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How to create a magic filled table setting

I am all about creating a setting full of magic. Whether it is a table for 2 or 20, a simple family gathering in the backyard or a special occasion get together. It’s all about setting the stage for a magical gathering that will treat your guests and create wonderful lasting memories.

Magic Filled Table setting

First and foremost when setting a table for friends or family – most folks think of what they will serve and plan the menu. My menu planning looks a little different. I don’t start with the food- I start with the ambiance and setting

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The Home Improvements To Get The Most Bang For Your Buck In 2023

Contrary to popular belief, the research study indicates that bath and kitchen renovations were not the most profitable, per CNBC. For example, a bath remodel that includes new countertops, fixtures, and tiles, led to only a 67% return on investment. Upgrading a kitchen with new countertops, flooring, and appliances led to a higher return of 86%, but it still didn’t yield a full benefit on the money spent to make these changes. However, several improvements received a return that was over 100%, meaning that these changes paid for themselves when the house was sold. These renovations included a new garage

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Regent Investment Management LLC Sells 50 Shares of The Home Depot, Inc. (NYSE:HD)

Regent Investment Management LLC decreased its stake in shares of The Home Depot, Inc. (NYSE:HD – Get Rating) by 0.6% during the 4th quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 8,584 shares of the home improvement retailer’s stock after selling 50 shares during the period. Regent Investment Management LLC’s holdings in Home Depot were worth $2,711,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Fairfield Bush & CO. acquired a new stake in Home Depot in the 1st quarter valued at about

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How to compare contractors’ bids

Here’s how to compare bids. (Metro Creative Graphics)

Mon, Mar 27th 2023 10:45 am

Metro Creative Graphics

Home renovation projects are significant undertakings. It is common for homeowners who may not have the time nor the expertise to do the work themselves to call in professionals to tackle these jobs.

According to the home improvement resource HomeGuide.com, for a bathroom remodel, which is one of the more popular improvement projects, installation and labor accounts for 10% to 25% of the total project cost. In general, many contractors pay themselves $300 to $500 for an hourly rate, while helpers may make

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french blooms: shooting photos for a book

I’m excited to tell you about a new book, called French Blooms, published by my dear friend, Sandra Sigman.

French Blooms shares Sandra’s love of flowers, and illustrates her inspiration that comes in large part from the time she spent living in France. Creating a book is an adventure. From outlining the concept to the writing, the photography, and then of course finding a publisher, it feels like running a marathon.

I was privileged to run part of the race with Sandra when she visited me a few years ago. Sandra stayed with me here in Normandy, along with another

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Spring Basket Decor- 5 Ways

Spring Basket Decor

A pretty little basket filled with flowers and foliage has a ton of charm and is a lovely touch for spring. I grabbed this French Market Basket and played a bit with ideas for where to enjoy it. From the front door to the staircase- sharing a few ideas for spring basket decor in the house.

French Market Foliage

Something fun about this basket of blooms? This is a piece from my collection with Balsam Hill. I designed the French Market Collection for them a couple of years ago. There is a garland, arrangement, several wreath sizes,

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15 Inspired Easter Tables & Entertaining Ideas

It is hard to believe that Easter is just around the corner. It seems like just yesterday I was taking down Christmas and here we are talking rabbits and chocolate eggs and all kinds of Easter whimsy and fun.

Even if your Easter celebrations are on the small side- you can set a pretty table, add a touch of whimsy and charm and enjoy a lovely home celebration. And today for Friday Favorites- it’s all about a round up of on the table ideas- from flowers to place setting touches to a few tried and true nibbles that are always

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How to Recoup Your Energy Efficiency Home Improvements at Tax Time

Photo: istockphoto.com

Energy-efficient home upgrades benefit the environment by reducing energy demands and air pollution, plus they can put money back into homeowners’ pockets by lowering monthly energy bills. For those who are hesitant to make the initial investment, government incentives can help. The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 provides federal tax credits to Americans who prioritize energy efficiency in their homes and buildings. Starting this year, families can earn up to $3,200 in Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credits annually through 2032 to lower the cost of upgrades by up to 30 percent.

In addition, the Residential Clean Energy Credit

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