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Transform your outdoor spaces 3 With a bit of creative energy, you can transform your standard yard into a versatile area to relax and entertain, extending your living space outdoors and adding value to your home. Here are three improvements to consider. Full-Fledged Bar Anyone who has hosted a party outdoors knows that one of the biggest challenges for keeping guests happy is keeping drinks refilled. While a cooler suffices for chilling beverages, a fully-stocked bar outdoors can expand your hosting capabilities and save you the trouble of going in and out of the house unnecessarily. It can be as simple as a small serving station with room for a few barstools or much more involved, depending on your space and needs. To protect against both rain and shine, consider a covered bar so both you and your guests can stay comfortable.
Take into account your landscaping and design style when making decisions. Whatever material you opt for, make sure it is waterproofed for longevity. Modern Fireplace A fireplace makes an excellent year-round focal point and can enhance outdoor entertaining. “A contemporary fireplace is
a sophisticated way to extend your living space beyond the walls of your home,� says Monica Turner, product manager for Heat & Glo. Contemporary, innovative designs are allowing homeowners to execute this upgrade with style and an expectation of durability -- like the Palazzo from Heat & Glo, which features
a linear design with a clean look and is built to withstand the elements. The Palazzo features marinegrade premium stainless steel that will maintain its luster for years, outdoor-rated, multi-colored LED lights that shine through crushed glass for visual appeal, and an industry-first retractable Power Screen that en-
sures safety, moving up and down at the press of a button and preventing debris from entering the fireplace. For more information, visit heatnglo.com. Rethink Furniture Patio furniture has come a long way in recent years. No longer do you need to sacrifice complete comfort when spending time in the great outdoors -- you can outfit your deck or patio with couches and daybeds. Cushioning made from state-ofthe-art fabrics designed for the outdoors is making it possible to transform a deck into a veritable living room. Complete the feel with all the entertainment trappings you could expect to enjoy indoors, such as speakers or even a television. This season, spend some time outdoors. A few key additions to the space can offer maximum comfort and fun. -StatePoint
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Update your home flooring
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Updating your home flooring? From durability to style to color, there are many things to consider -- and you’ll want to be sure these elements match your family’s lifestyle. Here are five great questions to ask yourself before you begin the remodel process. How do you want the space to feel? Do you want the room to feel calming, fun, classic, dramatic or rustic? When you start to play with adjectives, you may realize you already have a direction in mind. For a calm look, choose a floor color that is tonal with your wall color. Or if you’re dreaming
of a dramatic hotel look, try something deep and rich to contrast with your walls and give an elegant base to your design. Do you want to play with pattern? The reason most homeowners have challenges getting a space to feel like that final image on a home improvement show, is that they often chicken out before pulling the trigger on bold updates. Designers however jump in head first, layering patterns and textures to give a space depth and a sense of home. Remember, if you love something, it’s never going out of style. It’s helpful to think of flooring as the pants to an outfit.
Choose something classic, go patterned and fun, or just wear shorts! Who uses the room? Who does the flooring have to serve? Is it a high-traffic area? If so, look for waterproof, petproof and kid-proof carpet, such as Tigressa H2O, available at Flooring America, which can withstand tough household spills and pet accidents. If durability doesn’t play as important a role in your choice, consider plush, eco-friendly options like Tigressa’s Cherish line, which is 75 percent finer than current soft carpet standards. Their color enhancement system protects each fiber, allowing
for deeper colors and textures that stay beautiful, new and fresh longer than the average carpet. Keep in mind that thanks to technology innovations in carpeting, you can have the best of both worlds when it comes to strength and softness. Ultimately, choose soft carpeting that doesn’t quickly show matting, crushing and wear. To learn more about innovations in flooring, visit flooringamerica.com. What’s on trend? Gray is the new beige, and grays and browns look great together. So if you have an existing brown floor, you can easily partner a room nearby with gray
flooring. Most of the time, it’s all in how you accessorize the space. Should I be scared of color? If you have always loved a particular color, have fun in one room with it. There are always ways to accessorize colored flooring in different combinations to change how a space feels, so you’re never stuck with one look. Flooring choices are sometimes overwhelming. Be sure to check with a trusted flooring retailer who can offer design and performance recommendations that will best suit your home. -StatePoint
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6 The key to better mosquito control
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Warmer weather is a cue from Mother Nature to start thinking about mosquitoes. Their bites can potentially leave more than an annoying itch; and this year many Americans are taking notice. In fact, nearly seven out of ten (68 percent) want to go a step beyond “just spraying their body,” including treating their deck areas or back yards, in order to combat mosquitoes, ac-
cording to a recent survey by Westham Co., a global mosquito control product manufacturer. To fully protect your family from mosquito bites this season, combine backyard smarts with scientifically-based mosquito control options. This one-two punch can eliminate breeding grounds and halt mosquitoes’ ability to bite, breed and annoy. Start Early Before mosquitoes settle in,
make your backyard inhospitable to them. Clear standing water. Some mosquitoes need as little as an inch of water to breed and survive. Look for hidden water traps such as tires, candles and dog bowls left in the yard. “Get ahead of pesky mosquitoes this summer,” says Tom Kraeutler, home improvement expert and host of syndicated radio show “The Money Pit.”
Try Something New More than half of Americans (55 percent) say current solutions, such as tiki torches, yard sprays and foggers don’t work. Most DIY options either repel mosquitoes or kill on contact. Mosquitoes can adapt to commonly used chemicals and some of these can destroy “good” yard bugs. After a decade of research, science has broken the mold
with a bait-and-kill approach. Mosquitoes need sugar from plants to fly, mate and bite. Attractive Targeted Sugar Bait (ATSB) is the first edible control to lure mosquitoes with a sugary bait and then kill them with a gut toxin they cannot detect – garlic. Multiple studies support that once exposed to ATSB, backyard mosquito populations reduce by 90 percent within a few weeks. Consider getting ahead of mosquitoes with a non-toxic control that feeds them something they’ll die for, such as Terminix AllClear Mosquito BAIT & KILL, which is the only readyto-use, DIY spray to employ ATSB technology. And while deadly for mosquitoes, its natural active ingredient is non-toxic, safe around people and pets, and is environmentally friendly. “I like the idea of a long lasting bait-and-kill approach that finally gives homeowners the power to kill mosquitoes before they can kill outdoor fun,” says Kraeutler. To learn more about the ATSB method of mosquito control, visit baitandkill.com. Community Watch Each year municipalities nationwide undertake efforts to control mosquitoes, but citizens can contribute by doing their part protecting their backyard and family. Clean up trash quickly and promptly. Patch screens or close doors to keep mosquitoes from flying indoors, and report areas of infestations. With a few extra steps you can take back your backyard and make it a fun haven all summer. -StatePoint
Put summer flavors on your table 7
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Thinking seasonal is always a recipe for success. The colors of the summer and sweet, tart, cool flavors of fruits of the season can decorate your table in creative, elegant and refreshing ways. When most of us think of summer fruit, we envision smoothies, salads or pies. Think beyond the dessert course! There are many ways to imbue appetizers, cocktails and main courses with seasonal colors and fruity flavors. Here are some fresh ways to introduce summer fruits into your summer meals and cocktails. Appetizers and Mains There are many easy ways to
put summer on your table in finger foods, salads and even meat and poultry dishes. Light appetizer ideas include fruit and cheese crostini. All you need is creativity and French bread, goat cheese and your favorite summer fruit. You can add strawberries and a balsamic reduction or honey and raspberries. And consider a twist on prosciutto and melon by wrapping fresh peach slices instead. Or toss watermelon into a salad of tomato, mozzarella cheese and basil, topped with olive oil and salt and pepper. Your favorite main courses can take on different flavor nuances with the season. Consider
grilling steak with warm peaches and onions as a topper. Or poach fresh plums and serve with turkey breast or grilled chicken, bringing a tartness to poultry not unlike that from cranberry sauce. Summer Cocktails It’s no surprise that summer is when some of the world’s best food and beverage companies introduce new fruit-focused offerings. For instance, Alizé is debuting a new passion flavor to its portfolio: Alizé Peach. It is an infusion of ripe, luscious peaches delicately blended with premium French vodka -- just in time to be mixed into light warmweather cocktails.
Don’t just add fresh fruit as a garnish to summer cocktails; consider using fruit-imbued spirits instead of plain ones. Whether blended into margaritas, shaken in martinis, mixed into sangrias, or drizzled atop sparkling wine, fruit-infused vodkas, such as the new Alizé Peach or Alizé Passion with passion fruit, are well suited for summer entertaining. Alizé Passion comes in different flavors, blended with exotic passion fruit, fresh cherries, cranberries, and even a touch of ginger. Summer is the perfect time to live in color with fruit-infused cocktails -- whether it’s a simple
Bellini mixed with prosecco and Alizé Peach or a more complicated peach punch that blends the infused vodka with gin, elderflower liquor and honey. You can pour summer into your cocktail glass with this recipe for a Peach Mule: Peach Mule • 2 oz. Alizé Peach • 1 oz. Vodka • 1/2 oz. simple syrup • 3/4 oz. lime juice • Top off with ginger beer For a summer feel, use a Collins glass rather than a mug (the traditional Mule vessel), and stir gently. Enjoy in the shade or with a gentle summer breeze. -StatePoint
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Great relationships with neighbors create a happy community Whether you're just moving to a new neighborhood or have lived in one for years, the following tips will help build connections with your neighbors and encourage a friendly rapport: 1. Introduce Yourself: Being on a first-name basis with all of your immediate neighbors will establish and warm and welcoming atmosphere. 2. Go for Walks: Regularly walking around your neighborhood will increase your chances for meeting new neighbors and give you more opportunities to strike up conversations with ones you already know. 3. Give an Unexpected Gift: Giving your neighbors a gift, whether it’s something as simple as home-baked cookies or a potted plant, can go a long way in showing that you care about establishing a friendship. 4. Organize an Event: Hosting a dinner party or barbecue provides an occasion for neighbors to meet, mingle and have fun! 5. Communicate: If you’re planning on being out of town, throwing a party, or renovating your home, consider letting your neighbors know as a courtesy. –Article courtesy of Laura Hayes of Keller Williams Realty
Tips to make a dorm room a home 9 College bound? Dorm room comfort is crucial for health, happiness and academic success. Luckily, there are ways to create personalized, functional spaces within any budget. The college shopping experts at Bed Bath & Beyond are offering tips to help. Create Your Space Students can showcase their style and make it home by adding an area rug, decorative pillows and throw blanket for extra warmth. Window panels, tapestries, artwork and mirrors pull the room together. Add string-lights for atmosphere, or try an Étagère Floor Lamp with Charging Station to provide extra light for studying. Ample seating is always good for when friends pop in: consider chairs that fold when not in use to save space. Standard-issue dorm mattresses are often uncomfortable. Build a better bed with a mattress pad, memory foam topper or fiberbed. Then, guard against allergens and spills with a mattress protector. Most dorms require twin extra-long (TXL) sheets, which are 5” longer than normal twin sheets. Remember, students will need an extra set for laundry day. College dorm rooms are notorious for being small. Use storage and organizational systems under the bed, over the door and in the closet. For instance, an over-thedoor shoe organizer can store rolled up T-shirts, cosmetics, toiletries and school supplies. Take advantage of vertical closet space to make more room with a Double
Hang Closet Rod and Slim Grips Hangers. Use Free Resources Some retailers provide a wealth of resources to prepare college-bound shoppers for campus life. For example, Bed Bath & Beyond provides collegespecific information, including tailored lists of what students can and can’t bring. This information is available on the School Information Pages, which can be accessed at bedbathandbeyond.com/shopforcollege under “Find Your School’s Info,” or in-store with an associate. Whether living on- or off-campus, the store-provided checklist is handy, breaking down essentials. High
school graduates can create a registry online or in-store to share with family and friends, as well as with roommates in order to avoid duplicates. A free service, “Pack & Hold,” allows students to shop for items at a store near home for convenient pick-up at a location closer to campus. This is especially beneficial for students traveling far to school. Students can also prepare early by shopping online and selecting a ship date at checkout. Consider attending student shopping events and visiting bedbathandbeyond.com/shopforcollege to schedule an appointment with a college expert. Power Up Staying powered is crucial these days. Multi-functional bed risers featuring an AC outlet and USB charger maximize under-bed space while providing a grounded charging station. Charge and protect electrical devices from voltage spikes with a surge protector. For example, the Desk Clamp Surge Protector features four regular outlets, two transformer-plug outlets and two USB ports, and clips to the edge of a desk for easy access. At college, coffee is liquid gold. Whether pounding grounds late-night or sipping in the AM, students should consider a French Press, Pour Over, Automatic Coffee Maker or Single Serve Coffee Maker for their dorm. Don’t forget the travel mug! With a few simple steps, you can prepare for a great year ahead by creating a dorm room that feels like home -StatePoint
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10 Back-to-school tips when you’re on a budget Real Estate
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Between new clothes and new school supplies, back-toschool season can put a strain on household budgets. In 2015, families planned to spend $630 on back-to-school items, according to the National Retail Federation, and this year’s numbers are also expected to be pricey. With a little planning, your family can get the most out of your school shopping budget -- by taking advantage of sales, comparison shopping, buying in bulk and simply by making sure you don’t buy things you already own. Here are some smart ways families can reduce costs as students head back to class this fall. End-of-Season Sales Take advantage of end-ofseason sales to stock up. This concept may not help you this fall, but it’s a great habit to adopt now for long-term savings. You can stock up on summer clothes now and great fall items once the weather gets chillier. Stores will be offering deep discounts and clearance prices on items that
eventually will come in handy for next back-to-school season. Remember to take into account that kids grow quickly! Add it Up Bigger ticket school supply items can cost you a pretty penny if you don’t comparison shop. For example, required tools like a high-quality graphing calculator can come with a price tag of $75 or more! Get more for your money with an affordable model, such as Casio’s fx-9750GII, which retails for under $50. It offers useful features like a high resolution screen and compatibility with a personal computer. It is also permitted to be used in such major tests as the ACT and the SAT. More information about calculators can be found at CasioEducation.com. Take Stock and Buy in Bulk Don’t buy things you already own, and take advantage of bulk discounts for the stuff you need! Before making your shopping list take stock of what school
supplies you already have in your closets -- and your child’s backpack -- from the last school year. From scissors to folders to unused or partially used notebooks, you may already have many things your kids need for the year ahead. For those necessities that kids will need all year long -such as tape, paper, pens, pen-
cils, markers and more -- take advantage of bulk sales at discount stores and online retailers. Buying more now can save you cash in the months ahead. Go Green Brown bags, plastic baggies and plastic silverware are small expenses that add up quickly. Instead, opt for reusable lunch container alternatives and a one-time expense. It’s not only
good for the planet, but kids will get on board if you let them pick items that speak to their sense of style. You’ll also save yourself trips to the store! Don’t let back-to-school make a hefty dent in your wallet. At the store, take advantage of great deals and also consider different ways of eliminating perennial expenses. -StatePoint
Easy grilling ideas for summer Summer was made for entertaining -- from casual dinner parties to impromptu get-togethers. And what’s better than centering the entertainment on the grill? Beyond the standard burgers and hot dogs, there are an array of appetizers, main courses and even desserts that are all grill-friendly and easy to make. “Summer cooking is all about great, fresh flavors and keeping things simple and unfussy,” says Erin Madsen, executive editor of BettyCrocker.com, an entertaining resource that offers recipes, how-tos, and test-kitchen tips. This summer, the experts at Betty Crocker are focused on quick dinners on the grill that require very little cleanup. You can cut down on mess, they say, with foil pack recipes that use an indirect-heating method to cook the food. For instance, this flavorful recipe for Green Chile Cheddar Burgers, brings together classic
cheeseburgers, a zip of green chiles and craveable corn salsa. Ingredients: 1 lb extra-lean (at least 90 percent) ground beef 2 cans (4.5 oz each) Old El Paso chopped green chiles 2 teaspoons chili powder 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin 1 teaspoon salt 1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar
cheese 11/2 cups frozen whole kernel sweet corn, thawed 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro 4 lime wedges Directions: Heat gas or charcoal grill. Cut 4 (18x12-inch) sheets of heavy duty foil. Spray with cooking spray. In medium bowl, mix beef, 1
can green chiles, chili powder, 1 teaspoon of the cumin, 3/4 teaspoon of the salt and 1 cup of the cheese until blended. Form into four patties about 1/2-inch thick. In small bowl, mix corn, remaining can of green chiles, remaining 1/2 teaspoon cumin and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Place beef patty on center of each sheet of foil. Scoop about 1/3 cup of corn mixture on top of
each patty. Bring up two sides of foil so edges meet. Seal edges, making tight 1/2-inch fold; fold again, allowing space for heat circulation and expansion. Fold other sides to seal. Place packs on grill over medium heat. Cover grill; cook eight minutes. Rotate packs 1/2 turn; cook seven to nine minutes longer or until patties are no longer pink in center and meat thermometer inserted in center of patties reads 160 degrees. Remove packs from grill. Cut large X across top of each pack. Carefully fold back foil. Top each patty with 2 tablespoons cheese; garnish with cilantro and a lime wedge. More great summer recipes and tips can be found at BettyCrocker.com/SummerGrilling. This summer, go above and beyond by seeking out recipes for the grill that are easy to execute, but full on flavor. -StatePoint
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