Category Archives: Home, Car, Yard, and Pets

Small and Creative Updates to Transform Your Living Room

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Every now and then your living room needs a bit of sprucing up. A little change never hurt anyone, so your living room can only become better if you decide to update it.

Now, these changes and updates don’t have to be huge or radical. A few small and creative changes can have a huge impact on the design of your living room.

Also, you don’t have to break your budget to transform the space. If you’re interested in finding out what small and creative updates you can do in your living room – you’re in the right place.

Stick with us to find out how to easily refresh and spruce up your living room space.

1.   Change the paint color

Starting off with the most obvious and yet the most impactful change – a fresh coat of paint. You wouldn’t believe how much a change of paint can transform and freshen up space.

You can completely change the color of your living room or you can just refresh it with the same paint color – it’s up to you. If you’re looking for a big change, consider painting your walls with new, bold, and inviting colors.

The thing about paint is that if you don’t like it, you can always repaint it! Currently, some of the most popular living room colors in 2021 include greens, blues, grays, and beiges.

Of course, when painting your living room mind the size of it. Generally, smaller living rooms should be painted in brighter and lighter colors to make the space seem larger and more spacious. In large living rooms, on the other hand, you can play around with color combinations, darker shades, and tones – again whatever you prefer.

2.   Rearrange the furniture

One of the ways to make your home feel welcoming and cozy is to simply rearrange the furniture. You don’t need to buy anything new for your living room, you can just rearrange what you already have. Play around with furniture positions and try to think outside of the box.

This means that people often tend to push all their furniture against the walls, which makes the room look smaller and cluttered. Regardless of how big or small your living room space is, you should always consider balance and traffic flow.

If you’re placing a large sofa on one side of the room, make sure the other side is equally balanced with something similar or a group of various pieces. Don’t just group both big and small pieces on one side of the room.

Move around the furniture until you find the perfect solution.

3.   Invest in a statement piece

A statement piece can be any piece of furniture that makes the room stand out. When it comes to living room space, you have many options. You can choose from armchairs, sofas, to bars and cabinets.

For example, investing in a sofa or a loveseat can be a great start. The color of this sofa or a loveseat should be bold and interesting. It can be stunningly tufted and made of luxurious velvet fabric. The point is to make this accent piece the focus of the room.

This piece of furniture should stand out and be eyecatching. Once you have this accent piece, you can decorate around it.

4.   Nook for kids

Everyone should have a bit of space in the living room, even kids. So, when transforming your living room, don’t forget about the children.

You can easily create a space for them within the living room without radically changing the design of the room. This nook dedicated for kids can be placed in the corner of the room and you can round up space by placing a bean bag or a big comfy pillow. Include some interesting storage options for either their toys or books.

You can install a couple of shelves where their books will be displayed or you can invest in rattan boxes and baskets as a stylish toy storage option. This way, the toys can be nicely hidden in storage that doesn’t stand out from the rest of the room.

Apart from having a functional kids’ nook in the living room, you’ll also have an eye on them all the time.

5.   Change the rug

Yet another easy but significant change for the living room. Changing a rug doesn’t seem like such a big deal, yet it can completely transform the space. Rugs give texture and warmth to any room. But over the years, they become worn out and their colors can fade from the exposure to sunlight.

So, one of the quickest and most effective ways to spruce up the room is to change the rug. Thankfully, rugs come in many options, textures, and patterns. You have a wide variety to chose from. From shaggy rugs to traditional or Morrocan ones.

Once you replace the rug, the change will be obvious immediately.

6.   Swap the art and decor

Replacing the existing art with something new may seem expensive. But the truth is, it doesn’t have to be. Yes, most of the original art or reproductions can be very expensive. However, there are more affordable ways to refresh your space with new art.

If you’re creative enough, you can DIY your own art. Similarly, you can download pictures online and have them printed and then framed.

You can add mirrors in your living room to make it look larger and brighter. You can play around with new knick-knacks and décor pieces.

Open shelves are a nice touch to any living room, especially if they are nicely decorated and styled. Also, ledge gallery or mantel shelf décor – very trendy these days.

Be creative and do whatever you feel like in your space. There is no right or wrong! Just a simple change in your living room can go a long way.

7.   Bring in greenery

Bring in life in your living room with plants and flowers. Greenery can work with almost any design and it’s a pretty affordable way to transform any space.

Having plants in your living room apart from being stylish and trendy, it’s also very beneficial. Plants purify the air, reduce stress, and boost productivity. So, not only will you be adding life to sterile places but you can also benefit from having plants indoors.

You don’t have to go overboard with the plants if you don’t want to – one or two plants can make a significant difference. Plus, if you’re worried about keeping them alive – don’t worry because you can always find various easy to maintain plants.

If you feel like it’s time to refresh your living room space, you’re probably right. The design and style trends evolve constantly and so do our tastes. If you no longer like the design of your living room, now you know that changing it doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.

Simple changes like swapping art and accessories, changing wall colors, or rearranging the furniture can be a good enough design transformation.

Protect Your Finances in Hard Times

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By Ann Lloyd, Student Savings Guide

It’s been almost a year since many of us have felt truly safe. We’ve been beset by a global pandemic, civil unrest, and, amidst it all, financial uncertainty.

We have limited control over those first two elements. We can wear masks and socially distance to shield ourselves from the coronavirus, and we can do our part to find common ground and exercise compassion when dealing with our fellow citizens. But somehow, things still feel largely out of hand.

We might feel overwhelmed by financial demands, too, and some factors may be beyond our immediate control. But we can still take steps to find firmer financial footing and work toward a more secure future — even in an unsettled present. 

Weather changes in your employment

For many, the employment picture has become a major source of stress and uncertainty during the past year. Many businesses have closed, and a survey of Yelp data showed that 60% — a majority — had closed down permanently. Unemployment claims hit a five-month high in January 2021.

You may have been laid off or furloughed as a result of the pandemic, and even if you weren’t, your job description may have changed. Maybe you started working from home or saw a reduction in hours. Or maybe you had to assume new duties as your company stretched its staff’s capacity amid downsizing.

In light of these changes, it’s important to expand your skill set to keep yourself relevant. Ask your employer about cross-training opportunities, and bolster your all-around proficiency by seeking out online courses and how-to videos. Look for side jobs and contracting work, too: The “gig economy” has grown by 15% since 2010.

If you’re in a traditional job, check in with human resources about changes in job status or duties that might be expected in the near future. And don’t be afraid to ask for information about financial assistance, wage investment programs, retirement options, and insurance packages that are available through your company.

Get proactive with your finances

Take stock of your overall financial picture with an inventory of everything from your budget to your retirement plan, from your insurance to your bank account.

There are plenty of financial management tools available to you, ranging from banking apps to budgeting software and beyond. For example, in uncertain times, managing and maintaining your credit is critical. You’ll need a credit cushion now more than ever. Under federal law, you’re entitled to a free credit report each year. Take advantage of this opportunity so you know where you stand.

If you find yourself in difficult straits, pursue opportunities for government aid. Two rounds of stimulus payments have gone out to qualified taxpayers. If you haven’t received yours, you can check its status and how to proceed via this IRS site online. 

Do some research and be aware of your options. There’s also other tax relief available, such as filing deferments and economic impact payments. Check into unemployment insurance and student loan relief, if they apply. 

If you’re a renter, know your rights, and whether you’re protected by a government moratorium on evictions. Check with lenders to see whether they’re willing to be flexible on your debt by allowing you to skip or delay scheduled payments. Ask your bank to waive ATM fees, late fees, and overdraft penalties.

Scrutinize your insurance

Insurance is important during the best of times, but it’s even more critical during times of crisis.

Take account of all your coverage, whether it’s home, health, or automobile insurance. Some insurers offer discounts for bundled coverage; see whether this might work for you. Study your policies to make sure they don’t overlap and you’re not paying too much as a result. Know what needs different types of policies serve, and how health and car insurance coverage differs by situation.

There are other types of backups you also might want to consider. If your livelihood depends on electricity, you can’t afford to lose power. A backup generator is a modest investment that can keep you operating in uncertain conditions.

Protect your retirement

When you need to tighten your belt, it’s tempting to stop paying into your 401(k) or other retirement account. But don’t let uncertainty in the present threaten your future. It’s never a good time to pull the plug on retirement savings — but you can take this opportunity to reassess the kind of saving you’re doing.

Check with your employer to see whether your company is offering, or planning to offer, new options that fit your situation better. Consult your financial adviser for expert advice, so you can be sure of your future, even if your present seems uncertain. If you’re nearing retirement, your adviser can tell you how feasible it would be to call it a career — and when.

The past year has strained our economy as a nation, and our individual finances, as well. But even amid the stress and sorrow of civil unrest and the spread of a deadly virus, there are things we can do to minimize the impact of national and global crises on our lives. 

As we look ahead, we can take action to keep our ship afloat as we right our course and sail toward a brighter future.

Avoiding Winter Burnout at Work and Home

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Image Source: Unsplash

With winter officially here, it can be easier than ever to feel stressed, overwhelmed, and even depressed. About 5% of adults experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), making this time of year hard enough to deal with, already.

On top of the typical pitfalls of the winter season, this year has truly been unlike any other, and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are still going strong for many people across the country.

Between the aftermath of the holidays, the cold, dark days, the endless negative news cycle, and feeling overwhelmed at work, it’s easy to experience burnout. That can leave you feeling tired, gloomy, and unmotivated.

Thankfully, there are some things you can do to avoid burning out both at work and at home. Giving your mental and emotional health a boost can help you to get through this season, and even learn to enjoy it. Let’s look at a few ways to accomplish that this year.

Learn to Manage Your Stress

Everyone deals with stress. So, it might feel impossible to get rid of it, completely. But, too much stress can wreak havoc on your mental and physical health, contributing to everything from heart disease to high blood pressure. Excessive stress can also lead to mental health conditions like depression or anxiety.

While you may not be able to eliminate stress and anxiety from your life this season, there are ways to reduce them. One of the best things you can do is to avoid as many triggers as possible. Determine what it is that causes you to feel stressed and anxious. Some common causes include:

  • Caffeine
  • Alcohol
  • Family
  • World issues
  • Money problems
  • Health problems

Problems with work or even the death of a loved one can also contribute to stress and anxiety. This year, more than ever, many people have experienced multiple triggers on that list, as well as more personal factors that have contributed to higher stress levels.

If you can’t completely avoid these triggers, finding ways to reduce your stress levels is important. Keeping your home clean and organized can help, as well as spending time with family members and other people you love (safely). Being able to talk about how you’re feeling can make a big difference, so don’t hesitate to create a plan of action when it comes to directly battling stress.

Make Your Home a Sanctuary

Many people have had to combine their work and home lives this year. You may have had to start working remotely for the first time. While that can sound appealing at first, it can be difficult to achieve a healthy work-life balance when your office is in your living room. One way to spark creativity and make you feel more motivated about working, whether you’re home or in your actual office, is to make a few simple upgrades. Get a standing desk to keep you moving throughout the day, or decorate your office in a way that inspires you and makes you feel more energetic.

If you’re working out in the field, or you’re a frontline worker of any kind, it’s extremely important to be able to separate your work life from your home life. Many frontline workers, like nurses, have to deal with immense amounts of daily stress as they see the firsthand effects of this pandemic. One of the ways to manage that stress is to get a full night’s sleep.

Whether you need to separate your remote working life from your free time or you’re an essential worker who needs to feel relaxed at home, taking the time to turn your living space into a sanctuary can be worth it!

You don’t have to make major changes to your home or routine to achieve a spa-like experience. If you’re trying to find more ways to relax and pamper yourself, consider:

  • Aromatherapy and bath oils
  • Body scrubs
  • Clay masks
  • Hand and foot care

Turn on some soothing music, draw a warm bath, and light some candles. By creating an environment of pure relaxation, you can almost immediately reduce your stress, feel more energized, and get better sleep, which can keep you going throughout the day no matter what career path you’re on.

Practice Self-Care

Self-care has become a popular buzzword over the last few years. Unfortunately, because of its popularity, it’s lost some of the true meaning. Self-care is more than just an idea, it’s something that needs to be put into practice. It also might look different for everyone, since we all enjoy different things.

Taking care of yourself can help to reduce stress levels and promote mental and emotional wellbeing. Again, it’s different for everyone, but there are a few common threads of self-care that can benefit almost anyone, including:

  • Eating well
  • Getting enough sleep
  • Drinking plenty of water (yes, you still need it in the winter!)
  • Keeping up an exercise routine
  • Being aware of any deficiencies in your diet

By taking care of your mind and body throughout the winter, you can beat the fatigue and exhaustion that sometimes tries to pull you down.

All of these solutions are beneficial when it comes to managing the winter blues and feeling as though you could burn out at any moment. While this year has been harder than most, these tips can still help you to get through the snowy season, so you can feel more energetic, motivated, and upbeat.

10 Budget Home Designing Instagram Accounts You Can Check for Inspiration

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Since Covid-19 hit us, we’ve been all stuck in our home and there is no news when we’ll be able to walk freely. Now is the best time to decorate the interior and exterior of your home. But money is a true concern for pretty much all of us as home decoration is generally a costly affair.

A home’s not merely four square walls, it’s a place where you can get comfortable and relax. You might be thinking that there are various Instagram pages that are great for finding home decoration inspiration. Speaking of Instagram, when you open a new page, it’ll take time to gain followers. In fact, as per https://www.forbes.com, organic ways although successful, can take quite some time to boost Instagram followers. The best way to get likes on your post is to buy 50 likes on Instagram.

Here is a list of some Instagram accounts that not only offer great interior and exterior designs, but also inspiration, good suggestions, and cheaper but high-quality items. 

Room for Tuesday

Sarah Gibson, who shares great ideas for home renovation, design tips, DIY projects is the owner of this page. Whenever you observe her work, you’ll notice she focuses on both the interior and exterior of the house equally, so this account is really useful for those who own a bigger home or real estate. She has two cute puppies that she features in the majority of her images, which produces a different vibe for dog lovers.

Philip or Flop

There’s no doubt that there exists many more female DIY creators than male DIY creators. This proves that female DIY creators can offer much more fantastic home decoration ideas for budget-friendly decorations. However, Philip is amongst the rare male designers who can decorate both the interior and exterior perfectly. His ideas about interior designs are much more realistic than any female designer.

Angela Rose Home

Angela Rose, known as fearless DIY creator, uses power tools and design to transform your home. She decorates the interior of the house in such a way, that you’ll get so many decoration ideas just by scrolling through her IG feed. Her website, linked on her IG account, offers so many new ideas and detailed tips to accomplish her vision in your home. Until you check her IG account, you won’t be able to guess how cool and brilliant interior home design can be!

Budget Home Interior Design

This is a type of IG account that shouldn’t be missed. When you land on this page, you’ll notice one thing is common in every image despite the house, a splash of color offered by plants. You’ll also notice how the interior changes when a plant is around. Natalie, owner of the IG page only decorates the interior of houses, but in a budget-conscious way, even using simple items such as Washi tape, which is quite amazing.

Philip or Flop

There’s no doubt that there exists many more female DIY creators than male DIY creators. This proves that female DIY creators can offer much more fantastic home decoration ideas for budget-friendly decorations. However, Philip is amongst the rare male designers who can decorate both the interior and exterior perfectly. His ideas about interior designs are much more realistic than any female designer.

Jenny Komenda

Jenny Komenda, Founder and Creative Director of juniper print shop and juniper home, is a pure skilled artist. From designing the interior to the exterior, everywhere she proves that she focuses much more on details. You’ll see that in every post she shares, she offers some subtle tips that make a budget-friendly decoration so much simpler. There is also a touch of large and expensive items like furniture in her posts to remind you that accessories are like vitamins to fashion.

Grillo Designs

Medina shares her thoughts on interior designing on her Instagram page. Medina’s website, where she writes her own posts, has beautiful budget-friendly ideas, which is a key factor during this pandemic. Her style blends in every aspect of her culture. And it is also so fascinating to see that she prioritizes turmeric color to design interior homes, which will surely impress you the moment you scroll through her IG feed.

Making Pretty Spaces

The most lovable thing about this account is how small changes can bring so much glory and transform a space thoroughly. From changing a night lamp or a small bookshelf, Jennifer does it like a pure skilled designer. Her website is full of blogs and tutorials. Jennifer’s idea of making a small upgrade is to deliver a perfect and happy economical life. You’ll be so inspired by Jennifer that you might start purchasing small items to decorate your rooms.

Chris Loves Julia

This account has everything from budget-conscious designing to marvelous home designing ideas. They have linked their website on the IG page, where you’ll find all the details. The moment you land on their IG page, you’ll notice some video walkthroughs, which are not only extremely satisfying but also added a bonus to the fact that every image they share on their page is extremely stylish and looks fantastic.

Right Meets Left Interior Design

Courtney McLeos, the owner of the interior design company, showcases much from wealthy clients, but shares tips of interior designing in the caption of some images. Upon scrolling her IG page, you’ll notice beautiful highlights of the color scheme or how small pieces of furniture can help you achieve your desired look. Though the page showcases wealthy clients, much of what she shares can be used by budget-friendly followers, too.

Conclusion

Remember one thing, a home’s not merely roof and room. It is where you can bloom your heart and spend quality time with your family members. Home is sweet, and it is your responsibility to make it sweeter.

How Much Is That Water Leak Costing You?

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For many Americans, a constantly leaking tap is not much of a deal. A source of little annoyance maybe, but that’s all. Or is it? What if you come to know that this constant dribbling of tiny water droplets is also draining your wallet? And that it’s also one of the major reasons for the ongoing water shortage in many big cities. 

Yes, you read that right!

To take an example, the drought-hit state of California has been dealing with a similar sort of water dilemma for decades now. On top of it, its complex infrastructure is old, and mostly damaged by frequent earthquakes, making it extremely challenging for authorities to figure out the faults, let alone fixing them. 

But that’s not what we’re here for. We’re here to understand its impact on you. To know how much is that water leak costing you? And also, to help you save it. 

Well, let’s get started, shall we?

How much water does a tap leak?

Although there is no specific device to measure it, there’s certainly a way to come to an estimate. For instance, the United States Geological Survey suggests that,

15140 drips = 1 Gallon

4000 drips = 1 Liter

There’s also a drip calculator by USGS that you can use to calculate nearly how much water does a leaking tap waste. Just count the drips of a leaking faucet and you can calculate approximately how much water gets wasted from it every day and every year. Rest assured, the results will surprise you. 

To give you an idea, here are a few water stats and facts from the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

Stats and Facts on Water Leak

An average American family wastes about 1800 gallons per week or 9400 gallons of water annually.  

It spends more than $1000 per year as water costs but can save around $380 by using WaterSense labeled fixtures and ENERGY STAR certified appliances.

The total volume of household leaks can reach and cross a staggering 900 billion gallons of water annually, which can be used otherwise for nearly 11 million homes. 

But a water leak can cause more damage than you can imagine. Apart from water wastage and extra charges, it can also harm your property and result in unnecessary repair costs. We’ll do the math in a while, but first, let’s take a closer look at all the possible sources of a water leak.

Sources of a Water Leak

The sources of water leakage are not just limited to leaking taps, showers, bathtubs, sinks, toilets, pipes, hoses, or fittings. Instead, there are other places as well that you might want to watch out for, such as:Electrical appliances like washing machines, refrigerators, dishwashers, and water heaters/geysers.

Lawn sprinklers.

Plumbing that’s not visible, for instance, under the kitchen, sink, or wall, etc.

Roof, ceiling, walls, windows, doors, and floor, etc.

The point is that if you’re considering conserving water plus save money, you must take all these factors into account. An undetected leak can turn into a major problem in no time and can cost you fortunes. So, make sure that no leaks are left undetected or ignored for too long. 

Moreover, water prices are already on a rise in the state of California.  Therefore, it’s important to detect and fix any leaks and use water carefully to avoid paying extra. Let’s know more about it. 

Drip by drip, the water decreases, and the bills increase! 

A normal tap leak can increase our utility bills by more than $30 annually.

A small hole or crack in a pipe can cost you about $70 every month.

Leaking/running a toilet can cause you anywhere between a $80-600 rise in your monthly water charges. 

A leaking garden hose can cost you more than $300 per month.

Hiring a plumber can cost you somewhere between $250-325 per visit.

Repair of appliances damaged by water leaks is always an expensive task. For e.g. repairing a water heater or pipelines can easily cost you more than $500 in a blink. 

Replacing old plumbing lines with new ones can be quite pricey too and may charge you hundreds and thousands of dollars. 

The bottom-line is ignoring even the smallest leak can turn into a major defect and seriously disturb your budget.

Now obviously, you might not be able to detect and fix all the leaks on your own and may require assistance from expert plumbers for the same. 

At the same time, there are certain steps and measures that you can take to detect hidden leaks or to be certain that there are hidden leaks somewhere on your property. Here’s what you can do.

Last but not the least…

How to detect a water leak?

1. The first thing you should do is to turn off all the faucets, appliances, and water valves. Then check your water meter when you aren’t using water. If the reading changes, then there is a leak.

2. A routine check-up into plumbing pipes and water lines can also bring out many hidden leaks that need a fix. 

3. Be mindful of any odd sounds from water tanks or pipelines.

4. Check for any water spots, stains, or green patches in your property to see if it’s due to a leak.

5. Don’t ignore the dribbling; turn off the leaking taps.

The TakeAway

Whether it’s about saving yourself from paying high bills or protecting our natural resources, stopping water leaks quickly is worthwhile. So, the next time you suspect leakage in your faucets or any pipes, rush to a professional for a quick fix. 

Author Bio

For the past 30 years, twin brothers Dave and Jim Schuelke have run their company Twin Home Experts. Twin Home Experts can be found throughout California, Arizona and Utah for home services including plumbing, mold repair, bathroom remodeling, and rodent control. Twin Home Experts is also one of the fastest-growing YouTube channels online for valuable content to both homeowners and plumbers showcasing DIY and frequently asked questions.