How to decorate festively in a condo

(NC) Living in a condominium, townhome, or apartment shouldn't mean that you have to forgo festive holiday decorating. Some of this year's hottest décor trends come in very small packages - and with a little guidance you can create your very own Christmas in Condoland. Karen Sortino, a home organization specialist at Lowe's Home Improvement encourages condo dwellers to repurpose as much of their existing home décor as possible. This includes making use of your current colour scheme to achieve a festive impact.

"Holiday décor is no longer limited to the traditional green and red, many decorations are available in a range of colours that will match or compliment your existing colour pallet, including neutrals, metallics, and bolder tones." Sortino also has the following tips from decorating small spaces:

• Brighten hanging pictures by swapping the current image with ones that capture a special holiday moment.

• Attach evergreen to the top of the frame as an accent.

• Replace existing accent pillows, throw blankets, bathroom, kitchen and dining linens with ones that are holiday themed.

• Break out festive dishware and keep it on display throughout the season.

• Hang wreaths and garlands on walls, window wells and frames.

• Monogrammed hooks can be installed temporarily to hang stockings or wreaths to your walls and mantles, and crystals or ornaments can be dangled from ceilings using ribbon or clear fishing wire.

Many people also insist that a Christmas tree is essential to fostering holiday spirit and to suit varying needs, there are many options available such as miniature trees (natural or artificial), table top trees, or half trees that sit flush against your wall. There are even peel and stick Christmas tree wall decals.

For those who have space to spare, Sortino points out that Lowe's offers a beautiful 7 foot pre-lit Aspen fir pencil tree from GE that measures only 35 inch diameter. If you have a balcony or solarium, consider putting a tree outside and using outdoor lights. This will free up some living space and will look beautiful when dusted with a light coating of snow.

More holiday decorating ideas can be found at www.lowes.ca/holiday.

Finding your path to a secure financial future

Trying to find a secure savings path through market swings is similar to being on a safari. Imagine that you've just embarked on the adventure of a lifetime: a safari in Kenya. Now, imagine again if you had to choose between two ways of enjoying this adventure:



• Walking along a bush path in single file with an armed guide at either end, ready to protect you against any wild creature that might pounce from behind the high grasses. Of course your guides are well-trained, but there's always the chance that they might miss the shot.

• Up high off the ground in a large caravan truck with an open roof, safe and sound from any of the dangerous animals. Now you can enjoy the ride, secure in the knowledge that you'll be back to camp in one piece with a camera full of memories.

The second option is best, don't you think? And shouldn't your savings plan be just as secure? The simple answer according to Djamal Saleh, regional vice-president of Individual Savings Product sales with Desjardins Financial Security, is yes. While he admits that market fluctuations can make it hard to stay the course, it is possible to achieve the future of your dreams."These ups and downs can be compared to the peaks and valleys of a mountain range," says Saleh. "At least that's what market yields look like nowadays when you plot them on a graph. We all want to reach the top of the mountain and have different ways of getting there. Some of us like to tackle the steep slope without a harness or ropes. It'll be an exciting climb for sure, but the fall could be pretty brutal. This is why more cautious climbers will set solid anchors at regular intervals as they make their way to the top. So if they lose their footing, their fall will only be as far as the last anchor. They've built in peace of mind and security."

This analogy is particularly true for those looking to securely grow their retirement nest-egg. One solution that promises predictable returns is a term investment sold by insurance companies. Its key features are:

• Guaranteed minimum return or principal guaranteed at maturity

• Risk-free exposure to securities of well-established companies from the healthcare, financials and consumer staples sectors

• Higher return potential than fixed-interest term investments

• No portfolio management and no management fees

• Principal is 100% guaranteed at death

• Eligible for RRSPs, LIRAs, RRIFs, TFSAs and non-registered savings

For more information about this market-linked investment, speak with your financial advisor. Or for immediate answers, visit the Insurance and Savings section of the Desjardins Financial Security website at www.desjardinslifeinsurance.com.

Impromptu party planning: How to create great gatherings in 30 minutes or less

(BPT) - Parents have never been more crunched for time. Balancing work demands with parental duties is complex - 56 percent of working moms and 50 percent of working dads say they find it very or somewhat difficult to balance these responsibilities, according to a recent report about modern parenthood from the Pew Research Center. But just because you're time strapped doesn't mean you need to stress when it comes time to host after-school activities or weekend gatherings with friends and family. With a few key strategies, even impromptu parties are a snap to pull together.



Did your teen just call to tell you he's having the baseball team over for an Xbox live tournament tonight? Has a pop-up neighborhood party suddenly happened at your house? Did you forget about the Girl Scout meeting after school today? Whatever the reason, embrace spontaneous gatherings and go from zero to party in 30 minutes or less with these ideas:



Astounding activities



Great parties make everyone feel included, no matter how young or old. For spur-of-the-moment parties, gather your favorite board games and a few decks of cards to spread around on various tables. For outdoor gatherings, nothing beats classic lawn games like Frisbee, bocce, ladder ball or horseshoes. Groups are sure to gather to indulge in the fun, and lively conversation will inevitably follow.



To appeal to younger kids, create a makeshift theater stage with a blanket or shower curtain, and pile up costumes, hats and props. Even wallflowers are sure to bloom during this fun activity that inspires make-believe.



For teenagers, video games are ideal - just make sure your system, game options and high-speed Internet are ready for intensive group play and there are plenty of snacks on hand. Add some comfy pillows and throws so everyone can spread out and enjoy the friendly competition. Ask friends and neighbors to bring over their games too for even more variety.



Fantastic food



Time-crunched parents don't have to worry about fancy food when parties suddenly pop up; guests don't expect an elaborate meal. Take a no-nonsense approach by serving flavors everyone will love. Frozen appetizers you can pop in the oven and serve beside fresh seasonal items are ideal.



Bite-size foods are best for easy snacking. Bake some Farm Rich Mozzarella Sticks, which are made with 100 percent real mozzarella and lightly seasoned. Kids and adults alike will devour these snacks with a crispy coating and warm cheesy center. Add some zesty Farm Rich Jalapeno Peppers and everyone's taste buds will be dancing. These snacks, available at Walmart and other grocery stores, pair well with fresh seasonal fare, so set out fresh grapes or strawberries, juicy sliced melon or chopped veggies with dip - whatever you have on hand or can get quickly at the local market - and you'll have a spread that will disappear almost instantly.



Set the scene



There's no need to deep clean, but spending a few minutes to tidy up creates a welcoming environment for guests. Focus your efforts on areas where people will gather - like the kitchen, patio or living room. Don't forget to stock toiletries in the bathrooms, too.



If you have time, decorate for your last-minute shindig with simple yet clever decor. Hosting a video game gathering? Make a banner such as "Nelson's Awesome Arcade" and hang above the TV. Have memorable photos of your guests? Run a ribbon and attach photos side-by-side with clothespins so everyone can enjoy the fun imagery. Want to add a summer vibe to your party? Skip the florist and cut some fresh buds from your backyard. If you're stuck, a quick visit to Pinterest is sure to inspire.



When really strapped for time, skip decor and focus on the music - play songs everyone will enjoy and that reflect the theme of the party. Upbeat songs that embrace the warm weather always set the right mood. From the Beach Boys to the most current chart-toppers, some toe-tapping tunes will help guests get in the party groove.



With these tips and tricks, you'll throw a party or get together that'll make everybody happy. You'll stress less and no one will know you put the whole thing together in minutes.

DECEMBER 2014 MARKET UPDATE!

 December 2014

DeLena Ciamacco

Included in this blog post is a link to my Real Estate Update Newsletter. Please click on the link below to get the latest Real Estate Update for December! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call or email my office. 

614-882-6725

delena@delena.com

 http://realtytimes.com/193/DeLenaCiamacco

Help stave off sickness with citrus

(NC)-Like it or not, winter is here, and making healthy diet choices from morning 'til night is crucial to warding off aches and sore throats.

Your mother may have told you to take your vitamins, and she was right. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and a key nutrient that helps support a healthy immune system and aids your body's natural ability to fight colds and flu. Vitamin C can also help the absorption, transport and storage of some forms of iron.

"Having a glass of orange juice or a whole grapefruit as part of a healthy breakfast is an easy way to brighten your morning, provide a full day's supply of vitamin C and give your immune system what it needs to function at its best," says registered dietitian Lydia Knorr. "However, healthy eating doesn't have to stop at breakfast. Adding orange juice or a few slices of Florida grapefruit into your lunches and dinners is an easy way to help get your recommended 7-10 servings of fruits or vegetables daily."

Knorr also points out that citrus fruits and juices are versatile ingredients that fit easily into modern cuisine and add a boost of flavor to traditional winter fare. The following recipe incorporates Florida grapefruit juice as a fresh complement to a festive feast:

Grapefruit Coriander Mussels

2 tbsp (25 mL) butter

1 small onion, finely chopped

1 clove garlic, minced

1/3 cup (75 mL) chopped fresh coriander

1 tsp (5 mL) ground cumin

1 cup (250 mL) Florida grapefruit juice

Half red bell pepper, diced

1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced

1 bag (about 2 lbs/1kg) fresh mussels, rinsed

In large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Cook onion, garlic, half of the coriander and cumin for about 3 minutes or until softened. Add juice, red pepper and jalapeno; bring to the boil. Stir in mussels. Cover and cook for about 10 minutes or until mussels are open.

Sprinkle with remaining coriander before serving.

Makes 2 servings.

A fun approach to teaching kids nutrition wisdom

"The more parents can do to involve children in the process, the decisions on what they are eating and where their food comes from, the better off they will be at helping them learn reverence and appreciation for food," says Anni Daulter, professional cook, nutrition expert, and author of several books, including "The Organic Family Cookbook."



Here are some simple yet effective tips from Daulter to get your kids excited about nutrition and help them make good food choices:



1. Make mealtime special



"In our fast-paced lives, we have somehow lost the concept that eating is not just about the actual food. It's about the connection, the time spent enjoying every bite, laughing, talking and sharing. Our families need this time together," Daulter says.



Create a routine. Consider starting dinner at a similar time each night. Designate different nights for different types of meals, such as vegetarian Monday, or make-your-own pizza Saturdays. Have children help with the meal prep and cleanup, if age-appropriate. Light a candle during dinner, and allocate plenty of time for conversation - it's one of the best ways to bond with loved ones.



2. Adopt a healthy morning routine



While most families are time-crunched on weekday mornings, it's important to make time for breakfast so kids get the nutrition they need before heading to school. Healthy breakfasts incorporate whole grains, protein, fresh fruit, and supplements that support brain and body health.



"Supplements can be an easy way for mom and dad to ensure that their children get the important nutrients they need, especially during busy mornings," says Daulter. "I recommend giving kids a boost of brain-building nutrition with a kid-friendly omega-3 supplement. I like chewable, strawberry-flavored Nordic Naturals Children's DHA. This essential nutrient is brain food, proven to support brain growth and health. Additionally, omega-3s support a healthy immune and nervous system, too."



3. Create tasty school lunches



"When your children are fed better, they learn better," says Daulter. "Their bodies react to being fed good pure foods that give them the fuel they need to get through each and every school day."



Save time by making lunches the night before or do a big Sunday cut-and-chop day for raw ingredients throughout the week. Here is a sample of what you'll find in Daulter's children's lunch baskets:



Black Bean Soup Lunch

* Classic Caesar salad

* Homemade wheat parmesan chips

* Raw: Asian pears and clementines



4. Have healthy snacks on hand



"Kids bodies tend to be more in tune with their internal signals and they inherently seem to know that they need more little meals throughout the day, rather than three big meals," Daulter says. "Eating smaller portions frequently throughout the day provides more energy when we need it and is easier for our bodies to digest."



Daulter keeps several small kids tables throughout the house so her children can nibble on snacks while they continue to play. What sorts of things does she like to feed her kids for snacks? Nuts, homemade fruit roll-ups, pumpkin seeds, veggie popcorn, fresh fruits, carrot sticks, and cheese are all healthful snacks that keep kids' bellies full.



5. Teach healthy eating habits through activity



"My kids and their friends love to cook and help us prepare meals, and the more we include them in the process, the more invested they become in their own health," says Daulter.



You may be surprised by how excited your children get by being involved in the entire meal process. When you go to the grocery store or farmers market, have children help pick out veggies. If you grow your own, let them pick the produce and help wash, peel and prep it for meals.



"Even the youngest child can help mix in flour for fresh bread or learn to whip her own honey butter," says Daulter. "These tasty teachings will not only give them practical and valuable life skills, but will leave them with loving memories of family cooking days that were spent laughing, creating, and of course, eating!"

Gourmet cooking made easy

(NC)-When it comes to comfort foods, nothing quite compares to warm caramelized onions or stretchy melted cheese - and this appetizer has plenty of both. Created by TV host and cookbook author, Sabrina Tutino, these Mozzarellissima Pan-Seared Scallops with Caramelized Onions and Figs are sure to please any palate at your next get-together.



More tasty recipes can be found online at www.mozzarellissima.ca.

Makes: 4 to 6 servings

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 25 to 30 minutes

Ingredients:

olive oil, to taste

4 to 6 large sea scallops (approximately 1 lb (500 g))

2 large onions, finely chopped

salt and pepper, to taste

¾ cup (175 mL) brandy, to deglaze (or white wine, water or broth)

⅔ cup (150 mL) fig jam

8 oz (250 g) Mozzarellissima cheese, grated and divided

fresh parsley, to taste

Directions:

1. Preheat a non-stick frying pan over high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and place the scallops in the pan, ensuring they do not overlap. Sear scallops for a few minutes on each side without moving, until they are a nice golden color. Remove from pan and set aside.

2. In the same hot pan, add a drizzle of olive oil and toss in onions. Stir well to coat the onions with oil, and add a pinch of salt and pepper.

3. Cook the onions for a few minutes, stirring occasionally until they become soft and dark caramel in color. If they begin to stick to the pan, add a splash of brandy (or white wine, water or broth) to deglaze and continue cooking. This step can be repeated until the desired color is obtained.

4. Remove the pan from heat and thoroughly mix in the fig jam with the onions.

5. Place 4 to 6 ramekins on a cookie sheet, placing one scallop in each, topped with 1 tbsp (15 mL) of the onion and fig mixture. Sprinkle with grated Mozzarellissima.

6. Cook for 5 minutes on broil until cheese is melted and slightly golden brown in color.

7. Garnish with a sprinkle of parsley and serve.

Tips:

- For easier grating, put Mozzarellissima in the freezer for 20 minutes, then grate.

- Caramelized onions can also be used to add great flavor to soups, sandwiches or salads.

Steps for creating the ultimate game day space

Store away the things you don't need



Since this space is likely to have quite a few visitors, it's essential that you can always find what you need and your buds have plenty of space to celebrate. Tip one: Never lose the remote. Velcro works great for securing the remote to a designated space on the wall; that way it's always in the right place. Tip two: cut back on the clutter. Consider installing some shelving units - nothing says team pride more than painting the selves in your team's colors. If you don't have the space, consider purchasing furniture pieces that do double work, such as a storage ottoman with a hidden mini-fridge or a chair with a built-in cooler.



Add some team spirit



Your favorite team doesn't have an ivory colored locker room, so why does your man cave? Embrace your team colors with a fresh coat of paint, a simple and cost-effective way to update your space. If your team has bright colors, consider painting a few items or striping the walls so it is not too overpowering. When painting the walls, pick up a Purdy White Dove roller cover. It's especially great for applying paint to large areas and can be easily cleaned and ready for multiple colors. White Dove covers work with all paints and exterior stains, especially where a smooth, lint-free finish is desired.



Allow your collections to manifest



Whether you enjoy building mini airplanes or have a slight movie obsession, make the space your own and showcase that plane collection, baseball memorabilia or movie theme. Having a place to enjoy your hobbies and your friends is a smart way to save space and showcase what you love. If you don't have any collections, consider hanging a few posters of the hometown teams. Looking to brag a little more? Create a custom banner symbolizing your championship last year in your fantasy football league.



Create your own halftime activities



You could sit there and watch the commentators and commercials for 20 minutes, or you can add some fun and competitive spirit to your man cave. If you have a small space, consider breaking out games like darts or cards. If you have more space, think about incorporating some larger games such as a vintage pinball machine or a pool table in the room.



Feed your friends



Designate an area of the man cave for food and beverages. To really set your space off, consider a vintage-styled popcorn machine or hot dog roller cooker. A slow cooker is also a game day essential for making chili. Sport themed plastic bowls are great for snack foods such as pretzels and chips.



By following these simple tips, the guys will be enjoying the game and your awesome space in no time.

Enhance your wedding with memorable aromas

The ceremony. The fragrance we inhale during any important event often becomes inextricably linked with our memories of that event. In fact, the scents that your guests encounter when they first enter the wedding venue are no less important than the decorations they see. So pick a scent that you want the wedding to be remembered by. Take cues from the style of your gown, the time of year and the setting. Here are some examples of how you might match essential oils to your event:

* Elegant little white dress during the warm season (especially outdoors) is the perfect stage for fresh aromas such as citrus (bergamot, sweet orange, grapefruit) and orange flower (neroli).

* Traditional lace dress with tulle and train in a church setting trends toward timeless rose and jasmine underpinned with the balsamic, resinous scents of frankincense and sandalwood.

* Bold color dress choice in an autumn or wintertime setting equals luscious aromas of spice and fruit, coriander, cardamom, tangerine and Mandarin orange.

The reception. You'll want to stay very low key here. Since aroma and taste are so intricately intertwined, you don't want to introduce outside aromas that might clash with the flavors and aromas produced by any food you're serving. There may be opportunities for subtle citrus or spice scents - perhaps at an isolated drink or snack table - but for the most part, let the aromas of the food prevail.

The dance. When the tables are cleared, and it's time to kick up your heels, reinforce the change by introducing a distinct party aroma. Take a cue from the kind of music you're offering:

* String quartet and elegant classical music: sophisticated cedarwood, balsamic myrrh, and earthy vetiver, sweetened with a generous dose of sweet orange.

* Lively dance band: tangy-sweet lime, bergamot, sweet orange, and spicy, candy-like fennel, anise and coriander seed.

* DJ spinning contemporary tunes: invigorating peppermint, spearmint, and uplifting citrus (lemon, sweet orange).

Diffusion is the key to designing an aromatic ambience at your wedding. This can be accomplished using a variety of apparatus that feature a fan and/or heat to propel the evaporation of the essential plant oils into the air. Simply place the oils in the device according to the instructions and add more as needed. Visit www.auracacia.com for more tips on using essential oils as well as a wide selection of plug in diffusers, vaporizers, candle lamps and essential oils.

By considering aroma - along with color, sound and flavor - during the planning stages of your celebration, you can create a complete and memorable impression on your big day.

Bring your house up to date

It's amazing how quickly our homes can start to look dated. Even if they were once the height of fashion, they can easily start to feel stuck in the past, and for many people it is enough to make them consider moving, unaware that it is simply the fact that things feel stale that is giving them such wanderlust.



There is plenty that can be done, easily and cheaply, to make a house feel more modern though. A change of paint is always a great way to start. Finding out the colors that are currently in vogue is a great way to instantly transform a room. On top that, interesting and modern artwork and contemporary knick knacks will also instantly bring a room up to date.



Home lighting is also a surprisingly date-specific kind of thing. Older light fittings will instantly date any room, and changing glaring halogens to more subtle accent lighting can instantly change the feel of a room without anything else being needed. Altering home lighting is also easy to research and cheap to achieve, making one of the perfect places to start if a house is starting to feel jaded. The more you can spend on lighting, the better.



Wooden floors are also a great way to stay modern. On top of this, utilizing a wooden floor gives you great scope to include under-floor heating, an investment that will almost certainly pay for itself in terms of how much money can be saved on energy bills. Under-floor heating also helps you remove what are usually unsightly radiators and give rooms more space - another way to make any room feel more modern.



If you can, make as much space as possible, knocking down walls to create more space if it is appropriate. Space and lighting combined will make even the dullest room feel fresh and new.



By: Allision Kraft

http://www.articlecity.com/articles/home_improvement/article_7221.shtml

NOVEMBER 2014 MARKET UPDATE!

 November 2014

DeLena Ciamacco

Included in this blog post is a link to my Real Estate Update Newsletter. Please click on the link below to get the latest Real Estate Update for November! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call or email my office. 

614-882-6725

delena@delena.com

 http://realtytimes.com/192/DeLenaCiamacco

Style and function: key elements of today's kitchen

(BPT)-When your family comes home

The kitchen is also where you prepare meals, entertain guests, help your children with homework and even stay up late to pay bills. Because the kitchen is the hub of the home, homeowners are always looking for ways to do more in this vital space, all while keeping it stylish.



One of today's most popular trends in new and remodeled kitchens is the use of multiple kitchen faucets, which add extra functionality to the room.



"Pot fillers, island faucets and even bar or convenience faucets all help to maximize the room," says Kevin McJoynt of Danze, a manufacturer of decorative plumbing faucets and fixtures. "But convenience and functionality aren't the only two items homeowners are looking at while upgrading their kitchens. Ambiance, decor and style are also top priorities."



If you're reconsidering your kitchen's function and style, consider adding these options into your remodeling plan:



Pot fillers

These faucets are located near your stove to provide you with a convenient way to fill a pot without having to carry it to the nearest sink. This saves plenty of back-breaking work and minimizes the likelihood of spills. Pot fillers are commonly found in the restaurant industry and have quickly made their way into private kitchens across the country. They are available as a wall mount or deck mount. Find a style that matches your appliances and other faucets in the room.



Island faucets

Usually acting as second sinks, island faucets help avoid congestion at the main sink and are a great way to increase a kitchen's workflow. Because island sinks are frequently used for preparation, they are sometimes referred to as prep sinks. Homeowners commonly use this workspace for cutting vegetables, chilling wine or washing hands prior to a meal. Choose a faucet style and finish that complements the room's decor and adds an eye-catching decorative piece to an otherwise "ho-hum" island. Danze has several pull-down or pull-out faucets with three functions - spray, stream and pause - giving your island workspace additional functionality.



Bar faucets

Also referred to as a convenience sink or a beverage center, this area is typically used for entertaining purposes and is often located on a secondary counter space in the kitchen or adjacent room. Danze offers a variety of bar faucets, including high-arc options, small-scale faucets and several others. Choose a style that will make this space "entertaining." Visit Danze.com for more kitchen solutions.



Make your "'heart of the home" work for you as you plan your kitchen design. But remember, you don't need to sacrifice style in the process.

It's up to everyone to take action to help protect the nation's waterways

The Colorado River brings this global issue home. Stretching across seven states, it serves more than 30 million people-- or nearly 10 percent of Americans - for their freshwater needs. But it no longer reaches the sea, with the last 90 miles nearly all dried up. In fact, it was named the "Most Endangered River in America," by conservation group American Rivers.



Many businesses and organizations are setting up water conservation projects and asking for your help for the Colorado River, among other water efforts. Silk(R), the brand known for its best-selling soymilk, almondmilk and coconutmilk, has joined forces with National Geographic Society, Bonneville Environmental Foundation and Participant Media on Change the Course, a group project to conserve fresh water and preserve the ecological health of the heavily-dammed, diverted and overused Colorado River.



To help raise awareness of the Change the Course movement, Silk is challenging people to pledge to reduce water consumption at ReuniteTheRiver.com. Each pledge made will restore 1,000 gallons of water to the Colorado River, working to make the river healthy again.



To encourage pledges, Silk enlisted 3-D pavement artist Kurt Wenner to make a visual representation of the depleted Colorado River. The expansive art installation, totaling 32 feet by 64 feet of space, offers a visual understanding of the depleted Colorado River to help raise awareness for water conservation efforts. Unveiled in downtown Chicago in June, the installation drew hordes of people and led to nearly 1,000 new pledges.



In addition to efforts by businesses such as Silk, homeowners can also help contribute to water conservation efforts by making simple lifestyle changes such as:



* Appliance use - The toilet, washing machine and dishwasher are among the highest water-consuming appliances in a household. Only run the washing machine and dishwasher when full to make the most use of the water being consumed.



Manufacturers of these appliances have made great strides in developing new technologies that consume less water. For example, there are toilets that use less than two gallons of water per flush.



* Gardening and lawn care - Most landscaping plants only need an inch of water each week. If there is a sprinkler system installed, add a sensor to it that turns the sprinkler on only when rain hasn't fallen for a set amount of time.



Installing a rain gauge in the yard or edge of the flower bed can help accurately measure how much water has fallen in a week.



Every household can help join the water conservation movement, bringing life back to rivers and waterways across the country and preserving freshwater resources. Take action now. For more information, visit ReuniteTheRiver.com.

Three helpful tips for renting out your home

(NewsUSA) - Home ownership has always been a part of the American dream, but that may be changing.



According to an online survey commissioned by the National Apartment Association, 76 percent of consumers think that renting is preferable to owning a home in today's market.



Likewise, some homeowners believe it's better to rent out their home than to sell it for less than its worth, if they can sell it all. Those considering renting out their property shouldn't make a hasty decision. Neglecting to weigh the costs and potential risks could put first-time landlords in a poor situation. Moco, Inc., a company that provides screening services to property owners, managers and employers throughout the United States, offers the following tips:



* Look at the numbers. Renting might not be the best option. If you're going to lose money each month, it might make more sense to sell, even if you won't get your asking price. Consider all potential costs, including property taxes, income taxes on your tenants' rent, maintenance, and the normal wear and tear your property will experience. Remember that you won't be able to pocket all of the rent money; you will have to put a portion of it back into the property.



* Find quality tenants. Nightmare tenants can be, well, a nightmare. Prepare for a careful screening process. Many private landlords can't access the quality screening products available to larger businesses without going through a lengthy certification process. However, you can avoid time and expense by asking your applicants to visit MyScreeningReport.com. The report includes a consumer credit report, SSN verification, comprehensive criminal search, eviction search, national sex offender registry search and an OFAC (federal terrorism database) search - everything you need to determine whether a potential tenant meets your standards.



* Use an all-encompassing lease. Whether you use a template or hire an attorney to write your lease, make sure that the lease clearly states your expectations. The lease should state who is responsible for what, when you expect rent to be paid and what penalties you will impose if it is late.



For more information, visit www.MyScreeningReport.com.

Cool weather crops are hot this fall

The growing season isn't over with the arrival of cool weather. Until the first hard frost hits, you have plenty of time to plant, pick and plate cool-weather crops. You'll save yourself some money in the grocery's produce aisle too.



Fall is a great time for gardening thanks to cooler, milder temperatures, a decrease in garden pests, and moister, well-draining soil. These conditions make it ideal for crops that prefer cooler weather. Some vegetables taste even better when nipped by light frost.

July through August is the optimum time for planting cool crops, so don't delay. Planting in summer ensures crops will have time to mature before the first freeze in fall. Choose varieties that mature quickly; you can find the days to maturity on plant tags. Starting with transplants, rather than seed, will help make the growing process much easier.

If you've been diligent in your garden all summer, you won't have much work to do preparing it for cool crops. If your garden got a little ahead of your efforts, don't worry. It won't take long to get it into tip-top shape for a second season of planting. Just follow these simple steps:

Tidy up

Remove spent plants, like early planted beans, cucumbers or lettuce, since they're pretty much done for the season and can harbor pests. Clear away holes left from pulling plants, and get rid of weeds before they go to seed. Throw away anything distressed and compost the rest.

Discard any fallen fruits, rotting produce can attract pests. Take note of where everything was planted so you can be sure to rotate crops.

Set up the soil

Freshen garden soil by removing the existing layer of mulch and replace it. Straw makes an excellent cover because it's easily scattered, it's also a favorite home for spiders that will help control insect pests in your garden. You can also use a layer of shredded leaves for mulch.

Loosen compacted soil and fluff it up with a garden fork. Major tilling isn't necessary; just move soil enough to allow new plant roots to settle in and let water get through. Test soil (you can buy a testing kit at most garden retailers) to see if it needs help. Add amendments, if needed. At the very least, work some compost in where your plants will be growing.

If you'll be using a cold frame or hoop, set it up early so that it'll be ready to go when you need it and you won't risk damaging plants and roots once they begin to grow.

Pick your plants

Starting with transplants will buy you lots of time. Since plants are six weeks or older when you put them in the ground, you'll harvest sooner than if you start from seed. Look for transplants from an established grower, like Bonnie Plants. Sold in biodegradable, environmentally friendly pots, you'll find fall varieties selected for your geographic region at most local garden retailers.

Here are some top crops for fall planting:

* Top bunch collards - This hybrid is heavy yielding, early maturing, and more uniform than traditional varieties. They grow best in full sun, tolerate partial shade, are rich in vitamins and sweetened by frost. Space transplants 36 inches apart.

* Spinach - A cool-weather vegetable related to beets and Swiss chard, Bonnie's Spinach is a fast-growing plant, yielding many leaves in a short time in fall. Although spinach prefers full sun, it's one of the few vegetables that produce a respectable harvest in partial shade.

* Winterbor kale - This nutritious leafy green is a vigorous producer that endures winter easily. Cut the outer leaves so that the center can continue growing. Space transplants 12 inches apart.

* Early dividend broccoli - Popular, productive and easy to grow, this broccoli is high in fiber and calcium. Space transplants 18 inches apart.

* Mustard greens - Offering spicy hot leaves, this is a very fast-growing, nutritious vegetable, and always tastes sweeter when nipped by frost. Space plants 12 inches apart.

* Bonnie hybrid cabbage - Grows large, round, blue-green heads. Cabbage is especially high in beta-carotene, vitamin C, K and fiber.

Get started now to ensure your fall harvest is healthy, hefty and fulfilling. With preparation, the right plants and some diligence, you can bet on fresh, low-cost produce well into fall.

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