Archives for 2019

Pests are problematic for everyone. It is a hard problem to fight if you have unfortunately come across this. It is even more challenging if you are living in a rental property. It becomes a conflict between the landlord and tenants about who is liable for responsible pest control. A rental properties’ maintenance responsibility is divided between those two parties. When pest control issues are still not resolved, most people do not know about who should deal with this.

Pests that can annoy you include cockroaches, ants, fleas, spiders, bees, rats, termites and snakes.

Who is responsible?

It is concluded that this is the responsibility of both parties to control the pests and maintaining the premises for avoiding pests includes repairing, cleaning and safety. It usually needs a pest control spray after a specific period of time. Such cases have been in tribunal where the discussions have been carried and found that tenants should clean the property regularly.

Tenants’ responsibility

They should also avoid habits that invite pests like leaving dirty clothes and dishes unwashed, leaving garbage in the house for more than a day and among other things. There more of a chance that pests like rats, cockroaches, ants and spiders come due to lack of cleanliness.

Landlords’ responsibility

On the other hand, landlords should arrange anti-pest sprays over time. There should be a spray after every month in the area that invites pests. The areas with more greenery like plants, grass, and trees invite more pests as natural environments is home for them.

Generally speaking, the owner of the property is the responsible person for the pests, especially termites. This is something the two parties should not argue over, rather the owner should take a step to remove the pests. It is because such pests ultimately damage the property. If there is any such event just lead, discover, and take measures to remove it.

General Guide

If pests are already present in a house before the tenant moves in, it is clearly the responsibility of landlord. If they attack during the tenancy, it might be due to the negligence of the tenant or it might be not. Both should negotiate and take responsibility equally. Serious pests should never be ignored by any of the party.

If you are a tenant and the landlord is unresponsive, you should make an appointment with a pest control yourself. Keep the record of the expense and negotiate later with the documented facts.

If you are a landlord and tenants are not paying attention to the pests you should take action yourself, give them a notice for keeping the house clean and cooperate until a resolution has been made.

If you’re tired of the way your home looks, then it might be time to do something to spruce it up. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to move or completely remodel your home in order to achieve a different look. 

From putting a few new accent chests and cabinets in different rooms to hanging curtains that mimic the season, there are plenty of ways budget-friendly ways to give your space a makeover.

Start With the Outside 

You can start by sprucing up your outdoor space. Whether you have a patio, a garden, or a cozy outdoor nook where you sit to enjoy the sunset, you can pretty it up using things like candles and outdoor pillows without spending a ton of money to get the job done. Make sure that the things you choose are weatherproof and capable of standing the cold and heat of the area you live in. 

Switch Out Your Curtains

Changing your curtains is one of the easiest ways to update the look and feel of a room. Whether you choose an option that’s light and breezy for the summer months or panels that are thick and insulating to keep out the winter chill, curtains can make quite a difference in your decor. Change them out with the different seasons and even for the holidays for some festive cheer. You’ll be glad that you did. 

Declutter Your Home

One of the least expensive ways to spruce up a home is by getting rid of the clutter that has accumulated over the years. Clutter can gather throughout the house and cause mental and physical stress. There are many decluttering buster tips out there for you to follow, so it doesn’t take weeks to get rid of the clutter in your house. After the decluttering is done, you’ll be surprised at the room you have and you’ll be less stressed as well.

Open the Windows to Freshen Up Your House

After a long winter of being closed up indoors, or anytime really, a home needs to be aired out and made to smell fresh and sweet again. Choose a day when the sun is shining brightly, and a breeze is blowing, then open the windows and doors to let the fresh air in. This will not only air out your house, but the fresh air will be good for you, and possibly kick you into decluttering mode as well. 

Paint a Room a New Color

Painting a room can change not only the look but the feel and atmosphere of the room as well. There are professional tips out there to help you choose the right color for your rooms or professionals that will do the job for you if you aren’t up to the task of painting the rooms yourself. Either way, a new coat of paint in a room will brighten it and give it a whole new appearance. 

Cover Your Floor With New Rugs

No matter what time of the year it is, scattering throw rugs strategically throughout your home will change the appearance and spruce up those areas as well. Make sure to put them in areas that will open up the room and give an illusion of space for the best results. 

These are just a few of the best ways to spruce up your home, no matter what season of the year it is. From accent cabinets and new rugs to painting the walls a fresh new color and decluttering, these tips will help you spruce up your home, with no remodel or relocation needed.

If you’ve always wanted to have new custom homes built to your specifications instead of purchasing a pre-made house, you might be wondering what steps you can take to ensure that the building process and the home itself won’t create any additional burdens on our already overwhelmed environment. Of course, with so many alternative building materials and environmentally friendly design methods to choose from, nowadays there’s really no excuse for building a home that isn’t completely carbon neutral.

In fact, there are even some features that can be added to your home to ensure that not only is it not harming the environment but it’s also helping it by acting as an ideal place for recycling, gardening, composting, and other eco-friendly activities and hobbies. With that said, here are 15 tips you can use to make your custom home more eco-friendly:

1. Install a Renewable Energy Source Like Solar Panels

First and foremost, since your home’s source of electricity will usually be its largest impact on the environment, it’s best to start by planning for the installation of a solar panel system that will sufficiently meet your basic energy needs. As an added benefit, you could tie your system into the grid and receive a check from the local utility company that pays you for the excess power your system produces but doesn’t use.

The most recent “Shining Cities” report from the Environment California Research & Policy Center, states that there are more new solar installations in San Diego than in any other American city. According to reps from Semper Solaris, one of the best solar companies in San Diego in terms of reputation and service selection, the state’s mandatory requirement for solar systems in all newly built homes means that any custom home built in the region MUST be equipped with solar panels. Case in point, similar regulations are likely to be introduced around the nation, so you might as well stay ahead of the curve and prepare to have solar panels installed.

2. Have a Designated Compost Area

Recycling is great for the environment and it’s even better when you’re able to let natural decomposition do the job in your backyard. If you think about it, this is the cleanest form of recycling because it doesn’t require any machine-driven waste transportation or processing. Of course, it also provides the benefit of giving you a potent compost mixture that can be used to fertilize your garden plants for optimal plant nutrition and harvest results.

Thus, every eco-friendly home should have a designated compost area that is strategically located to allow for the simplified sorting and dumping of biodegradable materials. If you’re not familiar with the art of composting and you call yourself eco-friendly, now is the time to learn about it.

3. Use Eco-Friendly Building Materials

One crucial aspect of an eco-friendly building that you shouldn’t forget to overlook is the kind of building materials used in the construction of your custom home. There is an abundance of options

that are more eco-friendly than the conventional materials used in residential construction, and some of them are even more cost-effective.

Perhaps the most environmentally conscious way to build a custom home is to construct it using rammed earth or adobe that is made using resources found on the same land where the home is being built. Using on-site materials is a great way to reduce the carbon footprint of your custom home-building project by reducing the need to transport materials to the site.

4. Avoid Conventional Woodstoves and Fireplaces

While old-fashioned woodstoves and fireplaces certainly set a rustic and natural mood, they’re not exactly great for the environment. Burning wood produces unhealthy smoke that contributes to global carbon emissions and is also bad for your health when inhaled.

Plus, every year a percentage of forest fires are caused by fireplaces and woodstoves, so you’d be contributing to the risk of one of the most damaging natural disasters. Instead of using primitive fuel sources like wood or gas to start a fire, consider using only electric heating systems that are powered by renewable energy sources such as solar panels or wind turbines.

5. Build a Rocket Mass Heater

If you absolutely insist on having the ability to burn wood or other combustible fuel sources for heat, building a rocket mass heater would be your best bet. In fact, having this kind of heat source on standby is a good backup option to have in the event of an emergency power outage or solar panel system problems.

A rocket mass heater is the cleanest and most efficient way to generate heat from fire because it wastes the least amount of heat, and the smoke is filtered through a series of vents to the point where only steam comes out of the chimney. Since rocket mass heaters don’t generate smoke trails, this is also a fun DIY project that will teach you a survival method for building your own stealth heat source during an emergency.

6. Optimize Insulation for Energy Efficiency

When it comes to optimizing a home’s energy efficiency, few factors are more important than insulation because it directly affects the structure’s ability to maintain a stable indoor temperature. In terms of choosing the right insulation material and installation procedure, the two factors you want to consider are the eco-friendliness of the material itself and the overall efficacy of its insulative properties.

Some eco-friendly insulation options to consider include wool, cellulose insulation, and cotton. If you’re looking for on-site materials that you can use to build a small temporary structure, you might want to consider using rammed earth and grass to make your own primitive insulation. However, for a long-term home or larger structure, it’s best to go with official sources of insulation that are made from recycled materials.

7. Build a Garden or Greenhouse

What could be more eco-friendly than growing your own food? Depending on the global agricultural and grocery industry is obviously not the environmentally friend thing to do, because you’re contributing to a system that consumes an absurd amount fuel, water, and other limited resources to produce, package, transport, and sell food items.

By building a greenhouse or garden on your property, you give yourself a solid foundation for leading a sustainable and self-sufficient lifestyle. That way, you’re not just another simpleton creating an extra burden on the ecosystem. Plus, eating highly nutritious, organic, home-grown foods can improve your quality of life and strengthen your resistance to disease, so you’ll be one less person burdening your country’s healthcare system.

8. Use Sunlight to Reduce Artificial Lighting Usage

One of the best ways to reduce your custom home’s energy consumption is to use strategically placed windows and skylights to let in maximum sunlight. That way, you can essentially eliminate the need for artificial lighting during the day in most areas of the home. You may even want to look into automated curtain actuators or smart glass windows to gain better control over how much light you’re letting in. Electrochromic glass panels let you adjust the level of tint instantly using a remote control. This functionality is particularly useful because it gives you the ability to use sunlight much like a dimmable bulb, freely increasing or decreasing brightness as needed. Plus, the glass can block harmful UV rays, letting you get more direct sunlight without the potential risks of over-exposure.

9. Opt for EnergyStar Certified Appliances and Windows

Ideally, your entire home should operate on EnergyStar certified technology. You’ve probably seen this label on products before, especially household appliances. This certification simply means that the product has been extensively tested and has proven itself as one of the most energy efficient models in its category.

You may also want to opt for EnergyStar certified doors and windows and have the installations performed by an accredited installer. Studies have shown that improperly sealed doors and windows are one of the leading causes of poor home insulation, which leads to a substantial loss of energy efficiency.

10. Make Sure the Duct System is Well-Sealed

Once you’ve gotten your EnergyStar certified doors and windows installed and sealed properly, it’s time to make sure your duct system is also airtight. This is a commonly overlooked concern that’s definitely worth consideration because more than 20% of homes have duct leaks.

Many construction workers tend to zoom through the duct installation and don’t do extensive testing to make sure the system is fully enclosed. Many contractors will only measure air resistance and force on the exhaust to ensure that adequate airflow is being pushed through the ducts. Be sure to hire a professional to inspect your ducting system and detect/repair any air leaks.

11. Install Water-Efficient Faucets

Limiting your home’s water usage is another way to ensure eco-friendliness. The easiest way to do this is to install efficient faucets that only release water while you’re suing the sink. You’ve probably seen these at restaurants before – you wave your hands in front of a motion sensor that activates the faucet. Despite their technological complexity, these faucets are quite easy to install and have become relatively affordable in recent years.

12. Go with Dual-Flush Toilets

A dual-flush toilet gives you two option for flushing – one for flushing liquid waste only (which uses less water) and one for flushing solid waste (which uses more water). With these toilets you can reduce your home’s water usage significantly on an annual basis by reducing the amount of water your toilet uses by up to 80%. If you’re building a custom home in today’s day and age, it doesn’t really make sense to install a conventional toilet because dual-flush systems will most likely become the norm in the next 5-10 years anyway.

13. Have an Organized Recycling Area

Every eco-friendly home should have a designated area and system in place that simplifies and streamlines the sorting and disposal of recyclable waste. Generally speaking, ideal spots for this could be in your garage, driveway, side yard, or backyard – anywhere that’s in close proximity to the living area yet somewhat out of sight. In essence, you want your home to make recycling an easy and enjoyable process.

14. Use Plant-Based Finishes

If you’ve covered all the bases except for which kind of paints and finishes you’re going to use, be aware that there are a number of organic and all-natural finishes that are much better for the environment than standard house coatings. It’s also worth mentioning that these products are generally safer for your health as well. Milk paint and earth pigments are prime examples. Check out this list of eco-friendly paint types for more examples of non-toxic paints and finishes.

15.Make Your Yard Eco-Friendly

While it can be difficult to imagine a beautiful yard without a lush green lawn, as a truly environmentally conscious individual, it would only make sense to opt for recyclable artificial turf instead. While this issue is often overlooked, the amount of water, fuel, and resources consumed every year from lawncare activities alone has a significant negative impact on the environment. By opting for native plants or artificial turf, you’re helping the environment while also greatly reducing the need for ongoing lawn maintenance.

Eco-Friendly Homes are the Future of Residential Architecture

As the world population continues to increase rapidly in the face of climate change concerns, we really can’t afford to keep building inefficient structures that drain resources unnecessarily. Instead, most industries are moving towards more sustainable approaches. The residential housing sector seems to

be particularly in tune with the needs of consumers since homes are often built around the preferences of the homeowner.

As the upcoming generation of millennials and first-time homebuyers tend to lean towards the eco-conscious side of the spectrum, it makes sense that homes will continue to become cleaner and more efficient as time passes. Plus, all environmental issues aside, logic tends to prevail in most industries, so building more efficient homes is the next sensible step in the evolution of the modern construction industry.

There’s a lot of pressure on women to be a “super mom”. They fall under the impression that they’re supposed to do and be EVERYTHING for their children. Somehow, women are expected nurture and love them, work hard to earn a living, maintain the house, and essentially make sure that their kids need or want for nothing. All the while mom’s wants and needs aren’t of any importance.

As impossible as this sounds, women will break their backs, bank accounts, and just about anything else to try to make all this happen. Though there’s nothing wrong with wanting your kids to have the best life possible when the pursuit of that minimizes or eliminates your own needs it can wear you down while also slowing the development and progress of your children. 

Reasons You Don’t Want to be Super

Every woman should aim to be the best mother she can be. However, there is a thin line between being a good mom and trying to be perfect or supermom. In fact, there’s actually a phrase for it known as the supermom complex. This is when a woman believes she can do and be all. This type of thinking, however, can result in any of the following:

Exhaustion – You’re the perfect mom. You can do it all. You never say no to your kids. As a result, your to-do list is often overflowing. You may muster through it all for a while, but working this hard without taking a break will drain your energy. Suddenly, you’re so exhausted, you can’t get anything done let alone the things your kids really need you for. 

Substance Abuse – Supermoms can’t let it be known when they’re stressed to the max. So, what do they do when they become inundated with things to do? They turn to substances. They might fuel up on painkillers to mask those body aches and pains from chronic fatigue. They pop a few sleeping pills to get a few hours of shuteye after being up all day. Some might even drink wine or hard liquor in an effort to ease their nerves. These rituals to keep up with their lifestyles, however, end up becoming a nasty habit. If you are a mother struggling with substance abuse look for a San Diego treatment center to help you get clean.

Self-Doubt – You take on impossible tasks and when they don’t get completed as planned, you become defeated. This defeat then turns into self-doubt or the feeling that you’re incapable of doing what your kids need you for. 

Isolation – Who has time for family and friends when you’re too busy trying to be supermom to your kids? If you happen to find a moment to yourself you probably spend it balling your eyes out or catching up on lost sleep. Positive personal relationships such as those you have with your significant other, family, and friends are vital to your emotional well-being and quality of life. Without them, life can feel empty and alone. 

Lost Sense of Self – When you’re focused solely on your children, you begin to lose yourself. Outside of being a mother, you have no idea who you are anymore. You may have your children to fill that void for the time being, but once they get older or when they’re not around (at a sleepover or a relative’s house), you have no idea what to do with yourself. 

Resentment – You have no idea who you are, you’re always exhausted, you’ve lost touch with friends and family, and every waking moment since the day your children were born has been all about them. When you actually sit back and realize all of this it can conjure up a bit of resentment. Though it was your choice to give and be everything for your kids, somehow you begin to feel like it’s their fault that you missed out on so much. 

The role of a mother is already difficult enough. You have so many responsibilities and so much to juggle as you nurture, love, and provide for your kids. Don’t make it harder on yourself by trying to hold the title of being “perfect” or “super”.  It will wreak havoc on all aspects of your life and leave you feeling empty, lost, and unsure of yourself. So what you can’t be and do EVERYTHING for your kids. Learn how to say no, ask for help, relax, and more importantly, allow your children to see that it’s okay to be human.

 

For many couples, nothing demonstrates affection and love quite like the giving of special gifts from time to time. Whether you’re in the market for great jewelry or the perfect addition to a home improvement project, here are just a few ideas on how to make your next gift a delight for your significant other.

Gifts for Women

1. Unique Jewelry

Whether you’re seeking out the perfect anniversary ring, looking for a brilliant brooch, or simply want a flattering necklace to show a special someone how much you love them, many boutique jewelry shops and online vendors are happy to assist you in finding a unique piece of jewelry that your loved one will adore. For truly one-of-a-kind pieces, consider antique jewelry options. It’s unlikely you’ll see anyone else wearing an identical ring, brooch, or necklace.

2. Antique Silverware

For a truly winning gift that is both elegant and useful, try looking for antique silverware at local antique shops, estate sales, or online boutiques. Not only does an antique silverware set spruce up dinner parties in a sophisticated way, but it also sets the mood for a perfect romantic dinner for two. Not a bad way to celebrate a special occasion!

3. A Gift Card for Designer Shoes

For a gift that really stands out, try purchasing a gift card good for a pair of designer shoes for your loved one. Shoes are often a crucial facet of any good outfit, and your significant other will thank you for your thoughtfulness.

4. Perfume

While buying quality perfume for a loved one was once a prohibitively expensive gift idea, the truth is that online boutiques have made it easier than ever to buy even the best fragrances from independent sellers at a great price. If you can’t find the right perfume on sites like Amazon, don’t hesitate to check for reputable sellers on auction sites like eBay to get real bargains on even the best and most famous perfume brands. With a bit of searching, even famous perfumes like Chanel No. 5 can be had at a fraction of the price offered by local retailers.

5. An Interior Decorating Gift Card

If your loved one has a home redesign project on her agenda, you can’t go wrong with a gift card to a quality interior decorating retailer. Good for everything from furniture to scented candles, these cards will allow your significant other to pick out their favorite items at a great discount. By purchasing a card through an outlet dealing with quality materials, you might just upgrade the value of your home in the process. Talk about a win-win!

Gifts for Men

1. DVDs of a Favorite Show

For a relaxing night in with a loved one, nothing quite beats binging on a favorite show over a bowl of popcorn. DVDs are a great option for couples who share an interest in a particular program, and they can often be had for a great deal when sales are on. For a truly fun gift that doesn’t break the bank, quality DVDs should not be overlooked.

2. Noise-Canceling Headphones

Perfect for a loved one who likes to rest easy at night, noise-canceling headphones can allow your significant other to relax and unwind after a busy day. If you both like to travel, noise-canceling earbuds or headphones can make it easy to unwind on even the most crowded airplanes. Not a bad way to get to your next destination!

3. Gift Cards for Home Repair Items

If your significant other enjoys working with their hands, now is a great time to purchase home improvement gift cards from retailers competing for consumer dollars. Good for everything from power tools to lumber supplies, a great gift card will give your loved one a chance to work on their favorite home improvement project at a steep discount. Your home will never look better!

4. Great Neckties

If you’re looking for gift ideas for the man in your life, try seeking out bargains on well-crafted neckties for men. Because they don’t usually require a person’s measurements to look right, ties are an extremely versatile part of a man’s wardrobe and an easy item to purchase. They’re also useful, since a tie can spruce up a work outfit in a professional and flattering way, and in the age of Internet shopping, ties are also very easy to shop for online.

5. Camping Gear

Whether it’s a new tent, a portable stove, or a top-of-the-line sleeping bag, camping gear is the perfect gift for a significant other who loves the outdoors. For a real treat, try getting gear for two to plan the perfect weekend getaway in the country.

For these reasons, finding the right gift for a loved one doesn’t have to be a difficult process. With more and more independent and established retailers offering top-tier items at competitive discounts, it is certainly a buyer’s market for even the best gifts. And that is giving done right!

A proper working garbage disposal unit gets rid of smelly, dirty leftovers and expired food items. But if without proper care, a garbage disposal unit won’t be able to do any of that. That’s because these devices will either be clogged up or jammed during that time. Not even the best garbage disposal out there is immune to eventual wear and tear. And if nothing is done, it will leave your kitchen dirty and smelly, not to mention, make landfills an even bigger mess than before.

Therefore, you need to properly maintain your garbage disposal to prevent any of the aforementioned catastrophes. Fortunately, we’ve prepared the following easy tips to get you started:

1. Avoid Putting Starchy or Fibrous Items in the Disposal

Both these items are bad for your disposal as fibers cause your machine to get tangled whereas starches get thick. The following are some of the items in this point that most either be cut into smaller pieces or simply prevented from being put into your garbage disposal unit:

● Celery

● Banana peels

● Artichokes

● Corn cobs or corn husks

● Potato peelings

● Hard seeds and fruit pits from peaches and avocados

● Coffee filters or coffee grounds (in quantity)

2. Run Your Disposal Regularly

Another way to maintain your garbage disposal is to run it on a regular basis so that it continues to function well. This must be done even if you

have nothing to grind. Just turn the water on and run the disposal to make sure the parts are still working. If you don’t do this, the parts may rust, corrode or freeze up. And any leftover in the disposal unit will harden, leading to unpleasant odors and clogs.

3. Don’t Put Anything Hard in the Disposal

If you put any hard for items in the disposal unit, the device’s shredder will become dull and less efficient. In fact, small hard objects can also get stuck and jam the rotating parts.

Every garbage disposal unit comes with its own hardness capacity. A more expensive model has a higher hardness capacity. Even still, every garbage disposal comes with an instruction manual that mentions a list of items users must avoid putting into the unit. Experience can also help users learn what to put into the device and whatnot.

Anything harder than what the garbage disposal can handle must be put into your trash can or a composting bin. Items to avoid include:

● Hard bones

● Unpopped popcorn kernels

● Hard shells from crabs, shrimps and other shellfish

4. Use Cold Water

Hot water is usually an easy pick for many things but when it comes to cleaning and maintaining garbage disposals, cold water is more appropriate. The reason for this is because hot water melts food in the disposal, which then allows the waste to cling to the unit’s sides.

Coldwater, on the other hand, hardens food, which makes it easier for the device to grind and push out of the drain pipe.

5. Don’t Put Trash Into the Disposer

Common sense should be enough to tell you that non-food or non-biodegradable items can’t go into the disposer. But in case you get any ideas, but refrain yourself from throwing these items into your device:

● Hair

● Grease

● Utensils

● Screws, nails, and glass

● Pull tabs, twist ties and rubber bands

● Bottle caps, cigarette butts, plastic, paper or other trash

● Flower or plant clippings

● String, fabric, sponges or rags

● Children’s toys

6. Run the Disposal Longer

Once the waste is out of the drain, keep the disposer and the cold water running for about 30 to 60 seconds. This way, you can ensure that nothing is left to cause clogs or jams.

You can also use a bit of dish soap with cold water to flush down the drain some more after you’ve finished grinding up the waste. This is a more effective way of cleaning out any waste that may be clinging to the sides.

7. Grind Citrus Fruit

Coldwater and soap are good enough for a nice clean job, but citrus elements provide that extra cleanliness to it. You can use peels from oranges, limes or lemon to clean your disposer. The peels not only clean out excess waste but also give your disposer a nice fresh smell.

There are many high-quality garbage disposal units out there from renowned brands, but we recommend you get a badger garbage disposal as it’s not only highly functional and one of the best in terms of quality, but it’s also quite affordable.

Trends don’t hang around forever, so stocking your closet with the most basic wardrobe essentials can help when it comes to the ever-changing styles. The staple items in your closet will be your go-to when you plan your outfits for the next day. There are many must-haves when it comes to staple items, but some are much more important than others are.

Little Black Dress 

You can never go wrong with a little black dress. There’s so much you can do with a plus size little black dress, from super fancy looks to ones that are much more casual. Many people decide to only wear it one way because that’s what they’re used to and most comfortable with. For a more rebellious look, pair your dress with faux leather leggings, a leather jacket, and biker boots. To dress up the look more for a fancy event, pair it with formal statement jewelry, a clutch, and a jacket. Another way you can wear a little black dress is to wear a long-sleeved button-up shirt under it with a cute pair of pumps. 

Jean Jacket 

Jean jackets are amazing for any season. The most versatile option that works with most styles is a medium wash. There are many ways to wear these fun jackets. For a sexy look, pair a jean jacket with a crop top and high waisted jeans. You can also dress up the look by wearing it over a long flowy dress. For a grungier look, you can wear a flannel shirt underneath with a pair of ripped jeans. If you’re tired of wearing blue jean jackets, it wouldn’t hurt to switch it up for a white one. These look equally as good with just about anything. 

Black and Gray Pants 

You should always have a nice pair of black dress pants in your wardrobe. These are ideal for when you need to dress up some and look professional. Typical office attire would be a pair of black pants, a white button-up shirt, a cardigan, and a pair of flats. You can also take your professionalism up a notch and add a matching blazer instead of a cardigan. 

Gray pants are also needed for your wardrobe and can be worn in various ways. Keep it casual with rolled-up gray pants paired with sneakers and a tee shirt. Dress up the look with a tucked-in button-up shirt, tie, belt, and black shoes. You can also add a blazer to dress up the look more. 

Flats

Not everyone wants to wear high heels all the time. Simple flats are just as good because they’re simple, yet they help complete any outfit. They can make any outfit look professional, but they also work for keeping it casual. There are different types of flats you can wear including ballet, pointy toe, loafers, moccasins, and above the ankle flats. 

Blazer 

Blazers are also a good staple in your closet for when you need to look professional, such as when you’re attending an interview. Blazers are fun because you can dress up with them in many ways. One way to wear a blazer is closed with a solid color shirt underneath, paired with leggings or black skinny jeans and black knee-high boots. You can also wear it closed with a short skirt and high boots. The options are endless. 

There’s so much you can do with the staple items in your closet. Having these items on hand can help you save money because you’ll already have the basic items you’ll need for just about any outfit.