Have a Fiesta Celebrated mostly in the United States and some parts of Mexico, Cinco de Mayo commemorates freedom and democracy during the first years of the American Civil War when the Mexican army succeeded over the French during the Battle of Puebla. It's also a time to showcase Mexican heritage and pride through Mexican-themed parties. (MORE: ) Planning a shindig of your own? Pull out all the stops with these Mexican street cuisine recipes from . From savory tacos...

The Tsunami House by Designs Northwest Architects was designed to withstand high waves, 85 mph winds and a strong earthquake. (Image: Designs Northwest Architects/Lucas Henning) Camano Island, Washington, is an idyllic landscape tucked along the Puget Sound. and Douglas firs still grow tall on the land. But just as in other waterfront communities, the threat of natural disasters looms high.The Tsunami House on Camano Island by Designs Northwest Architects is a waterfront home built to withstand the worst. Principal architect...

Fenwick, Connecticut Katharine Hepburn's family estate in Connecticut overlooks the Long Island Sound. (Courtesy: Zillow) Katharine Hepburn's family estate nestled along the Long Island Sound in Fenwick, Connecticut, is for sale. Hepburn may have been one of Hollywood's iconic leading ladies of 20thcentury, but this estate in her home state of Connecticut was her lifelong escape from the bright lights of fame. Shorelinetimes.com says she called it "," and always considered the area home. “," she said. "I would never...

1. Treehotel, Sweden The Mirrorcube is camouflaged by mirrored walls that reflect their surroundings. The glass is actually treated with infrared that is visible to birds so they won't fly into it.(Photo: Treehotel) Building a cool backyard treehouse is the ultimate kids' fantasy: Whether it's a multi-story palace a la the Swiss Family Robinson or just a few cobbled-together planks and a rope ladder, a lofted perch among the trees can be a safe haven from annoying siblings or headquarters...

Breathtaking Sand Castles (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) Some people are content to tip buckets of sand over on the beach and call it a sand castle. Others spend days packing, shaping and painting stories-high piles of sand and they too would dub their products, "sand castle." In other words, not all sand castles are created equal. Here, we’ve collected some of the most extraordinary sand castles ever produced. Many of them are the work of skilled artists and sculptors...

Denver Walker, of Somerset Fuels, makes a heating oil delivery to a home in Jenner Crossroads, Pa. on Jan. 7, 2014. (AP Photo/Tribune-Democrat, John Rucosky ) If you’re used to cranking up the heat during the winter and paying the consequences, your wallet might be a little thicker this year. According to the Energy Department’s annual prediction of winter heating costs, this year’s milder temperatures should cut back on the amount of fuel used to heat homes this winter. In...

Tiny Home, Big Savings The Orange House is a tiny, sustainable home prototype. (Vagavond) In 2012, Americans spent to keep their lights, TVs and refrigerators running, and the U.S. Energy Information Administration that number will rise. The mounting cost of energy is motivating some Americans to seek out more sustainable ways to live, from upgrading to energy-efficient appliances and solar panels to trading in big homes —and big mortgages —for tiny, eco-friendly houses. The Orange House by Vagavond wraps tons...

Spook, trick and thrill all of your neighbors with scary Halloween decor. If you don’t have a lot of time and you’re not the “DIY” type, you can still create a spectacle on your lawn with the help of a little inspiration. Now it’s your turn to trick out your home spooky for Halloween trick-or-treaters and party guests. ...

Your humble abode may not be your dream home -- yet -- but a stay in these unique spaces, found on , will leave you truly inspired. The Seashell House Photo: Airbnb This magnificent Isla Muheres, Mexico home (located near Cancun) is unlike any you’ve seen before. Inside, you’ll find all the accommodations that a house would have, but outside, cute, tiny geckos will greet you. For about , four people can stay in this showstopper of a space. (MORE:...

Everyone has a different approach to making a house a home. For the owners of the buildings on this list, the “homing” process involves paint. And a large helping of it. From a neon green-and-orange palette to a larger-than-life black and white portrait of a child, these uniquely-painted houses could really only be called home by a select, brave few. Click through the slideshow above to see some of the most colorful and distinctive homes in the world. ...

Can you guess who owns this $4.037 million manse in Hidden Hills, Calif.? The new owner is known for a controversial dance move… (Home Photo: Zillow) Can you guess which celebrites are lucky enough to call these stunning mansions and sprawling estates home? Put your knowledge to the test with this gallery. In the process, get some curb appeal ideas that are on point for spring. Whether you've budgeted a considerable amount of time and money on the update or...

Winter Storm Jonas dumped in parts of West Virginia over the past weekend. The historic storm ranked highly on many all-time snow total lists across the East Coast. The 3-plus feet of snow that fell on West Virginia sounds like a lot, but it might be difficult to visualize that much snow. One West Virginia resident decided to set up a camera in his yard to help show people how much snow his town of Martinsburg received. Wayne Bennett filmed...

No matter the season, this inviting design will make the threshold to your home all the more welcoming. Let Serena Appiah of the blog "" show you how to update your front or back door easily with a fresh coat of paint and stencil -- it's easier than you think! Materials: Exterior paintPaint and foam brushesPaint stencilPainter's tapeOutdoor lightDoor(optional -- you could also update your existing door) Step 1: Install Your New Door (Optional) Follow the manufacturer's instructions that come...