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Adult Cooper’s Hawk Identification Both male and female mature Cooper’s hawks look similar, though the females are generally larger. They share the same proportions and field marks, however, and careful study of these birds will yield easy clues to their identity. Juvenile Cooper’s Hawk Identification Juvenile Cooper’s hawks can be puzzling to identify because they lack the distinct coloration of adult birds, but savvy birders can note a range of clues that will positively identify these birds....

But what do you do with your inflatable holiday decorations in the off-season? And are there ways to preserve them for use year after year? We turned to the experts to get their advice for making the most of those yard inflatables. Follow the Instructions “Deflating and storing Halloween inflatables isn’t as tricky as it may seem,” notes Lance Allen, decorative holiday merchant at The Home Depot. “Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for a step-by-step guide, but generally, unplugging the airblown inflatables and opening the zipper will deflate them....

Find the Right Balance “When it comes to mixing antiques with modern pieces, almost anything goes,” says interior designer Erin Williamson of Erin Williamson Design. “A home should be a collection of things you love and find meaningful, not a catalog of coordinated furniture. That said, it helps to spread the patina throughout a space so that the juxtaposition between old and new feels fresh and surprising rather than shabby.” Williamson emphasizes the importance of considering scale when placing furniture....

If you choose to paint your own house instead of hiring professional house painters, you definitely will benefit from time-saving tips. These are hacks, tips, and recommendations that will help you paint your house efficiently, effectively, and with less effort. Washing down your house by hand is the most effective and the most work-intensive way to get your house clean. But what is the least you can get by with?...

Thermofoil cabinets are not necessarily the go-to finish for all kitchen and bathroom cabinets, but it’s not the worst option like particleboard. It is generally considered a builders-grade quality. We talked to two designers and builders to get their opinions on thermofoil. Both worry about thermofoil cabinets bringing down the resale value of a home. Designer Paul McAlary says that subsequent buyers of your home may think they make the home less sale-worthy....

It’s yet to be seen if today’s appliances will live as long as those decades-old models. However, given the high cost of home appliances, they’re still considered to be a long-term investment for the home. Avocado green might not be as trendy as it once was, but choices now run the gamut from powder blue to fire engine red and beyond. There’s something to be said, though, for sticking to neutrals such as white or black stainless steel....

Let’s walk through how to avoid paint brush issues, step by step. Selecting an Inexpensive Paintbrush Not all paint brushes are created equal. Trying to scrimp on quality with a paintbrush can cost you more in time and frustration than it’s worth, and it can make your paint job look poor. There are times, though, when an inexpensive paintbrush might be appropriate for jobs where a disposable brush is called for....

How to Remove Laundry Hamper Odor Laundry hampers, especially those with a lid, can begin to smell like dirty socks even when the hamper is empty. If the hamper is made of a material such as plastic or polyester mesh that can be safely cleaned with water, use a mixture of hot water and baking soda (1 cup per gallon) to scrub down the hamper with a soft bristle brush and then leave the hamper outside to air and dry....