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If you’re watching ABC’s reboot of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and you were a fan of the original series, you’ve probably wondered: What happened to Ty Pennington? The show’s former host broke his silence on the matter. We’re keeping you updated every week on the latest news in the home improvement world, recommended reads, deals and sales worth your while, and more. In this installment of our news digest, we’re covering what Ty had to say for himself, Walmart’s warning, iRobot’s paradoxical announcements, and other news you can’t miss.
Ty Pennington Has The Same Question as You
Ty Pennington hosted the wildly popular Extreme Makeover: Home Edition from 2003 to 2012, making him a household name in home improvement and popular culture for nearly a decade. The show was rebooted this past January, but Ty wasn’t part of the project. Instead, The Home Edit‘s Clea Shearer and Joanna Teplin were tapped as the show’s co-hosts. And now, Ty is breaking his silence on the matter.
In a short Instagram video, Ty addressed his absence from the reboot with humor, but didn’t explain it. While fans are probably still wondering why he wasn’t asked to host the reboot (we are too), Ty probably doesn’t have the answer. The best explanation: that’s showbiz! But Ty has plenty keeping him busy: he’s already the host for HGTV’s Rock the Block.
Related: 5 Secrets for DIYing in a Hurry From an ‘Extreme Makeover: Home Edition’ Project Manager
Walmart Sounds the Alarm, iRobot Makes Paradoxical Announcements, and ‘No Mow March’ Takes Hold
It’s a sign of the times: Walmart is warning that its growth will slow over the next year due to low consumer confidence, reduced spending, and inflation fatigue. But that’s not the entire picture: the retailer’s earnings could be padded by shoppers looking for bargains during uncertain times. While the picture is slightly muddled, one thing’s for sure: these are uncertain (economic) times.
iRobot told investors this week that there is “substantial doubt” about its future. The Roomba manufacturer warned that it could shut down in the next 12 months after a series of events that plunged the company deeper and deeper into debt. iRobot is also facing steep competition and increasing pressure from other manufacturers with similar—and cheaper—products.
Despite this, iRobot announced no fewer than eight new robot vacuums. The new vacuums use lidar navigation and mapping technology, which means that these models would be even more accurate in mapping out your space and the objects in it than their predecessors. You can also create different zones via the app, such as ‘keep out zones’ and ‘clean zones’. Products in the new lineup start at $299 and go up to $999, and will be available for purchase on March 18. See the new iRobot lineup.
Have you done your taxes yet? Don’t forget your 1098 form from your mortgage lender, which can help you save money, and potentially lots of it. This is the form that shows how much interest you’ve paid on your mortgage the year prior, which in turn can help reduce your taxable income.
You’ve heard of ‘No Mow May’, but have you heard of ‘No Mow March’? No Mow May—which is the practice of allowing your lawn to grow throughout the month of May without mowing, watering, or fertilizing—has many benefits and results in a healthier lawn that’s a home for pollinators. No Mow March takes the same concept and applies it to the month of March. Why? As pollinators emerge in the spring, they could use a source of pollen, and winter weeds and wildflowers make great ones. This trend is most applicable to the southern United States, so if you’re in Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, or another southern state, consider leaving out some food for these beneficial creatures.
New and Noteworthy Deals
Spring Black Friday at The Home Depot starts on 4/3, so mark your calendars. In the meantime, check out this fantastic deal on the Ninja Sluhi at Walmart (under $300)—and if you think you don’t need it, one of our editors will argue otherwise. While you’re shopping at Walmart, check this out: we found an under-$30 146-piece home repair kit that’s a real steal.
Recommended Reading
- In the market for a new lawn mower? Start here with our guide to the best lawn mowers you can buy.
- These trendy curb appeal ideas will inspire your spring projects.
- Read the forgotten story of the woman who invented the dishwasher.
