The Columbian

Lifestyles

The wire weeder and the winged weeder are two hoes that effectively and easily skim just beneath the soil surface to keep weeds in check.

Get a handle on hoes

June 19, 2021, 6:02am Life

I’ll bet that in some corner of your toolshed or garage, an old hoe is leaning against a wall. A hoe that hasn’t seen use in a long, long time, having been replaced by, perhaps, a gasoline- or electric-powered tiller, chemical weed killers, or mulches. Read story

You don't have to overspend on a remodel to make it eco-friendly. Whether you're redoing the kitchen or making specific changes to lower your utility bills, there are inexpensive, sustainable ways to keep a small footprint.

Don’t break bank making your home greener

June 19, 2021, 6:00am Life

When Cliff and Karen Tyllick set out to install solar panels on their Austin, Texas , home in 2012, their goal was to reduce their carbon footprint. The fact that they also saved thousands of dollars upfront and lowered their bills was a nice bonus. Read story

It???s important not to go overboard with bathroom upgrades.

Five renovation projects to skip

June 19, 2021, 6:00am Life

There’s been a boost in at-home renovation projects within the past year — and it shows no signs of slowing. Read story

Glorieta Adventure Camp counselor Kole Linville, of Kentucky, trains on a zip line on Friday, May 21, 2021, in Glorieta, N.M., before campers arrive. The 3,000-bed camp outside Santa Fe opened up at a third of its normal capacity under pandemic restrictions after being closed last year. Campers and staff will be kept in pods of 10 or less, wear masks outside their sleeping quarters, and eat outdoors to prevent outbreaks.

Summer camps return but with fewer campers, counselors

June 13, 2021, 9:00am Life

Overnight summer camps will be allowed in all 50 states this season, but COVID-19 rules and a pandemic labor crunch mean that many fewer young campers will attend, and those who do will have to observe coronavirus precautions for the second consecutive year. Read story

An eggplant damaged by flea beetles in New Paltz, N.Y. Flea beetles are tiny, black beetles that pock leaves of many kinds of plants with holes.

Three common garden pests: Pesticide-free ways to keep culprits off your transplants

June 5, 2021, 6:00am Life

Transplants are threatened by three kinds of pest damage this time of year: Stems might be chopped off at the soil line, leaves might be chewed, and/or leaves might be shot full of tiny holes. The most likely culprits are, respectively, cutworms, slugs and flea beetles. Read story

Buyer’s remorse? Nearly two-thirds of millennial homebuyers have regrets, survey finds

June 5, 2021, 6:00am Life

In today’s highly competitive real estate market, it’s all too common for buyers to rush into a deal that doesn’t fit their budget or suit their needs. Millennials in particular have the most regrets after buying a home, according to a new Bankrate survey. Read story

Given the risks of teen driving, a structured and careful plan of training and education, overseen by one or more parents, is necessary.

Got a teenage driver? Tips for parents

June 4, 2021, 6:01am Life

Good parenting approaches can and should vary to suit the personalities and situations of a family. Some parents hand out smartphones and cash freely and give homework the lightest inspection; others restrict the use of electronics, assign chores without pay and go over schoolwork line by line. Read story

Karen falls further on list of baby names

June 4, 2021, 5:58am Life

No one wants to name their baby girl Karen any more. Read story

The Donkey 3 Duo stroller by Bugaboo has a convertible model that expands sideways with a bassinet option and its price tag is $1,759 to start.

Making baby feel like Royalty: Gifts inspired by the upcoming arrival of Baby Girl Sussex

June 3, 2021, 6:00am Life

It’s nearly time for the arrival of Baby Girl Sussex, and that likely means some new gear for Harry and Meghan. Read story