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A pet can become a beloved member of the family and a source of fun and companionship for everyone, but especially for children. If you’re planning to have a new pet join your family, the first interactions between the pet and your child are critical.Tell Your Child What to ExpectBefore you bring home a new pet, talk to your child about the type of animal you’re planning to get, its age, typical behavior and anything you know about that particular animals background that may affect its behav...

Here are four hallmark features that make the American Craftsman style so appealing.Charming FacadesOften designed with overhanging eaves and large covered porches at the front entrance, a Craftsman home feels inviting before you even step inside.Large FireplacesAt the center of almost every Craftsman home is a fireplace that the family can gather around.Natural MaterialsCraftsman homes generally showcase an extensive use of wood and stone.Thoughtful DetailsPerhaps most importantly are the small...

Life can feel overwhelming. Work, traffic, family responsibilities and chores can cause you to feel understandably frazzled. While stress is unavoidable, there are simple things you can do to make it more manageable.Change Your MindsetWhen you’re rushing from one task to another, you may not pay attention to what’s going on around you. Take some time to breathe in fresh air, savor your food and live in the moment.When life feels overwhelming, friends and family can be lifesavers. Reach out t...

Are you looking for out-of-the-box decorating ideas for your space? Below are a handful of interesting accent ideas to up the creativity of your interior design.Hanging accent lights. Caged, bubbled, modern, antique"there are myriad styles for hanging accent lights, which can be clustered, paired or used solo to fill up an empty corner or decorate a blank wall.Mantels. Who says a mantel should only sit above a fireplace? You can easily install a freestanding mantel to rest photos, art or yo...

Studies show that plants canIncrease o2Most plants release oxygen throughout the day, but some varieties, like orchids and Gerbera daisies, release oxygen at night, too.They might help you sleep better.Improve air qualityPlants help remove toxins that can cause headaches, nausea and certain respiratory issues.Increase productivityChildren are more attentive in classrooms and people are more productive in computer tasks with plants in the room.Decrease drynessPlace several plants together to add ...

Utility bills are often much higher than they should be. By making some simple changes, you can keep your house comfortable and significantly reduce your monthly energy bills.Lower Heating CostsHeating and cooling are responsible for a large chunk of utility bills. In the winter, you can save money by lowering the temperature on your thermostat. Even a change of two or three degrees can result in substantial savings over the course of a year. You can install a programmable thermostat to automati...

Published with permission from RISMedia.

The entrance of your home says a lot about your character, from interior design to overall aesthetics. Below are some helpful tips for making sure your space wows you and your guests every time.Kill the clutter. Clutter is a huge no-no in your entryway, as it impacts the entire vibe of your space from the moment you set foot in the door. However, this can be hard, as the entryway is the space you dump your keys, mail, boots and coat. To remedy this, make sure you have designated, tucked away spa...

These four home materials will look better with age.CopperEventually, copper will oxidize, and its shiny dark orange appearance will develop a distinguished look with shades of blue and green.TerracottaWhen you decide to splurge on beautiful handmade terracotta for your home, you can rest assured that it will endure.Reclaimed WoodScuffs and scratches that developed over time tell the story of its past life and eventually turn into an inimitable patina.Natural StoneWhen your stone takes on a weat...

When we think about lottery winners, we likely imagine new cars and mega-mansions. But according to a recent survey conducted by the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC), most of us would actually use our lottery winnings to pay down our debt.Among the 1,729 people who took part in this online poll, 87 percent indicated that they would use their winnings to become debt-free. Conversely, only 8 percent would use the funds to invest and grow savings before considering other priorities....

Whether you like a rustic, industrial or mod look in your space, the next time you’re considering an interior redesign, don’t miss out on decorating with wood.Floors If you can, wood flooring is one of the loveliest ways to use wood in your space. Choose a stain that compliments your space"like a light blonde wood for smaller rooms or a darker variety to make wide open spaces seem intimate.FurnitureIf you do have a wood floor, choose a different wood tone for your furniture to avoid you...

Living in a small space?Try these tips to make more room in your tiny home or studio.– Take advantage of vertical real estate by using wall space to install shelving for books, off-season clothes, and more.– Hanging storage is king in small spaces, and again, can maximize height. Think hooks to hang your bike or a rack for hanging pots and pans.– Choose functional furniture that double as storage, like ottomans that open and couches with stash space in the arm rests.– Create stackable st...

Most homeowners have weather-stripped their doors to maximize climate control, and have switched out traditional incandescent light bulbs with eco-friendly CFL models. Short of installing double paned windows or making other costly home improvements, what more can you do to make your home “greener” without emptying your wallet?Change filters often. Change air conditioning filters monthly to keep the system running at peak performance.Dry bigger loads. Your dryer has more capacity than you th...