Treasures in Your Attic: An Avon aftershave decanter is worth little
Dear Helaine and Joe:I just need to know if there is any value to this Avon aftershave decanter that is dated 03/21/67.Thank you,S.G., Estero, Fla.Dear S.G.:This is a glass decanter, which once...
View ArticleTreasures: Hamon vase paperweight secures function and beauty
Dear Helaine and Joe:This solid piece of glass with a slight depression in the neck is signed by Robert L. Hamon and was given to me by my employer, who advised me to take care of it. The piece is 10...
View ArticleGreen Space: Black tar spots require careful leaf raking to halt
It looks life-threatening. Ugly black spots are showing on our fallen maple leaves. Theyre called tar spots and they are one diabolical tree fungus.First thing, dont panic. Tar spots only damage...
View ArticleSix facts about poinsettias
Poinsettias are a well-loved variety of houseplant. Their gracious (but bold) red and green leaves flourish in foil-covered pots in places public and private, augmenting the holiday spirit. Rumored to...
View ArticleTreasures: A 23-jewel watch is popular with collectors
Dear Helaine and Joe:I traded for this watch 50-some years ago. It is 23-jewel, in excellent running condition and keeps perfect time. Could you please tell me something about it and how much it is...
View ArticleTreasures: Royal Dux figurines once hot, now not
Dear Helaine and Joe:Would you have an idea of the value of this Royal Dux Bohemia centerpiece, No. 647? It stands 16 inches tall and 15-by-10 inches at the base. As far as I can discover, there are...
View ArticleTraditional mantel decorating ideas
The holiday season tends to shift one little part of the house into focus that fades into the background the rest of the year: the mantel. As a home improvement website editor, Ive seen so many...
View ArticleTreasures: Carnival bowls value varies by color, rarity
Dear Helaine and Joe:I would like your opinion on the rarity and value of this carnival glass bowl. It is marked with an underlined N in a circle and is in mint condition. It is 8 1/2 inches in...
View ArticleTreasures: Can Elgin National coffee grinder brew up profits?
Dear Helaine and Joe:I have a coffee grinder -- it is an Elgin National and is 25 inches tall. It will not grind coffee -- it just falls through. I have had it for 70 years and my father-in-law had it...
View ArticleInteriors: Kitchen-remodeling suggestions
Well, we are into a new year and many of us are looking for something new for our lives. How about a new kitchen? And why not, since the kitchen is where the family gets nourished, at least...
View ArticleTreasures: Silver demitasse spoons stir up different valuations
Dear Helaine and Joe:These pictures are of demitasse spoons that have been passed down in my family. A set of five spoons is heavily engraved with a floral pattern and belonged to my great-grandmother,...
View Article101 Ideas: A guide to choosing kitchen cabinets
Cabinets can devour the bulk of a budget during a kitchen remodel. Because they are a major investment, sort through the available options and make choices with confidence.If existing cabinets are of...
View ArticleDear Monty: For sale sign installed without permission
Reader question: Can my neighbor put up a 4 x 12 for sale sign on my property without my permission? What do you suggest I do about it? MonteMontys answer: Hello, Monte, thanks for your question. No...
View ArticleTreasures: Is this piece an example of Chinese Lowestoft?
Dear Helaine and Joe:I have a porcelain plate and have been unable to identify the markings on the back. I wonder if the piece is Japanese Imari or Chinese Lowestoft.Thank you,L.D., ChicagoDear...
View Article101 Ideas: Choosing an indoor plant
Before buying a plant, think about where you would like to position it, and how much space you can afford. Plants with large dark leaves tend to prefer shade, while those with variegated foliage and...
View ArticleGardener: A tightwads tips for equipping a garden
Until recently, Ive never really considered how much of what you need to start and maintain a garden can be acquired for free or nearly free. But a few years back I challenged myself to see if I could...
View ArticleHome Style: Get the most bang for your decorating buck
Im a firm believer that great design doesnt have to be expensive. The key to getting the most for your decorating dollars is to know where to splurge and where to cheat. Lets talk about how to pick...
View ArticleThe not-so-lowly meatloaf
Weary from fighting blizzard leftovers on the daily commute or exhilarated after an afternoon of sledding, supper needs to be something warm and soul-warming. Yay, comfort food!An old idea that never...
View ArticleBig storms always generate generator interest
Q: We recently had a big storm hit New England. Once again, I wish I had a backup generator system installed at my home. After going through my second prolonged power outage in the last few years, this...
View ArticleWhere to put the furnace
Q: Maybe you can help settle a disagreement between me and my wife. We were looking at model homes and I noticed one of the models we liked had the furnace in the garage and another model had the...
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