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I have a piece of glass with a simple pattern of leading on it. Two panes at the bottom are cracked. I'd like to remove them without breaking the rest of the glass. What do I do? The pattern of leading is very similar to this Leick Riley Holliday TV stand. [more inside]
posted by SandiBeech at 9:54 AM - 4 answers

I need a new tea mug for the office, and was thinking "how about a historical tea trade related motif" and was halfway to ordering one with the flag of the British East India Company before I recalled that the EIC was a terrible organization that caused untold suffering that has lasted into the present day. So that's a no-go. So, any suggestions to something along the lines of a flag, logo, stamp or similar that has historical significance with regards to the tea trade but isn't, you know, horrible?
posted by Harald74 at 1:42 AM - 10 answers

We are moving to Boston and need proximity to the Children's Hospital. I'm full of questions, but have some specific ones about Boston, Jamaica Plain, and buying a condo in general / HOAs. [more inside]
posted by bbqturtle at 8:57 AM - 22 answers

I'm a new homeowner in a pretty safe town (Louisville, CO). Last night one of us left the garage door open (i think...) and things were messy in the morning. Should I rekey asap? Or can I wait till tomorrow (Monday). Details below [more inside]
posted by betsbillabong at 1:00 PM - 13 answers

I live on a hillside with a lot of water. Northeast US. A sump pump keeps the basement dry when it rains, and a little stream is forming at the place where the water comes out. It's about twelve feet from the house. It looks like an ideal location to plant watercress for the salad bowl. Has anyone ever tried growing watercress in their boggy yards, and did they eat it and survive?
posted by Morpeth at 8:26 AM - 2 answers

Here is a photo of a planted border along a sunken sports area on our housing estate. As you can see the soil has a tendency to fall under the fence, onto the wall, and down into the court. What can I plant along the edge of the wall that will stabilise it, and perhaps hang down attractively, without becoming an invasive monster? Also, requiring little maintenance. This is in London, UK.
posted by snarfois at 7:22 AM - 14 answers

My house sits on a concrete slab embedded in a bedrock ridge, and has an open floor plan on ground floor (which is approx 1350 sq'.) It is soooo cooold for much of the year, even with 6 mini-splits (2 of them on ground floor), one wood stove and a fireplace, 18 solar panels and a Tesla battery. Also heated rug pads which are too inefficient/costly to use often. Current floor covering is aging bamboo laminate. [more inside]
posted by mmiddle at 1:42 PM - 12 answers

When I was a kid in southeastern Iowa, I remember we had a weed growing around our residential gas tank (not a photo of our actual tank) that I haven't seen elsewhere, and I can't figure out what it is from internet searches. I was told it was "horse mint" at one point, but the photos that name brings up don't look like the plant I remember. [more inside]
posted by Spathe Cadet at 11:59 AM - 7 answers

I, an utter novice gardener and notorious possessor of two black thumbs, would like to (slowly, carefully) ease into the world of edible gardening. I have a newly installed raised bed of approximately 8 ft x 2.5ft that gets full sun in Seattle. I have an endless appetite for vegetables and herbs. I also have zero knowledge and skills. What (and how much) should I plant?? [more inside]
posted by Dorinda at 9:53 AM - 42 answers

Over the winter some mice got into a closet full of stuff. I need advice on cleaning and disposing of things. [more inside]
posted by Frowner at 1:39 PM - 7 answers

We recently adopted a greyhound. He's wonderful. He likes to run, unsurprisingly. He is tearing up our back lawn, which was already in crappy shape for various reasons. Is sand and pine straw a workable solution? [more inside]
posted by dpx.mfx at 9:03 AM - 21 answers

Helping a friend figure out plants for their outdoor dining structure in New York City. What would thrive outside in bright-ish light from spring to fall without being too cumbersome/bushy/expensive? Said outdoor dining structure pictured here [more inside]
posted by wowenthusiast at 7:03 PM - 4 answers

I'm looking for recommendations for a large watering can (ideally ~2 gallons) with a comfortable grip for outdoor use. Further details inside. [more inside]
posted by aws17576 at 3:30 PM - 9 answers

Needed: recommendations for heavy-duty storm doors. I have two doorways opening onto deck. The deck is exposed to some intense weather, e.g., 30mph gusts that blast rain horizontally at the side of the house. [more inside]
posted by qxntpqbbbqxl at 12:36 PM - 2 answers

My sister has been pre-approved for a $150K mortgage. We may be able to find her another 25-50K. She works in Providence, daycare is in Pawtucket. What are her best options in terms of what areas to look in? [more inside]
posted by DarlingBri at 11:06 AM - 18 answers

Is there any way to verify that recycling services like Ridwell and GreenDisk actually keep stuff out of landfill? Should I put money and effort into better landfill policies rather than my own individual trash? [more inside]
posted by kristi at 7:45 AM - 7 answers

We're looking into getting a microfiber trap for our washing machine. Any recommendations (or ones to steer away from)? Tips? We're in the US. [more inside]
posted by joyceanmachine at 6:57 AM - 2 answers

The vanities in both bathrooms are in poor condition and weren't great craftsmanship to begin with. Where does a USian find a vanity cabinet and top/sink that won't fall apart in a few years and how much should I expect to pay? 30" and 36" widths. [more inside]
posted by momus_window at 10:20 PM - 12 answers

Looking for recommendations for storing / organizing flash drives [more inside]
posted by TimHare at 9:16 PM - 8 answers

I’m looking to get a cordless electric string trimmer. But, I have no idea what I’m looking for. [more inside]
posted by Thorzdad at 2:42 PM - 21 answers