AP9 Articles

At Home Rewards Provides Tips for Growing an Herb Garden at Home

As the organic food trend grows stronger worldwide, more people have decided to grow their own produce at home. Edible flowers, vegetables, fruits and herbs are among the favorites. At Home Rewards (SM), a leading discount membership program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, reports that although herb gardening is less complicated than flower or vegetable gardening, there's still a learning curve.

Herb gardening is a good way for non-experts to start a garden, whether in a yard or in pots placed on a sunny windowsill. Selecting which herbs to grow is the first step, one that should be taken seriously. The garden should be composed by easy-to-grow herbs that can also serve as a complement for the dishes prepared at home. Pizza lovers will pick basil, parsley is a favorite of Italian dishes fans, and those who go for Mexican or Indian cuisine will choose cilantro first and foremost.

Once the herb choices are made, what's next? AtHomeRewards has put together a simple list of tips to have in mind before and during the growing process at home:

-- The beginning. Visit the local garden store or the closest nursery to find seedlings or seeds of the herbs you've chosen. Try your luck with two or three different kinds.

-- Initial treatment. Soak seeds in water prior to planting them in the soil. Another trick is to place them between wet paper towels and into plastic bags for at least four hours.

-- Well-grounded. Make sure to get the best potting soil, perlite and peat moss. A good potting mix is one that allows for fast draining, because all herbs need a well-drained soil.

-- A place to grow. Purchase clay or plastic window boxes or pots, and look around the house for containers you can recycle as pots. Clay pots are recommended because they provide better air circulation for the roots. Those who might forget to water the herbs frequently should pick plastic, metal or ceramic containers.

-- Let it drain. As important as the material of the pot is the drainage it provides. Herbs need a lot of water and a drainage hole for the moisture to escape as needed.

-- Enough sunlight. Indoor herbs need five to six hours of direct sun each day. Some expert gardeners recommend placing the pots on top of the refrigerator while the seeds sprout, then moving them to a sunnier spot once they have germinated.

-- Ideal pH. Measuring the pH of an herb garden sounds more complicated than it is. Hardware stores carry easy-to-use pH and fertility testing kits for beginners and experts. 6.5 is the ideal pH of the soil, which is slightly acidic.

-- Dry and use. The leaves have the best flavor, so it's recommended to remove them from the stem before drying. This will avoid later contamination of the flavor and aroma. Rinse them in cold water, and let them air-dry in a cool spot (two weeks for drier climates, three to four for humid areas).

Herbs make a healthy and flavorful addition to cooking and also serve medicinal and aromatherapy purposes, concludes At Home Rewards.

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.

At Home Rewards Says, “Stay Warm While You Save This Winter”

At Home Rewards (SM), a leading membership discount program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, knows that home heating and fuel prices are headed for the roof — just in time, it seems, for winter. So whether it’s gas or oil heat that keeps things warm inside, when the thermometer starts heading in the opposite direction outside, it has never been more important to try to reduce home heating bills.

AP9 AtHomeRewards knows that saving money on energy costs isn’t exactly a “slam dunk” these days, given those currently outrageous fuel prices and some recent problems with natural gas production.

Reducing energy loss and keeping utility bills down this winter will no doubt be a tall order. That’s why a few tips from At Home Rewards might just make it easier to stay warm, while remembering a popular World War I ditty — Keep The Home Fires Burning — in the bargain:

-- Take ’er down. Now that the energy crunch is decidedly on, turn the heat down whenever possible. Recent studies show that for inside temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees, every degree lower can represent a three-percent savings on overall heating costs. And when the house is empty for an extended period, consider lowering the thermostat to about 55 degrees, which can translate into savings of 5-20 percent over time. Either way, some experts say that keeping things at or below 68 degrees should reduce heating costs.

-- Wear it in. Fashion meets function in a sound in-home heating strategy. When inside temps are lowered, keep body temps at normal levels by donning sweaters, fleeces and other comfy outerwear.

-- Fiddle with the furnace. Keeping furnaces tuned up and clean on a regular basis is a smart move, especially since dirty filters can reduce airflow and increase overall energy use. Replacing or cleaning those furnace filters at least once a month can keep overall fuel costs down by as much as five percent.

-- Some like it hot. Maybe so, but some energy experts say that about 16 percent of an overall average energy bill can go towards heating water. Sure, a warm but damp load of laundry might seem more cozy than a cold one, but that’s what the dryer is for. Wash clothes in cold water instead of hot this winter, and take steps to save hot water in general. Think of it this way: Saving hot water saves energy.

At Home Rewards is all about giving its members useful tricks and tips on all kinds of in-home savings ideas. From the kitchen to the garage to the den — and every room in between — count on AP9 AtHomeRewards.

At Home RewardsSM Helps Spread a Little Holiday Cleaning Joy

The holidays are a time to celebrate the season with friends and family, whether it's a big party or a small, informal gathering, reports At Home Rewards, a premier family and home savings program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®. Before folks start popping in for visits, though, it's a good idea to put a little extra shine on the old homestead.

Entertaining loved ones and close friends is just one of many bright spots in the holiday season, but keeping it bright usually requires a little polishing. No one wants to be remembered for their holiday crumbs rather than their holiday cookies, so a pre-holiday cleaning program is often the best way to prepare for guests, expected or otherwise.

Of course, lengthy cleaning chores aren't usually at the top of anyone's holiday wish list, so AtHomeRewards offers a few quick ways to address some season-specific cleaning needs:

-- Candles. A popular decorative touch around the holidays, candles offer a special challenge because they drip wax wherever they go. To remove wax from candlestick holders, pop them in a freezer for an hour or so. Once the wax is frozen, simply peel it off. (For quicker results, try soaking the candlesticks under very hot water, then use a soft towel to rub the wax off.) To remove warm wax from a tablecloth, rub the wax with an ice cube to make it stiff, and use a spatula to scrape it off, reports At Home Rewards. Then put a paper towel on both sides of the tablecloth, and apply a warm iron. The paper towels should absorb the melted wax. Be sure to run the tablecloth through the washer, of course.

-- Frosted windows. Some people like the frosted-window look, which occurs when windows fog up in cold-weather locales. For those who don't like that look, cleaning the windows with a solution of a half-cup of rubbing alcohol with a quart of water will help keep the condensation --- and therefore the frost --- to a minimum.

-- Carpet spills. Carpet spills aren't a holiday-specific concern, but the more guests there are, the more chances there are for an accident. The key is to work on the spill as quickly as possible, before it sets in. Mix a tablespoon of mild liquid dishwashing detergent with a half-cup of warm water, and use that to dab at the stain with one paper towel while using another paper towel to contain and soak up the spill.

-- Fireplaces. The fireplace can be a focal point of holiday gatherings, so it's important to keep it up to snuff. To remove ashes without creating a cloud, scatter damp tea leaves across the ash pile before gently sweeping the ashes into a dustpan. And to bring a shine to brass fireplace accessories, simply clean them in warm, soapy water.

-- Knick-knacks. Keeping small glass, china and glazed ornaments and figurines clean and free of dust can seem like a very involved task, but it doesn't have to be. Just set them in the kitchen sink, spray them with a window cleaner, rinse them off, wipe them down, and leave them to dry on a paper towel. If the knick-knacks shouldn't be exposed to liquids, use a microfiber towel and a small dose of dust cleaner.

Holiday entertaining should be as easy and enjoyable as singing a verse of two of "Jingle Bells," and being able to focus on company rather than cleaning can be a snap with a few quick tips from At Home Rewards.

At Home RewardsSM Says, “Spring Flowers Depend on Fall Yard Work Hours”

At Home Rewards says that, whether you’re partial to “April showers bring May flowers” or instead prefer, “Only God can make a tree,” one thing is certain: For a healthy lawn and blooming flowers next spring, yard landscaping and preparation must begin this fall.

At Home Rewards, a leading membership discount program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, offers members some valuable yard maintenance tips to make that lawn and garden the envy of the neighborhood.

Proper lawn care and landscaping have become a year-round proposition. It doesn’t demand a green thumb, but it does take commitment and consistency.

With that in mind, At Home Rewards offers the following words of physician-turned-poet William Carlos Williams: “So much depends on a red wheel barrow — glazed with rain water.” Some experts say that Williams intended to show a simple snapshot of American life — to indicate beauty through simple and mundane objects. So when it comes to keeping a solid and good-looking lawn, nothing flowery is required. Instead, keeping overall flora beautified may depend more on regular maintenance and the following types of careful preparation:

-- “Oh, the water.” Regardless of whether rock ’n’ roll icon Van Morrison was into gardening, the aforementioned refrain from his 1970 hit “It Stoned Me” reminds us that running water is not only a symbol of freedom, but is also a key to maintaining a healthy lawn. Proper storage of water hoses is pivotal, and that means bringing outdoor hoses in out of the cold during the winter months. And while you’re at it, turn off the outside water supply if the air temperature is expected to dip below 40 degrees.

-- Breathe deep. A healthy lawn is one that breathes. Leaf blowers and similar power methods are certainly more efficient for fall clean-up, but raking the lawn by hand aerates the grass and helps loosen up the soil.

-- Groom it or lose it. Experts say that the optimal height for cool season (fall) grass is about 2.5 inches. So be perverse and give your lawn a summer haircut in fall, and keep it short throughout the winter. Come spring, that high and tight cool weather lawn coif will make an easy transition to those lush green lawns — just like the ones on TV.

-- Bye-bye blackbird. Cleaning out what birds leave behind can really make a difference when it comes to bugs. When birds fly south for the winter, clean out the remnants of their nests and any nearby birdhouses. The more bird-related debris you manage to clean up, the less likely parasitic bugs will be to survive the winter.

At Home Rewards is all about giving its members useful tricks and tips on all kinds of home care, decorating and home entertainment ideas. Acting like a home care pro means thinking like one. Just ask the home care experts from At Home Rewards.

AP9 AtHomeRewards Provides Tips on How to Handle Fireworks Safely

Explosive displays are a deeply rooted tradition in the United States culture, going back much further than our national anthem, notes AP9 AtHomeRewards, a membership discount program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®. Fireworks safety, on the other hand, is a lesson that bears repeating every year as we approach our nation’s birthday on July 4.

Well before Francis Scott Key wrote in 1814 of “the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air, [giving] proof through the night that our flag was still there,” Philadelphia marked the one-year anniversary of our country’s independence by adjourning Congress and setting off bonfires and fireworks against a backdrop of ringing bells. It is, in fact, that 1777 celebration, rather than “The Star-Spangled Banner” (which didn’t become the official national anthem of the U.S. until March 3, 1931), that began the American tradition of celebrating the Fourth of July with fireworks, parades, picnics, speeches and other community events, notes AP9 At Home Rewards.

There’s no word on whether fireworks safety was a common element in the speeches given way back when, but AP9 AtHomeRewards wants to help ensure that the following commonsense steps remain a standard part of our present-day celebrations:

-- Obey the law. State and local laws governing the use of fireworks can vary wildly. Many states place restrictions on certain kinds of fireworks, and some states ban them altogether. Make sure you know the laws in your area before putting a flame to a fuse.

-- Fireworks are not child’s play. Fireworks are, quite literally, explosive materials, which obviously should never be placed in a child’s hand. Rationalizations like “he has to learn sometime” pale in comparison to the potential loss of a finger, a hand, eyesight or worse. While age restrictions on purchasing fireworks vary from state to state, a good rule of thumb is not to let children use fireworks until they’re old enough to drive.

-- Instructions are our friends. Many accidents with fireworks could be avoided if users followed the ignition instructions on labels. The labels often include commonsense tips -- don’t lean over fireworks when lighting them; don’t point them at people or flammable objects; don’t light them indoors or in a container -- along with any special precautions that should be taken for specific fireworks.

-- Douse and discard duds. Fireworks that haven’t detonated -- yet -- can be as dangerous as those that have. Take care around duds: Soak them in water, ideally from the safe distance offered by a hose, before picking them up and throwing them away.

-- Plan for the worst. Always keep a fire extinguisher and a first-aid kit nearby when setting off fireworks, suggests AP9 AtHomeRewards. If all goes well, they won’t be needed, but it’s always better to have them and not need them than to need them and not have them.

-- Store with care. Unused fireworks should be stored in a cool, dry area, completely out of reach from children, any and all sources of heat and any other potentially flammable materials.

No Fourth of July celebration would be complete without picnics, parades and fireworks -- not to mention a dose or two of safety measures, reports AP9 AtHomeRewards.

AP9 AtHomeRewards Shares Safety Tips on Handling Fruits and Vegetables

Even with all of the technological advances of the past 50-plus years, outbreaks of E. coli and other food-borne diseases continue to afflict people across the United States and the world, reports AP9 AtHomeRewards, a leading membership discount program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®. While individual consumers can’t control the quality of the produce that gets placed on supermarket shelves, they can take steps to help reduce the risks posed by unsanitary fruits and vegetables.

From contaminated spinach and peanut butter to tainted wheat gluten and more, food scares have been grabbing a lot of headlines lately. Unfortunately, problems with processed foods are rarely uncovered until after people are taken ill, but AP9 At Home Rewards notes that consumers can take the following proactive steps to lessen the risks of food-borne illnesses that fruits and vegetables can carry:

-- Wash your hands. It’s an obvious step, but one that bears repeating: Hands are a major transmitter of germs from one place to another, so be sure to wash them — including under the fingernails — with warm soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after touching any food, including everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to raw meat, fish and poultry.

-- Rinse your produce. Another commonsense method for removing contaminants from raw produce is to rinse it under warm water. Avoid using soap and other cleansing agents, though, because they may introduce other elements that can pose risks if digested. However, a small, sanitized scrub brush can be applied to scrape away surface dirt, if necessary.

-- Use clean, safe cutting boards. Prepare foods on smooth, durable cutting boards that don’t absorb juices or other particles from previous rounds of food preparation. To avoid cross-contamination, use hot water, soap and a scrub brush to clean the cutting board and any utensils — forks, knives, spoons, etc. — after preparing each individual item (fruit, vegetable, fish, meat or poultry). Once the entire meal has been prepared, wash the cutting board and utensils in the dishwasher, or rinse them in a solution of one teaspoon of chlorine bleach to one quart of water.

-- Store produce safely. If you plan to eat them later, wrap any cut, peeled or otherwise separated leftovers in airtight cellophane and/or containers, and store them in the refrigerator. The ideal storage temperature is at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, notes AP9 AtHomeRewards.

-- Fuss over salad bars. While salad bars offer easy access to already-prepared produce, they rarely offer any guarantees of freshness. Be sure to avoid any questionable-looking (i.e., slimy, brown or dried-out) fruits and vegetables, since those are often signs that the food hasn’t been properly stored or preserved.

Fresh fruits and vegetables are the foundation of a good nutritional diet, so it’s in your best interests to continue eating them — which means it’s also in your best interests to ensure that your fruits and vegetables are as safe as can be, concludes AP9 At Home Rewards.

AP9 AtHomeRewards Encourages Healthy Eating Habits

Good nutrition involves two main ingredients: what you eat and how you eat it. AP9 AtHomeRewards, a leading discount membership program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, reminds consumers that eating right does not require a menu of bland, flavorless foods. It’s a matter of learning what’s best for you and your family so you can develop healthy eating habits and, therefore, better health.

As AP9 At Home Rewards reports, many healthy habits start in the heart of the home: the kitchen. Once you learn more about different foods, their nutritional values and the best way to prepare them, you’ll enjoy your meals more, and your health will thank you. In health and in cooking, a minor change can make a big difference, and the following tips can give you some useful ideas:

--Use olive oil. An essential ingredient of Mediterranean cuisine, olive oil contains polyphenols, the potent antioxidants that have been shown to help reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels. The extra-virgin is the best kind.

--Switch to brown rice. The taste is great, and it’s a whole grain, which makes it an excellent source of fiber. Brown rice is also rich in vitamins, manganese, selenium and magnesium, elements that help produce energy, improve the health of the nervous system, and help reduce the risk of colon cancer.

--Cut down on salt. At least cut salt in half in your daily cooking, reports AP9 AtHomeRewards. The taste will not change noticeably, and your body will thank you. You can replace salt with garlic or onion powder, flavored vinegar or your own mix of garlic, onion, paprika and parsley flakes.

--Add garlic. Raw, crushed garlic is the best, so try to use it as often as possible. Garlic is full of antioxidant properties, which benefit the cardiovascular system most. Recent studies have also shown some weight-control properties, if eaten frequently.

--Boil and steam. Both cooking methods maintain flavor, color, and nutrients, notes AP9 AtHomeRewards. Other great and low-fat options are roasting, stir-frying, poaching and grilling. Keep in mind that extended heat and liquid can destroy valuable nutrients of the meals you are preparing.

--Eat more fatty fish. Yes, salmon, herring and sardines are full of omega-3 fatty acids, a highly neuroprotective component. Add fish to your meals at least once a week if you want to aid the communication between nerve cells, improve your learning and memory skills, and reduce your risk of Alzeihmer’s disease.

--Eat more veggies. Whenever possible, add vegetables to your meals throughout the day. The recommended quantity is five portions a day. Add new vegetables to the traditional soups, salads, stews and casseroles you prepare, and add veggie juice to the grocery-shopping list.

Consumers can enjoy significant, year-round savings on cooking and home needs for the kitchen, along with home improvement ideas and much more for the entire family, through AP9 At Home Rewards.

AP9 AtHomeRewards Presents Rules for a Successful Garage Sale

“My closet is full of things I never wear.” Does this phrase sound familiar? Well, it is certainly not uncommon to find household closets crammed full of clothing and accessories that have not been worn in ages. This is why AP9 AtHomeRewards, a leading membership discount program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, recommends having a garage sale to clear out cluttered closets while putting some extra cash back into the wallet.

There are certain rules that need to be kept in mind when planning a garage sale. Remember that a garage sale can be financially satisfying, but it’s also a lot of work. AP9 At Home Rewards first recommends committing to a day and time. Second, create a list of items to be sold and a list of people willing to help out the day of the sale. Third, it is very important to have plenty of change on hand since most people will pay cash for their finds.

In addition to the above, AP9 AtHomeRewards suggests some other important tips for a successful garage sale:

-- Advertisements. Letting people know about the garage sale is the most important rule for its success. Some ideas are to promote the garage sale through a local newspaper one to two days before the sale, tell friends and advertise by listing a few key items that will draw attention to potential garage sale goers. The key is to be specific, concise and honest. State the place, date, and hours, and if there is a large amount of clothing, specify some of the sizes.

-- Post signs. Signs come in handy, especially if the seller lives in the back of a large neighborhood. It is critical to the sale’s success to ensure there are plenty of signs so people can find the location. Place signs along the way to guide buyers directly to the sale. Remember to make sure the directions are easy to follow.

-- Pricing. Garage sale items should be priced as inexpensively as possible. Don’t expect to receive more than 10% of what you originally paid. Remember that the sentimental value one places on something has nothing to do with the actual value a potential buyer may see. Make sure all your items are marked properly and the prices are easy to read. We can save a lot of time answering questions if we show a price on all merchandise. People are looking for bargains, so don't disappoint them. Remember that what you sell is something you don't want, so whatever you get is more than what you could’ve gotten if you tossed it.

-- Join efforts for effectiveness. If there are not many items to sell, it’s a good idea to ask neighbors and friends if they have things they would like to contribute. The more there is to sell – the more successful the sale will be. If people stop by and only see a few, small items, they will be more likely to keep going than if they see a garage sale full of a variety of items.

-- Offer water, pop, lemonade and baked goods. Another way to make some extra money is to sell refreshments. Shoppers will be weary and refreshments will enhance your sale in their eyes and probably make them stay longer. A refreshment stand run by children will win the hearts of most shoppers!

One last note: The best days for a garage sale are Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. These are the days when most people go out looking for inexpensive or unique items, concludes AP9 At Home Rewards.

AP9 AtHomeRewards Helps Put a Kick into Super Bowl Sunday Parties

With the NFL playoffs now in full swing, the countdown to Super Bowl XLI (41) on February 4 has officially started! And now, thanks to AP9 AtHomeRewards, a leading membership discount program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, members can get some fun and valuable tips for making an upcoming Super Bowl party better than being at the game!

Right or wrong, some people just aren’t interested in football. That’s why AP9 At Home Rewards advises planning ideas geared for two separate parties: one for the football fans who want only to yell and cheer for a competitive game and maybe munch down some pretzels and drink a few beers, and the other for everyone else — those who want to chatter with their friends, dine on tasty hors d’oeuvres, and see which advertiser will roll out the most outrageous and clever commercials during TV timeouts.

With all those things in mind, AP9 At Home Rewards offers the following tips to make your Super Bowl party a hit — from the hours before kick-off to the final gun:

-- Kick things off with a football pool. Tracking the score of the big game by quarter, using a randomly arranged betting sheet, is a Super Bowl tradition. Display the pool right in the middle of the action, and encourage everyone to buy at least one square. If the game itself is boring, the battle for which guest wins the randomly arranged pool may become the main event.

-- Break out the playbook. When it comes to food, there’s safety in variety. Think “pot luck” — from mini-meatballs to shrimp treats — even to tiny hot dogs with Jack Daniel’s sauce. Freedom of choice with both food and beverage is always a safe bet.

-- Stand by for a TV timeout. Super Bowl Sunday has traditionally marked the launch of many innovative and often outrageous TV commercials by top advertisers. Have each of your guests select their top two commercials by the end of the 3rd quarter, and set up an informal balloting box.

-- Call an audible and throw out a wild card. Some of your guests will care about the game’s outcome. For those sore losers, let them try smashing a football piñata to let out their frustrations. Fill it with chocolate football treats and other assorted goodies.

AP9 AtHomeRewards is standing by at AtHome-Rewards.com to give all its members useful tricks and tips on all kinds of home care, decorating and home entertainment ideas. To get in on the action, all it takes is an open mind and a desire to save. For everything else, just consult the pros at AP9 AtHomeRewards.

AP9 At Home Rewards Offers Suggestions for Lowering Monthly Home Utility Bills This Winter

Due to the high cost of crude oil, home heating costs this winter are sure to take a healthy bite out of the monthly budget. However, members of AP9 AtHomeRewards, a leading membership discount program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, can take advantage of dependable methods to ward off the expected increases in their utility bills.

AP9 AtHomeRewards recognizes that the winter months are just around the corner and much of the United States will be experiencing frigid weather — sub-freezing temperatures, significant snowfall and bone-chilling winds that invade the Northeast and much of the Midwest every year. With heating costs expected to be elevated, AP9 At Home Rewards offers encouraging news: Increases in heating system efficiencies can lead to a decrease in heating bills, especially for AP9 At Home Rewards members.

AP9 AtHomeRewards members have access to savings on their home improvement projects by logging on to their members-only website at DealPass.com. There they can save 20% on $25 gift cards for major home centers, department stores and other national retailers. Once their gift cards arrive in the mail, AP9 AtHomeRewards members can use them to pay for insulation, vacuums and other home improvement needs.

AP9 At Home Rewards encourages homeowners to spend an afternoon completing these simple projects, which can shore up your heating system and lower your monthly charges:

-- Cover all exits. Insulating the attic, stairways, basement and garage is one of the most effective ways to keep hot air from escaping.

-- Check for leaks. Many homes have “cold zones,” areas that are significantly cooler than the rest of the home. Find the source of this cold air, then seal and insulate the leaky ducts, windows, door jambs or other openings.

-- Trim the hedges. Shrubs planted near the home can block airflow to heat pumps and air conditioners. Pruning them back will help ensure a clean flow.

-- Dust off the heaters. Vacuuming air vents, radiators and baseboard heaters will remove dust and other debris that can lower heating efficiency.

This article was brought to you by AP9 At Home Rewards.

AP9 At Home Rewards Offers Budget-Friendly Ideas for Decorating Drab Dorms

Four years of white walls, a drive-through-sized window, industrial flooring and fluorescent lights sounds more like a prison sentence than an exciting new adventure. AP9 AtHomeRewards, a membership discount program from Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, promises that these dreary living spaces can be disguised as comfortable and inviting without having to hire an interior designer.

AP9 At Home Rewards members can save quickly and conveniently when they log on to DealPass.com, the gateway to exclusive savings at home décor, electronics and home improvement retailers nationwide. Budget-conscious dorm dwellers enjoy extra spending power when they take advantage of the inspiring and creative home or dorm decoration solutions available with AP9 At Home Rewards membership.

AP9 AtHomeRewards recommends these tips for making a dorm room feel more like home.

-- Begin with a theme. Whether it’s soft neutrals or crazy zebra stripes, a theme can tie a room together. It’ll help determine bed linens, picture frames, pillows and other accents.

-- A big rug will warm up any dorm room, especially those with cold tile flooring. Thick plush rugs are ideal for students who like to lounge or exercise on the floor.

-- Consider packing a mattress topper like a featherbed or foam pad to make a college-issue bed more comfortable.

-- Proper lighting is essential to prevent eyestrain but it doesn’t have to be boring. In addition to a bright desk lamp, look for fun accent lamps with stylish shades or try a colored light bulb for ambience.

-- Pillows are both decorative and functional. Large body pillows are not only great for comfortable sleep but can turn a bed into a sofa. Look for fun neck-roll pillows made of soft microfiber and large pillows for dorm room picnics or study sessions.

-- It’s no secret that space is a commodity in college dorm rooms. Look for under-bed containers and hanging over-the-door racks. Brightly colored or sleek metallic crates are great for large textbooks, music and movies and other school supplies.

-- Create a photo collage to help dress up those plain white walls. A bulletin board with a painted frame can complement the room’s theme as well as serve as a message center for roommates.

AP9 At Home Rewards offers exclusive savings on home entertainment, relocation services, flowers and gifts and much more. With discounts on home-related products, members can stretch their budgets farther for college needs throughout the year via AP9 At Home Rewards.

AP9 At Home Rewards Offers Useful Tips on How to Poison-Proof Your Home

It’s every parent’s nightmare: You turn your back for just a second, and your child swallows a mouthful of pesticide (or rubbing alcohol or oven cleaner or …). Poison is the second-leading cause of unintentional, injury-related deaths in the home, notes AP9 At Home Rewards, a leading membership discount program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, but far too many families still fail to take the necessary steps to protect their loved ones from the toxic substances commonly found in most homes.

Threats to your family’s safety can come in a variety of guises. You have little or no control over many of them -- terrorism, bad drivers, natural catastrophes -- but when it comes to household risks, you can make a difference. AP9 AtHomeRewards members know that they can log on to DealPass.com to save on a variety of items and services that can contribute to a more inviting, more relaxing -- and safer -- home.

To help you protect your family from the potential dangers of common household poisons, AP9 At Home Rewards offers the following tips:

-- Lock it up high. Hazardous substances should be stored in their own cabinets, high above the potential grasp of any youngsters, and firmly secured behind locks, in case your youngster likes to climb chairs, counters and other aids to higher access.

-- Lock it down low. If you insist upon keeping your cleaning agents in the cabinet under the sink (as most people do), be sure to install childproof locks on the cabinet door. An easily-opened cabinet door is practically an invitation for infants and toddlers to go exploring.

-- Separate edibles from poisons. In addition to protecting late-night snack hunters from making the wrong choice in dim lighting and/or a fatigued state, storing toxic substances and food products in separate areas also eliminates the possibility of contamination through leakage.

-- Discard outdated medicines. Prescription and over-the-counter medications carry expiration dates for a reason: After a certain time, their chemical compositions can break down and cause more harm than good if used. Be sure to flush unused, expired prescription drugs and other outdated medicines down the toilet to avoid the potentially toxic problems that can arise from unapproved usage.

-- Keep relevant information on hand. Post the number for the National Poison Control Hotline (1-800-222-1222) next to every phone. Also, be sure to read the labels on containers of harmful substances; they usually offer important first-aid information.

In addition to convenient access to discounts on home improvement materials, AP9 AtHomeRewards also offers a wide variety of benefits that help members save money on home furnishings and decor, family entertainment and much more.

AP9 At Home Rewards Says that Preparedness is Key for Surviving Weather Disasters

Modern technology hasn’t advanced yet enough to control the weather. Until that’s possible, the best defense against devastating tornadoes and hurricanes is preparedness. Adaptive Marketing LLC^®’s membership discount program AP9 AtHomeRewards reports that most households don’t have a plan in place in the case of severe weather.

AP9 AtHomeRewards members can save on decorating, electronics and home improvement every time they shop online or in the store at local and national retailers. Members save quickly and conveniently when they log onto DealPass.com, the gateway to exclusive savings on relocation services, DVDs, hardware supplies and flowers and gifts. With these savings, members can stretch their budgets further so when disaster strikes, they have the extra money they need to repair their home and take care of their family.

AP9 At Home Rewards recommends these disaster preparedness tips for members nationwide.

-- Not just in Kansas. Tornadoes can strike anytime, anywhere and often with little warning. The latter makes tornado preparedness all the more important. The first step to take is to establish a home tornado plan. Pick a place where family members can gather if a tornado is in the area. This could be a basement, a center hallway, bathroom or closet on the lowest floor. It could also be a designated shelter in the neighborhood. Stay away from windows.

Don’t go outside or try to outrun a tornado. Find a low-lying area, and take shelter. If you’re in a car when a tornado is near, get out immediately, and take shelter. Even after a tornado passes, safety is still a concern. Use only flashlights to inspect damage, be on the lookout for downed power lines, and be careful of compromised buildings and debris.

-- Coastal concerns. As recent history has proved, hurricanes pose a devastating threat to coastal areas. Having a family plan is the best protection from injury and loss; fortunately, hurricanes are typically identified and tracked several hours before making landfall, so you should have time to implement the plan. Establish a meeting place, and stay indoors, in a central area of the house, and away from windows.

When preparing for the arrival of a hurricane, tie down or store any outside furniture, plants, trashcans and other items that can be blown around by wind. This will help to minimize damage. Plywood can be used to cover windows; tape is not recommended, as it does not prevent breakage.

If local authorities advise evacuation for any situation, leave immediately, and listen for instructions on returning. If you’re driving, try to have alternative routes on hand to avoid flood waters; seek higher ground or the roof of the car if caught on a flooded road. Upon your return, carefully inspect the house for damage, and only use flashlights.

-- Assemble a disaster supplies kit. Whether you’re preparing for a hurricane or a tornado, a disaster supplies kit is a must for every home. It should contain a first aid kit; canned food and can opener; bottled water; protective clothing such as rain gear and blankets; batteries for flashlights and radio; a cellphone charger; and special supplies for infants, disabled or elderly family members. Keep maps and important information in the kit, and update them periodically. If evacuation is possible, agree on a place to go, such as a relative’s home in another town, a motel or a shelter. Pack your disaster supplies kit in a sturdy container, and store it in an uncluttered area where it can be located in the case of an emergency.

These important tips are provided by AP9 At Home Rewards.

AP9 AtHomeRewards Shares Tips on Finding the Right Contractor

Renovating your home can be a huge undertaking. If you can accept the temporary inconveniences that comes with a remodel, the final outcome will not only give your home a new look that you can be proud of but will also potentially increase the value of your home. But how do you find someone who is reputable to do the work? Members of AP9 AtHomeRewards, a leading membership discount program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, have access to a members-only service that helps them locate qualified, pre-screened contractors.

If your home improvement or home repair project is one that you can not do yourself, tracking down someone who can will be your top priority – one that may seem a bit overwhelming. However, AP9 AtHomeRewards members can simply access Dealpass.com to find a trusted service provider. Not only can members choose from over 40,000 prescreened contractors, they also have access to a huge selection of money-saving benefits at some of the nations top home improvement centers across the country – perfect for their “Project Supplies” list.

AP9AtHomeRewards offers the following tips to locate a respectable contractor and to supervise the remodel more efficiently:

-- Before making any phone calls, scope out the details of your project. Map out what you want to do and how you want to have it done. This will help you stay within your budget and keep the progress of the job in check once the contractor has begun working.

-- Do your research. Don’t talk to just one service provider. Make a list of a least three and ask for and contact at least two references. Ask your family, friends, neighbors or even your insurance agent if they could recommend someone who is reputable, fair and reliable.

-- Check licenses. A professional contractor should have a license to run his business and a certification of professional competence. Sometimes these personal designations do always guarantee success on the job, but you can take comfort in knowing at a governmental institution has certified the contractor.

-- Find out if the contractor has a professional bond. While it’s not required, some contractors like to have this back-up insurance, especially for larger, complicated jobs. Depending on the complexity of your job, you may also want to take out short-term property or liability insurance.

-- Decide what type of contract you want to sign: fixed-fee or time-and-materials. With fixed-fee contracts, you’ll know exactly how much you’ll pay for the job, what it is that you want done and when it will be completed. With a time-and-materials contract, the final cost and completion date are estimates, but you can work out the details of the job as you go along, ensuring that they’ll meet your standards and taste.

In addition to convenient access to a pre-screened contractor service, AP9 AtHomeRewards also offers a wide variety of benefits that help members save money on home improvement materials, home furnishings and decor, family entertainment and much more.

AP9 AtHomeRewards Enables Members to Make Home Improvements at Significant Savings

With spring -- and home improvement season — right around the corner, members of AP9 AtHomeRewards, a leading membership discount program offered by Adaptive Marketing LLC^®, will start taking advantage of the renewed focus on home improvement efforts by leading retailers.

Early spring is the traditional kickoff to the home improvement season. Home centers and other retail outlets roll out products for the coming season — painting needs, home improvement supplies and more — and savvy consumers, like AP9 AtHomeRewards members, can jump-start their efforts by tackling a few interior projects before the snows melt.

To save on home improvement materials, AP9 AtHomeRewards members access their benefits online at DealPass.com. There they can save 20% on $25 gift cards for major home centers, department stores and other national retailers. Once their gift cards arrive in the mail, members can use them on all of their home improvement needs.

To help the early birds, AP9 AtHomeRewards offers a few tips on starting an interior painting job:

• Prime yourself. Even small projects require pre-planning. Create a list of action steps, from gathering the proper supplies to choosing a painting day that will cause the fewest disruptions.

• Agree to agree. Tastes vary from person to person. Choose an acceptable color before buying the paint; it’s much easier to deal with a change of heart in the paint store than in a freshly painted room.

• Cover your assets. Remove any prized possessions from the room, including artwork, curtains, furniture and anything else of value that isn’t nailed down. Paint removers are the last line of defense, not the first.

• Splatter matters. After clearing the room, drape drop cloths over the remaining items and secure them in place. Cover the flooring completely; unintended paint jobs tend to show up on the floor.

• Take a deep breath. Make sure the room is properly ventilated. Open windows and doors as needed, and use an oscillating fan to ensure adequate air circulation.