The American flag is a fixture on many homes across the country. What happens if it starts to age? If your flag has seen better days, give it the star-spangled treatment with these storage tips that will respectfully preserve Old Glory. Never dump a flag. Though your flag is in storage, it must always be treated…

Read the rest of this entry

A mortgage is amortized. That means that although the monthly payments are equal, the amounts applied to principal and interest change each month.  When you select a mortgage, you will have to decide on an amortization period, or a number of years that you will have to repay the loan. The timeframe you choose will…

Read the rest of this entry

If you are looking to lower your caffeine, or simply minimize your coffee intake, there are thankfully some delicious warming options. Break your coffee addiction little-by-little by replacing your morning brew with one of these tasty hot drink options. Chai Tea:This cafe favorite may seem fancy and complicated, but with a little hot water, the…

Read the rest of this entry

In this technology-centric society, it’s no surprise that even the animals are being hardwired. The following animals have been designed to assist the military and other personnel. Woof!RoboWormThis elastic, flexible robotic worm on wheels can adapt to its environment and crawl through a simple set of obstacles! While not yet powerful enough to use, the…

Read the rest of this entry

Maintaining your financial “house” is just as important as maintaining your real one—especially when it comes to planning for retirement. Get it in order with these tips, courtesy of Pentegra Retirement Services: BudgetAnalyze your current fixed (e.g., mortgage) and variable (e.g., groceries) expenses. Begin paying down debt. Forecast your future spending, and plan to have enough…

Read the rest of this entry

Staying in a hotel can be a fun and exciting experience. While you may enjoy the poolside drinks, ordering room service or sampling all the free toiletries, there are a few things to watch out for that can turn a great getaway into a frustrating stay. Get the most out of your hotel time by following…

Read the rest of this entry

Remodeling is a great way to fix, update or upgrade your home while increasing its value, but costs can add up. It’s important to prioritize the projects that will not only benefit you and your family in your daily lives but also will attract future buyers if and when the time comes to sell. In…

Read the rest of this entry

Who needs a backyard when you have a roof? Rooftops have become all the rage for urban entertaining. Next time you take the party to the top, be a good neighbor by following these etiquette tips from Instrata Lifestyle Residences Concierge Caitlin Porpora: Before having a rooftop gathering, be sure to contact the building manager to…

Read the rest of this entry

There’s much more to owning a dog than gaining a cuddly companion. According to one study, dogs enhance our overall well-being, providing a range of emotional, behavioral and physical benefits for their humans. But can dogs really make us better people? Yes, say 93 percent of dog owners who responded to a survey from BarkBox….

Read the rest of this entry

A dream vacation is the perfect antidote to stress and the monotony of daily life. When a getaway isn’t in the cards, you can still escape and explore new places virtually. A virtual trip can be a great way to explore destinations you might consider for a future vacation, or it may be a chance…

Read the rest of this entry