leading the charge. From modern designs with resort-worthy features to automation that practically runs the show, today’s pools …
How to purify your home's water
Long's EcoWater Systems discusses the various ways to purify water regardless of your budget, water test results, space and maintenance requirements.
Spruce up your space: Remodel with the right mini-split
(BPT) - The COVID-19 pandemic spurred a surge in home renovations as people spent more time at home. Many tackled DIY projects, like converting garages or building tiny homes, to meet new needs and …
Summer is coming: How to keep pesky mosquitoes away
(BPT) - Did you know that mosquitoes are active as early as late March in some regions of the country? And by May, they're a widespread nuisance across most of the United States. Mosquitoes are not …
More Home Improvement News

Storage Stunners for Every Room of Your Home

(NewsUSA) - Trying to be better organized and looking to overcome your storage dilemma with more than a dull metal rack or a makeshift cubby? Take your cue from these design pros. Throughout the …

Homeowners' Handbook: Navigating new HVAC refrigerants

(Family Features) Homeowners may not realize it, but one compound impacts their lives nearly every day: refrigerant. Here's what homeowners need to know.

4 Reasons Municipalities Are Choosing PVC Pipe Systems

(BPT) - By Ned MonroePVC pipe has played a key role in water conveyance around the world for more than 70 years. As U.S. municipalities face aging infrastructures and ensuing, costly water loss, PVC …

How to Save Money and Stay Warm This Winter

(BPT) - Do you find yourself putting on an extra sweater or pair of wool socks to avoid turning up the thermostat and increasing your utility bill? According to the U.S. Department of Energy, up to …

Caring for your home and family

6 Essential Steps to Prepare Your Home Ahead of a Fire

(BPT) - You can't predict where or when a fire will strike. However, you can take proactive steps to safeguard your family and home. Don't know where to start? Follow these six crucial steps to …

Three Essential Questions to Ask Your Contractor for a Successful Staining Project

(BPT) - It won't be long before spring has sprung, bringing ideal weather for tackling outdoor home improvement projects. One of the top ways to elevate the look of outdoor wooden surfaces is with a …
Home ideas

How to shop for high-quality designer furniture at affordable prices

DreamSofa offers a guide that explains what makes furniture "designer," how to discern high quality, and how you can find affordable prices on top quality furniture brands.

The Right Equipment Readies You For Storms, Unpredictable Spring Weather: Are You Prepared?

Now’s the time to make sure your power equipment is ready for seasonal storms.
(NAPSI)—Weather is more unpredictable than ever before, and homeowners should take stock of the outdoor power equipment they have in their garages and sheds to handle ensuing damage left behind. …
Wherever you spend the school break, you can help your children have an enjoyable and productive time while on vacation.
Top Tips To Keep Children Busy And Engaged During School Break
(NAPSI)—When the final bell rings for the school year, many parents have concerns about how to keep their children active and engaged without the structure of attending class. In 2025, the …
How 4 simple ergonomic office changes can support wellness
(BPT) - Sponsored by Office Depot OfficeMaxDo you feel uncomfortable when you work? Imagine a workspace that not only boosts your productivity but also supports your physical wellness. By creating an …
Breathe easier at home and on the road with these 5 tips
(BPT) - How often do you think about your indoor air quality? While many might assume the risk of encountering pollutants and allergens only exists outside, these harmful toxins can't be left at the …
How to soften your home's water
Long's EcoWater Systems helps you understand the most popular ways to make hard water soft in order to choose an appropriate method for your home.
Make a Smart Home Investment with an All-Climate Heat Pump
(Family Features) Between rising energy costs and concerns about the efficiency of conventional systems, many homeowners are exploring alternatives. One popular solution is an all-climate heat pump.