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Amazing Indoor Water Feature Ideas

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Water features aren’t just limited to the outdoors, anymore. You can bring the calming serenity of a soft stream into your home to give a more relaxing atmosphere. They can also be used as room dividers, conversation pieces, or as a simple decoration. Wall Fountains One of the most common ideas for indoor water features is the wall fountain. They add a soothing, bubbling sound and make the room appealing without consuming too much floor space. Most times, wall fountains work well in homes with rich, natural textures like natural stone walls and native, wood flooring and evoke a luxurious style without breaking the bank. Indoor Water Streams A water stream running through the floor can give your home a sophisticated edge. Moving water also comes with a calming effect. This type of water feature requires a vast amount of surface area so movement isn’t obstructed. One option to preserve your floor space is to cover the stream with glass. Indoor Waterfalls Another good ind...

Aromatherapy for a Mood-Lifting Home Environment

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Diffusing aromas in your home is a great way to settle in, relax and enjoy a fresh, clean scent that calms the nerves. How Do We Know Aromatherapy Works? Research gives us the scoop. Take lavender, for example.  Research shows lavender :  Eases nervousness much better than a placebo. Raises people's scientifically measured mood scores and lowers distress, when accompanied in aromatherapy by rosemary and tea tree oils. Eases restlessness, poor sleep, and other sleep problems. Enhances "general well-being and quality of life."  When it comes down to the science, aromatherapy passes the smell test. Uplifting Scents You aren't limited to lavender. Many plants and their oils create a mood-enhancing home environment. Pick up some  eucalyptus  branches and enjoy their stimulating scents in your bathroom or home office. Or mix and match, creating your signature scent, with a blend of essential oils: For ...

Financial Planning: What is the Estate Tax?

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If you anticipate that you will inherit an estate at some point or if you plan to leave your estate to an heir, it is important to plan for the potential tax implications of that transfer. The federal estate tax is one aspect to consider. Depending on the value of the estate, some beneficiaries may not have to pay taxes however, those with higher value estates might end up paying a significant sum. It is crucial to plan ahead when it comes to inherited real estate. What is the Estate Tax? Estate Tax is assessed based on the current market value of the estate as a whole and is then paid by the estate itself. The tax is collected when assets are transferred to named beneficiaries after a person is deceased. The tax is based on the current market value of the assets being transferred after other debts have been settled or charitable contributions have been made. This tax only applies to estates worth more than $11.58 million based on the current limit established by...