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…

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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….

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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…

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We all know that dogs can be great companions or cuddle buddies. But it turns out that we have another reason to celebrate man’s best friend–they’re good for kids’ report cards, too! Now before you scoff, consider the following: A Minnesota pilot project called PAWSitive Readers finds that trained therapy dogs helped 10 of 14…

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If you’re redesigning your living space, you know that your options are endless. From color schematics to feng shui, there are a myriad of ways to set up your home. Below are 5 pro design tips to keep in mind. Eye level art. Do you want your walls to look like a gallery? Then hang…

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Quality wood furniture can last a lifetime and is often a treasured heirloom, passed down through multiple generations. Still, even the highest quality wood is susceptible to scratches and abrasions if not properly cared for. Here are a few tips to keep wood looking its best for many years to come. Avoid Environmental DamageSunlight, heat and…

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If your home has a driveway, you may have encountered a common problem: cracks. Driveway cracks often start out small and go unnoticed, but they can eventually become so serious that the entire driveway needs to be repaved. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of problems. How Water Can…

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While it is fairly typical to see during wintertime, interior window condensation isn’t just a common nuisance; it can be a sign of heat loss. Heat loss = high utility bills… no thank you! As a responsible homeowner, you’ll want to understand the root of the issue, whether it has potential to damage your home, and what…

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Flushable wet wipes have become increasingly popular over the past decade or so. Marketed as “plumbing and septic” friendly, it’s easy to see why many consumers have embraced the hygiene product –especially when toilet paper shortages affected much of the nation last spring. Despite their name and how they’re marketed, it’s important to know that…

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Nearly every home has one. Unfit for furniture, yet too conspicuous to leave bare, it’s the dreaded blank wall–dun, dun, dun! Do you need inspiration to tackle this design disaster? These five ideas, suggested by the editors at Better Homes and Gardens, can help you fill that vacant space: Book It. Draw inspiration from literature you…

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