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Is your lawn and garden bird-friendly? 3 Birds are more than just beautiful visitors to your lawn and garden, they are an important component of a healthy local ecosystem. Making your property a safe haven for birds will beautify your garden and is the right thing to do. Here are a few simple steps to take to keep birds safe. Offer Food and Shelter Many birds will simply be using your yard as a rest stop on a long migration. Keep this in mind and fill your yard with native species of trees, shrubs and flowers to provide shelter and food. You can supplement this nourishment with strategically located bird feeders that will prevent birds from striking your home’s windows. Ideally, bird feeders should be located within three feet of a window or more than 30 feet from a window. Prevent Bird Strikes Ninety-eight million birds are killed annually in the U.S. when colliding with windows, according to Western EcoSystems Technology estimates. Stem the loss of life by exploiting the keen vision of birds. “When windows are visible to birds, they will enjoy a safer migration,” says Spencer Schock, founder of WindowAlert, a company that offers decals and UV Liquid that is visible to birds but not people. Products from WindowAlert are proven to effectively alter the flight path of birds and prevent window strikes. An easy weekend project to complete this sea-
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son is applying decals to your home’s windows and using UV Liquid to fill the gaps in order to form a visual barrier for birds. The ultraviolet reflecting coating will look like etched glass to humans, but be quite visible to
birds. The coating can fade over time, so remember to periodically replace decals. More best practices can be found at windowalert.com. Limit Other Hazards Pet cats can prove hazardous
to birds. Keep cats inside or monitor their time outdoors in order to prevent attacks. Promote a natural food source for birds by avoiding the use of pesticides and fertilizers that kill off the insects that birds
need to thrive. By taking a few important measures at home, you can create a safe haven for migratory birds right in your own backyard. -StatePoint
4 Why to consider a fireplace when renovating Real Estate
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When considering home renovations, it’s important to be choosy, as some projects can end up costing you a pretty penny with little return on the investment. Some fast facts can provide answers to this age old consideration. Here are three compelling reasons to think fireplace. ■ A gas fireplace will add between 2,950 to $5,900 to a home’s value, according to the “Marshall & Swift Residential Cost Handbook.” ■ New homebuyers rank fireplaces as the number one most desired decorative appearance product in a new home, according to the National Association of Home Builders. ■ Today, homeowners have an opportunity to differentiate their homes with a fireplace in different ways. Both traditional and modern fireplaces are now offered with innovative technologies that push the boundaries of where fire can go and how it can look. Consider brands that design-
ers, architects, builders, and remodelers trust, such as Heat & Glo, which leads the industry in design and innovative technolo-
gy.
More information about how a fireplace can improve home value and differentiate spaces is
available at www.heatnglo.com. For those looking to renovate, a fireplace presents an attractive choice -- whether a sale
is in the cards or you simply want to enhance appeal and comfort. -StatePoint
What to look for in a new roof
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Between strong winds, heavy rains, and threats like fire and natural disaster, simply having a roof over one’s head is not always enough. When choosing a strong roof designed to protect your home and its occupants, here are some things to consider: Fire Prevention Real wood shake roofs can be extremely combustible and serve as kindling for wildfires. If you live in an area with even a remote possibility of wildfires, consider investing in a roof that resists flame spread. While no roof will resist a “ground up” fire that engulfs the entire home, polymer roofing tiles that are installed with proper underlayments can help protect a home from wind-driven embers that can ignite the roof. Impact Resistance Whether you live in an area prone to direct or indirect threats of tornadoes or hurricanes, or you simply live in a region that experiences strong storms, take note: flying debris associated with severe weather can become dan-
gerous in high winds. Damage from airborne tree branches and flying loose items can be devastating to a roof not equipped for impact. Having a synthetic roof that has achieved the highest ratings on impact resistance tests can help protect your property. “Even if your roof has stood up to strong weather conditions in the past, it’s important to make sure it’s still in shape before the next round of bad weather hits,” says Mark Hansen, vice president of sales and marketing for DaVinci Roofscapes, which makes high-performing polymer roofing products that have achieved the highest grades possible on multiple industry tests. Examine the roof yourself or have a professional roofer assess for damage you may not be able to see from the ground. They can make repairs or recommend a new roof replacement. Durability No matter where you live, it’s important that roof tiles can handle wear and tear. Ideally, roof tiles should resist curling, fading, cracking, mold, algae, fungus and in-
sects. Roofing products that come with a strong warranty can offer you peace of mind. Other Considerations Protecting your home and family should be your number one consideration. Luckily, durable synthetic roofing options abound that offer the authentic look of real wood or slate beauty, as well as environmental sustainability. For the benefits of an eco-friendly roof, it’s a good idea to seek out products that are completely recyclable and meet standards set by organizations like the Cool Roof Rating Council and the U.S. Green Building Council. For a complete free guide on upgrading roofing to protect a home long-term, visit ThisOldHouse.netline.com. For an important, lasting home project, evaluate your roof and consider making an upgrade that will protect your house from everyday wear and tear, as well as the worst case scenario. -StatePoint
6 Motivate students this back-to-school season Real Estate
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While some students are eager to return to the classroom, others may need a little motivation and inspiration. Add a bit of excitement to the new school year by gearing up with the latest and greatest educational tools and school accessories. A New Set of Wheels Make getting out the door more appealing by giving students a way to get to school and other activities in style. A new set of wheels -- bicycle wheels that is -- encourages exercise and fosters independence. Just be sure you opt for a model that has the latest safety and durability features. Any great bike is not complete without a helmet. With so many cool designs and styles available today, finding one that fits properly and looks great should not be a challenge. Innovative Music Equipment Help inspire young musicians with space-saving equipment that doesn’t compromise
sound or quality. For example, the latest addition to Casio’s well-known Privia line of digital pianos, the PX-160, features the sound of a 9-foot concert grand with speakers that project to-
wards both the player and audience. It provides split and layer capability allowing students to play bass with the left hand and have two layered tones for the right.
A great feature for the student learning to play is duet mode, which allows the keyboard to be split into two equal ranges, so the student and teacher can play simultaneously. The
model also features left and right 1/4” audio outputs, making it easy for musicians to connect to other devices for external amplification or recording purposes, as well as simulated ebony and ivory-textured keys for a realistic piano touch. More information can be found at CasioMusicGear.com. Study Aid Ease the pain of cramming for an exam with a high-quality music system that allows users to stream their favorite tracks via Bluetooth from a computer or mobile device and is paired with an excellent set of speakers. There are many set-ups that are perfect for portability and small rooms -- ideal for high schoolers, college students and others onthe-go. Send your student to school in style. Great new tools and accessories can give the new school year a bit of extra appeal, while encouraging students to get active, get creative and hit the books. -StatePoint
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8 How to select a color for your home’s exterior Real Estate
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Curb appeal does not happen by accident. From siding to trim to your home’s entry door, these components should not be considered individually, but as parts of a whole -- especially when it comes to color, say experts. “It all starts with the roof,” says Kate Smith, a color trend forecaster with Sensational Color. “Colors should flow down the home exterior cohesively.” Smith recommends that when the main color of your home exterior is neutral, to add pops of color on the entry door and trim. The color of your roof should guide these decisions, as the right accents will bring the look together and complement the roof’s beauty. Smith recommends color selection tips and free resources that can be found at DaVinciRoofscapes.com. Whether you want a subtle look or you want something bolder, take a top-down approach to your color selections. -StatePoint
Great tips for seasoned tailgaters 9
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Tailgating season is here, and while you may want to refer to last year’s playbook, new tools and tips can help make this your best season yet. Stay Comfortable There are a few simple things you can do to make comfort and safety a priority while tailgating. Number one is to pack plenty of water in order to keep everyone hydrated. Whether you use an umbrella, a popup tent or simply arrive early to seek out a leafy corner of the lot, make sure your space includes some shade. And don’t forget the sunscreen. Be sure to check the weather report and prepare ahead with
the right gear and clothing. Lastly, it may not be the most fun item on your game day packing checklist, but it could be the most important. Always bring along a first aid kit that includes all the basics. It’s always better to be too prepared. Keep Food Fresh Don’t let your party foods fall victim to common tailgating woes. Even in an icy cooler, go-to, crowd-pleasing dips can be particularly susceptible to browning and drying out after a few hours. Prevent the degradation of guacamole and other dips by storing them in smart individual containers designed to keep foods fresh.
For example, the new Guac-Lock from Casabella works differently from standard food storage containers. Made from shatterproof, odor-proof and stainresistant plastic, the container locks in place and allows users to squeeze out excess air. It’s great for entertaining too, as it features a push-up mechanism that keeps the container looking full, and comes with an optional chip tray. Ambitious tailgaters can now make their dips ahead of time, without worrying that the look and flavor of their creations will fade over time. Make Noise If stadium rules permit, consider
bringing along a wireless speaker system to pump up your favorite jams. Ensure your system is compatible with your phone’s technology. Waterproof options exist, and are always a great bet for all kinds of weather. Create a playlist in advance that will get you and your friends ready for the game. It may be helpful to make friends with your tailgating neighbors to reduce your chances of dueling sound systems. With a few simple suggestions, you can make your next tailgating party a great success. -StatePoint
10 Hot technologies can improve your kitchen Real Estate
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Modern technology is improving every facet of our lives and the kitchen is no exception. By carefully outfitting your kitchen, your appliances can be safer, more efficient and give you versatility and precision as a home chef. One technology, which has been popular in Europe for years but is still relatively new to the US, is induction cooking which uses electromagnetic energy to heat foods quickly and precisely. Like a gas burner, an induction cooktop or range-top surface can handle the rapid shifts in heat settings required in a busy kitchen. And because the burner does not heat unless cookware is detected, ventilation can operate more efficiently. Other efficiencies in induction cooking are exemplified in such appliances as the new 36” Induction 5-Zone Cooktop from Verona, which includes a fast boil setting for rapid cooking as well as a low power setting for
delicate meals. A pan detection system saves energy by sensing the size and shape of cookware and intelligently heating only the needed
cooking area. Features like a residual heat indicator and an automatic shut-off in case of spillage make cooking with this induction cooktop safer, too. The
brand also makes a 30” induction cooktop and 30” induction range. More information can be found at VeronaAppliances.com.
“Because induction cooking offers the most direct heat transfer of any cooking surface and features unprecedented safety benefits, it’s become the modern standard for kitchens today,” says Melissa Haber, director of sales and marketing for EuroChef USA. Consumers looking to upgrade their kitchens in the future will enjoy even more choices, as new induction ranges are introduced, such as 36” and 40” ILVE ranges, which offer a wealth of features like a rotisserie, warming drawer, power boost burners and a multifunction convection oven. To learn more about the brand and its current 30” induction range visit ilveappliances.com. If you are still cooking with old school appliances in your kitchen, you may be working harder than you need to be. When making an upgrade, consider the latest cooking technologies. -StatePoint
Bring the family together for meal time 11 Real Estate
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Between work and school-year commitments, it can be difficult to carve out time to sit down at the table and enjoy a home-cooked dinner as a family, but it is well worth the effort. In addition to offering an opportunity to bond, eating together and engaging in conversation can have a deeper influence on children. Follow these tips to bring the family together and create a lasting tradition. Mark the Calendar Create a monthly calendar that incorporates a few meals a week in which everyone can be present when there are no sports, activities or after-work functions. Research shows that children benefit when the family eats together at least three times a week. In fact, reported improvements range from healthy eating habits to improved literacy and verbal skills, according to the Family Dinner Project. If three dinners is a stretch for your busy family, consider morning brunches or evening desserts.
Create a Family-Friendly Menu Integrate family favorites to create excitement around supper, such as a weekly pizza night. Make homemade crust as a team and craft personal pies incorporating fresh toppings, such as bell peppers, onions, spinach, zucchini and tomatoes. To further maximize time, create dishes on a weekend to freeze and thaw when ready. Try a simple tortilla soup that can be prepared in minutes using a high-performance blender, such as a Vitamix. Have Hands-on Meal Prep Incorporate the kids into every step of meal prep in a safe and easy way. Drop vegetables into the blender to chop for pizza or salad toppings, tortilla soup or even a Taco Tuesday fiesta. Then, allow kids to add these veggies to the recipe. Engage your children further by having them set timers and watch for meals to cook. As a final step, allow them to add spices and fresh herbs before set-
ting dinner on the table. Fast and tasty family recipe ideas that you can create together can be found at Vitamix.com. Turn Off Electronics Make the table an electronic-free zone. Turn off cell phones and television shows to make room for face-toface communication. Removing cell phones from the equation can positively influence the quality of conversation, while helping kids to gain a better understanding of social cues, facial expressions and changes in tone that lead to more fruitful interactions, according to a study by researchers at Virginia Tech. Unplugged conversations can help create memorable family moments. Think of the kitchen and the dinner table as family gathering places to help instill good habits -- from great communication skills to healthier eating. If you look at meals as more than just food, your family will reap the benefits. -StatePoint
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