At Home

NEW  Pillow Talk: Pick the perfect pillow for a good night’s sleep (750 words)

I’d spent the better part of the night fluffing, bending and punching my pillow. No matter which way I turned it, it wouldn’t contour to my head. The next morning, I woke up with a stiff neck.

Convinced I was sleeping on the wrong pillow, I set out to find a better one. After a bit of research, I learned all pillows aren’t created equal. Even the way you sleep can lead to restless nights.

If you’ve lost sleep because you nestled your head on the unsuitable cushion, consider these tips before you start your quest for the perfect pillow.

NEW Remote Control: Long distance access makes home security a cinch (850 words)

You’re traveling to another out-of-town tournament for daughter’s soccer team. That family vacation you’ve been saving for is finally becoming a reality. The new job has you working out-of-town three days a week and you worry about how safe your family is when you’re away.

No one wants to be chained to their house. Home should be your family’s safe haven. But when life takes you in so many different directions, it might be time to think about a security system. It’s peace of mind while you’re away. And with new technology, you can keep tabs on your house no matter where in the world you happen to be.

Hiring a Contractor? Read This First! (1,400 words including sidebars)

We thought about it for a while. Imagined what our house would look like with a few improvements. Our 12-year-old had been asking for his own room for years and my dreams of having a formal dining room kept creeping into my daydreams with regularity. For your readers who are planning a remodel or other home improvements, this article provides information about: determining what type of contractor you need, how to find a contractor you can trust, what you need to know before you sign the contract, payment schedules and how to avoid delays and minimize inconveniences.

Mirrors, Mirrors on the Wall (1,100 words)

Want your 900-square-foot condo to look larger? Does your entryway need a touch of elegance? Are light and airy words you'd like used to describe your home? Today, every family is looking for ways to work magic with the home we have. And nothing works magic quite the way mirrors do. This home improvement article gives readers practical tips about decorating with mirror, including installation, ideas for the do-it-yourselfer and how to care for mirrors.