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Are you interested in adding a little seasonal oomph to your space?  Below are a handful of cozy--and inexpensive--winter updates. 

Cozy blankets galore.  Nothing is better than a snuggly blanket on a cool winter evening.  Drape heavier blankets over sofas, chairs, reading nooks, and even fold one up by the fireplace for stretching out on the floor.  Just make sure it's safely away from the flames! 

Gray space.  The color gray is a winter staple.  Swap out your fiery fall throw pillows for a gunmetal shade, unroll a deep gray rug in the living or dining room, or update your window coverings to gentle ash tone. 

Candle craze.  Soft lighting in winter can create a romantic, warm effect.  Place candles around the house and ditch the harsh overheads as you settle in with that evening glass of wine. 

Bring out your book lover.  Stacks of books offers an inviting way to spend those chilly winter hours.  Create attractive assemblies on side tables, shelves, inside your unused fireplace, or even in corners on the floor. 

Wooden wonders.  Adding wood accents to your home in the winter makes you feel like you're living in a ski lodge.  Pile logs in the corner for fire (or simple aesthetics), add a rustic wood table by the sofa for setting that warm mug of tea.  No table?  Try a large, seasoned stump for some real rustic vibes. 

Many of us daydream about winning the lottery - the cars we'd buy, the debt we'd pay off, the charities we'd support.  However, don't get so caught up in your daydream that you get scammed. 

According to the Pennsylvania Lottery, you're likely getting scammed if:
- If you are told to buy a pre-paid debit card in order to pay an up-front "processing fee" or taxes – this is a major hallmark of a scam.- If you are asked for financial information such as credit card or bank routing numbers. 
- If the supposed prize is in pounds, euros, or anything other than dollars. 
- If an email contains poor grammar or misspellings. 
- If a call sounds as if it could be coming from outside of the U.S.
- If you are instructed to keep the news of your supposed "win" a secret. 
- If you are told to call a certain phone number to "verify" the prize.  Instead of calling it, look up the lottery's published number, call and ask to speak with security. 

Are you at risk for diabetes?  Whether it's based on genetics or pre-existing health conditions, those with higher chances of diabetes can take action to help prevent the disease. 

"If you have diabetes, you are at higher risk of developing eye disease, including diabetic retinopathy," says Dr. Carmen Pal, who heads the Lighthouse Guild Bendheim Center for Diabetes Care. " The good news is that there is much you can do to preserve your vision and reduce your risk of eye disease," she adds. 

Manage your health.  Have a comprehensive dilated eye examination with your ophthalmologist or optometrist once a year.  In its early stages, diabetic eye disease often has no symptoms.  By regularly monitoring your eye health, you can begin treatment as soon as possible if signs of disease appear. 

See an endocrinologist.  With diabetes, one of the best ways you can improve your health is to consult an endocrinologist.  If you have diabetes, many medications are available to help.  Talk to your physician about a referral. 

Set up your diabetes team.  If you have diabetes or pre-diabetes, actively manage your health.  A certified diabetes educator will help you learn practical techniques and strategies for monitoring your blood sugar and taking your medications.  These techniques and strategies, along with lifestyle changes will help you feel better.  The registered dietician will help you put together meal plans that work for you, and can show you how to make smart choices when eating outside your home. 

Take care of your feet.  If you have diabetes, it is especially important that you pay special attention to your feet.  You may not be able to feel or see injuries as well as you should, and cuts may take longer to heal.  The podiatrist is an important part of your diabetes healthcare team. 

Exercise.  Regular exercise can help your eyes stay as healthy as possible while helping to control your diabetes. 

Try group support. " If you have diabetes, you aren't alone," says Dr. Pal. " You can join a diabetes support group and learn from people who are in the same situation and understand what you are facing.  Share your experience and what you've learned and get support from others." 

Hitting the road in 2018?  You're far from alone.  Booking.com has analyzed its data for 2018 travel to offer up the following predictions. 

New tech frontiers.  Immersive experiences will reach the next level in 2018, with travelers looking to technology to help better understand a destination or accommodation before they book.  Artificial intelligence and digital technology are helping consumers turn the corner when it comes to smart destination intuition, reshaping the way we research, book and experience travel.  Almost a third (29 percent) of global travelers say they are comfortable letting a computer plan an upcoming trip based on data from their previous travel history and half (50 percent) don't mind if they deal with a real person or computer, so long as any questions are answered.  Over six in 10 (64 percent) of travelers say they would like to 'try before they buy' with a virtual reality preview, while 50 percent find that personalised suggestions for destinations and things to do encourages them to book a trip.  Taking all the hard work and stress out of decision making, in 2018 technology will continue to guide us seamlessly to find the best stays and experiences for us. 

From dream to reality.  2018 is the year to dream big as 45 percent of travelers have a travel bucket list in mind and the majority of those (82 percent) will aim to tick one or more destinations off their list in the coming year.  The yearning for experiences over material possessions continues and drives our desire for more incredible and memorable trips.  With dwindling patience, instantaneous appetites and empowered by technology, travelers in 2018 will seize the moment like never before. 

Most likely to feature on a bucket list is seeing one of the wonders of the world, as almost half of travelers (47 percent) will look to tick this off in 2018.  Over a third (35 percent) yearn to tantalise their taste buds by trying a local delicacy, 34 percent want to head to an island paradise and 34 percent are thrill seekers wanting to visit a world famous theme park.  Adrenalin junkies should consider Orlando, Fla., The Gold Coast in Australia and Dubai, United Arab Emirates, the top destinations endorsed by Booking.com travelers for theme parks.  The other top travel activities to complete in 2018 are experiencing a unique cultural event (28 percent), learning a new skill (27 percent), going on an epic road or rail journey (25 percent) and visiting a remote or challenging location (25 percent). 

Retro reboot.  As well as new experiences, travelers will be revisiting their favorite childhood memories as part of their trips in 2018.  Blending the future with the past, next year's travelers will be inspired to return to previously loved destinations and explore them in a whole new way.  A third of travelers (34 percent) will consider a holiday they experienced as a child for 2018. 

The popularity of these vintage vacations stems from the feelings of nostalgia and happiness the destinations evoke.  Travelers say that former family holidays recall the fondest memories, even more so than childhood sweethearts or family pets.  Millennials look set to be even more sentimental with 44 percent of 18 to 34 year olds keen to hark back to favourite family destinations.  With 60 percent of travelers in 2018 intending to post on social media each day, we can expect to see these nostalgic places brought back to the future and captured for social posterity. 

Pop culture pilgrimage.  With the world at our fingertips, we rely on many sources to inspire us to travel to new destinations.  Tapping into our passions is one way of helping to identify the locations most suited to us - from culture and entertainment, to food and history.  In 2018, television shows, films, sport and social media in particular look set to have an increasingly significant sway over booking decisions, as travelers turn to pop culture for their travel inspiration.  Reading blogs or watching YouTuber recommendations will spark ideas for four in ten (39 percent) travelers and on-screen locations from television, film or music videos will win over 36 percent of travelers in the coming year.  More than a fifth (22 percent) of travelers will be tempted by travelling for a major sporting event, with 43 percent of those considering a summer of football in Russia. 

The top television program locations travelers most want to visit in 2018 are Croatia, Spain and Iceland inspired by Game of Thrones (29 percent), London as seen in Sherlock and the Crown (21 percent and 13 percent), New York and Manhattan from Billions (13 percent) and Los Angeles viewed in Entourage (10 percent). 

Walk your way to wellness.  The trend for wellness getaways isn't slowing down for 2018, with almost double the amount of people planning to take health and well-being trips in 2018 compared to 2017 (from one in 10 in 2017 to nearly one in five in 2018).  Trips enjoying particular prominence will be those that involve travelling on two feet.  A brilliant way to take in the local landscape, walking will be the ultimate way to explore next year, with 56 percent of travelers saying they want to do walking or hiking trips in 2018. 

(Family Features)--If giving is an important aspect of your holiday traditions, you may find yourself repeating the same activities year after year.  While the giving feels good, it can also grow monotonous.  This season, make your generosity feel fresh and new by putting your own unique twist on your favorite holiday traditions. 

Cook extras for the cookie exchange.  A baking party is a wonderful way to kick off the holiday season.  The delightful aromas and hours of laughter blend with the sweet treats for a cheery (and tasty) tradition.  This year, instead of simply baking cookies to trade with your friends, encourage everyone to bake several extra batches and take them to a local soup kitchen or senior living community. 

Extend a seasonal icon.  The ringing bells and red kettles found outside of retailers across the nation are nearly as symbolic of the holiday season as twinkling lights and red-nosed reindeer.  During the holiday season, more than 3 million families and children rely on The Salvation Army to provide them with a warm meal on Christmas Day or toys for their children.  This year, the organization is making it easy to extend those kettle collections offline as well with the Fight for Good campaign, which allows you to create your own fundraiser, including setting a goal and designating the cause you'd like to support.  Visit redkettlereason.org to create your own fundraising page and encourage friends and family to donate and start their own pages. 

In addition, you can donate to the Red Kettle Campaign by dropping dollars and coins into the thousands of Red Kettles found in front of retail stores and on street corners, or donate your time by contacting your local Salvation Army for volunteer opportunities. 

Add a special pre-dinner starter.  The holidays bring plenty of opportunities for celebratory meals, and it's the perfect time to ask everyone to lend an hour or two to a good cause.  Instead of spending hours around a table, spend some of that time catching up while you volunteer at a food bank or other charitable organization.  When you make your way on to dinner, your festive spirit may be even stronger for the difference you made together. 

Travel with care.  As you flit from one place to the next checking off your list of holiday chores, you may encounter any number of homeless and needy families.  Instead of simply handing over a few dollars as you pass by, keep a supply of holiday care packages in the car.  Include items like warm socks or gloves, toiletries and non-perishable snacks.  You may even want to include an uplifting note to share some festive seasonal cheer. 

Give gifts with meaning.  If you're like most people, there are many on your shopping list who truly don't need a thing.  Instead of wracking your brain, donate to a cause in their honor.  It may be the foundation of a beloved alma mater or an organization serving orphans in the country where they honeymooned.  The more personal the connection, the more gratefully it will likely be received.  After making your donation, simply gift your recipient with a card that explains the contribution you've made in their name. 

No matter which cause you support, a fresh approach to your charitable giving can renew your spirit and enthusiasm for helping those in need this holiday season. 

Did you know that sixteen percent of Americans have experienced a home break-in?  From open windows to a lack of alarm, there are a myriad of reasons that could put your home at risk.  Below are the top five, in order, according to DIY home phone and security company Ooma. 

1.  Neighborhood or surroundings - 24 percent.  Nearly a quarter of American homes are at risk simply based on their neighborhood or surrounding neighborhoods. 

2.  No alarm - 16 percent.  Failing to install a home security system is the second leading cause of a home invasion, results show.  If you can't afford an alarm system, placing a sign by your door claiming that you're protected may help sway cautious burglars. 

3.  An unlocked door - 14 percent.  While only fourteen percent of Americans who have experienced a burglary say an open door was the cause, nearly 42 percent leave their doors unlocked, which is just begging for a (not so forced) entry. 

4.  An open window - eight percent.  Windows come second to open doors.  Never leave ground floor windows open when you leave the house. 

5.  Living in an apartment building - seven percent.  According to Ooma's survey results, simply living in an apartment building ups your chance of a break in, as housing units see more foot traffic, and can be easier for strangers to enter without suspicion.  Look for a building with front entrance security measures, like an ID swipe, key code, or porter. 

If you're a business owner or manager looking to attract more millennial employees, look closely at your office layout.  According to a new study by IPSOS, on behalf of National Business Furniture, the way you layout your workspace can predict who will want to work there.  Below are a handful of tips. 

Customize spaces to fit departments and jobs.  While employees in finance will want personal offices to manage sensitive information, more collaborative groups like marketing may work better in the open with desks clustered closer together for creative brainstorming. 

Add portable wall panels to open cubicle spaces.  Noise is one negative side effect of today's contemporary open office floor plan.  Today, there are a wide range of creative portable screens and walls that can be quickly added for privacy and to act as a sound barrier. 

Go green.  Researchers in the Netherlands conducted a study that measured a 15 percent increase in productivity when "lean" workplaces with a bare-bones aesthetic were spruced up with green plant life.  Introducing plants to an office environment has been reported to reduce absenteeism by up to 50 percent, and reduce minor illness by 30 percent. 

Create an active workplace.  Recent studies have found that prolonged sitting can increase health risks such as cancer, heart disease and type 2 diabetes.  Employers can create more active workplaces today by incorporating standing-height or adjustable-height tables that allow workers to rotate between sitting and standing during the day. 

While having a destination wedding may sound like a dream, it can be difficult to convey that dream to your family and friends, who may be shy of making that kind of time and monetary commitment.  Below are a handful of helpful conversation keys from Vacation.com. 

- A destination wedding's guest list is typically smaller than a wedding at home.  This really forces you to decide whose attendance is non-negotiable.  If there is someone who might have trouble traveling long distances, don't forget that "destination" doesn't necessarily mean halfway across the world.  A destination wedding travel professional can be invaluable with helping you figure out how those with special needs can travel safely. 

- Weddings can bring up a lot of feelings—and not just for the couple.  It can be hard for families to let go of their own visions for your wedding.  But it's your wedding – and this is a great chance to explain why a destination wedding is so important to you. 

- A destination wedding sounds so expensive, right?  Wrong!  Any wedding will have costs associated with it.  However, research shows that a destination wedding can be more cost-effective than a traditional wedding: a destination wedding typically costs $17,000 for the ceremony and reception as compared to the average $32,600 price for a traditional wedding in a mid-sized U.S. city. 

- Some people start thinking about their future wedding years before their partner is on the scene.  And they talk about it, too, leading family members to believe that a destination wedding isn't really your choice.  But people change, and your childhood dream wedding at the local country club might not fit your current vision.  This is a great opportunity to explain to loved ones that a destination wedding is something that will give you wonderful memories for anniversaries to come. 

- For any type of wedding, experts recommend sitting down and mapping out no-go dates, like cousin Jane's wedding the second weekend of April, and your brother's college graduation the first weekend of June.  But listen, there will never be a single perfect time where no one in your family has anything going on.  Choose what works best for you and remember: this is an issue that can affect weddings at home, too. 

- It can be a leap of faith to have a wedding in a venue you might not be able to visit beforehand.  This is the time to lean on a travel professional who can recommend venues they have worked with who have ultra-professional wedding coordinators. 

- Getting a group from many places to one spot can be tricky.  And that's why Vacation.com recommends you don't do it on your own.  An experienced destination wedding travel agent will keep track of everyone's preferences, be a point of contact for your travelers, and even secure group rates for air, hotel and ground transportation.  You're getting married – you've got enough on your mind; let your travel professional take the logistics challenges off your shoulders. 

Whether it's a pile of extended family members coming over for a holiday meal, or a week-long family reunion, prepping for guests can be a busy, dizzying time.  Read on for a handful of ways you can get your home ready for guests.