A room-by-room guide to decluttering your home

(BPT) - Controlling clutter in your home can be a challenge; 48 percent of Americans say their houses are cluttered with stuff they don’t use anymore, according to a survey by ClearVoice Research. Multiple studies have found a cluttered home can negatively affect your mental and physical health, while a cleaner home can make you feel happier and healthier.
A UCLA study found mothers in cluttered homes had higher stress levels while dealing with their stuff, while an Indiana University study found people with clean houses are healthier than those living in cluttered homes. You may realize clutter isn’t good for you, but it’s not always easy to get organized. To help you get started, here is a room-by-room guide to cutting the clutter:

Entryway
Basic tactics:
* Decide what belongs in your entryway and what doesn’t. The size of the space will influence this decision. If your entryway is a spacious mudroom, you might choose to store shoes, boots, umbrellas and backpacks there. If you have a modest foyer, you may decide you only have room for car keys. Remove anything from the space that doesn’t help it serve its purpose in your home.
* Add storage/organization that helps the space meet its purpose. Wall-hung key racks can keep important keys at your fingertips. Shoe racks are available in a variety of sizes and styles to fit your space and décor while keeping footwear organized and off the floor.
A step up:
* If space allows, adding built-in storage such as cabinets and shelves can help keep an entry space organized and visually appealing.

Family room
Basic tactics:
* Assess the kind of clutter that builds up in your family room. Perhaps your clutter consists of children’s toys, magazines and newspapers, or multiple remote controls for entertainment components. Once you know what kind of clutter you’re collecting, decide if it belongs and must be accommodated, or doesn’t and should go.
* Add storage solutions specific to your needs. For example, storage ottomans can double as extra seating and a place to store frequently used toys. A caddy can keep remote controls organized and at hand.
A step up:
* Sometimes furniture that’s too large for a space can add to the feeling of a cluttered and congested room. Assess your family room furniture. Is it the right size for the space, or is it overwhelming the area? Replace overly large furnishings with ones that better fit the room.
* If you have the room for it, a large shelving or cabinet unit can help contain clutter. Add decorative containers to help keep everyday items like toys, magazines and other frequently used items organized on shelves.

Bathroom
Basic tactics:
* Tackle the linen closet and trash any partial bottles of shampoo, tubes of toothpaste and towels that have seen better days. Be brutal. If you haven’t used that half bottle of body wash so far, chances are you never will.
* Clean out your medicine cabinet. Discarding expired prescription medicines can help reduce the risk of someone accidentally taking the wrong medication.
A step up:
* Showers can be among the most cluttered spots in a bathroom. If you’re ready to take your bathroom organization to the next level, ditch the rack hanging from your showerhead and the precarious corner shelving and upgrade your shower to one with built-in organization, like Sterling Store+ shower. The showers feature built-in recesses and tracks where you can snap in a variety of storage accessories and shelves, such as a soap dish, storage bin, towel bar or shower hook. The storage is fully customizable, and all accessories are removable and dishwasher safe. Visit www.sterlingplumbing.com to learn more.

Kitchen
Basic tactics:
* Countertops frequently host a wealth of kitchen-related clutter, from the mail you brought in yesterday and forgot to go through to small appliances you use once or twice a year. Clearing off countertops can make a kitchen feel visually more appealing, lo
ok bigger and function better. Remove and store rarely used small appliances, ditch the ceramic container of utensils and store those items in drawers instead.
* Pantries and cabinets can be nearly as cluttered as countertops. Adding shelving and storage units within cabinets can help keep pots, pans, lids and dishware better organized and more easily accessible.
A step up:
* Some people need a bit of extra incentive to stay organized. If that’s you, consider replacing solid cabinet doors with glass ones that reveal what’s inside. Knowing the contents of your cabinets are always on display can help inspire you to keep them tidy and organized. Plus, glass-front cabinets are an opportunity to create an appealing visual display.

Beyond Pastel: At Home Offers Easter Looks for Every Style

 Easter comes early this year and, though decorating enthusiasts have hardly had time to take down their Valentine's Day decorations, it is time to brighten up homes for spring and one of the first holidays of the season.

While typical Easter décor focuses on pastels and simple white bunnies, At Home®, the home décor superstore, offers hundreds of Easter items to help the savvy decorator tailor Easter decorations to fit their personal space. From chalkboard eggs to a sweet chevron bunny, enthusiasts can find everything they need to celebrate the occasion.

"At Easter, it's sometimes hard to find décor that blends well with what you already have in your home," said Alissa Ahlman, Chief Merchandising Officer for At Home. "We love looking to people's favorite décor styles for inspiration in choosing all of our seasonal items, and are thrilled to share different and modern looks that fall outside traditional Easter pastels."

To add Easter flair to your home, At Home has a few favorite products and tips to suit any style:

1. Embrace the tried-and-true bunny motif, but do so in your own way by selecting one that will look at home in your present décor like a moss bunny for those who lean toward more natural elements or this gold chevron bunny marquee or porcelain bunny for the modern decorator.
2. Share your feelings of excitement for the season with your guests through declarative tabletop décor such as green "welcome" and "bloom" or colorful "spring" and "Easter" signs.
3. Bring your childhood love of egg-hunting into your surroundings with eggs of all hues and materials including chalkboard, colored, or fabric.

Bringing 2016 Décor Trends into the Home: Chinoiserie

Chinoiserie is emerging as a trend prevalent on both the runway and in the home. Originating in Europe in the 17th century, the style focuses on elements of Asia and can include bamboo, pagodas, cherry blossoms and orchids in shades of black, blue, gold, pink, red and white.

A fit for both the traditional home or to add a delicate contrast in a more modern space, Chinoiserie can add a pop of color or a unique design to any area you're considering to redecorate. For savvy decorators looking to add the latest trend to their home, At Home®, the home décor superstore, has pillows, candle holders and cabinets and more to help – all while staying on-budget.

"Chinoiserie's elegant prints and colors can truly bring a room together," said Alissa Ahlman, Chief Merchandising Officer for At Home. "It's one of our favorite trends for 2016 as you can add it to your home in a big way via bright shades of pink or play it down with calming hues of blue."

To incorporate Chinoiserie into your home, consider these At Home products and tips:

1. Invite guests in your home without worrying about clutter by using this serene white cabinet that's perfect for storing items such as blankets or keeping your family's umbrellas hidden.
2. When it comes to throw pillows, we say more is more! Of At Home's more than 3,000 pillows in store, snag a fun tiger pillow or one adorned with a fuchsia pagoda to get guests talking. 
3. Decorating can be just as important as organizing, and we call pairing the two together a win-win. Keep precious items close at hand in this Isaac Mizrahi jewelry box available in black or navy.
4. Gold décor can add a bit of glam to any room. We love this gold pug figurine and our gold marion votives that can dress up shelves or even complement a centerpiece.

5 Smart upgrades for the most-used rooms in your home

Kitchens, bathrooms and bedrooms are typically the rooms in any home that get the most use, which could also be why homeowners, when surveyed, consistently cite those rooms as the ones they most want to renovate. It makes perfect sense to upgrade the rooms where you spend the most time, but in high-traffic areas, you can't afford to make changes just for the sake of cosmetics. You want improvements that can enhance your enjoyment of a room and its functionality.

Here are five smart improvements to make in the rooms users of Ranker.com voted as the most popular ones in their homes: kitchens, living rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms and game rooms.

1. Add natural light

Most rooms in the home look better and are more functional in natural light, and more daylight can help reduce the need for artificial light. What's more, there's no arguing the positive mental and physical health effects of natural light. Daylight stimulates the body to produce Vitamin D and boosts brain levels of serotonin, which is thought to be associated with positive moods.

Adding skylights is a practical, cost-effective and attractive way to bring more natural light into virtually any room. Remote-controlled, solar-powered fresh-air skylights from Velux America provide not just natural light, but passive ventilation, a real plus in kitchens and baths. Adding solar powered blinds, in designer colors and patterns, increases energy efficiency while giving you total control over the amount of sunlight entering a room through the skylight.

In kitchens, Energy Star-qualified fresh air skylights increase natural light and ventilation without requiring any loss of wall space you could better use for cabinetry. In bathrooms, they provide the perfect combination of privacy and healthful natural light and ventilation.

If you already have older glass or plastic bubble skylights, you can upgrade to the latest solar powered models, plus solar blinds, and receive a 30 percent federal tax credit on the products as well as installation costs. You can even bring more natural light into rooms or areas without direct roof access, like half-baths, closets and hallways, with Sun Tunnel tubular skylights. Visit www.whyskylights.com to learn more.

2. Add organization/storage

Clutter and chaos not only make a room function less efficiently, it can impact your mood as well. Adding organization and storage to rooms where clutter typically collects — such as bedrooms, living rooms and game rooms — is an easy, cost-effective way to improve the function of the room and how you feel about spending time in it.

In bedrooms, maximize closet space by installing organization units. A variety of manufacturers offer ready-made units you can install yourself. Or, for a bit more investment, you can have a professional closet organizer custom-make a unit to fit your space and needs. In living rooms and game rooms, built-in shelving and cabinetry is a functional and beautiful way to improve organization.

3. Improve ventilation

Air flow is critical to the health of your home and everyone who lives in it. Ventilation in kitchens and bathrooms carries away excess moisture that can cause mold and mildew, and creates a fresher, more healthful environment by exhausting stale indoor air.

Bathrooms should be equipped with exhaust fans, and kitchen hoods should vent to the exterior of your home whenever possible. You can further improve ventilation by installing Energy Star-qualified, solar-powered fresh-air skylights, like those made by Velux. Because these skylights open, they provide passive ventilation to allow stale indoor air to escape and admit fresh air. A sensor operates a motor to close the skylights automatically in case of rain.

4. Replace older, inefficient fixtures and appliances

Fixtures and appliances are key elements of kitchens and bathrooms. Older ones not only look dated and shabby, they can cost you money because they use more electricity and water than newer, more efficient models.

Replacing old faucets, shower heads, dishwashers and washing machines with newer models that use less water can reduce your water bill and give kitchens and bathrooms a whole new look. Energy Star-qualified appliances such as stoves, clothes dryers, refrigerators and washers also use less electricity than older appliances, so you can also lower your energy bills.

5. Freshen the foundations

Every room benefits from a good foundation, and that doesn't just mean sturdy flooring. Wall color, flooring materials and trim are fundamental elements in any room. Simply repainting walls and woodwork can completely change the way any room looks. Or, if you like the colors you have, a fresh coat in the same color will make the room look brighter and newer. Replacing worn carpeting or dated tiles, or refinishing a hardwood floor are also great ways to improve the foundations of any room.

Geometric patterns, tarnished metals and jewel-tone hues are trending design focuses for 2016

The Delta Faucet Company industrial design team highlights the leading style preferences in its 2016 interior design trend report, capturing a range of looks, from soft, graceful patterns to bold, jewel-inspired furnishings. Knowledge of the latest trends within this ever-changing industry remains a top priority for the company as homeowners, designers and builders seek ways to reinvent their living spaces.

“Whether effortlessly combining two unique styles or breathing new life into a classic design, our industrial design team remains diligent in researching emerging trends and consumer preferences,” said Judd Lord, Delta Faucet Company senior director of industrial design. “A keen attention to detail and eye for design are key to creating products that truly inspire and impress in the home.”

The Delta Faucet Company design team travels the world in search of inspiration for the next Delta® and Brizo® collections. Along the way, they collect insights to share with builders, designers and homeowners alike as they work with consumers. The following trends will fuel the design industry in 2016, according to the Delta Faucet Company industrial design team:

2016 Interior Design Trend Report

• Delicate Victorian: Graceful patterns, subtle pastel hues and white-washed woods work together to create a timeless Victorian-era aesthetic with a softer touch. This classic design has a place in modern spaces when traditional accents like delicate filigree patterns and soft colors are placed in open concept designs. Homeowners accessorize through feminine-shaped vases, rose gold accents, golden brass finishes, and patterned textiles. Within this trend, the team sees an emphasis on floral and hexagonal patterns that truly bring the understated, elegant style to life.
• Reclaimed Rustic: Cool metals combine with warm botanical patterns to create the perfect blend of strong, industrial design with country comfort. Tarnished metals and textured stone juxtaposed against repurposed wood, nubby linens or country silks create rugged-yet-comfortable spaces. Reclaimed wood accents, bursts of poppy and browned brass finishes bring a balance of warmth to the cool, modern metals.
• Colorful Contemporary: Soft, geometric shapes accompany bright hues and natural fabrics for a cheerful, modern look. Influenced by mid-century aesthetics, this design sits squarely at the intersection of urban and suburban. Stylized subway tile and playfully shaped furniture in loud colors like coral or bright yellow are on the rise. Homeowners with a desire for additional natural elements may consider lightened, walnut wood accents or even copper framed storage units with pale ash shelving.
• Jeweled Luxury: Deep purple and navy hues, angular patterns and polished chrome finishes all create a luxurious look. Taking elements from both modern and traditional design, this look incorporates clean, geometric shapes and open, wirework furniture with faceted surfaces and marble flooring. Jewel-inspired details and finishes in buffed gold with subtle iridescences give the sense of long-lasting opulence.

For additional design inspiration and advice, visit DeltaFaucet.com/inspiredliving.

Every year when January rolls around, you vow to eat right, save money or spend more time with family and friends. But what goals do you set for your home? This year, get inspired to freshen up your interior design and try a new trend.

“The New Year brings fresh perspective and it's the perfect time to experiment with décor,” says Taniya Nayak, interior designer and DIY television personality. “In 2016, you'll be seeing a lot of personalized spaces, textured surfaces and bright color palettes that will surely inspire you to put a unique spin on your style.”

DIY Project Ideas!

1. Presswork Palette
Easily personalize any space by incorporating text - think monograms, family names or inspirational quotes. Adding an uplifting quote or message to a room, whether on a small pillow or large piece of subway art, will create a positive atmosphere and generate conversation. Text can be placed anywhere throughout the home and will also help set the tone for your space.

“Have fun by playing around with various fonts and sizes to create different moods throughout each room,” says Nayak. “Letters can be sharp and defined to create a contemporary and stylish aesthetic, or soft and casual to give life to a space so it feels elegant and timeless.”

2. Nature's Patterns
If you're looking to achieve a clean interior space with lots of detail, try using simple designs inspired by nature. These patterns are organic and include shapes such as honeycombs, florals and leaves. “When honing in on the details found in these elements, it's easy to see there are countless designs created,” explains Nayak. “Pair these with neutral colors that have warm or cool tones for a soothing atmosphere, or blow them up and paint them in a bright color for a bold statement.” You can also integrate natural patterns through accent pieces such as light fixtures that have reflective metals to mimic sparkling water or a textured jute rug to bring the outside elements inside.

3. Digitally Defined
“Geometric shapes and angles have become associated with technology; this evokes creativity and innovative design because they're edgy and create movement,” said Nayak. One great way to incorporate this trend within a space is using geometric floor tiles in different colors. The edginess of the tile with the mix of color will keep your eye constantly moving. Geometric shapes alone, like in a light fixture with lots of edges, will also create a dramatic and stunning statement.

You can also incorporate this trend with pixelation for a modern and clean look. Pixelated artwork made up of monochromatic cubes can be simplistic and fit in a variety of spaces. To add an element of curiosity to a room, try a piece of artwork that focuses on cubes and colors that are irregularly spaced.

4. Fresh and Fab
Multiple bright colors mixed together create a crisp and fresh interior and elevate the mood in any space. “Fun saturated colors, such as yellow and blue, produce an energetic and happy feeling,” said Nayak. “Let your imagination run wild and paint a bold accent wall for an eye-catching statement. Or paint an antiqued piece of furniture a bright color for an unexpected combination of modern and traditional elements.”

“When it comes to painting an accent wall or furniture, one of the most important tools you need is a premium painter's tape, like FrogTape® brand painter's tape,” added Nayak. “Treated with PaintBlock® Technology, FrogTape brand Multi-Surface and Delicate Surface tapes can be used on a variety of surfaces and deliver sharp paint lines, making your handiwork look like that of a professional.” Incorporating flowers and fruit is a great way to enhance a space with color and aromas, instantly making a room feel fresh.

5. Textured Terrain
Forget smooth finishes - rough edges and raw materials are in for 2016. From transformed wood pallets to worn leather or tin ceilings, raw materials that are aged offer a great deal of texture and help give a space dimension.

“A great way to make a raw material feel beautiful is by incorporating it into an application you would not typically think to use the material,” explains Nayak. “For example, utilizing concrete on a wall instead of the floor will create a clean and raw space that will reflect simplicity and unity.” For smaller scale projects, home décor items such as furniture can easily be made to look aged by adding paint and other finishes for a distressed look.

6. Well-Traveled Global Style
Create a space that is warm and friendly by incorporating global influences. This trend includes vibrant colors, patterns and exotic textiles that can be brought in through painting, wall décor or accessories. A parade of patterns from different cultures can feel modern and fresh when used together.

“Don't be afraid to mix multiple prints within a space; having a variety of patterned pillows, rugs and wall décor is a great idea,” says Nayak. “Make sure to tie these patterns together by carrying a similar color throughout each element in the room.”

“When trying a new trend, make sure it accurately represents your style - and remember you don’t have to go all out,” adds Nayak. “Any of these trends can be incorporated into your home as little or as much as you'd like through pillows, accents, rugs and paint.” The New Year is a great time to update your home and accomplish your resolution in style.

  

Art Deco-Inspired Patterns, Wool Rugs and Encaustic Tiles Named Top Home Design Trends for 2016

Today, Zillow Digs® announced the top home design trends for 2016 and the three soon-to-be forgotten fads of 2015. Art deco-inspired patterns, wool rugs and encaustic tiles are among some of the biggest design trends for 2016, according to the latest Zillow Digs Home Trend Forecast, a one-of-a-kind report that combines data from a survey of interior design experts and an analysis of popular photos on Zillow Digs.

"Say goodbye to mason jars and chalkboard paint, as the overdone 'farmhouse chic' is finally headed out of style," says Kerrie Kelly, Zillow Digs home design expert. "2016 will bring a fresh modern vibe that beautifully mixes simplicity with bold accents reminiscent of the roaring 20s. Watch for an increase in natural colors and textures contrasted by retro art deco statement pieces."

Top Four Home Design Trends for 2016:

1. Art Deco-Inspired Patterns and ShapesArt deco will make a bold new comeback in 2016, but with a few modern improvements. Look for the style's trademark geometric patterns and honeycomb shapes to weave their way into anything from wallpaper to artwork, adding elegance and dimension to any space. Experts also predict gold statement lighting fixtures to rise in popularity, especially in kitchens and dining rooms.
2. Nubby Wool Rugs Nubby wool or other natural fibers will be the go-to texture for 2016, especially for area rugs. Its neutral hues create the perfect indoor/outdoor vibe while softening bolder colors or dramatic statement pieces.
3. Encaustic Tiles These intricate patterned tiles get their coloring from different types of clay or minerals rather than glaze, and can be used to create a beautiful, natural-looking focal point. Expect to see encaustic tiles pop up in a variety of rooms throughout the house in 2016, including kitchen backsplashes, bathroom shower tiles, accent walls and even fireplace mantles.
4. Artisan Accent Pieces Less is more, as minimalism and thoughtful decor choices will be a prominent theme in 2016. Flea market finds, travel souvenirs and unique artisan pieces will take center stage in home design. Look for a rise in partnerships between big box stores and global artisans to accommodate the increased demand for one-of-a-kind or handmade items. 

Conversely, Three 2015 Fads to Forget:

1. Mason Jars: The mason jar trend is exhausted, and will finally make its exit in 2016. After being used to invoke a rustic chic feeling everywhere from wedding decor to restaurants, experts and homeowners alike are finally ready to move on.
2. Chalkboard Paint: Chalkboards smudge easily, and unless decorated with perfect handwriting, are usually not the best way to label household items. This trend is not built to last in 2016.
3. Burlap Details: Burlap is too harsh for indoor use, and is far too overplayed for another year in the spotlight. Instead, homeowners will gravitate toward softer natural fibers that are more suitable for throw blankets, pillows and rugs.

'Tis the Season to Decorate Safely

During November and December 2014, there were 12 fatalities and an estimated 14,500 injuries treated in hospital ERs nationwide, due to holiday decorations.  That's an average of about 240 injuries per day during the holiday season!

Falls, lacerations, back strains and ingestion of foreign objects were among the top holiday decorating-related injuries last season. To prevent decorating disasters, CPSC counts down the 12 Ways to Celebrate Safely:

12. Take special care with sharp, weighted, or breakable decorations.

Lacerations were among the top reported decoration–related injuries last year.

11. Avoid trimmings that resemble food or candy that may tempt a child to mouth or swallow them.

10. Place decorations with small removable parts that can pose a choking hazard to young children out of reach.

9. Purchase only holiday light sets that bear the marking of a safety testing laboratory.

Fires sparked by holiday lights caused 10 deaths last year.

8.  Examine new and old light sets for damage. Discard sets with cracked or broken sockets, frayed or exposed wires, and loose connections.

7. Keep burning candles in sight and away from places where kids and pets can knock them over.

Between 2010 and 2012, candles were the source of an estimated 6,500 residential fires annually, causing 80 deaths, 650 injuries,and $237 million in property loss per year.

6. Place lighted candles away from items that can catch fire, such as trees, other evergreens, decorations, curtains and furniture.

5. Look for a label that reads "fire resistant" when purchasing an artificial tree. Check live trees for freshness—here's how.

From 2010 to 2012 there was an estimated annual average of 200 fires where the Christmas tree was the first item ignited, causing 10 deaths, 20 injuries, and $17 million in property loss per year.

4. Place live Christmas trees away from heat sources, and keep trees well watered.

3. Watch this dramatic fire demonstration of what happens when a dry tree comes in contact with a heat source.

2. Use caution on ladders. Read "Ladder Safety 101" for tips to prevent ladder falls this season.

Thirty-six percent of holiday decorating injuries involve falls. Falls from ladders account for about half of these incidents.

1.  Start with safety in mind. Download and follow CPSC's Holiday Decoration Safety Tips guide.

Download broadcast quality video of CPSC's press conference on holiday decorating safety at: https://www.hightail.com/e?phi_action=app/orchestrateDownload&sendId=2862850107&emailId=b72a0f843a10df74063987df80b509a6&s=19105&cid=tx-02002208350200000000

At Home Lists Top Gift Picks For Mother's Day

 At Home™ , the décor superstore, announces the brand's top gift picks for Mother's Day. Whether your mom's style is on-trend or traditionalist, At Home's large product assortment allows her to affordably update any room in her house.  

"At Home offers something for every room, every style and every budget," says Alissa Ahlman, general merchandise manager for At Home. "Our wide selection of products for every room of the home, inside and out, allows customers to find something suited exactly to their mom's individual personality and taste."

Ahlman has outlined giftable items Mom is sure to enjoy on her special day and beyond.

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words of Thanks: Picture frames containing family photos are the way to Mom's heart. With collage photo frames, you don't have to narrow it down to just one priceless moment. Print and add a group of your favorites to make the frame ready to hang for instant enjoyment. This eight-photo family frame is $29.99.

Something for the Cook: Any chef will tell you that having a great knife set is imperative in the kitchen – especially for all of the chopping, dicing and slicing that Mom-quality recipes require. If Mom's knife block needs some sprucing up, get her the 12-piece Henckels Knife Block priced at $119.99.

Freshen up the Rooms: A relaxing home extends beyond the eyes, and you can help Mom freshen $2.99. 

up the spaces in the house with one of At Home's 12 exclusive scents including Lime Cilantro, Sea Mist and Island Mango. Home sprays and candles start at

Spruce up the Patio: For the mom who likes to spend time outdoors, these patterned pots are perfect for bringing even more pizazz to her patio. Try a few in the same color for a uniform look, or play with colors and patterns—like chevron— for a brighter display. Starting at $5.99, these can mix and match to fit any budget and style.

If you can't decide what to get Mom for her special day, or need to mail a gift to her, pick up an At Home gift card so Mom can enjoy a shopping spree whenever inspiration strikes.

See more gift ideas by visiting your nearest At Home store or the brand's blog: http://www.athome.com/blog/.    

Jarden Home Brands, makers of Ball® brand home canning products, today announced the third and final jar in its Heritage Collection series, the new Purple Heritage Collection Jars, celebrating the 100thanniversary of the Ball Brothers' "Improved" mason jar. Available in pint and quart sizes, the Purple Heritage Collection Jars feature a vintage-inspired purple color and embossed logos on front and back paying tribute to the classic amethyst jars, a collectors' favorite. These limited-edition jars are the final release in Jarden's Heritage Collection series following the success of Blue and Spring Green Heritage Collection Jars which commemorated the "Perfect Mason" and "Perfection" canning jars.

The latest Heritage Collection Jar replicates the rare and coveted purple jars from the early twentieth century. The gorgeous amethyst color originally occurred accidently due to a clarifying agent used in the jar manufacturing process. Once exposed to UV rays, the jars turned a stunning shade of purple, making them extremely popular with canners and collectors. Unlike the vintage jars, the new Heritage Collection jars maintain all of the modern standards for home canning and, like all Ball brand canning jars, are Made in America and BPA-free. A few recommended preserving recipes to pair with the Purple color include Beet & Onion Pickles, Blueberry Syrup and Cherry Pie Filling.

"The Do-It-Yourself, canning, and creative communities cherish the Heritage Collection Series Jars and we're thrilled to provide one last edition in a color beloved by all of them," said Steve Hungsberg, Director of Marketing at Jarden Home Brands. "Many of our community members requested purple as the final color for the Heritage Collection Series and we're excited to see what folks make and share in their jars this canning season."  

The perfect addition to any kitchen for fresh preserving, food storage and decor uses, the new Heritage Collection jars are produced only in 2015 and will be available while supplies last in retailers nationwide and on FreshPreservingStore.com  for $9.99 - $12.99.

For more information on all Ball brand canning products, visit www.FreshPreserving.com or the brand's social media channels including Facebook (www.Facebook.com/BallCanning), Twitter (www.Twitter.com/BallCanning) and Pinterest 

Now this is just cool! Inflatable, color changing solar lighting!

MPOWERD, Inc. today announced that people can now add cordless, colorful illumination to just about any occasion with its much-anticipated color-changing Luci Aura inflatable solar lantern. Designed to make any indoor or outdoor event special Luci Aura ($24.99) has seven luminous hues plus classic white and can cycle through multiple colors (like a modern lava lamp) or settle on one favorite shade.

"We've been expanding our family of Luci solar lighting to meet fast-growing demand – for everything from home decor and emergency preparedness to camping and fishing," said John Salzinger, MPOWERD Co-founder and Executive Vice President. "Our new multi-colored, multi-use and multi-faceted Luci Aura is perfect for patio and pool parties, dorm rooms, mood lighting, festivals, holiday decoration and corporate social responsibility initiatives. The fun wow-factor of this lantern translates throughout the global market."

Luci Aura first wowed crowds earlier this year at the 2014 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) where MPOWERD also received a ShowShoppers Envisioneering Innovation & Design Award. The building demand for MPOWERD's unique lantern has many predicting that Luci Aura will be this year's holiday "It" gift. The official MTV VMA Awards recently reinforced this prediction by providing Luci Aura as an exclusive celebrity gift at its ceremony in late August 2014.

Consumers wanting to be among the first to get their hands on Luci Aura can pre-order the solar lanterns atwww.mpowerd.com/order. Orders are expected to be shipped to customers early October 2014. The colorful new lantern will also debut in selected retailers across the US before the holiday season.

All products in the Luci line of inflatable and stylish solar lanterns charge under natural or incandescent light, hold a charge while stored and provide up to 12 hours of light on a full charge. MPOWERD encourages consumers to help provide Luci lanterns to the world's 3 billion people living in energy poverty without reliable access to grid electricity through its Give Luci program:www.mpowerd.com/give.

MPOWERD Inc. develops and manufactures game-changing micro-solar energy products for use by people living and playing on and off the grid. A Certified B Corp, MPOWERD is committed to transforming people's lives and protecting the planet by making its products and solutions available and accessible the world over. www.mpowerd.com

Room-by-Room Remodeling Tips to Increase a Home's Value

CHICAGO, -- HomeFinder.com, a leading digital real estate site, compiled the top kitchen, bathroom, living room and backyard remodeling tips to increase a home's value and help homeowners make the most out of their renovation budgets. It is important that homeowners understand how renovation relates to home valuation, whether it is updating a newly purchased home, or remodeling to get a house ready to sell.

Below are four home remodeling tips; the full list of tips can be accessed here: http://blog.homefinder.com/2014/03/25/room-by-room-remodeling-tips-to-increase-home-value/

1.) Maximize space in the kitchen: Homeowners can gain space during a renovation by extending cabinets up to the ceiling, or turning an awkward unused space into a food prep corner.

2.) Develop a bathroom design plan: The layout and functionality of a new bathroom should be determined by who will be using it the most.

• Kids bathroom: A double sink will help mornings and bedtime go faster, a pullout stepstool built in to the vanity so little ones can reach the sink, and no-slip tile to avoid any bath time slips.
• Master ensuite: Add a spa-like quality to a master bath with a heated marble floor (the small space will keep the cost down), a walk-in shower, and plenty of natural light.
• Guest bath: Incorporate extra shelving so guests have a place to store items without feeling intrusive. Built-in shower shelves and a vessel sink will allow for more under vanity storage space.

3.) Update living room windows: Energy-efficient windows will lower energy bills and will update a home's appearance. Impact-resistant windows are great for neighborhoods with active kids or areas prone to severe weather. These windows can help protect against damage and reduce home insurance premiums.

4.) Revamp a backyard barbeque: An outdoor kitchen will add value to a home and allow a host to cook, while enjoying the outdoor weather with friends and family. Outdoor-specific appliances (stainless steel sink, outdoor refrigerator, and cement or stainless steel counter) won't rust during rain or snow and adding a bar area will cut down on trips inside the house.

Win a $70,000 Backyard Makover

Is your backyard just run of the mill and nothing special? Not quite the oasis you would like? Are you NOT currently living your backyard dream?

Then enter the Dream Backyard Makeover Contest for a chance to win a $70,000 backyard makeover. You can get the backyard of your dreams courtesy of Archadeck Outdoor Living, North America's largest builder of outdoor living spaces, (www.archadeck.com); Belgard Hardscapes, North America's leading manufacturer of hardscape paver products, (www.belgard.biz); and TimberTech, a leading manufacturer of composite decking and railing materials (www.timbertech.com). To enter, homeowners should visit www.dreambackyardmakeover.com and submit a photo along with a 200 word description of why their backyard is the most deserving.

The Dream Backyard Makeover contest begins February 1, 2013 and runs through April 22, 2013 via Facebook. The grand prize is a complete backyard transformation from Archadeck, Belgard Hardscapes and TimberTech. Second and third place prizes will be the renovation of an existing deck or patio, courtesy of Archadeck, and the installation of an outdoor lighting system provided by Outdoor Lighting Perspectives, respectively. Two finalists will be selected at the end of February, March and April, and their entries will be posted on Facebook. On April 23, voting will open for one week so that Archadeck Facebook fans may voice their opinions on the most deserving backyard. Winners will be selected by a panel of judges and Facebook fan votes, and winners will be announced in May 2013.

"While many backyards are in need of renovation, we're looking for that special backyard that really stands out for one reason or the other," said Rob Haslip , vice president of Archadeck. "Whether a homeowner wants to create a soothing sanctuary for two or an entertainment area for family and friends, our team will provide the upscale outdoor design that makes their dream come true, utilizing beautiful paver products from Belgard Hardscapes and gorgeous composite decking materials from TimberTech."

Archadeck, established in 1980, has built more than 100,000 projects across the country and is recognized as the largest deck and porch builder in North America. The company's design expertise includes outdoor living rooms, fire features, porches, pergolas, sunrooms and patios — all featuring the latest trends in outdoor leisure enjoyment and functionality.

For full Archadeck Dream Backyard Makeover contest rules, visit: www.dreambackyardmakeover.com.
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New Candle Fragrances for Spring 2013

Fragrance does so much to set the mood, especially candles. I change my home scents to match the season and my mood. Through the end of winter, I'll burn scents reminiscent of a snowy mountaintop - fir, evergreen and smokey wood scents. Come March, I'll be ready for something new and fresh.

When I'm ready to change for a new seasons, I look to Yankee Candle for the latest trends in home fragrence. This year, the company has announced 11 eleven new scents, five new Yankee Candle fragrances and six new fragrances in its contemporary Pure Radiance line for the spring. Inspired by memories of vacations in paradise, these candles deliver fresh beach scents and exotic fruits to create a tranquil experience.

NEW YANKEE CANDLE® SPRING FRAGRANCES

Golden Sands™ – Your private beach awaits, where time pauses in soft breezes of soothing sandalwood, luminous orange flower and warm tonka beans.

Turquoise Sky™ – Calm, salty air with hints of sea grass and musk, float gently on ocean waves…off on an adventure beneath a bright blue sky.

Black Coconut – Sunset in paradise… rich coconut, cedarwood and island blossoms promise an evening of luxurious tranquility.

Waikiki Melon™ – Aloha! Wake up to the sunny, sweet glow of exotic, juicy melons with a touch of sweet orange oil.

Paradise Spice™ – An exotic island treasure… perfectly ripe banana and creamy vanilla, unexpectedly spiced with prized cinnamon and cloves.

NEW SPRING PURE RADIANCE™ FRAGRANCES

Sugar Flower – An irresistibly rich and artful combination of powdered sugar, pink cream and vanilla.

Stargaze™ – Warm cedar, amber and musk create a fragrant glow against a clear night sky.

Seaglass™ – Treasure the calming notes of white tea and sandalwood misted with cool salt air.

Guava – A refreshing burst of sunny tropical guava with hints of citrus zest.

Mandarin – Sweet orange is spiced with a touch of cayenne for a uniquely stimulating experience.

Promise – Soft, dewy petals of white tuberose and gardenia offer a hopeful promise of things to come.

Tips for Buying a Quality Dining Table

A dining table is of the most widely used items in any home, and with wood dining tables costing hundreds or even thousands of dollars consumers need be aware of what they are really buying. Why do prices vary so greatly, and what should one stay away from when shopping? For an item used as much as a table, it is about far more than just the look, one must also strongly consider core material, construction, finish, maintenance & care to name a few. Here we break down the most important factors to help make a purchasing decision.

Tip 1 - Buy 100% Wood: Remember the dining table is one of the most used pieces of furniture in your home, it will need to be more durable, and most often times child resistant. For this reason, go with 100% wood, specifically pine is very durable, relatively inexpensive and its style and charm is universal for any home. Alternatively, oak, chestnut and walnut are also highly durable woods, however heavier than pine, expect extra costs associated with these denser wood types. The trick here is to not be fooled into buying a table that looks like 100% wood, but is actually made with veneers, medium density fiberboard (MDF), or particleboard. The reason to stay away from these lesser quality materials is that they are far more prone to chips, scratches, thus a shorter life span than tables made from 100% solid wood, such as oak or pine. In addition, cleaning solutions, such as water, can often, damage veneer and particleboard if not cared for properly. A well built solid wood table should last generations, prepare accordingly by buying one made from the longest lasting materials.

Tip 2 - Ensure Durable Finishes: The finish will be paramount to the table's longevity and charm, as this is the frontline defense against dings, scratches and chips. For this reason, stay away from veneers as they can easily separate or chip, which inevitably will happen with an item as widely used a dining table. As a result, this will lead to a shortened life span for your table. It is recommended to go with a dining table with multiple coats of stain, or paint finishes. Specifically, the more layers of finish that are applied, the more of a barrier you will have to protect your investment. It is the finishing process, and multiple layers, which are your true defense against scratches, stains, and water marks, which in turn will maintain your table's charm, and keep it looking like new. A true farm table is American made, built from reclaimed wood, and thus eco friendly. For authenticity purposes, ask where the manufacturing & finishing take place, and if their materials are eco friendly.

Tip 3 - Check Maintenance and Care: Always ask what the cleaning and maintenance instructions are for your table. This can be a tell tale sign of the materials used and the steps taken during the finishing process. For example, on Pottery Barn's "Wood Furniture Care & Cleaning Instructions" page, and it warns "do not use soap, water, or wax." As a buyer, this should raise questions about both materials and finishes being used. A well-made and durable wood dining table should not stain, should be resistant to both wet and dry marks, and should be able to be cleaned by only water or a dry rag.

Tip 4 – Understand Prices: If you take this advice and stay away from MDF, particle board, and veneers, and stick to solid pine, oak or other solid woods for your farm table you should find that going with a custom dining table solution will be comparable in price to going with a big box retail store. For example pottery barn's "Keaton Extending Dining Table" which measures fixed 72" long x 40" wide x 30" high is priced at $1599. Alternatively, a custom dining table solution, with the same fixed dimensions of 72" long x 40"wide x 30" high, buying from eCustomFinishes a leading builder of custom farm tables, for example will cost about $185 less, at $1415.

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