Q: My husband's aunt received the vase in this photo for a wedding present. It is in perfect condition and the only mark on the bottom is the number "6."   JARDINIERE - Roseville Pottery in Zanesville, Ohio, made this jardinière around 1933 and it would probably be worth $500 to $700. CNS Photo.    VON SCHIERHOLZ MARK - Von Schierholz Porcelain Factory of Dresden, Germany, has been in business since 1817. CNS Photo.Can you tell us the ... [full story]

Q: I had a 12-year-old Japanese maple tree in my front yard. It began to "wilt" and finally died. Once it was removed, a smaller tree was planted in the same area, but it died after two months. I hired a landscaper who made many changes in the yard and replanted that problem area with shrubs. I asked why these would succeed when others had not. He replied that he had used shrubs which were ... [full story]

Bathroom scales are getting heavy on technology and style. Gadgetry galore along with sleek chrome and glass designs are transforming the old bathroom box into a decor-smart item for any health-savvy home.   WEIGHTS & MEASURES - These high-tech scales have more add-ons than ever, Seen here is Professional Raised-Dial Scale by Tanita, $79.99; the Lifestyle Manager by Xavix, $149.99; the Comfort F5 Body Balance Scale by Soehnle, $130; and the Ironman Segmental Body Composition Monitor ... [full story]

"What am I going to do with 50 little cubes of pesto?" Lisa Brock asked herself six years ago.   FOODCUBER - Now you can easily store the proper portions of food in one step with the FoodCuber. CNS Photo courtesy of Alanna Swenson.    DAY COUNTER - Salsa is one of many foods that can spoil easily once opened. Keep track with the DaysAgo Digital Day Counter. CNS Photo courtesy of double u products, inc.     LEFTOVERS - Take ... [full story]

  Home How-To: Bouncy floors Floors in old homes can tend to sag or bounce as they age. There are many techniques to strengthen a floor, here are a few common methods:  [full story]

Q: We are just moving in and haven't had the chance to furnish our outdoor porch. It's covered, so I'm thinking about just taking out some of the living room furniture we don't need. My husband thinks I've lost my mind, that it will look like some tacky roadside shack with the old sofa on the porch (and a car carcass in the yard). What do you think? A: I think you need to demonstrate ... [full story]

I recently came across an account of a new museum opening in Amsterdam devoted solely to handbags. The Museum of Bags and Purses has an inventory of more than 3,500 bags, vintage items that illustrate the history of the woman's purse in Western culture. This got me to thinking about other similarly small, specific museums in this country that would be of particular interest to collectors. Here are a few: BARBED WIRE More diverse and ... [full story]

Q: This pair of ceramic dogs belonged to my great-grandmother. She brought them with her when she immigrated to the United States from Scotland over 100 years ago. Each stands approximately 9 inches tall and neither one has any identifying marks. They are decorated with gold paint, and have yellow eyes and black muzzles.   STAFFORDSHIRE SPANIELS - These Staffordshire spaniels were made in the late 1800s and would probably be worth from $300 to $500. ... [full story]

Q: We live in a cold winter climate area and we planted several plants that we thought were annuals like geraniums, cannas, and fuchsia in a hanging basket. When we looked them up in books, we read that they are perennials. We are not sure how to take care of them over the winter. What is the difference between an annual and a perennial?  A: There are several possible answers to your question. First, the ... [full story]

Population growth means people are using more and more water every day. In most parts of the country, voluntary conservation is the water-wise way to live.   WATER CONSERVATION - Saving water in small ways really adds up by the end of the day. CNS Photo. Across the country, water authorities are challenging residents to cut their usage of this precious and finite resource. Saving water in small ways really adds up by the end of the ... [full story]

Think pink. Color trends this year are leaning toward pink, according to the Color Marketing Group.   HOT TRENDS - The red/pink family is heating up in the color market including this Pink Dot Contemporary Home Bed in a Bag by Target Corp. CNS Photo courtesy of Color Marketing Group.    GLOVES FOR WOMEN - Pallina Vegan Garden Gloves are designed specifically for women's hand sizes. CNS Photo courtesy of Pallina. And, they should know. The international organization of ... [full story]

  The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that extension cords cause about 4,700 residential fires each year. Here are some checks you can make in your home today to ensure electrical safety:  [full story]

Q: I love decorating my home but am buffaloed when it comes to doing our windows. My mother put cafe curtains everywhere and let it go at that, but I'd like something "dressier," at least, in the living and dining room as well as the master bedroom. I went to a window store, but there were so many new shades and things that I came home more undecided than ever. Can you help?   WINDOW TO ... [full story]