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4 Improve your kitchen for entertaining
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If your home is the one your family and friends gravitate to for parties and seasonal celebrations, you need to make sure it can handle all that attention. Upgrading your kitchen can be one of the most rewarding home improvement projects for those who entertain frequently. Here are a few upgrades that can improve your kitchen’s visual appeal and utility for better entertaining. Open and Shut Is your kitchen storage bursting at the seams? Do those cabinets that once looked so great now seem tired? Today’s top kitchens employ a combination of open shelving and closed cabinetry to deliver stunning looks and top functionality. Install open shelving for things you use the most and for visually appealing dishes and glasses. It’s easy for you to grab what you need and for guests to know where to turn for an extra plate or tumbler. And open shelves are terrific for showcas-
ing that favorite set of after-dinner glassware or that sleek new cappuccino maker. But a well-designed kitchen also needs large cabinets to hide clutter and clunky appliances that consume precious counter space. Upgrade Your Range Upgrading your range is a simple way to take entertaining to the next level. Your range should be the centerpiece of
your kitchen, in terms of design and function. And these days, designs that combine sleek industrial lines with classic retro touches are all the rage. But form needs to be matched by flexible function. Look for a range that comes in dual fuel, gas or electric, with choice of a single or double oven, such as the 36-inch professional style ranges from Verona, a luxury Italian brand from EuroChef
USA. Their new Classic Collection line comes in three colors, including stainless steel, matte black and gloss red, with a colormatched control panel, featuring teardrop control knobs, beveled doors, rounded handles and elegant plinth legs. More information is available at veronaappliances.com/verona-classic. No matter what range you choose, opt for one with high BTU sealed burners and easy
glide oven racks for easy access to your meals. And be sure to look for such advanced features as an infrared broiler and/or convection setting so you can cook quickly and precisely. Proper Prep and Cleanup Double-basin sinks and dual drawer dishwashers don’t just look luxurious, they help speed prep work and cleanup. If you have the space, nothing beats a tandem sink where you can use one basin for preparing the next course and the other for dirty dishes. That second sink is also great for a helpful friend to start cleanup. Dual drawer dishwashers can help you complete postmeal chores faster. You can have one load of dirty dishes in progress while you enjoy dessert, and be able to fill up a second drawer with cutlery, coffee cups and dessert plates after the meal. The key to upgrading your kitchen is to streamline it to make your life easier as host. -StatePoint
What to know when applying for a mortgage 5 Although homeownership doesn’t make good financial sense for everyone, some experts say you may be qualified to purchase real estate without realizing it. “Factor in today's very low interest rates and current home prices, and affordable mortgages are within reach for many qualified borrowers who may have been hesitant to enter the market,” says Christina Boyle, senior vice president and head of single-family sales and relationship management at Freddie Mac. After receiving your application, along with the required paycheck stubs, W-2s, bank statements and tax returns, potential lenders will evaluate the four Cs: Capacity: Your income, employment history, savings, and monthly debt payments -- such as credit card charges and other financial obligations -- help lenders determine whether you have the means to take on a mortgage comfortably.
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Capital: The money and savings you have on hand, plus investments, properties, and other salable assets. Collateral: The value of the
home that you plan to buy. Credit: Your bill- and debtpaying record. More loan application tips can be found at myhome.fred-
diemac.com. “You have choices, so interview lenders to compare costs,” says Boyle, who also recommends getting the process start-
ed early. “Getting pre-approved for a loan can help you shop with confidence,” she adds. -StatePoint
6 Make winter bright with these fireplace tips Real Estate
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Fireplaces mean warmth, comfort, and ambiance -- and there’s no better time of year to enjoy one than in the chilly winter months. To make the most of the experience, consider these tips: Safety First With some precautions in mind, the fireplace can be the centerpiece of all your gatherings -- big and small -- or even just low-key evenings with the family. First, always keep clothing, furniture, draperies and flammable materials at a safe distance. Don't be shy about using your fireplace while you have visitors. Just be sure guests know that it can be very hot during and after use, and remember that children and pets should always be supervised. Keep the remote control (if your unit has one) out of reach. Factory-provided safety screens, aftermarket freestanding screens, and barriers help re-
duce burn risk, as they prevent skin from coming into direct contact with hot glass. You can learn more about fireplace safety and request a safety barrier at heatilator.com/Fireplace-Safety.aspx What to Know A new fireplace can be the perfect home upgrade, and smart technologies are making them more versatile than ever before – ideal for traditional settings, like the family room, as well as bedrooms and even bathrooms. Different needs will guide your choice. Do you want a fireplace that’s more decorative, or are you interested in high heat output? How do you want to start a fire -- with a wall switch, a log, a remote control or a thermostat? Do your research before making any decisions. Free online resources, available at heatilator.com, can help you determine what fuel choice and style is right for your home
-- whether you are looking for a modern or traditional design in a wood-burning, gas, or electric fireplace. Decorate the Mantel The fireplace can be one of
the top areas of the home to showcase your decorating skills. Display frames filled with holiday photos of family and friends, scented candles, and bowls of seasonal fruit. Just be sure all
decorations are safely away from heat and flame. Make your winter a little brighter by getting your fireplace prepped for good times ahead. -StatePoint
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Protect your pets this winter The cold weather can be just as hard on pets as it is on people. This winter, consider these tips to keep your four-legged family members safe and warm. Warm up on Walks If you decide to brave the cold for daily walks, there are a few risks to keep in mind. Wind chill can be dangerous, no matter what the temperature is, according to The Humane Society. Pets can be at risk for frostbite and hypothermia during extreme cold snaps, and exposed skin on noses, ears and paw pads can quickly freeze and suffer permanent damage. On walks, keep your pet warm with a sweater or coat. Small booties or paw gel will help keep sensitive paws from freezing. And if you’d rather not risk a slippery walk outside, try exercising your furry friend at an indoor dog park or doggy daycare. Stay Safe The salt used to de-slick an
icy road can be dangerous and toxic to pets, often irritating the pads of their feet. In addition, coolants and antifreeze may drip from cars, making an easy transfer to sensitive paws. When returning from a walk, be sure to wipe down paws with a damp cloth before he or she has a chance to lick them. Take Shelter It’s always best to provide warm, dry shelter indoors for
your pets in the winter months; however, if your pets must stay outdoors, there are a few ways to make their shelter safe and comfortable. The Humane Society recommends raising the shelter a few inches off the ground and covering the floor with cedar shavings or straw. The doorway should be positioned away from the wind, and the shelter covered with water-
proof burlap or heavy plastic. The American Veterinary Medical Association urges owners to provide unlimited access to fresh water. Change the water frequently to avoid freezing, or use a heated water bowl. Keep Pets Secure Consider your pet’s car safety before pulling out of the driveway. Pet carriers, car seats and back seat barriers can provide
additional safety as you drive, especially in the event of an accident or sudden stop. Also, you may want to explore pet injury coverage. For example, Erie Insurance automatically covers up to two dogs and/ or cats that are injured in your vehicle during an accident. For more information, visit www.ErieInsurance.com. “Your pet’s overall health and safety depends on your preparedness,” says Cody Cook, Erie Insurance vice president and product manager. “Check with your insurance company to make sure your pets are covered in the event of an accident. That way, instead of worrying about medical costs, you can have the peace of mind knowing they’re protected.” This winter, take care to protect your furry friends from winter woes by following these simple tips to keep them safe and happy. -StatePoint
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Tips to be more productive Juggling work, family, friends and everything in between is no easy feat. But there are many ways to increase your productivity without working harder or getting more stressed. Small business owners are true experts in this art, establishing routines and habits to be more efficient with time, money and resources. Here are some top tips recently shared by several small business owners and bloggers as part of the #MakeMoreHappen campaign from Staples, that can help you become more productive at home and work. Get Tech Savvy Be willing to outsource certain tasks, like technical troubleshooting. If you're not an IT specialist, solving such problems can be time consuming and headache-inducing. “Even small technical problems can take hours of frustration to fix, and most people don’t
think about these issues until they have them, especially when it’s too late,” says Cassie Boorn of Maker Mentors and blogger at Design Aglow. “A smart solution is to set up a monthly subscription with a technical support hotline like Staples, so you can have instant access to help any time you need it.” DIY Whether you’re dealing with professional or personal affairs, doing-it-yourself can often save money and time -- from fixing things at home to creating the design elements of a business. “I create and design my own cards and then print them myself. I create a different card for each platform I’m selling on -the basic design is the same, but the name of the platform is at the top and I use a different color pallet to distinguish each one,” says Michelle Gallagher, the Etsy consultant behind My Craft Assistant.
Simplify Shopping One-stop shopping sprees at large retailers like Staples can help save time and money. These stores often offer lower prices on products, and shopping for many items at once online can help qualify you for free shipping. Also, these types of retailers tend to feature their own store brand products for further savings. “Obviously, rationing pencils is not going to single-handedly bring your business out of debt, but you’d be surprised at how quickly seemingly minor expenses can accumulate,” says Nicole Thein of Uniquely Women. While Thein’s advice focuses on business tools, the same rationale applies to household supplies and personal items. Making savvy consumer purchases can help you stretch your dollar. Use Life-Saving Apps These days, there are apps for
everything. So before hitting the panic button, see if there’s an app that can solve your problem quickly and on a budget. For example, designer and blogger Whitney English, founder of the planner Day Designer recommends Makr for those who need a logo fast. “It might be something you need for a wedding, like a custom crest or a monogram or you
might need an actual logo for your business,” says English. “Enter the Makr app. It’s the solution to all of those things, and then some.” Everyone can use more time, energy and money. Finding ways to stretch these precious resources can make you happier, healthier and more productive. -StatePoint
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