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Why switching to LED bulbs makes a difference It may seem like a small detail, but the way you light your home can have a big impact on the environment and your energy bills. Indeed, widespread use of light-emitting diode (LED) lighting has the greatest potential impact on energy savings in the United States, according to government findings. Add it Up Using at least 75 percent less energy and lasting 25 times longer than incandescent lighting, residential LEDs, especially ENERGY STAR-rated products, can help you significantly reduce the cost of lighting your home. And this is truer than ever, as the price of this technology has declined and the uses for it have expanded. Even LED decorative holiday lighting can be purchased these days, giving consumers more opportunities to light their homes and lives efficiently. Community Efforts Community efforts are helping to make sweeping change and brighten lives. For example,
the Environmental Protection Agency’s “Change the World Tour,” is a national program designed to motivate consumers to purchase ENERGY STAR-certified LED bulbs that bring energy-efficient lighting to commu-
nities in need. Leading the charge are forward-thinking companies, such as ProVia, a manufacturer of home renovation products, including energy-efficient entry doors, replacement windows, vi-
nyl siding and manufactured stone. They have partnered with Thompson Creek Window and Fairfax County Public Schools to teach students the importance of changing to ENERGY STAR-
certified LED light bulbs. ProVia is also donating LED light bulbs to Habitat for Humanity and encouraging their employees to get on board personally by making a commitment to purchase ENERGY STAR-certified LED light bulbs. With these kinds of efforts taking place nationwide, LED adoption in local communities is expected to continue to rise. To learn more about the campaign, visit provia.com/change. Take the Time Swapping out traditional bulbs for energy-efficient alternatives is a simple home project that requires no special skills or tools, just a commitment to lowering one’s carbon footprint. Take an afternoon to make this simple swap that promises to have a long-lasting and major impact. Actions taken by individuals may feel small, but on a collective scale, greening your home means greening your community and the larger world. -StatePoint
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Protect your family from fire, carbon monoxide threats While life can be complicated, sometimes the simple solutions are the best ones, particularly when it comes to protecting your family from household hazards. The “Change Your Clock, Change Your Batteries” program espouses that philosophy. For the 29th consecutive year, the campaign led by the Energizer brand and the International Association of Fire Chiefs, has reminded families of the life-saving habit of changing and testing the batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors when most of the country sets their clocks back at the end of daylight saving time. This year, that is November 6. A whopping 50 percent of home smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors have nonworking batteries, according to the National Fire Protection Association. “A home that contains smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors is only safer if these de-
vices actually work,” says Michelle Atkinson, chief consumer officer, Energizer. “Testing your devices and updating their batteries are simple and critical steps to keeping your family comfortable and secure.” Atkinson also points out that these days; many families rely on more than these traditional safety devices to protect their family and home. Investigate new smart devices and apps offering security and peace-ofmind, such as lights, locks and security systems that are connected to the Internet and your smartphone. “Smart connected home technologies are keeping families safer, when operational,” says Atkinson. “Remember, these tools, along with flashlights and other home safety devices require reliable battery power as well.” Take this opportunity to update batteries in all your devices that enhance home security and comfort. Safety advocates say prepar-
ing your family is crucial. Make sure everyone, especially children, knows what your alarms and detectors sound like and what to do if they go off. A critical yet simple safety practice is to keep flashlights with fresh batteries at your bedside for help in finding your way out of your house and signaling
for help in the event of a fire or other emergency. Also, keep a stash of highquality 9V, C, D and AA batteries to power vital safety devices whenever necessary. For long-term protection, opt for batteries designed to prevent damaging leaks, like Energizer Max and Ultimate Lithium
batteries. More safety tips and resources can be found at energizer.com/homesafety. Changing your clocks? Energizer reminds you to change your batteries, too. It’s easy, it’s simple, and it might just save a life. -StatePoint
Tips to prepare a holiday budget 5
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It’s the holiday season and you know all that it entails, so don’t let the expenses catch you off-guard -- from traveling to see family to throwing your massive annual party to simply completing your holiday shopping. Even though retailers cut prices last year, according to the National Retail Federation, holiday sales increased 3 percent from the previous year. Early planning and smart strategies can help you end the year on a positive financial note. Plan Ahead In the run up to the holidays, put some extra money aside from each paycheck and ear-
mark it for holiday spending. A bit of padding in your purse won’t hurt and can only serve to make you feel more secure all season. Making this happen may require pinching a few pennies on daily expenses -- whether it’s bringing lunch from home rather than eating out or skipping the designer latte for a cup of coffee at work. Create a Budget A comprehensive budget that accounts for all your holiday expenditures will help you determine whether your holiday needs and wants are realistic. Do some research to find out exactly
how much particular items will cost so you can draw up a plan that includes specifics. To keep your accounts in order, take a cue from small businesses. Traditional budgeting tools like a desktop calculator can help. Enhanced features like an extra-large display and color printing can help you sort additions and deductions quickly. Those from Casio, such as the HR-100TMPlus, offer special keys for tax calculations and can print two lines per second. Printing out your up-to-date budget and keeping this information in a handy place can motivate you to make wise spend-
ing choices. Comparison Shop These days, it’s easier than ever to stretch your budget. Online comparison shopping tools can help you find the best deals on all your holiday gifts. If a tough deal is hard to score on a particular item, be willing to make adjustments to your shopping list in order to stick to your budget. Remember, you don’t need to clip coupons the old-fashioned way to get deep discounts on wanted items. Many retailers offer apps that send promotions and coupons regularly to their users.
Rethink Gifts The thoughtfulness of a gift does not need to correspond to its cost. There are plenty of ways to show you care this holiday season that won’t break the bank. Consider your talents and skills. For example, a homemade knitted sweater, a meticulously crafted scrapbook or even an original song can have more meaning for your recipient than a pricey present. Don’t let the holidays leave you in debt. With a few smart strategies, you can give yourself the gift of a healthy financial new year. -StatePoint
6 Make caring for babies and toddlers easier Real Estate
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Caring for a baby or toddler is not easy, but today’s millennial parents have more options to help make the job easier. Parents of young children can take a cue from special events like Babypalooza, which brings together top baby brands, parenting influencers and media to showcase the latest products and trends for new parents. Karyn Ravin, the presenter of Babypalooza, shares an inside look at the biggest highlights from this year’s event. Embrace mealtime mess Parents are encouraged to embrace the mess at mealtime when little ones are trying new foods. It can inspire a child’s creativity and develop their sensory skills, fine motor skills, and hand-eye coordination. Inspired by parents who stress the mess, Fisher-Price created the new 4in-1 Total Clean High Chair, complete with a seat and tray that actually fit in the dishwasher, as well as other easy-to-clean features.
Get high-tech with car seat safety When installed correctly, car seats save lives, yet four out of five times seats are not installed properly and there is not an easy way to check and monitor the seat over time -- until now. The brand new 4moms self-installing car seat will be available this fall. It installs itself by automatically leveling and tensioning. It then continuously monitors its status during use to ensure it is always installed correctly and sends alerts to your phone if anything needs to be adjusted. Kick some rash Eighty-two percent of millennial parents wish they had more tricks up their sleeve to prevent diaper rash, according to a recent survey by Boudreaux’s Butt Paste, the maker of rash relief formulas that are fast acting without harsh ingredients. Free from parabens, preservatives, phthalates and talc, and formulated by pharmacist George Boudreaux, this product
is a trusted way to treat and prevent diaper rash. Carry to connect According to experts, there are many benefits in carrying your baby, from emotional development, to advances in learning, social abilities and IQ. Look for smart carrier designs that make multi-tasking while holding your baby easier, such as the Baby K’tan, a versatile baby carrier that slips on like a shirt and fits like a wrap. Find your formula It is important to remember that nutrition is a not a one-sizefits-all solution but there are healthy options for all different types of needs. For parents concerned about the digestive comfort and nutritional needs of their baby when it comes time to wean, Kabrita offers a new and unique solution based on naturally easy to digest goat milk. Kabrita formula, yogurt and fruit pouches are non-GMO, gentle, and taste great. For more information about
this year’s top baby trends, visit Facebook.com/BabypaloozaNYC. Stay on top of new innova-
tions that help to ease the stress of parenting. -StatePoint
How new buildings are going green 7 One of the elements that can greatly enhance the value and enjoyment of a home is beautiful landscaping. But with certain parts of the country facing water restrictions, and many others simply wanting to go green, both residential and commercial property owners are finding it increasingly difficult to keep lawns and hedges thick, green and free of dead zones. “Many builders and decorators have begun incorporating artificial vegetation in their landscaping treatments, both to sidestep new watering regulations and reduce environmental impact,” says Dallas-based real estate developer, Braden Power of Power Properties. “Although most people haven’t yet begun to notice, ‘faux foliage’ is now sprouting up in various renovation projects around the country, including exclusive hotels and country clubs.” Power says the new trend to use simulated greenery in building projects is about more than just water conservation: “Simulated plants are very environmentally friendly,” says Power. “Because insects aren’t attracted to them, there is no need to spray pesticides, so there is zero contamination of the soil and groundwater. And because fertilizer is not used, there isn’t a problem with nitrate runoff into nearby streams and lakes. When simulated grass is used, there is no monthly lawn service to pay for, nor is there any pollution from gasoline powered mowers, hedge clippers, or leaf blowers.” Despite the environmental benefits, Power says most people
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who hear the term “artificial plants” are at first quite skeptical, especially when “artificial grass” is mentioned. “People usually conjure an image of the artificial turf they use on football fields, but they don’t realize that there are hundreds of artificial grass options, varying in color, texture, density, and durability -- similar to ratings of carpeting,” says Power. “There’s even a line with multi-
colors and a ‘dead grass’ look at the base for realism; and it’s very soft on the feet.” Power says he acquired a hands-on education in the use of artificial vegetation during the renovation of a courtyard apartment building in east Dallas. “We named the building ‘The Greenhouse’, which is ironic, because although it now has the appearance of a lush botanical garden, there are only two live
plants on the entire property,” says Power. “The grass, trees, ferns, privacy hedges, vines and leafy ground vegetation are all stunning simulations.” Power, who has been renovating multi-unit residential properties for 25 years, says through his exterior design service Bel Air Outdoor Living, he is available to consult with architects, developers and builders who are seeking ideas and re-
sources for “going green” in their next construction or renovation project. To learn more, visit powerproperties.property. “With a little imagination and the right materials, it’s easy to create an enchanting ecofriendly, ‘drought-proof’ oasis on virtually any property -- one that doesn’t require watering, pesticides, or continual maintenance,” says Power. -StatePoint
8 Is your clothes dryer energy efficient?
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If you are looking to be more energy efficient at home, you are in good company. Consumers nationwide are looking for new ways to reduce their energy use in their singlefamily homes, condominiums and apartments because using less energy helps save money and builds a more sustainable planet. Fortunately, great strides have been made in efficiency for major appliances that would have been unimaginable decades ago. One noticeable exception, until recently, has been clothes dryers. In 2012, the average electric clothes dryer used almost as much energy annually as the average refrigerator, dishwasher and clothes washer combined, according to a report from the National Resources Defense Council. Here are a couple of things to consider that can help you select a sustainable dryer that also fits the design of your home.
Review Ratings The most respected guide for sustainability in appliances is the Association for Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) Sustainability Standards. Before making its ratings, AHAM considers a broad range of product attributes, including energy and water efficiency, manufacturing and materials. AHAM just started providing standards for dry-
ers. To check its free rating and review other resources, visit aham.org. Consider Ventless Dryers This relatively new type of dryer is changing the energy efficiency equation. Ventless dryers recycle air within the unit, and offer an ideal way to help reduce energy consumption. They are also gentle on clothes, because they don’t heat the air as much
as a traditional dryer. There are two types: condenser and heat pump. The most efficient are the heat pump dryers, which use a refrigeration system to dry and recycle air before returning it to the drum. Consumers can choose from two Whirlpool brand dryer sizes that range from a compact model to a 7.4 cu ft HybridCare True Ventless Heat Pump Dryer.
Ventless dryers have another major benefit. They can fit into spaces beyond the laundry room -- such as closets in condominiums and apartments -- because there’s no need for a vent, just an electrical outlet. With many home designs moving from traditional layouts with a laundry room to open designs, this allows a washer and dryer to be placed virtually anywhere in the home. The future of sustainability is often more simple than we envision. While smart technology sparks the imagination, valuable innovations will focus on the tried-and-true benefits of making appliances energy and water efficient, while maintaining a standard of high quality. Energy efficient solutions can not only meet expectations of resilience and sustainability, but also provide more options for homeowners and multifamily dwelling residents. -StatePoint
Three ways to improve your healthy routines 9 Real Estate
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When you feel strong nothing can hold you back. From building your muscles to strengthening your mind and conditioning your body, every day you strive towards looking and feeling healthy in the truest sense. Here are some tips that will help to improve your long-term health. Amp Up Your Workout Don’t let your workout routine get stale. Mix up your regularly scheduled program to work different muscles and ward off workout boredom. Take time to regularly evaluate your fitness regimen and make sure you’re spending enough time on improving your
endurance, strength and flexibility. For instance, training for a big race? Shave a few miles from your long run and supplement it with a bike ride. And, switch up non-cardio days with a barre, yoga or Pilates class. Also, don’t forget to carve out time to warm up with dynamic stretches before your workout and deep stretches afterward. Get out a foam roller to stretch and massage your muscles to keep them limber. Using a foam roller will help to increase the range in motion of your muscles, which can help prevent injuries during future workouts. Smile With Strength Oral health is an essential
part of staying healthy in the long-term. Strengthening and repairing your enamel from everyday wear and tear can be part of your daily personal health routine. Similar to how moisturizing lotions and conditioners replenish skin and hair, by brushing with toothpaste such as Colgate Enamel Health Mineral Repair Toothpaste twice daily, you can help strengthen weakened enamel by replenishing it with vital minerals. This toothpaste replenishes natural calcium and other minerals back into weakened enamel, for stronger, healthy enamel. More information about Enamel Health toothpaste can be
found at colgateenamelhealth.com. Fuel Your Body Give your body the fuel and energy it needs to keep you strong and healthy. Start each morning with a breakfast full of nutrients and protein to set a good tone for the rest of the day. Make your mornings easier with simple tricks like preparing overnight oats the night before so you have no excuses to skip this crucial meal. Stick to a healthy eating plan with meal planning. Prepare as many lunches and dinners for the week as you can on Sunday, before work and family obligations get in the way.
Look to fill those meals with a balance of lean meats and proteins, legumes, fruits and vegetables, and healthy grains like brown rice and quinoa. A healthy balanced diet will improve your energy level throughout the day and during workouts. You should also make sure that you are hydrating postworkout with water, or for an extra hydration boost, try coconut water. When you amp up these aspects of your overall routine your body will feel the difference and you will see the difference. Follow these tips and you will feel stronger than ever. -StatePoint
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Health, wellness rules to live by 11 At school, kids are exposed to an influx of germs that can cause a number of preventable sicknesses, including cold and flu. The top germiest school-based culprits include water fountains, plastic reusable cafeteria trays, keyboards, toilets and…students’ hands. To keep your family free from the sniffles all year long, here are five easy-to-follow tips to ensure a healthy, happy and absent-free school year. Teach Kids to Wash Hands the Right Way It seems simple enough, but research shows that only 5 percent of people wash their hands properly. The CDC recommends following five simple steps: wet, lather, scrub (for at least 20 seconds), rinse and dry. Don’t forget backs of hands, between fingers and under the nails. Handwashing is the best defense against germs, but if soap and water aren’t available, hand sanitizer is a good alternative. Sanitize School Supplies Sanitize school supplies, lunch boxes, bottoms of backpacks, etc., weekly. These items are exposed to a variety of germs lurking in places like gym lockers, on desks and in bathrooms. Use disinfecting wipes on plastic objects, and throw items like lunch boxes and backpacks in the washing machine. Send kids to school with disposable wipes so they can clean surfaces like desks, cafeteria trays and other surfaces throughout the day. Set a Sleep Schedule A regular bedtime and an alert morning go hand-in-hand. The National Sleep Foundation recommends a calming nighttime routine like reading a book or taking a bath to signal the brain that it’s bedtime, and leave technology like tablets, laptops and cell phones out of the bedroom. If you’re wondering how much sleep your child needs each night, it’s recommended that toddlers receive 11 to 14 hours, preschoolers 10 to 13 hours, school-aged children nine to 11 hours, and teenagers eight to 10 hours. Keep Healthy Snacks and Meals on Hand A healthy, balanced diet has been proven to keep kids mentally sharp and focused, but fast-
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paced schedules during the school year can sometimes result in quick-fix, and often unhealthy, food choices. Keep nutritious grab-and-go snacks like trail mix and fruit at the ready. And don’t skip breakfast. It can mean decreased cognitive performance in areas like alertness, attention, memory and problem
solving. Nurse Kids Back to Health Germs are lurking everywhere – school, preschool and daycare, so be prepared if sickness does strike. Tools like TempTraq come in handy for unexpected fevers, giving parents peace of mind and children
the rest they need to get better. This wearable, Bluetooth temperature monitor continuously senses, records and transmits body temperature for up to 24hours. It can even send alerts to your smartphone via its free mobile app to notify you immediately if your child’s fever reaches an unsafe level.
From hectic schedules to germ-ridden classrooms, the stress and environment of school can take a toll on kids’ health. Keep them healthier with a few simple strategies and you’ll be headed to a perfect attendance record. -StatePoint
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