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Easy DIY projects to enhance your yard and garden

2019-04-05T07:01:00

(BPT) – Itching for summer to arrive, when you can get out and enjoy your yard? Why not plan a DIY project to improve your outdoor space, while encouraging everyone in the family to get outside and have fun together?

Here are some projects to consider, and the prep work involved.

Check your deck

Does your existing deck need repair? Check for loose balusters, rocky railing or other issues needing attention. If you want to resurface your deck or build a new deck, measure the area and research how much decking you’ll need. Fortunately, there are free online deck plans and design tools available, especially on your favorite home improvement center’s website or at treatedwood.com. Many include cost calculators to help determine your expenses. Check with your local municipality for building codes and a building permit before beginning construction.

When choosing materials to create the deck of your dreams, not just any wood will do. Wood is now available that is treated with more environmentally-advanced preservatives, with stabilizers that can weather the elements while still retaining the beauty of real wood. Ecolife pressure-treated wood is ideal for decking, deck framing, railing, joists and beams. Ecolife’s advanced wood stabilizing preservative system makes wood look better longer and repels water for up to two years, providing maximum protection and enhanced performance for outdoor projects exposed to harsh sun, drenching rain and heavy snow.

For projects that come in contact with or are within 6 inches from the ground, such as support posts, stair stringers and ledger boards, a higher retention level of preservatives is required to fight against fungal decay and termite attack at ground level. Both Ecolife and ground contact wood are treated to required levels to protect against fungal decay and termite attack.

Enhance your garden

To increase your yard’s beauty while encouraging plant and flower growth, make simple wooden structures for your garden that can be completed in a weekend. The easiest project is a trellis, which can be any size latticework designed for climbing plants to grow up them. Similarly, an arbor combines two trellises with an overhead arch to create a passage or gateway. An arbor beautifully embellishes any path or walkway with flowering plants growing up and over it.

A pergola takes that idea one step further, creating a scaffolding of overhead wooden beams for your yard, patio or deck that can be used for installing a ceiling fan, hanging plants or flowers, or a sun shade.

The gazebo resembles a mini “house,” usually raised from the ground, which can be screened in if desired. Gazebos are wonderful little retreats to enjoy the outdoors while still feeling the comfort of seating and other furniture, along with a roof for keeping out the elements.

Raised gardens

For the green thumb in the family, raised planter beds decrease the back-breaking work of planting and weeding, while keeping out neighborhood critters. Attach chicken wire or other screening to discourage smaller animals from munching on your garden.

Outdoor furnishings

Love to grill and eat outdoors? Why not build your own benches or picnic table? They provide a wonderfully rustic look as well as being sturdy. You can add removable cushions for comfort.

Playtime

Nothing could be more fun for kids than watching or helping to build a play set, sandbox or treehouse. If kids help, educate kids about safety rules that you follow, such as wearing gloves, goggles and a mask while working with wood.

Add privacy and beauty

A well-designed stained or painted fence can enhance the look of your garden, patio or deck while adding privacy and keeping out neighborhood animals. A variety of fence styles are available to serve many purposes. From containing pets to providing safety for your children, fences can help block wind and noise, enclose HVAC and trash bin areas and add curb appeal. All you need are posts, pickets and backer rails or fence panels to complete your project.

If you’re new to building, start with smaller projects like a trellis or sandbox. Once you’re more confident or have experience, consider larger, more complex projects you’re dreaming about. Engage the family in brainstorming ideas to make your yard and garden a great place to hang out together. For more information about Ecolife, visit treatedwood.com.


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Three Things to Know About Endometriosis: One of The Most Common Women’s Health Issues We Should Talk More About

2019-04-04T10:01:01

(BPT) – Painful periods, pelvic pain in between periods and pain with sex — what has typically been dismissed as just part of being a woman could actually be caused by a chronic and painful disease called endometriosis. Endometriosis occurs when tissue that acts like the lining of your uterus starts growing outside of the uterus, where it doesn’t belong. Endometriosis affects an estimated one in 10 women of reproductive age, yet despite being one of the most common gynecologic disorders in America, there is a lack of awareness and prioritization of endometriosis as an important women’s health issue.

However, now more than ever, healthcare providers and women are coming together to raise awareness, increase understanding and advocate that endometriosis is more than “just a bad period” and women should not have to suffer with pain in silence.

“I often treat women who have been suffering through painful symptoms for years, either because they didn’t realize that they had a condition that could be treated or because their previous doctor didn’t mention endometriosis as a possible cause for their pain,” said Dr. Eric Surrey, Reproductive Endocrinologist and Medical Director of the Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine in Lone Tree, CO. “While more research needs to be done in the field of endometriosis, I’m encouraged that our understanding of the disease is growing and more than ever before women are speaking up to get the help they need, including diagnosis and treatment,” Surrey notes.

According to Dr. Surrey, these are three important things to know about the disease:

  • Endometriosis is Not One Size Fits All: Some women with endometriosis may experience a range of symptoms, while others may experience none at all. While painful periods, pelvic pain in between periods and pain during sex can be the most common symptoms, not all women have all three.
  • It’s Difficult to Diagnose: While every woman has a different diagnosis experience, women with endometriosis can suffer up to six to 10 years before receiving a proper diagnosis. “Women may be delayed in learning they have endometriosis because the symptoms can be similar to other disorders. It’s important to be as specific as possible when talking to your doctor and don’t be afraid to ask about endometriosis directly.”
  • Treatment Options are Available: There is no known cure for endometriosis but Dr. Surrey notes that treatment options can range from holistic approaches, such as changes in diet or acupuncture, to medications or surgery. Endometriosis treatment plans should be determined between a woman and her healthcare provider.

Information about ORILISSA® (elagolix)

ORILISSA® is the first FDA-approved pill specifically developed for women with moderate to severe endometriosis pain in over a decade. It is a prescription medicine available in two dosage amounts (150 mg once daily or 200 mg twice daily). Depending on the dose, ORILISSA may reduce three common types of endometriosis pain. These are painful periods, pelvic pain in between periods and pain during sex.*

*only ORILISSA 200 mg twice daily dose was proven to work for pain with sex.

Do not take ORILISSA if:

  • You are or may be pregnant, have osteoporosis or severe liver disease, or take medicines such as cyclosporine or gemfibrozil. It is not known if ORILISSA is safe and effective in children under 18 years of age.

For more information, visit ORILISSA.com.

Please see below for Important Safety Information.

Please click for Full Prescribing information including Medication Guide.

USE

ORILISSA® (elagolix) is a prescription medicine used to treat moderate to severe pain associated with endometriosis.

It is not known if ORILISSA is safe and effective in children under 18 years of age.

  • IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
    What is the most important information I should know about ORILISSA?
    Take ORILISSA exactly as your Healthcare Provider (HCP) tells you.
    ORILISSA may cause serious side effects, including:
    Bone Loss (decreased Bone Mineral Density [BMD])
  • While you are taking ORILISSA, your estrogen levels will be low. This can lead to BMD loss. Your BMD may improve after stopping ORILISSA, but may not recover completely. It is unknown if these bone changes could increase your risk for broken bones as you age. Your HCP may order a DXA scan to check your BMD.
  • Effects on Pregnancy
    Do not take ORILISSA if you are trying to become or are pregnant, as your risk for early pregnancy loss may increase. If you think you are pregnant, stop taking ORILISSA right away and call your HCP. ORILISSA may change your menstrual periods (irregular bleeding or spotting, a decrease in menstrual bleeding, or no bleeding at all), making it hard to know if you are pregnant. Watch for other signs of pregnancy, such as breast tenderness, weight gain, and nausea. ORILISSA does not prevent pregnancy. You will need to use effective hormone-free birth control (such as condoms or spermicide) while taking ORILISSA and for one week after stopping ORILISSA. Birth control pills that contain estrogen may make ORILISSA less effective. It is unknown how well ORILISSA works while on progestin-only birth control.

Do not take ORILISSA if you:
• Are or may be pregnant, have osteoporosis, have severe liver disease, or take medicines known as strong OATP1B1 inhibitors, such as cyclosporine or gemfibrozil. If you are unsure if you are taking one of these medicines, ask your HCP.

What should I tell my HCP before taking ORILISSA?
Tell your HCP about all of your medical conditions, including if you:
• Have or have had broken bones, have other conditions, or take medicines that may cause bone problems; have or have had depression, mood problems, or suicidal thoughts or behavior; have liver problems; think you may be pregnant; or are breastfeeding or plan to be. It is unknown if ORILISSA passes into breast milk. Talk to your HCP about the best way to feed your baby if you take ORILISSA.
Tell your HCP about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Especially tell your HCP if you take birth control pills. Your HCP may advise you to change the pills you take or your method of birth control.

What are the possible side effects of ORILISSA?
ORILISSA can cause serious side effects including:
• Suicidal thoughts, actions, or behavior, and worsening of mood. Call your healthcare provider right away, or call 911 if an emergency, if you have any of these symptoms, especially if they are new, worse, or bother you: thoughts about suicide or dying, try to commit suicide, new or worse depression or anxiety, or other unusual changes in behavior or mood. You or your caregiver should pay attention to any changes, especially sudden changes in your mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings.
• Abnormal liver tests. Call your HCP right away if you have any of these signs and symptoms of liver problems: yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes (jaundice), dark amber-colored urine, feeling tired, nausea and vomiting, generalized swelling, right upper stomach area pain, or bruising easily.

The most common side effects of ORILISSA include: hot flashes or night sweats, headache, nausea, difficulty sleeping, absence of periods, anxiety, joint pain, depression, and mood changes.

These are not all of the possible side effects of ORILISSA. This is the most important information to know about ORILISSA. For more information, talk to your doctor or healthcare provider.

Tell your HCP if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. Call your HCP for medical advice about side effects.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

If you cannot afford your medication, contact www.pparx.org for assistance.

Please see the Full Prescribing information, including Medication Guide for Patients, for ORILISSA.

Sponsored by AbbVie

US-GYNEN-190018


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How you can make a difference on your next vacation

2019-04-04T09:15:00

(BPT) – Looking for a vacation that’s not only fun, but also meaningful? Wish you had more time to volunteer in a way that really makes a difference? There’s a simple solution: Plan your next vacation around a great volunteer opportunity.

Whether on your own or with the entire family, volunteering on vacation is a wonderful way to explore a favorite destination or someplace you’ve always wanted to go, while contributing to a cause you care about. It’s also one of the fastest growing travel trends in 2019. According to a Google Consumer survey, one in four travelers report that they plan to volunteer on an upcoming trip, and almost half of travelers (47 percent) say they would choose a vacation destination based on a volunteer opportunity they are passionate about.

With the Travel for Good program from Travelocity, you can easily explore volunteer activities in popular vacation destinations all over the U.S. Most activities require anywhere from just a few hours to a whole day.

Here are just a few of the types of opportunities you can find on their interactive volunteer map.

Concerned about hunger?

Travel to New York City to volunteer for Rescuing Leftover Cuisine. This nonprofit organization saves food from New York City restaurants that would otherwise go to waste, and then delivers it to folks who need a helping hand.

Or visit Washington, D.C., to sort food donations, stock shelves and assemble nutritious food packs for elementary school children at Food for Others. Volunteers age 12 and older can sign up for weekday shifts, making it a great opportunity to teach your tween or teen children about how they can make a difference.

Care about animals?

You can spend time at The Nashville Zoo, one of Tennessee’s most popular attractions, to enjoy the wildlife while assisting at one-time volunteer opportunities for special events like the adults-only Brew at the Zoo and holiday-related celebrations for Easter, Halloween and more.

Or if you love cats and dogs, consider volunteering your time to help out at an animal shelter, such as Best Friends Animal Society in New York, Lucky Dog Animal Rescue in Washington, D.C., or PAWS Chicago.

Passionate about the environment?

Plan a trip to California to volunteer with Surfrider Foundation, which organizes regular beach cleanups around the Bay Area. Or head farther south to help out at San Diego Coastkeeper, an organization that helps make sure San Diego’s waters are safe and clean.

In the Big Easy, help Green Light New Orleans work on sustainable, eco-friendly projects, including installing energy-efficient light bulbs in residential homes, installing rain barrels to collect stormwater runoff and other good deeds.

Want to help build healthier communities?

You could spend your vacation in San Francisco, getting your hands dirty while tending the land at Alemany Farm, the largest urban farm in San Francisco, which educates visitors on how to become healthy food producers and gives away all the food it grows for free.

Or help teach hygiene habits to vulnerable groups in Las Vegas with a volunteer stint at Clean the World Foundation.

Finding a place where you can volunteer on vacation may seem daunting, but it’s easy to locate nonprofits in need in some of the top cities across the country by checking out www.travelocity.com/travelforgood. The site also offers tips from fellow volunteer travelers for your next adventure. Make your next vacation both memorable and meaningful by finding the right volunteer opportunity for you.


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Getting kids thinking about life after graduation

2019-04-04T09:46:41

(BPT) – Experiences and learning outside of the classroom can really shape a child’s perspective, particularly when it comes to making decisions about what sort of work they might want to pursue. As important as formal education is, kids also learn from the school of life.

While it seems like kids need no help understanding technology in their day-to-day-lives, many might not necessarily think about technology in a career capacity. Particularly for young girls, there is an opportunity to encourage them to explore this sector. Research by the Computing Technology Industry Association found that 69 percent of women who have not pursued careers in information technology attribute their choice to not knowing what opportunities are available to them.

Programs like “Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day” are great tools for broadening kids’ perspectives of different jobs that are available — roles they might not have even thought existed.

For Jo Amato-Tuck, global partner development manager, Microsoft, the opportunity to inspire kids is deeply personal. She is a member of the Parent Employee Resource Group, which sponsors Bring your Kids to Work Day for the more than 40,000 employees in Redmond, Washington, and thousands more in remote offices at Microsoft. What’s more, Jo is a mother of three children, all of whom are at an age where they are asking more questions not only about their mom’s work, but about what sorts of jobs might interest them (besides being Adele someday).

She touts that sparking imagination and inspiration in kids is particularly important for young girls, who might feel like a career in technology isn’t for them. “Young women visiting our office see diverse women working in myriad areas. It gives them real, tangible proof that there are many successful women in technology, so they can pursue a career in technology one day.”

Amato-Tuck has the following advice for parents hoping to spark discussions about career ambitions with kids:

* Find out what your kids are genuinely curious about, setting aside your own hopes or aspirations of what sort of work they’ll pursue. Foster that interest through books, videos or other research in fun, relatable ways.

* Take advantage of programs like Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day. If your profession doesn’t line up with their interests, don’t take it personally: Perhaps see if you can arrange a visit with a family member or friend whose career piques their curiosity.

* Bring your child to work, even for short visits. It helps them understand your life outside of being a parent and gives them context on what you do while they are at school.

* It is never too early to build mentorships. Take them to places where they might meet a professional that they can look up to and encourage them to ask meaningful questions. It is also a great opportunity to build social skills like sending a follow-up note to thank that person for their time.


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5 top supplements to add to your diet

2019-04-02T17:43:37

(BPT) – Are supplements part of your daily routine? If they are, you’re not alone. According to the National Institutes of Health, more than half of all Americans take one or more supplements in their quest for better health. That’s because even if you have an ultra-healthy diet (and many people don’t), it’s difficult to get all the vitamins and nutrients your body needs for optimal health from food alone.

But going to a store or searching online for supplements can be confusing. There are a lot of choices out there, and not all supplements are created equal. So how do you know you’ll benefit from the supplements you take?

The answer is to do your homework and choose wisely. Here are five of the top supplements on the market today, and insights into what to look for on the label to ensure you’re getting the optimal benefit for your health.

High-potency multivitamin: Millions of people take multivitamins because there’s no simpler way to stay healthy and live better. But not just any multivitamin will do the job. The Recommended Dietary Allowances most multivitamins provide are only the minimal doses. To promote optimal health, a high-potency multivitamin should be part of everyone’s routine.

Curcumin/turmeric: Turmeric has been used in India for thousands of years, and not just to give curry its yellow color. Turmeric helps inhibit inflammation and is a strong antioxidant, mostly due to the curcumin it contains. Scientists believe managing inflammation plays a key role in heart health, optimal cellular function, cognitive support and more. However, it would be difficult to get the optimal amount of curcumin per day simply by sprinkling turmeric on your food, so most people take a supplement. But be choosy about which you use, because absorption of this critical compound can be an issue. Super Bio-Curcumin(R) by Life Extension(R) absorbs up to seven times better than conventional supplements, providing protection against inflammatory factors for your body.

Fish oil: The EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil promote heart health, support cognitive health and inhibit inflammation, too. Make sure the supplement you choose is made with fresh, pure fish oil concentrate with 1,400 mg of EPA and 1,000 mg of DHA for optimal health benefits.

Coenzyme Q10: CoQ10 is a potent antioxidant that has been called the ultimate heart-friendly supplement. But look carefully when you’re choosing a supplement because there’s a slight difference in the type of CoQ10 out there, and it means a big difference for you. A traditional form of CoQ10, termed ubiquinone, is difficult for the body to absorb. Supplements with ubiquinol, like Super Ubiquinol CoQ10 from Life Extension, absorb up to eight times better.

Probiotics: Probiotics seem to be everywhere these days, from the dairy aisle to grocery store shelves. They balance the ratio of good-to-bad bacteria in your intestines, and it’s not just about digestion. Probiotics help your overall health, including immune health, and are becoming necessary as the good bacteria are under siege from dietary and environmental changes in recent years. Look for supplements that only target the bad bacteria, leaving the good bacteria in your gut alone.

With any dietary supplement, it’s wise to talk with your healthcare provider about what you’re taking. And stick to the recommended dosage on the bottle. For more information about supplements, visit LifeExtension.com/Top5, or call 1-855-813-9013.

Bio-Curcumin(R) and BCM-95(R) are registered trademarks of DolCas-Biotech, LLC.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.


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5 smart money tips that take a matter of minutes

2019-04-02T12:31:00

(BPT) – According to a recent survey from Marcus by Goldman Sachs(R)[1], more than half of Americans (51 percent) would rather wash dishes than deal with their finances and 33 percent would rather change a diaper than deal with their finances.

Evaluating your finances and making changes to your financial routine can be a daunting task, one that might seem like an overwhelming time commitment, but there are several simple and fast things you can do at no cost that can have a big impact.

To help make approaching your finances a little less intimidating, Marcus has released five simple tips that show “You Can Money.” Each of the tips takes only a matter of minutes and is designed to help boost your financial confidence and get you started on the path toward financial well-being.

1. Open a high-yield online savings account. Learn the annual percentage yield (APY) on your savings account and then compare your rate to those offered by other banks to see how much more you could be earning. For example, a high-yield Online Savings Account from Marcus by Goldman Sachs earns four times (4X) the national average with a rate of 2.25 percent[2], which might be significantly higher than your current rate. With no minimum balance needed to start earning the rate, this is an easy way to begin growing your savings with the cash you already have in your account.

2. Download a personal financial management app. To help establish and maintain a sustainable budget, it’s important to stay on top of your expenses. A free personal financial management app like Clarity Money might be a useful tool to help manage your budget. The app tracks recurring expenses and helps you cancel unwanted subscriptions. Available on Android and iOS, it can help you keep a tighter rein on your spending, making it easier to trim costs and stick to your budget.

3. Review your credit score. A good credit score can increase the likelihood that you will get approved for a credit card or a loan. It can also help you receive lower interest rates. Your payment history and the length of your credit history as well as the types and amount of credit you use are all factors in your credit score.

4. Create your emergency fund. Unplanned life moments can happen at any time, and these unexpected costs can impact your financial future. To ease the worry, establish an emergency fund separate from your savings. Your goal for your emergency fund should be equal to three times your monthly expenses.

5. Check your retirement funds. Familiarize yourself with your company’s 401(k) offering. See if they have a matching program and check what your contributions are to your 401(k).

For more information, visit www.marcus.com/youcanmoney.

The “You Can Money” Survey was conducted by Marcus by Goldman Sachs(R) in February and March 2019 among 1,002 Americans. Marcus loans and deposits products provided by Goldman Sachs Bank USA. Member FDIC.

[1] The “You Can Money” Survey was conducted by Marcus by Goldman Sachs(R) in February and March 2019 among 1,002 Americans.

[2] Annual Percentage Yield (APY) may change at any time, before or after account is opened. APY as of March 13, 2019. $0 minimum to earn stated APY. A maximum of six withdrawals or transfers per monthly statement period are allowed. Maximum balance limits apply.


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How daylighting can brighten up your home

2019-04-02T11:01:00

(BPT) – Looking for relatively quick, doable home improvement projects that won’t break the bank? You can create a bright, cheerful home just by changing the lighting. A well-lit space can make rooms appear more spacious, as well as brighten the colors of your new decor or accessories. As you begin to plan your lighting, consider a daylighting system that brings natural brightness to all the areas in your home.

These daylighting basics will help you find the best system for your space.

1. Daylighting systems bring true natural light into your home

First, let’s talk about what daylighting systems are, because there are many lighting options available today that claim to provide natural daylight. These lightbulbs that are labeled as “daylight” are designed to mimic natural light as closely as they can, but these bulbs are not true sources of natural light.

Solatube Daylighting Systems, on the other hand, are designed to capture the sun’s perfect natural brightness and deliver it into indoor spaces, like traditional skylights. Unlike traditional skylights, however, daylighting systems are much more versatile to work in any room in your home. They are also leak-proof, plus more cost-effective and time-effective than traditional skylights that are built into the home’s architecture.

2. Natural light reduces energy use

Daylighting systems harness the sun’s light, which means you’re using less energy to light up your home. If you’re environmentally conscious and trying to incorporate more sustainable living practices into your day-to-day routine, adding daylight into your home is an easy and long-term solution. Because they use less energy, daylighting systems also cut down on utility costs. You’ll save money even taking installation costs into consideration in the long run.

3. Daylighting systems are designed to maintain brightness even in corners

Traditional skylights can provide natural lighting, but these structures are limited and not possible for all rooms in the home. New daylighting systems can be installed for any interior. Plus, the Spectralight Infinity Tubing is designed using the most reflective materials and in configurations that allow all areas of the room to be bright, including hard-to-reach corners.

4. Accessories are available to help your daylighting system meet your needs exactly

Every interior is different, and that’s why daylighting systems can be modified with accessories to fit your needs. Whether you’re looking for a solar-powered nightlight solution, a dimmer add-on or a ventilation component for rooms like the bathroom, there’s an accessory to help your daylighting system work for your space.

5. Installing a daylighting system in your home is easy

The technology for daylighting systems might be complex, but installing one in your home is not. Transforming your space with a daylighting system only takes two hours and requires minimal structural changes to your home. Ready to bring true natural light into your home? Learn more about daylighting systems and how you can use them to improve your home by visiting https://www.solatube.com.


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Tax reform to present huge changes in 2019, introducing special considerations

2019-04-02T08:01:00

(BPT) – Tax reform represents the largest change to the tax code in the last 30 years, impacting virtually everyone, but carrying special considerations for small business owners, the self-employed and employees with unreimbursed business expenses.

It will take taxpayers time to untangle the full impact of reform, and as the 2019 tax season takes off, taxpayers should be aware of the unique challenges it’s likely to present, regardless of where they fall in the spectrum.

According to the tax experts at H&R Block, the group most at risk of owing when they file are those employees who deducted unreimbursed business expenses for 2017. Tax reform eliminated the deduction for unreimbursed employee business expenses.

Ramon Vasquez is a Block Advisors master tax advisor with over 12 years of both public and private sector experience, working in investments, real estate, small business, tax planning and more. He said that though all individual tax situations are unique, there are some things people can do now to aid in filing an accurate return to get their maximum refund.

“How tax reform impacts you depends entirely on your specific circumstances, so it’s important to look at your unique situation to see what you should expect when you file,” Vasquez said. “Somebody could still benefit from tax reform even though they lose their unreimbursed business expense deduction, but you may also want to talk to your employer about switching to an accountable plan, which allows employers to reimburse expenses to their employee tax-free.”

Beyond those with unreimbursed employee business expenses, there are other individuals for whom tax reform may require some additional untangling.

Small business owners and the self-employed also need to approach this tax season with a particular awareness.

“Some of the largest changes in tax reform apply to businesses, which can include some landlords,” Vasquez said. “For example, self-employed individuals, including those who have income from partnership and S corporations, may be able to deduct up to 20 percent of their qualified business income.”

As has been the case with tax season in the past, homeowners have special considerations. But this year marks a change for them, too, primarily through changes in itemized deductions. According to the tax experts at H&R Block, tax reform changes the itemized deductions some homeowners can claim.

“For example, tax reform limits the home mortgage interest deduction on new home mortgages to interest paid on up to $750,000 of acquisition debt. It also limits the deduction for home equity debt,” Vasquez said of changes in deductions. “You’ll also be limited to deducting a maximum of $10,000 ($5,000 if married filing separately) in personal property taxes, real estate taxes, plus income taxes or sales taxes combined.”

One of the most important parts of conquering tax season 2019 is an acute awareness of one’s individual tax situation. As every taxpayer is different, untangling the year’s taxes is going to require additional planning to help taxpayers avoid surprises when it comes time to file their tax return.

A major part of avoiding any surprises this year has to do with making appropriate updates through your employer.

“If you don’t like what happened with your refund this year, you can make sure it doesn’t happen again next year by updating your withholding with your employer,” Vasquez said. “Come in to an office to have your Block Advisors tax advisor provide W-4 planning when you file your 2018 tax return. Not only do we offer year-round tax consulting, we provide year-to-year tax return planning.”

Taxpayers with layered tax situations can head to blockadvisors.com to get matched with their personal tax advisor.


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How to create an outdoor living space you can enjoy all year long

2019-04-02T08:17:00

(BPT) – The dream of a perfect outdoor space where homeowners can enjoy the beauty of nature while still being completely comfortable is no longer limited to a specific climate or time of year. A one-of-a-kind, all-seasons deck is possible if the right features are included in the design. The key is to combine features that protect from the elements, and then use the right materials to make it happen.

Whether you’re revamping an existing area, or creating a brand-new outdoor living space to enjoy all year long, the following deck additions can turn any project into an all-seasons oasis to enjoy with family and friends.

Overhead covering on a deck can shield guests from the elements directly, as well as provide a scaffold for features such as a ceiling fan, which can cool the area in the warmer months and improve heated air flow during cooler months. Homeowners can choose from deck shades or awnings in a variety of materials to defend against rain and wind, or to reduce sun exposure and cool the area. A pergola is also a beautiful addition to a custom deck that doesn’t provide full coverage like a roof or awning, but can serve as a solid framework for other features such as climbing vines or hanging plants that both provide cover and add ambiance to the outdoor oasis.

Retractable walls are a high-tech option that allows for free air movement during the mild spring and fall, and protection from sun, wind, rain, snow and even bugs during the extreme summer and winter. Some luxury decks and patios utilize retractable glass walls for a defense against wind or rain that doesn’t obstruct the view. A more common tactic is to install retractable screen walls, which can be motorized, and are meant primarily to keep insects out of the patio area. Retractable privacy walls, usually in the form of canvas or polyester fabric horizontal shades, can provide a respite from weather and enhance the feeling of a private sanctuary.

Beautiful low-maintenance materials are a must for any outdoor living space that homeowners would like to spend time enjoying, rather than performing backbreaking annual maintenance. Taking care of traditional wood decking can be a difficult and frustrating process since it is subject to staining and splintering, and may require annual sanding and painting. Composite decking is growing in popularity across the U.S. not only for its lower maintenance requirements, but also its unparalleled beauty that can emulate anything from the rustic beauty of reclaimed wood to the high-impact look of exotic hardwoods.

“What kind of decking you choose makes a huge impact on the overall look and feel of your outdoor living space,” said Shara Gamble, director of sales and marketing for TAMKO’s Envision Decking. “One of the best things about composite decking is it’s easy to preserve its beautiful appearance throughout the seasons, which means you can spend more time relaxing and enjoying your outdoor spaces with family and friends.”

Incorporate the elements into the deck in a controlled way to boost enjoyment of an outdoor living space regardless of the season. For colder months, adding a fire element can provide a cozy and mesmerizing focal point. Arranging comfortable seating around a fireplace or fire pit provides a great place to gather with friends and family and provide warmth on a cool summer night or fall weekend. During the hotter months, installing a water element to the deck can provide a cooling touch and a visual centerpiece. Fountains, misters, or even a lap pool can provide a welcome respite from the heat during the summer, and a soothing, meditative backdrop for the rest of the year.

Although decks are generally a mild-weather attraction, there are many ways to make an outdoor living space functional and enjoyable during the rest of the year, regardless of the geographic location. Transform a deck into an all-seasons sanctuary through the use of special features and beautiful low-maintenance composite decking to make the most of the beauty of the outdoors without sacrificing the comfort and style of your unique outdoor retreat.


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Know what’s below – Call 811 before digging for landscaping and home improvement projects this spring

2019-04-01T13:13:00

(BPT) – With spring having officially begun, many eager homeowners and landscape professionals across the country will roll up their sleeves and reach for their shovels to start projects that require digging this season.

During the transition into “digging season,” Common Ground Alliance (CGA), the organization dedicated to protecting underground utility lines, people who dig near them and their communities, reminds homeowners and professional diggers that calling 811 is the first step toward protecting you and your community from the risk of unintentionally damaging an underground line.

Every digging project, no matter how large or small, warrants a free call to 811. Installing a mailbox or fence, building a deck and landscaping are all examples of digging projects that should only begin a few days after making a call to 811. Calling this number connects you to your local one call utility notification center.

According to data collected by CGA in a survey in March, millions of American homeowners will likely do DIY projects involving digging this year, but 42 percent of them do not plan to make a free call to 811 before digging.

“Tens of millions of Americans plan to do DIY digging projects this year, but according to our survey, 42 percent of them admit that they will not call 811 beforehand, which puts homeowners and their communities at risk,” said CGA President and CEO Sarah Magruder Lyle. “Calling 811 a few days before any planned home improvement projects that require digging — including common landscaping projects like planting trees and shrubs — is critical to preventing incidents like service outages and serious injuries.”

CGA’s partnership with leading home improvement retailer Lowe’s will provide a helpful reminder to the millions of Americans who shop at their stores for projects involving digging.

“During National Safe Digging Month in April and all year round, Lowe’s supports 811 by including safe digging information on certain products we sell nationwide — like trees and Kobalt shovels and spades, among others — to help ensure the safety of our Pro and DIY customers who will be outside digging,” said Bill Boltz, Lowe’s executive vice president of merchandising. “Our customers rely on Lowe’s for help completing home and yard improvement projects, and we’re committed to providing the critical safety information to help them do it the right way.”

A utility line is damaged every few minutes in America because someone decided to dig without making a call to 811 to learn the approximate location of buried utilities in their area. Unintentionally striking one of these lines can result in inconvenient outages for entire neighborhoods, serious harm to yourself or your neighbors, and significant repair costs.

As a result, CGA offers the following tips to make sure you complete your project safely and without any utility service interruptions, so you don’t become a statistic.

Here’s how the 811 process works:

1. One free, simple phone call to 811 makes it easy for your local one call center to notify appropriate utility companies of your intent to dig. Call a few days prior to digging to ensure enough time for the approximate location of utility lines to be marked with flags or paint.

2. When you call 811, a representative from your local one call center will ask for the location and description of your digging project.

3. Your local one call center will notify affected utility companies, which will then send professional locators to the proposed dig site to mark the approximate location of your lines.

4. Only once all lines have been accurately marked, carefully dig around the marked areas.

There are nearly 20 million miles of underground utility lines in the United States, which equates to more than a football field’s length of utilities for every person in the U.S. Your family depends on this buried infrastructure for your everyday needs, including electric, natural gas, water and sewer, cable TV, high-speed Internet and landline telephone. With that much critical infrastructure underground, it’s important to know what’s below and call 811 before digging.

To find out more information about 811 or the one call utility notification center in your area, visit www.call811.com.