Oct20

Why Finding The Time To Clean Your Home Properly Isn’t Really That Hard

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Why Finding The Time To Clean Your Home Properly Isn’t Really That Hard

Do you ever feel like no matter what you do, nothing will ever be perfectly clean in your home? Or how about not having enough time to get everything nice and sparkly? If so, here are some tips to help you tidy up!

Why Finding The Time To Clean Your Home Properly Isn’t Really That Hard:

Cleaning is one of those jobs that never seem finished. It doesn’t matter how many times you do it, there is always something else that could be done. It can be hard to find the time in our lives to clean up to our own standards. But a clean and tidy environment is something everyone needs for a healthy and happy home. So how can we find time to clean even when we are busy working, raising our families, and having a life? Read on to find out:

10 Minutes: If there is a cleaning or organizational job that is getting to you and you just keep putting it off, why not try the 10-minute approach. It is so surprising how much you can get done in 10 minutes if you focus totally on the task in hand. You might even finish that job that looked like it could have taken you the better part of half an hour! But even if you don’t, once you have got started it is much more likely that you will keep on with the job. This is because you can see the progress that you made.

Even if you just can’t bear to do any more at that time, don’t worry. You have had a go and you can come back and do another 10 minutes later when you are feeling ready. This works particularly well if you have a large space to clean or if you have a cupboard full of junk that you need to clear out.

Automate: An important time-saving trick when cleaning is to automate as many jobs as possible. Using a dishwasher is an easy way to get those dishes from last night’s dinner party clean. Picking a certain time to load the dishwasher during the day is also a great idea, so you are not constantly washing up as you go along. Another clever way of automating a part of the cleaning is to get a robot hoover. They whizz around your home in the day when you are at work, hoovering up any dust and debris. Then your floors are kept clean and clear daily, all without you having to lift a finger. You can click here for info on robot hoovers.

Assign & Reward: Something that can help families of all shapes and sizes find enough time to keep the house clean is to assign some chores to the kids. Not only does this teach them a sense of responsibility but it also helps them feel that they are doing their part to contribute to the family.You may decide that they have to complete a certain number of chores to receive their weekly allowance. This will help them organize their own time and also show them the value of money as they have to earn it, instead of just being given it.

Routine: An additional time-saving tip for busy parents is to have a cleaning routine like this one here. Routines are used by professional cleaners to ensure that every aspect of the room that they are working on is clean and tidy to a sparkling standard. It can also help you keep focused and organized when doing the cleaning as you won’t get distracted by other tasks that are not on the list.

What is your least favorite chore to do? How about your favorite? (Mine is Swiffering!!) I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Oct19

TJMaxx Fall Haul (Pt. 2!)

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TJMaxx Fall Haul (Pt. 2!)

Hiiii everyone and happy Hump Day! I hope everyone is having a fab day so far. So, in case you haven’t noticed by now…I have a serious problem when it comes to shopping at TJMaxx. I love that store more than life itself and when it comes to an evening of “browsing”, my mom and I don’t mess around. You guys need to know that I literally have no self control and that these purchases had to happen. Let me show you some pics and you’ll see why! Take a look:

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The Haul:

  • Faux Fur Coat: Me Jane, $20
  • Fox Hooded Nightie, Munki Munki, $16
  • Animal Print Backpack: Unknown *read below*, $25
  • Knee Highs: Bonetti Giordano, $7

Sarah, you have too many clothes, shoes, and accessories. STOP GOING TO TJMAXX! Juuuuust kidding. 😉 Now that I reprimanded myself, let’s discuss the gorgeous new additions to my wardrobe in detail:

Faux Fur Coat: I didn’t mean to like this coat but it just kind of happened (that’s a lie.). I saw it hanging on the rack looking so sad and forlorn without me in it that it would have been cruel to not put it on. But, come on? Only twenty dollars?! It was practically begging me to take it home. I have been on the hunt for a beautiful, faux fur coat since last winter but they are just something that you do not see often in stores. Therefore, it was totally necessary for me to try the coat on, period, to see if my obsession was even worth it. I mean, you never know – it could have looked awful.

Lucky for me, it didn’t! I fell in love with the romantic, 1940’s feel that this coat had and don’t even get me started on those brooch style buttons! It is worth mentioning that this coat was also in my favorite color, BLACK, so it’s like it was meant to be. I do wish that they had it in other colors, though, because I think that it would look so gorgeous in a dusty gray or pale pink. It also would be super fun in a bright color, too, like cobalt blue or violet. I cannot wait until it gets cold enough to break this coat out because I plan on pairing it with vintage hats from my beloved grandma and its going to look so chic that I could just die. ❤

Foxy Nightie: As you guys know, I have developed an obsession for jammies! My one and only pair that I got recently from Target is just not enough so this little nightie was a total necessity. Not only is the pattern adorable but it also comes complete with a hood and the little holes in the sleeves for your thumbs which I thought was such a sweet touch. This nightie fits perfectly in between being too light or heavy which will make it ideal for snuggling up in this fall and winter.

Printed Backpack: My desire for an unbearably stylish backpack developed many a years ago thanks to the adorable assortment that Elaine from Seinfeld always had. I’ve been watching Seinfeld since my childhood with my parents so, to put that into context, it’s been a long time coming. Anyways, I was so excited when backpacks became cool this past year because that would mean that I would finally find one that was perfect. Wrong.

Every single backpack that I’ve come across just didn’t do it for me. They were all either boring or way too over the top. I needed something that was sleek and edgy, not an eyesore. So when my mom pointed out this little beauty from a brand that I do not know because I literally cannot find it ANYWHERE on the product/tag, I was thrilled! This bag has everything that I wanted – a great shape, a cool pattern, and the option to wear it with everything. I absolutely love it. I cannot wait to break this baby out when I change purses at the end of the month!

Knee Highs: In my defense, I really do need some new knee highs/boot socks. I begin my second year of coaching figure skating for the Special Olympics tomorrow and haven’t purchased new “wear with figure skates” socks since I quit skating…about seven years ago. I am so in love with my new Bonetti Giordano (made in Italy, darling!) socks and have already had such fun wearing them off the ice. I broke out these little babies on Monday for my boyfriend’s birthday with a burgundy floral print dress and forest green platform wedges. The look was a hit and I can’t wait to continue pairing my knee highs with sweet dresses and skirts for a fun fall look. Now, I just need a pair in every other style that was there and I’ll be set!

The reason why I am so okay with this wonderful TJMaxx haul is because I literally own nothing like every single item that was purchased. Everything that I found or was scouted out for me by my fashionista mom were things that have been on my fashion wishlist for forever so to not buy them would just be cruel and unusual. A very fashionable fall is in my forecast! Ciao!

So there you have it, my TJMaxx Fall Haul (Pt. 2!)! What are some of the things that are on your fashion wishlist? What store do you have a hard time saying “no” to? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct19

Feel Confident and Look Fantastic For a First Date

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Feel Confident and Look Fantastic For a First Date

A first date is exciting and daunting in equal measures. Knowing what to wear can be a bit of a difficult one, as you want to make a good impression but without looking like you’re trying too hard! If you have a first date coming up, here’s how you can make sure you look and feel as confident as possible.

Have a Pamper Night: Before your big date, spend some time relaxing and using your favorite products. A facial, hair mask, and some exfoliating and moisturizing products will all get your skin and hair into tip-top condition. A hair removal wax such as sugaring hair removal will get your skin looking completely smooth. This is particularly important if you’re wearing an outfit that shows off your legs! Paint your nails and generally unwind with some music and scented candles. You’ll feel rejuvenated and will be looking your best when you get ready for the date.

Wear Something Comfortable Yet Flattering: You want to look like yourself on your date, just the best version of yourself. So if you don’t usually wear dresses or high heels, now isn’t the time to start. Instead, choose items that you’re comfortable in, but look good on you. A good tip is to pick one area to show off and keep everything else covered, this allows you to show a little skin while still keeping it classy.

You could opt for a top that shows your decolletage, collarbones, and cleavage while wearing tights or trousers and long sleeves. You could choose to show off your legs with a shorter dress and go for sleeves and a higher neckline on top. Or, you could show off your arms or back in a top while wearing trousers. Any of these combinations work well for a first date, so decide which areas that you’re happiest with and wear what will give you confidence. Then, you can look into your wardrobe and plan accordingly or even treat yourself to a brand new look by shopping Ethical Fashion for Women. Regardless of what you wear, if you are confident – it will radiate!

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 Mascara is a must!

Go For Pretty, Neutral Makeup: When you want to look beautiful, it can be easy to go overboard on the makeup. But if you’re just going to the movies or for causal drinks – strong highlight and contour, dramatic lips, smokey eyes, and killer false eyelashes are just going to look a bit much. Again wear what you like and makes you feel comfortable, but your best bet is to accentuate your natural beauty. A dewy foundation with a flattering shade of blush, light neutral eyeshadow, and plenty of black mascara, for example, will give you a radiant, fresh-faced appearance.

Wear Perfume: While this isn’t something that will impact how you look, a spritz of perfume shouldn’t be missed from your first date outfit. Research by Cosmo showed that fragrance has the ability to seduce and excite. Over a third of men polled said that gorgeous perfume will captivate their interest on a first date. It will probably give you a bit of added confidence too, which is never a bad thing

What is your perfect first date outfit? What are some of your tricks to avoid first date jitters? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Featured Image By: Pexels

Oct19

Keeping Your Heart Healthy: 11 Unmissable Tips To Ensure The Beat Stays On Track!

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Keeping Your Heart Healthy: 11 Unmissable Tips To Ensure The Beat Stays On Track!

Everything we do in our life can affect our heart. Whether it’s eating a pizza at dinner time or going to bed late, it could damage our heart health! Therefore, it’s so important to consider how your life choices are affecting your ticker. After all, our heart is our lifeline and we need to be careful with our decisions in life so that we don’t end up with heart disease or an irregular heartbeat. Here are 11 unmissable tips on keeping your heart healthy to ensure the beat stays ticking away for a long time!

Avoid Smoking Regularly: A lot of people know the impact on their lungs when they smoke on a regular basis. After all, smoking is often linked to lung cancer. But they don’t realize the impact it can have on your heart. Tobacco and nicotine contain chemicals which harm your blood vessels and heart. It can cause your arteries to narrow, causing a decrease in blood flow. And as this feature says, cigarette smoke interferes with oxygen, so your heart has to supply additional oxygen to compensate. The stress to your heart can lead to a heart attack. Therefore, to help maintain a healthy heart, you need to avoid smoking on a regular basis. You can talk to your doctor about nicotine patches or gum which will help you to quit. Or you may want to switch to e-cigarettes instead to cut out the tobacco from your habit.

If you are a smoker, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment with a cardiologist to get a baseline of your heart’s health. To get started, simply enter a search for “cardiologist near me” to find a well reviewed practitioner. This appointment could be what motivates you to kick the habit for good!

Maintain a Healthy Weight: Being overweight causes many problems for your heart. For one thing, it puts more pressure on the heart which can result in serious cardiac issues. As your heart is working harder to push blood through your body, it can cause angina or even a heart attack. As well as this, being overweight can lead to coronary heart disease as plaque builds up inside the arteries that serve the heart. And if you are not a healthy weight, you are more likely to have high blood pressure.

Therefore, to keep a healthy heart, you need to make sure you maintain a healthy weight. Cut back on your food portions and make sure you are exercising every day. You should also talk to your doctor who can advise you on the best ways to cut back on your weight. They might send you to a nutritionist who can help you learn what foods are best for you to consume. Remember you should not go on a fad diet; it’s about making healthy changes to your diet that you can commit to in the long run.

If you are struggling with your weight, it is so important to commit to regular doctor’s visits and screenings to better pinpoint the problems that could be forming. Cardiovascular screenings can provide better insight into any heart issues and how they are progressing. Even if you are working on losing weight, you should still get one as you might already have the beginning stages of heart disease. To get started, simply enter a search for “advanced cardiovascular screening near Chicago” (or your local area). Be proactive with these appointments and your health to prevent any heart problems from getting worse.

Cut Back on Your Drinking: We all love a couple of drinks on a night out – it’s one of the best ways to let our hair down and relax with friends. But if you start consuming more than one or two drinks a day, it will affect your health. For one thing, it can damage your liver over time and lead to you needing a replacement. It can also fuel mental health disorders such as depression. And you may not realize that it can damage your heart. It contributes to high blood pressure, which can lead to heart attacks.

Having more than three alcoholic drinks a day can increase your risk of atrial fibrillation (Afib). It is the most common abnormal heart rhythm. If you think you are suffering from an irregular heartbeat, you should see your doctor who may refer you to afib treatment locations. But to prevent all of these issues from occurring, you need to make sure you cut back on your drinking. Stick to the recommended daily intake of one drink a day to ensure your heart stays healthy. After all, you can still have a great night out without becoming intoxicated.

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  Pixabay Image

Laugh at Least Once Every Day: Have you laughed at least once today? A surprising number of people don’t manage to have a giggle during the daytime. But laughing is good for your heart health. Research has suggested that it can lower your stress hormones and raise your good cholesterol. Try and make an effort to laugh today! Spend some time with your friends and family. Or you can watch some funny videos or movies to help you giggle. Having a laugh will help your heart to function correctly.

Exercise Every Day: So many people are not moving around enough in the day. They go to work where they sit at their desk and then they head home to sit in front of the television. But if you are doing this, it will affect your heart. It is important to do some form of cardio for half an hour every day to improve your heart health. Head for a run around the block or attend a dance class to get your heart thumping. You could even get a treadmill for home so you can always work out no matter the weather. As an added bonus, you can still watch TV while you do so if that is your favorite way to unwind after work!

Remember to add some strength training into your daily workout to help boost the organ. If you struggle at first, build up the amount of exercise you do every day slowly. You will be surprised how much healthier you will feel if you exercise every day!

Get Enough Sleep at Night: You might be surprised to know that your sleeping pattern could affect your heart. If you are not getting a good night’s sleep, you are at higher risk of heart disease. Sleep deprivation can affect your blood pressure and cause inflammation to your arteries. Every night, try to ensure that you have more than seven hours of sleep. Head to bed earlier at night and get into a strict routine. Also, avoid having caffeine and heavy foods before you head to bed. Getting enough sleep will help keep your ticker working.

Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables: A bad diet could cause your heart to not function properly. For one thing, a bad diet can lead to you becoming overweight, which puts an incredible strain on your heart. And not only that, but a diet full of high-fat and sugary foods can raise blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Both of these contribute to heart disease. A change in your diet that includes plenty of fruits and veggies is incredibly beneficial. Blueberries and strawberries are both great at keeping your heart healthy. And consuming tomatoes can reduce high blood pressure. Here is a full list of foods which can reduce your risk of a heart attack.

Avoid Stress in Your Life: It’s so easy to feel stressed in your daily life. After all, your work and personal life can both lead to you suffering from feelings of anxiety. But we do need to keep our stress levels down because too much worry can lead to angina. And feeling stressed can increase your blood pressure levels. Try to find ways to reduce the stress in your life. It might be that you take up a hobby such as yoga or even reading which both can make you calmer. Also, you should find ways to cut out the stress in your life. Whether it’s removing a person from your life or changing jobs, it could help your heart health in the long run.

Check Your Blood Sugar and Blood Pressure Regularly: A lot of people avoid going to the doctors for as long as possible. But if you want to keep your ticker healthy, you need to go for blood pressure and blood sugar checks. These two conditions are silent so you may not experience problems with your heart until it’s too late.

Make sure you go and get tested regularly so you can make changes in your life if necessary. If further care is needed, your doctor will be able to recommend you to a cardiologist or the Cardiovascular Group for more specialized care. Listen to your body and if something feels off, make an appointment right away. Should further care be necessary, rest assured that you will be in the most capable hands. Something like an ECG might have you feeling scared and that is normal. However, with advancements in technology happening every day like The Neural Cloud’s MaxYield Product, you can be sure that the analysis will be accurate to best determine next steps.

Get Intimate With Your Partner: You might be surprised about this one! Getting intimate with your partner is not only good for your relationship, but it’s excellent for your heart! It can lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of heart disease. As this research found, people who had less sexual activity had higher rates of heart disease! So it’s time to get under the sheets for some fun with your partner!

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                                                                                                    CUTE!

Keep Your Teeth in Good Order: Forgetting to brush your teeth is surprisingly easy to do. Whether it be rushing to get ready for work or being in a hurry to catch some Z’s, we often forget to clean our pearly whites. But having good oral hygiene can help to keep your heart in good working order. It’s been found that gum disease can increase your risk of getting heart disease. To avoid this, make sure you are brushing your teeth at least twice a day and use mouthwash to remove any bacteria from your gums. That way, you can ensure you have great teeth while keeping your heart happy!

Even if you are young, it’s so important to ensure your heart is working efficiently now. It will stop you having issues when you are older!

Oct19

The Golden Rules Of Keeping Your Family In Great Shape

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The Golden Rules Of Keeping Your Family In Great Shape

It seems health crises are popping up all over the place these days. It might be obesity one day; a rise in diabetes the next – it’s clear there is an ongoing concern for the state of the nation’s health. It made me think of what we should all be doing to protect our families and loved ones.

We are all responsible, of course – particularly if you have children. With this in mind, I have been scouring the web and have developed my golden rules for excellent family health. Read on to find out more about my choices:

Immunize: Are you immunizing your children – or yourselves – against nasty diseases and conditions? So many parents are failing to take their responsibilities seriously by avoiding them and it’s such a shame. We could have left plenty of serious illnesses like polio and diphtheria in the past. But instead, some people’s failure to take baby immunizations seriously means that there could be a lot of problems in the future.

Diet: Head to your local park and you will see people of all shapes and sizes. Each to their own, I say – but I do take exception when I see so many overweight kids. It’s nothing short of scary – it just wasn’t like this even a decade ago. Now, kids run around – a lot. So when you see so many larger children, it’s clear there is a problem in society with diet. Too much sugary or fatty foods and an inability to teach basic nutrition are going to cost us all in the future. Great nutrition should be the building block of a healthy family. Parents – it’s time to step up the plate.

Exercise: Are you setting your kids a good example when it comes to fitness? Getting plenty of exercise will help you keep a healthy body and mind, but it also benefits your children. They will learn to enjoy exercise at an early age and will love doing things with you. Get your family more active and you will reap the rewards. I know not all children are sporty, but you don’t have to be to keep fit. Even going out for regular adventures in the woods can have a positive impact on the health of your kids.

Relationships: Keeping your relationships strong is another way to keep your family in great condition. Communication is key and it’s always a good idea to help your kids learn to speak well and let their thoughts out. Also, be careful about how you feel about your partners and children. Cultivating positive thoughts about everyone is a great way to strengthen relationships between everyone.

Challenges: Creating weekly challenges for your family is a great way to help children gain confidence in trying new things that are outside of their comfort zone. Doing challenges together as a family is also an awesome way to teach children the value of exploration. Even going to a different play park or swimming pool once in awhile can help. And, it also gives you that sense of adventure that can make your family bonds even stronger.

Are there any other golden rules of keeping your family in great shape? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Featured Image By: Pexels

Oct18

Destiny Boutique Charcoal Face Bar

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Destiny Boutique Charcoal Face Bar

Helloooo everyone! I have been fond of charcoal based skin care products ever since I used one of Biore’s charcoal cleansers. We all have our woes about our skin and mine is having the literal worst blackheads around my five nose piercings. With the piercings and along with the fact that I am constantly touching my nose and readjusting them, it can be easy to see how pesky blackheads have made their home base on my nostrils. BUT I have been using a new beauty bar that I have a lot of faith in that I just have to tell you guys about. Check out my new bar from Destiny Boutique and then let’s discuss:

soapAs much as I love Biore products, I do think that they are a bit pricey and I do not always have a coupon handy to cut back the cost. Therefore, I am always on the lookout for an effective but inexpensive charcoal product and I believe to have found it in this beauty bar. I have become a big fan of using bar soap for my face with complexion bars and my body with soap from Appalachian Naturals. I think that they are so economical and long lasting that you just can’t go wrong with them. That’s why I was SO happy to have found this bar laying around in the beauty aisle of TJMaxx for a whole six bucks. Score!

As soon as I saw the bar, I just had to try it and this past week of using it has left me very pleased with my purchase. First of all, let’s talk about the size of this thing! I was so surprised to see how big it was when I took it out of the package. My last complexion bar lasted me about four months and was about half of this size so I am sure that I will have this bar for close to a year! Honestly, with this size I would have been more than okay spending more than six dollars on it so I really do think this was a steal.

Second of all, this bar is fantastically effective. Within the week, I have noticed a HUGE decrease in my blackhead count on both of my nostrils and they really seem to be staying away as opposed to working their way back. My skin also looks bright and healthy and feels smooth as can be. Not only is it proving to be a powerful blackhead fighter but its scent is so invigorating! This bar smells like peppermint which is one of my favorite skin/body care scents. It smells so good and fresh and I instantly feel more awake as soon as it hits my nostrils. This extra scent boost pick me up is perfect for my five thirty mornings to get to class on time!

I am looking forward to many more uses with my new Destiny Boutique Charcoal Face Bar. So far it has been working some skin care magic and I cannot recommend it enough! What is your must have skin care product? What are some of your skin care woes? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct18

Major Mistakes Everyone Makes With The Exterior Of Their Home

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Major Mistakes Everyone Makes With The Exterior Of Their Home

There are so many articles on the internet about interior design. Tips on things like what colors to use, what fabrics are on trend, and the type of furniture to pick. It’s no wonder that sometimes we forget all about the outside of our homes.

It is easy to think that the architect and builders had responsibility for that part and now that we live there, we just don’t have to worry about it. Of course, this is completely untrue! We need to think about the exterior just as much as the interior. Read on to make sure that you don’t make the common mistakes that most people do when looking after the outside of their homes.

What Counts as Outside? Okay, this seems like a silly question, but some people just think of the outside of the home as the exterior walls. But that isn’t the case. The exterior is everything that you own that is on the outside, so walls, gardens, drives, and roofs are all included in this category.

Don’t Forget to Paint the Outer Walls: Having said that, let’s look at the walls first. If they are in poor state, it is going to make your home seem run down. That is why it’s important to regularly check the aesthetic appearance and condition of all of the outer walls. If they are structurally sound but looking a bit grim, then you can give them a fresh coat of paint. Refreshing the paint is a fabulous way of looking after the exterior of your home. Not only does it look nice but it also protects the walls from weather damage, too.

If painting isn’t an option and you want to retain the natural stone or bricks of your home, then you can have the walls cleaned. This is usually done with high-pressure steam jets and can be expensive. But it does have the marvelous result of making your old home seem brand new, without losing any of it’s character.

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 Pixabay Image

Don’t Ignore Regular Roof Maintenance: It’s also vital that you keep on top of any roofing services that needs to be done. Loose slates and tiles can be dangerous for your family and visitors. A shabby roof can make the whole property look a mess, not to mention they can let in water and cause dampness in the interior of the house. Speak to your local roofing services specialist to see if your roof needs some urgent TLC. A search for “Roofing contractor in Clinton Twp, MI” or your local area will help you find a professional to come and take a look.

Make the Windows Sparkle: One thing that few people love to do is clean the windows, especially when they have to do this outside as well as this inside. But think about it. The outsides windows are what come into contact with the must debris, dust, and rain so they are much more likely to be dirty. If you simply can’t bring yourself to do both sets, inquire about a local window cleaner with a reasonable rate. Then they can help you keep the outside of your home as attractive as possible.

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Oct18

How To Create An Amazing Den In Your Home

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How To Create An Amazing Den In Your Home

Everyone needs a great getaway spot in their home. Whether it be for hunkering down and studying for the next big exam or a place to chillax and binge on America’s Next Top Model – an at home hideaway is a must. This article will provide you with some pointers to making your den (or man or ladies cave!) perfect.

How To Create An Amazing Den In Your Home:

As kids, who didn’t love building a fort with chairs and blankets and creating the ultimate hideaway? It was even better if you could decorate it with fairy lights and take in secret snacks too! But just because we’re grown-ups doesn’t mean we don’t still crave that little luxury hideaway where we can go and relax. And if you’ve got kids, even better. Why not create a den room where all of the family can chill? If you have a spare room that’s just being filled with clutter, why not convert the space into a family-friendly den? Below are some ideas on how to get started.

Think About The Space: If you’re using a spare room to make your luxury den, it’s probably smaller than your living room. First, take some time to think about how to use the space. Ask yourself what is important to you and the family? If it’s a place where you want to host movie nights and go to watch TV, then make that your focal point. If you would rather create a den that is made for reading and writing, then think about incorporating good lighting and storage for lots of books and notepads. Perhaps your den is going to be a playroom for young and old. If so, then consider investing in some drawers and cupboards so you can keep board games and card games organized and tidy.

Make It Cozy: A den is all about creating an environment that induces relaxation and fun. Invest in luxury throws and blankets so people can get down and cozy. A couple of oversized Sack Daddy’s will also give the space a laid back ‘den vibe’. Take a look here at www.sackdaddy.com/pages/cozy-sac to discover how these awesome extra large loungers will make your den the ultimate space for relaxation and respite. Bean bag chairs are also great for the kids, too!

If your den is going to predominantly be a reading room, then make sure you have bright overhead lighting. But if it’s strictly for hunkering down for movie nights, ensure that you have lights on a dimmer switch or the soft glow of side lamps. Fairy lights will add extra ambiance and create a magical feel. If you’ve got kids make them feel grown up by investing in a mini fridge where you can keep water and juices that they can get when they are with their friends. And if it’s adults only, you can chill your Champagne in here before settling down for a Saturday night movie! A den should be decadent but cozy. Somewhere you can kick off your shoes, put your PJ’s on, and totally unwind!

Décor Of the Den: If you’re making a family den, let everyone get involved in the decorating. Let the kids be in charge of one of the walls. This could include allowing them to paint the wall in their favorite color. Or perhaps adding oversized wall decor stickers of their favorite animals. Check out Amazon have some great ones right here: www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=wall+decor+stickers. Choose a color theme that exudes relaxation. Soft grays or warm shades of red will work well. Let everyone pitch in with decorating the room and make it a place where everyone will want to snuggle down for the evening.

I am absolutely obsessed with Despicable Me and my boyfriend got me minion wall stickers for my birthday! They are so cute and add the perfect touch of fun to my room. The stickers were surprisingly easy to apply and look as good as new after months of being on my walls.

What would be in your dream den? If you have a den or decked out basement in your house, what do you use it primarily for? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Featured Image By: Pixaby

Oct18

The Tech We Simply Can’t Live Without

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The Tech We Simply Can’t Live Without

In a world where it seems like there is a new iPhone coming out every other weekend, it can be hard to keep track of all of the latest amazing technology that is available. Here are some of the top “must haves” for the tech savvy 2016-er. Take a look:

The Tech We Simply Can’t Live Without:

Do you ever watch really old movies and wonder how on earth they survived without having a smartphone? It’s really hard to imagine needing only a roof over your head and a well in your garden! Life today can seem like a world away from how things were just thirty years ago, before the internet. But it’s not just our online lives that rely on tech. Our home life is pretty dependent on it too:

Smart TV: TVs have been around for decades, but these days, they need to be able to connect to the internet. After all, how would we access all our favorite shows through services like Netflix? Then, of course, are all those cute YouTube videos of kittens chasing laser lights and puppies falling over their tails. TVs are bigger than they’ve ever been, but how we use them has changed a lot over the years.

My family actually just recently indulged in a Smart TV and, I must say, it is fantastic. The convenience of being able to connect to Netflix with the literal touch of a button and binge watch your day away is heavenly. Our Smart TV came just at the right time – when I was binging on Breaking Bad. With the Smart TV handy, I was able to complete the entire series during my two week summer break from school/work. Impressive? Kind of. A little sad? TOTALLY! 😉

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Image courtesy of Flickr

Smart Phone: A lot of tech is ‘smart’ these days, but none quite so smart as our humble mobile phone. Many of us have our entire lives on these little devices. Almost all of our communications are done on them, online and offline. You can work remotely, video call with friends on the other side of the world, and take photos for your blog. Apps like those at https://play.google.com/store/apps make it all happen. There are thousands to choose from. Being so dependent on these little babies can definitely make your stomach drop when you realize you left it at home!

Wireless Headphones: Cords and cables used to be everywhere. They were hanging out of the back of your TV. They were running riot from your modem. And they tethered you to your music player or phone. Now everything is wireless and that includes the headphones you use to listen to media and music. Websites like www.dextroaudio.com specialize in reviewing the latest models. You can get headphones, earbuds, and headsets to suit you.

GPS: Gone are the days of pulling over to the side of the road to unfold a paper map. No longer do we need to purchase a new map book publication every year. With GPS, everything is updated and accurate all the time. It knows where you are and where you’re going. It will verbally tell you all of the turns you need to take to get there, too. It’s like having the world’s best map reader with you for every journey you take. Of course, map reading skills aren’t quite what they used to be!

GPS is a Lil Red must have. I am the most directionally challenged gal on the planet. Thanks to no sense of direction, I am extremely dependent on my GPS. It is the best for helping me to get to different meet up areas with friends as well as assist me with the traveling that I do for my job. Thank goodness for it because I don’t think that I will be learning how to read a map any time soon!

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Image courtesy of Flickr

Fitness Band: Whether you have a pedometer or just a band around your wrist, you know how many steps you’ve covered. There aren’t many people that leave them behind when they go for a long walk. Each of them hooks up to an app on your smartphone to detail your progress each day. Some will buzz you to remind you to get moving while others sit passively around your wrist fitting awkwardly in with your outfit. These things are the beginning of highly functional wearable tech. Are they just a fad, or the most essential tech in your life?

With new advances being made in technology daily, who knows what the newest tech must have will be? What is one piece of tech gear that you can’t live without? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Oct17

Not-So-Obvious Items You Need To Buy For Your Kitchen (Make It The Best Room In The House!)

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Not-So-Obvious Items You Need To Buy For Your Kitchen (Make It The Best Room In The House!)

Now a days there are SO many amazing items that you can purchase for your kitchen. From carnival style popcorn and cotton candy makers to ice cream machines and fruit juicers, your kitchen could become the ultimate utopia of the coolest treats and decor. Check it out:

Not-So-Obvious Items You Need To Buy For Your Kitchen (Make It The Best Room In The House!)

When you are designing your kitchen, you will be busy picking out the essential appliances you need for the room. However, as much as it’s important to get items such as a great fridge freezer for your kitchen, there are some other things you do need to make it a fun environment. Here are some not-obvious-items you need to buy for your kitchen to make it the best room in the house:

Crepe Maker: Okay, a crepe maker is not an essential item for your kitchen. But it will definitely make the room a lot more fun! This quirky item is a great thing to add to make breakfasts much easier in the morning. All you need to do is make the mixture and then pour it onto the machine. You can then move the mixture around until you create good sized pancakes which you can enjoy as a breakfast treat. The crepe maker will definitely be a hit if you have young kids in your home! It’s also something that you can get out at parties to make your guests a tasty dessert after the main meal! YUM. ❤

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 I’ll take ten!

Toasted Sandwich Maker: Grilled cheese sandwiches are my ultimate favorite food and nothing answers my desire to be fat and happy like a toasted sandwich maker. It’s such a luxury item because standing at the stove and flipping is a thing, but still, who doesn’t want delicious food quickly at the press of a lid?

All you do is butter two slices of bread and then fill your chosen ingredients inside the bread. Then you put it in the machine and pop the lid down for a few moments. Instantly, you will have a delicious toastie to enjoy for a lunchtime snack. It’s perfect for adults and children alike as it turns a boring sandwich into something fun that they will want to eat! And the best thing about toastie makers is that you can find many darling designed machines which will look fantastic in the kitchen!

Wine Cooler: An obvious MUST for every classy man or lady’s kitchen is a wine cooler. It’s ideal for your growing collection of your favorite “adult beverages”. It will also ensure that they stay at the right temperature so that you can enjoy a glass or two in the evening! A wine cooler is a must-have for when you have dinner parties, too. It can easily fit in your kitchen if you have space on one of your cabinets. You can just try one of these freestanding wine coolers which are perfect for showing off your collection while keeping them cool!

A Unique Set of Knives: It is so important to make your kitchen look unique so it stands out from the crowd and becomes a cool and comfortable environment for cooking and entertaining. One way that you can do this is by getting a staple set of knives for your kitchen. You probably are in need of one anyways, so why not make it fun? You can find some great colorful blocks with all the knives you need for preparing food. And you can even embrace your inner ninja with a Samurai set! You can see other cool knife sets you will love for your kitchen in this article!

A microwave and other large appliances is also a must for your kitchen. But I promise that it doesn’t have to be boring! Check out my previous blog where I talk about the most precious pink lemonade microwave and other vintage kitchen gear. Quirky conversation starters for your kitchen that are also incredibly handy will make your place the talk of the town and the obvious choice for all things entertainment!

Featured Image By: Pixabay