Articles written by State Point


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  • 'Tis the Season to Save

    State Point|Dec 14, 2016

    It’s easy to get the entire house ready for the holiday this season and celebrate one of the most wonderful times of the year without spending a fortune. From simple decorating ideas to affordable party planning inspiration, getting into the holiday spirit has never been so easy with these tips from the discount experts at Dollar General. Holiday Decorating Decorate in style, but affordably, by purchasing inexpensive holiday table runners, ornaments and holiday pillows. Local Dollar General stores have these items, as well as ornaments a...

  • A Guide to Saving Water and Your Lawn

    State Point|Jun 29, 2016

    No longer must you choose between your lawn and saving water. Experts say there are ways to save both water and money that won’t hurt your turf. “We often see sprinklers watering sidewalks and drives, running during rain, or sending water down the drain from leaky heads,” says Josh Friell, Ph. D, senior agronomist of The Toro Company’s Center for Advanced Turf Technology. “The good news is there are simple, cost-effective actions homeowners can take to save up to 30 percent in outdoor water usage alone.” Friell recommends these lawn-care w...

  • Easy Grilling Ideas for Summer

    State Point|Jun 29, 2016

    Summer was made for entertaining -- from casual dinner parties to impromptu get-togethers. And what’s better than centering the entertainment on the grill? Beyond the standard burgers and hot dogs, there are an array of appetizers, main courses and even desserts that are all grill-friendly and easy to make. “Summer cooking is all about great, fresh flavors and keeping things simple and unfussy,” says Erin Madsen, executive editor of BettyCrocker.com, an entertaining resource that offers recipes, how-tos, and test-kitchen tips. This summe...

  • Tips to Put Refreshing Summer Flavors on Your Table

    State Point|Jun 29, 2016

    Thinking seasonal is always a recipe for success. The colors of the summer and sweet, tart, cool flavors of fruits of the season can decorate your table in creative, elegant and refreshing ways. When most of us think of summer fruit, we envision smoothies, salads or pies. Think beyond the dessert course! There are many ways to imbue appetizers, cocktails and main courses with seasonal colors and fruity flavors. Here are some fresh ways to introduce summer fruits into your summer meals and cocktails. Appetizers and Mains There are many easy...

  • Tricks to Simplify Outdoor Entertaining

    State Point|Jun 1, 2016

    Some of summer’s favorite moments happen right in your backyard: the sounds of children running around, the smells of fresh-cut grass and newly planted flowers, and the gathering of family and friends. Here are a few simple tricks to make your next soiree the best one yet: Build Atmosphere Your patio and backyard are an extension of your home, so don’t limit your creativity to indoors. Avoid harsh overhead lighting and create an inviting summer atmosphere by stringing paper lanterns or lightbulbs across your deck or around the railings. While y...

  • Tips to Create the Perfect Picnic

    State Point|May 18, 2016

    A picnic is a fantastic way to gather with friends and family. Enjoy a summer breeze on the beach or host a backyard soiree -- you can make your al fresco meal as casual or as elegant as you’d like. Pack the best basket with these simple tips. Find the Right Location The first step to a successful picnic is finding the perfect spot. If you decide not to host at your home, choose a space at the park or beach with tables or a shelter to make setup a snap. If you select a location without amenities, you’ll need to bring chairs and blankets to pro...

  • 3 Easy Ways to Celebrate National Strawberry Month in May

    State Point|May 11, 2016

    (StatePoint) What more delicious way to enjoy the month of May than by celebrating National Strawberry Month? From family outings to strawberry-inspired gifts, here are some great ideas for kicking off summer from the discount experts at Dollar General. Find a Local Strawberry Farm Plan a family outing by finding a local strawberry farm and spending the afternoon picking fresh strawberries. Make it a fun-filled day by packing a picnic lunch with some of your favorite snacks. Add your newly-picked strawberries to yogurt for a sweet dessert or...

  • How to Make Mother's Day More Meaningful this Year

    State Point|May 4, 2016

    Gifts and flowers are a nice way to show mom you care on Mother’s Day. But this year, consider adding deeper meaning to the holiday (which falls on May 8) with these ideas: Volunteer Together After breakfast in bed is wrapped up, spend the day working side-by-side with your mom on a local volunteer project. Whether you take advantage of the spring weather and participate in a park clean-up, or you serve lunch at a local soup kitchen, you and your mom will enjoy quality time together, while also feeling good about helping the community. Gifts t...

  • A New Remodeling Trend is Adding Resale Value to Homes

    State Point|Apr 13, 2016

    Whether you’re looking to sell your house or just want to make a smart update that’s worth your time and money, consider a design trend that is both attractive and proven to add value to your home: manufactured stone. “Manufactured stone is exploding in popularity, in both exteriors and interiors,” says Phil Wengerd, vice president of Market Strategies for ProVia, a leading manufacturer of home building products. The numbers agree. Manufactured stone veneer projects offer a 92.9 percent cost recovery, according to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs....

  • Smart Tips to Go Green

    State Point|Mar 30, 2016

    (StatePoint) Going “green” has increasingly moved from a trend to a global initiative. But the best place for individuals to start minimizing their impact on the environment is in spaces where they spend the most time. Here are some ways people are reducing their carbon footprints at home and work. Flooring For homeowners, there are many different types of green or eco-friendly flooring options today. For example engineered wood floors have a wood veneer, which uses far less material than solid hardwood floors. They’re also more dimen...