11-5-16 At Home

A special publication of the Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer

At

HOME

Improving indoors Learn how to upgrade your home’s air quality

Happy hosting

Reasons why it beneďŹ ts you to host and tips for a successful celebration

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Table of Contents LETTER from the

EDITOR

With Halloween behind us, we are down the last few weeks of 2016. The only thing standing between us and the hew year are Thanksgiving and Christmas.

My favorite thing about those two holidays is all the time spent with family and friends. Whether it’s hosting the Thanksgiving meal for the entire family or just a small gettogether with a few friends, hosting for the holidays is tradition I cherish.

In this edition of At Home, there are tons of tips to help making hosting a breeze this holiday season. From cleaning to decor to preparing the meal, At Home wants to help you make your house the place for holiday gatherings.

At Home also features how to improve indoor air quality this winter and some easy ideas for after school snacks.

I am still looking for homeowners who have tackled some big DIY or home renovation projects. If you would like your story told, please contact me at mrichardson@messenger-inquirer. com or 270-691-7233. — Meghann Richardson Special Publications Editor

HOME VALUES pages 6-7

PREP FOR HOLIDAY HOSTING

KID SNACKS

pages 8-9

pages 14-15

on the cover

Poor air circulation can promote and spread of bacteria and viruses. | PAGE 12

Tips for

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entertaining outdoors in cold weather

Outdoor entertaining has never been more popular. As more and more homeowners turn their homes into their own personal oases, extending the party outdoors has become a bigger priority.

According to the American Home Furnishings Alliance’s 2015 Outdoor Furniture Trend Report, out-of-doors areas on a property are the favored venues for celebrations with family and friends. While outdoor entertaining was once relegated to the warm weather seasons, advancements in technology have now made it more comfortable and enjoyable to entertain outdoors for much of the year. But hosts who want to extend the outdoor party after summer has come and gone should consider a few important entertaining tips.

START THE PARTY EARLY

Summertime backyard barbecues and pool parties benefit from late-evening sunsets that illuminate patios and pool areas well into the evening. In addition, many hosts prefer to start such parties later in the day to avoid the sun during the early afternoon when it is at its most blazing.

However, start the party earlier in the day when hosting in fall or early winter.

Temperatures can drop considerably once the sun begins to set, so starting early can save hosts and their guests from cold air.

HEAT THINGS UP

Summertime hosts might employ canopies to protect themselves and their guests from the heat, and it’s

important for hosts to take similar steps when the weather is chillier. The AHFA report found that 38 percent of homeowners intended to purchase fire pits for their outdoor entertaining areas, and such fire pits can keep guests warm as the sun goes down and the night air gets chilly. Fire pits have become must-have items for outdoor entertaining areas, and hosts can surely find one that suits their needs.

CHANGE THE MENU

Grilling hot dogs and hamburgers might still work when entertaining outdoors in fall and winter, but hosts may want to stray from other summertime fare like watermelon or pasta salad. Embrace the cold weather by roasting some nuts and making s’mores over an open fire. In lieu of summertime beverages like lemonade and beer, serve hot chocolate or wine to keep guests warm.

ENSURE THERE IS ADEQUATE LIGHTING

Mother Nature won’t offer much lighting when you host a party outdoors in late fall and early winter, so make sure your patios and sidewalks are well lit. Guests will want to see one another and what they’re eating, and well-lit walkways will reduce the risk that guests take a tumble or turn their ankles when walking to and from the house.

Outdoor entertaining need not end because summer has come and gone. But hosts must take a different approach to hosting when throwing outdoor gatherings in late fall and early winter.

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6 reasons to host a holiday this year

What would the holidays be without gatherings of family and close friends?

Ever yone gets to reminisce around the dinner table, and distant family members get to meet face-to-face instead of through social media.

In many families, holiday hosting duties are shared by one or two family members. Some host out of a sense of obligation, while others do so because they truly love providing a place for their loved ones to get together during such a festive time of year. Those undecided about whether or not to take on the role of holiday host should know there are a bevy or reasons to do just that.

1. NO TRAVEL TIME

If you despise sitting in traffic or waiting in line at the airport for a delayed flight, hosting the holidays is your way around such headaches.

While you’ll certainly deal with a number of people in your home, it will pale in comparison to the crowds holiday travelers must deal with.

2. NEW TRADITIONS

Hosting the holidays presents an opportunity

to try out your own unique ideas and establish new traditions for your family. Over time, traditions become integral parts of family celebrations. A new host can impart fresh concepts and breathe new life into the festivities.

3. SENSE OF PRIDE

Hosting a holiday is a significant undertaking, especially if you will be following in the footsteps of a successful party host or hostess. This can be your proving ground and a chance to show that you are up to the task.

It can give you a confidence boost and the inspiration to tr y other things you may have thought were beyond reach.

5. TIME MANAGEMENT

Hosting the event allows you to set the pace of the day. You may find the holiday is less stressful when you know what is coming next and can exercise control over the schedule. You may not have to wake up as early to account for travel time and could feel more relaxed.

6. FOOD

Hosting also allows you to customize the menu so the foods you and your immediate family like best make it on to the holiday menu. You may open others’ eyes to new culinar y treats and show off your culinar y skills along the way. Once the festivities have ended, you may even have enough leftovers 4. GIVE THE OLDER RELATIVES A BREAK to free you from cooking for a few days after Perhaps grandma or an aunt has always the holiday, giving you a chance to relax and hosted the big holidays. Over time, the scope recuperate. of the event can prove too much for an older Some people shy away from hosting person, whether it’s physical or financial a holiday because of the work involved. constraints sparking such difficulties. Stepping Although it can be challenging, there is a up to take over hosting will relieve someone sense of reward and many other benefits that you love of the work, allowing him or her to come with opening your home to friends and enjoy the festivities even more. family come the holiday season.

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INCREASE your homes’ value When granite countertops or shiny, stainless steel appliances beckon homeowners from the display areas of home improvement stores, it’s tempting to gear remodeling thoughts toward the items that will add flair and decorative appeal to a home. Even though most improvements add some measure of value, deciding which are the best investments can be difficult.

Return on investment, often referred to as “ROI,” varies depending on the project. Frequently, the projects that seem like the best investments don’t bring the greatest rate of return, while those that seem like smaller projects bring substantial returns.

Real estate professionals routinely weigh in with their expert advice, and homeowners can couple that advice with Remodeling magazine’s annual “Cost vs. Value Index” to reap the

greatest financial impact from their renovations.

The following were some of the projects that garnered the greatest ROI.

OPEN THE DOOR TO IMPROVEMENT

Region by region across the United States, installation of a new steel door on the front of a home can have a large impact on the resale value of a property. The ROI ranges from 123 percent at the highest, to 86 percent at the lowest — which is still a considerable investment return for such a simple project. Match the door’s style with the style of the house for the best value.

TURN UP THE KITCHEN HEAT

An attractive kitchen can encourage

buyers to overlook some of a home’s less attractive components. In the kitchen, replacement countertops, wall color changes, new cabinetry and flooring offer the biggest ROI.

DREAMING OF A NEW BEDROOM

Remodeling magazine also points to creating an attic bedroom to increase home value. The ROI of an attic remodel that adheres to code can garner an 83 percent ROI.

solutions can be smarter investments before other flashy remodels. Many buyers have a strict budget for a house, and those buyers may be more likely to buy a house with little or no maintenance issues. Such buyers will then upgrade the kitchen or baths themselves, according to Har vard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies.

WORTHY WINDOW REPLACEMENT

Angie’s List, a home ser vices review and referral resource, has HOME MAINTENANCE PROJECTS found that the average ROI of new There’s little good to improving the windows is 77 percent. The cost of aesthetic appeal and functionality of a installation and energy savings tend to offset at around the 10-year point. home if there are existing structural If remodeling is on the horizon, or maintenance issues, warn experts. homeowners should give strong Siding replacement, HVAC system consideration to ROI before choosing repair or replacement, a new roof, a project. and basement dampness prevention

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PREP for

HOLIDAY HOSTING

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Staying organized and having a precise plan are vital to putting together the perfect night with family and friends. Make sure to nail down the specifics, such as the number of guests, what food will be brought, what needs prepared in advance and what can wait until the big day. Making lists and involving others in the family to help can make a seemingly insurmountable volume of work feel instantly manageable. As you think through your plans, remember to anticipate the unexpected and have an emergency party kit on hand to quickly respond to pitfalls before they derail the festivities.

As the holiday season approaches and you’re tasked with hosting family and friends, it can be a little overwhelming to imagine all the work that has to take place for a successful celebration.

However, there’s no reason the host can’t join in the fun. To help keep calm and have your home ready for the party, follow these tips.

CLEANING

UPGRADING

Don’t try to sneak by with old appliances this time around. Instead, upgrade your most important resources throughout the house in

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PLANNING

BY FAMILY FEATURES

More often than not, the first step to readying your home for a house full of guests is to clean. Start by going room to room seeking out trash, recyclables and things that can be stored away — anything to clear up much-needed space. Once the clutter is cleared, work from the top down to clean surfaces, so any dust or debris that hits the floor can be vacuumed or swept neatly away.

Remember to steer clear of harsh or highly fragrant chemicals, which may be an irritant to some guests.

At Home

DECORATING

order to find success when it comes to playing host. For example, swapping out your old, cluttered refrigerator for a Whirlpool French Door Refrigerator with industry-first infinity slide shelves is a useful way to create more space in the kitchen. Its pantry-inspired layout lets families fit and find all their edible favorites. Every section, shelf and bin in the refrigerator was redesigned to deliver smart organization with

panoramic shelves and unique features to store 30 percent more than other leading French door bottom mount refrigerators. Perfect for a big shopping run before a party, the refrigerator features dedicated spaces places like the Treasure Bin, Platter Pocket and Small Items Bin, to give maximum visibility and easy access when it’s time for the food prep to begin.

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With all the energy you put into planning and upgrading, don’t overlook the importance of taking time to make your home shine with a creative touch. Go festive with holiday-specific decor or keep it classic with timeless decorations placed throughout the home to make it really sparkle. For close family and friends, consider adding personal touches like mementos of holidays past. Or go with a themed approach with similar colors and textures that you carry throughout the house.

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Family-friendly tips

to transform your

home this season

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BY STATEPOINT

At Home

11

PLAY WITH COLORS

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PILLOWS

Update your framed photos around the house. If you have children, let them get creative and contribute to the overall design. Give them the phone or tablet and let them capture what the season means to them: nature, family, friends or whatever!

Transition your interior décor when temperatures drop — it’s a great time to tap into your creativity and make a statement. Here are some ideas — big and small — to freshen up your home this season.

When the weather is cool, think rich colors like plum, navy and amber.

Bringing in a unique color palette will inspire you to make other changes as well, from painting a fireplace to adding an accent wall to incorporating a tile backsplash.

Have fun turning vintage wool blankets into pillows. Or if you just want to purchase items, seek out plaid patterns or materials that are full of textures and heavier weights.

If you have pets, be war y of knit pillows, as animal hair can get stuck in the material. Look for tight weave fabric to fit into your lifestyle.

MAKE-OVER A ROOM

Make your home cozier by installing

CAPTURE SOME ART

PAINT TOGETHER

a soft, but durable carpet. Just remember to consider your household dynamics when making a selection.

“Those with pets or children will

want to keep in mind that spills and stains can be a common occurrence and select a family-friendly carpet,” says Jennifer Bertrand, Designer for

Change your front door color.

Have fun with colors like spice amber, plum, navy, black, or whatever color makes your heart happy.

Or paint a piece of furniture with a lacquer paint to add a high sheen and a fun splash of color.

Cooler weather means cozier interiors. Take steps to change your décor to suit the changing weather.

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improve

INDOOR AIR QUALITY before winter

Upon the arrival of winter, people in regions where winter is marked by cold weather tend to spend significantly more time indoors. Because windows tend to be closed during winter, indoor air quality can suffer, making conditions inside a home less than desirable.

According to the American Lung Association, poor air circulation in a home can promote the spread of bacteria and viruses. Once such bacteria or viruses are inhaled, coughs, colds and flu can spread. In addition, asthma and allergy sufferers may experience worsening symptoms thanks to the presence of endotoxins, which are substances that come from the broken-down cells of dead bacteria.

Because many people spend significantly more time indoors during winter than other times of the year, it’s essential that they take measures to improve indoor air quality in the months ahead.

CUT BACK ON CHEMICALS

It’s ideal to avoid heavy chemical usage inside a home throughout the year, but it’s especially important to do so during winter. Solvent-based cleaners or cleaning products with strong fragrances can negatively

affect indoor air quality and potentially trigger allergic reactions. In lieu of chemically-enhanced cleaning products, use natural products that get the job done without sacrificing indoor air quality.

TAKE OFF YOUR SHOES WHEN ENTERING THE HOME

Snowy conditions often require a home’s inhabitants and guests to remove their footwear upon entering a home, but it helps to remove footwear in a mudroom or just inside the front door when entering a home even when it’s not snowing. Shoes can pick up dirt, dust and a host of other particles during winter, and if tracked inside those unwanted guests can negatively affect indoor air quality.

STOP SMOKING INDOORS

Tobacco smoke can affect smokers and nonsmokers alike. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention note that secondhand smoke causes numerous health problems in infants and children.

Those include more frequent and severe asthma attacks and respiratory infections. In addition,

reports from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services have linked secondhand smoke to an increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome.

Adults exposed to secondhand smoke are at greater risk for coronary heart disease, stroke and lung cancer. Tobacco smoke contains thousands of pollutants that can greatly diminish indoor air quality, so make sure smokers limit their smoking to outside the home throughout the year, but especially during winter.

ROUTINELY INSPECT BATHROOMS FOR MOLD

During winter, mold can grow in rooms that are exposed to moisture but not properly ventilated. In many homes, that’s the bathroom. Even if a bathroom has a ventilation fan, routinely inspect the ceiling and shower for mold growth. Exposure to mold can cause a host of negative side effects, including nasal and sinus congestion and sore throat. Mold also can exacerbate asthma symptoms.

Improving and maintaining indoor air quality in winter can help a home’s inhabitants stay healthy during the colder months.

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Tips for

HOSTING BETTER MOVIE NIGHTS

THEMATIC SNACKS

When it comes to food and drink, treat guests to all their theater favorites. Candy bars, soda and popcorn are great standards, and these days, many theaters also offer beer, wine, cocktails and elevated fare.

You can also take it one step further

As host you may even want to include a trivia round afterwards and offer prizes to winners.

With a few tech upgrades and hosting tips, movie night just got even more fun.

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from Casio’s Advanced Series line features Intelligent Light Control that does just that, so viewers can enjoy optimal visuals any time of day and in any lighting conditions. This model also comes equipped with 20,000-hour estimated operating life and reaches full brightness in as fast UPGRADE YOUR TECH Flat screen TVs are great, but for the as five seconds. Its combination of real theater feel, consider a high-quality laser and LED light source is a great projector designed for home use. Look high-brightness, mercury-free option. for one that’s low maintenance, easy to More information can be found at turn on and off, and comes with HDMI CasioLampFree.com. terminals as well as a USB power COSTUME PARTY supply.

Whether you’re watching a dramatic Since you may not have the option of a windowless room or blackout period piece or enjoying a sci-fi action curtains in your home, seek out a flick, add a touch of excitement to your projector that senses ambient light in party by encouraging guests to wear the room and automatically adjusts its costumes. This will help get everyone brightness accordingly. For example, pumped up for the movie well in the XJ-F210WN LampFree Projector advance of the screening.

ARDS W

Whether it’s family movie night and you’re watching an old classic, or you’re hosting a big crowd to screen the latest blockbuster, you can take steps to make the viewing experience feel more like the theater — from upgrading your technology to improving your hosting game.

Here are some cool ideas to help movie lovers better enjoy their favorite flicks at home.

by tailoring your menu to the theme of the movie. Think about the setting, the characters and the plot for inspiration.

But remember, foods that are easy to eat in the dark and don’t make a lot of racket work best.

READ sse E

BY STATEPOINT

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TRY THESE 6 FAST AND FUN AFTER-SCHOOL SNACK IDEAS

BY BPT

Reading, writing, arithmetic and so much more — school days are busy for kids. Lunch period provides a welcome break, but some schools schedule lunch as early as 10:30. By the end of the day, kids are famished.

When your star students arrive home asking for a snack, you don’t have to reach for junk food. Here are some quick, simple and fun ideas for after-school snacks that are tasty and your kids will love.

SAVORY POPCORN BAR

Popped corn is 100 percent whole grain with plenty of fiber to help keep kids satisfied until dinner. Skip the processed microwave varieties and opt to pop on the stove or in an air popper.

Then create a popcorn buffet by setting out small bowls and a variety of savory toppings such as finely shredded Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Kids can serve themselves and customize to their taste.

Place under broiler until cheese is melted.

AWESOME APPLE SLICES

Reinvent boring sliced apples with nut butter and granola. Simply slice apples, smear with your nut butter of choice, then roll in granola. For an extra treat, add a drizzle of raw honey, a few mini dark chocolate chips or a quick dash of rainbow sprinkles.

ANTS ON A POND

Parents grew up munching ants on a log, the snack that takes a celery spear smeared with peanut butter and

lines raisins on top to look like ants.

Give this classic a modern twist by slicing a Thomas’ Plain Mini Bagel in half, adding peanut butter and topping with chopped celery and raisins. This sweet-salty delight is guaranteed to get devoured.

APPLE AND BRIE MINI BAGEL APPETIZERS

Sweet and simple, this cheesy appetizer is the perfect snack after a long day of school. Creamy brie is the perfect pairing with juicy apples. Even Mom and Dad will want to snag a few of these.

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NICE CREAM

When the kids want ice cream, but you want a healthier snack, nice cream comes to the rescue. This simple ice cream alternative can be made by freezing sliced ripe bananas. When kids get home from school, blend these banana pieces until smooth for a cool, creamy treat. You can experiment with different flavors by adding a dab of peanut butter or a few strawberries to the blender.

QUICK AND EASY PIZZA BAGELS

With pepperoni and tomato, pizza bagels are a quick, cheesy fix to after-school hunger pangs. Start by turning the oven to the broiler setting.

Then on a baking tray, place a split Thomas’ Plain Mini Bagel with the cut sides facing up. Spread tomato sauce on each bagel half and sprinkle each half with cheese. Add pepperoni halves and cherry tomato quarters.

Ingredients 2 Thomas’ Plain Mini Bagels, toasted 1 tablespoon of butter 1 wedge Brie cheese 1 Granny Smith apple 1 teaspoon cinnamon Directions Split and toast two Thomas’ Mini Bagels until golden brown. Spread butter on each bagel half then slice in half again to create quarters. Slice the wedge of Brie cheese into eight equal portions and place one on each bagel quarter. Cut the apple into eight slices and place one slice on top of cheese.

Sprinkle with cinnamon to taste.

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ANTS ON A POND

APPLE AND BRIE MINI BAGEL APPETIZERS

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IS YOUR CLOTHES DRYER ENERGY EFFICIENT?

BY STATEPOINT

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 single-family 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 dr yers. In 2012, the average electric clothes dr yer used almost as much energy annually as the average refrigerator, dishwasher and clothes washer combined, according to a report from the Natural Resources Defense Council.

Here are a couple of things to consider that can help you select a sustainable dr yer that also fits the design of your home. and water efficiency, manufacturing and materials.

AHAM just started providing standards for REVIEW RATINGS dr yers. To check its free rating and review other The most respected guide for sustainability in resources, visit aham.org. appliances is the Association for Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) Sustainability Standards.

CONSIDER VENTLESS DRYERS Before making its ratings, AHAM considers a This relatively new type of dr yer is changing broad range of product attributes, including energy the energy efficiency equation. Ventless dr yers

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 dr yer.

There are two types: condenser and heat pump. The most efficient are the heat pump dr yers, which use a refrigeration system to dr y and recycle air before returning it to the drum.

Consumers can choose from two Whirlpool brand dr yer sizes that range from a compact model to a 7.4 cu ft HybridCare True Ventless Heat Pump Dr yer.

Ventless dr yers have another major benefit.

They can fit into spaces beyond the laundr y 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 laundr y room to open designs, this allows a washer and dr yer 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.