Sears Home Services

Have some Olympic-inspired fun

I don't know about you, but I've been overcome by a strong case of Olympic fever the last couple of weeks. It's not just patriotism, although there's a fair amount of that going on inside me too. No, it's more of a psychological connection between the inner-athlete in me and the world-class athletes from all over the world competing in the Games.

There may be a huge gap between my skill level and theirs, but that won't stop me from getting off the couch and into a pair of rental skis and onto the slopes.  If your interest in any of the Olympic winter sports has you inspired to do the same, there are plenty of opportunities for you to do just that.

Check out my article Winter Sports for Olympics Fans and let the Olympian in you come out to play.

Go USA!

- Mike Morris, editor, Manage My Life 

Posted at 11:59AM Feb 27, 2010 by Admin in General  |  Comments[0]

It's almost spring (really) and you know what that means

Despite the ever-increasing piles of snow throughout much of the US, spring really is almost here. The Dairy Queen in my town has reopened, it's light out when I get up in the morning and when I leave work, and Daylight Savings Time starts in less than 3 weeks.

After a winter of tracking salt and dirty snow into our cars an homes, we can start looking foward to spring cleaning. As soon as the snow is gone, I'm going to treat myself to new floor mats for the car from my nearest Sears Automotive  Center and schedule Sears Home Services to help freshen up the place. Once it gets warmer, I'm going to use Service Live to help me find someone in my area who can repair the few spots on rotted wood on my back porch.

And then it will be time to hit the Dairy Queen.

Erin Hynes, managing editor, Manage My Life

Posted at 04:55PM Feb 25, 2010 by Admin in General  |  Comments[0]

Have some fun while digging out

If you live on the East Coast or parts of the Midwest, you probably dealt with some serious snow this week. Digging out from heavy snowfall is hard on your back, not to mention your spirit. Take plenty of breaks to stretch and rest. Enlist family members to help clear snow (that's what young, energetic kids are for!) and give your car a winter checkup before venturing out on snowy roads.

Don't forget to have a little fun in the midst of all that hard work. Here are some tips for recovering from a blizzard and having a good time while you're at it. Once you can get out, stock up on winter supplies (like de-icing salt and most importantly, hot cocoa) so you're ready for the next big storm when it hits.

And if you have a snow blower (lucky you), you can always contact us for all your service needs. We'll have you happily clearing snow again in no time. That said, let's all hope for an early spring!

-Erin Sund, homepage editor, Manage My Life

Posted at 03:15PM Feb 12, 2010 by Admin in General  |  Comments[0]

Get green (cash) for green (energy-efficient) appliances at Sears

Right now is the best time to purchase an appliance at Sears and save some money and the environment.

With the federal government's $300 million State Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program, you can earn rebates by replacing most old, inefficient refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, clothes washers, air conditioners and water heaters with an Energy Star® unit. Each state runs its own program, but you can find information on your state's program here.

What's more, Sears' Responsible Appliance Disposal program means they'll haul away and recycle your old appliance for free. On top of all that, all Energy Star® appliances at Sears are now 25% off and you can get 6 months financing with no payments and no interest. What are you waiting for. Get shopping and save some green for buying green.

 - Mike Morris, editor, Manage My Life

Posted at 02:54PM Feb 12, 2010 by Admin in General  |  Comments[8]

Home design trends for 2010

Bold paint colors, loft-style rooms and the return of traditional kitchens all made big waves at last week's International Builders Show in Las Vegas.

The annual builders show – a must-attend event for designers, architects and builders – hits at the perfect time of year. Holiday chaos has passed and cold winter weather has us holed up in our homes. Restless with cabin fever, I start picking apart my home, finding dozens of features I'd like to change. I dream of new kitchen cabinets and refinished wood floors, but may just settle for a fresh coat of paint.

It's a great time of the year to plan home improvements. Get inspired by these 10 home design trends featured at the builders show and start a new home improvement or decorating project today. It'll help pass time to spring – promise!

-Erin Sund, homepage editor, Manage My Life

Posted at 11:58AM Jan 27, 2010 by Admin in General  |  Comments[7]

A whole new ballgame

Like Brett Favre, whose Vikings bowed out of the title hunt Sunday against the Saints, I'll be watching the Super Bowl on a sweet big-screen television next Sunday, February 7.

How do I know? Two reasons. First, he won't be playing in the big game because his fourth-quarter pass was intercepted just when it looked like he was going to lead the Vikes down the field for the winning TD. Second, I saw him shopping at Sears for a smaller version of the same Samsung LCD flat screen TV I'll be watching the game on from my living room.

Yes, I know it was a commercial. But Brett's a smart guy, so you know he shops at Sears and you know he loves Samsung for its crystal clear high-definition picture.

I love Samsung, too, but never as much as after we had an HD satellite hooked up to our 60-inch unit last week (thanks, honey!). If you're throwing a Super Bowl party next Sunday, or even if you're just planning to watch the game by yourself, now's a great time to spring for a high-def, big-screen TV at Sears. The prices have never been lower (sadly, we paid twice as much two years ago as they're selling for right now), and if you hurry you can have it delivered and installed well before the Colts and Saints take the field in Miami.

Go Saints! 

- Mike Morris, editor, Manage My Life

Posted at 12:21PM Jan 26, 2010 by Admin in General  |  Comments[0]

Where can I find a manual?

Posted at 12:22PM Jan 20, 2010 by Admin in General  |  Comments[94]

Benefits of ownership

Everyone keeps telling me how lucky I am to be renting a home instead of owning one right now. Fiscally, they’re right. Home values have dropped so significantly in the past few years that I’m lucky to have sold my home for a decent price before the real estate market collapsed.

But let me tell you, renting a home is no great treat when that house is in dire need of repair. We need new windows, front and rear entry doors, insulation, gutters, a major kitchen remodel, a minor bath remodel, upgraded electrical system and drain tile in the basement. Alas, our landlord deems this place a tear-down and won’t invest in any of these repairs. So, for now, we wait, do some of our own minor repairs and improvements and keep our eyes open for a great deal on a home to buy.

If you own your home and need to do any of the things I’ve listed above, or any other type of home improvement for that matter, do yourself a favor and contact Sears Home Services for a quote. You’ll get a fair price on top quality work and save yourself the time, trouble and frustration that can come with doing it yourself or hiring an unqualified contractor.

Believe me, once we’re back in our own place, Sears will be at the top of our list of resources to help us maintain, repair and improve our standard of living.

- Mike Morris, editor, Manage My Life 

Posted at 03:59PM Jan 15, 2010 by Admin in General  |  Comments[0]