Jan. 6, 2021

Delicious Hot Drinks for Winter

Whether you live where the winter temps stay chilly day and night, or you live in a milder clime, where a warm nighttime beverage is just the ticket, here are five recipes for deliciously hot drinks that each offer a twist on favorite wintertime beverages.

Hot Apple-Cranberry Cider

4 cups apple cider
4 cups cranberry juice (not cranberry cocktail)
Brown sugar to taste
4 cinnamon sticks
Pinch of whole cloves

Combine apple cider and cranberry juice in a large pot. Add brown sugar to taste if you like a sweeter cider. Add cinnamon sticks and cloves. Bring to a boil and then simmer for 5-10 minutes. Strain to remove spices and serve warm.

Easy Hot Chai Tea Apple Cider

Combine chai tea (regular or decaf) and apple cider to make a quick sweet-and-spicy treat.

1 chai tea bag
1 cup apple cider

In a microwave safe mug, microwave apple cider on high for 1-2 minutes, or until hot. Add chai tea bag and let steep 3-5 minutes.

Peanut Butter Hot Chocolate

8 oz. milk (or non-dairy milk)
1 Tbsp. smooth peanut butter
1 Tbsp. cocoa powder
1 Tbsp. sugar or equivalent sweetener

Toppings: Chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, whipped cream

Heat milk in a saucepan over medium heat until it just starts to simmer. Add peanut butter, cocoa powder, and sugar. Whisk together until dissolved. Remove from heat, and top with whipped cream, and chocolate chips.

Quick Nutella Coffee

2 tsp. Nutella
1 cup hot coffee
Half-and-half or milk (optional)
Whipped cream

Start with a hot cup your favorite freshly brewed coffee. Add Nutella and stir until it melts. Add milk or half-and-half to taste and top with whipped cream.

Hot Chocolate with Toppings

Hot chocolate with melted snowman Try these hot chocolate recipes and experiment with the many fun toppings options.

Hershey’s “Perfectly Chocolate” Hot Cocoa – A sweet and yummy cocoa recipe with many variations
Bon Appetit’s Best Hot Chocolate – A super rich and decadent hot chocolate
Simple Hot Cocoa for One – A delicious, chocolaty (but not too sweet) treat for one

Toppings

Crushed peppermint or candy canes
Caramel sauce or caramel pieces
Sweetened coconut flakes
Candy sprinkles
Cocoa puff cereal
Chocolate cookie crumbles Peanuts

Bonus Topping

Make some Marshmallow Snowman Toppers to add for fun or to delight a loved one:

Large marshmallows
Pretzel sticks
Candy corn
Chocolate syrup (or cake decorating gel)

Connect three marshmallows with pretzel sticks, then add the pretzel sticks for arms (and legs if you want). Add candy corn for the nose. Use melted chocolate or cake decoration gel to add eyes, mouth, and buttons.

Posted in Lifestyle

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Jan. 4, 2021

Should I Buy a Home Warranty?

Thinking of buying a home warranty? Here are questions to ask and information to help you decide if a home warranty is right for you.

When you purchase a home warranty you get a year-long service contract that covers the cost of repairing or replacing many important home systems and appliances in your home when they fail. Plans can include plumbing, electrical, heating, air conditioning, as well as major kitchen and household appliances you use every day.

Like most people, you probably already have homeowners insurance. Many people choose a home warranty to complement homeowner’s insurance, which protects the structure of your home against damage from things such as fire, storms and severe weather, vandalism, and accidents, but which doesn’t protect other items in your home that break over time.

With a home warranty plan, when a covered item breaks:

Call your home warranty provider to request service
They’ll dispatch a prescreened contractor to fix the covered item
In most cases, all you pay is a low service fee for the visit

And if a covered appliance or system can't be fixed, the home warranty company should replace it with similar equipment. Having coverage like this can add up to hundreds and thousands of dollars saved per year, plus someone else dealing with the hassle of finding a qualified contractor to fix the problem.

Is a Home Warranty Right for You?

When you consider if you should buy a home warranty, here are a few things to think about:

1. Are you on a tight budget?

Some experts suggest you should budget $1 for every square foot of your home each year to pay for home repairs and replacements. Other suggest saving 1% of your home’s cost (or value) in a yearly home maintenance fund. While it’s a great idea to have money set aside for unexpected (and even expected) expenses, putting aside thousands of dollars each year may not be feasible for many people.

With a home warranty you can rest easy knowing that if a covered appliance or system breaks, your budget is protected.

2. Do you have an older home?

You may have more reason to consider a home warranty if your home and its appliances aren’t brand new. Manufacturer warranties for new appliances typically last a year, but if you purchase with a credit card that includes extended warranty coverage that can add another year.

Home systems and appliances vary in their lifespan, but like many things, they often don’t last like they used to. How long can you expect your home systems and appliances to last? It depends, as reliability varies from brand to brand, but here are some general guidelines about how long things last.

3. Are you selling your home?

A home warranty can be a great way to help make your listing stand out against the competition. It can help the buyer feel more confident about purchasing your home, and submitting their best offer. Finally, a home warranty can help prevent the sale from being derailed or postponed if a covered item breaks down during the transaction. Ask your real estate agent for pricing and details.

4. Are you buying a home?

Buying a home can leave your budget a little tight for at least the first year. A home warranty is a great way to protect you from the unexpected expense of home system and appliance breakdowns. Plus, you’ll have an easy, time-saving way to find service providers when a covered item breaks. There are special home warranty plans for home buyers, so ask your agent for more information.

What Does a Home Warranty Cover?

When shopping for a home warranty, one of the first things you should check is to make sure it includes the items you need covered. Are you worried about appliances breaking? Many plans cover essential home appliances including your dishwasher, stove, refrigerator, washer, and dryer. Is your home older? Look for plans that cover systems such as plumbing, electrical, and heating.

Home warranty plans also offer optional coverage for items such as air conditioning, pools or spas, well pumps, and more.

Appliances	HVAC Systems	Plumbing System	More Systems
Kitchen Refrigerator	Central Air Conditioning	Stoppages	Electrical System
Washer & Dryer	Heating System	Leaks and Breaks	Central Vacuum
Oven Range & Cooktop	Ductwork	Water Heaters	Ceiling Fans
Dishwasher	Thermostats	Toilet Tanks & Bowls	Attic & Exhaust Fans
Built-in Microwave		Sump Pump	Garage Door Openers
Garbage Disposal			Pool & Spa Equipment
Trash Compactor			Well Pumps

Is a Home Warranty Worth It?

If you’re buying or selling a home, there are special plans design to cover homes involved in a real estate transaction. You can see sample coverage for real estate home warranty plans, or ask your real estate agent for pricing and details.

When determining if buying a home warranty makes sense for you, it can be helpful to know the life expectancy for your home’s systems and appliances, and the costs to repair or replace those items. Here are some average costs for what you’d pay for repair or replacement bills without a home warranty:*

Home Systems:

Air Conditioner: $924 to $3,270
Heating System: $794 to $2,990
Plumbing: $473 to $1,130
Electrical System: $418 to $1,650

Home Appliances:

Refrigerator: $1,338 to $3,090
Oven/Range: $1,246 to $3,413
Washer/Dryer: $729 to $1,454
Dishwasher: $682 to $1,560

So what can you expect to pay for a home warranty? Home warranty costs depend on a number of factors, including where you live, the number and type of items covered, and if the home is involved in a real estate transaction. In general, however, basic home warranty coverage for homeowners starts at around $300 per year. You can easily get a quick home warranty quote to see what coverage could costs for your home.

Home warranty plans for home buyers and sellers in real estate vary even more in cost and coverage, so check with your real estate agent full details.

What isn’t Covered by a Home Warranty

A home warranty can protect your budget when inevitable breakdowns happen to essential home appliances and systems from normal wear and tear. But like insurance and other types of warranties, home warranty plans don’t cover everything.

For example, home warranties don’t cover:

Items that are already broken
Cosmetic damage
Misuse, neglect, or improper installation
Changing or modifying home’s structure

Learn more about home warranty plan coverage limits.

Find a Home Warranty That’s Right for You

Bottom line, if you want to protect your budget, don’t want to deal with the hassle of finding a qualified professional when things break, don’t have savings to cover expensive home system and appliance repairs, or your home systems and appliances aren’t brand new, buying a home warranty could be a good choice for you.

Posted in Home Buyers

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Jan. 4, 2021

Tips for Buying the Right Kitchen Appliances

Buying major kitchen appliances can be almost as overwhelming as buying a new car. There are so many choices, and an ever-evolving stream of new features and technology. Here are five tips that can help your decision-making when you’re ready to shop for new kitchen appliances, along with some of the latest features you may want to consider for three major kitchen appliances: dishwasher, oven, and refrigerator.

1. Ready, Set, Budget!

You can find quality, reliable kitchen appliance brands and models in almost every price range. Things such as finishes (stainless costs more), features, high-tech, and capacity will definitely drive prices up, however. Deciding your budget before you start shopping can help narrow down your options, and keep your spending on track.

When you consider your appliance budget, think about how long you’re going to be in your home. If you’re simply replacing an old dishwasher in a house you plan to sell in a few years, you might not want to spring for a high-end model. If it’s your dream-kitchen remodel, however, the extra expense may be worth it.

2. Avoid Buyer’s Regret – Don’t Impulse Buy

It’s easy to be tempted by a big sale, new features, or great design. Before you’re tempted to buy, however, think about what your household needs, who will be using the appliances, and how they’ll be used. Then, just as you would when shopping for a new car, it is wise to do a little research.

Not a fan of shopping? Find a friend or family member who likes to shop and ask for their help. This can help prevent the temptation to buy the first thing that looks good.

3. Find Reliable Appliance Brands

It really pays to do your homework and find which appliance brands (and types) are most reliable. You might think the most reliable appliance brands would be the higher-end ones, but you’d be surprised.

Most people expect their major appliances to last about ten years, which is pretty close to what manufacturers expect as well. That doesn’t mean your appliances won’t need repairs before that, however.

Your friends and family, and even your online social network are a great place to get advice about must-have – or stay-away-from – appliances types and brands. People love to give recommendations about things they like—and don’t like.

Searching the internet always provides a wealth of information, but there can be a lot of conflicting and confusing advice about the best appliance models. The best features and styles can be subjective, so you may not find exactly what you’re looking for, but it’s a good place to start.

Brand reliability is definitely worth researching on the internet. Consumer Reports is a great place to start for brand ratings. If you don’t want to spring for an account, check your local library. They’ll probably have the printed magazine or an online account you can use.

4. Know What You Need in Your Appliances

Think about what your family needs. If you love to cook or like to entertain, splurging on high-end or large-capacity appliances can make sense. On the other hand, if you have a small household, or rarely use your kitchen other than the freezer and microwave, standard size appliances are probably fine.

Do you love takeout pizza? Then make sure that side-by-side refrigerator will fit those large pizza boxes. Similarly, if you’re a fan of all things frozen (that is, desserts), a fridge with a bottom freezer may lead to back strain from bending over to reach items.

If you’re on a first-name basis with the experts at the Apple Genius Bar, you may want to stay away from smart appliances, and those with lots of complex options and controls. On the other hand, if you’re comfortable with technology, smart appliances have a lot to offer (more about this below).

5. Choose Smart Appliance Features Wisely

Are smarter appliances a smart buy? Smarter doesn’t usually mean easier or simpler to use. It’s easy to be tempted by the latest high-tech gadgets and smart devices. Many “smart” features really can make your life easier— if you’re comfortable with technology. Buying the latest and greatest major appliances with high-tech computers isn’t always a good idea, however.

Smart appliances

Adding computers and more electronic components to appliances mean there’s more to break down. Technology is constantly evolving, but that doesn’t mean it’s meant to last. Think of your phone—you probably replace it every few years. While a new appliance should last longer than that, smart appliances may not last as long. And when items break, your local service professional may not be trained yet to fix the computer screen on your high-tech fridge or other cutting-edge appliance.

Popular Dishwasher Features

Pros and Cons of Hidden Controls

Yes, having the dishwasher controls hidden can give a sleek look. If you have small children around, hidden can also keep the irresistible lure of buttons away from tiny hands. On the other hand, hidden controls typically up the cost. You also have to open the door to operate the dishwasher and with some models you won’t be able to tell how long is left in the cycle.

Dishwasher with hidden controls

How Much Quiet Do You Want?

Price doesn’t always equate to a better-cleaning dishwasher, but it almost always equates to a quieter dishwasher. Higher end dishwashers are typically quieter than lower-end models. If a quiet dishwasher is important for you, aim for a dishwasher that is between 45 and 50 decibels (the unit of measure used for sound ratings). That said, if you have a ten-year-old dishwasher, even an inexpensive new dishwasher is going to be much quieter than your current one.

Flexible Racks

If you cook a lot or like to entertain, features such as adjustable or flexible racks – or even third racks for silverware -- are worth considering. You’ll pay more for these features, but the extra usability can be worth it. Drawer-style dishwashers (similar to double ovens), however, will definitely add to the cost, and these models haven’t yet proven their reliability.

Dishwasher racks

Popular Oven/Cooktop Features

Unless you’re doing a kitchen remodel, you probably aren’t going to change the current style of oven you have: typically either a freestanding range or a built-in wall oven with a separate cooktop. In most cases, you’ll also want to stay with the same fuel type (gas or electric) unless your kitchen is already set up for both, or you’re willing to spend money to have it modified.

Controls and Settings

If you opt for an electronic control panel, you can look for features such as control and door locks, delay timers, and settings to keep your food warm. Smart controls can get you even more options.

Convection vs. Convention Ovens

Conventional and convection ovens look almost the same, but the addition of a fan in a convection oven changes the way it heats and cooks. In a regular or conventional oven, the heat will rise to the top. A convection oven’s fan circulates hot air, which helps heat and cook more evenly. Convection ovens cook faster, typically at a lower heat, so this means they also use less energy (an average of 20% less). Convection isn’t great for everything however: breads, cakes, and cupcakes are better baked in a conventional oven.

Double Ovens

Double ovens are a big hit with those who love to cook and entertain, but who don’t have the space for two wall-ovens. If baking two items at different temperatures at the same time is your idea of a good time, the extra money for a double oven could be worth it for you.

The downside of double ovens? The lower oven opens practically right onto the floor in most models. Bending over to lift a big roast or turkey from the lower oven can be a challenge for some people. (Have bad knees or an iffy back? You probably won’t like it.) The low oven opening can also be an issue if you have small children or pets who like to get involved with what you are doing.

Popular Refrigerator Features

Ice and Water Dispenser: Popular, but Problematic

Think twice about in-door ice and water dispensers. Refrigerator water and ice dispensers are popular and definitely convenient, but they have significant downsides. First, refrigerators with these features not only cost more, they also have higher energy costs. Next, these dispensers also take up valuable door space. If you don’t need an ice dispenser, many refrigerators have water dispensers located inside, that take up very little space. Finally, according to Consumer Reports, refrigerators with water and ice dispensers tend to have much higher repair rates.

Door Alarms and Child Locks

It’s easy to be distracted in the kitchen and not shut the fridge all the way, only to return to find the door has been partway open for who-knows-how-long. Some fridges have alarm systems that set off when the doors have been open for a certain time. The Child Lock feature can also be a helpful if you have small children in the home.

Adjustable Shelves and Drawers

New refrigerators come with a variety of shelving and drawer options. Sliding and split shelves give you added flexibility to customize the space to maximize capacity and organization. Some refrigerators have adjustable storage bins on the doors as well. Others offer doors within doors so that you can easily access frequently used items such as beverages and condiments without opening whole fridge door.

Posted in Home Owner Tips

no comments yet

Jan. 4, 2021

Tips for Buying the Right Kitchen Appliances

Buying major kitchen appliances can be almost as overwhelming as buying a new car. There are so many choices, and an ever-evolving stream of new features and technology. Here are five tips that can help your decision-making when you’re ready to shop for new kitchen appliances, along with some of the latest features you may want to consider for three major kitchen appliances: dishwasher, oven, and refrigerator.

1. Ready, Set, Budget!

You can find quality, reliable kitchen appliance brands and models in almost every price range. Things such as finishes (stainless costs more), features, high-tech, and capacity will definitely drive prices up, however. Deciding your budget before you start shopping can help narrow down your options, and keep your spending on track.

When you consider your appliance budget, think about how long you’re going to be in your home. If you’re simply replacing an old dishwasher in a house you plan to sell in a few years, you might not want to spring for a high-end model. If it’s your dream-kitchen remodel, however, the extra expense may be worth it.

2. Avoid Buyer’s Regret – Don’t Impulse Buy

It’s easy to be tempted by a big sale, new features, or great design. Before you’re tempted to buy, however, think about what your household needs, who will be using the appliances, and how they’ll be used. Then, just as you would when shopping for a new car, it is wise to do a little research.

Not a fan of shopping? Find a friend or family member who likes to shop and ask for their help. This can help prevent the temptation to buy the first thing that looks good.

3. Find Reliable Appliance Brands

It really pays to do your homework and find which appliance brands (and types) are most reliable. You might think the most reliable appliance brands would be the higher-end ones, but you’d be surprised.

Most people expect their major appliances to last about ten years, which is pretty close to what manufacturers expect as well. That doesn’t mean your appliances won’t need repairs before that, however.

Your friends and family, and even your online social network are a great place to get advice about must-have – or stay-away-from – appliances types and brands. People love to give recommendations about things they like—and don’t like.

Searching the internet always provides a wealth of information, but there can be a lot of conflicting and confusing advice about the best appliance models. The best features and styles can be subjective, so you may not find exactly what you’re looking for, but it’s a good place to start.

Brand reliability is definitely worth researching on the internet. Consumer Reports is a great place to start for brand ratings. If you don’t want to spring for an account, check your local library. They’ll probably have the printed magazine or an online account you can use.

4. Know What You Need in Your Appliances

Think about what your family needs. If you love to cook or like to entertain, splurging on high-end or large-capacity appliances can make sense. On the other hand, if you have a small household, or rarely use your kitchen other than the freezer and microwave, standard size appliances are probably fine.

Do you love takeout pizza? Then make sure that side-by-side refrigerator will fit those large pizza boxes. Similarly, if you’re a fan of all things frozen (that is, desserts), a fridge with a bottom freezer may lead to back strain from bending over to reach items.

If you’re on a first-name basis with the experts at the Apple Genius Bar, you may want to stay away from smart appliances, and those with lots of complex options and controls. On the other hand, if you’re comfortable with technology, smart appliances have a lot to offer (more about this below).

5. Choose Smart Appliance Features Wisely

Are smarter appliances a smart buy? Smarter doesn’t usually mean easier or simpler to use. It’s easy to be tempted by the latest high-tech gadgets and smart devices. Many “smart” features really can make your life easier— if you’re comfortable with technology. Buying the latest and greatest major appliances with high-tech computers isn’t always a good idea, however.

Smart appliances

Adding computers and more electronic components to appliances mean there’s more to break down. Technology is constantly evolving, but that doesn’t mean it’s meant to last. Think of your phone—you probably replace it every few years. While a new appliance should last longer than that, smart appliances may not last as long. And when items break, your local service professional may not be trained yet to fix the computer screen on your high-tech fridge or other cutting-edge appliance.

Popular Dishwasher Features

Pros and Cons of Hidden Controls

Yes, having the dishwasher controls hidden can give a sleek look. If you have small children around, hidden can also keep the irresistible lure of buttons away from tiny hands. On the other hand, hidden controls typically up the cost. You also have to open the door to operate the dishwasher and with some models you won’t be able to tell how long is left in the cycle.

Dishwasher with hidden controls

How Much Quiet Do You Want?

Price doesn’t always equate to a better-cleaning dishwasher, but it almost always equates to a quieter dishwasher. Higher end dishwashers are typically quieter than lower-end models. If a quiet dishwasher is important for you, aim for a dishwasher that is between 45 and 50 decibels (the unit of measure used for sound ratings). That said, if you have a ten-year-old dishwasher, even an inexpensive new dishwasher is going to be much quieter than your current one.

Flexible Racks

If you cook a lot or like to entertain, features such as adjustable or flexible racks – or even third racks for silverware -- are worth considering. You’ll pay more for these features, but the extra usability can be worth it. Drawer-style dishwashers (similar to double ovens), however, will definitely add to the cost, and these models haven’t yet proven their reliability.

Dishwasher racks

Popular Oven/Cooktop Features

Unless you’re doing a kitchen remodel, you probably aren’t going to change the current style of oven you have: typically either a freestanding range or a built-in wall oven with a separate cooktop. In most cases, you’ll also want to stay with the same fuel type (gas or electric) unless your kitchen is already set up for both, or you’re willing to spend money to have it modified.

Controls and Settings

If you opt for an electronic control panel, you can look for features such as control and door locks, delay timers, and settings to keep your food warm. Smart controls can get you even more options.

Convection vs. Convention Ovens

Conventional and convection ovens look almost the same, but the addition of a fan in a convection oven changes the way it heats and cooks. In a regular or conventional oven, the heat will rise to the top. A convection oven’s fan circulates hot air, which helps heat and cook more evenly. Convection ovens cook faster, typically at a lower heat, so this means they also use less energy (an average of 20% less). Convection isn’t great for everything however: breads, cakes, and cupcakes are better baked in a conventional oven.

Double Ovens

Double ovens are a big hit with those who love to cook and entertain, but who don’t have the space for two wall-ovens. If baking two items at different temperatures at the same time is your idea of a good time, the extra money for a double oven could be worth it for you.

The downside of double ovens? The lower oven opens practically right onto the floor in most models. Bending over to lift a big roast or turkey from the lower oven can be a challenge for some people. (Have bad knees or an iffy back? You probably won’t like it.) The low oven opening can also be an issue if you have small children or pets who like to get involved with what you are doing.

Popular Refrigerator Features

Ice and Water Dispenser: Popular, but Problematic

Think twice about in-door ice and water dispensers. Refrigerator water and ice dispensers are popular and definitely convenient, but they have significant downsides. First, refrigerators with these features not only cost more, they also have higher energy costs. Next, these dispensers also take up valuable door space. If you don’t need an ice dispenser, many refrigerators have water dispensers located inside, that take up very little space. Finally, according to Consumer Reports, refrigerators with water and ice dispensers tend to have much higher repair rates.

Door Alarms and Child Locks

It’s easy to be distracted in the kitchen and not shut the fridge all the way, only to return to find the door has been partway open for who-knows-how-long. Some fridges have alarm systems that set off when the doors have been open for a certain time. The Child Lock feature can also be a helpful if you have small children in the home.

Adjustable Shelves and Drawers

New refrigerators come with a variety of shelving and drawer options. Sliding and split shelves give you added flexibility to customize the space to maximize capacity and organization. Some refrigerators have adjustable storage bins on the doors as well. Others offer doors within doors so that you can easily access frequently used items such as beverages and condiments without opening whole fridge door.

Posted in Home Owner Tips

no comments yet

Jan. 4, 2021

Should I Buy a Home Warranty?

Thinking of buying a home warranty? Here are questions to ask and information to help you decide if a home warranty is right for you.

When you purchase a home warranty you get a year-long service contract that covers the cost of repairing or replacing many important home systems and appliances in your home when they fail. Plans can include plumbing, electrical, heating, air conditioning, as well as major kitchen and household appliances you use every day.

Like most people, you probably already have homeowners insurance. Many people choose a home warranty to complement homeowner’s insurance, which protects the structure of your home against damage from things such as fire, storms and severe weather, vandalism, and accidents, but which doesn’t protect other items in your home that break over time.

With a home warranty plan, when a covered item breaks:

Call your home warranty provider to request service
They’ll dispatch a prescreened contractor to fix the covered item
In most cases, all you pay is a low service fee for the visit

And if a covered appliance or system can't be fixed, the home warranty company should replace it with similar equipment. Having coverage like this can add up to hundreds and thousands of dollars saved per year, plus someone else dealing with the hassle of finding a qualified contractor to fix the problem.