10.15.25

Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:00):
Hello, and welcome to Woman's World on RADIOI. As a reminder,
RADIOI is a reading service intended for people who are
blind or have other disabilities that make it difficult to
read printed material. Today I will be reading from Better
Homes and Gardens Magazine, the October twenty twenty five issue,

(00:23):
and other publications as time allows. Your host today is
Carolyn Brown. Newspaper and magazine articles presented in Woman's World
are for general information only. RADIOI does not endorse or
recommend any of the subjects mentioned first. Game on Today's

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wreck rooms blend retro charm with modern polish, making a
stylish case for analog games and good old fashioned FaceTime
by Katherine Hong. A dedication a game space, be it
just a corner or an entire room, brings energy and

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a little nostalgia into the home in an age of
endless screen time. That's exactly the point, says designer Megan Gorlic,
who created this Lancaster, Pennsylvania game room, centered around a
whimsically painted ping pong table with a removable net to
lure everyone off their devices and into the moment. The

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dream list one keep it moving. Game rooms thrive on
dynamic flexible layouts, swiveling armchairs, and poofs let spectators follow
the action, while convertible tables can adapt to large gatherings.
Quote look for billiards or shuffleboard tables with tops so

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they can double as a dining surface or buffet, says
designer Carrie McIntosh, who chose a ping pong table with
a removable net for this club inspired space. The Tabebi
also serves as a puzzle station on low key game nights.
Two get ready to rumble. Scuffs and spills come with

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the territory. Go for performance fabrics, dark patterned rugs, and
durable finishes. Quote. Think of it as a hotel lobby
using indoor outdoor fabrics in lush textures, says designer Aaron Gates,
who opted for plaids camouflaging powers in a Boston game room.

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Three entice all ages. The best game rooms appeal to
all generations with a combination of active spaces and cozy
seating areas. Quote a modern take on classic pub or
country club style fields. Grown up but still family friendly,
Gates says. Bonus points for an old school pinball machine

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or vintage arcade game. Quote, They're a draw for almost
any age group. She notes. Next good nights, look to
the skies for magical moonlit inspiration. Then make your own
enchanted scene for your front door. De Core lighting tip

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for a clean design, carve a hole in the bottom
of your pumpkin. Insert a battery operated tea light for
a glow that can go all night. Mix and match methods.
Try any or all of these ways to craft a
set of delightful celestial pumpkins. Use our designed templates to

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transfer star and moon shapes before carving or etching. One.
The look of distant stars or swirling patterns can be
created with a drill and a variety of bit sizes. Two.
If you're not into the mess that comes with carving,
try paint or adhesive vinyl shapes to make designs like

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the black moon and stars. Scrapbook supplies like adhesive back
to gems, charms, and feathers make it quick and easy
to dress up a pumpkin. We like this for our
youngest decorators. Three. A white chalk marker allows you to
trace your designs directly on the pumpkin and contrast nicely

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against deep orange, starry starry night shooting stars, crescent moons,
and owls illuminate these dreamy pumpkin designs that can be
accomplished with a variety of techniques. You can find the
patterns at BHG dot com. Forward Slash pumpkin stencils focus

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on the tops of pumpkins for a different perspective. The owl,
for example, uses the stem for the beak. Next sit
stay store positively useful. Designing a five foot by six
foot space is no easy feet, especially when it has

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to function for kids and pets and look good too.
Here's how designer Ashley Sharp made it all work. Yes,
interior designer Ashley Sharp outfitted her mud room for the
whole family. But really, quote, it was very much dog driven,
she says. Quote it's our muddy paw interception zone, so

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we designed it around our dog end quote. To start,
Ashley sketched out exactly how she wanted the built in
to look and function, then picked finishes that would blend
with the rest of her nineteen hundred and nine Dutch
colonial home one the built in. Ashley designed the built

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in to include four hooks in storage baskets, one for
each member of her family, a pet station, and a bench. Quote.
I even measured the height of Hunter's rain boots to
be sure they could slide underneath. She adds two feeding
station The pet drawers were installed under the bench. The

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top one is for food and water dishes, while the
drawer drawer below stores kibble. The elevated bowls make it
easier for her dog Cheek to eat and drink and
reduce how much he needs to bend down. The station
also makes something functional into an attractive focal point. Three finishes,

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Ashley wanted the Muddy Paw room to work hard and
look good. She painted the built in trim and beaded
board walls to match her shutters. Benjamin Moore Essex Green
and chose a dog print wall paper from the Bow
to further proove it's her pup's room. The pebble flooring
adds a cozy aged beel quote. It's actually outdoor flooring,

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so I knew it could take a beating and be
scrubbed really well, Ashley says. Next, home buying smarts from
chew using the right mortgage to packing no how and
building a toolkit for home repairs will help you navigate
the home ownership process. Let's Move by Barrett Thirkelsen. Meet

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your Mortgage Match explore the best loan options for home buyers.
One fixed rate aka conventional mortgage. This is the most
standard type of mortgage. It's characterized by the interest rate
staying the same for the life of the loan, meaning
your mortgage payment does too. Note that changes in property

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taxes and or insurance can increase your monthly payment. Regardless
who's at four. Buyers with solid credit scores, some money
to put down, and no plans to move anytime soon.
Two Adjustable rate mortgage or ARM. Typically, an ARM starts
with an extra low interest rate, but remember the name

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after the initial fixed term ter. The interest rate adjusts
based on the market, and higher monthly payments ensue. Who's
at four. Buyer's confident they'll sell or refinance within the
fixed rate term, proceed with caution. Three Federal Housing Administration
FAH loan. The FAHA approves the lender and insures the borrower,

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which loosens up the latter's qualification process. Less than stellar
credit scores and low down payments are AOK. These loans
do require mortgage insurance for a minimum of eleven years.
Regardless of your down payment. Who's at four anyone, but
especially load to moderate income buyers working on their credit scores.

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Four Veterans Affairs VA loan issued three private lenders. This
loan is offered through the US Department of Veterans Affairs,
which give guarantees part of it. Expect a lower interest
rate and a more lenient credit score requirement than a
conventional loan, and no down payment or mortgage insurance. Who's

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It for active and veteran service members and spouses, including
surviving spouses, and finally, US Department of Agriculture USDA loan.
The USDA backs these loans and requires zero down payment,
no mortgage insurance necessary, with lenient credit score requirements and

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interest rates that are typically lower than conventional loans. Who's
It For buyers in rural or suburban areas with moderate
to low incomes budget the magic number. It's not sexy,
but it is true. Affordability is the most important quality
when house hunting. These steps help you figure out how

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much you can spend. Step one determine your debt to
income DTI ratio. Lenders use this formula to decide if
and how much they will loan to you, and on
what terms add up all your monthly debts, including loans,
credit card payments, car payments, in alimony or child support.

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Don't add in items like groceries and utilities. Divide your
debts by your gross aka pre tax monthly income. Multiply
that by one hundred. This is your DTI ratio. Mortgage
lenders typically want to see a DTI of thirty six
percent or lower. However, you may qualify if yours inches

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into the forties. The lower the percentage, the better rate
you'll get. Step two determine your max mortgage payment. The
rule of thumb is that this payment, including loan principle, interest, taxes,
and homeowners insurance, should be no greater than twenty eight
percent of your gross monthly income. Multiply your gross monthly

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income by zero point two eight. This is only a guideline.
You'll want it lower if you need to build up savings,
prefer plenty of disposable income, or plan on making lots
of renovations for example. Step three factor in additional funds. Mainly,
this means down payment money, which can get you a

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lower interest rate and drive down your monthly mortgage payment,
but there are other costs you may incur. These include
earnest money to show a seller you're serious. Closing costs
typically between two percent and six percent of your loan amount,
home renovations and move in essentials. For instance. Step four,

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play with an online mortgage calculator Google Mortgage Calculator. We
like the Investipedia one. Plug in different home prices, loan terms,
and other factors to get an STI animated monthly payment
and help you determine where you need to be. Step
five find a first rate lender. Shop around, interview different brokers,

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and check with your bank and local credit unions too.
Whoever you ultimately choose will dial in the numbers and
can also get you a pre approval letter that shows
sellers you're serious. And remember, just because you approved for
a certain amount doesn't mean you have to spend it all.
In the end, only you can decide how much mortgage

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you're comfortable with. Smooth moves lay the groundwork for an
easier transition one. Pare down as you pack, Allow only
things that you need, love and use into your new home.
Quote refrequently, unpack and organize. For clients who skip this

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step and the overwhelm they feel can be crushing, says
Lisa Smith, founder of North Carolina based organizing company, simplify
studio two. Designate unpacked first boxes. Do this for the kitchen, bathroom,
and bedrooms. Smith says. Include any items needed during the

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first day or two in your new home bedding, towels, dish, soap,
coffee making supplies to prevent frantic searches. Three match boxes
to rooms when packing. Label each box with contents and
room On moving day, make room signs to coincide with

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the labels. Four think through zones. Pause to decide how
you want spaces to function. In the kitchen, use sticky
notes to designate zones for food storage, baking pots and pans,
and lunch packing. A little planning now creates crucial flow.

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Let's unpack this pro tips to keep the mood high
and the grind steady as you set up your new home.
One create an unpacking HQ. Prep it with cleaning supplies,
a step stool, box cutters, and basic tools for projects
like picture hanging and furniture assembling. Designate more space than

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you think you'll need for trash and recycling overflow two.
Number two start with self care. Ground yourself by setting
up spaces that enable your personal bed and morning time routines.
Smith says things like fresh bedding, chargers, toiletrees, a shower curtain,

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fluffy towels, a change of clothes, and coffee making supplies.
Three establish an unpacking order. Prioritize the rooms that most
significantly ease everyday life, says Brianna Rawlings of Maxi Professional Organizing.
That might be the home office, the kids' rooms, the kitchen,

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or a cozy hangout. Four signal the vibe. Make a
move in playlist, stock top tier snacks and drinks, plug
in lamps, or a few strands of twinkle lights. Consider
a sage stick said to cleanse and uplift. Number five

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pare down. If you were too busy to declutter as
you packed, call each box now Rolling says items should
be needed or loved to earn a place in your
new space. Six be mindful. Imagine how you'll use each cabinet,
drawer and living space and organize as you go. Give

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the most used items easy access real estate, group like
with like, and think about how to maximize vertical space.
Number seve heaven. Focus on good enough, avoid perfection paralysis.
Don't worry about unpacking and breaking down every last box

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or finding the perfect place for all your items. Smith says,
add organizers and adjust systems. Once you've lived in the
space a while, Dear home diary, keep a journal, digital
or physical about the important goings on in your new place.
Your future self will be glad to have the record.

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Design document home projects as you go, including the thought
process and inspiration behind them. Record paint colors and purchases
for reference. Maintenance. Keep track of your home repair and
upkeep projects big and small, including dates, costs, warranties, and
other key details. Entertaining. Record the get togethers that unfold

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year by year, including guests, menus and activities. What went
well and what would you do differently? And finally nailed it.
Build your DIY kit with these nine reach for again
and again tools, cordless drill and bit set quote. This

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was the first power tool I ever owned, and it
comes in handy constantly, says Lauren comer Di wire at
pinch plate Party. Great for assembling furniture, hanging curtains, mounting shelves.
Next sixteen foot tape measure. You'd be surprised how often
you'll need one. In fact, you might as well get too.

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Great for making sure furniture fits, sizing window treatments, garden planning.
Next multi bit screwdriver. They come with several phillips and
flathead bits, all but guaranteeing you'll have what you need,
says Tom Scalesi, a contractor turned home improvement writer with
over twenty years of constructuction experience. Great for tightening or

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removing screws on cabinets, outlet plates, furniture, knobs and pulls.
Next hammer, something around fourteen to sixteen ounces is perfect
for light household tasks Grade four hanging pictures, pulling nails,
assembling furniture. Next stud finder Comber finds the battery powered

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version most accurate on a variety of wall types. Great
for locating wall studs for mounting artwork, shelves, and other
heavy objects. Next torpedo level. Walls and floors are rarely
perfectly level, so this ups your DIY game. Above just
quote eyeballing it great for leveling artwork, shelves, and furniture.

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Next drained snake Auger quote plumbing work is expensive and
drained snakes aren't. Homer says, great for a slow sink,
shower or toilet and tub maintenance and clogs. Next tongue
and groove aka channel lock or pump pliers. They're adjustables,

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so they fit a wide range of pipe sizes or fasteners,
and most have serrated jaws that allow them to bite
down on any material. Quote by far the most useful
type of pliers. SCALESI says great for plumbing problems, fixture replacements,
tightening a wall mounted handrail, and finally, flat prie bar. Quote.

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A lot of new di wires jump into superficial projects
like trim and moldings, and without a good flat prie bar,
they're often doing more damage than they realize. SCALESI says
great for removing trim without damaging drywall, door window installation,
carpet removal. Next latte inspired crumble topper. This customizable freezer

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friendly crumble recipe draws on buzzy coffee house drink orders.
First base crumble in a medium bowl. Combine one cup flour,
one cup granulated sugar, one cup toasted walnuts or pecans
finely chopped, six tablespoons melted butter, and one fourth teaspoon salt.

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Stir until crumbly makes three cups, enough for twenty four muffins.
Next vanilla latte crumble prepare is directed except st one
teaspoon vanilla, bean paste or vanilla into melted butter. Add
three ounces grated white chocolate and one tablespoon instant espresso

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coffee powder to crumble mixture. Next brown sugar oat latte
crumble prepare is directed, except reduce flour to one half
cup and add one half cup regular rolled oats. Replace
granulated sugar with packed brown sugar. Add one tablespoon instant
expresso coffee powder and one teaspoon ground cinnamon to crumble mixture.

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And the last crumble option, cherry chai latte crumble. Add
one third cup chopped dry, sweet or tart cherries and
one tablespoon unsweeded chai spice blend to the crumble mixture.
Bakery style muffins with crumble topper hands on thirty minutes.

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Total time one hour, one half recipe of the crumble
topper one and three force cups all purpose flour, three
force cup sugar, three forced teaspoon baking powder, one fourth
teaspoon baking soda, one egg, lightly beaten, three force cup buttermilk,

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five tablespoons butter, melted and cooled, one teaspoon vanilla, one
cup fresh or frozen fruit such as chopped, pitted sweet
or tart cherries, blueberries, raspberries or chopped peaches optional. One
recipe vanilla icing or honey optional. First, prepare crumbled topper.

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Preheat oven to four hundred and twenty five degrees fahrenheit.
Grease twelve two and a half inch muffin cups or
line with paper. Bake cups. In a large bowl. Stir
together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and one fourth
teaspoon salt. Make a well in the center of the mixture.

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Two in a medium bowl, combine egg, butter, milk, melted butter,
and vanilla. Add egg mixture all at once to flour mixture.
Stir just until moistened. Batter should be lumpy. Gently fold
fruit if using into batter. Feel prepared muffin cups using
a generous one fourth cup batter per cup. Cups will

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be full. Sprinkle each cup with two to three tablespoons
crumble topper, gently press into batter three bake eight minutes.
Reduce oven temperature to three hundred and fifty degrees. Bake
until golden and a toothpick inserted into center of muffins
comes out clean. Ten to twelve minutes more cool in

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muffin cups on a wire rack five minutes remove from pan,
cool ten to fifteen minutes more drizzle with vanilla icing
if you like, serve warm. Store cooled muffins in an
airtight container at room temperature up to two days, freeze
up to three months. Makes ten to twelve muffins. Tip

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using frozen fruit measure while frozen. If fruit is in
large pieces, thaw slightly and chop while still icy. Per
muffin two hundred and seventy nine calories, twelve grams fat,
five gram saturated fat, thirty six milligrams choi, two hundred

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and nineteen milligram sodium, forty grams carb, one gram fiber,
twenty two gram sugars, four grams protein. Vanilla icing and
a small bowl stir together one cup powdered sugar, one

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teaspoon vanilla bean paste, and three to four tablespoons heavy
cream or milk. Jumbo muffins. Grease six three and a
half inch muffin cups or line with paper baked cups.
Prepare batter as dire fill muffin cups using a scant

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one half cup batter per cup, top each with three
to four tablespoons, crumble topper. Bake eight minutes at four
hundred and twenty five degrees. Reduce oven temperature to three
hundred and fifty degrees. Bake until golden and a toothpick
inserted into center of muffins comes out clean. Fifteen to

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twenty minutes more. If necessary, cover with foil the last
ten minutes of baking to prevent over browning. Next from
the in the Know column. In a survey of Americans
age eighteen and older, only thirty eight percent had ever
discussed finances with an aging parent. Knowing your parents' plans

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for retirement and medical care can help things go more
smoothly if a parent gets sick. For more ideas on
getting the conversation going, check out Let's Make a Plan
dot org. Next from in the Know. Ten thirteen is
National Train your Brain Day. Research shows that challenging your

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brain with games and teasers think jigsaw and crossword puzzles
or wordle may help reduce your risk of memory loss
and cognitive decline. Give yourself a mental workout with the
NYT games, Luminosity or Elevate apps. You can also play
a game of chess or soduku. Or dig into a

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word search what's the deal with creatine? Creatine is used
by our muscles for energy, and studies suggest it may
give a small boost to memory and brain function in
older adults. Your body makes roughly half the creatine it
needs on its own. The rest about one to two

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grams daily you can get in your diet through meat
or fish. Experts say it's probably okay for most people
to take a supplement, but definitely check with your doctor
first for safety and dosage. Those with kidney issues may
need to skip it. Next from In the Know. One
in five Americans receive a medical bill that they don't

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agree with or can't afford to pay. You're not stuck
with it, try calling the medical office to dispute your bill.
Research shows that when people took action, seventy four percent
who thought there was a mistake got a correction, and
sixty two percent who tried to negotiate a lower price
received one. This concludes Woman's World for today. Your reader

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has been Carolin Brown. If you have any questions, comments,
or suggestions about this program, please call us in our
Lexington Studios at eight five nine four two two sixty
three nine. Oh thank you for listening, and please stay
tuned for continue need programming here on RADIOI