Over the past few years I’ve noticed a big uptick in the frequency of times I’m in need of a good ladder. Whether it’s light bulbs that need changing or walls that need to be painted, I seem to be wishing for a good ladder at every turn. For me (and for anyone with very high ceilings or light fixtures only accessible from the stairs), a basic step ladder or A-frame doesn’t always do the trick....

Fast Facts Scientific Name: Colaptes auratusCommon Name: Northern Flicker, Yellow-Shafted Flicker, Red-Shafted Flicker, Western Flicker, Eastern Flicker, Golden-Winged Woodpecker, Yellowhammer, Common FlickerLifespan: 5-6 yearsSize: 13-14 inchesWeight: 4 ouncesWingspan: 20 inchesConservation Status: Least concern Northern Flicker Identification Northern flickers are easy to identify by their field marks and coloration, though the eastern flicker (yellow-shafted) and western flicker (red-shafted) have some distinct differences. Once birders learn the major field marks, however, they can confidently identify these woodpeckers with just a glance....

So Target’s new organization line, Brightroom, couldn’t have come at a better time. And this new line really delivers with everything you need for a more organized year. From storage baskets to drawer organizers, utility carts to sweater bins, each product is so versatile, there’s something for every corner of your home. Plus, the line features a range of styles and materials, like classic wire baskets and accessories to pretty woven pieces....

The Path to Power For customers with overhead electrical service, the primary power comes from the utility company’s power lines via a transformer mounted on the power pole. The heavy lines that hang between the transformer and the house are collectively called the service drop. These must be a minimum of 12 feet above a driveway. The point of attachment to a house’s service connection should be a minimum of 10 feet above the ground....

As part of the collection, Parachute has launched three sofas and a chair, and there are plenty of customization options to choose from. All seating is available in either a white oak or walnut finish, and customers can select from any of the following colors and fabrics: Oatmeal Eco Basketweave, Sand Eco Basketweave, Cream Eco Linen Blend, Graphite Eco Linen Blend, Oatmeal Linen Cotton Slub, Pewter Linen Cotton Slub, Flax Linen Cotton Slub, Cream Washed Linen, Natural Washed Linen, Light Grey Washed Linen, Cream Eco Nubby Texture, Natural Eco Nubby Texture....

When you stash clothes in a small or even large suitcase or duffel bag, it’s inevitable you’ll arrive with a wrinkled wardrobe. Some travelers overcome wrinkle woes with the hotel iron, while others simply accept the worn look. But compact travel steamers like the PAX Handheld Fabric Steamer are another great way to make traveling crease-free not just doable, but affordable. The PAX Handheld Fabric Steamer promises quick heating, wrinkle release across all fabrics, and a compact size that fits in carry-on suitcases or even small travel backpacks....

Pecan trees shed flowers, leaves, and branches, which some people consider to be too messy. If you don’t mind the litter and like the idea of a native tree that will supply you with pecans for your Thanksgiving pie in a few years, here’s how to grow a pecan tree. If planted in the correct location, you can expect nuts in eight to ten years from a four-to-six-foot tall pecan tree you bought at a nursery....

Not all solid-surface countertops are made with the same ingredients. They typically are categorized as being either acrylic or polyester solid-surface materials, depending on the predominant ingredients. Easy to fabricate and care for, solid-surface countertops are still an excellent choice for many applications—more durable and attractive than most laminates and considerably less expensive than natural or composite stone. With polyester or acrylic solid surface materials, each type has some advantages and disadvantages....

While pothos likes bright, indirect light, it can also thrive in low-light areas or those with only fluorescent lighting, making it an excellent option for offices and dorm rooms. Light Pothos likes sun or shade, but you need to watch if it’s in too much of either one. When grown indoors, pothos prefers bright but indirect light. Variegated plants sometimes lose their leaf pattern and revert to all-green foliage if they don’t receive enough light....

With its selection of six sounds designed to block out noise and soothe you to sleep, Pure Enrichment’s Wave Premium Sleep Therapy Sound Machine is an affordable sleep aid. In order to evaluate its design and overall effectiveness, we gave it to our tester, who told us that without the machine, it was typically taking her at least 30 minutes to fall asleep each night and that she often woke up from outside noises....

It’s important to note that purple shamrock plants actively grow and flower during the fall to spring and go dormant in the summer. This might not happen every year, especially for houseplants, but it’s a possibility that requires some different care. When they are dormant, the foliage will degrade. If you see this occur, reduce watering and stop feeding your plant. As soon as you see new foliage begin to grow, resume your plant’s normal care routine....

Over the last two years, I’ve been adding all types of accessories to my desk, whether it was a ring light, phone stand, or a quick-responding wireless mouse, in the hopes of maximizing my around-the-clock comfort, online performance, and daily entertainment. I started to think I had everything I could possibly need, but then I received a free review unit of the latest Razer Leviathan V2 for testing, which is now available on Razer’s site....

Whether you’re working at home full-time or using the home office sporadically, be sure to include adequate lighting, music, and comfortable seating. Bring in plants and inspiring artwork. After all, you might be spending a lot of time in this new home office—it should be a comfortable space that you enjoy spending time in. It’s tempting to jump online and immediately start ordering furniture and decor for a brand-new home office....

Hummingbird Songs and Calls While few North American hummingbirds have a true, elaborate song, species that stay year-round in tropical habitats often do have chirpy, detailed songs. Listening to the beats, sequence, pitch, duration, and different tones of those songs can be useful for identifying different hummingbirds properly. Sharp-eared birders should note the speed of the songs and how frequently they are repeated as well for additional identification clues. With practice, it is possible to identify unique hummingbirds even if they can’t be seen....

With Bloom Kits, Bloomscape says they can turn anyone into a gardener, thanks to tips and tricks and years of research shared by their very own Plant Mom. The outdoor kits include Accent Kits (single-plant variety), Combination Kits (three varieties), and a wide selection of single blooms that are made for pots and hanging containers. We rounded up all the details of each Bloom Kits collection. Accent Kits Accent Kits are made up of a single variety of plants like Purple Petunias and Yellow Begonias, available in one size, meant to fit an 8- to 10-inch planter (not included)....

Staghorn ferns are considered somewhat difficult to grow, but their uniqueness and wider availability makes them increasingly popular among growers looking for something unusual. These ferns are epiphytic, which means they grow mounted on plaques or other substrates. They have two distinct leaf forms—small, flat leaves (known as shield fronds) that cover the root ball structure and take up water and nutrients; and green, pronged antler fronds that emerge from this base and can reach up to 3 feet in length indoors (and larger in the wild)....

There are two basic types of water-based radiators: the hot water radiator and the steam radiator. Hot Water vs. Steam Radiator: Major Differences Hot water radiators have water that is heated from a central boiler continually running through them. This water either runs in a loop (one-pipe system) or up and back down again (two-pipe system). However, if your house was built pre-1950 and it has original radiators, they’re most likely steam-based radiators....