Bringing A Sense Of Authenticity To Your Home Decorations

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Hi lovelies,

It can often seem as though there are as many ways to design your home as there are implements to purchase for it - and that’s often the case. Creativity is limitless, and so often it’s not trying to decide what to purchase or how to decorate that’s the issue - it’s when to stop and understand that less is more.

Of course, aside from the specifics of purchasing certain implements or going for certain decorations are the themes you consider most appropriate in the long run. For instance, you may want to consider renting storage units to keep to a minimalist design effort, which can provide a lovely and forward-thinking means of keeping your home well-balanced, your space respected, and your general surroundings easy to keep up with.

That being said, sometimes you’re looking for something more substantial and fundamental than following a design philosophy. Bringing a sense of authenticity to your home decorations, to use an example, could be a wonderful start.

So - how can we achieve this? Let’s consider the following examples:

Consider Reclaimed Wood
Reclaimed wood is wood that has been sourced from other areas, perhaps from prior furniture, perhaps from larger constructions - and fashioned into implements you can use for your home. For instance, it might be that you gain access to a 400 year old cathedral door after renovations take place, and you are able to visit a carpenter to help you transform it into a coffee table or main kitchen table.

That’s a wonderfully unique item, one with real, actual history you can see in the visible line and treatment of the wood. That’s more than something you can pick up in IKEA, and it has character hard to replicate elsewhere. Of course - this is quite a fantastical example. Reclaimed wood can come from anywhere, from old school desks, from old planks, anything. What matters is giving it new life and an air of authenticity to your home usage.

Rattan & Authenticity
There’s nothing quite like beautiful craftsmanship, and affordable rattan furniture is of course worthwhile of being defined in this manner. Rattan furniture can provide you with beautiful, breathable, gorgeous vine palm that provides a structurally sound, easily cleaned, gorgeous furniture implement that can be adjusted in very many ways. From storage baskets to seating decorations, this kind of furniture can be a tremendously beautiful implement to have in your home - and for the price, it’s quite amazing just what a visual impact it will have.

Distressed Visual Effects
Distressed visual effects can also make a world of difference if you’re hoping to bring some home-craft-appeal to your home decorations. This might involve using varnish, light tools, ice and other implements to weather the wood of a furniture item a little, leading to a wonderful result. Of course, this might not seem ‘authentic’ to some, but the overall aesthetic is still authentic in that it provides that form of theming. For instance, fake beams in the ceiling may not be ‘authentic’ character, but they provide that authentic characteristic look, and so we should limit ourselves to opting for that if that’s what makes us happy.

It might also be that distressed visual effects can work on sideboards. You may also choose decorative elements such as stencilling, furniture painting, and more. If you can do that then you have your own, beautifully adorned item without having to purchase it, and you can also be certain that this is one of the most unique items of its type.

Crafting Your Own Decorations
Of course, our last bit of advice is not only to decorate furniture to your whims, but consider making it yourself. From little wall-decorations to photo-frames to flowerbeds, having a working ability to either craft woodworked implements or present your designs to a carpenter can be a tremendous use of your time.

Crafting your own decorations need not seem like a mammoth task you have to fulfill perfectly. Sometimes, the little extra accidents or renovations can make a big difference, helping the authenticity of the piece. For instance, let us say you have a small rowboat. Cutting that in half (safely), and installing shelving units in there can give you a small, beautifully unique bookcase. Then, perhaps you’ll have the little nicks and scratches where you had tried to treat and change the wood beforehand to show your craftsman’s journey. That can be a wonderful place to begin, as it provides you with a worthwhile, personal, authentic element going forward. Don’t be afraid of these efforts - who knows how far you could go?

With this advice, we hope you can bring a sense of authenticity to your home decorations, all for the better.

The Biggest Benefits Of Moving Home

Hi lovelies,

Moving house is a stressful time. It costs a tremendous amount of money (whether you’re buying or renting), it’s massively disruptive, and the reason behind the move itself might be an upsetting one, such as a relationship breakdown, losing a job, or retiring. Of course, the other side of the coin is also true; there can be some wonderful reasons for moving like expanding your family or getting a promotion or choosing to be near family, but either way, the move itself is a stressful time. 

When you feel stressed about moving home, keeping a few of the most significant benefits in mind is useful. If you can do this, your stress levels might just reduce, and you’ll be able to think of the bigger picture. Here are some of these benefits, but remember, there are plenty more. 

You Can Change The Look
When you move into a new place, you will have an unparalleled opportunity to change its look and make the interior design exactly how you want it. Whether you’re already brimming with ideas or you want to check out the top 5 design trends for new homes in 2020, you have the chance to make your home as comfortable as possible by putting your own design stamp on it. 

You Can Become Less Materialistic 
Over the years, we collect all kinds of bits and pieces. Some of those ‘bits’ are beautiful or treasured; they evoke memories or make you smile. Some of those ‘pieces’ are, however, just junk when you really look at them. Do you use them? Do you like them? If the answer is no and no, why not take the chance when you’re moving to throw them out? There’s no point in taking things with you to your new home that aren’t going to fit there and will either get in the way or stay in a box in the basement for years to come. 

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Your move is the ideal time to declutter. You can do it as you’re packing, having boxes that you know you want to take with you, others that need to be taken to the dump, and others to give to charity or sell online if you can find the time. You should then be left with just your favorite things, and you can become much less materialist in the process (meaning your new home won’t get full of clutter in the future). 

You Can Make New Friends 
As we get older, it becomes harder and harder to make new, good friends. Yet a house move will help in this regard, and that’s good because making and having friends is good for our health, including our mental health. 

 When you move to a new town, city, or perhaps even country (or even if you just move a few streets from where you were), you have an excellent opportunity to meet your new neighbors, or join new clubs and events and meet people there. 

If you prefer your own company, that’s fine – many people do. Yet having some people you at least know by name in your nearby vicinity can help to make the world a much less lonely place. 

Saving Money When Moving To A New Home

Hi lovelies,

Moving to a new home can be such an expensive project to undertake, as there are just so many different costs and responsibilities that you have to consider. Keeping control of your finances during a home move can often seem like an impossible task, but luckily there are in fact many inventive tricks and tips that you can utilise to save money without losing out! So, if you’d like to find out more about how you can keep the cost of your home move at minimum levels, then read on to uncover some of the best steps that you can make the most of now.

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Shop Around For Essential Services 
Whenever you need to invest in essential services such as estate agents or moving support, it’s vital that you can take some time to look around to find the best deal. Simply accepting the first price you see is sure to keep your costs high, whereas looking on a few different websites and platforms may open up the opportunity to save a considerable sum. You can get quick quotes and even compare different providers against one another to ensure you spend as little as possible, so don’t be afraid to approach each business and detail previous quotes to see if they can change their price to a more affordable number. Always read reviews left by previous customers to get a better idea of the quality of the service, as this is usually a good way to get a realistic look at what you can expect to receive for the money that you pay. 

Ask Friends & Family 
Though you may not wish to put the burden on others, asking your family and friends to offer a helping hand during your time of need can help you to save a large amount of money. A few favours from your nearest and dearest can cut out the need for you to spend on lots of different services and features, and you can simply promise to repay the kindness whenever they need your support. Throw a big house warming party with lots of delicious food and drink when you’re all moved in so that you can thank them for their valuable help! 

Sell Some Old To Make Room For New
It’s more than likely you’ve got several pieces of furniture, decor and other related items that you do not want to take with you to your new home, so rather than lug them around just to put in storage, why not put them up for sale? Selling some of your old stuff is a great way to make room for new items, and you will be able to gather some much needed extra funds too. Post on auction sites and social media to gain attention for your items, and be sure to add sufficient details to get the best price for your stuff. 

Saving money when moving to a new home has never been so simple when you are able to make the most of the top tips and tricks detailed above! 

A Few Interesting Things Your Smartphone Can Help You With

Hi lovelies,

There are many things your smartphone can do and many ways in which they can help us in our day to day lives. But these features are often not very well known about. We’re going to talk about some of the useful things you can do with your smartphone that might just change the way in which you live life from day to day. So keep reading to find out more about all this.

Stay Safe with Location Tracking
Staying safe is what we all want to do, and if you’re a parent you’re probably even more concerned about the safety of your kids when they’re out and about without you. Well, now you can download an app or have your kids download it that tracks location and lets friends and relatives know where you are and where you’re going in case you find yourself in a dangerous situation.

Control Your Home’s Lights
Smart technology is making all kinds of great things possible in the home. And one of the things that’s not possible is controlling the lights in your home from your smartphone. Yes, that means you no longer have to get out of bed to turn the lights off when you want to sleep. Instead, your smartphone makes that possible as long as you’re using the right bulbs.

Dealing with Hearing Impairments
Anyone who’s suffered any kind of hearing loss or hearing impairment knows how difficult and challenging it can be. But now the technology behind hearing devices is improving and can integrate with our smartphones and other tech when using compatible hearing aids. It makes a real difference when listening to music or watching a movie or TV show on your device.

Lock and Unlock Your Car
You no longer have to get your car keys out to lock or unlock your car because your smartphone can do that for you too. Many car manufacturers now make this possible via an app that can be downloaded onto your phone. As long as your car is up to date enough to handle this kind of technology, you’ll be able to control the locks of your car with your smartphone from now on. It’s incredibly impressive and convenient.

Measuring Distance and Levelling
If you’ve ever needed to measure a space in your home for a new piece of furniture or appliance but then realized you don’t own a tape measure, well, you’re in luck. Using the camera on your smartphone, it’s now possible to use apps that accurately measure the distance between one object or point and another. You’ll never need to rifle through your drawers searching for a tape measure every again.

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As you can see, there are plenty of things that your smartphone can do that you never realized. Explore all its features and make sure that you’re getting the most from your phone. With each new model that comes out, what’s made possible by these devices increases.

Prepare Your Home For Winter With These Simple Tricks

Hi lovelies,

Winter is rapidly approaching, and it’s important that you are doing everything in your power to ensure that you are ready for it. It might seem like you’ve got a couple of months, but it’s never too early to prepare, especially when the weather is so unpredictable these days. It’s been a crazy year, so it wouldn’t be too far-fetched to imagine that some of the harsh weather conditions are going to come sooner rather than later! So, in this article, we’re going to be taking a look at how you can prepare your home for winter. Keep reading if you want to find out more.

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Make Sure Your Heating Is Working
You’ve got to make sure that your heating is working, and check it every week or so just to make sure that it’s not broken. One of the worst things that could happen is that you get into the thick of winter, and you don’t have functioning heating. There are other things that you can do to make your home warmer, like using blankets, candles, having thick curtains, and so on, but none of this is a replacement for heating when it gets too cold. If you don’t have working heating, then you need to get it fixed so that you do. It’s not worth risking getting ill through the winter months when you don’t have to.

This is going to be especially true if you have children in the house. You’ve got to know that you can heat your home when the cold sets in, so just check this every week or so.

Always Have The Right Equipment On Hand
We highly recommend that you always have the right equipment on hand at all times. This could be anything that you might need through the winter months, including snow shovels and tools to fix things around the home. You never know when you’re going to get snowed in and can’t get a snow shoveling service out to you, meaning you’re going to have to do it yourself. Remember, though, that if you are snowed in, that also means other people aren’t going to be able to get to your home. That’s why you need a variety of other equipment, so if something breaks in your home and you’re stuck without help, you can do your best to sort the issue.

Secure The Roof!
Finally, you must make sure that the roof is secured before the weather starts to turn. The roof is one of the most important parts of your home because it protects you, your family, and everything else within the walls. If there is a slight leak, this might not be too bad at first, but the longer it goes on, it could end up causing more damage. While the weather isn’t too bad, you should climb up on your roof and make sure there are no holes or anything that could cause you issues. If you don’t know what you’re looking for, then get a roofer to come out and take a look. It’s always better safe than sorry, especially with the harshness winter can bring with it.

We hope that you have found this article helpful and now see some of the things that you can do to prepare your home for winter. There is plenty more that you can do to ensure that your home is ready, but these are just a couple that are super important. Good luck!

Ordeal Estate: Why Is Moving Home So Expensive?

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Hi lovelies,

Moving home can be one of the most expensive processes that you will ever go through. Of course, this is largely thanks to the property you’ve just bought or paid a massive deposit on, but there are also plenty of other costs that can come with your move. To give you an idea of what you will have to pay for when you go through this process, this article will be exploring some of the key spending you’ll have to do. It will be good to get into your new home, but you need to make sure that you’re going to be able to afford the whole thing.

Taxes & Duty
Alongside paying for the home you want to move into, most countries also charge taxes and duties on this sort of transaction. You can’t avoid paying fees like this, and the amount you have to fork out will be dependent on the cost of the home you’re moving into. It’s always worth looking into these charges before you start the process of moving home, making sure that you won’t have to pay extras that are out of your budget.

Surveyors
It would be a mistake to spend a fortune on a home without knowing how it was built or how well it will stand the test of time. This makes it crucial that you spend some money on a professional surveyor to check the place for you, ensuring that there aren’t any issues that could cost a small fortune down the line. Major problems will usually be disclosed in the advert, but this is a good way to prevent yourself from getting into trouble.

Storage
Most people will struggle to ensure that the day they hand their keys over for their old place is also the day that they can move into their new one. Even if these days do overlap, it can be hard to make sure that all of your possessions make it there on time. This leaves a lot of people with little choice but to spend money on services like storage. There are loads of companies out there offering this sort of support, but you will need to spend the time searching for them if you’re going to reap the benefits.

The Move
It’s unlikely that you have access to the large vehicles that are required to move home. A car can be used for your smaller possessions, but large furniture will be impossible to fit into most automobiles. Companies like North American Van Lines offer an affordable way to make sure that your move is covered from start to finish, with all of your items being moved to the new place on your behalf.

Moving house is an expensive process, but this doesn’t mean that you have to waste your money. By taking the right approach, you can often turn the tides when it comes to the money you spend on moving home, making the whole thing easier to afford.

9 Ways To Make Your Move Less Stressful

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Hi lovelies,

Moving house can be stressful. But if you are organized it can make the process so much easier. Here are nine top tips for making your move go as smoothly as possible. 

1. Use a Removals Company
Moving day will be stressful and a lot of work. Make sure that you hire a moving company such as Allied Van Lines Canada to help you to move your possessions. Having experienced assistance will speed things up dramatically and you will know that your belongings will arrive safely. 

2. Start Packing Early 
Packing takes a long time. Make sure you allow yourself plenty of time to pack up your possessions. Start several weeks before the move and pack a little bit every day. Start with the items that you know that you won’t need until after your move. 

3. Fill All of Your Boxes
Gaps in your boxes will cause items to knock into each other which may result in your belongings getting damaged. Make sure to use packing paper, cloth, or foam to pack your possessions. 

4. Have More Boxes Than You Think You’ll Need
It is surprising how many boxes you’ll need to pack all of your possessions. Make sure you get more boxes than you think that you will need. 

5. Pack Your Clothes On Hangers
You may think that a good idea would be to pack your clothes off the hanger. But you’re making more work for yourself. Instead of going through the hassle of taking your clothes off their hangers and boxing them up, why not just neatly slide a garbage bag around your clothes while they are still on the hangers. Remember to label up the bag so that you know which room it will go to in your new home. 

6. Declutter As You Pack 
Decluttering as you pack is essential or you’ll end up moving with items that you no longer want or need. The more you can get rid of as you pack, the easier it will be when it comes to moving. 

7. Pack A Box Full Of First Night Items
On the first night in your new home, you’ll be tired. Everything will still be in boxes and you won’t be able to find anything you need. 

Make up a box full of items that you know that you’ll need when you get there. You should include items such as toilet paper, coffee, mugs, toiletries, a towel, and your bedding. 

8. Take a Photo of Your Wiring 
If you have anything in your home that has complex wiring, such as a router or TV, take a photo of it. That way, you’ll be able to copy the photo when you get to set it up in your new home. 

9. Label Every Box 
Every box will have its home when it gets to your new house. To make sure they go straight to where they need to be, give all of your boxes color-coded labels saying what is in them and where they are to go. 

What to expect from slots in the future?

Hi lovelies,

It is funny to think how far the slot industry has come in the last two decades, as opposed to the slow and sustained growth it experienced in the 20th Century. Indeed, many gamblers thought that the slot boom of the early 1900s, and then the 1960s and 70s, was bound to be the high point of this burgeoning market, but that was completely blown out of the water with the emergence of online slots. How Charles D. Fey, creator of the world’s first truly commercially viable slot machine, would be surprised if he were still alive today. We’re not sure he would have ever envisaged his creations becoming quite this popular, certainly not across the Internet. 

And you know what they say: you can learn a lot from the future by simply steadying the past. When we utter this statement with the slots industry in mind it becomes clear that the overall online casino market is certainly not going to stop growing, if anything it will only expand faster. We are already seeing this with the abundance of new slot developers entering the field, with companies such as Pragmatic Play and Yggdrasil eager to get a cut of the swelling market. Here’s the thing though: these developers are going to have to work extra hard these days to get their games noticed, something that can only be a good thing for the overall state of the market.  So with this in mind, what can we expect from slots in the future? Well, read ahead to get a breakdown of what many senior slot gambling analysts are expecting from www.cozino.com. 

Bigger and better bonus rounds 
What is the main feature of an online slot as far as most gamblers are concerned? Why, it’s the bonus rounds of course, something that can often make or break an online slot in today’s world. Some of the best titles of 2019 were so good because they had several different bonus features, as well as a set of very handsome jackpots alongside. Take Centurion by Inspired Gaming, for instance, a game that took bonus rounds to new levels. 

It therefore follows that developers are going to be trying as hard as they possibly can to make the bonus features of their new slots as good as possible. There is just no getting around this fact, if they want to attract the most slot gamblers they can the bonus rounds simply have to be good. So anticipate some even juicier bonuses in the future, and make sure you cash in on them too! 

Clearer HD graphics 
Graphics have been one of the prime areas where all sorts of video entertainment media industries have been trying to make major gains, from the world of home cinema to live gaming. It is also a crucial part of the online slot industry, the reason behind developers such as Yggdrasil’s insistence on constantly making their games look even better. 

The future of the online slot industry is definitely going to be affected by how well these companies can achieve super HD graphics, so we expect the slots of tomorrow to look even better than they do now. 

Even more mobile gaming optimisation 
You know what the biggest success story of the last few years is when it comes to online slots is? The mobile slots market, of course, a new derivative of the overall online casino industry that has experienced pretty remarkable growth over the last half a decade or so. In fact, the amount of gamblers spinning the reels on their laptops is now actually less than on their phones, such is the expansion of the mobile market.

It only makes sense, therefore, that the future of the industry be somewhat governed by the mobile gaming sector, with developers putting more and more effort into making their games perfect for mobile devices. 

Innovative new game mechanics 
Have you ever had the good fortune to play the slot Well Of Wonders by Thunderkick? In a daring move the developer chose to do away with the classic reel mechanics of most slots, instead having the symbols float out of an enchanted well in the middle of the screen. 

This is a trend that we expect to see a lot more of in the future, as developers try out new ways of making their games as unique and innovative as possible.

 Virtual reality slots 
Now, this is something that we are incredibly excited to see more of in the future: virtual reality slots. Oh yes, it can happen, and already is to some extent, with a few virtual reality online casinos having popped up in the last few years. 

This is nothing though, just you wait until the full extent of virtual reality technology is realised in the world of online slots. You could theoretically descend into the world’s that games such as Vikings Go To Hell or Fluffy Favourites portray, completely turning the experience on its head! 

Possible boom in retro solid-state slot machines 
You see it all over the many facets of popular culture today: out-dated things from the past suddenly becoming the talk of the town once again due to the nostalgia and retro factors. And who’s to say this exact thing won’t happen in the realm of online slots? 

Many slot gambling experts are anticipating a huge demand for retro solid-state slot machines in the future, as people get sick of spinning the reels 100% online. 

Much bigger jackpots 
As the online slot industry continues to grow, so too will the amount of money spent by gamblers trying to hit a big win. This, naturally, means that the developers and online casinos responsible for making and hosting the slots will get even richer, however there is also some good news for us gamblers too. 

Because these companies have an exponentially rising income, you can bet your bottom dollar that the jackpots they offer will get bigger and bigger. Good news, eh?

4 Points To Ponder Before Revamping Your Home

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Hi lovelies,

Everyone deserves to live in a home they love. The function of the home is, of course, of vital importance, but the aesthetics count for a lot, too. If you aren’t happy with what you see, then you won’t feel good at each. Each day you’ll have to deal with this kind of negative feeling. This negative sensation will then affect how you behave and perform each day. While it may seem like ‘just a place to stay’ for some, it’s actually a huge facet in the way we act day-in-day-out. Our homes need to have a beautiful interior and a marvelous curb appeal in order for us to be at least a little content overall. Revamping your home if you’re unsatisfied with it is by no means a stretch or a bridge too far in life. It’s something you should do if you think it will make you feel a lot better. 

While it may be quite a bit of work, it’ll be very rewarding in the long-term. It’s something you should really look forward to. If you feel as though you’re on the cusp of beginning this project, then here are a few things you should quickly do beforehand: 

Get Into The Right Frame Of Mind 
It’s going to be quite the project, so it’s only right that you get into the right headspace with it all. Make sure you’re prepared for what’s to come. You don’t want to get halfway through everything before taking a big ‘break’ from it all because you’re a little tired. You need to have made the right decision before you begin. 

Ensure Your Plan Is Good Enough  
If you have a plan ready to follow, then it’s going to make things so much more convenient for you. Write out what you intend. Talk about what you want to include. Write about what hours you’re going to be working. All of this is important as you don’t want it all swirling around in your mind. 

Have Somewhere To Store Some Of Your Items 
You’re probably going to struggle to store everything in other rooms or in the garage while you redecorate. Sure, if you’ve got a large area to keep everything, then you’ll probably be fine, but not everyone has that kind of liberty, unfortunately. You could ask someone you know about using their property, but that might not be the most convenient thing for everyone. Storage units are a great idea in this regard. You could contact All In Self Storage for secure storage solutions and be done with everything quickly. As soon as you’re ready to take your stuff back, you just have to turn up and let them know. 

Get Help If Necessary  
If you want to do it all on your own, then that’s totally fine. You’ll get a lot more joy with help from others, though – not too many others, of course. Friends, family, and even experienced professionals in interiors would be welcomed. You’ve got to do what you can to maximize your satisfaction at the end of the day. 

Why You Should Be Switching To Natural Cleaning Products

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Hi lovelies,

Cleaning your home is one of the most basic and necessary things that you should be doing in your home. Regular cleaning will help remove any kind of allergens and contaminants from your home, and it’ll keep it looking brand-new and fresh at all times.

However, most of us don’t really think twice about the products we buy. In most cases, we’ll clean our homes with whatever cleaning products are on sale or that we can buy in bulk. Cleaning products aren’t cheap, so it makes sense to go with whatever offers the best deal. People usually don’t realize that inexpensive cleaning products can contain lots of toxic chemicals that are not only bad for the environment but can also agitate certain health problems.

So in this post, we’re going to take a look at a few good reasons why you should be switching to natural cleaning products. By paying more attention to the cleaning products you buy, you could potentially treat certain health effects and ensure the health and safety of your family.

Makes your home a safer place
There’s a reason why those cleaning products you buy have multiple warnings on them. Some of them even say that they’re toxic or flammable. With those kinds of labels, it’s easy to see just how dangerous they can be in the wrong hands. When some of these chemicals mix during a thorough cleaning session, they can often create dangerous compounds that will affect the health of you and your family.

Children and pets are the most vulnerable when it comes to these toxic compounds. Household cleaning supplies are actually rated as one of the top five substance classes that account for calls to the Natural Poison Control Center. It’s important to understand what’s in your cleaning products so you’re not unintentionally mixing dangerous compounds that could be damaging to the health of you and your family.

Improve the quality of air in your home
When you use a spray bottle cleaner, you’re essentially filling the air with all sorts of different chemicals and pollutants that can clog up the air. These are known as Volatile Organic Compounds or VOCs, and they’re associated with health problems that can affect the central nervous system, your kidneys and even your liver. This is because the compounds linger in the air for a long time, meaning it’s very easy to breathe them in. Reducing the number of VOCs in your home starts by switching your cleaning products to a natural alternative.

There are also other sources of VOCs in your home that you should be aware of. For example, mattress off-gassing is a common source of VOCs that can affect the quality of air in your home. To avoid this, you’ll want to look for an item that is Greenguard Certified or to leave it in a well-ventilated room to let the chemicals escape. If you’ve been using regular cleaning products for a long time, then this can also help you clear out the air in your rooms as you switch to natural cleaning products.

Less likely to cause damage to the environment
One of the big reasons why natural cleaning products are so popular is because they do less damage to the environment. This happens in a variety of different ways. For starters, natural cleaning products are typically packaged in eco-friendly materials. They avoid as much plastic as possible and they typically come in materials that can be cleaned and recycled, or even refilled later in the future.

In addition, most natural cleaning products are made using ingredients that aren’t toxic or hazardous to the environment. This ensures that they don’t harm wildlife and that they’re safe to use around children and pets. If you’re concerned about the toxic chemicals that are found in regular cleaning products, you may want to consider switching to natural versions instead.

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They can actually save you money
While some natural cleaning products can be quite expensive, most of them can be used for a variety of different purposes. A simple natural cleaner can be used for everything from windows to toilets and tiles. They’re often extremely versatile and will do a good job at cleaning almost anything in your home. On the contrary, regular cleaning products usually have one job that they’re good at. You’ll typically need to buy a whole suite of cleaning products to clean your entire home.

It’s also possible to save money by making your own natural cleaning products. Vinegar is one of the most popular examples of a multi-purpose cleaning product that most households have. By mixing it with baking soda, you can create an all-purpose cleaner at home from ingredients that you already have. This can save you a lot of money if you buy the ingredients in bulk or have them around for other purposes.

Becoming a role model for your children
It’s our responsibility as parents to set an example for our children. If you want them to preserve the environment and follow in your footsteps, you need to set a good example for them. It all starts with the type of cleaning products you use. If you tell your children the difference between regular and natural cleaning products and why you use them, it’ll educate them on how to adopt environmentally-friendly practices that can help the planet.

Since your children should be involved in household chores, it helps to explain to them why natural cleaning products are better and the advantages they have. With this in mind, you’ll have a much easier time teaching them good habits that they’ll take into the future.

A clean home is a safe and comfortable home. We highly recommend you do more research into the cleaning products that you use on a daily basis to see if they’re safe to use in your home or should be avoided. We understand that this can be a tall order, which is why it’s much easier to just purchase natural cleaning products that are certified for their environmentally-friendly benefits.

Enhance & Improve Your Home's Curb Appeal

Hi lovelies,

When it comes to visitors to your home making an assumption about you and how you live, research shows it takes just a few seconds. This means that before a visitor has even entered your home, they are already judging you and how you live, which is why taking your home’s curb appeal seriously is so important. If you want to ensure that your home’s exterior creates the right ‘vibe’, then it’s crucial that you take the curb appeal of the property seriously. 

Wondering what steps you need to take in order to hone and improve your property’s curb appeal? Below are a few tips and ideas to have a read of, take note of, and consider implementing to give your home’s exterior a boost. 

Photo source: Pixabay

Upgrade dated doors
This accounts for both your front door and your garage door. If the doors on the exterior of your property are outdated or have fallen into a state of disrepair, then it’s important that you take the time to upgrade them. One of the first things that any visitor to your home will see is your front door and your garage door, which is why updating these regularly is so vital. When it comes to upgrading your garage door, make sure to buy from a reputable company like Andrews Overhead Doors for instance, to ensure that you’re purchasing a high-quality garage door design. 

Invest in new lighting fixtures 
Once you’ve spruced up the front and garage door, the next logical step to take is to focus on your home’s exterior lighting. The right lighting fixtures can significantly change the look and feel of a property’s exterior, so it’s definitely worth investing in them. If you’re not sure how to wire in outdoor lights yourself, you can either opt to hire an expert or you could go for solar-powered lights instead, as these require no wiring in. 

Beautify your porch 
If your home has a porch, then it’s a good idea to take the time to spruce up the space. Start by cleaning the entirety of the porch with hot soapy water, and removing any rubbish or junk from the area. Then, once you have a clean, clear space, you can start upgrading it. It’s all about the little things - focus on upgrading any old fixtures or fittings, add a few potted plants or hanging baskets, and make sure that there’s adequate lighting in place. 

Buy a doormat 
Don’t have a doormat? A fresh, new doormat could help to bring the entirety of your home’s curb appeal together, helping you to create a space that looks and feels smart and wonderfully stylish. 

Refresh the paintwork 
If any areas of your home’s exterior have peeling or stained paintwork, from the walls to the window frames, then it’s probably a good idea to consider refreshing the paintwork with a new coat of paint. 

There you have it, a few simple tips and ideas for enhancing and improving your home’s curb appeal.

Life After Lockdown: 4 Things You Should Prioritize

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Hi lovelies,

The pandemic is by no means over, but it’s safe to say that lockdown won’t be the same again. With restrictions easing in most places and people’s patience at an all-time low, the novelty has worn thin.

Of course, that doesn’t mean that the impact of self-isolation has disappeared completely. In many ways, you’ll come out of the lockdown as a new person as there are lots of lessons to learn. Whether you’re more grateful or healthier, your perspective won’t be the same, and how can it? Nothing like this has happened in this century!

However, regardless of your state of mind and how you view the world, you’ve got to do one thing - prioritize your health. Taking your routine for granted is no longer an option, which is why you should do four things as soon as you get the chance. Continue reading to find out what they are and learn more about them.

Make An Appointment With Your Doctor
Interacting with a medical professional face-to-face has never been harder. If you thought appointments were hard to come by before, you haven’t seen anything yet! Of course, it’s easy to see why surgeries are either booked up or not letting patients into the premises. Still, it doesn’t negate the fact that you haven’t spoken to a doctor in five months.

Considering the world is in the midst of a global health crisis, it makes sense to have a checkup to ensure that everything is fine. Also, it’s vital that you reschedule previous appointments, particularly if they were canceled as a result of COVID-19. Not to scare you, but heart disease and cancer don’t disappear.

The good news is that specialist treatment centers now have guidance on how to reopen without putting patients at unnecessary risk of catching or spreading the coronavirus.

Take Care Of Your Lungs
COVID-19 is a virus that attacks the respiratory system, so it makes sense that you should focus on your lungs. If they are weak, there’s a higher chance of suffering potentially fatal side-effects, and it doesn’t matter how old you are because it’s an indiscriminate illness.

How do you take care of your lungs? You can start by cutting down on the number of cigarettes you smoke per day if you’re a smoker. If you’re already on the quitting bandwagon, you’re still at risk as vaping is also bad for your lungs, so you shouldn’t get complacent. Try and cut down on how often you vape, too. For non-smokers, it’s vital to exercise regularly and tweak your diet.

Consuming more fish is an ideal way to protect your lungs as seafood is high in omega-3 fatty acids. Nuts and leafy greens are also helpful if you’re not a pescatarian.

Listen To Your Body
When you receive a diagnosis, it’s easy to let the shock wash over you. However, if you listen to your body, it will tell you whether there’s a problem well in advance. The key is to watch out for the telltale signs and to take them seriously.

Some are more obvious than others, such as bleeding and vomiting, yet just because the symptoms aren’t urgent doesn’t mean they can’t be painful or long-lasting. One of the biggest tinnitus myths is that the ringing in your ears if that’s how it manifests itself, is a bearable condition. In fact, it depends on the level and intensity because some types of tinnitus are crippling.

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With that in mind, you should never underestimate your body’s ability to raise the alarm. If it wasn’t a problem before and it is now, it’s essential and requires treatment. It’s that simple.

Don’t Forget Your Mind
After months of having your rights curtailed, it can be weird to go back to normal. You didn’t see anybody but your family for five months, and now you’re expected to drink and eat next to strangers. Sure, you can choose to stay in, yet who’s going to resist the opportunity? Hardly anyone.

Therefore, it’s crucial to remember that your brain may work differently for a while until it’s used to its surroundings again. You may struggle to interact the same, you may not have the same spring in your step, and you may be more introverted than previously. In this case, don’t forget that socializing face-to-face, even if it’s while wearing a mask and for thirty-minutes, is an excellent way to increase your tolerance. Practice makes perfect, people!

What are you going to prioritize once the lockdown ends and you can move around freely?

*GIVEAWAY* Make Your Home a Peaceful Oasis with Organic Aromas Nebulizing Diffusers

Hi lovelies,

If there’s one thing that this quarantine reboot has taught me, it’s how important it is to slow down, enjoy each moment, and be mindful to create a home environment that induces peace, calmness, and joy.

That’s why I have an Organic Aromas Nebulizing Diffuser in almost every room of my home. The lovely scents and the health benefits of the essential oils makes staying at home my own personal soothing and peaceful oasis, and they can do the same for you.

I also love using my nebulizing diffuser when I’m meditating. The clean and fresh air with a hint of scent aids in relaxing me while I settle my mind for the mediation.

Another time that I love using Organic Aromas oil diffusers is when I’m hosting friends and family at my home. Making sure that we have yummy food, refreshing beverages, soothing music, fun games, and a curated scented experience with aromatherapy essential oils. The essential oils makes sure that everyone feels welcomed and calm.

The oil diffuser is also the perfect companion when you’re relaxing and unwinding with your favorite book. It creates the perfect atmosphere for getting lost in your novel. 

When I’m in the kitchen, sometimes the smell of the food while prepping and cooking can be less than desirable, think fish, onion, and garlic smells. In order to make sure that my kitchen and home stays smelling fresh, clean, and inviting, I use my air diffuser to overpower the unpleasant smells and fill the air with pleasant smells instead.

Another crucial time to utilize the calming effects of the oil diffusers is when you’re moving your body in a mindful way at-home. When I’m doing yoga, stretches, or pilates at-home, I love making sure that my home is filled with relaxing scents.

So whether you’re cooking, entertaining, doing yoga, reading, or just relaxing, Organic Aromas Nebulizing Diffusers is the perfect way to create a peaceful and calming experience at-home. 

*** GIVEAWAY ***

It’s GIVEAWAY TIME!

I’m giving away, to one lucky winner, a Magnificent Nebulizing Diffuser from Organic Aromas!

Ready to take your home decor to the next level?

Ready to make your staying at home experience to the next level?

Ready to make your home your own personal oasis?

Then enter the giveaway now!

Leave a comment below and follow @candywashington to qualify!

Take The Stress Out Of Moving Home

Hi lovelies,

Moving home is something that pretty much all of us will have to do at some point in our lives. And most of the time it can be incredibly exciting. After all, it gives you the chance to make a fresh start somewhere new and have a clear out of things that you don't need anymore. It's like the ultimate spring clean for your life! That being said, it can also be incredibly stressful and difficult. In fact, it can often be so stressful that a lot of people will avoid doing it at all rather than face it. Fortunately, there are a few things that you can do to make moving home just that little bit easier and less stressful.

Get ready early
Perhaps the most common mistakes that many people make when it comes to moving house is assuming that they have more time than they actually do. People tend to relax because they think the move is months away. Then it's weeks away. Then it's only days away and you realise that you've wasted a huge amount of time. By making sure that you're getting the earliest possible start on the packing, you're able to spread the process of moving over a much longer period of time and you can avoid that mad panic right at the end.

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Get some help
When you're first getting ready to move, it's all too easy to convince yourself that it's really not that much of a big deal and you can probably handle it yourself pretty easily. But the truth is that moving is almost always a much bigger challenge than you might expect so hiring a moving company like Allied Van Lines is all but essential. You might think that the money you will save doing it yourself makes it worth it but the truth is that many moving companies are highly affordable and the extra convenience they offer is always worth the money.

Pack up room by room
One of the things that people forget about all the time when moving is the process of actually trying to unpack everything when you reach the new house. If everything is jumbled up because you packed it all in a slapdash way, unpacking is going to be a nightmare. Unpacking should be a fun start to your life in your new home so packing things up room by room and labelling them carefully makes the whole process of making your new house a home so much easier. The last thing you want is to find yourself digging through boxes just trying to find the kettle!

Take Only What You Need
Embrace your move as a chance to declutter and focus on essentials. Selectively choose items that fit your new life and for those valuable but non-essential possessions, consider using SecureSpace Self Storage. This approach simplifies your move and helps in creating a more organized, rejuvenating space in your new home. Remember, moving is more than a physical transition – it's a chance to reinvent and rejuvenate your living space. By taking only what you need, you give yourself the freedom to embrace new possibilities and make your new house a true reflection of who you are now.

The reality is that, no matter what you do, you're never going to be able to take all of the stress out of moving. It's always going to be something of a difficult, complicated process. However, at least with these tips, you can help to reduce your stress levels a little bit and you can instead dedicate your attention and energy to the fun and exciting parts of starting fresh in a new home!

How To Bring Your Friendship Circle Closer Than Ever

Hi lovelies,

Friends are important, wouldn’t you agree? Without people close to us, we wouldn’t be able to feel the same sense of warmth whenever something good happens to us. Life is always better when you get to share with those you care about. We’re a species that likes to bond with others. We’ve always been a communal group – our earliest ancestors all travelled around together; it’s in our nature. Sure, you may not see your pals as often as you’d like to these days, but they’re still just as important as they always were.

Within your group of friends, there might be a little friction or awkwardness in some areas. This isn’t a strange and uncommon thing. Different people like different things, and separate personalities might clash even in the tightest of bonds. This isn’t an issue at all. If you aren’t the absolute best of pals, however, then this may be a little more awkward as time gets on. This is why it’s best to do all you can to really cement the relationship you all have. Do you want to look at your best friends and feel as though you can trust them with all your heart? Do you want them to say they’d run through a brick wall for you if necessary? Well, here are a few things you all can do in order to boost the relationships and bring everyone closer than ever:

https://unsplash.com/photos/Sj0iMtq_Z4w

Don’t Compete; Encourage Instead  
Most human beings are competitive in one way or another – that’s another trait that we’re born with. We want to strive to be better than those around us. It’s a healthy aspect as it encourages us all to be better versions of ourselves and makes us create a better world to inhabit. It’s not great if you get too deep with it regarding your friendships. Many people aren’t able to see that it drives a wedge between them and their pals – be sure to recognize this yourself. When your friend does well, don’t bring them down – boost them up even more!

Promote Honestly Between You All
If you have something to say to your friend, then say it. Holding back will do absolutely no good in the long-term. It may cause a problem that could’ve been solved ages before. It will also put doubt in their minds as to whether they can trust you going forward. Whether it’s a good thing or a bad thing, be sure to tell your friend. 

Don’t Expect Them To Be Perfect
As human beings, we tend to look for figures to be inspired by. Sometimes we want a little inspiration; sometimes, we want to straight-up worship. Just look at the God(s) billions of us around the globe pray to – we need that kind of leader; that kind of figure around us. Don’t expect your friend to be the perfect individual with all the answers, though! They’re flawed just like you. If they do something wrong, then accept it. Also, be sure not to compare them to other friends you’ve had in the past – that can get messy.

Create A Pact That’s Exclusive To You Guys
This is more of a niche idea and one that is caked in sentiment. It’s not for everyone, but such a commitment only cements the feelings you’ll all have for one another. It doesn’t have to be the most dramatic of deals, but it’s something that you could all agree to and stick to. 

Each of you doing a certain task at each other’s weddings is just one example. This next one is a more morbid idea and one that perhaps you wouldn’t want to think about for too long, but you could all decide to opt for a bracelet for cremation ashes if one of you were to depart sooner than expected. Of course, this hopefully will not happen, but the love and the meaning behind such a sentiment will bring that feeling of closeness even tighter. These kinds of amazing gestures would, again, reinforce the point that you’re all together as one.

Go To Work On Yourself Too
This is where we take a little break and go off on a slight tangent as we talk less about your friends and more about you personally. You need to improve yourself as a person. You need to boost your own confidence, self-esteem, and overall contentment. If you can do this, then you’ll be good to go regarding your friendships. If you feel better about yourself, then you’ll treat others better. They’ll then reciprocate. It’s a pretty simple idea, but one that not everyone realizes. Many people look to their relationships to help their lives out when they should be doing the work themselves. 

Agree To Meet At Organized Times 
Groups of friends often agree to meet all of the time – that’s not what we’re talking about, though. What we mean here is that you could perhaps have a traditional night in or a night out once every two or three weeks. Or perhaps weekly workout classes so you could all get in shape together. Make it your own little get-together. If you have that kind of plan and systematic approach, it can become a tradition that you simply do not want to miss - ever. 

Travel Together 
Getting around the world is something we should all do. We should all have the pleasure of seeing what this planet has to offer. Doing this kind of thing with the people you cherish would only make this kind of thing more special. You’ll witness amazing sights, go through strenuous times, and make memories together. They’ll all add up and make the friendship even stronger. 

Defend Them In Public  
This goes without saying, but we’ll say it anyway! When you hear someone speak ill about your friend when they’re not around, it’s your job to take their side. Don’t just do these things while they’re next to you; do it when they’re not around to defend themselves. If they’ve done something wrong in public, be sure to let them know about it in private. Don’t jump to berate them in front of the world – that’s not fair at all.

Home Extension Ideas Trending in 2020

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Hi lovelies,

Home extensions not only create space but add value to your home. An extension requires some thought, but consider it an investment for the future. It’s up to you where you want to add that extra room. Popular ideas at the moment include trendy loft or basement conversions. You can use the extra room as an ensuite, game room, home office or a place to entertain your friends.  There are a number of options that could work for you, so you just need to take some time to plan and think what could work best.

Of course, you need to also consider the financing of home extensions and renovations. There are a number of costs that are associated with these, from getting planning permissions, to paying the professionals to do the work, the tools, the equipment, and in some instances, some legal fees. So if you are planning on extending your home, this is certainly something to bear in mind.

If you’re already a homeowner, then you could use a site like MortgageCalculator.Org as a way to see what you can afford, if you were to remortgage to cover the costs of the extension, for example. Then you can see what your new monthly payments would be each month and what kind of money you’d have available to spend. 

Without further ado, though here are some home extension ideas trending this year.

Loft conversion
Turn your loft into a home office, game room, or a place for your hobbies. If you take the shape of the roof and the space into consideration well, you can add a valuable new architectural feature to your home. Here are some examples of loft conversion ideas. 

• Home office

Make the most of the natural light you can get from third-story windows or a skylight in the roof and convert your loft into a home office. It’s the ideal spot to work from home. It’ll be much quieter and you’ll be able to distance yourself a little from any distractions. Learn more about converting your loft into a home office.

• Game Room

For a more fun option, why not use your loft as a place for your hobbies or a game room? You can make it a kids’ room full of toys and larger games, or keep it as a place to play music or a home cinema.

• Loft Bar

If you like entertaining then a loft bar could be a fun idea. Invite your friends for your own private cocktail hour. You can work with pretty much any loft space and you can use funny shaped alcoves or sloped ceilings for storage areas or seating.

Make sure you are well-informed and good to go with planning permission. Speak to an architect about more innovative loft conversion designs to suit your build. 

Basement Extension
Extending your basement increases the size of your home by almost half. This will definitely add value, and you can use the extra space in the meantime. If you’re extending your home to sell, consult Altrua. Upgrade to the perfect new home for you.

A basement conversion makes a stylish addition to any home. Digging down also means that you won’t be extended the house outwards, so you’ll really be optimizing the space. Here are is a range of design ideas for your basement extension. 

• Basement cinema

Entertain your guests in a cozy, underground media room. Set up state-of-the-art equipment and enjoy the luxury of a home cinema.

• Basement kitchen/living room

Why not create more communal space downstairs? You could convert your basement into an extra living room or kitchen.

• Sunken Studio

If you’re an artist or musician, build a creative space to work. You could even consider a glass box extension to fill the room with light. 

There are many creative and stylish ways you can extend your home. Choose the option that is right for you, and that works out as the best investment. 

Luxury Home Upgrades Anyone Can Afford (Yes, Even You)

Hi lovelies,

Whenever you hear the term “luxury,” you immediately imagine that whatever it is referring to is our of your price range. Luxury cars, cruises, holidays, jewelry and restaurant meals are good examples. 

It turns out that many so-called luxuries for the home are actually within reach of most people’s budgets. Plus, they can make a massive difference to your quality of life. So what are they? And how can you benefit? 

Wine Cellars

Pixabay - CC0 License

Wine cellars might sound like the height of luxury. But if you already have underfloor storage in your home, they’re incredibly affordable - as little as $4,000 to kit out in some cases. 

For wine collectors, wine rooms are becoming more like museums to showcase their investments. Specialist designers now offer the wealthier an array of display and storage options, designed to keep everything fresh and looking its best.

Wine cellars are a little bit like swimming pools. You can spend as much or as little as you want and still get something pretty decent. What’s more, you can see building a wine cellar as an investment. Often it can increase the value by as much as two percent, possibly more. 

Water Filters
Most modern luxury homes make use of a mains water filter - a device that removes all sediment and pathogens from the public supply. The iSpring filter removes an estimated 98 percent of all particles and chemicals when adequately set up. 

The cost of installing these filters is relatively small - usually just a few hundred dollars. And once they’re in place, they improve the taste and the safety of water reaching your property. 

Smart Home Automation

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While home extensions have become more expensive with time, smart home automation has not. Electronics continue to plummet in price, making this a viable luxury home upgrade route for practically anyone. 

Smart home automation can include all sorts of upgrades: 

• Automatic lighting which turns on and switches off when you enter and exit a room

• Home heating solutions you can control from your smartphone

• Speakers that react to voice commands

• Refrigerators that tell you when you need to go grocery shopping

• Doorbells show you who is ringing the bell from your phone, so you know whether to answer or not

• Speaker systems that allow you to talk to people at your front door

Prices for home automation systems are surprisingly low. You can install some basic systems for less than $100. Fully kitting out your home with all the bells and whistles might set you back a little under $2,000. 

Second Suite
Most modern homes come with a master suite, comprising a bedroom and an ensuite bathroom. Adding a second suite to your property, however, can boost its value significantly - perhaps by 10 percent in some cases. 

Installing a second suite is also surprisingly inexpensive. You don’t have to start from scratch. Just installing some temporary walls can suffice. Then it is just a matter of connecting the shower and toilet, and you’re done. Your guests will love it. 

How To Control Skunks Around Your New Home

Image Credit.

Hi lovelies,

You may have noticed your yard dug-in, a strong smell around your house, or holes under your deck or patio. You do not have an intruder. You may have a skunk. This could be a huge problem if you have pets as they tend to defend themselves when encountered by our dogs or cats. 

Skunks are fairly easy to identify. They can be anywhere between 1 to 14 pounds, depending on the species, and can be between 22 to 27 inches long. Their tails can be 7 to 11 inches long alone. Their signature is the white stripe on their head and neck. A skunk’s habit depends on the season. In the spring they will eat insects, mice, frogs, birds, and bird eggs. In the winter they eat mice, voles, and shrews. Skunks will dig up you lawn looking for insects.

One way to keep skunks away is to kill their food supply. Treat your lawn with an insect-killing pesticide and the skunks will not have anywhere to graze. This option usually takes 10 to 14 days to see an immediate change.

Another way to tell if a skunk is residing near your home is its smell. As a defense mechanism, they spray an oily malodorous yellow musk from glands underneath their tail. Their spray holds sulfur compounds that smell foul and irritate the eyes and sinuses. This can cause headaches, tearing, and temporary blindness. Encountering a skunk is not a pleasant experience.

Luckily, skinks give warnings before they spray. You just have to know their warning signs. They will stamp their front feet, raise their tail, start hissing, will make short forward charges and twist their hind end around in your direction. Spotted skunks will get into a handstand. The best thing to do when you encounter a skunk is back away slowly and silently. Any sudden movement and they will spray.

To avoid any encounters, secure your trash cans. Not only will they eat bugs and small rodents, they will also eat your garbage and pet food. Feed your pets indoors, and if you have to feed them outside, remove their food after your pet eats. 

Skunks also like to den by sheds and openings under porches decks. Loosely fill in those holes with leaves or straw. The skunk will either move somewhere else, or you may have to take a more aggressive approach. Adding light and noise can help make a space unattractive for a skunk to live.

If all of those options do not work, you can opt for repellants like kitty litter. The best way to use this is by placing it near or inside the den. Commercial or homemade capsaicin or castor oil may also be a good repellant, according to the Human Society. If you want to get rid of the skunk humanely, it is best not to use predator urine.

You can easily get rid of the skunk by contacting animalcontrolspecialists.com.

Here’s why Your Home Is Always Cold

Hi lovelies,

If you feel as though your home is always cold, then you will know how frustrating this can be. You may feel as though you are spending a small fortune on your energy bills and that you are also having to have a set of blankets on-hand at all times. This isn’t comfortable to say the least, and the solution starts with you getting to the root of the problem.

You have Cold Air Leaking In
If you feel as though there is a draft in the room, then this is because there is cold air leaking into your home. You need to try and seal your home where possible. If you want to do this then go around and clean any gaps, cracks or spaces around the windows and doors. You then need to cover them with acrylic or even some polyurethane caulk from cutmyplastic.co.uk. When you have done this, it is then time to install some weather stripping. This will seal any gaps that you have in your exterior doorway. If during the day, you see some sunshine passing in through the side of your door then you absolutely need to have some weather stripping put in. Your old one has failed, and this is probably the root cause of the issues you are having. A door sweep will also help you out here, as it slides under the door and it stops as much air from getting through. If your doors and windows are old then replace them by investing in some impact windows.

Source: Pexels (CC0 License)

Your Heating Doesn’t Cover your Entire Home
If you have a home that is two-storeys, then there is a high chance that a single heating and cooling system won’t cut it. You need to have two units so that you can control both areas of your home. What is ideal and what is realistic are very different things. If you were to have two heating systems then sure, this would boost your comfort overall but at the same time it would boost your cost as well. This might not factor in very well with your long-term budget.

Your Home Needs More Insulation
Insulation will have a huge impact on your home. It’s vital that you try and do everything you can to keep your attic space well insulated. Your attic insulation strength will have an R value. This will range from 2.0 to 8.0 for every inch of insulation you have. The higher the R value, the better the insulation, Fiberglass has an R value of 3-4, and spray foam can be as high as 8.

Your Filter is Bad
Air filters do not last forever to say the least. They need changing every now and again so you have to make sure that you stay on top of this if you can. The filters will not be able to do their job properly if they are clogged, so it may be that your heating system is not able to push the hot air through your filters properly. Changing the filters is the best way for you to stop this from becoming an issue.

Getting Your Home Ready for Summer With These Crazy Hacks

Hi lovelies,

Trying to get your home ready for the summer weather is something that is really important to keep in mind. You need to try to maximise the importance of the home, as well as making the most of the summer months, and the wonderful weather you have to work with. The summer is a wonderful time, full of sunshine, social gatherings, happy memories, and a bright and vibrant home life. 

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Obviously, with the global situation as it is right now, it is not exactly an ideal time to be thinking about socializing and social events. But this should not curtail you from looking at how you can improve your home and get it ready for the summer experiences as much as possible. You can do a lot to work on the home this summer, and it is important to make sure you look at taking these steps that will help improve your property. 

Be Ruthless About Having a Clearout
The fact that you are stuck at home during this lockout gives you the best possible opportunity to make the right changes to the home. It is very easy to hoard things these days, but there is always room to have a cull, and this is a great way of being able to have a clear out at home. Be sensible and ruthless and only keep what you really need. Minimalism is something that can help the home look better, and this is a great way of being able to improve and enhance the home this summer..

Rearrange the Furniture
Another factor that can help to improve the property is to rearrange the furniture. This is one of the best things you can do this summer, and there are a lot of advantages to doing this. Now that the summer is approaching it is the perfect opportunity to make the most of each room, and you can do this by rearranging the furniture. You can make a room look larger and more spacious by moving the furniture around. Feng shui is so important for improving the balance and appeal of the home, and you should look to do this right now. 

Renovate & Redecorate
Another great way of being able to keep your home ready for the summer is to renovate and redecorate the home as much as you can. This is something that plays a massive role when it comes to improving the aesthetic appeal of the property. Think about some of the best ways of being able to achieve a great looking home as much as possible. The Patch Boys are one of the companies you should be looking into in order to help you renovate and improve the home. Look at the services they can offer, and think about hiring them once the lockdown is over, so you can make the home even better.

Have BBQs
The summer is one of the best times of the year for being able to enjoy being outside in the garden, and, in particular, having BBQs. BBQs are a great way of being able to make the most of the weather, and they are an excellent social activity as well. Sure, you may not be able to invite friends and family over, but the household will be able to enjoy BBQs throughout the summer. You can get creative with BBQ foods, and try to come up with as many BBQ recipes as much as possible, and this is something to keep in mind. 

Spend Time in the Garden
Spending time in the garden is one of the best things you can do this summer. Now, there are a lot of great benefits to this, and it is something that plays a massive role in helping stop you from getting cabin fever. Getting outside as much as possible is something you need to keep in mind, and there are a lot of things that play a part helping with this. Make sure you try to spend as much time as you can in the garden this summer and make the most of the good weather. There are a lot of things that play a part in helping you do this, and you have to look for some of the things that you can do to keep yourself occupied and entertained in the garden. 

Maximise the Light in the Home
The great thing about the summer is that you get to enjoy light and sunshine, and you can make changes in and around the home that can help you to maximize the light in the home. Consider swapping curtains for blinds, so that you can have the whole of the windows uncovered during the day to let as much light in as possible. There are a lot of things that play a part in this, and you should also look at things like mirrors, and how they can help reflect natural night all around the home. You also have to make sure you use bright colors and shades throughout the home in order to maximize the light in the home.

Pop Your Summer Playlist On
We all have a summer playlist that we would love to listen to, and it just fits perfectly for this time of year. Pop the playlist on and blast it throughout the home; you might be surprised by how much it might inspire you to clean, tidy, and improve your home as a result. Think about upbeat, jangly, pop numbers that will make a big difference to the feel of the home, as well as your mood. The summer is the time of year that you need to try to enjoy as much as you can, and an upbeat summer playlist can be just the tonic to get you through the lockdown this summer. 

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As you can see, there are a lot of things you can do that will make a massive difference to the way in which you can enjoy your home this summer. There are so many great things you can do, and this is something that you are going to need to focus on as much as possible. Make the most of doing what it takes to get your home ready for the gorgeous weather this year, and there are some great ways of achieving this.