Summer Organization

(Family Features) Schedules filling up with events and celebrations, vacation planning in full effect and mile-high to-do lists can only mean one thing: summer is in full swing. While summer brings plenty of fun, it can also lead to feeling disorganized and overwhelmed without the structure of the school year. Keep stress at bay and bring a sense of order to your summer adventures with these simple, creative hacks from EXPO. Streamline the Kitchen When family members are coming and going throughout the day, the kitchen and pantry quickly become high-traffic zones. Between breakfasts on the go, afternoon snack raids and (hopefully) a few sit-down dinners, organizing your refrigerator, cabinets and pantry can bring calm to the chaos. Label bins, jot notes on pantry or refrigerator doors and create a snack inventory so everyone knows what’s available and nothing goes to waste. Keep Up with Every Activity Summer gets hectic fast – with sports practices, parties, camps, dinners and weekend trips all piling on, it’s tough to keep track of everything. Hang a whiteboard calendar in a high-traffic spot like the kitchen or mudroom and use EXPO Wet Erase Markers for clean, color-coded scheduling everyone can follow. Their fine tips make it easy to write detailed notes while the no-smudge ink stays put – perfect for busy areas where schedules can be seen all day long. The writing won’t budge until you wipe it off with water, keeping summer plans visible, organized and stress-free. Create a Packing List for Road Trips If you’re planning a summer getaway, avoid the last-minute scramble by writing out a packing checklist on a whiteboard, window or mirror. Keep essentials sorted by category – clothes, toiletries, travel documents – and encourage family members to check off what they’ve packed. Organize the Party to Add Personality When it comes to summer birthdays, backyard barbecues or holiday gatherings, a little prep goes a long way in keeping things stress-free. Use EXPO Wet Erase Markers to create welcome signs or menus directly on windows, label wine glasses for easy drink tracking or jot down to-do lists on glass surfaces to stay on top of hosting tasks. With bold, water-removable ink that adheres to glass, windows and more, it’s easy to create festive, colorful details that are mess-free – a perfect way to stay organized while adding flair to any celebration. Keep Your To-Do’s in Check From yardwork to grocery runs, summer still comes with its fair share of tasks. Stay ahead of the hustle by creating organized, visual to-do lists on surfaces like whiteboards, windows, mirrors or glass cabinet doors. Jot down priorities and divide them by timeframe or person – think “today,” “this week” or by name. Keeping lists visible in the right spots can help everyone stay on track and free up more time for sun and fun. Take control of your summer and find more solutions for staying organized at expomarkers.com.   SOURCE: EXPO

(Family Features) A well-designed bathroom can offer more than daily functionality – it can serve as a relaxing retreat where comfort meets personal style. With a few thoughtful updates, you can bring a renewed sense of calm and sophistication to one of the home’s most-used spaces. If you’re considering a bathroom refresh, explore these expert ideas to help easily transform your space. Refresh with a Sophisticated Palette Start with a clean slate. A fresh coat of paint in a soft, neutral hue provides timeless elegance and flexibility, allowing your fixtures and finishes to shine. Alternatively, create a focal point with a bold color or refined texture to anchor the room with personality – an easy first step in a luxury bathroom remodel. Simple material swaps can bring new energy to your space. These versatile elements can evolve with your style while maintaining a refined look. Upgrade to Thoughtful Luxury True luxury lies in the details and in daily rituals. Consider design-forward upgrades that elevate both comfort and hygiene. A one-piece bidet toilet delivers a spa-like experience through smart technology and minimalist design, making it a standout smart toilet option. “WASHLET+ one-piece bidet toilets have become one of my go-to upgrades,” said Alena Capra, CMKBD, host of “SoFlo Home Project.” “They’re beautifully designed, surprisingly easy to install and instantly elevate a bathroom’s comfort and style. The S7 and S7A WASHLET+ models feature a sleek, one-piece design and are the perfect blend of smart tech and timeless design, especially for homeowners prepping for summer guests.” Features such as warm-water cleansing, heated seats, air dryers and built-in deodorizers can transform everyday routines into spa-like experiences. Some premium models with these innovations are now available through independent showrooms’ “Buy More, Save More” promotion, making it easier to upgrade multiple bathrooms while embracing comfort and sustainability. Refine the Finishing Touches Modernize your space by replacing outdated hardware with elevated styles. Brushed metal or matte black finishes offer a contemporary edge while luxurious showerheads and touchless faucets enhance both innovative function and visual appeal. Clarify with Purposeful Lighting A well-designed bathroom deserves lighting that both flatters and functions. Layered lighting such as dimmable sconces, task-specific fixtures and ambient sources adds visual depth and supports everything from morning routines to nighttime relaxation. Maximize Utility with Integrated Design Keep your space feeling serene and uncluttered with discreet storage solutions. Built-in cabinetry, recessed niches and custom shelving maintain visual harmony while keeping essentials within reach. Consider toe-kick drawers or mirrored cabinets for added functionality with style. With small but intentional updates, your bathroom can become a peaceful space that reflects your personal style and enhances everyday living. For more design inspiration and to explore a full range of luxury bathroom innovations, visit TOTOUSA.com. SOURCE: TOTO

7 summer energy efficiency tips for homeowners

(Family Features) As temperatures soar during the summer months, many homeowners find themselves relying heavily on air conditioning to stay cool. Comfort doesn’t have to come at the cost of high energy bills, however. With a few smart strategies and routine maintenance, you can efficiently and affordably keep your home cool. Here are some top tips to maximize your air conditioning system’s energy efficiency this summer. 1. Schedule Regular HVAC Maintenance Just like a car, your AC unit runs best when it’s well-maintained. A dirty or poorly functioning system uses more energy to do the same job. Maintenance checklist:

• Inspect or replace air filters every 2-3 months. The frequency of air filter replacement depends on several factors, including the type of filter, the system and living conditions.
• Check and clean the evaporator and condenser coils.
• Clear debris from around the outdoor unit.
• Have a professional HVAC technician inspect your system annually, ideally before peak usage.

2. Install and Use a Smart Thermostat Smart thermostats are one of the easiest and most effective upgrades you can make to your home’s cooling system. For example, Carrier’s Smart Thermostat allows you to control your home’s temperature remotely via smartphone and comes with learning features that adapt to your schedule and preferences. Set your smart thermostat to raise the temperature while you’re away and cool the home down just before you return. Even raising the thermostat by 7-10 degrees for 8 hours a day can save up to 10% a year on cooling costs. 3. Seal and Insulate Your Home Cool air escaping through leaks or inadequate insulation forces your air conditioner to work harder. Ensuring your home is sealed and insulated properly can significantly improve efficiency. Quick fixes:

• Use weatherstripping on doors and windows.
• Seal leaks around ducts, vents and pipes.
• Add insulation to attics and walls, if needed.

4. Use Ceiling Fans Wisely Ceiling fans don’t lower a room’s temperature, but they help circulate air, making you feel cooler. Efficiency tip: Use ceiling fans in occupied rooms only and make sure they’re spinning counterclockwise in the summer to push cool air down. 5. Block Out the Sun Sunlight streaming through windows can significantly increase your home’s indoor temperature. Simple solutions:

• Close blinds or curtains during the hottest parts of the day.
• Consider installing reflective window films or insulated blackout curtains.
• Use awnings or plant shade trees to block direct sunlight.

6. Upgrade to an Energy-Efficient Unit If your AC system is more than 10-15 years old, it might be time to consider upgrading to a newer, energy-efficient model. Look for units with a high SEER2 (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating and the ENERGY STAR label. As a leader in modern day air conditioning, Carrier offers some of the most innovative and efficient central air conditioning units available. Many manufacturers and utility companies offer rebates for installing high-efficiency systems and some tax credits may still be available. 7. Avoid Heat Buildup Reduce the amount of heat your home generates during the day by being mindful of appliance usage. Tips:

• Cook with a microwave or grill instead of the oven.
• Run dishwashers and dryers at night.
• Switch to LED lightbulbs, which produce less heat than incandescent ones.

By combining smart technology, routine maintenance and simple home adjustments, you can enjoy a cooler home without sacrificing energy efficiency. You can help lower monthly bills but also extend the lifespan of your air conditioning system, keeping you comfortable all summer long. Find more information, including additional rebate information, by visiting Carrier.com.   SOURCE: Carrier