If you live in an area with hard water, you're likely aware of the effects. You may see deposits in your sink or shower, and you may see frequent spots on your dishes. While many people deal with hard water, not many people fully understand it. Because of that, there are a lot of misconceptions and flat out myths that go along with hard water and the systems that provide a home with soft water.

You recently moved into a basement apartment or bought a house in which you'll use the basement for extra living space. The only problem is that the ceilings are low, which you're worried will give the area a cramped feeling. Use strategies for drapes and curtains on the basement windows to create the illusion of a higher ceiling.  Basement Styles If you have a standard basement with only a handful of small egress windows, you might consider not putting up any window treatments unless you have good reason to worry about privacy.

Imagine a lush, green lawn bordered by colorful blooms that attract beneficial pollinators such as hummingbirds and honey bees. You can entertain here. You can relax here. Best of all, a backyard like this isn't as difficult to create as it sounds. The secret to having the outdoor oasis of your dreams without the high maintenance usually associated with such projects is using perennial plants in your landscape. Perennial plants are ones you put in the ground one time, and they return each year, providing that the growing conditions are right.

If there's a woman in your life that's extremely hard to buy for and you want to find her a gift you know she'll like, there are a few gift ideas you may find to be perfect for her. This article is full of good gift ideas for the hard-to-buy-for woman in your life. Gift certificates A great gift guaranteed to please a woman who's hard to buy for is a gift certificate.