5 Simple DIY Steps To Stop Losing Warmth From Your Home

June 26, 2017 Leave a Comment

If you live in an older home or perhaps a new home without proper insulation, the cold can seep into your home and make shivering every time you walk through the front door commonplace. When winter arrives, the shock of the chill will be even more profound, and thus a battle will start off trying to keep as much heat in as possible and forcing the cold to stay out. Energy efficient walls have insulation inside them, whether it be foam or sponge filling. However not all homes have them, and if your home was not built with them included in the regulations for building, it could be quite expensive to buy insulation. However, even still it may not always be the walls, as the issue of keeping warmth in your home is all encompassing.

Protecting from the wind

Blocking out the wind is how you keep the chill from entering your home. House structures are more than just walls; they have doors, windows, keyhole, vents and air leaks that all have the ability to crack, widen and eventually let moisture and the wind into the home. Check for any leaks around doors and window; you will see little cracks around the edges. If you find any, buy laminate sealant and with a filling knife, gently fill them in. For a cheap remedy, your curtains can come in handy. Pick up and put the curtain on the windowsill, push it into the corner and pat them snugly against the sides.

Credit – Michael Rieger

A once over

Sometimes the little home improvements will only be able to help short-term. Nip it in the bud, and do a proper clean sweep of your home from top to bottom. By calling out an expert home inspector, a wide array of aspects such as an examination of the exterior condition, the structural integrity, electrical and heating systems, the plumbing and insulation along with ventilation will be studied, and a report will be compiled. Some inspectors will have with them the ability to seek out the mold and moist spots with the aid of an infrared camera. By catching these spots, the quality of air around the home can be improved, and this helps children with asthma greatly.

 

Don’t be careless

It goes without saying but not just for a slimmer heating bill, letting the heat out of your home carelessly is asking for trouble. Close any doors, windows or patio doors whenever you leave the home, even it’s just to go in the garden momentarily. Don’t open the bathroom window to let the steam out, but keep the room door open so the heat transfers elsewhere. Rather than venting heat and the smell of cooking in the kitchen, keep it indoors by letting it waft throughout the home. Be frugal, and diligent, capturing heat is a game of consistency.

Source – Wonderlane

The sofa arrangement

It might seem simple enough, but moving the sofa in a more strategic position can keep you warmer. The living room is where most people spend their time in the home. Locate your heater, and move your sofa closer to it and preferably, in a position that it is either in front of you or to your side. Additionally, if you have a fireplace, move your sofa closer to it without causing a hazard risk. The home is constantly fighting against the cooler temperatures, and realistically, this is only a human concept. The aim is for you to keep warm, not the house itself, so think what you can do to keep your body temperature stable.

Don’t be careless

It goes without saying but not just for a slimmer heating bill, letting the heat out of your home carelessly is asking for trouble. Close any doors, windows or patio doors whenever you leave the home, even it’s just to go in the garden momentarily. Don’t open the bathroom window to let the steam out, but keep the room door open so the heat transfers elsewhere. Rather than venting heat and the smell of cooking in the kitchen, keep it indoors by letting it waft throughout the home. Be frugal, and diligent, capturing heat is a game of consistency.

Filed Under: DIY Interior, Home Tagged With: , ,

Want a Quick Room Revamp? Here Are Some Hacks

June 26, 2017 Leave a Comment

Pixabay

 

You don’t like the room you’re in. You can’t quite put your finger on what the problem is, but you know there’s something up. Well, assuming it doesn’t require a total makeover, perhaps it’s time you gave the room a quick revamp!

 

Give that carpet a wash

 

Technically, you should give everything a really thorough clean. Seriously. Move everything around and scrub and dust whatever you can reach. When people do this, they often make sure they vacuum every inch of the carpet. Unfortunately, that’s often not quite enough. When was the last time you gave the carpet a proper wash? It’s been recommended that your carpet should get a wash at least once every couple of months or so; you’d be surprised by dirty those things can get, even if they don’t look it. A good wash will help bring it back to its former glory; do it right and you can make it as soft as it used to be, too.

 

Invite nature in

 

What gives the room a feeling that it needs to be revamped? Quite often, it’s a vague feeling of being old, unfresh, uninspiring. It can make someone feel trapped or even lethargic being in that room. When we think of the opposite of those things, our imaginations may very well turn to nature. So if you’re looking to revamp a room, looking to nature may be a strong bet. Getting a plant or two will help pretty things up while introducing life to the room. Making natural light more prominent is also a must; this helps the room feel brighter and more spacious. Also, consider keeping the windows open for a while to get some fresh air circulating.

Flickr

 

Tie the room together

 

It could be a clock from Jonathan Adler, or a rug from Samad – heck, it could even be a lamp from IKEA. The fact is that a quality room may be missing just one detail that could really tie the room together. An item that, once placed, you’ll wonder how the room could possibly have looked good without it. If you think something is missing, then have a think about the practical stylish items that you can add. Clocks, rugs, and lamps aren’t just pretty decor items – they actually serve a purpose. The same can’t always be said for a gorgeous art piece – although one of those might do the trick if you already have the other three!

 

Declutter

 

Last but certainly not least: you need to get rid of all that clutter. Even if the room is tidy, I very much doubt it’s completely devoid of junk! Take the time to go through the items in the room. Think long and hard about how much you really need them. Having the same old possessions surrounding you all the time can make a room feel pretty stale over time, especially if you don’t even need them. Getting that stuff cleared out will open up a whole new bag of potential for that room. Seriously, this is probably the best thing to do if you want to inject new life into your home – get rid of the old life!

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Get An Easier Home Life By Doing These 4 Things

June 19, 2017 Leave a Comment

The family home is more than just a house. It is the center of operations for the family unit, and even the busiest families spend a great deal of time there. But is your home setup to work for you and your family in the best way possible? Or it causing you unnecessary stress? Read on to find out.

Improve safety

One thing that can cause anxiety and stress in family life, which can contribute to frayed tempers and difficulties is concerns about safety in the home.

This can be inside safety, as in any dangers that might be problematic to the residents like steep stairs, scolding hot water, and slip and trip hazards. It can also refer to security issues such as window and door locks, burglar alarms, and the like.

Obviously, each issue needs to be identified and sorted according to what would be most useful. Inside issues can often be resolved by making small changes such as installing corner bumpers to sharp edges. Or laying rug grip to stop slips and trips, especially helpful if you have lots little ones that sometimes forget that they shouldn’t run indoors.

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Security issue can be a little more difficult to resolve, although things are finally getting easier with the many smart systems now on the market.

One thing to consider is installing CCTV that you can monitor from your phone or laptop. Even when you are out of the country for an added layer of a piece of mind. Also, upgrade windows to contain the best anti-tamper security features to ensure you minimize the risk of a break in as much as possible.

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Replace beds and mattresses  

One thing that we all need is sleep, and without enough of it, we can get stressed and ill. But getting the right amount of quality unbroken sleep is something that eludes many of us. This can be due to lots of different reasons that may need our attention such as an uncomfortable bed, too much light, or getting too hot in the night.

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In particular, getting too hot in the night can seriously affect the quality of our sleep, making it hard to nod off and difficult to not wake up throughout the night. But what can be done about this?

Well, one thing you can do is to change your mattress. This is because some mattresses are much worse at retaining the heat from your body during the night than others.

This is an issue that many people find with memory foam mattresses, but luckily there are now products out there like Nectar mattresses that include a cooling effect. Meaning that they will make it a lot easier to get a good night of unbroken sleep, even in the warmest of conditions.

Something that has the knock on effect on improving your mood and health, so you can be ready for any challenge the family and life throws at you the next day.

Eat at the table

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An incredible small change that you can make to get an easier home life is to bring the family together once a day around the dinner table. Eating a meal at the table instead of on our laps on trays can help improve your family life in all sorts of ways.

Firstly, it allows you to take your time over eating, enjoying your food, and even brings added awareness so you can stop eating when you are full.

Secondly, it a great time to devote to family life, where you can have conversations and catch up with each member of the family. Also checking on how they are doing and offering support if necessary.

Also, this will have a positive effect as you will feel more connected with your partner and kids, and the will feel the same. Giving this undivided attention can also really help when you have children, as then they don’t feel they are fighting for your focus.

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Get organized

There are many home and family blogs out there, extolling the avenues of being organized. All with lots of great tips on how to do. However, not many of the actually explain why being organized is going to make your home life easier.

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It’s because when you know where things are, and you have space to actually live in, you and the others around you are going to be less irritable and less stressed. Thus minimizing arguments.

Also, it’s important to remember here, that being organized isn’t an excuse to be regimented and inflexible. Being organized does take some focus and effort, but it should be done in a compassionate and measured way. As if you are spending all of your time and energy getting everything to be perfect, you will likely create more stress and uncomfort for you and you family. Something that negates the benefits of doing it in the first place.

Get on top of the cleaning

 

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By getting on top of the cleaning, I don’t mean that you have to spend your afternoons off on your hands and knees with a scrubbing brush. Yes, they say cleanliness is next to Godliness, but no one wants to grow up in a home that they are terrified to drop a crumb in, or that has plastic on the couch.

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In fact, the same aware but relaxed attitude applies to cleaning as it does to organization. If you hold on too tight, you won’t get the desired result of stress reduction due to living in a pleasant family home.

Instead, set a reasonable schedule that you can set down and pick up according to how busy you are and your energy levels at the time. It can also help to get the rest of the family to help you.

As not only does this get them to appreciate the work that goes into keeping the family home clean, meaning they will be more careful generally. But it also gets them in a great habit for later on in life as they aren’t going to expect that the magical cleaning fairy will come along and do it all for them when they move out.

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Easy Ways to Add Value to Your Property

June 8, 2017 Leave a Comment

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Whether you have just bought a new property, are happily settled in your home or are looking to sell up and move, there are loads of easy ways that you can add space and value to your house.

 

Before you bring in the buildings and plumbers and decorators, it is worth checking with your local estate agent whether or not a major home improvement will add value to your property, and if there are any features which are particularly sought after in your area. Remember that every property has a ceiling price, so make sure the cost doesn’t outweigh the profit in your equity.

 

Loft conversion

 

The most popular way to add value to a home is to convert the loft into a useable space. Going into the loft is often the easiest way to add an extra bedroom to the house, which will immediately push up the value into the next price bracket. It’s worth remembering that an extra bedroom can add anywhere between 10% and 15% to the value of the property.

 

However, a loft conversion will usually be around $20,000 to $25,000, and you will need to get planning permission from your local authority before you get going.

 

Paint, paint, paint!

 

A fresh paint job will do wonders for the value of your property and can turn your home from old and tired into fancy and fresh. If you don’t have time to do it yourself, you can hire someone to do the residential exterior painting, as well as a painter and decorator for the inside. Stay away from bold and dark colors if you are reselling, as they will make a room or space seem much smaller than it actually is, and also hire a professional if you are in danger of making any decorating or DIY mistakes!

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Revamp the kitchen

 

The kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s a place where people gather on social occasions, where families eat and deep conversations are had. As this room is such an integral part of the home, it is important that it is attractive looking and functional.

 

If you don’t have the money for a full kitchen refit, there are some simple and easy things you can do to bring it up to a higher standard. Try replacing cupboard doors and handles for a quick and easy refresh and aim to create a space which is multipurpose. Most people spend the majority of their time in their kitchens, and it must be able to function as a place for kids to do their homework, guests to relax in while you are cooking dinner and family gatherings. Updating the kitchen doesn’t have to cost the earth, but it will be worth every penny.

 

Invest in your garden

 

Outdoor spaces have become a room in their own right, and investing in your garden is big business. By having a garden which is well laid out, you are not only adding value to your property but will also make it easier to sell!

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4 Home Repairs You Should NEVER Put Off

June 7, 2017 Leave a Comment

I know how you feel: tired! Sometimes, the thought of coming home and relaxing is a lot more exciting than working on the house. So, we think of all the excuses under the sun to put it off until a later date. When the repairs center on painting the walls, there is nothing wrong with procrastinating. However, postponing your duties is the enemy when the repairs are a big deal. What, you’re not sure what constitutes a major concern and what doesn’t? Don’t worry because here are the four most important ones to keep in mind.

 

#1: Roof Repairs

 

There are two basic thing homeowners want from a house. The first is a bed to sleep in, and the second is a roof overhead. If the roof isn’t in good shape, the fundamentals of the property are in question. That might not worry you now, but it will when the rain drips on your head at night! See, according to http://www.triumphroofing.net even minor issues can escalate out of control. So, before you know it, one loose slate might lead to a hole in the roof. Apart from providing shelter from the elements, it will also save you a fortune.

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#2: Dryer Lint

 

How on earth is lint from clothes a major repair? Well, it isn’t the lint itself, but what the buildup of lint represents. Simply put, a blockage can lead to a fire. And, if you think that’s an exaggeration, you should look at the amount of dryer fires in the past five years. Fluff is the perfect fire starter because it’s dry and coarse, so it lights easily. When you put that next to an appliance that creates heat, you’re bound to be in trouble. Although it isn’t something you do every day, it’s imperative that you think about it more often. After all, it could save your life.

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#3: Household Pests

 

Homes are an excellent place for pests as well as human beings. Mice, rats, cockroaches etc. all love to move in and make the place their own. And, the way they breed means they will take over the entire house before long. Apart from being unsanitary, it also has structural impacts. Some pests, like termites, like to eat through wood like a hot knife through butter. If you leave it too long, the damage could spiral out of control. The lucky ones have to fork out thousands to repair the damage, while the unfortunate ones have to find a new home.

 

#4: Carbon Monoxide Reader

 

Although you can’t see something doesn’t mean it isn’t dangerous. Carbon monoxide is a perfect example because http://www.carbonmonoxidekills.com says it is a deadly gas. The worse news is that homes produce the gas on occasion. Any readers that aren’t up to the task won’t be able to alert you to the hidden danger. Not to be morbid, but this could lead to fatal complications. All it takes is a set of new batteries and you’re golden.

 

Oh, and you’ll need a carbon monoxide reader installed too.

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Major Decorating Mistakes, And How To Avoid Them

June 7, 2017 Leave a Comment

The fear of making a big, expensive mistake is something that causes a lot of people to put off their interior décor plans for far too long. It’d be nice if there was nothing to be afraid of, but that simply isn’t the case! To help you approach sprucing up your home with confidence, and get it right the first time, here are a few common mistakes a lot of people make when getting stuck in…

Image source: Public Domain Pictures

Picking the Paint First

It’s common knowledge that the color scheme you pick for the walls can have a massive effect on how comfortable and welcoming an interior space feels. However, choosing the palette you’re going to use before anything else can be a huge mistake, and will mar the rest of your interior design work going forward. First and foremost, you should choose some essential fabrics, such as the rugs, upholstery, window treatments, and pillows. Once you’ve got this out of the way, you’ll find it so much easier to choose an appropriate color scheme from a set of paint chips or a fan deck. Working backwards; trying to find fabrics that match with a color scheme you’ve already chosen, is so much harder.

Being Scared of Being Bold

Obviously, you don’t want to spend a whole weekend repairing last week’s mistakes. However, being afraid of making any kind of bold, adventurous decision with your décor can lead to your rooms feeling unsatisfying and bland. Take some risks, and try to think outside the box here and there! Whether it’s an extravagant focal point like a mounted animal skull or indoor waterfall, or an unconventional bit of lighting, don’t be afraid of experimenting with your space. Remember that if anything feels too bold or dramatic, you can always balance it out with more light and breezy features, such as neutral fabrics and furniture.

Sticking to a Single Store

One-stop shopping is very popular with amateur interior designers these days. However, furnishing a space with pieces all bought from the same store tends to create a much more boring visual story, compared to what you can achieve by shopping around a little more. Instead of confining your shopping trips to a single store, check out a few boutiques that stock a number of different design lines and brands. By doing this, even if you have a preferred period or style, you’ll make it easier for yourself to create a unique interior, rather than another cookie-cutter home.

Buying Furniture Without Measuring

Finally, a more practical issue, that’s unfortunately very common. Showrooms are massive, and can make it hard to judge the scale of a given piece of furniture relative to the space it’s intended for. This is why so many people bring a beautiful coffee table home, only to realize that it feels like it’s eating up the entire living room. Get some measurements, and bring some cold hard numbers with you whenever you’re heading out on a shopping trip. You don’t want to spend a small fortune on a piece that makes your home feel cramped!

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The Top Three Worst Excuses For Not Tackling Home Repairs

June 2, 2017 Leave a Comment

 

[geralt / pixabay]

 

Household repairs are a pain. As much as they’re necessary, they’re also just plain annoying.

 

For one thing, it’s a financial cost on something that is just so unsatisfying. If you go through a redevelopment or renovate a room, then you at least have all the disturbance in exchange for a shiny new area of your house. However, with repairs, you have all the disturbance but none of the newness. All you get is your house returning to how it should be – and that, no matter which way you slice it, just isn’t as exciting.

 

Given this reality, it can be tempted to convince yourself that putting repairs off is a tempting and viable way of managing your house. Doing this tends to involve a series of carefully calculated little white lies; the untruths you try to convince yourself are reasonable.

 

Now, not to burst a bubble, but… that’s not going to work for long. If you find yourself recognizing any of the below excuses, then it might be time to finally launch yourself at that repair work. A little DIY or calling in the right pro could mean you no longer have to convince yourself of the below “truths”, which – as you will see – don’t stack up to that much scrutiny anyway…

 

“It costs too much money!”

 

Finances are tight. Everyone gets that; it’s been awhile since the populace as a whole seemed to have plenty of money to spend on whatever they chose. However, the immediate way of responding to this instinct is… it’s never not going to cost money. There’s no way you’re suddenly going to be able to find yourself considering the costs and realize everyone is charged $0 for the work.

 

Then there is the fact that it could end up costing you more in the long run. If you let issues go unmanaged, they will continue to deteriorate to the point where they will cost far more than they would have done to fix initially. If you have major structural issues with the foundations or external structure of your home, then these costs could spiral from the ‘expensive’ bracket and into the ‘can we afford to live here’ section. The cost of foundation repair and other major structural work is only going to increase.

 

“I don’t have time!”

 

This is the constant – and sure, we’re all busy people… but are you going to get any less busy any time soon? It seems unlikely. There’s never a ‘good time’ for a household repair; it’s always going to involve juggling other commitments and demands on your household finances.

 

Unless you have a block of time coming up when you will have nothing to do but your household repairs (and we’re talking weeks here), then not having enough time simply isn’t a believable reason for not getting down to the work.

 

“It’s such a big job!”

 

Well – as above – the one thing to keep in mind is that that’s not going to change any time soon. Leaving it isn’t going to make the job any smaller. In fact, as covered, time is probably going to make the issue even bigger. So tackle it now while it’s still as small and as manageable as it’s ever going to get.

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How To Give Your Hallway The Wow Factor

June 2, 2017 Leave a Comment

Sadly; the hallway is often neglected, or last on the list when it comes to renovating and decorating your interior space. So much emphasis is put on specific rooms, like your kitchen, living room, and bathroom space, while the entrance to your whole home is left tired and unloved. However, with some care and attention; you can create a beautiful interior space, which will greet you and your family every day when you walk through the front door.

 

The Walls

 

As you first walk in through your front door; your eyes will immediately see the surrounding walls, so what they look like will have an immediate effect on your mood and the feeling of the space. Your hallway is the perfect opportunity to set the tone of your whole house, so when guests arrive, they’ll get a sense of your style and personality straight away. Therefore, it’s important to think about covering the walls with a paint color or wallpaper print that will explain a little about who you are and stand the test of time.

 

Classic white or neutral shade is always a great option, as it will allow you to hang any artwork or photographs with ease. If you enjoy having fresh (or faux) flowers as your enter your home, or have a variety of accessories and trinkets to display; a plain wall will ensure that they slide in seamlessly and the space won’t look too cluttered or overwhelming. For some entrance hall design inspo, check out Pinterest here: https://uk.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=entrance%20hall&rs=typed&term_meta[]=entrance%7Ctyped&term_meta[]=hall%7Ctyped.

Image source: https://pixabay.com/en/furniture-hallway-hall-passageway-382154/  

 

The Floor

 

The flooring in your entrance hall is also paramount, as it will always have the most footfall in the house (unless your kids like to race through the back door after school). Therefore, it needs to be hardwearing to have any longevity in your home. Carpets aren’t the best idea for a hallway space as they are likely to get stained and worn out quickly; however, there are densely woven options that are made with heavy use in mind. Consider looking into engineered timber floors or tiling as durable options that can still provide a design feature and a warm ambiance.

 

Another option, if you’d like more of a cozy feeling when you enter the house, is to lay a knotted or dense-weave rug on your wooden or tiled floor. Covering the first area of the hallway with a rug will ensure the floor is protected and any dirt from people’s shoes is collected in one place as they take them off.

Image from PEXELS

 

The Function

 

As the hall is the first place everyone piles inside after they’ve been outside; it’s worth investing in some decent storage and space saving items. A sturdy shoe rack near the front door is always a smart idea, as mud and debris won’t get trodden throughout the house, and everyone can find their shoes in time to leave for work or school. The same goes for somewhere to hang bags and coats; it’s always so nice when you know exactly where something you need it, and you’ll be able to throw your jacket on as you walk out, saving you time and stress in the meantime.

 

Lastly, create an area for smaller items like keys, pens, and even phones. Whether you have a set of hooks, a small cupboard, or a decorative bowl near (ish) the front door, it’s a great system to have in place for a busy family. If everyone knows where to leave (or dump) their items; finding them will be a breeze and there’ll be no excuse to be late!

Image from pexels.com

 

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The Internet Of Things And How It Can Help You Sell Your House

May 31, 2017 Leave a Comment

Image Source

 

If you were to think about the defining features of the zeitgeist, what would you say? The financial crash of 2008 was a massive event, and its effects are still being felt. The developments in politics around the world are also playing a large part in shaping society today. However, in the last twenty years or so, it could be argued that the single biggest change is the digital revolution. The internet was invented in the early nineties by a British scientist called Tim Berners-Lee who just wanted to make it easier to access documents wherever he was in the CERN complex in Switzerland. It now connects an estimated 3.7 billion people, or about 49.6% of the world’s population. Its impact can be seen in lots of different parts of life. For instance, the Arab Spring of 2010 was in large part facilitated and enabled by access to the internet, and social media sites in particular. On the other hand, Facebook is now cited in one-third of the divorces filed in the United States of America. The internet, like every other tool, is effective relative to the ways in which it is used.

 

If you are trying to sell your house at the moment, you may want to check up on the infrastructure of your property’s internet connection. 73% of households in the US have a broadband connection, so if your house does not, or it is slow, you should think about investing some money in improving it. The nature of real estate is such that you have to be able to appeal to the prospective buyers. That may mean having all the fundamentals in place that they expect from every property, but it also means setting yourself apart and proving that your property is the perfect one. One way to do this in the modern era is by embracing the ‘internet of things.’

 

This means getting tech that allows you to communicate with your house more effectively. A lot of the cool gadgets that you can get around the house are still reasonably new to the market and therefore sometimes quite expensive, but they can make your life so much easier. For instance, both Amazon and Google have launched products that respond to your voice and let you control your ‘smart home’. This may mean being able to dim the lights just by saying that you want them dimmed, or putting on a load of washing while you are still on your commute home from work. One innovation that is particularly good if you are trying to appeal to prospective buyers is the smart technology that allows you to protect your property. For example, you can now get security cameras that will stream a 24-hour high definition video to your phone or tablet. You can also get motion sensors for your doors and windows which will notify you on your smartphone as soon as it detects something that should not be there. Sometimes it is just going to be a cat, but if it is a cat burglar, that extra bit of time could be the difference between losing your stuff and keeping it. These sorts of measures will appeal to buyers and may help you sell your house quicker for a greater price.

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Spider-man Bath Bombs Recipe Fun in the tub!! Easy!! DIY

May 30, 2017 1 Comment

I have three grandsons who all love Spiderman. They are also extremely active and have sinus issues, so I came up with an idea to make them “Spider-man Bath Bombs” and adding sinus and calming essential oils to help them at night time.

The reason we call them Spider-man bath bombs is simple, because they are red and blue like Spider-Man. I have found adding little mini toys inside them so they find them in the tub is a fun way for them to play while the essential oils do their job!

Most of the time you can find mini figures at Dollar Tree, or their own toy box, they don’t care!! But be careful if too small with your little ones, make sure they are age appropriate!

How To Make Your Own Bath Bombs:

Ingredients and Supplies:

  • 1 cup baking soda
  • 1/2 cup citric acid
  • 1/2 cup Epsom salts
  • 1/2 tsp. Corn Starch
  • 1 tsp. water
  • 2 tsp. essential oil
  • 3 tsp. oil (olive oil)
  • food coloring (any color you want)
  • bowl
  • whisk
  • cup
  • bath bomb mold

Mix all the dry ingredients together in a bowl, then divide it in two if you want two different colors.

Mix all the wet ingredients together in a cup, if more than one color, I separate into more than one cup.

 

Pour the wet into the dry mix and stir until smooth.

Put into the mold and wait.

Usually about 5 minutes later, I remove the top.

After sitting out over night I bag or box them individually.

If they begin to swell then you have too much moisture in them, add a little more cornstarch.

If they begin to crack then add a few drops of water to the mixture.

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A Roof Over Your Head? Don’t Take It For Granted

May 29, 2017 Leave a Comment

One of the most important things is the home – or the idea of home. A home means comfort, wellbeing, family and safety and we all know in our own way just how important each of those aspects is to our own lives. We want comfort to relax and let the worries of life flow away. We want wellbeing to be healthy and live a fulfilling life. We want family so that we are surrounded by the people we care about most. We want safety so we don’t have to worry about the outside world, for one reason or another.

 

Now when we think of the idea of a home, a phrase comes to mind – does it not? Four walls and a roof, for that, is home the typical home is constructed in the physical world and within the mind. Four walls and a roof is all we need to call something a home, well – in the most basic form anyway. The perfect home is going to be different in its own way for everyone in this world – as everyone has different expectations of what a home should be. However, those four walls and roof? That’s exactly what we need to get started.

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So if you’re a homeowner, or a parent – or anyone living in a home with those four walls you need to avoid taking that for granted. But you also need to ensure that you’re looking after the roof – as without that – you’ve not got much of a home at all. The roof serves a number of important functions not least protecting the inhabitants of a home from the outside world and the weather.

 

The roof does a number of things for the home, and it needs to be on form during these tasks at all times. Being at 90% isn’t good enough, and the condition of a roof can deteriorate at any moment, and the condition can plummet fast.

 

The most basic check you can perform on a roof is a shingle check. A roof needs shingles to ensure that no wind or rain escapes into the confines of the home from the outside world. If your shingles are broken or missing – you might need to replace them with a like for like – or even an improvement like Wakefield Bridge Steel Shingles. Shingles are the first line of defense on the roof so if they are missing or broken, replace them.

 

The main job of the roof is to guard the home from the weather, but it also has another critical function, and that is to guard the foundation of a building from debris and water.

 

The roof does this with its shape, so that water falls away from the bottom of the building, but it also uses guttering to lead water towards drains. This is to prevent erosion. One of the easiest things you can do to help you roof is to clear the gutters or replace broken guttering.

 

A leaky roof means hell for the home. Don’t take it for granted. Fix any issues and keep it safe so it can keep your home safe.

Filed Under: DIY Interior, Home Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

6 Things That Will Improve Your Home DIY Skills

May 25, 2017 Leave a Comment

As a homeowner, you’re going to need the right DIY skills if you want to get the most from your house. Without them, you might find that you simply can’t make your property into the home of your dreams. That would be a massive shame, so maybe now is the time to start thinking about improving your DIY skills. If you do this right, you will be able to make your house into the home you want it to be.

 

Of course, DIY is not easy, especially if you have no existing experience of it. That’s just the truth of the matter, and you should realise this before you dive in head first. Here are six things that will help to improve your home DIY skills.

 

  1. Get Comfortable with the Basics

 

First of all, you need to make sure that you’re as comfortable as you possibly can be with the basics. This is essential, and not everyone is. So, you need to be prepared to do a bit of research read some books and get the basics nailed do. This will provide you with the basis from which you can push on and learn more about DIY. So, don’t hesitate to get started. Start learning about all the different kinds of hammers, nuts, bolts and power tools that are out there. Don’t forget to learn about any safety equipment you might need too.

Protection Tools Diy Gloves Suitcase

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  1. Watch Plenty of Demonstrations and Learn From Them

 

The best way to learn from other people when it comes to DIY is watching. Watching and learning allow you to see for yourself what needs to be done. This is useful because DIY is practical and hands-on. You need to see other people doing what you need to do before you can go ahead and carry out the work yourself. It’s much easier than following written instructions too. Luckily, video sharing platforms online provide you with a bountiful supply of instruction and demonstration videos that you can watch and learn from in seconds.

 

  1. The Willingness to Take on a Variety of Projects

 

A willingness to delve in and try new things will take you a long way. If you are apprehensive and move too slowly, you will never learn fast enough. You will constantly be holding yourself back, which is not what you want at all. So, show a willingness to try new things and take on a variety of DIY projects. In reality, you will only improve and get better by doing things with your own two hands. No amount of guides or demonstrations can replace the experience of getting stuck in and using your hands to make or mend something.

 

  1. New Tools

 

You are also going to need a set of tools to get you started. You won’t get very far without these. Start off by investing in the basic things, such as a tool belt and all the things that it needs to be filled with. When you’ve done that, you can move onto the more advance tools. If you’re buying power tools, always research the options first. If you’re looking for a new router to use, read router reviews before making a purchase. There are so many tools out there, and you need to weigh up the options before handing over your cash.

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  1. Basic Plumbing Knowledge

 

Plumbing is one aspect of DIY that many people ignore or assume that they can’t get right. But there is no need to assume that that’s the case. There are plenty of small plumbing fixes that you can carry out if you want to. Hiring a plumber to come over and fix a minor problem can be expensive. So, why pay for that if you can carry out the work yourself. It simply doesn’t make sense. Learn some of the basics, and get to know how the shower, taps and toilet in your home work. That’s always the best way to start.

 

  1. Small Compartments and Storage Solutions

 

Finally, you’re going to need an organised storage arrangement to keep all your bits and pieces in. This is something that many people overlook, but if you want to do DIY properly, you need to make the most of compartments and storage solutions. All those nuts and bolts and other little things need to be kept organised. That way, you will be able to find what you need in the future when the time comes to use them. Create a setup in your shed or garage with these things in place.

Filed Under: DIY Interior, Home Tagged With: , ,

Why A Garden Room Is So Much Better Than An Extension

May 24, 2017 Leave a Comment

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There has been a topic of conversation that has taken over most of our family dinners recently. To build an extension or not to build an extension, that was the question. But then threw a curveball into the mix and it had us all umming and ahhing, “what about a garden room?”

We have to admit, the first image that popped into our head was a Wendy House, like the one we used to play in as kids. Basic, practical, functional and a space that quickly got filled with tools. Needless to say, we dismissed the idea. We were wrong to do this it seems.

Garden rooms have basically evolved into extensions, just ones that don’t have to be fixed to your home. They can sit all pretty at the bottom of your garden for instance. What’s more, you don’t need to borrow huge sums of money because you could just use your family home loans and tap into the equity you have already built up in your property. We know right!

 

Anyway, we started making a list of ways a garden room would be a better investment than an extension, and this what we came up with.

 

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A Place Of Peace

An extension certainly gives you more space in your home, but it doesn’t exactly allow you to escape because, well, you’re still in the thick of it. A garden room, however, is a home away from home; your own space and place of peace. You can run away to it. Take a book, a cup of coffee, an iPod, a notepad; whatever. There will be nothing to distract you but your garden and the beautiful outside of your home. Total and utter bliss.

An Outdoor Office

Millions and millions of people now work from home. Freelancing, entrepreneurs, flexible working conditions; there are loads of reasons why. However, working from home isn’t the easy ride people think it is because you need to have the right conditions in order to be as proactive as possible. That’s where a garden office comes in. You’ll have an inspiring setting that is nice and quiet, and you’ll be able to separate your work life from your home life.

Are You Not Entertained

All work and no play make someone a dull something. Basically, playing is just as important as working and relaxing, that’s what we’re trying to say, and what better place to play with your friends and entertain than your garden, and one with a garden room. You could slip a little kitchen out there and have garden dinner parties, or have it as a nice adult play room with comfy sofas and a projector screen for movie nights. You could make it into a games room, or a place for your kids to play their crazy and loud instruments. Your imagination is your oyster on this one. Just know that it will entertain.

Pinch More Privacy

We all love our gardens. Some of us are a little more secretive about this than others, but we all love them. The only real downside of a garden is the lack of privacy, especially if you live in a built-up area. That’s where a garden room would come in. Not only would you have somewhere inside your great outdoors to enjoy a spot of nice weather and no eyes, but the area in front of your garden room will be protected too. Perfect.

Filed Under: DIY Interior, Home Tagged With: , , ,

Simple Ways to Take Care of the Outside of Your Home

May 24, 2017 Leave a Comment

When it comes to home renovations, one of the most common things everyone does is look inside the home. This is completely normal, however, because most home renovations are designed to make your life a little more comfortable, productive or practical. For instance, you might renovate your bathroom so that it’s a lot more comfortable and spa-like, or you might paint your home to give it a fresh and new feeling to brighten up the mood in your home.

 

Whatever renovations you choose, don’t neglect to take care of the outside. It’s what your neighbours see and it gives your guests a first impression of your home. If the outside of your home is nasty, rundown and neglected, then don’t be surprised if your guests turn tail and run or if your neighbours see you as that lazy family that doesn’t want to mow the lawn. Here are a couple of tips to give your exteriors a little makeover.

 

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Roof Maintenance

 

Our roof can take a beating during bad weather. It’s assaulted with rain and hail, blown around by strong winds, and debris from gusts can clog up the roof and make it look nasty. Assuming you have a friend or family member who’s willing to help, you can climb onto your roof and clean away all the nasty dirt and look for any signs of damage, such as loose or missing shingles. If you do encounter some problems, then contractors like www.andersoncontractors.net will be able to help you repair your roof if you lack the expertise or knowledge to do so yourself. Remember that it’s incredibly dangerous to climb up onto a roof, so practice caution!

 

Cleaning the Driveway and Garage

 

If you want to clean asphalt, make sure you’re not using detergents because it can actually damage it. The best way to clean it would be to soak it with some water and use a brush to scrub it away. If there are stains on your asphalt, then you may need to use cleaning products but be careful not to use too much. If you want to clean concrete, then a pressure cleaner will do the job. If you don’t have a pressure cleaner, you can rent one or look at www.trustedreviews.com for a few reviews and tips on how to pick one.

 

Wiping Down Siding

 

Because of rain, moisture and a number of other factors, vinyl siding can easily get clogged with dirt, grime and mildew. Your best friend to clean the siding would be to use a pressure washer, make sure you are wearing protection because the water and loose bits of dirt are going to fly everywhere. If it’s close enough to wipe down, then simply use a bit of soapy water and a fresh cloth (throw it away after you’re done) to clean it.

 

Keeping the Yard Clean

 

Lastly, ensure that your yard is nice and clean. Pick up and get rid of any bits of rubbish that have been blown onto your lawn, trim it down so it’s presentable, and don’t leave dead plants to rot and wilt away on your grass. If you have furniture outdoors, then give it a nice clean and make sure it looks worth sitting on.

Filed Under: DIY Interior Tagged With: , , ,

House Painting Hacks You Need to Know

May 24, 2017 Leave a Comment

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Few things can instantly transform the look of your interior faster than a new painting project. Changing the walls from one color to another is a great way to revamp the space and give it a whole new feel. Of course, painting the home can be an incredibly frustrating and time-consuming process if you aren’t an expert, which is why I’ve put together some great house painting hacks to help you with your next house painting project. Check them out now:

 

Make Paint Fumes a thing of the Past

 

One of the worst things about painting inside the house is the paint fumes that you are forced to breath in not only when you’re painting, but for hours and sometimes even days after. One of the best hacks I’ve ever come across then is the process of adding several drops of vanilla extract to your paint. It won’t affect the product at all., but instead of smelling horrible paint fumes, you’ll be treated to a lovely vanilla odor that makes the room smell divine.

 

Remember to Clean the Ceiling

 

Before you start painting, it is important that you remember to clean the ceiling even if you are not going to be painting it. You see, there is often a lot of dust and cobwebs on the ceiling and they can get moved around and end up on the walls as you paint. If they get mixed in with the paint, the finish will be poor, the walls will look dirty, and you’ll need to apply an extra coat. This can be so easily avoided by ensuring that the area is clean before you do anything else.

 

Line Your Paint Trays with Tinfoil

 

If it’s the cleaning up aspect of house painting that you hate, you can easily speed up the process by completely covering your paint trays with tinfoil. When you’re done, you can them simply remove the foil, and you’ll only have to worry about cleaning your brushes or roller because the trays will be spotless.

 

Use Fabric Softener

 

Speaking of cleaning your paintbrushes, did you know that soaking your brushes in fabric softener will have them looking as good as new in no time at all? If you’ve forgotten to soak your brushes immediately after use, however, soaking them in a bowl of white vinegar will soften up that paint and ensure that you can salvage them for the next job in no time at all.

 

Use a Swiffer for Perfectly Prepped Walls

 

Swiffers are great for getting your floors clean, so it stands to reason that they do an equally good job on the walls, right? When you’re painting, it’s important that you have a perfectly clean surface to work with, and the Swiffer will help you to achieve this much more quickly than going over every inch of the space with a rag.

 

Use a Wet Roller

 

If you want to ensure that you experience fewer drips and your paint takes to the wall better, lightly coating your roller with a small amount of warm water will do the job. Just don’t soak it or it could end up affecting the quality of your paint.

 

Get Clean Lines with a Paint Guard

 

There’s nothing worse that getting paint on the ceiling or the baseboards when you’re painting the walls. Luckily, there is a very easy way to prevent this, place a paint guard in the area you’re working on, directly above or below the line you don’t want to cross, and you’ll have no problems painting clean lines. You won’t even have to use decorating tape, which as you probably know, can be really fiddly!

 

Keep Paint Off with Petroleum Jelly

 

If you only plan to paint part of the wall and you want to ensure that you don’t get any drips on the parts of the wall you’re leaving as they are, cover them with a thin layer of petroleum jelly and any errant spills or inaccurate brushstrokes will only affect the petroleum jelly, leaving the walls free of paint.

 

Razor Drips Away

 

If you do get any drips, and let’s face it most of us will simply wait until they are dry and then either sand them away or cut them off with a sharp razor blade. Be careful when you’re doing this – the last thing you want is to add blood drips to your paint drips!

 

Paint Pads Get the Job Done Quickly

 

When you want to paint your walls really quickly, it can be tempting to use fancy gadgets to get the job done, but as you can see from these paintzoom.com complaints that doesn’t always work out well. What does work, however, is using paint pads. Unlike traditional rollers and brushes, these have a large flat surface area which has been designed to glide quickly and smoothly across walls. You can cut the time spent painting in half if you use paint pads as directed.

 

Avoid Roller Marks

 

If you’re painting your furniture rather than the walls, you should be sure to paint in one direction. This will prevent tell-tale paint marks that make the furniture look bad and which force you to apply another coat. Before painting furniture, you should always sand it down and prime it first, if you want it to look good.

 

Sand Before Applying Another Coat

 

It’s so disheartening when you spend a long time applying a second coat, only for it to dry with lots of lumps and bumps, forcing you to take further action to make the walls smooth again. Thankfully, this can be avoided by waiting until the first coat has dried and then lightly sanding the area with sandpaper to remove any imperfections. When you apply the second coat, providing you are careful, you will then be left with a perfectly smooth finish that makes your room look better than ever.

 

Are you a house painting pro? What are your tops tips for getting the job done quickly and achieving a professional finish that will make the room look fantastic?

Filed Under: DIY Interior Tagged With:

Ozeri 360 Oscillation Tower Fan, with Micro-Blade Noise Reduction Technology

February 14, 2017 19 Comments

This year is the year I turn the big 50 and my hubby turns the big 60. I am not sure where the time went, but I can say I wouldn’t have changed a thing. We have fun and are usually very active together. The only thing I have noticed lately is how hot I am all the time. I am dreading those ugly words “hot flashes”…

My poor husband is the complete opposite lately, he is cold all the time, so while he crawls under the blankets, I am kicking them off. We fight over the fan on or off and over the air conditioner setting. So to resolve this issue, I use the Ozeri 360 Oscillation Tower Fan, with Micro-Blade Noise Reduction Technology. This fan has been a life saver, I put it on my side of the bed and sleep like a baby. This fan is so quiet it doesn’t even bother my husband! It comes with a remote that I can control from bed!!

Ozeri 360 Oscillation Tower Fan, with Micro-Blade Noise Reduction Technology

Product Description

Boasting unrivaled technology, the Ozeri 360 Tower Fan oscillates at 60, 90, 120, or 360 degrees for partial to complete air circulation with 3 whisper-quiet speed settings. Utilizing advanced cylindrical motion technology with over 200 noise-reducing micro-blades, the 360 Tower Fan achieves remarkable airflow velocity while remaining impressively quiet. The 360 Tower fan offers 3 fan whisper-quiet speed settings for customized airflow. It also features 3 preprogrammed airflow patterns designed to foster sleep, relaxation and comfort with up to 360 degree complete oscillation for timely relief on a sweltering summer day or for refreshing circulation all year long. The Ozeri 360 Tower Fan features an 8-hour timer that can be programmed in 30 minute increments with ease, and a multi-colored LCD that displays all fan functions and the room temperature. All of the Fan’s features, including programmable timer, are easily controlled via the included extended-range remote or via the fan’s front control buttons. The 360 Tower fan features a dismountable design that only requires the hand assembly of fan base using 3 included screws, with no special tools required. Satisfaction guaranteed.

Filed Under: Beauty Reviews, DIY Interior Tagged With: , , ,

Emerald Face Tissue & Bath Tissue BPA / Tree / Chlorine Free! #shoplet

January 14, 2017 16 Comments

 

Shoplet is my only go to online store.  I love the variety of products they offer from Janitorial Supplies to Medical Supplies. Their products have great prices, easy accessibility and such a vast amount of options it makes my life so much easier! Recently they added the Emerald products to their product line, and as you can see is totally tree, BPA, and chlorine free. I love green living and knowing I am doing all I can to help my grandchildren have the natural resources we do.

 

Living in South Texas has its advantages especially during winter, usually!! This year has been an exception. We had a whole two days of freezing weather, then back to our 70 – 80 winter time weather. Of course, this did nothing for my already aggravated sinus issues. Fortunately, I found the best product for my allergies, Emerald Tissues! These tissues are a life saver for me, these tissues are made of bagasse, bamboo, eucalyptus and are BPA free, chlorine free, USDA Biopreferred, compostable, and biodegradable.

Emerald Bath Tissue is 2 ply tissue that is extremely gentle and soft. I love how thick it is, and especially knowing I am using green living products! This tissue is especially good to use with a septic tank since it is made with gentle material. We use it with our RV, no stress over damaging our pipes.

I suffer from chronic sinusitis and have to be really careful with products I use. The Emerald’s Face Tissue is by far the best I have found! Not only is it safe for me to use but it is so soft and gentle on my nose. It is so safe to use, I don’t mind using it on my grandson’s little noses.  With my crazy allergies having something made with only natural products is a must. I am so happy to have found this!

FYI all of Emerald Brand products are “Tree-Free, BPA free, Chlorine free, USDA Biopreferred, Compostable, and Biodegradable.”

I received these products for review purposes, although this is 100% my own opinion.

Filed Under: DIY Interior, Health Reviews Tagged With: , , ,

Shoplet Cleaning Gloves and Instant Swivel Wheels – Chicken & Dumplings Recipe

December 21, 2016 1 Comment

Today is the first day of Winter and it definitely feels like it outside. I love this time of year because I get to make all of my favorite foods. The only downfall is because it is so cold out, I am stuck inside more and find things to clean, like my blinds.  This year I found an awesome product to help get those blinds cleaned in no time, Cleaning Gloves. You simply wear the gloves and wipe down those dusty blinds and you are done. I love how great they work and how fast they clean. You can throw them in the wash and reuse over and over!

The other downfall is having to haul the plants to somewhere safe during the harsh winter weather. This year we used the Instant Swivel Wheels to move our pots around. Not only did we save time, but we saved our backs! These can be used for anything heavy that you need to move and work great.

Both these come from my favorite online place to shop, Shoplet!

Shoplet also carries an assortment of office supplies, cleaning supplies, medical supplies, office furniture, and everything in between

1) Office supplies
2) Cleaning supplies
3) Medical supplies
4) Office Furniture
5) Master Caster

Great prices to help you get your home in order after the holidays.

Best part about this cold day is I am making my favorite Bisquick Chicken and Dumplings.

 

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups milk
1 cup frozen green peas and carrots

1 cup chopped onion

1 cup chopped celery

1 cup cut-up cooked chicken
1 can (10 3/4 ounces) condensed creamy chicken mushroom soup
1 cup Original Bisquick™ mix
1/3 cup milk
Paprika, if desired

Directions

  • 1 Heat 1 1/2 cups milk, the peas and carrots, chicken, celery, onion and soup to boiling in 3-quart saucepan, stirring frequently.
  • 2 Stir Bisquick mix and 1/3 cup milk until soft dough forms. Drop dough by 8 spoonfuls onto chicken mixture (do not drop directly into liquid). Sprinkle with paprika.
  • 3 Cook uncovered over low heat 10 minutes. Cover and cook 10 minutes longer.

Filed Under: DIY Interior, Recipes Tagged With: , ,

The Pillow Collection

December 13, 2016 Leave a Comment

The Pillow Collection

Elevate your holiday décor with a fresh set of pillows. It’s the perfect gift for anyone with a throw pillow addiction. Now, you can take advantage of The Pillow Collection’s holiday promotion and get 10% off plus free shipping on all pillows storewide. Use coupon code HOHOHO at checkout.

Here are a few of our favorites.

Noelle Holiday Pillow

Add a holiday cheer to your indoor space with this Santa Claus Throw Pillow. With its festive design that features Santa Claus and a jovial mix of red, yellow, white, green and blue, this accent pillow is perfect for your sofa, sectional and bed.

Lucian Holiday Pillow

Make your home Christmas-ready with this striking throw pillow featuring a shiny chrome hue and a solid design. It is a perfect side piece to pair with other holiday pillows.

Balthasar Holiday Pillow

Add warmth to your home this holiday season with this Christmas Tree appliqued pillow. With its red, grey, and tan plaid background, the applique stands out from the rest.

Check them out!!

Filed Under: DIY Interior

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