(NewsUSA) - Sponsored by GAF - It's time to stop thinking of Millennials as totally uninterested in owning anything just because they were early adopters of Uber.<br /> <br /> The newly released U.S. home ownership rate rose in 2017 for the first time in 13 years - it now stands at 64.2 percent - driven mainly by a shift towards owning over renting by the under-age 35 crowd who'd been wary of committing for both financial and personal reasons.<br /> <br /> "This is happening because young households are buying homes. Full stop," Ralph McLaughlin, chief economist at home listings provider Trulia, told the Wall Street Journal.<br /> <br /> They're not the only purchasers, of course. Which means if you're looking to sell your house now or in the not too distant future, you might want to check out this generational roadmap to four upgrades experts say are worth it to help attract potential buyers.<br /> <br /> * Cross-generational: a new steel door. The only thing that beat it on Remodeling magazine's annual Cost vs. Value Report for 2017 was loose-fill attic insulation, but this project - with a 90.7% return on investment - speaks directly to the report's main takeaway: "Curb appeal projects, by and large, generated higher returns on investment than work done inside the home."<br /> <br /> Plus, as far as Millennials go, while their ideal interiors may differ from older generations - for example, they prefer open floor plans and hardwood floors - Architectural Digest says they're still into "traditional exteriors."<br /> <br /> * Millennials: smart-home tech. Yes, there are Boomers and Generation Xers who are super tech savvy, but Millennials especially crave homes that allow them to control their heating, air-conditioning, home security, and lighting systems from their phones.<br /> <br /> "They want to use their brains for other things, not for remembering whether they adjusted the heat or closed the garage door," Angie's List stressed.<br /> <br /> * Cross-generational: a new roof. It's the ultimate curb appeal enhancer and a perennial Remodeling magazine A-lister, with Credit.com having observed that "buyers pay a premium for one already in place."<br /> <br /> So if the first thing prospects notice even before exiting their cars looks like something out of "Twister," you've got a problem.<br /> <br /> "It's a huge turn-off," said Patsy O'Neill, a sales associate with Sotheby's in Montclair, New Jersey, "and makes buyers of all ages predisposed to find even more things they don't like."<br /> <br /> If your roof does need replacing, those particularly interested in targeting Millennials might want to consider the very affordable Sienna line of diamond-shaped shingles from GAF (gaf.com), North America's largest roofing manufacturer, since they capture that generation's sensibilities.<br /> <br /> "They pick up on key Millennial style trends of natural, clean materials, clean lines, and the integration of artistic elements," said Leslie Franklin, executive director of residential marketing at GAF.<br /> <br /> * Millennials: all-new appliances. Realtors will tell you that major kitchen (and bath) upgrades aren't generally worth their high costs, in terms of return on investment, since prospective buyers' tastes can clash with yours.<br /> <br /> However, Millennials do love, love, love all-new stainless steel appliances. So much so that what RealtyTimes.com called "an astonishing majority of 75 percent" of respondents in a recent survey chose to spend their hypothetical home buying budgets on them.<br /> <br /> Ref: Gardens - in Blogs

(NewsUSA) - With so many TV shows, videos, and games vying for a child's attention, it can be hard to keep him or her inspired to read. It can be even harder to do so in "real life" settings, but interacting with other kids and sharing excitement for a series or character is often more powerful than swiping a screen.<br /> <br /> Enter the Barnes & Noble Kids' Book Hangout. This new nationwide program invites kids aged 6 through 12 to go to their local Barnes & Noble to hang out, talk books, and play fun games and activities - all "in real life."<br /> <br /> Through this new program, Barnes & Noble booksellers will lead kids in games and activities related to select titles that showcase a range of genres and tastes.<br /> <br /> "The whole idea of the Hangout is for kids to see how much fun reading can be, and that enjoying characters, stories, and books really can be a social experience," says Stephanie Fryling, Vice President of Merchandising, Children's Books. "If the kids walk away with a new favorite character or series that motivates them to keep reading, then we'll have done our job."<br /> <br /> The first Kids' Book Hangout starts Saturday, July 28, at 2 p.m. in every Barnes & Noble store nationwide. Kids don't have to read the featured books, and everyone from 6-12 is welcome. The national bookseller will continue to host Hangouts on a seasonal schedule.<br /> <br /> For the inaugural gathering, Barnes & Noble has teamed up with Penguin Young Readers to showcase titles that include heartfelt poetry, a hilarious Caveboy, a mysterious adventure, and a Beatle-crazed young woman. The books are:<br /> <br /> * Brown Girl Dreaming, by Jacqueline Woodson<br /> <br /> * More Scrawny Than Brawny, by Aaron Reynolds<br /> <br /> * The Basque Dragon, by Adam Gidwitz<br /> <br /> * She Loves You (Yeah, Yeah, Yeah), by Ann Hood<br /> <br /> The four titles will be 20 percent off all day at Barnes & Noble on July 28, and Frappuccinos and smoothies will be $1 off for Hangout participants.<br /> <br /> The first Hangout comes at a great time for parents struggling to keep their kids reading during the summer. When school starts up again, the Hangouts will be a good reminder that books aren't just for classrooms.<br /> <br /> "The relationship people have with books and reading often starts in childhood, and we hope these Hangouts will help parents and caregivers lay a great foundation for young readers," Fryling says.<br /> <br /> The program adds to Barnes & Noble's other offerings for kids, including the earn-a-free-book Summer Reading Program, and weekly Storytimes for younger kids.<br /> <br /> The bookseller has more information on its website: www.bn.com/bnhangout, and will be posting about the event at <a class="btn-scroll hashword" href="https://stallios.com/search/hashtag/BNHangout">#BNHangout</a>.<br /> <br /> Ref: Communities - in Blogs

*I Will Keep Pushing Until I Push Through*<br /> <br /> I'll keep pushing, until I push through. Though the storms are fierce and roughly threatening, I will keep pushing. Though I might be uncertain in the journey and don't know how far I've gone and how much distance is left for me, I'll keep pushing. Though there's no one there to lean on and no support to beckon, I'll keep pushing. Though my strength is becoming weaker, and I cannot find the courage to continue, yet I'll keep pushing. Though the walls seem to be cracking and are about to collapse on me, with so much unseen danger, I'll keep pushing. Though I feel deserted, and find no one to believe in my dreams or help build with me, I'll keep pushing. Though the challenges may overwhelm me, and a whisper to quit surges its way to my heart, I'll keep pushing. <br /> <br /> <br /> Though the darkness tries to consume me, and the light seems too far away, I'll keep pushing. Though every step feels like a struggle, and every breath is a battle, I'll keep pushing. Though the weight of my doubts and fears threatens to crush me, I'll keep pushing. Though the path ahead is shrouded in uncertainty, and the future seems unclear, I'll keep pushing. Though I'm tired, worn out, and exhausted, I'll keep pushing. Though the voices of negativity echo in my mind, telling me I'm not good enough, I'll keep pushing.<br /> <br /> For every step forward, I'll take two more. For every obstacle, I'll find a way around it. For every setback, I'll learn and grow stronger. I'll keep pushing, not because I'm fearless, but because I'm brave. Not because I'm perfect, but because I'm persistent. Not because I have all the answers, but because I'm willing to learn.<br /> <br /> I'll keep pushing, until I reach the other side. Until I emerge stronger, wiser, and more resilient. Until I've achieved my dreams, and fulfilled my purpose. I'll keep pushing, until I've pushed through.<br /> <br /> So, I'll take a deep breath, square my shoulders, and keep moving forward. I'll face my fears, and overcome my doubts. I'll push through the pain, and rise above the struggles. I'll keep pushing, until I've reached the pinnacle of success. And when I finally emerge victorious, I'll look back on the journey, and smile. I'll smile at the struggles, and the setbacks. I'll smile at the doubts, and the fears. For I will have pushed through, and come out stronger on the other side.<br /> <br /> I keep pushing, for necessity is laid on me to push until I push through for the millions of lives that are connected to my breakthrough.<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <span style='display:none' class='DO NOT REMOVE - THIS CATEGORY CODE WILL BE HIDDEN - IT IS NEEDED TO BE FOUND BY CATEGORY AND ONE-CLICK SEARCH'>Category: Motivation - in Blogs</span>

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(NewsUSA) - A non-surgical technique for lifting double chins, reducing puffiness around the eyes, and improving the appearance of wrinkles is now available in the form of an easy-to-use home kit called The Face Wrap. (www.facewrap.com).<br /> <br /> Previously available as a salon-only treatment, The Face Wrap lifts and tightens drooping areas on the forehead, face, and under the chin by firmly wrapping them up in a mineral-soaked, non-allergenic "face wrap" constructed of non-latex elasticized cotton fabric.<br /> <br /> "The liquid minerals are the secret to the Face Wrap," says Sarah Bolger, The Face Wrap's spokesperson. "The minerals, which are all-natural, draw out impurities from the complexion while giving the skin a firmed and tighter look on the outside and a rejuvenated feel to the underlying tissues."<br /> <br /> Bolger says the all-natural, one-hour facial beautification procedure is safe and painless.<br /> <br /> "Our Face Wrap kits have wrapped many thousands of faces, and we've learned how to produce wonderful changes," says Bolger. "For those looking for an alternative to cosmetic surgery, wrapping your face is an easier way to reduce double chins and puffiness, lift and tighten the skin and enhance your own natural beauty."<br /> <br /> Bolger also recommends exfoliating before using to allow the minerals to absorb better, and exercising the face daily with a few simple exercises.<br /> <br /> Working women want to look their best - especially after 50. But let's face it, most working women find it difficult to carve out an hour or two a week for visits to the day spa. That's the appeal of the home kit. The one-hour treatment can be done at home while reading or on the computer or while resting.<br /> <br /> Women generally look five- to ten years younger after a series of three to six treatments. Most people are surprised to see their cheekbones and jaw bones again!<br /> <br /> Visit www.facewrap.com for more information. The kit costs $139 and contains enough minerals for at least 20 treatments, or about $7 per treatment. A lot less than $80-plus for various salon treatments.<br /> <br /> Ref: Famous - in Blogs

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