Home Improvement

growing dahlias – my do’s and dont’s and learning as you go
Posted in

growing dahlias – my do’s and dont’s and learning as you go

I’ve been growing dahlias here for six or seven years now. It started with a tuber I found in a bargain corner at the garden center, and which turned out to be the most beautiful café au lait! I was immediately hooked, and have been growing them ever since, in increasing quantities each year.

Like everything else in the garden, there is an element of trial and error in growing dahlias. It took me a while for example to understand that I can leave some dahlias in the ground in certain parts of the garden, whereas elsewhere I have to

…
Are Home Improvements Tax Deductible?
Posted in

Are Home Improvements Tax Deductible?

Are Home Improvements Tax Deductible?

are home improvements tax deductible

If you’ve spent a sizable amount of money improving your residence, you may understandably be looking for ways to offset those costs and find yourself wondering if your home improvements are a tax deductible. Alas, in most cases, the answer is a clear-cut no. But there are a few exceptions where you may get a tax break that you can further investigate. Let’s take a look at what those exceptions are and what that means to you. You may want to also work with a financial advisor who can help you with all of your

…
The Home Improvement Projects Spring Sellers Should Tackle Now (And What To Skip)
Posted in

The Home Improvement Projects Spring Sellers Should Tackle Now (And What To Skip)

Sellers gearing up for the spring home shopping season need to roll up their sleeves now and spruce up their homes if they want to attract a shrinking pool of buyers. Investing in improvements, maintenance and repairs could pay off when it’s time to sell.

New research commissioned by Zillow and conducted by The Harris Poll found a majority of recent sellers (65%) took at least two home improvement projects to prepare their homes for sale, while

…
Our MFCH tours for 2023
Posted in

Our MFCH tours for 2023

MFCH Lifestyle Tours

Oh my goodness, it feels so good to be back with a full schedule of MFCH Tours this year! In the Spring we took clients to Provence, and to Dordogne, and in the fall we covered Normandy and Paris. Still remaining is a private trip in October.

MFCH may tour to dordogne

All our clients this year have said the same thing, “it feels so good to travel again!”, especially on a luxury tour where every tiny detail is taken care of, and where clients are whisked away to private homes and gardens, and see things that tourists would never have access to.

Traveling is

…
Posted in

Empty Stocking Fund, Jan 8, 2023

Jan. 8—The Empty Stocking Fund is a 41-year project of The New Mexican. Each year, hundreds of people receive aid from the fund during the holiday season to help cover rent payments, medical bills, utility costs, car repairs, home improvements and other needs.

Who it helps: Applicants, who must live within 50 miles of Santa Fe and must provide documents that provide proof of their identity, are considered without regard to race, age, ethnicity, gender identity or sexual orientation. Applications are now closed.

How it works: Applications for funding are carefully vetted. Members of the Empty Stocking Committee review requests,

…
the tarte tatin – my autumn favourite
Posted in

the tarte tatin – my autumn favourite

When the apples are freshly picked and the temperatures begin to drop, we reach for our favorite comfort food, the tarte tatin.

I love making tarte tatin, or upside down apple tart. I love to eat tarte tatin too! The mix of freshly picked apples, cooked in butter and sugar and then baked beneath a pastry crust is a heavenly combination.

At this time of year when the apple trees are giving so generously, and we’re all getting into end of year-hibernating mode, this tart is true comfort food, and it is very easy to make.

To make the tart

…
All the Home Improvement Tax Credits You Can Take Advantage of This Year
Posted in

All the Home Improvement Tax Credits You Can Take Advantage of This Year

All the Home Improvement Tax Credits You Can Take Advantage of This Year

Photo: Stokkete (Shutterstock)

President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) into law last August, but it wasn’t until Jan. 1 that Americans became eligible for its money-saving tax credits on environmentally-friendly home improvements, appliances, and electric vehicles.

Now that the new year is upon us, let’s look at what the IRA could mean for your next home renovation.

What does the Inflation Reduction Act have to do with home renovation?

Figuring out what actually made it into the final version of the Inflation Reduction Act is a little confusing, because there were some big last-minute changes. What you really

…
and that is a wrap…
Posted in

and that is a wrap…

So the Holidays at the moment are formally behind us, and it was enjoyable and joyful and busy, and though I can not say that I’ve emerged nicely rested, I’ve come out the opposite facet with a broad smile. (And I need to inform you about my chocolate log.)

Simply that buzz within the kitchen and everywhere in the home. Brothers and sisters who dwell far aside yr spherical, discovering time to sit down down and chat. Atone for their information, private {and professional}.

Canine are joyful to be stroked by so many individuals. Presents had been exchanged, champagne was

…