Take a Home Decorating Personality Quiz

You often hear that you should match your home’s design to your personality and interests, but few color swatches come with names like “Reads Paranormal Romance Novels,” “Hikes on Weekends” or “Gleek.”

To help you figure out what color palettes will best suit your personality, Mohawk Flooring provides the following quiz:

What Is Your Design Personality?

You’re making big plans for the weekend. What are they?
A) Participating in a charity walk
B) Antique shopping
C) Inviting friends over for dinner
D) Touring a haunted house

Continue Reading: Take a Home Decorating Personality Quiz

How Your Garage Can Make the Grade for Back-to-School Season

<b>How Your Garage Can Make the Grade for Back-to-School Season</b>“></td> <td> <p>(<a href=NewsUSA) – Once known as “that place you park your car,” garages now serve as work rooms, craft corners, and entertaining and recreation spaces. In short, garages have become an extension of the home.

Most people prepare their home for the changing seasons, but many do not give their garages a second thought. Yet, updating garages can make them more functional while also improving the home’s security and safety.

The Chamberlain Group, the manufacturer of LiftMaster (www.LiftMaster.com), a brand of professionally installed garage door openers and access solutions, offers tips for improving garages this fall:

* Create more storage space. As school begins, kids start to bring home sports equipment, so finding storage space may become an issue. But it’s easy to create additional storage space — just look to the ceiling! Installing an innovative, yet powerful, side-mounted garage door opener, such as the LiftMaster Side-Mounted Opener, opens up space on the ceiling for storing bikes, sports equipment and kayaks that need to be put away until next summer.

* Secure the entrance to your home. More than 70 percent of homeowners use the garage as the primary entrance to their homes, and many children let themselves in when they get home from school. Installing a fingerprint-activated keyless entry means that you won’t have to worry about lost keys or kids telling their friends the access code.

Kids may accidentally leave doors half-open. Keep your house from becoming vulnerable by installing a garage door monitoring system. The monitor, which can sit anywhere in your home, alerts you when the garage door has been left ajar.

* Always have a back-up plan. If you store your car in the garage and there’s a power outage, you could find yourself stranded. Luckily, some garage door openers are capable of functioning even if the rest of the house has no power. For example, LiftMaster garage door openers with the EverCharge Standby Power System will open and close the door for up to two days without power.

For more information, visit www.LiftMaster.com.

Ordinary Products Go High-Tech

Lightbulbs, televisions, toaster ovens – all three inventions changed the way that Americans live and work. Today, scientists still use technologies to improve home products. Appliances have become increasingly efficient. New smart homes will even allow people to lock their house or adjust their thermostat with their cell phones.

But the products that use advanced technology don’t always seem like science fiction. For example, painters tape doesn’t usually cause excitement. But Frog Tape, which won a Best of What’s New award in Popular Science’s Home Tech category in 2007, does exactly what old tapes failed to do – create clean edges around paint jobs.

Continue Reading: Ordinary Products Go High-Tech

Tips for Stress-Free Air Travel

<b>Tips for Stress-Free Air Travel</b>“></td> <td> <p>(<a href=NewsUSA) – Man-made and natural disruptions to air travel are all-too-often the norm. Not only can weather delay take-offs and landings, but new airline rules can also keep planes grounded.

For example, if a plane is sitting on the tarmac for more than three hours, it has to return to the gate. On the upside, there are ways to cope with the unexpected. Here are a few simple tips to prepare for delays before leaving home:

* Print copies of itineraries with the 800 numbers for your airline, and others that fly the same route, just in case you have to rebook from the airport. The paper-free option? E-mail those numbers or enter them manually into your smartphone.

* Check airline Web sites for delay postings. New rules mandate that airlines have this information online. Alternatively, you can go to www.flightstats.com.

* Make sure you can access your office and home computers in the event you are stuck while traveling. Free and inexpensive programs like LogMeIn (www.LogMeIn.com) make it quick, easy and secure to access files, calendars and applications from any computer, smartphone, netbook or iPad with an Internet connection.

* Enlist a friend or family member who knows their way around online travel sites, and keep them on your mobile phone speed dial. If you have to make alternative plans, they can probably do it faster than anyone.

* Remember travel insurance. A few extra dollars tacked onto the price of your trip can provide peace of mind if you have to change plans for unforeseen reasons. Check what your airline, travel agent, booking site and credit cards offer to make sure that you’re covered.

* Have fun. Many airports are adding luxuries like spas, high-end restaurants and even showers to keep passengers happy. Find out what your airport, and the ones that you will visit, offer before you go, so you’re able to enjoy them to the fullest.

While there is no surefire guarantee for disruption-free air travel, a little advanced planning can go a long way — even all the way to your destination.

Shopping for a New Home? Check Out the Kitchen

<b>Shopping for a New Home?Check Out the Kitchen</b>“></td> <td> <p>(<a href=NewsUSA) – Buying a home is the largest investment most people will ever make, so it’s no surprise that such a big decision may seem daunting. There are, however, some simple guidelines that can help you find a home that you will be happy with for a very long time.

A recent study conducted by Merillat, a leading manufacturer of cabinetry, examined what consumers think about when they’re purchasing a home. The study found that the kitchen sways more minds than any other room, followed by the great room and the master bedroom third.

“The kitchen is the gathering place for special occasions, family functions and day-to-day activities, which is why it is so important for prospective buyers to ensure their new kitchen will meet the needs of their family from a design and functionality prospective,” said Paul Radoy, manager of design services for Merillat.

Try creating a checklist to help you decide whether a kitchen is right for you. Ask yourself these questions:

1. Do I like the layout of the kitchen? Consider the kitchen from an overall perspective, and keep all the items that will require storage in mind.

2. Does the kitchen look comfortable? Do I feel good when I’m in it? You should feel at home right away.

3. Does the kitchen help facilitate frequent casual interactions with family and friends? Consider the views into the surrounding rooms, like the living and dining areas. Can you easily associate with family and friends?

4. Is the cabinetry durable and well-built? Is the finish on the cabinetry smooth and consistent? Investigate the cabinet interiors to determine whether they’re covered with a durable water- and stain-resistant material or a lower-quality product. Make sure that the color of the interior complements the exterior.

5. Does the kitchen have visual impact or a good focal point like an island, cooking grotto or other unique feature? Islands are a useful feature that many homeowners desire. When examining an island, identify the tasks or storage functions it serves to decide whether it will meet your needs.)

6. Does the kitchen have adequate storage space and built-in features to accommodate my possessions? Merillat’s study found that, after remodeling a kitchen, many homeowners find that they didn’t include enough storage features. Make sure you don’t overlook features, like drawer organizers, pull-out trays and lazy Susans.

To more learn about kitchen design and storage features visit www.Merillat.com.

Sweeten the Kitty: Tips for Easier Traveling with Pets

<b>Sweeten the Kitty: Tips for Easier Traveling with Pets</b>“></td> <td> <p>(<a href=NewsUSA) – You look forward to your vacation, but leaving your furry friends behind is more than you can handle. Luckily, it’s easier than ever to bring your pets along for the ride.

There are plenty of pet -friendly lodging establishments, restaurants, and a slew of gear and other pet products that make traveling with Fido and Fluffy more comfortable. Consider trying the following tips before packing your pets’ travel bags:

* Plan ahead. Prepare to include your pets in the fun by making a list of the extra gear and supplies that you will need and any special reservations that you may require. Include food, litter, leashes, toys, beds, medications and pet carriers. Just to be safe, carry notes regarding your pet’s medical history and your veterinarian’s contact information.

* Have a practice round. If your pet is not used to car or plane travel, introduce him to the carrier prior to departure. Toss in a favorite toy or familiar object and take a spin around the block. Make sure that the carrier is airline-compliant and sturdy enough to make the trip.

* Travel green. Leaving home does not have to mean abandoning planet-friendly habits. Use biodegradable waste disposal bags when cleaning up after your pooch. If traveling with a cat, use a cat litter that offers odor control, clumping for easy clean-up and all-natural, flushable ingredients, such as World’s Best Cat Litter (www.worldsbestcatlitter.com).

* Keep moving. Just like humans, your pets need as much exercise away from home as they do in their own environment. Make sure you make plenty of stops along the way and allow every member of your family to stretch his or her legs and breathe fresh air. Once at your destination, include your pet in hikes, walks on the beach or a visit to a local park.

* Drink up. Make sure that your pet has access to clean water throughout your travels. A pet’s body is comprised of 80 percent water– proper hydration is key to good health at home and on the road.

* Have fun. Enjoy this extra-special time with your pet. Include him or her in your vacation photo album. Visit a local dog park. It’s likely that your pet will “introduce you” to new friends along the way.

Is It Time to Upgrade Your Home’s Security?

<b>Is It Time to Upgrade Your Home’s Security?</b>“></td> <td> <p>(<a href=NewsUSA) – As Americans work in their yards and start DIY home projects, it might be appropriate for them to think about improving outdoor security.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics, U.S. households experienced about 16.3 million property crimes, including burglary and robbery, in 2008. Many people feel that a home security system automatically makes their home safe, but outdated technologies may leave a home vulnerable.

Take outdoor motion sensor lighting. Burglars want to avoid detection, so they are often deterred by well-lit yards and driveways, making motion sensor lighting a wise investment. But for the past two decades, motion sensor lights have used Passive Infrared technology (PIR), which detects heat from moving objects. The problem? PIR technology can be easily fooled.

PIR sensors can be triggered by wind or temperature changes. For example, they might turn on by wind-blown leaves, but fail to detect a burglar on a cold night. In addition, PIR motion sensor lights can only detect lateral, or side to side, movement. If a burglar moves towards a PIR light in a straight line, he can approach the house without triggering the light.

But one new motion sensor light combines Doppler Radar with PIR to create more reliable home security. Precision Plus Doppler Radar, by Cooper Lighting, uses Doppler Radar to cover those areas where PIR motion sensors fail. Doppler Radar allows the motion sensor light to cover a larger range. Doppler Radar does not sense temperature, so weather changes don’t affect its ability to sense somebody approaching the home. In addition, Doppler Radar can detect a person moving in a straight line towards or away from the home.

Upgrading a motion sensor light is just one way to protect your home. Some low-tech, DIY solutions include installing heavier doors and deadlocks, and removing large hedges, which burglars can use to hide.

To learn more about Precision Plus Doppler Radar, visit www.precisionplusdopplerradar.com.

Re-insulation Projects Offer Year-Round Rewards

<b>Re-insulation Projects Offer Year-Round Rewards</b>“></td> <td> <p>(<a href=NewsUSA) – Homeowners seeking to pad their homes and wallets should consider re-insulation projects that maximize energy efficiency year-round. Simple, energy-saving practices will not only reduce heating and cooling bills every month, but also will result in a higher tax return next year.

The federal government expanded the scope of a tax credit program that rewards homeowners for energy-efficiency improvements, giving homeowners a prime opportunity to increase their homes’ efficiency. Homeowners are eligible to receive a 30 percent federal tax credit up to $1,500 for weatherization improvements in their homes through Dec. 31, 2010,

And as far as energy-efficient improvements are concerned, re-insulation is a smart solution for the near and short term.

“Most of the steps you can take to improve your home’s energy efficiency in the cooler winter months are equally as effective in the warmer summer months, when the thermal flows are simply reversed,” said Bohdan Boyko, building science manager with GreenFiber, a natural-fiber insulation product made from 85 percent recycled materials. “In most areas of the country, winter has the greatest temperature differences between inside and outside temperatures, but in either situation -; summer or winter -; a properly insulated home is one that will help cut energy bills, lower the home’s carbon footprint and help keep a family comfortable.”

Homeowners can find information on the benefits of re-insulation, including R-Value education, how to’s and tax credit information from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, at www.greenfiber.com, where researchers engineered a special new blow-in product that aids in retro-fit projects. Older homes or homes where current insulation is inadequate can benefit from attic air sealing, duct sealing, attic insulating and side wall insulating. Because the insulation is literally “blown in” through a tube, it can reach high crevices and deep places in walls. “Re-insulation is a fast and easy way to improve a home’s energy efficiency, often with little up-front cost,” said Boyko. “A blow-in insulation product will perform better than material that is cut to fit, because it provides complete coverage and fills gaps, unlike fixed-dimension insulation products.”

Do-it-yourselfers should have no difficulties renting equipment and tackling a blow-in natural-fiber insulation project in an afternoon. And because natural-fiber insulation is made from recycled content, it provides the greatest benefit to the environment, diverting materials from local landfills and reducing the energy a home could draw.

Make the Most of Your Next Home Improvement Project

Whether it’s the downturn in the economy or the increasing popularity of DIY television shows, one thing is certain; homeowners are tackling more home projects themselves. A lot of first-timers are learning new skills and using new tools so they can finish projects ranging from simple maintenance and crafts to room renovation.
Most DIYers will begin with the basics — a hammer, screwdriver and measuring tape — and will move onto air-powered tools and electric tools once they feel comfortable. For those looking for a cost-effective and efficient way to get the most from their tool purchases, the first step is to buy an air compressor.
The compressor is the heart of any air-powered system. Air compressors are available in a wide range of sizes and different air delivery capacities. It is important to match the size of the compressor to the types of tools and projects to ensure optimal performance.
While inflating tires, sports balls and air mattresses are the most common tasks performed with a compressor, this piece of equipment can help with so much more. An air compressor is so versatile because it powers a wide array of air tools that operate more quickly and less expensively than traditional power tools. Nailers, blow guns, spray guns, ratchets, impact wrenches and chisels are common air tools. They allow DIYers to more efficiently sharpen mower blades, remove lug nuts to rotate tires, paint furniture, build a deck or fence, install chair rail and crown molding, perform engine repair and more; the possibilities are almost limitless.
Campbell Hausfeld, a manufacturer and marketer of air-powered tools and compressors, has several models available designed for simple applications in the home, garage or workshop. They also offer units for more frequent use such as automotive, lawn equipment and small engine repair.
Air compressors require very little maintenance — users only need to drain the tank after each use to prevent condensation buildup. Discharging the compressed air from the tank is as simple as loosening a valve.
Regardless of the experience level or type of project, homeowners interested in getting more bang for their buck on their next home project should visit www.chpower.com to get started.

Small Investments Lead to Reduced Energy Bills

With fuel costs on the rise, many consumers are wondering what they can do to reduce home energy bills. Making your home more energy-efficient can be surprisingly quick, easy and cost-effective.
Next time you’re out running errands, keep these five items on your list of things to buy, and you could start seeing the savings in no time:

1.    Window insulation kit. Properly sealing drafty windows not only increases the comfort of your home, but may also significantly decrease your energy bills. Insulating windows is an inexpensive and effective way to keep warm air in and cold air out. Choose a product that can easily fit a variety of window sizes, such as the Roll-On Window Kit by Duck Brand, which requires no measuring and minimal cutting and is practically invisible.

Continue Reading: Small Investments Lead to Reduced Energy Bills
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