Archives for 2020

The Best Splat Mats You Can Buy

A floor is a surface, where you have maximum contact when you enter your home. It is required to maintain a clean level, as a healthy floor will help you and your family to keep fit. If you wish to keep the floor clean and healthy, mats are the best option that is to be kept under the furniture. Mats usually come in various sizes and materials. The splat mats are designed in a way to put furniture and are easy to adjust. Some of the rugs are described below.

Splat mat for a high chair furniture

The mat is made up of a qualified polyester. The rug has an anti-slip feature, due to which the furniture does not skid on the carpet. Mats are designed for the smooth texture including, cannot be bunched up plus it is easy to clean. You can easily wipe it with any cloth. The polyester is designed to protect the surface from any bacteria or germs.

Two-in-one baby waterproof mat

The floors can get scratches, once a piece of big or heavy furniture is kept over them. Two-in-one mats are suitable for hard levels, as well as have water absorb reluctantly. For the pets, these types of carpets are adequate to keep as the fur of the animals cannot stick to the mat, and it is easily removable. For an intense clean, you can put the rug in the washing machine, or you can clean it with an unused cloth.

Young ever mat

This mat looks beautiful and is perfect for keeping on the costly tiles and floors. The material is a plastic that won’t get scratched or damaged too quickly. You can cover your wooden floor with this mat, and it will remain as new as it is when made. This mat is perfect for the living room as well as for the kids playing room. You can drag your furniture on this mat in once go and not any scratch marks will remain left.

Paw legend washable mat

This mat has an anti-slid surface; therefore, the texture is perfect for the smooth surface. This mat comes in the market in two different shades. You can remove the dust or dirt with a damp cloth. This mat is also comfortable to carry from one place to the other. You can fold the carpet and can take it to the separate room in an easy go. It will make your room even more attractive.

Silicone high-chair splat mat

The mat is made up of silicone; hence it is more durable. You can use the carpet for any hard and rough surface, and this mat is capable enough to protect your floor. You are free to install it anywhere in your home. The texture of the silicone is easily swipeable. These are available in the market with various colours and patterns.

Bumpkins splat mat

This mat is exceptionally stylish. The massive and specific furniture can be kept on this mat. The beautiful design, along with a subtle texture is available at a reasonable price. The carpet has a waterproof material; hence the water does not stay for longer on the mat. In one go you can make the mat wipe with a damp cloth.

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7 Secrets To Use To Grow Great Hemp

There are many reasons people cite when asked why anyone would want to become a hemp farmer, but the most common response is that it is a lucrative business. With more than $20 billion sourced from the plants last year, the industry is slated to continue to grow for the foreseeable future. It is surprising to note that hemp is one of the oldest crops cultivated by humankind, it has been used for centuries for many different uses, but in recent times marijuana and hemp products are being manufactured for medicinal purposes. In this case, if you’re wanting to grow hemp for medical reasons, then it’s always a wise choice to talk to your doctor before you start to consume any alternative medications. As for the cultivation of the plant, methods for raising the plant yields have changed little over the past centuries, there are now many new ways you can utilize to improve your results.

1. Know the Laws

There are both state and federal laws that regulate farmers that grow hemp and the type of plant available for cultivation. Make sure your state has a regulatory program under submission to the USDA, or you will be required to apply for hemp farming under a federal program. Federal regulations require that hemp plants contain no more than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. This restriction separates marijuana from hemp and is strictly tested for and the limits enforced. Farmers have seen their fields burned because plants have more than the permitted limit of THC.

2. Begin Small

Growers can plant around 1,500 plants in an acre of land, and that can yield about $30,000 in profits. However, for a first-time farmer, the overhead investment for growing hemp on a larger farm can be staggering. If you want to become a farmer, secure the licenses and permits from the Department of Agriculture in your state and plant a little patch. Starting small can allow you to decide if you enjoy farming without losing a significant investment.

3. Purchase Insurance

All successful farmers find liability insurance to cover possible problems with their crops, workers, and equipment. Policies can cover general liability, crop harvests, workers’ compensation, and product liability. The insurance industry coverage for hemp and related products is relatively new, so make sure you discuss what coverage is available in your state.

4. Process the Soil

Texture, nutrients, and the pH of the soil are all critical to the health of your plants. Rich loam soil is best for promoting growth and limiting disease. Creating a soil that drains well and allows nutrients can keep the seedlings from becoming fragile or succumbing to insect damage. Adding compost and organic matter can loosen clay soil and help build sandy soil. However, beware of adding too much organic material and creating an acidic planting bed. The ideal pH level is around 7.0, but the plants can thrive between 6.0-7.5.

5. Understand the Water

Research shows that hemp plants need about 25 inches of water from seed to harvest. If your area has less rainfall than that, you will need to irrigate the growth areas. For the first six weeks, ample water supplies are required. Then smaller amounts of water are necessary until the first flowering on the plants begins, and more water is required again during the late flowering for seeds. Once the plants have reached about 25 inches in height, the hemp needs less water from then until harvest.

6. Find Seeds

You have two options when it comes to planting your field. You can use seeds or clones. The second flowering of your plants can produce seeds, and those seeds are much more reliable than trying to purchase packets from a store. You can also use clones that are cuttings from the original plants after your first harvest. Once the sections are placed in water and rooted over a period of 2 weeks, they are identical clones of the original plants.

7. Resisting Disease

As with all farm crops, diseases and insects thrive in areas repeatedly planted with the same harvests over many years. Enemies of hemp include grasshoppers, cutworms, aphids, and beetles. Although you can spray with organic preventatives, there is another way to keep the seedlings safe by using companion plants. The best pest deterrent plants are peppermint, garlic, sage, basil, and chrysanthemums. Each of these companion plants have a specific protection for roots or stalks.

Becoming a hemp farmer can be a once-in-a-lifetime roller coaster adventure, but you can succeed. For those people that are willing to work through the possible problems related to growing the plants, the money can be worth all the effort. Understanding what difficulties you may face as a farmer can be the difference between success and failure.

 

Paying for Home Remodeling Projects

If you have a remodeling project that has been on your mind for a while, you may wonder if now is the time to jump in. There are a variety of reasons why you may feel that you need to make some home improvements. Whether you are looking at a huge undertaking, such as an addition, or something more manageable, like adding a deck, upgrades to your home can benefit you both financially and mentally. You spend a great deal of time at your home, it should be a place that you love.

It can be tempting to devote much of your budget to forward-looking goals, such as retirement and college education. While having a healthy savings habit is important, so is creating a living space that meets your needs and provides enjoyment at the end of the day. When your children are ready to go to college, scholarships, grants, and federal loans will be available to help. Regardless of income or intended major, your child can use private student loans to help cover costs.

When it comes time to decide on how you will pay for your home project, you may feel stumped. You have a variety of choices, and with some planning, you will probably find that your dream remodel is not out of reach. Working with a trustworthy, experienced, and affordable contractor is a great way to keep a handle on your costs. Once you have an idea of how much the remodel will cost, you need to determine the best way to pay.

Cash

Paying for work with cash is probably the best choice if it is possible. Of course, depending on the scope of your remodel, this may not be realistic. If your first thought is that it will take too long to save before getting started, there are some things you can do to help save money a little quicker. Take a hard look at your budget. Are there some temporary cuts you can make to quickly boost your savings? No one wants to live on a tight budget indefinitely, however cutting back for a short period, when you know there is an end in sight, can allow you to free up some funds to devote to your project.

Home Equity Line of Credit

If you are ready to get started on your project today and don’t have the money you need, a home equity line of credit, or HELOC, can provide the funds you need. A HELOC allows you to take out a loan against the equity you have in your home. The interest rates are typically very favorable, and it is a quick way to get a substantial amount of money. HELOCs are a great choice for projects such as additions or pools, which are pricey but add to the value of your home.

Lower the Cost of the Remodel

Regardless of how you plan to pay for your project, one way to make it more affordable is by lowering the overall cost. If you can do some of the work on your own, you may be able to make it much more affordable. Whether this means doing some of the demolition, prep work, or finish work, talk to your contractor about ways you could make the project more affordable.

Fun With Food – 5 Enjoyable Ways To Get Kids Involved In Cooking

Source: Unsplash/Hannah Tasker

Teaching children all about food, why it matters, and where it comes from is important. 

Cooking can aid in the development of skills like reading, problem-solving, planning, and making sensible choices. Getting them involved in cooking also gives them more control over their little lives, thus boosting their confidence. 

In order to help a child feel interested in cooking, you have to engage them in a way that is fun and exciting. If you’re not sure how to approach this, don’t worry – it doesn’t have to be complex. To get you started, here are five enjoyable ways to get kids involved in cooking:

1. Don’t Get Kiddy Friendly Equipment

It’s important not to feel pressured to get special child-sized equipment. They grow out of those items really quickly and they can actually hinder your child’s development of food preparation skills. Instead, invest in good quality cookware sets and knife sets and teach your kids how to chop safely. 

2. Choose Some Great Recipes

A great way to engage children with cooking is to have them help cook their favourite food. They will be excited about the results and already invested in what they are cooking. You can then get more creative and work on more creative kiddy friendly recipes

3. Make Some Time

The average American spends just 37 minutes a day preparing food and cleaning up the kitchen after cooking. With that in mind, it is no surprise that many people don’t feel they have time to have the kids help out in the kitchen. 

Instead of trying to squeeze the kids into a rushed cooking environment, start by cooking with them for just one meal a week. On a day you have more time, set aside a couple of hours to cook a meal. The more relaxed you are, and the less busy the timetable is, the more fun the family cooking session will be. 

4. Allow Curiosity

Curiosity is a fantastic way to get kids interested in the preparation and cooking of food, especially when it comes to nutrition. A study showed that kids who were allowed access to sensory food education, where they can touch, taste, and smell different kinds of foods, were more likely to choose fruits and veggies from a buffet.

Often we are told to stop children playing with their food when, in fact, it’s a great thing for them to do. Letting them touch, taste, and smell new things can actively spur on their desire to learn more about food, and help them choose foods better for their health too. 

5. Grow Your Own

A study from 2007 concluded that children are more likely to eat fruits and veggies if the produce is grown at home. Sure, it isn’t the most recent study, but if you have ever grown anything with a child you will have some insight as to why this research stands the test of time. 

Allowing children to grow the ingredients for their food promotes curiosity and a sense of ownership and pride. All home gardeners can attest to the fact that the food tastes better too! Even better, they gain a true understanding of where their food comes from and can learn about science and the environment throughout the process.

With the tips above, you can encourage your children to be curious and engaged in the preparation and cooking of food. As a family, you can look forward to enjoying delicious meals, lots of new skills, and plenty more quality time together. 

Twelve Tips To Create a Classy Kitchen

A kitchen tends to be the room that makes a house a home. It is a place that brings families together, as well as being a zone to cook delicious and nurturing meals for those in the house. People have always been known to eat together, making it a bonding experience. Creating a kitchen that suits your needs and lifestyle is an important part of home design. 

Some popular design avenues for kitchens involve peaceful and classy vibes. The majority of people begin their days in the kitchen. It’s essential to start each day on the right foot, in a calm and peaceful manner. Having a classily designed kitchen can contribute to an improved mood each morning. 

A common misconception when it comes to design is that classy means expensive. Although the two are closely linked, this is not always the case. It’s possible to create elegant and classy looks on a budget. The most important factor in delivering your dream, classy kitchen is proper organization. 

There is no perfect blueprint when it comes to making a classy home space. Often, a neutral palette provides the perfect canvas for a classy design. Think simply and be strategic with what you envision to be your statement pieces. 

With this in mind, here are twelve tips for creating a classy kitchen. 

Photo by Rene Asmussen from Pexels.

1. Embrace the unique

A classy look is timeless. It remains stylish no matter what current trends are in existence. You must ignore the temptation of following a particular kitchen design fad and choose an appearance that exudes elegance. 

While your kitchen doesn’t have to be totally original, by embracing the unique you give off an air of effortless confidence that’s synonymous with class. 

Dedicate some time to research various sources for kitchen inspiration. Search online or visit showrooms to give yourself the best chance of getting what you want. Again, stay organized and save webpages or images that contain design aspects that you’re interested in.

2. Quality hardware

Good quality materials are a must if you want to nail a classy look. While classy doesn’t have to mean expensive, a cheap and shoddy appearance is the opposite of what you’re trying to achieve. 

When choosing hardware pieces, from flooring to appliances, ensure that you opt for high quality. Although quality equipment generally translates to a higher initial spend, it usually lasts a lot longer and can be more cost-effective. Most importantly, it’s appearance should stand the test of time far better than cheaper alternatives. 

3. Classy color schemes

Color schemes have a powerful influence on how people perceive the world around them. A clear blue sky can lift someone’s mood throughout the summer, while deep red and orange hues often represent a crisp autumn evening. Grey and overcast clouds signal rain and can also have an impact on how someone feels. 

Color schemes within the home have a similar effect on people’s mindset and behavior. Opt for a pattern of color that will give off the desired vibes for your kitchen. 

Open spaces with access to light can give off a classy look. By combining light, space, and mild colors, a room can appear a lot larger than it is. Look to pale shades, white, cream, and tones that reflect light around the room. Ensure that the paint matches the other materials and appliances in the kitchen. 

Photo by Pixabay from Pexels.

 

4. Granite furnishings

Granite provides some of the most stunning kitchen countertops that you could imagine. Not only are they beautiful and classy in appearance, but they are also highly practical. As a very tough stone, granite countertops are incredibly durable and are resistant to most stains. 

Granite comes in a variety of colors, meaning you can match it to whatever color scheme that you wish. Whether you are going for a traditional, modern, or contemporary style, granite is a tremendous option for your kitchen. 

5. Marble finishes

Much like with granite, adding marble to your kitchen provides timeless elegance while being highly practical. Although it’s softer than granite, marble is very durable, making it a perfect countertop option. Due to it’s softer texture, marble can be manipulated to create fancy finishes and design elements. Many people would argue that marble adds a touch of luxury that other stones simply cannot. 

Marble countertops and flooring options are surprisingly affordable. Research different varieties and options for your kitchen and consider installing some marble to give a classy finish. 

6. Decorative table tops

Your kitchen table can give a lot of insight into the room. You must remember that tables are not storage units. Avoid stockpiling household items on your kitchen table. There is nothing classy about a year’s worth of newspapers or magazines stacked on top of each other. 

Use your table as an opportunity to decorate. It can be a feature item on display, or a complimentary aspect in the overall room design. Place beautiful flowers or a decorative vase in the center of the table and ensure that it is adequately covered and set for mealtimes. 

Display your best cutlery as well as beautiful table cloths to polish off a classy kitchen look. Click here for some fantastic table covering options. 

7. Take some outdoors in

As mentioned above, displaying flowers to your kitchen table can add a touch of beauty to your room. However, the flowers and plants don’t have to end there. Carefully selected items of nature can enhance an area.

Plants breathe life and fresh air around a room. As an area associated with freshness and cleanliness, your kitchen can benefit from the addition of a small tree or plant. Consider a fig tree or planting some fresh herbs to provide a culinary aroma. 

For a purely aesthetic improvement, fresh flowers are the ultimate kitchen accessory. 

8. Update your cabinet doors

Cabinet doors are part of the kitchen that you can get very used to. Without realizing it, your cabinets can get old and worn looking very quickly. As prominent features of your kitchen, it’s important to update your cabinet doors if you are going for a classy vibe. 

Some great options to consider include natural timber, high gloss, or doors with a glass center. Open shelving is an excellent option if you have nice kitchenware to show off. An alternative approach is to tackle your existing doors DIY style. Sand down the doors and look to sleek varnishes or paint to revitalize them. 

Photo by Level 23 Media from Pexels.

 

9. Optimize the lighting set-up

Lighting is perhaps the best way of adding a touch of class to a room. Chandeliers, pendants, and other ornamental style lighting options are obvious choices to make your kitchen look fancy. However, it’s vital that the lighting matches the room. There is no point in installing a large chandelier into a small kitchen with a low ceiling. 

If large, fancy lighting is likely to become overbearing in your kitchen, there are other ways of adding a classy touch to the room. Inject personality into the kitchen through lighting. Use underlighting, lamps, and attractive lampshades to create an atmosphere that compliments the theme of the room. 

When lighting doesn’t work as a statement, let it contribute to the ambiance. 

10. Display art

Great artwork enhances any space that it is displayed in. It adds personality, character, and it oozes class. Art plays a big role in representing the person who is displaying it. Choose to hang pieces that suit the room and ensure that you enjoy seeing the artwork on a daily basis. 

Art can be subtle, but it can also act as a focal point. Breath life into a room and display great art.

11. Declutter and create space

A classy kitchen is also a clean and organized one. Dirt, mess, and clutter should be avoided. Ensure that all items are clean and organized. Take the time to declutter, tidy, and clean your kitchen. Remember that this includes the insides of drawers and cabinets. 

A common feature of classy kitchens is open space. By staying organized and decluttering, you are opening up the room and increasing the perceived space available. Clear countertops, tables, and other surfaces to make the room appear more spacious.  

12. Don’t overlook flooring

Simply put, flooring can make or break your kitchen. While aesthetics are crucial when trying to keep the classy theme, the most important thing about a kitchen floor is that it’s durable. As the main area where cooking takes place, the kitchen floor must be resistant to stains from spills. Kitchens by their very nature get messy so be realistic. 

Timber is becoming a hugely popular flooring option for modern kitchens. However, timber has its shortcomings when it comes to durability, and it is prone to staining. Tiles are a far more practical option and are in keeping with the classy feel. Marble flooring might be a little more expensive, but it can create a breathtaking finish to your floor. 

Again, suitability is key. Your floor should blend seamlessly with the rest of the kitchen. Take all design factors into account before choosing your flooring option.

The Home DIY Enthusiast’s Guide To Staying Safe And Avoiding Injury

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Are you thinking about undertaking some DIY work at home during the next few weeks? Would you like to finally complete your new kitchen or bathroom without paying for professional assistance? Then you need to make sure you think about safety at all times. 

There are a shocking number of instances in which people end up having to visit the hospital after injuring themselves during DIY jobs each year. With that in mind, you must think long and hard about any risks you face, and you also attempt to limit them as much as possible. 

Having a fresh new bathroom or kitchen is nice, but getting injured during the installation process is the last thing you want to happen. 

Use the right tools for the job

Using the right tools for the bathroom or kitchen job is essential if you want to avoid injury and safely complete it. Please don’t make the mistake of trying to use unsuitable tools because they could make your DIY process far too risky. 

If you need to use a particular size spanner or screwdriver, make sure you have one in your toolbox. Nobody wants to slip and cut themselves or worse, and so using the correct tools is essential. 

Don’t worry if this is the first time you’ve engaged in some DIY work at home because you will find lots of information online. Lots of people choose to watch instructional YouTube videos, so they have a visual guide as well as text. That could assist you in avoiding mistakes and accidents. 

Keep sharp tools in a safe place

Maybe you need to use a Stanley knife or something similar during the DIY process? Perhaps you have to cut some wood down to size, and so you need access to a saw? Either way, keeping your sharp tools in a safe place should help you to avoid injury.

Experts from a top Oklahoma City law firm recently stated that DIY causes a significant number of injuries in the home every year. You don’t want to become part of the statistics, and so you must pay attention to this advice. 

You can usually purchase covers for sharp tools like saws or knives that should help you keep them secure and avoid cutting yourself by accident when you’re not paying attention. 

Power down all electric tools

Whenever you use electric tools like drills or saws, you must unplug them as soon as you’re finished. It only takes a second to make those devices safe, and so you need to get in the habit of doing it every time you use them. 

In the worst instance, you could potentially step on the saw and turn it on. The same goes for drills and other power tools you might use to complete your DIY project. 

Unplugging the items will also help to make sure you don’t suffer electric shocks if you cut through the wires or something similar. Sure, it might seem unlikely that would happen, but there are lots of people out there with injuries from making those mistakes. 

When you unplug an item, be sure to hold it in a safe position and press the trigger or switch to ensure there is no longer any power. That will give you peace of mind and allow you to continue with the DIY job unhindered. 

Image credit

Think about fire safety

The last thing you want to do is set fire to your home when undertaking some DIY work. Again, it might seem like an unlikely consequence, but it’s happened many times in the past. You could consider getting a storage cabinet for these tools here so that you can be sure they are safe when they’re not in use. The risk of fire is especially present if you have to cut materials or use power tools indoors.

Whenever you plug a drill or saw into the mains supply, be sure to perform a risk assessment and work out if you might set fire to anything. It’s usually sensible to move any sheets or flammable materials out of the way before you begin. 

It would help if you also thought about air circulation. You don’t want to work in a bathroom full of smoke or dust because those particles could get into your lungs and cause problems. Ideally, it would help if you had a constant airflow from an air conditioner or something similar. However, you could also use a small fan if you don’t have that luxury. 

Take things slowly 

You should never try to rush any DIY job if you want to stay safe and ensure you don’t cause damage to your property. Taking things slow is always the best strategy for reducing the chance of harm and getting the job done as quickly as possible. 

Take the time to work out every step of the process before you begin. You could even write a short step-by-step guide to follow if you think that would help. Make sure you perform each of the steps in turn, and you shouldn’t encounter too many problems. 

Don’t attempt to cut corners, and don’t take any unnecessary risks if you can help it. As mentioned previously, a new kitchen or bathroom is nice, but it’s not worth the hassle if you’ll have to spend a week in the hospital following the job. 

You are not in a rush, and there is no time limit on DIY work at home. So, it’s always wise to relax and take things as slowly as possible. That should also help you avoid mistakes that could cost you lots of time further down the line. 

From the information on this page, you should be in the perfect position to engage in some DIY work at home without injuring yourself or causing damage to your property. So long as you apply some common sense and use your head, everything should be fine. 

Of course, there is always more to learn, and so you might like to check out some of those instructional YouTube videos mentioned earlier. Every little helps, and you can never be over-prepared for things like this. So take your time, cover all the bases, and you should be in a position to enjoy your handiwork as soon as possible. 

10 Useful Tips For Choosing Perfect Household Appliances

Are you shopping for new kitchen appliances? The sheer abundance of options makes choosing household appliances overwhelming. Whether you are planning to buy a new refrigerator or a microwave, here are some tips to help you find the perfect one. 

  1. Set Your Budget

It’s no secret that there is an expansive range of appliances available on the market. All kinds of styles, technology upgrades, and sizes are just a click away. One of the easiest ways to narrow down your options is by setting a budget. While an appliance isn’t going to last forever, it should still work well for several years. Luckily, there are great options available at all price points. 

 2.  Know Your Requirements

Do you want a refrigerator with a child lock? Are you looking for a dishwasher with flexible racks? Make a list of all the must-have features for your new appliance. You can easily do this by looking at your current appliance and taking note of any feature it’s lacking.

3. Measure Your Space

Just because you can afford a fancy smart refrigerator doesn’t mean it’s the right fit for your home. Make sure you measure the space before setting your heart on an appliance. Spending money and time on renovating your kitchen just to fit a new appliance is the last thing you want.

4. Compare Options

Thanks to the internet, you can easily compare all your top options. Compare them on the basis of price, energy usage, warranty, technological features, and other similar aspects.

5.  Consult An Expert

Though the internet is full of all the information you would ever need to know about appliances, it’s always a good idea to consult an expert. Visit your local appliance store to check out your options in person. However, it’s important to remember that sales representatives are helping you with the agenda of making a sale. So take their advice with a pinch of salt.

6.  Consider Refurbished Appliances

Whether you’re working with a tight budget or looking for a green alternative, buying refurbished appliances is an excellent option. You can buy refurbished appliances in great condition at heavily discounted prices.

7.  Look for Energy Star Rating

Before buying any appliance, look for Energy Star ratings to compare electricity usage. The higher the rating, the better the energy efficiency an appliance offers

8.  Understand Your Technical Know-How

These days appliances are equipped with enough features to rival smartphones. However, if you’re not comfortable with technology, a smart appliance will be more of a hassle than help. So, know your technical know-how before purchasing smart appliances.

9. Wait for Sales

If there is no urgent need for a new appliance, you should wait for the sale season to enjoy great discounts and offers. Typically, most appliances go on sale in the months of January, September, and October. Refrigerators tend to go on sale in the spring. You should definitely take advantage of stores eager to sell old stock.

10. Look for Exchange Offers

Before getting your new appliance delivered, you have to get rid of your current appliance. Instead of listing it online or selling it at a garage sale, ask your local appliance store if they have any exchange offers. Several retailers will take old appliances and deduct the cost from your purchase.

The Bottom Line

Even if your current appliance is giving you trouble, don’t rush out immediately to buy a new one. Firstly, check your appliance warranty. If the appliance is still covered by the warranty, contact your seller to get it fixed. And in case it’s not, then you should take your time to research all the available options to make an informed decision and avoid buyer’s remorse.

Friday Favorites Linky Party Week 542

Please support and follow our lovely blog party hostesses:

Jerri at Simply Sweet HomeTwitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst

Lisa at Condo BluesTwitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst

Amy at A Day of Small ThingsPin

Penny at Penny’s PassionTwitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst

Jennifer at Busy Being JenniferTwitter | FB | Pin | Inst

If you are featured this week, be sure and grab a featured button for your blog!

You can show your love for this week’s favorites by going over and commenting on the posts and by pinning or sharing!

And if you love all of this week’s favorites, please pin, share, and invite your friends to this week’s linky party! [Read more…]

Simple Decor Tips to Bring a Little of the Outdoors in Your Home

Who would’ve thought that bringing elements from outdoors would ever be a “thing?” Well, the truth of the matter is that as times change, so does the evolution of home decor.

For example, chandeliers were, at one point, only meant to be in formal dining and living rooms or entryways… Now, people hang them in bathrooms and bedrooms just to add that touch of elegance in “unusual” places. As the evolution of the chandelier has emerged, so has the element of outdoor design in interior design.

Bringing the outdoors indoors may seem like an unnatural concept for home decor, but if there’s one thing you can’t deny about the outdoors is its natural beauty. If you enjoy gazing at the natural outdoor elements, just imagine how beautiful some of those elements would look in your home.

The thing to understand about this particular design concept is that it’s not like going outside and picking up leaves in your yard and putting them in a jar and calling it “decor.” Interior design and decor with outdoor elements encompass a wide array of trends and styles.

If you’re still torn on the design concepts behind this type of decor, let’s dig a little deeper to help you see the potential beauty of your home’s interiors with the natural beauty of outdoor elements.

Ways to Bring the Beauty of Outdoor Elements in Your Home

Tease Your Senses With Outdoor Elements

You were probably thinking that bringing the outdoors in your home consisted only of things you can see and touch but no, incorporating the beauty of the outdoors can be done by reaching all your senses.

To incorporate outdoor elements that appeal to your senses, you, of course, will incorporate elements you can see and feel but you can also incorporate the sense of smell and hearing. Incense, potpourri, and candles will entice your sense of smell and make you feel like you’re becoming one with nature, whether it’s the scent of exotic flowers or fresh rain.

To further entice your senses, you can also incorporate your sense of hearing as well. Have you ever just sat and listened to the sound of rain? It’s so calming and relaxing. Now, imagine incorporating this sound while you’re relaxing at home. There are CDs and apps you can download to give you sounds of rainstorms, beach waves, and wind to create a relaxing environment right at home.

Let Natural Light Brighten Your Living Spaces

Whether it’s winter or summer, you should never underestimate just how much natural light can completely transform the look of a home. If you’re going to start incorporating natural light more, consider curtains or drapery that are sheer, that way you can still enjoy the beautiful light without making your home too hot, especially during the hot summer months.

You, of course, can opt for third-party retail energy providers, to aid in keeping your home cooler without an astronomical electric bill but in reference to interior design, invest in sheer curtains and try to incorporate cooler color in your decor. Hues of blue are cool colors reminiscent of the sky and water, and they don’t hold lots of heat like darker colors.

Incorporate Greenery in Your Home

Incorporating greenery into your home is probably the most common way people bring the outdoors indoors, and understandably so. Not only do plants enhance the overall appearance of your home but having plants in your home is actually good for your health. Whether you choose to plant medicinal plants and herbs or standard house plants, there’s no denying all the wonderful benefits they provide.

According to ecowatch.com, having plants in your home have been scientifically proven to improve your immune system and mental health as well as help you focus more and increase your overall productivity.

A vase full of roses or a hanging plant can both enhance the look of your home’s interiors and, of course, make your home smell great and improve the air quality too. Depending on the type of plants or flowers you incorporate into your home, they can actually change the design style of your home as well.

For example, maybe your home’s design style is French Country but depending on the type of plants or flowers you incorporate into your design and how many you add, it could easily shift your design style from French Country to Bohemian.

So when incorporating outdoor elements into your home, especially, plants, make sure to have your home’s design style in mind and add greenery that fits the overall design of your home.