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4 Tips For Helping Your Home Express Your Style

04/11/2017 By Jenn 3 Comments

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Your home is your personal sanctuary. It’s a physical manifestation of your personal style. It’s important to put in the effort and make your home reflect your style for a few reasons. It allows you to feel comfortable in your space. It also allows others to get a better understanding of who you are as a person.

If you’re unsure of how to express your style through home decor, start with these four tricks.

Mix of Old and New

One of the best ways you allow your home to reflect your style is through mixing and matching of old and new items. Take a look at some of your favorite items from childhood. If you still have them, try to place them throughout the house. If there’s a clock or a vase that belonged to your parents, try and find a way to work it into the decor. These older pieces help tell the story of your past. If you have a favorite animal, find a small figurine of it and place it somewhere visible. It doesn’t need to match the decor verbatim, but can become an easy conversation piece.

Artwork

Use artwork throughout your home to adequately express your style. If you have certain mantras or quotes you live by, get a custom-made canvas with the words and hang them up. Look online and figure out what type of artwork you gravitate toward. Whether it’s a style of a specific artist or the mood a piece puts you in, try to gather artwork that makes you feel something. When you feel it, you’ll be able to invoke that feeling in your living space.

Interests

Consider some of the things you’re passionate about. If you’re an avid baseball fan or you’re in love with music, try to figure out neat ways to incorporate your passions into a room. If you love music, check out vintage shops to find a few vinyl records. Put them in a fun display case. You might even want to find a fun record player that you can use from time to time. If you really enjoy outdoor entertaining, set the ambiance with a custom patio from somewhere like Lifestyle Patios. You can even get really comfortable deck furniture and make it a place where people want to hang out.

Color

While you may not want to put your favorite color all over the room, you can choose shades of your favorite color and try them in different sections. Take a look at the color wheel and see which colors relax you the most and include those in your home.
The more you experiment and infuse your passions, interests and things that make you light up, the more your personal style gets expressed. Don’t be afraid to take risks and have fun. It’s your home and you can make your own rules.

Guest Post: Kara Masterson is a freelance writer from West Jordan, Utah. She graduated from the University of Utah and enjoys writing and spending time with her dog, Max.

How Do Families Get Into a New Home of Their Own?

03/30/2017 By Jenn 2 Comments

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As a family grows, most adults dream of owning their own household. Renting has too many restrictions, and it might be more expensive to afford those monthly payments compared to owning.

It’s time to get into a new home of your own. Learn about the challenges ahead so that you’re prepared for a new home purchase.

Clean Up Your Credit Report

Don’t start house hunting until you know what your credit report reflects. Buying a new home will almost always require a financing option. You’ll need to have good credit in order to apply and gain a fair loan. Take a critical look at your credit report. Verify that all of the information is correct. Although some negative items may exist, they’ll remain on the report if they’re true. Contact any creditors that have incorrect information on your report. You don’t want this information to hinder the home-loan process.

Start a Savings Plan

With your credit in good standing, begin the savings plan. Depending on the property that you desire, you’ll need several thousand dollars as a down payment. In fact, a 20 percent down payment isn’t unheard of in the industry. Cut down on luxury items, such as eating out, and look for extra work to build up that savings. You’ll be able to compete with other buyers if you have a substantial down payment. Sellers might choose your bid over others when a 20 percent down payment is part of the deal.

Price Those Mortgages

There are several types of mortgages in the marketplace today, including fixed and adjustable selections. A fixed mortgage normally has a high interest rate, but your payments won’t change over the course of the loan. Adjustable loans, in contrast, have lower rates that will change as the economy ebbs and flows. If you can afford some movement on the payment amount, an adjustable mortgage is a smart choice.

Visiting a Lender

Work with a lender before you attend any open houses. The lender looks at your assets and liabilities so that you can know a price range for the new home purchase. Some companies, like Assurance Financial Group, know that with this information in mind, you can more easily narrow down your shopping list. You’ll also have a faster loan approval time compared to borrowers who’re just starting the financing process.

Work with a real-estate professional who understands the area in question. These professionals may have some inside knowledge about possible home sales, tax information and school statistics. At the end of your search, the home should fit your personality and budget for many years to come.

This is a guest post: Rachelle Wilber is a freelance writer living in the San Diego, California area. She graduated from San Diego State University with her Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Media Studies. She tries to find an interest in all topics and themes, which prompts her writing. When she isn’t on her porch writing in the sun, you can find her shopping, at the beach, or at the gym. Follow her on Twitter and Facebook

It’s That Time Of Year Again: 4 Easy Spring Cleaning Tips

03/15/2017 By Jenn 2 Comments

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Spring cleaning isn’t exactly everyone’s favorite thing to do, especially when the weather gets nice and there are numerous outdoor activities to participate in and enjoy. The backyard, local park, bike path and tennis court can look pretty inviting after a long, hard winter. With those leisure activities in mind, there are four easy spring cleaning tips listed here that can help you get out of the house faster and on to more enjoyable pursuits without that nagging feeling of, “It’s that time of the year again. I’ve got to do my spring cleaning first.”

4 Easy Spring Cleaning Tips

Purchase and Utilize Effective, Eco-friendly and Economical Cleaning Products

There are a number of more economical cleaning products that will do the job just as effectively as more expensive and caustic cleaners, and they can be purchased in bulk or economy sizes for mixing and storage. They include white vinegar, baking soda, borax, natural dish soap, antacid tablets, citrus-based cleaners, coconut oil and other products. Just be sure to take the time to find out what products work best for you. You may even want to ask your friends and family for suggestions.

Assemble and Organize Cleaning Products, Materials and Equipment

Before you begin spring cleaning, and for quick access, assemble cleaning products, materials and other equipment all in one place. Use a medium to large sized bucket and put your cleaning products in it. Keep another bucket for trash bags, paper towels, rags, sponges, rubber gloves, Q-tips, tape lint rollers, a hand vacuum (with crevice attachment) rubber gloves, pre-treated microfiber dusting mitts, a window/mirror squeegee and spray bottles. Larger cleaning items like brooms, swiffer sweepers, stick vacuums, mops and lightweight vacuums can be placed on a hanging rack for fast retrieval.

Clean Hardest Areas First

Once you have the necessary products in hand and have quick access to them, clean the hardest areas in your home first, which usually means the kitchen and bathroom(s). In the bathroom, use baking soda and water in paste form and apply to tubs, showers and toilets and remove with water. Use vinegar and water alone or with baking soda to alleviate any mold or mildew. For hard water stains and deposits, use vinegar to dislodge buildup and for toilet bowls toss two or three antacid tablets (or denture tablets) into the bowl to both clean and disinfect. In the kitchen spray down counters, cabinet fronts, and appliances with vinegar and water and wipe dry. Vinegar and soda can clean the inside of an oven, microwave and refrigerator. Simply let the mixture set and wipe clean.

Clean as You Go

When it comes to spring cleaning, it can be made a whole lot easier in the long run if every day cleaning is done on a regular basis. If there are stains, dust, dirt and food particle accumulations as well as cobwebs, piles of paper and trash, dirty laundry and other eyesores, each one of these cleaning problems can be nipped in the bud before they become major disaster areas. Concerning ongoing maintenance, most cleaning experts like those at Affordable Maids House Cleaning Services will agree that cleaning on a regular basis as opposed to doing it all at once is a good formula.

The problem with cleaning is that no matter the season there is always something to be done and if you’re going to enjoy spring, think about taking care of any major cleaning projects beforehand. Don’t let spring cleaning get in the way of piddling in the garden, going to open markets, taking a jog in the park or participating in retreats. Spring cleaning doesn’t have to be a dreaded project if you have the right tips in mind and hand.

Guest Post: Kara Masterson is a freelance writer from West Jordan, Utah. She graduated from the University of Utah and enjoys writing and spending time with her dog, Max.

How to Save on Shingles When Repairing Winter Frost Damage

03/07/2017 By Jenn 9 Comments

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Making repairs to your roof is critical to the safety and longevity of your home. Asphalt shingles are particularly prone to cracking or curling when exposed to frost.

These four tips will help you to save on shingles for your next roof repair.

Selecting a Basic Product

One way to save on shingles is to choose the most basic product that is available. While shingles are manufactured in a wide range of colors and styles, basic black is almost always the least expensive option. Some companies, like Allen Roofing & Construction Inc., know that if you are not concerned with the durability or longevity of the shingles, then get products that are rated to 15 to 20 years, rather than a 30 year rating. These shingles will be thinner and less resistant to wind damage, but they will cost less money than their sturdier and fancier counterparts.

Look for Odd Lots

If you only need a few shingles to compete your winter frost damage repairs, look for odd lots. If you do not need an entire package of shingles, you may be able to buy a product that was accidentally torn open and had some of the items destroyed. If a roofer had some leftover after a project, you may be able to buy the remainder. Buying leftovers and odd lots could save you a great deal of money.

Choosing Shingles

There are many types of asphalt shingles that you might want to consider when repairing winter frost damage. Dimensional shingles offer a high level of aesthetic appeal because they come in pieces that have a layered look. Architectural shingles tend to be thicker, which can help to give your attic more insulation. Thicker shingles may also be more resistant to future winter frost damage.

Buying Seconds

Consider buying shingles that are considered to be manufacturer’s seconds. These products will be just as durable as their first-rated counterparts, but they will cost less. Shingles that are rated as seconds may have a color that is slightly off or an unusual patterning. If this does not matter to you, then you could choose them and save a bundle on your roofing repair.

You can have your roof’s winter damage repaired without busting your budget. A basic asphalt shingle is inexpensive, and the price can be lowered even more by using any of these four strategies. In addition to using these tips, you could also find an affordable roofer to do the installation when trying to save on shingles.

4 Tips for Making Your House Feel More Like a Home

01/11/2017 By Jenn 1 Comment

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You might have just moved into a new home, or you’ve never taken the time to really set down your roots. However, that can be super important, especially if you are going to be there for a while.

Luckily, there are a few ways to make your house feel more like a home and a retreat than it’s currently feeling.

Change Your Lighting

One of the first things you can do is to change up your lighting. That overhead light you’re using isn’t setting the mood in your home. It’s harsh and unflattering too. Add some floor lamps and table lamps to add some mellow and soft light to the rooms. Another way to change the lighting is to change the window treatments. Make sure you’re allowing natural light to fill the space. If you need the privacy of curtains, use sheers to cover the windows while allowing more light to enter the room.

Set the Bathroom

The bathroom is a space that could probably use some work. Fluffy towels, bright light and greenery can make it feel like a spa quite easily. Clear out the clutter from the counters by using extra storage thoughtfully too. Once you’ve cleared out the space, add in other elements to make it feel more like a retreat than it is currently. You can add a basket of towels and hang art on the walls.

Cozy up a Room

Pick one room to transform at a time. You could choose the bathroom or the bedroom. If you choose the bedroom, make sure you’re using comfortable, beautiful bedding to really make the space relaxing. Candles, flowers and framed photos with stunning frames like ones from the Kelly Gallery are perfect for adding glamour and style to the bedroom. Another way to add glamour to the bedroom is to clear away the unneeded elements. When you have too much clutter in a room, it can feel more chaotic. You want a space you can relax and feel like you’ve entered your castle.

Invite Guests

After you’ve taken the time to add these touches to the home, invite guests over to the space for dinner. You’ll feel more like it’s a home if you play host or hostess to your family and friends. You’ll also be able to see the space as a guest would. That will help you add elements that make it feel more like a home.
It’ll take some time for your space to feel more like a home, but if you take a room at a time, you should soon see a huge difference in the way the place feels. It is so important for you to do all that you can to make your house feel like a home. Just be sure to personalize your home and really bring it to life.

Guest Post: Kara Masterson is a freelance writer from West Jordan, Utah. She graduated from the University of Utah and enjoys writing and spending time with her dog, Max.

bObsweep PetHair Robotic Vacuum Cleaner & Mop Review #bobsweep

10/17/2016 By Jenn 4 Comments

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Disclosure: I was provided the mentioned products to facilitate my review. All opinions expressed are 100% mine.

I have always wanted a robotic vacuum so you know I felt like a kid in a candy store when I got the opportunity to review the bObsweep PetHair Robotic Vacuum Cleaner and Mop! I hate vacuuming when I have to do my daily chores. With three kiddos and a cat I am constantly cleaning up some sort of mess and with most of my house being tile floors it seems like it gets dirtier faster than when we had carpet.

bObsweep PetHair Robotic Vacuum Cleaner and Mop Specs:

Heavy-duty build tackles all the shed fur, pet dander, litter, and food particles
Longest main brush in the industry covers more ground while lifting up more dirt in just a single sweep
1000 mL dustbin
Self charging
HEPA Filtration
Fully programmable
Remote control feature
Available in red and champagne

bOb is awesome, hands down! I love that he can glide over my tile floors and easily go over my rugs without struggling. He has an auto adjust feature that allows him to move from different types of flooring which is great! The smaller mats I have in the bathrooms and kitchens he has a little trouble with but I usually just shake those out before I let him clean up those areas. Plus he has a bumper on the front so he will not damage any furniture.

He is able to pick up larger pieces of cat food when he gets to that part of my kitchen too which is great. Garfield our cat is such a piggy when it comes to his food dish.

The bObsweep PetHair Vacuum has so many great features! He charges himself when he gets tired and he is overall pretty quiet. The first few days our cat had to adjust to bOb but now he is used to him and they can coexist together nicely.

I do not know how I lived without bOb before, he’s a keeper in our home. My little one every day since we’ve had him comes home from kindergarten and loves to set him up and watch him go. Makes for great entertainment for the little ones and makes my job easier keeping up with the house not having to vacuum every other day. I can focus on keeping up with cleaning other things in the house now with bOb.

You can check out the bObsweep PetHair Vacuum on their website along with other models of bOb.