How to turn must-do home improvements into things of beauty

(BPT) - When it comes to

When "want to" and "have to" meet, they create the opportunity to make a smart buying decision - and choose an upgrade that will look good and improve the livability of your home. The key to making smart home improvement decisions is to recognize these opportunities and take full advantage of them.



Here are a few "have to" improvements that have the potential to turn into a good-looking, energy-efficient, enjoyment-enhancing "want to."



Replacing the hot water heater



You probably don't care what a new hot water heater looks like sitting in your garage or basement - or wherever it resides in your home. But the right replacement water heater can help your house achieve a lovely shade of green. High energy-efficiency water heaters can help reduce energy usage, thereby trimming your energy bills and your home's environmental impact. Solar water heating systems take the beauty a step further by using the power of the sun, collected through low-profile solar panels on the roof, to heat water - at a monthly savings that's about 80 percent less than the cost of traditional heaters.



Getting some light in here



Do you really need a bunch of scientific studies to tell you that a home filled with natural light just feels better? Probably not. Illuminating your home with natural light is a smart buying decision on multiple levels. First, you don't pay to power the sun. Second, natural light delivers a host of mood-enhancing benefits. If you have the wall space, by all means add some windows.



But for rooms where a window is impossible (like a powder room) or where you don't want to sacrifice privacy (like a master bathroom) a tubular skylight is a good alternative. Some are easy enough to install that a seasoned do-it-yourselfer could accomplish the task. They cost less than traditional skylights and bring natural light to hard-to-light areas like closets, hallways and other small spaces.



Getting some air in here



Just as natural sun is good for your mood, ventilation can be good for your health. An Energy Star qualified venting skylight is a great way to passively vent stale, moist air from inside your home, especially from baths and kitchens. While some skylights are "fixed," those that do open can be controlled by a remote to open when you want fresh air and close when you want to retain warmth. They can also close automatically in case of rain. In addition, they introduce free light into your home. Adding blinds - also remote-controlled - can help you better control the amount of sun a skylight admits into your home. And blinds are not just functional - you can get them in colors and patterns to complement your decor while increasing energy efficiency. Compared to other venting solutions, a skylight is a relatively low-cost, great-looking way to address ventilation issues while adding drama to a space. Log on to www.veluxusa.com to learn more about skylights.



When one door opens ...



Beat up, weathered garage and front doors not only look bad, they can be a source of air leaks that make your heating, ventilation and cooling system work harder. Exterior doors aren't something you buy every day, but they can have a big impact on how your home looks and on its energy efficiency. They can definitely be a smart buying decision if you opt for doors that not only look good, but are also highly rated for energy efficiency. If you're not sure how to choose, look online, where you'll find guides for buying garage doors and front doors.

How to plan a memorable multigenerational vacation

"Multigenerational family travel is character building," says Julie Henning, writer and contributor for destination and activity website LiveLifeLocal.com. "In exploring new places with the people who already know your strengths and flaws - and love you anyway - you can come together in a way that otherwise wouldn't happen at a holiday or reunion."



Planning a trip for the whole family doesn't have to be intimidating. With a few simple tips, it's easy to coordinate a vacation everyone will enjoy:



1. Keep a "group" mindset



Whether you're orchestrating an elaborate vacation where the whole group flies across the country, or you're road-tripping, picking up the grandparents along the way, keep the lines of communication open.



"Planning a multigenerational trip is a little bit like planning a wedding," says Henning. "If you can remember the trip is not just about you, but a time of celebration for the entire family, chances are you'll have much fonder memories."



2. Plan together



"If you have more than one 'planner' in the group, involve them all in creating the agenda as much as possible," advises Henning. This will help ensure everyone provides input and the responsibilities are spread between multiple people.



Online travel sites make it easy to plan multigenerational trips, even if families live in different locations. LiveLifeLocal.com, created by Safeco Insurance, allows users to discover unique destinations, read reviews and map out their travel route at no cost. You can research and save preferred activities to a "collection" on your online vacation portfolio, which can then be shared with your family via email, Facebook or Twitter, making planning a snap.



3. Communicate budgets



It's important to be open about your vacation budget and expectations to avoid any awkward moments and unintended expenses once you've arrived at your destination. Be sure to talk about who is paying for what, or if it will be split equally. With so many people involved, the cost of multigenerational vacations can add up quickly, and no one wants to be surprised by going over-budget.



4. Pack and prepare



Preparing to leave is one of the most difficult parts of multigenerational travel. Each age group will need different things - your toddler needs diapers and her favorite blanket, your teen needs his favorite mobile device and charger, and the grandparents need to make sure they pack any necessary medications. Make lists and start packing early to eliminate the last-minute rush.



If you're driving, make sure the car gets a tune-up before you leave. If you're meeting up with the grandparents to use their RV, remind them to have any necessary maintenance done before you arrive. Properly winterizing and preparing RVs, boats and other vehicles is important for a headache-free multigenerational trip ... and just good sense overall. Check with your insurance company to see if towing is covered under your plan in case the need ever arises.



5. Cherish meal time



"In many families, mealtime is when everyone comes together to share their days and reconnect," says Henning. "On a trip, this can be at a restaurant, picnic at the beach, or from the comforts of a vacation home. Make an effort to enjoy regional food, shop at the local farmers market, or cook the meal your family enjoys most."



6. Expect the unexpected



Remember that nothing is perfect, including your vacation. Be patient and understand flexibility will go a long way toward ensuring a smooth, stress-free vacation.



"Leave time for something to go wrong," advises Henning. "Camera batteries run out, room keys disappear, and bathroom breaks happen. Keep in mind that everyone needs some down time, even from the people they love most."



Make this holiday one to remember by planning a multigenerational trip now. These tips will help you create a vacation itinerary everyone will love, helping to forge new bonds and traditions while creating memories to last a lifetime.

Motivational Quote of the day by Sarah Ban Breathnach

The authentic self is the soul made visible.



-Sarah Ban Breathnach

Glery Ross Launch Party

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