Tag Archives: do it yourself

Aug18

Disability-Friendly DIY: Making Playtime Accessible (And Fun!)

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Disability-Friendly DIY: Making Playtime Accessible (And Fun!)

Play is the way children develop skills, discover their world, and relate to other children. For families with children of varying abilities, it does take a bit of effort to come up with activities where all of them will be able to play together, but it is also very rewarding. Better still, you don’t have to spend very much money or have an extensive workshop setting in order to achieve it. Let’s look at a few different ways to explore how:

Start with What They Love:

Every child has something that will get them excited, a favorite activity type, texture, or color. Start with that. If your little one loves music, think of ways to integrate movement and sound into games. Drumming on turned-over pots, shaking handmade chimes, or beating along with one hand on something will entertain children of all abilities.

Keep It Flexible:

Inclusive play also means adapting play so that all children can participate at their own pace. Envision a game of catch with an enlarged ball that is easy on the grip and rolls more gradually. Or create a sensory bin with things of different textures, such as smooth rocks, soft cloths, and crinkled paper, so children can choose and select whatever entertains them. The more adaptable the arrangement, the more likely it is that each child will create his or her own manner of participating.

Take Into Consideration Space and Accessibility:

At other moments, it is not the activity that creates the barrier but the configuration of the room itself. Bypassing floor obstacles, the use of low tables, and gaps between the path and other zones all help greatly. If it is an outside game being organized, ensure that the ground is firm and easily negotiable for all users. Simple adaptations of this sort will allow full participation in the game to children with mobility devices or those requiring more space within which to move.

Involve the Whole Household:

When everyone joins in, play feels more inclusive. Siblings, cousins, or friends can be given simple roles like keeping score, helping to pass materials, or partnering up for team activities. This not only supports the child with additional needs but also builds empathy and understanding among all the kids involved.

Bring in Useful Inspiration:

Innovation is not always required. Sometimes the best of practical tips come from those already on the other side of the journey. Consultation with therapists, teachers, or other parents in support groups within the community will give you new activity ideas that work. At an even broader scale, information offered through a life care planning company might give you ideas on how you might incorporate environments and routines that specifically complement all of the family members’ abilities and needs.

Make It About Joy, Not Perfection:

The objective isn’t that all children finish the activity identically. It’s laughter, curiosity, and bonding in common moments. If the tower of blocks topples over, that’s all in good fun. If a child paints the grass rather than the paper, a new medium of art has been made!

Once you’ve discovered some things that all of you love to do, incorporate them into your regular lineup. You’ll notice over time which subtle changes make them more fun. Soon you’ll have a collection of games, crafts, and sensory activities that unite the entire family and you’ll see that with a little imagination, play really is for all!

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Feb27

DIY Home Office Makeover On A Budget

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DIY Home Office Makeover On A Budget

Who says your home office has to cost an arm and a leg to look stylish and work-friendly? Your office space can be lovely and easy on your wallet. No makeovers, no logos, just a bit of creativity, a little budget advice, and some patience. Here are some tips on how to give your office a new face for a fraction of the cost:

Start With What You Have:

Stop for a moment and take a good look around your house. What is it that you currently have that can be used to make your office work? Oftentimes, your best furniture is in your own possession. Paint it a new shade, change its hardware, and make sure your old furniture is new all over. Organize that bookshelf, move a lamp, and see a difference. It’s unbelievable how a fresh perspective can change a room.

Develop A Realistic Budget. Stick To It:

Budgeting isn’t exactly fun. Yet, it’s necessary. You don’t need a ginormous budget in order to have a stylish home office, but you must have a plan. Maybe you’ll budget a little extra for a snuggle-up chair just for the sake of your back’s comfort, and that will be worth it. Or maybe you’ll budget for some awesome lighting since doing your job in the dark is a total downer. Before buying, write down what you need, what you want, and what is optional. This keeps your mind in focus when temptation strikes.

Thrift and Secondhand Stores are Treasures:

The real magic is in thrift stores, garage sales, and online marketplaces. Don’t overlook non-traditional options. For example, a sewing cabinet can be a creative office fixture and double up for your hobbies, adding a splash of personality and functionality. Such an item typically contains inbuilt compartments, perfect for keeping office supplies organized without extra mess.

Adding Personality With DIY Decor:

Personalize your workspace. Add framed prints, a corkboard, or a gallery wall. Consider adding plants for some greenery. Plants can give a room new life, too. Low maintenance options such as pothos, succulents, or snake plants can provide a pop of color for minimal price. Fresh flowers can majorly brighten your day or you could hang a bird feeder outside the office window to appreciate nature’s beauty.

Lighting Makes a World of Difference:

If your screen is giving you a headache, it’s time for a change. Natural light is ideal, so position your desk in a window, if possible. Utilizing natural light can be a game changer in your home office and is a good thing to focus your budget on. Take the time to find a Glass Company in your local area for repairs or installation and let the light shine in. No harsh overhead lights or lamps required! If you don’t have a window, that’s okay because the ideal stylish lamp can make a big difference. Scour thrift stores for vintage lamps in hip designs, or replace your current fixture with a dimmable bulb for malleable moods.

Cushioning is Important:

The throne of your office. Comfort is not an optional commodity here. Ergonomic chairs, though, can be pricey. So, in this case, how do you find a balance between cost and comfort? Try secondhand first. You’d be amazed at all of the great chairs that go on sale on online marketplaces. If you end up being stuck in a not-great chair, however, a seat pillow or lumbar pillow is an excellent investment.

Make The Best of Wall Space:

Walls in an office home are prime real estate. Make the most of them. Floating bookshelves can hold books, plants, or prints. Wall grids can hold reminders, a calendar, or motivational sayings. If you want to be bold, paint a solitary wall a fun color. Accent walls give a room excitement without overwhelming it. Accent walls provide an affordable, potent means of adding personality.

Cables and Technology – Organized and Practical:

Nothing kills a mood faster than a snarled mess of cables. Organization of cables is not a sexy phrase, but it is a lifesaver. Velcro straps, cable organizers, and stick-on clips keep everything organized and in place. Place your router, your printer, and other electronics in inaccessible locations. Consider a cordless keyboard and a cordless mouse to maintain a clutter-free space. An organized workspace is a productive space.

Make Your Space Yours:

Your home office should be an expression of who you are. But there is a fine line between personal and distracting. Be intentional. Add a few personal, thoughtful touches – a treasured family portrait, a book, a piece of art. Make your working space a source of inspiration rather than stress. Simple touches make it personal, though functionality is paramount.

Additional Ways of Uplifting Your Space:

A wonderful, cost-effective solution is multi-purpose furniture. One can have an ottoman as a secondary place for visitors to sit, in addition to a location for supplies. Likewise, a folding desk extension can be inserted when there is a need for more room, perfect for busy days when multitasking is a must. Such convenient extras make your office flexible and cost-friendly.

Your home office can be a place that makes work a little easier, a little cozier, and more productive. With some creativity, time, and smart budgeting, you can create a space for work that you’ll enjoy – without it costing a fortune.

Featured Image By: Pexels

May7

Amazing Hacks For A More Convenient Home

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Amazing Hacks For A More Convenient Home

Home life can be chaotic and expensive. It seems like every season brings with it a new set of challenges, tools, and products. If you want to cut down on your expenses and make home life simpler, try some of these amazing hacks. Who knew something like PVC pipes could do all of this:

Curling Iron Holsters:

A curling iron or styling wand is what you need to make the bouncy curls and stylish waves that sets you apart from the crowd. Curling irons and styling wands come in different shapes and sizes, but they have some things in common; they all become hot and need to be stored safely. When you are using your curling iron in the bathroom, it can be inconvenient and dangerous to leave it sitting on the porcelain counter; it’s better if you can store it in a handy PVC holster. These are simple to make, just cut lengths of PVC pipe and attach them to the inside of the door!

Trendy Overhead Storage:

PVC piping might be expressly designed for plumbing and drainage, but it can be repurposed to make your home life more convenient. If you have a basement, garage, or attachment, you probably have some extra space overhead, so why not make it work for you with PVC storage? Source some PVC piping from your local hardware store and attach it to the wooden beams overhead. Create U-shaped sections to place copper piping on for cross beams. Once the copper beams are in place, you can use the space above for storing lightweight garden tools.

Gutter Cleaning Hack:

Home gutters need to be cleaned regularly, especially in the fall when leaves gather as it increases the risks of flooding and water damage. Water damage in the home is not only difficult to repair, but it is also a health risk for a family due to mold growth. Here is an easy gutter-cleaning hack. Again, PVC piping is your friend, so make sure you buy plenty of it at the hardware store. PVC piping is durable and hollow; it is also versatile, with plenty of attachments. Place an elbow joint on one end with a rinsing cap and attach a hose to the other end to clean gutters with ease.

Bike Storage:

Do you walk into your garage and bemoan the sight of the family bikes stacked precariously in the corner? What you need is a bike rack, but they can be expensive to buy and install. If you have some DIY skills, you can use this PVC piping hack to create your own at a far lower cost. PVC piping is an easy material to work with; you can put it together like Lego, so even low-skilled DIYers can create helpful home hacks with ease. What you need is a row of rectangles with gaps at either end and a stand at the back as per these helpful instructions.

Carpet Cleaning:

In recent years there has been a trend towards wooden floors in the home, but many homes still choose carpet and for good reasons. In colder climates, carpets retain more heat and create a warmer atmosphere in the room. But they need to be cleaned regularly to protect family health. Dust mites, allergens, and bacteria build up in the carpet and can cause health conditions like asthma for family members. There are a ton of carpet cleaning hacks that you can use, such as lint rollers, squeegees for pet hair, and stain removal using an iron or a professional service.

If you don’t have the time or desire to do the carpet cleaning yourself, the best hack of all is going with the pros! Your carpets will never look better. To find an expert near you, simply enter a search for “minnesota carpet cleaning” or your local area.

Fiber Specialties

Lighted Screwdriver:

Whether you are working in the garage, the basement, or the attic, you could benefit from a lighted screwdriver. A lighted screwdriver is a conventional screwdriver with an LED light on the end that illuminates the space you are working on. Lighted screwdrivers can also be created. Buying one of these devices in the store or online is likely to cost significantly more than one might expect, especially if it’s a brand-name device. A better option is to go to the counter and pick up a small LED keychain for a fraction of the price, then simply tape it onto your screwdriver end.

Draft Excluders:

Draft excluders come in different varieties and depend on the type of gaps you have in your home. Some homes have ceiling registers that can be fixed with a plant pot base glued over the gap in winter. Gaps in the bottom of the door can be sealed with a strip of materials or a soft toy.

Screen Cleaning:

Computer, laptop, smartphone, and TV screens all collect dust and need to be cleaned regularly. If you don’t have any screen cleaning products around, you can use household items like window cleaner, kitchen cleaner, rubbing alcohol, or wipe with vinegar for a sparkling surface.

All of these hacks are easy to complete and will make your life easier too! Happy DIYing!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Jan2

8 DIY Projects That Should Always Be Left To The Pros

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8 DIY Projects That Should Always Be Left To The Pros

DIY projects can be a great way to save money and get hands-on with home renovations. However, some DIY projects should only be attempted by the average homeowner with professional help. The projects below take a lot of skill and knowledge to be completed safely so leave these to the professionals in your area:

Electrical Wiring:

Amateur electrical work is not only dangerous, but it can also lead to costly mistakes down the line if done incorrectly. It is important to leave any wiring issues in your home to an electrician certified by your local government or corresponding trade association who knows exactly how to address your issue correctly and safely.

Plumbing Work:

Home plumbing repairs can quickly become complicated and expensive when done wrong, so it’s best not to meddle with them yourself. Instead, to avoid costly mistakes, always hire a certified plumber to handle any plumbing services in your home.

Foundation Repairs:

While minor foundation issues can be fixed on a DIY basis using kits available at most hardware stores, more serious damage should never be attempted without qualified help. Always contact a professional contractor specializing in foundation repair if you suspect your home suffers from significant structural damage. And, please do so ASAP! This is so important for the safety of yourself and family so it is not the time to over estimate your DIY skills. If this is a service you are in need of, simply enter a search for “concrete contractor in Fort Worth, TX” (or your local area) to find the right professional for the job.

Roofing Work:

The simple fact is that Roofing work is dangerous. Leaving it to the pros will ensure the safety of anyone attempting to do repairs or maintenance on their roof. Professionals are also better equipped to assess potential problems and provide lasting solutions. To find a reliable roofing expert near you, you can make a search for “roof replacement old saybrook” or your local area. Be sure to read reviews and ask around for recommendations too.

Installing Floors:

Installing floors can be a difficult and tedious task, requiring special tools and skills to do it properly. Can you imagine almost finishing a hardwood project to realize you didn’t line things up as well as you thought? Yikes!

Installing Siding or Windows:

Installing siding or windows is a precise and intricate process. Attempting to take on this task yourself will almost certainly result in costly mistakes that could cause major damage to your home. Always leave this job to professionals who have the necessary tools and know-how to get the job done right and safely.

Installing Insulation:

Improperly installed insulation can lead to energy loss and higher utility bills, not to mention a risk of fire. Hire an experienced contractor specializing in installing insulation to ensure your home is properly insulated and safe from potential hazards.

Gas Line Repairs:

Gas lines should never be worked on by a DIYer. Even the slightest mistake could cause a catastrophic accident that would be far more expensive than just hiring an expert in the first place. Leave gas line repairs to certified professionals who know exactly how to safely and correctly handle any problems with your gas line.

For any DIY project you’re considering, make sure you weigh the risks of attempting it yourself versus hiring a professional. Professional contractors have the training and expertise needed to handle complex home improvement tasks correctly and safely, so the extra cost will be well worth the peace of mind.

Featured Image By: Annie Gray on Unsplash

Oct8

Top Tips For Renovating Your House On a Budget

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Top Tips For Renovating Your House On a Budget

Research reveals that home remodeling searches have more than doubled, especially between 2020 and 2021. Renovating your home can be exciting, but it also requires a lot of planning to make it successful. One major challenge during house renovations is how to make changes while staying within budget. Let’s explore some ideas of how to achieve your renovation goals while being budget friendly:

Have a plan:

One of the most crucial things you’ll need to do to keep renovation costs low is to have a well thought out strategy and follow it as closely as possible. It’s best to draw up a budget before you start renovating to give you an idea of the items you need to prioritize. Doing this will also guide you in comparing prices before you buy any materials for the renovations so you can identify the ones that work best for you. If your budget is stretched thin, you can choose to do the renovations gradually instead of doing everything at once.

Planning will also help you set realistic timelines to achieve your renovation plans. It will also help you prepare for unforeseen circumstances that may delay your project, such as unavailability of materials, longer time to finish a particular aspect of the renovations, and so on.

Research:

Researching is necessary for the renovation of your home. It will inform your decision on the items you need for your project. Conducting thorough research will also help you know if you’ll need to bring any professionals on board to assist you and identify the best options available. If you’re in or around the Putnam County area and need to replace some doors and windows in your home, you can start preparing for it by researching here.

Get creative with your exterior:

You can think about adding a few touches to your exterior to make it more inviting without breaking the bank. You can do this by repainting your door or replacing the doorknobs and hinges. You may also consider exploring colors that complement your home’s interior for maximum effect. Small changes can make a world of difference!

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 ^^^ Pexels Image

Explore DIY tricks:

Home renovations can provide the perfect opportunity to test your DIY skills. To save money, you can consider performing less demanding tasks yourself, like painting the walls. Apart from that, doing the work yourself gives you the chance to be hands on in making your renovation dream a reality, leading to a sense of fulfillment. So, why not challenge yourself and identify which aspects of the renovation you can do? Remember to be safety conscious by wearing the right safety gear and reading instructions to prevent injuries.

The above tips will make your renovations as rewarding as possible without taking a huge toll on your finances. Enjoy your dream home!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Jul27

Simple Ways To Make Your Outdoor Space Better

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Simple Ways To Make Your Outdoor Space Better

Getting and taking care of your dream backyard is a lot of work. If your space looks a little unloved, try making some of these easy to do improvements. You’ll be able to enjoy your outdoor space in no time:

Have A Deck Or Patio:

When designing a backyard, you may be struggling to come up with ideas, but the best ones feature “areas.” Begin by creating an area where you can sit back and take in the scenery. In the summer, Custom Built Decks or patio spaces are a wonderful location to relax and take advantage of the beautiful weather. Plus, during the summer months, you will be able to host gatherings and socials for friends and family and have somewhere that is separate from the rest of the garden for people to sit or stand on. It will also be such fun to design your perfect patio colorado springs co or wherever you may be! Additionally, if you ever decide to sell your house, the average return on investment for a deck addition is between 67 and 72 percent.

Enjoy Outdoor Living:

Now that you have a patio or deck area, you need to fill it with things to use. Depending on the patio furniture you choose, you can have a lovely dinner under the sky with a bench and table set or pop open a beer and relax in a lounger. If you want a “living room” outside, for example, choose a sofa, chairs, and a coffee table. Or you could have a kitchen outside. There are a lot of choices, so it’s a good idea to browse an outdoor living store for inspiration.

Lay A Stone Pathway:

A stone path from your patio or deck to your new dining area gives your landscape some charm and texture. There are a lot of different designs, from brick and gravel to natural stone and mosaic stones. This is one of the more challenging backyard upgrades that add value, so choose the type that fits your style and level of DIY home improvement skill the best.

Not too keen on a pathway? That’s okay! You can focus on your patio or deck area to work on improving. It’s a wonder what a fresh coat of paint on weather worn boards can do! If your seating area still leaves a lot to be desired, consider having a local professional or paver patios Roanoke take a look and start creating the ultimate outdoor hang out.

Add A Gateway:

By putting arbors at the entrance to your backyard, you can make it feel like a summer oasis for your guests. Think about putting your favorite flowers or creepers on the arbors to give them a personal touch. Add a few trellises if you want to make your yard more private. This is one of the best and cheapest ways to landscape your backyard.

Use The Shade:

Pergolas are great additions to a backyard because they make a unique space, gives you privacy, and keeps you cool in the summer, thanks to the shade they provide. Plus, they look elegant in a well kept garden with beautiful climbing plants and vines. If pergolas aren’t your thing, you could also consider patio awnings by Caribbean Blinds to add some shade to your outdoor seating areas. It will be so nice to sit comfortably on a lawn chair under an awning without the sun baking you!

Add Lighting:

Installing patio string lights is an excellent do-it-yourself project. It’s simple to install and a lot of fun to use in your garden. Pergolas, gates, and trees can all benefit from hanging lights over them to create a nighttime gathering spot that your guests will adore just as much as you do.

Buy A Fire Pit:

A fire pit might be the best thing to add. Not only will you be able to roast marshmallows during the long summer evenings, but when the hot weather begins to fade, the warmth of the fire will take you into fall. Also, this is one of the easiest things you can do to improve the value of your home in your backyard.

Turn your backyard into the place to be with these ideas. Yourself and your guests will be sad to go indoors!

Featured Image By: Tom Swinnen

Apr11

Home Improvement Ideas To Try Next

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Home Improvement Ideas To Try Next

The use of social media DIY accounts is addictive, and many of us have wished to begin DIY home improvement tasks. Some DIY projects are successful, while others are not. However, enhancing your home is something we should all focus on at some time in our lives because it is our foundation; elements like security and decor should be updated on a regular basis. Here are a few suggestions to add to your next project to do list to make your home look even better:

Wall Paneling:

Wall paneling is a cost-effective technique to add luxury to a room. This is something that you can accomplish yourself pretty easily, but it is also something that skilled decorators can achieve in no time. It’s a small thing, but it makes a great difference. Providing paneling to your walls before painting them offers an air of sophistication to the space while also adding a lot of character. It’s not expensive because it’s only a few pieces of wood that you adhere to the wall and then paint over. It gives the room personality and serves as a wonderful conversation starter when visitors arrive.

New Windows:

New windows can provide your home with an instant face lift and is an excellent way to boost your curb appeal. Turn outdated, weather worn windows into something special by experimenting with funky shapes or even trying a stained glass fixture. For a more posh, exclusive aesthetic you might want to consider a double glazing installation. This can also help increase your privacy, which is especially appealing if your home has a lot of windows. Not only is double glazing a good investment for looks and privacy but it also has practical purposes too. If you live in an especially busy area, double glazed windows can help with noise reduction. You will be so happy with this upgrade when the sounds from the city aren’t keeping you up at night.

Roof Renovations:

The most crucial element of your home is the roof, yet many homeowners are unsure how to pay for it. Fortunately, there are credit options available for many types of roofs and budgets. Roof financing is a great way to make sure your roof is doing what it needs to if you are on a budget. It’s critical that it looks amazing while still performing its functions, like insulating the home to keep heat from escaping during the colder months.

Having a beautiful roof not only looks fantastic, but also prevents problems that might occur from not having a decent roof in place. If you don’t have a proper roof, it might lead to leaks and mold growth, which can be hazardous to human health. To find an expert to help with your roof renovations, type in a search for “roofing contractor in San Marcos, TX” (or your local area) and choose a highly recommended pro.

A Surprise Room:

Let’s face it, we’re all a little envious when a secret room comes out of nowhere in a movie. It’s not difficult to incorporate into your home if you have a good handyman or professional on hand. Make a secret hideaway room or a Narnia style playroom for your kids if you have a spare room that isn’t used often or is only being used for storage. One of the simplest ways to accomplish this is to replace the door with a disguised hinged bookcase. As a result, it will open like a door, but when shut, it will resemble a bookshelf, and no one will have a clue. How cool is that?!

Whenever you’re planning your next home renovation projects, consider these ideas to make your house the ultimate place to be!

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Jan3

6 DIY Gift Ideas Your Mom Will Love

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6 DIY Gift Ideas Your Mom Will Love

When it comes to our moms, sometimes the DIY route is the best way to go for gift giving occassions. It’s unique, personalized, and allows your gift to stand out from the rest. There’s nothing like a homemade present to show how much you care. From making her favorite dessert (or breakfast) to painting an old frame with some new family photos, these DIY gift ideas will have any mother feeling loved:

Make a personalized gift with her favorite things:

The best gift you can give your mom is a personalized present tailored just for her. Make sure to include all of her favorite things. This could be anything from accessories, food, or clothes and it will make the perfect way of showing how much she means to you.

Cozy Accessories:

DIY clothing is an excellent gift this winter season. Whether it’s something as simple as a blanket scarf or going all out with some matching gloves for extra warmth, she will appreciate the effort that went into making these handcrafted gifts. You can also gift her with patterned wrap dresses since they’re practical and stylish enough that she can wear them for casual events or vacation trips.

DIY a flower arrangement:

Motherhood has always been synonymous with springtime and flowers as they both represent life and fertility. Flowers also represent beauty and grace, things we associate with our own mothers. Here are some simple tips on how you can easily arrange flowers for your mom:

The flowers should be fresh and fragrant with colors that represent your mom and coordinate well with her house. Choose what type of container size works best: vases, bowls, or pots and fill them accordingly so they don’t overflow when watering them. Use either potting soil/manure mix which is rich in nutrients because these types can hold more moisture than just sand. And, don’t forget to pair them with her favorite chocolates!

Create a photo collage:

Moms have a special place in their hearts for memories they’ve made with the family over the years. Creating a photo collage is an excellent way to make sure that she knows how much she means to you. She will surely love this gift. Buy a photo album or make one yourself and choose photos that would make her recall all of the happy times you’ve spent together.

Make a scrapbook:

Scrapbooking is a great hobby and makes a thoughtful gift, too. Write down some of your favorite memories together and create something that will last forever, turning it into a keepsake for both you and even for future generations of your family.

Homemade cookies, brownies, or other sweets:

If you’re looking for the perfect gift, look no further than these delicious treats. Cookies and other sweet treats are excellent gifts for your mom if she has a sweet tooth. For starters, try this vegan chocolate chip cookie recipe:

Servings: 10

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup white sugar
  • ¾ cups dark brown sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ cup coconut oil (refined, melted)
  • ¼ cup almond milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups flour
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • 4 oz vegan chocolate chunks or chips
  • 4 oz vegan dark chocolate

Instructions:

  1. Whisk together the sugars, salt, and coconut oil in a large bowl
  2. Pour in the non-dairy milk and vanilla, and whisk until the batter is smooth and all sugar has dissolved
  3. Sift in the baking soda and the flour
  4. Mix with a spatula
  5. Pour in the chocolate chunks
  6. Put the dough in the freezer for at least 30 minutes
  7. Preheat oven to 180C or 350F
  8. Scoop the dough into cookie bits using a spoon or ice cream scoop and put it onto a baking sheet until golden brown.

There are so many ways to DIY a present for mom that she’ll love, but the best ones will be personal and from the heart like the ideas above!

Oct5

3 Ways To Find Your Forever Home

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3 Ways To Find Your Forever Home

Most people hope to settle down in their forever home one day but finding or creating your dream home isn’t as simple as we’d like it to be. However, it’s not impossible. Whether you’re looking for a place to raise a family, to work hard, or simply relax away from the hustle and bustle of life, you can create a haven with a few different methods:

Improve What You Have:

The simplest way to find a forever home is to use what you already have. If you own a house and you’re happy with your current location, you may be able to transform it into your dream home. A property is an investment, so it can take time and money to renovate your house. If you need space, then consider adding an extension or converting the attic or basement for an extra room or two. A finished attic or basement is an instant property value boost and can provide you with space for an entertainment room, office, or man cave. To get this process started, simply enter a search for “Basement Contractor Near Me“. You will be amazed at how your home can transform when you are using all of the space you have to its full advantage.

If you’re lucky enough to have a lot of outside space or if you have some undeveloped land nearby, then you can spruce it up and add it to your property. If you are thinking of doing an extension, simply enter a search for “general contractor sacramento” (or your local area) to find a professional near you. Be sure to read reviews and ask for offers like free quotes!

Shop Around:

Many people don’t own a home or, if they do, it isn’t where they’d like to live in the long term. If this is the case, then it’s never too early to start looking. Research the areas that you’d like to move to and find out about nearby work and amenities. Spend some time there, but bear in mind that a place might feel very different when you’re on vacation. You can also find inspiration by looking at custom home builders floor plans to see what you like and what you don’t. Part of the shopping around process involves the process of elimination and looking at floor plans can help a lot with that!

Once you’re in a position to make the move, then you should find a reputable real estate agent to help you to find your dream home. By now, you should know what you want and need from the property. While you might see some stunning properties with plenty of potential, be ruled by your head rather than your heart. Something that needs a lot of work before it’s habitable can become a money pit. Also, be flexible and remember that the perfect property might not be available. If you need to, wait a little longer rather than getting tied to a poor investment and really think about where your money is going. You might find that working with a Custom Home Builder could be a more viable option than dedicating yourself to a fixer upper. Or, after shopping around, you might find satisfaction in your current home and could consider renovations instead.

Do It Yourself:

Sometimes, the best way to find your dream home is to build it yourself. Or, more realistically, get someone to build it for you. A company that specializes in custom home building can help you to design and create your ideal house. Building your own home gives you a great opportunity to be a part of every aspect of the build, so you can better control the layout, materials, and fixtures. If you want something unique, then this may be a better choice than trying to turn an existing home into something completely different. If this is the route you are taking, be sure to enlist the help of excellent general contractors. This will ensure that all of the installations of your new home goes right the first time around.

Consider all of your must haves and would like to haves prior to house hunting to save yourself some time and good luck!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Sep21

DIY Projects For Your Home

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DIY Projects For Your Home

If you are handy, completing DIY projects in your home is a great way to get creative and save some money. This is especially nice as the holiday season is fast approaching and there are gifts that need purchasing! Today, we are going to discuss some DIY projects that range from a beginner skill set to advanced to spruce up your home and fatten your wallet. Let’s get to it:

Painting:

Of course, you can hire a professional house painter but you can also do it yourself! From painting your house to freshening up a couple of rooms, completing a painting project on your own can be lots of fun. You can get creative with the colors and patterns that you choose and you can even turn it into an event. Gather some friends and have a painting party. Music, pizza, and a movie night afterwards will turn a chore into an absolute blast.

Painting doesn’t just have to be limited to rooms and the exterior of your house. If your walls are looking bare, try your hand at painting your own unique artwork to hang up. You can watch tutorials on YouTube or attend a Paint Night with friends to help you get inspired.

Refurbishing:

Refurbishing old and used furniture is an awesome way to save money and even make money if you’d like to sell your completed pieces on the side. It is also eco-friendly as you can purchase used pieces from a secondhand store and give them a whole new life. From sanding and painting to upholstering and adding on to the existing piece, there are lots of possibilities based on your skill level. You will end up with a one of a kind table or chairs that no one else in the world will have.

Landscaping:

If you have a green thumb, landscaping projects could be the DIY for you. Hiring a landscaping company to do it for you is easy but doing it yourself will be so much more rewarding! You could build your own raised planters, make a fountain out of terracotta pots, or simply lay down that mulch that you have been meaning to do for forever. Spending time outdoors is so good for your mental health and is even better when you are with friends. Garden party, anyone?

While your DIY skills may not be HGTV worthy, it never hurts to try something new. Who knows, you might just end up finding your new favorite hobby!