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Consumer Corner

Budget-Friendly Ideas to Boost Curb Appeal

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(Family Features) Your home’s first big impression is its curb appeal, so if your place is in need of some sprucing up, you may wonder how you can make some updates without breaking the bank.

These 10 ideas are easy on budgets, but they can also make a big impact on your home’s exterior image.

  1. Paint your front door. As long as your front door is in good condition, there’s no need to replace it completely. A fresh coat of paint can instantly update your home’s facade. Go bold or stick with a classic hue – it’s all up to you.
     
  2. Dress up the windows. Add character and charm by enhancing your front windows. You might add wooden shutters, window box planters or both. Also look at the trim around the windows. If it’s chipped and peeling, adding a fresh coat of paint doesn’t just look nice, it can protect your windows from damage, too.
     
  3. Clean up flower beds. An unkempt flower bed can drag down an otherwise stunning home. Keep beds tidy and vegetation trimmed, even during the offseason. Watch for weeds and replenish mulch or rock ground cover as needed to keep the beds looking healthy and inviting.
     
  4. Install new lighting. Replacing outdated light fixtures can give your exterior an instant upgrade. There’s no right or wrong style; just choose a color and look that matches the rest of your design.
     
  5. Replace worn welcome mats. A cheerful mat at your front door can be an inviting sight for visitors, but those mats inevitably wear with time, and what was once bright and charming becomes dingy and dull. A new mat can help bring back that cheery entry you once cherished.
     
  6. Pressure wash the drive and walk. Over time, driveways and sidewalks collect an incredible amount of grime. Pressure washing not only eliminates the filth, but the clean surfaces also add to your home’s visual appeal.
     
  7. Add new vegetation. Landscaping is a relatively inexpensive way to introduce more personality to a yard. Aim for a mix of pretty and practical, such as some low flowering bushes and some trees or bushes that offer privacy and shade.
     
  8. Keep up with basic maintenance. When your home is in poor repair, it shows. Pay attention to bent or rusting gutters, imperfections in the roof and other maintenance matters that aren’t just aesthetic; left unrepaired, they can also result in major damage.
     
  9. Pay attention to details. Functional items like the mailbox might not seem like much of a design element, but these small details can be a big distraction if they’re not in good condition. Update or replace as needed to keep your aesthetic in sync.
     
  10. Add seasonal decor. There’s no need to go all out for every occasion, but some timely decorations that celebrate the holiday or season can make your entry fun and festive. Coordinate wreaths, planters, signs and other accent pieces for a cohesive look that says, “come on in.”

Find more affordable ideas for upgrading your home and garden at eLivingtoday.com.

Photo courtesy of Unsplash


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Family Features

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Automotive

Toyota Issues Safety Recall for 2022-2023 Tundra and Lexus LX Vehicles

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PLANO, Texas — Toyota has announced a safety recall affecting certain model year 2022-2023 Toyota Tundra and Lexus LX vehicles in North America. Approximately 102,000 vehicles, including both Toyota and Lexus brands, are involved in this recall across the United States.

Safety Recall

What’s the Issue?

The recall comes as a result of a manufacturing oversight where machining debris may not have been adequately cleared from the engine during production. In the affected vehicles, this debris can lead to several serious issues, including:

  • Engine knocking
  • Rough engine operation
  • Engine failure to start
  • Loss of motive power

The most concerning of these issues is the potential loss of motive power while driving at higher speeds, which significantly increases the risk of a crash.

What Will Toyota Do?

To address this issue, Toyota and Lexus dealers will replace the affected engines with new ones at no cost to customers. This recall is a proactive measure to ensure the safety and reliability of these vehicles.

Customer Notifications

Toyota plans to notify affected customers by late July 2024. If you own one of the impacted vehicles, it’s essential to stay informed about this recall to ensure your safety on the road.

How to Check If Your Vehicle is Affected

If you own a Toyota Tundra or Lexus LX and want to see if your vehicle is included in this safety recall, you can visit Toyota.com/recall or nhtsa.gov/recalls. Simply enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or license plate information to check your vehicle’s status.

Need Assistance?

For any further questions or concerns, Toyota customer support is available through the Toyota Brand Engagement Center at 1-800-331-4331 for Toyota vehicles. For Lexus owners, support can be reached at 1-800-255-3987.

Safety recalls are a crucial part of the automotive industry, ensuring that potential issues are addressed before they lead to accidents. If you own one of the affected Toyota or Lexus vehicles, be sure to take action and stay updated on this important recall to keep yourself and your loved ones safe on the road.

STM Daily News is a vibrant news blog dedicated to sharing the brighter side of human experiences. Emphasizing positive, uplifting stories, the site focuses on delivering inspiring, informative, and well-researched content. With a commitment to accurate, fair, and responsible journalism, STM Daily News aims to foster a community of readers passionate about positive change and engaged in meaningful conversations. Join the movement and explore stories that celebrate the positive impacts shaping our world.

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Consumer Corner

5 Ways to be Environmentally Conscious at Home

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environmentally conscious

5 Ways to Be Environmentally Conscious at Home

(Family Features) Being environmentally conscious doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. In fact, by making simple changes to your daily routine, you can make a positive impact on the planet while also saving money and living a more sustainable lifestyle.

Consider these practical ways to reduce your carbon footprint and protect the planet for future generations right from the comforts of your own home.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: This classic mantra is still relevant today. By reducing the amount of waste you produce, reusing items whenever possible and recycling materials like paper, plastic and glass, you can help minimize the amount of trash that ends up in landfills and oceans. Composting food scraps and avoiding single-use plastic items like water bottles and shopping bags can also help reduce your impact on the environment.

Conserve Energy: One of the biggest contributors to climate change is the burning of fossil fuels for energy. Simple steps like turning off lights when you leave a room, unplugging electronics when they’re not in use, adjusting your thermostat to save on heating and cooling costs and using energy-efficient lightbulbs and appliances can help reduce your carbon footprint and save you money in the long run.

Save Water: Water is a precious resource, and it’s important to use it wisely. Simple actions like fixing leaky faucets, taking shorter showers, using the dishwasher or washing machine only when full and watering your garden in the early morning or late evening can help conserve water and protect the water supply. You can also install low-flow showerheads and toilets to further reduce water usage.

Choose Sustainable Products: When shopping for household items, look for products made from sustainable materials that are biodegradable or recyclable. Choosing products with minimal packaging or opting for eco-friendly alternatives can help reduce waste.

Grow Your Own Food: If you have the space, consider starting a small garden at home. Growing your own fruits, vegetables and herbs allows you to enjoy fresh, organic produce while also reducing the carbon footprint of your food by cutting out the transportation and packaging involved in store-bought produce.

Find more tips for going green at home at eLivingtoday.com.

Photo courtesy of Unsplash

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eLivingToday.com

Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.

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Consumer Corner

Important Recall Notice: Wiers Farm, Inc. Announces Voluntary Recall of Cucumbers Due to Listeria Concerns

Wiers Farm recalls cucumbers due to Listeria risk. Discard affected products immediately.

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In a decisive move to ensure consumer safety, Wiers Farm, Inc., a respected distributor based in Willard, OH, has announced a voluntary recall of select cucumber products over concerns of potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. This recall specifically targets a limited number of whole and bagged salad cucumbers, sourced from out of state and distributed under the Wiers Farm brand.

Recall Details

Date of Announcement: July 12, 2024
FDA Publish Date: July 16, 2024
Product Types: Whole cucumbers and 2 lb bagged salad cucumbers
Pack Dates: June 5, 2024 (whole cucumbers), June 5 and 6, 2024 (salad cucumbers)
Distribution: Select Walmart stores in Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio

Reason for Recall

The potential for contamination was identified through routine sampling by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD). While no illnesses or customer complaints have been reported to date, Wiers Farm is proceeding with the utmost caution to safeguard its customers.

About Listeria

Listeria monocytogenes is a bacteria capable of causing the serious infection known as listeriosis. It primarily affects pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and adults with weakened immune systems. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea. If you have consumed any of the recalled products and are experiencing these symptoms, it is advised to seek medical attention promptly. More information about Listeria can be found on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.

Product Identification

Whole Cucumbers: Approximately 1.5-2.5 inches in diameter and 6-9 inches in length
Bagged Salad Cucumers: Packaged in a clear bag with a blue base, marked with the specified pack dates

Consumer Action

Consumers in possession of the affected cucumbers are urged not to consume them. Even though the products are past their shelf life and likely out of distribution, if you still have them, please safely dispose of them immediately. Questions or concerns can be addressed by contacting Wiers Farm customer care at (419) 933-2161 or via email at customercare@wiersfarm.com.

Company Statement

Wiers Farm has expressed its commitment to the highest standards of food safety and health. “We have taken immediate steps to address this isolated incident and are collaborating closely with the Ohio Department other traceability data to ensure that the product in question is swiftly and effectively removed from all channels,” stated a company spokesperson.

Summary

This recall serves as a reminder of the importance of stringent safety measures in the food distribution process. Wiers Farm’s proactive steps in recalling potentially affected products underscore their dedication to consumer safety and health standards. Consumers are advised to follow recall instructions and dispose of any questionable products to ensure health and safety.

FDA notice: https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/wiers-farm-inc-issues-voluntary-recall-whole-and-salad-cucumbers-due-possible-contamination-listeria

Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.

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