Recreating that spark or special connection with your spouse or significant other, free from the distractions of everyday life, isn't as difficult as you may think. The answer can actually be found in your own backyard when you add a hot tub to your outdoor living space.

The therapeutic benefits of hot tubs are well documented - 79 percent of owners say they value the therapeutic health benefits their hot tubs present, according to a survey by the Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP) - but many owners point to another significant benefit: the ability to spend more time with their partners.

Seventy-seven percent of owners say their hot tub is one of the few things that can truly take them away from the day-to-day stresses of life and allow them to reconnect with their partner.

Here are three surprising ways hot tubs can add some spice to your relationship:

* No distractions

The relaxed atmosphere of a hot tub promotes meaningful interaction, owners reveal. Hot tub owners typically say they use their hot tubs as a way to connect, and 82 percent say they are extremely satisfied with the level of relaxation it provides. Relaxing together outdoors, enjoying nature and each other's company without the distraction of ever-present digital devices, is a great way for couples to rediscover the things that drew them together in the first place.

* Stress soothing

Life can be pretty stressful. Countless studies tell us that too much stress is harmful on a number of levels - physically, mentally and socially. Common stressors such as money are leading causes of strife in marriages and even lead to divorce. The warm water and effervescence of hot tubs relieve stress and soothe sore muscles, allowing couples to refocus on what's most important in their lives: each other.

* The vacation effect

Something about vacation spells romance for couples; more than one getaway has led to a new addition to the family nine months later. While taking a trip more than once or twice a year isn't always practical - the average American family spends about $1,180 per person on vacation travel according to an American Express survey - a hot tub can create the vacation effect in your own backyard, and allow you to experience that special feeling of romance every day.

Spicing up your relationship begins with the right tub, and finding the right hot tub starts with a professional you can trust. APSP Certified Professionals adhere to the highest standards of service, performance and ethical conduct. Visit the APSP website to find a professional near you.

Smartphone cameras are quickly replacing basic digital cameras for snapping photos on the go, and for good reason. Capturing a memorable moment is easy with your cellphone at your side, but if you aren't sure what you're doing, you may end up with fuzzy, dark or distorted pictures. To help you get the most out of your smartphone's camera capabilities, Stephen Sneeden, Xperia product marketing manager at Sony Mobile Communications, offers some expert tips:

Tip No. 1: Get to know your device 
Most new smartphone cameras offer multiple camera functions, effects, settings and options. It's important to learn what's available on your phone so you don't miss a beat. Visit the manufacturer's website or check out tutorial videos on YouTube - many phone makers now make these available to consumers for free.

Tip No. 2: Know when to use certain functions - and when to turn them off 
While your smartphone camera may have a flash, zoom and other features, sometimes those functions won't be optimum for the conditions in which you're shooting. For example, turning off the flash may help prevent glare, bright spots and red-eye in certain situations. Zooming may cause an image to degrade or blur; you may want to shoot the entire image and then use editing software to crop it for the portion of the image you want to focus on.

Tip No. 3: Consider an upgrade 
Technology is ever-evolving, and smartphone cameras are constantly being improved. If you've had your phone for a while and aren't happy with the photos it takes, it may be time for an upgrade. When shopping, analyze key camera elements like megapixel count, sensor quality, user interface and ease of use. Most smartphones have 8 megapixel, primary cameras. The Xperia ZL from Sony outshines that standard with a 13 megapixel camera and HDR (high dynamic range) for photos and videos.

Tip No. 4: Make the most of HD technology 
High resolution capabilities are a significant advantage for smartphone videographers. Look for cameras that offer Full HD recording. This function gives you the ability to capture details that translate well on larger HD screens like that of a TV.

Tip No. 5: Download free photo apps 
Enhance your phone's photo capabilities with some of today's best photo apps that cost absolutely nothing. The award-winning application Snapseed (iOS, Android) allows you to adjust saturation, color levels, brightness, contrast as well as edit and enhance styling with a variety of filters. Quickly crop, edit and fix flaws with Adobe's Photoshop Express (iOS, Android). Of course, social media junkies love Instagram (Android, iOS) because it's a snap to share photos across social networks like Facebook, Tumblr and Twitter.

Tip No 6: Don't forget photo basics 
The principles of good picture-taking remain the same, no matter what kind of camera you use. That means it's important to keep the lens clean, carefully frame the shot, fill the frame with your subject, make sure the image is in focus, pay attention to lighting, and - when photographing kids and pets - get on the same level as your subject.

If you're planning to renovate your home, you can tap some of the hottest trends showing up in new-home designs. Here are four new-home trends that offer strong returns on your time and money:

1. Creating a view - Americans continue to embrace all things green and that trend is showing up in new home construction in a number of ways, including an emphasis on energy-efficient windows that bring the outdoors inside with a great view.

If your home has older windows, they're likely not as energy efficient as newer options, so replacing them can improve your heating and cooling efficiency. Window replacements typically provide a high return on investment at the time or resale, too - more than 73 percent for wood windows and 71 percent-plus for vinyl, according to Remodeling Magazine's Cost vs. Value Report.

While you're replacing your windows, you also have the opportunity to open up your home more to outdoor views. Work with your architect or designer and contractor to determine where the best views are, and how much additional glass you can incorporate into your renovation to capitalize on those views.

2. Adding a bathroom - When it comes to renovations that improve resale value and enhance a home's usability, adding a bathroom is at the top of the list for many homeowners. While today's new smaller homes often have less square footage, demand for multiple bathrooms has not changed.

In existing homes, adding a bathroom can sometimes pose plumbing challenges. Up-flush plumbing can solve a lot of them. Up-flush systems pump waste and water from a toilet, sink or bathtub up and out, instead of into a below-floor sewage pit.

Up-flush toilets enable homeowners to easily and cost-effectively install a bathroom virtually anywhere without breaking through the floors - a special advantage when those floors are made of concrete. That means adding a basement bathroom doesn't require cutting into a home's concrete foundation, and you can easily add an attic bathroom without tearing up the first-floor ceiling. According to Saniflo, makers of up-flush plumbing products, adding a bathroom using this type of plumbing can cost about $5,000 less than one that uses conventional plumbing.

3. Defining the kitchen - Kitchens are another popular renovation that pays off in a number of ways. Architects are fine-tuning the popular wide-open floor plan concept, and the change is showing up in the kitchen. Favored designs now open the kitchen on one side to an adjoining room, such as the family room, but enclose the other three walls to create a more defined space, as well as more storage and cabinet options.

This trend works particularly well in older homes where you frequently find a completely separate kitchen. Now, rather than ripping out three walls to create an entirely open flow, you can tap the latest kitchen design trend by opening up just a single wall in the kitchen. This leaves the space well-defined, but also adds the open, social feeling that is so appealing in many new home designs.

4. Maximizing every inch of space - With smaller floor plans gaining popularity, making the most of every inch of space is vital. New-home design employs entertaining nooks, breakfast alcoves, built-ins, pocket doors and other tricks to use every inch of space wisely.

It's a trend that also works well in older homes that may have smaller rooms and less square footage than the McMansions popular a few years ago. For example, it's easier to add a built-in desk to a spare corner and create an office alcove than it is to add an entire office to your floor plan.

If you crave a fresh environment and the latest home design trends, you don't have to give up your old home and tackle the hassles of moving into something new. With some planning and creativity, it's possible to translate some of the hottest new-home design trends into your renovation project.

Despite the turbulent economy, 68 percent of working Americans would be willing to take a salary cut to work in a job that allowed them to apply their personal interests to the workplace, a recent survey released by Philips North America found. Almost one quarter of workers would take a pay cut of 25 percent or more.

"Today's professionals expect more from their careers than just a paycheck," says Tanveer Naseer, a leadership coach who helps companies guide organizational growth and development. "They're looking for challenge, impact and an employer who is committed to helping them achieve their goals."

This new set of demands from employees is driving change in corporations throughout America. Philips, for example, which employs 116,000 people globally, is looking for more ways to help its employees apply their personal interests and ideas to their work.

"We've found that employees want a company that supports and rewards what matters to them personally," says Dana Stocks, Philips North America Chief Human Resources Officer. "Recognizing our employees are people with real passions leads to better product innovation, ultimately improving people's lives and the communities they live in."

So how do graduates or professionals entering the job market find employers and roles that are a good fit and will deliver job satisfaction? Here are a few tips:

1. Look for a job that allows you to leverage personal interests in your work. Most Americans, regardless of their career stage, believe that applying personal interests in a career would make them happier. Naseer says people often find jobs that play to their strengths - but an employee's strengths may not align with his interests. This disconnect can result in employees feeling overworked and underutilized as they're building skills for which they have no passion.

2. Use your resume as a tool to reflect yourself as a person, not just a potential employee. Social resumes provide the opportunity for job seekers to express themselves beyond educational credentials and a laundry list of responsibilities they've taken on in the workplace. Your employer isn't hiring the resume; they are hiring you as a person. Use your resume to help them feel connected to you as a person. -Include assets such as video interviews on relevant topics, thought leadership presentations, or links to blogs and social media sites that you maintain.

3. Know yourself first, and submit your application second. Many job seekers apply to too many jobs without truly understanding their qualification levels or fit for each. Take the time to understand yourself, your story, the intersection of your personal and professional passions, and formulate a short list of jobs that align. By focusing on the quality versus the quantity of your applications, you have a better chance of making the "right" career choice vs. the "right now" career choice.

When job seekers find the right roles that allow them to pursue their individual aspirations within the context of their professional careers, it's a win for both the individual and the organization.

A 2012 survey conducted by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention found 52.5 percent of dogs and 58.3 percent of cats to be overweight or obese by their veterinarian. This translates to nearly 80 million dogs and cats in America with a weight problem. Dr. George Banta, chair of the Veterinary Technology department at Brown Mackie College - Akron and Dr. Mary Jo Wagner, attending veterinarian at Argosy University, Twin Cities, offer useful information for pet owners.

How can you tell if your pet is overweight? "It's not the number of pounds, it's how the animal carries the weight," says Banta. "The number on the Body Condition Score is more important than pounds." The Body Condition Score offers a way to assess the condition of an animal, usually on a scale from one to five, taking into account height, weight, and relative proportions of muscle and fat.

With a little knowledge, you can use sight and touch to figure your pet's general condition. "When looking down on a dog or cat from above," says Banta, "the body should slim to a discernable waist. An animal is too thin if you can see the spine or ribs; however, you should be able to feel them beneath the fur." An animal of ideal weight will also display a pelvic tuck when viewed from the side.

"Just like humans, when animals overeat, they face increased risk for health problems like diabetes, heart disease, gastrointestinal problems and cancer," continues Banta. In fact, these risks also include a shortened life expectancy.

Many owners feed pets according to the manufacturer's suggested amounts; however, this instruction may not be right for your pet. "These guidelines are meant to cover all animals of a certain weight range," says Wagner. "An owner must consider the age and activity level of each pet. The more active they are, the more calories they will burn in a day."

Metabolism rates vary in animals the same way they do in people. Metabolism is the body process in which food is broken down for energy; another factor that affects the amount of food a pet needs. Wagner advises owners to keep an eye on body condition to judge whether a pet is eating properly. "If your pet shows signs of being overweight, simply cut back the amount of food given at each meal. Then weigh the pet in two or three weeks to see if it has made a difference," she says.

Choosing the right food for your pet is important as well. Different brands of pet food contain varying amounts of protein, fat, carbohydrates and calories. "As a general rule, young, active dogs need high protein food," says Wagner. "Older dogs need higher fiber to keep the gastrointestinal (GI) tract moving." Ingredients listed on the package appear in descending order of volume; the first item on the list is most abundant in the food.

Most of us love to give treats, but many of us don't realize how many we offer each day. "A 40-pound dog is one quarter the size of a 160-pound person," Wagner says. "They have smaller stomachs. Look at calories in everything your pet eats. After that, it's simple math."

"Table scraps are a definite no. Zip, zilch, nada," says Banta. "They are not good for two reasons. First, foods like chocolate, caffeine, grapes and raisins can be toxic to dogs. Second, the high fat content associated with table scraps, especially holiday trimmings, can lead to the onset of acute pancreatitis, which can be fatal."

He recommends offering a kibble of food or a carrot instead of a cookie. If you must give cookies, try breaking them in half. "Pets do enjoy treats as a reward; however, attention from you is also a reward. It's important to praise animals. In some ways, spending time with them is better than a treat," Wagner says.

Here are some do's and don'ts for shopping for dads and grads:

Do:

* Know what Dad enjoys. Does he like to cook? To read? Enjoy a specific sports team? It's easier to buy a gift he'll enjoy when you tailor it to his tastes.

* Consider giving your grad cash. Whether he or she is graduating from high school or college, there will be late-night pizza needs that pop up, and that money is sure to come in handy.

* Check your area for unique experiences. Being a tourist in your hometown can be easier than you think - whether it's a trip to a local street fair, a specialty beer tasting at nearby watering hole, or even an afternoon at the ball game, sometimes sharing the experience can be the best gift.

* Spread your gift out through the whole year with a subscription to Netflix for Dad's movie obsession, Hulu Plus for TV-lovers or Pandora for your grad with a music library that rivals Billboard's Hot 100.- Almost all online streaming devices from TVs to Blu-ray players and even a sound bar from LG can give him access to his subscription.

*Grads would love a place to plug in their music, and a docking station is perfect for everything from visiting a friend's dorm room to just lounging around the apartment. With the ability to wirelessly stream from both iPhones and Androids, LG's dual docking station can play from any phone in the area and keep them charged in the meantime.

Don't:

* Buy Dad a tie. Beyond being cliche, with today's casual workplace, he probably has more than enough already. Nothing says "forced smile" like a tie.

* Buy your grads gift card for specific stores. By now, they've got their own flair and style, and you'll run the risk of missing the mark. Best to throw a cash card or two in the mix, and call it the "gift of shopping."

* Give your grad the customary graduation pen - it will be "lost" or act as the resident paper weight until he/she moves out.

* Buy exercise equipment unless you know it will be used. Just because you think Dad should start exercising, doesn't mean he shares your enthusiasm - and you're implying he needs to lose weight (not what he wants to hear).

* Skimp on technology. It changes quickly - that's why stores have those clearance tables. No need to break the bank, but don't buy something that's outdated the moment you walk out of the store.

Regardless of what you give a grad or Dad, she or he will appreciate it the most when your gift comes from your heart.

Despite the competitive employment outlook, certain individuals seem to remain employed no matter how dismal the job climate. These professionals are the first to receive offers when companies are in acquisition mode and are rarely laid off during lean times. Their seemingly "charmed" reality is far removed from the struggles experienced by the vast majority of their peers, and inevitably begs the question: What is the secret to their success? The answer is simple - they possess the skills that keep them in demand.

Career expert Bill van Steenis, frequent speaker at colleges and universities across the country and author of "In-Demand: How to Get Hired, Develop a Career and Always be Successful," offers a three-part formula for staying in-demand:

1. Solve a problem. Every successful career begins with the critical understanding of why people are hired in the first place: to solve a problem that a company or organization doesn't have the resources to solve from within. It is important to remember that filling an open position is about what's best for the company, not you. "If you aren't achieving results, they'll find someone who will," says van Steenis.

2. Be competent. Possessing competence in your field may sound obvious, but according to van Steenis, it's imperative for individuals to stay current and remain relevant. "Employers don't hire you for your ability to theorize. They hire you because they know you're capable of doing what they need you to do," says van Steenis. This is especially critical for those either pursuing or expecting to pursue a college degree.

When selecting a university, it is important to consider schools that can provide hands-on learning and experiences from professors working in fields related to the courses they teach. Ensuring you will be able to demonstrate competence upon graduation is vital during your job search.

"Colleges and universities are shifting their mentalities to career-focused educations in order to adapt to the changing job market and address America's skills gap," says van Steenis. "DeVry University, for example, works with Fortune 100 companies to develop curriculum that prepares its students for emerging job opportunities, to ensure that graduates are ready to add value from Day One of receiving their first career opportunities."

3. Produce. "My father always told me - 'the world pays for producers - be one,'" says van Steenis. "You may be able to solve a problem, you may be highly competent; however, the key to staying in-demand is to be a producer."

Organizations look for all the signs of a good candidate when hiring, but once that employee begins the job, the only question is, "How are you helping the company?" Employees that produce are the least likely to be let go despite rough economic conditions, and the first to be recruited when openings become available.

Whether you are just starting your career fresh out of college or a mid-career professional, applying van Steenis' formula can enable you to join the ranks of workplace 'producers' and remain in-demand throughout your career.

"People may not realize how broad the opportunities are in public service fields," says Connie Bosse, vice president of Kaplan University's College of Public Service. "From law enforcement and emergency responders to teachers and child advocates and behavioral therapists who help children with developmental disabilities, thousands of career options offer people the chance to make a living and help others in a meaningful way."

Numerous studies on job satisfaction show that workers in a broad range of fields say job satisfaction is important to them. Public service jobs such as firefighting, teaching and therapy consistently rank among the top most-satisfying careers in the General Social Survey conducted by the National Organization for Research.

Whether you're a recent high school graduate looking for a direction in higher education or an established professional looking for a meaningful career change, public service holds many opportunities. The Kaplan University College of Public Service created a Network of Good video series which highlights alumni and their path to public service. As with any career, it's important to receive the right training, education and degree to ensure professional success. Here are some degree paths that can lead to public service careers:

* Human services - A bachelor of science in human services can prepare you to work in a variety of fields, including mental health, social services, education, rehabilitation and even the courts. If you already have an associate or bachelor's degree, you may be eligible for an accelerated degree path.

* Education - Graduate programs are designed to serve educators and instructors at every level, from colleges and universities to K-12 environments. There is also a bachelor in early childhood- development that encompasses caring for the educational needs of young children and can extend far beyond the elementary school classroom. This degree can open doors to careers in childcare centers, Head Start programs and other before- and after-school care settings.-

* Public administration - Strong leaders are vital to the success of any organization, whether public or private. A master's in public administration can help you qualify to serve in leadership roles in local, state or federal government agencies, a variety of organizations and nonprofits.

* Homeland security - With natural disasters and terrorist threats making daily headlines, the federal government says demand for professionals qualified to work in homeland security and emergency response roles will increase. A master's degree in homeland security and emergency management can help you find a career in emergency preparedness and response, border and transportation security, information analysis, homeland defense and more.

For those interested in learning more, there is a wealth of information, inspirational stories and videos about public service professionals at the Center for Public Service, an online information resource center created by Kaplan University. Visit the site at center-public-service.kaplanu.edu.

Instead of being forced to labor through the same old spring chores, use this abbreviated spring as an excuse to stay outside. Fire up the grill, dust off the patio furniture and envision relaxing on a cool night around an outdoor fireplace.

Your vision

Think of an outdoor fireplace as the functional focal point of your backyard or patio. It can anchor your landscaping, accent your decor, and extend your outdoor entertaining season. It can also be a missing link to your ultimate outdoor living room.

In fact, outdoor spaces are the No. 1 desired amenity by homebuyers, according to a 2011 National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) study. Second on that list is a fireplace. And according to the 2011 Marshall & Swift Residential Cost Handbook, outdoor gas fireplaces can add $3,500 on average to home values.

Where to start?

For many of us, big, blazing bonfires just aren't practical. And they're not safe or permitted in many residential areas. Modern outdoor gas fireplaces can provide that rustic outdoor ambiance, with the safety and convenience suitable for today's homes.

The Heat & Glo Carolina is a great place to start. It comes in two sizes and has enough heat output to warm a quaint porch, or a large backyard patio.

The Carolina is unique for having FireBrick technology: a patented material which is molded into detailed brick styles and increases heat output by as much as 25 percent. It works similar to cast iron, capturing radiant heat and spreading that heat outward, warming friends and family around the fire. Flip a switch on the wall, or press one button on its remote and this fireplace is ready for company.

Another route

For those looking to add some flare to the backyard, the Twilight Modern does just that. This see-through, indoor/outdoor fireplace installs directly into an exterior wall and creates a two-for-one fireside experience.

When the unit isn't running, it acts as a hurricane-rated window. Turn it on, and crisp flames rise through colored glass. The result is an artistic appearance with solid heat output - perfect for relaxing inside or socializing outside.

The Twilight Modern is completely sealed and uses Direct Vent technology, expelling 100 percent of exhaust outside of the home. No venting or chimney is required.

Take control of your summer

This summer season, make the most of your backyard or patio. Extend your living into the outdoors and increase your home value. An outdoor gas fireplace creates another way to enjoy the great outdoors, and another way to accent your home.

Visit www.fireplaces.com to search and compare outdoor fireplaces and connect with your local dealer.

Today, seven in 10 nursing home residents are women.

They also represent a whopping 76 percent of assisted living residents, according to the latest statistics, and two-thirds of all home-care recipients.

And that care isn't necessarily what many would consider "affordable" -- unless you're perhaps lucky enough to have the opportunity to enroll in the likes of the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP).

"Like other forms of health care, long-term care is expensive, and costs continually increase," says Paul Forte, CEO of Long Term Care Partners, which administers the FLTCIP. The program is specifically designed to help current and retired federal employees safeguard their retirement income and savings while maintaining their independence and avoiding reliance on their children.

How Will You Pay for Care?

The most recent John Hancock Cost of Care Study puts the national average cost of a licensed home health aide at $20 per hour, with private and semiprivate nursing home rooms going for $235 and $207, respectively, a day.

Those costs aren't generally covered by health plans such as Medicare, the Defense Department's TRICARE, TRICARE for Life, or even the regular Federal Employees Health Benefits Program. And as for Medicaid, as Forte notes, "it covers long-term care only for those with very low income and assets, so the responsibility for paying may fall on you."

Now suppose you're a woman who's eligible for the FLTCIP, but you haven't yet applied. Ask yourself these four questions:

* Considering your health and family history, might you live a long life with health conditions that could hinder caring for yourself?

* Do you live alone?

* If you don't live alone, how might tending to you disrupt the professional and personal lives of others, and do you wish to be dependent on them?

* If you do live alone, will you have the resources not just to pay for care, but to also maintain a comfortable lifestyle?

The Advantages of the FLTCIP

Established by an act of Congress in 2000 and overseen by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, the program is tailored exclusively to meet the budgetary and lifestyle needs of what's referred to as "the federal family." And as so often is the case with the federal workforce, the cost to enrollees is surprisingly affordable.

How affordable?

Well, there's a choice of four prepackaged plans that combine the most popular program features, with customized plans also available.

So, say you're a 45-year-old woman who chooses the FLTCIP's most popular prepackaged plan (Plan B, with the 4 percent inflation rider). You'd pay a biweekly premium of $33.90 -- less than $68 per month, or slightly more than $2 a day -- for protection that can save you thousands of dollars in future care costs.

The program's consumer-friendly website lets you calculate the premium rate for your age and choice of plans (www.LTCFEDS.com/rate), and view current and past informational webinars (www.LTCFEDS.com/webinar). Personal consultants can also walk you through the entire process, including plan design and applications, by calling 1-800-582-3337 or 1-800-843-3557.

Again, not everyone is eligible for FLTCIP, and certain medical conditions, or combinations of conditions, will prevent some from being approved for coverage. Premiums are set with the expectation that they'll suffice, but aren't guaranteed. While the group policy is in effect, OPM must approve an increase in premium.