Tag Archives: house

Jun21

Picking The Best Location For Your Move

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Picking The Best Location For Your Move

Moving house is stressful enough without then discovering that you have made a terrible mistake with the location you have chosen. With the expense of the move, you will have two choices; either stay put and try to make the most of an uncomfortable situation or put the house up for sale (or contact your letting agent if renting) and start the moving process again.

Of course, we need to clarify what we mean by making a terrible mistake. As examples, you might have moved next door to awful neighbors. The neighborhood could be deemed unsafe because of the local crime rate. And you might discover the location is impractical for your needs. So, if you’re currently thinking about moving, check our previous article on the subject; https://lifewithlilred.com/2017/11/03/looking-for-a-house-savvy-tips-for-your-search/, and then consider the following tips to help you choose the right location.

Commit to research online:

Be specific in your Google search, and try to learn as much information as you can about the location you are considering. Type in ‘things to know about living in (location),’ and you should come up with websites such as this one, https://onthegomoving.com/10-things-to-know-about-living-in-ballard/. In this example, you can find out information on the housing market, cost of living, and many more details on the location in question, so look for the same when you’re searching for info on the area you are considering.

Look at local news sites for the area too, as you will learn a lot this way about crime rates, social problems, community activities, and more. You should also search for crime rates. By visiting sites such as https://www.crimereports.com/, you can quickly and easily look up crime statistics for the various neighborhoods in the location you are thinking about moving into. Social media can also be most helpful as plenty of communities have their own “talk of the town” style pages. This is an excellent way to put feelers out for your new location. Then, use Google maps or similar, and get an up close and personal look at the neighborhoods in the area. Providing they are up to date; you will get an understanding of the facilities in the area, the cleanliness of the streets, and get an idea of the distance between certain locations, such as the house you are considering and the local shopping mall.

While online research is beneficial, it is nice to voice your questions and concerns to an actual real estate agent when considering renting or purchasing a property. Your agent will be able to give you the ins and outs of the area you are interested in while also pinpointing properties that meet all of your requirements. If this is the approach you prefer, simply enter a search for “letting agents knightsbridge” (or your local area). Moving is, of course, a huge change and you want it to be as successful as possible. Having an expert in your corner can give you more confidence in your decision with the most up to date knowledge.

Explore the area on foot and by car:

You can learn a lot of information online, but the best way to discover more about the location is to visit it. Using your car, you can get an overview of what it might be like to live in the neighborhood by driving around the locale. You can also monitor how long it might take to get to your place of work, your children’s school, and any other places of interest.

As you explore different locations, keep in mind that tours might be available in some communities. For example, if you are considering different master planned communities, you might be able to schedule a time to check out the amenities offered like pools or golf courses. You can also get a good feel for a neighborhood by publishing posts seeking recommendations on social media. You don’t want any surprises when you move!

You should also spend some of your time on foot. Without appearing like a prowler, casually spend time near the house you are considering. Listen for any noise from the next door neighbor, such as shouting, music, and barking dogs. Check the state of their property too, as well as that of surrounding properties, as you will get an idea of who lives there by the general upkeep of their houses.

And, look for signs of crime as you’re walking. If you spot a lot of graffiti and other signs of vandalism, you might assume that the area isn’t particularly desirable. Pop into the local police station too and get their professional opinion of the area.

Finally:

When moving home, the location is just as important as the property you will be moving into, so follow our tips when you’re looking to move. Hopefully, you will then make the right choice, and consequently, be very happy for many more years to come.

Featured Image By: Pixnio

Jun20

Creating Healthier Habits Around The House

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Creating Healthier Habits Around The House

The topic of health comes up in conversation on a regular basis between your friends and colleagues. There is always a new fad to try out or a trendy eco-friendly switch to consider, but what can really be done to improve your health? Your home is a place in which you need to feel completely comfortable and confident, so you should only make changes if you are 100% on board. Whether you’re going through a renovation and looking for more energy efficient solutions or you have been struggling with your personal health, there are a number of alterations you can make around the house, like some of the following:

Improving Energy Efficiency:

One of the first major changes you can make around your home is your energy consumption. We have grown so accustomed to electronic devices, gizmos, and gadgets, but we don’t realize the impact they are having on our bank balances and the world around us. If you are really looking to make an impact, why not consider Solar Installation? This method will not only save you money, but it will also reduce the number of greenhouse gases that are emitted into the atmosphere. Speak to a specialist today and they will be able to inform you on the best steps to take when it comes to installing solar panels in your home.

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Pixabay Image

Reducing Waste:

Households around the country are producing more waste than ever before. Not only is this having a negative impact on the environment, but it is also creating a bad habit among society that needs to be broken. Waste can come in many shapes and forms, but the main culprit is plastic. When you look at the amount of disposable plastic you use each week, it can add up to a considerable amount. When this waste is dumped into landfills or oceans it can take decades to decompose, which is having a negative effect on wildlife. Next time you head out shopping, try to take a reusable bag with you instead of picking up new plastic bags from the store. Opt for products that have less packaging too, as this will help reduce waste around the house.

Eat Fresh:

Buying local produce from your farmer’s market is much more environmentally friendly and healthy than shopping in the big supermarket chains. Not only will you be supporting local businesses, but you will be reducing your carbon footprint by eating fresh and local produce regularly. And, of course, it’s always good to eat your fruits and veggies!

Re-Evaluate Your Household Products:

Instead of spraying hazardous chemicals in the air, there are a number of natural cleaning products you can turn to for your household chores. Not only do regular cleaning products waste a lot of plastic packaging, but they also pollute the air around our homes. You can make natural cleaning products yourself using a lot of the ingredients that are already in your cupboard. Look online for some inspiration and start making your own cleaning sprays now.

Combat Water Waste:

Saving water around the house is actually incredibly easy. It doesn’t take much thought on your part and it will benefit your bank balance, too. Try installing a shower timer in the bathroom, so that you are more aware of how long you’re spending in there. A five minute shower each day is much more eco-friendly than a bubble bath or a ten minute shower. Similarly, you can also install a device in your toilet which reduces the amount of water that is used when you flush.

Nobody will ever achieve complete perfection when it comes to their home habits. However, there are so many changes we can all make for the better, so start with the tips above today!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Jun11

How To Keep Mosquitoes Away This Summer

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How To Keep Mosquitoes Away This Summer

Mosquitoes are a nuisance, especially for their whining buzzes and itchy bites during the night. They are also vectors of many diseases, from malaria and yellow fever to zika virus and dengue fever. While it might not be possible to keep mosquitoes away completely, there are a few things that can help you to reduce their numbers. Here are some of the ways you can reduce mosquitoes in your home:

Use natural mosquito repellents:

Mosquitoes have a very sharp sense of smell, which makes them locate human beings with ease. Human beings emit carbon dioxide and other odors that these annoying pests find irresistible. In the same way, there are certain scents that mosquitoes find unappealing. These scents can be used to keep mosquitoes away. Here are some oil scents that can keep the bugs at bay:

  • Peppermint oil
  • Citronella oil
  • Eucalyptus oil

Get rid of stagnant water near your home:

Mosquitoes thrive well in stagnant water by breeding in there to large populations. They will eventually find their way inside your house. You can avoid this by emptying water around your house from containers lying around, garbage bin lids, and flower pots. This will destroy their breeding grounds and significantly reduce their population around your house.

Get a mosquito lamp:

Most people have front and back door lights. These lights attract all kinds of insects, mosquitoes included. They will hang around your door area, ready to rush as soon as you open it. To prevent this, always have a mosquito lamp on your front door which emits a repellent to keep the mosquitoes away.

Keep grass trimmed:

Mosquitoes find overgrown shrubs, weeds, and grass an attractive place to hide during the day. They are usually active at night and will spend most of their day resting in these areas. Keep grass near your house trimmed to avoid giving the pests an extra place to hide.

Set up mosquito traps:

Mosquito traps can be used to keep mosquitoes away when placed on your porch. Make sure that you change the traps regularly to help them remain effective in reducing their population levels.

Make your home Mosquito free:

It is important that you adopt a long term solution to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home. Reduce the breeding grounds around your house and combine the above strategies to help reduce the population of mosquitoes around your home!

May23

Paranormal Activity?!

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Paranormal Activity?!

Hellooooo! Okay, so the weirdest things happened in my apartment this past week which begs the question of if it’s haunted. Lol, I know it sounds crazy, but the instances that occurred were so impossible that it made me really freaked out. Let us proceed:

Exhibit A:

A few days before this occurrence, I accidentally broke a small plate when trying to get it out of my cabinet on the stove and refrigerator side. The plate broke into a few large pieces that were easy to pick up and get moved directly to the trash can. I then got the little shards cleaned up and continued to go about my day. To my knowledge, that was the last of the problem.

But, three days later, broken plate pieces reappeared in places that just weren’t possible for them to be at. That morning, I had taken my trash out that contained the plate fragments before I left for work. I got home that night and walked into my bathroom to start preparing a bath. And, as luck would have it, I stepped on a piece of broken plate. Mind you, the plate broke three days prior, was in the trash, and hadn’t left the trash since. AND, I stood in my bathroom that morning doing my hair and makeup and didn’t step on anything.

I tended to my foot, ran the bath water, and went to the kitchen to get something to drink. Then, on the opposite counter from which the plate broke sat a larger piece of plate that I couldn’t have missed that morning when I stood in the same spot to fix a glass of Tang for breakfast. This is when I started getting really uneasy, because there was just no way that I would have missed such a big piece of broken plate that morning. And, even if I did, the chances of it sitting there for three days without me seeing it was absolutely impossible.

After the glass incident, it made me hyper aware of two other instances that happened, one being the night before and the other happening the day before that.

Exhibit B:

Maybe this was nothing, but I don’t see how this could have happened without my knowledge, either. The night before the glass incident, I got out of bed to go to the bathroom. I was looking in my mirror while washing my hands and, behind me, I saw a HUGE hornet sitting on my wall.

When I go in and out of my apartment, I never leave my door wide open and I am always quick to get in or get out to prevent things like this from happening. But, even if I wasn’t, I definitely would have noticed this big sucker flying into my apartment. I shit you not, it was a little smaller than a silver dollar. So, needless to say, I was terrified when I saw it just hanging out in my bathroom.

I grabbed my fly swatter and, because it was gigantic, it was really slow and I was able to send it to a watery toilet grave. I felt very unnerved afterwards, though, because it just seemed too big to miss and that means it probably was in my apartment while I was home that evening and I didn’t even know it. Weird.

And, finally, the last incident happened the day before the hornet and two days before the two other glass instances.

Exhibit C:

I would say at least two weeks ago, over a weekend, my boyfriend was over and we were drinking wine on my couch. He accidentally dropped his glass and it broke on the floor space in between my couch and coffee table. It was no big deal and the glass was cleaned up and I thought that was the end of it.

But, two weeks after the glass breaking, a shard showed up again underneath my foot at least ten feet from where the glass broke to begin with. Once again, I have no clue how such a big piece could have gone unnoticed for two weeks or longer without me or someone else stepping on it.

I am glad it was me that stepped on it, though, because that morning I had my old skating coach and her daughter over for lunch. Her little girl was running around my apartment barefoot and it could have been her that stepped on it instead of me. I walked on the glass literally right after they left and was so confused as to how it got almost all the way to my front door and was sitting there for who knows how long without anything happening.

Maybe all of these were coincidences but three weird things happening three days in a row had me so spooked. Nothing has happened since and, hopefully, that will be the last of it. But, if not, I’ll keep you all posted!!

Can anyone offer me some explanations for the above instances? Have you ever experienced any paranormal activity? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May17

Apartment Lyfe Update

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Apartment Lyfe Update

Helloooo! It has been almost one month since I moved into my very own apartment and, honestly, it couldn’t have gone better. The move went smoothly, I love my space, and it legitimately feels like a vacation being here. From furniture shopping to stocking up my pantry and cooking in my kitchen or waking up in my loft space, everything is still so exciting to me.

And, the novelty continues, as I work on fixing up my office and an art wall in my living room. But, my main living spaces are complete and it turned out exactly how I wanted it to. Even just sitting here at the desk in my office and typing on my own brand new laptop feels awesome!

This move happened at the perfect time and it felt right instead of rushed or scary. I am enjoying my new home so much and it has been such a joy sharing the process with all of you too! What was your first apartment like? What about your current living quarters? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May16

Lil Red’s Art Gallery: Final Few Edition

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Lil Red’s Art Gallery: Final Few Edition

Howdy! For the final viewing of Lil Red’s Art Gallery, we are going to take a look at two of the biggest pictures and one of the smallest ones that I purchased from Goodwill. The two large ones honestly have me stumped on why I bought them other than the fact that I just thought they looked cool. The poster sized images feature wild berries and plants of Alaska, a state which I have literally no ties to. But, I don’t know, the colors were unique and I liked that it looked like something out of a textbook so into the cart it went! Take a closer look:

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And, as for the other little painting that I purchased, I loved what the women were wearing more than anything. The flowing dresses, huge sun hat, parasol in hand – I wish that us ladies still dressed like that! The colors in the painting also spoke to me. I like how soft the palette is and how it almost looks like it’s going to rain. You can also see the signs of a heavy wind from the ribbons adorning their ensemble blowing about. And, of course, this picture also reminds me of something that would be in the funeral home too, so there’s that! #funeralhomechic

What is your favorite art museum to visit? Who is your favorite artist? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May15

The Little Black Book Of Contacts Every Homeowner Should Have

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The Little Black Book Of Contacts Every Homeowner Should Have

When you own your own home, you’re always going to have different roles and responsibilities that you need to stick to. It’s not like renting where you have a landlord to take care of things for you. When things go wrong, you need to know who to call. And not only that, but when you’re renovating or you need some help, it’s good to know what experts and specialists to turn to.

As much as you may think that you can just look for someone at the time or when you need them, in a rushed situation, you may choose the wrong company or person. This is why it’s handy for you to have a list of contacts that you can call when you need the help. Let’s take a look at some you may want to gather:

Handyman:

The first kind of person that you might want to think about getting is a handyman! Do you often have work that needs doing around the home? Do you struggle to do some tasks yourself, like hanging pictures, painting, or repairing things? Then, having a handyman that is skilled at odd jobs is what you need. So do your research and find the best person. Simply entering handyman near me in Screven or whatever city you reside in on a search engine will give you a list of local professionals in your area. It’s also a good idea to ask friends and family for recommendations too!

Gardener:

Next up, you may need to get yourself a gardener. We all know that aiming to take care of your own garden is pretty much a full-time job. And, when you’re busy, you won’t always have the time to mow the lawn or cut hedges. Bringing in a gardener to help you is also a good move when you have no green thumbs!

homee1

Unsplash Image

Tradesmen:

As a step on from that, it’s important for you to know the best tradesmen to have on hand, too. When things go wrong, you’ll want to make sure that you have a list of people that you can call. Here, you’ll want to know the best plumbers, electricians, builders, and any other specialists that you may need.

Housekeeper:

At the same time, if you have a large house and you struggle to get all of the work done, maybe you need a housekeeper or a cleaner to come and help you for an hour or two a week? There’s no shame in that – just make sure you do your research and find someone you like and who you can trust.

Dog Walker:

And, finally, if you have a dog and you work full-time, then having a dog walker might be what you need. Even if you don’t have a full-time job but you have a super busy schedule, finding a great dog walker can feel like such a treat. Then you have one less job to do yourself. Not only that, but you may even want to look for a dog sitter too – or a two in one walker and sitter for when you’re away for the day or a vacation.

Knowing who to call when you need work done is important, so gather recommendations and reviews and assemble your own little black book today!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

May15

Lil Red’s Art Gallery: Favorites Edition

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Lil Red’s Art Gallery: Favorites Edition

Hi everyone! So, when my grandma sold her funeral home in Cleveland and opted to live closer to family (like mine) in Akron, obviously, a lot of the furniture and decor couldn’t come with. So, when my grandma downsized, she brought only her favorites. One of which included a painting of a girl looking forlorn while wearing a huge sun hat and holding a bouquet of flowers displayed in an ornate gold frame.

I can recall one of my cousins wondering out loud why, out of all of the gorgeous art work in the funeral home, this picture was chosen. And, sadly, I never asked this question for myself. However, it is now hanging in my family home. The painting of the little boy holding a bunch of flowers seen below reminds me of the picture that my grandma apparently loved a lot so I consider it my version of that!

favefave1fave2fave3fave4

My mom commented on my little boy blue giving off serious Little Prince vibes and I can definitely see it! I don’t know what it is about this picture but, as soon as I saw it, I fell in love. It’s such a sweet image to me and it makes me happy to think of the little girl or boy he’s going to give his flowers to. Or, maybe, he’s about to run into his mom’s arms and surprise her with it. It just makes me smile and I hope to some day hang up my grandma’s painting side by side with it.

And, of course, the Asian inspired embroidered cloth was a must, too. The colors, the subject, the craftsmanship – WOOF, I love this picture so much. The bamboo style frame is a nice touch and my only hope is that the words on there are something really random like “swimming pool” or “blow torch” and no one will know any better. But, if you do have any idea of what those characters are, let a Lil Red know!

If you could only bring a few things from your belongings to a new place, what would you take? Which of your belongings holds a lot of significance to you? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May14

Things To Do After The Attic Renovation

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Things To Do After The Attic Renovation

Attic renovations are now one of the most common. Whether you intend to use your attic as a bedroom or a place to chill out, chances are that you’ll go down all the usual routes, including contracting builders and seeking permissions. You’ll also need to ensure the flooring can support this change and that you have proper insulation. Within a few weeks, though, you could have a seemingly functional room in your hands.

Sadly, many home owners do renovations for attics only to find that they never spend any time there. That can lead to a lot of wasted time and effort, not to mention wasting a fair amount of cash. And, more often than not, neglect here is down to the fact that we give up on our renovations too soon. Instead of expecting a space you love straight after renovation, then, consider the following crucial steps you should take after your attic conversion.

Take care of your roofing:

First, consider roofing. Failure to do so could leave your conversion cold and damp in no time. Metal roofing could even increase noise levels. If you can’t seem to settle, then, seek a roof inspection. If your clanging metal roof is keeping you up or keeping you cold at night, consider options for ensuring that metal roofs and high winds don’t cause any more problems. And, of course, make sure there are no leaks which stand to waste the money you spent on your renovation in the first place. The faster you act on getting a Roofing Installation expert in, the quicker your renovation can, at last, become the living space you desire.

Remember that the roofing and flooring are the most important parts of your attic transformation. While it is always a great thing to be able to cut costs with DIY, these are tasks to leave to the professionals to ensure everyone’s safety once the renovation is complete. Start by searching online, getting recommendations from friends, or checking out this Aurora roofing company in Colorado if you’re in the area for optimum success.

Flooring:

A renovated attic should feel cozy and like a space you want to spend time in so rough flooring has got to go. You could consider installing carpet or you might want to take a more stylish approach. Sanding down the floors with a professional team can leave a sleek finish. Then, you can enhance the room with plush, luxurious area rugs to add texture and color. To find a team that specializes in sanding, simply enter a search for “Floor Sanding Manchester” (or your local area). This will tie your newly renovated attic together from floor to ceiling.

Find ways to add light:

Once your renovation is complete, you might find that your attic space is pretty dark. No one likes to spend time in a dark room so this alone could leave you unsatisfied. Make sure it doesn’t by considering ways to add more light afterwards. Painting with bright colors is always a good bet, as are mirrors and well-placed lights. When you install these after your attic renovation, it will be a part of the house that you enjoy at last.

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https://www.pinterest.com/pin/777785798121645027/

Think about keeping it fresh:

Even after completing roof repairs, you may notice your conversion getting stuffy and damp. In many ways, this is impossible to avoid here. But, there is action you can take. A shop bought dehumidifier is a sure way to keep that air fresh, for instance. Even installing a ceiling fan could bring that breath of fresh air you need to make the room more pleasant to use.

Whatever you do, don’t give up on your attic renovation the moment it’s complete. As you can see, this is an ongoing addition which can take adjustments to get right. You just have to keep going until it becomes as much a part of your home as any other room!

Featured Image By: Flickr

May14

Lil Red’s Art Gallery: Floral Galore Edition

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Lil Red’s Art Gallery: Floral Galore Edition

Hello hello! During the initial process of getting everything squared away for my apartment, I was a nervous wreck. But, the more I shopped, the more excited I felt about my big move. Retail therapy at its finest! I had the most fun shopping for my larger pieces of furniture and it felt good to check all of the big purchases off of my list. The extra stuff like things from the wall art seen below to hand soap were just the cherry on top of the moving sundae!

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Now, normally I am not a huge floral girl when it comes to wall art. But, the pictures above spoke to me for some reason and for eight dollars total at Goodwill, I figured “why not?”. Since we established that my decor style is apparently funeral home chic, these pictures will fit right in! I love the lace on the rose picture and the more ornate frame on the smaller one. I feel like someone loved these pictures a lot or maybe they belonged to one of their loved ones and I like feeling like I’ve given both of them a beautiful new home to be showcased in. :*)

Are you a floral decor fan or nah? What is your favorite thing to shop for when it comes to home goods? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah