Tag Archives: home decor

Sep22

Must Have Products For Ultimate Relaxation

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Must Have Products For Ultimate Relaxation

With the pandemic still going strong and cold weather on the horizon, there is no better time to turn your home into a relaxation station to keep yourself safe and warm. Today, we are going to look at a few key elements to provide for the ultimate R&R experience from the comfort of your house or apartment. Let’s get to it:

Sound Machines:

Sound machines are an ideal option if you have trouble sleeping or concentrating when working from home. These handy little machines can give you a range of different sounds from white noise to crashing waves and rain falling. Not to mention that they are great for soothing infants! Sound machines can be a perfect replacement for keeping the TV on before bed if you need some noise to fall asleep as it will eliminate the harsh lighting, which is doing you no favors as you try to nod off.

Speaking Of Sleep:

Speaking of sleep, when was the last time that you got a new mattress? Your mattress should be replaced, roughly, every seven years and a brand new one will do wonders for relaxation. Do your research and find a quality mattress for sale so you can sleep peacefully every night. A new mattress combined with a sound machine will surely help you feel more well rested when the alarm goes off in the morning.

Soothing Hobbies:

There are plenty of hobbies that are, easily, more relaxing than others and include everything from knitting and reading to adult coloring books. Engaging in a hobby that promotes mindfulness is a great way to step away from the stress of your day to day life. Spending some quiet time with yourself lost in a good book or creating something beautiful is one of the best ways to spend a snowy day in.

Soft Lighting:

Harsh, bright lighting is never conducive to helping you relax. Of course, brighter lighting in appropriate areas like your kitchen and office are a necessity. However, you can opt for softer, dim lighting in the living room and bedroom to increase your relaxation even more. Dim lights enhanced by twinkling fairy lights or a Himalayan salt lamp will create a lovely ambiance and can allow your body to get in a more zen state come evening time.

Ready, set, relax with the products above to turn your snow days in into much needed R&R time for you!

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!

Sep13

The Revival Of The Billiard & Leisure Room   

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The Revival Of The Billiard & Leisure Room   

From the Great Gatsby to Agatha Christie’s crime novels, the most famous novels that defined the 1920s painted a world of entertainment. The U.S. experienced a long period of prohibition between 1920 and 1933. However, the Volstead Act was tricky to enforce, so it’s fair to say that the prohibition didn’t put an end to social hobbies and leisure activities. Homes from the 1920s often contain a stylish hobby space, where party-goers met to play cards, have a pool game, read books, or talk about everyday life around a glass of booze and some tobacco. The original gaming cave existed already one hundred years ago!

Why is it so appealing?

The 1920s were a period dedicated to free-spirited individuals. After the first trauma of the First World War, the 1920s marked a turning point in the world’s mindset. Worldviews changed and, as a result, new lifestyles appeared. For a start, the war enabled women to play a more active role in society. When women started to earn an income, they also discovered the joy of spending their money freely. The inimitable Flappers were born. They loved amusement. They loved games. They celebrated their freedom with songs, dances, and cultural exchanges, along with young men. It’s hard to think of the 1920s without thinking of the independent women of the time, who were not afraid to participate in every aspect of society, including games. Billiard and leisure rooms welcomed both genders in a great get-together party.

Stage the room:

What would a modern, 1920s-inspired leisure room look like? It would be a lovely idea to refer back to the original leisure room by adding subtle Art Deco touches. Art Deco brings back to life all of the glamour of the Roaring 20s, combining bold geometric shapes and luxurious colors. Exuberance with a deep sense of streamlined symmetry rules this unique style that can elevate any room.

You don’t need to build a historic decor from scratch. But you can inject a soft Art Deco feel through simple decorative accents and focal points, from huge geometric frames to glam lighting. You can bring the room together through modern features that can seamlessly blend with the freedom-loving 1920s, such as statement window frames using the Renewal by Andersen custom windows services or gold and animal patterns for your rugs and textiles.

^^^ Unsplash Image

Make it your hobby room:

Now it’s time to give your leisure room a purpose. Granted, a beautiful wooden pool table would be the ideal addition to the space. But not everyone has got a room big enough to host a billiard table comfortably. The good news, though, is that 1920s parties included a lot of self-exploring hobbies that could be done freely from home. Artistic hobbies, such as canvas painting and sculpting, grew in popularity during the Roaring 1920s. The truth is, that these hobbies are just as relevant today. Most of us rediscovered the soothing benefits of painting during the pandemic. When it comes to sculpting, you might prefer a modern and stackable approach, such as using LEGO bricks which let you build anything you can think of without causing a huge mess!

Make it convivial:

If you are not familiar with 1920s party food, you are in for a treat. Appetizers were highly popular during this period, so you can find plenty of inspiration to create a style platter of snacks. Deviled eggs, olive platters, cheese platters, and mixed nuts are also a winning combo. They’re ideal for sharing with friends, and at the same time, they don’t interrupt your hobbies. You can enjoy a cubed cheese skewer with one hand and still carry on with your LEGO construction with the other. Finger food is instantly friendlier and more enjoyable.

Embrace modern gadgets and textures:

Can a 1920s inspired room introduce modern tech without missing the point? The answer is yes. The 1920s were all about embracing modern shapes and technology. The epitome of the period is skyscraper architecture, which was so popular that interior designers also used to refer to the stylized shape of skyscrapers. Therefore, it makes sense to bring some of the most popular technology and trends of the 2020s into your leisure room. From a smart hub to energy-efficient solutions, modern gadgets belong in your stylish get-together room.

The free-spirited 20s are back, and they are here to stay! After a traumatic pandemic experience, it’s time to tap into the mental strength and free-thinking joy of the 1920s. We deserve to have fun again, and nobody managed it better than the Flappers. So get your imaginary Charleston outfit on and create a room that marries style, modernism, freedom, and feel-good hobbies. May the best Flapper win!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

 

 

 

Sep9

Buying A Fixer-Upper? Fix These Essentials First!   

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Buying A Fixer-Upper? Fix These Essentials First!   

For some people, one of the low-cost ways into becoming a home owner is by purchasing a property that needs some remodeling: a “fixer-upper”. As you can appreciate, such houses are cheap because they often need extensive repairs and updates to become habitable again. You’re probably thinking of buying a fixer-upper as your first property project. If that’s the case, make sure you fix these essential items first:

Roof:

The first thing you need to do is have the roof inspected by a Roofing contractor in Rockwall, TX or your local area. If there are broken or missing roof tiles, for example, rainwater can cause a lot of damage to internal ceilings and walls. The roof is like an umbrella for your home so you will want to get this fixed ASAP. You may need some minor repairs or it might transpire that you need a new roof. The only way you will know whether the roof is okay or not and the extent of any required repairs is by having a professional go up and inspect everything.

Plumbing:

The roof isn’t the only part of your fixer-upper that you need to check and repair. You’ll also need to find out whether there are any issues with the plumbing in your property. Do any water pipes leak, especially near faucets or underneath wooden flooring? Are the waste pipes intact and clear of obstructions from the bathroom and kitchen? What about the pipes going to heating radiators and the radiators themselves? You’ll also need to check that the main water can enter without any problem and, similarly, that wastewater goes to sewage pipes without any blockages, leaks, or other issues.

Chances are, your fixer upper is going to have plumbing problems that need solved. We urge you to not attempt the DIY route as this can lead to even more issues. Rather, search online for a “plumber in Windsor, CO” or your local area to find a professional who can do the job right.

Heating System:

Whether you plan to live in the house or want to fix it and sell it for profit, you need to make sure that the heating system in the property is working. For example, you’ll need a heating engineer or plumber to check that your furnace is operating as expected. If the house has a combined HVAC system, you’ll need an expert to check that it’s fully operational. In an old, dilapidated home, it’s probably cheaper to have a new HVAC system installed instead of trying to fix the existing one.

Electrical Wiring:

The trouble with electrical wiring, irrespective of whether it gets fitted to a domestic or commercial property, is that it degrades over time. The plastic insulation on wires can break down or even melt in some cases. Old switches and sockets can be challenging to operate and might easily break due to their age. If you doubt that the electrical wiring in your fixer-upper isn’t safe and reliable, you need to have an electrician inspect all of the wiring, switches, and sockets. If you do not have a regular electrician, be sure to browse different options online to learn more about the services they can provide, quotes, and previous work. Again, it can sometimes be more cost-effective to have an upgrade instead of trying to repair what’s already in place. Note that you may need to plaster walls and ceilings if you have a full rewire at your property.

Electrical repairs are one of the most dangerous to tamper with if you don’t have the professional skills to handle it yourself. The chances of saving money are slim when you factor in potential injuries or making the electrical problems even worse. This is not the time to cut corners! A trusted electrician like those at https://www.thewireguyelectric.com/ (or a similar company in your local area) will surely be up to the task. If your budget is a concern, you might even be able to formulate a payment plan to avoid paying a large sum at once.

Windows and Doors:

Lastly, you want to ensure that the house you are buying keeps warm air inside and cold air outdoors. Plus, you want it to be safe and secure when there is no one at home. With that in mind, you should check if the windows and doors need repairing or replacing.

Once you’ve completed the above essential checks and repairs, you can then concentrate on other areas like decorating. Good luck!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Aug21

Shimmy Shimmy Funko Pop

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Shimmy Shimmy Funko Pop

Hello! This past weekend, I had a super nice outing to one of the bigger malls in Strongsville with my mom and brother. I really don’t go to the mall often because we all know I love TJMaxx the most so when I do venture to one, I never feel bad about making purchases for items I really like. During my shopping, I picked out lots of treats that I knew Johnny would love too, including the following Funko Pops:

My brother has a huge Funko collection, which makes mine absolutely pale in comparison. However, I gave a nice little boost to my Funko shelf at home with the above purchases. I had no idea that they even made Seinfeld ones or I would have bought them a long time ago since it’s one of mine and Johnny’s favorite shows. I still need several more to complete the set but the Puffy Shirt Jerry, Yev Kassem, and Sombrero Elaine were a great place to start!

The Bret Michaels Funko definitely seems out of place with the rest of my haul but I promise that there was a method to the madness. When Johnny and I first started dating, our go to show was Rock Of Love which was a dating competition show with Mister Michaels as the prize. It was such a guilty pleasure and we still quote it constantly to this day. In fact, Johnny even got me a mini cardboard cutout of Bret for our first Christmas together and it is still proudly displayed in our living room.

With all of that nostalgia, I couldn’t say no when I saw the Bret Michaels Funko at Hot Topic and I knew that Johnny would get a kick out of it too. Rather, I knew he would get a kick (Or in Elaine’s case, a little kick!) out of all of them and we can’t wait to complete our Seinfeld Funko Pop collection! 😀

Which Funko Pops do you have? What do you like to collect? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug17

Budget Friendly Shopping For Your Home

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Budget Friendly Shopping For Your Home

Shopping for furniture, accessories, and appliances for your home or apartment can be so costly that it almost seems easier to leave things as is rather than updating or upgrading. Believe you me, I get it! However, I also know how effective budget shopping can be because I furnished my entire apartment on secondhand items. Today, we are going to explore a few different budget friendly options for your next home makeover:

Secondhand Stores:

The most effective eco and budget friendly option for making upgrades in your home is, hands down, second hand shopping. Buying secondhand is amazing because you are repurposing old things and preventing them from being dumped into a landfill. Your local Goodwill could be a treasure trove of unique furniture and accessories that you didn’t know you needed. This is also an ideal option for people who don’t want their homes to look like everyone else’s because of all of the cool accessories and knick knacks you can find. My art wall in my apartment is completely made from old pieces of art that I bought at the Goodwill.

Facebook Marketplace:

Another great option, similar to secondhand stores, is the Buy, Sell, Trade marketplaces on Facebook. This could be perfect if you are looking for used appliances for sale, furniture, or other odds and ends. The beauty of the Facebook Marketplace is that once you find the replacement for something in your house, you can list the no longer needed item and make some extra cash too. 😀

Always remember if you are purchasing from someone selling on a marketplace type website that your safety is paramount. It is best practice to meet up in a public location like the parking lot of a busy grocery store or coffee shop. You can never be too careful.

Apps:

The OfferUp app is a virtual garage sale where you can both post items for sale and make purchases. I haven’t used this app in a while but I have had a lot of luck in the past selling things on it. I have seen everything on OfferUp from cars, appliances, outdoor equipment, and clothing. The nice part about this app is that it categorizes all of the items on there which will really help narrow down your searches for something specific. You definitely don’t get this luxury at a local thrift store.

Yard Sales:

Summer is the best season for people to host yard sales due to the promise of good weather so now is a great time to do some browsing in your local neighborhoods. It might be a mixed bag but it is another option to save some money while making purchases for your home. You all know the old saying of one man’s trash!

Making updates to your home doesn’t have to break your bank. Get started with the ideas above and see how much you can save today!

Aug16

Revamp Your Bedroom With These Tips

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Revamp Your Bedroom With These Tips

What does your perfect bedroom include? A nice big bed? Soothing lighting? How about a plush carpet or rug? Today, we are going to explore some easy changes that you can make to revamp your bedroom to turn it into the ultimate place to relax after a long day. Let’s get to it:

Sweet Dreams:

The most important part of the bedroom is, of course, the bed! Start off by finding a good mattress for sale. This might mean getting a newer model of the mattress size you already have or treating yourself to a California King sized bed! Just like any good outfit, it is not complete without accessories so don’t forget the soft bedding, decorative pillows, and a nice comfy quilt or comforter. In fact, once you have a color theme sorted for your bedding, it will be simple to decorate the room accordingly from there.

Paint, Please:

Never underestimate the power of some fresh paint on the walls. The purpose of the bedroom is to help you relax and get a restful night’s sleep. This means that you are better off with softer, muted colors on your bedroom walls. A pale blue accented with cream colored decor should do the trick just fine. While pops of color are fun, they are much more appropriate in rooms like the kitchen or living area.

If you’re looking for a bigger project than repainting, you could try your hand at making your own bedroom furniture if you have the skills. Find some machine tools for sale and create one of a kind masterpieces!

Don’t Bring Work To Bed:

It is so important to use your bedroom for its intended purpose, rather than extra office space. It can be hard to get into a relaxation mode at night when you are working in there during the day! Rather, use technology to your benefit in the bedroom with music set to something soothing like waves crashing on the beach or the rain falling. Lighting is essential too, and there are lots of handy tools to put projections of the night sky or a forest right on your walls.

Play With Texture:

There are so many fun textures that you can play with when it comes to your bedroom decor. Some washable area rugs beside your bed and the entryway is a great place to start. Not only will your feet be nice and toasty but you can’t beat the convenience of being able to machine wash in case of spills. You can try billowy curtains on the windows or even go totally lux with a velvet headboard! The bedroom is not the place for rougher textures like burlap or canvas, so keep things soft and plush when you are choosing your decor.

Ready, set, relax with the tips above for simple suggestions to revamp your bedroom. Turn on your calming music and have sweet dreams!

Jul26

7 Home Decor Ideas For Any Budget

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7 Home Decor Ideas For Any Budget

Want to do some serious home improvement but have no idea where to begin? We’ve got you covered. Listed below are seven home decor ideas that work for all budgets, so keep on reading to find out more:

Add a pop of color:

Bring your dull faded walls back from the dead with a fresh lick of paint. Color can help you achieve any atmosphere – so paint is a powerful home improvement tool. It is also DIY too! Painting yourself is not only super fun but is ideal if you want to cut back on costs. Ensure you know what you are doing first by first reading some simple instructions.

Color-wise, pale light colors like yellow and peach will work great if you want to recreate a vintage style home, while colors like red or dark blue will leave a bold statement. You don’t have to pick just one color either – you can combine colors. And, remember, paint doesn’t have to be reserved for just your walls. You can paint the floorboard, the front door, your picket fence, or your cabinets.

Remodel:

If you want a bigger home improvement than paint, opt for a full remodel as this is a change that will not go unnoticed. You can remodel any room but one of the most common rooms that people remodel is their bathroom. Source out a professional bathroom remodel company who can get the job done at a reasonable price. When it comes to the design of your new bathroom, there are so many options that you can choose from, and it can be overwhelming to know where to start with this. If you are looking for some inspiration for a bathroom remodel, check out these ideas for an updated bathroom to get started.

Accessorize:

A home just doesn’t feel right without the little quirky things. You can visit thrift and antique shops or browse Ebay to get your hands on some adorable nick-knacks that will add character to your home. A bonus is that these will be pretty cheap too!

Get a fireplace:

If you’ve got a chimney, make the most out of it by getting a stylish fireplace. This will be in the heart of your home and is perfect for those cozy winter nights. There are many styles to choose from and you can even modernize your current one.

Invest in a stair runner:

Improve the aesthetic of your boring staircase by purchasing some stair runners. You can get whatever color or patterns you like, regardless of design it is a sure way to add charm to your home. Don’t be afraid to purchase a few because you can change them out accordingly to the season!

Change your lighting:

You don’t have to settle for the typical light bulb in a plain lamp. You can get fairy lights (of whichever colors) to achieve a story book look, a chandelier if you’re feeling classy, or if you’re a lover of all things retro – buy some lanterns. You can improve the lighting anywhere in your home – including the garden.

Buy flowers:

Don’t neglect the exterior of your house! Decorating outdoors with flowers really helps to beautify your property. If you’re scared of bees or don’t trust yourself to look after plants, get artificial flowers (nobody will be able to tell the difference anyway). Read more on exterior home decor tips.

Restyling your home is so fun but don’t forget that these things cost money. Set a budget, stick to it, and see what you can achieve!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Jun29

Kitchen Upgrades To Try Today

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Kitchen Upgrades To Try Today

They say that the kitchen is the heart of the home. We tend to spend a lot of time in this space, cooking, chatting, hosting guests. So, why not consider giving your kitchen a little overhaul with some new appliances that will not only look great, but will add to your cooking too? Here are just a few examples you might want to consider:

A Stand Mixer:

Into baking? Throughout the past year and a half, many people have picked up baking as an activity to keep them preoccupied with free time found during the pandemic. We can’t blame them! Baking can be carried out easily from the comfort of your own home – and you get a delicious treat at the end too! Now, if you’ve been practicing and are getting better at your breads, cakes, pastries and other baked goods you may be aware of just how tiring it can be thoroughly mixing ingredients. This is where a stand mixer could help. Stand mixers do the hard work for you, leaving you with a lovely dough or batter, ready to bake.

A Coffee Machine:

If you like a good cup of coffee, you don’t have to go to your local coffee shop to get one. If you have a coffee machine at home, you’ll be able to make delicious brews within your own four walls. A coffee machine can do much more than simply pouring hot water from the kettle into some granules. When choosing your machine, make sure to look for good reviews and recommendations. This will give you an idea of other people’s experience with your chosen machine and whether it’s worth the money. There are different options on the market to suit different budgets but, generally speaking, the better the machine is, the better the coffee will be.

Cookware:

A lot of us settle for budget cookware only to find that food sticks to it or the food burns on it. This is less than ideal, so consider overhauling your cookware and investing in some new versions. There are different types for different cooking devices, such as the best ceramic cookware for oven, stove top, and more. There are also many different designs, allowing you to match your pots, pans and trays to the aesthetic of your kitchen itself.

A Slow Cooker:

Many of us are working from home now and would love to be able to prep a few simple ingredients in the morning to have dinner ready at the end of the day. A slow cooker can achieve this. Leave it plugged in with your ingredients inside and you can have some great casseroles, stews, and curries lined up for your evening meals.

There’s an endless array of other kitchen appliances and equipment out there. The options highlighted above are just a few useful suggestions that could do you and your home a world of good!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Jun29

TJMaxx Home Goods Haul

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TJMaxx Home Goods Haul

Hi! After a long year and change without in store TJMaxx shopping, my mom and I finally had our first outing to TJs last week. It was everything I ever could have imagined AND MORE! While it was great fun to spend my birthday gift cards, it was even better to spend time with my mom browsing the aisles and modeling the clothes we tried on together. We both walked away with lots of goodies that we are so happy with and I have been mentally reliving our shopping trip since we left the store.

Today, we are going to look at a few of the home goods items that I got for mine and Johnny’s apartment. My TJMaxx clothing haul will begin on July first after we discuss my June 2021 Finishes so keep it posted for that! Now, let’s get to it:

Since moving into my apartment over two years ago, I haven’t bought too much in terms of home goods. Between my initial Moving On Up Hauls and all of the things Johnny brought when he moved in, we really didn’t need anything. However, the laundry hamper that I purchased at TJMaxx when I moved was falling apart at the bottom and it definitely needed replacing. I was hoping to find a new one during my outing with my mom and the TJMaxx gods must have felt it! I love the woven wood hamper that I picked out because of how sturdy it is, the fact that it has a lid, and it is way prettier than my old one. 😀

For my kitchen, I picked up a few odds and ends like ice cube trays in an adorable honeycomb pattern, plates, and a few dish towels. Johnny and I have been saying for forever that we need some ice cube trays and the ones I found are ideal because they won’t take up a lot of room in our tiny freezer. The plates were also a must because we are constantly running out of them, which means we are constantly doing dishes! I thought that four plates for eight dollars was a steal, too.

TJMaxx didn’t have a whole lot of choices in terms of dish towels, but the Love Birds ones that I selected (On clearance!) will do just fine. In fact, they are perfect for us as a newly married couple! My mom was even kind enough to get some of the home supplies for us as an extra wedding prezzie. So sweet! ❤

Shopping at TJMaxx with my mom was absolutely amazing and this outing in particular will forever hold a special place in my heart. We picked up at TJs right where we left off so long ago and I am already looking forward to our next shopping trip. ❤

Where is your favorite place to shop? Who do you like to go shopping with? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah