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When residential architecture in Europe evolved to include two-story houses, indoor fireplaces became the norm. Before this, central, open hearths were used for heating and cooking in single-story homes. With the advent of fireplaces set into walls and corners, masonry chimneys came along, and subsequently chimney caps. Chimney caps might not be the first thing anyone thinks of, but they’re one of the most important elements of a properly-functioning fireplace....

Chris Lilly photo: Kingsford Charcoal | Allen LeCuyer photo: Allen LeCuyer | Matt Moore photo: Clay Hassler Chris Lilly is a world-champion pitmaster, spokesperson for Kingsford Charcoal and five-time winner of the Memphis in May BBQ competition. He’s also vice president, executive chef and partner at Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q and head chef of the Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q Competition Cooking Team. Allen LeCuyer is pitmaster for the competition BBQ team, Magnum P....

If you spend any time near gardens or vegetable and fruit crops, you’ve probably laid eyes on a few brown marmorated stink bugs. Some people refer to these as shield bugs, but either moniker identifies the same pest. (The scientific name for the stink bugs is halyomorpha halys, in case you were wondering.) More concerning than their name, though, is their game. These not-so-innocent looking insects have one goal in life — to take control of just about any crop they can get their tiny little legs on....

Family Handyman Why overhead electrical outlets are a great idea Are you always tripping over extension cords that snake all over the floor of your shop? End that hassle by installing ceiling-hung electrical outlets. Place them wherever you frequently need to plug in power tools, vacuum cleaners, steam irons or any other corded tool that you want to plug in right here, right now. The cost per outlet will run about $18....

I’ve never thought much about having an air purifier. Sure, I could see the advantages for any household. But couldn’t I accomplish the same thing by opening the windows and changing the furnace filters regularly in my HVAC system? How wrong I was. Since acquiring a Levoit 400S air purifier, it’s become something we use almost daily, including functions I never considered using an air purifier for. I change out the filters in the heating and cooling system and the windows have been open almost constantly since spring, but the air purifier has made our home much more comfortable....

Mudroom Doorway Drop-Off The garage entry is a hot spot in Toni Hammersley’s home. So the brain behind abowlfulloflemons.net turned that space into an organization station. “The hooks are great for jackets and scarves, the basket for shoes, and the wall organizer for umbrellas,” she says. “When planning, I made a list of what needed to be organized and went with it.” The simple setup even keeps her kids in check....

The problem It’s a dark and stormy night. You flick on the hall light, plug in the coffee maker and crank up the portable electric heater. You’re starting to feel comfy, when you hear a faint, yet ominous, click—and everything goes black. It’s not a cat burglar or a poltergeist playing tricks with your electrical system. It’s an overloaded circuit being protected by a tripped electrical circuit breaker. Kinda spooky and mysterious, eh?...

Fitness trackers are an extremely popular smart gadget, but their purpose can be a little confusing if you’ve never owned one. Here’s what you need to know about these wearable smart fitness devices and how they can help you. What Are Fitness Trackers? Fitness or activity trackers are wearable smart gadgets that are typically fashioned as bracelets. (There are also ring, necklace and clip-on trackers.) Similar to pedometers, these devices count the steps you take every day....

Thomas Barwick/Getty images Celebrating Thanksgiving with Your Friends: Friendsgiving We know it’s not always possible to travel home for Thanksgiving, this year more than ever. And even if you are planning to travel this holiday season, sometimes you want to sit, feast and celebrate with your best friends, too. On This Page That’s where Friendsgiving comes in. This holiday lets you share a Thanksgiving meal with friends as a supplement to the traditional Thanksgiving feast....

Olefin carpet is emerging as a popular choice in carpeting. Here’s what it is and why so many homeowners are choosing olefin carpet. What is Olefin Carpet? Olefin is a synthetic (manufactured) material. It’s also known as polypropylene, a type of thermoplastic used to make a wide range of household products, medical devices and more. Because it’s derived from plastic, olefin carpet is best installed in places with the potential for water damage....

Understanding the science behind your soil’s pH will help you grow healthier plants that produce more flowers or fruits, so it’s worth your time to dig into the details. It’s easy to learn about, but not so easy to change. We’re here to help, so read on. What Is Soil pH? Technically, pH measures the potential (p) Hydrogen (H) ions present in your soil. The pH scale ranges from 1 to 14....

Sweet’s Architectural Catalogue Unlike the famous Murphy bed, which hides in a closet or wall to save floor space when not in use, the Sorlien ceiling bed is stowed in the ceiling. The Sorlien, the Murphy bed’s forgotten competitor, was patented in 1913. The bed was lowered from the ceiling via a crank, with hidden weights in the wall working to counterbalance the bed. “Transmission drum is concealed in wall by means of a hinged door 15 by 16-1/2 inches set flush with wall,” according to an ad (from 1917) for the Sorlien bed....

Portable air conditioners offer a great solution for short summers, small rooms and limited window unit storage space. Affordable and easy to set up, these units feature strong cooling power and can go a long way toward making a warm room more comfortable. What Is a Portable Air Conditioner? Portable air conditioners are exactly what the name implies — compact, easy-to-move electricity-powered cooling units. They’re not fixed to any surface and generally come on wheels....

via amazon.com All About Magic Erasers Originally introduced in 2003, the Magic Eraser, by Mr. Clean, has become a popular option for cleaning a wide variety of messes with just a sponge and a bit of water. It’s spawned plenty of knock-offs too. But do you actually know what those beloved white rectangles are made of? Or what to avoid using them on? We’re here to clue you in. What Are Magic Erasers Made Of?...

I’ll let you in on a shopping expert secret: This Sales Editor never buys garden equipment during warmer months. Winter brings with it garden sales aplenty, which means high-quality garden scissors, lawn mowers and garden seeds at bargain basement prices. Shop ahead of the crowd and save up to 66% on all the basics (and a few splurges) you need to construct your dream lawn. Go ahead—grab those fertilizers or bug hotels and make this year a step towards a greener future....

Family Handyman What’s the Difference between Lawn and Garden Tractors? Some retailers use the terms “lawn tractor,” “riding lawn mower” and “garden tractor” interchangeably. But they’re not the same. Find out what their differences are below. Rear-Engine Riding Mowers Rear-engine riding mowers do one thing: cut grass. Compared with lawn tractors, they’re less powerful, slower and cut a smaller swath (maximum width: 30 in.). At $800 to $1,400, they’re not always cheaper than a lawn tractor....

Like most gardeners, I love to start my garden off with a colorful spring by planting bulbs the autumn before. The first fall I lived in my house, I planted lots of daffodils — and made a few mistakes. Over the years, I’ve gained wisdom with each batch of bulbs I’ve planted. Here’s what I wish I would’ve known before I started planting bulbs. Cheap Bulbs Are No Bargain Discounted bulbs may be tempting, but they are not usually the best value....

Long before they found a home on suburban lawns, cool-season grasses had their place in history. Archaeological studies of prehistoric cliff dwellings in the Southwestern U.S. show early Native Americans depended on these grasses as a food source, particularly in late spring and early summer before other crops matured. Today, many of us depend on cool-season grasses for maintaining a green, healthy lawn year-round. Here’s what you need to know about cool-season grasses and whether these varieties are right for your lawn....

These days, it seems like there’s a smart version of everything. There are smart light bulbs, smart thermostats, smart locks and even smart pet feeders. One up-and-coming innovation is the smart sink faucet. Motion sensor faucets have existed in public restrooms and commercial spaces for years, but they’re now becoming common in residential kitchens and bathrooms. Smart faucets have many benefits, including money savings, water conservation and germ prevention. What Is a Smart Faucet?...

Boxy, right-angle-filled shipping container homes are still something of a novelty in most places. But expect to be seeing a lot more of them. A 2019 report on shipping container homes predicts that by 2025, container homes will be a $73 billion global industry. Popular as a DIY project for small building lots, with tiny home enthusiasts, and as a public housing solution in overcrowded areas, shipping container homes can solve a lot of housing needs....