What's the finishing touch on a low maintenance home? The trim

(BPT) - These days, free time is an increasingly endangered phenomenon. That's why today's homeowners are all in favor of spending less weekend time maintaining their homes. Vinyl siding and windows have long been common home features for just that reason. Today, the latest trend is maintenance-free trim.



Now consumers can enhance the architectural beauty of their homes with superior-quality cellular PVC trimboard from Kleer Lumber, a division of The Tapco Group. Kleer Trimboard provides versatile solutions with wood's aesthetic appeal without wood's extensive maintenance. Not only is Kleer Trimboard easily installed everywhere wood trim is traditionally used, it has more applications. It's impervious to moisture, insect infestation and other threats to wood, giving homeowners the freedom to pursue more creative trim applications and peace of mind to enjoy their enhanced home for decades.



"Kleer Trimboard delivers the authentic, rich appearance of wood coupled with the long-term durability and very low-maintenance homeowners want," says Jack Delaney, national sales manager of The Tapco Group's Kleer Lumber division. "With Kleer, people don't have to sacrifice aesthetics to avoid wood's problems. Kleer's cellular PVC trimboard outperforms wood in every application, in every climate. Kleer Trimboard is appropriate on virtually every house, whether it's a coastal mansion or modest neighborhood home."



Kleer Trimboard works where roofing meets the house, around windows and doors, in contact with the ground and concrete where wood often fails, and anywhere the imagination leads, including soffits and fascia, columns and cornices. With unmatched versatility, Kleer can be machined to create intricate gingerbread and fluted pilasters and other custom applications, including heat-bending for elegant curves. Kleer trim is also a breeze to glue, route and mold using wood trim tools. Boards and other components come in multiple sizes.



Because it's completely synthetic, Kleer isn't susceptible to the challenges that plague wood and composite trim, including mold, mildew, swelling and rot from moisture or insect damage. Wood's form and function inevitably fails over time despite repeated sanding and repainting. Kleer trim is easily maintained with soap and water, keeping it beautiful long-term.



Kleer's proprietary TruEDGE technology keeps board edges cleaner through installation and beyond. And, if the edges do get dirty, they are much easier to clean than edges without TruEDGE technology. Unlike some PVC trim brands that are textured, Kleer Trimboard has a natural wood grain finish that closely resembles genuine cedar; it's also available with a smooth finish on both sides. Available in pure white, Kleer Trimboard keeps its fresh bright appearance for decades or can be painted to match other decor. Its Limited Lifetime Warranty, which includes labor for the first two years, offers the industry's strongest protection.



Kleer's complete system includes trimboards, sheets, mouldings, adhesives, and concealed fasteners to finish any job. Ideal for home exteriors, Kleer Trimboard is also used for interior wainscot applications in moist spaces, including bath and laundry rooms. Kleer's Beaded Boards and Sheets enhance and protect these areas, including ceilings.



"We're continuously innovating and expanding the Kleer Trimboard product line, so customers have the best choices for enhancing the architecture, curb appeal, and value of their homes," says Delaney. "The decorative possibilities are endless. Kleer Trimboard also perfectly complements Kleer Decking and the Kleer Rail PVC Railing System. No other trimboard offers Kleer's combination of benefits - it's the right finishing touch for every home."



The Tapco Group, a U.S. Green Building Council member, is the building industry's leading provider of easy-to-install, premium, innovative interior and exterior products. Serving the building industry since 1961, Tapco specializes in the manufacturing of roofing, siding, decking, railing, trim, tool systems, egress systems and siding components. The products combine versatile application, durability, vast color palettes and uncommon authenticity to exceed the expectations of contractors and homeowners.



For more information, visit www.kleerlumber.com or www.TheTapcoGroup.com or call (800) 521-7567.



Courtesy of BPT

Reduce stress to boost your mood

For many, the combination of a busy family life, workplace pressures, and constant connectivity through technology can lead to unhealthy stress levels.

"High stress levels on an ongoing basis, without relief, can lead to serious health issues such as heart problems and various wear and tear diseases like carpal tunnel syndrome," says Lynda M. Miller, the CEO of OverloadedStress.com. "Every day we are exposed to demanding jobs, traffic jams and too many personal commitments. It's vital we learn and practice smart stress relieving techniques to release pressure."

Try these tips to help you relax, unwind, and melt unwanted stress away:

Home for a rest

• Soothing music or your favorite songs can help you unwind after a stressful day. If you have a long and traffic-heavy commute, consider listening to relaxing music in the car to help make the sometimes painful drive a bit easier.

• Lighting aromatherapy candles or reading a book can help relax you after a long day.

• Establish a "happy place" in your home, a spot where you have time to yourself, privacy to reflect, and the space to do things that make you calm, such as painting or reading.

Bathroom retreat

• Shower the stress away. A relaxing shower can help ease tense muscles and make you feel rejuvenated. A raincan showerhead and a custom shower allow you to create your ideal showering experience that is both luxurious and soothing. At deltafaucet.ca, take a look at the sensational Compel custom shower as one appealing example.

• Use aromatherapy products like body washes, lotions, and oils to calm your senses.

Let's get physical

• Practice yoga in the morning or take stretch breaks at work to help alleviate sore muscles and release tension.

• Go for a walk, work in the garden, or go to the gym to help sweat out stress and toxins and take your mind off the tasks waiting for you at home or work.

• Affordable massage therapy tools – like wooden body rollers and scalp massagers – can release endorphins, increase circulation, and help you to relax and feel good.

Courtesy of Newscanada

Longer life spans shifting focus toward dignity, quality of life.

The life expectancy for average Americans is longer than ever before - 78 years for a child born in 2007 versus 71 who was born in 1970, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

That's the good news, and it's been evolving over decades. Until recently, however, that positive change has come with a less happy corollary: More aging Americans are entering long-term care facilities, where they cope with basic issues of dignity such as incontinence, and independence, like the ability to choose their own waking and meal times.

The need to address the issues of dignity and independence is spurring change in the health care and extended care communities.

"With people living so much longer, a sea change is occurring in the health care community, and especially among providers of extended care," says Dan Love, president of the personal care division for Medline Industries, Inc. "The focus is shifting away from simply extending life and toward a greater emphasis on enhancing quality and maintaining dignity in the later years of life."

To better preserve the dignity of those in long-term care, a culture change movement is afoot in long-term care facilities, which is good news for older Americans. Today's long-term care facilities are transforming services for older adults through better attention to patient-directed values that include choice, dignity, respect, self-determination and purposeful living, according to the Pioneer Network, a not-for-profit advocacy group.

"The resident-centered care in long-term care encompasses nearly every aspect of life, from simple things like incontinence products that fit properly, to allowing residents to determine when they would like to get up in the morning and have dinner at night," Love says. "These changes focus on preserving an individual's dignity and autonomy as much as possible."

In fact, incontinence is a good example of a simple, yet pervasive need that directly impact's an individual's sense of dignity. More than half of all nursing home residents are incontinent, and it's the second leading cause of institutionalization, according to the National Association for Incontinence. Yet in the past, incontinence products have been little more than extra-large diapers that did little to preserve an individual's dignity.

Demand for better fitting products prompted Medline to develop a new design in adult briefs. FitRight provides a more comfortable, garment-like fit, with odor protection and leak guards that enhance the wearer's dignity, mobility and independence. Visit www.medline.com/pages/fitright to learn more about incontinence products.

"By switching to better-fitting, discreet and more absorbent incontinence products, facilities have taken steps toward mitigating the embarrassing effects of this issue," Love says. "It's a good example of how facilities are emphasizing the need to listen to - and respond - to residents' needs and concerns."

With Americans living longer, that means there will be a lot more of them. About 13 percent of the population (nearly 40 million people) are 65 or older, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. By 2030, that number is expected to rise to 72 million, or nearly one in five Americans; and the need for quality extended care facilities and products like FitRight will almost certainly rise with that number.

If you need to seek extended care for a loved one, the Pioneer Network offers some advice on how to evaluate whether a facility is on board with, and acting on, the concept of patient-directed care.



The organization recommends you ask these questions:

* How will they get to know your family member? - The facility may have a questionnaire to gather information about your loved one, and should be prepared to spend time with you and the patient to learn about their preferences, past, current interests, goals and wishes for the future.

* Will your family member be able to choose his or her own wake-up and meal times?

* Will your loved one be able to choose to have a shower or bath, and when that will happen?

* What recreational activities will be available?

"Every day, we're learning more about how to extend life," Love says. "Now, the challenge is to ensure that extra time is lived with the most dignity and best quality possible. Extended care facilities are finding that they can achieve that goal, often by taking some of the simplest steps."

Courtesy of BPT

America's history etched in hardwood: Timeless material performs to rave reviews

Wood is one of the oldest building materials we know, and one of the most beloved. It's a love affair that has lasted - like hardwood itself - through the centuries, from the log cabins of earliest America into the early 21st century.

The story of our architecture is literally written in wood - underfoot in planks polished by thousands of footsteps; on walls enriched with carved hardwood mouldings and paneling; even on ceilings, where load-bearing structural beams have assumed decorative roles, too.

"We are a country blessed from the beginning with an abundance and variety of hardwoods," says Linda Jovanovich, executive vice president of the American Hardwood Information Center. "But there are other reasons so much hardwood has been used in the building of America.

"Hardwoods are versatile," Jovanovich adds. "They come in many species, colors, and patterns of graining. They're easy to work - hence all the exquisite carvings. And they last. Hardwoods are durable, which is why we still have wonderful old homes and public buildings that date back to the beginning of this country." Or look as if they do.

Built in 1908, The Hermitage Museum sits in 12 acres of gardens along the Lafayette River in Norfolk, Va. But it could have come from 17th century England, with its wide-planked oak floors and wealth of hand-carved oak mouldings, wall paneling and doors.

Originally built as a summer home by wealthy New Yorkers William and Florence Sloane, the Hermitage is a 40-room work of art, thanks to the remarkable skills of three master wood craftsmen, who for three years, lived and worked in a turreted wood shop on the property while the house was under construction.

Now the Hermitage's heavy oak-and-iron doors are open to the public as a school of visual arts and a renowned museum with art and furnishings from the 17th to early 20th centuries. Learn more at the Hermitage Museum.

Down in Galveston, Texas, the Bishop's Palace (aka Gresham House) would stand out, even if its fairytale towers didn't soar more than three stories above the landscape.

The spectacular mansion is a paean to beautiful hardwoods, from the oak-paneled entry hall, with its 14-foot ceilings, to the black walnut bookcases in the library. It also features an inlaid oak and cherry hall floor and a soaring oak staircase, which was carved and shipped from a famed woodcarving center in Cincinnati.

Originally built by Colonel Walter Gresham for his wife and their nine children and completed in 1892, the spectacular mansion later housed the local Bishop, becoming known as the Bishop's "Palace" - though "fortress" might be more fitting. Through the Great Storm of 1900, this dazzling structure stood virtually unscathed, and remains Galveston's grandest and best-known building. See more at www.galveston.com/bishopspalace.

Not all hardwood installations must be old to be noteworthy. Skip ahead to the 21st century and 2005, when the Music Center of Strathmore in Baltimore debuted its state-of-the-art acoustics.

Acousticians had suggested that the new hall be built using as much natural material as possible. The result: a rich combination of yellow and red birch wood that sweeps across the center's vast floor and up its soaring walls. Their reasons were more than sound-deep.

"A hard surface is a hard surface," explains Mark Grabowski, Strathmore executive vice president. "We could have used cement - many of Europe's Old Master concert halls were built of cement. But we are talking about 'psycho-acoustics.' People just feel that natural wood makes the sound warmer and richer."

Critics agree: The Strathmore has been applauded by the Washington Post as "The best place in the Mid-Atlantic for listening to classical music." Ditto for other kinds of music, from jazz and pop to country and rock! "Wood sets the envelope for the music," Grabowski says. See what he means at www.strathmore.org.

In historic homes and modern cultural sites all across this country, the stage has been set by American Hardwoods. Warm to the touch, soothing to the ear, comforting to both eye and psyche, timeless hardwood will go on creating the environments Americans most want to be in. Visit www.HardwoodInfo.com and see why our love affair with hardwood has lasted so long.

IMAGE CAPTIONS:

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Caption 1: Victorian exuberance and extravagance abound in the Bishop"™s Palace, captured by Dan Canright for the Galveston Historical Foundation. Built in 1892, the hand-carved walls, floors and ceiling continue to astound visitors.

Courtesy of BPT

The design element that can add drama and save cash

While drama may be unattractive in other aspects of your life, a dash of it can be just what your home's decor needs to spice things up. Fortunately, you don't have to choose between drama and cents. At least one popular design element can deliver positive impact on your decor and your wallet: skylights.

Interior designers, architects, decorators and homeowners have been relying on skylights to add beauty, warmth, natural light and passive ventilation to interior designs for decades. Fortunately, advances in skylight design make them a cost-effective, green design element as well.

"Skylights ... enliven a house dramatically while cutting down the need for artificial light," notes the website ConsumerEnergyCenter.org. "They brighten up dark corners and let in lots of warmth. They can also provide much-needed ventilation."

Less dependence on artificial light sources or powered ventilation can mean lower electric bills in summer. Plus, warm sun entering the home through a skylight in winter can reduce your heating bills, as well. In fact, EnergyStar.gov says that installing Energy Star-qualified skylights, windows and doors can shrink your home's energy bill - and carbon footprint - by 7 to 15 percent over non-qualified products.

"Skylights convey drama, yet they're a surprisingly cost-effective home improvement," says Ross Vandermark, national product manager of Velux, manufacturers of the "No-Leak Skylight." "Installing skylights can be less costly than buying new designer furniture or putting in new carpet. Plus, if your interior design cries out for natural light, it's more practical and cost-effective to place skylights overhead than to add windows to a wall."

Aesthetic benefits

By opening a room to the sky, skylights add a touch of drama to the interior design. They're also an appealing solution for rooms where a traditional window might be problematic.

For example, in a bath, a venting skylight makes it possible to enjoy natural light and fresh air without sacrificing privacy or living with frosted glass. Venting models are also popular in kitchens and laundry rooms to remove cooking odors and excess heat while brightening much-used work spaces.

In other areas of the home, affordable tubular skylights like Velux's Sun Tunnel products make it possible to introduce natural light to hallways, closets, and other smaller or confined spaces. With the addition of a light kit, 24-hour illumination is available.

Overall, skylights are less limiting to a room's design than a traditional window - all while admitting much more natural light. Many people completely overlook or under utilize the design potential of a ceiling. Skylights can turn that blank slate into a design statement that is both functional and beautiful.

Practical value

Venting skylights can also offer a low-cost way to address indoor air quality by removing humidity, fumes and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from your home through their natural chimney effect. In addition to helping improve indoor air quality, skylights allow you to turn off electric lights and save money on power bills.

Accessorizing with manual or solar-powered, remote-operated blinds that qualify for tax breaks, allows you to further incorporate skylights into a design theme. Plus, the blinds - which are available in a range of colors and patterns - enhance the efficiency of skylights by allowing you to control the amount of light or heat that enters or leaves a room.

"Few home improvements marry the dramatic design impact and energy saving boost that you get from adding skylights," says Vandermark. "When it comes to redesigning a room, they're truly the touch that elevates the look and feel of your decor."

You can learn more about window and skylight energy efficiency at www.energystar.gov, and for independent agency information visit www.nfrc.org or www.efficientwindows.org.

IMAGE CAPTIONS:

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Caption 1: Energy Star-qualified venting skylights, with decor-enhancing blinds, are cost-effective and attractive home upgrades that provide healthful natural light and passive ventilation.

Caption 2: Tubular Sun Tunnel skylights bring natural light to baths and other rooms as well as to smaller, hard-to-access-from-above areas like hallways and closets.

Courtesy of BPT

Budget-friendly ways to refresh old outdoor spaces

(BPT) - Indoors or outdoors, your home decor needs some TLC to look its best. Replacing worn or dated furniture or flooring inside your home is considered fairly easy. But when outdoor spaces start to appear shabby, do you decide to live with the tired look because you think freshening the space will be too time-consuming or costly?



A few budget-friendly improvements and decorating touches can revitalize worn outdoor spaces and help them look new and inviting again. Here are some common challenges, and tips for overcoming them:



Worn decks, patios or porches



Decks, patios and porches are popular spots for home improvements - ones that create a staging place for outdoor entertaining or just relaxing and enjoying nature. When a wood deck becomes old and worn, or concrete patios crack, you may think the only solution is to replace them. But before you take that costly step, consider alternatives that can revitalize the existing surface without the need to replace it.



According to Scott Richards, senior vice president of marketing at Behr Paints, BEHR DECKOVER Solid Color Coating is a smooth finish resurfacing product that brings old, weathered wood or concrete surfaces back to life with a unique solution that hasn't existed before, and it's a budget-friendly alternative to replacing deck boards, railings, porches, boat docks, pool decking or patios.



"BEHR DECKOVER protects against the elements, while refreshing the appearance of wood and concrete," says Richards. "With just two coats and no primer needed, the thick coating covers splinters and fills cracks up to a quarter of an inch, spreading as easily as paint. We've created a way to achieve a low maintenance deck that resists the elements, repels water and creates a smooth, slip-resistant finish that is comfortable for bare feet." It's available at The Home Depot stores nationwide and comes in 54 colors. Visit www.behr.com to learn more.



Adding accents like decorative railings or lighted post caps can also revive the look of older decks. Deck manufacturers offer a variety of options for railings, from carved wood to metal and even glass. In most cases, you can add these railings to your existing deck boards, allowing you to replace just part of the deck and achieve a brand-new, designer look.



Tired furniture



Replacing sun-faded, weather-damaged cushions on outdoor furniture is a good start, and easy enough to do. But what do you do when the furniture frame has seen better days? Depending on the type of construction, you have several options including painting and reupholstering.



Landscaping and lighting



Modern outdoor settings allow nature and technology to meet. Give your exterior living space a new modern look by upgrading both landscaping and lighting. Improving your landscaping can be as easy as planting a few container gardens around your deck or patio and filling them with flowers that will bloom throughout the season. Nothing looks fresher and livelier than flowers.



Next, look at how your outdoor space is lit. Adding lighting allows you to enjoy the space safely after the sun goes down, but dated lighting can make your deck or patio look dull. Plus, older lights are often not as energy-efficient as newer options. Upgrade lighting by replacing old fixtures with newer options, such as solar-powered lights or ones that use energy-sipping CFLs or LEDs.



Making your old outdoor space look like it belongs beside a new showcase home doesn't have to be difficult or costly. With a few budget-minded tips and tools, it's possible for any do-it-yourselfer to make everything old new again.



Courtesy of BPT

Add economical living space with an outdoor room

(BPT) - Adding living space to your home can be an expensive prospect. However, creating an outdoor room is a budget-friendly option that gives you more square footage, as well as additional opportunities to enjoy the season. As an extension of the home, outdoor rooms with decks or pergolas can be personalized to truly bring indoor comforts outside for relaxation and entertaining.



Prepare your outdoor space



Before embarking on designing an outdoor room, start with a clean slate by making necessary repairs. Jason Ringling, director of marketing for Red Devil, says outdoor fix-ups are on the agenda because of the unusual weather the country has experienced, including wind and flood damage. Outdoor structures have particularly taken a beating, with damage to wood structures and cracked concrete.



"Homeowners can tackle these jobs with long-lasting quality adhesives and sealants," says Ringling. "There are new, environmentally friendly construction adhesives on the market, which can help repair damaged decks, concrete, outdoor furniture, play sets and more."



Stand up to Mother Nature



If you start with cellular PVC as a wood replacement, you can add longevity and low-maintenance to pergolas and other outdoor structures. Those that come in easy-to-assemble kits make it even easier to have a stylish extension to your home. According to the experts at Walpole Outdoors, to match your home's style, look for variations in pergola design such as straight or arched tops, and round or square columns in many sizes.



"For a true 'outdoor room' feeling, a retractable, weather-resistant fabric canopy can provide shade and shelter whenever the weather changes, so homeowners can always plan outdoor occasions with confidence," says Walpole president Lou Maglio.



Affordable, natural looks that endure



Decks are another easy way to extend living space and with new alternative materials, it's easy to save on maintenance without sacrificing style. One advancement in composite decking technology features a "cap" or protective outer layer that looks like real hardwood.



"Today's deck trends show that homeowners are looking for deck styles and colors that strongly resemble the earthy tones found in nature," says Carey Walley, vice president of marketing for TimberTech, a leading composite decking manufacturer. As an example, the company's new Earthwood Evolutions Terrain is an affordable hardwood-look composite that is durable, moisture-resistant and accepts concealed fasteners. Walley also notes that a new interactive Q&A forum called Straight Talk is a great place to investigate common deck topics and to ask any deck question that will be answered by experts.



De-clutter your deck space



When designing that special outdoor space, start by de-cluttering the deck. Look for the latest clever, space-saving solutions that help make the most of your deck space. One way to cut costs and improve the view is to use fewer posts, according to Mike Gori, director of product management, AZEK Building Products.



"We've engineered a durable railing system that spans 10 feet between posts, which requires fewer posts. This creates a less cluttered look, clearer views and substantial cost savings," he says. In addition, he suggests hide-away storage bins that make use of the space under the deck to store items like umbrellas and pool toys. "The lid is discreetly flush with the deck surface, eliminating those large plastic bins that obscure the view and take up valuable deck space."



With these tips, it's easy to find functional, beautiful and affordable options for making your outdoor space your very own.



Courtesy of BPT

Simple steps to a healthier heart

(BPT) - For millions of Americans, the battle against heart disease and other cardiovascular conditions goes on year round. About 600,000 people die from heart disease in the United States each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, making heart disease the leading cause of death for both men and women.



However, despite the grim realities of heart disease, the steps to achieve better heart health can be simple. Experts agree that heart disease can be both preventable and controllable with the appropriate lifestyle changes.



Registered dietician Elizabeth Somer, author of "Eat Your Way to Sexy" believes there are clear steps a person can take to turn around his or her heart health.



"Many people with heart disease may be able to improve their heart health by making a few changes to what they eat, how much they move and their lifestyle," Somer says. "There are four key things to think about for heart health: keep your blood fat levels down, keep your blood pressure in check, promote healthy blood flow and circulation, and keep inflammation down."



Here are five simple steps you can take to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease and improve your overall health.



1. Take control of cholesterol with oat fiber: Numerous studies spanning a decade or more of research support the claim that dietary fiber from whole grains, as part of an overall healthy diet, helps reduce blood cholesterol levels and may lower the risk of heart disease. The fiber in oats is a soluble fiber called beta glucan. This fiber works by flushing cholesterol out of the system. Additionally, fiber-rich foods such as whole grains help provide a feeling of fullness with fewer calories and so may help with weight management.



2. Better your blood pressure: Nearly one-third of all American adults have high blood pressure and more than half of them don't have it under control, according to the CDC. The risks that accompany uncontrolled high blood pressure are serious. However, taking easy steps will lower that risk. Exercising and maintaining a healthy body weight, in addition to eating a low-sodium diet, can all contribute to a healthier blood pressure. Also, if you smoke a pack of cigarettes a day, you have more than twice the risk of a heart attack than people who've never smoked.



3. Keep your blood flowing: Products are now available that provide a natural way to help promote healthy blood flow by supporting normal platelet function. A tomato-based concentrate made from select Mediterranean tomatoes called Fruitflow is a natural, healthy and safe ingredient that has been proven through clinical research to keep platelets smooth, thereby promoting healthy blood flow. Try products with this ingredient like Langers Tomato Juice Plus or L&A Tomato Juice with Fruitflow as healthy daily beverage choices.



4. Decrease inflammation: Research suggests that omega-3 fatty acids such as DHA and EPA may help reduce inflammation and may also help lower risks of chronic diseases such as heart disease. Load up on heart-healthy foods like colorful fruits and vegetables, salmon, mackerel, nuts and foods fortified with EPA/DHA Omega-3 fatty acids such as certain milks, snacks and even cooking oils.



5. Shed the layers: It's nothing new. We know that being overweight puts us at risk for numerous health problems, including an increased risk of both heart disease and stroke. The change in seasons can serve as the perfect springboard into a new exercise routine. Take advantage of extended daylight hours by sneaking a sweat session into your evening routine and take control of your diet, making sure to cut back on foods with saturated and trans fats.

Getting your home ready for the hosting season

Some might call the fall and winter months the holiday season, but it could just as easily be known as the hosting season. It's the time of year when cooking for crowds and welcoming friends and family for celebrations is the name of the game. For those opening their homes to guests, it can be hectic, but there are plenty of ways to make the season as full of cheer as it should be.



Decorating your home for the holidays goes hand-in-hand with getting ready for guests - whether those visitors are planned or impromptu. So, as you start to consider your decor themes, think about updates that can be made around the house to make your guests feel even more at home.



Keep this checklist in mind as you get started:



* Give your decorations a checkup. By pulling out your holiday decorations well ahead of time, you can save yourself the stress of last-minute surprises like broken platters or light strings with half the bulbs burnt out. If you find items that are broken or in disrepair, don't throw them out - make a few quick fixes instead. Repair broken items with reliably tough adhesives like Gorilla, which come in a variety of formulas, from clear-drying epoxy to wood glue and more. Replace burnt out bulbs individually, rather than buying entire new strands.



* Stock your pantry. During every holiday this season, food will be a major focus. Be prepared for the biggest days by having all the ingredients you need in your pantry, freezer and - closer to the actual events - your refrigerator. From spices to stock to sweet treats, it's better to have everything on hand rather than risking the chance of the grocery store being closed or dealing with the long, hectic holiday lines. It's also a great opportunity to make sure that you have enough supplies on hand to feed guests who stay for a few days at a time, from breakfast to dinner and dessert.



* Freshen your linens. Guest rooms often go dormant during the quieter seasons of the year, and need a bit of airing out before the hosting season. Keep a few sets of linens freshly laundered - one on each bed and a couple in the closet - to avoid stale smells. Make sure you also have a few extra blankets clean and ready to use as throws, and don't forget to vacuum or clean window treatments, where dust easily collects.



* Get in the spirit. Add to your home's seasonal spirit by making a few crafts or gifts to decorate the main rooms, as well as guest rooms. Get creative with craft store items, or try "upcycling" thrift store or yard sale finds into holiday decor that's uniquely yours. Visit www.pinterest.com/gorillaglue for project ideas and www.gorillatough.com for a guide to which glues work best on a variety of materials, from ceramics to plastic to paper.



* Be ready to entertain. Being a good host means being prepared for last-minute fun. After the big meal is finished and everything is cleaned up, you and your guests will have time for some extra fun. Set out DVDs, board games and books that will keep guests of all ages entertained.



One of the best parts of celebrating the season is the opportunity to spend time with loved ones. Getting your home ready for guests will make them feel more comfortable when they arrive and give you a new sense of holiday cheer.



Courtesy of BPT

Selling your home? Make it more appealing to buyers

(BPT) - You've made the decision to sell your home - now you want to position yourself for a quick and successful sale. What's the most important thing you can do to entice buyers?



"The most important thing you can do is to make your home look welcoming when people drive by," says Kimber Powell, Realtor and sales manager for Coldwell Banker Mid-America Group in Altoona, Iowa.



"You want to invite them in. Make sure your front door looks nice. Trim and landscape your yard. Accent your entryway with a new door mat and pots of flowers that contrast with the color of your home," she says.



Follow these tips to position your house for a successful sale:



Enhance curb appeal



A well-maintained house appeals to more buyers and can sell faster and may sell for a higher price, according to Realtor.com.



Maximize your home's exterior appearance. Keep the lawn and landscaping edged, cut and watered. Inspect doors, windows, trim, foundation and siding for peeling paint. Repaint and replace items as needed. Clean out gutters and replace missing caulk and shingles.



Declutter inside



Make your home look bigger by removing clutter and storing personal items and extra furniture before prospective buyers arrive. Make repairs where needed, Powell advises.



"Repairs are ongoing maintenance needs that show your home has been well-cared-for and kept up-to-date," she says. "Most potential buyers want turn-key homes that are easy to move into."



Repaint dingy or stained walls with a neutral shade of paint. Repair cracks or holes in walls, ceilings, tile and woodwork. Replace broken items and consider updating worn-out cabinet knobs, dated curtains and battered bath and kitchen hardware.



Show lifestyle possibilities



Create a lifestyle story to help buyers envision themselves living in your home. Have a small kitchen but a big deck? Focus on outdoor entertaining by adding lights, comfy cushions and showcasing grilling areas, Powell recommends. If you love your neighborhood, highlight a front porch with wicker furniture and window boxes.



"You want to show buyers the ways they can use the entire home and yard," Powell says. "If you don't have outdoor furniture or decorations, work with a stager to borrow those items." Or consider borrowing items from friends or family to get your home staged for sale.



Highlight quality brands



If your home features or you've replaced items with high-quality brands, like Pella Windows and Doors, include their names in your home's sell sheet, Powell says.



"People are very conscious of name brands and high-quality products. They also want to know about energy-saving benefits and warranties that may transfer to them," she says.



Windows, door replacement



Projects like window and door replacements can recoup more than 70 percent of their cost at resale, according to the National Association of Realtors and Remodeling magazine's Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report.



Whether you're preparing your home to sell, or updating it to live in longer, Pella offers low-maintenance, energy-efficient vinyl, wood, and fiberglass replacement windows and doors that can help improve your home's curb appeal, and help lower utility bills.



"Stylish exterior doors that look like wood, with the minimal maintenance of fiberglass, are popular replacement options," says Kathy Krafka Harkema, Pella spokesperson. "Plus, fiberglass offers exceptional energy efficiency, weather resistance and outstanding durability."



Pella fiberglass entry doors offer many prefinished options, as well as custom colors so you can design a door that truly reflects your home's style.



Courtesy of BPT

Surprise: New garage door tops list of high-impact, affordable home improvements

(BPT) - You've finally scraped together some money to improve the looks of your house.



Problem: Every project costs too much or produces a minor improvement.



Solution: A stunning new garage door. A front-facing garage door packs a big punch and dramatically improves the curb appeal of the entire home.



That's one of the big revelations from the Cost vs. Value Report by Remodeling Magazine. In the report, a garage door replacement again ranked in the top three in "cost recouped" on a list of 35 common home remodeling projects.



Siding replacement and a deck addition also ranked at the top, but they can cost $10,000 to $15,000. An upscale garage door often costs less than $3,000.



The project that pays for itself



"No other exterior home project transforms such a large space at such minimal cost and time," says Tom Wadsworth, long-time editor of a garage door trade magazine. Since a home's garage doors can take up more than a third of the front elevation of the home, a new garage door can make a big difference.



And a stylish new garage door can actually pay for itself, according to a Stratamark Research survey. When nationwide real estate agents were shown before and after photos of houses with new upscale garage doors, they increased the list price of the home anywhere from 1 to 4 percent. That means a $2,000 garage door investment could increase the sale value of your home by as much as $8,000 if you're selling a $200,000 home.



Making a difference



Brad and Jenny Considine recently moved from the Midwest to a nice home outside Baltimore. They had a budget for making improvements, but they had a tough time prioritizing which job should come first. They were glad they chose the garage doors because "the change was dramatic," says Brad.



After his new wood carriage-style garage doors were installed earlier this year replacing two standard-issue builder-grade garage doors, he was ecstatic. "The doors went from being an embarrassing part of the home to having neighbors coming over and asking me about them. I was amazed at how much they improved the entire house."



Maximizing design



The Considines' new carriage-style doors had windows that matched the style of windows on the house. That's a key design tip when buying a new garage door.



"The most stunning doors integrate with the design of the home," says Wadsworth. "Look for colors, lines and shapes that match other exterior components."



The styles of today's garage doors have advanced far beyond the all-too-common rows of rectangles. New doors also feature appealing designs, striking colors, rich finishes and decorative window options that can flatter any home.



To get a taste of the latest innovations, Wadsworth urges homeowners to go to GarageWowNow.com , a non-commercial website developed by the garage door industry. The site includes before and after photos and displays many styles introduced in recent years.



Not a DIY project



One word of caution. Don't try to install a garage door yourself. "Your garage door system is under high tension that can cause severe injury or even death if improperly installed," says Wadsworth. Plus, an experienced installer knows how to install the door for correct balance, maximum energy efficiency, smooth operation, low noise and longest life.



GarageWowNow.com's ZIP code search function can also point you to qualified professionals in your area.



Courtesy of BPT

​A homeowner's guide to a year-round deck

(BPT) - During the warm summer months, having an outdoor deck for barbecues and gatherings with family and friends is a great addition to any backyard. The approach of cool weather may signal the end of barbecue season, but homeowners can still use their deck after the warm temperatures have passed.



"Although decks are generally a summer attraction, there are ways to make them accessible during the winter as well," says Stephen McNally, TAMKO Building Products Inc.'s vice president of sales and marketing.



There are many ways to make your deck functional and enjoyable during the winter, no matter where your home is located.



Step 1 - Warm up your deck



The addition of a fireplace can transform your deck into an outdoor gathering spot and a scene-stealing area for those cool nights. The type of fireplace you decide on for your deck can add beauty and charm as well as complement your existing color scheme and deck furniture and decorations. Outdoor fireplaces can be made from stone, brick, tile or even granite, so the color options are endless.



"Outdoor fireplaces can be big, beautiful and elaborate, but there are other options for homeowners who prefer to keep their outdoor living space simple," McNally says.



If a large outdoor fireplace is not for you, but you want to enjoy your deck on cool winter nights, consider the addition of a fire pit, fire bowl or even a chiminea.



Structural safety and potential fire hazards are serious considerations when deciding on a fireplace, so having your deck inspected before you begin installing an outdoor fireplace is suggested. If you install an outdoor fireplace of any kind, make sure that it is done to the manufacturer's standards.



For more information on TAMKO EverGrain products and ideas for year round deck aesthetic appeal and maintenance, visit www.tamko.com.



Step 2 - Reducing summer dirt and grime



As the summer months come to an end, your deck is due for a well-deserved, thorough cleaning. Fall is a great time for this necessary chore because other outdoor tasks, like gardening and mowing, usually begin to decrease.



"Semi-annual cleaning of your deck is part of the required maintenance that reduces dirt, dust, grime and other residue build-up that the summer months have left behind," McNally says.



Use a garden house to rinse your deck. A fan-tip nozzle works best, but make sure the pressure from the hose does not exceed the manufacturers regulations. Ensure that you have removed all food and trash particles from the summer so that they do not contribute to build-up over the winter. For TAMKO's EverGrain decking products, use a nozzle with pressure that does not exceed 1,000 psi.



While rinsing your deck can reduce dirt and grime buildup, water alone will not remove the stains that have appeared on your deck. Cooking oil, suntan oil and other greasy substances can stain your deck over the course summer use. But before applying cleaner to your deck, make sure to test it in an inconspicuous spot to ensure that it will not change the coloring of your deck boards.



Step 3 - Spice up plant life



When it comes to enjoying outdoor living, beauty is everything. A well-installed deck can offer a certain aesthetic appeal by itself, but plant life can make a big difference, even in the winter time.



When the cool temperatures of late fall start to move in, you can help your plants extend their life. Move them closer to your house, ideally under a roof, to delay when they are hit by frost. If you have time before a frost sets in, help protect your plants by covering them with lightweight blankets or plastic sheets overnight and uncover them in the morning.



If you want to decorate with plants during the cool months, there are a variety of colorful, cool vegetables that make handsome pot-fillers. Consider plants with purple and dark-green leaves like beets, Chinese cabbage, kale, mustard, spinach or even herbs. Mixing several types of plants together in the same pot can have a nice effect and the addition of garden art statues can add a pop of color.



Courtesy of BPT

Laminates – Textures, colors, and choices for all your interior needs

Laminates let you create your own world of imagination. You choose from a sea of textures, colors, and choices. Laminates are affordable as well. So, if you are the one who is considering a home make-over, choosing laminates for this job is the best option you have. Plastic laminate products are durable as well as affordable. Whatever your aesthetic preference or budget, plastic laminate products can easily make your home come alive like never before. Give it a try and see yourself.



Plastic laminate products satisfy all your interior needs – kitchens, bathrooms, cabinets, wardrobes and/or edgings.You in fact have all the time on this planet to choose from the entire range of designs, colors, textures, and finishes. Compact grade laminate are robust and ideal for applications that demand long life, minimum maintenance, damage resistance, and hygiene. These laminates give your interiors an all-round finish with a striking design feature. Your home will love it.



You can even check out laminates sitting at your favorite couch. All you need to do is surf several leading sites selling plastic laminate products. Check out the range of textures and colors, and choose what you find the best for your home-interiors. Now, isn't that easy?



However, one thing that you should keep in mind is to deal with a reliable seller/producer and not a newcomer in the industry. When you deal with a professional and experienced producer of plastic laminate products, you get the top-quality products at the most-competitive prices in the market. So, take you time. Think, compare, ask others, and choose the best for your sweet home. With laminate countertops, give your home a new look. And, your home will thank you for this.



As already mentioned above, laminates come with an impressive long life and minimal maintenance needs, using these laminates are a wise choice. Also, look for the instructions by the manufacturer and follow the same so that you don't have to face any problem half way. So, make-up your mind, do some research, and give that much needed make-over to your sweet home.



By: Smith, John

http://www.articlecity.com/articles/home_improvement/article_7296.shtml

Common outdoor lighting mistakes and their solutions

Upgrading your home's exterior lighting is a surefire way to increase your home's curb appeal and resell value. And a well-lit front lawn can also deter would-be burglars. Most of the outdoor lighting of one's home adds a welcoming touch for family and guests. Here you can learn about outdoor lighting trends, common lighting problems and their solutions, and things to consider when selecting outdoor lighting fixtures.



First and foremost, it's important to give a considerable amount of thought to the placement of your outdoor lights. Just as you would not place several lighting fixtures like table lamps or wall sconces in a single area of your living room, you don't want to place exterior fixtures too close together either. This is a common problem when integrating pathlights into your outdoor lighting solution. Too many pathlights, too close together can make your walkway look more like the runway at an airport. Instead of placing the lights directly opposite one another on either end, try a staggered approach. The light will flow less harshly.



Another common mistake in selecting outdoor lights is in finding the proper lighting direction, or limiting "light pollution". Outdoor lights should not obstruct one's vision or interfere with one being able to see the entire landscape of a yard or area clearly. On a similar note, the lights should not shine directly into the road or a neighboring yard either. To avoid such issues, look for spotlights with glare guards.



Just as it would be boring to find the same exact lamp in every room of one's home, it's boring to see the same outdoor lighting fixture repeated throughout the yard. It can make the home appear institutional as opposed to personal. Use a wide variety of fixtures to light your yard; it will enhance the character and charm of your home.



Be sure to balance your home's exterior lighting. Another common mistake in outdoor lighting placement, is to inadvertently divide the yard by placing too many lights in one area and too little in another. You want to evenly distribute light throughout the canvas of your home. You don't want your yard looking like a parking lot.



Finally, like most things in home décor, less is more. Outdoor lighting should call attention to the beautiful and unique features of your home. It should not be intrusive. Proper outdoor lighting calls attention to various parts of your home's exterior, not the entire surface area. Over illumination is never attractive indoor or outdoor.



by: Melinda Cayetano

http://www.articlecity.com/articles/home_improvement/article_7064.shtml

Family fun that is quick and delicious, easy and nutritious

Making your own version of your favorite take-out meals at home means you can control the amount of sodium and fat your family is consuming without compromising on flavor. If you stock your freezer with whole-wheat pita and your pantry with healthy pasta sauce, you will always have the base for a perfect Pitazza at a moment's notice.



Healthy cooking tip: To add protein to your Pitazza without the extra sodium, roast a whole chicken. Remove the meat and store in your fridge. Freeze the bones for when you have spare time to make your own, low-sodium chicken broth.



Prep time: 8 minutes



Bake time: 15 minutes



Serves: 2



Serving Size: ½ pita



Calories per serving: 202



Ingredients:



• ½ cup (125 mL) Healthy Choice Garlic and Fine Herb pasta sauce



• 1 90g whole wheat pita, split in half to make 2 circles



• ½ cup (125 mL) finely sliced peppers (red, orange and/or yellow)



• ½ cup (125 mL) sliced mushrooms



• ¼ cup (50 mL) minced red onion



• 2 tbsp. low-fat feta cheese crumbled or your favorite low-fat cheese



Directions:



• Preheat oven to 400F/205C.



• On large baking sheet arrange pita bread



• Spread ¼ cup (75 mL) Healthy Choice Garlic and Fine Herb tomato sauce evenly on each pita half



• Top with ¼ cup (50 mL) each: peppers, mushroom and 2 tbsp.(25 mL) red onion.



• Evenly sprinkle crumbled feta cheese; bake for 12 minutes or until the pita crust is golden.



• Slice Pitazza into two pieces, serve with garden salad.



Tip: Top with diced chicken for an extra protein punch



Tip: Make it Naanzza using low fat, low sodium naan bread



Courtesy of Newscanada

Savory fall dishes enhanced with grapes

Beautiful fall vegetables are in season now and make for wonderful dishes that will have your family members saying yum.



In addition to the traditional fall flavors of produce like squash and cauliflower, California grapes are also in season, having one of the longest, just-picked seasons among North American fruits, from May to January. Always the perfect snack, grapes possess a flavor balance of sweetness and acidity, making them a versatile ingredient for both sweet and savory preparations.



When it comes to fall produce, cauliflower is often passed over in the produce aisles in favor of its much-touted cousin broccoli. But roasting cauliflower brings out a hint of surprising sweetness in this robust veggie. Add to that roasted grapes, with their juicy burst of tangy flavor, along with a good sprinkling of ground cumin, and you'll be reaching for cauliflower more often just to prepare this simple and delightful dish.



Butternut squash takes on a whole new dimension when baked with grapes and rosemary and seasoned with a gratin topping. The crunch of the topping adds another texture component to the pop of juice coming from the grapes and the browned edges of the comforting squash. Rosemary offers a hint of aromatics that fits perfectly into the mix.



Roasting grapes is a big trend in finer restaurants, but very easy to do. Roasted grapes can also be turned into a simple sauce, by adding a ladleful of wine, water or broth and reducing the mixture over heat to thicken to a syrupy consistency. Drizzle over pork tenderloins or sauteed chicken breasts, and you'll wonder why you've never done it before.



Both featured recipes have an added bonus: They combine fruit and vegetables, which are foods that health experts say we need to eat more of, more often.



Roasted Cauliflower and Grapes



Serves six



Ingredients:



1 large head cauliflower (3 pounds), cut into 1 1/2-inch florets



2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided



3/4 teaspoon kosher salt



3/4 teaspoon ground cumin



1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper



2 cups red, green or black seedless California grapes



Directions:



Preheat the oven to 450 F. Toss cauliflower, 1 1/2 tablespoons oil, salt, cumin and pepper together in a large bowl and spread in one layer on a large, rimmed baking sheet. Roast 20 minutes and stir the cauliflower. Toss the grapes and remaining olive oil together and add to the baking sheet. Roast 5 to 10 minutes longer and serve.



Nutritional analysis per serving: Calories 116; Protein 3.3 g; Carbohydrate 17 g; Fat 5.2 g; 37 percent Calories from Fat; Cholesterol 0 mg; Sodium 287 mg; Fiber 3.6 g.







Butternut Squash, Rosemary and Grape Bake



Serves eight



Ingredients:



5 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided



2 medium butternut squash (about 4 pounds), peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks or 3 1/2 pounds pre-cut butternut squash chunks (11 cups)



Kosher salt



Freshly ground black pepper



1/2 large red onion, cut into thin slices



1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary or 1 teaspoon dried



3/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth



2 cups red or black seedless California grapes, stemmed and rinsed



2 cups fresh breadcrumbs



1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan



Directions:



Preheat the oven to 375 F. Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add half the squash and season liberally with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned, about 5 to 7 minutes, then transfer to the baking dish. Repeat browning of remaining squash with another tablespoon of olive oil and more salt and pepper. Transfer to baking dish.



Heat another tablespoon of the oil in the skillet and add the onion and rosemary. Season with salt and pepper and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Pour in the broth and scrape up any browned bits on the bottom. Bring to a simmer and pour into baking dish. Cover with foil and bake until squash is very tender, about 40 minutes.



Raise the oven temperature to 450 F. Remove the dish from the oven and take off the foil. Sprinkle the grapes over the top. In a medium bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, Parmesan and remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle over the squash. Bake until top is browned and bubbling, or about 10 to 15 minutes longer.



Nutritional analysis per serving: Calories 259; Protein 6.6 g; Carbohydrate 36 g; Fat 12 g; 38 percent Calories from Fat; Cholesterol 10 mg; Sodium 266 mg; Fiber 4.7 g.





Courtesy of BPT

Bathroom remodeling ideas: From small to total overhaul

Ready to give your bathroom a face-lift, but can't decide what changes to make? From tubs to toilets to tile, the sky is the limit when it comes to bathroom renovations, even if budget is not.



Whether you are planning some small do-it-yourself changes, or a major overhaul, here are some fresh ideas for bathroom remodeling that will help you build the smart, stylish, and functional bathroom of your dreams.



Start living large

Feeling crowded in a small bathroom? For a small-budget fix-up, replace your old space-wasting vanity with a smart open-design style that maximizes storage, while visually opening up the room.If your project is major and you are opening the walls, replace your floor-mounted toilet in favor of a wall-mounted toilet, such as Porcher Solutions Dual Flush toilet, which stows the water tank behind the wall. The Porcher Solutions toilet is water-wise, as well as space-savvy, and the EverClean surface inhibits the growth of stain and odor causing bacteria, mold and mildew on the surface.



Focus on your faucet

If you have a small budget, making a simple change like updating a bathroom faucet and accessories can still have a dramatic impact on the style of the room. Faucets with the Speed Connect drain can be installed in minutes, and reflect any decor choice, from traditional to minimalist in popular finishes such as oil-rubbed bronze and polished chrome. Change light fixtures and drawer pulls to match your faucet, splurge on some updated colors for towels and rugs and you have a beautiful before-and-after makeover of your very own.



Think accessible

A bathroom remodel is a great time to invest in fixtures that will allow you and your loved ones to remain independent in your home through illness, aging or other unforeseen events. The best products also work great and feel terrific in the here and now. A taller, Right Height toilet is a luxurious comfort. If you rarely use your bathtub, it can be easily replaced with an acrylic seated-safety shower unit that simply slides into your existing tub recess. Optional acrylic surrounds are easy to install and easy to keep clean, while the integral seat provides a safe option for both bathing and shaving.



Go green to save green

The cost of water will be rising, so get ahead of the curve by choosing toilets, faucets and showerheads that carry the EPA's WaterSense certification label. The label assures that you won't be sacrificing performance. Visit www.responsiblebathroom.com for a wide range of WaterSense-certified products and a handy calculator so you can watch your water, and money, savings add up.



Courtesy of BPT

Bumps in the real estate buddy system

Just like any endeavor, sometimes the road is going to be bumpy in the Buddy System in real estate. Here are some examples:



1. There's this buyer who's been in the house for two years already. But then he just stopped paying.



2. There are sellers who won't sell the house the way you want them to. After six months, you just heard the news that the house was sold at a very low price. So, it kept you wondering, "Why didn't they consult you back?" or "Why did they sell it to someone for a lesser price?" Emotion is the reason. The sellers were so fed up with their emotions after 6, or maybe even 12 months, that they reached a point where they decided to finally accepted it: They need to move on and lower the price to have it sold quickly.



3. Another situation is when the seller just wants to move on with their lives. They reach a point where they just want to have a peace of mind because it's never about the money. At the end of the day, they want the house sold and they'll do anything to get rid of it so they can continue on with their lives.



4. If your buddy's house isn't selling, they might be calling to tell you:



"My wife and I have talked and we would like to express our sincere gratitude for everything you've done. I know you've been selling our house for $400,000 and we've had lots of people coming here. However, things haven't been working out but we're really thankful for your hard work. We also talked of how we eagerly want to move on with our lives because it's such a hassle on our part and we've come to a decision where we just want to move on. We're really grateful for your work and we do want to have the house sold at $400,000 but we were thinking of $320,000?"



So, these are just some of the bumps you and your buddy will be going through. But still, it's always good to consider a Buddy System.



You must both understand that you are not working for the seller and the seller is not working for you either. Instead, you are buddies. You are a team. You work together to get the house sold. You get the paperwork organized and come up with deals so that you can both benefit from this joint partnership. You get what your buddy wants and at the same time gain the profit.



But in the end, the Buddy System can help both buddies maintain a good relationship towards each other, and achieve a nice deal!



Courtesy of BPT

Ideas for easy and quick room updates

The relaxed pace of summer allows the perfect opportunity for home improvement updates. You can make your favorite room stand out with some simple ideas that take less than a day to complete from start to finish.



"Home interior experts know small decor tricks that take very little time can have a big effect," says Elizabeth Sasso Smith from Liberty Hardware. "Homeowners can use these same strategies to make changes easily and quickly inside their own home."



Wall plates

Perhaps one of the most overlooked ways to quickly and dramatically update a room is to replace the wall plates. Wall plates are the covers that go over the light switches and outlets. Most people default to boring, white plastic that can make a room look generic and cheap. Decorative wall plates can complement any design scheme, and because they can be removed, are a great option for those who rent or others who might want to change them out from time to time with minimal effort.



Wall plates are the fashion accessory that every wall needs to add visual appeal. Liberty Hardware offers wall plate options to fit every decor style. From modern, sleek designs that feature finishes like brushed nickel, to classic and elegant options with finishes like satin nickel and espresso, you can upgrade your room within minutes. Visit www.LibertyHardware.com or look for options at your local Lowes Home Improvement store.



Paint

If you are looking for a big change with minimal effort, consider a fresh coat of paint. Dark and vivid colors remain popular and provide a focal point for the eye. Shades of green and gray are trending right now, as well as hues of blue in every color of the ocean. Pick up some paint samples from the store and bring home to see how they will look in the natural light of the room.



Interested in trying a bold color, but not sure about how it will look in the entire room? Choosing a single wall to paint is a great way to add color without going all out. For example, if painting a bedroom, choose the wall where you put the head of the bed. If you are painting a living room, choose the wall where the couch or your largest piece of furniture goes.



Hardware

Cabinet hardware changes are typically made in the kitchen or bath, but knobs and pulls have multiple uses if you think outside the box.



"Consider coordinating the color and theme of your new wall plates into a clever curtain tie-back using a knob or pull," says Christina Hurley of Liberty Hardware. "A similar finish will add a design flow that creates character and pizzazz throughout the room."



Some other ideas for coordinating knobs include use on a wall or door to hold a coat, towel or bag. You might even decide to hang pictures using coordinating knobs and metals. Instead of simply nailing the frame to the wall, tie with a beautiful ribbon and hang on a knob that matches your wall plates and other hardware in the room.



Hooks and hook rails

Other eye-catching additions to a room include hooks and hook rails. While they may have once been deemed for industrial or heavy-duty use, new contemporary and traditional designs along with complementary finishes like satin nickel and hazelnut allow hook rails to take a more prominent, decorative position in a room.



Installation is simple and quick, allowing for a modern appeal and instant coordination with wall plates and other hardware. Find a new place for items that often get tossed on the floor like book bags, belts or purses. A small hook rail placed in a closet or bathroom is perfect for hanging jewelry for easy access or spice up your garage with a decorative hook rail to hold sports equipment or umbrellas.



Remember, it doesn't take a lot of time or money to transform your interior space. With just a few easy updates like wall plates or hook rails you'll be amazed at how different and beautiful your room will look.



Courtesy of BPT

Ideas for flooring in your home

Your home is your paradise and if you are planning to renovate your home, go for the changes that are not only eye-catching but also comfortable for you and your family. If you are going to change the flooring in your home, here are some tips for flooring the different parts of your house.



Bedroom flooring:



There are plenty options when it comes to flooring in your bedroom. Being the most private and personalized part of your home, your bedroom is the place which grabs a big part of your budget whenever you are remodeling. You can use carpet, tile, hardwood, bamboo, cork or laminate. Play with different materials in different rooms. You can opt for striped light and dark shades in your boy's room so that if your son is going to create mess, which is unavoidable, the flooring can withstand the burden. Also the flooring can bear heavy traffic of the folks coming in the bedroom. For more powerful scratch and water resistant flooring you can choose laminate.



Living room flooring:



It is the most used area and withstands most of the traffic coming in and out of the house. It is highly recommended that the flooring should be strong enough that it can endure all such amendments done with your furniture or to the increasing and decreasing ratio of visitors. For this purpose you can opt for hardwood flooring. Being classy and sophisticated in look it is the perfect choice for your living room whenever you are remodeling your home.



Kitchen flooring:



Design the floor of your kitchen in such a way that it not only looks pretty but also gives a practical impression. You can choose from vinyl, tile, natural stone, wood, cork or laminate. A floor covering that is water resistant and durable such as tile is a best choice to protect against potential water damage. Make sure when you choose your floor to order a little extra of the product in the event that you drop something like a pot on your floor. If the flooring material is damaged, you will be sure to have enough to repair the floor because often floor manufacturers have high turnover of their products to insure a continual buying cycle. Most flooring contractors add 5-10% additional square footage of the flooring product to their purchase order to insure they have enough for the project and to provide the client with a little extra flooring for future use.



by: Builder Brian

http://www.articlecity.com/articles/home_improvement/article_7342.shtml

Flip-flop fans: Hard, cold facts about your favorite hot weather footwear

It's easy to understand why we all love flip-flops: They're cute and comfy, keep your feet cool in warm weather, and are great for showing off that fab pedicure you just got. But no matter how much you adore your flip-flops, they shouldn't be all-occasion footwear. Sometimes, they can lead to sore feet or even severe injury.



"Flip-flops are hugely popular, but it's important to remember they're not appropriate for everyday wear or for all occasions," says Dr. Matthew Garoufalis, a podiatrist and president of the American Podiatric Medical Association. "Every spring and summer, podiatric offices see an influx of patients with injuries and ailments directly related to wearing flip-flops at the wrong time or wearing the wrong flip-flops altogether."



The secret to safely enjoying flip-flops through summer is two-fold, Garoufalis says. First, find the right style, and second, know when to wear flip-flops and when to wear something else.



How to choose flip-flops



Some styles of flip-flops may cause blistering and pain, and increase your risk of injury in certain situations. It is possible to find a better flip-flop. The APMA offers some tips:



* Look for high-quality, soft leather, which will minimize the risk of blisters and other skin irritations. Vinyl or rubber styles are more likely to rub your foot the wrong way. Check out the APMA website for footwear products that have earned the organization's Seal of Acceptance. The seal indicates that a team of APMA podiatrists have evaluated the product to ensure it promotes normal foot function and health.



* Choose a flip-flop with soles that bend at the ball of the foot. If you can bend the sole completely in half or wring it like a wet rag, the sole will not provide proper support.



* The thong part of the flip-flop should fit comfortably, neither too loose nor too snug. Straps that are too tight could rub and cause blisters. Too loose straps may result in you losing the shoe at a critical moment - resulting in injury. Consider a flip-flop with extra padding on the part of the strap that fits between your toes.



* Your foot should fit perfectly on the sole. Your heel should not hang off the back, nor your toes off the front.



* Dispose of worn flip-flips, no matter how much you loved them last year. Old shoes lose their ability to support and protect your feet, and it's easy to find a new pair to replace old ones.



* Still not sure which flip-flop is the right choice? Start with APMA Seal Accepted pairs at APMA.org/Seal.



When to wear flip-flops



A shoe style that was once relegated to beach or poolside is now considered acceptable in a variety of settings. It's not uncommon to see people wearing flip-flops to the mall or grocery store, when they're out for a stroll, or even in the office. Flip-flops have even made inroads into the bridal scene, with some comfort-minded brides wearing them for their weddings and receptions.



Deciding whether wearing flip-flops is socially appropriate for the occasion is up to you, but there are some times when you should not wear them for safety reasons.



* When doing yard work - such as mowing the lawn or working in the garden - it's best to wear shoes that cover and protect your entire foot. Flip-flops don't offer sufficient support or protection.



* For long walks, opt for a good walking shoe. Even the sturdiest styles of flip-flops don't offer sufficient arch support and shock absorption for extended walking.



* Playing sports calls for the right footwear. Choose a shoe that is designed for the sport you're playing. Flip-flops don't offer adequate support or protection for hard play and may come off your foot at a crucial moment. They might lose you the game at best, and leave you with a foot or ankle injury at worst.



Finally, put away your flip-flops when the weather is bad. "This one may seem obvious," Garoufalis says, "but some people continue to wear their flip-flops even when the temperature drops, rain falls, or snow is on the ground. Wearing flip-flops in bad weather puts you at risk of injury if your foot slips out of a wet shoe or even frostbite if temperatures fall too low."





Courtesy of BPT

Gear up for marathon season: Sun safety tips for runners

For many people, fall brings cooler temperatures and outdoor activities such as nature walks and trips to see the leaves change. But sports buffs across the nation are hitting the pavement in preparation for marathon season.



There is no slowing down fitness enthusiasts, who adhere to training regimens and participate in long-distance running events. However, rigorous outdoor activity, combined with heat, humidity and sweat, can make skin more vulnerable to the sun's rays. Even if you are not a marathon runner, it is important to help protect your skin while embracing the sun and the outdoors.



Although the majority of people (59 percent) consider putting on sunscreen important when preparing for outdoor activity, only 49 percent actually use sunscreen when exercising outdoors, according to a survey sponsored by the Coppertone Solar Research Center. Before lacing up your best running shoes, plan ahead with a sun safety strategy that best complements your routine.



As a practicing dermatologist, I know how challenging it can be to help keep my skin protected from the elements, especially now that I am training for my fifth marathon, says Dr. Elizabeth K. Hale, clinical associate professor of dermatology at New York University School of Medicine and consultant to the makers of Coppertone. Simple steps can help ensure that you are protecting yourself this marathon season and beyond.



Dr. Hale offers some of her key sun safety tips for fellow runners:



* Shield with shades. UV radiation can damage the eyes and the skin around them, so it is important for runners to wear their sunglasses. To provide the best protection for your eyes, your shades should block out 99 to 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays. Choose wrap-around frames, which stay on better while you train.



* Replenish yourself. Drinking water can help keep your body and skin hydrated, especially if you are sweating. It is essential for runners to pay attention to how much water they are drinking before, during and after outdoor exercise. I like to apply Coppertone Sport Pro Series with DuraFlex before stepping outside for training. This lightweight formula sprays on easily and helps keep my skin hydrated, says Dr. Hale.



* Protect every inch. Runners and other outdoor athletes tend to forget to apply sunscreen on all areas of their face and body. The most commonly overlooked areas when applying sunscreen are the scalp, ears and backs of hands. Just remember to bring your sunscreen and reapply every two hours.



* Timing is everything. Schedule your outdoor training when the sun is less intense; avoid exposure between the peak hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. If you do run during that time, choose a route that offers plenty of shade.



* Go safe with your style. Make sure to protect your skin during your run with the appropriate attire. Try wearing lightweight, sun-protective clothing. Also, stay cool with a baseball hat to help shield your face from the sun.



Before you head out for your next run, check out sun care tips from Dr. Hale on the Sunderstanding page of the Coppertone website to learn more about how to help keep your skin protected when you are training your hardest.



Courtesy of BPT

Three beautiful new date-night looks

Getting ready for a date night can be fun, but finding the perfect look can be overwhelming. Going out today can mean so many things - it's not just dinner and movie anymore, there is a style for everything. Whether it's a cozy evening at home with your sweetie, a big date night or a night out on the town with your girlfriends, you want a look that will wow everyone you meet, especially that special someone.



A recent survey found that 55 percent of women feel most confident when wearing cosmetics. So, for your next date, put your best face forward and try one of these three go-to makeup routines. If you are not a pro, there is no need to worry - these beautiful looks can be accomplished easily and quickly with the right tools, so you'll be ready in a snap.



Romantic night in: This natural look is all about flawless skin, a fresh glow and lots of lashes; the goal is to look like yourself, but extra irresistible. Try using the EcoTools Fresh and Flawless Five Piece Complexion Set - it has all the tools you'll need to create a smooth and airbrushed look. The brushes are all super soft and eco-friendly, so you can look beautiful and live beautifully.-



First, prep your skin with a primer and sweep on foundation and concealer using the right tools in the set. Then set with a loose powder (applied with a full powder brush) for an airbrushed finish. Next, contour and shape cheekbones using the EcoTools Deluxe Fan Brush dipped in bronzer. For a little glow, use the flat side of the brush to apply an illuminating powder. Top with a light pink blush on the apples of the cheeks.



To make eyes pop, apply a neutral-colored shadow on the eyelid and just under the brow bone, a darker brown shadow to define the crease of the eye and a taupe shadow just above the crease. Define brows with a brow pencil to tame fly-aways. Line the upper lash line and outer lash line with a soft black pencil, smudging away any harsh edges, and apply lengthening mascara for a flirty fringe. Finish off the look with a sweep of coral lipstick, using a detailed lip brush for extra staying power. Add a dab of clear gloss just in the middle for the illusion of added volume.



Big night out: Whether you are headed to a black tie affair, have a big date or are hitting a hot party, a night out demands your most stunning self. Play up your peepers with this eye-opening technique that is sure to deliver come-hither appeal wherever the night takes you.



Prep skin with a primer and use a foam applicator to apply a full coverage foundation over your entire face, using the flat edge for larger surfaces, and the pointed edge for precision application around the eyes and nose. Next, create a blank canvas with eye primer to prevent creasing and to make color last. Apply black liner along entire top lash line and outer lower lash line, making the line thicker toward the outer edges. Using the EcoTools Day-to-Night Set, take a small brush to smudge the liner, blending upwards on the top lid and inward on the lower. Apply shimmery burgundy cream shadow to entire lid, and a taupe shadow to define the crease. Highlight inner corners of eye and just under brow bone with a shimmery bone shadow. Finish with two to three layers of volumizing mascara. Using a detailed lip liner brush, apply a nude lip color and create drama with a highlighting pencil to outline just under the middle of your lower lip and curvature of your top lip.



Girls night: Girls night out is the perfect time to play with color and trends. Have some fun with this look and incorporate emerald, the color of the year, into an updated twist on the cat eye.



Apply a primer and then full coverage foundation, setting with powder. Use a matte bronzer on areas you want to minimize, and also apply on lower cheekbones for contouring. Use a blush with some shimmer on top of your cheekbones for a flirty effect. Bring bronzer down onto your neck and decolletage with a sculpting brush. Apply a wash of gold eye shadow over the entire eyelid and line with a black gel liner and extend into a wing slightly past the outer corner of the eye. Use an emerald green pencil to line entire lower lash line for a saturated burst of color. Finish the look with a wash of berry lipstick to really make the green eye accent pop.



For complete step-by-step instructions on recreating these looks and for more date-night inspiration, visit www.ecotools.com and www.facebook.com/ecotools.





Courtesy of BPT

Ideas for easy and quick room updates

The relaxed pace of summer allows the perfect opportunity for home improvement updates. You can make your favorite room stand out with some simple ideas that take less than a day to complete from start to finish.



"Home interior experts know small decor tricks that take very little time can have a big effect," says Elizabeth Sasso Smith from Liberty Hardware. "Homeowners can use these same strategies to make changes easily and quickly inside their own home."



Wall plates

Perhaps one of the most overlooked ways to quickly and dramatically update a room is to replace the wall plates. Wall plates are the covers that go over the light switches and outlets. Most people default to boring, white plastic that can make a room look generic and cheap. Decorative wall plates can complement any design scheme, and because they can be removed, are a great option for those who rent or others who might want to change them out from time to time with minimal effort.



Wall plates are the fashion accessory that every wall needs to add visual appeal. Liberty Hardware offers wall plate options to fit every decor style. From modern, sleek designs that feature finishes like brushed nickel, to classic and elegant options with finishes like satin nickel and espresso, you can upgrade your room within minutes. Visit www.LibertyHardware.com or look for options at your local Lowes Home Improvement store.



Paint

If you are looking for a big change with minimal effort, consider a fresh coat of paint. Dark and vivid colors remain popular and provide a focal point for the eye. Shades of green and gray are trending right now, as well as hues of blue in every color of the ocean. Pick up some paint samples from the store and bring home to see how they will look in the natural light of the room.



Interested in trying a bold color, but not sure about how it will look in the entire room? Choosing a single wall to paint is a great way to add color without going all out. For example, if painting a bedroom, choose the wall where you put the head of the bed. If you are painting a living room, choose the wall where the couch or your largest piece of furniture goes.



Hardware

Cabinet hardware changes are typically made in the kitchen or bath, but knobs and pulls have multiple uses if you think outside the box.



"Consider coordinating the color and theme of your new wall plates into a clever curtain tie-back using a knob or pull," says Christina Hurley of Liberty Hardware. "A similar finish will add a design flow that creates character and pizzazz throughout the room."



Some other ideas for coordinating knobs include use on a wall or door to hold a coat, towel or bag. You might even decide to hang pictures using coordinating knobs and metals. Instead of simply nailing the frame to the wall, tie with a beautiful ribbon and hang on a knob that matches your wall plates and other hardware in the room.



Hooks and hook rails

Other eye-catching additions to a room include hooks and hook rails. While they may have once been deemed for industrial or heavy-duty use, new contemporary and traditional designs along with complementary finishes like satin nickel and hazelnut allow hook rails to take a more prominent, decorative position in a room.



Installation is simple and quick, allowing for a modern appeal and instant coordination with wall plates and other hardware. Find a new place for items that often get tossed on the floor like book bags, belts or purses. A small hook rail placed in a closet or bathroom is perfect for hanging jewelry for easy access or spice up your garage with a decorative hook rail to hold sports equipment or umbrellas.



Remember, it doesn't take a lot of time or money to transform your interior space. With just a few easy updates like wall plates or hook rails you'll be amazed at how different and beautiful your room will look.



Courtesy of BPT

Ideas for flooring in your home

Your home is your paradise and if you are planning to renovate your home, go for the changes that are not only eye-catching but also comfortable for you and your family. If you are going to change the flooring in your home, here are some tips for flooring the different parts of your house.



Bedroom flooring:



There are plenty options when it comes to flooring in your bedroom. Being the most private and personalized part of your home, your bedroom is the place which grabs a big part of your budget whenever you are remodeling. You can use carpet, tile, hardwood, bamboo, cork or laminate. Play with different materials in different rooms. You can opt for striped light and dark shades in your boy's room so that if your son is going to create mess, which is unavoidable, the flooring can withstand the burden. Also the flooring can bear heavy traffic of the folks coming in the bedroom. For more powerful scratch and water resistant flooring you can choose laminate.



Living room flooring:



It is the most used area and withstands most of the traffic coming in and out of the house. It is highly recommended that the flooring should be strong enough that it can endure all such amendments done with your furniture or to the increasing and decreasing ratio of visitors. For this purpose you can opt for hardwood flooring. Being classy and sophisticated in look it is the perfect choice for your living room whenever you are remodeling your home.



Kitchen flooring:



Design the floor of your kitchen in such a way that it not only looks pretty but also gives a practical impression. You can choose from vinyl, tile, natural stone, wood, cork or laminate. A floor covering that is water resistant and durable such as tile is a best choice to protect against potential water damage. Make sure when you choose your floor to order a little extra of the product in the event that you drop something like a pot on your floor. If the flooring material is damaged, you will be sure to have enough to repair the floor because often floor manufacturers have high turnover of their products to insure a continual buying cycle. Most flooring contractors add 5-10% additional square footage of the flooring product to their purchase order to insure they have enough for the project and to provide the client with a little extra flooring for future use.



by: Builder Brian

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