Starting any home project can be stressful, especially when undertaking those projects in the most-used rooms of the house, like the kitchen and bathroom. From overall room style to structural changes and fixtures, many pieces of the puzzle need to fit together to create the finished product.
One in two Americans is living with a chronic disease. Chronic diseases are persistent and recurring, and are typically either hereditary or the result of factors such as poor diet, obesity or lack of exercise. Having these five simple screenings can be a first step in determining whether or not you are at risk for a variety of treatable – and preventable – chronic diseases.
No matter where it is, no matter how it’s decorated, a home should always provide a sense of warmth and welcome for family and friends. Consider adding homey touches throughout your home to help everyone feel comfortable and relaxed. Fortunately, creating this inviting atmosphere can be as simple (and cost-effective) as introducing different colors, aromas and accents to spruce up your decor for the season.
Homeowners are accustomed to using salt to clear ice from sidewalks and driveways in the winter. But you might be surprised to learn that there are different types of salt, and that each type has different melting properties.
Most people think of massage therapy as a luxury to enjoy at resorts, on cruise ships or in day spas. But science is revealing that there’s a lot more to massage therapy than just a relaxing rubdown. Many members of the mainstream medical community are recommending massage therapy for its ability to help patients manage pain, relieve anxiety and improve overall health.
The kitchen is the heart of the home: a place to cook and share a meal, to entertain friends, gather as a family and even pay bills or do homework. Energizing your kitchen doesn’t take a major decor overhaul. Some strategically selected splashes of color in countertop appliances, cookware, dinnerware, candles, placemats and other linens can do the trick.
For many of us, the holidays are a mixture of fun and frantic shopping, joyful times and a hectic pace. Criminals, however, see the holiday season as full of opportunities – the perfect time to take advantage of seasonal chaos. Fortunately, by taking some simple precautions, you protect your home, purchases and identity from predators this holiday season.
The master bedroom has evolved into far more than a place where you hit the pillow and grab a few hours of sleep each night. Today, it’s almost a misnomer to call these modern, multi-functional rooms bedrooms. If you’re looking to renovate, expand or build a new master bedroom, think “master suite” instead. Don’t just create a cozy room meant for sleeping, because in recent years it really has turned into so much more.
If you think home maintenance means fixing something only when it’s broken, then you could be in for some costly surprises. Routine maintenance can help identify and address home-related issues early and prevent them from becoming bigger problems later.
For many folks, connecting with nature has calming and invigorating effects. However, cold and short days make getting outside a little more difficult. If you find yourself coming down with a case of cabin fever every winter, try bringing the outside in and decorating your home in a way that will make you feel more connected with the outdoors in the comfort of your own living room.
Can putting yourself first be considered an unselfish decision? When it comes to your health, the answer is yes. By putting your health first, you’re not only staying well for you, but also for your loved ones.
Are lower real estate values keeping you in your current home – even though you were hoping to upgrade? Or, maybe you can’t bear the thought of boxing up all your belongings to move? You’re not alone. More homeowners are staying in their current homes, but remodeling with the idea of improving their quality of life and adding more “live-in value,” according to recent research from Consumer Reports.
Tucking your garden in for the winter doesn’t have to put an end to enjoying the beauty of your landscape. Freshen up this holiday season with touches of nature to enhance your home and spirit.
A fresh cycle starts fresh every year on Jan. 1. We promise ourselves we’ll start eating better, work out, save more money, or otherwise improve upon the way we live our lives. However, statistics show that by mid-January, most people don’t follow through on their resolutions and give up. This happens so often but it’s not always easy to understand why.
With colder temperatures looming, now is the time to check your home for deteriorating mortar joints and loose mortar – and make any minor repairs before they turn into major headaches.
Transforming a room from floor-to-ceiling isn’t as hard as it may sound, even if you’re DIY-challenged. The job can be simple if you start from the ground and work your way up with these easy do-it-yourself tasks.
Fibromyalgia, a condition characterized by widespread pain and tenderness, decreased physical function, and other symptoms, affects between two and four percent of the U.S. population or up to 12 million Americans, mostly women. Many women wait until they can no longer tolerate their symptoms before seeking help.
If you’re simply sick of winter weather – from snow to slush – you’re definitely not alone. With snow storms hitting 49 out of 50 states, and many areas logging record-breaking snowfall and low temperatures, it may be difficult to avoid feeling down.
It’s no longer a dark, gloomy place to stash holiday supplies, store neglected exercise equipment or hide out-of-date furniture. Basements are becoming “dream spaces” for many baby boomers and their loved ones.
When you start to sneeze or cough, the first thing you probably do is head to your medicine cabinet looking for something that can relieve your symptoms. But side effect warnings, expiration dates and possible drug interactions can make you think twice about what’s in that cabinet.
Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon spent many years and covered many miles searching for the fabled “fountain of youth.” Fortunately, you don’t have to go to those lengths to find a special fountain that will transform your backyard into a private oasis. You only need to make a trip to the local garden store.
Whether you’re an aspiring top chef, a novice cookie maker or anything in between, the kitchen can serve as the central meeting place for family and friends. Using warm wood colors and accents, while opting for the newest styles, instantly creates a more inviting look for your kitchen.
New Year’s Eve is the time to remember all the good things from the past year and ring in the new year with style and celebration. For many of us, this means heading out to a favorite restaurant or bar, or even to a friend’s house for festive drinks. But this happy day can be dangerous for drivers due to increased traffic, the potential for bad weather and more risk of drunken drivers on the road.
Everyone, it seems, is eager for 3-D. A 3-D TV may well be the high-tech investment your family opts for in 2011, but before you buy, here are a few things you should know – and consider – about 3-D television.
Now is the time for a renewed focus on personal health and wellness. If you have been putting the health of your family first, take some time to educate yourself and make your own health a priority, as well.
The winter months often mean gatherings and guests … and much more time indoors. So, why not give the two rooms that you spend the most time in – the kitchen and bath – a function and fashion facelift? Luckily, minor updates that are easy, quick and inexpensive can make a major impact.
This year’s top Christmas decorating trends will include small luxuries combined with a sense of modern naturalness.
It’s tempting sometimes to just sit back as you age, relying on the things you already know, the routines of your life, the habits you’ve formed over the years. But of course there’s a whole world out there, waiting for you to discover it, no matter your age. Here are three things that can help you stay peaceful, healthy and connected to family and friends.
Your home, its furnishings and exterior style, probably are more reflective of your personality than anything else in your life. Only the clothes on your back would come close to matching the relevance of your home in terms of making a visible statement about your style and personality. Even the style of garage door that you select is reflective of your personal tastes.
Did you know that people living with diabetes are twice as likely to develop serious gum disease?
