Tag Archives: appliances

Mar18

ALL Of The Coffee

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ALL Of The Coffee

Hello!! Back in the summer of 2022, the Great Kitchen Flood happened when a pipe burst in mine and Johnny’s apartment building. It was insane! The water was literally pouring out of the walls and it was so gross because the water was straight up dirty. It completely waterlogged all of my countertop appliances, including my Keurig, toaster, and air fryer. At the time, I wasn’t using my Keurig very often so I never bothered replacing it. Fast forward to this past year and my schedule changed to having to get up at three AM three days a week. Needless to say, I need ALL of the coffee those mornings!

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For Valentine’s Day, Johnny and I simply told each other what we wanted and then we ordered it. A new single cup Keurig for me and a new Levi’s jean jacket for him. I have been using my gift religiously since receiving it and all I have to say is: How did I survive this long without it?! Prior to V-Day, I was more than fine with stopping at Starbucks for a coffee or McDonald’s for a crispy Diet Coke during my early mornings. While I miss my little treats during those shifts, I am perfectly content with the K-Pod challenge… AKA just using my Keurig now lol.

I have been enjoying testing out all of the different K-Pods and my mind is never not blown by the infinite selection at the grocery stores. I started out with French Vanilla by Green Mountain Coffee and have since graduated to a Snickers flavored blend by The Donut Shop. They are both pretty good! My favorite part of the Keurig, however, is not so much the coffee as it is the coffee mugs. Lol, I have a substantial collection of coffee mugs and although I use them for any beverage, they hit different with coffee! It is also nice to remember the occasions that they were given to me for because a majority of them were gifts. In fact, the one pictured above was a mug that I got forever ago from my bestie and the sentiments ring true… Coffee always comes first! 😀

I have had my Keurig for well over a month now and I am just as obsessed with it as the day I got it. So glad that my fallen friend from the Great Kitchen Flood of 2022 finally got replaced!

What is your favorite kind of K-Cup? How many cups of coffee do you drink per day? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Dec18

5 Mistakes You’re Making With Your Laundry

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5 Mistakes You’re Making With Your Laundry

You might think that there isn’t anything that could go too wrong with your laundry. However, if you want to keep the quality, color, and reliability of your clothes, then you had better be ready to offer them the care that they need. Here, we’re going to look at all-too-common mistakes people make when doing laundry, and what you can do to prevent them:

Not sorting them by color:

Yes, you still need to sort your clothes by color. Dark clothes should be washed with dark clothes, light with light, and white with white. We have heard a lot of people saying that many modern t-shirts don’t really require this as much because production doesn’t use dye that can come off in the wash. Unless you know precisely how each piece of clothing is going to act when swirling in hot water together, don’t chance it.

Not following the instructions on the tag:

You might think that the instructions on the tag are just a suggestion and that nothing bad is likely to happen if you don’t follow them. Or, you might be like many people who never check the tag at all when washing clothes. If that happens, then you should expect tearing, shrinking, or stretching as a matter of course. If you want to keep your clothes like new, you have to follow their instructions.

Neglecting to check for optical brighteners:

This is a tip that a lot of people don’t know about. There are laundry detergents out there, sold with the express intent of washing clothes, that don’t really wash them too well. Optical brighteners are a somewhat common ingredient. Rather than focusing on washing them, getting out stains, and keeping them fresh, these detergents act as a sort of dye, brightening the laundry instead. Needless to say, most people want their clothes washed, not just having the appearance of being washed.

Keeping the temperature too high:

Another common mistake is thinking that “hotter is better.” Yes, in higher temperatures, dirt and stains might be able to dissolve more easily. However, this is also worse for your clothes, making them more likely to stretch and lose their consistency, as the high temperatures also add wear and tear to the mix. A cold wash can do your clothes a lot of good and uses less energy than usual.

Not cleaning your washing machine:

You have to take care of your washing machine for it to take care of you. Mold, mildew, detergent residue, and hard water buildups can begin to affect the effectiveness of your clean, as well as the health of the machine. A self-clean cycle with a good washing machine cleaner is all you need.

Many of the mistakes above can be a force of habit, so you might not realize exactly what the problem is until you stop it, and find the alternative a lot better. These tips will help you end up with cleaner, fresher clothes, that don’t suffer any unexpected changes in the process of washing them!

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Mar14

Reduce Your Bills With A More Energy Efficient Home

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Reduce Your Bills With A More Energy Efficient Home

Household expenses are continuing to rise, all thanks to inflation. Many individuals and families are being forced to look for savings to stop their expenses from getting out of control – which is often easier said than done. Making your home more energy efficient is a great way to help you reduce your bills, and can help you develop less wasteful habits too. Making a few small changes could add up to big savings, and teach you some things about your energy use. Take a look at some of the best and most effective ways to reduce your energy bills:

Turn off your lights and appliances when they’re not in use:

It’s easy to leave your lights on in another room or keep your TV on standby throughout the night, but these things and various other habits can add unnecessary costs to your energy bill. Being better at turning things off or pulling the plug can make a big difference in your energy use. While it’s easy to forget to do these things, you’ll soon see a noticeable difference in your energy use if you make it a habit.

Make your home a smart home:

Another way to manage things like your lighting and heating is to make your home smarter. Smart home devices can make it easier to control your home so you can control what you spend on energy. From dimming the lights with the sound of your voice to shutting off the heating when nobody is home, a smarter home can help you take a much more economical approach to your energy spending. Adding smart technology is also one of the ways you can increase the value of your home, making it more modern and appealing for potential buyers in the future.

Upgrade your windows:

Better insulation can make your home more energy efficient. This is because newer windows are better at keeping the heat in your home, meaning you could reduce how much heating you use throughout the colder months. Explore local energy-efficient window installation companies to help you find someone to replace your windows. New windows can make a huge difference to your home, helping to make it warmer and more modern if you choose contemporary frames.

Consider changes to your heating system:

Older heating systems can use a lot more energy than newer systems, which are designed with energy efficiency in mind. Choosing a different type of home heating system can reduce your bills, and make your home warmer or cooler where needed. It’s also important to maintain your heating system regularly to ensure it’s not using excessive energy to compensate for poor performance caused by a fault.

Making your home more energy efficient can future-proof your home while reducing your bills in the process. Look at your current usage rates and set targets to bring them down. You’ll be amazed at the difference and can feel proud of your efforts to reduce your energy bills!

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Oct13

Repairs That Can’t Wait

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Repairs That Can’t Wait

If you look around your home, there are sure to be some issues that could use a little attention. Squeaky doors, threadbare carpets, or an unsteady shelf are annoyances but not necessarily things that need an immediate solution. On the other hand, there are some problems that you shouldn’t wait to fix. We’re talking appliances and fixtures in the home that can prevent you from living your normal life. Let’s discuss further:

Appliances:

Broken appliances are the first thing that comes to mind when you think of things that could alter your normal routine. A washer or dryer on the fritz means a trip to the laundromat. Broken refrigerator? Say goodbye to all of your perishable food. And, of course, a nonfunctional oven means spending additional money on takeout. These are all issues that need to be repaired ASAP as the longer you hold off could lead to even more costly repairs or become a safety hazard.

In the instance of a broken appliance, it is so important to call in the professionals. You also want someone who specializes specifically in your problem, say for common stove issues and solutions. If you have a newer appliance that is malfunctioning, the repairs might be covered under a warranty if you purchased one so do check on that to help save money.

Weather Related Issues:

It is never a good thing when the weather outside is coming into your home. This means drafty doors, cracks in the walls, or leaks and breakages in the roof. Not only can this invite pests into your home but it can also be a major health and safety hazard for you and your family. An out of shape roof or leaks can cause mold and damp, which can exacerbate issues like asthma. Drafts and cracks can also make for bitter temperatures inside your home come winter. These are all problems that should be prioritized for everyone’s well being.

Heating/Air Conditioning:

A too hot or too cold home is just downright unpleasant and could mean that something is wrong with your HVAC system. The solution might be as simple as a tune up or a few replacement parts or it could be a complete overhaul of your system entirely. Remember, it is best to have a professional check on this annually for the comfort and safety it provides. You can find an expert by entering a search for “HVAC contractor in Tampa, FL” or your local area. Stifling temps indoors in the summer can lead to someone overheating while too cold in the winter can cause flooding and frozen pipes. A freshly repaired HVAC system will keep your home just right all year round.

When you are considering repairs, priority number one should always be if the problem is effecting your family’s comfort and safety. If it is, then it is time to call a professional!

Jun27

Renovating Your Fixer Upper

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Renovating Your Fixer Upper

If you just got an amazing deal on a new house, then it may be because you invested in a bit of a fixer upper. This is absolutely fine if you are going to spend time putting your own personal stamp on it. Renovating a fixer-upper can take time, a lot of funding, and effort so you will need to figure out your budget. Find out how much you have available for the renovation and then you can make a list of which rooms and tasks to do first. Take a look below for some inspiration:

Bedrooms:

First of all, you might want to do the bedrooms. This is essential, especially if you have children. They will need somewhere to sleep in their new home, preferably before you move in if this is a possibility. If not, then they may have fun getting involved in creating their new space. Talk to them about the type of design they want to go for and what they want on the walls. If you are sorting your own bedroom out, then you need to think about the same things. You want to create the ultimate safe haven where you can chill out at the end of a hard day.

Kitchen:

If you want to create a dream kitchen, then it may take a huge chunk out of your budget. If you have planned for this then that’s great. You could take a look around kitchen showrooms to find your perfect kitchen. You can also look online for some ideas on what you want it to look like. The kitchen is the heart of the home and somewhere you may be hosting lots of dinner parties and guests. If you want to amaze your guests, try adding in some smart tech such as a smart fridge or kettle.

Walls:

Think about how you want the walls in your home to look. Do you want to use paint, wallpaper, or a combination of both? If you take a visit to your local hardware store, then they will have all of the options available to you. You may even be able to get your hands on some samples to try before you buy. It is well worth trying samples, you may know what color you want but if it doesn’t look right on the walls then it will be a waste of money. Don’t forget that all of the walls will be different so create a plan for this.

Garden:

Finally, your new home’s garden might have seen better days. Never fear, the garden might be the easiest thing to renovate and fix up. If you want a proper family garden, then it may be worth adding in some beautiful, colorful flower beds. These look lovely around the perimeter of a garden. You could also add a wild section to encourage bees and other wildlife to explore and nest there. If you have children, you could add some play equipment as well, such as a swing set or outdoor game section.

Fixer uppers are a huge project but will be oh so worth it once your renovations are complete. Remember that your budget will be one of the most important factors in this and to always leave wiggle room for unexpected costs!

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Apr11

Spring Cleaning Check List

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Spring Cleaning Check List

Even though it’s still chilly out, it is most definitely spring time! While the rain and cold keeps you bundled up at home waiting for sunshine and flowers, it will give you ample time to complete your spring cleaning. Is it the most fun thing to do? Not really! But, there is nothing more refreshing than a newly cleaned house to relax in. Don’t forget these tasks as you make your house sparkle:

Do A Walk Through:

Before starting a deep clean, it’s best to perform a walk through of the house to see what needs your attention the most. You will probably find that certain rooms need more care than others or see that appliances aren’t functioning properly when you take a closer look. You might be DIYing your spring cleaning, but fast appliance repair technicians Miami will be necessary to get everything working as it should.

Your walk through is a good time to do any decluttering, clear items off of the floor, and make space on your shelves to dust. Prior to starting any cleaning, decluttering is key because why clean more stuff than you have to? Spring cleaning is all about making your home feel more spacious and open so clearing clutter is the ideal first step.

Start From The Bottom:

It is usually preferred to start cleaning from your floors and work your way up from there. A pass of your vacuum on your carpets and rugs will work just fine. But, if you have tiles, laminate, or hardwood flooring, a Swiffer WetJet will be your new best friend. The WetJet will help pick up all of the crumbs, hair, etc. from your non-carpeted areas and, honestly, makes cleaning kind of fun! If you plan on working in sessions instead of doing one massive cleaning day, it will be the perfect time for a break once your floors are nice and clean.

PS: If you have higher areas in your home to dust (IE: windows, chandeliers and other light fixtures), do that before cleaning the floors so you can sweep up any dust that has fallen afterwards.

Work Your Way Up:

The next step in spring cleaning includes everything that isn’t the floor! This includes cleaning your appliances, dusting shelves and tables, the dreaded cleaning of the bathroom, tidying up your yard, and even your car. If you have decluttered beforehand, your chores will be much easier and, as mentioned before, take some breaks. Spring cleaning doesn’t have to be done in one day and you’ll get better results if you’re focusing your attention on one area at a time.

Before venturing off to other sections in your home, make sure you have all of your cleaning products ready to go. Different appliances, furniture, and surfaces all require different products so make a list and grab what you need at the store beforehand.

Delegate, Delegate, Delegate:

If you have a partner, children, or friends to help the cleaning process, then delegate different chores as needed. You will be amazed at how quickly you get done once everyone has a task of their own to complete. If you are living alone, a cleaning check list will work wonders to keep you on track. Break the cleaning up into smaller pieces by writing down which room or chore you want to tackle each day. You will be glad you did and it will feel so good to cross each task off of your list!

Fresh and light is the name of the game when it comes to spring cleaning. Lift your curtains and blinds and let that glorious sunlight bounce all around your freshly cleaned space!

Jan13

4 Tips For Creating An Eco-Friendly Household   

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4 Tips For Creating An Eco-Friendly Household   

With increasing concerns about the environment, many are finding ways to take action so they can help save mother Earth. This includes looking into ways to be more aware of how they can help, what companies are doing, how to buy, how to better recycle, and being energy-efficient at home. The smallest of changes can make a massive difference if it’s all combined!

Not only are these changes great for the environment, but it’s also good for your wallet too. There is this idea that you need to be rich in order to be sustainable but that’s far from the case. Living a sustainable lifestyle can not only be incredibly cheap, but it can save you a lot of money each year. These are some ways that you can create a more eco-friendly space right at home:

Check to see if there are any cracks that need to be sealed:

You want to make sure that your home is well insulated, especially during the colder months. Right before fall or winter hits, you’ll want to do a thorough inspection at home to see if there are any cracks that need to be sealed up in your doorways, window seals, vents. It’s also best to take a look at your doors and windows to see how energy efficient they are. Something such as a bend window is known for being majorly energy-efficient and those can save you a lot of money each year in electricity. Sealing up your cracks and changing out the doors and windows are also great for boosting your property value as well.

Take a look at energy-efficient swaps at home:

There are plenty of appliances that can be swapped out for something more efficient. This can include checking out bathroom appliances such as low-flow toilets, showers, and sinks but it can go far beyond that as well. Did you know that your light bulbs could save you money? There are plenty of energy-efficient light bulbs on the market that can help you out. Even looking into Star Energy appliances for your kitchen or laundry room can make a massive impact.

Buy secondhand:

One way to avoid getting things thrown into a landfill would be to check the secondhand market first such as visiting flea markets, thrift shops, and going on websites such as Craigslist, eBay, or even Facebook Marketplace. If you’re unable to find a secondhand version of the product you’re looking for, then you can buy it brand new. We all know that the secondhand option will be much cheaper!

Start a garden:

Even modern apartments will have a space to do some gardening. Gardening is not only a way to save on groceries, but improving that green thumb of yours can help offset your carbon footprint. Having a garden is wonderful for bees and other pollinators such as butterflies too. There are so many perks to having a garden, that it can even boost the curb appeal of your property.

But what if you don’t have space for a garden? What if you don’t have a lawn? Even if you don’t have adequate spacing, you can make room for growing some produce or flowers. Many apartments will have balconies or a large table will do too. Your plants don’t necessarily need to be outside in order to thrive. If you have some space next to a window, that will be just as adequate.

Helping the environment and saving some money is the ultimate win/win and there is no better time than the present to get started!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Jan11

6 Features You Need In A Modern Apartment   

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6 Features You Need In A Modern Apartment   

If you’re looking for a new modern apartment, there are some features that you shouldn’t skimp out on to make your place the ultimate place to be. Modern means comfort as well as aesthetic so look out for the following during your apartment hunt:

Built-In Closets:

When you live in an apartment, built-in closets are important. Not only are they space-saving, but they also help to declutter your home. What’s more, you don’t have to go to the expense of buying your own shelving and chests of drawers – it’s all done for you. The best built-in closets have sliding doors for extra space-saving and mirrored surfaces for extra primping.

Ice Maker Refrigerator:

Most apartments come with kitchen appliances as standard. However, the vast majority of them do not have ice makers. While having an ice maker might not sound like an essential feature, you’d be surprised how often you need it. Whenever you entertain or make yourself a cold drink in the summer months, it comes in handy. Don’t overlook it.

A Balcony:

Most apartments near me, especially the new ones, have balconies. These days, they’re almost standard. The reason for this is simple: people want outdoor spaces where they can lounge in the summer and enjoy themselves. They don’t want to feel claustrophobic while looking at the fine weather through the window passing them by.

In some situations, you may also be able to make do with a Juliet balcony. Just make sure that it is safe, particularly if you have kids.

A Walk-In Shower:

When it comes to shower facilities, modern apartments can be quite appealing. That’s because many of them are now offering buyers walk-in showers. These get rid of the shower cubicles of old and replace them with a more natural, functional design. They’re particularly helpful for anyone living with a disability. The way they work is pretty simple too. Instead of using a cubicle to create a drain for the water, walk-in showers use the entire floor of the room. The whole thing is graded downwards towards a central drain that scoots all of the wastewater off into the plumbing. Most come with non-slip flooring too, helping you to keep your balance.

If you are updating your apartments for rent, replacing a bath with a shower is a great place to start. It will instantly modernize the bathroom, offer some additional space, and fits in better with the on the go lifestyle of your tenants.

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Programmable Lighting:

If you’re buying a modern apartment, it will almost certainly come with programmable lighting. This feature allows you to change the color and intensity of the light with the press of a button. Programmable lighting can also be a lot of fun. You can create sequences that dance through different types of light or react to the music you’re playing.

Hard Floors:

While carpeted apartments can be nice, you’re often better off with hard floors. They’re easier to clean and far less prone to damage which could affect your deposit. Of course, if you want it to feel soft under foot, you can always put down rugs. Just remember to attach sticky tacks to the back so that they don’t slip and slide across the floor.

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A modern apartment should include all of the extra touches that make your living experience more enjoyable. Don’t be afraid to shop around until you find the place perfect for you!

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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!

Dec21

Updating Your Kitchen For A Fresh Look

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Updating Your Kitchen For A Fresh Look

There’s nothing quite as satisfying as a freshly renovated kitchen, is there? So if you’re looking to give your kitchen an updated feel without the hassle of a full renovation, then this blog post is for you. We’ll be talking about how to make those changes that will have the biggest impact on your home and help you get started with a budget-friendly remodel:

New kitchen countertop:

The first thing you should consider when renovating your kitchen is a new countertop. While it may seem like a small detail, there’s no denying that this subtle change can go a long way in enhancing both the aesthetics and functionality of your home. New granite or quartz counters will give off an elegant appearance while creating a smooth surface for cooking tasks such as chopping vegetables or preparing snacks.

Lighter colors make rooms appear more spacious so try experimenting with different shades to see what works best with your existing decor scheme. If choosing darker tones, then keep accessories on top limited to stainless steel appliances and white dinnerware sets for clean contrast against the dark finish.

Throw away old cookware and cutlery:

One of the most common mistakes homeowners make during a kitchen update is adding in new appliances and furnishings while forgetting about their old cookware. If your pots, pans, and other utensils are on their last legs, then now’s the time to upgrade them for something more functional.

Throw away any broken or scratched items and get rid of those you never use anymore (do they really belong in a box at the back of your cupboard?). Don’t let yourself be tempted by cheap promotional deals; instead, invest in some long lasting, high quality cooking essentials such as stainless steel frying pans, cast iron skillets, copper saucepans, and ceramic knives. These will not only help with food preparation but will look great on your new kitchen countertop.

New kitchen wall tiles:

One of the easiest and most affordable ways to give your kitchen an updated feel is by installing new wall tiles. Whether you choose a traditional or contemporary design, adding some new tiles will completely transform the look of your cooking area. If you’re looking for something that’s both stylish and practical, then consider using tile panels instead of standard square tiles. These panels are easy to install and come in a variety of colors and textures, so you can find the perfect style to match your existing decor. Plus, they’re less likely to crack or chip over time, making them a more durable option than traditional ceramic tiles.

Replace old appliances:

If you’re serious about giving your kitchen an updated feel, then it’s time to say goodbye to those old, dated appliances. While they may have served you well in the past, they’re no match for today’s high-tech models. Replacing your oven, fridge, and other appliances can be a costly task, but it’s one that will pay off in the long run.

Not only do new appliances look great, but they also come with a range of features that make cooking and food storage easier than ever before. Alternatively, you could consider utilizing the help of vierascheibner appliance repair to make your old appliances work like new again! So, if you’re thinking of doing some major renovations in the near future, then don’t forget to factor in replacement appliances as part of your budget.

With these simple tips under your belt, you’ll be able to give your kitchen an updated feel in no time at all!

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