Prime Life 04 by Fox Printing and Digital Publishing

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Lived

Three Great Exercises for Expectant Moms

The Value of a New Kitchen Tips and Tricks for Picky Eaters

iF x

THE NERVE CELL, FIX THE BRAIN

contents 04

Whether caring for a new kitten or helping a canine companion live well into old age, regular teeth cleaning helps maintain the health of your pets.

06 Health

16 Green

Tips and Tricks for Picky Eaters

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Time to Say Goodbye to Plastic Grocery Bags

08 DIY

On The Cover:

HEALTH Tips and Tricks for Picky Eaters The Value of a New Kitchen

Wine A Little Cork Holiday Wreath

18 Recipe

10 Exercise

20 Home

Three Great Exercises for Expectant Moms

The Value of a New Kitchen

12 Pets

5 Tips on How to Save for Your Next Vacation

Caring for the Teeth of Your Pets

Sticky Toffee Pudding

22 Finance

13 Recipe Cranberry Barbecue Mini Meatballs 14 Cover Story Fix the Nerve Cell Fix the Brain

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executive publishers Hal G. Fox & Suzanne Polk Fox

managing editor Suzanne Polk Fox

copy editor

CREDITS

Chad Ruiz

contributing writers Taylor Bauer Jacqueline Bledsoe Kai Bragg Emily Koelsch Shannon Magee Shirin Mehdi Crissie Mergogey Juliane Morris Kristy Podruchny Don Potochny

art design

Tra Pham Claire Thomas

The information contained in Prime Life is intended for educational purposes only. A reader should never substitute information contained in Prime Life for the advice of a health care professional. Jumpstart Publishing, LLC and publishers of Prime Life, do not endorse or promote any of the products or services described in the pages of Prime Life and the publishers do not verify the accuracy of any claims made in the editorial or advertisements contained in Prime Life. Readers should not use the information in Prime Life for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment. Readers should consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication, or have or suspect they have a health problem. V10

Involve children in meal planning and cooking. The more involved they are, the more likely they will try new things. Health

Tips and Tricks for Picky Eaters

Enjoy Healthy Snacks and Meals

ealtime is supposed to be special for families to be together, share daily experiences and enjoy good food. But, if you have picky eaters in your family, mealtimes can become stressful and frustrating for everyone, with children dreading food forced upon them and parents anxious about their children getting the nutrients they need. While it’s important to feed your child a healthy and well-balanced diet, it’s also important to make sure that every snack and meal isn’t a battle. Here are some stress-free tricks to get your finicky eaters trying and enjoying healthy foods. Introduce new fruits and vegetables by pairing them with foods children like. Sure, carrots are healthier when not doused in ranch

Emi ly Koel s ch and apples overloaded with peanut butter have a good bit of sugar, but if some add-ons get your youngsters eating fresh fruits and vegetables for snacks, they’re well worth it. Plus, you can pare down the extras once they get more comfortable with new foods. Use smoothies as an easy way to sneak in fruits and vegetables. Smoothies are a small step from a milkshake in the eyes of children but are a great way to sneak some extra nutrients into you’re their diet. They’re perfect for an easy breakfast or afterschool snack. (See recipe below.) Start a family garden. Having a family garden with fruits and vegetables can be a fun way to introduce children to new foods. After growing and harvesting produce, even picky eaters will be excited to try what they

grew. And if they’re not, don’t panic. Involve them in using the fresh produce in recipes that they might enjoy more – using the tomatoes to make a sauce, making homemade pizza with fresh veggies on top or making a cobbler with fresh fruit. Involve children in meal planning and cooking. The more involved they are with the cooking process, the more likely children will be to try new things. Plus, even if they don’t, being involved in meal planning and cooking helps them develop healthy food habits. Make healthy eating a social activity. Children are often more likely to try new things with friends around. Rather than pulling out junk food when friends are over, make an event of snack time and use it as an opportunity to get your child eating new things. Peer pressure doesn’t

always have to be a bad thing, so use it to your advantage when you can! Create a non-food reward system for trying new foods. Sticker charts, extra play time or earning points towards a favorite activity can be a great way to bring some joy back to mealtimes. Focusing on fun, non-food rewards can make children excited to try different foods. Perhaps most important of all, take the pressure off. Relax at mealtime and trust that if you’re modeling healthy eating, providing well-balanced options and building healthy habits, you and your picky eaters will do just fine – even if meals aren’t picture perfect. Use the above tricks to get a few easy wins, take a deep breath and enjoy family meals as the work in progress that they are. QUICK AND EASY BREAKFAST BERRY SMOOTHIE  2 cups plain non-fat yogurt (no sugar added)  2 cups frozen mixed berries  1.5 cups low-sugar orange juice  Mix all ingredients together. Blend until smooth and serve immediately. Note: for more adventurous eaters that are not overwhelmed by foods with unique colors, add a handful of fresh spinach or kale to give an extra boost. Serves 4.  To add a little more to this breakfast, serve with an Ants on a Log Banana: slice a banana in half, layer with all-natural peanut butter and sprinkle with raisins.

Wine A Little CORK HOLIDAY WREATH DIY

ANN JAREMA

ith the holiday season just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about how to adorn your home to help you celebrate. If you have used the same old decorations year after year, now is the time to make something new! And if you have enjoyed a bottle of wine over the past few months or years, you may have corks sitting around. Of course, if you don’t have any spare corks lying around, you can make a trip to your nearby restaurant and ask them if they can hold any corks for you over the coming weeks. You might even get lucky and they’ll have some sitting around for you. If this doesn’t work for you, most craft stores carry cork by the bag, which makes it easy to make a large project like this one.

In just a few hours, you can have your very own wine cork wreath ready to hang over the mantle, on the front door or anywhere in your home. And not only do these wreaths look great on display, they make great gifts too. To get started, collect the following supplies and ensure they are within arm’s reach in your crafting corner. If you don’t have a favorite crafting place, you can easily set up shop in your kitchen, laundry room, garage or anywhere that provides you the space to work easily.

SUPPLIES NEEDED: • 14" Styrofoam wreath • 20 mini glue sticks and a mini hot glue gun • 6 to 7 yards of ribbon (color of your choice–we suggest red) • 2 ft ribbon for bow (color of your choice – we suggest red) • X-ACTO knife or similar craft-type cutting device (a straight chef’s knife will also suffice) • 4 ft brown craft paper • 1 bottle tacky glue • 100 satin crafting pins (to adhere the thin ribbon for decoration) • 100-140 wine corks

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DIRECTIONS:  Cover your foam wreath with the craft paper using tacky glue. Think of this in the same way you wrap a wrist or ankle with an Ace bandage. Continue until the entire wreath is covered with craft paper. One layer of craft paper will suffice.  Taking your X-ACTO knife, clip the ends of each cork at a small angle. Perfection isn’t necessary here. In fact, the variability will create some interesting dimension for your wreath. Note, if you are going for a red wreath or want to create a unique look, consider inconsistency on which end of the cork to snip. You may want to showcase the natural red from a red wine on some of the cork ends, and then have a more cork-look to the others.

 Laying your wrapped wreath flat on your work space, and using your hot glue, start gluing the corks around the middle of the spine of the wreath. (The glue goes on the angled portion of the cork). Keep adding rows until you have worked all the way around your wreath, in multiple rows.  Add your embellishments and other desired decorations with the craft pins. Twisted bows or bursts of ribbon bundles coming from in between the corks create a lovely look and help to break up the monotony of the corks.  Add your ribbon to the top or bottom front of the wreath (this is truly up to personal preference).

 Allow your wreath to dry overnight. Once dry, add a hook or an additional segment of looped ribbon to the top back of the wreath, to create ease in hanging. This is a personal preference as well, as some prefer to hang the wreath simply by the wreath itself, without using a hook.

Exercise

Three Great Exercises for Expectant Moms

HIP OPENER WITH LEG STRETCH

JULIANE MORRIS

Exercises like these can help labor and delivery-related muscles, keeping you as comfortable and injury-free as possible. Upcoming labor and delivery? Want to get ahead with a few simple exercises that are beneficial for not only when the day arrives, but also for before and after? Consider incorporating these three exercises into a daily routine. Certain exercises are beneficial to lengthening your pelvic muscles and softening tissue, for practicing getting into labor positions, practicing relaxation techniques, pushing during delivery, preventing prolapse and helping prevent and treat urinary incontinence, relieving back pain, and more.

Hold for 10-15 Seconds

While your uterus is growing, your center of gravity is shifting. You canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t help but be mindful about your changing body and related body mechanics. Your coordination, posture and abilities change. Some muscles seem weaker while others feel stronger or tighter. Exercises like these can help strengthen and relax different labor and delivery muscles, keeping you as comfortable and injury-free as possible. Listen to your body as you try them and always consult with your medical professional if you have any concerns.

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Sit gently on the floor. Turn your upper body toward one side facing a slightly flexed foot. Lean forward slowly, rolling forward gently from your hips and walking your arms out to the leg in front of you, with your upper body extending over your natural hip bend. Hold for 10-15 seconds. On an exhale, return slowly to the upright position, tightening your core and pulling your belly into your spine. Transition to the other leg and side slowly and repeat.

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DEEP SQUAT

Repeat 4-6 times

Stand with both feet hip-distance apart. Inhale through your nose as you hinge at the hips, bending at the knee and then slowly moving toward a sitting motion into a squat position, while placing your chin inward slightly as a nod position. Exhale slowly and evenly as you fold and hold at the hips with bended knees, reaching your sitting bones out and behind, and with your arms and upper body out straight, almost parallel to the floor or mat. Hold the squat and breathe 5-8 breaths. Exhale slowly with core tightened as you return to the original position. Repeat 4-6 times.

From a seated position on the floor, keep your core tight, reaching your arms backwards to the mat, touching your fingertips to the floor and squeezing your shoulder blades together. Keep your shoulder rotator area rolled back and low, not front, tight or high. Your neck should be relaxed and tilted slightly backwards. Inhale through your nose and allow your lungs to fill with air and your stomach muscles to relax. Exhale a slow and even breath from your mouth, envisioning your belly muscles wrapping and hugging your baby into your spine. Hold this position for 30 seconds, breathing throughout. Repeat 3-5 times.

HIP OPENER WITH PELVIC FLOOR STRETCHING

Repeat 3-5 times

Pets

A good daily brushing is optimal, but three to four brushings per week is generally considered acceptable.

Caring

for the Teeth of Your Pet

Kai Bragg

or most of us, taking care of our teeth is important but how often do we think about the health of our pet’s teeth? Whether caring for a new kitten or helping a canine companion live well into old age, regular teeth cleaning helps maintain the health of your pets. By taking a little time to care for the teeth of your furry friends now, you can keep their mouth healthy and save yourself thousands of dollars in future vet bills. Taking care of your animal’s teeth is simple. Start with a standard toothbrush. Daily brushing is optimal but three to four brushings per week is considered acceptable. With specialty toothbrushes available, including extended length and over the finger models, it should be easy to find a style that works for both you and your pet. For onthe-go pet owners, a chewable dental treat or toy serves as a great option. Available for animals of all sorts, these chews can provide supplementary tooth care for the times in-between brushings. While, at first, your pet may not enjoy having their teeth brushed, over time it can come to be something they enjoy. It takes repetition so be patient and remember that your pet is learning. Be sure to avoid using toothpaste formulated for humans, as some of the ingredients can make your

pet ill. With many meat and treat-flavored toothpastes available through your veterinarian or local pet store, you’ll have your pet looking forward to their next tooth brushing. You can also pay your vet to professionally clean your pet’s teeth—a service that will set you back around $300. Dental problems can take a serious toll on an animal’s health so it’s important to regularly visit your vet. Your pet’s health begins with you! Frequent brushing and supplementary tooth care is the best way to help your pets avoid dental disease. By taking simple, daily steps and incorporating teeth cleaning into your pet’s regular routine, you can help them have a happy mouth for years to come.

Signs of Dental Disease: • Bad Breath (most common) • Broken, loose or infected teeth • Extra teeth • Discolored or abnormal teeth

• Unusual chewing and drooling • Pain in or around mouth • Bleeding • Swelling • Reduced appetite

CRANBERRY

Recipe

BARBECUE MINI MEATBALLS AMANDA BOCHAIN INGREDIENTS • 2 pounds lean ground beef • 1 cup panko bread crumbs • 2 tbsp soy sauce • 2 large eggs • ½ cup ketchup • 1 can cranberry sauce (16 ounces) • 1 cup fresh cranberries (optional) • 1 ½ cups barbecue sauce • ¼ cup brown sugar • 2 tbsp fresh squeezed lemon juice • ½ tsp salt • ¼ tsp pepper • ½ tsp dried parsley

 Add the cranberry sauce, brown sugar, lemon juice, cranberries (if using) and barbecue sauce to a slow cooker. Stir well.  In a large bowl, combine the remaining ingredients and mix well, ensuring that everything is fully blended together.  Roll the beef mixture into small, one inch meatballs. You can use a tablespoon to scoop the meat and then roll it into a ball so that all of your meatballs are uniform in size. As you roll, place the meatballs directly into the

slow cooker with the barbecue cranberry sauce.  Once all the meatballs are rolled, cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 4 hours.  Serve the meatballs directly out of the slow cooker or place on a plate with toothpicks for people to enjoy as a delicious holiday appetizer!

Active Time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 4 hours Yield: 8 Servings

Cover Story

here’s one in every family. Someone who just doesn’t march to the same drummer – the eccentric aunt who never leaves the house, the embarrassing alcoholic uncle, or a child who battles severe depression. What happened? Why aren’t they as normal as the rest of your relatives? The answer may be as simple as recognizing that everyone is different. Today, it is easier than ever to prove that no two people are exactly alike and easier to understand why someone is more prone to addiction or depression. Thanks to the full mapping of the genome – that’s the total of the 30,000 to 40,000 genes that make up you and no one else – the genetic research has accelerated personalized treatment that addresses root causes of certain disorders as well as hard-to-treat mental health conditions.

Fix

THE NERVE CELL, FIX THE BRAIN Towny Robinson Introduces Natural Alternatives for Anxiety, Depression, Addiction and Cognitive Dysfunction

Patricia F. Danflous

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“What we now know is that heredity or genetic makeup plays a big part in the nerve cell’s ability to produce and balance brain chemicals to maintain normal brain health and wellness,” explained Towny Robinson, a national expert in the brain biochemistry field. “No matter how some people try to maintain a healthy lifestyle, they can’t lose weight, they are fatigued, depressed, anxious or have a tendency toward addictive behaviors.” When Robinson recognized the potential of full genome mapping, he zeroed in on nerve cells as the first step in what he calls, fixing the brain. “Fix the nerve cell, fix the brain,” he simplifies the foundation for his increasingly successful psychiatric bio-genetic pharmaceutical company, JayMac Pharmaceuticals. The company’s organic Vitamin B folate rich products – EnLyte, EnLyte-D ENL, LUMA, and the prescription only EnBrace HR – have been clinically proven to quickly address the root causes of depression including perinatal and post-partum depression, anxiety and addiction. Since the genome has now been completely mapped, science has identified the precise defective genes that can cause the nerve cells to not make enough brain chemicals to maintain normal brain health and wellness. “The most common minor genetic defect is MTHFR which prevents the last-step function of the enzyme that metabolizes folate,” Robinson said. “Ethnicity, medications, malabsorption syndrome issues, lifestyle issues such as smoking, drinking, or taking illicit drugs can eliminate folate from the system as well,” he said. “But this gene defect causes people not to be able to produce normal amounts of neurotransmitters such as serotonin or dopamine that are essential to cell metabolism for normalcy, for wellness. If you have the MTHFR defect, your mental wellness is at extreme risk despite a good diet, regular exercise and other healthy lifestyle habits.” Studies focusing on folate deficiency and depression indicate that 90 percent of people with depression have a folate deficiency. “The deficiency may not be the exact single cause of your issue,” Robinson said, “but it's a major cause and once you fix that, then you’re back on the road to wellness.” The MTHFR defect is determined by an inexpensive, home DNA saliva swab test by physician order or self-ordered at Direct Value Dispense. It was in 2010 in the midst of on-going research that Robinson came across “The Use of Folates in Depression,” a study reported in The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. “The study categorized all of the folates, conditions and the MTHFR gene defect,” he said. “It put it all together for me, and I realized that the current folate on the market at that time was good, but it wasn't completely addressing what we needed for wellness and mental health normalcy. I wanted to put together a product that could and would address that need. We set about doing that with products that combine the three forms of folates and B-vitamins in one product and got it done after extensive research and trial studies. It works.” For Robinson, the biggest benefit of a product that targets genetic insufficiencies is found in its mental health applications.

“It normalizes all of your daily and nightly mental activities and capacity which is so important for wellness,” he explained. “Our brains operate like computers. If you don’t have electricity going properly at the right time to the right parts, then you are at risk for depression, anxiety, bipolar, schizophrenia and a whole host of associated mental diseases.” For Henry, a 48-year-old patient who experienced long periods of sadness, depression and anxiety, normalcy came in less than a month after his physician recommended EnLyte. “I was just about back to my old self two-weeks after I started EnLyte,” he reported. “I was able to decrease my reliance on other, non-organic medications and am energetic and motivated for the first time in several years.” “I was able to fall asleep and stay asleep for the first time in my life since I started using EnLyte,” said one young female with a long history of severe depression. “Even better, I was finally able to complete my college degree and move forward with a more normal life.” For Diane Pratt, who coordinates the DNA testing and product sales, success stories are sustaining her energy and motivation to educate individuals about genetic deficiencies, wellness and mental health. “These new products present an opportunity for those who continually ask, ‘what’s wrong with me?’ and ‘why can’t I feel normal?’,” she said. “Just knowing that there is something all natural that's going to give the brain what it's deficient in is very freeing to a lot of people. One pill, once a day that is all natural, with no side effects. We have an 87% refill rate – that’s how I know that people are finding answers.” JayMac products are available in prescription formula through a physician or psychiatrist or as a non-prescription medical food. “You don’t have to be diagnosed with a specific condition to benefit from the supplement,” Pratt said. “It helps all of us feel better and more energetic with healthier brain cells." “While we recommend the genetic screening, it is not necessary,” she said, noting that the saliva test screens for the MTHFR defect and results are shared only with patients and/ or their physician. Pratt and a team of patient educators are available to discuss all aspects of the organic products, and review test results.

If you don’t have electricity going properly at the right time to the right parts, then you are at risk for depression, anxiety, bipolar, schizophrenia and a whole host of associated mental INSPIRE diseases.” HEALTH 15

Green

It’s Time to

Say Goodbye to Plastic Grocery Bags

Talk of the impact of plastic on the environment is nothing new, but what once was a suggestion to stop using plastic is revving up to a cry for help. With global warming raising sea levels, melting polar ice caps and creating more severe weather than usual, it is time to start doing everything you can to help the environment. Easy starting point? Say goodbye to plastic grocery bags. TAYLOR BAUER

What’s Harmful about Plastic Bags?

The most harmful thing about plastic bags is that they are not biodegradable, meaning they can’t break down naturally. Items that don’t break down naturally are often placed in landfills where the burning of waste fills the water and air with harmful pollution. If the bags do not make it to a landfill, animals often mistake them for food. Land and marine mammals have been known to try and eat plastic bags and species from sea turtles to camels have died from making this mistake.

What’s the Best Alternative?

There are two great ways to counter the dangers of plastic bags. First and foremost, stop using them! An easy solution is to bring along reusable shopping bags. Canvas totes are the most popular alternative and can easily fold down and store in a car or purse. Of course, you may still use plastic bags from time to time if you leave your reusable bag behind at home or work. Luckily, many grocery stores now offer recycling centers for plastic grocery bags to ensure they get recycled rather than thrusted into the environment to cause harm to the ecosystem. It’s nice to have a failsafe, but if you can, try to make a habit out of bringing reusable bags like canvas totes with you when you run errands. It doesn’t take much to make this practice a habit!

Small Changes,

BIG IMPACTS Switching how you store and transport your groceries might not seem like a big change but to the environment and animals, it makes a huge impact. Greenhouse emissions and choking hazards are harmful to Earth’s most precious creatures and over time, humans will also feel the harmfulness of wasteful consumption and mindless consumer practices like plastic grocery bags. Making a change today could mean a brighter future and all it takes is the effort to say enough is enough.

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It’s more than a little difficult to find a savory, satisfying dessert on the keto diet. Those sugar cravings are often our undoing. One way to set yourself up for success is by making a huge batch of “fat bombs.” These tasty little treats make a great pick me up in the middle of the day or in between meals; and they keep you satisfied for hours. INGREDIENTS  1 cup almond butter  1 cup coconut oil  4 ounces of dark chocolate  ½ cup unsweetened cocao powder  1/3 cup coconut flour  1 teaspoon vanilla powder or unsweetened vanilla extract  Coconut flakes, cinnamon and/or DIRECTIONS O ver medium heat, combine almond butter, coconut oil and dark chocolate in a pot. Pour mixture into a bowl. O nce well-combined, add cocao powder, coconut flour and vanilla powder. Pour mixture into a bowl and place in refrigerator for 15 minutes or until solid. B etween hands, press and roll mixture into palm-sized balls. Set balls on a plate until you use all of the mixture.  Roll in chia seeds, coconut flakes, ground nuts, cinnamon or toppings of choice. Refrigerate for 5 minutes then serve.

Recipe

STICKY

TOFFEE PUDDING Ama nda Bocha in

INGREDIENTS • 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream • ¾ cup butter • ½ cup corn syrup • 6 dates, pitted, chopped • 1 cup granulated white sugar • ¾ cup brown sugar • ¾ cup warm water • ¼ tsp baking soda • ¼ tsp salt • ¾ cup flour • 1 tsp baking powder • 1 large egg • 1 tsp vanilla extract DIRECTIONS 1. Place ½ cup of the butter, corn syrup, white granulated sugar and 1 ¼ cup of the heavy whipping cream in a saucepan and bring to a boil over low heat. Cook for about 40 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce is golden brown. Remove from the heat and pour through a strainer to remove any pieces that formed during cooking. Set the sauce aside to cool. 2. Add the dates and water to a separate small saucepan and cook

Active Time: 30 minutes Yield: 6 Servings

over low heat, simmering for about 15 minutes. During this time, the dates will absorb most of the water. 3. Place the dates in a food processor along with any remaining liquid and blend until smooth. 4. Add the remaining ¼ cup butter and brown sugar to the bowl of a stand mixer and beat on high speed until the butter is light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl several times to ensure all the ingredients are well combined. 5. Add the egg, date puree and vanilla extract to the bowl and blend until incorporated. 6. Add the flour, salt, baking soda and baking powder and mix again until a smooth batter forms. 7. Grease 6 ramekins with butter or baking spray then scoop the batter into the ramekins. It is okay if the batter comes to the top of the cup! 8. Place the ramekins on a sheet tray and bake for 20 minutes in a preheated 350 degree oven. Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool slightly.

9. Use a small serrated knife to trim the top of each cake so that it is flat and level with the top of the ramekin. Unmold the cakes gently then slice each cake in half horizontally. 10. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the sticky toffee sauce into the bottom of each ramekin then place the bottom halves of the cakes back in the ramekin. Scoop another tablespoon of the sauce on top of each cake then place the top halves of the cakes back in the ramekins as well. Pour another tablespoon of sauce over the ramekins and then return the cakes to the oven for another 10 minutes. 11. Once the toffee sauce is bubbling, remove from the oven, cool for about 5 minutes and then unmold (use a knife to go around the edges of the ramekin if needed). Serve the toffee pudding with any remaining toffee sauce, whipped cream or ice cream. Enjoy!

Home

The Value of a New Kitchen Shannon Magee Kitchens are one of the most frequently requested home remodeling projects. It tends to be the center of the home, (Really, does a day go by without spending time there?) and the impact of an update is felt immediately.  What’s on your wish list? Better countertop space? More cabinets? New appliances? Or does the actual look of your kitchen need a gentle nudge into the 21st century? The first step in the process is to come up with your wish list. Try to include a blend of specific items/requests like open shelving, needs to be brighter, bigger cabinets, etc.  Budget analysis Once you’ve come up with your wish list, you can now determine what your budget will be for your project. Kitchen remodeling

is still a good choice for future resale value, but be realistic. Allowing a budget that is between 6 - 10% of your home’s value is recommended for a full kitchen remodel. You may not be ready to commit to this large of a project and instead, desire a smaller-scale renovation. Either way, determine your budget and then add an additional 20 percent for any surprise expenses. This way, you’ll be prepared for any unplanned expenditures, and if it’s not spent at the end of your project, you can use it to celebrate with friends in your new space.

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Allowing a budget that is between 6 10% of your home’s value is recommended for a full kitchen remodel.

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The placement of your sink, refrigerator, and cooktop should allow for easy movement.

 Big changes for less If a complete overhaul of your kitchen is not in the cards, look at your existing space and think about how it can be used more efficiently. The concept of the “work triangle” is important - the placement of your sink, refrigerator and cooktop should allow

for easy movement. However, it may not be practical to move plumbing and electrical outlets. One answer could be adding a kitchen island. These pieces can be purchased separately, installed without a great deal of disruption and can add both valuable countertop real estate and a seating area.

Other updates that you might feel comfortable tackling are painting cabinets, taking off doors to create open shelving and replacing countertops. Adding some open shelves just for display can really increase the visual appeal of your kitchen and allow you to add some accent colors. Additional lighting is always a winning proposition - just like cabinets, there’s never enough. Under-counter LED lights are a simple upgrade, as is installing track lighting with pendant lamps over work areas. No matter your budget, an updated kitchen is a good investment. You’ll enjoy the improved space and the upgrades increase your home’s value. Doing it in stages is a great way to enjoy it with minimum disruption - get out those idea notebooks and dig in!

Finance

Tips

On How to Save for Your Next Vacation Don Potochny

ou deserve a break today. The memorable catchphrase helped McDonald’s sell millions of Big Macs and Egg McMuffins. You TOO deserve a break, except the break is not today, but for many tomorrows into the future. Planning a vacation is about as much work as work itself. Here are five tips on how to save for your next vacation.  Start a Savings Account Solely for Your Vacation You opened a retirement account (you have, right?) and put away money for a down payment on a new car. The same principle applies for saving money for a dream vacation. You do not want to max out every credit card just to enjoy a few days under the Caribbean sun. If you max out every credit card, you won’t enjoy another vacation for years to come.

Put a little money aside each week months before you want to get away from it all. Check out apps like Acorns, Digit and Stash for help saving money and earning interest on your money.  Moonlighting: More than a Show on TV Land Most Americans live on tight budgets that prevent them from enjoying lengthy vacations. One of the best tips for saving enough money to relax at your favorite destination is to take on a second job. No, not a full time job but a part time job that you work two or three shifts per week. Restaurant service jobs are ideal second gigs for full time workers. You walk home with cash in your pocket every night which you should promptly place in the vacation piggy bank..  Just Say No to Hollywood We’re not protesting the quality of movies coming

out of Tinseltown. We just think that cutting back on watching movies at theaters is a great way to put aside more cash for your next vacation. Not only are tickets expensive, a vat of popcorn removes about $10 from your wallet. Download movies at home and let the microwave do the popcorn popping.

Check out apps like Acorns, Digit and Stash for help saving money and earning interest on your money.

 Dine In, with Class Have you wondered why millennials prefer to eat at home, whether they cook for themselves or order out? Maybe the often-ridiculed generation is saving enough money to enjoy a comfortable vacation. By cutting back on eating out two or three times a week, you can save plenty of cash to bring along on your next vacation..  Have a Garage Sale The most effective way to raise instant cash besides depleting your body of blood involves holding a garage. Organize all the things you do not use anymore and attach reasonable prices to each item. Selling clothing, furniture, and sporting equipment can generate enough cash to extend your dream vacation by a few days. One more trick: Save money on your next vacation by leaving town during the slow months of the tourist season. The busiest time of the year for the tourism industry is between Memorial Day and Labor Day. You can also save money by staying home during the winter holidays.

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Community

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