I don't know about any of you, but the dining room at my house tends to double as a home office. Papers pile up on the dining table, mail gets set down as I rush out the door, and it functions as the second home for my laptop and other electronics. With the air getting crisper and the official start of the holiday season (Halloween!) just around the corner, I decided it was time to take back the dining room. And so I did. (And by "I," I mean, I asked John for help, because he's pretty much the best partner anyone could ask for :)

And wouldn't you know, once the table was clear of all that clutter, I ended up making space for so much more. The empty table prompted me to put together my Fall centerpieces. Then, with the table looking so festive, I decided to invite all my kids and their families over to celebrate the harvest season. The tablecloths came out, along with the rest of my Fall decor, and we celebrated the harvest with a home-cooked family meal in our newly-claimed dining room. All of this because of a decision to make space.

As the holiday season approaches, what are you doing to make space in your home? You never know what possibilities lie ahead -- even something as simple as a clear table can be the jumpstart you need to move forward and take things to the next level.

Helpful Home Tips

Homeowners

The 7 Most-Needed Repair Tips Every Homeowner Should Know

Relax. Here’s how to make short work of every common repair annoyance. 

Sellers

11 Ways to Create a Welcoming Front Entrance for Under $100

Wouldn’t it be nice to approach your home’s entrance with a grin instead of a grimace? Take our tips for beating a clear, safe, and stylish path to your front door. 

Buyers

Keep Your Home Purchase on Track

You’ve found your dream home. Make sure missteps don’t prevent a successful closing. 

Visit houselogic.com for more articles like these. 

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Market Update

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One Last Thing...

From Michelle's Kitchen: Lemon-Rosemary Chicken

Dinner for 6:

Ingredients

• 1/2 package rosemary, chopped
• 12 chicken thighs, rolled in seasoned flour
• 2-3 lbs. mushrooms, sliced
• 2 cups white wine
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 onion, chopped
• 6 cloves garlic
• capers
• 3-4 lemons, squeezed
• 1/2 stick butter

Directions:

In frying pan, brown chicken. Set aside. Drain oil and broth. Add butter. Saute garlic and onions, then add mushrooms until clear. Add wine and boil down, then add chicken broth, lemon juice, capers and simmer (medium heat) for 30 mins.

Can serve over rice, with roasted potatoes or oven-mashed potatoes.