Tag Archives: warm

May30

What DO I Wear?! Beach Chic Edition

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What DO I Wear?! Beach Chic Edition

Helloooo everyone and welcome to the very first post of my Salute To Summer guest bloggers series compliments of the darling, sweet, talented, gorgeous K.M. of Ankhor You. K.M. is a dear blogging friend of mine who I absolutely adore and it would BEHOOVE all of you to go check out her page because I can promise you that you will love her just as much (but definitely not more) as me. K.M. is a mermaid princess and she is going to teach all of you a thing or two about Beach Chic attire. Check it out and enjoy:

What DO I Wear?! Beach Chic Edition

“I look my best when I’m totally free, on holiday, walking on the beach.” Rosamund Pike

When Sarah mentioned that she was doing a summer series with guest bloggers, I knew right away that I not only wanted to take part, and was incredibly honored she wanted me to, but I had a pretty good idea of what I was going to write. Summer is my jam, especially if it includes anything to do with the ocean. If I could live in a bungalow by the beach and write the rest of my life, I would be one happy mermaid. #Lifegoals

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Summer time isn’t just my happy place, but it’s my favorite kind of fashion. Maxi dresses, beach cover ups, flip-flops, skirts, bare legs – I love it all. All year, I wait for when I am finally able to shed the heavy coats and toss my espadrilles aside while letting my feet play in the sand. At this point, I wouldn’t say love but more like borderline obsessed.

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Summer Fun:

With the warmer weather comes endless activities from sea glass hunting, visiting light houses, to taking a schooner out on the ocean. And, of course, lounging in the sand catching rays is a must. While many of these activities can be considered casual, your style does not have to be. Nope, beach wear can be classy and chic, transitioning from a day in the sun to a night out on the boardwalk. Of course you want to be the epitome of a fashionista. After all…Pictures!

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Summer Trends:

Keeping with the unofficial Summer anthem of “let’s show some skin”, the trends aren’t just an emphasis of off the shoulders and cut outs, but bralettes and cropped tops littered the racks and runways this season. It is summer after all, and we want to be cool in our looks and our body temperature!

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// Sunglasses: Tory Burch // Shirt: Anthropologie // Skirt: White House Black Market // Shoes: DSW // Necklace: Seamilligan Designs // Cuff: Light House Studio Designs // Clutch: Alaina Marie, Bait Bags // 

It can be daunting wearing just a bralette, after all how many of us have Giselle Bundchens abs? Be honest. But, stores like Anthropologie are offering a variety of cropped tops and bralettes, from barely there to just a hint of peek-a-boo skin.

Added to that, high waisted skirts and pants have made a comeback in a big way, pairing well with the “let’s just wear half a shirt” shirt. It also gives us the option of showing a little less skin if we so choose.

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The Look:

I found this billowy cropped blouse at Anthropologie and the rest is history, especially when this blonde saw that it came in navy. Move aside black, navy is the IT color for blondes. While it might seem a tad naughty librarian, this shirt is incredibly versatile and pairs well over a camisole, if you want to be trendy, but demure. Tied and fitted at the waist, the kimono like sleeves offer another glance of skin when the arms are raised in the classic “touchdown” stance.

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Having planned a day of fun with my mer-twin at Eastern Promenade in Maine, I knew no amount of donuts or frappucinos were going to stop me from rocking this shirt. (You go girl!! -Sarah)

Channeling the high waisted trend, I opted for a white embroidered skirt from White House Black Market. Shorter then I normally go for, it was flirty and fun, perfect for a debut in the sun. Because of the wide elastic band, I could wear it higher up or lower depending on how much skin I wanted to show, or how many mimosas I had slung back at brunch. (AYYYY – also from Sarah)

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Accessories Perfect For a Mermaid:

The navy and white created a blank canvas to accessorize however the mood struck. I could go ultra glam or keep it nautical. I decided on the latter, choosing jewelry and accessories that had ocean ties.

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I wanted to rock my favorite tassel necklace by SeaMilligan Designs made from blue safety sea-glass. I then added a cuff made out of a lobster gauge from Lighthouse Designs. Rounding out the nautical accessories and to hold my things and maybe any sea glass I found, I grabbed my bait bag clutch by Alaina Marie. And, finally, for shoes I chose my lace espadrilles, that I could easily take off so that I could dip my feet into the (chilly!) water.

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The Finished Look:

All in all it was a trendy, yet Beach Chic look, that I could show off both on and off the sand. It is also an outfit that I could throw over a swimsuit or wear for a night out on the boardwalk. Much like most of the items that I buy and style, the options are endless for this look, as well as the individual pieces.

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Thank you SO MUCH again to the lovely sea princess, K.M., from Ankhor You for starting out my Salute To Summer guest bloggers series with a Beach Chic bang! How do you style a beach ready look? What are some of your beach essentials? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May24

Bollywood Style Target Haul

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Bollywood Style Target Haul

Hi everyone and happy Hump Day! I had a shockingly really nice day yesterday – I got a lot of work done and managed to squeeze in a Target shopping trip, which instantly turned the day from pleasant to fantastic! Oh, Target. The store notorious for people going there to get one thing and leaving with a cart full of so called “necessities”. AKA, my life every time I walk through those sliding doors.

I don’t think people realize just how much Target has improved in this past decade because honestly, their clothing and accessories used to suck eggs. But now, I can’t remember the last time I went into Target without trying something on in the dressing room or modeling a new pair of shades in their accessory shop. But hey, it could be worse. I could be going into Target and leaving with nothing! 😉

For the most part, I’ve been really impressed with Target’s summer line of clothing and yesterday was no exception. I was taken aback by the taste of Bollywood style that some of the pieces invoked and as soon as I saw them, they were basically as good as mine. I absolutely ADORE Bollywood inspired clothing. The jewel tones, the fine attention to detail, the flow, and flare. UGH. I love it all. Take a look at my latest indulgences and let’s discuss:

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As you guys know, ten out of ten times, I’m going to prefer black clothing. But, when I venture into color, jewel tones are where it’s at. My pasty pale complexion is such a blessing because it allows me to wear the deep, dazzling colors that I love. Emerald green, cobalt, mustard yellow, shocking magenta, and deep shades of wine. My skin tone turns into a blinding fifty shades of pale and enhances the color of the clothing tenfold. That is why I was so attracted to my new maxi dress and bralette top.

I’ve been on the prowl for a maxi dress since the weather began to warm up because I don’t own one. I have some fun high low dresses but no straight up, down to the floor maxis. I’ve tried on a few and some were nice but none of them spoke to me on a spiritual level. Then, I found this mustard yellow gown yesterday and yes, it moved me.

Mustard yellow is my color. Granted, it hasn’t always been that way, though. Before I began dying my hair red and was still wearing my hair in its natural shade of medium brown, mustard yellow looked ghastly on me. It was so sad because I wanted it to look good on me so badly but it was just very blah. Fast forward to when I became a red headed vixen (ayyy!) and it became all mustard yellow everything. Many people have told me that mustard yellow really is a red head’s best color and they are so right. I have never met a red head, real or fake, that that color hasn’t looked good on. It truly is an anomaly how simply changing your hair color can open up a whole new clothing color palette to you, but I am so not complaining. #blessed

In summary, this dress is fabulous. The way the fabric crimps, the silhouette, the color, the detailing in the bodice, the emphasized waist line. Holy moly. I love when I see pieces of clothing that I just know will look good on me and that’s how I felt about both of my new purchases. Sometimes, I find that maxi dresses can really overpower a petite gal, such as myself. But not this one. The way that it was designed with the slit down the bottom middle, the embellished bust, and the detailing on the waist line was genius because it broke the dress up. It turned what could have been a dress that looked like a potato sack into a gown with a distinctive top and bottom, which makes the eye dance around because there’s more to look at than a floor length window curtain. #greatsuccess

And, lord god have mercy, don’t even get me started on my new bralette. I love, love, love, love, LOVE this top. Crop tops are my number one BFF in my wardrobe when it comes to showing off my tattoo arsenal because five of my six are on my side and back. And best believe with my latest tattoo addition, that I’ve been wanting all of the crop tops to show it off!

This top is just stunning. The muted magenta color, the embroidery, the mirror decal embellishments. Omg. Just pure, modern, Bollywood fun. The best thing about this bralette is the possibilities that come with styling it. You could wear it with a:

  • Maxi skirt
  • High waisted/normal shorts
  • Jeans
  • Harem pants
  • Underneath a blazer/cardigan

I mean, seriously, the possibilities are endless. I feel like I am going to have so much fun incorporating this top into my outfits and I already have so many ideas in mind! When my MAN comes up at the end of the month for my birthday, I plan on wearing this with black shorts, my black, oversized boyfriend blazer, and my olive green platform heels for a sexy cool summer look. Dress to impress much?

Target hit the nail on the head with these pieces and I am so happy to have them in my collection as we head into the summer months ahead. My wardrobe is not the most accommodating to summer clothing because I thrive when I’m styling things for the cooler fall, winter, and early spring. It’s going to be fun to try something new and go into summer not feeling like I don’t have anything to wear!

So there you have it, my Bollywood Style Target Haul! How do you style a bralette into your outfits? What style of dress do you prefer for summer (maxi, mini, midi?)? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May18

Summer Fun Checklist

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Summer Fun Checklist

It may not always seem like it, but the time of year that it is can make a huge difference in a person’s life. Winter and autumn can be difficult sometimes because of things like seasonal effective disorder. How early the sun rises and sets is enough to have an effect on people’s moods (I know it does for me!). As another example, people look at the New Year as something of a new start, and it is a time when they try to grasp that opportunity.

Summer is no different. If you are in college, especially, the break from the academic year represents an opportunity to improve yourself (or simply to bask in laziness for a few weeks). That may mean that you go traveling and experience the wonders of another culture or you may decide, instead, to stay closer to home and participate in some volunteering or work experience to better prepare you for your post-graduation job search. For people who work, it is a chance to go on holiday. However, you may just want to stay at home and relax. For some people, the perfect summer day is taking a book to a local park and sitting under a tree until it gets too dark to read.

If you are thinking of making the most of the summer this year, you will need to start preparing now since it is so nearly upon us. Here are five things that you need to make sure of before you set off on whatever plans that you’ve made:

  1. If you are hoping to leave the country, you should book your flights exactly eighteen weeks before you intend to travel. Research has shown that airline websites offer the cheapest prices at those times. Otherwise, you need to check that your passport is still valid. And do not forget your visa! There is nothing worse than getting somewhere only to be sent back again right away.
  2. Depending on where you’re going, you will need to make sure that your wardrobe matches. If you are heading to some tropical paradise, you’ll need a bikini or swimming trunks. Do not forget your sunglasses and the most important thing of all: sun tan lotion. Nothing ruins a vacation quite like a nasty sunburn.
  3. Personal grooming is crucial, too. If you are looking for the best razor for the bikini area, you need to make sure that you get one with which you are comfortable. Otherwise, you should remember that in different climates you will need to have products for your hair and skin. If you are not used to hot weather all year round, you may quickly find that your lips crack or your skin becomes a little dry. Thinking ahead and packing precautionary lotions or ointments is the smartest thing to do when you’re jetsetting to a new place.
  4. You should always take a book with you just in case for surprise waits before appointments or lunch dates, but it is never more important than when you are on holiday. They are not called ‘beach reads’ for nothing!
  5. No one forgets a camera anymore since they do not forget their phone but to get the best pictures, you should think about a camera with film. It costs more but the photos are better. Also, why not take a notebook along so that you can better remember the holiday when you get back?

Nothing makes pre-vacation planning easier than a good old fashioned checklist. Make yours, check it twice, and you’re off!

Featured Image By: Pexels

May7

Summer’s Coming! Health Tips To Prioritize

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Summer’s Coming! Health Tips To Prioritize

Now that spring has seen it’s last few days and summer is finally on its way, it’s time to talk about health. Our health matters differ from winter to summer. When the months warm up, we have certain things that we need to prioritize over others. With the sun coming out in full force and the days lasting longer, we can often focus on having fun over looking after ourselves. But, with these key areas, all you have to do is take precautionary steps now, and your health will be covered all summer long:

Protect Your Skin: When we’re exposed to the sun, our skin can suffer. So, it’s important to take a few precautionary measures before you head out for the day. Along with trying to avoid being in direct sunlight during the hottest hours of the day, you should aim to take breaks in the shade as much as possible. When your skin is exposed to the sun, regardless of how cloudy it may seem, you need to make sure that you wear sunscreen. That way, you’re protected from harmful rays and have a better chance of staying safe and sun burn free.

If you find yourself craving summer heat, but don’t want to risk burning, a trip to the sauna can help scratch that itch. There are distinctive benefits to a traditional sauna experience and one that uses infrared sauna light therapy. Explore both options to find the setting that is right for you!

Tackle Those Allergies: Having allergies can be hard during the summer months. Whether you’re suffering from a blocked nose, itchy eyes, or painful sinuses, the sooner you work on tackling your allergies, the better you will feel. Sometimes, taking a mild antihistamine is all you need. However, if you’re still suffering, then you might want to think about speaking to your doctor about the alternative options you may have, like natural remedies or surgery.

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Pretty!

Prioritize Hydration: As the weather gets warmer, we’re more likely to suffer from dehydration. What you would drink in winter may need to be increased for summer, because we tend to sweat a lot more. So if you drank four glasses of water a day on average in the winter, you might need to make that six for the summer. But everybody is different, so what ‘hydrated’ means to you might be too much or little for somebody else. Some great tips on staying hydrated can be found here in case you feel like you need an extra H2O boost.

Control Circulation: Poor circulation can happen for many different reasons, but when the weather warms up the effects can worsen. Whether you experience numbness in your legs, pain, or even a high level of fatigue, it’s time to take back control of your circulation. You may need to seek advice from your doctor, but you will often find that when you buy compression socks, you can not only promote good circulation again but ease the pain.

Get Active: Exercise is important for a balanced lifestyle. But when it comes to summer, stepping up your activity levels could not only improve your well-being, but give you more energy, too. Now that the sun is shining more, it’s time to get outside because cold winter days are no longer an excuse! Walk rather than drive and head out to enjoy nature parks around your area. Not only will you feel better for it, but you’ll also look it, too.

Summer is a time for fun, sun, and some much needed R&R. When you’re in the best health that you can be, the care free summer vibes will only be intensified!

Featured Image By: Pexels

May6

8 Stylish Ways to Beach up Your Home

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8 Stylish Ways to Beach up Your Home

Hi everyone and happy weekend! This post is compliments of my darling friend and design guru, the lovely Miss Chloe Taylor. Thanks again, Chloe girl! ❤

8 Stylish Ways to Beach up Your Home

It was the year 2003 when the world fell in love with the amazing beach house from the movie “Something’s Gotta Give” with Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton. The Hamptons house Keaton’s character lives in was everything anyone could wish for from a beach house – light shades of blue, warm whites, soapstone counter tops, an amazing pool, and a fabulous view of the waterfront. However, not all of us can enjoy the benefit of having a shore near our homes, but that doesn’t mean that we should be deprived of laid-back coastal decor. If you are interested in “beaching up” your home, here are a few ways to do it:

Start With the First Impression:

If you want to turn your landlocked home into a beach-like heaven, you should start from the very entrance. Painting the facade in light grey or white (or a combination of the two) should do the trick. Then, you can enhance the vibe with a pastel blue front door and lush green plants on the sides of the entrance.

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Choose a Beachy Color Palette for the Interior:

Once you enter your little sea shore kingdom, you’ll want the interior to match what’s outside and enhance that light summer vacation feeling even more. To achieve that, go with colors like white, light shades of blue, beige, pastels, and light grey.

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Let the Light In:

If you want to show those wonderful colors in their truest light, you’ll have to use precisely that – light. Shine some natural light by leaving the windows bare, or using sheer or linen curtains. Also, especially in the kitchen, you can use bamboo or woven shades.

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Use Rattan and Sea Grass:

Rattan furniture is an instant way to transform an ordinary room into a traditional looking beach house. The living room and the dining room are the best places to introduce such pieces, but you can also use them outdoors to connect the two environments. A sea grass rug in the living room will amplify the summer lightness of the beach decor.

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Cover up:

If you’re a little short on cash and don’t feel like buying new furniture, that’s alright. You can always slipcover the pieces that you already own and bring that special lighthearted feeling to the room. Linen and cotton duck cloth are perfect fabrics for this task.

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Stripe it up:

Don’t you think that after all of these light colors, that it’s about time to add some drama to the whole picture? We have the perfect thing for you: sailor stripes. It is the perfect pattern to implement on an area rug (just like in “Something’s Gotta Give”), accent wallpaper, or an armchair/sofa slipcover.

Sea-Loving Artwork and Accessories:

Now it’s time to sprinkle your home with just a bit of fairy dust. And by fairy dust, we obviously mean some accessories associated with the seaside. Collect some beach treasures like sea stars, rocks, sand dollars, pieces of coral, and driftwood. You can display them independently, cluster them in a bowl, or use them to encrust a chandelier or a mirror.

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Don’t Have a Shore? Make One!

Who needs the sea when you have your pool? It just needs a few upgrades to get close enough to beach-indulgence. And since the waterfront is your main inspiration, this is the very place where you should splurge on outdoor designer furniture (stylish pool lounges sound like a great idea!). Plant some shrubs and bushes around the pool (palm trees are also an option) and add some tiki umbrellas. Pour yourself a margarita and enjoy.

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If there could be one term that would easily replace “a dream home” it would definitely be “a beach home”. Unfortunately, we aren’t all blessed with a Hamptons house (or even better, a Caribbean estate), but we can do our best to introduce just a bit of the sea breeze, sparkly shells, and sunny days into our lives. There’s no shame in being a beachy-keen dreamer!

^^^ Thanks again to my Chloe girl for a beach-tastic post! This was perfect, considering it’s been raining ALL WEEK in Ohio! Are you a beach fan? If not, what type of land/climate do you prefer? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr30

What You Need To Make Your Home Entertainment Ready This Summer

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What You Need To Make Your Home Entertainment Ready This Summer

With summer approaching, fashions will start to change. Looking good is important all year round, but once the weather starts to become warmer and you spend more time in the park or basking in the sunshine outside of a bar, you will need to think about the perfect summer outfit. Your winter coats and cozy sweaters will be there waiting for you in the fall, but in the meantime, your look will have to change. As everyone knows, being stylish takes a lot of time and attention, but it is worth it. Carefully choosing what you wear is important because you want to make a good impression but as April cedes to May, and May acquiesces to June, you may also be thinking about hosting a garden party.

Having your friends over and just relaxing really is the best part of the season (except perhaps going on vacation). However, if you are going to be a good host, you will need to make sure that everything is perfect. There is a lot of think about. Do you have enough food for everyone? The best advice is to get more than you think you’ll need. After all, you can enjoy it on your own once all the guests have gone home. You also need to ensure that you’ve got enough for everyone to drink. Most guests will be good enough to bring something themselves, whether it is a bottle of wine or something a bit stronger, but there is nothing that lets a party down quite as much as not having enough alcohol!

You also need to make sure that your home is ready for guests, too. Tidying up is one thing, but if you want your house to make as good of an impression as you do, you should consider fixing it up a little. There is still time before summer starts in earnest and the convenient thing about home improvements is that they last for the rest of the year. Here are a few ideas about things that you can do to make your home perfect this summer:

First impressions are crucial. It is estimated that when you go for a job interview you have just six minutes to impress your prospective employer. When you are meeting someone for the first time in a casual social situation, you have just seven seconds before your interlocutor has made up their mind. When someone sees where you live for the first time, it is no different. That is why you should try to improve how your house looks from the street. You could hire Local Roofers to give your place a better look or think about getting new windows (both of which, incidentally, can help you save money and energy). If you do not have the time to start major work on your house, you could clean your driveway and outer exterior with a high-pressure washer. You will be amazed once you start at just how clean things used to look, and can look again.

If you are hosting a garden party, your guests will probably not spend that much time in your house, so all you have to worry about is that it is clean and tidy. The bathroom, in particular, should be spotless because people will use it at one point or another. However, your focus should be on your garden. Mowing your lawn and dealing with any pesky weeds is the first thing to do, but then you should think about investing in some garden furniture. Standing for an entire afternoon or evening is no one’s idea of fun and sitting on the ground may not appeal to everyone. And, you can use it too on those long summer nights when there is nothing better than reading a book outside while perched on some comfortable bench cushions and relaxing.

An outdoor party will require a shady space to hang out at with a cold drink when the sun gets too hot. You could have a few patio tables with umbrellas set up, invest in sun setters, or go with something very practical like portable event gazebos. Pop up gazebos can create a welcome oasis from the sun so your guests are comfortable all day long. This is a much more affordable option than renovating your outdoor space to create shade and can be taken down easily after the party.

A good barbecue is another essential item. If the food that you cook (whether it is hot dogs and burgers or roasted vegetables) is not great, that is what your guests will go away remembering. Lastly, if you do not have a good sound system, your party will be doomed before it even begins. You could play something from inside and open your windows, but a much better option is to get outdoor equipment. It can be rather expensive, but if you want to create the perfect atmosphere, there is no better way of doing it.

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The only thing that you need to do now is relax and enjoy yourself. You may think that having loads of people over and entertaining them could be stressful but the secret is that if you let your hair down and have some fun, your guests probably will, too.

Featured Image By: Pexels

Apr21

Why Does My Shower Take Forever To Heat Up?

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Why Does My Shower Take Forever To Heat Up?

If you’re like most people, you probably set your alarm to leave just enough time to get up, have a quick but warm shower, get dressed, and then out the door and on your way to work. If you have days where you have to spend ages waiting for your shower to heat up, you’ll know how annoying this can be. Here are the most common reasons for your water taking forever to heat up:

Your Shower’s Far Away From your Water Heater: Most homes have a single heater, with a network of piping that takes the heated water to various fixtures around the house. Depending on the size of your home, hot water may have a long way to go before it comes out of your shower head. Remember that plumbing doesn’t travel in a straight line, so if there is 50 feet of distance between the heater and a fixture, it’s typical for 60 to 70 feet of piping to connect the two. If this is the issue, then unfortunately you’re pretty screwed. The only way to get around it would require a large and expensive bit of renovation that simply isn’t worth it.

Your Pipes Drain Heat from the Water: The colder the pipes are, and the denser the material, the more heat they’ll draw from the material, slowing down the time it takes for the water to heat up to a comfortable temperature. When they’re not being used, the pipes leading from the heater to the shower become cold, especially if they’re exposed at any point in your home. Furthermore, heavier piping, made of materials like copper, can retain more heat than commonly used materials such as CPVC. This, the outside pressure, and whether the pipes are insulated or not, can all have a major effect on how long your water takes to get hot. If you think that this is the issue, consider wrapping your pipes with heat tape or a similar insulating material.

If you suspect that your lack of hot water is an issue with the pipes that insulation can’t fix, it is much better to use emergency plumbing services as opposed to trying the DIY route. Making a repair without the proper skill set can result in an even more costly problem.

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Public Domain Pictures

Flow Rate is Too Low: The lower the flow rate on your shower head, or any other fixture for that matter, the longer it will take for the water to warm up. Flow rate, as you’ve probably guessed, refers to the amount of water that can pass through the shower head at any given time. This is measured in GPM, which stands for gallons per minute. When your shower has a low flow rate, it will take longer for it to force out any leftover, cold water that’s left sitting in the pipes. Unless your shower head was installed in the nineties, you probably have a flow rate of around 2.5 GPM, but newer ones can be even lower. If you find that your shower head is a low-flow model, you may be able to fix the issue by getting a high flow shower head. Just remember that this is going to be less conservative with your water, meaning that you’ll have higher bills and a less eco-friendly morning routine.

If you’re sick of getting hypothermia just to leave the house on time, we hope this post has been a big help! 🙂

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Apr10

Things To Fix Ahead of Summer

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Things To Fix Ahead of Summer

Summer is such an amazing season. The weather gets warmer, people get happier, things are generally a lot more relaxing and laid back. There’s not a lot to grumble about – unless you haven’t made the preparations to enjoy this time of the year as much as you could have done. The more dormant months that make up winter into spring are the ones that need to be utilized in order to get everything ready and raring to go to make this year a summer to remember!

In The Garden: There’s a lot in the back yard that we put to good use in the summer months. Things like barbecues, furniture, and the garden in general all need a good seeing to before the warmer weather hits. Ideally, barbecues should be stored inside a place like a shed or garden room in order to prevent rusting or at the least have a cover on them to protect them from the colder weather that the winter months throws at them.

If you haven’t done this, now is the time to get out the wire brushes and go to town on cleaning it down and making it safe for further use. Furniture, especially if wooden, needs to have a lick of weatherproof paint to keep it in excellent condition for the next couple of months. While plants and grass tend to get out of control once the sun starts to beat down on them, there is a time when they are dormant and more manageable. Getting on top of the garden before the garden gets on top of you is definitely the way to go!

Now is also a great time to start planning and budgeting for any projects you would like to complete in your garden. Perhaps you would like to improve your landscaping or even install a bocce ball court. You could also start researching a fixture like garden rooms. They can be transformed into an area for entertainment, a home gym, or simply having a dry place to watch the rain and snow fall.

In The House: We all know that summer, in the majority of cases, means warmer weather. This means that we need to make plans for getting ourselves cooler and back to a normal body temperature again. It is so easy to overheat without realizing it, and the chances of dehydrating yourself are greater during this period of the year. If you know that your air conditioning was giving up the ghost at the end of last year, consider getting an ac repair service done to get it back to good working order. Ensure that everything that keeps things cool is working, like your fridge and freezer. The last thing you want is for either of these things to fail in weather that the food is more likely to turn bad in. And it would be a shame for all of those delicious popsicles to melt into a sticky juice!

In The Car: Unsurprisingly, most car failures happen in extreme weathers of either hot or cold. Making sure that you are carrying a spare bottle of water around with you, should your car start to overheat, can be a lifesaver if you’re stuck out on the road without a service station nearby. Make sure that you pack extra snacks and water for yourself, too, just in case the worst happens. The last thing that you want is to be stranded with your tummy rumbling – especially in the heat! #myworstnightmare

Featured Image By: Pexels

Mar22

Essential Accessories For a Sizzling Spring/Summer Wardrobe

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Essential Accessories For a Sizzling Spring/Summer Wardrobe

Spring has arrived and soon we’ll be basking in the glory of blue skies and warm climes. If you’re starting to think about your new season wardrobe, don’t get too carried away with expensive clothing because this season is all about the accessories. With the right accessories, you can ensure that you’re right on trend with every look without buying a different outfit for every occasion. If you’re after a sizzling spring/summer 2017 wardrobe, here are the accessories you need now:

The Embroidered Bag: Embroidery is massive this season and if you don’t want to walk around in patched up jeans or floaty folk tops, an embroidered bag is the perfect addition to your closet. You’ll find every style out there so you can choose from embroidered fringed backpacks or cross-body bags for festivals or patterned clutches for a chic evening look. Florals are hugely popular, but you’ll also find swirls, exotic birds, beads, and jewels. For a fun take on this trend, look out for bags emblazoned with customized patches or slogans for a cheeky wardrobe staple.

The Platform Shoe: A firm favorite in the 80’s and 90’s, the platform is back with a vengeance for spring/summer. Many designers mixed chunky soles with ultra-feminine touches on the runways to create an eclectic, fun vibe. Think sturdy heeled sandals teamed with frilly ankle socks and flatform sliders paired with skater dresses. The beauty of the platform is that you can add height without committing to walking around in stilettos all day. Platforms tend to be comfier and they’re usually easier to walk in. And did I mention that they are a Lil Red Favorite?!

sizzleHello, 90s fab!

The Earrings: This season is all about going large with your earrings and embracing the trend of mixing, rather than matching. On the catwalks, models were spotted with dramatic, hanging gems and masculine ear cuffs, which were embellished with a series of different studs and rings. This year, anything goes, so don’t be afraid to wear two different pieces or even just a single earring on its own. You can go girly with stylish chandelier earrings or keep it cool with a tragus ring or multiple studs.

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SO. Cute!

Rose Gold: Rose gold has been around for a while, but in the warmer months, it really comes into its own. This shade flatters everyone and it suits all ages. It also complements spring pastels brilliantly. Add a rose gold pendant necklace to a ruffled blouse and a pleated midi skirt for a beautifully feminine smart cashe look or team a tailored blazer, skinny jeans, and a silk cami with a statement watch for the perfect Friday night drinks outfit. If you’re looking for styling tips, have a look through some magazines, check out what your favorite celebrities are wearing, and have a browse online at sites like Frost NYC. With rose gold, you can be as playful or as formal as you like and your accessories will totally make the outfit. Dress up simple basics or vary your look by swapping between statement earrings, classic watches, bangles, and Bohemian stacking rings.

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 Love pocket watches!

The Miniature Bag: Gone are the days of hauling your entire collection of possessions around with you in an oversized hobo or tote bag. This season, it’s all about scaling things down and carrying the bare minimum with you. Miniature bags are a cute addition to both smart and casual looks and you’ll find a variety of options to suit your style and the occasion for which you’re dressing. Go for a tiny but incredibly sophisticated box clutch for an evening out or keep things casual with a mini backpack or even a bijou shoulder bag for a trip to the outdoor shopping centers.

Dramatic shades: If you’re a perennial aviator wearer, it’s time to step up your shade game and try out some different styles and shapes. This season is all about making a dramatic entrance and letting your sunglasses do the talking. Think oversized hexagonal frames, bold colors, and cat’s eye glasses for a bold “look at me but don’t look at me” look.

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 MeeeOW!

Spring is officially here so it’s time to crack open the boxes full of skirts, dresses, and tees and start thinking about how to incorporate them into your wardrobe. When a new season arrives, it’s tempting to buy a load of new clothes but you don’t have to go crazy to make sure that you’re on trend. Using accessories is a great way to create stylish looks without spending a fortune on new outfits. This season, embrace the new trends and have fun putting different looks together. Make a statement with some eye-catching shades or some dramatic earrings or keep things simple with elegant rose gold touches or a chic miniature clutch. No matter how you style for spring, let your accessories make a splash and head outdoors to show off your warm weather looks!

Mar17

Spring Is At The Door. Are You Ready?

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Spring Is At The Door. Are You Ready?

Spring is nearly here! If you believe the calendar, spring should be with us by the 20th of March. In truth, it has already started in some areas. And unfortunately for some, they might have to wait until April. But you can definitely safely say that spring is on the way. Forget the cold and the snow of the past winter, the sun is coming back and the flowers are starting to bloom. Nature is finally taking over, the birds are singing again and skirts are getting shorter. There is no doubt about it: The nation is getting ready to welcome spring. Best of all, you can already find some yummy chocolate eggs in the shops, so this is another good reason to eagerly await the changing of the seasons. But are you ready for it?

Spring Cleaning:

What is spring without the unavoidable spring cleaning? Some might say that it could be a lot nicer not to have to clean the house from bottom to top, but let’s be honest: It’s part of a good home maintenance practice. Start by decluttering your home from everything that you have accumulated throughout the winter and that you don’t need any longer. Whether you decide to throw unneeded items away, sell, or give to charities is your own decision. But you will see clearer once the unnecessary items are out of the way. Then, you can start washing and cleaning in depth every room and every piece of decor and furniture. This also includes your carpets. If you knew what a welcoming terrain dirty carpets make for dust mites and other unexpected guests, you’d probably wash it more often, too!

Spring Starts Outside:

But in truth, spring begins outside your house. You should be gathering new ideas for your garden to capture the essence of spring in your backyard. Whether you are looking to give a new character to your outdoors with customized decking or by building a barbecue area, it’s important to start with the basics. Clear your garden from any weeds and other dirt that has accumulated over the winter. This will help you to reevaluate the space and maybe bring some exciting landscaping changes. Get creative and your backyard will be the talk of the town in no time.

Get Your Spring Wardrobe:

Last, but certainly not least, is your closet. It’s time to remove those thick knits for a lighter spring wardrobe. You will be delighted to know that this year, the spring fashion is set on practicality and neutral colors. The denim jacket is making a comeback, as well as nude and powder rose color schemes for shoes and accessories. And remember to maximize your basic white tee for the season: It’s an essential of your warm weather wardrobe. If it’s too cool to wear a t-shirt only, throw a military jacket on top. It will keep you warm and trendy! Fashion this season is promoting classic and simple lines: A modern silhouette under the sun. What is there not to love?

Featured Image By: Pixabay