Living & Home

Glen Rock, N.J. – September 25, 2026 -- Homeowners looking to build a healthier garden bed can start with seven basic techniques outlined by landscaping expert Michael Tarleton of TLC Landscaping, in a feature published by HelloNation.

Loosening soil helps roots grow deeper and access nutrients

Tarleton says building a successful garden bed begins with proper soil preparation. Loosening compacted soil allows roots to grow deeper, while adding organic material improves structure, drainage, and fertility.

Correct plant spacing prevents disease and competition

Spacing plants correctly ensures they get adequate sunlight, airflow, and nutrients. Overcrowding limits growth and can create conditions that encourage pests and fungal issues.

Portage – September 25, 2026 -- Loud banging, screeching, or rattling from a furnace during winter often signals a mechanical or airflow problem rather than a harmless quirk, according to Bob Marquardt of Johnson Mechanical LLC in Portage, Wisconsin.

Banging sounds may point to delayed ignition

A loud bang at the start of a heating cycle can occur when gas builds up before burners ignite properly. Repeated delayed ignition adds stress to furnace components and can eventually damage the heat exchanger.

Rattling often traces back to loose parts

Unsecured panels, loose screws, or shifting internal components can create vibrations that grow louder during operation. Left unaddressed, the movement can gradually wear down critical parts inside the unit.

New York – September 25, 2026 -- Consumer365 has named Sleep Number the best mattress brand for couples in its 2026 review, citing the ability for each partner to set a different firmness level on their own side of the bed. Every Sleep Number mattress in queen size or larger includes this feature, letting one person choose a softer feel while the other selects firmer support.

The review highlights ComfortMode Lux as its top pick for couples and singles out ClimateCool for pairs where one partner sleeps hotter than the other.

Westminster, Colo. – September 24, 2026 -- Camp Bow Wow, the nationwide dog boarding and daycare franchise, offers overnight stays where pet parents can watch their dog through live webcam feeds from a phone, laptop or tablet.

Live webcams replace guesswork with real-time video

Unlike traditional kennels that offer little insight into a dog's day, Camp Bow Wow streams live video from its play yards during open play hours. The feeds are not recorded or delayed, giving pet parents a direct view of their dog socializing and playing.

"Your pup's experience with dog boarding affects everyone in the family, the dog and the pet parent alike," said Kate Wright, Camp Bow Wow's VP of Marketing. "Our webcams exist because we believe transparency builds trust."

Brooklyn – September 24, 2026 -- Gourmia has launched a new 12-Slice Stainless Steel Digital Countertop Oven Air Fryer exclusively at Costco, priced at $159.99 and available both in-store and on Costco.com.

The appliance, model GTF7890, is Gourmia's largest air fryer oven to date, built with a 43-liter capacity that can fit a 15-inch pizza, a 20-pound turkey, or a 15-by-13-inch baking pan across five rack positions.

A top-mounted display makes settings easier to reach

The oven introduces a new Easy-Reach Control Panel, placing the digital touch display above the cooking cavity rather than at the front, so settings stay visible and accessible during use.

CookFlow progress bars show cooking status at a glance

A new feature called CookFlow adds on-screen progress bars that track preheating and cooking in real time, letting users check how a meal is coming along without opening the door.

Louisville, Colo. – September 23, 2026 -- Homeowners across Boulder County are increasingly hiring a single design-build team rather than separate architects and contractors to handle outdoor living projects, according to insights from Klint Reiber of Colorado Custom Decks & Mosaic Outdoor Living in Louisville.

The region's shifting foothill winds, changing storm drainage patterns, and steep elevation changes make outdoor construction more technically demanding than it appears. A unified team studies these conditions early, guiding material and layout choices that hold up across seasons rather than failing under local stress.

Colorado Springs, Colo. – September 23, 2026 -- Homeowners planning decks, patios, or backyard renovations in Colorado Springs face a distinct challenge: intense sun, sudden wind gusts, and shifting elevation-driven weather that can undermine poorly built outdoor structures. A new HelloNation feature draws on insights from Klint Reiber of Colorado Custom Decks & Mosaic Outdoor Living to explain what separates a reliable outdoor living partner from a risky hire.

Local experience shapes material and timing decisions

The article notes that teams with decades of work in the region understand how elevation affects material performance, how seasonal weather dictates construction scheduling, and how wind patterns should inform structural choices. Homeowners in nearby Monument face similar conditions, making that regional knowledge equally relevant there.

Westport, Conn. – September 23, 2026 -- Homeowners facing a burst pipe or leaking water line often hire the first plumber they find, a decision that can lead to costly mistakes. A new HelloNation article, featuring insights from August Wildman of Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Southern Fairfield County in Westport, Connecticut, lays out five factors to evaluate before making that call.

Licensing confirms a plumber has met state testing and experience requirements

The article notes that a licensed plumbing company has passed state or local testing and verified experience checks. This helps ensure work follows proper codes and reduces the chance of future problems. Licensing also creates a formal channel for homeowners to raise concerns if something goes wrong.

Las Vegas – September 23, 2026 -- EZ Elephant, a ladder-free gutter cleaning tool, will be on display at Booth #834 during the Western Roofing Expo, running September 27–29, 2026.

The device lets users clear leaves and debris without climbing a ladder

The American-made system uses an extended-reach pole with adjustable angles to reach gutters from the ground. Its attachment, called the Elephant Clip, holds a gutter screen that tilts to let accumulated leaves and debris fall away.

The company describes the process as "Hook, Flip, Clean," saying it takes only minutes and can be repeated as needed without ladders, harsh chemicals, or professional cleaning services.

Frederick, Md. – September 23, 2026 -- A new survey from NaturaLawn of America finds that 78% of American adults feel guilty choosing screen time over time outdoors, even as 76% say they feel the need to disconnect at least once a week.

The survey, fielded August 22-23, 2026 among 1,137 U.S. residents ages 18-61 with a margin of error of +/- 2.964%, found that roughly three in four adults recognize the phrase "touch grass." Among those who know it, 83.2% have used it themselves, most often to mean unplugging from technology (54%) or getting outside (52%). Only about one in four use it literally.

Intentions don't match behavior over the past month

Despite widespread guilt over screen use, more than a third of respondents managed just 20 screen-free minutes outdoors on two or fewer days over the past month. One in nine managed zero such days.