Functionality Inside your breaker box or main service panel are energized metal plates, called “hot” bus bars. Each pole, or connection point, on the bars, carries 120 volts of electricity. When single-pole breakers are installed, they snap into one pole to receive 120 volts. Double-pole breakers snap onto two poles for a total of 240 volts. Circuit wiring that connects to double-pole breakers contains two “hot” wires. Each of these connects to a terminal on the breaker and is protected by half of the breaker....

We spoke with terrarium expert Emma Sibley, owner of London Terrariums, about the three main reasons terrariums are a good option for plant lovers and beginners. 1. The Glass Acts as a Protective Barrier Even in your home there can be a lot of stuff floating around in the air, such as dust and the elements coming from outside when you open windows and doors. Putting plants inside of a jar can actually help protect them from these elements....

What Is a Facing Direction? When feng shui was developed in ancient times, it was of the utmost importance to observe the environment when locating where you would settle on the land. For instance, the words yin and yang originally defined the sunny side (yang) or the shady side (yin) of the hill. It made a huge difference if you sited your home where you could more readily and easily receive energy (sunlight), and you had the feng shui on your side to support you....

The sun casts these works in beautiful light, but when the sun sinks below the horizon, good picture lighting makes these pieces come alive and adds a whole new dimension to your house. There are four basic ways to light hanging art: picture lights attached to the frames, track lighting, recessed lighting, and regular interior lighting. Regular interior lighting is pretty self-explanatory—placement is the main issue to consider. Picture Lights Picture lights attached to the frame give the work the most direct light of all the options and make it a focal point....

The five elements describe the cycles of nature, and how different aspects of nature work together to stay in balance. Sometimes one or more elements are out of whack and need adjustment. The easiest way to work with the five element system is to bring in more of the element that connects to the energy you’d like more of. What is the Fire Element? In feng shui, the fire element is related to passion, inspiration, and expression....

It Started With a Changing Table The concept of flipping furniture isn’t anything new for the Piercys, whose company, MegMade, took off years ago due to their own personal need and now serves clients all across the nation. “Our first son was on the way and at the time we didn’t have the money to buy him a brand new changing table, so we took an old dresser of our neighbor’s and repainted it,” Meg says of how she got her start reviving furniture....

A member of the Iridaceae family, plants in the genus Gladiolus also go by the name flag flower and sword lily. Fast-growing gladiolus plants are a smart choice for gardens where space is a premium; they grow to from 2-5 feet tall, adding drama to the border. As annuals, the root system is limited, giving it a small footprint for the vertical accent these plants deliver. Even balcony gardens can accommodate a dozen gladiolus corms in a container....

Most homeowners would love to have all-new kitchen countertops. But the high cost of countertops is often enough to put off some homeowners from buying. Repairing your existing countertops by painting or re-surfacing them is inexpensive but at the cost of poor durability. Instead, why not cover up those countertops with more countertop material? A small, niche industry makes granite or quartz countertop overlays that cover existing counters. A hard slab of granite, or quartz, including edges and backsplashes, goes on top of the existing countertop....

Container Size As is true with growing most vegetables and fruits in pots, bigger is much better. Bigger containers (12 to even 24 inches in diameter) hold more potting soil, which in turn retains water for a longer period of time. And cucumbers depend on a consistent level moisture. A self-watering container will work well. It’s also possible to grow cucumbers in a straw bale garden, though it’s important to know the pros and cons of straw bale gardening before you start....

Native to the coastal regions of Japan as well as the Russian island of Sakhalin, it is aptly referred to as the shore juniper. It is available in a number of cultivars. Common Names The common name for this shrub is shore juniper or Japanese shore juniper. Additionally, there are a number of cultivars which are named ‘Blue Pacific’, ‘Emerald Sea’, ‘Golden Pacific’, ‘Irozam’, ‘Silver Mist’ and ‘Sunsplash’. Preferred USDA Hardiness Zones The preferred USDA hardiness zone of shore junipers is 6 to 9....

About Hard and Softneck Garlic The “neck” in the names refers to the stalk that grows upward from the garlic bulb. Hardnecks have a stalk that stems from the center of the bulb and turns rigid at maturity. Softnecks stalks have leaves rather than a central stalk. Softneck leaves remain soft and flexible at maturity. Hardnecks typically have thicker, more brittle skin, unlike softneck garlic that tends to be papery and more challenging to peel....

Here are some troubleshooting tips that could save you a lot of time (and perhaps a trip to the repair shop). Using process of elimination, work your way down the list until your start-up problem is remedied. If you have any doubts regarding your ability to perform these tasks without causing harm to body or property, have your unit serviced by a professional. Check the Fuel Tank Make sure your fuel tank isn’t empty (check the oil while you’re at it) and that the gas isn’t dirty....

For Very Young Children Ages 1 to 7 Delay telling them about the move. Very young children will have a difficult time understanding the eventual loss of their friend so it is better to wait until just before the move to explain the change. Giving them the news well in advance may only frustrate them and leave them anticipating the loss for too long. Stay positive. Make sure you let your child know that this is an exciting opportunity for their friend....

Technically, all annual plants are herbaceous, because an annual is a non-woody plant. Annuals take it a step further and die altogether at the end of their lone growing season, both above the ground and below it. However, perennials can also be considered herbaceous. An example of a herbaceous stem would be a peony, which is a perennial. The tree-like banana plant, also a perennial, is known as the largest herbaceous plant....

If you’ve decided to paint your home’s exterior, take your time considering the best colors. Painting a home is a challenging task, so make sure you get it right the first time. Browse these 20 exterior paint color ideas to inspire change for your home. Let House Details Speak Since you aren’t doing a complete renovation, you should examine the lasting elements—such as stonework, tiles, and roof shingles—before you pick exterior colors....

Fast Facts Scientific Name: Passer domesticusCommon Name: House Sparrow, English SparrowLifespan: 3 yearsSize: 5.9-6.7 inchesWeight: .9-1.1 ouncesWingspan: 7.5-9.8 inchesConservation Status: Least concern House Sparrow Identification Male and female house sparrows look distinctly different. Males have a black chin and bib, white cheeks, and a rust-colored cap and nape of neck. The black on the chin and breast can vary widely, with older, more dominant males showing more extensive black. The underparts are pale grayish, and the back and wings show brown and black streaking....

We recently chatted with Swisher about her own tips for DIY projects around the house, and how it always comes back to finding the story we want our homes to tell. How would you describe your aesthetic? JoAnna Garcia Swisher: I really don’t have one design aesthetic that I don’t appreciate. I’m really eclectic. Right now, I’m really inspired by Scandinavian and Swedish antiques. Those are really interesting to me, but I just walked through a very famous antique shop here in Atlanta and it’s very European....

Without considering cosmetic issues, there are still a few instances where a new toilet is a good idea. To help you determine when to replace a toilet, take a look at some common problems that you may encounter. It Needs Too Many Repairs Rebuilding a toilet can include quite a few items in the tank, like its handle, the flapper, and the fill valve. Some of these repairs can be easily done, but it will cost you money and requires time....