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How to Create a Zen Meditation Room

A little extra zen is something everyone could use. Having a meditation room in your home gives you the luxury and convenience of slipping away to find peace in your everyday life. A dedicated meditation space will signal to your brain that it’s time to relax and focus on your breath. If you’re looking to create a meditation room in your home, read on for tips to create the ultimate space to unwind.

Soundproof the Room
Soundproofing the room will help you tune out outside distractions, so you can focus on breathing, staying zen and clearing your mind. There are several ways to reduce outside noise levels, such as insulating the walls using acoustic foam or panels, and insulating the floors. You can also apply a sealant around the window and door frames and hang soundproofing curtains.

Selecting a Wall Color
The color palette will set the mood for the meditation room. Everyone is drawn to different colors, ranging from crisp and white, dark and moody, or muted and calming. The color palette is a personal choice, so select the color that makes you feel most at peace.

Deciding on Flooring
When you’re meditating, you will likely be sitting on the floor. Wood or bamboo flooring are natural choices, which may add to the overall tranquility of the space. Luxury vinyl plank flooring is an option that has a wood look, but may offer additional softness. However, tile flooring will be too hard and cold. Installing heated floors will also keep you warm during the colder months. Natural fiber carpeting is another flooring alternative. It will provide wall-to-wall softness and soundproofing qualities, as well.

Choose the Seating
Meditation is typically done while seated on the floor; however, if your own meditation space, you can incorporate a variety of seating options to best accommodate your meditation preferences. For example, meditation cushions will help support you during your meditation routine on the floor. Additional cushions, a window seat, a bed and swings are other seating options for you to achieve maximum relaxation.

Add a Water Feature
Water is naturally relaxing, so adding a wall-mounted water feature will bring immediate zen to the space. In addition, the sound of the trickling water will bring a sense of nature and tranquility to the space.

Layer the Lighting
Lighting sets the mood for any space. In a meditation room, you’ll want the lights dimmed with a soft glow. A meditation room is a space where you can skip the recessed lights and add several dimmable lamps, as well as flicker candles.

Set the Scent
Aromatherapy can help you relax and achieve mindfulness. Diffusing the oil for the mood you wish you achieve will help you maximize your meditation session. Whether it’s a citrus oil to re-energize or lavender to relax, aromatherapy will appeal to your sense of smell and overall meditation experience.

Include Greenery
Plants can help purify, add oxygen and bring life to a space. Placing plants throughout the room will help remove toxins and add a breath of fresh air to the space.

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5 Fun Ways to Stay Fit, Happy and Healthy

When we think of getting fit, the first thing that often comes to mind is cardio and heavy weight training. While these can be great ways to stay active, they aren’t always the best option. 

There are infinite ways to move your body to build strength and endurance. If the weight room just isn’t for you, try one of these fun alternatives to work towards improving your overall health and happiness. 

Yoga
This practice provides an abundance of benefits for the entirety of your wellbeing. Yoga is a great way to improve strength, flexibility and mindfulness. If an in-person class seems a little intimidating, there are plenty of online resources that allow you to practice yoga from the comfort of your own home. 

Swimming
An alternative to running, swimming is a fantastic way to improve your cardiovascular health without damaging your joints. This low-impact option is perfect for those who are recovering from injury. 

Rock Climbing 
This low-impact activity is a fun way to improve coordination, endurance and upper body strength. Find a climbing buddy and check out your nearest gym. 

Kickboxing
Trade the weights for gloves. This activity is a fantastic way to improve strength, coordination and agility. This full body workout is the perfect way to reduce stress and boost your confidence. 

Dancing
What better way to burn those calories than grooving to your favorite tunes? Dancing helps to improve coordination, endurance and cardiovascular health. Dance also offers an abundance of variety. Try different styles, class structures and music selection to find the best fit for you! The best part? You can do it from the comfort of your own home! Look up guided classes and videos online for an easy way to get moving throughout the day. 


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The 6 Best Items to Buy in February

As the new year celebrations and resolutions trickle away, and we head into a new month, it’s time to explore the savings that February offers. From Super Bowl sales to Valentine’s Day and President’s Day specials, shoppers can find deals on a variety of items to get them through the end of winter. Here are seven things that you can save big on in the month of February.

TVs and Electronics
If you missed out on Black Friday or Cyber Monday deals for a new TV or laptop, don’t stress! In fact, February offers even better discounts on these items. Because the Super Bowl happens during this month, many retailers offer discounts and specials around the hype of the big game. President’s Day also brings some of the best deals of the year to retailers like Best Buy, offering laptops, tablets, headphones, TVs, smart phones and more up to nearly 70% in savings.  

Snacks and Candy
Between Valentine’s Day and the Super Bowl, what better month for snacks and candy than February. Both online and in-store sales can be found on treats like chocolates, your favorite brand of chips and even beverages. Amazon offers discounts as high as 20%, as well as coupons, for items such as wing sauce and Doritos, and Target is known for up to 40% discounts on chips and dip. Check your local drug stores for deals on chocolate boxes and big bags of candy as the season of romance comes to a close. In fact, you can often find deals up to 80% off for candy in the days following Valentine’s Day. 

Jewelry
Shopping for a new necklace or a watch for your partner this Valentine’s Day? Keep an eye out for deals anywhere from 10% to 30% jewelry in retail stores or online. Many large jewelry stores, such as Jared or Zales, will often reach about 20% discounts, as well as free shipping specials during their Valentine’s Day sales. Not planning to buy a sparkly gift for someone else? Instead, use this month to treat yourself to something extra special by taking advantage of these holiday sales. 

Mattresses
President’s Day brings some of the biggest sales of the year to mattress stores across the country. During this month, shoppers can find discounts of up to 20% off select models, and will often include sheets, pillows and other accessories in their sales. Be sure to look online, as more and more online-only mattress retailers are growing in popularity, such as Purple and Casper, as they ship your mattress right to your door. These websites often offer up the same, if not better, deals and discounts on their mattresses with President’s Day sales.

Winter Clothing
Even though February can sometimes feel like the dead of winter, spring is right around the corner. However, many retailers will wait at least one more month to put out their spring collection of lightweight fabrics and sleeveless shirts. However, February is the perfect time to stock up on some heavier sweaters and winter coats. You can find deals up to nearly 80% off winter clothing and accessories both online and in-store, as stores are trying to clear out their stockrooms to make room for spring clothing.  

Garden and Grilling Tools
For colder climates around the country, February is likely not a month where you will be tending to your garden or grilling up burgers. However, this is the perfect time to stock up on the tools and items you will need when spring and summer are in full swing. In fact, gardening items in particular will be some of the best deals you will find this month. From plant food, mulch and gardening kits to grills, grill tools and even outdoor furniture, you can save up to between 40-60% on these items, getting you fully ready and outfitted for the first day of spring. 


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6 Nostalgic Home Designs That Are Making a Comeback

Just like fashion, home designs come and go over the years. There are many styles that simply never need to be done again, but there are also some that come back into the home, even when you least expect them. This year, especially with more nostalgic-generations buying and designing homes, many home design trends are drawing inspiration from the past decades. Here are six home design trends that are making a comeback in today’s modern homes. 

Floral Wallpaper 
Wallpaper, in general, has made a massive resurgence when it comes to modern home design. From accent walls and ceilings, to covering every single wall in a room, this nostalgic trend has taken on a modern twist. Floral wallpaper, specifically, is impacting home designs across the country. However, you won’t find the same patterns that your grandmother had in her kitchen, but rather more modern patterns featuring bolder color palettes, unique designs and, of course, a wider range to choose from. Today’s wallpaper options have also grown in utilization, as you can now find both permanent and removable options, which are great for renters or those who like to constantly change up their home decor.

Wood Paneling
A popular and budget-friendly option throughout the 60s, wood paneling definitely had its place in home design. Over the years, it became dated and boring, and more and more people opted to remove it for a plain wall with no character. However, today’s homeowners are revisiting this texture-rich option and bringing new life and character back into their home design. Whether painting over existing wood panels with fresh, trendy colors, or installing them in unique ways, such as a shiplap style, diagonal or even chevron, this seemingly out-of-date wall treatment is here to stay.

Macramé Decor
Fast-forward another decade where you may have seen plenty of macramé decor all around the house. The 70s was a time where home design featured a lot of unique colors and textures, and macramé was a staple in almost every home. Nowadays, this woven decor is being revived, making its way into living rooms, bedrooms and bathrooms all over the world. From plant holders and pillows to wall hanging and window treatments, macramé adds a bohemian flair to any space, full of texture and the feel of nature inside the home. Many people have even started making their own pieces of artwork, tying knots into cording to feature unique, handmade creations throughout their space.

Brass Elements
For many years, decades and centuries, brass has almost always had an impact in home design. Depending on your style, or the outdated style of a room, brass has been known to make a home feel drab and old. However, this exquisite metal has made a big comeback, especially in kitchens where chrome and nickel have been the statement metals for the last 10-15 years. From light fixtures to faucets to hardware, you can mix brass into a room with ease. When mixed with warm wood and simple, classic palettes, such as a black and white kitchen or a gray bathroom, brass finishes can make a dominating impact that brings a whole new level of character into a space. 

Rattan Furniture
Another staple throughout the 60s and 70s was rattan, a lightweight, woven material that brings the outdoors inside. Because of its texture and muted palette, this furniture became quickly outdated as more modern pieces made their way into home design. However, with a resurgence of people wanting to mix their indoor and outdoor spaces, plus adding more plants to the home, rattan furniture has made a major comeback for a more casual and nature-inspired design. From baskets to hold your plants to seating options for the head of the dining room table, these pieces offer a modern twist on eclectic tastes.

Art Deco Motifs
100 years have gone by since the roaring 1920s, but that doesn’t mean that people aren’t still dazzled by the glitz and glam of this era. From unique shapes, like arches and curves to metallic finishes and bold lines, this luxurious design trend has made its way back into the home. From entryways to dining rooms, even bathrooms, this vintage trend introduces a sense of luxury into any space. Though traditionally the color palette for art deco design sticks close to black, white, gold and silver, today’s homeowners are adding in their own style, choosing to highlight these motifs with bold jewel tones for an added flair that showcases their modern personalities. 

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Birthday Party Theme Ideas for Your Kiddos

We want the best for our children, and their birthdays are the perfect time to show them how much we care. Most parents want to throw them a fun-filled party that they’ll cherish forever. Try one of these unique themes to make your little one’s special day extra special this year!

Holiday Celebration
Pick the best part of each holiday for the ultimate celebration! Post up decorations from every time of year to transform your house into a holiday haven. 

Start the party with an unconventional Easter egg hunt. Follow it up with sparklers and poppers outside to celebrate like it’s Independence Day. Next, lay out costume pieces for a DIY Halloween costume contest. Feed those hungry little bellies with a delicious Thanksgiving meal, followed by a goofy white elephant gift exchange. Finally, finish the party with a good ol’ New Years style celebration with a countdown to blowing out their candles.

Battle of the Bands
Throw it back to the golden age of rock and roll! Split your guests into two groups and have them form the newest, hottest bands. Provide them with craft supplies to create their own band posters and hang them around your house. Set out costume pieces so they can dress the part of an ultimate rocker. Let them pick songs to jam out to in a fun lip sync battle of the bands at the end of the evening. 

Ultimate Chef
Let your kiddos explore their inner culinary genius. Give them reign of the kitchen with a make-your-own pizza experience. Lay out sauces, cheeses and toppings. Layer them on an English muffin or personal crust, stick them in the oven and enjoy. Finish the night with a cupcake decorating contest complete with frosting, sprinkles and candies.  

And the Oscar Goes To…
Bring out your kiddo’s inner movie star. Start the night with a grand red carpet entrance and you can play the paparazzi! Snap shots and ask for autographs for the full celebrity experience. Next, give your guests freedom to create their own play or movie to be premiered at the end of the night!

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What to Consider When Buying a Luxury Lake House

If you envision your future summers filled with sunset happy hours over the glittering water, sun-soaked days on the boat, and an open door for friends and family, creating a plan to purchase a lake house is the first step. There are many factors to consider from the location, size, water quality, and the surrounding town. However, it ultimately comes down to prioritizing the most important factors to you and your ideal lake lifestyle. If you’re planning on purchasing a lake house soon, below are the most essential points to consider before putting in any offers. 

Location
The proximity of your lake house to your primary home is one of the most important factors to assess. While a two-hour drive may not seem that long, if you’re planning on going back and forth every weekend, this may start to take a toll. However, if you plan to stay at the lakehouse for more extended periods and return to your primary home for equally long periods, a two-hour drive may seem like a breeze.

Hire a Local Agent
While you may have a real estate agent you know and trust, hiring a real estate agent who is innately familiar with the areas you want to buy may be more advantageous. They are likely more familiar with inventory that may be hitting the market, the lake’s rules and regulations, and other nuances of the area that an out-of-town agent may not know.

Create a Must-Have List
Everyone has different motivations for purchasing a lakehouse. If you dream of watching the sunset every evening, ensure the backyard faces the west. Visit the house during the sunset, so you can be sure this is the view you want to enjoy for years to come. Or, maybe you envision long days of your family swimming and playing in the water. Inspect the water quality and depth off the pier and assess if the bottom is rocky, muddy or sandy, so you can be confident the water is safe to swim in. Perhaps your ideal lakehouse is a home that is always filled with visitors. In this case, the number of bedrooms may be more important to you than the size of the communal living area square feet. You may also want to build a separate structure to accommodate your guests. Be sure that the property has enough acreage to fit another dwelling

Check Zoning and Lake Regulations
Before you make any offers, check the zoning and building codes for any significant construction you want to do. For example, if you’re set on installing a pool in the backyard, check with the village to confirm that you can install a pool in the backyard. If you wait until after the property is yours and find out you can’t implement your dream project, it can completely alter your vision for the home.

Also, confirm the types of water vessels and sports allowed on the lake, such as boating, sail boating and jet skiing.

Visit the Local Town
If being close to local attractions is important to you, be sure to visit the local downtown to get a better understanding of the dining and shopping scene. Also, consider if there are other sources of entertainment for rainy days. However, the downtown area doesn’t matter for some, as they are perfectly content relaxing at home.


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Your Ultimate Guide to Tea

Want to swap your morning coffee for something new? Look no further! Tea is a wonderful alternative to coffee. This warm beverage is packed with nutrients and health benefits. Check out this guide to learn about each variety and what it has to offer. 

White Tea
White tea is the least processed of all the tea varieties. It is harvested before the leaves fully open giving it a sweeter, more delicate flavor. White tea has a lower caffeine content than both green and balck tea. This antioxidant rich beverage offers a refreshing fruity flavor that can easily be enjoyed at any time of the day. 

Herbal Tea
Herbal tea, unlike its counterparts, incorporates herbs, spices and other plants. This tea variety is uncaffeinated and offers many health-benefits based on the type. 

  • Chamomile tea offers a mellow, honey-sweet flavor. It is said to reduce stress and improve sleep quality. It also helps to reduce menstrual pains and aid with muscle spasms. 
  • Rooibos tea is smoky, sweet and nutty in flavor. It helps to improve blood pressure and circulation while also monitoring good and bad cholesterol levels. 
  • Peppermint tea is perfect for soothing an upset stomach. It also helps in improving constipation, motion sickness and irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. Peppermint tea can also help reduce headaches. 
  • Ginger tea is fantastic for fighting morning sickness and indigestion. This spicy beverage can also aid in relieving joint pain. 
  • Hibiscus tea offers a sweet, fruity flavor. It helps decrease blood pressure and improve liver health. 

Green Tea 
Green tea is made by steaming and pan-frying tea leaves then drying them. Green tea offers a unique grass-like, earthy flavor. This variety has more caffeine than white tea, but less caffeine than black tea. Green tea is rich in antioxidants and has been shown to help reduce inflammation.

Black Tea 
Black tea is the most consumed of all the varieties. Along with its high caffeine content and strong, earthy flavor, black tea offers a variety of health benefits. Its high antioxidant content has been shown to reduce risk of disease. Black tea has also been shown to reduce inflammation and support healthy immune function.

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Tips to Improve Sleep While Traveling on Business

If your job requires travel, you may find yourself spending a lot of time on airplanes and in hotels. With the constant change of scenery and constant movement, getting the rest you need isn’t always easy. With these tips, any busy business traveler can improve their sleep while traveling and stick to their regular routine.

Prepare a Smart Schedule
Creating a well thought out itinerary, even for short trips, is the best way to start out a business trip. Book flights at times you would normally be sleeping, especially if you are a good airplane sleeper. Otherwise, book for the day before, if possible, to give your body and mind time to rest and reset. Plan out what and where you may eat to not waste time or fall back on fast food that will keep you up throughout the night.

Sleep on Your Flight
Try to get as much sleep on the plane ride as possible. The more you sleep here, the better rested you will be for meetings. This is especially helpful when you fly a red-eye or have a longer flight. Not everyone finds it easy to sleep on an airplane, however. Try natural remedies, a sleep mask or headphones to help relax your mind for a full rest. Even if it’s only resting, your body will thank you.

Eat a Healthy Diet
It’s important to keep your diet healthy while traveling. Though this may seem hard to do, especially when you’re surrounded by airport restaurants and snack shops or opting for room service at your hotel or a quick fast food stop. The healthier the food you put into your body, the better you can rest when it comes time for bed. 

Unplug and Wind Down
When you aren’t sleeping in your own bed, it’s easy to distract yourself with your phone. The end of each day is prime time to unplug from technology, social media and email to unwind from a long flight or meetings. With less distraction and reducing screen time can significantly improve your sleep, even when you aren’t traveling. Traveling will find a way to mess with your daily routine, including the time your mind and body needs for rest. So, the next time you’re sent away on business, remember to follow these tips to help you keep your sleep schedule on track.


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5 Romantic Dates for Valentine's Day at Home

Home is where the heart is. So this year, instead of making dinner reservations or buying tickets to the movie theater, why not spend quality time in the home you have built with your significant other on Valentine’s Day? Enjoy a romantic and relaxing night in to celebrate your love with these five at-home date ideas. 

Cook a Romantic Dinner Together
You don’t need a restaurant full of waiters, hosts and other dates happening around you to have a romantic meal. Instead, choose your favorite recipe, or recreate one from your favorite dining spot, from the comfort of home. Break out the aprons, pans and ingredients and, together, cook up a dish. Not only will this experience be romantic and fun, but it offers a chance for you to work together and create something delicious.

Snuggle Up With a Romantic Movie
Forget those sticky floors and expensive snacks at your local theater. Instead, hop onto one of your streaming platforms, search for a romantic movie, or one that you both want to see, and press play. Be sure to grab all of your blankets and pillows to create a cozy space. Light a few candles, grab some snacks and snuggle up with your loved one for a comfortable and romantic night in.

Play a Few Games
One of the best parts about date night with your loved one is being playful. This Valentine’s Day, break out those dusty board games and get ready for a night of laughs and competitive fun. Whether you choose a problem-solving game, a strategy-style or a light-hearted game of truth or dare, this is a chance to strengthen your relationship. Sit back, relax and have some fun with games, snacks and lots of love.

Have a Relaxing Spa Night
There’s nothing better than going to a spa for a day of pure relaxation. Or is there? Instead of spending hundreds at the spa, turn your home into a pampering extravaganza. Light a few aromatherapy candles, draw a bath full of bubbles or bath bombs and grab some mud masks. Before you know it, you will both be relaxed and ready for a romantic night ahead. 

Plan a Scavenger Hunt
Did you get a nice surprise gift for your partner? Instead of wrapping it up and hanging it to them, write a series of clues to guide them throughout the house, leading them to a nice reward at the end. Include creative clues, like photos, riddles or silly notes, to make this scavenger hunt even more fun!

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How Could Buying a Waterfront Property Affect Your Homeowners Insurance Rates?

Homeowners insurance premiums are based on many factors, including location. A house near a body of water will typically have higher homeowners insurance rates than a home located further inland.

Why It Costs More to Insure a House on the Water
Premiums for houses near the water are not higher due to the risk of flooding, since a standard homeowners insurance policy doesn’t cover flooding. Houses on the water and nearby structures can be damaged by waves, wind, and moisture. If a lakeside property has a permanent dock or pier, a standard homeowners insurance policy may not cover damage to it caused by weather. You may need to purchase a separate endorsement.

Insurance rates for homes near a coastline are higher primarily due to the risk of storm-related wind damage. Those areas are more vulnerable to hurricanes and nor’easters than properties located farther inland. Premiums may also be higher than average for homes that are not located directly along the shoreline, but that are close enough that they could be impacted by a major storm near the coast.

Homeowners insurance policies for waterfront properties often have a separate deductible for catastrophic wind damage that is significantly higher than the deductible for other types of damage. That is intended to discourage homeowners from filing small claims and to encourage them only to submit claims for serious damage.

How Companies Cover the Costs of Major Storm Damage
Some smaller, local or regional insurance companies sell policies to international reinsurance companies that write policies around the world and that have the financial resources to cover claims for catastrophic storm damage. Diversification helps them afford large claims, since it’s unlikely that several major storms would devastate multiple areas in a single year. That reduces the financial burden on smaller carriers and lets them issue policies to local customers. Reinsurance companies use computer models to assess risk in specific areas and to set premiums. 

How to Get Affordable Homeowners Insurance Coverage
You may qualify for lower homeowners insurance rates if you take steps to reduce the risk of damage to your home from a storm. For example, you can remove old structures that could be damaged or blown around by strong winds and install storm shutters to protect the windows. You can also replace or repair the roof using hurricane-resistant materials. 

Consider the Total Cost of Owning a Waterfront Home
Owning a house on the water may be your dream, but it’s important to think about all the costs associated with it. Homeowners insurance premiums for a waterfront property may be significantly higher than they would be for a house farther inland. Before you buy a house near the water, research insurance premiums so you don’t get shocked later and realize you can’t afford to insure your dream home.


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