Life, Family, and Home - Simplified & Sweetened
Summer time brings so many opportunities for cook outs and picnics with family and friends, and one thing that makes these events even more special is that we can use fresh ingredients. When you get ready to make a salad or a homemade fruit pie, do you ever think about where your ingredients come from? [Read more…]
As you know, I always love a good DIY project. Any time my husband and I can fix or build something ourselves, we try to do it, and since we live in an older house, it seems like there is always something to do. In the past few years, we’ve replaced light fixtures, painted and replaced porch rails, had plumbing repairs and installation, assembled furniture, upcycled old furniture, and started a bathroom remodel.
Anytime we start a new project, there are a number of things to consider: What does the project involve? What are the materials needed? How much will it cost? How long will the project take? What are the potential roadblocks to the project? Answering all of these questions can help us to better plan the project and ensure that the project is completed in a timely and efficient manner.
But beyond these questions, you should also consider the risks associated with the project. Does the project involve any health risks? What safety precautions should be taken to avoid injury or other bodily harm? As an expectant parent and a pet owner, I have to take extra precautions to make sure everyone in our home is protected. The following infographic gives us a a little insight into the views of fellow DIYers and it details some of the risks involved with home improvement and do-it-yourself projects. Check it out! [Read more…]
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. The opinions are my own.
As many of you know, I’m getting ready to welcome a new little one into the world. HE is scheduled to arrive on November 17, and I’m currently in the process of getting the nursery decorated. Today I’m sharing the nursery furniture that has been purchased.
First we have the South Shore Fundy Tide Changing Table and 4-Drawer Chest. I purchased these on Amazon. The set is available on other websites, but Amazon had the best pricing.
This is a great looking set. The color is espresso, but I think there are other colors available. It was very important to me to find a changing table with drawers, because I like to have things stored so that they are hidden. The South Shore Fundy Tide Changing table has two drawers, plus a shelf for storing items. And another great thing about this item is that we can still use it in the baby’s room long after a changing table is no longer needed. I figure I could use for toys, extra clothes, art supplies, or anything else in his room, and then I just have to remove the changing pad, and there is a place to display items. [Read more…]
Disclosure: I am a Biz Ambassador, and this is a sponsored post written in partnership with the brand. All opinions are my own.
Of all the chores in our house, laundry is the one I am most particular about. I have to have everything sorted properly and washed in the proper cycles that will get everything clean, while also preserving the clothes to keep them looking great. (No fading and absolutely NO fuzz balls here.) Luckily I can count on BIZ® to help me fight stains!
Do you happen to own a home? Are you entirely familiar with your home’s heating and cooling system? A lot of consumers familiarize themselves with the thermostat and HVAC unit itself, but few rarely see the ductwork. This can be a major problem, because your home’s ductwork requires maintenance too! DUCTZ of Charleston can help you out with that. In fact, you need to make sure that you carry out an air vent cleaning at least once or twice a year. Air duct cleaning services are specifically designed for this purpose. For information on air duct cleaning and other household services, check out summersphc.com/greenfield/services/indoor-air/duct-cleaning/. Below, you will learn a great deal more about the practice of home air duct cleaning, its purpose and the necessity.
A lot of homeowners have never even heard of air duct cleaners. They’re not entirely sure what these companies do. So, what exactly is home air duct cleaning and how does it work? As the name suggest, vent cleaning is nothing more than cleaning out the ducts inside of your home. Air duct cleaning companies utilize a lot of high-tech gear to extract the dirt and debris from your home’s duct network. Once this is finished, the duct will be free of dirt, debris and dust. This might not seem like a big deal, but the benefits are surprisingly enormous.
When it comes down to it, most consumers believe they’ll never have to worry about vent cleaners. They mistakenly believe that air duct cleaning is not that big of a deal. This is not the case. The truth of the matter is that duct cleaning is incredibly important and it should become a habitual maintenance practice for all homeowners. While the price of a vent cleaning service might be a tad expensive, the benefits delivered will make it well worth it in the long run.
On average, consumers should pay for air duct cleaning services at least once or twice a year. Using duct cleaning services at this frequency will help to keep your home’s ducts clean, while simultaneously allowing your HVAC unit to work more efficiently.
When it comes to vent cleaning, most companies will be worried about the cost. A quick search of the best air duct cleaning services near me will give a better idea of costs initially. This is entirely understandable. However, it is essential to remember that the price will differ depending on a number of different factors. First and foremost, you need to realize that different air duct cleaning companies will all charge different prices for their labor. Also, the size of your home can be very important in determining the price. A bigger home will have more duct to clean and vice versa. With this in mind, the best way to determine the price of air duct cleaning for your home is by obtaining a quote from a professional.
In all likelihood, you’ve heard that vent cleaners are capable of making your HVAC unit work more efficiently. This is not a myth. The truth of the matter is that a good vent cleaning service will be able to greatly improve the performance of your HVAC system, while simultaneously removing the burden placed on it. Air duct cleaners will remove the dirt and debris inside of the ducts and in return, this will greatly improve the efficiency and performance of your HVAC system. Once the debris is extracted, your HVAC system will be able to keep your home cool while working a little easier.
Also, the home air duct cleaning will remove stress on the unit itself and this will ultimately increase its service life.
A lot of consumers will be worried about the period of time that the air duct cleaners will be in their home. Nobody wants to let strangers in their home in the first place. The good news is that air duct cleaning services can be carried out fairly quickly. While it depends solely on the vent cleaners in question, most will be able to get the job done within a few hours at most. Once the crew has entered the home, they’ll create and access point and an exit point. The other vents will be sealed off. Then, the team will connect a vacuum to the exit point and a blower to the entry point.
In this type of scenario, the vent cleaning service providers are capable of extracting the debris without causing a major mess.
Many people absolutely refuse to pay for duct cleaning services, due to the costs involved. This is truly a major mistake, since these services will ultimately pay for themselves over a period of time. It is pertinent to realize that your HVAC system can operate at maximum efficiency when the ducts are clogged with dirt and debris. Instead, the HVAC system will be required to work harder and longer to keep your home cool. This will ultimately increase your electric bill by a noticeable amount. With this in mind, getting your ducts cleaned can have cost-saving effects in the long run.
Plus, this service is capable of expanding the service life of your HVAC unit and this will help you avoid purchasing a new one in the future.
Finally, you should ask yourself whether or not duct cleaning is really a necessity. While it is possible to find conflicting answers out there, there is a simple answer to the question. That answer is yes. All homes and businesses have ductwork. That ductwork is going to become filled with dirt, dust and debris over a period of time. And of course, the only way to remove that debris is by hiring a professional. If you do not clean your ducts on a regular basis, your HVAC unit will work harder, your electric bill will increase, and your home’s air quality will become tumultuous.
When taking this into mind, you should realize right away that duct cleaning is definitely a necessity. All homeowners should make sure that their ducts are cleaned at least annually!
Summer weather can be harsh, which means your outdoor area, furnishings and décor need to be able to handle the heat as well as the thunderstorms. This can be a tricky combination as you need to prepare for all weather events, both wet and very, very dry depending on the year. Here are some top tips for decorating your outdoor area this summer.
Make Room for Guests
One of the most important aspects of an outdoor area is its entertaining capabilities. We just love to entertain, especially outdoors. Barbeques are a way of life so you’ll need a good range to cater for a large crowd and the seating and dining to match. If you only have a small space, put your spend into the barbecue and host informal get-togethers, buffet style.
Weather Proof Everything
You’ll need to consider your specific area when decorating your outdoor living space but it’s almost a guarantee that you’ll experience both wet and dry conditions. Pick fabrics that are weather proof whenever possible. Cushions should be able to handle wet weather while their colour needs to stand up to the harsh sun. Don’t spend a fortune on rain-proof fabrics if the colours are going to fade in the sun after only one season or you’ll be buying again next year.
Likewise, choose sun proof fabrics if you can. If they’re not all weather wear then you’ll need somewhere to keep them when it inevitably rains. If you don’t have the space to store your outdoor
supplies in your indoor linen cupboard or similar, invest in an outdoor chest and storage compartment that doubles as extra seating for your guests.
Lisa Green, Editor in Chief of Australian House & Garden had this to say in an interview with hipages: “Choose furniture that will age gracefully – i.e. aged metal finishes which will patina over time. Or look to the hi-tech weatherproof synthetics that now come in many more sculptural forms, with soft cushioning to match.”
Durability Over Design
You shouldn’t have to compromise but if your budget doesn’t make room for your favorite design in a durable material, always, always choose durability over design elements. If your chosen design isn’t durable enough to face numerous summers, simply don’t make the purchase. You’ll enjoy one summer only, before you need to buy again. This is especially important when making big purchase decisions, such as your outdoor table and chairs. Certain woods require a lot of maintenance to hold up under the harsh sun, so forego the wooden dining if you’re not up to the task. Instead, opt for metal and glass tabletops that will last many years to come.
Shading
While certain dining suites require regular maintenance, you can help your aging furnishings by shading your outdoor living area well. You’ll need at least enough shade for you and your guests to enjoy on hot summer days. Whether you choose large table top umbrellas to keep you and your guests cool while you entertain, or invest in canopies to cover your entire outdoor living space, your décor and outdoor furniture will hold up much better in the shade than in constant sunshine.
Disclosure: I am a Biz Ambassador, and this is a sponsored post written in partnership with the brand. All opinions are my own.
As a wife and mom I find myself doing laundry almost daily! To make sure our clothes look their best, I like to use high quality products. One product that I use is BIZ®.. It is a stain remover and laundry booster and the first enzyme based pre-soak and color-safe bleach.
Disclosure: I received product samples to facilitate this post. Affiliate links are included. The opinions are my own.
Along came a spider, Who sat down beside her, And frightened Miss Muffet away…
Are you like Miss Muffet and me? Are spiders your arch nemesis? Then today’s post is definitely for you!
Here in the South, we never really get a full break from pests like spiders. And even though we have a professional who does pest control at our home each month, we still get a variety of spiders in our home. I can squash the little ones with a shoe, but when I see bigger ones, it freaks me out! Today I’m sharing a product that I hope will keep the spiders, large and small, from coming around again! The product is called Stay Away Spiders, and it comes from EarthKind Natural Pest Prevention. [Read more…]
Disclosure: I am a brand ambassador for Dryel, and am receiving compensation for this post. The opinions are my own. 
Earlier this year I’ve talked a couple of times about the challenges of laundry and things that you can do to make this very important chore a lot easier for you. Today I have another solution for you: Dryel At Home Dry Cleaner. This product is an easy and affordable way to do dry cleaning at home. [Read more…]
Disclosure: I’m an ambassador for Oriental Trading and received free products. The opinions are my own.
This week we’ve had the most perfect weather. It really feels like fall is here! Here in the South, we only get a few weeks of what I’d call perfect weather. (It’s usually hot, hotter, or too cold.) Needless to say, this is an exciting time. And it puts me in the mood for all things fall. A couple of weeks ago I did a little decorating in the house, and included in my decor was a few items from Oriental Trading. They have some of the cutest decorations and party supplies for all occasions.
