Brie Dyas

When you’re using a mortgage to buy a home, there’s a good chance your lender will require something called an escrow account. Here’s what escrow means, and what you need to know about this important part of the mortgage process.
What is mortgage escrow?
“Escrow” refers to a financial instrument, generally an account, held by a neutral third party on behalf of two parties engaged in a transaction. With an escrow account, the funds are held or managed by the third party until the transaction i...

If you’ve spent a lot of time scoping out interior design on Instagram, you’ve probably seen the phrase “wabi-sabi” quite a bit. This article explores the trend beyond the hashtags, with a look at the principles and history behind wabi-sabi — along with tips on integrating this philosophy into your home.

While you may have been dreaming about buying your first home for years, the reality of preparing to make the purchase is a wake-up call. This article is an easy-to-digest overview of the steps to find a lender, geared entirely for new potential homebuyers.

When it comes to home trends, you can pretty much expect anything old to become new (and therefore, cool) again. This year has seen the renewed popularity of '80s trends many formerly thought would never make a comeback, such as dusty pastels, light wood finishes, glass-and-brass furniture, and black cabinetry and appliances. However, Pinterest's latest report on the rising décor trends for 2019 includes one that precludes the current "Age of Excess" décor: textile art.

When you spend a lot of time browsing Instagram or Pinterest, it's easy to think that everybody is living in a home with large windows that flood the space with natural light. The reality is the opposite: According to the National Building Code, standard ceiling heights measure in at eight feet tall. While there is a trend towards building homes with higher ceilings, it's far easier to work with what you have than to move to a new house.
"Achieving a well-lit space in a room with low ceilings...

A mortgage escrow account is part of the financial picture for most homebuyers. This brief primer breaks down the basics about this account for potential home buyers (and sellers) in a simple, easy-to-digest format.

Note: This was sponsored content created for Visit Phoenix.
When it comes to cities with incredible natural scenery, few can compare to Phoenix. With mountainous desert preserves both in and around the city, you’re never far from an Instagram-worthy view. Though the stunning scenery is a big draw for this desert city, there’s another reason to visit: its rising culinary scene. From a three-and-a-half-hour dining experience from a James Beard Award-nominated chef to a classic Mexican spot, here’s a bite-size sampler of everything Phoenix has to offer.

If you’re thinking about moving to a fast-growing city, you might make a few assumptions about what it will be like. There will be lots of jobs. There will be plenty to do. And it will be super expensive.
In some places that’s completely true. But not all cities grow in the same way—meaning some high-growth metros are way more affordable than others. We dug into the data around jobs, population, development, and home values across the U.S., and we found that in the decade since the 2008 finan...

Yagi Studio via Getty Images
If you’ve been in public in the past year or so, chances are you’ve noticed someone breaking dining etiquette that would seem second-nature to any adult. Vloggers loudly chew or smack their lips (go to the 8:40 mark to see for yourself). A fellow shopper at the Whole Foods buffet samples the ingredients with their bare hands. The couple next to you at a restaurant’s communal dining table arrives from the gym, radiating a sweat corona...

NOTE: This is a sponsored article created for Citi.

If you haven’t yet explored Harlem, you’re missing out on some of the best food in the entire city. This community is full of time-honored traditions, where varied flavors mingle with rich history. Here, a plate doesn’t just serve up something delicious. Instead, it reflects the love and dedication of the people who call this neighborhood home.

NOTE: This is a sponsored post created for Citi.
With his restaurants Red Rooster, Streetbird Rotisserie and Ginny’s Supper Club, Marcus Samuelsson has become an integral part of Harlem’s food scene. However, he’s just a part of the long culinary history of the vibrant community: In this video, the celebrated chef discusses what makes this neighborhood so special, along with how he’s working with Citi to help celebrate the flavors and history of Harlem with the Harlem EatUp! Festival.

Note: This was a sponsored post created for NOLET'S Silver Gin.
Crisp, cool gin is the ideal spirit for countering summer’s heat. But for the most cocktail versatility, don’t just grab the first bottle of gin you see when shopping—opt for NOLET’S Silver Gin, which has delicious fruit and floral notes that pair beautifully with a wide range of flavors. In this updated take on the classic Negroni cocktail, NOLET’S Silver Gin bridges the bitter notes of Campari with the subtle sweetness of Prosecco in the most refreshing way.

Restaurant design seems like it'd be one of those topics that appeals only to industry insiders or those who want to location-scout for their Instagram posts. But there's a good reason to be in the loop: The decor trends you see now in "hot" restaurants are the ones you'll see in your living room in the coming years.
Besides, the overall look of a restaurant's interior actually does impact the experience of dining out. An interesting plate can enhance a thoughtfully assembled dish, dark mater...