Home and Garden
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How to build a better, more efficient fireJan 12, 2026 7:00 am - We get smoke indoors from our wood-burning fireplace, but want to use it to save cut our utility bills. What are some fire building techniques to create less smoke?
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‘There was a gap’: New DuPage County program helps flood-prone propertiesJan 09, 2026 12:47 pm - DuPage County’s stormwater management division is offering financial assistance for certain owners of flood-prone properties.
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Home & garden calendar, Jan. 11-17Jan 08, 2026 4:30 am - Upcoming garden club meetings, workshops, and plant sales in the Chicago area, covering topics such as pruning, soil health, houseplant care, sustainable gardening, and attracting pollinators like hummingbirds.
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20 things to declutter right now to start the year lighter
Jan 06, 2026 4:23 pm - Here are 20 pretty easy things to consider removing from your home, your car or your life in January, in service of a less-cluttered 2026.
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Herbs grown indoors require extra care. Here are some tips
Jan 06, 2026 4:14 pm - Herbs grown indoors require extra care. Here are some tips to help them thrive.
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Before you buy a new door, consider these cost-effective fixesJan 05, 2026 6:28 pm - My old doors don’t seem airtight anymore and they show years of use. What are some inexpensive improvements I can make myself?
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Why home maintenance deserves a spot in the annual health and budget plans
Jan 05, 2026 3:50 pm - Planning ahead for regular upkeep and for unexpected emergencies can reduce the risk of costly repairs later and help spread expenses more evenly throughout the year.
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A home-buying guide for empty nestersJan 05, 2026 3:43 pm - There are questions homeowners can ask themselves as they ponder if downsizing is right for them.
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Fruitful advice for getting the most from a refrigerator and making groceries last longer
Jan 05, 2026 3:08 pm - Social media offers seemingly endless tips to make food last longer, but experts say there isn't just one right way to properly store many foods. Here are some tips to stretch your grocery budget by making sure your food stays fresh — and safe.
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How to turn your discarded Christmas tree into a feast for birdsJan 05, 2026 1:41 pm - When the holidays are over, instead of putting your Christmas tree on the curb for garbage collection, repurpose it in the garden with birdseed and suet ornaments for winter birds.