Tag Archives: anything and everything

Sep23

5 Things That’ll Disrupt Your Property’s Homely Factor

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5 Things That’ll Disrupt Your Property’s Homely Factor

Our homes are so much more than simply places to lay our heads at night and store our stuff. They’re where we create memories, feel safe, and feel the love. Or, at least, that’s the idea – the aim is to have a property that feels homey. It should feel like ours, the place where we long to be. And it should feel that way from the moment we pull up to the driveway. Alas, this won’t happen all on its own. We have to work for it, because there are some things that’ll disrupt the homely vibe you’re trying to create. Below, we take a look at five things that’ll do just that:

No Curb Appeal:

You don’t want to pull up to your home after a long day at work and think, “oh, this is my house…” You want to think, “this is my house!” The difference could be in the property’s curb appeal. They say you should start as you mean to go on, and if your front yard is well kept and all-around lovely, then you’ll get those warm feelings as soon as you arrive. Beautiful landscaping is one of the best ways to boost your home’s curb appeal. However, it can be a lot of work or downright difficult if you lack a green thumb. You might want to hire a professional to enhance and maintain your landscape design so your outdoor property looks its best.

Unwelcome Guests:

You’d feel a little uncomfortable if a stranger was living in your home, wouldn’t you? Yet actually, many of us have unwelcome guests in our homes, and they seriously compromise the homely nature of our properties. It’s imperative that every living being at your property is invited to live there. Bugs? Wasps? Bees? You surely didn’t invite them, so get rid of them. And it’s not just the feeling of insects in your home that’s the issue – they can also cause damage: you can learn more at animalcontrolspecialists.com. While prevention is the best way to keep them out of your home, there are effective ways to get rid of them once they’ve made themselves comfortable.

Poor Lighting:

You could work on making your home’s interior beautiful and well decorated and all the rest of it, but if the lighting isn’t right, then it won’t be as homely as it could be. Homeliness is all about feeling comfortable and relaxed, and you’ll find that difficult if there are forever bright lights shining into your eyes. So switch them out for atmospheric side lighting – it’ll help you and your family feel much more relaxed.

Unkempt Corners:

It’s awesome to own a property, but let’s be realistic too – it can be hard work. But it has to be done. You’ll feel ill at ease in your property if there are damaged corners and the dirt is piling up. Make a habit of staying on top of your DIY tasks, and stick to a weekly cleaning schedule.

Lack of Comfort:

Finally, how are your comfort levels? It’s sometimes worth upgrading your couch, bedding, and towels just for the noticeable improvement in comfort that they bring. You’ll feel the difference, especially in the winter, when your home is a pleasant and warm retreat from the chill of the outdoors. Add some hot chocolate, and you’ll be good to go!

Fix up the five points above and turn your house into the homeliest home on the block!

Featured Image By: Pixabay – CC0 Licence

Sep20

How A Long Haul Move Should Really Be Done

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How A Long Haul Move Should Really Be Done

After all of the searching and viewing, you have finally found your new home and settled on a price. You’ve signed the contract, you’ve sent the money, and you’re just days away from being handed the keys. The only slight concern is that your new home is many miles away. It’s going to take a few hours to get there and that means one hell of a busy day ahead of you.

Long haul moves are not that common so most people tend to treat them the same as a normal moving trip. However, this is definitely not the case. So, packing certain things has to be done in a specific way so they survive the trip. You, too, have to get enough rest so that you’re ready for whatever task you’re suddenly met with. Here’s how a long haul move should be done:

Be careful of scratches:

The longer your furniture and other decor pieces are trapped in a truck, the higher the chances that one of them will be scratched. When furniture rubs together you’re bound to damage it because the weights we’re talking about are quite large. So, when you’re finally ready to pack up the largest pieces such as cabinets, cupboards, wardrobes, tables, chairs, and the couch, you need to use shrink wrap. This will protect the wood from being scratched but it’s safe to use and easy to take off. You’ll save a lot of time working in twos wrapping each item and all you need is one person with box cutters to take the wrapping off when you’re in the new place.

Use expert help:

If you’re moving a lot of things, it’s best to use the services of professional long distance movers. These long distance movers are international movers and have expertise in moving fine art, pianos, and other delicate expensive things like crystal vases. They also do all of the heavy lifting, so if you would rather not have a hand in anything, they’ll prepare your things and lift them into the trucks, then lift them out when you arrive at your home.

They also have storage for valuable vehicles, which is a big concern for long haul movers. You’re obviously going to want to take your cars with you, but managing to do all this in one day is very tricky if you’re on your own. Use expert help and don’t try to juggle everything at once, you might end up leaving something behind or not properly packing your things so they get damaged on the way.

Early birds:

You will be ripping your hair out if you’re caught in rush hour traffic with your life literally stuck in the back of multiple trucks. So get up early and plan your journey to end by early afternoon or evening and no later. Don’t avoid the main highways, just use them when they’re not packed with commuters.

A long haul move can be stressful but, plan it right, and it will be smooth sailing to your new home!

Sep13

7 Ways To Look After Your Home During Colder Weather

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7 Ways To Look After Your Home During Colder Weather

With summer coming to an end over the next few weeks that can only mean one thing: the cold weather is just around the corner. Whether you love a bit of chill in the air or you’re dreading it, you need to ensure that you’re as prepared as you can be when it comes to looking after your house. Whether that means stocking up on cold weather essentials or investing in double glazing, the more you can do to protect your house during the winter the better. With that in mind, here are seven ways to look after your home during colder weather:

Keep The Heating On To Avoid Your Home Getting Damp:

Although it may be expensive to keep your heating on for the duration of winter, it’s one of the best ways for you to stay in good health as the temperature drops. Not only will keeping your heating on allow you to stay warm and cozy, but it will also ensure you do not experience damp throughout your home. For more information when it comes to the importance of keeping your heating on during winter, you can visit this site here.

Get Your Boiler Serviced Before Winter Starts:

Getting your boiler serviced just before the temperature drops will assure you that your heating will be in check all winter long!

Invest In Double Glazing And Keep Your Windows Shut:

If you haven’t already, investing in double glazing is another great way to help prevent your home from becoming damp. Whilst it can be expensive, double glazing will help keep the heat in and the cold out. If you don’t have double glazing or you’re considering updating your windows, you might want to consider a siding service.

Even if you do have double glazing, you also need to ensure you’re keeping your windows shut where possible. For a guide to keeping the cold air out during winter, you can visit the following site.

Insulation:

A drafty home is not a comfortable one! Sometimes providing extra warmth is as simple as swapping out summer curtains for a heavier fabric, adding thick and plush rugs, or doubling up on throw blankets. However, this is not a fix all as the chill is coming from the outside in. You might want to consider upgrading your home’s siding with the services from James Hardie Siding in Naperville (or a similar company in your local area). This is an energy efficient option to give extra insulation as well as boost property value and curb appeal. With improved siding, your home will be nice and cozy all winter long!

Stock Up On Cold Weather Essentials:

Another great way to look after your home during cold weather is to stock up on cold weather essentials. Whether that means drought excluders for your doors or blankets for your living room, get what you need to stay comfy cozy while the cold weather strikes.

Clean And Store Your Garden Furniture:

Although you may think that it’s just the inside of your home that needs looking after during colder weather, the outside is just as important. Autumn and winter can bring some horrible weather and if you’re not prepared, you may find that your garden furniture is prone to damage. To help prevent this from happening, you need to clean and store your furniture just before the temperature starts to drop.

Consider Your Roofing And Gutters:

Your gutters and roofing may be in good condition now, but the bad weather may cause them some damage. Get any problem areas repaired or at least have a professional from a roofing company give them a once over before the winter to make sure that they can handle some snow. It is so important to have your roof checked because the pros will be able to catch small problems before they turn into a bigger one. Research companies like Tyler Roofing or a similar one in your local area to see what services they can provide for you.

Signing off on the checklist above will help keep you and yours perfectly comfy cozy all fall and winter long!

Featured Image By: StockSnap from Pixabay

Sep13

Social Media Setbacks

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Social Media Setbacks

Helloooo! I wouldn’t say that I am an avid social media user. All I have is a Facebook and the main reason I am on there is for promoting lifewithlilred and, of course, it’s nice to keep in touch with old friends. But, despite only being on one platform, I think that I am not the only one who can agree that sometimes social media can bum you out. I know that I definitely experience this phenomenon even though I strictly scroll though my newsfeed for entertainment purposes.

Why is that? Well, for starters, everything that people post isn’t always entertaining. Believe you me, I wish that my entire newsfeed was filled with cute puppies and funny memes all of the time. But, rather, it is a mixed bag with some stuff that gives me a laugh and others that make me wish I had never seen it at all.

I understand that the news is an important thing and being aware of what’s going on in your community as well as world wide is something that I, myself, need to be better at. But, I never understand why people feel the need to share articles from news sources that are completely heinous. I get upset really easily when it comes to crimes against humanity, animals, and children – as everyone should. And, the last thing I want is to see a picture of an abused animal when I’m trying to get my “lol” on.

And, there is always the classic “feeling down about yourself because your friends are posting all of the cool stuff in their lives” sensation. Ah yes, the marriages, engagements, promotions, travel, and babies galore. When I am in a crappy place already, this can make me feel even worse, not because I’m not happy for my friends, of course. But, because I feel like I’m behind even though life isn’t a race.

It can be difficult to remember that ninety-nine percent of the time, social media is used to post your exciting news – not to air your dirty laundry and deepest, darkest secrets. And, behind closed doors, we really don’t know what anyone’s life is actually like aside from what they portray on social media. This is something that would be wise to remind myself of every now and again.

Social media is a wonderful tool but it can also effect your mental health if used the wrong way. So, if you struggle with some of the issues I mentioned, take a break from your socials for the day and give yourself some breathing room. And, then, get back to posting all of the funny memes, please and thank you!

What are some negative things about social media? How do you portray yourself on your socials? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sep10

The Importance Of After-School Activities For Kids

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The Importance Of After-School Activities For Kids

Being able to give your kids the best start in life is important to any parent and, with that, their education and the life experiences they have growing up is essential. Activities for your kids can help keep them engaged and on a successful path. There are plenty of reasons why after-school activities are important to take part in for your children, like the following:

New Experiences:

As a child, you remember everything, and that’s both the good times and the bad. The experiences you get through life help you become who you are when you reach adulthood and, even then, you’re still learning! After-school activities will provide your children with new experiences that they may not get in the school itself. Opening them up to more of this is only going to be better for creating the memories that will stay with them forever and that they may end up passing onto their children.

The Opportunity To Socialize:

Being in a group environment and meeting new people helps to build a child’s ability to socialize successfully. Being shy is nothing to be worried about as this is a personality trait, just like any other. However, it’s good that even someone who’s shy can still have a conversation with someone. Doing activities that involve sports or team communication are a great way to help speak to others and, more importantly, to find those friendship groups where they fit in. It’s often something we learn as we grow, but there’s no harm in finding those you know you’ll like sooner!

Helps Them Figure Out Their Passions:

With an afterschool stem class, there’s so much more that a child could be tapping into that they just don’t get in normal school timetables. This is where passions can be discovered, and it may end up helping them in figuring out what career they’d like to do when they’re older. Of course, as children grow up, their career aspirations dramatically change. However, there’s nothing wrong with encouraging that exploration into what brings them happiness and joy.

Builds Confidence:

Confidence is something that some are naturally gifted with and, for others, it’s something you gain and grow over time. Being confident can help push you to achieve what you want in life. As a child, being in a new environment can feel a little nerve-racking, but the more that they’re exposed to these activities, the more confidence you’ll see in them each time. As parents, it can be wonderful to see this confidence in your children. To see them be determined or to not let anything get in their way is one life lesson that’s certainly worth learning for everyone.

After-school activities contribute to giving the best start in life for your child. Find some classes or groups that they might have interest in and watch them grow!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Sep8

NJOYing Myself

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NJOYing Myself

Helloooo everyone! So, it’s no secret that I love me a good cigarette. I have been a smoker for longer than I care to admit and I really had no intention of quitting any time soon. But, once I was introduced to the NJOY vape pen by one of my girlfriends, I decided to give it a try. Now, I’m well aware that vaping is not much better than good old fashioned cigarette smoking but, hey, it’s an improvement and I’ll take it! Check it out:

I have been using my NJOY for about three weeks now and haven’t had a cigarette since. I admit, the device in itself is pretty lame looking but it was only a dollar at the gas station and a pack of two liquid pods was ten bucks. I have enjoyed the watermelon and mint cartridges and, as opposed to smoking a whole cigarette, I can hit this once or twice and then go about my day.

It’s not like I was a pack a day smoker or anything, I had three maximum on a longer work day and none to one on a day off. But, my NJOY has saved me money and it’s nice to be able to do it anywhere without disturbing anyone or making the room or car smell smokey. I am also thankful that I’m not experiencing any of the withdrawal symptoms that I would get if I quit cold turkey right away. The last time I quit smoking, I gained weight, which is a really sensitive thing for me and it made me never want to quit again.

I don’t plan on using the NJOY for forever and I’m quite confident in being able to kick this habit, too. In fact, I’ve noticed that the longer I’ve had it, the less I’ve been using it throughout the day. It’s not perfect, but it’s a good start and I’m happy with it!

How did you quit smoking? What is your favorite vape flavor? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sep7

“Haunted” Apartment Update

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“Haunted” Apartment Update

Hello!! Way back in May, I posted about some strange paranormal activity happening in my apartment and, since then, I’ve had quite a few people contacting me asking for updates on that spooky situation. And, I am pleased to tell all of you, that since the three occurrences that happened three days in a row, my apartment has been free of any supernatural activity. Thank goodness, because I don’t think I could handle stepping on anymore broken glass!

As an avid fan of all things horror related, I am well aware that pesky poltergeists and spirits like to kick you when you’re feeling down. This hardly seems fair, but I was definitely in a darker place during the first month or so living on my own. I felt lonely, overwhelmed, stressed out, and irritated that I was feeling all of those ways to begin with because moving out was something that I wanted to do.

So, it makes sense to me that I picked something up that wanted to stir up more feelings of unease while I was in such a delicate state of mind. And, strangely enough, the occurrences stopped once I sat down at my laptop and wrote out all of the weirdness that was happening. My mood also improved as I got more used to being in my own place, which lifted the negativity that was bringing me down.

I’m happy to report that things have been nice and normal at chez moi and here’s to hoping that it stays that way as I continue on through this thing called life!

Who else has experienced paranormal activity in their home? What made it stop? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Sep3

Making Sure Your Business Has All The Right Signage

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Making Sure Your Business Has All The Right Signage

Having appropriate signage is an important step for your business. Effective signage can help your store’s marketing by lending to its visibility. It can also help you save money. Having proper signage will help inform customers and direct them, which you would otherwise need salespersons to do. There are various types of signage that your business will need to have. Missing some of them will create confusion and inefficiencies for your business. Here, we discuss some of the most important ones that every business should have:

Storefront or outdoor signs:

Your storefront sign is the first thing people notice about your store. It is the most important part of your business – it tells people what you are and what you sell. The exterior sign should have all of the information the customers need. It should have your brand name and your business’s logo displayed in an aesthetically pleasing way. You can work with companies that do banner printing in Edina, MN (or your local area) to create signage for your storefront that will pop to everyone passing by.

A storefront sign should be clear and not confuse shoppers about what you are selling. To do this, it needs to follow certain marketing and branding rules. The colors used should be consistent with your brand and product. Everything makes a difference, including the font you use. The quality of the storefront sign is also more important than all other types of signs. Make sure that your reliable signage supplier in Manila provides you with the highest-quality material and print. Your signs should last a long time and last through the tropical climate of the Philippines.

Compliance-related signs:

These are signs that your business must put up in order to comply with laws and regulations. These can include things such as warnings about allergens or signs that say that there are interpreters available. These can also include those about employees having to wash hands, as well as grades and ratings if you are a restaurant. Make sure that you have the appropriate signs on display; otherwise, you can face hefty fines. Some businesses take pride in their ratings, and they may choose to frame them and make them into a part of the overall display. Just because these signs are mandatory doesn’t mean that they have to be boringly designed.

sign1

Informational and directional signs:

These are the second most common types of signs that your business will need. These include banners, advertisements, and any information about ongoing sales or policies. These signs provide direction and clarity to shoppers. Informational signs can also include things that point out where the checkout is or where the bathrooms and fitting rooms are located. The best signs are large and clear and are placed in a prominent location. If you use symbols and imagery, they should be universally understood. Moreover, they ought to be disability friendly and available in colors accessible for everyone.

These are some of the most common types of signage that your business will need to have. If you want to, you can expand your range of signs to include various merchandising items such as carpets, mats, window stickers, and other decor items. Don’t be afraid to get creative!

Aug20

Apartment Must Haves: Kitchen & Cleaning Necessities Edition

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Apartment Must Haves: Kitchen & Cleaning Necessities Edition

Hi! So, the first time I went grocery shopping, I was so focused on stocking up on ALL of the food that I forgot the sage words of my client’s mom to remember about cleaning supplies and things like garbage bags, plastic wrap, etc. Of course, I remembered this advice as soon as I got back to my apartment and had to turn around and go back to pick up things like zip lock baggies, sponges, and the like. And, we can’t forget about laundry detergent and dish soap! Here are just a few of my necessities when it comes to cleaning:

cleanclean1clean2

It’s so easy to get wrapped up in all of the big must haves of moving that the little things like your cleaning supplies go unnoticed. Stocking up on these things is important and, unless you’re deep cleaning your place every day, they should last you for a good long while.

On that note, it’s a great idea to invest in a nice trash can. One with a flip up lid, preferably! You don’t want your garbage stinking up the place so do be sure to grab some high quality bags to line your bin with, too. I purchased a stainless steel one from Target and I have yet to have any issues with garbage odors. And, the steel makes it easy to clean in case of spills.

The next thing that I would like to purchase when it comes to cleaning is a Swiffer WetJet for my hardwood and tile floors in the apartment, because those are starting to look a little rough. And, I suppose a vacuum will come in handy, too. But, for now, the carpeted rooms aren’t frequented enough for that to be completely necessary just yet. Talk about adulthood, amiright?!

What are some cleaning necessities that you recommend? How do you keep your place fresh and clean? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug16

Make It Work: 3 Things To Note When House Hunting With Your Spouse

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Make It Work: 3 Things To Note When House Hunting With Your Spouse

Sometimes, house hunting is fun. But most of the time, it’s such a pain in the neck. What makes it particularly stressful is when you and your spouse don’t see eye to eye on what you want your next home to be. Perhaps you want a big house just outside the city, but your partner prefers a small condo unit at the heart of the central business district. These small differences can blow up into big arguments, which could delay your move. So, what do you do when you can’t agree with your spouse in your house hunting? Take these steps:

Create your own home essentials list:

Since fights almost always come from what each of you thinks your family house should be, this is the first thing you should address. Here, the best approach is to make a list of your wants and needs in a home – separately. You want to do this independently so that at the end of the exercise, you’ll see the things you share in common. These similarities validate that these features are indeed important to you. But at the same time, don’t neglect the differences. Those are points for discussion. Make your case as to why these things should be in your home. Negotiate and be patient in expressing your concerns. But more importantly, listen. If your spouse has a point, be willing to concede.

A complete list of must haves and nice to haves can be especially beneficial if you are working with a real estate agent like those at Bradbourne Property or a similar business in your local area. Your agent will be able to narrow down options that meet your needs so you are not wasting your time or energy on properties that won’t work in the long run. Be sure to think about factors outside of the home as well. This includes proximity to schools, doctors, and your job if you are commuting so your agent can find homes in a comfortable distance.

Consider your budget:

All discussions should be framed in the context of how much house you can afford. When both of you have this perspective in approaching matters, it will be far easier to compromise. Those pretty countertops or furniture will be easier to resist. Now, if you don’t have a financial game plan yet, sit down and decide on it immediately before hitting the property market. Compare different quotes from lending agencies. When doing the math, make sure that your monthly payments on mortgage won’t take more than 25% of your take-home pay. Otherwise, you’ll be house poor in the next months. Once you’re able to settle on a budget already, stick to it. Inform your real estate agent about it. You may want to include this house and lot for sale in Cavite, which might fit your budget.

Cease and desist:

If you find yourself getting into a big fight over your next house, it’s wise to take a step back from the conversation or the house hunting process altogether. A nice home isn’t worth it if it’s going to split you up in the end. So give yourself a week break. No house-related matters over dinner. No budget-related talks on your dates. Use that time of ‘silence’ to ponder about your house-buying decisions separately. Your goal is to have a fresh, renewed mind once the break is and you resume the talk. Hopefully, that time of meditation will make you more understanding of each other and your priorities.

house3

Have you been struggling with the home search because of your couple fights? Fight no more. Prioritize your relationship through and through and the house will come when the time is right.