Living & Home

Fairfield, Conn. – September 28, 2026 -- Fairfield homeowners are increasingly treating their yards as design statements, choosing between clean-lined modern landscaping and organic, natural styles to shape their outdoor spaces. The trend was detailed in a new HelloNation article featuring insights from Andrew Becker, founder of The Becker Companies in Fairfield, CT.

Modern landscaping favors structure over sprawl

Modern designs rely on hardscapes such as stone walkways, geometric patios, and linear retaining walls to create a defined visual framework. Plantings are limited and intentional, often restricted to ornamental grasses, evergreens, and simple color palettes. Becker notes this style appeals to homeowners who want architectural clarity and predictable upkeep.

Richmond – September 28, 2026 -- Homeowners battling recurring drain clogs now have clearer guidance on choosing between two common repair methods, according to a HelloNation article featuring plumbing expert Dave Thompson of M.A. Williams Drain Cleaning & Plumbing in Richmond, Virginia.

The article explains that repeated drainage problems often signal more than a routine blockage. Identifying the underlying cause before selecting a repair method improves long-term results.

Drain snaking clears isolated blockages using a flexible cable

Drain snaking inserts a flexible cable with a cutting or boring attachment into the pipe to break apart or remove an obstruction. It is often effective for clogs caused by hair, soap residue, paper products, or small lodged objects.

Oshkosh, Wisconsin – September 28, 2026 -- Low water pressure at home can stem from a clogged faucet, a failing regulator, or corroded pipes, according to insights from plumbing expert Tony Kind of Kurt Zentner & Sons, Inc., published by HelloNation.

A single weak fixture usually points to a local clog

When only one faucet or showerhead loses pressure, Kind notes the likely culprit is mineral buildup or sediment inside the aerator or showerhead. A partially closed shutoff valve can produce the same effect.

Whole-house pressure loss often traces back to a valve or regulator

If multiple fixtures are affected, the issue may be a main shutoff valve that wasn't fully reopened after plumbing work. A failing water pressure regulator, also called a pressure-reducing valve, can also cause pressure that is consistently weak or fluctuates without warning.

St. Paul, Minn. – September 28, 2026 -- James Beard Award-winning author Hank Shaw has released a fully updated edition of his venison cookbook, Buck, Buck, Moose, ten years and more than 100,000 copies after the original launched.

The 336-page hardcover adds 30 new recipes and modern cooking methods

The reboot brings the total recipe count to 125, alongside roughly 200 color photographs and updated guidance for cooking deer, elk, moose, caribou, pronghorn and other antlered game. Shaw said the book needed to change because venison cooking itself has changed over the past decade, drawing on more hunting, cooking and teaching experience since the first edition.

Danvers, Mass. – September 26, 2026 -- Massachusetts homeowners can now access rebates of up to $8,500 through the state's Mass Save energy-efficiency program when upgrading to a heat pump, according to Danvers-based HVAC company Townsend.

The rebates, which range from a few hundred dollars to the $8,500 maximum depending on qualifications, are paired with 0% interest financing through Mass Save's HEAT Loan program and free home energy assessments that identify which upgrades a property needs.

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.