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 Heres how to design the perfect wine room… Wherever you choose to store your wine, the key is to keep the space at 55 degrees Fahrenheit and about 70 percent humidity. From traditional wooden to contemporary stainless steel racks, there are countless display styles to choose from. You dont want your wine room to look empty, but youll also need space to make additions as you wait for each bottle to reach its peak.A tasting area inside or near your wine room is a thoughtful feature that com...

Many home cleaning products can be expensive and include harmful chemicals. With just a little extra elbow grease, you can save money by using some natural cleaning products you may already have around the house.Here are some common and cheap items that are free of artificial ingredients and can make house cleaning simpler:Baking SodaBaking soda can be used for many other things than refreshing the smell of a refrigerator.For a dollar or so, a small box of baking soda can go a long way in cleani...

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Looking to add some of your own personal chicness to your bathroom? Below are a few ways you can add a little oomph to your powder room.Climbing plants. Climbing vines indoors can add a jungly, naturalistic element to your space. Some of the coolest vines for interiors are ivy, heartleaf philodendron, jasmine and betel leaf plant.Art. Don’t be afraid to add some unique art to your bathroom! A cool painting or sculpture can make a great focus piece.Lighting options. From an interesting lighting...

Here are four things to keep in mind when looking at waterfront property.Do Your ResearchElevation is important to take into account to ensure the house isnt prone to flooding. Property lines can also be an issue, as some shorelines are considered public land.Consider How Youll Use ItWaterfront property can vary dramatically and so too can the lifestyle that it delivers.Extra CostsLiving on the water is expensive. From flood insurance to pricey hurricane-proof windows, there are plenty of extra ...

If you need help paying some bills or taking care of your family, the government can sometimes help. Many state and federal programs exist to help not just low-income families, but people of varying income levels. Many programs are meant to help homeowners.Here are some of the various types of government help available:Down Payment AssistanceIf you can’t afford a down payment on a home, many states offer down payment assistance. To find such programs in your state, start at the Federal Housing...

Whether it’s a big talk with the boss, a deep process with your partner or breaking some hard news to your folks, communication is hard when the stakes are raised. Below are three tips to help.Work on body language. You know what your mouth is saying, but what about your body? It can be hard to move outside your mind and examine your body language. Are you closed or folded with arms and legs crossed? Is your body pointing away from your conversation partner? Pay mind to your body language befo...

Here are a few tips for designing the perfect space for your little ones…Fun Meets FunctionDont want toys and trinkets on the floor? Look for furniture that can double as storage.Foster CreativityA designated space for arts and crafts is an excellent way to foster your childs creativity.Keep It OpenBy keeping the space open, theres room for whatever activity they choose.Pick a ThemeHaving a fun theme is a great way to personalize your childs room.Ready for ReadingWhether its a desk or bean bag...

Cash can be a popular present for children when birthdays or other celebrations roll around throughout the year. But instead of letting your youngster splurge on candy or other impulse buys, set them on the right foot by helping them come up with a plan for their money.While it may be enticing to teach your child to save their money by depositing it all in a savings account for them, consider taking the opportunity to teach them how to develop good spending habits.Here are some simple spending h...

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If youre nearing retirement and havent saved much for it, youre not alone.Forty-eight percent of workers age 55 or older say they have less than $100,000 in savings and investments, according to a 2016 retirement confidence survey by the Employee Benefit Research Institute.They may not want to rely on Social Security to fund their retirement. Social Security will replace 39 percent of pre-retirement income for the average worker retiring at 65, according to the Center for Retirement Research at ...

Here are a few ways that smart lighting can improve your daily life.Boost Your Energy LevelsLighting systems can align with your circadian rhythm and mimic natural light throughout the day, which can help maintain your sleep schedule naturally.Energy EfficiencyBy utilizing energy-efficient LED bulbs, smart lighting systems use significantly less energy than traditional lights.Take ControlBeing able to control your lights from anywhere via your smartphone is an extremely handy feature.Mood Lighti...

Food waste is a major issue in households across the U.S. Too often, we unintentionally buy or cook more food than necessary and then decide to throw out the extras. Reducing food waste not only helps conserve resources and protect the environment from more landfill gases"it could also save you a lot of money.Shop SmartOne of the most effective ways to ensure you dont waste food at home is determining what to buy at the grocery store. Plan your meals for the week ahead, and prepare a detail...

Protecting children is a constant responsibility for parents and guardians alike, and many are unaware that they also need to be protected from identity theft.Identity thieves often apply for government benefits, open bank and credit card accounts, and apply for a loan in the name of the victim, even a child. They often do this long before the child is old enough to open a credit card themselves, destroying a child’s credit history.If your child is getting mail such as bills for products they ...