Author: Lacy Flanagan

Published with permission from RISMedia.

According to the National Kitchen and Bath Association, granite countertops are in less demand today, while the use of quartz is on the rise. Why? For one thing, man-made quartz countertops are offered in a far greater range of looks and feels. Reason number two: its a bit easier to maintain over the long haul,…

Here are a few tips to help make a large home feel more intimate. Textures and Colors Dark walls can make a space appear smaller. Rich earth tones, like brown, dark green and red create a cozy ambience. Thoughtful Furnishings A spacious room may benefit from multiple seating areas that serve various purposes, such as…

Smart home technology is improving life for everyone, even your furry little friends. These days, there are tons of products available for pets who live in the lap of luxury, from smart feeders that automatically dispense food to treadmills designed for felines. For those who like to spoil their dogs and cats, heres the latest…

If youve paid off your debt, you owe yourself a round of applause. Its a rare feat, and one that should be celebrated”in moderation. Now that you have extra money coming in each month, the first thing youll want to do is have a plan in place so that you dont turn around and find…

Ensure that your smart home is safe from potential threats with these steps. Create a Separate Network Have a separate wifi network for your smart devices to run on, which can be done without having to purchase an additional router. Review Privacy Settings Do research to get a better sense of what the manufacturer or…

If your child has a Social Security number, they can become a victim of identity theft. With a clean credit history, a childs Social Security number can be more valuable to a thief than an adult’s. It can be used to apply for government benefits, open bank and credit card accounts, and apply for a…

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Kids seem to outgrow everything. Toys, stuffed animals and, of course, clothes can all seem a little too old or small for children as they grow up. Clothes can be especially difficult to deal with because they tend to pile up, require weekly cleanings and end up being too small before they get much use…

Here are four of todays most exciting wellness features that are finding their way into high-end homes. Cryotherapy ChamberThis treatment, which entails exposing yourself to temperatures as low as -250 F for a few minutes can relieve muscle and joint pain, rejuvenate skin and boost energy levels. Himalayan Salt RoomBreathing salty air is said to…