Category: Brandpoint Home & Garden

2018-06-12T09:01:00

(BPT) – Whether it’s a baby or pet, a new addition to the family calls for new, unexpected responsibilities, and is bound to come with adjustments for every member of the family. While it would be silly to guarantee zero stress for the new family environment, below are tips for a transition with more playtime and fewer headaches to help you get started.

Here’s what you need to know:

Get ready in style

Prep the space with all the necessities needed to make your new addition’s life as happy as possible. Based on the needs of your new child or pet, this could mean turning your home office or game room into a nursery, or finding the perfect doggy door to install in the back entrance. After checking big-ticket items off your list, consider how moments such as bath time will change in the new dynamic. Choose a product that is stylish and functional, like the Peerless SideKick Shower System, which has interchangeable attachments for parents, pet and baby. Versatile shower additions create a one-stop shop for everyone in the family, limiting mess and making bath time more efficient (and cost-effective!).

Proof! Proof!

When you walk through your front door, you are greeted with the comfort and security of being in a space made just for you. With a new baby or pet, that could all change! It is important to take a careful look at your home and proof for all possible dangers and accidents. Move chemicals and cleaning products onto high shelves, tape electrical cords to baseboards, find ways to secure cabinets and doors that you would prefer not to have curious hands, mouths and noses digging around in, and make sure anything that can induce choking is stored in a safe place, far away from the curious new family member.

Budget for two

A new addition to the family means one more mouth to feed and nurture. It is important to prepare for unexpected expenses. Babies and pets are more prone to illness, injury and accidents because they are constantly exploring their environment. Remember to plan ahead by setting up a monthly savings plan to make room for miscellaneous expenses in your monthly budget. Go the extra mile and save more money by buying clothes and accessories from thrift or consignment stores, using family or friends for backup daycare, and asking relatives to babysit or puppy sit. Remember that planning is key. You’ve got this!

Playtime

Ensure a stress- and mess-free playtime by designating an area for play in your home. If possible, create a gated space to give yourself a sense of control over playtime activities. This will offer peace of mind and allow your new addition to have fun and express themselves without any inhibitions. Bonus: There is less cleanup time as well.

For more shower solutions for the family, please visit peerlessfaucet.com.

2018-06-07T09:01:00

(BPT) – For millions of Americans, the devastation of the 2017 storm season is still fresh in their minds. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the cumulative cost of the weather events in the U.S. was $306.2 billion. Whether you were directly affected by one of those storm systems, or saw images of flooded neighborhoods, there’s probably one question that you’re now asking yourself.

What can I do to prepare for the next storm season?

It’s an important question to ask. And considering the hurricane season officially begins each year on June 1st, now is the time to start planning.

Be prepared

Whether you live in a coastal area that might be affected by a hurricane or anywhere else in the country, there are common-sense steps you can take to prepare you and your family. A basic emergency kit should include a supply of flashlights and lanterns, medication, food, water, cash and so forth. Being prepared in this way is important because even if you’re not directly in the path of a storm, you may still be affected by a power outage. Losing power means more than losing light. It means losing hundreds of dollars of food and medications in the refrigerator, losing connection to the outside world, watching basements flood as sump pumps fail, facing uncertainty and dealing with the stress that comes with this.

A steady source of power is something many of us take for granted. You really don’t know how dependent you are on electricity until it’s gone.

Power up

There is a cost-effective measure every family can take to avoid the cost — and the stress — of a power outage. The solution is to invest in an automatic standby generator. Some people think power generators are pieces of equipment for either people with cabins or survivalists. But, this has changed. Generator manufacturers today produce a variety of standby generators — as well as portable and industrial options — to meet a diverse array of needs.

Similar to a central air conditioning unit, an automatic standby generator is permanently installed outside of a home. It connects to a home’s electrical system and runs on either natural gas or propane from the home. In the case of an outage, some models, such as the ones produced by Kohler, automatically turn on within 10 seconds of losing power. Depending on the size of the generator, they can power everything in the home, from lights, HVAC, refrigerators, sump pumps, computers, TVs, home security systems and more, while smaller units can power a few key circuits.

Not all units are the same. To ensure you invest in an automatic standby generator that is truly ready for the storm season, look to the models from Kohler. These feature an automatic start, so whether you’re at home or away, it will automatically turn on; a durable enclosure that can withstand storm-force winds; a commercial-grade engine that can handle heavy loads; remote monitoring from a smartphone or laptop; quiet, neighborhood-friendly operation and a five-year warranty.

Additionally, standby generators from Kohler deliver high-quality power that won’t harm your electronics and run on your home’s natural or LP gas, keeping your crucial systems powered at all times — even when you’re not present.

No matter where you live, the potential for experiencing a power outage is real. Having an automatic standby generator can help you get through some of the worst weather nature will throw at us this season.

2018-06-06T12:01:00

(BPT) – Designed to deliver incredible durability, composite decking offers all the beauty of wood without the hassles of continuous upkeep.

2018-06-06T08:01:00

(BPT) – On your most challenging days you can always count on your pet to greet you at the door when you come home or cuddle up in your lap in the evening. They are a vital part of your home life all year long, but when your life takes you away from home — as it often does during summer travel — are you thinking of them before you head out the door?

With so much to pack and prepare for your trip, it’s easy to forget about those you’ll leave behind, like your pets. That’s why if you’re planning to leave for a day or longer, you should make sure to employ these five tips to make sure your pet is happy and safe while you’re away.

* Find a quality pet sitter. Dogs need to be walked and let out during the day, so when you’re gone, you’ll need a pet sitter to fill these duties. Finding a quality, reliable pet sitter can be the difference between a happy pet and damage to your home when you return. Try to trade sits with a fellow pet owner, and if that’s not possible, the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters is a nonprofit organization with resources to help you find the best pet sitter for you.

* Be mindful of the temperature. Knowing the temperature patterns in your destination city plays a big role in how you pack, but have you looked at what the weather has in store for your home while you’re gone? Allowing your home to get overly hot while you’re away isn’t good for your pet. You can control the temperature in your home — even while you’re away — with the Coleman Echelon Hx Touch-screen Thermostat. This WiFi-enabled smart thermostat provides more than just comfort, it monitors the temperature in your home, allowing you to always be aware of your home’s temperature. And best of all, it’s completely controllable from your smartphone, so even if you forget to make adjustments before you go, resetting the temperature in your home is just a click away.

* A little cleaning goes a long way. Your pet really isn’t that different from you; they appreciate a nice clean area to live in as well. Give it to them before you go by making sure the litter box or the yard is clean and that you’ve picked up as much clutter as possible. Wash the blankets that adorn their favorite sleeping places and make sure the space is ready for their use.

* A little TV time. If commotion is the name of the game in your home, a house that is suddenly too quiet could have a negative impact on your pet. To alleviate this concern, leave the television on in one of the rooms so your pet can enjoy a little noise in the background. Just make sure you choose a room that is different from where your pet often sleeps so they can comfortably avoid the sound if they want to.

* Leave a little bit of yourself. Is it possible to be in two places at once? In some ways yes. Leaving items out that smell like you — laundry or blankets, for example — can be a wonderful source of comfort in instances when your pet is feeling stressed. Just remember that if your pet likes to chew, these items could be their first target, so only leave things you’re comfortable losing.

Having a pet doesn’t mean you need to put your summer plans on hold, it just adds another layer to your planning process. Apply the tips above, and you and your pet will be happy and comfortable until the trip is over and you’re reunited.

2018-06-05T08:01:00

(BPT) – –

2018-06-04T17:01:00

(BPT) – Summer is upon us and that means one thing … grilling. Gather your friends and family for a barbecue with your favorite recipes, including fresh pork! Chef Ernest Servantes officially kicked-off Grilling Season in Miami doing what he does best: cooking up something special on the grill using Smithfield Fresh Pork. Chef Servantes has all of the tips and secrets to help you become the hero of your grill this summer!

Chef Servantes, a self-taught pitmaster and former champion and now judge of Food Network’s hit show — Chopped — is widely known for his one-of-a-kind blends of New American Cuisine with Texas flair. Servantes is world renowned for using Smithfield Fresh Pork because of its quality, freshness and consistently great flavor.

Grilling is a proud tradition in every Hispanic community — from Mexico, Puerto Rico, Peru, Colombia, Argentina, the Dominican Republic, Cuba and even in the U.S., every community uses the grill to create one-of-a-kind flavors. It’s a tradition steeped in history, and the first-ever Smithfield Fresh Pork Grilling Cup, “Copa de la Parrilla,” invites Hispanic chefs to share their unique grilling styles with the world.

Eight Influencer Chefs, each representing a different Hispanic Country, will be competing for the title of the best Smithfield Fresh Pork grilling recipe for this year’s “Grilling Cup.” Follow along on Facebook at @SaborSmithfield and vote for your favorite fresh pork recipe and team via www.saborsmithfield.com/copa for a chance to win one of several great grilling prizes. While you’re there, check out fresh pork recipes from champion pitmaster Chef Ernest Servantes.

Grilling season is officially here, so get your grills ready. In the words of Chef Servantes, “¡Viva BBQ!” You can learn more about Chef Servantes’ delicious recipes at www.saborsmithfield.com.

Costillas de Tejas – Texas Ribs

Costillas de Tejas

2 racks Smithfield(R) Pork Spareribs, membrane removed

1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar

1 1/2 tablespoons ancho chile powder

1 tablespoon smoked or sweet paprika

1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder

1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt

Pinch cayenne or chipotle powder

Freshly ground black pepper

Barbecue sauce

2 tablespoons canola oil

1 small sweet yellow onion, coarsely chopped

3 cloves garlic, coarsely chopped

1 cup ketchup 1/3 cup cold water

1 chipotle chile, chopped (from can of chipotle chiles in adobo)

2 tablespoons dark brown sugar

1 heaping tablespoon, Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon honey

1 tablespoon molasses

1 tablespoon red wine vinegar (or sherry vinegar)

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

2 tablespoons ancho chile powder

1 tablespoon sweet Spanish paprika

1. To make barbecue sauce, heat oil in saucepan over medium-high until warm and shimmering. Add onion and cook until softened, 3 to 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute. Stir in ketchup and water; bring to boil, stirring frequently. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 5 minutes.

2. Stir in remaining ingredients; bring to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 10 minutes. Let cool for at least 10 minutes.

3. Scrape the barbecue sauce into bowl of food processor or blender; purée until smooth or desired consistency. Sauce will be very thick; let cool to room temperature. Taste and season with salt and pepper. Can be used immediately, however flavors will be more complex if kept overnight. Extra sauce can be stored in refrigerator for up to one week.

4. To make Costillas de Tejas, heat oven to 200ºF. Place wire rack on aluminum foil covered baking sheet. Combine brown sugar, ancho chile powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, cayenne and black pepper in small bowl; mix well.

5. Place 2 sheets of heavy duty aluminum foil on counter (each about 4 inches longer than ribs). Place each rib rack on a piece of foil; sprinkle generous amount of spice rub over meaty side and massage into the meat. Turn over ribs and repeat on bone side. Seal ribs in foil and place, meaty side down, on rack on baking sheet.

6. Bake ribs at 200ºF for 4 hours; reduce oven temperature to 175ºF and bake an additional 2 hours, until ribs are very tender and just about falling off the bone.

7. Open foil packets and discard juices. Brush barbecue sauce over ribs; cut and serve.

Makes: 4 to 6 servings

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 6 1/2 hours

Ernest Servantes Recipe (C)2018 Smithfield Foods

2018-06-04T08:01:00

(BPT) – Whether you are buying a home for the first time or you are just looking for an upgrade, it is never a bad idea to arm yourself with tips that can make your search go from overwhelming to enjoyable. Rather than learning the hard way about hidden expenses and difficult neighbors, there are things you can do to feel more confident as you begin your search.

With a seller’s market in many parts of the country, these tips are even more important as you battle other buyers for the home of your dreams. The more efficient and straightforward you are in your search, the better chance you’ll have to hear “offer accepted.”

Consider all the costs

When starting the home-buying journey, the first thing to consider is the cost and expenses. When pre-approved for a mortgage of a certain amount, keep in mind that number is not a target — it is a maximum. While a seller’s market often means little wiggle room on price, your best bet is to find a property below that number so you have a financial cushion when negotiations happen.

It is important to remember the mortgage is not the total cost of your home. It usually only covers principal, interest, property taxes and homeowner’s insurance premiums. Homeownership involves many other expenses like closing costs, home repairs and potential yearly increases in property taxes.

Last, and something few people think about, if you have a life insurance policy, be sure to review it to make sure your coverage takes into account the mortgage debt on your new home. This ensures that if something happens to you, your family is financially secure.

Be flexible but firm

Finding the right home requires a delicate balance of flexibility and finesse. At the same time, you want to stand firm when it comes to your non-negotiables in your new home (price, school district, a second bathroom).

This is where having a real estate agent can be of enormous benefit. Agents have the expertise and time to devote to your search that allows you to flex when opportunity arises and get a home that doesn’t break your budget. Finding the right agent is a lot like finding the right home — you need to do your research. Get referrals for accredited agents and have meetings with two or three of them before deciding who to hire. Make sure they have experience working with homes in your price point and are familiar with the areas you are looking to buy in. Lastly, do not sign an exclusive broker agreement unless you are certain you have found the right agent for you. There are many resources available to help you find an agent that understands your individual needs, such as USAA’s Real Estate Rewards Network.

Meet the neighbors

While location is important, many factors feed into a great neighborhood. From disputes over pets and parking to personality clashes, neighbors can have a big impact on your happiness as a homeowner. Before committing to a neighborhood, take time to walk the street and gauge compatibility with the neighbors you meet. Talking with the neighbors may also reveal hidden quirks about the home you would not have known otherwise, such as a basement that constantly floods or an ongoing dispute about a property line.

More house is more work

Television shows have glamorized home renovation. Before deciding on a “fixer upper,” make sure you have a full understanding of what it will take — and how much it will cost — to make the house match your vision. Construction projects often take longer than anticipated and can reveal other problems that end up costing more money. If your home is a complete renovation you also won’t be able to live there during construction, so you need to ask yourself, can you afford to pay for two homes for several months?

Similarly, a larger house means more time and money spent on upkeep. A house with a big yard may have great curb appeal but will you truly use all that space? Be realistic, because the money for maintenance on a bigger house is money in your pocket at a smaller house that has many of the features you want.

Lastly, remember that no home improvement project will change your commute or how noisy the nearby traffic is.

Use your head, not your heart

One final piece of advice — do not let your emotions take over the process. Choosing a home can be stressful and overwhelming. It is important to keep a level head. No decision this big should be made on an impulse, so take your time and think through every aspect of the process.

To learn more tips and tricks to buying a home or to find a trusted agent near you, visit USAA’s Home Learning Center.

2018-06-01T09:01:00

(BPT) – From outdoor cookouts to dinner parties on the patio, summer is the ideal season for entertaining guests. According to a recent survey commissioned by Delta Faucet, an overwhelming majority of homeowners (89 percent) plan to host at least one summer gathering this season. To ensure hosts are well prepared, below are tips on how to throw a simple summer soirée.

Embellish with blossoms

Subtle touches such as a fresh floral centerpiece help create a warm and welcoming ambiance. Design a floral arrangement with varying heights for the illusion of a fuller, larger table centerpiece without spending the time or money. As a bonus, create a foundation for your bouquet with foliage — like magnolia leaves — as the framework to provide a leafy contrast to your favorite flowers.

Embrace seasonal ingredients

Incorporate a blend of seasonal ingredients such as garden strawberries and fresh basil into gourmet treats for guests. Highlight fresh raspberries and lemon with a fruit-infused water or make a variety of berry and goat cheese toasts for sweet and savory flavors in every bite. For less time in the kitchen, goat cheese appetizers can be made in advance, so all you need to do the day-of is set and serve.

Stay spotless as you go

To host your dream gathering without the stress, take advantage of the latest and greatest innovations. The Delta Charmaine Faucet with ShieldSpray Technology, available at The Home Depot, ensures quick and easy cleanup throughout the event. Designed with a concentrated jet stream within a protective sphere of water, ShieldSpray Technology powers off grit and grime while containing mess and splatter. This way you can clean as you go to avoid dish pile-up; spend less time soaking, scrubbing and shirt swapping; and have more time with your guests.

Illuminate your space

The perfect lighting can take your party décor to the next level, night or day. If you’re planning an evening event, use string lights or scented candles around the space to create a cozy environment. For daytime gatherings, hang details tailored to your party décor like foliage garland, paper lanterns or colorful ribbon.

For more design inspiration, visit DeltaFaucet.com/InspiredLiving.

2018-05-30T07:01:01

(BPT) – If you’re like many people, the warm months of summer are when you are most active outdoors. You’re not alone. The same is also true for fleas, ticks and mosquitoes. New findings show these pests are more than just an annoyance, they can pose a health risk. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, illnesses caused by these pests are on the rise, and in recent years, nine new germs spread by ticks and mosquitoes have been identified or introduced into the U.S.

Now more than ever, it’s important to be proactive by putting a plan in place to protect your home and outdoor space from these pests, and any of the other 200 insect types that could inhabit your lawn and enter your home. Start with these five tips:

* Narrow down your summer guest list. Different pests are drawn to different things. Mosquitoes can breed and thrive in even the smallest amount of water, and yellow jackets enjoy spending time around trash. Many stinging insects are also drawn to the bright bulbs of certain flowers. Remove these appealing targets from your space to keep these unwanted guests away from your family.

* Protect your home inside and out. When creating your indoor and outdoor pest control strategy, a few preventative measures go a long way. Apply Ortho(R) Home Defense Insect Killer for Indoor & Perimeter early in the season to protect your home from ants, roaches and spiders and create a long-lasting barrier around your home to keep bugs out. To protect your yard and keep pests at a minimum, apply Ortho(R) Home Defense Insect Killer for Lawns Granules to your grass. A 10-pound bag treats up to 10,000 square feet and provides three-month protection against listed insects before they can ruin your fun. As always, follow the label directions for any products you apply.

* Keep your yard clean. Insects love dark, moist areas, many of which can be found in your yard if you don’t keep it tidy. Mow the grass at least once a week so insects have less room to hide and remove debris or clutter as soon as it accumulates, particularly in areas like your wood pile. If you put off these tasks, unwanted visitors may have already moved in.

* Check your screens. With the windows shut all winter, it’s easy to forget about the condition of your screens when you open them once again. However, even the smallest hole in one of your screens can be all an insect needs to get inside. Check each of your screens — no matter how high the window is off the ground — to be sure it still works, and don’t delay if a replacement must be made.

* Be proactive about infestation. When you’re outside, take a moment to look for signs of insect infestation on your property. For example, wasps tend to build their nests in the crooks of your roof and carpenter ants will set up shop in old wood if left to their own devices. Clear these infestations yourself or contact a pest control expert to prevent the problem from growing worse. Don’t assume they’ll go away on their own, or you’ll be dealing with these pests all season long.

The summer months can be some of the best times of the year, and you should be able to enjoy your summer on your terms. Apply the tips above and you and your family will have a home and yard to enjoy all season.

2018-05-29T10:15:00

(BPT) – With Father’s Day right around the corner, now is the perfect time to tackle a new project with your dad, one you both can enjoy. This cane seat chair re-covered with ties is made from a simple design so anyone can finish it regardless of skill level. When you’re done, you’ll have a lasting memento of your work together that you can enjoy seated or standing. And, the tools used in this project, as well as other DIY staple guns, nailers and hammer tackers, are great and practical gifts for the special person in your life this Father’s Day.

Before you begin: Assemble your tools

The Arrow 5700 PowerShot Forward Action Staple Gun and Nailer, along with Arrow T50 Staples, will be integral parts of your project. In addition to these tools you’ll need a drill and drill bits, screwdriver, utility knife, fabric scissors, foam padding, plywood backing, 8-12 screws and enough ties to cover the frame and length of the seat.

Step 1: Remove and re-cover

Remove the cane seat and any jagged fragments from the seat frame in preparation to re-cover. Turn the hand-woven cane chair upside down and cut the connecting cane pieces. Pull all the strands from the chair.

Step 2: Set and secure the ties

Arrange the ties on a flat surface with the same number of ties going vertically and horizontally to cover the width and length of the seat area. It may be helpful to use masking tape to secure the ends of the vertical ties to the flat surface so they are secure. Now weave the horizontal ties in an over-under pattern until you have created a woven pattern over the entire surface area of the seat.

Step 3: Staple the seat

Place the seat of the chair upside down over the woven tie pattern and begin to staple the tie ends to the underside of the chair with the Powershot 5700 and Arrow 3/8” staples. You can pull the ties tight across the surface as you staple. Trim the excess material, leaving an inch or two to bend over and staple to the inside edge of the underside of the chair frame.

Step 4: Cut corners. … Yes, this time it’s OK

The corners of the plywood square support piece will need to be cut out to accommodate the four legs at the corners of the chair. With the chair upside down on a hard surface, place the plywood where it will be mounted. Use a pencil or marker and trace the leg corners. The plywood can be scored with a utility knife. However, you could also use a jigsaw. Remove from all four corners.

Step 5: Finish the foam

With the chair upside down on a hard surface, place the foam on top of the backside of the woven ties. The ties will stretch enough to accommodate the padding.

Step 6: Apply the plywood back

Place the notched plywood back over the padding and pre-drill holes (two to three per side) through the backing into the chair frame.

Step 7: The finishing touches

Secure the plywood backing with screws on every side of the underside of the chair frame.

Step 8: A little decoration

Turn the chair right side up and add some decorative touches as you choose. You can paint one of the tie patterns on the chair back and make some final adjustments to the woven patterns of the ties.

Next Step: Tackle the next project together

A well-rounded tool set can help you finish not only this cane chair but any other project you have on your list. Plan your next project — and pick up some practical gifts — by visiting www.arrowfastener.com or your local hardware store or home center for the tools you need to make it happen. With the right tools and the right project partner, there’s nothing you can’t do.