Real Estate Information

Top Five Tips for Summer Entertaining

RISMEDIA, Summer is finally in full swing and so is the season for entertaining. This summer, try trading in your burgers and hot dogs for a little more glam, while remaining under budget.

Check out these tips from celebrity style and entertaining expert Robert Verdi, in partnership with Ecco Domini, to create tips for throwing the perfect fashionable fete.

1. Bottle Up the Excitement: Grab guests' attention, and evoke beachtime nostalgia, with a unique message in a bottle invitation. Use a clear glass bottle and fill it with a little bit of sand. Then roll up your invite and insert it with a string attached for easy access. For a truly personal touch, hand-deliver it to each guest!

2. Go Tribal: Tribal inspirations are making a mark on this season's attire. It's easy to bring this trend to life at home by introducing native elements into your décor such as hand-carved wooden candlesticks or animal print rugs. Make the most of your budget by picking up some tribal printed material at your local fabric store and draping it over your table. This versatile piece not only adds instant summer style to your room but can later serve as a stylish sarong making you a fashion hit at the beach.

3. Stay Cool: Creating your own style statement often means putting a new twist on traditional wardrobe items. You can apply the same concept to entertaining by using your favorite vase or pitcher (glass or ceramic are perfect) as a non-traditional wine cooler. Simply fill the container of your choice with ice and place the wine bottle inside.

4. Dine Under the Stars: Make the most of your outdoor space this season by transforming your rooftop or backyard into an outdoor cafe. A mix of citronella candles and colorful tea lights will keep the pests away and help set the mood for an intimate evening affair. For an added fashionable touch, try draping a vibrant pashmina over each chair- this adds a burst of color to your space and gives guests a way to keep warm if the night gets chilly. Finally, set all of your foods on large trays ahead of time for an easy and quick way to serve guests without making multiple trips to the kitchen.

5. International Tastes: True fashionistas take their style cues from the fashion capitals of the world. Why not do the same when it comes to your party menu? Trade in the typical barbecue burgers and hotdogs for gourmet treats with international flair. For example, create a buffet of easy-to-eat Italian treats such as caprese salad skewers with mozzarella and summer ripe tomatoes, prosciutto-wrapped melon balls or olive tapenade crostinis.

Now that summer has arrived, homeowners across the country are taking advantage of the warm weather by tackling home improvement projects they have been putting off. If you are looking for ways to add value to your home, the following home improvements may be just what you’re looking for.

Tip 1: Remodel your kitchen
Kitchen updates are one of the best ways to increase the value of your home. Adding modern appliances and refacing your cabinets to give it a more modern look is well worth the investment.

Tip 2: Add a Garage
Homes with at least a two car garage are more attractive to potential home buyers. Having a home with a small garage is almost as bad as having no garage, so consider upgrading before putting your home on the market.

Tip 3: Remodel your bathroom
Bathrooms are very important to home buyers. Just as with the kitchen, home buyers look for modern conveniences. Adding a Jacuzzi bathtub, painting the walls and adding appropriate flooring will go a long way toward increasing your home’s value.

Tip 4: Install the right flooring material
Natural materials such as wood and ceramic are popular among home buyers today. Laminate flooring is a good option, as well, as it creates a natural look without the headaches associated with natural flooring materials.

Tip 5: Install granite counter tops
Granite counter tops are popular in both kitchens and bathrooms. These countertops are low maintenance and quite attractive and can add significant value to your remodel.

Tip 6: Increase curb appeal
Your home needs to grab a potential home buyer’s attention and look great as soon as he or she pulls in the driveway. Add flowers to the outside of your home and make sure it looks bright and cheery.

Tip 7: Add natural light
Home buyers like homes that are bright and cheery on the inside as well as the outside. Look for places to add windows or patio doors that will allow more natural light to come in.

Tip 8: Open up the space
Homes with an open floor plan are more valuable to home buyers than those that feel closed up. Knock out walls wherever possible and open your home up. A great place take out a wall is between your kitchen and your dining room.

Tip 9: Apply a fresh coat of paint
A fresh coat of paint makes a home look new again. When repainting walls, choose neutral colors that don’t stand out too much. Bold colors may be attractive to you, but they may be a turnoff to potential buyers.

Tip 10: Clean up clutter
A cluttered home appears small and dirty. Make certain all clutter is cleaned up on the inside and the outside of the home. Rearrange furniture or remove furniture in order to make the home feel less cramped.

(c) RISMEDIA, Paige Tepping

The explosion of remodeling shows on TV and makeover spreads in magazines has whetted America's appetite for glamorous rooms brimming with the latest furnishings, appliances and color schemes.

Kitchen remodels are among the most popular, according to a report in the just-published August issue of Consumer Reports and online at consumerreports.org. And the economic slowdown means there are outstanding deals on everything from cooktops to countertops. It also means kitchen designers and building contractors are eager for work and willing to negotiate.

But bargain prices and good looks aren't everything, said Celia Kupersmzid Lehrman, Consumer Reports' deputy home editor.

"When remodeling a kitchen, functionality is every bit as important as style. Fortunately there are many products that look good and work well," she said.

The design of your kitchen is every bit as important as what goes into it, said Jim Spence of Spence & Vaughn Fine Kitchen and Bath in Maitland, Fla.

The most functional design is based on the "work triangle" — the relationship between the prep area, the cooking area and the sink, he said. Ideally, the distance between them should never be less than four feet or more than nine feet. Of the three areas, the most-used is the sink.

When planning a remodel, determining your budget is one of the first steps. The National Kitchen & Bath Association calculates the average kitchen remodel costs between 10 percent and 20 percent of the home's value. But obviously, the extent of the makeover determines its cost. In its latest issue, Consumer Reports takes top-performing products and creates three design schemes: a do-it-yourself makeover for $5,000; a plan that costs $15,000 (the average spent on a kitchen remodel); and a full-scale renovation for $50,000.

Determining your priorities is another key step, said Phil Johnson, a partner at Spence & Vaughn and a certified kitchen designer.

"Do you love to cook? If so, now might be the time to consider professional-style appliances," he said. "Do you have a large family? Consider how best to accommodate them in your new space. Think about the things you love in your old kitchen — and the things you dislike."

In addition, Johnson recommends the following steps for a successful remodel:

—Do your homework. Watch TV remodeling programs, clip appealing pictures and articles from magazines, attend remodeling seminars, visit home shows and parades of homes. Consult with a kitchen designer who is a member of the NKBA, who has the training and experience to avoid many of the things that can go wrong with a remodeling project.

—Visit a showroom. Examine the options in cabinets, countertops, appliances, flooring, plumbing and lighting. Decide what you want — and can afford.

—Schedule a home visit. The designer/installer need to measure the kitchen and adjacent rooms, and make a note of existing walls, doors and windows, electrical supplies, ceiling height, attic access, type of wall construction, plumbing details, etc.

—Finalize the project. The design is refined, construction plans are completed, appliances and supplies are ordered — and the initial deposit is paid.

—Survive the dust, noise and workers. With proper supervision, the disruption can be kept to a minimum. Make sure materials are ordered and on the way before beginning the tear-out. Clear a space in the garage for workers' tools and supplies and items removed from the old kitchen. And communicate regularly with the designer/installer.

The August issue of Consumer Reports identifies these four rules for a successful kitchen remodel:

Don't rush. There are many kitchen products that combine value, performance and good looks. Take time to meet with professionals, browse the Internet and visit showrooms and home centers. Haste can be costly. Changing your mind after the project is started typically adds about $1,500 to the cost of a kitchen project.

Size matters. In addition to being expensive, oversized kitchens can be exhausting to work in and keep tidy. A more compact kitchen often functions better. The National Kitchen & Bath Association website, nkba.org, provides guidelines for optimal space between appliances, cabinets and islands.

Beware of budget busters. Leave a 10 percent to 15 percent cushion for surprises, such as unexpected structural repairs. Avoid settling for a cheap option, thinking someday you will replace it with something you really want. Chances are that will never happen.

Get it in writing. When using a professional for a remodel, the written contract should list each phase of the project; every product, including the model number; and copies of each contractor's license, and workers compensation and liability insurance to confirm they are current. Call references and, if possible, visit them.

(c) 2010, Jean Patteson, The Orlando Sentinel (Fla.).

Summer means the arrival of certain illnesses and infections caused by bacteria, viruses and bugs that thrive in the warm, moist environment. Although the risk of catching these diseases is low, there are some precautions to take to stay healthy.

For more information on all the diseases, visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov.

MOSQUITOES

West Nile virus:

What it is — A viral infection that first showed up in the U.S. 10 years ago and infected thousands each summer but has dropped off dramatically in recent years.

How it spreads — When a mosquito feeds on a bird infected with West Nile, the mosquito can carry the virus and infect a person through a bite. It is not transmitted from person to person.

Symptoms — Most people who are infected never develop symptoms. About 20 percent will develop headache, fever, body aches or rash. In very rare cases, the virus can lead to encephalitis (inflammation in the brain). Last year, 32 people in the United States died of West Nile virus.

Treatment — Doctors can treat the symptoms, but there is no cure; most patients recover on their own.

Prevention — Spray insect repellent with DEET on exposed skin. Avoid being outdoors at dusk, when mosquitoes are most active. Remove all standing water from flower pots and bird baths.

Incidence — 720 confirmed cases in the U.S. last year.

Dengue fever:

What it is — A viral infection.

How it spreads — Dengue is transmitted by infected mosquitoes, not person to person. Dengue is the most common cause of fever in U.S. travelers to the Caribbean, central and South America and Asia. Upon their return to the U.S., sickened travelers can infect domestic mosquitoes, who then spread it to other people.

Symptoms — Dengue typically causes mild illness or none at all. Symptoms can include fever, headache, severe joint pain, eye pain, rash and vomiting. Rarely, severe cases can lead to dengue hemorrhagic fever, which can be fatal.

Treatment — There is no specific drug to treat dengue illness, but the symptoms usually can be treated.

Prevention — As with West Nile, the best prevention is avoiding mosquito bites. Researchers at St. Louis University are conducting a human clinical trial of an experimental dengue vaccine. E-mail vaccine@slu.edu or call 314-977-6333

Incidence — The most common mosquito-borne virus, dengue infects more than 100 million people worldwide each year, mainly in tropical regions. There were no reports of cases acquired in the U.S. before 1980. Since then, a few cases have been reported along the Texas-Mexico border. Last month, the CDC confirmed 28 cases of dengue in Key West, Fla. Other recent outbreaks have been linked to American relief workers returning from Haiti.

TICKS

Lyme disease:

What it is — A bacterial infection.

How it spreads — The disease is transmitted to humans by infected blacklegged ticks who in turn were infected by small rodents. It is not spread from human to human.

Symptoms — Fever, headache, fatigue, chills, swollen lymph nodes and a bulls-eye shaped rash in about 75 percent of cases. If untreated, the infection can produce symptoms ranging from facial paralysis, neck stiffness, dizziness and arthritis. Up to 5 percent of people who are untreated will develop neurological symptoms including pain, numbness and tingling in the extremities, and problems with memory and concentration.

Treatment — If the infection is caught early, a three-week course of antibiotics can usually stop its spread to joints and the nervous system.

Prevention — Tuck shirts into pants and pants into socks. Use insect repellent with DEET on exposed skin and permethrin on clothes (available at stores that sell outdoor equipment). Perform tick checks of the whole body, and remove any ticks with sharp tweezers. It is rare to contract Lyme disease if the tick has been on your body for fewer than 24 hours.

Incidence — Most reported Lyme disease cases come from Ne w England and upper Midwestern states. All states reported 28,921 confirmed and 6,277 probable cases of Lyme disease to the CDC in 2008, a 5 percent increase over 2007.

BATS, RACCOONS and SKUNKS

Rabies:

What it is — A viral disease that infects mammals.

How it spreads — Rabies is transmitted through the bites of wild, rabid animals.

Incidence — The majority of rabies cases reported to the CDC occur in wildlife, although most wild animals are not rabid. Last year in St. Louis County, Mo., 590 bats were tested; 23 had rabies. Domestic pets account for 7 percent of animal rabies cases. Human cases are extremely rare, with one or two a year nationwide. The death of a Texas County man in 2008 was the first in Missouri since 1959.

Symptoms — The virus infects the central nervous system and is fatal if not treated early. Early symptoms include fever, headache and weakness. Anxiety, confusion, paralysis and hallucinations can develop.

Treatment — If you are bitten by a wild animal, wash the area with soap and water and seek treatment immediately. Prophylactic shots can prevent rabies infection.

Prevention — Make sure your pets' rabies vaccinations are up to date. If you find a live or dead bat in your home, do not attempt to capture it. Call your county's health department, which will come collect the bat so it can be tested for disease.

BACTERIA

Bacterial meningitis:

What it is — An infection of the blood around the spinal cord and brain. Viral meningitis is generally less severe and tends to resolve on its own.

How it spreads — Bacterial meningitis is contagious in close contact among people through the exchange of saliva or respiratory secretions, although it is not as easily transmitted as the cold or flu and is not spread through the air.

Who it affects — Teenagers at sleep-away camp and college students living in dorms are at increased risk for meningococcal disease.

Symptoms — Common symptoms include fever, headache and stiff neck that may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light or an altered mental state. Rare but serious cases can result in the loss of limbs, deafness, seizures or brain damage.

Treatment — Early diagnosis is important to prevent severe illness and the spread of the disease. Meningococcal infections can be treated with antibiotics such as penicillin.

Prevention — A vaccine for bacterial meningitis protects about 90 percent of people who get it. The CDC recommends the vaccine for everyone ages 11 to 18.

Incidence — 1,000 to 2,600 Americans get meningococcal disease every year. About one in 10 cases is fatal.

E. Coli:

What it is — A group of bacterial strains found in the intestines that are mostly harmless. Some strains can cause diarrhea and intestinal illnesses.

How it spreads — E. coli is spread through contact with water or food contaminated with animal feces. Raw milk, undercooked meat, swimming pools and bodies of water can all contain the bacteria. Water test results in the Lake of the Ozarks this month, for example turned up positive for high levels of E. coli.

Symptoms — Stomach cramps, diarrhea and vomiting.

Treatment — The symptoms can be treated with hydration. Antibiotics are generally not recommended. Most infections resolve within a week. Rarely, severe infections can lead to kidney damage and death.

Prevention — Wash hands with soap and water after using the bathroom or changing diapers. Avoid swallowing pool or lake water. Cook meat and wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly.

Incidence — There are an estimated 70,000 E. coli infections each year in the U.S. Many people who are infected don't seek medical care or aren't tested for E. coli.

(c) 2010, B.Bernhard, St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Finding a summer job can be a full-time job, but with the right tools and the right attitude, teens can land one.

"The landscape has definitely improved since last summer," says Steve Kimball, acting senior vice president of marketing for SnagAJob.com. "But it's still a tough market out there for these teens."

A new survey, commissioned by Kimball's group, found that 29 percent of managers say a teen's stiffest competition comes from adults who've re-entered the seasonal or hourly work force because of economic pressures. But 6 percent of hiring managers intend to hire more workers than they did last summer.

"In the fast-food industry, the grocery world and the entertainment world — movie theaters, bowling alleys — we're definitely seeing more seasonal or teen hiring," Kimball says.

Internet job sites are a great place for teens to begin the hunt, Kimball says, because many of them offer thousands of listings categorized by location and industry. He also offers teens a few pointers for snagging a job once they land an interview.

—Be flexible about "where you apply and with your schedule. Don't go into it just wanting to have one type of job." Willingness to work nights, weekends and other odd hours might give teens an edge over adults who have more family commitments or second jobs.

—Be prepared. Practice for the interview with a friend or relative who can role-play and toss some questions your way. Check out the tips and sample interview videos on snagajob.com.

—Mind the details. "It's all about standing out. Pay attention to how you're dressed, the voice mail greeting on your cell phone. No text messaging or answering calls. Make sure you're really answering the questions and looking the person in the eye."

—Apply, apply, apply. "Apply to at least 10 jobs. Teens right now are competing against more seasoned workers, but you can increase your batting average by applying to at least 10 places."

—And remember, a job can be beneficial even if it's not exactly what you set out to do. "It's not just about the money or the work itself," says Kimball. "It's learning the interview process, having to show up on time, learning to provide customer service."

 

(c) 2010, Heidi Stevens,Chicago Tribune.

With the official start of summer just around the corner, DTE Energy is offering the following tips to help customers save money and keep cool:

Around the house
--Close blinds, shades and curtains to keep summer heat out.
-- Keep the fireplace damper and doors tightly closed to prevent cooled air from escaping.
-- Run the dishwasher in the cooler part of the day when the lower temperature can better offset the heat and humidity the appliance will produce.

Air conditioning
-- Set the air conditioner thermostat at the highest comfortable setting. When leaving home for more than five hours, raise the thermostat five to 10 degrees. Raising the thermostat just a couple degrees can cut cooling costs by as much as five percent.
-- Regular maintenance is important to operating air conditioners efficiently. Check filters at least once a month. Dirty filters cause air conditioners to work harder and use more energy. Many filters can be removed, washed and dried, and reinstalled. Check the owner's manual or contact the manufacturer for more information.
-- Keep air conditioning units free of obstructions, inside and out, so air can flow freely. Outdoor units should be free of bushes, and leaf and grass debris. Indoors, move furniture and draperies to prevent blocking window units, vents and air returns.
-- Position window air conditioners on the shaded side of the house, away from direct sunlight. Window units generally are not designed to cool more than one room. Close the doors leading to uncooled parts of the house for more efficient cooling.
-- In homes with central air conditioning, leave room doors and air registers open so the system can operate effectively.

Fans
-- Make sure ceiling fan blades rotate clockwise in the summer months to draw cooler air up from the floor.
-- A window fan in an apartment or one-story home should be put in a window on the warmest side of the structure; in a two-story home, put it in an upstairs window. Fans draw cooler air inside during the night and circulate air during the day. Make sure draperies are secured away from the fan for better air circulation and safety.
-- Prevent heat build-up in the attic by opening attic vents and making sure any lower vents are not blocked. A cooler attic benefits the living area below. An exhaust fan or whole-house fan mounted in the attic will pull hot air out of the attic and living areas and draw cooler air in.
-- Use an exhaust fan to blow hot air out of your kitchen while cooking. The savings in your cooling costs will far outweigh the fan's electricity use.

(c)RISMEDIA

Facebook has been under fire for the changes made to its privacy model last month, yet despite the latest privacy and control settings announced this week by Mark Zuckerberg, some groups are rallying users to boycott or even delete their profiles on Facebook on May 31 and June 6 in protest. For those who are not ready to completely delete their profile or are perhaps too emotionally invested in their account, there are less extreme options to consider.

Here are six tips to consider:

1. Never share your password with anyone – Not even your best friend or significant other

2. Watch the digital crumbs you leave behind – Remember: your photos, videos, comments live forever on the Web. Don't post anything you wouldn't want your grandma or future employer to see. Also never post sensitive info, such as your phone number, e-mail or birthday. And there's no need to share everything in your status updates (e.g. "Off to Vegas for the holiday weekend!")

3. Ignore the "Check Out the Best Beach Bods" link from your "friend" – It likely came from a hacker who broke into their account

4. Make sure links posted to your page are safe – Use smart Facebook applications like Norton Safe Web for Facebook to run a scan for poisonous links posted on your wall

5. Limit your "Circle of Trust" – If you are using social networking sites to connect with family and friends, ignore requests from people you do not know – it could be a cybercriminal

6. Stay informed of Facebook's privacy settings and changes to it

(c) RISMEDIA

This weekend brings the start of the summer travel season. Whether traveling by airl, car or train, there are key tips to consider before heading out.

Make sure to read these 22 travel tips, courtesy of Travelerspoint.com:

1. Security and Keeping Details Safe
Scan your passport, passport photos and paper tickets (if not the e type) in. Store this (in an email for e.g.) in your web based email account.
You can also store the details of your emergency 'lost card' telephone numbers in your web based email account so you know who to contact if your credit card or ATM card is lost or stolen.
This way, even if you lose everything, you have immediate access your all important information. You can even email the details page of your passport to the embassy or consulate when applying for a new one.

2. Split up your valuables
Split up your bank cards, cash, travellers' cheques and credit cards as much as possible in different pockets, your bags and wallet when packing. In case you do get robbed, at least you won't be strapped for cash (unless you have all your bags AND your wallet stolen of course!).

3. Nalgene/Small Bottles
Use nalgene/small bottles to pack toiletries and other small items. There are several sturdy and (very nearly) waterproof ones, with clear/see through ones being preferable (easier for security purposes post August 2006). You can also use small bottles to repack shampoo or lotions so that you don't have to always carry a big bottle with you. This is especially useful if you normally take these items in your carry-on luggage, which as of early 2007 is much more restricted than before.

4. Backpack Tips
When you are packing things into a backpack, place the lighter items at the bottom and the heavier ones on top. Your bag will feel lighter this way as the pack rests on your lower back. It is also smart to place the things you use the most on top. Dirty clothes are perfect to pack at the bottom of a backpack.

5. Plastic Bags
It is always handy to have a few plastic bags around certain items, especially toiletries. Not only does it counter any leaking, the bags can also come in useful to keep dirty clothes in, as garbage bags or even as a makeshift umbrella. Ziplock or other airtight plastic bags are the best.

6. Pack in Plastic
Pack everything in clear plastic bags (preferably zip lock), divided into items e.g. underwear, t-shirts, shorts etc. before packing in your suitcase or backpack. One plastic bag for each type of clothing. This is extremely useful in various ways. When you unpack your bag you just take out a series of bags and you can see immediately what you want. So an overnight stay somewhere just means taking 1 item out of a bag - no rummaging!! In addition, if you have to unpack at customs etc, instead of having to disgorge all your clothing etc out in front of everybody, you can calmly take maybe 5/6 bags out, the contents of which can be clearly seen by the officials. To repack then is also dead easy. Just be sure not to leave your plastic bags lying around if you are travelling in nature! (Tip from a member)

7. Clothes
Pack only what you know you will use and if you are travelling for more than three weeks, plan to wash on the road.

8. Split up clothes when travelling with others
When you are flying somewhere and especially if you have a few stopovers, divide the clothes between different suitcases/backpacks/bags etc. If one persons luggage doesn't arrive at the destination, they'll still have clean clothes available. Airlines generally don't compensate lost luggage for the first 24-48 hours so this will save you money if it happens to you. (Tip from a member)

9. Separate Beach Bag
When packing to head to the beach consider pre-packing whatever you might need at the beach into a beachbag inside your backpack or suitcase. Especially if travelling with kids, this will prove a timesaver!

10. Suitcase lovers
For those using suitcases without a divider. A piece of cardboard makes an excellent divider and helps keep your clothes organized and neat as you are able to lay them out flat on the cardboard. It also makes airport inspections a lot less of a hassle as you can lift out your divider with clothes on top easily.

11. Gifts
While it is a good idea to take some small gifts with you while travelling, pre-wrapping them can be a waste of time if you are flying and your bags are opened. (Tip from a member)

12. Flashlights or Torches
When packing a flashlight or torch (or any other item with batteries for that matter), turn the batteries around so that if the item is accidentally turned on, you won't empty the batteries. Don't forget to turn the batteries back around when using the flashlight.

13. Diaper Bag
If you are travelling with babies, then the diaper bag is an excellent place to hide your valuables. This most likely will not be the first thing to be stolen. It's also a great to use as a waste bag (even when not travelling with a child!), especially at places that do not allow you to flush toilet paper.

14. Shoes
If you want to make sure everything else in your bags stays clean and odor free, place the shoes inside old socks and then inside airtight plastic bags (ziplock).

15. Carry-On
Keep any medication and important papers in your carry-on bag. On long flights with multiple stopovers (especially if flying via London, LA or other major airports), packing a fresh change of clothes is a good idea as bags tend to get delayed or lost on long haul, multiple stop flights. You don't want to end up stuck without medication, clothes or your important papers even if it is just for a few days.

16. Roll Technique
Somehow it seems that bags will hold more if the clothes are rolled rather than folded. If you roll in tissue paper, the clothes will also get less wrinkled.

17. Travelling to warm destinations?
If you appreciate cold drinks think of using a six-pack cooler as a toiletry bag. Once you arrive at your destination and unload your toiletries your 'toiletry bag' guarantees cheap cold drinks on the beach, no matter how remote.

18. Local Tourism Offices
The best source of information is usually local. Check out Tourism Offices to find unbiased feedback on the best accommodation to suit your needs. Excercise caution in countries where you feel the information might not be so unbiased!

19. Minimize on toiletries
Take only half a tube of toothpaste rolled up tight, store shampoo in small containers, only take half a roll of toilet paper (for emergencies only) and crush it so the middle is folded.

20. Take solid shampoo bars and tooth powder
Solid shampoo bars and tooth powder (instead of tooth paste) can be easily located on the internet and make carry-on travel in this age of liquid restriction possible. Places like Beijing now bar all liquids in carry-on bags, and you'll still be able to breeze through without checking. (Tip from a member)

21. Planning on carrying a lot of luggage?
While carrying a lot of luggage is not recommendable, sometimes it is necessary in the case of relocations and so on. If you have the possibility, fly via the US as airlines will allow you 64kg (two 32kg bags) instead of the 20kg in the rest of the world. Even if it is just a stopover in the US, you will be allowed to carry the extra weight. Check with your local travel agent for the details.

22. Packing List and Trip Planning
Ready to start packing? Or is there still more trip planning to be done? Check out our Packing List and Trip Planning guide to help you get the most out of your trip by planning well and packing everything.

(c) RISMEDIA, Stephanie Andre

With the summer buying and selling season just around the corner, now is the time to think about how you can create a lasting first impression with potential buyers. Here are 8 simple tips that will help your home stand out from the crowd.

Open the drapes and blinds. Sunshine is the world's best decorator and nothing is more depressing than walking into a home where shades, curtains and drapes are closed.

Wash the windows - inside and out. For the same reasons as above, no other small improvement will give you more bang than this.

Clean up the yard. Cut back overgrown shrubs, particularly those that obscure windows or make it difficult to get to the front door. Mow the grass, rake or pick up downed leaves and branches, put away lawn tools, kids' toys and discard or store any outdoor furniture that is rusty or ragged. If season and funds permit, put down some colorful annuals or put a few nicely planted containers on or near the front porch.

Clutter Control. De-cluttering and organizing your home is very important and not just to make the place look neat. A cluttered home looks smaller and less airy. All of the pictures, knick-knacks, even an exquisite art collection are distracting to many buyers.

Clean your kitchen and bathrooms – Be sure to pay attention to the kitchen and bathrooms. The kitchen may be old but it can still sparkle. Clean the stovetop with a good degreaser and all countertops to remove stains and discoloration. Wash the front of all cupboards and appliances and keep the floor swept and scrubbed for as long as the home is on the market. De-clutter here too, especially the refrigerator door. Ditch countertop appliances, canisters, etc and keep cupboard doors and drawers closed if your hand is not actually in them. It is critical that the bathrooms sparkle. Old bathrooms can be charming and a new shower curtain or fresh flowers on the counter may be all you need. Put out your best towels and, if you have young children, enforce the flush rule.

Refinish hardwood floors. These are a major selling point when selling your home and sometimes a home's most compelling feature. Often they don't need complete refinishing, just to be roughed up and polyurethaned to obtain that killer shine.

Paint/Repaint Your Home. If your taste in decorating is a bit strong, it may pay to hire a professional to tone down some of the more dramatic color rooms. Neutral colors are best for marketing your home for sale.

Buy, borrow or rent what you need. If your furniture shows the effect of raising five kids or if pets have ruined the rugs and upholstery, think about storing or getting rid of your existing furniture and finding just enough more attractive stuff to get by. If your nest is empty and the kids' rooms are beaten up, throw out the furniture, give the walls a quick wash coat of paint and put one or two small flea market pieces - a hobby horse, a bean-bag chair, the old bassinette from the attic - in the room to merely suggest its use.

(c) Paige Tepping

Don't feel like clipping coupons? Unwilling to sacrifice lifestyle to save a buck? Unmotivated to budget?

No problem.

Tap into the world of lazy savings, set-it-and-forget-it ways to keep more cash in your pocket without depriving yourself:

Get dining rewards: Register your credit and debit cards at iDine.com for free and get 5 percent cash back for eating at participating restaurants. No coupons or gift certificates necessary. IDine.com also offers paid memberships for more cash back.

Join a credit union: Almost everybody qualifies for a credit union, and they usually have lower fees and loan rates than traditional banks. Go to culookup.com to find one near you.

Use retail loyalty cards: Sign up for a card at frequently visited supermarkets and retailers. Then shop as usual and watch the savings and goodies pile up. Often you don't need to carry the card. Cashiers can usually look it up by phone number. Or, combine loyalty-card bar codes with such tools as CardStar, mycardstar.com, which has smart phone apps and a wallet-size card via a partnership with KeyRingThing.com.

Buy store brands: Reach for the house brands. They're so much better than they used to be; no coupons or comparison-shopping needed. Or peruse the weekly supermarket flier and buy multiples of whatever interests you.

They are almost always great deals. Along those lines is a tip from Myscha Theriault, co-author of "10,001 Ways to Live Large on a Small Budget." Get half off sunscreen by purchasing body lotion with sunscreen included.

Use rewards credit cards: If you don't carry a balance on your credit cards, use a rewards card that pays you back, preferably in cash. Then shop as you would and reap the rewards. Compare cards online at such sites as CardRatings.com, LowCards.com and IndexCreditCards.com.

Get browser add-ons: Several Web browser toolbars and plug-ins can help you save money shopping online, including CouponCabin.com and Billeo.com. One of the slickest is at GetInvisibleHand.com. Its toolbar is hidden until you visit a product page. Then it appears and tells you whether this is the best price or where you can get it cheaper. It doesn't include shipping prices, but it's passive price comparison for the truly lazy.

Pay online and automatically: Online and auto-pay options can save money, especially by preventing late fees. Buy fewer stamps and envelopes, which is a hassle and expense. You might get a discount. Allstate insurance gives up to a 5 percent discount in most states for paying with automatic bank withdrawals.

Raise your retirement contribution 1 point: You won't notice the difference. And if you do it online, it might take one minute. Repeat every time you get a raise.

Change your thermostat 1 degree: Up in the summer, down in the winter. You won't notice the difference, but over time your wallet will.

Buy CFLs: Replace your five most-used nondimmable lights with compact fluorescent bulbs and save 75 percent in energy costs. Lazy-savings bonus? You won't have to replace CFLs as often as incandescent bulbs, because they last 10 times longer. Similarly, switch to rechargeable batteries. You'll save money and never be caught without when the TV remote fails.

Shrink your spending: Billshrink.com is a good comparison site for wireless phone service, credit cards and savings account rates, but it's also convenient for tracking gas prices. Sign up, and it will send you an e-mail alerting you to the lowest-price gas on your commute.

(c) 2010, Gregory Karp,The Morning Call (Allentown, Pa.)