Home Ownership

Transform Your Bathroom Into a Wellness Retreat

After a long day of work, carpools, errands, and family responsibilities, you deserve a space that restores your energy like a wellness retreat. More homeowners are transforming their primary bathrooms into private oases designed for relaxation, rejuvenation, and even a touch of luxury. From spa-inspired showers to mood-boosting lighting, here’s how to create a bathroom that feels like your personal sanctuary....

The rise of the bathroom wellness retreat

The bath is no longer just a functional space. In modern home design, the primary suite bathroom has evolved. Today’s bathrooms feature spa-like touches, innovative technology, and design elements that create calm and comfort....

Spa-inspired showers and soaking tubs

Therapeutic showers use multiple spray nozzles—from overhead rainfall to side jets—to create a massage-like experience. Handheld wands make it easy to target sore muscles. For those who prefer soaking, deep tubs with whirlpool jets or freestanding designs provide full-body relaxation. Some homeowners even trade bathtubs for oversize steam showers with built-in benches....

Functional luxury with double vanities

Double vanities maximize storage, counter space, and convenience. Pair custom cabinetry with sleek countertops for both style and function. Add light-framed mirrors and dimmer switches to adjust brightness, creating the perfect mood for morning or evening routines....

Lighting, color, and mood enhancement

Wellness bathrooms often use chromotherapy paint colors that enhance mood. Deep blues and muted earth tones encourage calmness, while skylights and natural light boost energy. Combine color with bright, motion-activated lighting for a soothing yet modern touch....

The smart bathroom: comfort meets technology

Welcome to the “smart bath.” Features like heated floors, motion-sensor lighting, built-in speakers, and even self-cleaning toilets make daily routines easier and more enjoyable. These tech upgrades combine convenience with comfort, elevating the wellness retreat experience....

Easy-care design for stress-free living

Wellness extends to maintenance. Choose easy-to-clean surfaces, tile with minimal grout lines, and fixtures that are easy to clean. A bathroom that looks good and is easy to maintain will genuinely feel like a sanctuary....

Cost of creating a wellness retreat bathroom

A luxury bathroom remodel doesn’t come cheap. Depending on size and location, expect to invest between $30,000 and $60,000 for a turnkey remodel. Always work with an experienced bath designer, not just a general contractor, to ensure your new space is both stylish and functional....

Budget-friendly ways to create a bathroom wellness retreat

Not ready for a complete remodel? You can still bring a spa-like feel to your bathroom without spending tens of thousands of dollars. Try these affordable upgrades:...

Add a rainfall shower. For less than $100, you can swap your old showerhead for a rainfall model that mimics a spa shower.
Invest in plush towels and bath mats. High-quality textiles instantly add comfort and luxury.
Use calming paint colors. A fresh coat of soft blue, sage green, or warm earth tones can transform your bathroom mood.
Upgrade your lighting. Install a dimmer switch or add LED candles for a relaxing ambience.
Bring in greenery. Plants like aloe vera, peace lilies, or bamboo thrive in bathroom humidity and create a natural spa vibe.
Add an essential oil diffuser. Aromatherapy can help you relax while you’re soaking in the tub or showering.
Declutter and organize. A clutter-free bathroom instantly feels more serene. Use baskets, trays, or floating shelves to keep things tidy.

Even with small touches, you can create a calming environment that feels like your own retreat....

Related – Is a Bathroom Redo In Your Future?...

Outdoor Living, Ownership,

Keep Your Engines Purring With Fuel Stabilizers

Today’s engines are more efficiently engineered than ever before, but you should still protect them with fuel stabilizers. Engines run on gasoline containing some percentage of ethanol. But gasoline left unused for more than a month in a gas tank degrades, burns poorly, and can eventually even cause engine failure. There is a way to protect your yard equipment and seldom-driven vehicles so those engines keep running smoothly....

How gasoline degrades

Fresh gasoline begins to degrade in as little as three weeks. Gas stored in jugs or in machine tanks for long periods can turn to varnish. This is particularly true of any gasoline with ethanol, which is found in most gasoline in use today. ...

Fuel stabilizers are bottled additives that can be measured and poured into jugs of stored gasoline, as well as into the tanks of yard machines and seldom-driven vehicles. ...

These additives slow—but do not entirely prevent—the degradation of gasoline. There are also stabilizers for diesel fuel....

How to use fuel stabilizers

When adding stabilizer to stored gasoline, read the specified mixture ratio per gallon and pour that amount into the storage jug. Then fill the jug with gas. ...

If you’re adding it directly to the machine’s tank, pour in the stabilizer required for the tank’s capacity, then fill the tank. Start and run the engine for 10 minutes to distribute the stabilizer throughout the engine, carburetor, or injection system. ...

One more tip

For machines that go for long periods without use, such as lawn mowers, tractors, and weed trimmers during the winter months, it is a good idea to start them every few weeks and let them run for about 10 minutes. This keeps the system from building up varnish during dormancy. For vehicles, start them up and drive them around for 20 to 30 minutes. Not only does this keep the fuel system clean, but it also lubricates seals as engine oil flows through. ...

Brands of fuel stabilizers

There are several brands of stabilizers on the market, with Sta-Bil being the most well-known. Products are available at any auto parts store or big-box home-improvement center....

Home Technology, Ownership,

Don’t Send a Personal Invitation to Home Burglars

Many security articles focus on obvious steps to protect against home burglars, such as installing alarm systems. But there are also ways to keep your property safe by avoiding specific actions. Here are 10 things you can do to ensure you aren’t inviting the bad actors to your home....

Don’t make it easy for home burglars.

In addition to installing a monitored alarm system, simple prevention goes a long way. There are several practices you can follow that will encourage home burglars to move on....

10 preventative steps to protect your home:

Don’t hide a house key outside, especially in easy-to-guess places like under the doormat or in the mailbox. Believe it or not, some people think that no burglar would consider looking in those places. Really.
Keep shrubs cut low enough to reduce cover that burglars could use during a break-in.
Say no to on-all-night flood lights, and put them on motion detectors instead. These lights deter prowlers while reducing electricity costs.
Outdoor cameras should be positioned to avoid blind spots near bushes, trees, and outdoor structures.
Don’t leave window shades and blinds open at night, as they reveal your expensive home theater electronics or other valuables. Thieves could case your home from the street at night, then return during the day when you’re away at work.
Don’t leave a ladder outside, even in the backyard, where a thief can use it to climb to an upstairs window.
Lock upstairs windows. Don’t assume a burglar won’t try to access them.
When you get that new big-screen TV, don’t put the box at the curb beside the trash bin. You may as well say, “Come and get it!” Cut the box into smaller pieces and place them in the bin.
Wait to post your vacation beach photos on social media until after you return. Or set your page to “private.”
Eliminate most paper mail by switching to electronic statements. Otherwise, notify the post office to hold your mail while you are gone, or have a neighbor clear your box a couple of times during your week away.

Home Technology, Ownership,

Tech Devices for Emergencies – Must-Have Gadgets for Your Emergency Kit

Each year brings its share of natural disasters—from severe storms and floods to wildfires—often leaving families without power, cell service, or reliable communication. It’s essential to be prepared with the right tech devices for emergencies. These can be a lifeline, keeping you connected, safe, and informed when it matters most. From backup power supplies to emergency radios, here are the essential gadgets every household should include in an emergency preparedness kit....

Tech devices for emergencies: what to keep on hand

A backup power supply keeps your mobile phone charged. A backup battery or power bank charger with at least 10,000 mAh is good for two cell phone recharges before it needs recharging.
A solar-powered battery charger is a good backup when there is adequate sunshine.
Have plenty of charging cords with a variety of plug types, USB, and USB-C.
A hand-crank-powered radio with AM, FM, and NOAA weather bands can keep you informed indefinitely when there is no power.
A portable generator can power larger devices such as refrigerators, space heaters, or portable air conditioners. A dual-fuel generator runs on gasoline or propane.
Google Maps offers downloadable versions of specific maps that you can save. This comes in handy if cell service is down. Or you can go retro and order a hard-copy paper map online to keep in your emergency kit.

Other important tips for emergency preparedness

FEMA will send you emergency information specific to your area if you text keywords such as “Prepare” and “Shelter” to 43362....

Many metro and county governments offer mobile phone emergency alert services that you can sign up for. You will receive push notifications whenever severe conditions are possible. ...

It is important to keep devices dry and store them at the right temperature. A cell phone operates properly within a range of 32º to 95º Fahrenheit. If your cell phone gets wet, place it in a sealed Ziploc bag filled with rice to dry it out....

Store backup batteries and charger devices during non-emergency times in a cool, dry place, protected within a plastic storage container....

The American Red Cross offers a downloadable app that continues to operate even when cellular service is down. It contains potentially life-saving information....

Indoor Living, Ownership,

Indoor Air Pollution – Meet the Dirty Seven

There are many reasons for indoor air pollution in our homes. Most metro areas issue alerts when air pollution levels are high. We may be cautious about our outdoor activities to avoid poor air quality, but we should also consider that indoor environments can harbor harmful pollutants. Here are the seven most common sources of contaminated air in our homes and businesses....

The dirty truth about indoor air pollution

There are quite a few ways that your home’s interior can harbor harmful irritants. You may be surprised to find that some steps meant to improve your indoor air quality actually do more harm than good. Here are the dirty seven:...

Cooking is the most significant source of indoor air pollution. The aroma of your favorite foods is enticing, but smoke and certain gases are respiratory irritants. Consider converting to induction cookware and installing a ventilation fan that carries cooking odors outside. Additionally, opening a window while cooking can also help.
Dirty HVAC filters, clogged with dust and allergens from infrequent changing, increase the airborne particulate matter in your house and cause your system to labor harder to operate. Change or clean filters monthly. Consider upgrading your filters to a higher MERV rating, but consult your HVAC professional to ensure your system can handle the increased airflow required by denser filters. Not all can.
Pets bring us love and joy, along with nasal irritation from shedding hair and dander. Vacuum upholstery and floors often to keep the flying hair down.
Mold can grow in appliances and plumbing fixtures, as well as in any place that is continually wet. Drains, washing machines, and refrigerator water dispensers are all sources. Leave the door partly open for 30 minutes after washing a load of clothes or dishes. Keep showers, tubs, and sinks clean to prevent mildew from gathering. Leave the shower door open for 30 minutes after use.
Cleaners make surfaces shiny, but the chemicals can be respiratory irritants, especially if the label boasts of its germ-killing prowess. This usually means it contains bleach or other pungent agents to prevent pathogens. Use the cleaner sparingly or dilute it with water.
Now for the surprising pollutants: Lighting aromatic candles or burning incense may smell heavenly, but both produce smoke. They essentially release carbon emissions into your house! Use things that burn only for special occasions to limit your exposure.
Likewise, sprayed air fresheners, although they smell fragrant and mask odors, contain strong chemicals that can also irritate the breathing passages. It’s better to simply open windows for a while to banish odors and let fresh breezes naturally cleanse the air.

Money, Mortgage,

Crypto-Backed Mortgages—Get the Scoop on a Dawning Trend

Cryptocurrency has moved beyond the novelty stage and is increasingly accepted for transactions and investing; in fact, there are even crypto-backed mortgages. In mortgage lending, some mortgages are being collateralized by crypto assets rather than by the property itself. How do crypto-backed mortgages work?...

Cryptocurrency defined

Currency of any type is a common medium of exchange by which people transact business to buy and sell goods and services, rather than using a clunky barter system. Historically, early forms of money were gold and silver coins, followed by paper money backed by gold and silver held in reserves. Now, worldwide, money is simply backed by “the good faith and credit” of the issuing government. ...

Cryptocurrency is a new type of money, distinct from traditional physical forms like coins or bills, as it exists in digital tokens on computer servers. Transactions are recorded in online ledgers using blockchain technology....

Cryptocurrencies are purchased through exchanges. Some investment brokerage firms can help you with crypto transactions. ...

How do crypto-backed mortgages work?

In a traditional mortgage, the borrower goes through a mortgage credit approval process. The borrower pays a certain percentage down, such as 20%, and then the lender pays the seller the remaining 80% of the purchase price. The borrower pays back the loan over time, and the house serves as collateral under a Deed of Trust. ...

Crypto-backed mortgages share some similarities but also have key differences. First, the borrower must have a cryptocurrency portfolio equivalent to the full loan amount. Second, the lender may not require a down payment at all, although the borrower can make one if he so desires. The borrower pledges a cryptocurrency account as collateral for the loan rather than the house. The borrower pays back the loan in regular dollars. In the event of default, the lender seizes the cryptocurrency account rather than foreclosing on the property. The lender will then liquidate the crypto account into regular dollars to recover the loan....

What you should know

There are important considerations with crypto-backed mortgages:...

You must have a portfolio of cryptocurrency equal to or exceeding the expected loan amount.
You may not have to undergo as stringent a credit check as long as you have the loan value in cryptocurrency to pledge.
Mortgage approvals are faster—sometimes as little as 2 weeks—compared to 1 month or more for traditional mortgages.
Your crypto account will be held in an escrowed custody account and will not be available for transactions until the loan is paid in full.
You may be required to have purchased the cryptocurrency at least 60 days before the loan application.
There typically is no mortgage insurance premium on a crypto-backed loan.
Acceptance is slowly growing among mortgage lenders, although many traditional lenders remain on the sidelines, awaiting a better understanding of crypto valuation. Those making crypto loans accept established currencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, USD Coin, and Tether.

Outdoor Living, Ownership,

Grill Goodbye: Smart and Safe Ways to Dispose of an Old Barbecue Grill

Is your old barbecue grill past its prime? Whether it’s rusted, dented, or just plain worn out, figuring out what to do with an outdated grill can be a bit of a head-scratcher. Tossing it in the trash isn’t the best solution for your wallet or the environment. Instead, try one of these eco-friendly and creative ways to say goodbye to your grill....

Curbside giveaway: letting it go for free

You’d be surprised what people are willing to fix up. Put your old grill by the curb with a “Free” sign, and you may find it gone within hours. This is a simple, no-hassle way to pass it on to someone who may have a use for its parts or plans to give it new life....

Donating it: giving your old barbecue grill a second chance

If the grill still has some life left, consider donating it. Organizations such as Goodwill, the Salvation Army, and local thrift stores may accept used grills, especially if they’re repairable....

Just be sure to clean it up first and call ahead to confirm it can be donated....

Recycling it: breaking your grill down responsibly

Grills are made of metal, plastic, and, in some cases, electronic components. Most of these can be recycled, but not always at the same location. Here’s how to break it down:...

Remove and separate metal parts for scrap recycling.
Take plastic and electronic parts (like igniters or thermometers) to an e-waste facility.
Call your city’s recycling center for location-specific rules.
Repurposing it: turning your grill into garden art

Why toss your old barbecue grill when you can transform it? A grill’s firebox or lid can make a unique planter. Add a coat of outdoor paint, drill some drainage holes, and you’ve got yourself a quirky flower bed. It’s an eco-friendly conversation piece perfect for any backyard....

Not trashing it: avoiding the landfill

Avoid simply dumping your old appliance into the trash. Many grill components, like treated metal and plastic, don’t break down easily and can release toxins into the environment. There are safer, more responsible options. Recycling or reusing is always better....

A final word on propane tanks: handling with care

Never toss a propane tank in the trash! It’s flammable, toxic, and potentially explosive. Here’s what to do instead:...

Reuse: If your new barbeque uses the same type of tank, keep it.
Return: Many propane dealers offer buyback programs or trade-ins.
Recycle: Check with hazardous-waste centers or home-improvement stores like Lowe’s or Home Depot.

Related – Safety First When Grilling Great Food...

Outdoor Living, Ownership,

Get a Gorgeous Carpet of Grass by Laying Sod

Every homeowner loves a lush, green lawn, and the easiest way to get one is to lay sod. In a day’s work, you can go from a shabby lawn—or no lawn at all—to beautiful grass. Here are the essential steps to ensure your sod project pays off the way you hope....

Proper preparation is essential when laying sod

Sod is delivered as long, rolled-up strips stacked on pallets. Depending on the area to be covered, multiple pallets of sod will be delivered to your home. Before that day, however, you must prepare the soil:...

Completely remove any existing grass, weeds, and other organic material from the ground before laying sod. You may need to hire a landscape crew to use equipment to scrape the ground, removing the plant life down to the roots. Anything left will eventually spring up through your new sod, spoiling all your hard work and expense. Thereafter, you may spread fresh, new soil.
If your property slopes more than 1 foot for every 4 feet of distance, you may need it to be graded to level it out. Otherwise, runoff from heavy rain or sprinklers will exit your property and flow into a neighbor’s—or pool in your flowerbeds or against your home’s foundation. Leveling will also prevent ponding water in any mid-yard depressions.
Have your soil’s pH level checked. Contact a local nursery to inquire about testing kits or services. Learn the pH level required for the grass you want, then add mineral supplement spreads as needed.
You may also consider having loads of soil delivered to lay on top of your native soil, then lay your sod.
Measure the area carefully using those geometry skills you learned in school but thought you’d never use. Depending on the area’s shape, you may need to divide it into separate sections, calculate the area of each, and then add them together. Remember, the area of a square or rectangle is the width in feet multiplied by the height in feet. A triangular area is the base multiplied by the height, then divided by two.

Now it’s time to lay sod

The day has arrived to lay your sod! Be sure to:...

Have the pallets set out apart from each other across your yard, not all in one place. This cuts down on the distance you’ll have to carry sod or push a wheelbarrow from one side of your property to the other.
Lay the sod as soon as possible after delivery, preferably the same day. Lingering on the pallets causes it to dry out.
Roll out the sod with edges flush to avoid gaps. Use a sharp knife to trim away excess. Save remnant pieces for filling in gaps around borders and against structures.
Rent a grass roller and roll the grass, going in the same direction as the strips, to ensure the sod makes full contact with the underlying soil.

Important follow-up instructions

Following up after laying sod is just as important as the preparation and installation. The two-week rule applies:...

For two weeks, water the grass with about 1 inch of water in the early morning before the sun gets very high.
Walk as little as possible on the new lawn for two weeks, until the roots have a chance to penetrate down to the topsoil.
After two weeks, tug at the edges of the strips in a few places around the yard. If the roots have established themselves and the grass is getting tall, it’s time to mow. Use a walk-behind mower only. Set the cut high; don’t cut it short. If the roots are not established, wait another week and try again.

Home Technology, Ownership,

Are Your Smart Devices Listening to You?

We’ve all had an uneasy experience with our smart devices at some point. For example, you’re having a conversation with a friend when one of you mentions a particular product or service; shortly afterward, you get served an ad online for that very thing. Creepy! But are your various smart devices actually listening to you?...

Are your smart devices eavesdropping?

The answer to this is mixed, with somewhat conflicting responses. Mitigating factors include the type of tech company device you are using and what you are saying. Those devices include Amazon’s assistants, such as Echo and Dot, Apple’s Siri on all Apple devices, and Google Home. ...

Generally, Amazon, Apple, and Google all have practices in place designed to protect your privacy. That does not mean, however, that your conversations and other interactions are not being recorded and, possibly—although very unlikely—heard by human ears. Sometimes you inadvertently trigger the device to listen briefly by saying an errant word....

The main listening is done by algorithms that turn your voice commands, purchases, and third-party interactions into a tracking code to serve you more of the same. If you show interest in a product, you’ll receive ads for it....

Alexa, Siri, and Google Home passively listen for their “wake” word. They are supposed to activate active listening when their wake word, such as “Alexa” or “Siri,” is spoken. Then you will see the indicator light turn on, indicating that the device is activated....

Smart devices collect information about you, such as the products you order, the music you listen to, and the tasks you ask them to perform. The devices save that information, much like your browsing history online uses cookies for the same purpose....

Are your smart devices always engaged?

Do the devices ever listen without detecting the “wake” word? Passively, yes, while waiting for that word. But there are anecdotal reports that people having arguments or even couples engaged in intimacy have accidentally triggered devices, although the instances seem to be rare. ...

Researchers have analyzed smartphones and not found evidence of covert active listening. Plus, federal and state wiretapping and surveillance laws prohibit illicit activity....

Another uncertain source is third-party apps you may have downloaded, which, in their terms of service, may have given you access to your microphone without your knowing. Go to Settings, locate that app, and disable its microphone access. ...

Do real humans ever listen?

The tech companies claim that a very small percentage of recordings are used solely for language learning and performance. The conversations are not kept indefinitely and are supposed to be stripped of any identifying information. ...

Security measures

There are several steps you can take to protect your privacy as much as possible. ...

First, do what 99% of people never do: Read the privacy policy in the terms of use for your device and for third-party apps. This will reveal essential measures you can take:...

Clear the device’s cache of commands, recordings, and searches for the day.
Use the mute button on the device to pause a conversation.
Set up a strong password for your device and for the Wifi network and router in your home. Use two-factor authentication when possible. This last step is primarily for protecting you from hackers, rather than from the tech companies themselves.

Outdoor Living, Ownership,

Invasive Plants: The Ones That Take Over Your Yard

Some plants look beautiful in the garden center but can turn into a homeowner’s nightmare; soon, these invasive plants may spread aggressively, crowding out other flowers and shrubs, damaging structures, and creating long-term maintenance headaches. Here are six plants that require you to pause before adding them to your landscape....

Kudzu: the king of invasive plants

Kudzu spreads fast, covering fences, trees, and even houses if left unchecked. While some use it for erosion control, its aggressive growth has overtaken large stretches of roadsides across the Southeast. Planting kudzu at home is simply asking for trouble....

English ivy: a persistent groundcover

Although not as overpowering as kudzu, English ivy can smother flowerbeds, climb trees, and damage masonry. Once established, it’s tough to remove, requiring constant cutting back to keep it under control....

Wisteria: gorgeous but destructive

Wisteria’s cascading purple blooms are stunning, but its woody vines twist around fences and masonry, causing long-term damage. Without heavy pruning, it can easily overwhelm your yard....

Bamboo: fast-growing and hard to remove

Bamboo may seem like a great natural privacy screen, but it spreads underground through rhizomes and can grow up to a foot per day. Once it takes hold, bamboo is nearly impossible to remove completely....

Morning glory: charming but invasive

Morning glory’s trumpet-shaped blooms look sweet, but this plant quickly spreads and strangles nearby flowers. Consider a less-invasive option like honeysuckle for color without the takeover....

Ferns: lush but unruly

Ferns create a tropical feel, but once planted, they spread aggressively and are hard to eradicate. Before adding them to your landscape, check with your local nursery for less-invasive varieties....

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