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Spruce up Your Garden for Spring

When the temperatures start raising once again, the sun starts sending those warm rays of light and the cold winds become replaced with the soft breeze, we all start looking forward to yet another spring. But of course beside these delightful things the spring brings with it, there are those not so cheerful chores that we are not looking forward to. Of course, we are talking about spring cleaning. And when you are done with cleaning your entire house you know it is time to spruce up your garden a bit. So what are some of the essential things that you must not miss while preparing your garden for another spring?

Spruce up Your Garden for Spring

Squeaky Clean

Before you start doing any serious work, first you need to clean up your yard. During these few lengthy months there are certainly all kinds of piled up rubbish, different kinds of debris, fallen leaves or branches that you should take care of. Also, do not forget one of the most tedious jobs – weeding. After you have finished, make sure to mow your lawn, so it would welcome spring looking fabulous.

Feed the Soil

When you are done with cleaning up, it is time to prep your soil. This means giving it a round of feed and seed and making sure that your garden is up and ready to grow some new plant life. To feed soil, add organic matter such as compost, manure, cover crops, straw, or grass clippings from a non-treated lawn. Make sure to protect your garden soil structure from copaction. This is a crucial step as you want to make a good and healthy foundation for all your plants to grow.

Start Planting

The next step is deciding on what you wish to grow this time. If you want to have a mixed garden with veggies, fruits and other decoration plant life, the best option is to start with the foodflower garden plants as some of them need to be planted in early spring. After that, decide on your flowers, prepare your pots, containers and flower beds and start planting!

Spring Trim

Of course, you must not forget your already grown plants. It is a good idea to give your bushes and trees a nice spring trim. A good idea is to use an ewp for those high reachable areas that you need to prune. This way you will encourage healthy growth and flowering of your plants, but also, make your garden look neat and healthy.

Mulch It Good

When you have finished with everything, the final step is to re-mulch your garden. This is always a nice touch, as it truly gives your yard a strong base for another warm season. This step is quite similar to feeding the soil, as your garden needs to be taken care of before and after planting as well.  Just make sure before re-mulching to turn the old mulch to allow air, water and nutrients to reach plant roots. Do this step by using a metal rake, garden weasel or pitchfork. Also, you will need about an inch deep, light topdressing of mulch. Never apply mulch over three inches deep.

Finishing Touches

After all is said and done, it is time to give it some last finishing touches. A garden is a perfect place to get in touch with Mother Nature and feel closer to home. That is why it is important garden finishing touchesto create a pleasant ambient by placing some accessories and decorations. You could try repurposing a few of old things like bicycles or crates, placing garden gnomes or making miniature fairy gardens to add a bit of charm to the place. Also, consider placing a patio with a few lawn chairs, just so you could enjoy the wonder of nature in all its glory. Do not forget to check your old pots and containers whether they need some fixing up or should you simply use your wits to create new ones.

Most of us simply adore spring and all the wonders it brings with it. Of course, if we wish to completely enjoy in the fruits of our labour, we need to work for it. So get busy and spruce up your garden to make place for another amazing spring season.

Guest Room & Home Office Combo: Smart Space Management

The modern times have prompted our working spaces to evolve and transported them to our homes. For some it’s a convenience, for some an extra burden, but the fact that the job has to be done remains. From this arises a new demand for an adequate home office or at least an adapted working space.

 

As many people unfortunately don’t have the benefit of owning a single room for the office due to budget or space limitations, they’re left stranded not knowing what to do. However, the answer to this problem is oh so simple – exploit the guest room! Since neither guest room nor office are used 24/7, the formula is perfect. Here’s how.

In search of balance

Although working from home appears dreamy to some people, making an optimal operational setting is far from child’s play. The private room arrangement can sometimes distract us from the tasks at hand since it is primarily designed for our enjoyment.

That’s why the all the important checkpoints on the road to a successful room makeover have to be honoured properly and completely.

  • Are you a genuine TV junkie?
  • Is a game console within reach?
  • Do you eat in front of the computer?

These are just some of the questions you should ask yourself to devise a highly productive environment that evicts objects that interfere.

Start with making peace with the fact that this space is hardly ever going to be a full-fledged office but a unique update of its kind. Distractions aside, we have to find a way to take advantage of the positive sides of the homey atmosphere this office provides, like pose flexibility or helpful props. Combine meticulous planning from your part with the given material to accomplish a much needed equilibrium.

Two-way functionality

Even though we have tackled the subject of the room’s office role, we mustn’t forget that the room in question is destined for a guest’s abode at the same time. This translates into some interior requirements that don’t let the office dominate. The arrangement should also allow the users to enjoy the space at an aesthetic level by means of local artworks or clever paintjob.

Opt for a furniture to your liking and why not put a TV set too (a widely prohibited object in the downtown office) – it’s a guest room as well. Don’t neglect the choice of draping that effectively complements the room and acts as sunlight controller. Installing simple but strong pallet racking instead of ordinary shelves will provide you with sufficient storage space both for your business supplies and your guest’s luggage, regardless of the weight of all these objects.

Also, most of my home-based friends advise that we introduce a nice, cosy area rug to boost the comfort of the room and, at the same time, maximise its practical side. A good, thick shag can efficiently absorb the noise pollution coming from both the outside and other rooms in the house, so remember to incorporate this into your two-fold plan. The one fold indicates the happy marriage of regular and office items, like cushions and stationery. The other makes sure we stick to the allocated budget.

Clean and tidy room = Clear and organised mind

Some people thrive in their own specific inspirational clutter. For the good deal of people though, scientist concluded that maintaining a tidy and clean home improves our mental state. Basically, you can cheaply and easily boost your productivity and reduce the impact of stress simply by cleaning and decluttering the room. We’re reminding you of this as the logic of this step often escapes us when we prioritise and hurry to meet the crucial deadlines.

Whether your guest setting is going to be messy or pleasant and organised chiefly represents your attitude and hospitality. Not to mention the wrong negative impression they might form after you let them into your private office pandemonium.

I am certain no one wants to come off as an insensitive, disrespectful and thoroughly negligent person. Don’t make up excuses. Vacuum at least once or twice a week, change the linens and curtains regularly and take out the room trash at the end of the day. You’d feel better too in that space.

As you can see, no more than a tad of willpower, perseverance and proper planning is needed to convert an unused spare room. The result: a multifunctional, one-of-a-kind specialized environment that more than successfully moonlights as a guest room.

Furnace Facts: How to Troubleshoot Your Home Furnace

Furnace Facts How to Troubleshoot Your Home Furnace

There’s a very specific reason all manufactured home furnaces are shipped with a “User’s Manual.” Unfortunately, among the most common furnace facts is that few homeowners take the time or trouble to read this manual. By ignoring the user’s manual, home furnace owners miss some of the most crucial details they need to know should repairs become necessary. Read your home furnace user’s manual to discover:

  • How many major parts your furnace actually has
  • What materials furnace parts are manufactured from
  • Which size furnace filters are best
  • Frequency furnace filters should be replaced
  • How often the furnace should be inspected and tuned up

Once you understand the major parts of a furnace, it is easier to choose the best repair service for specific repairs like the fan or heat exchanger. If you study the user’s manual, you have a better idea of the nature of the cost of repairs and the allocation of furnace parts.

What Other Furnace Facts: Troubleshoot Your Home Furnace?

In addition to having some knowledge of the furnace parts, it is also important to understand the general operation of the furnace. In this way, unusual furnace noises can be more easily located so that when you contact your furnace repair service, the service takes less time.

Treat Your Home Furnace to Regular Care and Maintenance

A furnace is really not much different than a human body. It functions according to design. Just like a human body, a furnace needs regular care and maintenance. A licensed furnace repair service provides annual inspections and tune ups to keep furnaces in top condition to provide longer wear and avoid costly repairs.

Just like a regular physical exam at a physician’s office, Doctor Fix-It and similar companies will provide a general analysis of the condition of a furnace. A malfunctioning furnace can be as debilitating as a lingering flu and why repairs should be done as soon as they are discovered. There are also sources where suggestions for repairs and replacements to troubleshoot your home furnace can be of assistance.

Once you have studied the manufacturer’s recommended size and type of furnace filter and how often this need to be changed, the next important troubleshooting tip is to maintain a regular schedule of professional inspections and tune-ups. Your furnace expert can provide these services for a relatively inexpensive annual fee. Report any unusual changes in the operation of your home furnace and keep records of furnace maintenance.

Anica Oaks
Freelance writer and web enthusiast
Read some of my published work on my Google+ page.

 

Designing a Room Your Child Will Love with a Few Simple Tips

how to decorate your kids room

Your kid’s bedroom needs to be decorated in a way that will reflect their personality with a combination of what they enjoy the most. Make sure not to decorate it in a way that will make you happy only, as it will be fulfilling your own dreams and not helping your child. The aim of the redo of the bedroom when designing is to create an entertaining and warm environment where they can relax, learn and have fun.

Pick a Colour Together

The colour of your kid’s room will be a crucial aspect as it can help them focus and concentrate better. Make sure that you go together with your child when choosing the colour, as it will choosing the color of your childs roombe hard to find what they like the most on your own. Nevertheless, if you want to ensure that you are doing your best in creating a fun environment for them to grow up, look through what some of the most influential colours are.

Create a Creative Corner

Make sure that you have a part of the room dedicated to creativity, where your kid can draw and play to their heart’s content. It is possible to apply chalkboard paint as one of the main aspects, as it will be easy to clean it up, and your child will not get into trouble for drawing on the wall. Set up a perimeter which will help separate this part of the room, as it can help focus their energy into various creative projects.

Sound-Proofing the Floor

Keep in mind that your kid will want to jump around a lot, which could be very noisy, especially if their room is on the first floor. You can make sure that they will not hurt themselves nor make a lot of sound if they have a rug in their room. On the other hand, it will be a good chance to get carpeting which will educational for your kid, you can have the map of the world, the alphabet and many other interesting designs printed.

Shelves Are More than Just for Storage

Pick out a theme to go with the room’s overall design, which can make it easy to combine other elements as well. Be sure to install shelves as a means to decorate and to help your kid get introduced to the wonders of reading books. Moreover, some books are simply amazing when put away on shelves and will be a great addition to the room’s look, and when you child is bored, they can pick it up and read.

designing a room your child will love

Kids Will Be Kids

No matter the age, your child will have childhood heroes they will adore and will want to have palpable memorabilia. Sideshow Collectibles offers a large variety of action figures and figurines which will look amazing in any child’s room. Then again, it could become a tradition your child can nurture on as they will be able to expand their collection as they grow older. Nevertheless, having their favourite character on display will make their room look better and make your child happy.

Create Pictures to Hang

Every child has a favourite movie or cartoon they will grow up with, and one way to make their rooms truly unique is to create special pictures you can hang. Find posters and characters tips for decorating your kids roomwhich you can frame and hang up in their room. Not only will it look amazing, but it will make their friends come over to bask in the room’s beauty.

Always ask your child what they like to be able to help them with decorations and to provide a good idea in order to make their bedroom one-of-a-kind. Then again, try to create, or continue a tradition that they will be able to carry on further. In the end though, your kid’s room will be where they will spend most of their time, which is why it should be adjusted to their taste.

About author:

Tracey Clayton is a full time mom of three girls. She feels she knows a thing or two about raising happy, healthy and confident kids, and offers helpful advice in hers parenting articles. Her motto is: “Live the life you love, love the life you live.” Find her on Facebook.

 

Why Hire A Professional To Remodel Your Bath?

If you have decided to remodel your bathroom, there are lots of decisions that need to be made before going forward.  Do you have a specific design for your project and will it work with your current bath?  Do you have the skills, knowledge and time to take on a bathroom remodel yourself or should you hire a profession contractor.  This article will help you make those difficult decisions and make your bathroom remodeling project go smoothly.

Modern bathroom in a house

You can’t be a handyman all time. There will be some things in remodeling that you can manage on your own, but other things like plumbing, addressing construction issues and completing your bathroom remodel in a timely, safe and professional manner may best be left to a professional bathroom remodeling contractor with years of experience like Bruzzese Home Improvements!

Check out the top notch reasons why you should hire a professional when it comes to remodeling your bathroom;

Remodeling Your Bathroom Is Time Consuming: If you are planning to remodel your bathroom yourself, it will be very time consuming so you can plan on giving up your weekend recreational activities and most evenings. Only an expert can give you the remodel service in a complex situation with no interference in your daily schedule. Experts work with mapping out things with their experience that will make their job go as easily and proficiently as expected.

Avoid Time Consuming

Avoid Future Plumbing Issues: It’s better to hire a pro if you want to be safe and assured that the job is done to specifications.  Plumbing is essential in your remodel and it is something that needs to be done by experts to avoid any leakage or stoppage. With every connection required for a bathroom to work such as, sink, shower, tub, various drains; remodeling needs master consideration for good results!

avoid future plumbing issues

Laying Tiles And Installing Cabinets: If you don’t think you have the expertise to  lay tiles, install cabinets, or fix showers or tubs in the bathroom, you may want to consider hiring a pro.  When we talk about laying tile, it needs to be cut to fit into small, uneasily shaped corners. To give your corners a clean and tidy look, hiring a pro is a must! Similarly, installing bathroom cabinets properly to store your stuff, is crucial so that it won’t fall in the future and modification are made to your small/big bathrooms.

To Get Maximum Satisfaction: If you are looking for maximum satisfaction, then you must hire Trained experts who are specialized in bathroom remodeling. They are capable to handle every tough situation and can work with you for the best possible remodel. The materials they use are the best available in markets and the techniques used to install them are up-to-date. Go for pros who have years of experience in remodeling. Professionals work and clean the area as well without bothering the customer.

To Get Maximum Satisfaction

Proper Planning And Designing: When it comes to remodeling the bathroom, planning and designing your project is essential. An experienced bathroom remodeling contractor will draw up a plan and help you design your dream bathroom! They will show you a myriad of design types of layouts and designs of your bathroom and equipment to make a wise pick within your budgets. Remember! Professionals work with full safety and protection.

Things to consider…

Hire A Professional

Make sure while picking a professional for your bathroom remodel:

  • You ask for proof of insurance
  • Make sure your contractors license is up-to-date
  • Check the companies’ record with the BBB
  • Ask for references
  • Ask your friends

In conclusion, make a list of what you want and what you are looking for in order to make a wise decision. Don’t rush.  Take your time while picking the perfect pro for your perfect bathroom remodeling service!

Do you have any query or something you want to share, feel free to comment below!

Author Bio: Dan Kogan is owner of NY handyman NYC, one of the leading handyman in New York City, with more than 20 years of experience. He is passionate about all things related to home improvement & bathroom remodeling.

Recreating iconic movie road trips – Infographic

Road trip movies are fun and exciting, they give us feeling of freedom, and an urge to go on a road trip ourselves. But the question is how? Well we have the answer, our infographic will help you in recreating iconic movie road trips, you just need to follow the instructions. Our infographic covers iconic movies like “Easy Rider” and “Dumb and Dumber”. Oscar nominated movie “Little miss sunshine”, and “Euro Trip”. Our infographic shows how you can make these trips if you ever wanted to, we have mentioned the distance, and also mentioned the fuel costs. We hope you would have a great road trip.

Recreating Movie Road Trips
Recreating Movie Road Trips by carleasingmadesimple.com

Six Simple Springtime Renovations for Your Yard

backyard

Renovations can improve your home and make it more enjoyable, but you don’t have to focus on just the interior. This year, make some changes to your yard and create an outdoor space you’re sure to love. When you want a private retreat where you can relax and unwind after a long day, consider making these smart upgrades to your yard.

Fabric and Wood
Build an arbor over your deck or even a nice grassy spot in the yard. Drape a lightweight fabric over the top to help shade the area and give it an elegant feel. It doesn’t take much skill or craftiness to construct one, and you can always change out the fabric for a constant new look. You’ll love the combination of materials, and this just may become your favorite spot in the yard.

landscape

Water and Sun
Thanks to Blue World Pools above ground pools, it’s easy to add some water to your yard. You can give yourself the space you need to float away on a hot afternoon, and your kids will love hopping in to play some water games. Measure the space carefully so you can choose the largest size possible, and make sure you have a path to mow around it.

Storage Benches
You can always use more seating, but you also need storage. If you’re trying to decide on the right railing, consider going with storage benches instead. You’ll effectively use the available space, and you’ll make it easier to keep the deck neat and tidy. This is also a great option for your pool deck. Put a few drain holes in the bottom the bench and you can toss wet toys inside when the kids are done playing.

Clean up the Landscaping
If your backyard is an overgrown jungle, then it’s time to reclaim the landscape for your family. Take the time to push back the wilderness, clear out the weeds, and expand your turf. Not only will you create a more visually appealing space, but you’ll also cut back on the bugs.

Warm it Up
Make it easy to enjoy a roaring fire at night by adding a fireplace, or even an open fire pit. A carefully designed and crafted fireplace will direct heat to a certain area, but you can fit more friends around the open design. Either way, you’ll love the ambience while kids will enjoy roasting marshmallows.

Definable Areas
If you already have a large and functional space, then it may be time to give each area a little more definition. You can use curtains to turn a covered area into more of an outdoor room. Gather chairs around a fire pit in another area for gathering with friends, and put your dining table and chairs in a set location.

Most of these ideas won’t cost a great deal of money, but can all make your space more enjoyable. You’ll love having a functional area where you can relax, and the whole family will look forward to spending time in your oasis.

 

Step-by-Step Guide for Five Easy Faucet Fixes

Your sink faucets may never be a cause for concern, that is, until they start to leak. With a little extra knowledge, you may be able to diagnose and fix the faucet’s problems on your own, or, you can call an experienced plumber for more assistance if the issue is beyond your abilities to repair. Try these five steps to fix a leaky faucet before you call for help this time around.

faucet

Turn the Water Off
That leaking faucet can turn into a gushing river if you try to fix it while the water is on. Turn off all sink handles, as well as the knobs or switches under the sink that control the main water line’s connection to the sink. This will ensure that water can’t come gushing out while you attempt a repair.

Unscrew Decorations and Take the Faucet off the Stem
Use a flat-head screwdriver to remove any decorations from the handles. You’ll find a screw that fixes the handle to the stem underneath each knob. Unscrew that screw, and then you will need to use that screwdriver to remove the handle. You can use a penetration oil to help loosen the screw if necessary.

Check Stem for Damage
Use a wrench to remove the packing nut after loosening it. Now you can remove the stem. Your stem will either twist off or pop off. Inspect it for any damage to see if that is causing the leak.

Inspect O-ring and Washer
If the stem looks fine, you may need to replace the washer that goes in the seat of the valve. Inspect the O-ring to see if it is causing water to drip out of the faucet. Replace the O-ring if necessary to strengthen the faucet and allow it to work properly. Make sure the replacement washers and O-rings fit correctly.

All Done
It’s time to put the faucet back together. Tightly secure everything before turning on the water. If your faucet still leaks, there’s nothing else you can do on your own and you will need to enlist the help of a professional. Experts like Rakeman Plumbing can figure out the real problem with your faucet and fix it quickly.

Fixing a faucet can be easy as long as there isn’t a more serious problem. Try your best to fix it on your own with these simple steps. And remember, a plumber could make all the difference in difficult situations.

 

2016 Home Décor Trends to Watch For

home design trends

2015 has been an innovative and vibrant year – we have been introduced to some brilliant new ideas and designs, like the first 3-D printed furniture pieces, we have witnessed the comeback of some classic styles like the elegant minimalism and we have seen an array of different metals gracing entire room interiors bringing an edge to the soft home décor. This year, the winds are about to change, the buzz about the latest design trends has already begun and it will leave us begging for a renovation of our most beloved rooms. Here’s an outlook of what we can expect to see in this year’s showrooms;

Colors – 50 shades of purple

home decor trends

First of all, we need to sort out the color palette. We have seen a lot of natural tones in 2015, with beiges and alabasters being the base color of a room. This will give way to more lively colors this year and purple will be taking the lead. Look for decoration in various shades of pink, lavender, lilac or plum purple while shopping for drapery, lamp shades and cushions. In fact, the internationally acclaimed company Pantone has declared two new hottest colors for the year 2016: gentle nuances of pinkish cloud – rose quartz and the blue wonder – serenity.

Warm welcome – heated hallway floors

What better way to greet your guests then by a warm welcome? Literally, providing adjustable floor heating for your entrance room and hallways is a fantastic way to pimp up your home. This is a priceless perk for families with small children who spend most of their day time crawling around the house on all fours or playing time-consuming games on marble or stone floor. Wet winter footwear will no longer be a problem as the warm floors will dry your feet in a matter of minutes. Don’t worry, this option does not mean that summers will be intolerable or warmer – the marble will remain cool and pleasant as ever.

Mix and match – bringing outdoor materials indoors

home decor 2016

The industrial design has shown us how to make a room sharp by combining two to three different types of metal, however this year we are going to go for warmer options. Picture a bright living room which has dark oak wooden floors with a beautiful cozy rug in the center, a three piece beige couch with fluffed purple cushions and painted champagne-colored walls, all but one which is made entirely out of dark brown stone. This will give the room an entirely different dimension and still keep the room feeling inviting and warm.

Cooking heaven – open and spacious kitchens

Imagine feeling like a celebrity chef every time you prepare a meal in your own home – well, that is the key to this year’s hottest new kitchen designs. The room should be very open, preferably with a working island counter top in the middle of the room, separating the cooking from the dining area. Also, this year is all about mixing and matching so forget about the monochromatic, unified color schemes, instead go for different colors of bottom and top counter tops, just try and keep them in similar or compatible tones. For an extra touch of luxury, renew your kitchen by introducing new and specialized appliances like steam ovens or warming drawers – practical and stylish at the same time-

Back to basics – switching from virtual to spiritual

home trends

Another wonderful change we will be embracing this year is organizing your living room so it may be tech-free. We know it’s hard to imagine any focal room in the 21st century without a single electronic gadget: no TV sets, no Play Stations, no radios or computers. A room ideal for family night board games or quiet study sessions, it’s the place to go to when you need to cool your head and relax from the annoying buzzing and radiation that accompanies modern-day devices.

Be on the lookout for these new design settings in your local home décor salons and make your home as fashionable as it deserved to be.

Guest Post By:

Chloe TaylorChloe is an art historian, recreational ballet dancer and a contributor at smoothdecorator.com. She is passionate about photography, dance and music. Her biggest dream is to travel the whole world with her husband and take stunning photographs of beautiful places. She also enjoys learning and writing about home design, since she is crazy about aesthetics. You can find Chloe on FB, Twitter, and G+.

 

 

 

 

Home Maintenance Tips Your Average Homeowner Should Know

home maintenance

After buying your first home, you may be wondering if you’re handling all the maintenance properly. After all, your home is likely the most expensive purchase you’ll ever make, and you want to protect your asset. If you’re new to homeownership, here are some aspects of maintenance you don’t want to forget.

Proper Roof Drainage
The next time it’s raining, grab an umbrella and go outside. Look up at the gutters. No water should be leaking out of them. All the water should be coming through, downspouts and directed away from the house. If there isn’t any water coming out or you see water leaking out of the gutters, it’s possible there is a blockage of leaves or a bird’s nest impeding the flow. Either check out the situation yourself, or hire a roofer to come take a look, as poor drainage can cause a lot of expensive structural damage to the house itself.

Change Your Air Filters
Your furnace and air conditioning unit both have filters in them that remove dust and other irritants from the air. You need to know how to replace these filters to keep air flowing through the unit. If you don’t know how to do this, call a heating and air conditioning company to do it for you or check professional sites like http://www.aircontrolspokane.com for tips. Not only will this cut down on allergy symptoms and dust, it will make your furnace and AC unit last longer.

Inspect Your Windows
Modern windows have two or three panes of glass. Between the panes is a vacuum that acts as a buffer between the inside of your home, and the outside world. This helps keep your heating and cooling costs under control by acting as insulation as well. If the vacuum seal has failed, you’ll see a gritty buildup or condensation inside the window. If this has happened, the window is no longer providing insulation and needs to be replaced. If your windows have only one pane of glass, they need to be replaced.

Handle Plumbing Problems Quickly
If you have a leaky faucet or a toilet that won’t stop running, fix it immediately or hire someone to do the job. While a small leak may seem harmless, it is wasting water and could be a harbinger of bigger problems to come. For example, a corroded spigot that was just leaking yesterday may snap off in your hand the next time you turn it, flooding the bathroom and damaging the floor and the ceiling below it.

Maintaining a home can be a challenge, especially if you are new to owning your own place. By keeping these tips in mind, you can keep your utility costs low and avoid damage to your house.

 

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