Tag Archives: fyi

Feb11

5 Gadgets That Can Make Your Life Easier

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Hi everyone and happy weekend! This post is compliments of my friend, Amelia, from thetrustcompass. In a world full of gizmos and gadgets, this article is dedicated to helping you pick out the best new toys possible to make your day to day life a total breeze. Check out Amelia’s author bio and then read on for the latest in the technology that you need ASAP:

Hello, Amelia here from thetrustcompass.com! I am a technology expert and have experience writing for several websites. When it comes to anything technology related, Thetrustcompass is your one stop destination. It has useful posts on a wide range of topics and detailed reviews of products related to technology, outdoor games, and health to help buyers make informed choices and spend their money wisely.

5 Gadgets That Can Make Your Life Easier

Today, more than ever, we are highly dependent on tech gadgets to help us run our life, and luckily, more and more smart products are doing just that. They connect to our phone, so we can operate them remotely, which gives us more time to focus on chores that need winding, or grab a few more minutes of rest and recuperation.

But do all gadgets truly uncomplicate our lives? Yes, cutting-edge phones and 4K TVs are worth drooling over, but are very heavy on the wallet, too. A fitness tracker might help us live healthier, but being constantly nagged by a device isn’t very zen. A drone might aid in capturing some beautiful angles, but only if you’re adept at not crashing it. A smartphone might let you communicate with anyone in the world, but too much social media can be pervasive and pesky. State-of-the-art VR kits and the best 3D pens are taking innovation to a new level, but a good gadget should not only be solving the problem, but also making life easier.

The best tech devices are ones that make some part of our day easier, whether it’s getting ready for work, cooking a meal, sticking to our walks, or just catching the morning news. There are devices that make all of this possible with no more effort on our part than setting up an accompanying app. Below, we’ve rounded up a few gadgets that can add to our day, but don’t demand much in return and none of them will wind up being ‘another thing to worry about’.

1 – Amazon Echo Dot

The Amazon Echo Dot is a hands-free, Bluetooth speaker that can be operated with voice commands. The Dot can be synced with your wireless router and all of your smart devices including Nest and Samsung SmartThings, as well as other wirelessly controlled lights, fans, and sprinklers. You can tell the Dot to “play my music” to stream Prime Music, Spotify, or IHeartRadio through the device, your headphones, or Bluetooth speakers. The Dot will tell you how bad the traffic is, what weather can be expected, and list movie show timings. You can ask the Dot to tell you headlines from sources like NPR, CNN, Bloomberg, and Discovery News while you’re getting dressed, so that you know the latest buzz before you leave the door in the morning. These features help make everyday tasks a little easier. Tring! That’s your Dot reminding you to take that cake out of the oven- it works as an alarm clock, too.

2 – The Universal Switch

With dozens of tech gadgets buzzing in our instant environment, what if we had one super ‘switch of all switches’ that could turn on or off all electrical activity in a second, at our will, and without us getting off the couch?  Enter The Belkin WeMo Insight Switch! This Switch is a standard plug, but on steroids! It plugs into an existing AC outlet, connects to your WiFi network, and then lets you turn on or off whatever is plugged into the outlets, through its app- a lamp, fan, space heater, or what have you. If you suspect a device is using too much energy, you could have it automatically shut down once it hits a certain cost for the day. It even works with Amazon Echo, which is super convenient.

3 – Power Bank

Picture these scenarios: You’re hiking on top of a mountain, taking panoramic shots of the scenic sights, and as you reach the summit, your phone decides it’s time to play dead. Or you’re trying to drive with your phone’s GPS app, and your phone decides to leave you hanging. Chances are, you’ve probably been in a situation where your phone has died at the most inopportune time. That’s why, a portable battery charger, or Power Bank is something that you should definitely invest into. It gives you the freedom and power to power up to three dead devices while you’re out and about and not near a power source. These power banks are small and super-easy to carry. The next time your phone dies before you can call that cab home, you know what you have to do.

4 – Tile

If you’re forgetful or have too many gizmos to keep track of, the Tile Mate is made for you. This little gadget is designed to loop onto or attach to, well, just about anything else you own. Once attached, the tracker sends location data to an app on your phone. If you don’t know where you put your keys, you can send the Tile Mate command to ring. The diminutive Bluetooth tracker can talk with (and remotely ring) your phone from over 100 feet away, telling you exactly where you left your particular item. If you’re worried you might lose something valuable, throw a Tile on it.

5 – Google Chromecast

The Google Chromecast is one of the best ways to use your regular TV as a smart device. The small, circular device plugs into an HDMI port on your television. Once there and connected to your Wireless internet, it can stream a heady range of entertainment apps, such as Netflix, Go, Hulu, and HBO. Just plug it in, pair it with your phone, tap your app’s Cast button, and enjoy. The $35 price-sticker doesn’t hurt, either. If you’ve ever wanted to smarten up your speakers, the Chromecast Audio is just as simple to use. Chromecast comes with thousands of apps and more than 30 million songs and radio stations. Better yet, it includes a mirroring feature so you can beam what’s on your Android phone to the TV.

Get yourself equipped with these smart gadgets and make your life a walk in the park!

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^^^ Thank you again to Amelia for updating my readers on the latest and greatest technology that’s on the market! What is one gadget that you can’t live without? Do you think you could handle a day without your smartphone? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb8

Don’t Let Your Dream Home Become A Nightmare

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Did you fall in love with your new home the moment you pulled up in the driveway? If you’ve bought a new house, and you’re convinced that it’s perfect, the last thing you want is for a dream to become a nightmare. If you’re hoping to create a relaxing retreat where you can chill out and enjoy quality time together, here are some tips to help you steer clear of new home nightmares:

Address Problems As A Priority: If you’ve had a survey done, and it’s flagged up issues, it’s vital to get these problems seen to as a priority. The longer you leave them, the worse they’ll become, and the more you’ll need to spend. If you’ve got loose tiles on the roof, for example, call a few roofing firms, and get some quotes. If you have lots of jobs to do, make a list in order of importance, and tackle the most pressing issues first.

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Pixabay Image

Replace Outdated Systems, Units, and Appliances: When you move into a new home, it’s an ideal opportunity to embrace new technology and make your home more efficient and cost-effective. If you have dated heating systems, electrical appliances or air conditioning units, for example, now is the time to think about replacing them with newer versions. The upfront cost may be significant, but you can save a lot of money in the long-run. You’ll also have peace of mind that you’re not going to end up with a broken furnace in the middle of winter or no air conditioning in the height of the summer.

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Flickr Image

Get a Hold On The Figures: If you’re having work done to your home, make sure that you have a firm handle on the figures. You need to know exactly how much each job will cost so that you can draw up a budget. If you can’t afford to have everything done at once, you can carry out work in stages in order of importance. Now is a great time to get some quotes from different professionals in your area to see who might fit in your budget. Simply enter a search for “General contractor in Beverly Hills, CA” or your local area to see who could be a good fit for your project.

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Ballin on a budget

Protect Your Home: Your home is your most important financial asset, so it’s important to do everything that you can to protect it. Even if you plan to move in the next 5 years or so, taking steps to prevent damage will increase your chances of making money when it comes to selling. If you’ve moved to your forever home, protecting it from the outside will prolong its lifespan and save you money. There are various things that you can do to keep your home safe, including weatherproofing it and investing in security measures.

Take a look at www.MountainHomeBuildingProducts.com to find products to protect your home from the elements, and consider installing a home security system. If you live in an area exposed to hurricanes or heavy rainfall, it’s a good idea to take additional steps. You may want to fit shutters or strengthened glass, for example. For more tips, you may find http://www.cbsnews.com/media/10-ways-to-prepare-your-home-for-hurricane-season/ useful.

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 Yikes!!

Nobody wants to move into their dream home only for it to turn into a nightmare. If you’ve bought a house or you’re moved recently, hopefully, these tips and tricks will ensure that you’re blissfully happy in your home for years to come.

Feb7

Simple Ways to Make Your Home More Attractive to Buyers

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Simple Ways to Make Your Home More Attractive to Buyers

Selling your home is no mean feat. Even if your property is in the most respectable neighborhood and has been well looked after, there will be many buyers who are put off by the simplest of things, which is why if you want to sell your home quickly, and for the best price, you should take some time to make it appear as attractive as possible. Any real estate broker will tell you that, even if your home isn’t the best on the block, you can make it more appealing than the rest by doing some or all of the following:

Make a Good First Impression: Perhaps they shouldn’t, but first impressions count. If you want potential buyers to be drawn to your home, you need to make sure that they see it in a positive light right from the beginning, and this means taking good care of your lawns, trees, hedges, driveways, and the exterior of your home. Do not neglect the outdoors if you want to make that all-important sale!

Declutter: Most homes have a lot of stuff sitting around, some functional and some not. We use this clutter, and much of it has sentimental value to us, but that is not so for buyers. What buyers want is to walk into a spacious room, one that they can picture their own stuff in and one that lets them think about how the space can be best utilized to accommodate their family and lifestyle.

Little Touches: Although for the most part, you want to keep personal keepsakes to a minimum when your house is on the market, it is always a good idea to add little touches that will make the property feel homely without being overwhelming. Cut flowers, potted plants, expertly placed candles, and a fruit bowl can make all of the difference.

Decorate in Neutral Colors: If your rooms haven’t been decorated in a while, you might want to consider giving them a fresh lick of paint. This will brighten up your rooms and make them more appealing to buyers who don’t want the hassle of decorating when they move in. If you do decide to paint your property, try to stick with neutral colors because they are less likely to put anyone off, they make a room seem bigger, and they provide a blank canvas for the desires of potential buyers.

Spring Clean: No matter how amazing your home might be, potential buyers are unlikely to see it in its true light if it is messy or dirty, which means that you need to put some serious elbow grease into cleaning your home and making it sparkle.

DIY: Attending to any home repairs is something that you should always do when putting a home on the market. Many buyers are looking for a home that is as near perfect as possible. They don’t want to have to take care of all of those little jobs that you, as the previous owner, left unattended. By taking care of any little problems with your home via DIY or through a Handyman Service, you can present a more impressive property that the buyers will be clambering to buy.

It may seem like a lot of effort, but making your home more attractive will make it easier for you to sell and it could mean the difference between a sale at the optimum price and one significantly lower.

Featured Image By: Flickr

Feb7

Steps To Take For a Toxin-Free Home

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The environment that we live in can set the tone for us and how we deal with things. If we live in a cluttered and messy environment, then the chances are that we will lead cluttered lives. If you find that you are always frantically looking for things at home and are regularly late for appointments, it could be that you need to look at your home environment first. Making it more organized can lead to living a more organized life. The same goes for our health. Our home can set the tone for how healthy we will be. There are other factors, like food and exercise that will play a role. But there are many toxic things that we bring into our homes that can have a knock-on effect. It can be hard to be healthy when the place that you spend most of your time isn’t a healthy place to be.

So what can be done? It can be nearly impossible to be completely free of toxins but these tips will help make your home that much safer:

Rethink Your Flooring: You might be surprised to hear that some carpets are made from toxic chemicals. Some conventional carpets are made from synthetic fibers, that quite often can be petroleum based – think about what they might emit. The chemicals and fibers could be responsible for breathing problems like asthma, as well as be responsible for allergies. It is important to look into this if you have carpet, or are thinking about getting carpeted floors.

You can still get carpet, just make sure that you look for a certain type. The best are cotton or wool rugs as they are natural fibers and not synthetic. They should still be cleaned regularly, though, as they can house mites and dust that can aggravate allergies. Natural wood flooring could be a good idea, too, as it doesn’t need toxic glues to keep it all together.

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Rethink your flooring!

Ditch Your Scented Candles: As much as we love them, scented candles can do us more harm than good. A lot of brands are made using paraffin wax, which is a byproduct of oil refinement. Which does really make you think; do you want that in your home? All is not lost, though. Just look for options that are non-toxic. Candles made from beeswax or soy are much better, toxin-free options. However, if you just like your home to smell good, then you could think about diffusing your favorite essential oils in the home. They are so good for the air quality in your home, which in turn, can be fantastic for your health. Candles add the element of coziness, though, so you might like to use a combination of both in the home.

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Flickr Image

Replace Old Roofing: Back in the day, a lot of homes were built with things like asbestos tiles in the roof. But it was all done before it was shown that asbestos can be detrimental to your health. It is crazy to think now that they even considered it a viable material. A lot of homes have had the tiles removed, but not all. So if you think you may have some in the roofing of your home, then now is the time to get rid of it. You need to dispose of it safely, though. There are recommended guidelines as to how to get rid of it all. Then you know that the fibers won’t be inhaled or linger in your home. If so, it could lead to ill health, including a type of cancer like mesothelioma. If you have had asbestos in your home previously and think that you might have become sick as a result, then there are options for you. Speak to your doctor, of course, but it could also be worth speaking to a lawyer to see if you could get any compensation. If you are interested in this, then you could look at the following link to see how to go about it: www.RobinsCloud.com/mesothelioma-lawsuits/choosing-a-mesothelioma-lawyer/.

Throw Away Plastic Bottles: We get told so much that we need to drink more water but there are plastic water bottles that can be bad for you. They can contain toxins that can leak into the water that you then go on to drink. This can be especially true when bottles are left in hot environments. It makes the plastic become softer which in turn can mean more toxins escaping into the water. Even some BPA-free bottles still contain other chemicals, though that is a better option than any old water bottle. But, better still, is the option to use glass or metal bottles. They can be harder to find, but they are going to be much better for you in the long run.

Along the same lines as plastic bottles, it is time to stop eating out of plastic containers too. If you use leftovers, then consider swapping out your plastic containers to glass ones. How many of us heat up leftovers in the microwave, still in the plastic container? Like with the water bottles, heat, especially from a microwave, can make the plastic softer and weaker. I think we’ve all noticed how flimsy a microwave meal package becomes after it has been in the microwave. But those plastics and toxins can leak into our food. So if you truly want to improve your health and quality of life, then you should think about eliminating plastic containers from your home. If you get ready made meals, then take them out of the packet before heating up. Heat them in an oven rather than a microwave, too.

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Trash these ASAP!

Check Your Paints: If your home is painted, rather than wallpapered, then make sure that you look into what kind of paint you are using. The strong smell of paint can often indicate to us that it could be harmful, but we still all use it, right? I’m not saying don’t decorate your home, just that you need to be more wary about what paints you use. A lot of paints are described as containing VOC (volatile organic compounds). Doesn’t sound too drastic, does it? Wrong! It can wreak havoc on your breathing and aggravate asthma or respiratory issues. Make sure that you are looking for paints that are labelled as non-VOC. These are often water based paints, so they tend to need to be repainted after a little while. But it is a small price to pay for better health, isn’t it?

Cleaning Products: Cleaning products are intended to be strong to kill bacteria – we hear all about it in their advertisements. But as a result, they can be harmful to us. If you wipe your table using a chemical filled cloth and then eat something from the table, you are going to be ingesting all of those chemicals and toxins, so they need to be avoided as much as possible. You can still clean and get rid of bacteria in your home by using some simple and natural ingredients. You’ll be surprised at how well something like lemon, white vinegar, and baking soda can clean! Essential oils are great for cleaning, too. They can be used in a spray bottle with water and have even been shown to eliminate MRSA in hospitals. So you know you’ll still be making your home clean and safe, as well as healthier for all of you. This post has some information on the best oils to use if you’re not sure: www.helloglow.co/10-best-essential-oils-for-green-cleaning/.

Check Your Bedding: Have you ever thought about how much your bedding can affect your health? I’m thinking that is not very likely. First of all, when something is dyed unnaturally, it can have detrimental effects. The reason it can affect us so much is because it is so close to our skin and for such a long while. Anything that we put on our skin, including things like shampoo and makeup, has an effect on our body. Whatever we put on our skin goes into our skin cells and quite possibly, into our bloodstream. So if you are lying on sheets that have been bleached, that is touching your skin and could have a negative effect.

There is a whole range of things that can affect our health, from large home renovations to small cleaning projects. Have a think about your health and if any of these options would be a viable choice for you. When you make the effort, your body and overall health will thank you for it.

Feb3

Think Spring Guest Bloggers Series Lineup

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Think Spring Guest Bloggers Series Lineup

Hiii guys and TGIF!! As you all know, my Think Spring Guest Bloggers Series will be debuting on February 15th and I am SO excited. It does seem a bit far away, though, so I thought that I would share with you the lineup of writers that I have for a six day extravaganza to discuss all aspects on spring here on lifewithlilred from friends located all over the world. Please be sure to check out the pages of all of my wonderful guest bloggers and if you’re interested in throwing together a quick post for the series, I am more than happy to tack you on to the end of the lineup. Just shoot me an email at sarah.mush6794@gmail.com and we’ll figure something out!

Now, *drumroll please* my guest bloggers:

Yayayay!! I can’t wait to share all of the spring spirited posts provided from the aforementioned with everyone, which will hopefully shake away the blahs of winter with the promise of blooming flowers and warmer weather soon. Until then, what are you most looking forward to come spring? What is your favorite spring time memory? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb2

The Household Problems We Dread (& How To Deal With Them)

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For most of us, our homes are our sanctuaries, our little retreats from the rest of the world; they are the places that we feel the most comfortable and safe. There’s no doubt about it; we love our homes. That’s why, when something threatens them, we are prone to panicking. Of course, there are some household problems that we aren’t fazed by, little things that are easily fixable, such as peeling paint or a shower that has a drip. However, there are some problems that send us into a tailspin.

The important thing is that no matter what the problem, you stay calm, cool, and collected, and deal with it in the right way. To help you to do that, below are some of the household problems that we tend to dread, along with tips and advice for the best ways to deal with them:

Water Damage: Whether your home has flooded due to a burst pipe, an overflowing bath, or a natural flood, it can be incredibly upsetting. Water damage doesn’t just damage the flooring, walls, and furniture, depending on how severe it is it can also damage the electrics. The most important thing when a flood occurs is to work out what has caused it and then call in the appropriate help. If it’s an internal flood, call a plumber. However, if natural flooding has come into your home, call your local fire department – they should be able to come and pump the water out. Once you’ve dealt with the flooding itself, the next step is to call your insurance company to log your claim. This is important as you only have a certain time period to do this within, or else your company may not cover you.

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Yikes!

Pesky Pests: Another nightmare that most homeowners dread is the appearance of pests in their home. There’s nothing worse than sitting at the table eating your breakfast only to spot some sort of pest – be it a rat, insect, or another form of rodent, it’s important to look for local pest control companies immediately so that you can get the problem dealt with as soon as possible. You see, the longer you leave an infestation, the worse it will get. So, it’s best to act quickly, as that way it can hopefully be caught early and easily dealt with.

Damp: Damp is a surprisingly common problem, but it’s something that a lot of homeowners panic about. This tends to be because there’s a common misconception that damp can be expensive to treat. In some cases, it can be expensive. However, that depends on how bad the problem is and where in the property the damp is found. That being said, if you notice any damp in your property, it’s best to call in an expert as soon as possible, to ensure that the problem doesn’t get any worse.

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Double Yikes!

The issues mentioned above are some of the most common problems that homeowners dread. However, as long as you know how to deal with these sorts of issues, they don’t necessarily have to be a serious problem!

Jan28

Never Been On A Date

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Helloooo everyone and happy weekend! I hope all of you are having a wonderful day so far. So in case you guys weren’t aware, my Think Spring guest bloggers series is launching on February 15th. This series has been a fun one to work on and it has given me the opportunity to make some new blogging friends, like Lakshmi from The Rink. Lakshmi will be featured in my guest bloggers series but she was also kind enough to provide me with another terrific post for lifewithlilred. This article is titled “Never Been On A Date” and you saw it here first!

Never Been On A Date:

Terms, which you won’t believe, that exist!

I am L.R. and I come from India. For those who don’t know, there is this system in India known as the “arranged marriage system” – a guy and a girl who are ‘destined’ to be with each other (through the idea of horoscope matching) get married. They need not know each other or even have to love each other before getting married. Why, in the olden times, they wouldn’t even meet each other until the wedding ceremony. Just to clarify, this system doesn’t happen all over India but in the conservative families.

The rules have since relaxed a little. Nevertheless, it is still of importance to get the girl married before she turns a certain age, currently it is 24 (which is pretty late according to them!). I am in this inevitable system. There is this thing known as “trust” – something that I built with quite a strong foundation in my parents’ minds for not ‘loving’ or ‘dating’ any guy. This will keep me out of any relationships with a constant status of “Single but not available”. It doesn’t make a lot of sense to my friends of other lands but that is how it is!

I live in the Present too!

Being in such a connected world in the 21st Century, I have to say that 99% of the movies I see, books I read, and all of media revolve around “love”… not the daughter-parents love or platonic love but love – the feeling you have towards a special someone. While people on every other side of the Earth keep waiting to meet “the one”, I know that I’ll meet him through my parents. Nope, the guys on whom I have crushes on will never be my one. As of now, love is a forbidden emotion, almost like the Candy House in Hansel and Gretel! Yes, I know that I live in 2017!

I mean, forget love… lets talk about the dating game.

Have I ever dated? Nope! Because this will lead to love, of course. While some of my friends go on dates and love guys, I freak out about the fortress of trust. Once we break it, it will take long to re-build it. Do I want to go on a date? I am restricted from giving an absolute answer. I want to try it. Just imagine that you are forbidden from eating chocolate for your entire life and everywhere you see, there are movies and books about chocolate (analogy is, admittedly, not the greatest here). You would want to taste this restricted deliciousness… at least once, right?

Looking back at it now, it is funny that I have grown up with this ‘inserted’ thought that I’m not beautiful and I should be beautiful only for the guy I marry. To tell you the truth, I’m not a very pretty girl but a girl with some definite admirers. Yes, some of them have mustered up the courage to even approach me (dating game and love is still considered a mild taboo). I just rush away from the spot or speak to them meanly or even lie to them about already having a boyfriend. Haha! This is what I did! After all of this, my girlfriends and I sit and talk and laugh about these encounters! Although I kept brushing away dates, deep inside I knew that I wanted to try it once.

When I really wanted to try it and I asked some of my ‘experienced’ friends, they always tell me to never fall into this trap! Then, they would overflow with episodes from their bad dating life – the ones in which I would hate to be a part. Seeing them cry, I would feel that it is the right decision to stay far away from the dating world. But hey! I don’t know how it will be… These friends of mine recommend it one in four times… one in four times, they would actually be content in the game. This left me with the only thing that improved over the years – my imagination.

I imagine being on a date with the most awesome and handsome celebrities out there in the world. Even in my daydreams, the date doesn’t go well! I feel like everything is in the right place except my conscience. Haha! Growing up this way, I don’t think that I will ever sneak around to go on a date. I just cannot be a badass – it’s not me. And guess what? I like this style of living. I am familiar with it. I don’t have heart-breaks. I don’t need to search far and wide for my true love. I don’t need to date a couple of losers to find the one. I kind of get a fast-pass to the real deal in this game! Around 95% of the arranged marriages that happen through this system in India come with a guarantee that the couple will stay together as long as they live!

Welcome to my life!

❤ L.R.

Fashion blogger

THE RINK

^^^ Thank you so much again to Lakshmi for such an informative and delightful read! You can catch her again soon during my Think Spring guest bloggers series! What is the best or worst date that you have ever been on? How does Lakshmi’s lifestyle differ or relate to your own? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

PS: If you are interested in participating in my guest bloggers series, feel free to shoot me an email at sarah.mush6794@gmail.com! 🙂

Jan26

Why Has Your House Been Up For Sale For Months?

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Why Has Your House Been Up For Sale For Months?

It can be a nightmare when you want to move but you are receiving no offers on your property. It can certainly feel like you are never going to be able to move from your old stomping grounds. But you need to look more closely at why you are not receiving any offers. That way, you can make some changes so that you can find a buyer quickly! Here are some things that you can switch up when your house has been on the market for a long time:

You Are Pricing the House Too High: Of course, when it is time to sell, you want to get as much as possible for your home. That way, you can put a good amount towards your new property. However, if you overprice your house, you could end up with little interest. Potential buyers will just go and look at other properties which are selling for less. Take a look at homes which are selling in the area and see how much they are going for. You might find that they are all slightly less than what you have your home up for. Then, it might be the case that you need to drop your price by a couple of grand so that you get more viewings at your home. Just don’t go too low so that you are left out of pocket if the home sells!

You Are With the Wrong Realtor: It’s easy to end up making a mistake when it comes to your estate agent. You might be tempted by their good deals and ideas, but when it comes to actually selling your home, they might let you down. You should have a look at the photos and the content about your property. Is it really selling your home? If the photos are of poor quality, you might find that people won’t come for viewings. Ask the realtor to revise the images to ensure that you are getting the most possible views on your home.

And remember, if you are unhappy with your realtor, you could switch to someone else. Or you might even decide to go through a different option such as sell homes for cash. That way, you can quickly get a sale and then can finally move out to your new humble abode. This can be an especially appealing way to go for those who are crunched for time or who have been unsuccessful on the market. To begin exploring this option, simply enter a search for “sell my houston tx home for cash” (or your local area) and see what is best for your situation.

Your Home Isn’t In a Good Condition: When people struggle to sell their home, it’s often down to the property itself. If your home isn’t in the best condition, you are going to struggle to get offers. It could be due to big things like a poor kitchen or an old bathroom which is causing you to not get viewings. So you should consider updating these to ensure that you get a buyer quickly. Or it might be simple fixes like that wacky wallpaper in your bedroom which is stopping viewings! If you are not interested in doing a full fledged renovation for a home you want to move out of, it could be a good idea to explore other options like cincysellforcash.com or a similar company in your local area. This could be a viable solution should your home have a lot of major issues.

To sell the home quickly, try and make sure your home is as neutral as possible. This helps people to imagine their own stuff in the property and will make them more likely to make an offer! Of course, some repairs or renovations might be too costly or time consuming to fix all at once. If this is the case for you and you need to sell your home quickly, you might want to consider we buy houses woodstock or a similar investing company in your area. This can be a fantastic option if you are ready to wash your hands for good of your property.

And remember to work on the curb appeal so that you sell the property quickly. You can read my previous blog for help improving the exterior appeal!

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Jan25

Fail-Safe Methods To Give Back Pain The Brush-Off

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It is estimated that more than 30 million Americans suffer from back pain. If your bad back is making life a misery, it’s time to do something about it. These fail-safe methods will help you to give back pain the brush-off for good:

Sort Your Sleeping Arrangements: It’s important for everyone to feel comfortable when they sleep. However, if you suffer from back pain, it’s essential to get your sleeping arrangements right. When you sleep, your mattress and pillows should provide support for your spine. If you wake up in pain, your bed may be making the situation worse. If your mattress is worn or you’ve had the same pillows for years, your spine could suffer. Replacing old beds and pillows can make a massive difference to the quality of your sleep, as well as helping to reduce aches and pains. Visit some local stores and try out some different types of mattresses and pillows. If you do suffer from persistent pain, it may be best to go for something that offers additional support, such as a gel memory foam pillow.

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 Flickr Image

Sit Up Straight: Poor posture is the leading cause of back pain in the US. Millions of people have office jobs, which involves sitting at a computer for hours every day. If you’re not sitting in the right position, this can contribute to your back pain. When you’re typing, your spine should be straight, and your head up. Relax your shoulders and rest your wrists on your desk. You shouldn’t have to strain to reach the keyboard or crane your neck to see the screen. If you are doing this, adjust the height of your chair or the desk.

Seek Medical Advice: Many of us experience back pain on a temporary basis, usually when we’ve slept in a funny position or we’ve been sitting or standing for a long period of time. However, it’s not normal to endure persistent pain or to be struck down by the onset of severe pain. If you are suffering, seek medical advice. There may be treatments and therapies out there which can protect your back and ease your symptoms.

Perfect Your Technique: Exercise has a range of benefits for all ages. However, it can also carry risks, especially if you haven’t got the proper technique nailed down. If you lift weights, for example, using the wrong technique can increase strain on your muscles and cause pain. If you do play sports or you go to the gym on a regular basis, make sure that you’re utilizing the right methods to go about your work out. If you’re new to the gym, make sure you book an introduction or take some classes with a personal trainer. Take extra care when lifting. Know your limits and make sure that your spine is straight. If you start to develop pain, stop. If you choose to try and carry on or lift heavier weights, you could do serious damage.

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 Pump that iron!!

Back pain is one of the most common complaints in the US. If you’re one of the millions of people who suffer from a bad back, bear these tips in mind. Look after your back and don’t be afraid to see a doctor if your pain is getting worse.

Jan24

Slash The Cost Of Your Heating Bill This Winter

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Slash The Cost Of Your Heating Bill This Winter

Winter definitely has it’s plus points. Cozy evenings in, beautiful snow, and delicious hot drinks. But once Christmas is over, the novelty of winter begins to wear off, and by this point, most of us are getting fed up with it! One of the worst parts is the cost of heating our homes, and over the winter months fuel bills can really mount up. Thankfully there are ways to make it a little less expensive. Here’s how:

Switch to a Tankless Water Heater: We all love a long soak in a hot bath over the winter months. But the cost of heating that water can cost a bundle. One way that you can slash costs is by switching to a tankless water heater. This is a system that uses no pilot light, and in many cases can cut bills by half. If your property still uses an old tank heater, you’ll know the frustration of running out of hot water and having to wait around for it to re-heat. With this, water is heated on demand giving you an unlimited supply so there’s no running out, or wasting money by heating water unnecessarily.

Invest in Smart Home Heating: Smart home heating gives you total control over your heating. With this, your thermostat is controlled through your smartphone making it easy to turn on and off at the touch of a button. No going out and worrying you’ve left the heating on. No having to get out of bed in the freezing cold, just use your smartphone in the morning and give the home a few minutes to heat up. There are add-ons which allow you to control the heat in different rooms, too, which can also save on money as you do not have to heat the whole house to feel the warmth in one room.

Buy a Log Burner: Wood burning stoves have a wonderful rustic charm. And while you will have to pay for the installation, the running costs afterward are very low. Firewood is less expensive than traditional central heating, and if you’re able to cut your own wood then you get heat essentially for free! Warming your toes in front of a gorgeous crackling fire truly gives the perfect ski lodge atmosphere. It almost makes the bitter winter weather seem worth it.

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Warm and toasty!

Wrap Up Warm: Rather than having your heating set to maximum, you could set it lower which will cost less money. And to keep warm, wrap up in cozy pajamas and throws. You can buy huge soft throws from places like eBay for around twenty-five dollars which are perfect for snuggling up with on the sofa. After the upfront cost, keeping warm this way will cost significantly less than putting the heating up full blast every night. Fleece pajamas and thick terry toweling dressing gowns will also keep you snug and warm. Although it’s not the most ideal way to save some cash, it is one that I am familiar with considering that’s how my dad manages the heating bills! Lol.-___-

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