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February 5th, 2015 at 4:00 pm

DIY safe

Whether you have high-priced valuables to hide or you’re looking to store some spare cash in a location where your kids won’t look for it, creating a home safe is easier than you think. In fact, you can use many items in your own home to create a clever, discreet hiding place. To figure out what might work best for you, look around your home. What are the areas you know won’t attract much attention? A few of the options below are great for hiding your valuables in plain sight.

  1. Use your electrical outlet. This step-by-step guide from Instructables.com gives you an overview of how to complete this project. You’ll want to widen the area used for the cut-in box to hide valuables underneath. When you need them, simply remove the outlet cover.
  2. Secret book safe. Start by choosing a book that is thick enough. Select which page you’d like to be the first cut out page and firmly hold down the edges while you glue the remaining pages together. After the glue has dried, cut through the layers using an X-ACTO knife. Brush glue along the inside edges and allow to dry before storing your valuables. (more…)

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January 29th, 2015 at 4:00 pm

Save energy in your kitchen

Energy conservation is on the forefront of many of our minds. Who wouldn’t want to save a few dollars on their utility bill when possible? When it comes to increasing your energy efficiency, the kitchen is a great place to start. Think of all those appliances and just how much energy they must be using. You can start by making a few small changes, or if you happen to be remodeling, it might be time for larger ones. Here is a list of changes you can start making today to increase your energy efficiency and save money.

Lighting

When it comes to lighting, perhaps one of the most impactful things you can do is make sure you turn off kitchen lights when you’re not in the room. Too often we leave lights on when we don’t need to. Replace your standard light bulbs with energy-efficient bulbs. You can find these right alongside standard bulbs, typically labeled with an Energy Star.

Extra credit: Replace your light fixtures with energy-efficient features. (more…)

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January 22nd, 2015 at 2:00 pm

Leaky-faucet

Leaky faucets are a common problem in the homeowner world. Before you call the plumber in for any major repairs, try fixing the faucet on your own with these easy-to-follow instructions.

  1. Remove the handle. Unscrew the screw attaching the faucet handle. Note that it may be under a decorative cover that you’ll need to pry off.
  2. Use a wrench to tighten the packing nut. Find the nut at the base of the handle’s stem. This could be the root of your leak. Tighten nut and see if your leak has stopped. If not, proceed to step 3. (more…)

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December 24th, 2014 at 10:00 am

Kitchen Innovation

Technology is a part of our everyday life. It’s changed the way we travel, work, communicate and so much more. It seems there are few things in our daily routines that haven’t been simplified and streamlined by technology. If you’re anything like us, there’s one place where we could always use a little more convenience and a little more organization: the kitchen.

See some of our favorite kitchen innovations in the latest issue of Prestige. This equipment is not only a timesaver, but also a conversation starter when you’re next entertaining.

 

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December 23rd, 2014 at 10:00 am

Fireplace safety

Few things are quite as cozy as sitting next to a warm fire. Now that cooler weather has arrived and the holidays are almost here, you might be ready to light a fire in your own fireplace. Most Southern California residents probably don’t use their fireplace year round. These tips will help you to stay safe when you’re using your fireplace.

  1. Keep up with your fireplace’s maintenance. Have it checked and cleaned annually. Neglecting to clean your fireplace can result in a chimney fire. Be sure to also clear the area around your fireplace of any flammable debris.
  2. Between inspections, monitor your fireplace for soot buildup. (more…)

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