Tag Archives: home

Aug20

Apartment Must Haves: Kitchen & Cleaning Necessities Edition

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Apartment Must Haves: Kitchen & Cleaning Necessities Edition

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

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

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

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

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

Aug18

Fall Is In The Air

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Fall Is In The Air

Okayyyy okay, so fall technically isn’t in the air yet but that doesn’t mean that my apartment can’t smell like it! Because my dumbass thought that burning cigarettes out into some of my candles was a good idea, I needed to restock because none of them will light now. But, lucky for me, Michael’s was having a three for ten dollar deal for their fall scented candles. And, at six dollars apiece originally, I just couldn’t pass that deal up! Check it out:

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I never quite understood people’s obsession with candles until moving into my apartment. And, now, I can definitely see why because the first thing I do when I get home from work in the evening or have a free afternoon is light one up. There is just something about the soft glow of the flame, the delicious scents, and the general atmosphere that is so relaxing when combined with your quiet time reading a book or watching a movie.

I always thought that giving a candle as a gift was kind of basic but OMG would I love to get all of the candles as prezzies now. But, until gift giving season is upon us, these fall scented delights from Michael’s will do just fine. I like all three fragrances that I picked out but the Butterscotch Spice is divine and I’m looking forward to having it lit on my coffee table as a scary movie plays and the crisp autumn wind howls outside.

What is your favorite fall scent? What is one of your favorite “basic” presents to receive? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug16

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

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

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

Create your own home essentials list:

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

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

Consider your budget:

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

Cease and desist:

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

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

Aug13

5 Ways To Winter Proof Your Home

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5 Ways To Winter Proof Your Home

Your home is with you throughout all of the seasons and it needs different attention based on the time of year. When the threat of winter is close by, it’s time to give your home the once over to ensure your cozy nights in aren’t destroyed by drafts, leaks, or unwanted guests in your attic.

Clear your Gutters and Drains

This might be the last thing on your ‘to-do’ list, which is why it hits the top spot on ours. Although this is not the most enjoyable or glamorous job in the world (wet leaves, moss, bugs!? No, thank you!), it is arguably one of the most important. Exterior pipe blockages can cause some serious damage to both the inside and outside of the property. The weight of drains and gutters filled with leaves and natural debris can pull the pipes away from your house, causing nasty damp and mold problems that can affect the walls from the inside out. Just a few minutes of handling gross things will save a whole load of hassle later on!

Up On The Roof:

Humans aren’t the only living things who like to cozy up in the winter. Local wildlife also enjoy finding warm places to snuggle during the cold months. Check the roof for cracked, missing, or loose tiles. Any damage from heavy rain, sleet, or snow can create large spaces that our furry or feathered friends can use to claim your home as theirs! Enlist the expertise of a reputable roofing company to assist you with this task. It’s way less dangerous for them because they know what they’re looking at, as well as having the necessary tools to complete the job safely.

Pillow Fort!

Relive your childhood winters; hot chocolate, Disney films, blankets, and pillows. Although these days, it might look more like sipping tea (Or maybe wine…we won’t tell!) and binge-watching your favorite show. But a pile of fluffy blankets and cute cushions can create a lovely homely feel to alleviate the dark distress of winter. Ahh, that’s better!

Check Your Heating

Feeling the warm air reach your face as you enter the house after being out in the cold is the definition of bliss. But what if you unlock your front door and you can still see your breath in the hallway? The familiar sound of the heater whirring transitions from a clunking to radio silence. Disaster. Get your boiler checked before the big winter freeze sets in.

Clear your Pathways:

People are invited into your home even before knocking on the door. As host, your job is to ensure any visitors stay safe, even those delivering packages! Any accidents outside of the home can make you liable for expensive insurance claims. To avoid any drama, sprinkle your path with a store cupboard staple: SALT! One tablespoon will prevent slippery paths of up to one square meter. This is a very easy, inexpensive way of making sure nobody takes a tumble outside of your door.

Don’t get caught in the cold this winter while inside of your own home with the tips above!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Aug13

5 Simple Tips For Adding Value To Your Home

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5 Simple Tips For Adding Value To Your Home

Every homeowner will at times think about adding value to their home, and some will even have it as a priority. Often used as a way to move up the property ladder, homeowners are always looking for easy ways to increase the value of their property, but don’t always know the best ways to go about it. It doesn’t have to be complicated, in fact, there are many ways that you can achieve this.

Whether you’re looking to increase the value of your house for resale or you just want to complete some renovation work to get your home looking picture perfect, it’s best to have a look below at some of the simple tips for adding value to your home:

Creating Open Spaces:

If you’re looking for and don’t mind a huge renovation project, then opening up your downstairs living space into an open plan could be one of the best things you can do in order to add value to your home. It’s something that a lot of buyers, especially those with families are looking for. Creating a space that you can enjoy for entertaining both family and friends which will be used and seen as the center of your home can be enjoyed if you’re staying or deciding to move on. What is guaranteed though is that you will be looking for a space similar in your next home!

Gardens & Outside Spaces:

Sometimes the outside areas of your home can be forgotten, however, they should be a priority especially when you’re looking to add value to your home. At the end of the day, the outside of your home is either the first impression before people enter or the only impression that people have of your home as they never go inside. This means it’s not only important to maintain it but it’s also important to make sure it looks its best on the curb appeal side of things.

Whether you need to replace the doors, repair the walkways, or fit a new garage with an electric door you should think about looking at these as an easy way to increase the value of your home. When thinking about the outside spaces you have to make sure you think about the landscaping of your garden, every buyer will look at the garden as a project if you don’t look after it yourself. You could even look at palm trees for sale as a unique item to add as a tropical feature.

Renovate The Bathroom And Kitchen:

Often seen as two big projects in themselves, upgrading your kitchen and bathrooms can add a significant amount to the value of any property. If you’re looking to sell and want to get the best price possible, then renovating these areas will do wonders for you. Buyers will normally have a ‘move in ready’ kitchen and bathroom on their list because after buying a new home they don’t want to have the costs of renovating them themselves.

A bathroom or kitchen renovation can be a big undertaking and there is nothing wrong with doing it in parts. The best thing that you can do if you are considering this type of upgrade is to start planning ahead based on your budget/time frame. Once you have an idea of what you would like, do your research on a Bathroom remodeler in Oregon City, OR or your local area. They will be happy to come by, discuss further, and give you a quote!

Although these can be seen as big projects that you will need to spend time and money on, rest assured that they will definitely increase the property of your home.

Featured Image By: Terry Magallanes from Pexels

Aug3

New Air Hockey Table!!

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New Air Hockey Table!!

Greetings! Quite a few of my clients love shopping at second hand stores like the Goodwill and Abbey Ann’s. So, within the past year and a half, I have ended up in these treasure troves countless times during our outings. I have to admit, I used to not be very keen on second hand shopping because I am quite the germophobe. But, I would say that I have kicked the fear of thrift shopping in the bud, considering ninety percent of my apartment was furnished from second hand shops.

We’ll call it ninety-two percent, because I just purchased an air hockey table at the Goodwill a week or so ago! 😀 Check it out:

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When I saw this beaut at the Goodwill for a staggeringly cheap thirty bucks, I just had to purchase it. Honestly, there’s not much to do at my place other than drink when I have friends over and I don’t like that that has become such a frequent thing. I am hoping to get my gaming systems set up as well as purchase board games for good, clean fun when I have company. But, for now, my favorite table top game stationed in my back room will do.

The only issue I’m having, is that there is no lighting in that room, as you can tell from the grainy photos above! So, if anyone has any suggestions to fixing that issue, do let me know, because I don’t think tiki torches are going to fly in there, lolol. 😅

Other than that minor problem, I am seriously SO excited about this Goodwill purchase. And, I am very appreciative to my client’s mom and dad for helping me transfer the table to my apartment because my dumbass honestly thought that it was going to fit in my tiny hatchback, smh. They are like my second family, though, and were happy to help so now they have the honor of having the air hockey table be named after them. It’s truly a win/win for everyone! Any challengers?

What are your favorite board, video, or table top games? Which ones do you think I should invest in? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul17

LGBT Parenting: Issues, Biases, And Solutions

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LGBT Parenting: Issues, Biases, And Solutions

LGBT parenting is no different from that of heterosexual parents. That is, except for the prejudice that they are subjected to from different sectors of society. Biases on sexual orientation that separates them from the rest can be so significant that it can hinder them from bearing children or becoming adoptive parents. LGBT issues can mar discussions in a way that denies an otherwise capable and qualified individual to custody and parental rights.

How LGBT people can become parents:

Adoption is not the only way LGBT people can become parents and raise a child as their own. A couple can apply for and qualify as foster parents. Other ways to assume parenting roles include surrogacy, kinship care, from becoming a donor for insemination, and by raising a child from a heterosexual union in the past. If you are considering a third-party reproductive journey, experts like those at Ally Escrow Management can help you every step of the way and can ease a lot of stress. While this is an exciting journey, it can be a daunting one and you will want the right team in your corner.

A gay or lesbian person may want to be a parent as a single individual. The stresses and complications of single parenthood may be expected and should be dealt with accordingly. Couples may be thinking about exploring these options on how they can have children together.

Hurdles along the way:

Members of the LGBT community may be allowed shared parenting duties from a custody agreement between the birth parents. These days, LGBT adults are consulting with divorce lawyers in Albuquerque and family law practitioners to learn about their rights, and to determine how to overcome hurdles preventing them from raising a family of their own. There are many variables to consider, and members of the LGBT community should consider carefully the potential issues that may arise if they embrace the role of parenting a child.

If you have a shared custody arrangement, it is important to turn to reputable sources of information amidst the pandemic and read a few of their recent reports on seeing children who do not live with you all of the time to help keep everyone healthy.

Relevant issues associated with raising children:

The biases associated with preconceived gender roles can mark the experience of children growing up in an LGBT household. Parents who are members of the LGBT community want their children to be happy and healthy. Unfortunately, pervading beliefs circulate, and children who are otherwise living in harmony at home may encounter prejudice elsewhere. Contrary to popular belief, children being raised by LGBT parents do not experience sexual identity issues.

These children undergo expected patterns and are no different from children of similar age raised by heterosexual parents. Some studies reveal clearly that children in same-sex households do not necessarily suffer gender identity confusion. Also, gender-role behaviors observed in children with LGBT parents are still within convention and conformity by typical limits.

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LGBT parenting in America:

In the United States, the number of LGBT couples raising children has increased in the past two years. Raising a child together is a dream of couples who have pledged their lives to each other. Without a progressive point of view, and due to a lack of acceptance, members of the LGBT community who have the potential to become great parents miss out.

There are no significant differences between heterosexual couples and same-sex couples who have chosen to become parents. A child would grow up to be healthy in mind and body if he or she grows up in a supportive, loving, and nurturing environment.

Jul11

A Guide To Buying A Home In The Philippines

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A Guide To Buying A Home In The Philippines

Buying a home is a major life purchase. The wrong choice can result in years of regret, so you will want to do it right. However, the housing market in the Philippines can be a complicated thing to navigate through. To make it simpler for you, here are a few tips to help with your house-buying journey:

There Are a Multitude of Choices:

One of the first things you’ll notice when you enter the Philippines real estate market is that there are many choices available. Looking for a house and lot for sale in Cavite and other regions in the Philippines should be a breeze since you’ll be swimming with options. The trouble, is that you’re only buying one of them. The Philippines still has much land for houses to be built on.

You’ll want a property close to urban centers. This increases the price of the property significantly and does narrow down your choices. To help reduce your options, you should pick out the region where you want to put down roots and focus your search there.

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Get a Broker:

When hunting for real estate, it is best not to do it alone. You will want a partner that knows how the market works and can guide you through it. There are dozens of real estate brokers out there, and they can be a big help. However, note that many of these brokers work on a commission basis. They’re aiming to sell you a great property, but they won’t do it cheaply. This is why you’ll want to clear things up and talk with them about the budget you have for your purchase well beforehand.

Follow the Steps:

It can be tempting to skip ahead and pay off the seller to get your hands on the property. But, if you wish for no problems, then you will want to do it by the book. Start with a property viewing with your broker so that you know what you can buy. If you like what you see, send out a letter of intent. After that, pay the seller the agreed price and collect all of the necessary documents. This includes the title certificates, tax forms, and more. This is where a broker can be a big asset since they can help with the paperwork as well as the processing of the various fees. When done correctly, you will have your new property completely and legally under your control.

Be Prepared to Pay Extra:

When buying property, you will not just be paying the seller’s price. You might also end up paying several “hidden” fees. This can mean that your initial payment price is not enough. Always have extra money during the purchase so that they can be paid. Don’t be fooled by the price tag since that often does not include a variety of charges that are not associated with the payment. For example, you may plan to use a bank loan to pay for the purchase. This means you’ll need to pay the bank charges for the loan.

When you make that house purchase, you are committing yourself to a significant step. With the tips above, you should be able to buy without any regret. The property you buy will meet your needs, and it will be something you can be proud of.

Jul11

Welcome To My Crib: New Curio Cabinets Edition

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Welcome To My Crib: New Curio Cabinets Edition

Hi everyone! While working at one of my client’s homes a few weeks ago, I noticed some gorgeous curio cabinets that they had in their kitchen, which were moved from the living room that they are renovating. I never even knew that they existed and I complimented them because they looked like something that my grandma would have had at the funeral home. And, we all know that my decor style is “funeral home chic”, for sure!

My client’s mom told me that they were getting rid of them and the only reason why they were still there and not at Goodwill was to hold their vacation supplies for their beach trip. I asked her how much she wanted for them, because I knew that I wanted the cabinets for my apartment and she was having none of that. She told me to consider it as my housewarming gift and her and the family dropped them off at my apartment this past weekend.

I recently had time to move some of my knick knacks and treasures from my desk in my office onto the cabinets. And, now, I can see them every day during living room hangs! Check it out:

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My cabinets include a lot of things on them that I love like gifts from my clients and their families, decorations that they helped me pick out during work, and trinkets from my grandma’s funeral home. All of these things are treasured so dearly by me and I’m so happy to have them displayed somewhere that I can appreciate them, because I don’t use my office very often.

The cabinets made a great addition in my living room and filled up one of the blank walls nicely. It is also my tallest piece of furniture in the room, which looks really good with my vaulted ceilings. It adds levels of height to my furniture now, instead of everything being on the same plane and it definitely makes the room more interesting to look at.

My new curio cabinets are already so well loved after just a week of being in my apartment and I am so thankful to the amazing families I work with for their generosity as well as the honor to provide care for their children! ❤

Where do you keep your treasures at at home? How do you add visual interest to a room? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul8

Improvements That Could Increase The Value Of Your Home

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Improvements That Could Increase The Value Of Your Home

Are you looking for ways to improve your home, but aren’t sure where to start? Making improvements to your home can be extremely satisfying and you can customize it all to your liking. If you are on a limited budget, it can be hard to know which parts of your home should be prioritized when carrying out a renovation. If you are looking for improvements that will help to add some extra value to your home and, potentially make it more appealing to future buyers, these ideas should help:

Replace Your Windows and Doors:

Your home’s windows and doors are one of the first things that people will notice about your house; as they are one of the most prominent features on your home’s exterior. Over time, windows and doors are subjected to the elements and have to withstand everything from heavy snowstorms to the hot sun beating down onto them. It’s little wonder that every now and again it is a good idea to get your windows and doors replaced. As windows and doors are such an integral part of your home and perform such an important role, it is vital to choose replacement windows and doors which are well-made and of the highest quality. Mr. Rogers Windows and Doors offers a fantastic range of replacement windows and doors, which are sure to improve the appearance of any home.

It might not seem like it, but changing your front door can really make a big difference. You will want to make sure what you choose is something that you are going to be completely happy with. Look through ideas on Pinterest or pop on HGTV. Then, enter a search for “discount doors houston” or your local area to see your vision come to life.

Convert Your Loft:

Your loft is a part of the house that has enormous potential. If your attic is currently being used as a storage area, then why not bring it to life and get some real use out of it? Your loft offers endless opportunities for use as an extra living space in your home. Using your loft space to add extra bedrooms and bathrooms can really increase the value of your home, and make it all the more appealing to potential buyers. If you have no immediate plans to sell your home, a loft conversion still has its benefits. All the extra living space that you create makes a perfect place for guests to stay and is ideal if your family is still growing.

Update Your Kitchen:

Changing your kitchen can be a large project to undertake, but it is totally worth it when complete. The kitchen is the heart of the home, so making it a space that is as attractive as it is functional is important. Kitchen renovations can be super expensive, but you can adjust your makeover plans to suit your budget, and still make a big difference to the way your kitchen looks. If you are on a tight budget but still want to change things up, why not simply change the doors and worktops, instead? Replacing the doors and worktops may be cost-effective but can still make a dramatic difference to the overall look of the room.

If you fancy going all-out on redesigning your new kitchen, then you may decide to gut it entirely and start again from scratch. Going back to basics means that you are able to utilize the space better and get the kitchen exactly how you would like it. If you are planning on a full on renovation, search for a kitchen remodeler in Tampa, FL or your local area to get started. The experts will be able to walk you through the merits of additions such as high-end integrated appliances, attractive tiles, and kitchen islands that can really help to add value to your home.

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Naomi Hébert on Unsplash

Renovate Your Bathroom:

Alongside the kitchen, the bathroom is the other room in your home that usually costs the most to improve. Due to the costs involved, a beautiful bathroom can have a really positive impact on your home’s value along with how much it appeals to potential buyers. If you have a small bathroom, you may look for ways to redesign it so that it appears bigger and less cramped. This can be achieved by installing a corner bath and corner sink so that less of the floor space is taken up, and every part of the room is utilized.

Be mindful of your budget, make a plan, and soon your house will be feeling brand new with an increased property value, to boot!

Featured Image By: Pixabay