On the home front

Halloween screams

FineLiving.com is standing by to help make your Halloween a little less terrifying.

If you're throwing a monster bash, check fineliving.com/halloween for devilish decorations, chilling cocktails and a spine-chilling soundtrack.

For a more light-hearted approach for little ghosts and goblins, there are plenty of kid-friendly recipes and ideas. And if you've been putting off carving that pumpkin, the site offers tips.

For even more last-minute Halloween ideas, including no-sew costumes and fun kids' crafts, visit HGTV.com/halloween. Gourds of whimsy

V for the Home has some unusual residents at its Patterson Avenue shop. If you're looking to pick up some unconventional pumpkins and gourds that are full of whimsy to use in your decorating, these could be the perfect fit.

For more information, call (804) 282-4275 or visit the shop at 5615 Patterson Ave. A fan of savings

As you turn back the clocks this weekend, prepare to save on your heating bill. You can save up to 10 percent by changing the direction of your ceiling fan and turning down the thermostat by 5 degrees.

Hunter Fan says most ceiling fans have a switch that controls the direction of the blades. By running the fan clockwise during colder months, it circulates the warm air near the ceiling. This makes the room warmer, which allows you to comfortably turn down your thermostat. It's time to . . .

Plant pansies for winter color. Pansies are hardy to the late fall cold and will reward you with color up until the ground freezes. They also make great additions to container plantings on decks and patios. They will appear to go dormant during the coldest times in January and February and begin to perk up in early March. A light dose of fertilizer at that time will stimulate new growth and more colorful blooms until you're ready to put in your summer color plants in May. Richard Nunnally's
gardening Q&A, D3