Tis the season for giving gifts to the ones we love while we celebrate the birth of Christ. Choosing a meaningful gift that embodies the reason for the season can be a daunting task. At least, I used to think so, but then I found Abide from Guideposts. Abide has faith inspired gifts that are specifically curated to bring joy to both the giver and recipient.
I hope you will check out their website and peruse the beautifully designed mugs, inspiring journals, meaningful jewelry, and delightful candles. You are sure to find the perfect gift to lift and encourage your spirit and you know the recipient will feel the same.
SAVE NOW
Now, you can find the perfect gift and save 20% on your entire order when you use the discount code SOCIAL20 during checkout.
I want to let you know about a beautiful Cross Gift Set I was sent that lifted my spirits. This gorgeous cross is part of the Hold Onto Hope Cross Gift Set. This uniquely textured cross shares the encouragement of Numbers 6:24, 26: “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face
shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and
give you peace.” Be inspired by the great love that God has for His children
and His desire for us to have goodness and peace in our hearts.
Beyond the meaningful cross, the gift set includes the, For I Know The Plans Fabric Journal: Write down all your goals and dreams in the hand-lettered “For I Know The Plans I Have For You” Cool Grey and Gold Fabric Journal. Inspired by Jeremiah 29:11, this chic notebook is the perfect place for me to write down motivational notes, inspirational quotes, lists, and my best ideas. This elegant desk accessory will inspire and delight whether you pick one up for yourself or several to share with your family and friends.
Giveaway:
Our sponsor is offering a $10 Amazon Card for us to use in a Giveaway. The Giveaway is is limited to US winners only and you need to enter NOW because the winner is randomly drawn on December 14th. Winner will need to have their information to us by December 15th or a new winner will be drawn. Good Luck!!!
(read more…)
Many of us want to find a Bible that our kids find easy to read and understand. If you are the parent of a child with dyslexia, choosing a Bible can be even harder. That’s why I am so excited to share the Grace Bible for Kids with you, and best of all it is dyslexia friendly. Having dyslexia should not keep kids from reading the Bible and with the the CSB Grace Kids Bible, it doesn’t have to.
The CSB Grace Bible for kids comes in two different cover choices. You can choose the beautiful blue, leathertouch cover or a colorful conventional cover. Open this beautiful Bible up and you are sure to be impressed by the innovative features and academically tested typeface, layout, and design principles. These principles include distinct letter forms and added space between letters, words, lines, and paragraphs. You can see it for yourself and learn more at CSBGraceBibles.com
Created in partnership with 2K/DENMARK and Cambridge University, the CSB Grace Bible for Kids is designed to enhance readability for kids with all levels and varieties of dyslexia and other reading challenges.
The Bible comes with special-colored page overlays created by Cambridge University’s research department are included to further enhance visual processing.
Dozens of study helps are also inserted throughout the Bible to expand kids’ Bible knowledge and connect them to the people, places, and events they are learning about. This Bible is something your kids will grow with as they grow closer to Christ and God’s word.
Check out the features below from the publisher’s site.
FEATURES:
- Inclusive Grace typeface, layout, and design
- Enhances readability for all levels and varieties of dyslexia and other reading challenges
- Unique, colored page overlays included to further enhance visual processing
- Complete text of the Christian Standard Bible® (CSB)
- 40 insert pages with study helps and maps to help connect kids to Scripture
- Bible skills checklist and summaries of Bible books and divisions
- Large, 11-point type size
- Durable Smyth-sewn, lay-flat binding
- Black letter text
- Ribbon marker
- Presentation page for gift-giving
- 6” x 9” page size
Part of what makes the CSB Grace Bible for Kids so special is the readable, faithful-to-the-original text of the Christian Standard Bible® (CSB). The CSB’s optimal blend of accuracy and readability makes it a trustworthy, easy-to-understand resource for kids to study and memorize today—and to live and share for a lifetime.
A Truly Meaningful Gift
This is such a great Bible, so colorful and easy to understand. What good is a Bible if your kids don’t want to read it because they can’t navigate it easily or comprehend what they are reading? With Christmas coming, how perfect would the CSB Grace Bible for Kids be for a meaningful and lasting present. Imagine wrapping up God’s word for the child or grandchild in your life. You can order your copy of CSB Grace Bible for Kids Today!
Giveaway:
We are excited to be running a GIVEAWAY for 1 Copy of CSB Bible For Kids. You can enter below for your chance to win. This is limited to US winners only. Good Luck!!!
(read more…)Wow! Black Friday might be over but here are some great deals ahead of Cyber Monday.
Vera Bradley Deals Galore!
Essential Backpack in several patterns/colors only $24.99. Regular price is $115.00. Click HERE for the DEAL.
Large Weekender Bag only $49.99. Regular Price is $195.00. Click HERE for the Deal.
Dyson V8 Absolute Cordless Vacuum now $279.99, quite a savings off the regular price of $519.00. Click HERE for the Deal.
Disney X Kate Spade New York Minnie Mouse Earrings are only $14.25 with code BLACKFRIDAY. Click HERE for the Deal!
Gourmia All-in-One 14-Quart Air Fryer, Oven, Rotisserie, now only $50.00. Click HERE to get the DEAL.
Bella Classic Rotating Waffle Maker only $15.99. Click HERE for the Deal.
Protocol Sarasota Hardside 5-pc. Luggage Set just $74.99. Regular price is $400.00. Click HERE for the DEAL!
Koolaburra by UGG Wiona Melange Sherpa Throw is now $19.99. Click HERE for the Deal.
“I Surrender All” by Priscilla Shirer Review & Giveaway #ISurrenderAllMIN #MomentumInfluencerNetwork
Many people have no trouble saying they follow Jesus, but what does that mean? If Jesus is an afterthought in your life, is he really a priority? Jesus should be the number one priority in our lives. Sadly, most would say our actions don’t show that. “I Surrender All” by Priscilla Shirer will help you to move beyond being a believer and become a disciple of Jesus.
Discipleship is not easy, it is a daily choice to lay down your life and follow Jesus. However, the author tells us that the few believers who do this will experience the abundance only a surrendered life can offer.
This book guides you and gives you meditation points, spaces to write, and of course things to pray about. Below you can enter a giveaway to win your own copy of “I Surrender All”. You can check out the book on Amazon. You can also see more on the publisher’s website.
From bestselling author Priscilla Shirer comes her latest work calling readers to radically follow Christ, encouraging them to not fear what following Jesus might cost them, but to fear what they are missing by withholding anything from Him.
Giveaway:
Giveaway: 1 copy of I Surrender All
Lifeway Christian Resources is sponsoring a giveaway and will send a copy of “I Surrender All” to a randomly drawn winner. Winners must submit their info by 11/29 or will be disqualified. Open to US Residents Only. Enter Below. Good Luck!!!
Many homeowners in Baltimore find that over time areas of concrete around their property starts to sink. This is often down to major issues such as foundation problems, and it can affect all concrete areas such as the sidewalk, steps to your home, the driveway, and your patio area, among others. When you have areas of sinking concrete, it is important to take steps to get it rectified as, otherwise, it can cause a wide variety of problems.
Finding a Baltimore concrete lifting expert to work on the sinking concrete can make a big positive difference, and it means that you can avoid a wide range of issues around the home. These specialists have the knowledge, expertise, and tools to deal with sinking concrete around your home and restore the concrete areas to their former glory. This can then help you to avoid a wide range of problems. In this article, we will look at some of the issues you can avoid by having this work carried out.
Some of the Ways Concrete Lifting Can Help
Concrete lifting can help in a variety of ways when it comes to avoiding issues at your home. Some of the ways in which it can help include:
Cutting the Risk of Trips and Falls
When your concrete areas start to sink, one thing that happens is that you end up with uneven floor services. This can have a big negative impact on the appearance of your home, as it can make the property look out of condition. However, another major problem is that these uneven surfaces can prove to be treacherous for those in your home and for visitors. Uneven floors can lead to trips and falls, and this can then lead to serious injuries as people will fall on concrete. Having the sinking concrete lifted can help to reduce these hazards.
Improving Aesthetic Appeal
Another of the things that concrete lifting can do for your home is to improve the aesthetic appeal of the property. When you have areas of sinking concrete, it can have a huge negative effect on the appearance of your home, and it can make your property look like it is in far worse shape than it is. By making sure you get the sinking concrete areas addressed by professionals, you can get them restored, which means that you can enhance the appearance of your property considerably.
Maintaining Property Value
The value of your property can also be affected by the condition, and this is another reason you need to have this type of work carried out. By having a professional come out and lift the concrete, you can more easily maintain the value of your property. In addition, you can make your home far more salable, which is important if you are considering selling your home in the future. There are many issues that you can avoid by having this work carried out, which is why it is an important investment in your home.
This is a collaborative post. The opinions and views do not necessarily represent those of Mommy Ramblings.
One thing that everyone needs in order to aid their overall health and wellbeing is proper sleep. However, there are lots of people who struggle with sleep for a variety of reasons. One of the common reasons why people struggle is because they are trying to get their essential rest on a poor-quality mattress that not only makes it difficult to get to sleep but also results in aches and pains when they get up.
If you want to improve your sleep, health and wellbeing, and overall life quality, investing in a high-quality mattress is vital. A mattress is not just something that you lie down on – it is something that can affect many aspects of your life, so you need to ensure it is comfortable, suitable, and supportive. While high-quality mattresses are not always cheap, one thing you can do is to cut the cost without cutting quality by using promotional codes such as Casper promo codes.
Choosing the Perfect Mattress
By using promotional codes, you can enjoy far more choice when it comes to mattresses. This is because you will find that many more options are within your budget thanks to the savings you make with these promo codes. So, all you need to decide then is which mattress is the right one for your needs. In order to do this, you need to look at a few key factors such as:
The Size You Need
Of course, you need to consider what size mattress you need, so this is the first thing to consider. If you have the space in your bedroom, you may want to consider upgrading to a bigger bed for greater comfort and more space. For instance, if you currently sleep alone in a single bed, you may want to opt for a double. If you have a double bed, you could consider a king. It depends on the space available and your needs. However, using promo codes certainly makes it more affordable to upgrade to a bigger size frame and mattress.
Mattress Type
There are various different mattress types that you can choose from such as pocket spring, memory foam, latex, and hybrid, to name but a few. So, make sure you do some research into the different mattress options to help you to decide which of these is going to be the right choice for your specific needs. The mattress type you choose can affect everything from the support levels you get and how cool you are at night to your overall comfort levels.
Support Level
People have different needs when it comes to the amount of support they need from their mattresses. While some people require firm support there are others that only want medium support and prefer a softer mattress option. So, think about what sort of support level is right for your needs in order to make the right choice.
Looking at these factors can help you to choose the right mattress more easily.
This is a collaborative post. The ideas expressed are not necessarily those of Mommy Ramblings.
When you invest money in buying a home, you obviously want to look after that investment. This means taking steps to ensure the property stays in good condition and making sure that any damage is repaired and dealt with as quickly as possible. It is important to remember that some areas of your home can pose more of a threat to the condition of your home than others, so you should spend some time checking home health by focusing on these areas.
By taking the time to check your home and keep an eye on key areas of concern, you can save yourself a lot of headaches, time, and money over the longer term. In addition, you can ensure your home remains a safe and comfortable place for you and your loved ones, and you can reduce hazards as well as maintain the aesthetic appeal of your property. In this article, we will look at some of the areas of your home you should check on a regular basis.
What Are the Areas of Concern?
The areas of concern at your home will depend on the type of property you live in. Below are some of the areas you should keep an eye on if you want to protect your property:
The Basement of the Property
Keeping an eye on the basement of the property is very important, as this is one area that can cause a lot of issues around your home. So, if you have a basement, make sure you check it regularly for any signs of damage or issues. Also, consider getting it waterproofed, as this will provide extra protection for your as well as the basement itself. By doing this, you can avoid basement-related issues such as the spread of mold, dampness throughout your home, pest problems, and bad odors.
Crawl Space Under the Home
If you have a crawl space under your home, it is vital that you check regularly for any issues, and that you keep it clean and in good shape. If you neglect this space and let it fall into a bad state, it can cause many issues such as pest infestations, damage to the wooden supports of your home, and low air-quality in your property, to name but a few. Speak to an expert about getting it encapsulated for protection, and make sure any repairs are carried out in a timely manner.
Foundation Issues
One of the other things you have to check is the condition of the foundation, and the easiest way to do this is to look out for signs of foundation damage. This could include uneven floors stemming from sinking concrete, cracked walls and floors, movement in the walls causing bulging and bowing, and misalignment resulted in windows and doors getting jammed. If you feel there may be an issue, get in touch with an expert to do a proper assessment.
These are some of the areas of your home that you should keep a close eye on.
This is a collaborative guest post. The ideas and views do not necessarily represent those of Mommy Ramblings.
When winter hits, you need a comfortable and warm home. For this reason, you have to pay attention to the condition of your boiler. You can’t live with an broken or malfunctioning boiler during the winter season. If you have a boiler cover, there is nothing to worry because your engineer will see you within 24 hours after your call.
Understand the Importance of Boiler Cover
Servicing a boiler can easily be forgotten, but regular boiler maintenance and checks have numerous benefits. A defective boiler can be dangerous; therefore, you can protect yourself from different threats with a boiler cover. People who don’t have a boiler cover may find it challenging to get a qualified engineer at a reasonable price.
Remember, engineers across the country have busy schedules in the frostiest months. If your boiler is already covered, it will be easy for you to get help and advice. By ignoring the importance of a boiler cover, you can increase the chances of carbon monoxide poisoning, gas leaks, explosions and fires.
Test Your Boiler in the Autumn
People in the UK often turn their central heating on after October. They don’t realize the possibility of faults in their boiler. For this reason, check your boiler in mild weather. There is no need to use it for a long duration, turn it on for some time to check its radiators.
To nip boiler faults in the bud, arrange for a reliable boiler service. It will help you to identify and resolve different issues before winter. Moreover, you will get a consistent supply of hot water on every freezing morning.
Timers and Thermostats 
An engineer can identify issues with your timer and thermostat during an annual service. Defects and errors in your heating time can make things difficult for you. Pay attention to the condition of timer and location of the thermostat to keep your house warm.
Check Pipe Insulation
Water expands when freezes; therefore, standing water in the plumbing system can affect your pipes. For this reason, pipe insulation is necessary. Similar to loft insulation and cavity wall, it can decrease heat transfer and maintain the flow of water in pipes without any heat loss. In this way, you can avoid several winter emergencies.
Boiler Pressure
Pay attention to the pressure of the boiler. You can judge it between 1 and 1.5 (in the green or the red). Decreased pressure can affect the flow of hot water around a heating system. Remember, high pressure can make radiators bleed. Similar, too low pressure requires you to refill loop to increase it. For the best performance, the pressure of your boiler should be temperamental.
Power Flushes
Keep your radiators clean to make things easy for your central heating system. Your plumbing engineer can clean pipes and radiators to flush sludge out of these units. After cleaning, your plumbing system will be refilled with a corrosion inhibitor and clean water. It will increase the efficiency of the central heating system.
This is a collaborative post, the ideas and views do not necessarily represent those of Mommy Ramblings Blog.
A home renovation is one of the more stressful ordeals you can go through in your life, even if you’ve done it before. It’s uncomfortable while it lasts, it can get messy if you don’t pay attention, and last but definitely not least, it can hit your bank account hard. Planning ahead can mitigate all of those factors, especially the last one – and it’s a good idea to take the time to sit down and come up with a proper plan of action if you don’t want to get caught up in a complicated situation.
Start Early
A major home renovation is not something you can plan a few days ahead of the job. This should go without saying – and yet you’d be surprised how many people put very little thought and planning into their own renovation jobs. As a result, they end up paying significantly more. There are many factors that play into this. Purchasing supplies and materials early can allow you to scout out good discounts and hundreds of deals for them. Contractors have their own schedules and contacting someone for a short-notice job is going to be more expensive. You can plan around the seasonal weather changes as well. In the end, giving yourself at least a few months – ideally half a year – before you start with the actual work is going to be very beneficial.
Extending Your Budget
After you’ve drawn the bottom line, you might come to the unpleasant realization that your budget is not actually enough to cover everything you want to do. Taking out a loan is perfectly reasonable in this situation. Just make sure that you know how you’re going to repay it, and how it will impact your budget. As long as you have a good credit score, it should be possible to get a nice extra stretch on your available funds without having to go through any uncomfortable periods later on.
Why the DIY Approach Can Be More Expensive
A big mistake you can make is to think that you’re just going to roll up your sleeves and get the job done yourself. Or at least parts of it. The problem with this is that while it may indeed save you some money in the short-term, it will very likely increase the overall cost of your project in other, unexpected ways. You will have to spend much more time on each part of the job compared to the average contractor, and you’ll also make more mistakes than them, costing you even more time and materials. Spare yourself the trouble and leave the complicated tasks in the hands of professionals.
Going Green Can Be a Money-Saver in the Long Run
As long as you’re renovating your home, now might be a good time to think about changing your approach to a greener one. This can cost a bit more in the immediate term, sure, but its impact on your budget can be significant in the long run. With a home that’s insulated better and at least partly self-sustaining in terms of energy and heating, you’ll knock off a large percentage from many of your bills. You’ll be better prepared for tomorrow too, as many of these things will likely become beneficial factors for your tax return sooner or later.
It doesn’t have to cost a great deal of money to renovate your home, at least if you give yourself enough time for the job and know what caveats to expect along the way. All things considered, it’s very likely to go smoother than you’re anticipating, and will probably not even cost you that much.
This is a collaborative guest post. The views and ideals expressed do not necessarily represent those of Mommy Ramblings.
A lіmіtеd rеnоvаtіоn budget dоеѕ nоt mеаn уоu аrе ѕtuсk living with a bathroom frоm thе ѕеvеntіеѕ. Thе еxсеllеnt nеwѕ аbоut іnvеѕting іn bathroom rеmоdеlіng, іѕ thаt it increases the value of your home. If you plan to sell or flip your house, you can really profit from that renovation provided you dоn’t go over budget. Whіlе going over budget is not a smart іnvеѕtmеnt, lеаvіng your outdated bаthrооm as is certainly won’t hеlр the resale value of your home. Yоu саn gіvе уоur bаthrооm a nеw lооk, аnd ѕаvе уоur bаnk ассоunt bу сhооѕіng есоnоmісаl cosmetic upgrades аnd kееріng thеѕе rеnоvаtіоn іdеаѕ іn mіnd.
Onе ѕtер аt a time
Getting some good advice when planning will help ensure thаt уоur сhоісеѕ fit уоur оvеrаll budgеt аnd hеlр уоu achieve a соhеѕіvе ѕtуlе when remolding your bаthrооm. Mаnу hоmе rennovators аrе hampered bу аn аll оr nоthіng аррrоасh tо bаthrооm rеmоdеlіng. However, уоu dоn’t hаvе tо dо аn еxреnѕіvе mаkеоvеr tо еnjоу thе bеnеfіtѕ оf аn updated bаthrооm. Planning уоur соmрlеtе bathroom renovations in Melbourne, but tасklіng оnlу оnе оr twо рrоjесtѕ аt a time, requires patience. While it may take time, ultіmаtеlу you will have the rеmоdеlеd bаthrооm уоu were dreaming about with a mіnіmаl impact оn уоur fіnаnсеѕ.
Fеаturеѕ wіth еnеrgу-еffісіеnt uрgrаdеѕ
Mаnу cities, ѕtаtеѕ, аnd utilities оffеr dіѕсоuntѕ, сrеdіtѕ, оr оthеr incentives tо replace toilets, faucets, оr ѕhоwеrѕ wіth lоw-flоw mоdеlѕ thаt ѕаvе wаtеr. Leveraging іnсеntіvеѕ offered thrоugh energy соnѕеrvаtіоn programs саn hеlр уоu stay wіthіn уоur remodeling budgеt. Not only will you save on your renovations, you will have the bonus of reduced utility bills each month.
Thе Puzzle Uрdаtе оr Rерlасе
Mаnу bathroom rеmоdеlіng рrоjесtѕ hаvе оnе орtіоn: upgrade оr rерlасе? Yоu саn іnvеѕt іn nеw vanity саbіnеtѕ оr раіnt your existing ones. Alternatively, уоu саn соmрrоmіѕе аnd replace оnlу thе саbіnеt fасеѕ. Bаthtubѕ аnd соuntеrtорѕ саn bе rерlасеd оr refaced tо lооk аnd funсtіоn аѕ nеw. Evеn оld раrtѕ саn bе rеfurbіѕhеd instead оf replaced. Don’t assume thаt уоu nееd tо replace еvеrуthіng іn уоur bаthrооm tо gеt thе look уоu wаnt. Wіth ѕоmе research, careful prioritization, аnd оf course, patience, уоu саn give your bathroom a ѕtуlіѕh upgrade fоr a frасtіоn оf thе соѕt оf nеw materials.
Hіrіng Prоfеѕѕіоnаlѕ fоr thе Rіght Jobs
If уоu аrе rеlаtіvеlу handy, a grеаt wау tо ѕаvе money іѕ tо dо ѕоmе work yourself аnd hire a professional fоr thоѕе jobs outside уоur ѕkіll ѕеt. Mаkіng аn hоnеѕt аѕѕеѕѕmеnt оf уоur сараbіlіtіеѕ аnd time аvаіlаbіlіtу іѕ сrіtісаl tо thіѕ decision. Rushing or not doing the work correctly саn dо mоrе hаrm thаn gооd tо your hоmе. Whеn hіrіng a соntrасtоr fоr сеrtаіn areas of your renovation project, іt іѕ uѕuаllу rесоmmеndеd tо gеt аt lеаѕt thrее quotes tо fіnd a fair рrісе for thе jоb.
It іѕ оftеn ѕаіd thаt home renovations аlwауѕ соѕt mоrе аnd tаkе lоngеr thаn еxресtеd. It is best to start with realistic gоаlѕ аnd expectations fоr уоur remodeling timeline and budget. Ideally you should set aside a соntіngеnсу fund fоr unеxресtеd еxреnѕеѕ should they arise. Following these tips can help you with that beautiful bathroom renovation in Melbourne and bring you that state of the art style you long for.
This is a collaborative guest post. The ideas and views do not necessarily represent those of Mommy Ramblings.
Washing mасhіnеѕ hаvе соmе a lоng wау аnd аrе аn essential раrt оf a wеll-funсtіоnіng hоmе. Whеn thеrе іѕ a рrоblеm wіth thе wаѕhіng machine, thе сhаоѕ оf thе lаundrу happens. Choose thе rіght wаѕhіng mасhіnе, knowing thе pros аnd cons оf еасh tуре, аnd whаt fеаturеѕ аrе еѕѕеntіаl fоr уоur family.
Tор Lоаd Washers
Tор lоаdеrѕ wеrе thе standard wаѕhеr fоr a lоng tіmе, аnd mаnу реорlе ѕtіll uѕе thеm. Thеу hаvе a dооr thаt ореnѕ аt thе tор fоr loading, аnd a stirrer іѕ іn thе mіddlе оf thе tank. Thіѕ аgіtаtоr mоvеѕ thе сlоthеѕ thrоugh thе wаtеr tо clean thеm. The kenmore 41302 washing machine is the best machine for all families.
An advantage оf thе tор lоаdеrѕ іѕ thе рrісе. Thеу аrе thе mоѕt есоnоmісаl choice аmоng wаѕhіng mасhіnеѕ bу fаr. Alѕо, thе dооr dоеѕ nоt lосk оn thеѕе models ѕо thаt users саn рut оn fоrgоttеn сlоthеѕ аftеr thе start оf thе сусlе.
Unfоrtunаtеlу, tор-lоаdеrѕ tурісаllу dо nоt gеt thе bеѕt еffісіеnсу rаtіngѕ whеn compared tо frоnt-еnd lоаdеrѕ, оr thе nеw, hіgh-еffісіеnсу tор-lоаdеrѕ. If gеttіng clothes аѕ сlеаn аѕ роѕѕіblе іѕ еѕѕеntіаl, уоu mау nееd tо consider оthеr орtіоnѕ. Alѕо, thе tор lоаdеrѕ uѕе thе hіghеѕt аmоunt оf wаtеr, аnd thе аgіtаtоr саn bе hаrd оn thе сlоthеѕ, ѕоmеtіmеѕ causing ѕtrеtсhіng аnd trасtіоn. Wаѕhіng hеаvу оr bulkу іtеmѕ саn аlѕо саuѕе balance рrоblеmѕ іn thе mасhіnе.
Front-loading washers
In addition tо thе obvious dіffеrеnсе іn роrt lосаtіоn, thе front loaders dіffеr frоm thе tор lоаdеrѕ аѕ thеrе іѕ nо аgіtаtоr. Inѕtеаd оf рullіng clothes thrоugh thе water, thе сlоthеѕ аrе pulled uр аnd thrоwn іntо thе wаtеr rереаtеdlу. Sіnсе thе bаthtub dоеѕ nоt nееd tо bе fіllеd wіth еnоugh wаtеr tо соvеr thе lаundrу аnd rinse, thе front loaders соnѕumе аbоut 40% lеѕѕ wаtеr. Bесаuѕе lеѕѕ water іѕ uѕеd, lеѕѕ dеtеrgеnt іѕ nееdеd аѕ wеll (using high-efficiency dеtеrgеnt іѕ rесоmmеndеd).
Wіthоut аgіtаtоr, front loaders hаvе rооm tо hаndlе a lаrgеr lоаd оf clothing. Mаnу аrе dеѕіgnеd tо ѕtасk a drуеr оn tор tо ѕаvе ѕрасе, аnd аѕ thеу ѕріn muсh оf thе wаtеr оut оf thе clothes, thе drуіng tіmе decreases аѕ wеll.
Onе disadvantage оf a front loader іѕ thе рrісе, whісh саn bе mоrе thаn double thаt оf a trаdіtіоnаl саrgо wаѕhіng machine. Itѕ high-speed wіrіng саn аlѕо саuѕе vіbrаtіоnѕ thаt саn bе dіѕturbіng іf thе wаѕhеr іѕ nеxt tо a lіvіng аrеа оr bеdrооm.
High-Efficiency Wаѕhіng Mасhіnеѕ
Thе HE tор сhаrgеrѕ аrе thе nеwеѕt сrеаturе іn thе home appliances corridor аnd thеrеfоrе hаd lеѕѕ tіmе tо develop a reputation. Thеу lооk lіkе trаdіtіоnаl tор сhаrgеrѕ, but thеу dо wоrk аѕ a frоnt loader аѕ thеу dо nоt hаvе a ѕtіrrеr; thеу turnеd аnd turnеd tо mоvе thеіr сlоthеѕ асrоѕѕ thе wаtеr. Thеу ѕріn аt hіgh speeds tо rеduсе drуіng tіmе аnd uѕе lеѕѕ wаtеr аnd dеtеrgеnt lіkе thе frоnt loader. An аdvаntаgе оvеr thе frоnt сhаrgеr іѕ thаt thе user wіll nоt hаvе tо bеnd dоwn tо gеt thе lаѕt ѕосk іn thе bасk.
A typical complaint аbоut thеѕе wаѕhеrѕ іѕ thаt thе hіgh ѕрееd оf rоtаtіоn саuѕеѕ thе сlоthеѕ tо bесоmе excessively wrіnklеd, but thе wіrіng ѕееmѕ tо vibrate lеѕѕ thаn thе frоnt lоаdеrѕ.
Wаѕhіng Mасhіnе Features
Tаkе a lооk аt a hallway оf nеw wаѕhіng machines, аnd уоu wіll ѕее аll ѕоrtѕ оf buttons аnd lіghtѕ thаt dо dіffеrеnt thіngѕ.
Consider ѕоmе оf thеѕе features bеfоrе уоu shop tо fіnd оut whісh оnеѕ аrе іmроrtаnt tо уоu іn a nеw wаѕhеr:
- Automatic dіѕреnѕеrѕ fоr detergent, fаbrіс softener аnd blеасh
- Extrа rіnѕе cycle (uѕеful fоr rеmоvіng еxсеѕѕ dеtеrgеnt fоr реорlе wіth sensitive ѕkіn)
- Autоmаtіс tеmреrаturе соntrоl
- Manual / dial-up соntrоlѕ. еlесtrоnіс соntrоlѕ
- Pоrсеlаіn lіd tо resist ѕсrаtсhіng
- Stаіnlеѕѕ steel оr рlаѕtіс tub tо discourage rust
- A steam rеѕоurсе thаt claims tо sanitize
- Stаrt dеlау
- Prеwаѕh оr іmmеrѕіоn fеаturе
Thеrе аrе plenty оf сhоісеѕ іn thе wаѕhіng mасhіnеѕ tоdау, аnd еасh fаmіlу hаѕ dіffеrеnt nееdѕ. Bу considering рrісе, аdvаntаgеѕ, disadvantages, аnd desired fеаturеѕ, fаmіlіеѕ саn еаѕіlу fіnd a kenmore 41302 wаѕhіng machine thаt wоrkѕ fоr thеm.
This is a collaborative guest post. The views expressed do not necessarily represent those of Mommy Ramblings.
When talking about home improvements, signage is not something that pops into most people’s heads. People rarely think about how putting up signs around the home as being a way to keep everyone safe, make life easier or improve their décor. But, as you will see when you read on signs can definitely do all of that.
Signs that make life easier for you
Putting up no parking signs is an effective way to stop people from parking in front of your driveway. It is frustrating, to say the least, to arrive home with a car full of shopping only to discover you cannot park next to your house. Trudging backward and forwards carrying bags because you have had to park a street away is frustrating.
No dumping signs can also make your life easier. When people see them they are far less likely to dump their junk at the edge of your property. It only takes one person to do it for others to quickly follow suit. In just a few weeks, you can end up with a big pile of rubbish that you have to get rid of. So a no dumping sign is a good investment.
Signs that help to make your home more secure
Signage can also be used to keep everyone in your home safer. Here are a few examples:
CCTV signs
If you have CCTV advertising that fact using signage is an excellent idea. When interviewed, ex-house breakers said that the number one thing that made them target another property was the presence of CCTV.
Neighborhood watch signage
Also on the list of things that move would be thieves on was neighborhood watch. They tell would be vandals, scammers and would be housebreakers that they are in an area where people are alert and ready to deal with any trouble.
It may also be worth putting up no loitering, beware of the dog and no trespassing signs. Which you use is up to you. But, you only need to put up one or two to have the desired effect.
Check the regulations first
Before putting these types of signs up you need to check what the rules are, in your area. In some states, if someone ignores a no loitering sign you can call the police, in others this is not the case.
Hazard warning signs
If you have a pool putting up a no running sign will greatly reduce the chances of someone slipping and falling. Putting up a mind your head sign above a low doorway will remind everyone to duck when walking through it. In time, family members will duck automatically, but visitors won’t necessarily notice that a doorway is low enough without you pointing it out to them a sign.
Using signs to decorate your home
It is also possible to use street signs to decorate your home. A couple of stop signs are a slightly different way to decorate the wall of a den, garage or entertainment room.
Customized signs
A lot of signage companies will print you a customized sign. It could be something fun and lighthearted. Or, you could design your own hazard or warning sign. For example, “shut the door to keep the dog in”. To do this, you may need a graphics package. There are several free versions available to download.
This is a collaborative guest post, the views and ideas expressed do not necessarily represent those of Mommy Ramblings.
Over the years we have seen many advancements in various aspects of our lives in an effort to make things easier and simplify our lives. In everything ranging from technology to the automobile industry, we can find tangible evidence that we are in a digital era. One major advancement that has become the background of other advancements is energy; both gas and electricity.
In a world where 90% of homes are using one form of energy or another, there is a need for sustainability. Recently, most homeowners are getting hefty electricity bills from energy providers making their cost of living hike up higher than expected.
However, you have a friend in Alinta Energy who ensures you get electricity and gas at very affordable prices. Besides, they offer various discounts to enable you to save on their energy products. With all this, you may wonder where Alinta Energy offers their services?
Where Does Alinta Energy Offer their Services?
The various States in Australia are lucky to be receiving the great services offered by one of the most popular and largest electricity and gas providers by the name of Alinta Energy. They have been offering consistent quality services and products at very competitive prices making them them a leader among the giant companies. Currently, Alinta ranks as the 4 largest energy supplier across Australia.
Some of the regions in Australia that are lucky to have this energy provider around them include:
- New South Wales
- South Australia
- Queensland
- Victoria
- Western Australia
According to Alinta Energy review, this supplier has been able to cater to the needs of over 800,000 homes across Australia with stable electricity at low costs. Besides, they have won the Mozo Experts Choice Awards for providing the best value in electricity in 2018. This is just the beginning, the supplier is set for more goodies to their customers which will see them rising to the top. But why has it experienced such tremendous growth?
Reasons for the Rising Alinta Energy
There are basically 4 major reasons why this supplier has risen greatly to the 4th position:
- Quality services
This is one of the major things that have attracted customers to themselves. In various states where they have offered electricity, they ensure there is no substandard installation hence their electricity has not caused fires. Their gas is free of impurities too.
- Competitive Prices
Most companies will offer competitive prices but reduce the quality of the product they are offering. Alinta Energy review will show you that they perform differently and are cheapest in Australia. They don’t compromise quality despite their low costs.
- They offer extras
It is hard to see an energy company giving away awards, grants, and discounts. Nevertheless, be prepared to be receiving awards and great discount plans for your electricity and gas. Although some States like Queensland have not got gas services, they can energy discounted electricity prices.
- Awesome Corporate Social Responsibilities
When it comes to giving back to society, then Alinta Energy becomes number one. Recently, they decided to join hands with Australian Men’s Cricket team as their main Principal Partner and in Cricket Australia as Platinum Partner. They have also given over $100,000 in donations where they have joined hands with the Salvation Army.
Conclusion
You don’t have to pay high for your electricity and gas while this supplier is there for you. Any Alinta Energy review will also tell you that you can have free dinner, movies, and visit amusement parks courtesy of Alinta’s incentives and awards. Don’t wait any longer.
This is a collaborative guest post and the ideas and views expressed do not necessarily represent those of Mommy Ramblings.
The older you get, the more valuable space and storage become in your home. You accumulate so many things over time, from Christmas decorations to furniture, not to mention seasonal items like skis, paddle boards, kayaks and more.
Every foot of storage space in your home become precious and needed for all the things you use on a daily or weekly basis. Many people need to make tough choices and decide what they want to or need to keep and which things need to be donated, sold or discarded.
So what can you do? Get rid of everything and go the minimalist route? Do you just accept that some rooms in your home are going to resemble a hoarder’s house? Fortunately, you don’t have to take things to either of these extremes, there’s an easy solution – self-storage.
According to Livible, a Boston storage company, “keeping your possessions in a secure facility away from your home has become one of the best ways to not have to deal with a crowded house. It gives you the freedom to use your valuable space for the things you use every single day.”
Self storage units are a solution that suit many people, lifestyles, life circumstances and budgets. If you’re thinking of putting things into storage, this list of the best things to store may help you clear out your home and organize your life.
Baby Gear
If you are not done growing your family , you don’t want to get rid of big-ticket items you will need in the future. However, you don’t need to store all this furniture and gear in your home between children or grandchildren.
Items like strollers, cribs and changing tables can be wrapped up safely and kept in a storage facility. You will be able to easily pick up this furniture and baby gear when you need it.
If you have an heirloom bassinet, high chair or other baby items that are sentimental, it’s natural for you to want to keep them. Thanks to self storage options you can do that without sacrificing space in your home.
Old Gadgets & Appliances
When you get a new TV, washer, dryer or refrigerator, you might not want to keep the old one. You may have children who are young adults and planning a move to their own place who may need these appliances in a few months.
Having a storage unit is the perfect way to store these items for them. You can rest assured that your older children or other family members will appreciate being able to pick up these appliances when they need them.
Seasonal Stuff
Christmas trees, Halloween decorations and seasonal clothing are not used year round, so why not free up precious space and keep them in storage until you need them. You will be amazed when you see how much space you have, when you move these things to a storage unit.
Furniture
Do you have furniture that you don’t have room for presently in your house, but don’t want to part with. Instead of letting it gather up dust in your garage or back porch, put that furniture in a storage unit until you need it again. If furniture is wrapped up properly, it will do very well kept in a cool, dry place. Furniture is one of the best things to store in a self storage unit.
Take advantage of storage facilities in your city and keep things you don’t need or use all the time there. It will free up precious space in your house and give you peace of mind knowing your items are stored safely until you need them.
Today, most storage units are climate controlled, making it easy to store items that need to be kept cool and dry. Another benefit. is that these units are extremely safe and secure. So next time you’re looking at your stuff and wondering what to do with it, consider calling your nearest storage facility.
This is a collaborative guest post. The ideas and views do not necessarily reflect those of Mommy Ramblings.
Your home is your haven and something you have worked very hard for. It is where you build your family and celebrate the milestones in your life. Owning a home is no doubt you have worked very hard to do and maintaining your home is something that goes hand in hand with being a homeowner.
Beyond ordinary maintenance, enhancing your living space with home improvement projects as your family grows, is something many homeowners do.
Home improvement projects are abundant, and they are easily one of the best ways to update your home and make it more functional for your needs. However, not all of us have the time or the skill to perform these projects ourselves. That is why we choose to hire a professional contactor.
Contractors vary in skill and qualifications. When you end up hiring a bad contractor, you run the risk of shoddy workmanship or worse, you may even end up with an unfinished home improvement project. Both scenarios mean that you’ve just thrown your hard-earned money down the drain.
So, what are the red flags that you be aware of when looking for a contractor for your next home improvement project?
Poor Reviews
The lack of reviews or worse, the presence of negative reviews should already be an indication that the particular contractor does not perform well. Background checks are also necessary when you want to make sure that your hard-earned money goes somewhere worthwhile.
References also work in the same way in that they provide you with a glimpse of a contractor’s work ethic and whether or not they truly deliver results.
No Proposal
A good contractor is going to be able to plan for the entire project, from start to finish. They’re going to be able to determine the time needed as well as the materials required to get the job done.
They should present you with a clear proposal for your to review. If your contractor asks for unlimited time as well as unlimited materials, then you’re just asking to get overcharged for the project. Walk away if this is the case.
Overpromising
If something sounds too good to be true, it isn’t. That old adage is almost always correct, and this situation is no exception. Before you sign a contract, you need to do a bit of research on how much the project is going to cost to complete.
This site should provide you with a comprehensive idea of the price of materials. Use this as a point of reference for when you want to see if a contractor is offering you a low price that’s too good to be true.
Lack of Construction Permits
When a contractor dismisses building permits as unnecessary expenses, you should already be raising an eyebrow. Permits are standard procedure, as well as the inspections that precede their release. You aren’t only risking your project getting shut down. You’re also risking your safety and that of the people around you.
Luckily, if a faulty construction should result in injury to you or anyone in your house, you do have legal remedies that should help you along the way.
This is a collaborative guest post, the words and views do not necessarily reflect those of Mommy Ramblings.
The air is getting colder. The leaves have all fallen. Stores are starting to advertise upcoming sales, and all the signs are clear: Christmas will soon be here!
Okay, that’s a little dramatic, but it is true that another holly jolly season will soon be upon us, and I bet you’re already planning ahead for what you’ve got to do.
There’s obviously gift lists to assemble, you’re calling your mom to figure out who’s hosting the Christmas dinner (“Oh! I am?”), and, bless you, you’re probably stressing over how you’re going to decorate this year.
Every proud homemaker knows that having a theme at Christmas is essential for transforming a house into a home. It’s not that you’re being vain or anything, but you know that having a house that feels warm, welcoming, and, dare I say jolly, are key to helping enhance the joy of being reunited with your friends and family during this special time.
With that being said, it can be a pain. It takes time, and it can be tough to keep things fresh and interesting, trying to come up with a new, engaging theme, year after year. To help you out this season, and take some of that burden off your shoulders, I’ve put together a few ideas that you can use to really spruce up your house for all of your guests, whether you’re hosting or not (“Yes. You are.”).
Classical Style
Classic Christmas themes work extremely well because they’re, well, tradition! These are the common color and design staples that leave your guests with no doubt that you treasure the season, and look forward to it every year. It may not be revolutionary, but it’s effective, and when the goal is to relax with those closest to you, and focus on quality time with each other, sometimes that’s exactly what you need.
To capture the perfect classical look, stick with shades of dark greens and bright reds, as well as gold and silver. Common design elements include Christmas trees, reindeer, Santa’s sleigh, and turtle doves. Sticking with naturals decor items, like a real Christmas tree, and a pine need centerpiece, is also a great way to accentuate this style.
Traditional Style
Traditional style during the holidays is all about keeping the same sense of warmth and comfort that you find in classical style, but eschewing a lot of dynamism in favor of a more subtle impression. To that end, the reds, greens, and other colors that make up the classic Christmas palette remain, but are presented in subtler ways.
To start with, you don’t have to go overboard with Santa statues, reindeer napkins, nativity bookends, and all other manner of Christmas staples. Instead, you can do simple things, like swap out the throws or pillows on your couch for some dark greens and reds, or incorporate a subdued, but elegant rug to introduce just a hint of the Christmas spirit into your living space.
Unconventional
If you’re someone who’s never been one to just go along with the crowd, or forced yourself to keep up with the latest trends, good for you! It takes a lot of courage to live your life that way, and you can use that same philosophy to decorate your home for the season, and leave quite the impression with your guests.
You can use colors and designs that mean something unique about Christmas to you, and incorporate them into your decorations. Maybe one Christmas your family took a trip to the beach, and you have a seashell that represents that trip; or maybe you the most cherished gift you ever received was a pair of socks your mom knit for you, and you use them as the centerpiece of your table.
The possibilities are endless with this approach, and the more unique to you, the better!
This is a collaborative guest post. The views and ideas do not necessarily represent those of Mommy Ramblings.
Your home is a special place, somewhere to spend time with family and friends, a haven to relax and unwind after a long day. It’s no wonder we want our homes to look inviting and attractive. For most homeowners, this means embarking on a home improvement project. However, even with opting for DIY instead of paying a professional home remodeler to do it, the cost of a home improvement project can be overwhelming.
Unfortunately, high remodeling costs mean that many have to put off their dream of renovating their home until they have saved enough money. Depending on the scope of the project, saving up could take months or years. Don’t get discouraged, there are other options to create your dream home. Here are six creative ways to pay for your home improvement project.
Declutter
You would probably be surprised to learn how much money some of the junk and clutter you have around and in your house is worth. If you are serious about funding your home improvement project another way, then it’s time to scrap your junk for cash. Find out the scrap price for cars, and get rid of that old clunker taking up space in your garage. Go through your basement and attic and put together all the old items you no longer want or need, then start selling them online or through classified ads. Just because you don’t need it, does not mean it’s not worth something to someone else. Remember one person’s junk is another person’s treasure.
Barter
Bartering is trading goods or services without using money. Bartering was very popular back in the day, but you may be able to benefit today. Do you have any items or skills you can trade in order to get the materials or services you need for your project? For instance, if you are a CPA, it may be possible to trade your tax services to a local handyman in exchange for their labor. Think outside the box, and reach out to your community to find someone who is interested in your offer.
Reuse and recycle
It’s possible you have all the stuff you need for your project already in your home. For instance, if you want to renovate a bathroom, consider reusing some of the pieces you already have in the renovation. For example, painting an old vanity can transform its look for just a few dollars. Adding new trim around your old mirror can give it new life, while painting light fixtures and hardware can update their look without breaking the bank. Instead of assuming you have to buy all new materials for your home, think about the ways you can reuse the items you have.
Use store credits, gift cards, and rebates
Most home improvement stores today provide you with all the tools and products you need to complete your project. Instead of buying everything outright, consider asking for gift cards to that specific store for your birthday and holidays. This way, you can save up these gift cards and use them to pay for the stuff you need for your project. In addition, if you have store credits or rebate offers, be sure to cash those in and use them to fund your project. These are great ways to eliminate the overall expense and still get the home you dreamed of.
Get a part-time job
Taking on a part-time job can help you fund your home improvement project. Although the thought of working more may not sound appealing, you’ll be happy when the home improvement project is finished. Think about opting for a job that lets you work on your own schedule, such as driving for Uber or starting a side freelance business. When you can generate some extra income and put that aside for your project, you’ll be knocking down walls before you know it.
Consider guest funding
It may be a long shot, but sites like GoFundMe, allow you to make an online, public request for donations to your “cause.” Starting a GoFundMe account for your home improvement project could entice others to fund the project for you. Requests like this are often best if the home improvement project is needed for health issues or to make your home safe. For instance if a family member is in a wheelchair and you need an entrance ramp or if your roof was damaged from a falling tree and is not covered by insurance.
Keep The Faith
Your home improvement may have a hefty price tag, but that doesn’t mean it’s out of reach. Implementing some of the ways above can help you create the house of your dreams in less time than you think.
This is a collaborative guest post. The views and ideas expressed do not necessarily represent those of Mommy Ramblings.
Home security is an important consideration for anyone, regardless of age, income or where they live. When you welcome a new addition to your family, those natural, protective instincts kick in, making it more important than ever. Of course, growing your family is also one of the most expensive periods of your life, not to mention one of the most chaotic. So, from a pragmatic perspective, it might not be the most sensible time to call in contractors to tear your home apart installing a state of the art home security system. Fortunately, there are measures you can take to improve home security significantly that are cheap, quick and simple.
Send out the right signs
Home Invaders and burglars are opportunists who look for easy targets. Make it clear that you don’t fall into that category, and they will go somewhere else. If you place signs on your gates telling the uninvited to stay out, it makes it clear that your household is aware of the possibility of intruders. Simply putting a sign up sounds almost too easy, but it is a proven and effective way to stop people trespassing on your property – all for the price of a sandwich and a cup of coffee!
Let there be light
Intruders tend to operate either while everyone is off to work or under the cover of darkness. If you are a new mom, chances are you are around most of the day, so it is the nighttime hours that are the highest risk. A security light is a must-have these days. The technology has become so inexpensive and energy-efficient that there is no reason not to. As well as illuminating anyone who approaches the property and shouldn’t be there, lighting also provides additional comfort and security for you, your family and any genuine visitors who approach the front door after dark.
Gravel and shingle
If you are planning on resurfacing the drive any time soon, give serious thought to gravel or shingle as opposed to concrete or paving. As well as being a cost-effective option, it makes a distinctive, loud noise when anyone walks or drives on it. If your parents had this kind of driveway when you were younger and you ever tried to sneak in quietly after a late night, you will remember exactly what it is like!
Trespassers hate trellis
Trellis, the thin wooden framework that you can put above your fence or wall, looks
innocuous enough, and certainly wouldn’t seem like anything to bother a burglar. However, as well
as providing the perfect environment for vines and creepers to grow on, it has another
interesting feature. Trellis is so fragile that if anyone tries to climb over it, it will immediately start
snapping and quickly collapse – and it will do so very noisily.
Trying to climb over trellis is an even noisier challenge than navigating a gravel driveway.
For a few dollars, it is the perfect way to make your garden look better and at the same time,
add a simple but effective intruder alert system!
This is a collaborative guest post. The ideals and views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of Mommy Ramblings.
I love learning about different cultures and religions. The most profound thing I have learned, is that when we really take the time to learn about others, we usually discover we are more alike than different. I think our world could benefit greatly if we all took the time to learn about others.
Given my feelings, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to review a new book edited by Lorilee Craker. The book, Homespun: Amish and Mennonite Women in Their Own Words,
Is there a better way to connect and get to know someone than over a cup of coffee or tea? That is exactly how it feels reading the stories of the Amish and Plain Mennonite women in this book. Editor Lorilee Craker, bestselling author of Money Secrets of the Amish, collects these personal writings about hospitality, home, grief, joy, and walks with God.
Hear from one woman who struggles with feeling inferior to her sister, from another about her longing for a baby, and from a third who accidentally bought stretchy material to sew her husband’s pants. tEach woman’s story is a testament to the grace of God and the blessings of community.
This book is such a great read, one to savor while laying back and enjoying the end of summer. Homespun is such a comfortable read, it is so hard to put down. As I read the stories of the women on the pages, I found there was much more I had in common with them than not. The stories draw you in and make you laugh, cry and connect. You will love this book.
Learn more in my video below:
Behind Amish romance novels and tourist spots and television shows stand real people, with longings and loves just like the rest of us. Every Amish and Mennonite woman has a story. In Homespun, you get to hear some of them.
About the editor:
Lorilee Craker is the author of thirteen books, including Money Secrets of the Amish; Anne of Green Gables, My Daughter, and Me; My Journey to Heaven with Marv Besteman; and the New York Times bestseller Through the Story with Lynne Spears. Connect with Lorilee on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
It is important to work on the aesthetics of your home. A well-kept home not only makes a great impression, it can also help make you feel more relaxed and happy. We all want our homes to look good, but not all of us know where to start to achieve that perfect look. Do not be fooled into thinking that decorating or updating your home is not possible without the help of an interior designer.
If you have the right eye, you can create some small changes on your own to change the look of your house, and make it appear more attractive. To help you with this, check out these five things you can do to improve the look of your house:
Paint your house
You can have a mansion worth millions of dollars, but if the walls are covered in scuffed, stained paint, the whole look would be compromised. If your house has old, dingy paint, consider freshening it up with new paint as soon as possible. Nothing adds value and transforms your house better than fresh paint. It can make your house look more attractive, and also allows you to fix issues such as cracks in the walls.
Update your kitchen
Your kitchen is truly the heart of your home, so make sure to keep it updated, organized and clean. Some of the ways to update your kitchen game without breaking the bank include:
- Resurfacing or painting cabinets
- Updating your lighting fixtures
- Installing new countertops
These additions can make your kitchens more useful and also increase the worth of your house as they bring a ROI as high as 60%.
Spruce up your Living Room
If you want to make a good impression on guests and make your house look better, than you might want to consider updating your living room. You can make your living room more inviting in the following ways:
- Installing new curtains and blinds from a company like Select Blinds Canada.
- Buying new furniture for the living room or updating the old furniture with new paint or upholstery.
- Getting rid of excess clutter to make the room appear larger and more organized.
Keep It Clean
Now, this is an area where you need to invest your time not your money. Go through your house, purge excess clutter and clean rooms from top to bottom. A cluttered, dusty home looks unattractive and can be depressing to yourself and your guests.
Install new lighting
Ditch those ordinary or basic lighting fixtures that add no pizzazz or style. Spice up the lighting in your home and make it look more elegant. Try looking for chandeliers, table lamps and floor lamps that have style and flair. The right use of lighting will not only brighten up your house but also make it look more lavish.
If you follow these tips you can add new life into your home and make it feel welcoming and stylish.
This is a collaborative guest post. The views and ideals expressed are not necessarily those of Mommy Ramblings.
Renovating your home can be a costly and time-consuming process, but the benefits outweigh the money you spend on it. Many homeowners, in spite of draining their pockets, fail at giving their home a lavish look simply because they do not know how to get things done.
Renovating a home enhances the comfort, and the money spent on it serves as an investment. Moreover, the right renovation options also increase the value of your home and help you earn a good profit in case you decide to sell the house.
Here are the top 4 reasons to renovate your home:
1.Reduced Energy Bills
When you hire an experienced contractor, he/she can remodel your home in a way that can maximize natural light so that you don’t need to keep the lights on. This will help reduce energy consumption and help you save money.
Renovating a home also includes upgrading insulation. This will seal any exit points in the roof or anywhere else in the house to control temperature better. Doing so, will save you money on AC and heater bills, which is important a heating and cooling costs make up for about 50% of the total energy consumption.
Last but not the least, switching light fixtures to LEDs can also help you save energy as they are more energy-efficient than other options. They can run 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs.
2. Increases The Home’s Value
If you think that renovating your home is a money wasting process, think again. Renovating your home is a wise investment. Making both minor and major improvements in your home can boost the home’s value.
Renovating a kitchen has a ROI of almost 59% while making bathroom improvements give you 59.8% return on investment. Similarly, making upgrades in the rooms and hall can also increase the overall value of your home.
It’s not just the interior that will boost your home’s value, making upgrades outside can help too. A deck addition gives a ROI of almost 80%. Adding a small garden too can help you a great deal.
3. Increases The Comfort
It’s important that your home provides the comfort that you need. If the rooms look messy, cluttered and congested then it can be a bit difficult to find peace in your home.
Renovating your home helps you reconsider the space and make changes. It’s a great way to exclude unnecessary things. For example. a large coffee table in the hall might be occupying a lot of space. You can install shelves in the kitchen to make more space in the hall. Similarly, you can make adjustments for other areas as well.
We suggest that you visit ResCom Designs to find some inspiration.
4. Improves Aesthetics
No one wants their homes to look dull and unattractive. However, when a renovation is long overdue, the aesthetics are compromised. New upgrades such as fresh paint, new flooring, window replacement etc., can help enhance the look of your home.
This is a sponsored guest post, the views and ideals do not necessarily reflect those of Mommy Ramblings.
One of the most crucial decisions that homeowners need to make is selecting the paint for their homes. This is because the right paint can turn a dull looking home into a piece of flamboyant beauty and the wrong choice can affect the aesthetics of your entire home.
A lot of homeowners try to paint their homes on their own, because they think that grabbing a brush and stroking it on the walls is all there is to it. However, it’s not true. There are a lot of factors at play that only experts are aware of.
Besides hiring an expert to do the job, here are some tips that can help you pick the right paint for your home:
Do Your Research First
The paint for your home shouldn’t just be there to color the walls, but also to brighten your mood every time you walk into your home. To make this happen, you must choose high quality paint.
The first step towards finding the right paint is to conduct some research.
Find A Reliable Company
The paint you buy should come from a reliable company because quality matters. Buying paints from a trusted paint company will get you high quality paints that are durable and vibrant.
They should be free of hazardous chemicals, because the use of such paints can put you and your family’s health at risk.
Spend some time on the internet looking up several paint companies to see which ones are licensed and have good reviews regarding quality and safety.
Choose The Right Color
The paint for your house needs to blend in with the overall theme of your home, which includes the furniture, wall decor and floors. Bright colors are trending these days, as they literally brighten up the house and your mood as well.
Another thing to consider, is what kind of look you want. If bright colors make you uneasy and make it difficult for you to sleep, then going for dull colors is your best bet.
At the end of the day, we return to our homes to get rest and loosen up, hence, it is better to go for colors that give you a calm feeling, and help you relax when you enter your home.
Hire An Experienced Painter
Last but not the least, hiring an experienced painter is what you need to do next. It does not matter how good the paint is, if it isn’t applied properly, it will not look good on the walls.
The benefit of hiring professionals is that they know how to fix damages and spots. So, it’s wise to spend a few more dollars and have professionals take care of things for you.
If you are not a fan of paint, you may consider wallpapers as they provide the same benefits. A good choice is MuraleDesign, as the company offers a wide range of options. Just pick something that meets your taste.
This is a sponsored guest post, the ideals and views expressed are not necessarily those of Mommy Ramblings.
Do you want to hang your flat screen TV on the wall? If so, you are in good company, because it is a very popular way to showcase your TV and enhance your viewing options.
When you are looking fo the best way to secure your TV, check out Grip-It ultra strong plasterboard fasteners. Grip-It is designed to securely hang anything that weighs up to 400lbs. This innovative product took the UK by storm , has been seen on TV, and is the winner of the BBC show, Dragon’s den.
Grip-It’s patented design is masterfully engineered to provide a safe and secure wall fastener that works 100% of the time, so that you can confidently hang your flat screen TVs without the fear of it falling down and breaking.
Grip-It has 3 unique gripping system that creates a vice like hold in plasterboard walls. All you need is just a simple DRILL, TAP and TURN for quick installation. Once drilled, the unique backing wings expand inside the wall to provide a secure anchor, creating a strong tight grip.
Giveaway:
Would you like a chance to win your own Grip-It TV Kit? If so, enter our giveaway below.
If you are looking to add some color to your kitchen, you will love the Vremi 10 Piece Colorful Knife Set. You will be on the cutting edge of style with these 5 bright knives and sheath covers.
Set includes a Chef’s Knife, Carving Knife, Utility Knife, Paring Knife and Serrated Knife.
For all your prep, cooking and carving needs, you can’t beat the value of this rainbow-colored knife set. Each knife is forged with a heavy-duty real steel blade and perfectly weighted for optimal performance. Knives are odor and stain resistant with never dull edge tip end that will stay rust proof with proper care and sharpening
- NON STICK with MATCHING BLADE GUARD – Professional Knife kit features food grade non-stick coating and protective cover guards for drawer storage and kids safety. Magnetic blades also store nicely on any wall mount hanging magnet rack organizer
- ERGONOMIC NON SLIP HANDLES – Each modern colorful individual knife also features non slip comfort grip on its solid narrow plastic handle that makes big or small fruit vegetable and foods slicing more fun, whether it’s a tomato, onions, or cake.
These knives come in a nice box, perfect for gift giving or for your own kitchen.
From knives to grinding up coffee, we are excited about the Vremi Bump N’ Grind Electric Coffee Grinder. This easy to use coffee bean grinder is equipped with one touch control settings. Grinding is easy as pouring in your beans, placing the top on and pressing the button.
The double stainless steel blades are durable and sharp letting you grind your beans coarse, fine or to a powder consistency to match your needs. Easy to clean with included cleaning brush, no disassembly needed.
Giveaway:
Enter below for your chance to win the Vremi Knife Set and Bump N Grind Coffee Grinder.
Let’s be real: vacuums with cords are passé. Yes, they are still used (same as some people still have push-button phones), but it’s far from being a tech trend. The thing is, cords are just not comfortable. What if you need to clean in 3-4 rooms? Then you have to take the cord out, lug the cleaner to another outlet, it all takes time, making cleaning far more time-consuming than it should be.
Cordless vacuum, on the other hand, solves these problems in the blink of an eye. So, the main advantage of cordless vacuums is that they are cordless (well, duh!). The list, obviously, goes on.
10 reasons to choose a battery operated vacuum cleaner
As we said, this type of vacuums has more than one advantage. The absence of the cord opens many possibilities for cleaning – you’ll see it yourself.
Reason #1 – Size
Battery vacuum cleaner, especially the handheld one, is small. Like, really small. When I wanted to motivate my kid do cleaning better, a handheld vacuum was a way to go. For children, it feels like a game (which is why you yet have to oversee the process) because they can easily lift a cleaner and hold it steady while cleaning.
So yeah, size matters, and not only for kids but also for older people. With age, big heavy cleaners become difficult to lift and hold. That is not something you can say about small cordless vacuum since it can be easily held in one hand.
Reason #2 – Kid-friendly
Because of their size, they are not as dangerous if dropped (yeah, cleaner could be dangerous but not these ones). Big vacuums often cause this struggle for parents: it’s impossible to get over the thought ‘what is vacuum will fall, and a kid could get hurt in the process?’ Well, luckily here this is not the case.
Reason #3 – Easy to use
Because wireless vacuum has no cords, it eliminates a whole bunch of complications. You don’t get confused by how to plug in the cleaner so you can reach as much space as possible or how to not accidentally trip over the thing. That’s exactly what makes cordless vacuum suitable for children. Although let’s be real, it’s not like adults don’t struggle with cords.
Reason #4 – Deal with dirt everywhere
Okay, so the main problem with cords and vacuums is that cords limit you from cleaning in a whole bunch of place. This is too far from an outlet, this is too high, the cord is too short, and the list goes on and on. And let’s not forget that dirt lives not as much in open space but exactly in this impossible-to-clean areas. Wireless cleaner, however, deals with them just fine. Although do your homework to buy a best cordless vacuum and make sure it has different sizes of noses to clean both large and small areas.
Reason #5 – Comfortable transportation
I know people don’t usually carry their vacuums around. That is probably the reason why the transportation issues often are forgotten when buying a new vacuum. It’s all fun and games until it’s time to actually take a cleaner to another apartment and houses. That’s where problems start. Most vacuums with cords are big (even huge) so not only they are not comfortable to carry in hands but also they don’t fit into any car. To avoid that, think about transportation before you actually face the problem.
Rechargeable vacuum, as we discussed, are smaller, therefore, they are much easier to transport. Did I mention that you don’t have to worry about whether cord won’t be tangled? Now you might not fully appreciate this advantage, but when it comes to carrying the cleaner, you’ll definitely point it out.
Reason #6 – Pet-friendly
Now, if you have a pet (or a few), you know how they react to cords. Straight up, for them, it’s game time. How about going to the cord and playing with it? ‘Will do’, thinks your cat or dog and runs right to it. Now the entire cleaning process is in jeopardy because instead of thinking about how to reach every messy place, you have to watch your pet and keep cord as far as possible. That is not how productive work is done. Yeah, cordless stick vacuum could be a slight disappointment for your pet, but you’ll feel immediate reveal. Trust me.
Reason #7 – Takes care of the furniture
Because of no cord involved in the process, you can easily reach furniture now. Not just in one room but all of them. Like, everywhere. You can clean a sofa in one room then move one to bed on another right away, without thinking where to put vacuum, so it’s comfortable to reach both.
Reason #8 – Increases efficiency
That’s true. Cordless cleaners are not only time-savers but, what’s more important, they make cleaning process much more enjoyable. When you waste your energy on small but annoying decisions like where to but a cleaner cord, it adds up, and at the end, you swear to stay away from cleaning for as long as possible. Cordless vacuums are much easier that way.
Reason #9 – Prices
I don’t know why people still think cordless vacuums are more expensive than ordinary ones. Truth be told, cordless cleaning is not that innovative anymore, therefore, prices are just ordinary. As with any kind of vacuums, there are all ranges of models and costs: some are budgetary, some are premium, with WiFi support and a whole bunch of other additional functions. If you do a little research or take a look at best cordless vacuum 2018 reviews, you’ll definitely find something affordable.
Reason #10 – Cordless vacuums are fun
But you were supposed to figure it out by now, weren’t you? After long use of vacuums with cords, cordless models feel like music. It’s 2 in 1 – efficient and pleasant. I know, cord or no cord doesn’t seem like a big deal, but the truth is, when you don’t have to take these small annoying decisions like where to plug the vacuum, the cleaning becomes fun. It gets even better now that you can do it with kids and forget about keeping pets away from playing with cords.
Cordless vacuums are not something only for the tech-savvy to embrace. It’s not as much a trend now, rather commonplace, a universal must-have for family cleaning. Switching to a cordless vacuum seems like a small thing really, but you’ll see the difference when you get one.
This is a sponsored guest post. The views and ideas expressed in this article do not necessarily represent those of Mommy Ramblings.
I cannot believe it is Easter weekend and it is still so awful out, we had freezing rain the other night and we might be getting more snow on Monday. When I ordered my new garden hose sprayer, I did not anticipate we would still be having winter weather.
While I have not been able to try it outside. I am very happy so far with my Gardenite Nozzle Hand Sprayer. It is very well made. It is solid metal with a baked enamel finish and you will never mistake it for a cheap plastic nozzle when you pick it up.
I like that it has 10 different spray patterns so I can accomplish a large amount of tasks. It even has an adjustable water flow control knob so you can adjust from low to high depending on what you are spraying.
The Gardenite Garden Nozzle was designed with an ergonomic soft rubber comfort grip so your hands won’t get tired or sore.
I cannot wait for it to really turn to spring here so I can test this baby out and clean up after all of winter’s mess. I have so much to do and one of the first things is to wash our cars. After that I want to wash off the driveway, wash patio furniture and then wash windows and start raking the flower beds. The adjustable spray and flow will allow me to tackle tough dirt and to put it on a gentle shower to water flowers.
Giveaway:
You can enter the giveaway below for your chance to win your own Gardenite Nozzle Hand Sprayer. Good luck, let me know what you think of this nozzle.
Gardenite Nozzle Hand Sprayer #7
This is a sponsored post, as always my words and views are 100% my own.
Many people look forward to spring because it provides a chance to start cleaning their homes after a long winter, and enjoy more fresh air. Remember, your home has been closed up and dealing with winter for as long as you have, so it probably needs a little TLC to ensure everything is functioning properly. When the spring weather starts to roll around, here are six things you must do for your home, not just for it, but for you and your family as well.
Invest in your lawn.
Spring lawn care is essential to your home and its curb appeal, so it’s important to know how to care for the grassy areas around your house. After a harsh winter, your lawn needs specific nutrients and maintenance to help it grow lush and thick for summer. Be sure you are seeding your lawn properly and raking away any dead grass, that could be doing more harm than good. Getting a jump-start on this will allow you to target problem areas and repair them before the heat of summer kicks in.
Touch up the exterior.
The harsh winter weather can wreak havoc on your home, this means siding, windows, screens, roofs, and more could have experienced significant damage. Once the weather gets warmer, take some time to inspect the outside of your home and look for areas that need repairs. For instance, do you need to replace any windows or screens? How does the exterior of your home look? Does your siding need a new coat of paint or stain? Does your roof need to be repaired or replaced? Taking care of these issues in the spring, lets you take advantage of the mild weather to get your house looking spectacular for the summer season.
Spruce up the landscaping.
Aside from your grass, the rest of your home’s landscaping will need some love too. Spring is the time to clean up any debris or dead leaves that have used your yard to hibernate all winter. You should also purchase some extra mulch or rock to freshen up your landscaping, especially if those areas have been damaged during the winter. In addition, you should plant more flowers and trim bushes around your home. Doing this will get your home ready for outdoor living and make your yard look spectacular..
Give the inside a deep cleaning.
It’s not just the outside of your home that needs some TLC after the long winter. The inside of your home does too. Be sure to give your home a deep cleaning, whether you do it yourself or search for cleaning services near you that can tackle the job. According to Amazon Cleaning near Atlanta, “A thorough deep cleaning of your home gets rid of harmful debris that lives in your home, which can improve your overall health and well-being.” Thoroughly cleaning your home and opening the windows, will air out your home and improve the air quality inside.
Get organized.
Beyond cleaning, you should also use the spring to get your home more organized. Go through all the rooms in your home, and make different piles: things to keep, things to donate/sell, and things to throw away. Doing this will allow you to get rid of the items you don’t use or don’t want. Getting rid of all that stuff will make it easier to organize what you are keeping. You will love the results and appreciate the fact, that you will be able to find the things you need quickly.
Clean the fridge/pantry.
Don’t forget to tackle your fridge and pantry. Sometimes people get so wrapped up in cleaning and organizing rooms, they forget about these things. It may have been some time since you really cleaned them out, so you probably have a lot of food or items that are expired and need to be trashed. In addition, you may find some items you forgot you had. These new-found products may mean you can make some new recipes without having to go to the grocery store.
Spring is the perfect time to start fresh and tackle things inside and outside of you home. With that behind you, you will find cleaning is easier, your house looks better and you have more time to have fun with your family.
This is a sponsored post and does not necessarily reflect the views or ideals of Mommy Ramblings.
If your kitchen is like mine, it is Grand Central Station for your home. I know when my kitchen is organized, it is easier to find what I need, and to work more efficiently. Here are 10 simple ways to organize your kitchen.
Purge Your Cabinets
Take everything out of your cabinets and drawer. Think carefully, do you really need it all? I am almost sure you will find, there are many things you need to get rid of or donate. Put back only what you need. Place the items that you want to donate in a box and put the box by your door. On your next trip out to your vehicle, carry the box to your car, so it is ready to be dropped off.
Group Similar Items
With your cabinets empty, start to really think about the best way to group items in them. Look at the things you are keeping and arrange baking things together, serving pieces together and so on.
Think About Your Space
Next, think about the best cabinet or drawers to put those things. Drinking glasses are probably best by the sink and dishwasher. Remember, you want things to run as smooth as possible, so have your coffee maker near your mugs and your pot holders near your oven. Be mindful of this as you decide where everything you are keeping goes.
Use Clear Plastic Bins
Use clear bins and containers to organize things inside your cabinets. Small bins are perfect for containing hot cocoa packets, oatmeal packets and more. Food in tiny boxes like pudding, can be stored in clear containers, so it does not get lost among larger items.
Another food or pantry storage idea, is to use clear mason jars. You can even vacuum seal them if you have a Food Saver with a jar device.
Go Through Your Food Storage Containers
Go through your food storage containers and get rid of anything you don’t have a lid for. Organize what you have left by placing the lids in a clear plastic bin, so they can be stored vertically. If all you have is just a bunch of tired Chinese food containers with no lids, think about throwing it all out and starting with a set of quality food storage containers.
Utilize Space Effectively,
That cabinet above your refrigerator, microwave or oven can be fitted with vertical rack dividers that allow you to store cookie sheets, trays, platters and more. In my new kitchen, I chose to have these dividers built in. I can tell you, it is much easier to store cutting boards, baking pans, large platters, trays etc. I did this to the cabinet above my oven and the one over my refrigerator.
Organize Your Drawers
Pick up some bamboo drawer dividers to organize your utensils and cutlery. You can find ones that expand to fit a variety of drawer sizes. Smaller plastic bins can help you contain pens, pencils, tape scissors etc. Allow yourself only one junk drawer if possible.
Tackle Your Refrigerator
Clean out your refrigerator. Wipe down all the surfaces inside and out. Go through all your food and condiments, and get rid of anything that is old, expired, or you don’t use. Grab some plastic bins and use them to organize your food especially smaller items like juice boxes, food pouches and smaller condiments.
Another idea that can save you time is to organize items that you use to pack lunches for yourself or your kids. That way you can quickly grab things like yogurt, cheese sticks, juice boxes, fruit etc.
Finally, if you like to keep a lot of cold drinks on hand for yourself or the kids, you may want to consider getting a dedicated refrigerator for these items. The best beverage refrigerator by Danby can hold up to 120 cans and is quite compact so it won’t take up much space in your kitchen.
Get Under the Sink
Maximize your space under the sink with a 2 Tier Expandable Adjustable Under Sink Storage Shelves. This will maximize your space to store your cleaning products, soaps, sponges and more.
Hang It Up
Organize your mop, broom, dustpan and more with a hanging storage rack that you can mount to the inside of a closet or pantry door.
It is easy to organize your kitchen when you have the right tools. Weeding out the excess and organizing what you have will maximum your kitchen’s efficiency. With a streamlined and more organized kitchen you might find you like cooking and entertaining even more.
Do you ever find yourself just going on a coloring spree? I know I do. After a long day, there is nothing quite like taking a hot bath, grabbing a glass of wine and my favorite coloring book and just forgetting about the world for a few hours.
I’ll even let you in on a little secret… If the week hasn’t gone so well, or I just can’t seem to get my fix of colored artwork, I can finish an entire coloring book in a matter of days. Sometimes, I feel guilty because I feel as though I might have wasted the book by speeding through it.
However, when I look back on the beauty I have created, I think: “This ought to be displayed and appreciated, not closed up in some book on a shelf.” So, if you find yourself looking for ways to show off your colored artwork, consider displaying it around your home.
Avoiding Common Mistakes When Displaying Artwork
Displaying colored artwork is an art within itself. What can you do other than just tape the page on the wall Let’s start with what you shouldn’t do. Here are a few things people commonly do wrong when displaying their colored artwork:
Tear the pages out of the book.
Rather than going all in and ripping the finished colored artwork right out of the book, take a calmer approach.
Use scissors to gently and precisely cut the page out or remove the cover and binding of the book so that the pages naturally come out.
Overusing the same sized pages.
You’ve heard the saying – too much of a good thing is bad. Well, too many of the same sized colored artwork pages are not the most appealing. Instead, use pages from a few different books that still have a compatible color schemes, but vary in size. This will add some dimension and character to your display.
Lacking regard for a color palette.
While a variety of colors is beautiful, a finished piece of colored artwork with clearly no color palette in mind can be a bit mind boggling, and leave the viewer confused and overwhelmed. Beyond that, it can be incredibly hard to find a place where such a display will fits well. Instead, pick a color palette that compliments the area you plan to display your colored artwork so that it flows well and accents the space, rather than standing out like a sore thumb.
Over cluttering the wall.
A picture is worth a thousand words, right? So, if you add 10 pictures to one small space, you have essentially placed 10,000 words on one small wall. Instead, leave some white space. Allow each picture to speak for itself and give it room to breathe rather than cluttering one entry wall with every picture you have ever colored.
Incorrectly hanging the art.
Once you have chosen which colored artwork pieces are worthy of display, the last thing you want is to wake up the morning after hanging them to find them on the floor. Instead, invest in quality hanging materials to ensure your artwork stays safely in its place. So, now that you are well versed in the things you shouldn’t be doing, let’s go over the things you should be doing:
Creative Ways to Display Colored Artwork Around Your Home
If you just can’t get enough of your favorite, completed page from your coloring book or your home could just use a little sprucing up in the artwork department, try displaying your artwork around your home like this:
Design your first animal clothing line.
If you are like me and are one of those fur parents who love to dress your animals up just about all year round, this display is for you. When you print your artwork out onto some fabric for your pillows, go ahead and grab a little extra to create the perfect t-shirt for your favorite furry friend. Who knows? Maybe they will even convince their pal at the vet to get one, too. Add some personalized tags and washing instructions to really make it your own!
Create a view.
Typically, a window creates a view – it gives the wall a definite shape by adding a square or rectangle to it, giving the room a focal point that lets you appreciate the beauty outside.
But, what if there is no window? No worries, just add some of your favorite colored artwork! Use pattern scissors to give the artwork a decorative edge and then place it in an oval, square or rectangle frame and hang it above your couch or in front of your kitchen sink to define the space.
Bonus: If behind the kitchen sink is your location of choice, it will give you something beautiful to look at while you do the dishes!
Make magnets…to hang more artwork.
Display your artwork with some artwork – sounds a bit like overkill, right? This is a great way to switch up the normal look of a standard coloring page and also a great way to use your colored artwork for practical purposes.
Use round button magnets and clear glass marbles to create colorful magnets, then use those to display your other colored artwork on your fridge, dishwasher, or even your chalkboard or whiteboard.
Use it as placemats.
I know what you’re thinking: You would never use your artwork as something to eat off of, right?
Good, because neither would I! However, with a little lamination, you can use your artwork as a placemat without damaging it, and it is quick and easy to clean. Plus, most placemats will be the size of at least two pieces of artwork, so you can display more than one at each place setting.
Cover your pillows with it.
One of the easiest ways to decorate your couch is to add an accent pillow. What about showcasing your artwork? Talk about the perfect way to spruce things up and make it your own! Print your colored artwork onto some fabric then wrap your couch pillows you already have and transform them in a matter of minutes. Your kids will love to nap on them.
Displaying your artwork does not have to be as simple as ripping out the page and hanging it on the wall. You have already worked so hard on it, why not take it to the next level and get creative?
Happy decorating, friends!
This is a sponsored guest post and does not necessarily reflect the views or ideals of Mommy Ramblings.
Using wood and other natural materials, is huge in interior decor this fall. It’s with good reason, too. Wood finishes are the perfect way to bring the look of any interior design concept together as well as, adding a personal touch to the family home.
Wood finishes add a sense of warmth, richness and comfort to whatever colors, finishes and materials they’re paired with. The sheer range of woods available makes this material extremely versatile. Pale ash, for example can give a room a fresh yet neutral tone, while a deep mahogany adds warmth and prestige to any living space and oak is perfect for more or less anything.
While many of us love to use wood in our interior design, few are aware of the benefits of reclaimed wood. Just go ahead and look at Plank and Mill’s website and you’ll see the distinctive finish that reclaimed wood has, as well as its enormous variety of applications. Using reclaimed wood is not only good for the environment but is also perfect for a wide range of interior uses, including…
Headboards
The bedroom should be a restful, tranquil place decorated with neutral tones and unimposing natural materials. Thus, a reclaimed wood headboard can be a subtle yet distinctive addition to the bedroom. The type of wood you choose to use will depend on the overall aesthetic of your room and the other tones and types of wood already present in your bedroom furniture. For example, a headboard made of reclaimed driftwood can strike the difficult balance between making a statement and compromising the soothing neutrality of the room.
Feature walls
Every now and then you’ll want to call attention to a particular wall and neither paint nor wallpaper will quite cut it. For an accent or feature wall that’s little more distinctive, reclaimed wood creates a pleasing contrast with paler tones elsewhere in the room. It’s important to remember that wood has a tendency to absorb light, so it’s best utilized in spaces where the furniture and decor is light and airy. Wooden feature walls can be dressed up or down, recreating either a rustic log cabin feel or a more sleek, contemporary look. While versatile, reclaimed wood is, of course, unique meaning that your reclaimed wall will look like no other anywhere in the world.
Dining tables
If you’re looking for something truly unique, a dining table made of reclaimed wood is a wonderfully distinctive piece of furniture that doubles as a fun conversation piece among dinner guests. The great thing is that you’ll never need another dining table as the look of the finish will change subtly with age. While a reclaimed wood dining table is seldom cheap, it may well be the last one you ever buy.
Flooring
If you’re aiming for a rural, country effect, distressed reclaimed wood will look (and feel) fantastic under your feet. However, if your tastes lean towards the classic and elegant, a darker tone will give the room warmth and grandeur while subtly complementing any antique furniture you may have in the room.
This is a sponsored post that may or may not represent the views and ideals of Mommy Ramblings. Photo Credit-Plank and Mill’s website
There are many reasons why you might embark on a home improvement project. Maybe you are the owner of a new house and want to add your personal touch. Perhaps the house you bought was a fixer-upper, and you are ready to start tackling those renovations. Certainly, some homeowners opt for home improvements to increase the value of their homes. Whatever the reason, here are a few tips to help you with your next home renovation project.
Start With A Detailed Plan
A home improvement project can be complex, and the best way to make it easier is to have a specific plan about what you want to achieve. What is your budget for this renovation project? According to PlumbingFix, whether you want to buy new plumbing fixtures or renovate your kitchen, your plan needs to include a budget.
Are you planning small improvements you can do on your own or will you hire a professional? What is the time line for your home improvement project? When do you want to start? It seems simple enough, but lack of such a plan may back you into a corner. So, think it out and set your thoughts on paper before you begin.
Your Budget
How are you going to fund your home improvement project? While making home improvements are a great way to change the look and feel of your home, you need to be smart when deciding what areas to focus on based on what you can afford. Taking out a loan to cover home improvement expenses is not a wise move in most cases.
If you’re sure you want to move ahead with your home improvement project, set aside some savings in advance to put towards it. This way, you will not end up straining yourself or having to stop the project halfway through because you are over budget. Even if you have adequate funds for your project, being prepared is critical.
The DIY Option
The trend in home improvement has been leaning heavily towards do-it-yourself projects. One benefit of this is that it will save you on costs. The flip side, however, is that if you are not a professional, you might end up doing more damage than good. If you have set your mind on doing it yourself, then two things will serve you well.
One is to do your research on how to go about it. The second is to make sure you have the proper tools before you start. With the right information in your hands and the professional equipment needed to complete your home improvements, you can do it! However, always start with smaller improvement projects and keep things simple.
Why Hiring A Professional Matters
The type of home improvement contractor you select can either make or break your home improvement project. There are endless cases of people getting scammed by contractors who end up doing a horrible job. To avoid this, spend some time looking for the right contractor. They should be licensed, insured and experienced in doing the type of improvements you want.
Just like you would choose pest control Morristown NJ based experts to eradicate pests, you need a contractor with proven expertise in offering home improvement services to homeowners in your area. A professional ensures a thorough job, offers you great ideas and does the best job based on your budget.
Get Inspiration
Finding inspiration for your home improvement is easy. Look online or go to open houses and see what other homes look like. The bottom line is, with a picture of what you want your home to look like, it’s easier to go ahead with your home improvement project with a little help.
This is a sponsored post, it does not necessarily represent the views and ideals of Mommy Ramblings.
Moving into a new home, or even just wanting to spruce up your current residence, can be a challenge. It takes time to make a house into a home, adding those essentials family touches help to transform it from a dull space into one with soul.
There are many different things you can do to personalise your home and make it your own, from adding a new coat of paint to hanging your family pictures on the walls. You can be as creative as you like and it doesn’t need to cost a small fortune. Here are 25 ideas you can use to add your personal touch to your home.
1. Paint The Front Door
The first thing anyone will see as they approach your home is the front door. It might not seem like the first place you would want to change, but painting your front door immediately adds character to your home. It gives any visitors a small insight into who lives inside.
2. Hanging Baskets
Once your door is looking brand new and shiny, you can decorate your entrance further by adding some plants. If you have the space either side of your front door, placing hanging baskets full of beautiful flowers is the best way to make your home feel inviting and well-looked after.
3. The Front Garden
If you only have a driveway, there’s no need to worry about this. If you take pride in what you home looks like to the outside world, tending to your front garden is an excellent way to make your home feel tidy and bright. Adding hardy plants such as Rhododendrons or Buddleia will make your garden spring to life without having to worry too much about the upkeep.
4. The Back Garden
There isn’t much which is more relaxing than coming home on a summer’s evening and sitting in the garden with your family enjoying a glass of wine. Having an inviting and open garden, no matter how small, is a great way to utilize extra space around your home. You can even include a swing set and trampoline for the kids!
5. Paint The Walls
If you are short on cash and want an easy way to add your own flair to a room: paint the walls. You can mix your own paint color or choose one from the store, either way; you’ll be adding your personality to the room.
6. Add Soft Furnishings
Throws and cushions are the easiest way to feel like an interior designer, adding new dimensions to your home. Picking up some boldly patterned cushions and placing them over a pastel sofa instantly creates an element of style in your living space.
7. Grab A Bargain
Gumtree is the perfect place to find local people who have secondhand furniture they want to sell. You could score a real bargain on a new table or chairs, and even have them delivered to your home. It’s a much cheaper way to spruce up your home than visiting traditional retailers.
8. Seasonal Touches
Aside from the obvious festive decorations, you could also make your home more seasonal by adding some simple touches. Christmas bedding sets will transform your room into a winter wonderland, cute festive cushions and a new tartan throw will add that element of winter to your home.
9. Lighting
Spotlights, LED lights and fairy lights are excellent additions to your home, making it feel cozier and adding ambience to your home effortlessly.
10. Make It Cozy
On cold winter nights, the most satisfying feeling is to snuggle up on the sofa with your family. You can take this a step further by lighting scented candles around the house, turning on some soft fairy lights and cuddling up under a thick throw.
11. Buy New Mugs
A cute way to put your stamp on the kitchen, is to buy new mugs for you and your family. Let your children each choose their favourite mug, and store them on a shelf in the kitchen. You and your family will automatically have a cute personal item to use every day.
12. Replace Your Faucets
Old, rusty faucets can make even the most beautiful room look dull. You can buy really beautiful chrome or brushed nickel faucets online and instantly make your kitchen and bathroom feel clean and new.
13. A New Mattress
New mattresses will help you sleep, relax your muscles and allow you to wake up in the morning feeling ready to tackle the day ahead. No matter what your budget, you will be able to find the right mattress for you and your family. There are details at mattress-guides.net for how to choose the right one for you.
14. Chalkboard Paint
To stop your children from drawing all over the walls, why not try painting some chalkboard paint on the inside of your cupboard doors? Give your kids some chalk, and they can doodle all they like without it being on display, and without it becoming a permanent feature in your house.
15. Wall Art
If you want to vamp up a blank wall, the easiest thing to do is hang some art. You could hang up your children’s drawings, a pretty watercolour or even an inspiring quote. Whatever you choose, it will liven up the space and give it some life.
16. Family Photos
The ultimate way to put your stamp on the home is the hang personal photographs. You could opt for a professionally taken family portrait, or a collage of candid shots from your family vacation.
17. Add Some Houseplants
Do you ever feel like there’s a small space which needs to be filled in your home? Well, the perfect solution is to add a few plants. Plants not only add colour and vibrancy to your home but also produce oxygen and are proven to relieve stress.
18. Install An Herb Garden
If you love to cook, then adding a herb garden to your home is an excellent idea. You will have constant access to fresh flavours and never have to repurchase a dried sachet.
19. Make The Most Of Natural Light
Natural light is the most fundamental tool in decorating your home. It can make the smallest space seem huge and adds a beautiful ray of light to every nook and cranny in your home. Open up the windows by ditching the large curtains and opting for blinds instead. You’ll gain space and light instantly.
20. Keep It Simple
Although you may be tempted to go all out and make everything in your home a feature, try and refrain from doing too much. It can be confusing to the eye and doesn’t look as put together as a simple design. All you need is 2-3 colours for a room, one bold, one pastel, and black or white. If you stick to this rule you will see a huge difference in the overall feel of your living space.
21. Disguise Old Furniture
If you would rather avoid having to invest in a brand new sofa, you can disguise it instead. Adding soft furnishings such as cushions and throws will immediately give a dull piece of furniture a new lease of life. Find some great ideas on revamping old furniture, HERE.
22. Get The Kids Involved
If you have children, let them have some input on your decisions. You could let them design their own bedrooms, pick out paints, wallpaper and soft furnishings to make them feel part of the process. Although children might have some crazy ideas, it might be fun to let them have free rein on their own space in the house. It could mean that you end up with a Disney princess palace in your home, but to see the look on your child’s face when it’s ready; it’s all worth the effort.
23. Match Your Appliances
When you decorate the kitchen, you will usually get new cabinets, countertops, backsplash and new tile for the floor. Once you’ve implemented all of these changes, why not finish it all off by matching your small appliances to the theme of the room? Buying a kettle and toaster to match the decor of your kitchen is a simple and effective way to tie the room together.
24. Add Accent Walls
Accent walls can be a great design feature. Painting one wall a bold color, or hanging some wallpaper on one wall of a room can bring it to life and draw the eye to that area, making the room feel and look a little bigger than it really is.
25. A Book Nook
If you or your children love to read, why not transform a small corner of the room into a cute little reading nook? Add lots of cushions, a beanbag and storage for your favourite novels, and you’ve instantly created a personalized space for you and your family to enjoy quiet time.
This is a sponsored guest post that may or may not represent the views or ideals of Mommy Ramblings.
Autumn Is Here!
What’s that you smell in the air, is it a pumpkin-spiced latte? What’s that you feel in your soul as you drop your kids off at school—is it, could it be…pure joy? Well, not pure. You’ll miss them, of course—but what a relief! From eight to three (or 2:30 if you’re not so lucky), your kids are taken care of, they learn, and you get time to do what you need to.
One of those things could be some post-summer remodeling. Autumn and winter can be ideal times to upgrade your home, especially if you live in the south. It’s not as hot outside, making yard work especially appealing.
Additionally, it’s a traditional “off-season”, so you may find decreased rates available. With school in session, the kids won’t be tearing around the yard, getting in the way of contractors.
If you don’t live in the south, autumn still is an ideal time to remodel because winter is coming, and as they’re fond of saying in the adults-only HBO show Game of Thrones, “Winter is coming!”. It’ll get cold soon, and if you don’t take care of things like roof repairs, you could end up with much bigger structural problems.
Some Outdoor Work
You want to get your roofing done before the winter hits. Since it’s already autumn, if you have not started, you might want to check out sites like South Jersey Roofers since they offer high-quality workmanship, a commitment to customer satisfaction, and proven reliability.
If you wait too long and live in a northern state, you may not be able to find any roofers to repair your issues. If that happens, you might have to use an emergency solution to get by until the weather warms up.
Fall is a great time for last-minute structural remodeling. Additionally, you may not appreciate the features of some remodeling projects until late spring. Pergolas are one of those projects that come to mind.
If you’ve never heard of a pergola, this term refers to an adjustable awning which can be positioned with the touch of a button. It can keep out the snow, wind, and rain, or it can let in the sunshine. Whatever your preference, with the press of a button, you can change the way you enjoy your deck.
When it comes to outdoor pergola builders, you’ll be able to find top-tier solutions that will fit your needs; whether it be opening it up with the touch of a remote, angling it to provide the right amount of shade, or closing it completely.
Additional Considerations
You can actually use a pergola during winter as well. Even in the coldest climates, there will be mild days, and you may want to read a book on the back deck in the sun. Soak up that winter sun while you can, if the clouds come in and you can feel the snow, just close the pergola slats, grab a blanket and keep reading.
Fall can also be the perfect time to install a security system. Again, it’s not nearly so hot outside as during the summer, and you want to have that system in place by the winter. There seems to be an increase in crime during the winter in southern states. This may not be the case if you live in the north, it will depend on your region.
All in all, fall is the opportune time to tackle home improvement projects and make property upgrades like additions and completing essential home maintenance to prepare for the coming winter.
This is a sponsored post that does not necessary express the views or ideals of Mommy Ramblings.
This time of year can throw all kinds of weather at us; rain, wind, hailstones and more. So, whether you want to keep your home as safe as possible or your viewing new properties in the hopes of moving, it’s important to know how to spot damage. One of the most overlooked places on a house is the roof. Yet, if the roof has damage it can cause all kinds of problems inside the house. So, what do you need to look out for?
Check Your Shingles
One of the easiest tips, recommended by Elevated Roofing, is to check the roof for ripped shingles. After a storm, a few ripped shingles are often the easiest things to spot, just by looking at your roof from the ground floor. They may not look like they’ll cause a lot of hassle is left as they are, but it’s important to get them repaired as soon as possible, especially during the wetter months. One of the biggest problems to result from loose or damaged shingles is a leak in the house. You may not even notice it until it’s too late.
Hailstone Dents
It can be difficult to spot hailstone dents, but if you’ve recently had a bout of hailstones that you think could have caused damage, it’s worth checking. If you can spot dents on the roof, take a look at the angles of the roof, where the roof meets the wall. You’ll often be able to see dents in guttering too. If they’re present there, they’re likely to be present on the roof. If your roof slants, don’t attempt to climb it and check it yourself. Call a trustworthy professional who can give you a quote for any damage at the same time.
Inspect Your Attic
If you can’t see any visible damage by looking at your roof from the outside, it’s a good idea to get up into your attic and check for any leaks. If you spot a leak, it will easier to pinpoint where on the roof the damage is coming from and it’s often easier to contain and resolve the damp once found in the attic. If you don’t check or ignore the leaks found in the attic, it’s inevitable the leak will eventually spread throughout the rest of the house. Leaks will often present themselves as stains on the wall, rather than actual water puddles.
If you do find a leak in the attic but you have trouble pinpointing it, here’s a quick tip: Ask someone to help you and take a garden hose up onto the roof. Isolate small areas near to where the attic leak is. Let the hose run for several minutes in each area and have your helper in the attic looking out for leak. After a few minutes, the drip should appear in the attic. It can be time-consuming, but it will help you to narrow down where the damage is and find out how it needs to be fixed.
This is a sponsored guest post and does not necessarily represent the views of Mommy Ramblings.
I think I am going batty trying to pick out backsplash tile for my new kitchen. I am closer than ever to making a decision. I am however, a bit confused on some of the components. I had given up on trying to find a cream subway tile. Every time I found something there was no coordinating trim to do what I wanted. I brought home a piece of beveled white subway tile and it didn’t look too bad with my countertops.
You can imagine my surprise when, after giving up on finding cream, and picking everything in white, I found out I could get it all in a royal cream color. Shopping for tile is very confusing. So, now I am going with cream. I mean, I think I am going with the cream, lol.
I like a 3″ by 6″ subway tile that is beveled, and glossy.
I don’t need much bullnose or trim pieces in my kitchen. I only need two small pieces where the tile comes up on the sides of the sink on either side of the window. I plan to top it with this piece of crown trim.
Gloss Cream Crown Molding 2.25″ by 12″
The other area I need a trim piece is on the side near my french sliding doors. I am not sure which trim piece to go with there, but there are a variety of trim pieces available. I will check with the installers, on what they think would look best. Here are some of the choices beyond the piece above. I know the colors don’t all look the same, but that is not accurate, they are all the same brand and same color.
Bead Wall Tile Trim 1″ by 6″
Bullnose 2″ by 6″
Bullnose Long Side Trim Tile 3″ by 6″
Bullnose Short Side Trim 3″ by 6″
1/2″ by 6″ Tile Trim
Dome Trim 12″ by 3/4″
Okay, at least there is an abundance of trim, the only thing they do not have, is the double bullnose corner piece. It is however available if I go with the white. I am not sure that it is necessary, but if it is, that will be my sign to go with the white, lol.
So now for the special accent behind the cooktop. I was inspired by this photo I found online on Pinterest or Google Images, I cannot even remember, I have looked at so many.
So, this brand also has a 4.5″ by 4.5″ tile that I could use in this design.
4.5″ by 4.5″ Square Tile
I would use the crown trim for the frame.
Crown Molding in Royal Cream 12 in. x 2-1/4 in.
The part I am stuck on is what color to use for the mosaics for the border and for the deco between the square tiles. Some that I think would be good are:
Natural Seashell Mosaic
Honey Polished Onyx Mosaic
White Natural Seashell Mosaic ( I think this may be too light to be an accent.)
Mini Tundra Glass and Stone Mosaic
My countertops are Cambria Quartz in Nevern.
My cabinets are Wood Mode in Vintage Bright White.
Ugh, as I am writing this, I am not thinking maybe I should go with the white. The cream is not a beige but really a bone that my kitchen designer said would look good. I am so conflicted. lol Here is the white:
White Beveled 3″ by 6″ Subway Tile
And a close up of it:
Close Up of White Subway Tile
And now the Royal Cream close up:
Royal Cream Close Up
My cabinets are not a bright white they have a glaze that makes them vintage, and more of a creamy white.
So, what are your thoughts on this? I really would love to hear, this has been the hardest decision of the entire kitchen project.
If you have not seen Part 1 of our Kitchen Transformation click HERE. You can also see our video constructions updates for a more in-depth, up close and personal look at everything, including the lessons we learned along the way.
So, the was the first piece of quartz installed. Sorry for the poor lighting, they still had not installed all the lights at this point. Also, outside the kitchen window is a temporary storage shed that will be moved, once we can move our stuff back in.
There will be a false drawer front that matches the cabinets surrounding the farmhouse sink. It is still being made in the factory, but we will show you what a difference it makes when installed. Again, the shed in the back is just temporary.
That is my plumber checking out the island top. I noticed after they left it was not even so they had to come back and redo that and the sink. Fun times.
The opening for the cooktop is cut on site. They bring in a fan that sucks out the dust and through an attached large tunnel tube it is blown outside. They also have a vacuum running.
Once the sinks had set, the faucets were installed along with the dishwasher and cooktop. We also installed the 3 pendant lights over the island and the one over the sink. Then, the rest of the cabinets could be installed.
We need to get the crown molding installed on top of the cabinets and most of the interior cabinet lighting as well as the under cabinet and upper cabinet lighting. The cabinets still need to be aligned and the hardware installed. My biggest problem is, I cannot find a backsplash tile I like. Hope to do that this weekend. We have some more work to do but we have come a long way.
So, if you don’t follow us on YouTube you might have missed all the construction updates on our house. If you would like to catch up, you can go to the Construction Update Playlist. In those videos, I share all the goofs, mishaps, mistakes and problems we encountered along the way. Here are some photos to show you where we started and how far we have come.
This was the kitchen before as is, it was a mess when I took these photos because we were in the middle of moving out.
This was during the demo of the kitchen, after the tile floor was removed.
The soffits were coming down, so they had to rip them out. We found a surprise under them.
That pipe near the window was our surprise. At first they thought it was a waste line from the upstairs bathroom that could not be moved, but they found out it was not, and we were able to move it!
Some new electric lines were installed and then they started putting the new insulation in. The recessed lighting also was moved.
Next, the sheet rock was put up and spackled.
Then they had to paint. They installed Hardibacker Board in preparation for the tile.
Next the tile floors needed to go in.
After the tile was in and grouted, our Wood-Mode Cabinets were delivered.
We protected our floors with a Red Rosin paper that is used as an underlayment for wood flooring
There were a lot of cabinets, moldings and trim delivered.
These were the first cabinets installed.
The new ovens were ready to be installed.
We had to wait to install the upper cabinets on the other side until the template was done for the quartz countertops because the cabinet in the corner sits on the countertop.
That is the end of this update, be sure to check out Part 2 of our Kitchen Transformation and Picking out our backsplash. If you want to see more check out our YouTube Construction Update Videos.
We are almost ready for our bathroom renovation reveals. When renovating and remodeling, there are so many decisions that need to be made, we talked about choosing the toilet, WASHLET and vanity for the bathroom, but I did not mention the faucet yet. When choosing a faucet there are several things you need to consider.
Faucet Type
First off, if you are updating and keeping the same vanity top and vanity, you are limited to what you can choose. You cannot install a single handle faucet if you have widespread faucet. Well, you can but it will have to have a plate that covers the other holes so you won’t have the same look. If you are starting from scratch, you have all the options you want. I chose a single handle faucet because I like the sleek look and find them easier to clean.
Sink Type
The type of sink you have is also a factor, if you have a vessel sink, make sure you choose a faucet that will work with it. The type of mount and gallons per minute are other things to keep in mind when choosing your faucet.
Finish
The next choice is the finish. Again, if you are not starting from scratch, you need to consider the colors of the other fixtures in the bathroom. We had a clean slate to work with so I went with the brushed nickel.
Style
Next, the hardest part. What style faucet do you want? There are so many styles to choose from! We could not believe all the choices we had in front of us when we were checking out TOTO USA’s website for a bathroom faucet. With so many great styles to choose from, it was hard to decide. In the end, we went with something traditional and elegant. We choose the Guinevere faucet and just had it installed. It is absolutely beautiful.
About Our Faucet
Guinevere as we call her, is more than beautiful, she has a durable brass construction with a ceramic disc cartridge. She has a WaterSense Approved Low-Flow of 1.5 gpm. Guinevere comes in three fabulous finishes: polished chrome, polished nickel and brushed nickel. A metal pop up drain is included.
Our plumber told me that he was very impressed with the faucet. I laughed and told him to handle her carefully and that her name was Guinevere. We both had a good laugh on that, but we still call her by her name. The faucet and pop up drain were easy for him to install without any issues. Guinevere works flawlessly. I will show you how well in a video as soon as we do the reveal.
If you are looking for a new faucet check out TOTO USA. You can also follow them on Social media on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and YouTube to see more of their products and here the latest news.
Stay tuned, and subscribe to our newsletter and social media channels so you don’t miss the reveals. Let me know what you think of our choice.
The following is a sponsored guest post that may or may not represent the views of Mommy Ramblings.
As a homeowner, it’s easy to shell out a nice chunk of money keeping your home in good condition. However, that doesn’t mean all your hard earned cash needs to go into home maintenance. Instead, you need to think about ways to save on home maintenance, and then actively work towards doing so. While everyone’s situation is slightly different, the following are a few simple ways you can save on home maintenance and put your money away for something you’ll enjoy.
Opt for DIY
When you want to save money, consider doing some maintenance on your own instead of hiring someone else to do it. There are plenty of small jobs around your house that you can easily do yourself, such as install a sink, replace a light fixture, or even update your front door. Before you get quotes on different jobs, be sure to look at the task at hand and see if it’s something you can spend a few hours tackling. By investing a little bit of time, you can end up saving a fortune.
Know when to hire a professional.
Although you can save money by doing things yourself, it’s also important you realize when you need to hire a professional. After all, putting certain jobs in the hands of trusted professionals can ensure the job gets done right the first time and can save you from spending more money trying to do it again. For instance, if you have an intricate plumbing problem, it’s smarter for you to hire a trusted plumber than to do the job yourself and do it wrong. If not, you’ll end up spending almost twice as much having someone come in to fix your mistakes.
Don’t put it off.
One of the biggest reasons home improvements are so expensive is because homeowners put them off until they’ve become too big to tackle. When this happens, the cost inevitably goes up. Make it a point to inspect your home thoroughly at least once a year, if not more. This way, you can make note of areas that need your attention before they get out of control. If you’re ever unsure, have a professional come in and do a home inspection every now and then. This can make you aware of underlying issues you may not have known existed, and it could save you a ton of money in the end.
Make smart decisions.
Unfortunately, there’s not a product out there that will look good and last forever, but there are products out there that are better than others. For instance, if you are building a home, opting for materials like brick or stone is a good choice. They will hold up better and stay looking newer longer, even when exposed to harsh weather conditions. By making the investment in stone or brick, you are helping your house stay in better condition with a product that doesn’t need as much maintenance. If you make smart decisions like this throughout your home, you can save money on home maintenance in the future.
Maintaining your home may not be the most enjoyable thing you have to do as a homeowner, but it is a necessity. If you make smart decisions and follow these tips, you can end up saving money on your home maintenance, which will make you happier in the long run as well.
This is a sponsored guest post that may or may not reflect the views of Mommy Ramblings.
Most of us have a vision of what we would imagine to be the perfect home. Whether you want it to be modern, have amazing landscaping, or have a spectacular pool, customizing your home is one of the many rewards of home ownership.
If you need help in sparking your creative side, here are 10 amazing ideas to help make your home awesome.
- Moat Pool
At first glance, these pools may seem like some kind of home protection strategy, but the fact is they provide a great look and can be quite popular in the right situation. If the idea of a moat pool surrounding your home conjures up images of Medieval castles and drop-down bridges, take a look at modern moat pools and see how far they have come.
- Hanging Bed
Here is a trend that has been popping up lately. Suspend your bed from the ceiling and swing yourself to sleep. The bed can be made from wood, concrete, or plastic, but you’ll definitely want strong beams and a professional installation.
- Automatic Window Shades
There are few things more convenient than being able to hit a button and have all of your window shades go up or down. Motorized blinds and shades allow you to manage the ambience, privacy, and sun level of each room quickly without the fuss of cords and pulleys.
- Interior Cat Transit System
If you are a fan of cats, then you already know that they like to live in a world of their own. The cat transit system allows them to travel the house in the privacy of their own little tunnels.
- Glass Floors
How about a glass floor in one of your rooms? It can make some people a bit nervous standing on one, but having a glass floor adds a coolness factor to most homes. Instead of glass you can also have smooth concrete floors with tile or glass features combining the best of both worlds.
- Retractable Pool Table
Imagine having a few guests over for dinner and all of a sudden, a full-sized pool table appears from out of the wall. That is high-speed to say the least.
There is a company called “Concrete Crib” that can make custom concrete furniture like tables, benches, pools, and counters. Any of their unique creations would be certain to add that special wow factor to any home. Concrete products are popular because not only are they unique, they are easy to clean and durable as well.
Minimalist dining room with table; chair and two closed doors – rendering
- Outdoor Movie Screen
Everyone loves going to the drive-in and enjoying a giant movie screen outdoors, but they really don’t compare to having one in your backyard. You can invite friends and family over to see the latest and greatest movies without having to drive anywhere.
- Skateboard Room
This might appeal more to the younger generation but how about a room with built-in skateboard ramps? How many times have you seen something like that? If you want to impress your friends, add one of these to your contemporary house.
- Spiral Wine Cellar
You don’t have to be a huge fan of wine to appreciate the beauty of a spiral wine cellar. Your guests will be impressed at this amazing feature in your home.
Regardless of which route you take in personalizing your home, it’s always exciting to seek out fun and new things that you can add. Whether it’s a small bowling alley, or a rooftop tennis court, the options are practically limitless.
This is a sponsored post through the Mom It Forward Influencer Network. As always my words and views are 100% my own.
We are transitioning into spring in New York and the massive snowfall we were buried under, is finally melting away. As the ground becomes visible, I am filled with excitement about being able to see green grass again.
Grass evokes so many emotions, there are songs about grass, we relish the smell of fresh-cut grass and love the feel of grass beneath our feet. Our yard has a large lawn and it is where we spend a great deal of time. It is a place where our children practice their baseball skills, we gather on a blanket for a picnic, our dogs happily sprawl out for an afternoon nap, we watch the squirrels and birds frolic, entertain our friends and family and sit at night gazing up at the stars.
Lawn games are fun too, our neighbor just gave us a bocce ball set and my kids cannot wait to play. Our lawn adds beauty to our home; it is like a gorgeous carpet that compliments my perennial flower gardens. I am so thankful to live in a community where lush, green lawns are plentiful.
Lawns are beneficial too! Living on a hill at the top of a mountain, our lawn helps prevent erosion from heavy rains and wind. Beyond that, grass is beautiful and naturally calming. The visual appeal of green grass helps our mental health and reduces stress levels.
Having a nice lawn does not mean you need to be a slave to it. Sure, lawn maintenance is important for a healthy-looking lawn, but it does not have to consume your life. Did you know that the best season to revive and repair your lawn is spring? If you follow five simple steps now, you will ensure an amazing, summer ready lawn!
Rake
I like to enlist the whole family for this. We each grab a rake and get to work removing old leaves, dead grass and other debris that accumulated over the winter. Raking allows us to easily see any areas that need attention as well as providing more soil contact when seeding, which helps grass grow more easily.
Aerate
This is very important if your lawn is like ours, and has been buried under snow which causes the soil to compact. My dad used to joke that by walking on the grass wearing his golf shoes, he was doing his part to aerate the lawn. Seriously, there are core aerators you can rent or you can hire a professional lawn service to do this for you. Aerating will pull small plugs of soil out of your lawn which allows increased movement of water, nutrients and oxygen into the soil. It will also help to promote growth of new seeds by providing more soil contact.
Seed
Spring is the ideal time to seed any spots that are bare or thin. If you are planning on expanding your lawn, spring is the best time for that too. When you start in spring, the grass has ample time to grow healthy and strong before summer. Selecting the right seed for your area is imperative, ask a turf specialist at your local garden store or university extension office for guidance. After seeding, water lightly and regularly to ensure the area stays damp until the new grass grows.
Control Weeds
Did you know healthy lawns will squeeze out weeds? They will, but damaged lawns that are overrun with dandelions and crabgrass may need some help.
You can find out how to get rid of dandelions here, but your local garden specialist can help you decide what other weed control options may be right for your lawn and your family.
Tune up That Lawn Mower
Get your mower in top shape with an annual service including changing the oil, replacing the spark plug, cleaning or replacing the air filter and sharpening the blade. When the grass is about 3 inches high, it is time to mow. Newly seeded areas should be mowed when they reach 2 inches in height until the new grass is established. Mow with a frequency that allows you to cut less than one-third of the height of the grass. An easy-to-follow rule is to not let grass grow taller than 3 inches and not to cut it shorter than 2 inches.
Following the steps above will leave you with a lush, green lawn to enjoy this summer. I can’t wait to kick off my shoes and feel that grass between my toes! What do you love most about your lawn?
I am back with an update on our new kitchen. I am happy to say, that 2 weeks ago we signed on the dotted line and our cabinets went into manufacturing. Since they are custom cabinets, they will be made to order and take at least 8 weeks.
We ended up going with a brand new Wood-Mode finish called Vintage Bright White. The Vintage finish is a distinctive glaze that is applied over the base color and adds a brushed appearance to the surface while highlighting the details of the door style and architectural elements. It also tones done the bright white and is just beautiful. The cabinets below are in Vintage Bright White. This is not the door I picked but I wanted to share the color with you.
We are also really excited about the integrated Häfele LED lighting matched to custom-fabricated Wood-Mode cabinetry. This lighting is brand new and we are the first kitchen that has it. I cannot wait because, I love light and I was forever saying I needed better lighting in the kitchen. This lighting will be in every cabinet and every drawer.
An industry-first, the Wood-Mode Integrated Lighting Program featuring Häfele LED solutions is a collaboration between two industry leaders to meet and drive the growing demand for integrated lighting design. The program utilizes the very best 12 volt, 3rd generation Loox LED options from Hafele. LED lighting is specified in 80% of kitchen projects overall (according to the NKBA) and offers energy-efficient, controllable, and discrete illumination with unlimited creative possibilities. You can read more about it HERE.
Beyond that, I have all the tile at the house and ready to be installed. I still need to pick the tile for the backsplash and that is where I am conflicted. The kitchen designer I am working with told me that it did not matter if I was having second thoughts on the color/pattern of the quartz now, because we have a lot of time. She said they will not be coming to do the template until the cabinets are installed. That made me breathe a bit easier because I have been going back and forth with my choice. I selected Cambria Quartz in Nevern. I have a very large sample piece and I love it!
The problem is that Cambria Quartz does not photograph well. At least the Nevern does not. In almost every photo I see of it online, it looks like a dull, flat, ugly laminate countertop. The picture below is the one I hate the most, it does nothing to sell this countertop.
That frightens me beyond belief. I know, I like Cambria Quartz, because I had it in my kitchen for almost 10 years. It is just that they need to do a better job in showing the beauty I see in this sample. I have heard other people complain about the same thing. Most said that they had second thoughts based on photos, but were happy in the end when it was installed. They said that the photos did not do it justice at all.
So I was thinking, I should play it safe and go with something like Ella.
On my way to sign the contracts, I kept thinking about it, but my heart and my head were not sold on it at all. I was so glad that when I told my kitchen designer I was thinking about Ella, she said, “Oh no, you do not want to go with Ella. You want something to make things pop!” I thanked her so much! It was the advice I needed! So Ella got kicked to the curb but I still am second guessing my choice.
I went on the Cambria Facebook page and asked them about my dilemma, but received as Verizon would say, a “half fast” answer. It was like they did not even read my question because they responded that I should look for a larger sample. I guess they missed what I wrote about having a large sample and the photos not looking at all like what I see in front of me.
I don’t know, I know I have time, but until I decide on the countertop, it halts the selection of the backsplash tile. Speaking of being halted, we have been halted for weeks with the demo crew. They should have completed everything by now. We have been held up for over 3 months, but let’s not even go there. Hopefully, work is going to begin next week. I feel like we are behind the 8-ball in getting everything done before the cabinets are ready.
Anyway, I guess this is not much of an update, but I wanted to let you know that things are still moving along slowly. The bathroom renovation has been halted a bit by this whole situation as well. I will have a post up about the faucet we chose for the bathroom in the next few days.
If you made it this far, thank you. If you would like to add any insight on the countertops, please do so in the comments. I would like to hear your thoughts. I will tell you one thing, if I do go for the Nevern and I love it, I will do everything in my power to get great photos of what it really looks like. I don’t want anyone else to have this uncertainty due to poor photos.
Happy New Year everyone! I hope it is off to a great start for you. You have probably heard people use the adjectives shiny and new to describe the new year. Feeling shiny and new is exactly what I want to share with you today. I bet you don’t know where this is going. We are going to take this into the bathroom. I don’t want to talk about spring cleaning but do want to tell you about another kind of cleaning. Let’s call it personal cleaning.
I am not talking about a bidet. Quite frankly, I think bidets scare a lot of Americans who do not know what they are or how to use them. Not to mention, they take up a good footprint of space in your bathroom. So is there a better way to get that shiny and new feeling that is easier and faster than taking a shower every time you use the bathroom?
There is, it is called a Washlet. The Washlet was introduced in Japan by TOTO back in 1980 and has become one of their signature products. The first Washlet had 3 functions: rear cleansing, dryer and a heated seat. 10 years and numerous innovations later the Washlet came to America. In 2016 a milestone was reached when 40 million Washlets were sold worldwide.
So what is a Washlet and what’s in it for you? A Washlet is a bidet seat and you will be amazed at everything it can do for you. Do you get upset if the male members of your household do not close the lid after using the toilet? That is one of the first ways a Washlet will help you. The Washlet lid opens and closes automatically, so no more unpleasant surprises. If you worry about chilly seats, the Washlet has that covered too with a cozy, heated seat.
I love that it has an eWater+ system, that uses electrolyzed water, a proven, chemical free disinfectant to mist the bowl after every use. No need for harsh chemicals which are already banned in my home.
The wand of the Washlet is automatically cleaned before and after each use.
Eliminating waste effectively is easier when you are not starting with a dry bowl surface, the premist feature uses the incoming water supply to mist the surface which is 80% more efficient.
Next, let’s talk about rear cleansing, I know you are chuckling but also intrigued. The rear spray is designed to provide your derriere with a targeted, pleasant yet strong water stream to get you squeaky clean. The front wash feature provides cleaning in the way of large, soft drops for a comfortable wash that leaves you feeling clean as a daisy.
TOTO is not going to make you drip dry, they have thought of everything! The warm air dryer will make sure you are nice and dry before you go on your way.
Finally, there is an effective deodorizer that cleans the air around the toilet using powerful filters. Air is drawn in, passing through a catalytic deodorizer to eliminate unpleasant odors.
If you want a Washlet with all those features, the S350E is the way to go. It is available in round or elongated and comes in cotton white or Sedona beige. If you would like to see videos of all the features, visit TOTO on YouTube.
We are putting one of these awesome Washlets on our Guinevere Toilet. I will show you more on both as we are further along in the renovation of our bathroom. You have to love constructions delays. In the meantime, if you want to see more about the toilet we chose or some things to consider when choosing a toilet, you can check it out on our post HERE.
To learn more about Washlets and all their fabulous features click HERE. Do you have one of these in your home? Have you been thinking about getting one? Is this the first time you have heard of it? Let me know what you think or about your experience.
Special thanks to TOTO for all their help and for providing us with a Washlet S350e for our project. As always all my words and opinions are 100% my own.
When you ask people what their least favorite household chore is, at the top of the list of most people is cleaning the toilet. Can you imagine if there was a toilet that would take care of that dreaded task for you? Well, you can stop dreaming about it because American Standard’s ActiClean toilet is real! This toilet cleans and removes stains at the touch of a button.
I will admit, I was very shocked to learn about this toilet a few months ago. We actually have one and cannot wait to install it. Our “little leak” in our kitchen that caused extensive damage to our home, has delayed our bathroom renovation projects just a tad. We will update with all the details as soon as we are ready to resume that project. I thought I would share my joy with you in the meantime about this amazing toilet.
How does the ActiClean System work?
After selecting a Quick Clean or Deep Clean cycle, the cleaner will make its powerful entrance into the bowl, scrubbing the walls of the toilet bowl! The cleaner will saturate the bowl for a set time that corresponds to the cleaning cycle you selected.
After that, the rinse cycle is automatically started, siphoning the cleaning agent and rinsing the bowl leaving you with crystal clean bowl! After cleaning you are left with a sparkling clean bowl and a pleasant, fresh scent.
Cleaner by Design
The toilet design adds to the easy care. It has a CleanCurve Rim which eliminates the rim area where all that nasty dirt and buildup likes to hide. The entire toilet surface is finished with an EverClean glaze. This super smooth glaze makes the toilet easier to clean and stay clean even after years of use. The robust plastic seat has no-slip bumpers and a release button that allows you to remove the entire seat for quick and easy cleaning.
Performance
The toilet has VorMax Flush Technology that helps maintain a clean bowl in between cleanings. VorMax Flush has been proven to clean 2 times better than conventional toilets.
The cleaning system is powered by 4AA batteries (included) that will last about one year. Using one Quick Clean and one Deep Clean cycle per week, the ActiClean Toilet Cleaning Cartridge should last about 9 weeks. You can purchase the ActiClean Toilet and Cleaning Cartridges at Lowe’s in store or online.
The ActiClean Toilet has great flush performance moving 2.2lbs of waste in one flush! It earned the score of 1,000 MaP at 1.28gpf which is the highest possible. It meets EPA WaterSense criteria and is a high-efficiency toilet.
The toilet is easy to install and every thing needed for installation is included. It can even be hand tightened! Get peace of mind if you purchase this toilet with the lifetime warranty on chinaware, 10 years on mechanical parts, 1 year on electronics and 1 year on seat. Click here to learn more!
So what do you think? Would you like to have a toilet like this in your bathroom?
American Standard provided us with an ActiClean Toilet for our project. As always my words and views are 100% my own.
Happy New Year everyone! Hope everyone’s year is off to a great start. I have some updates on our new kitchen. While the demo and everything in the house is going to take another 8 weeks at least, we are making headway with our kitchen decisions.
I believe, I shared our choice of Wood-Mode Custom Cabinetry for our kitchen. We are going with their Brookhaven line and our door style is Winter Haven Raised.
The first time I went into the kitchen design center and started working with Regina, our kitchen designer, I was sure I was going with Antique White. Yesterday, when my husband and I were there together making final decisions, I changed my color choice. I am going with Vintage Lace.
Wood-Mode’s Vintage Opaque is a distinctive glaze applied over the base color which in our case is Lace and adds a brushed appearance to the surface while highlighting the details of the door style and architectural elements.
It is funny because the first time I was there, I was sure I did not want that look and yet, the second time, I was sold on it. I feel that is why it is so important to meet with your kitchen designer multiple times in the planning stages of your project. So far, we have been to the kitchen showroom 2 times and Regina has been out to our house once to take measurements.
Now, that we are getting closer to putting the order in, she will come out again to make sure everything is correct. It is so nice to work with a kitchen designer who has experience and guides you along through the process. Yesterday, I remember clearly saying to myself, “Wow, I am so glad she thought of that!”
The other thing is, they can give you great advice that can save you money and headaches. For instance, since my cooktop is mounted against an outside wall, she advised me not to go with a pot filler. I was not sold on one either, you may remember my earlier post.
The reason is, living in upstate New York, there is a danger of the pipes freezing which would cause extensive damage to our kitchen. Dealing with the damage from a leak is something we are familiar with and do not wish to deal with again if we can help it.
I know you can mount them on deck but I don’t want that sticking out of the counter top. Truthfully, the more I read about them, the more I am glad to have that reason for not putting one in. You still need to carry the water back to your sink. We decided to add an island prep sink which is behind the stove area. This will allow us to fill pots even if someone is at the kitchen sink. I am good with that.
I am really excited about how I was able to utilize a lot of what I considered dead space in my old kitchen. My kitchen did have a lot of bells and whistles but there were some things I wanted to change. We have so many baking trays, cookie sheets, cutting boards, cooling racks etc. In my old kitchen, I did have a tray cabinet but it was not large enough for everything we had.
It is not a matter of getting rid of some of it because we cook and bake all the time and use it all. So we added more slotted storage to our kitchen. The cabinet above the refrigerator is one that we hardly used. It contained some light bulbs and a container of glue. We added tray storage up there and I think it is going to be great.
We also have a bottom tray cabinet next to the stove as we did before and over the ovens we put more slotted storage. We have an oven drawer under the double ovens as we did before to handle frequently used pans and sheets.
Something else I am super excited about, are the great pull out cabinets we put on the other side of our cooktop. If you think our tray situation was excessive, our collection of spatulas, ladles, cooking spoons and other cooking tools rivals it. Currently, we had two large utensil drawers and 2 large crocks on the counter. I wanted to find a more useful and out-of-sight way to store what we needed.
Browsing Pinterest, I found these great pull out cabinets with crocks built-in. I showed them to my kitchen designer who incorporated them into the design. The insert is made by a company called Rev-a-Shelf, and they have so many creative ways to get the most out of your kitchen.
We have another pull out cabinet like that but with a different insert that can handle our cooking oils, sprays etc. In an upper cabinet to the right of the cooktop we have our spice cabinet.
Being tall, I hate having to stoop down to see all the way to the back of lower cabinets. In my current kitchen, there are only three cabinets I had to do that. The rest all had roll outs or were drawer units. In this kitchen we made sure that there are no cabinets that would cause me to lay on the floor or crawl into to see what is in the back.
I eliminated the desk area and glass door cabinet that was above it from my current kitchen. We did not use the desk and it was a catch-all for everything as were the glass door cabinets. In its place we added some more pull out pantry storage which I am crazy about.
The new refrigerator is being set into cabinets to give it a built-in look. On the side of my fridge in my other kitchen, I had decorative raised panels that matched the cabinets. In our new kitchen design we added some useful storage. We are putting in a functioning cabinet that will have lower storage for our broom, dust pan etc and upper storage for cleaning supplies, garbage bags etc. Something similar to this design I saw on Pinterest.
In the new kitchen we have extended all our upper cabinets to 42″. This extra cabinet space will give us the room we need to store appliances that we don’t use every day. We are removing the extended sofits to make room for the taller cabinets. On top of the cabinets we will add a very nice crown molding.
We are in the process of picking out our new quartz counters. In my old kitchen I had quartz counters and I love them. However, I want a little more movement in the new ones. I think I have found my countertop but not 100% sure.
Regina had me bring home my door sample and a large sample of the counter to look at it in the kitchen to make it easier for me to decide.
We are putting in a Farmhouse sink from Nantucket sinks and it has a really nice drain that we also chose from their website that never lets your hands touch the mess in the drain. Really cool and that is not all!
The sink has two front sides so you can choose what design you want. The smooth front of the Hyannis or the decorative side of the Chatham. I still have to pick the faucet. Oh, all the decisions!
We love the built-in butcher block we have in our old kitchen and so we went with one in this design also. It will be built into the side of the island to the right of the prep sink. We placed the pull out waste and recycling underneath so you can peel and chop and then just shove scraps right into the trash. To the side of the cutting board we put a large drawer to store our knives, and next to that, we put our utensil storage.
Another big change we are making is using two of the large island drawers to hold our dishes with a peg drawer inserts. This will make it easier to set the table and for the kids to get dishes themselves without having to climb up to reach them in upper cabinets. We added about 12 inches to the length of our island and this allowed us to put a 12 inch cabinet on the end with doors to store serving pieces, dishes and glasses.
Over the cooktop we have an English Country Elliptical Range Hood that matches the cabinets. I am not certain we are going with this style but I am leaning toward it.
The microwave will be hung over the counter next to the double ovens.
All of the cabinet doors and drawers are soft close and the doors are the full overlay style. We picked out our hardware too and I really like the way it looks and feels. The drawer pulls are nice and large and can accommodate hands of all sizes.
We have a large storage pantry in the same spot we did before but instead of having those wooden racks that pull and slide out to hold cans, we have added slide out shelf pull outs that our designer tells me I will find much more useful.
We are using commercial style appliances and I will update you on those in another post. For the flooring we are going to do a wood look porcelain tile. It is someone like the one I have but darker which I think will make the cabinets pop!
I think this is a long enough update for now. We have some exciting things to share regarding lighting with you soon. Let me know what you think of what we have picked out so far.
If you are designing a new kitchen, you probably know all about pot fillers. You might be wondering how we lived all these years filling our pots at the kitchen sink and carrying them over to the stove. Maybe you are thinking, it makes no sense because you still have to carry that pot of boiling hot water over to the sink to drain or empty at some point. There is also a point to be made that it is another source of a potential leak, problem and of course expense in what already is a very expensive project. So, let’s take a look at the reasons why they are becoming so popular.
Less Strain on Your Body
Water has a weight of about 8 pounds per gallon. If you are filling up a large stock pot with water at the sink it can put a strain on your back as you carry it. However I don’t sit my pot in my sink and fill it, I usually set it up at counter height and fill it with my extended spray arm. If you are setting a large pot down in a deep sink and then hoisting it up and out, that could strain your back, especially if you have issues. However, most people have been doing this for years and are just fine.
Saves Time
The other point that is made to the advantage of a pot filler is that it saves time. I like to save time and work more efficiently but really, I doubt I am saving that much time to really make a difference. It is true you can turn it on and fill your pot on the stove and then go back to your sink to wash veggies or prep other foods. That could save you a few minutes, as long as you remember to keep watching the pot and run over and turn the water off before it overflows. I can see the advantage that you can easily be sauteing or cooking another part of the meal while you have a pot filling up on the stove. Not sure if this really is enough of a reason to convince people they need a pot filler.
Adds Style
I think this is the biggest reason you see them in more new kitchens today. It adds a touch of style and sophistication to your kitchen. I think many would say it adds a certain status to your project. I was speaking with a woman a couple of weeks ago and she was telling me about her son and how well he was doing. She went on to describe his house and said, “You know he even has one of those pot fillers in his kitchen.”
The facts remain that you need to carry that pot of water back to the stove which can strain your back as can hoisting it and pouring over a colander to drain pasta or other foods. That kind of negates the first reason. Sure, it may save a few seconds to minutes but does that truly justify the additional cost and of course potential source of a problem like a leak? I think the reason people put them in is based heavily on the third reason. Pot fillers look nice and they add a wow factor to your kitchen.
Some other cons are that they collect grease from cooking and it is another thing to clean. Cleaning the pot filler is something you would not have to do if you did not have one. Cleaning the pot filler will actually take longer than the time you saved in filling the pots on the stove. For those that like clean lines, having a pot filler extending from the backsplash may be an eyesore. There are deck mounted pot fillers as well but that is another permanent fixture protruding from your counter top.
I am still deciding if I am going to put one in my new kitchen. What do you think? I would love to hear your thoughts.
I cannot tell you how long my husband has been suggesting we get a TOTO toilet. Truth be told, he has gone beyond suggesting and was well into the nagging phase when we began talking about the renovation of our powder room.
I have seen TOTO toilets in many of the upscale resorts we stayed in this summer like the Mirror Lake Inn. Seeing them used like this was another indication they must be superior quality. So I decided to look further into them.
Their website is very easy to navigate and you will find so many styles and designs to browse. They have a special tool called My TOTO that allows you to view, save, compare, and share products for multiple design projects. You can learn about a product’s features and specifications, save it to a folder for future reference, compare its features and price and even share your favorites with friends and family through social media.
The first thing you need to figure out is whether you want a one-piece or two-piece toilet. A two-piece toilet is generally lighter than a one piece toilet since the tank is separate. This can help if you have to carry it up to the second or higher level in your home.
One piece toilets can usually fit in tighter spaces and they are easier to clean than two-piece toilets. They also tend to have less issues than two-piece toilets. One-piece toilets generally have a higher price point than two-piece toilets.
TOTO also has a third choice, wall-hung, which opens up bathroom space but you need to have an in-wall tank system.
Your style will be the next choice you will need to make. For residential use, you can choose from modern, transitional or classic styles. Other choices you will need to make are whether you want an elongated or round bowl shape, flush rate, flushing system and color.
I knew, I wanted was a skirted toilet. If you are not sure what that is, it means that the trapway is covered, is so much easier to clean and has a smoother appearance. I also wanted a classic design, elongated bowl and powerful flushing system.
I was able to find exactly what I wanted in the Eco Guinevere. This is a uniquely sculpted one-piece toilet with a 1.28 GPF and elongated bowl. It also features TOTO’s highly efficient Tornado flushing system, which uses a powerful combination of gravity and centrifugal force and CeFiONtect, an extraordinarily smooth, ion-barrier surface to help the bowl stay cleaner longer. I also chose the brushed nickel trip lever.
Eco Guinevere® One-Piece Toilet
Let me know what you think of our choice and I will be posting something else we picked for our toilet. Something that is pretty special! However, you will just have to wait to hear all about it. Feel free to take some guesses and leave them in the comments.
Special thanks to TOTO for all their help and for providing us with this exceptional toilet for our project. As always all my words and opinions are 100% my own.
Right now, my home is under construction in a few areas, one is my kitchen. I literally have had to remove everything in my cabinets and kitchen in order to get ready for the demo that is going to begin there. Having all my cabinets empty is so strange. I should take a photo because it is a rare thing. Normally, I think of ways to maximize storage of my plastic containers, pot lids, spices and more.
Are you looking for ways to organize, condense and maximize your storage space? If so, I just discovered some great products from YouCopia.
I knew I had to have the StoraStack because I really need to organize my food storage containers. I used to spend so much time digging around the drawer looking for the right lid.
The StoraStack smartly organizes food containers in your kitchen drawer. Two clip dispensers can be positioned as needed to hold two container stacks in place. Individual slots keep matching lids upright so everything stays tidy and easy to find.
My next issue was pot lids sliding around in my roll outs. That is why I like the StoreMore Lid Holder.
The StoreMore Lid Holder organizes all of your pot and pan lids in the cabinet or pantry. Strong wire dividers can be adjusted to keep lids upright, separated and easy to retrieve. Save space and reduce clutter by storing lids vertically!
Last issue for me was how to deal with all the spices I have. I have so many spices that the built in spice cabinet is not enough. I ended up using 2 cabinets to store them all. The problem is that smaller spices get lost and so when I saw the spice steps, I knew I had to try them.
The 24-bottle SpiceSteps™ is the easiest, most affordable way to organize spices in the kitchen cabinet. Maximize space with four tiers instead of the standard three. Label the bottle caps with included stickers to quickly find spices.
Would you like the chance to win a product of your choice from YouCopia? If so, enter the giveaway below and you could win your choice of product from YouCopia up to a $40 value. Good luck!!! Open to US residents.
YouCopia Product Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:
Please enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below. Good Luck!!!
We have 2 new renovation projects underway. Our kitchen and the renovation of our powder room with a new vanity, lighted mirror cabinet, new toilet and new paint. We made our decision on the vanity and medicine cabinet and want to share our choice with you.
We are happy to be working with Strasser Woodenworks and love their selection of bathroom vanities, vanity tops and medicine cabinets. We chose the 34.5″ height vanity in the Montlake Collection. For our door style we chose the miter and for our finish we picked satin white.
The vanity size is 48″ and we went with a 49″ pearl white quartz top with rectangular sink. We ordered the top to be customized for a one hole faucet.
For the medicine cabinet we went with the traditional tri-view with the matching miter door style in the satin white finish. We chose the model with the LED light bar.
I think this is going to look great and really update the space nicely and give us a so much more useful storage space. Stay tuned to see the progress of this new project and for the update on the toilet and faucet we chose for this bathroom.
If you are looking for a new vanity, check out Strasser Woodenworks. I have been working with Peter and he has been very helpful through the process. Strasser has over 10,000 combinations of door styles, finishes, knobs, pulls, granite, quartz and vitreous china tops.
Everything is made in the USA to order! It takes about 2 weeks for the vanity and medicine cabinet to be built using hardwoods sourced in the USA and Canada. They build with quality hardware and their soft close hinges are the highest quality and durable. Their cabinets are built with hardware not glued!
Strasser Woodenworks products come with a warranty to be free of defects in workmanship, materials and finish failure for as long as you own the product. That makes me feel really good! You can stay in the loop with Strasser Woodenworks on Facebook, Google +, Pinterest and Houzz.
Let me know what you think of our choice by leaving a comment here. I would love to know what you think.
If you love the look of a farmhouse sink and want one in your kitchen, you are not alone. The farmhouse sink with its apron front was designed for the comfort of women who spent long hours in front of them. By eliminating the countertop in front, women did not have to lean forward over sink. So, what is it about these sinks of yesteryear that appeals to us today? I think there are a number of reasons they are so popular. The size is larger since the apron front extends over the bottom cabinet. This makes them ideal to wash even large pots, pans, cookie sheets and more.
Besides looking beautiful that apron front means that any drips will not be falling on the cabinet but onto the floor eliminating the chance of water damage to your cabinets. Without having to reach over the countertop it is much more comfortable than a conventional sink. I think there is a certain romantic quality to a farmhouse sink that beckons us to simpler times and tugs at our heartstrings.
When you are considering a farmhouse sink there are some factors to consider. Material is a major one. Farmhouse sinks are available in white porcelain, cast iron enamel, Fireclay, stainless steel, copper and more.
For me the look of the white Fireclay along with the durability make it a strong contender. I do have a more modern stainless steel farmhouse sink in my laundry room but I still find myself longing for the true farmhouse look of the Fireclay. There are sink grills available which will help protect your sink. I love sink grills and would highly recommend them. If a Fireclay sink does chip, it can be repaired with a repair kit.
Fireclay sinks are heavy and some require that the sink cabinet is customized with extra support to handle the weight. You will also need to decide on a double or single bowl. For me it is a no-brainer. I want the full experience of the large sink and don’t want to split it into 2 bowls.
Since I grew up with a dishwasher and don’t hand wash anything that can go in the dishwasher, I just did not see why I would want 2 bowls. The things we hand wash are large and so I know a double bowl would not be able to handle them with the ease of a large single bowl.
Even after you have decided on a sink material and bowl size there are still other decisions like the design. This is the hardest for me. I have been working with Jake from Nantucket Sinks and he has helped me tremendously. I finally made my decision and I choose the Hyannis 30″ Fireclay Sink.
So that is one decision down for our kitchen and about 1,000,000 more to go! What do you think of my choice? If you have any questions please let me know.
I love growing things, I have been growing mango trees from seed all summer. I have germinated 10 or 11 trees now that are doing wonderful! I am growing pineapples too from the pineapple top and it is so much fun and so rewarding. I love to garden and also plant and maintain many perennial gardens on my property. I have a vegetable garden too and one of the things I hate about winter is the drabness that seems to take over. Sure the white snow on evergreens is pretty but the long winters can leave me longing for color.
That is where silk flowers come in. They can give me those pops of colors that really cheer me up and make me smile. I also like to use them in areas where it would be hard to maintain real flowering plants. I recently picked out a gorgeous Dancing Orchid. It is 32″ tall and comes in a beautiful ceramic pot.
I am really happy with it and plan to put it around my whirlpool tub in my master bathroom. I like to take a lot of warm baths in the winter and having that colorful orchid there will just help me to feel that spring is not too far away.
Do you decorate with silk plants? Would love to hear your thoughts.
I received the dancing orchid to facilitate my review. As always my words and views are 100% my own.
Kitchen renovations are much different today than they ever have been before. It used to be that when someone did a kitchen renovation or a remodel the only real options they had were the design and architectural features of the room such as arches/doorways, walls/ceilings, and flooring or additional space options.
These days, though, you have many other elements you can add such as smart appliances and products for a smartly designed kitchen. If you are curious about the different smart kitchen ideas available, consider reading the article below for some cool and technology driven ideas to make your kitchen more forward friendly, convenient and comfortable.
Smart Appliances For A Smart Kitchen
Most appliances in the kitchen are already pretty darn smart in terms of timers and knowing when to stop cooking a product. But, you also have a lot of other different “smart” options available to you, such as:
– Touchscreen Stove Tops: Not only is this a really cool type of cooking technology, but it can also be used in a kitchen with children as well, since it’s a very safe product to use. Essentially the cook top uses conduction to heat things like pots and pans. But, the other parts of the stove stay cool – to the touch. You can actually use the touch screen to browse the internet, look up recipes to make, check out cookbooks in digital format and more.
– Home Chat: This cool little app is meant for specific things like the fridge. It will essentially keep track of items and ingredients inside the refrigerator and you can ask it questions such as: Do we have butter and it will reply back via text yes two sticks or no we do not. This is really efficient because you can use the app even out of the house.
Smart Fridge
This is a really cool option but in the near future, we will also have an even cooler option (it’s a concept right now) that will actually order food, keep track of what’s in the fridge and alert you when you are running low, and do a plethora of other cool options. For now, though, you have these smart refrigerators. The LCD display allows you to watch TV, listen to the radio, check the news, leave memos for yourself or other family members, check out the calendar and leave notes on specific days and more. It’s quite expensive, at around $3600 but if you want a tech driven kitchen, this might be the addition for you… for now anyway, until that higher tech fridge comes along!
Pair 3D Design Application
Okay, this is a really cool app and unlike any other smart application above. It’s only an Apple App right now, though. Essentially what you do is you bring up the camera on your iPhone and the app will give you different furniture options for that camera viewer. In the camera viewer, you can see how that piece of furniture or an appliance would fit in your space, what it would look in a 3D manner and more. The app can also be used by brands and businesses as well. But it’s also a great design tool for home owners that allow you to set up a room in real-time.
Radiant Flooring
In a lot of cases, you see radiant flooring done in a bathroom. But, since more and more people are also using porcelain in the kitchen as well (its durable, budget friendly and beautiful) some manufactures have started to make radiant flooring options for the kitchen too. This is a perfect option for any flooring in the kitchen, but especially stone or tile like porcelain because even though it does have a lot of benefits, one of the disadvantages are that it can get quite cool to the touch in the winter. In order to fix this, you can use radiant heating underneath the flooring to warm it up before you ever set foot on it.
Radiant flooring can be set on a timer so that it turns on every morning before you wake up to make the floor nice and toasty so when you come down for breakfast or coffee the floor is already heated up. You can also use Wi-Fi with a lot of radiant flooring systems so as soon as you wake up you can turn on your app – and have the floor heated so by the time you make it downstairs it’s warmed. Tile flooring like porcelain is a great conductor of heat. In fact, the two best materials to use a radiant floor on are porcelain and wood. Porcelain is a really good option though because it won’t expand as it warms and cools which means it won’t crack which means your flooring will last for longer!
There you have it, kitchen renovation ideas that you should know before you start your project.
What do you think of having your garbage or recyclables at your fingertips but also out of sight. Check out these great products from rev a shelf trash. I think it is an awesome idea if you have enough room and are not sacrificing cabinet space you need. I think under the sink would be a great place. There are so many neat options for the bathroom too. I am getting a lot of ideas!
So happy to be seeing some nice weather, spring really arrived because Sunday I saw my first Robin Red Breast! The trees are budding and the daffodils are coming up. I love watching all the birds that visit our home and feeders throughout the day. I think one of my favorite things to do is to sit on the porch with a cup of coffee and my camera and spend some time with nature.
We love to be outdoors when the weather is nice. We are planning a lot of outdoor projects and enhancements to make our yard, deck, porch and gardens more of an outdoor oasis for family, friends and entertaining.
We will be re-staining our deck as soon as the weather is consistent enough for that. So once the deck is all revitalized we thought since it is so large, it would be nice to have a shady area since it gets a lot of sun.
That was when I started looking for a shade type gazebo awning. I found one I liked from Abba Patio and it was available right on Amazon. that was nice since I have Amazon Prime and it would be shipped to my house quickly and for free.
It is very nice quality and was not hard for my husband and I to put together. We set it up on the lawn since we have to stain the deck but we will update with photos when we have it set on the deck. The nice thing is you can secure it through the feet so you don’t have to worry about severe weather causing it to topple or get thrown around.
It is heavy-duty and the canvas top provides UV protection and is fade resistant. The light color works well to reflect heat and it provides a large enough space for a patio table and chairs or an outdoor seating group underneath. We are really looking forward to having everything set up on the deck and entertaining with our family and friends this spring and summer.
Product Features:
- Beige polyester top-long lasting, fade resistant, easy to clean and 98% UV protection
- Quick and easy set up with 2 or more people by easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions
- Foot pads are installed to the canopy legs for added stability and easy access to secure anchor points
- 2-1/5 inch diameter powder coated steel leg tube resists chipping, peeling, rust and corrosion and provides increased stability
- Heavy-duty bungee cord tightly secure the tarp cover to the fram
Check out the video below of how we assembled it and to see more of this great portable, tent gazebo by Abba Patio.
Would love to know what you have planned for your home and garden spring and summer projects. Let me know in the comments. Enjoy the season!
