(BPT) - While 2020 was a rollercoaster of emotions, this year doesn’t have to be. These hacks will help you navigate the new norm this year — and make sure 2021 kicks off on a stress-free note.
(StatePoint) As Valentine’s Day quickly approaches, celebrations may include romantic dinners, Galentine’s Day plans or even family fun. The experts at Dollar General have provided a few budget-friendly decor ideas that everyone will love.
(StatePoint) Unfortunately, many Americans will be unable to celebrate the holidays with their extended family and friends in person this year, making it all the more important to boost holiday cheer at home. Here are few festive ideas for getting into the holiday spirit during this socially distant season.
(StatePoint) Spending more time at home working, learning and simply living? The holiday season is the perfect opportunity to gift your household with lighting that enhances the feel and function of your spaces.
(StatePoint) Give your home a warm and cozy vibe this fall with a few DIY projects that are sure to add seasonal cheer to any space. Whether you’re looking for a rainy day activity to keep kids busy or searching for affordable décor options, these fall craft ideas are a great place to start -- all you need is your creativity and a few supplies.
(StatePoint) As more of life is centered around home, good design can help you augment and replace natural light, while creating a beautiful, productive, safe haven during the darker, shorter days of fall and winter.
(StatePoint) Whether building a home from scratch, doing a complete renovation or simply refreshing a room or two, you can take your project to the next level with some design inspiration.
(StatePoint) Many people have found themselves working from home. Whether setting up shop at the kitchen table or creating a complete home office, here are simple hacks to make your new work environment comfortable and productive.
(StatePoint) Many people underestimate the power of lighting to set the mood and introduce different design elements into their home’s interiors. As a result, they often make the mistake of relying solely only overhead fixtures to light their homes.
(StatePoint) While lighting is an essential piece of new home design; it’s often selected and installed at the end of the building process. What’s more, statement-making decorative lighting is often not part of the initial design at all.
(BPT) - A gallon of milk. Cream for your coffee. A pat of butter. Whether you’re enjoying a yogurt on the go in the morning or family night at home with a cheese and veggie pizza, dairy has been an enjoyable and nutritious part of daily life for generations. Throughout that time, America’s dairy farm families have provided an essential service to nourish their communities, during good times or bad.
(NAPSI)—It’s official: 1-800-Flowers.com has named the sunflower as 2021’s Flower of the Year and the Prayer Plant as Plant of the Year. With everyone looking forward to a fresh start, there’s never been a better time to celebrate the hope, positivity and bright outlook each one of these well-deserved picks brings!
Sunflowers: Radiating Happiness
Sparking instant cheer with big, golden petals, sunflowers naturally turn toward the sun to uplift and inspire. That’s why the team at 1-800-Flowers is proud to give this ever-popular bloom the recognition it deserves.
A Golden Opportunity
At a time when positivity is just what everyone needs, anyone can learn from this trending favorite:
•It’s a powerful reminder to rise, shine and hold your head high.
•All it takes is a bit of brightness to boost someone’s mood.
•Looking on the bright side is something all people can all incorporate into their lives.
Plant Prayers Have Been Answered
This popular houseplant’s unique leaves show off painterly-like veins for a bold splash of color. At night, they fold up, resembling hands in prayer. It’s a powerful reminder of just how far gratitude can go, making this plant a natural choice for such a coveted award.
Inspiration, for Every Day
There’s more than meets the eye when it comes to the Plant of the Year…giving people even more reason to love it.
•Its vibrant appearance helps celebrate the beauty all around us.
•This plant’s nightly routine can inspire us all pause and reflect
•Opening up again each morning promotes the idea that each day is full of opportunity.
“Plants are the perfect gift to help us relax and be happy,” said Alfred Palomares, vice president of merchandising for leading gifting site 1800flowers.com.
Over 40 years ago, 1-800-Flowers.com was founded on one simple, universal idea: making people smile. And that’s exactly what they’ve become most well known for. Through unique floral arrangements, thoughtful plant gifts, gourmet gift baskets, and so much more, 1-800-Flowers.com is there to help connect you with loved ones for life’s little and big moments and all those in between.
(NAPSI)—You can spread a little happiness during the holiday season, or anytime, by spreading a little hoppiness, and helping a tiny frog called the coquí.
Contemplating Coquís
Coquís are endemic to the nature-rich island of Puerto Rico and have been a cultural symbol there since the times of the indigenous Taino inhabitants. The coquí can be found primarily in el bosque, or forest, of El Yunque National Rainforest, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. With 17 different species that inhabit Puerto Rico, when the sun goes down, male coquís begin singing their song that gives them their name (Co-KEE, Co-KEE) until dawn.
If you’re looking for a great gift, Adopt a Coquí from Discover Puerto Rico, can be the answer. To participate, go to www.DiscoverPuertoRico.com and donate $25 or more; 100% of proceeds go to Conservacion ConCiencia. Coquí adopters get a keepsake adoption certificate for their contribution to supporting conservation, sustainability, and climate resilience efforts. At the same site, you can discover the amazing natural beauty and great things to do and see on the island itself. Home to such unique habitats as rainforests, pink salt flats, underground caves and more, Puerto Rico presents an excellent place to connect with nature in 2021 and beyond.
“We’re inviting future travelers to explore our natural offerings in a safe and responsible way from their homes as many are dreaming about their first trip when the time is right,” explained Brad Dean, CEO of Discover Puerto Rico, a not for-profit organization promoting Puerto Rico as a premier travel destination. “While Puerto Rico is ensuring the safety of residents and travelers alike and only encouraging essential travel at this time, Adopt a Coquí gives the gift of hope during this holiday season, supporting conservation efforts in Puerto Rico and felt globally.”
Another Gift Idea
Until traveling is likely again, you can give yourself or someone you care for a taste of a trip to the land of the coquís with a five-episode narrative series called “Sounds like Puerto Rico.” The series, which can be found at www.discoverpuertorico.com/sounds-like-puerto-rico, explores the origin and jargon used in Puerto Rico and the natural sounds that make up the Island’s unique culture. The first episode transports travelers to El Yunque National Rainforest. Other episodes explore the island’s coffee culture, surfing, birdwatching and the history of reggaeton.
When It’s Time To Travel Again
Though the series is delightful, the island is best enjoyed in person—and now can be a great time to start planning on giving yourself the gift of a trip to the charming island next year. From shopping and sightseeing in sophisticated San Juan to snorkeling in a bio-luminescent bay, from art museums to soft sandy beaches, and from delicious local dishes to exotic cocktails, there’s much to enjoy amid Puerto Rico’s ancient history, rich culture, beautiful colonial architecture, excellent weather, fun attractions, lively music and warm people.
What’s more, if you fall in love with the place so much you don’t want to leave, you may be glad to know it’s easy to work remotely there.
Learn More
For further facts about preserving the ecology, and to discover all the beauty the island has to offer, go to www.DiscoverPuertoRico.com.
(NAPSI)—This holiday season, you don’t have to look far to find items that deliver great features and functionality but use less energy. Products that earn the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR label save money on energy bills and help protect the environment, making them gifts that do a world of good.
With a wide range of things to wrap up—from smart thermostats, laptops, tablets and other electronics, appliances and even lighting—you can put a bow on a gift that has been independently certified to meet strict standards for energy efficiency.
A typical household spends about $2,000 a year on energy bills. A home outfitted with products that have earned the ENERGY STAR label can save 30% or about $575 a year on household energy bills. Over their lifetime these products save about $8,750 on utility bills and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 77,000 pounds of carbon dioxide.
The ENERGY STAR Holiday Gift Guide at www.energystar.gov/holiday features energy-saving products popular this time of year, along with special deals from manufacturers, retailers, and utilities that participate in the ENERGY STAR Program. Looking for the ENERGY STAR label on products specially priced for the holidays means you save on the initial price, plus keep saving through the holidays and beyond.
(BPT) - Despite the economic challenges since the beginning of the global COVID-19 pandemic this year, one area of the U.S. economy is still going strong: agriculture. Amid so much uncertainty, food security is essential to the population of the United States and the world.
(NewsUSA) - Covid-19 caused us all to spend much more time at home, reconnecting with a welcomed resurgence of simple pleasures and fundamental pursuits, which were nearly lost in our frenzied day-to-day lives, prior to the pandemic.
(NAPSI)—When times are tough, it feels good to do what you can, and maybe spread a little added joy with the proceeds. For example, putting extra money in your pockets, while protecting the planet for generations to come.
Here’s How
If you find your utility bills are getting you down, particularly if your family is one of many spending more time at home, ENERGY STAR can help. The typical household spends about $2,000 a year on energy bills. With ENERGY STAR, you can save 30% and reduce your carbon footprint. Whether you are looking to make small changes or take on a big project, make your energy choices count by looking for the ENERGY STAR label.
Ways to Save
October 27th is ENERGY STAR Day, a day to celebrate the environmental and financial benefits of energy savings, particularly for those who need it the most. There are many ways to save on ENERGY STAR Day and every day. Consider installing a smart thermostat or take on a bigger project like replacing your water heater. With certified, efficient options in so many categories, there is an entry point for everyone and rebates and other ways to save offered by ENERGY STAR partners. Looking for the trusted blue label to save energy today will help your family to do the things that bring joy for years to come.
Visit www.energystar.gov/saveforgood for all the ways you can start saving.
(NewsUSA) - Clean, safe, reliable water is more important now than ever. With the global health emergency still posing challenges, clean water is essential for maintaining personal hygiene at home and in the community to help prevent the spread of illness.
(StatePoint) With more of life centered at home due to cool weather and social distancing, it’s time to ensure the space where your family spends the majority of its time is healthy and safe.
(Family Features) Although grass and vegetation typically goes dormant during the winter months in most parts of the country, you may pay the price come spring if you neglect your lawn completely during the offseason.
(Family Features) More than 30 million Americans, including nearly 10 million children, have eczema, the umbrella term for a group of noncontagious, inflammatory and painful skin conditions marked by an itchy, rash-like appearance. Because one of the most challenging aspects of eczema can be its unpredictability, the National Eczema Association (NEA), designed an app to help people and parents easily track what’s important and make sense of it.
(Family Features) A lifelong diagnosis like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) may feel overwhelming and confusing, but by working closely with your health care providers, you can work toward managing the disease and improving your quality of life.
(Family Features) Adding additional bathroom space to your home or renovating an outdated lavatory can improve your home’s usability and increase its value, too. To get the most practical benefits and value out of your new space, there are several factors to consider.
(Family Features) A laundry room may be one of the spaces that you use the most, but cramped quarters and clutter can hinder your productivity. Eliminate the excuses and get your laundry room under control with these tips to add function to your washing routine.
(Family Features) Battery-powered power tools make it convenient and efficient to tackle chores around the house and job site. While batteries eliminate the risks associated with electricity, they come with their own requirements for safe use and handling.
(Family Features) Energy bills are likely among the largest expenses for homeowners, but you can take action to lower those costs. During a remodel, a certified contractor can help you make smart decisions when it comes to selecting appliances, windows and insulation for your projects.
(Family Features) A homeowner’s motivation for taking on a remodeling project can vary greatly, but there’s one universal rule of thumb: home upgrades should add value, function or both. This step-by-step guide can help ensure you get the maximum return on your investment and make the most of your remodel.
(StatePoint) When it comes to keeping your home healthy, safe and clean, it’s all about balance. Using the following tips, you can make 2021 the year you perfect your cleaning technique affordably:
(StatePoint) With families spending more time at home, messes are on repeat and cleanups are often an hourly routine. At the same time, many households are looking to reduce their environmental impact affordably.
(StatePoint) You’ve finally found the perfect home. Now comes the hard part: moving. But don’t let misconceptions complicate the process. To keep frustrations to a minimum and make your move more manageable, here are five common moving myths, debunked.
(StatePoint) One of the most important parts of any household or personal care routine is shopping for all the items you need. With new products introduced to store shelves all the time, sorting the best from the rest can be a time consuming process.
© Copyright 2021, Odessa American, Odessa, TX. Powered by BLOX Content Management System from TownNews.com. [Terms of Use | Privacy Policy]