/* Footer with Smooth Gradient Background */
.footer {
    background: linear-gradient(to bottom, rgba(245, 245, 245, 0.9), rgba(230, 230, 230, 0.95)); /* Soft blend */
    color: #444; /* Darker text for contrast */
    text-align: center;
    padding: 20px 0;
    font-size: 14px;
    box-shadow: 0 -2px 5px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1); /* Light shadow for separation */
}

/* Custom Separator */
.custom-hr {
    width: 90%;
    margin: 15px auto;
    border: none;
    height: 5px;
    background: linear-gradient(to right, transparent, #008800, transparent);
}

.footer a {
    color: #0056b3; /* Deep blue for readability */
    text-decoration: none;
    font-weight: bold;
}

.footer a:hover {
    text-decoration: underline;
}