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(ARA) -Do you love the idea of entertaining, but feel like getting your home ready for a social event requires too much time and attention? Not to worry, there are a few easy things you can do to make sure your home is always ready to host guests and they may not be as difficult to accomplish as you think.

First and foremost, decide what type of ambiance your event needs and embrace it. If you are having an evening event, indulge in deep colors, soft lighting and upbeat music to keep your company awake! If it's a daytime event, go bold and bright with your color scheme. "I love to target my audience and add things to my table settings that inspire my guests," says Angela Giannopoulos, a premier New York event stylist and owner of SC3 Group who has worked with brands such as Estee Lauder, Donna Karan and Missoni. "I recently decorated a birthday table for a group of grade school children. I used oversized legos and bright candy to entertain them." For unique ideas such as these, Giannopoulos has offered several tips for easy at-home entertaining.

* Versatility is key. Make considerations when stocking your kitchen cabinets -- consider cookware and serving dishes that can be used both for smaller and larger occasions, as well as casual and formal ones. I also love expandable kitchen tables because you can accommodate a house full of guests and break it down for breakfast for two the morning after. My last bit of advice is to choose dinnerware that is versatile. Consider something that is durable enough for daily use and chic enough for evening occasions, such as Oneida's Chef's Table Collection. This mix and match collection was designed with a modern look and crafted in all white porcelain to complement any table setting.

* Accessorize your home. I often hang on to things that I shouldn't, but have learned that any little knick knack can come into play when decorating for events. I've made candle holders out of mason jars, a menu with a chalkboard and centerpieces using old pitchers. I'm not encouraging clutter- just keep a stash of items that could be useful when entertaining and it may save you that extra trip to the store.

* Use nature to your advantage. When decorating, use sprigs and blooms grown near your home to add life to your table settings. Various shades of colors found in wildflowers often create an organic energy making a table setting more inviting for guests. Also, arranging flowers in different sized vases can be visually appealing on a long table while single, tall flowers work well with a table for two.

* Accumulate a beverage collection. Nothing makes your visitors feel welcome like offering them a drink when they walk in the door. Rather than going out and stocking up on wine, liquor or soft drinks before you host, gradually accumulate a collection. Your guests will be impressed by your selection when you have an assortment to offer. Also, consider outfitting your home with drinkware for every occasion. Oneida.com offers affordable items such as their Angelina stemware that go from every day to every type of soiree.

* Be prepared for overnight visitors. Always keep clean sheets on your guest bed and be sure it is made, as you never know when someone might stop by for an overnight visit. If you really want to make your guests feel welcome, impress them with soothing products in the bathroom or on their nightstand along with a sweet treat on their pillow.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - The recent recession caused many to reconsider old investing paradigms. Some stocks, mutual funds and other paper assets that looked invincible, turned out to be as flimsy as the paper they were printed on. Homes, which most consider a stable, tangible asset, lost nearly 50 percent of their value on average when the mortgage industry crashed. But one thing hasn't changed. The term "don't put your eggs all in one basket" makes more sense today than ever.

Many families are now showing more interest in the tools and strategies that help diversify their financial portfolio in hopes of preserving wealth regardless of the economic environment. But the wheel doesn't need to be reinvented to find these investing strategies. Gold investment is a hot commodity in today's uncertain economy. Gold prices increased by 277 percent over the past decade, according to Goldline International Inc., while certain financial markets and U.S. dollar both fell.

Even now, gold prices remain near historic highs, and are expected by some leading investment banks to climb higher. A diversification strategy that includes gold is critical, especially with the potential for high inflation and a declining dollar, both of which are strong possibilities if the U.S. national debt continues to rise.

It's important to research an investment in gold thoroughly to determine if it's right for your investment strategy. Gold does not provide income or dividends. There have been periods throughout history when gold has declined in value. And some investors may be dissuaded because gold is a long-term investment.

For these reasons, Goldline recommends that 5 to 20 percent of an individual's investment assets include gold. In addition, gold should remain in your portfolio for five years or longer.

Goldline International, an industry leader in selling and buying gold and other precious metals, has seen its business grow considerably in recent years from an unexpected source. Investors who never considered gold before, including everyday investors like entrepreneurs, educators, executives and working professionals, are including gold in their portfolio - many for the first time.

"Gold is no longer just for the very rich or so-called 'gold bugs," says Scott Carter, executive vice president of Goldline. "It's not just for conservatives or liberals. It doesn't discriminate between rural Middle America and the coastal cities. Investing in gold is a mainstream investment strategy that is accessible to millions."

Whatever your investment goals may be, diversification is important. In today's market, that means including traditional "safe haven" assets in addition to paper investments. If you have all of your financial "eggs" divided between many different baskets, a drop in the market for one asset class may not have the same effect as it does when you have no other investments. Diversification of your investments will allow you to plan for your future with fewer worries.

Carter recommends that investors acquire a sound understanding of the precious metals market before investing. Important risk information can be found in the booklet, "Coin Facts for Investors and Collectors to Consider."

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - It is easy to enjoy your deck or patio when the weather is warm and pleasant, and memories of cold winters are driven far away. But when the temperatures soar, do you find yourself retreating indoors? Even through the dog days of summer, you can enjoy your outdoor living space by using outdoor versions of indoor comforts such as luxurious furnishings, decorative touches and even air conditioning.

"Americans love being outside in the summer, but extremely hot weather can force people to give up their patio-living, deck-loving ways before they are ready," says Rick Kelly, an outdoor cooling expert with Kuulaire, makers of portable evaporative cooling units. "It is simple and inexpensive to create an outdoor living space everyone can enjoy even on the warmest of days."

To prepare your outdoor living space for cool, comfortable and fun times, consider these outdoor updates:

* Air condition your patio or backyard with a portable evaporative cooler. Made for both outdoor and indoor use, Kuulaire's line of evaporative coolers can lower the temperature in an area as much as 15 to 25 degrees, making patios and decks cool oases on sultry summer days. Depending on the size of the cooler you choose, you can cool 150 to 600 square feet of outdoor living space for as little as $1 a day - less than the cost of running a hair dryer. The portability of the units makes it possible to also use them inside to cool a garage, kitchen or any other space where indoor temperatures tend to rise. Visit www.kuulaire.com to learn more.

* Capture the creature comforts that make indoor living easy by replacing hard plastic or resin furniture with pieces that echo the appeal of indoor furnishings. Plush cushions, floor coverings and accent lighting create a pleasant, welcoming atmosphere that allows you to use your outdoor space during the day and night.

* Cook up a storm, without boosting the heat. Grilling is a summer staple, but be sure to position your grill to maximize safety and minimize the heat delivered to seating areas. Grills should be kept away from furnishings, flammable materials and perishable foods. If food will be stored outside, invest in coolers or portable refrigerators to keep food at applicable temperatures.

Finally, use citronella candles, insect repellent or electric "bug zappers" to keep biting and stinging insects away from your outdoor spaces.

"Americans are expected to stay home this year, rather than taking costly summer vacations due to the recovering economy," Rick Kelly says. "In many cases, it is less expensive and more satisfying to improve your outdoor spaces with features like a portable evaporative cooling unit, than to spend more on a few days of travel."

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - There was a time when it was the norm to go out in the yard and pull fresh vegetables up from the soil. At some point over the years, we moved from the goodness of home-grown vegetables toward processed foods and microwave dinners. Now consumers are becoming more aware of the financial value of growing their own vegetables, and how doing so can bolster the health of their families and of the earth.

Vegetable gardening might sound intimidating, but new technologies can make your thumb greener than ever. Combined with good old-fashioned growing techniques, your garden can be healthy and yield a good crop with less effort than you'd imagine - all while being good for the earth. Here are some tips for a garden that is doubly green.

Water, water everywhere, but not too much
* A fine balance needs to be struck when it comes to watering your vegetable garden, especially during drought conditions. You want your plants to get adequate moisture, but overwatering can be bad for plants and a wasteful use of a precious natural resource. Because it's better for both your crops and the environment, careful water usage is essential to being a truly green gardener.

Installing an irrigation system is a good way to keep water usage at the ideal levels. Plus, you don't have to plan a schedule around when you need to water. There are user-friendly, affordable solutions like Mister Landscaper's new Drip Irrigation Vegetable Kit, which connects to your outdoor spigot. It's a great way to ensure that your plants get the water they need, without wasting or over watering. The kit is drought approved in most areas and available at Lowe's in the plumbing department. Watering timers can also make the job of watering even easier. Keep in mind that it's best to water in the early morning, when the sun is lower in the sky, for 30 to 60 minutes, every other day. For more information about watering vegetable gardens, go to www.misterlandscaper.com.

One man's garbage is another's fertilizer
* Ever feel guilty about throwing out vegetable and fruit peelings, rinds or scraps? Your intuition might just be telling you that there's a better way to handle those leftovers. Composting is a great way to make use of organic matter that might otherwise just get thrown away.

Building a compost heap is relatively easy, and it will keep on giving back to your garden and the environment. The four necessary ingredients for composting, according to California's "CalRecycle" program, are nitrogen (from sources like grass clippings or those throwaway veggie scraps), carbon (from sources like sawdust or twigs), water and air. Once your compost is at the ideal level of decomposition (it will be uniformly dark brown and crumbly), spread it on your garden to give plants a nutrient boost.

Get growing - organically
* From the moment you start planning a garden, think organic. The most basic - and fun - choice of all is deciding which plants you'll grow. Choose organic seeds and starters so that you know you're buying into an earth-friendly business venture. There's the added bonus of knowing that your plants won't be tainted with harmful chemicals.

When it comes to maintaining your garden, you'll probably need things other than just compost. Look for products that are recognized as organic by respected organizations like the USDA or the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) - you'll be able to find an ever-growing supply of products like pest repellent or soil amendments.

Growing your own vegetables at home has many benefits: it saves money, allows you to control what your food is exposed to and provides a fun and easy activity that the whole family can participate in. And when you follow these green gardening principles, you'll be doing something good for the earth, too.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - In a tough housing market, homeowners want to improve their home's beauty and functionality, while adding resale value. This may include choosing products that reduce maintenance, save energy, improve appearance and offer protection from the damaging forces of nature. Here are some tips for problem areas that could benefit from the latest home solutions:

Timeless decks with natural looks

In the past decade, alternatives to wood decking products have made many claims of low-maintenance. However, if your deck has stains and is in an environment that breeds mold and mildew, maybe it's time to look at some new options on the market. If your decking product contains wood fibers, it may be absorbing stains and getting scratched in everyday use.

"There are low-maintenance products that give homeowners a rich selection of deeper deck shades, tropical hardwood looks and durable, sturdy railings that complement these colors," says Mike Gori, deck expert for AZEK Building Products, maker of AZEK Deck. He says the secret is cellular PVC technology, which resists food stains - even red wine - and stands up to the most high energy kids, dogs or neighborhood deck parties. Low-maintenance decks also increase your home's value because they economically add living space and are easy to clean.

Lattice entertain you

If you think your outdoor planters and window boxes cannot have detailed lattice work and scrolled designs because of a high moisture environment, think again. There are natural looking materials that support plant life and won't rot, split or warp, even with continuous watering and sunlight. For example, Walpole Woodworkers features the Freeport Collection of low-maintenance cellular vinyl boxes and planters that look like the real thing and have classic detail and lattice designs.

These durable items do not need liners and come with pre-drilled drainage holes. Beautifully crafted window boxes are charming accents to your home and bring color right outside your window. Adding architectural details also makes your home stand out in the neighborhood. The company offers free catalogs at (800) 343-6948 or visit www.walpolewoodworkers.com.

Stay pumped, go green

Following one of the wettest winters on record in many areas of the country, keeping your home safe from damaging flood waters is critical. Now, there are sump pumps that offer maximum protection, save energy and are very easy to install. They also feature backup battery pumps and alarms for extra protection in case of power outages. This increases peace of mind for homeowners and could be a make or break selling point.

The experts at WAYNE Pumps advise that if your sump pump is more than 10 years old, it may need to be replaced with new technology. "Our sump pump hydraulic expertise has evolved to where we can offer pumps that move more water faster using up to 50 percent less energy," says President Joe Mauro. "We've also developed features like quieter operation and the new iSwitch that uses a microprocessor to sense rising water levels before they could become a problem." He points out that investment in a reliable sump pump and battery backup system is minor compared to the damage water can do to valuables, family heirlooms and your home's resale value. Self-testing features to keep backup pumps in top shape and wireless alarms offer even more layers of protection for your home. For more information, visit www.waynepumps.com.

Repair cracks to prevent future damage

A small crack in your driveway or cement steps can become a crater, due to harsh weather and temperature changes. Crumbling concrete or cracked driveways can detract from curb appeal and reduce resale value. However, if properly sealed with the right caulk product, your outdoor masonry or blacktop areas can be repaired without continuing to deteriorate. You can also seal off energy leaks and keep out damaging moisture, indoors and out, such as around windows, receptacles and under the door step.

"We've been developing new caulks, such as our new RD 3000 advanced sealant line formulated to move and remain flexible once cured, allowing more stability through climate changes or pressure," says Jason Ringling, marketing director at Red Devil, Inc.

He noted that driveways, concrete steps and walkways can experience movement from car and foot traffic and endure the freeze/thaw cycles of the seasons. "You need a durable sealant that stands up to the elements to prevent the damage from spreading," he says. Always look for products specifically for concrete, blacktop, gutters and windows and doors. A simple caulk job reportedly can save you up to 20 percent in energy bills and big bucks in outdoor repairs.

Homeowners can make informed, smart choices about products that will improve their home's resale value and add enjoyment to their current lifestyle.

Courtesy of ARAcontent