You know that feeling when you receive the perfect gift? You open up the package (or email) to find something that seems like it was tailor-made to fit your needs and personality. Finding the perfect gift doesn’t have to be difficult.

It feels really good to receive something so thoughtful. And it feels even better when you’re able to create that experience for someone else. The eReport below tells you everything you need to do to come up with the perfect gift for your loved ones.

Learn what to ask yourself so you can plan an exchange that is personalized, heartfelt and delightful. You’ll find that giving the perfect gift will feel even better than receiving it! 

Consider the gift recipient’s life. Think about their situation, interests and hobbies...

Thanks to Clean Sweep for this episode of Tips from the Pros about fireplace safety.

Whether your home has had a fireplace for decades or you just purchased a home with a brand new fireplace tucked inside, knowing how to safely use it is essential. Fireplaces, when used and maintained properly, are very safe. However, when you don’t maintain them or pay close attention, they can lead to serious hazards and even house fires.

The Basics of Fireplace Safety

1. Cleaning and Maintenance: Have your fireplace professionally cleaned and maintained on a regular basis. If you don’t have a chimney sweep come to complete a cleaning, there could be dangerous creosote build-up. In addition, animal nests and yard debris may be found on the inside of your chimney...

Thanks to Cindy Bernstein of Aim4Order for this episode of Tips from the Pros with a blog about quick organizing tasks.

Spending hours or days organizing can give you big results. Unfortunately, most of us don’t have the stamina or time to spend doing it. Here are some decluttering jobs you can do in 10-30 minutes.

Kitchen counters

Your counters should be clear of everything not used on a daily basis. For example, you can leave the toaster and coffee pot if you use them most days. But that bread making machine needs to be put away. 

If you have tools like a big spoon, spaghetti stirrer or spatula that you use often and you want to have them handy, put them in something like a large vase so they are not simply laying around on the counter...

Thanks to the University of Maryland / Maryland Grows this informative article about poison ivy.

It starts with a twitch and an itch. Then it grows into full-blown scratchiness and dreadful knowing. You have poison ivy. Again.

I tip my hat to those immune to the maddening rash that contact with this plant brings. You are indeed the Fortunate Ones. The rest of us will try to quiet our whimpering.  

ID Poison Ivy

It pays to know the enemy. Poison ivy is a perennial plant that can climb trees as a vine, form a shrub, or snake over the ground. It spreads by seeds and rhizomes, sneaky underground stems that help it form colonies. 

A native plant whose berries feed over 50 species of birds, poison ivy has glossy leaves, attractive berries, and striking fall color...

Recovering from identity theft can be tough. There are easy steps you can take each day to keep your identity safe and secure.

We love when technology improves and makes life easier. However, as a result the ability of bad guys who want to steal your identity increases as well. Their emails look authentic as do their texts and phone calls.

According to the Federal Trade Commission

Thanks to Clean Sweep for this episode of Tips from the Pros about chimney caps.

If you’re a homeowner, there is a good chance that you have heard how valuable a chimney cap is. It is vital to the short-term and long-term integrity of your chimney. Even though your chimney might seem strong and able to endure years of harsh weather and wildlife activity, installing a chimney cap can fortify it even more.

Chimney Cap 101

Chimney caps are installed at the very top of your chimney above the crown. They help to stop rain, snow and animals from being able to enter the chimney. Without a chimney cap, your flue carries smoke out and also allows rain and animals in. When moisture enters your chimney, it can cause internal structural damage by degrading the bricks and mortar...

There haven’t been many events to post lately because of Covid-19, but there are some events that are happening on a limited basis. Thanks to the Fire Museum of Maryland for this guest blog about their annual Motor Muster.

Fire Museum of Maryland’s Annual Motor Muster