Connect with nature to reconnect with each other

By BRIAN & MARCIA GLEASON, Relationship Reporters for Babyboomers.TV

As we have discussed in earlier articles, the structure of the modern relationship creates such a strain that, for many couples, it is nearly impossible to sustain. We have come to believe that for most couples (ourselves included) there is an undercurrent of approval-seeking in how we orchestrate our daily lives. “Look at how good I am!” is often the unconscious motivation behind our drive toward accomplishment. The result is a relationship that is imbalanced and careening toward collapse.

We talked previously about what constitutes a sustainable relationship. In our last entry we discussed the importance of emotional literacy and honesty. Today we would like to focus on another component, namely a connection to the natural world.

Relationship ecology, or the creation of a healthy environment that allows our partnership to flourish, can be summed up in a word — balance. When we are operating from the yearning for approval, or when we are motivated by fear, we live our lives with an ungrounded frenzy. There’s an old axiom that reminds us, “If you chase two rabbits, you catch neither.”

I am guessing we all know how this feels. When we are busy chasing down the elusive targets of acknowledgement and safety, we fall out of rhythm with the natural order. When we learn to re-connect to the pulsation of nature we realize there is a time for everything. Core energetics tells us that all life goes through continual cycles of “charge” and “discharge.” That is, we build tension and intensity and we soften into relaxation and release. But when the focus shifts away from living in harmony with this basic impulse we become anxious, insomniac and irritable, or we slump down into depression, exhaustion and apathy.

We need to rediscover our intimate connection to nature’s rhythms in order to create a balance between the poles of over-charge and under-charge. There is a profound difference between the good feeling that comes from our ego, which says “I guess I’m OK — look at all I have done,” and that which comes from an inner sense of balance and connection. Relationships that sink into a competitive struggle to out-do each other leave both partners tired, depleted and resentful. Such couples can never quite feel safe in being just who they are. Their lives come to resemble a log-rolling contest where each person runs faster to get the other to fall first.

To feel our bodies and enter the flow of life force, we need to bring our relationships into the natural world. For the two of us, this has recently meant a return to gardening and a new foray into raising chickens. For you it could be riding bikes, walking the shoreline, climbing trees, making love in a meadow, fishing, or watching the sun rise or set. Or, it could be a thousand other possibilities.

To make contact with the natural world helps us to feel ourselves and to experience each other. Though we often forget, we live in bodies — we are our bodies — and our partners have bodies too. We are not just ego-machines dutifully doing what we think we should. We are alive, and we are part of the grand and beautiful world that resides just outside our minds.

A sustainable relationship is dependent on the realization of our intimate connection to nature. Breathing, feeling, and allowing our five senses to encounter the fullness of nature are vital to an authentic relationship. Too often we go entire days only relating through our words. A wholesome, alive relationship uses a language that speaks through our skin, not just our vocal chords. Balancing our “doing” side with our “being” side is vital to the creation of an alive, sensual connection. Marriages become much more sustainable with a vital connection to the earth, our bodies, our “beingness” and one another.

Here is an exercise to try:

Go for a walk or hike together, and agree not to speak. Engage your senses of sight, hearing, smell and touch. Make contact through your bodies by holding hands, hugging etc.

Appreciate and enjoy each other.

Brian and Marcia Gleason developed the Exceptional Marriage, an experience-based couple’s methodology which aims to maximize the potential that resides in every long-term committed relationship. For more information, visit their web site at www.exceptionalmarriage.com.

How to sell your house in a buyer’s market

By ASA AARONS, Consumer Reporter for Babyboomers.TV

Price realistically, make minor repairs and accept the reality that houses are worth less today than they were a few years ago. That’s the consensus of real estate agents in and around the area, who say a three-year slide in housing prices, low mortgage rates and a new $8,000 federal tax credit has shifted power from home sellers to potential buyers.

From quick sales and bidding wars, the market has slid into one of the worst declines since the Great Depression. The large supply of unsold homes, tighter lending standards, record mortgage foreclosures and a crisis of confidence has taken a toll on home prices.

And the end is still not in sight, according to one of the property market’s best-known economists. “Never say never, but it is looking increasingly probable that we will not see a housing market bottom until next year,” said Karl Case, co-developer of the S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Indices, a widely watched gauge of the housing industry.

Given the state of the economy, the right price can make the difference between a house that sells and one that lingers on the market. The right price, of course, varies by property, its location, architecture and amenities. It’s also affected by the seller’s goals and motivation to sell, real estate professionals explain. But generally speaking, buyers want value — an intangible Kamins describes as a reflection of list price and property condition.

Houses that are in good condition and priced realistically will sell quickest, said Dana Landry, a founding partner of Washington Fine Properties and the firm’s principal broker. “If you begin high, you sit on the market and can expect lower offers and multiple price reductions. Buyers are expecting value, and high prices will prevent them from making an offer.”

Brian Block, an associate broker/attorney with RE/MAX Allegiance in Alexandria, agreed. “If you price too high, you’ll miss a lot of the early traffic — and most of the activity occurs when a new property is first listed for sale. Then you’ll end up chasing the market toward an ever-diminishing pool of potential purchasers,” he said.

Pricing too low is just as problematic. Buyers are more likely to see it as a sign of distress or a marketing ploy rather than a bargain. And unlike a few years ago, when high demand, low inventories and easy credit triggered bidding wars, today’s buyers are reluctant to offer more than list prices.

“Purchasers now don’t want to get caught up in bidding wars. Most, if any, of the bidding wars occurring right now are with short sales and foreclosures, which are typically priced significantly below market values,” Block said.

To maximize showings and get a quick contract, sellers have to price property at or just slightly below market value, agents agree. But pricing is an art, not a science, and it’s especially complicated when prices are falling. “With the market in flux, you can’t go back as far as in the past when you evaluate comparable homes,” Block said. “In fact, you’re better off looking at pending sales and other currently active properties. They can be more of a guide to pricing and what’s going on in the neighborhood than the prices of homes that sold four months ago.”

To encourage sales, some sellers are paying all or part of the buyer’s closing costs, or up to 12 months of condo or homeowner association dues. But the success of any incentive depends on the way it’s structured and the terms of the specific deal. “To most humans, $10 is worth different amounts depending on how they receive it,” Kamins said. “A $10 Starbucks gift card may be valued more than a $10 roll of quarters” — and an offer to pay the $400 condo fee for 12 months may be more of an incentive than a $10,000 closing cost credit.

But in the end, it still comes down to basics: Make sure the house is in pristine condition, shows like a model and price it to sell.

To get more expertise from Asa Aarons, visit his blog at www.justaskasa.com.

Top five tips to help manage your family’s health

(ARA) – As kids head to summer camp or back to school this fall, moms everywhere will be digging through their files searching for immunization records and other health information. Some will find exactly what they need with just a few flips through an organized file cabinet. But many busy moms will be sifting through piles, shoe boxes, or drawers full of papers trying to find the most recent health records.

Managing health information, making appointments, keeping track of medications, and monitoring self-care recommendations are just a few of the routine tasks of today’s family health advocate, a role often played by mom. In addition to managing their kids’ health and their own, many moms are also in charge of managing health matters for their spouse or partner, and sometimes an elderly parent or other relative.

Taking care of yourself and your family can be overwhelming at times. Mayo Clinic suggests five tips for managing your family’s health:

1. Ask yourself a few questions.
Take a few minutes to sit down and figure out the questions you’ll most likely be asked in the event of an emergency or in common healthcare situations. If your child’s school nurse called today and asked for his health history, what details would you be able to provide? If your mother fell in the shower, would you have access to critical information needed by emergency caregivers?

2. Get organized.
It seems that health information is never where you need it, when you need it. An online tool like the Mayo Clinic Health Manager gives you the opportunity to store and update personal health records and those of your family members. This free and secure online application gives you a place to store medical information and receive real-time individualized health guidance and recommendations based on the expertise of the Mayo Clinic. You can give access to family members or your doctor and use the tool no matter where you receive medical care. The Mayo Clinic Health Manager isn’t just a place to store and organize your health information, it helps you become more active and engaged in your healthcare.

3. Make doctor visits more efficient.
The time you spend with your doctor is typically brief, but valuable. Take advantage of your time by arriving to the appointment prepared. Before you go, write down any questions you have so you don’t forget to ask them. Bring a list of any medications, vitamins and supplements you’re taking.

“I truly appreciate when my patients are actively engaged and informed about their health,” says Dr. Sidna Tulledge-Scheitel, a primary care physician. “The Mayo Clinic Health Manager can help patients share information more easily with their doctors and manage their own health better between office visits.”

4. Know and use your history to be more proactive.
Use the Mayo Clinic Health Manager to track wellness visits and immunizations for you and your family, as well as to gain control of medication schedules and chronic condition symptoms. Sharing this information with your doctor could help determine future treatment.

5. Build your health assets.
Finances, retirement savings and home equity are all viewed as long-term personal management projects, but people don’t often see their health the same way. Look at your health as a long-term investment and take steps to quickly address any issues while maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

For more information on the Mayo Clinic Health Manager and how to manage your family’s health, visit MayoClinic.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Keep an eye on your vision health this summer

(ARA) – If you’ve ever come in from a day sailing, picnicking or lying on the beach and your eyes felt tired, sore and gritty, you likely experienced ultraviolet radiation (UVR) overexposure. It’s critical to protect your eyes from the sun’s damaging rays to decrease your risk of developing serious vision issues such as cataracts and age-related macular degeneration, the leading causes of blindness.

Maintaining vision health can be especially important for women. In fact, a report from the National Women’s Health Resource Center (NWHRC), “Women and Healthy Vision,” shows that women are at higher risk than men of having vision problems.

“Studies show women tend to live longer than men, putting them at a higher risk for developing eye issues that become prevalent with age,” says Elizabeth Battaglino Cahill, a registered nurse and executive director of the NWHRC. “It is important for women to understand the facts when it comes to sun exposure and eye health so that they can better prevent unnecessary sun-related damage.”

Understanding ultraviolet radiation
There are three ranges of UVR: UV-C, UV-B and UV-A. The most damaging form is UV-C, but luckily it’s absorbed by the Earth’s atmosphere and doesn’t reach your eyes.

The second kind of UVR is UV-B rays. Exposure to these rays is closely linked with photokeratitis (a kind of sunburn of the cornea and iris), cataracts, pterygium (a white or creamy growth attached to the cornea) and even a form of eye cancer called squamous cell cancer. The third type of UVR is UV-A. Although laboratory studies find it can damage the retina (the light-sensitive membrane that covers the back of the eye), very little UV-A reaches your retina because most is absorbed by other parts of the eye. Still, some researchers suspect it may contribute to cataract development.

How to protect your eyes
Think sun exposure and eyes and you probably think sunglasses. While wearing sunglasses is definitely a good idea when it comes to eye protection, not all sunglasses are created equal. Look for sunglasses that transmit no more than 1 percent UV-B and 1 percent UV-A rays. Sometimes the information on the glasses will say they block at least 99 percent of the UVR.

Other things to look for when selecting a pair of sunglasses include:

* Lenses large enough to completely cover the eye and prevent as much light as possible from entering through the edges of the glasses. Wrap-around sunglasses are best.

* Gray lenses, because they provide the greatest protection.

* Darker lenses, particularly if you spend a lot of time exposed to UVR.

If you wear contact lenses, don’t toss the sunglasses. The best way to protect your eyes from the sun is a combination of quality sunglasses, contact lenses (if you wear them) and a wide-brimmed hat.

Protecting children’s eyes
Just as significant exposure to the sun in childhood is a leading risk factor for skin cancer in adulthood, so, too, is it a risk factor for later eye damage. In fact, researchers estimate we receive 80 percent of our lifetime exposure to UVR rays before age 18.

Additionally, children’s eyes transmit more UVR rays to the retina than adults’, increasing their exposure and risk of later eye damage. That’s why it’s so important to protect children’s eyes. While sports glasses offer important safety benefits, they’re designed to protect a child’s eyes from injuries, not from the sun.

It is best to teach children to wear a hat that shades their eyes as well as a pair of sunglasses. Use the stroller hood and try not to walk directly into the sun, pick the shaded side of the street if you can and while at the park, pool, or beach, try to keep little ones in a shaded area.

For more information and a free copy of the “Women and Healthy Vision” report, visit
www.healthywomen.org.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Buying used? How to avoid getting bitten by repair costs

(ARA) – If your old clunker is gasping its last, you might think (like millions of other Americans these days) you can save yourself some money by buying a used car instead of a new one. You can — if you make smart buying decisions. Hasty or unwise used-car buying can end up costing you much more in the long run.

As new car sales have crashed, purchases of used cars continue to rise, according to many news reports. In March, PBS reported that dealerships sold more than 2 million used cars in recent months, about 25 percent higher volume than you would expect in a healthy economy. The math behind the trend is simple: new cars cost more than used, depreciate faster and are generally costlier to insure, so more Americans are buying used to save money.

But what about repair expenses? If you buy a used car for $15,000 and it costs you $5,000 in repairs in the first year, have you really saved? To ensure you’re buying a used vehicle that won’t turn into a money pit, follow a few simple steps:

Early in the Process:

Repairs are a reality of used car buying. As vehicles get older, they begin to need more maintenance and repairs. Some newer model used vehicles may still have some factory warranty left, but older models usually do not. An impending need for repairs, however, may not necessarily be a deal-breaker if you find out ahead of time how much those repairs might cost and budget appropriately.

You probably already have a few makes and models in mind. Before you settle on one, compare the cost of the parts needed for the most common repairs and maintenance. One model may have a sales price that’s $5,000 less than another you’re considering, but if the cost of parts is 20 or 30 percent higher than parts for another vehicle, the higher priced model might actually be a better deal.

Turn to resources like RockAuto.com to compare parts prices. The site’s Repair Index automatically pulls prices from the company’s vast auto parts catalog based on year, make, model and type of part. It’s a quick, easy way to compare parts costs for different models and the results can be surprising.

For example, you might think a Chevy Metro is an economical car, but parts for one can be expensive, according to RockAuto, which sells parts for an average 20 to 60 percent less than other parts dealers. The bulk of the company’s business is selling parts direct to consumers, so it’s possible to save even more money by buying parts directly and doing repairs yourself. Visit www.RockAuto.com to learn more.

Next, check the repair history for a particular make and model from a credible source like Consumer Reports. The independent ratings organization maintains a huge database of information on virtually every make and model vehicle available in America. Actual owners and drivers contribute the information based on their experiences with a particular vehicle.

Once You’ve Narrowed it Down

When you find a vehicle you’re interested in, check the repair history and maintenance for that specific car. Pull a vehicle history report from a third-party source like CarFax, which will generally list major (reported) maintenance and accidents. The report can also help you spot discrepancies in odometer readings, if the vehicle has been used in an area prone to flooding, or if it’s been rebuilt after being in an accident so severe it was declared a total loss.

Never buy a used car until you’ve had it checked by your own mechanic – not even from a dealership that offers “certification” on its used vehicles. If a seller isn’t willing to let you take the vehicle to your mechanic, walk away.

Finally, consult your insurance agent to see how much it will cost to insure the vehicle. A used car that actually increases your annual premium may not be the great deal you thought it was.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

6 summer wardrobe essentials every woman needs

(ARA) – Are the warm rays of the sun inspiring your inner fashionista? Summer is the perfect season to jazz up your wardrobe with fun and fashionable items that make you look great. But how do you know where to start in a fashion world that offers endless possibilities?

When it comes down to it, there are some things that every woman should have in her wardrobe. Here are the top six items that will make you look like you stepped out of a fashion magazine this summer:

1. Sunglasses
A good set of shades is an essential that is fashionable and functional. Helping protect your eyes from the sun’s harsh rays, sunglasses can also provide a fun summer look. What types never go out of style? Some options with fashion-longevity include aviator glasses (also known as pilot shades) that have metal frames and reflective lenses, as well as over-sized options often seen on celebrities.

2. Shawl
Having a fun colored wrap or shawl can serve multiple purposes throughout the summer. For example, pashmina-style shawls offer a look that is appropriate as a shoulder wrap at a wedding, but also could be tied around the waist as an impromptu cover-up at the beach. Are you chilled? It can add a bit of warmth. Is it too sunny? It provides protection from sunburn. Really, it provides style and function for just about any situation summer can throw at you, plus it’s small enough to be stashed away in a bag if not needed.

3. Pearl necklace
Pearls are the quintessential summer accessory for many reasons. They remind us of the water and are produced by nature, plus, they are the traditional birth stone for June. The best part of having pearls in your wardrobe is their versatility — they add style to your ribbed tank and jean outfit or jazz up your black dress for a night on the town. Want to truly add some summer pizzazz? PearlParadise.com notes that pearls in fun colors like pink, gold, blue and lavender are popular during the summer season, as well as unique shapes like baroque, drop and keshi Tahitian pearls.

4. Strappy sandals
Whether heeled or flat, show off those toes with a great pair of strappy sandals. Open shoes look great and help keep your body temperature down during hot summer days. Colored leather straps are popular and stylish during the summer season, but you can also find options in natural woven materials. Having a couple pair isn’t a bad idea — maybe one flat and one high-heel, or one casual and one dressier. Whatever route you go, you’ll be sure to get use out of these the entire season.

5. Earrings
Earrings bring focus to the face and enhance a person’s eyes. That’s why so many people feel “naked” if they don’t have earrings on. For summer, opt for pearl or stone earrings — or better yet, a combo of both. According to Pearl-Guide.com, Akoya Pearls are very popular for use in jewelry because of their consistently round shape. Studs, drop-downs and drop-downs with diamond accents are all great summertime options. When the sun hits them, your face will sparkle with true style.

6. Wide-brim hat
A good hat can be a great addition to your favorite summer dress and also be your best friend on a sunny day at the beach. Wide-brimmed hats are popular during the summer time because of their style and how they protect the face from wrinkle-inducing rays. A straight, stiff brim often made from natural fibers like raffia or straw provides a more formal, tailored look. Flexible, shapeable brims often made of cotton or linen have a more casual feel.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Keep Your Dog Happy When He’s Home Alone

(ARA) – Dogs love our company and knowing they’re part of the pack. But the fact is humans have to leave the house some time, whether it’s for work, to run errands or to go to a place where dogs aren’t welcome. So when you can’t be home to entertain your dog, how do you keep him busy and happy when he’s alone?

Most dogs are social animals and are happiest when they are surrounded by their humans. Some dogs suffer from separation anxiety and cry, bark and whine when left alone, while others just use their alone time to sleep. No matter what your dog’s personality, making sure he has something to keep him occupied during his time alone helps ensure your dog won’t destroy something in the house and your neighbors won’t be bothered by barking.

* Crate training is a valuable tool for when you’re away or even when you have people over and your dog just needs a quiet place to himself. A crate that is large enough for your dog to stand up and turn around in with a soft pad to sleep on is a great substitute for the dens wild dogs take refuge in. A favorite blanket or shirt that you’ve worn can be comforting for your dog. 

* Whether he’s in the crate or roaming free, “busy” toys are a great way to keep a dog occupied. Fill safe toys with peanut butter and freeze them or add in small treats that will fall out as the toy is rolled around. Rotate toys (give a toy one day and a different toy the next) to help prevent boredom. Hide low fat treats around the house for your dog to find randomly throughout the day.

* If you’re going to be gone for several hours, make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise before you leave because a tired dog is a happy dog. Leave a radio on so your dog has friendly voices to keep him company.

* Feed your dog his biggest meal of the day before you leave so he’ll have a full stomach and want to take a nap.

* Make sure you have a place for your dog to relieve himself to avoid any accidents during the time you’re away. Most people don’t have large, fenced in yards and dog doors so an indoor dog potty like the UGODOG is an easy way to keep messes contained.

“I saw a stack of pee pads at the grocery store and realized how expensive and harmful to the environment they could be,” says Kami Havluciyan, inventor of the UGODOG. “If you use pee pads, the UGODOG saves about $400 a year and is an environmentally conscious alternative. It’s convenient, clean and easy to use for any size breed whether you’ve used pee pads or not.”

Your dog will appreciate not having to hold it all day and you’ll appreciate not having to clean up messes when you get home. So be a pal and give your dog somewhere to do his business when you’re not around to bring him outside.

* Keep your arrivals and departures low key. Don’t squeal and go overboard greeting your dog when you walk in the door and don’t linger and feel bad for the dog when you leave. The less of a commotion you make, the less your dog will panic when you walk out the door. 

For more information on the UGODOG, training tips and ideas to keep your dog busy, visit www.UGODOG.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Adding deck lights a simple way to enhance outdoor living

(ARA) – As summer rolls in and guests show up, the benefit of having outdoor living space for relaxing and entertaining becomes readily apparent. Homeowners love having extra space where they can hang out, and outdoor environments are a huge plus for those trying to sell or rent out a home.

Overall home improvement project budgets are shrinking in 2009, while low-cost improvements are growing in popularity with both residential homeowners and landlords who want to give their properties a little added boost, according to the National Association of Home Builders.

Outdoor lighting is a popular improvement. In addition to traditional landscape lighting, deck lights, post lights and recessed path lights extend the livability of outdoor decks and patios, and offer a low-cost update with the benefit of improving the usability of outdoor spaces.

“Today it seems that the more practical the upgrade, the better. And lighting is an easy upgrade that adds instant function, ambiance and value,” says Jay Savignac of Aurora Deck Lighting.

“In a down economy, people stay home more. They entertain at home more. This makes usable spaces more important than ever, and outdoor living areas remain one of the top areas for home improvement,” Savignac says.

Taking your backyard deck or patio from daytime roost to night time entertainment space is easy. In fact, there have never been more product options available to homeowners for lighting up their deck or fence, and creating an inviting and usable outdoor area for night time enjoyment.

Savignac says homeowners can easily install outdoor lighting in just one weekend, or even less time if they opt for lights that don’t require wiring, such as solar options.

Best of all, outdoor lighting products can be installed without the aid of an electrician and, in most communities, no permits are required. Homeowners have a variety of options to consider:

* Post lights are easy to install on the tops of deck posts and fence posts. They can be positioned directly on top of posts or mounted on the rails using special mounting brackets. Their distinctive “lantern look” offers an elegant finish to decks, and post lights are available in a variety of styles, sizes and colors that work with all sizes of posts on both decks and fences. Matching post caps are also available.

* Post lamps mount vertically on deck or fence posts and offer spot lighting, which can add security and safety in dark areas or near stairs. Post lamps on fences are a popular addition that fence builders say add value and security, as well as dramatic effect.

* Special “stair lights,” like the Pyxis from Aurora, mount easily into the vertical riser on a stair to provide downlighting for safety and sure footing.

* Recessed deck lighting, like the Aurelle from Aurora, is a new product that can install under seating, in deck floor boards, or even overhead inside patio covers to add lighting using the same concept as recessed lighting indoors.

Outdoor lighting projects are easy to complete. Homeowners can choose from solar options that have no wiring requirements, or low-voltage lighting that works off a transformer and operates from a standard 110 volt power source. Outdoor lights can run off a timer or can be wired into light switches in the home for maximum control.

Your own outdoor lighting plan can be as simple or as complex as you desire. Aurora has transformers that can handle up to 50 lights, although accent lighting using as few as four or five lights can make all the difference in creating an outdoor living space that can be readily enjoyed at night.

Best of all, you can create a custom look that works for you, adding light in cooking areas, near stairs or gates, or along bench seating where guests congregate.

For more information on outdoor lighting and installation, visit Aurora Deck Lighting’s Web site at www.auroradecklighting.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Budget conscious Americans are dining in — in style

(ARA) – As the economy took a downturn, there was a major shift in how Americans shopped and entertained. ‘Nesting’ made a comeback, and as such, dining out has been replaced with invitations to friends and family to dine in.

And, while we’re looking for ways to cut spending and save money, we still want to keep our decor — in the kitchen and on the dinner table — fresh, modern and fun for everyday and the occasional soiree.

There are several ways to wow party goers and stay within your budget. You can repurpose the plates you have or purchase a couple of inexpensive but key pieces like linens and silk flowers to create an entirely different look. Before you do anything, however, take stock. This season’s dining decorating trend may already be in your cupboards.

Urban elegance
This year, lemongrass is making the statement. Incidentally, Michelle Obama chose to wear the color on her husband’s inaugural day.

In an urban-inspired decor, this chartreuse-like shade is the color that gets attention and leaves a lasting impression. “It says ‘optimism, vibrancy and cheerfulness,’” says Ed Wonder, director of design for Fiesta Dinnerware, an iconic American brand. “Throughout history, when our country is in turmoil, we’ve often looked to bright colors to lift our spirits.”

Consider adding a few pieces in this contemporary color to each place setting, either a solid napkin or bud vase holding a single fresh orchid. If you already have chocolate- or ivory-colored china, mix in lemongrass-colored serving platters and bowls; the three-way color combo sets the stage for a metropolitan meal.

To make guests gasp, go bold with the colors of lemongrass, black, white and several shades of purple.

Bohemian but chic
The bohemian lifestyle is all about collecting pieces over time, mixing and matching similar with dissimilar items, and creating a feeling of overall freedom. With that said, almost anything goes. So, don’t rely on a standard ’set’ of dishes to enhance the dining experience. The key is to mix different shapes — like round dinner plates with square bowls — as well as sizes, colors and patterns.

Fiesta recently introduced square dishes to its nearly 75-year-old signature circular design. The layering effect achieved when the two shapes are combined not only adds dimension, but a bit of playfulness to the setting.

Most importantly, be unconventional with your color and pattern choices. Mix brights with earth tones, like Fiesta’s peacock and tangerine with chocolate and evergreen dinnerware. And, incorporate decorated glassware, cups and saucers and dessert plates — in any pattern, even paisley — with solid pieces.

The good news is you can achieve ‘bohemia’ without breaking the bank. Purchase one or two new, but inexpensive, pieces that you can add to your everyday dishes, like a set of square bowls to layer with round designs. Or add chargers in a shade that acts as an accent to the current color scheme.

Your best bet is to raid your grandma’s boxed up dishes in the basement or scout out bargains at local antique stores and garage sales.

Patriotic plating
What better way to show your patriotism than with dinnerware in the colors of the flag, and made right here in the U.S.A?

Fiesta offers its scarlet, cobalt and white (or ivory) dinnerware. Chances are, you already have a set of white or ivory everyday dishes (the top colors on bridal registries), so you can easily add splashes of scarlet and cobalt without spending lots of your hard-earned cash.

A simple table runner, flatware and a few large vases in all three colors, and you are all set to celebrate the blessings in life and support your country on July 4, Labor Day, or any day of the year.

A unisex tabletop
For a serious, sophisticated dinner setting that appeals to both ‘him’ and ‘her,’ turn to colors that mimic menswear. Choose dinnerware in the following color combinations: black, evergreen, marigold and white, or black, chocolate, cobalt blue and ivory.

Consider covering the table with a herringbone, houndstooth or plaid tablecloth. This doesn’t have to be a designer label; buy the fabric by the yard at a local arts and crafts store.

Place stacked settings — charger, dinner plate, salad or fruit bowl — on top of leather placemats. Use solid napkins, but in a bright accent color to soften the look for female guests. Tangerine works well with chocolates, as does a sunflower shade.

Whatever your design preference is for the season, be it urban, bohemian, patriotic, or more masculine, you can be a trendsetter and achieve these looks on a budget.

Just combine a few new pieces, dishes you already have, and a little creativity.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Eliminate your garage grime: simple summer clean-up solutions

(ARA) – Green grass can finally be seen again and people across the country are realizing they can’t avoid it anymore. That’s right; summer is here and it’s time to clean the garage. All winter long you kept the garage door shut, but summertime means that door is inevitably going to be open. You don’t want to be embarrassed when the neighbors stop by, do you?

This year, after you’re done wrestling the two most important summer accessories out of your garage — the grill and the lawn mower — take the time to give the space a thorough cleaning and update. There are a number of simple steps you can take to clean and organize your garage so that when your neighbors do walk by, they’ll be amazed at the transformation.

Colorful, but still clean
Stroll by a dozen open garages and you’ll likely see one common thread. All the garages are painted white. There’s no rule against painting the walls of your garage something other than white. But, choosing paint for your garage is more than color. Garage paint has to be strong enough to withstand grime, water and general dirt.

Consider applying a paint that is specifically designed for durability, like Pratt & Lambert’s Porcelain paint line. The paint is actually infused with bonded ceramic beads that create an impenetrable film that doesn’t allow dirt and stains to set in. So, if you’re cleaning your lawn mower and happen to splash grassy, muddy water on the wall, all you have to do is wipe it off with a wet rag. The paint won’t become discolored or chip off. It’s even strong enough to handle scrubbing with a sponge. Plus, Pratt & Lambert offers more than 1,000 colors, so you can create a distinctive look.

Power wash and kitty clean
Once you have the walls sealed and painted, you can now power wash the concrete floor without concern about damaging exposed drywall. Many large home and hardware stores will rent out power washers by the hour or day. Power washing is relatively easy and you’ll be amazed at how effective it is at removing dirt and paint splatter from your garage floor.

Once the floor is clean, break out the kitty litter. That’s right; kitty litter is an excellent absorbent and can remove those hard-to-clean oil stains. Simply spread the kitty litter on the stain and use a heavy object, such as a brick, to work the kitty litter into the stain. Once it’s worked in, let it sit for a few hours before sweeping up. After you’re all swept up, finish by taking a stiff-bristled brush and some soapy water to clean any remaining residue.

Waterproofed and weatherized
Notoriously, the garage is a receptacle for dirt, mud, salt and water. Dirt and water from car tires, lawn mowers, snow blowers and garden tools all seem to meld into one big mess that defies cleaning. Not only does this mess make the garage look bad, these elements can have a very detrimental effect on your garage floor. One way to combat the wear and tear is to consider waterproofing the concrete with a protective coating.

Many companies offer simple do-it-yourself coatings kits, such as H & C Coatings’ Shield Crete. This garage floor coating protects concrete against gasoline, motor oil, antifreeze, road salt and even hot tires. It also creates a glossy, showroom-like finish that hides imperfections like cracks or unsightly stains and easily cleans up with soap and water. Available in eight colors, it includes optional decorative flakes to give that previously boring garage floor just the right finishing touch. One easy-to-apply kit can cover up to 250 square feet and is water-based with virtually no odor.

Storage, not shelving
Just about every garage in America has the standard-issue white organizer shelving. Though the shelving does provide functionality, it still doesn’t look clean. All the car washing sponges, bug spray, small garden tools and miscellaneous tools are still visible and sitting out.

Instead of shelving, install storage cabinets. There are dozens of industrial grade and strength garage storage cabinets that will help hide all of the small items that you store in your garage behind magnetic, closable doors. Even if you still can’t seem to organize the items inside the cabinets, at least they won’t be visible, and it will provide a much cleaner appearance to your garage.

Once you’ve cleaned and sealed the floor, painted the walls and housed all your miscellaneous tools and supplies in storage cabinets, you’re ready for the fun part; relaxing. Plus, the fact that these simple solutions provide lasting durability means that next year, you won’t have to do this again.

For more information on Pratt & Lambert, visit www.prattandlambert.com. 

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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