Author: Edward Carl

Connecticut Better Home Show / Articles posted by Edward Carl

Build a Bluebird House

[edgtf_social_share] Taking care of our Feathered Friends Even though springtime may seem a long time away, now is a great time to consider building a birdhouse. Why? During the cold winter months, birds scatter to find any shelter they can in dead or hollow trees. Very early in the year, these birds also begin to scout for nesting sites. [caption id="attachment_7771" align="aligncenter" width="642"] My mother-in-law built this Bluebird house. It has two solid side panels and she uses a removable floor for clean...

Winter Photography – Tips for better Digital Images

[edgtf_social_share] One of the most popular holiday gifts purchased at big box retailers, as well as online, is the digital point-n-shoot camera. What better way to capture the excitement of the season than with your new camera? Winter can be a great time for the shutterbug. Here in the Northeast, fresh snowfall can create beautiful landscapes, priceless wildlife moments, or even the perfect background for a family-fun photoshoot. By following a few basic tips, you can capture all the fun to...

Winter Hot Tub Tips

[edgtf_social_share] When it’s cold outside, when the days start getting shorter and when there’s snow on the ground, there’s no reason at all to not keep your hot tub or spa in service. All the benefits associated with hot tubs only get magnified when there’s a big difference between the water temps and the reading on the window thermometer. There’s just no better way to beat the winter doldrums than to take a nice soak in a properly maintained hot tub....

Tooling up for Winter: Essential must-haves to keep you safe at home and on the road

[edgtf_social_share] Another phrase for cold winter weather is “the polar-vortex”, which refers to forecasts calling for record-breaking cold. Regardless of the time of year, when you hear your local weatherman start using this term, you know the temps are about to drop. Nothing is worse than finding yourself unprepared in the middle of a snowstorm or extreme temperature drop. Prior to the first snowfall, you should break out your cold weather gear and tools. If you are a new home owner...

Only 75 Days till Spring

A good time to plan your garden strategy. [edgtf_social_share] When it comes to developing an action plan for any type of well-balanced flowering garden, I went to my daughter and friends to get an idea of what really works. Creating your own garden can be a personal experience; you have to please yourself. Don’t just go to the gardening department at Home Depot and see what will be available for the coming thaw. Invest some time and decide what you really like....

Addressing Drafty Windows

Save money with these easy DIY Tips [edgtf_social_share] Tis the season! With Jack Frost nipping at your nose, you may have again felt some uncomfortable drafts or have seen your drapes moving as the chill of winter makes its way into your home. Less noticeable in the warmer months, with older homes in particular, window leaks can rob you by increasing your heating bills. Of course you can simply call a professional contractor, but there are some Home Hacks you can try...

Winter-Que

[edgtf_social_share] I’ve never really bought into the idea that cooking food outside on the grill is a seasonal thing. Just because there’s some snow on the back porch does not mean you should deny your taste buds that flavorful delight that a good BBQ meal brings. Throwing a late year get-together barbecue (or a Winter-Que as I refer to it) with some close friends, is an exciting way to satisfy appetites and have fun in the process. So why not embrace...

The King of Christmas Trees – NYC Style

[edgtf_social_share] If you didn’t already know, the lighting of the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree, is sort of a big deal in New York City. It’s a feel-good event that warms the very heart of the city and our nation regardless of personal political view or religion. The 2016 tree was lit for the first time on Wednesday, November 30th at Rockefeller Plaza. As always, the tree will remain lit and on display at the plaza, between West 48th and 51st Streets...

Decorations and Storage for the Holidays

A neat house is a happy house, at least that’s what my mom used to tell me. [edgtf_social_share] My parents always made sure that there was a place for everything and everything was in its place. Because of this, my own family now enjoys many heirlooms especially during the holidays. As soon as those last bits of turkey and gravel leftovers are gone, it’s time for the annual home decoration makeover. I really love the way Christmas lights transform our neighborhoods, and...

Santa Loves Cookies!

[edgtf_social_share] The holiday season is full of family traditions. If there’s a Christmas tree in your living room and you have little ones, then chances are Santa Claus is a big part of the magic that warms your heart. Even if you don’t celebrate for the holidays with the tree and old St. Nick, there’s no denying that anyone loves homemade cookies. Some see it as a low-level bribe to insure not getting a lump of coal in their stocking, while...