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Upgrading your dream oasis

Family Features Picture this: You’ve purchased your home. You’re on the land you’ve dreamt about and you’ve got great ideas to turn your property into the personal oasis you’ve always wanted. As you consider developing your land, building with environmentally sensitive choices becomes more important than ever. According to LightStream’s 9th Annual Home Improvement Trends Survey, more than 93% of homeowners see the benefits of undertaking renovations that have positive environmental impacts. Yet, one of the top barriers to making eco-friendly upgrades is that people ...

Seven recommendations for venturing out alone

Family Features Whether you’re a lone wolf at heart or looking to broaden your sense of independence, traveling solo can be a richly empowering and satisfying experience. Setting out on your own has many practical advantages. You’re not worrying about accommodating another’s schedule, interest or needs, and you’re free to decide what you want to do and when. Solo travel also elicits some mental and emotional benefits, as you experience a unique sense of freedom, liberation and self-sufficiency. If you’re considering a solo journey, consider these tips from the book “101+ ...

Start your genealogy journey today

Genealogy fascinates much of the general public. The number of people learning more about their families and heritage through genealogy increases year to year. According to FamilyTree.com, genealogy is the second only to gardening as the most popular hobby in the United States. People explore genealogy for many reasons, including learning about their ancestry. A rundown of the basics of genealogy can make such pursuits more enjoyable. Genealogy and family history are subtly different Genealogy is a line of descent traced continuously from an ancestor, while family history is ...

‘Bridge’ your way to social security with savings

By Liz Weston NerdWallet Delaying the start of Social Security retirement benefits can dramatically increase your monthly benefit and your lifetime income. But how do you pay the bills in the meantime? Using your 401(k) or other retirement savings as a “bridge” may be the best option, even if it means spending down your savings at a rapid rate. You can create a bridge on your own, but researchers suggest it may be more beneficial for employers to offer this option in the future. Here’s why a bridge could help you save money — and how to build one. Delaying the start of ...

Easter dinner

Happy Easter from the Kitchen! Easter dinner growing up wasn’t really very different from any other Sunday dinner except on Easter there were baskets of goodies for us. The meal usually was baked ham, mashed potatoes, filling, gravy and either sweet corn or beans. Also, deviled eggs because we had chickens, too. I think the meals back then were appreciated so much more because we dug those potatoes, husk the corn and helped care for the hogs. Good memories. Good meals. Good work ethics. Today, I shop as local as possible. Here’s my recipe for baked ham. Either a half or ...

A hoppy Easter cake

Culinary Warmer days at the start of spring mean Easter is almost here, and the big bunny himself will be hopping around in no time delivering goodies. This Easter, celebrate with your loved ones with a delicious and colorful Easter Bunny Butt Cake. It can bring smiles and laughter while putting everyone in a light, joyful mood. This cake is fun and bright with a fluffy, moist interior. Complete with chocolate candy eggs, shredded coconut and chocolate chips for little bunny toes, this recipe goes all out to paint a picture of the Easter bunny. This cake is worth every step. ...