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By Marty Basher, design expert with Modular Closets, https://www.modularclosets.com In these uncertain times of COVID-19, a lot of people are reassured by the notion of having some control over something in their lives. Whether it’s keeping up with homeschooling, getting some work done every day or even handling a task as simple but essential as getting the house organized, these are goals that feel realistic in this ‘new normal’. Even more than realistic, for many, they can be a triumph, providing that feeling of tangible accomplishment that one normally gets from other activities.  When you consider the task of cleaning your...

I’ve always considered my shopping preferences a personal, private matter. I really don’t like to share how much I love crunchy peanut butter (Skippy’s or Jiffy’s, please) or Lay’s rippled potato chips. And yes, I also eat healthy—mandarin or Sumo oranges, apples of almost any variety, pears, seedless red or green grapes, berries of all shapes, sizes and colors, peaches in summer, cucumbers and heirloom tomatoes. You get the gist.  When the Coronavirus hit, I had to relinquish my privacy and turn the shopping over to others, particularly to fill my 100-year-old mom’s larder when we didn’t want her aide...

Being stuck at home is a challenge on so many levels. We’ve each mastered talking to the walls, reconnecting with friends and family by phone, email and Zoom (yes, we mastered that), starting new TV series, reading books, planning meals as if they were elaborate celebrations, treating ourselves to high tea and cookies on nice china, and staying on top of our work.   But we’ve each acquired new skills we never knew we needed or could master. We asked friends and acquaintances for what they’re learning and it’s an impressive mix.   Clean a bathroom so it’s spotless. Grab...

Work from home remotely is the new mandate of many companies as the coronavirus (COVID-19) spreads with lightning speed. Though many can work anywhere in their home—from their lap in a living room or bedroom, many prefer a dedicated workspace.   Houzz, the home renovation and design platform, recently polled its community and found that a quarter of respondents who work from home sit at a dining or kitchen table and one in 10 work from their sofa. That can prove challenging for many reasons, from not having quiet and privacy or a strong WI-FI connection or just a comfortable...

Our grown kids and siblings care about our well-being. Ours reminded the two of us that we need to avoid public places and large crowds while the Coronavirus spreads and takes its course. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) warning is that anyone older—age 60 plus-- should remain indoors as much as possible. That’s us. So, as a help to keep ourselves busy, happy and hopefully healthy, we’ve come up with 20 ideas to ward off cabin fever while we stay inside. Share yours. We’re all in this together. Here’s to everyone’s health.    Marie Kondo at least one room...