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Playrooms are ideal spaces for encouraging children's creativity, providing them with the stimulation they crave and helping them create a connection with others. The great news is that you don't have to build an addition onto the house or set aside your family vacation fund to create a great playroom.

Spring cleaning has become a ritual in homes across America. But as families focus on decluttering closets and revitalizing their indoor spaces, many overlook simple, inexpensive outdoor projects that can give a home a real "facelift" and make it look and feel like new.

While many homeowners like the warmth and comfort of carpeted floors, they are often hit with the harsh reality that carpet comes with a host of problems. Besides being very difficult to clean, carpeted floors can also be a health concern. Bacteria, dust, dirt and odors can easily become imbedded in carpeting and beyond the reach of vacuuming. What's more, homeowners with carpet could also run into problems when trying to sell their home; many new homebuyers prefer the more modern look of hardwood flooring or other comparable options.

Is home security on your to-do list for the spring? Although preliminary statistics are showing a decrease in the crime rate for the end of 2009, more than 9 million property crimes are still projected to occur in 2010. Trends also reveal that crime rates increase as the weather improves. As the spring of 2010 approaches, take the time now to start your DIY home security plan.

Even in the throes of winter, when most gardens are hibernating under a cold-weather blanket, it's easy to bring the warm, vibrant feelings of spring into the home with colors, textures and patterns.