5 Installation Tips for Great-Looking Cabinets (Part II)

Tip #2: Start in the corner, work out from there
When hanging cabinets, just like when painting a floor, you don't want to end up in a corner--you want to start there. Some people install the base cabinets first, which gives them a "workbench" and reference point for installing the uppers. Others prefer hanging the uppers first, because they feel it's easier without the lower cabinets in the way. Either way, level, shim and square your corner cabinets so the cabinets next to them also wind up level and square.

Smart Idea: If the corner isn't perfectly square, use a utility knife to remove some of the drywall tape and taping compound in the areas that will be hidden by the cabinets once they are installed.

Check back tomorrow for tip #3.

A Vacation to Remember

If you're like many working adults, you've saved and planned for months in order to enjoy a much-anticipated vacation. You want to do everything you can to ensure that your trip is a memorable occasion for the entire family.

Your first step is to decide on a destination. Does your family enjoy participating in sports or activities? Are you more interested in exploring history or visiting landmarks? You may want to plan a trip around an interest that you share; make sure that each family member has a chance to voice his or her opinion.

Once you've determined where you want to go, you can begin looking for good deals. The earlier you schedule your travel and lodging, the more options you are likely to have, especially at discounted rates.

Travel Insurance -- as you budget for a vacation, travel insurance may seem like an unnecessary expense. In many instances, however, this coverage may be the best way to protect yourself and your family from the unexpected while traveling.

Many consumers aren't awar of the benefits travel insurance can provide; some policies even cover lost luggage and valuables. The cost of coverage is typically between five to seven percent of the total price of the vacation.

Travel insurance may also reimburse you if your vacation is cancelled or interrupted for unexpected reasons. Be sure to carefully read what the covered reasons are, however, before purchasing a policy.

Before traveling, check your current health insurance policy to see what is covered while out of your area of residence. If you are concerned that you don't have sufficient coverage, travel insurance can cover the difference. Even if you don't have any medical concerns, accidents can happen. In case of emergency, your travel insurance could reimburse you for the expense of being transported to the hospital as well as for the cost of the care you receive.

Of the 70 percent of U.S. travelers who purchase travel insurance, approximately one in six has had to file a claim. You may not need travel insurance, but the peace of mind you get from having it can allow you to enjoy a memorable, worry-free vacation.

5 Installation Tips for Great-Looking Cabinets (Part I)

Tip #1: Planning makes everything easier
Take the time to carefully lay out the position and height of each cabinet, and the job will go smoother further down the road. Find the high spot of the floor, measure up 34-1/2 in., and establish a level line to indicate the top of your base cabinets. Then measure, mark and label the position of each base cabinet. Repeat the same steps for the upper cabinets. That way, before you install the first screw, you'll know where everything goes and how it will fit.

Smart idea: Use your old kitchen cabinets for storage in the basement, laundry room and garage. The price is right and you won't have to pay someone to haul them away!

Check back tomorrow for tip #2.

Bed Covering Choices

Confused about the abundance of choices in bed coverings? Here's some information to "cover" your options and help you select what's right for your bed.

A comforter is the top layer of bedding, usually filled with down, feathers, cotton or hypoallergenic synthetic material. Comforters are often sold in complete bed sets that include a matching bedskirt and pillow shams.

A duvet is similar to a comforter, except that it is made to be encased in a removable cover to protect it and keep it clean.

If you are shopping for a down-filled comforter or duvet, consider weight and amount of fill, or the number of cubic inches per ounce of down. Lightweight comforters are approximately 26 ounces, while heavier (and warmer) comforters weigh in around 54 ounces. Standard fill is between 500 to 550, high-quality is usually 600 or above.

A bedspread or quilt covers the entire bed, including the mattress, box springs and pillows for a more formal, finished look. Handmade quilts should be handled very delicately, so you may want to purchase a more durable, machine-made quile for everyday use.

Home Tips

Lawn care
* Cut grass no shorter than 3 inches, and never more than 1/3 of the blade.
* Mow in the morning or evening.
* Deep watering, in the morning, is better for your grass than frequent, shallow watering.

Protect your home when you're on vacation.
* Lock doors and windows.
* Set timers on lights.
* Have mail and newspaper stopped or picked up by a neighbor.
* Unplug electronic devices vulnerable to power surges.