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Having a well-stocked pantry can mean the difference between having a last-minute dinner on the table without much in the refrigerator, or going to the store for supplies or dining out.

Most things in a pantry will have an expiration date, but an expiration date doesnt always mean that a product is unsafe to eat. It refers to the nutritional value and could be eaten afterward”unless you notice discoloration, odor or compromised packaging. If so, throw it out.

Food lasts longer if it has been preserved through canning, pickling, drying, smoking or pasteurization, or if it contains food preservatives. All of these inhibit bacterial growth, keep the food looking good and prevent food-borne illnesses.

That said, you dont want to take the risk of eating spoiled food. If something smells off, looks bad or tastes bad, throw it away.

Still, there are some things that should stay fresh in a pantry for a long time. For example:

Soy Sauce

If unopened, soy sauce can last indefinitely. Once the top is off, it should remain fresh for three years. What helps it last so long? High salt and acid content act as preservatives.

If you expect to use a bottle of soy sauce within a few months, you can store it in a pantry. Any longer and put it in the fridge to retain the best quality for longer.

Honey

Honeys sweetness is from a low acidic pH and very low moisture levels, which prevents the growth of bacteria. Honey can be kept indefinitely, though it may crystallize over time.

Sugar

Sugar can also last a long time”if you keep it away from moisture. Technically, sugar never spoils.

Rice

If stored properly in airtight containers, rice should also last indefinitely. White rice will store well for 25 to 30 years if properly sealed and stored.

Whole grain rice is processed and has a shorter shelf life, so keep whole grain rice and brown rice no more than six months.

Peanuts

Peanuts and items such as peanut butter, which is high processed with sugar and other food additives, can last up to two years.

Canned Fish

Tuna, salmon, sardines and other types of canned fish can last three to five years if their original packaging isnt opened or damaged. Canning removes all air in vacuum-sealed containers that are heat processed. It destroys microorganisms and prevents new bacteria from getting in.

Cornstarch

This cooks helper thats often used to thicken recipes can last indefinitely. Keep it away from moisture and you can keep a box in your pantry for years.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Your front porch is your home’s calling card, setting the stage for presenting the rest of your house in its best light and creating a memorable welcome for visitors. That’s why choosing the right decor and, more importantly, the right paint color is a critical step.

Here are some suggested colors to add life to your front porch.

A muted shade of green will tie into the greenery surrounding your home to create a pleasing cohesive look, without detracting from your landscaping.

A deep blue will bring a sleek sense of style to your front porch, making your home stand out from the street.

An off-white shade is always dependable and brings a crisp, fresh look to your home. Look for a warm but neutral hue that blends nicely with your homes overall exterior.

A silver shade of grey brings a sophisticated look to your front porch and helps highlight its architectural features. It also works well with just about any exterior color.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Living in a neighborhood with houses close together can make you feel as though eyes are upon you whenever you set foot in your yard. With some relatively simple modifications, though, you can have more privacy.

Ways to Make Your Entire Yard More Private
A fence can keep strangers from peering into your yard while youre relaxing outdoors or while your kids are playing. A fence can also keep strangers and wandering animals out of your yard to protect your family. Before you install a fence, check on the location of the property line and local zoning rules and discuss it with your neighbor.

Some people are offended if a neighbor puts up a fence. Hedges can be an effective way to shield your family from prying eyes that may be more appealing than a fence to the people living next door. If you plant shrubs and small trees in a variety of species, you can have beautiful colors along the perimeter of the yard that both you and your neighbors can enjoy. Visit a local garden center to ask for advice about species appropriate for your regions soil and climate.

If your backyard doesnt have any naturally occurring hills, you can create one or more berms, or small hills. They can raise any shrubs you plant to provide more privacy. Berms also drain better than flat plant beds.

A solid wall can be an attractive addition to your property that can increase privacy. You can make a wall seem less imposing by including a gate or some plants.

How to Make One Part of Your Yard More Private
You might be able to use an existing structure to your advantage. For example, putting a patio next to your garage or building a deck on a side of the house that already has trees can block that area from view.

Lattice panels are easy to install and can block one section of your yard. If you have a patio that you use for entertaining and dont want your neighbors to be able to see you and your guests, a few lattice panels can do the trick. Vines and flowers can add some color to the area. Just make sure the vines you choose arent too heavy for the lattice panels.

A pergola is another way to create a secluded space in your yard. A pergola can be an ideal location for a table and chairs to relax with family and friends. Vines and lattice panels can offer additional privacy.

Choose the Best Solution to Increase Privacy
Many homeowners find their dream home and realize after moving in that they crave more privacy. There are many ways to accomplish that goal. Explore a range of options, and familiarize yourself with local zoning codes and homeowners association rules before you make changes to your property.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

If you want the best possible mortgage loan, youll need a good credit score.

Try increasing your score with these simple steps:

Pay all your bills on time. Late or missed payments can impact your score for years.

Pay off debt and keep credit card balances low to improve your credit utilization ratio.

Dont close unused credit cards, so long as theyre not costing you annual fees.

To avoid too many damaging hard inquiries on your credit report, dont apply for new credit unless you need it.

Check your credit reports at all three major bureaus – TransUnion, Equifax and Experian – and dispute inaccuracies that could drag your score down.

And remember boosting your score requires time and discipline.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

We all rely on appliances to make home life convenient and comfortable, but many of us make mistakes that cause appliances to break down or wear out faster than they should. These are some of the most common blunders:

Washing Machine
If you have a mountain of laundry, it can be tempting to stuff as much as you can into the washing machine. Overloading a washer can damage the suspension and coils and may also damage clothes.

If items such as coins and zippers rattle around inside the washer, they can cause damage. Check pockets before putting clothes in the washer, and zip up any zippers so they dont damage the machine.

If you start a load of laundry and then forget to put it in the dryer when the cycle finishes, your clothes can get moldy. In addition to causing an unpleasant odor, mold can spread and damage the electronic components of the washer

Hair, lint and dirt can accumulate inside a washing machine and clog the motor, which can prevent the washer from agitating and getting clothes clean. The washer needs to be cleaned periodically to remove any accumulated waste that could cause damage.

Refrigerator
The compressor in a refrigerator is usually located in the back. If it isnt cleaned regularly and gets covered in dust, itll be unable to provide the condenser coils with enough air, which means the refrigerator will be unable to cool.

Overfilling your fridge can lead to problems. Blocking the air vents in the back of the refrigerator can prevent it from cooling food adequately and can cause the condenser coils to overheat.

Leaving the refrigerator door open unnecessarily can cause it to adjust to the outside temperature. That can cause strain and make the refrigerator less efficient.

Oven
An oven is designed to cook food, but homeowners sometimes run into problems when they use the appliance in a way that wasnt intended. Using an oven to heat a house can damage the internal components.

Keeping the oven clean can keep it working efficiently. Failing to clean up spilled food can cause damage to electronic parts and make the oven struggle to cook food.

Dishwasher
A dishwasher can help you avoid expending a lot of time and energy to scrub dishes. When it comes to particularly dirty dishes, some people think they should use extra dishwasher detergent. The truth is that too many suds can damage electronic components. The normal amount of dishwasher detergent should work fine.

Avoid Unnecessary Bills
Broken or worn-out appliances can be expensive to repair or replace. Appliances often become damaged by common mistakes. If youve been making any of these blunders, change your habits and use your appliances the way they were intended so theyll last as long as possible.

Published with permission from RISMedia.