Heres everything you need to know about butcher block countertops…

The Basics

There are three different types of butcher block counters to consider:

1. Edge grain is made by stacking planks together so the side of each piece is seen
2. End grain is built using square-shaped pieces that give it a grid-like appearance.
3. Face grain is made by laying slabs of wood flat together so the width of each plank is visible.

Types of Wood

Maple, cherry and walnut are all popular options, while bamboo can be a great eco-friendly alternative.

Care and Maintenance

A food-safe oil finish will provide a protective coating that is resistant to heat, moisture and stains, while still retaining a rich appearance.

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So you want to add a little feng shui flavor to your home? The following tips can help foster a strong connection between your space and your energy, which can impact the way you feel when you move through your home, and attract positivity in your life.

1. Pay attention to your entryway. Everyone likes to make a grand entrance, right? Pay mind to how you decorate the front hall or front door of your home; it’s the first thing you see when you enter, and sets the tone for how you will feel as you transition into your space.

2. Add plants. Houseplants quite literally breathe life into your space. They foster growth and creativity, and clean your air. Win! Choose something easy to care for, like a fern or a succulent.

3. Balance your bed. To feel more grounded and balanced, make sure to even out each side of your bed. This means have matching nightstands and lamps on each side so the room looks and feels even. It also helps promote equal energy between you and your sleeping partner, should you have one.

4. Center your desk. If you work at home even occasionally, pull your desk away from the wall and face it out into the room, or at a window. Facing a wall can block creative energy. Open your space to let the energy move freely.

5. Create a gallery vibe. If you’re a fan of art or have a large collection of family photos, arrange them gallery-style, not in a straight line. Sharp edges (like those found in a straight line of photos) can be off-putting. Instead, arrange your photos in the floating, visually-appealing style of a gallery wall.

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If you’re looking for a unique home, you may be considering buying a historic house.

Here are the pros and cons of purchasing a historic home.

Pros

A Home With a Story ” If living in a famous persons old property excites you, a historic home might be perfect.

Unique Architecture ” Many people are attracted to unique architecture and many historic homes offer that charm.

Tax Incentives ” Some areas offer tax incentives to people who purchase historic homes.

Cons

Repairs ” The biggest downside is that historic homes often require a lot of repairs.

Renovations ” Even if repairs arent required, you still may need to update the home with modern conveniences.

Insurance costs ” Historic homes can bring much higher insurance costs than rates for typical houses.

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Just because bedrooms are not usually the first thing people see when walking into a home, it doesnt mean theyre not worthy of some love. There is no better investment than one which gives you peace of mind, and a well-equipped bedroom can give you even more than that. A good nights sleep can take away your headaches, lower your stress levels, alleviate your muscle cramps, and put you in a good mood.

Here are four tried and true ways to achieve bedroom nirvana:

1. Sleep on a cloud: It doesnt have to be down. Even a quality egg crate can add that cloud-like feeling to your bed. Top that with some fluffy pillows and comforters and you will be on the stairway to heaven. Soft bed sheets, whether you go for quality cotton or all-out with silk, will put an additional layer of comfort between you and your mattress.
2. Color-code for success: In recent years, color-coding has been all the rage in interior design. The psychology of color has allowed us to determine what hues are the most soothing. The rule for serene bedrooms is shades of white and toned-down browns, blues, and pinks. Going for warmer colors can add coziness, and bright colors can help you wake up energized. Decide what your sleeping pattern needs the most, and paint those walls.
3. Dim the lights: Nothing kills a comfort vibe faster than a white fluorescent light. Leave those for ICUs, and switch to yellow light. This swap will work even better if it comes with a dimmer switch you can rely on. The key is to keep your room in tune with your mood so that your tired brain is not jumping through hoops to get you some Zs.
4. Aim for space: Space is a two-way street. On the one hand, you need space for mobility and to keep your room from feeling stuffy or looking cluttered. Yet, certain furniture is a must. Make sure that your bed is big enough to fit everybody who sleeps in it, buy a reliable night stand, add sitting spaces with chairs or ottomans, and provide your room with other surfaces to house your belongings. If everything you are carrying falls seamlessly into place as soon as you enter your bedroom, then consider yourself a winner.

With these minor fixes you can turn your bedroom into an actual haven. Given that you spend at least a third of your day within those four walls, why not get comfortable?

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

When preparing to batten down the hatches during a storm, don’t forget to pay attention to your furry family members. Loud, unpredictable noises and an uptick of electrical currents in the air can make your pet seriously scared when the weather goes wild. Here are three ways to soothe your dog or cat during an electrical storm.

Create a comfortable space. Many animals like small, tight spaces when the weather becomes unpredictable. (Some even jump in the bathtub!) Find a cozy spot for your pet (preferably in the same room you’re in) and bring in their favorite blanket, bed or toy.

Turn on calming music. Animals have long been known to react to soothing music the same way people do. Play some classical tunes or lullabies to help put pets at ease.

Distract them. Just like people, animals can be distracted in the face of fear. Play their favorite game or pull a special occasion treat out. Eventually, they may associate storms with treats and toys, instead of static electricity and thunder.

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Is your evening couch potato routine with your partner growing stale? It can be hard to find the energy to connect after a long day of work, but while watching television may be a good way to turn your brain off, it certainly doesn’t help with connecting. Below are several easy, inexpensive ways to connect with your loved one in the evening.

Play a board game. There’s nothing better than a little healthy competition to add some excitement to a relationship. If you’re not a board game fan, pick up some cards instead and let the fun begin.

Color together. Adult coloring books are all the rage right now. By setting your mind to a singular task, you often end up in a calm, almost meditative state. You may also find yourself engaging in deeper conversation as pressure is removed by the task at hand.

Tackle a creative project. If you and your partner enjoy working together, try doing something creative, like making vision boards with magazine cut-outs, planning a dream vacation you’ll never go on, or even diving into a puzzle.

Interested in housing and real estate tips? Feel free to contact me directly.

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Heres what you need to know before designing your indoor vertical garden…

Design Details

Indoor living walls require a series of pockets to hold the plants, as well as drip irrigation systems.

Pick Your Plants

Sunlight will determine the plants best suited to your vertical garden. Golden pothos and crotons do well in bright, indirect light…

…While ferns can grow quickly in shady places.

Sit Back and Enjoy the Benefits

A living wall will improve your homes air quality, remove pollutants for a healthier atmosphere and reduce stress.

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If debt collectors are calling or sending you letters demanding payment, you may be worried”and for good reason.

Not only can having a debt in collections stay on your credit report for up to seven years, but it can seem like youre being barraged by debt collection notices from a different company than the original creditor you owed. It can be confusing.

If youre more than 30 days late on a debt payment, it may be reported as delinquent. Hit 180 days, and the credit card company, bank or other creditor may stop trying to collect and sell your debt to a third-party debt collector.

Even if theyre only seeking pennies on the dollar to settle your debt, you still have rights under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Here are some to be aware of:

You Can Limit Communications
Consumers can tell a debt collector to stop contacting them, and they cant contact you at work if you ask them not to. Make the request in writing. The debt still exists, but the collector will have to stop contacting you and can seek payment through a lawsuit. The law also prevents debt collectors from contacting you before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m., and from talking to your neighbors, employer or family about your debt.

They Can’t Harass You
Debt collectors also cant harass or use abusive practices to try to collect. This is more than just repeated phone calls. They cant mislead, coerce or make you fear for retribution. They cant swear at you, threaten violence, call repeatedly, not identify themselves as debt collectors or list your debt for sale to the public. Keep a log of any abuses and file a with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

They Cant Lie to You
Debt collectors also cant lie. This includes using false, deceptive or misleading statements to collect the debt. For example, they cant misrepresent the amount of the debt or what the legal repercussions are for not paying. Also, they can’t pass themselves off as another company or authority figure, such as a police officer.

They also cant say your debt is past the statute of limitations”the legal limit to how many years creditors have to sue for payment. Once that time limit has passes, you can no longer be sued for the debt. The statute of limitations varies by state and type of debt. For credit card debt, its three years in most states, though some states allow up to 10 years. The debt is still on the books, meaning that future creditors will see it and youll likely have a harder time getting credit at good rates.

These are some of the rights consumers have in debt collection. If you think youre being asked to pay a debt that isnt yours, or are hassled about a debt, contact a lawyer or the CFPB for help.

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Your purse or wallet can be more than just a place to pull your money out of so you can spend it. It can also store a few things to remind you to use less money, or at least use it well.

Here are five things to keep in your wallet that can help you use your money well:

Cash
If you follow the rule of only spending the amount of cash you have on you, then youll never have to pay credit card late fees or interest rates on charges, or pay to withdraw your money from an ATM not connected to your bank.

Studies have shown that people spend less money when using cash instead of a credit card. Cash is tangible with value attached to it, while a plastic credit card may not seem like actual money.

That said, using only cash should be a reminder to keep within your budget and not to return to the ATM to withdraw money again and again.

Reward credit cards
Credit cards can get you to focus less on the cost of what youre buying, which isnt a good thing. But if you can control your spending and pay off your credit card balance off every month, then a card that offers rewards or discounts can be worthwhile.

Some credit cards reward more points for certain purchases, so using one card at a grocery store and another at a gas station can pay off with more rewards at the end of the month.

Coupons
Carrying around an envelope full of coupons can be cumbersome. If you cant remember to take specific coupons with you on a shopping trip, then always carry coupons for your favorite department store or restaurant so that youll have them whenever you need them.

Loyalty cards
Smartphones are making store loyalty cards easier to carry by opening an app. They can lead to cash discounts or free items by swiping your loyalty card at checkout.

If you go to some stores regularly that only have the physical loyalty cards, be sure to keep those in your wallet. Some stores tie your card number to your phone number, so all you have to do is recite your phone number to collect reward points.

At the very least, seeing a loyalty card is a reminder that you should shop around for the best deal, regardless of if you have a loyalty card at the store offering the best price.

Health Savings Account card
A card for a Health Savings Account, or HSA, is a reminder to use the cards pre-tax dollars that youve saved for medical services and prescriptions. Without the card you may forget to use the money, which can save you 35 percent by not taxing income put into an HSA.

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