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  • Unless youre living in a custom designed home, you probably wish your bathroom"or your guest bath"was bigger.Short of pushing out the walls or totally remodeling, home editors at TheSpruce.com offer eight good tips for making the most of your bathroom space:Pick the right colors. Save the bright hues for accessories if you like, but paint the walls and choose the flooring to create an illusion of space and serenity. Pale, soft pastel shades are best.Up the lighting. Adding recessed lig...

  • Here are three innovative smart tech features you need to introduce to your home.Bluetooth Light SwitchesSmart lighting systems still need to have light switches. Bluetooth switches seamlessly connect to the lights in your home.Security with StyleSecurity cameras can be unsightly and unsettling inside of a home. With this in mind, companies are designing stylish furnishings, like lamps, that are equipped with discreet security cameras.Recycled Water SystemsWater recycling systems clean and disin...

  • 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...

  • No matter how much of a critter lover you may be, pests in your kitchen is never fun. But many consumers are also disinclined to spread poison all over their culinary arena. Below are a handful of natural, poison-free ways to keep those creepy crawlies outside where they belong.Vinegar and oil. No, youre not making a salad dressing. By mixing water, vinegar and essential oil in a small spray bottle, you can spray your counter tops, window sills and nooks and crannies to help ban bugs. Use a mix ...

  • Here are a few reasons to incorporate smart faucets into your home design…Hands-Free ControlFrom motion-activated to voice control faucets linked to your smart home system, the hands-free control is a lifesaver.Precise DispensingForget about measuring cups! Just say the amount of water you need"and the faucet will dispense it.Usage MonitoringSome smart faucets utilize a sensor to monitor usage and leaks, which is then displayed on an app.No Fingerprints and SmudgesWith a smart faucet, you...

  • Mold inside a house can cause serious health problems, including sinus irritation, congestion, headaches and respiratory difficulties. The health effects of mold are more serious in children, pregnant women, senior citizens and people with respiratory problems.Mold can grow in any moist environment, which makes a home a perfect breeding ground. Mold spores can accumulate on surfaces and travel through the air in a house. Here are some strategies to control the level of moisture in your home and ...

  • Auto insurance rates typically rise for senior citizens, who can be more accident-prone than they were in middle age with slower reflexes, changes in hearing or vision, and health conditions that can make driving difficult.Older drivers are also more likely to die or suffer worse injuries in auto accidents than younger people, requiring expensive treatment. That can lead to higher costs for insurers, which are passed on to drivers.Senior drivers can lower their auto insurance costs in a few ways...

  • 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 ...

  • Looking to boost your daily productivity? Start by taking a look at your morning habits. Incorporating just a few of these into your get-up-and-go routine may help.Say no to snooze. Hitting the snooze button is tempting, but starting your day by procrastinating your wake-up will not set you up for productivity! Set your phone or alarm clock across the room so you have to rise to shut it off.Have a “you” ritual. Whether it’s a walk with your pup, reading a few poems from your favorite poem ...

  • Hiring a mover to safely transport your belongings to your new home is not a decision that should be taken lightly. As your local real estate professional, I want to advise you on some red flags to keep in mind. This infographic offers an easy-to-follow breakdown of these warning signs.Published with permission from RISMedia.

  • Digital nomads who work while traveling need to keep their tech devices updated and in good shape if they want to succeed. Without them, their productivity could suffer and could cost them their jobs. Here are some tech must-haves for the remote worker:Portable Wi-Fi RouterInternet connections at hotels, coffee shops, libraries and other public places can be unreliable. Having your own portable Wi-Fi router that allows you to wirelessly connect multiple devices at the same time can be a lifesave...

  • Some first-time buyers are surprised by the full cost of homeownership.To prepare your budget, consider these extra costs:Closing costs typically total 2 – 5 percent of the purchase price and are in addition to down payments.Homeowners insurance costs an average of around $1,000 a year, but prices vary. If in a flood or earthquake zone, youll need extra hazard insurance.Property taxes could range from hundreds of dollars to thousands a year, and they often fluctuate.All home maintenance become...

  • Figures from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) show that about 70 million people"more than a quarter of adults in the United States"either have a debt in collection or have been contacted about one.Some of those people are wrongly contacted by debt collectors. Reasons include contacting the wrong person for the wrong amount, or for debt that cant legally be enforced, according to the CFPB.Some calls are from debt collectors who arent legitimate and dont represent an origi...

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