BROWSING:  Home & Garden

The Michigan Green Schools Program supports and celebrates the achievements of PreK-12 schools in protecting the state’s air, land, water and ecosystems through their commitments to environmental education and stewardship actions. For the 2023-2024 school year, 343 schools were designated as Michigan Green Schools. Wow!

That charming old house might have beautiful hardwood floors and a cozy fireplace, but what about the hidden surprises – like a family of squirrels in the attic or plumbing that last worked properly in the ‘90s? A home inspection is like a first date for your house – it reveals the good, the bad, and the “you might want to run!” Whether you’re buying, selling or just making sure your home isn’t hiding any expensive secrets, here’s why a thorough inspection is worth every penny.

If asked to describe the real estate market over the last few years in one word, “challenging” sums it up nicely. We have watched the inventory shrink, the prices remain strong and stable, and the mortgage interest rates hit over 7%. We have watched buyers and sellers drop out of the market, waiting to see where the crazy post-COVID economy would take us. If ever there was a time when a professional realtor could be the difference between success and failure, that time is now.

Recycling and salvage play a crucial role in reducing waste and repurposing valuable materials, but many people don’t fully understand the difference between the two. Jim Dimarco, Owner of Scrap Dog Recycling & Salvage, explains how the industry works, common misconceptions and the most valuable discarded materials.

Move over, bold brights and cool neutrals – 2025 is bringing warmth, richness and a touch of indulgence with PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse! This deliciously deep brown is like a comforting cup of cocoa, a velvety espresso or that perfect bite of chocolate cake. In other words, it’s a shade that soothes the soul while keeping things effortlessly sophisticated.

Imagine stepping into your garden on a summer morning, the air alive with the soft buzz of bees, the flash of a butterfly’s wings catching the light, and a hummingbird hovering gracefully over a cluster of blooms. More than a delight to watch, these tiny visitors are working hard to keep our ecosystems and food supply thriving.

A family-owned business for nearly 80 years, Linden Kitchen & Bath is a trusted and respected name in the home remodeling industry. “We take great pride in offering exceptional kitchen and bath remodels with a personal touch,” states Owner/Designer, Michelle Robins. “Over the decades, we’ve not only built lasting relationships with our customers but also stayed ahead of design trends, ensuring we create spaces that combine timeless elegance with modern style.”

Erin Caudell, Owner of The Local Grocer in Flint, has discovered the root of what people want – locally-grown, fresh produce to feed their families. Not only is she a successful small business owner, Caudell and her partner, Franklin Pleasant, also own and operate Flint Ingredient Co. (FIC) and the Weekly Greens CSA (Community Supported Agriculture).

Master Gardeners are known for their passion for gardening and volunteering through community garden education. Founded in 1978, the Master Gardener Association of Genesee County (MGAGC) is organized exclusively for charitable, educational and scientific purposes, specifically to instruct adults and youth in horticulture science, to educate communities about environmentally sound practices through horticulture-based activities, to promote food security and to improve the aesthetic of our community.