Consumer Corner
Cost-Efficient Car Detailing at Home
(Family Features) Having your car professionally detailed is likely to set you back a chunk of change, but with the right supplies and a little spare time, you can get similar results at home.
Whether you’re washing away winter grime or just giving your ride some overdue attention, follow these steps to get your vehicle in tip-top shape.
Assess your vehicle’s condition. If there’s a specific problem you need to address, such as stains or excessive insect buildup on your front bumper, those are areas you’ll want to focus your time, energy and budget.
Purchase the necessary supplies. A car cleaning kit could simplify the shopping process, but you may need to supplement with additional items, such as a spot treater, to achieve the best results. The essentials include a sturdy bucket, washing mitt, soft bristle brush, soft rags, a dust rag, automotive soap, glass cleaner, a vinyl or interior-safe cleanser, vacuum and wax, if you wish.
Empty the vehicle. Removing all your personal possessions provides a blank slate for cleaning and prevents you from having to work around or worry about damaging your belongings. Also remove any elements of the vehicle you may want to clean separately, such as floor mats, console inserts and other removable pieces.
Tackle the interior. Start by removing debris from crevices and wiping away dust and other gunk. Then, with the initial layer of mess removed, go back and wipe down all surfaces using a cleanser. You can also clean the interior windows at this stage, and be sure to wipe down the console, especially if you have a touchscreen that is covered with fingerprints.
Vacuum thoroughly. Using a small vacuum or hose with strong suction, pay special attention to high-traffic areas and spaces where trash and debris tend to settle, such as between the seat and console. The floorboards will likely need the most attention, but don’t overlook the seats, and especially the area where the seat and back meet as this crevice can trap a great deal of dirt.
Clean the floor mats. Chances are good your floor mats rival the exterior for the dirt and grime they accumulate. Depending on how heavily soiled they are, and especially if they’re carpet-style mats, you may want to shampoo them after a deep vacuuming to remove stubborn stains.
Return belongings to the interior. Before you add everything back into your vehicle, take time to wipe down items and sort out any unnecessary clutter. It’s a good time to reorganize your storage areas to be sure the items you use frequently are in easy reach. You can also replenish supplies such as facial tissue and hand sanitizer.
Wash the exterior. Follow the instructions on the product’s label to wash your automobile’s exterior. Pay attention to special requirements such as allowing time for a bug remover to soak. In general, start with a rinse, followed by scrubbing with a mitt then an all-over rinse. Use a chamois towel or other drying cloth to avoid water spots.
Add finishing touches. If you’re using wax or planning on specialty treatments like tire cleaning, those will be among your final steps. Last but not least, clean the exterior windows with glass cleaner to remove streaks and leave them sparkling.
Find more practical vehicle maintenance tips at eLivingtoday.com.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
SOURCE:
eLivingtoday.com
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(Family Features) Transform your home into a festive haven with these creative and stylish St. Patrick’s Day decor ideas.
Incorporate Classic Green and Gold
Green and gold are the iconic colors of St. Patrick’s Day, and they can instantly bring a festive feel to your home. Start by incorporating these hues into your existing decor. Add green throw pillows or a gold-framed mirror to your living room. You can also drape green and gold garlands across your mantel or staircase and use green and gold table runners, placemats and napkins in your dining area.
Add a Personal Touch with DIY Shamrock Crafts
Creating shamrock crafts can be a fun way to add a personal touch to your St. Patrick’s Day decor. Try making shamrock garlands using green construction paper, string and a bit of creativity. Or paint small wooden shamrocks and use them as ornaments or table decorations.
Build a Festive Centerpiece
A beautifully set table can impress your guests and make your celebration feel extra special. Go beyond the green and gold tablecloth, placemats and napkins with a centerpiece that features elements like shamrocks, gold coins and fresh flowers. You can also use green and gold candles to add a warm and inviting glow to your table.
Use Leprechaun Figurines in Creative Ways
Place leprechaun figurines in unexpected spots around your home to delight your family and guests. For example, you can position them on bookshelves, windowsills or in planters. Create little scenes by adding mini pots of gold, tiny ladders or faux greenery to make your decor feel magical and engaging.
Set the Scene with Scented Candles and Lights
Choose candles with scents of spring, such as fresh grass, mint or citrus, to create a refreshing and inviting ambiance. In addition to scented candles, consider using string lights or lanterns to add a soft, warm glow to your decor. You can wrap string lights around banisters or mantels, or use them to create a twinkling backdrop.
Find more ideas to get your home ready for St. Patrick’s Day at eLivingtoday.com.
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
SOURCE:
eLivingtoday.com
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Elevated Living Meets Small-Town Charm with Upscale Amenities and Boutique Retail
ALPHARETTA, Ga., March 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — DDB Capital Fund, LLC (“DDB Capital”), a leading real estate investment fund located in the Southeast, has secured 124 acres in Athens, Alabama. Known for its rich history, strong community values, and steady growth, Athens offers an exceptional quality of life while preserving its local heritage.
This development aligns with DDB Capital’s mission to introduce “higher living,” creating lasting value for families and strong returns for our fund’s investors. Athens boasts a thriving local economy, top-ranked schools, and a vibrant downtown filled with unique shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions, making it an increasingly desirable destination for homebuyers.
The community plans to feature 300 single-family homes, along with a resort-style pool, gym, pickleball courts, and green spaces. The development features retail spaces and a walking path, fostering a seamlessly integrated community.
Overview
- Location: 14477 Cambridge Lane, Athens, AL 35613
- Development Size: 124 acres
- Residential Units: 300 lots featuring custom-built and move-in-ready homes
- Retail: Curated boutique retail in a village-style setting
- Recreational Amenities: Pickleball courts, pool, gym, green spaces, walking trails
- Timeline: Development begins immediately, with home sales anticipated by mid-2026
About DDB Capital
Our mission is to drive innovation in real estate development while fostering thriving communities and sustainable growth. We are committed to delivering transformative developments that create lasting value for both investors and residents across the Southeast. For more information, visit www.ddbcapital.com.
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Consumer Corner
Make a Smart Home Investment with an All-Climate Heat Pump
All-climate heat pumps offer a modern alternative to traditional HVAC systems, providing personalized comfort, improved energy efficiency, and potential cost savings. Homeowners are increasingly considering these systems for better indoor climate control and reduced energy bills.
(Family Features) If your home uses a conventional heating and cooling system, you may wonder if there’s a better way to manage indoor comfort. Between rising energy costs and concerns about the efficiency of conventional systems, many homeowners are exploring alternatives. One popular solution is an all-climate heat pump.
All-climate heat pumps are the next generation of heat pump technology built for peak performance, regardless of the outdoor temperature. From the personalized comfort all-climate heat pumps deliver to the energy savings realized, it’s no wonder more homeowners are considering going all-in on all-climate.
If you’re considering replacing your current HVAC system, read on for some of the benefits of all-climate heat pumps.
Personalized Comfort
Ductless, multi-zone, all-climate heat pump systems are designed to deliver personalized, room-to-room temperature control tailored to your preferences. Unlike traditional ducted unitary systems, which typically operate on an all-or-nothing basis, ductless multi-zone solutions provide individualized climate settings for each space. Whether you prefer a warmer living room or a cooler bedroom, the flexibility to adjust each zone offers unparalleled convenience and energy efficiency.
Efficiency
According to a survey of U.S. homeowners commissioned by Mitsubishi Electric Trane HVAC US (METUS), 93% of homeowners surveyed with conventional HVAC systems reported concerns about utility bills. Seventy-five percent of those surveyed also consider energy efficiency always or often when considering home improvements.
Conventional heating and cooling systems run at full capacity to reach set point and then shut off. The start-stop action ultimately wastes energy. With variable-capacity capabilities and inverter-driven technology, all-climate heat pumps can adjust and maintain temperatures, lessening your home’s overall energy demand and driving down cost.
Cost Savings
The cost savings provided by efficient energy usage are evident. Additionally, some states offer rebates for new HVAC systems, and many contractors offer financing options, which make the upfront cost of an all-climate heat pump installation more affordable.
Reliability is another cost-saving factor. All-climate heat pumps are purpose-built with durable materials to perform well in all kinds of weather.
“We continue to educate homeowners about the advantages all-climate heat pumps have over conventional HVAC systems,” said Mark Kuntz, Chief Executive Officer, METUS. “As homeowners become more knowledgeable about the numerous benefits, including personalized comfort, energy efficiency and cost savings, we believe they will increasingly install these next-generation systems in their homes.”
Learn more about how you can better manage your home’s indoor comfort with all-climate heat pump technology by visiting mitsubishicomfort.com.
SOURCE:
Mitsubishi Electric
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