4 DIY projects for your first home

by

(BPT) – “Where should I start?” It’s a question many homeowners ask themselves.

DIY is a great place to start for new homeowners. DIY projects are very versatile — they can easily be adapted to your skill level, budget and desired project. With a little extra time and creativity, you can transform your home.

Other benefits to choosing a DIY project are that they are typically more cost-effective than the alternative and they offer an added sense of ownership and pride in your home.

Since DIY project ideas are endless, it’s important to choose ones that will improve your home’s value at a reasonable cost. A DIY project should make your life easier and more enjoyable. These are some top recommended DIY projects for first-time homeowners. They won’t break the bank but they will deliver a bang for your buck. 

1. Add crown molding or update casing and trim. The addition of crown molding to the top of interior walls is a subtle change with big impact. Casing, which is the trim around doors and windows, can also make a huge difference. The replacement of dated crown molding, casing or trim can make a room look newly updated. Go one step further with a fresh coat of paint on the walls, and you’ll basically have an entirely new room. For more information on how to install crown molding, check out these simple steps.

2. Replace doors. Doors are often forgettable, but don’t have to be. Replace hollow core bedroom, bathroom and closet doors with wood alternatives for an instant dash of richness. And don’t limit yourself to traditionally-styled options. From specialty woods to glass panels, there are plenty of options to choose from.

3. Clean and refinish your wood deck. As long as your wood is in good shape, all you need is deck cleaner and wood stain to turn something dated into the focal point of your backyard. You can buy deck cleaner at your local hardware store. Wood deck stains are available there or at a paint store. You’ll be amazed to see weathered wood look like new again. If you haven’t cleaned or refinished a deck before, here are step-by-step instructions.

4. Update your closets. Add built-in shelving or simply streamline clothes hangers for an organizational boost you’ll thank yourself for every day. Or you can tackle a popular closet upgrade: lining a traditional closet with cedar. Natural cedar looks great, smells great and keeps moths and mildew away. It’s a classic and high-end upgrade that’s not terribly expensive or time-intensive. When your friends or family open your closet, they will be pleasantly surprised.

Use tongue-and-groove cedar to line some or all of an existing closet. You can leave baseboards in place if they’re thicker than the cedar. If not, remove them with a pry bar before the cedar installation. Use nails to attach the cedar to the wall studs, or adhere them with a construction adhesive. Prepare to feel like a bona fide fancy grown-up when it’s done! 

These are just a fraction of the many DIY projects possibilities. The most important piece of advice is to have fun and don’t be afraid to try new things. The more DIY projects you complete, the more confident you’ll feel. To get started, pencil in a dedicated DIY day on your calendar and enjoy the process!

Tips for creating a virtually self-cleaning bathroom

by

(BPT) – Americans may be spending less time on housework, but that’s probably not much consolation when you’re scrubbing the toilet for the third time in a week. Meanwhile, hours spent working are taking more of our time, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ American Time Use Survey. Factor in other time demands like taking care of the kids, your in-laws, your spouse and yourself, and it’s easy to see why products that improve cleanability are gaining ground in bathroom design. 

Fortunately, elbow grease and harsh chemical cleansers are no longer the only ways to keep a bathroom clean. Today, a variety of bathroom fixtures, devices and construction materials can all help contribute to a bathroom that cleans up with less effort from you and stays that way for longer.

Innovative fixtures and faucets

Cleaning the toilet, tub and shower probably doesn’t top anyone’s list of favorite tasks. While it’s still necessary to do regular deep cleaning, when it comes to daily maintenance, a range of new bathroom additions can lend a hand.

* Self-cleaning toilets — Even in the cleanest households, the toilet can be a hotbed for a variety of unpleasantness. The new ActiClean self-cleaning toilet from American Standard can make day-to-day cleaning of the bowl a much easier task. The press of a button releases cleaning solution into the bowl for either a one-minute quick clean or a 10-minute deep clean, while the patented VorMax jetted flushing technology powerfully scours the bowl to remove all splatter, skid marks and clinging waste. At the end of the soak period, the unit automatically siphons away the cleaner and rinses the bowl with clear water. Simply press a button, walk away, and let the toilet do the rest — it’s that easy.

* Smarter showers — Sure, you can find high-tech, high-cost showers that keep shower doors spotless through nano-technology that repels dirt and water droplets. But having an easy-to-clean shower can actually be simpler and less expensive. It starts by choosing the right materials and design. For example, traditional shower doors are notorious for building up mold, mildew and grime in door tracks. Frameless shower doors can eliminate that problem. If you hate mold in tile grout (and who doesn’t?) you have numerous options. Tile your shower with a dark tile and dark grout. Or, opt for tiles made with mildew-resistant coatings. For super-easy cleaning — not to mention leading edge design — you can even choose a concrete shower.

* No-touch faucets — The bathroom faucet is the most touched area in a bathroom, which means it can also have the most germs. After all, everyone touches it right after using the toilet (you hope). Touchless bathroom sink faucets can help reduce the spread of bacteria and germs, since no one needs to touch them to turn them on. Plus, their hands-free operation ensures that the faucet stays free of fingerprints, soap scum and toothpaste splatters.  A wave of the hand starts the faucet –— and you’re on your way to a tidier, maybe even immaculate, bathroom.

Cleaner construction

Of course, if you’ll be renovating a bathroom or building a new home, the best way to ensure a cleaner bathroom at the get-go is to start with construction materials that promote cleanliness. Mildew resistant tiles and grout, mold-resistant paint, and solid surface countertops can all add up to less cleaning time down the road.

One of the most important features to incorporate into a bathroom to help keep it fresher and healthier is an exhaust fan. This will not only remove unpleasant odors from the bathroom, it will also vent moisture out of the room from steamy showers and baths. Excess moisture in a bathroom is one of the leading causes of mold and mildew, which can be unsightly, smelly and unhealthy.

Yes, you can achieve freedom from cleaning. By installing easy-to-clean bathroom fixtures and materials, you can invest less time, effort and energy keeping the room clean. Unexpected guests — drop in unannounced at any time!

5 headache-free holiday hosting tips

by

(BPT) – There’s a reason the holidays are called the most wonderful time of the year. It’s an opportunity to reconnect with loved ones over delicious food and shared traditions. But playing hostess can sometimes feel more like a burden rather than a blessing. This year, keep your holiday gathering fun, not frantic, with these headache-free holiday hosting tips.

Put time on your side. Start your dinner or cocktail party prep as soon as possible to make room for any last-minute surprises, like forgetting an ingredient or unexpected guests. Developing a checklist and assigning manageable to-do’s each day will help prevent you from feeling overwhelmed. For example, once the invitations have been extended, plan the menu, and gather recipes and a grocery list. Take inventory of your cooking supplies, serving dishes and tableware. While cleaning the house, identify what decorations are needed.

Know when to buy, when to DIY and when to ask for help. From appetizers to desserts, determine what on the menu can be homemade, made ahead of time or store-bought and how guests can contribute. Figure out what is actually feasible for your meal – it’s OK if you can’t make everything from scratch. If you’ve never made homemade pie, there is no reason to put your culinary skills to the test the night before. If budget allows, buy prepared dishes or desserts from the market and place on festive platters. Find do-ahead recipes that can be stored in the fridge until they are ready to be served. By prioritizing your menu and asking for help, it will alleviate unnecessary stress and allow you to enjoy the event.

Ditch the pile of dirty dishes in favor of disposable tableware. Instead of standing over the sink cleaning, spend the extra time celebrating with family and friends. Make sure to choose products that can stand up to heavy foods, such as mashed potatoes and gravy or stuffing. Try using eco-friendly products, such as Chinet(R) Classic White(TM) plates and bowls. They are made from recycled material and biodegradable in home composting – leaving you to only feel guilty about that second helping of green bean casserole. And if your guests are known to be animated, opt for recyclable disposable wine glasses such as Chinet Cut Crystal(R) wine glass. It will hold up the event’s style without sacrificing your favorite stemware.

Set the scene the night before. Focus on setting the table, deciding where to put the drinks, and gathering extra seating and decorating the night before. That way the day of the party, you just have to worry about putting out the food and drinks. While last minute rearranging is bound to happen, conquering the planned details ahead of time will help keep you sane.

Deck the dinner table with a napkin fold. For a sophisticated, yet deceptively easy place setting idea, consider using a perfectly coordinated line of disposable tableware and add a napkin fold as a pretty and practical accent. Although some napkin folds can be intricate, try a unique design such as a poinsettia that can be made in a matter of minutes. Include complementary greenery or pine cones for a festive touch. For more holiday entertaining tips, décor ideas and recipes, visit www.mychinet.com.

‘Tis the season for charitable giving: 5 tips for savvy donors

by

(BPT) – While many people may be thinking of pumpkins, apple picking and football in the fall, this time of year also marks the beginning of the holiday giving season.

Savvy donors understand the practical benefit of giving before the end of the calendar year — to ensure credit is received on their next tax return. In fact, about 34 percent of all charitable giving is done in the last three months of the year, according to Blackbaud Inc., a leading supplier of software and data intelligence services for nonprofit organizations.

If you are planning to support a charitable organization this holiday season, consider these tips for smart giving.

Do your research. More than 1 million charities are registered with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Compare organizations and study how they function by visiting sites such as the Better Business Bureau. The best charitable organizations ensure that the majority of their revenue goes to the causes they support, not operating expenses.

Only give to registered charities. In order to accept donations, most charitable organizations — depending on the state – must be registered with the Department of Justice (DOJ). Before you donate, check your state’s DOJ database to confirm the organization is registered.

Make sure your gift is tax-deductible. The government recognizes the value of charitable organizations, so many contributions to approved charities are tax-deductible. The key to receiving a tax deduction is making sure the charitable organization you choose is qualified by the IRS. To be sure, visit the IRS website. You must also keep accurate records, so get a written acknowledgment or receipt for your financial contribution.

For those who can’t afford to contribute financially to a cause, there are other ways to make a positive local impact throughout the year.

Do business with companies that also give back. According to the National Philanthropic Trust, corporate giving in 2015 increased to $18.46 billion — a 3.9 percent increase from $17.77 billion in 2014. Companies — large and small — are finding new ways to enhance their own corporate giving.

For instance, Ply Gem Industries, a leading U.S. manufacturer of home building products including windows, siding, roofing and more, recently launched the Home for Good project to build affordable housing across America. The company made a multi-year commitment to donate more than $1 million in products and funds to Habitat for Humanity — helping build nearly 300 homes in 2016 alone – with company associates and industry professionals also volunteering their time to support the project.

“Corporations today have an obligation to the communities they serve,” says Gary E. Robinette, chairman and CEO, Ply Gem Industries. “In fact, multiple studies show that consumers are increasingly more willing to do business with companies that make positive social impacts. Ply Gem’s Home for Good project embodies this philosophy while ensuring that we help make the communities where we live, work and play better.”

Take your giving beyond a monetary donation by getting involved. The holiday season often serves as a reminder for citizens to give back by volunteering their time. Check out programs like Home for Good, which offer the opportunity to volunteer in cities across the United States. To find ways to make a difference in your area, visit www.HomeForGoodProject.com.

By following these tips, you can make a difference this season and reduce your tax burden for the upcoming year.

3 tire tips to cruise through winter, safely

by

(BPT) – The leaves are falling, temperatures are dropping and winter will soon be here. While snow can be pleasant to look at, it can also wreak havoc on roadways and create hazardous driving conditions during the winter months.Everyone dreads the nerv…

Sentimental gift ideas with lasting meaning

by

(BPT) – The newest gadgets and gizmos are popular gifts for both young and old. However, as quickly as these items gain notoriety, they just as quickly lose it. Soon they are forgotten or replaced.

More people desire to create a gift-giving experience that will always be remembered. That’s why sentimental gifts are so special. They allow the gift receiver to tap into a special place of nostalgia that holds such unique meaning.

If you want to skip the season’s hottest gifts and instead give a gift that will be loved for years to come, consider these ideas:

Beautifully framed photography

Special photos don’t belong on your phone or in a shoe box. The perfect image makes the perfect gift when it’s professionally printed and framed. Companies like Livestock Framing offer custom printing and framing services without the high price tag. Simply visit www.LivestockFraming.com, upload a photo (this can be done directly from your phone), and select from four gorgeous frame colors and six sizes. Master printers provide complimentary image touch-up and artisans in Portland, Oregon assemble your frame by hand. In mere moments you can order a gift guaranteed to be a tear-jerker.

Recreate a past experience

Does your loved one always talk about a special past experience? Turn their favorite stories into new memories by recreating them. Perhaps it’s a picnic at the park where you first met. Maybe it’s road tripping to a favorite childhood restaurant. Perhaps it’s scoring tickets to the rock band that ignited their youth. Not only will this gift show them you care, but it blends memories of the past with new memories for the ultimate in sentimental gift-giving.

Compliment collection

Show them you care 365 days a year by gifting something they can open every day. It will take some time, but sit down with a notebook and write down memories, compliments and encouraging words. When you finish 365, fold the notes and place in a mason jar, wooden box or other nice container. Give this gift to your loved one and explain it’s meaning and how they should open one note each day for the next year. This is an emotional gift that’s great between spouses or parents and children.

Hand-print art

For parents, grandparents, godparents and other loved ones, a sentimental gift can hold great meaning when it’s related to children. Because kids grow up so fast, you can capture a moment in time by creating beautiful hand-print art as a gift. Use acrylic paint to add hand prints in the shape of trees or animals to fabric or a canvas to create a stunning wall hanging. Combine hand prints of siblings or different generations to create a keepsake that will be cherished forever.

Special edition book

In today’s digital age, there’s something extra special about the written word. If your loved one has a favorite book, see if you can find a first edition or author-signed copy to gift. It might be a modern novel or an old storybook from their childhood. Just make sure it’s a book that they love and you’ll surely hit a home run when it’s opened. If you and your kids haven’t read the book, offer to read it together and have family discussions about the characters and story line. A lively weekly discussion about the chapters will build lasting memories to enhance the meaning of this special gift.

Fall: Best season for planting trees that boost home and community value

by

(BPT) – Planting a tree is an investment in the future, according to a Greek proverb: “A society grows great when old men plant trees under whose shade they never expect to sit.” But did you know planting trees around your home is also an investment in your real estate value and the value of your neighborhood? Or, that it’s one best made not in the season of new life, spring, but in the fall as winter approaches?

Most Americans say they would — and in fact do — pay more for a home with trees in the yard, according to a Wakefield Research survey sponsored by the Alliance for Community Trees, a program of the Arbor Day Foundation. On average, Americans pay 18 percent more for a house with trees in the yard, and 79 percent say they feel trees define their neighborhood’s character. Nearly three quarters say they would never move to a neighborhood that didn’t have trees.

“The presence of trees in a neighborhood is as important to homebuyers as proximity to good schools, accessibility to shopping and entertainment, and commutability to work,” says Dana Karcher, Alliance for Community Trees program manager. “But the value of trees goes far beyond beautifying a neighborhood. Planting trees helps on a local and global scale by reducing air pollution, controlling stormwater runoff and even mitigating climate change.”

With 61 percent of Americans saying they would welcome more trees in their neighborhoods, planting one in your home environment is good for your property value and your community. What’s more, fall is a perfect time for planting trees and shrubs. The fall planting season kicks off with NeighborWoods month in October, the annual celebration of trees and green communities that supports local tree planting organizations and their efforts to make neighborhoods cleaner, greener and healthier. This initiative is made possible in part by like minded companies including Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day (R), Double Tree by Hilton and the Aetna Foundation. Visit arborday.org/neighborwoods to learn more.

If you’re considering planting a tree or two this fall, here are some things to keep in mind:

* While spring may be the best time to plant flowers and vegetables, fall is the optimum season for planting trees. In spring, trees don’t have enough time to grow deep roots before summer heat hits. Fall means warm soil, wetter weather and cooler air that promote root growth, helping a newly planted tree get established before the weather turns cold and the ground freezes.

* Mid-August through mid-October is the best time to plant a tree in northern and cooler locations. In warmer areas, like the south, you may be able to plant well into November. Talk to your local nursery or an arborist to determine the best planting window where you live. Planting these types of trees in fall means they’ll be well established when next spring’s growing season arrives.

* Some types of trees need longer to become established, while others need less time. Look for trees that don’t require a lengthy growing period before they can withstand harsher temperatures. Options include ash, crabapple, hawthorn, elm, linden, maple, sycamore, pines and spruces. Not sure what to plant? The Arbor Day Foundation offers an online tree selection tool to help you understand what trees will grow best in your region.

* Trees are prepared for planting in three ways — bare root, containerized and balled and burlap. The best methods for planting trees will be based on how the roots look. Bare root trees have completely exposed roots, and you’ll need to soak the roots before planting. Bare root trees tend to grow faster than those in containers. Plants from nurseries often come in containers that need to be removed before you plant the tree. Root balls are typically wrapped in burlap, which must also be removed when you plant the tree.

To learn more about the benefits of planting trees and how to care for your trees, visit www.arborday.org.

 

Categories Uncategorized

Say yes to ‘ho-ho-ho’ and no to holiday allergies

by

(BPT) – Shouldn’t this be the season for walks in the snow, gift-shopping, family gatherings, ho-ho-ho and mistletoe? So why are you still sneezing?

Granted, certain times of year are more allergen-filled than others, but the truth is, allergy symptoms can hit you in any season – even the holiday season! What’s more, the holidays bring unique triggers such as mold from evergreens inside your home, dust from long-stored decorations and food allergens in holiday foods.

“When you top off holiday allergens with the hectic pace and stress this time of year can bring, you have a recipe for a very sneeze-filled season,” says Dr. Stephen Tilles, president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI). “No one wants to be a Scrooge during the holidays. With some planning and precautions, it’s possible to reduce your exposure to allergens and have a more pleasant season.”

The ACAAI offers these tips to help navigate the many seasonal triggers you may face during the holidays:

Dodging decoration disaster

Decorations are meant to make the holiday season bright, but holiday adornments can harbor allergens. Mold from Christmas trees can trigger sneezing and wheezing. Aromas from scented candles can cause congestion and affect breathing. Decorations stored in attics or garages from year to year can be a home for sneeze-inducing dust mites.

Artificial trees, wreaths and garlands can be an alternative to live decorations that host mold. Remove dusty decorations from storage and clean them outside before bringing them indoors. At the end of the season, store them in sealed containers to keep out dust. Avoid using artificial scents like candles and room sprays that can trigger symptoms for people with allergies and asthma. Instead, fill your home with natural aromas by baking holiday goodies or setting out a dish of unwrapped peppermints.

Safer holiday feasting

Seasonal foods are as much a part of the holiday season as tinsel and twinkling lights. However, dining as a guest in someone’s home can be a problem for people with food allergies.

If you have food allergies, alert your host ahead of time. Offer to bring a dish or two that you know will be safe for you to eat. Carefully read labels on prepared foods to ensure they haven’t been made with trigger ingredients or in a facility where they might have come in contact with allergens. If you’re hosting someone with food allergies, be sure to prepare some allergen-free dishes and clearly label those that have common trigger ingredients like shellfish, tree nuts and peanuts. 

Avoid travel trip ups

Whether you’re visiting distant relatives or sharing a holiday meal with nearby neighbors, traveling during the holidays can mean exposure to allergens. Your neighbor’s beloved dog or cat may trigger pet allergies, no matter how well she cleans the house. The sheets on your hotel room bed may be washed in a detergent that causes itching, and the pillows may expose you to dust mites.

Be sure to pack your allergy medication before traveling. If you’re hosting, check with guests before they arrive to see what their allergy triggers are and get their guidance on what you can do to mitigate their exposure to allergens in your home.

Finally, don’t forget that it’s also flu season and flu can trigger or make existing allergy and asthma worse. Get a flu shot, and be sure to wash your hands regularly throughout the holidays. If you do experience an allergy or asthma attack, see your board-certified allergist. You can get more information about allergies and asthma, and find an allergist near you at AllergyAndAsthmaRelief.org.