Dec23

Safe & Sound – Let’s Talk Home Security

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Safe & Sound – Let’s Talk Home Security

The safety and security of your home should always be at the forefront of your mind for yourselves, family, and pets. With so many amazing options out there, it never hurts to shop around for ways to better improve your home security. You can start with some of the following:

Doors & Windows:

The doors and windows of your home are an excellent place to start, especially if they are a bit worse for the wear. A flimsy front door or obviously broken windows are as good as inviting unwanted guests into your home. Steel doors are sturdy and affordable for homeowners. Not to mention that new and improved doors and windows will give an instant makeover to your home’s exterior to boost its curb appeal significantly.

Get To Know Your Neighbors:

Having neighbors is, of course, great for friendship, cookouts, and get togethers. It’s also nice to have an extra set of eyes on your home if you’re not there. Let your neighbors know if you are going on vacation or a weekend getaway so they can check in on your place while you’re gone. And, as always, you will want to post on social media about your adventures but that puts a big neon sign on your house saying that you’re not home.

Lighting/Landscaping:

A poorly lit home exterior as well as lots of shrubbery or trees on your property are all things that potential burglars look for when scouting houses. To remedy this, consider motion activated lights around your property. If you like the privacy that your current landscaping brings, you could think about getting a fence or gate installed for an added layer of protection.

Security Systems:

You can’t talk about boosting your home security without mentioning security systems, of course. From cameras for your doorbell or by the front door to security alarms, they are all worth discussing with a local security company. A lot of these systems can be accessed and controlled by your smartphone too making it much more convenient.

With the holiday season upon us, we will all be out and about more. Consider your home security so you can celebrate with family and friends worry free.

Dec23

Don’t Wait To Fix These Home Problems

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Don’t Wait To Fix These Home Problems

There are some problems in the home that are things you can hold off on like installing new flooring, replacing old furniture, and the like. While remodeling is fun, it’s something that you can postpone until a more appropriate time or a bigger budget. However, there are some problems that can happen in your home that shouldn’t wait to be fixed, like these examples:

Pest Issues:

Problems with pests both inside and out should always be tended to immediately because quick action will prevent the problem from getting worse. And, holding off can cause the situation to spiral out of control rapidly from a health and safety perspective for you and your family. If you’re having an issue with bugs, mice, or other critters call in a local expert to help deal with the infestation in the most humane way possible.

Leaks:

Similarly to pest problems, a leak in the roof or a pipe is something that can get out of hand quickly. It is a money drainer considering the heat, cold, or water that the house is losing, not to mention the cost of fixing the water damaged areas. Unless you are handy, this is also something that should be dealt with by local experts for a fast and effective way to fix the problem.

Appliance Repair:

Appliances are something that we all take for granted until they stop working. We never truly know how lucky we are for a dishwasher or a washer and dryer until you’re spending evenings washing dishes by hand or at the laundromat. It is important to schedule timely dishwasher repair services before it disrupts life routine. If any of your appliances appear to be on the fritz, schedule a repair appointment today to continue on with convenience and safety.

Windows & Doors:

If your windows or doors leave your home feeling drafty, it’s time to look at an upgrade. Can you imagine your savings in heating and air conditioning once these fixtures are more secure? It can also help prevent illness from the weather being let in. Not only will it keep the cold and warmth inside more effectively, but it will also double as a way to boost your home security, making it a win/win situation.

If you are having any issues with the problems above, it’s important to get on top of them before they cause even more headache. And, as always, if you are unsure of anything, then leave it to the professionals!

Dec23

Top Tips To Feel Healthy Inside & Out

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Top Tips To Feel Healthy Inside & Out

Exercising and having a proper diet will always be the most obvious when discussing ways to start feeling healthier. But there are a wealth of other options to get you feeling better, as well. When working on improving your health – both mentally and physically, it is so important to listen to your body and what it needs. You can also start with the following:

Don’t Compare Yourself To Others:

Many people compare themselves to others regularly, which often makes them feel worse about themselves. It’s also an unhealthy trait to have. You should listen to your body, instead. Your body will have its specific needs. You’ll need to tailor your lifestyle and habits to that. These could change over time, so you’ll need to keep up with them. If you do, you’ll feel much healthier inside and out. Taking this approach also avoids the mental health consequences of comparing yourself negatively to others.

Take The Right Supplements:

Everyone knows that having the right diet can make a significant impact on how you feel. You don’t have to completely change what you eat to get this, however. Instead, you could consider complimenting your current diet with supplements. These can have more of an impact than you’d think.

The key to this is knowing which ones to take. Kratom Gummies could be one of the more recommended options. These can improve your mood while also increasing your energy levels. After a short while taking them, you should feel much healthier. That could be especially true when taken with other supplements. You’ll need to spend some time figuring out what the best ones for you are.

Dress Your Mood Up:

It’s not uncommon to have days where you want to cuddle up in your yoga pants and not do anything. Almost everyone experiences them. While minimizing these is recommended, it doesn’t mean that you have to avoid them completely. You should make sure to do it in style, however.

Put something on that makes you feel nice. Having a go-to outfit for this is suggested. Even better if you have a few of them. While there’s nothing wrong with yoga pants or sweats, staying in the same outfit all of the time can make you feel worse. Having alternative outfits for these days is a recommended option. It’ll help you feel better, and healthier, in the long term.

Few people know how to feel healthy, outside of dieting and exercising but you have many more options than you’re aware of. Each of the above habits can be more than helpful. They’ll have quite a significant impact on your physical and mental health.

Featured Image By: Marijana1 from Pixabay

Dec23

TJMaxx Haul: Lucky Brand Cardigan Edition

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TJMaxx Haul: Lucky Brand Cardigan Edition

Hi! I have always loved Lucky Brand and pretty much died and went to heaven when I got to shop in one of their actual stores during a vacation to North Carolina. I am always on the lookout for their clothing and accessories at TJMaxx and I was thrilled to find the cardigan we’re going to be discussing today. The price was pretty exciting too – I got it for thirty dollars compared to its original price of one hundred and thirty! Check it out:

Many moons ago when I worked at PacSun, I had what seemed like an infinite amount of Aztec patterned oversized cardigans. I am genuinely unsure as to why I got rid of them all but here we are lol. So, when I saw this Lucky cardi during my online shopping, I just had to add it to my cart. It reminded me so much of all of the cardigans that I have loved and lost and it seemed like everything in my life was leading up to this shopping experience… Okay, that might be a little over dramatic but you know what I mean!

Until my new cardi arrived in the mail, I had no idea of its original price so you could have knocked me over with a feather when I found out. I thought that I was getting the steal of the century. Oh yeah, and it’s cute! I absolutely love its length, the drapery, and the colors reminiscent of a fall sunset. This is a cardigan perfect for curling up in front of a bonfire or just lounging about at home and I am so there for it.

Lucky Brand has always spoke to me because of how classic all of their pieces are. Everything that I own by them from clothes to jewelry is something that I can picture myself wearing now or ten years from now. Lucky combines simple and crisp silhouettes with unique touches making them the ultimate brand of wear now and later. Or, when it comes to my favorite buys from them – wear all of the time! 😀

What is one of your favorite brands? What is one of the best buys you have had at a discount store? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec22

Giving A Boost To Your Boutique

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Giving A Boost To Your Boutique

Being a small business owner is exciting – especially during the holiday season as shoppers visit your local storefront. Your boutique is something that can always be improved to make the experience even better for your customers. Today, we are going to discuss a few ways to boost the aesthetic of your store to turn one time shoppers into repeat customers:

Utilize A Beverage Cart:

How nice would it be for customers to enjoy a hot coffee or cold soda during their shopping? A beverage cart is a simple solution that will definitely boost the experience of shopping in your store. Invest in a Keurig with a wide selection of coffee, tea, and hot chocolate pods. Or, you could have a mini fridge with water bottles and pop. Small touches like these will be much appreciated by your customers!

Shopping Incentives:

Everyone likes a good deal and it’s exciting to feel like you’re getting a lot of bang for your buck. You could run a once per month promotion or give a coupon for the next purchase to provide incentive for customers to keep coming back. How often do you get coupons in the mail and feel a hankering to go to a store even if you might not need anything? Chances are, you’re going to walk away with more than you bargained for because it was a great deal.

Improve The Appearance:

The appearance of your boutique is always something that can be changed up for a whole new shopping experience. Potted plants, plush rugs, unique lighting fixtures, or artwork from local artists are all good places to start. Applying ceiling tiles to your business will make a big difference for customers. The same goes for things like an awesome playlist or even a fish tank! This is your chance to get even more creative so have fun with it.

Local Collaborations:

Local collaborations are a cool way to introduce new people to your store. Do you own a clothing boutique? Pair with a local jewelry maker to provide an outfit perfect with a hand crafted necklace. How about a coffee shop? Try an open mic night with local performers. Don’t forget to get in touch with bloggers and influencers! Collaborations are a win/win for everyone involved as it will get your names out there and bring in customers who might not even be aware that your storefront exists.

Local businesses are an important part of any community. Make yours one of the best with the tips above!

Dec22

Welcome, Friends! Improving Your Entryway

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Welcome, Friends! Improving Your Entryway

In a previous post, we have touched on the importance of the entryway of your home. Today, we are going to delve further into this with some tips to make your place appear even more welcoming to your guests and friends this holiday season. Let’s get started:

The Front Door:

Your entryway, of course, begins at your front door so you will want it looking its best.
It is an essential investment to get energy efficient entry doors. Not only will it boost the appearance but it will help keep the cold air out and the warmth in. So important in the wintertime! Think carefully about the color you choose, too. A bright yellow or blue offers a playful vibe while a deep red or chocolate adds a touch of sophistication.

Outdoor Lighting:

When considering your front door, you must also think about the lighting going on outside. From an aesthetic and safety perspective you will certainly want some type of lighting installed if you don’t already have it. Especially if you have stairs that lead to your front door – you don’t want anyone tripping. A glowing light by your door will also turn into a beacon when you have guests over and they are having difficulty finding your house!

Accessories:

Both indoors and out, accessories are important. A wreath on the door and welcome mats are a great place to start. Welcome mats are also a fun way to let people know that you have dogs! My personal favorite being “knock and let me sing you the song of my people”. Ha! You will also want an indoor mat for guests to wipe off their shoes before treading mud into the home.

For your indoor entryway, consider a coat and shoe rack, a key or purse holder on the wall, and a basket with extra phone chargers for the ultimate welcome into your place.

Clean Regularly:

For your outdoor entryway, make sure you sweep around it regularly. Leaves and debris can cause a safety hazard. Don’t forget to salt it during the winter months to help prevent delivery people and guests from slipping. For your indoor entryway, contain the clutter not just in the actual space but rooms that are visible when walking into the door. It’s a little thing but it makes a big difference.

Roll out the welcome wagon with the tips above as you prepare your house for guests this holiday season!

Dec22

TJMaxx Haul: Moon & Madison Star Bright Cardigan Edition

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TJMaxx Haul: Moon & Madison Star Bright Cardigan Edition

Hello! One of my favorite pieces of clothing in the whole world other than a good jacket or blazer is a nice, comfy cardigan. I love just being able to throw one on and head to work while giving the appearance that I *somewhat* got ready for my day lol. Not to mention that I am usually cold all of the time so an extra layer always comes in handy!

During my online shopping with TJMaxx, I purchased two new cardis that I couldn’t say no to. Did I need them? Not necessarily. But did I want them? REAL BAD. Today, we’ll be discussing an adorable Moon & Madison cardi and tomorrow we’ll take a look at one by Lucky Brand – which happens to be one of my favorite brands! Let’s get to it:

image_67197697image_67205889image_50408705(1)image_67238913

As soon as I saw this cardigan, I knew that it was going into my shopping cart. The dusty mauve color, star pattern, POCKETS (!!!), and teddy bear soft material made this Moon & Madison number a must have. I absolutely could not wait for it to arrive in the mail because I just wanted to wrap myself in it. It was as cozy, comfy, and soft as I imagined it to be and I have a feeling that I will be wearing it constantly.

When it comes to cardigans, I love oversized ones because you can’t go wrong with pairing it with super skinny jeans and ankle booties and walking out the door. My new Moon & Madison cardi is one that you could wear in spring, fall, and winter and I can also picture myself wearing this over a dress and tights for a special occasion or date night.

Prior to having red, pink, and violet hair, colors in the purple family never looked good on me. However, my new hair opened up a whole new color palette for me to experiment with – purple being one of them! Now, I am always scoping out lavender, mauve, and violet clothing so, of course, my Moon & Madison cardigan spoke to me. The mauve hue looks just right with my funky colored hair and I am already itching for more clothes in a similar color! 😀

As winter drags on, I will be beating the cold weather in the ultimate comfy cozy cardigan! Tune in tomorrow to continue the cardi party with my new Lucky Brand number. ❤

What does your favorite cardigan look like? What are your favorite colors to wear? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec21

Oral Hygiene Tips: 5 Easy Ways To Care For Veneers

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Oral Hygiene Tips: 5 Easy Ways To Care For Veneers

Veneers are a fantastic way to overhaul your appearance. A veneer is a layer of material that is placed over a tooth. If your teeth are broken, crooked, or discolored, then getting veneers fitted could help you to restore, reinvent, and revitalize your smile.

Veneers are not only quick to fit, but if properly maintained, they can last for up to fifteen years. However, not everyone understands how to care for veneers. Whether they have been freshly fitted by an experienced dentist such as a member of the team at dentfixTurkey or if you are in the early stages of deciding whether veneers could be the right option for you, let’s look at some simple tips that can keep your smile looking bright and white:

Don’t Neglect the Basics:

Brushing your teeth, using floss, and rinsing with mouthwash is one of the best ways to keep your veneers looking their best. When brushing, use a gentle toothpaste and an electric toothbrush and, whenever possible, clean your teeth after every meal, at least twice a day.

Similarly, flossing removes stubborn food particles to protect your gums and is best completed before bedtime. Finally, invest in a quality antiseptic mouth wash – alcohol free mouthwashes are best as excessive exposure to alcohol can weaken the bonds between veneers and your underlying teeth, leading to complications.

Proper brushing technique is something that you might not be thinking about but it can make a huge difference – especially if you have veneers. When you research different practitioners for veneers in St. Louis (or your local area) and find the best fit for you, it’s a great idea to ask for an oral hygiene tutorial. Your dentist will be able to show you best practices for brushing and flossing and you may be surprised to find you have been employing methods that aren’t conducive to healthy teeth and gums. Put what your dentist shows you to action to keep your veneers and smile radiant.

Tackle Bruxism (Grinding):

Do you habitually grind your teeth? If so, clenching your jaw can put unnecessary stress on your veneers and lead to chips and splits. A Jaw Pain Clinic can provide special bite guards to protect your mouth when sleeping so be sure to mention this prior to any veneer fittings.

Avoid Hard Foods:

Giving up hard foods entirely might seem impossible, but it is no secret that some foods are highly likely to damage your veneers. It is also wise to avoid chewing on pens, nails, and ice cubes as these can also pose a problem for your smile.

Quit Bad Habits:

If your vices include tobacco or caffeine, getting veneers might be the perfect time to overhaul your life. Just like natural teeth, dark substances do tend to stain your mouth so cigarettes and coffee should be cut out entirely. Quitting smoking and switching out coffee for a healthier alternative can be tough, but the benefits to your overall health are many.

In addition, sugary sodas, red wine, and some highly pigmented sauces can also threaten the whiteness of your veneers so wherever possible, sticking to a beige diet can benefit your health and your smile.

Regular Check-Ups are Key:

If you want your teeth to stay as healthy as possible, then it is vital that you see your dentist once every six months or more. The sooner any potential issues are identified the better, as some long term tooth damage can be expensive to correct, especially if veneers are involved. Some dentists will even be able to use specialist veneer cleaning, polishing, and whitening equipment to enhance your smile further.

Ultimately, veneers are a quick and effective way to improve the look of your smile. If you would like to learn more about caring for veneers or if you are keen to explore any of the other different cosmetic dentistry solutions out there, then be sure to reach out to a few different dentists for advice.

Dec21

Home Renovations That Make A Big Difference

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Home Renovations That Make A Big Difference

Boosting your home’s value is something that should be on any home owner’s mind. When it eventually comes time to sell your property, of course you will want to get more than what you originally paid for it! This doesn’t mean to completely gut your home with costly renovations. Rather, just selecting a new project to work on every year or two to boost your home’s value. Like the following:

Start Outside:

When it comes to your home, the first thing people will notice is its exterior. This gives neighbors, strangers, and potential buyers a first impression before even stepping foot into a beautifully decorated home. Let’s make it a good one!

Cracked driveway pavement will simply not do as well as a poorly maintained lawn, and chipping paint. Start with projects like these and work your way inside because nothing is more important than a first impression. You do not want people looking at your home’s exterior and already thinking that they will have a lot of projects to undertake.

Entryway Impressions:

Think about the immediate areas that people will see when they enter your home through the front door or a door that leads inside from the garage. These should be welcoming spaces full of warmth so what can you do to make that happen? Soft rugs, wall art, and warm lighting are great places to start. Speaking of wall art, farmhouse welcome signs are insanely popular. With so many options to choose from and customize to your liking, you will have an easy time finding the perfect one for your home.

Have a durable shoe rack handy in the closet for guests as well as space cleared out for their jackets. What looks better – a pile of dirty shoes in the corner or having them neatly tucked away? These are all small but effective ways in creating the perfect entryway.

Flooring:

One of the best things that my parents did in their home was get rid of the old carpet in the living room and stairway and replace it with laminate flooring. If your carpets are looking threadbare and well trodden on, you might want to consider this renovation. Finding a local flooring store in Ottawa is important for homeowners. Replacing old carpeting can turn a dowdy space into the chicest in a matter of days and will surely boost your property value.

When considering new flooring, the most important thing is to think about your lifestyle. If your home is pet or child free, hardwood or funky tiles could be the way to go. However, if you have a full house, lifeproof laminate flooring is a great option as it is easy to maintain and can withstand tiny feet and paws running about.

Work With What You Have:

It is not possible to make a smaller room bigger without an expensive expansion but you can use some simple tricks to give the illusion of more space. To fake a more spacious area, you will want to start with the color palette. Bright whites and creams on the walls and furniture will help bounce the light to help make a room look bigger.

And, speaking of lighting – the brighter the better. Making use of natural light is the best way to go so drape your windows in something gauzy and sheer to let the light in. If your room has no windows, go with hanging fixtures and well placed tall lamps to bounce around the space. Don’t forget that mirrors can also make a room look more spacious too!

Boost your curb appeal and property value with well timed projects like the ones above to make a big difference for your property.

Dec21

Renovation Station: Updating Your Bathroom

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Renovation Station: Updating Your Bathroom

Winter is the ideal time to complete home renovation projects. Not many people are keen on venturing out into the cold outdoors, which means you will have plenty of time in your home to work on freshening it up. In today’s post, we are going to talk about the bathroom specifically. Nothing is better than having the old bathroom renovated. We do spend a lot of time in there, after all! Let’s get to it:

Is There A Theme?

The first thing you will want to consider during your throne room renovation is a theme. Do you want it luxurious like a five star hotel? A nautical theme? Or just a no muss no fuss bathroom? Once you have a theme in mind, it will be easier to determine the next steps in your renovation in terms of color palette, appliances, and accessories.

Start From The Ground Up:

When it comes to home renovations, it’s always best to start from the ground up. Consider your flooring. Would you like laminate or tile? Perhaps hardwood? Remember, that no matter the flooring option you choose, you will want to invest in things like soft, absorbent bath mats to place throughout the space. There is nothing worse than walking onto a cold bathroom floor in the middle of the night!

Paint, Please:

The bathroom is, ultimately, a place that should be relaxing. For the walls, you will want to go with a soft, soothing color. Think pale blues, creams, powder pinks, or even earthy tones like green or tan. Loud, brash colors are not conducive to relaxation so save that for rooms with lots of activity like the living room or kitchen.

Appliances:

Unless your toilet, sink, or shower unit is on the fritz, then there is no need to replace your bathroom appliances. A mini makeover will suffice just fine. Rather, put it on a renovation wish list for the time being and save that investment for a rainy day.

Accessories:

Your bathroom should be a comfortable space for your family and guests too. Make sure that your throne room is fully stocked with soft towels, scented candles, and toiletries. It never hurts to have spare toothbrushes, lotion, shower gel, and shampoo tucked away in the cabinet. How many times have you spent a weekend with friends only to find that you left your toothbrush at home?!

Ready, set, renovate! The tips above will help you give your bathroom a mini makeover or a full on remodel for ultimate comfort and relaxation.