When storms hit, you might not be able to save your trees, but you can recapture landscape losses through an insurance claim, or as a deduction from federal income taxes, says the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). According to the society, a tree's value is based on four factors: size, type, condition and location. A professional tree and landscape appraiser can help you decide. ISA recommends that you take pictures of your trees and landscape to have a record of them in case a storm hits. The "before and after" examples should make insurance processing easier.

Make a match

He likes things simple, she likes to shake things up. When it comes decorating a kitchen, style differences between couples can often heat up into a feud. Whose style prevails? HGTV's KitchenDesign shows that, with some design intervention, both sides can win. HGTVKitchenDesign.com, created by Scripps Networks, is a new broadband channel featuring more than 200 streaming videos on the latest design trends, how-to guides and makeover tips from design pros. The site includes interactive tools that enable the user to personalize, plan,and share ideas and projects. For tips on solving your own style differences, check out http://HGTVKitchenDesign.com.

Nonslip covers

Tired of tugging slipcovers back into place? Clothing designer Ernesto Cohan applied his knit knowledge to create a line of stretchy slipcovers. Cohan's Stretch & Cover slipcovers contain Lycra, which helps them hug the furniture, for a clean, tailored look. The covers come with foam tubes to insert into the crevices to pull the fabric tight, as well as elastic bands to secure the cover underneath the furniture. The slipcovers come in a number of sizes to fit various furniture shapes and styles, including reclining loveseats and sofas. A slipcover for a recliner or wing chair runs about $99, and sofa slipcovers average $139. Stretch & Cover products can be ordered at www.stretchandcover.com or by calling (888) 785-5486.

A spring affair

The Spring Craft Fair at the State Farmers Market will be March 17 to 19, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Local handmade cracfts featured include garden ornaments, crocheted blankets, woodworking, jewelry, baskets, quilts, soaps (right) and more. The market is on Lake Wheeler Road (I-40, exit 297) in Raleigh. 733-7417.