In movies, the closets are always filled with flawlessly folded sweaters, jewelry is nestled in velvet-lined cases, and Prada peep-toe pumps are perched neatly on shelves. Down here in the real world, most of us have closets that are a bit less, shall we say, visually appealing.
A streamlined closet is practically a necessity, according to [...]

When I launder my bed linens, I often think of my salt-of-the-earth Scottish grandmother whose bed linens always smelled like laundry soap, brisk breezes and warm sunshine. Hanging the bed linens out to dry was a predictable part of her household routine, as was ironing the sheets and pillowcases before they were put back on [...]

While a vast array of commercially-grown apples are available year-round, it is with the close of summer that Virginia apples declare cause for celebration. Just before the arrival of the fanciful fall colors, local orchards proudly proclaim the arrival of the fruits of their season-long labor. From Red Delicious and Granny Smith to Fuji and [...]

Robin and Thomas Ranger loved their old house in Grandin Court in Roanoke, but they needed more room. So the couple put into motion a plan to find something to fit their family’s needs. The perfect house simply did not exist, but with a combination of determination, confidence, and knowledge about the professional help available [...]

I’ve found a great new place to shop for my home. It’s close and convenient, and the bargains are fabulous. Where is this new “It” store, you ask? It’s my own home. Making the most of what we have certainly makes good sense in this economic climate, but I say this philosophy makes good sense [...]

One of the first home-cooked meals I ever had as a newlywed with my stepmother-in-law was breakfast. She’s a gifted cook and fabulous entertainer, and makes every meal special—including breakfast. On our first occasion, she served us scrambled eggs—on a silver platter. Noting this humble food on a fancy dish, I looked at my husband, [...]

If you enjoy learning about the latest and greatest in home design and improvement projects, the Roanoke Regional Home Builders Association (RRHBA) has some fun fall events on tap for you. RRHBA’s Fall Home Show, to be held September 26 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and September 27 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., [...]

We all know them. Friends who never need an excuse to host an enjoyable get-together. These are the people who have a ready-made party in their pantry, complete with ingredients for a perfect martini and gourmet olives of every origin and flavor. They have plastic cups personalized with their monograms and cute pink and green [...]

Sacre bleu! I knew there had to be a reason that I am a bit of a Francophile. Along with champagne, Monet, Gerard Depardieu and wine bars, the French are generally credited with having developed what has become the modern incarnation of the armchair. In fact, the word armchair (chaise a bras) was coined in [...]

As your colorful summer garden fades, you may think you’re finished pinching, pruning, digging and deadheading…but no!
There’s no rest for the gardening weary. There’s just one more gardening project for you this fall that will bring you immeasurable joy after a long cold winter. So grab your gear, one last time: It’s time to plant [...]