It's your first home, and your first spring after a long winter. Are you ready to put in the effort it takes to have a lush, green lawn? One that you can walk around in with your bare feet, throw a ball to the dog, or sit back and relax with friends? These 5 tips for spring lawn care will help get you on the right track and make your home the envy of the neighborhood.

There's no escaping the inevitable: winter is approaching. The wind is blowing and soon those gusts will carry snow drifts and walls of flurries our way. At least that's what happens in our northern states like Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Indiana. So before that snow flies and it's too cold to climb on your roof and the draft is pushing through your windows like they're just screens...it's about time to have a plan to winterize your first home.

The joy of owning a home is extra special during the holidays, and even more so for someone approaching their first Christmas in a new home. Living rooms are magically warmed by the cozy glow of Christmas tree lights, sweet scents float out from the kitchen as baked goods warm in the oven, and the laughter of visiting family and friends turn a house into a home. If you have one or more people on your Christmas list fortunate to be in a newly purchased home this year, help them celebrate this special event in their life by delighting them with one of these five gift ideas:

by guest author Anica Oaks.   Just about everybody fantasizes about owning a pool or spa when the temperatures rise. But how does the fantasy of owning a pool or spa stack up to the reality? The answer is, "It depends." Here are some things to consider if you're thinking about adding a backyard pool to your property.