AP9 Articles

At Home Rewards Offers Tips to Make Small Spaces Look Bigger

Visual tricks are a very important tool of interior design. Colors, light, furniture and decorative pieces can be arranged the right way to make a statement, or to make a space look smaller… or bigger. At Home Rewards (SM), a leading discount membership program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, knows that consumers don’t need to sacrifice comfort because they live in a small, enclosed place. With a few visual tricks and some key elements, any room can appear bigger than it really is.

As AP9 AtHomeRewards reports, the key is to think ahead and make buying and decorating decisions with one thing in mind: to make the room (whether it’s a bedroom, a kitchen or a living room) appear more spacious and definitely more comfortable. To do so, there are three main elements to take into consideration: color, decoration and organization. AP9 At Home Rewards has put together a list of simple tips to follow for any small room of the house:

Color:

• Light hues will open up the space, and painting the walls white will definitely maximize that effect.
• Go monochromatic. If all white doesn’t work for your lifestyle, try painting the walls, trim and detailing in different shades of one color. Pick from off-white, beige, any pastel or neutral color.
• Match the color of the furniture with the color of the walls. Stay away from contrasting colors, especially in big pieces such as the sofa.

Decoration:

• Medium-size furniture pieces work better than a big, prominent one. Avoid having many small pieces scattered all over the room, and arrange furniture at an angle to add visual interest to the place.
• Track or recessed lighting works best for small spaces. Use a torchiere lamp to bounce light off the ceiling, and get rid of heavy drapery. Let the natural light come in as much as possible.
• Mirrors are also a great way to make a room feel and look bigger. A big wall mirror right in front of a window will reflect light and color; so will a collection of smaller ones, distributed along one wall.

Organization:

• Any small space — even a tiny closet — will look bigger if it’s clutter-free. Get rid of little furniture dispersed all over, and move around pieces that block the view and walkway space.
• Designers recommend getting pieces of furniture with open arms and legs, as well as small glass-top tables, so the light can filter through.
• Make the most out of the space with multifunctional furniture. Invest in good quality pieces such as drop-leaf or removable-leaf tables and ottomans for storage and sitting purposes, among others.

Consumers can enjoy significant, year-round savings on decorating and remodeling needs for any room of the house, no matter the size, along with home improvement ideas and much more for the entire family, through At Home Rewards.

Todays Escapes Lists Popular Places for Freshmen Spring Breakers in 2008

Spring break is the holiday for students. This is their week to close all books and not think about midterms, papers and studying. For freshman students, spring break is yet another “first” on the long list of new things they go through during their first year in college. Todays Escapes (SM), a travel discount membership program by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, knows how important this experience is for thousands of young adults across the country who look at this trip as another milestone in their lives.

So where to go for an ultimate spring break experience? AP9 TodaysEscapes has put together a list of some of the top destinations in the country in Mexico. This list will give freshmen students a better idea of where the fun is before booking their flights to a wild experience:

-- Nevada. “Sin City” embodies the spirit of what spring break represents: unlimited fun and outrageous behavior. The casinos, clubs, huge hotels and shows attract spring breakers like bees to honey. But Las Vegas is not all that Nevada has to offer spring breakers. Some are venturing out of the city limits to a destination that’s becoming one of Nevada’s hot spots: Lake Havasu. This area offers 400 miles of coastline, water sports for every taste, and quite a few clubs and bars that can delight spring breakers looking for endless entertainment in the desert.

-- Texas. Even fun is bigger and better in Texas. Spring breakers typically choose a spot in one of the two most popular areas of the state: the Gulf Coast or the Hill Country. On the coast, the “it” towns include Aransas Pass, Port Aransas, Corpus Christi and, of course, South Padre Island. Spring breakers look for activities in or around water, no matter if it’s fresh or salt water. That’s why the rivers and lakes on Hill Country are chosen for college students from everywhere in the U.S. Some names to consider (particularly for tubing) are Lake Travis (north of Austin), and the San Marcos and Guadalupe rivers.

-- Florida. Sunny days, balmy temperatures, warm water and endless beaches are some of the attractions Florida has to offer to spring breakers, especially those who are also looking to escape from a dreary winter. Daytona Beach was the hottest spot for many years, but now there’s a serious competition between South Beach and Panama City for the #1 spot. Both places offer spring break specials, water sports, open restaurants to see and be seen, and nightclubs that close only when the last patron walks out.

-- Mexico. Puerto Vallarta, Cancun, Cabo San Lucas, Rosarito Beach, Acapulco … just the names sound like fun! Need any more reasons to get a passport and flight south of the border? Raging nightlife scene, colorful hotels and villages and water sports make any of these cities and towns an ideal destination for spring breakers. Take out the English-Spanish dictionary, and pack some super-sized sunscreen!

AP9 TodaysEscapes knows that once-in-a-lifetime experiences like spring break are just too important to miss. And for savings on travel needs and vacation ideas for any time of the year, look no further than Todays Escapes.

Simple Escapes Reminds Spring Breakers To Be Safe While Having Fun

Safety is probably the last thing on the mind of most college students when they’re planning a spring break getaway. For them, the itinerary, sunbathing and clubbing attire takes precedent over other important issues while traveling. Simple Escapes (SM), a leading travel and entertainment savings program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, has some simple and practical safety tips for all spring breakers to keep in mind during those wild days.

It’s well known that spring breakers “break loose” during their trip, and outrageous behavior is part of the amusement college co-eds are looking for. While having fun during the break should be a top priority, safety should also be at the top of the list. AP9 SimpleEscapes reports some simple safety tips to practice during spring break:

-- Do research. Look for recent information about the vacationing place. Read local papers and do some research online to find out if special safety measures are needed. Make sure everyone in the group is aware of the location of the nearest police station and hospital or medical center.

-- Learn the local rules. According to the U.S. State Department website, over 100,000 American teenagers travel to Mexico during spring break. The same website reports that many of those teenagers get in trouble with the law or even get into accidents because they aren’t aware of local regulations about drinking, driving, possession of firearms and more. It’s very important to be know local laws and to be able to find the nearest U.S. Consulate, U.S. Consular Agency, or the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City, in case trouble arises.

-- Stick to threes. The buddy system is an old way to stay safe, but it works. Three is the magic number because if one person gets in trouble or feels sick, a second one can stay put while the third one gets help. Buddies keep an eye on one another and can be the voice of reason when too much sun or alcohol comes into play.

-- Stay in touch. Make sure someone at home has all the trip information, from the phone number of the hotel to the itinerary. It’s also a good idea to stay in touch with close friends or relatives; short calls or emails don’t take time and will reassure them of your well-being and whereabouts.

-- Don’t drink alcohol. Abstaining is the sane thing to do, although it’s exactly the opposite of what spring breakers do. Those of legal age who decide to drink must remember not to drive under the influence and have a plan for knowing when to stop and how to refuse more alcohol, even under peer pressure. When drinking, stay within reach of your friends, and don’t leave unattended anyone who passes out due to alcohol intoxication.

-- Use common sense. General common sense rules that apply at home should be followed during a spring break vacation. Lock the door at the hotel, look through the peephole before opening the door, and don’t interact with strangers, especially when alone or after a few drinks.

Safety precautions aren’t meant to deter spring breakers from having a wonderful time with their college buddies, but it is better to be safe than sorry. Another safe bet is to get discounts on travel arrangements, entertainment, meals, shopping and many other benefits with the savings program Simple Escapes.

Shopping Essentials Previews the Winter’s Best New Book Releases

With cold winter weather often causing many of us to spend more time indoors, Shopping Essentials (SM), a leading discount membership program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, announces its recommended reading list of newly released titles, just in time for curling up with in front of the fire and a warm pair of slippers.

Fiction

Political and Legal Thriller: The Appeal, John Grisham. The latest from the best-selling author is legal thriller pitting a rural Mississippi town against a chemical company attempting to buy a seat on the state Supreme Court.

On the Nature of Marriage: The Senator’s Wife, Sue Miller. Ms. Miller looks inside the lives of two women in two very different marriages, creating a complex portrait and an engrossing tale of compromise, healing and intimacy.

Supernatural/Mystery: Duma Key: A Novel, Stephen King. A millionaire leaves his wife and family behind to start a new life on the Florida coast, but his eerie paintings take on a terrifying life of their own.

Non-Fiction

Food: In Defense of Food, An Eater’s Manifesto, Michael Pollan. The connection between how food and health are becoming more and more clouded by the food industry and today’s modern supermarket, but Pollan tells us how to restore good health by ignoring the bad advice and “fake” food and by making thoughtful food shopping choices.

Health and Wellness: You: Staying Young: The Owner’s Manual for Extending Your Warranty (You), Michael F. Roizen and Mehmet C. Oz. Aging isn’t inevitable. The author-physicians describe 14 major “agers,” the principles of longevity and how to fight aging with a 14-day plan.

Autobiography: Born Standing Up: A Comic’s Life, Steve Martin. The comedian’s memoir recounts his start at Disneyland, The Smothers Brothers Show and the stage, and along the way recalls family relationships and mentors, modestly observing that obsession is a substitute for talent.

Fans of the written word can enjoy significant discounts on book purchases at major booksellers nationwide as members of AP9 ShoppingEssentials.

24Protect Plus Shows How to Keep Your Pet Healthy

24ProtectPlus (SM), a premier security program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, understands that a healthy pet is a happy pet. Most pet owners treat their pets like cherished family members. So be sure that, along with basic food and shelter, their health needs are also met.

Here’s how to ensure that your pet enjoys a long and happy life, according to 24 Protect Plus:

1. Spay or neuter your pet. An estimated three to four million unwanted cats and dogs are euthanized each year. Other homeless animals struggle to survive in the wild. AP9 24 Protect Plus believes that one of the most important things you can do for your cat or dog is to spay or neuter it. This can actually prevent future health problems by reducing the risk of certain cancers of the reproductive system.

2. Monitor their diet. The obesity epidemic among humans has spread to our pets. Doting pet-lovers often spoil their beloved pooches and kitties with between-meal treats or table scraps. It’s best to stick to a high-quality pet food and monitor pets’ weight.

3. Exercise them regularly. With regular exercise, you can avoid enrolling Rover in Weight Watchers classes. It will also improve Rover’s mental health. If shredded pillows or chewed-up shoes are regular household occurrences, chances are Rover is suffering from a major case of boredom, and no amount of scolding will change that. A brisk daily walk can be invigorating for all concerned!

Exercising cats requires a bit more creativity, but even an indoor cat will enjoy swatting a small ball around or stalking a toy mouse. Just be sure not to leave them alone with any items they could accidentally swallow or choke on, like a string.

4. Train your dog. Ever been embarrassed when Fido greets a visitor on his hind legs? Or felt frustrated when Fido runs in the other direction after being beckoned? Structured obedience classes can strengthen the bond between owner and dog, teach socialization skills and even save his life in situations where responding to a command is essential.

Cats, in contrast, approach life independently, notes AP9 24ProtectPlus. Ambitious cat owners might still teach the feline a few tricks, but cat lovers mostly understand that a purr and a snuggle — when they’re in the mood — is all the “obedience” they’ll get.

5. Build a relationship between vet and pet. Dogs and cats need annual check-ups and vaccinations. It’s an inexpensive way to ensure they don’t contract a fatal illness. It’s a bit less important for indoor cats, but if she’s prone to “escaping” at any opportunity, play it safe and vaccinate. Watch for fleas, ticks, heartworm and Lyme disease, too.

When illness does strike, the signs can be subtle. Sickly animals in the wild become prey for predators, so a pet’s natural instinct may be to not show outward signs of distress. Loss of appetite, weight loss and fatigue are all common signs of illness. Behavioral changes may also signal that something is amiss.

The expenses of treating a pet’s illness can rival are own medical bills. Purchasing pet insurance before illness strikes can keep vet expenses can much more manageable.

6. Create a safe home environment. Pet-proof the home. Certain houseplants are poisonous if consumed. Medications and pesticides should be kept tightly sealed and well out of reach of pets. Common chemicals in the garage, such as antifreeze, can prove fatal to pets in minute amounts. Chocolate is also toxic to animals.

Our furry friends give us so much unconditional love. They deserve the extra attention that keeping them healthy entails, says 24 Protect Plus.

Privacy Matters Identity Warns, A Wallet Holds a lot More than Money

Privacy Matters Identity (SM), a leading security and privacy membership program from Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, knows that a lost wallet can mean instant panic. And those first few seconds of helplessness — followed by everything from self-deprecation to worry, even to anger — are perfectly normal. Still, if it happens, consumers need to have a recovery plan in place.

In today’s world, it’s just too easy for personal information to fall into the wrong hands, notes PMIdentity. So, first and foremost, make sure to stash away all important account numbers elsewhere, separate from that wallet or purse — especially your Social Security number. Just in case someone else has the chance to go on a no-holds-barred shopping spree or clean out a personal bank account with no reprisals.

Sure, it’s inconvenient to have to deal with the loss of critical and personal items — not to mention cash — but no one else will do the legwork. So if that trusty billfold or favorite hand bag should suddenly goes missing, PMIdentity recommends creating some semblance of the following “Lost Wallet” recovery plan:

-- Practice the three “Cs.” Easier said than done, but this is a good time to try to be cool, calm and collected. Count to 10, and think about retracing those steps to the last time the wallet was accounted for. Anyone can freak out or punch a hole in a wall in a fit of rage. Dare to be different, and breathe deeply instead.

-- Dial for dials. Don’t give up “the hunt” right away, but don’t dally either. If there’s sensitive and personal information in that wallet, anyone who can read can use it for personal gain. Keep those phone skills sharp, think about canceling all the credit and charge cards, and get replacement account numbers. A lost wallet will mean some extra time on the phone, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

-- Sound the alarm. So once those account numbers have been canceled through the individual credit companies, call up the major credit reporting agencies, and ask them to flag accounts with a “fraud alert.” In case the cards have already been used by someone else, adding a “victim’s statement” to the account history will build in added protection.

-- Meanwhile, back on the busy phones … Once all the financials have been handled, get on the phone with everybody else — utility companies, the bank and the phone company — just in case someone out there feels like becoming an identity thief might be an interesting career move.

So before panic takes over, reconstruct the situation. Maybe that missing wallet is in another pair of pants or in the glove compartment of the car. If not, play it safe and get ready to borrow a tip or two from IK9 Privacy Matters Identity.