How To Give Your Home A Makeover On A Budget

With times being tough, you may see your dream home makeover as far out of reach due to budget constraints. However, this does not have to be the case. With our simple home makeover tips and tricks you will be able to achieve your dream home in no time, without breaking the bank. You don’t have to let covid ruin both your holiday plans and your home decor plans, with our advice you can find everything you need to add that special touch to your home. Unfortunately, we can’t do much about that holiday.

The good news is that home makeovers don’t need to blow the budget. There are a myriad of low-cost ways to give your home that much needed makeover, here are a few of our favourite.

Spruce up your bedroom with new curtains and blinds

Other than your furniture, window curtains and blinds will be one of the first things a visitor notices when they step into your home. Blinds and other soft furnishings can be instrumental in determining the look and feel of your home. Additionally, new blinds are a fantastic option when budget constraints mean that you cannot replace window treatments, meaning blinds can be an excellent short-term solution.

Curtains and blinds are a great option when redecorating your home on a budget. There are various low-cost options available online, with a myriad of options and colours to choose from. These waterproof roller blinds would provide the perfect blend of durability

and design, not to mention the added benefit of the moisture resistant material. If you wish to add more colour to the area, you could always add a patterned curtain alongside the roller blinds to create a more visually pleasing area to your home.

Painting your walls

Do not underestimate the impact of a fresh coat of paint in your home. Paint can instantly change the look of any home. Make sure to know and choose the right tone to ensure it compliments the overall feel and style of your home. You don’t just have to stick to one colour when deciding on your theme, there are plenty of colour-matching apps available online to help you to choose your perfect colour options.

The colour scheme you choose will have a big impact in the feel and style of the room. For example, if you opt for a bold green for your living room it may create a nature-inspired, calming feel to the room, whereas a bright red colour would give a totally different feel to the space. Make sure to consider what you are using the space for when deciding on the colour palette, for instance a home gym may be best in a neutral or light blue colour to promote calming feelings.

To save money it may be wise to use the same paint colour in multiple rooms, and adding a separate accent colour to each one to create a unique feel to each room while maintaining a consistent main colour in each of the rooms. If you feel you need more help when deciding on a paint colour for your room, take a look at interior social media pages for some inspiration or contact a professional who can help you to pick the right colours for the room. After giving your home this much-needed makeover, make sure you store the leftover paint for future use in-case of any chips or marks.

Create a gallery wall

Gallery walls are becoming increasingly popular for home inspiration accounts and home designers across the country. Gallery walls create a feature of any blank wall you’re looking to fill. Not only is a gallery wall a cost-effective home improvement idea, but you can use any wall, no matter how big or small for this decorative idea. Gone are the days you need to spend thousands on a unique piece of art to place on your wall. With gallery walls, you simply need to gather some of your favourite photos, pick up some low-cost frames and create an arrangement you are happy with. There are hundreds of arrangement options available online, or you can create your own, depending on what you’d prefer!

With just a few of your favourite pieces of art or family photos, you can spice up your living room and let your personality shine through. The trick, however, is to consider factors such as the size of the wall and the current furniture set-up. That way, you can make sure to strike the right balance between art and symmetry in your home.

Declutter your space Although this may not seem like a home decor tip, decluttering your space can have a huge impact on your home aesthetic. Decluttering goes a long way to improve the look of your home, while it also gives you more space to change around your furniture arrangements and move your things around.

Any excessive boxes, clothes, unwanted furniture and general clutter can disrupt the pleasant panoramic view of your home, and leave guests feeling unwanted. By getting rid of clutter and rearranging your house, you are instantly improving the look and appearance of your home, and the best part is, it’s free!

Wallpaper choices

Textured wallpaper can be a great way to instantly transform any room. Textured wallpaper can give an additional texture and dimension to your space, and they come in a variety of colours and textures to compliment your current colour scheme. Geometric and printed wallpapers can be a great option for brightening your home.

Consider using textured wallpaper on one side of the wall for a contrasting yet symmetrical look, inside your closets, on your bedroom walls, or in small areas of your kitchen. The best part is, you only need a few rolls to witness this epic transformation, and they won’t break the bank.

How Can I Start My Own Line of Protein Supplements? 5 Tips for Becoming a Fitness Influencer

Social media is the home to many fitness influencers. These influencers commonly shift into selling personal brands of products like protein supplements and activewear. If you’re ready to get into this space through a protein supplement brand, you’ll want to keep a few things in mind. Continue reading for five tips to become a fitness influencer and how to sell your potential products.

1. Learn how to use the platform.

If you want to use social media to reach customers, you have to take the necessary steps in understanding how to work your intended social media platform. Many influencers use Instagram. Instagram is one of the fastest-growing social media platforms to date. It has a wide variety of tools you can use, which include posts videos, stories, highlights of stories, and long segment videos called IGTV. You can use all of these features to share your workouts and diet with potential and current followers. You can also use other platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok — all of which offer live stream services to update your followers on your next moves.

2. Grow a large following.

Okay, so now that you’ve got handling your different streams of social media down, you need to start gaining some traction. Traction means gaining followers.  The popularity of Instagram and other social media platforms has made it easier to get followers, because there are now services that help you to  buy Instagram followers with instant delivery.

By having many followers, you are exposing more people to your content. The more followers you have, the more potential to share your business ideas, workouts, and supplement brand. The Small Business Blog suggests that you use an Instagram growth service to grow your following and increase engagement, which is a smart thing to do as these services do it all instead of you doing it yourself.

3. Come up with a brand.

Once you have reached your goal following, you want to begin the formulation of a new brand. By switching to another form of income like a protein supplements, you can bring in more revenue other than typical fitness influencer collaborations or ad revenue. You should spend time doing some of your research on the market comparing other proteins so you can go to manufacturers with your wants and needs. Once you’ve decided on logos, type of protein, colors, flavors, and a solid backbone on what you want to provide to customers, you’re ready for the next steps.

4. Reach out to manufacturers.

Protein powder manufacturers can help you produce high-quality protein powder. They are experts in creating a protein powder with necessary amino acids and nutritional value. Since protein powders are such high-demand products, you need to enlist the help of professional manufacturers who can be there every step of the way to create whatever kind of protein you need, like Makers Nutrition.

Some of the most common protein powder types are whey protein powders, vegan protein powders made from soy or peas, and casein protein powders. All of these supplements are widely used by those in the fitness world to get ample amounts of protein efficiently. The experts at Makers Nutrition only source the highest quality ingredients and FDA regulated guidance, so you can avoid potential hiccups along the way. No matter the formulation you desire, their protein manufacturer will get you the best flavor, custom formulation, and quality protein supplement that you’ll be thrilled to introduce to your following.

5. Go market your new product.

Now that you’ve created your protein supplement, you need to share it with the world! Your fitness influencer status will help your brand with its first sales. Dedicated followers will undoubtedly try your protein product, but you’ll also have to expand your market to others. A great way to market your new nutritional supplement is to hire live stream production services.

COLDEA’s live streaming services allow your viewers and followers to see live videos of your products unveiling. You can also use these services for taste tests of your protein, and even to share your journey in making the products. A videographer from their company can show off your new supplement in a way you never dreamed possible by using high-quality video and flawless production. In no time, you’ll have the commercial and live production for your product launch so customers will want to buy your product quickly. Now that you’ve explored some of these tips to live life as a fitness influencer, you can keep working towards your supplement creation dreams. With the help of protein manufacturers and marketing backed by your loyal following, you can continue growing your brand for years to come.

Electrical Work – Why You Shouldn’t Take It On Yourself?

Writer: Alana King

Let’s be honest, how annoyed do you feel when the electricity in your house goes on the fritz? From detecting a short fuse in the fuse box to changing a light bulb that has blown, there are some things with electricity that we take to see being that of a quick fix. 

However, in our modern world, we can often take for granted what electricity can do and forget how it can also be a dangerous thing. 

Therefore, when it comes to managing the balance of this invisible source of power, here are some of the tasks that electricians do and why you should leave the majority of it to the professionals.

Live wires: 

When it comes to tasks that deal with electricity, this is one area that you shouldn’t take on yourself.

There are reasons why electricians are highly trained and also why they receive “danger allowances” for the role they perform. Live wires are, however, among those at the top of the list. 

There are risks involved when doing any means of electrical work. However, live wires are a direct risk to life, mainly depending on the voltage and charge.

It is why it is incredibly crucial that you seek out a trusted, reputable and licensed electrician upon the installation or repair of any electrical wiring. 

Incorrect installation:

While many of us may have changed a single light bulb in our lives, any major installation should be put in by those who know how to do it correctly. 

It is not just because of the wattage of the lights. Those such as downlights in a roof cavity need to be correctly spaced. 

If you or someone else put them in the wrong place, they could be too close to hazards, such as roof insulation.

The excess heat in the roof can cause the flammable material to burn, igniting a fire and causing irreparable damage or risk to life.

Electrical Outlets and Plumbing Don’t Mix:

As many of us know, electrical current and water are a dangerous and often deadly combination.

Water is a great conductor of electricity which is why, as partners, they are so hazardous. If one comes into contact with such, you are an extreme risk of electric shock or worse – electrocution. 

Therefore, even when doing a DIY renovation, you should seek out a qualified expert in each trade, as those placed too close together, especially in wet areas, can be harmful and potentially, unlawful. 

The cost to your wallet:

While I can understand a means of being frugal with home repairs, or even how D-I-Y can save you some money in the long term, electrics is one area where you should undoubtedly use those contingency savings. 

It can be part of why you set up a contingency plan from the beginning. While DIY your electrical work may sound like a money saver, there are risks, including “the risk to your pocket.”

Amateur cabling can often not be up to Australian standard and can cost you more money than the hire in the long term. Not to mention, your safety is something on which you shouldn’t put a price.  

It is best to remember, so don’t try and install the wiring or rewire your house so that you save a bit of money because you could lose it and potentially more than that. 

Conclusion:

Therefore, while you may consider a blown lightbulb or a faulty fuse to be annoying or a bit of a nuisance, it is best to remember that electrical work isn’t one you should attempt unless qualified. 

Take the best advice and use a reputable and licensed electrician every time. May you stay safe dear readers.

 

Everything You Should Know About Hurricane Resistant Glass Before Making A Large Investment On Such Costly Windows

Hurricanes are a regular phenomenon across the southern states of the U.S. and the Gulf Coast. They form in a region of the Atlantic known as Hurricane Alley, and the rising sea temperatures over the last two decades has increased hurricane activity. Most notably, the years 2017 and 2018 saw extensive destruction from hurricanes in areas of Texas, Florida, Louisiana Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. 

Hurricane windows are used extensively in these areas to prevent homes from hurricane damage and are far more effective than boarding up a home. 

Top features of hurricane impact glass that make it a top valued glass

Homes and buildings in hurricane-prone areas must meet safety codes and building specifications. Hurricane impact glass has many features and benefits for every type of glass usage in commercial buildings and homes, even those not in a hurricane zone. One of the most significant benefits is they are an investment worth making because they increase the value and security of any building. 

Even though some people believe that window glass can be made more resistant by adding a surface membrane to it, this is not as aesthetically pleasing. This type of membrane cannot offer the same protections as glass manufactured to be hurricane resistant does.  

1. Protect the interior

Hurricane impact glass can protect a home from far more than just gale-force winds and flying debris – it is resistant to winds of up to 200 mph. Normal glass breaks into shards and can fly around causing injuries, whereas this type of glass is designed to withstand impact and shatters like windshield glass. Burglars are deterred by it because it takes longer to break into a home.  

Since the interior of a home is protected from violent weather conditions and burglars, homeowners usually pay up to 45% less insurance when this type of glass is installed. 

2. Thermal resistant

Impact glass provides improved insulation and is far more energy-efficient than normal glass. It can filter up to 99% of the harmful waves of solar radiation and provides UV ray protection. This protects items from fading in interiors. The temperature within buildings and homes remains more stable, saving money on cooling and heating. 

3. Sound resistant 

Hurricane resistant glass is sound resistant and prevents noises from entering and exiting a home. It is especially popular in built-up areas with high traffic volumes. 

4. Blast resistant

Hurricane impact glass is also blast resistant. In the event of an explosion or fire in the vicinity of a home or building, the glass will not break into shards with a blast or the intense heat of a fire. 

5. Highly Durable and scratch-resistant

The durability of these glass materials makes it ideal for use in high traffic areas and is the preferred type of glass used on glass sliding doors. It is also the most scratch-resistant of all types of glass. 

6. Curbside appeal 

Homes with tempered glass windows have a gorgeous appeal from the outside. Upgrading a home with impact-resistant glass adds to its value. Commercial and residential properties gain a beautiful façade with the use of these windows and their resale value is increased. 

Hurricane glass manufacturing process

Hurricane glass is made from tempered and laminated glass, the same type of glass used for car windshields. However, the layers of glass are much thicker, and two sheets of laminated glass are bonded together using a polyvinyl butyral (PVB) membrane.

Either mechanical or chemical bonding methods can be used, but high temperature and pressure are applied to ensure the complete elimination of air bubbles. This process forms an air-tight seal.  This thin plastic membrane can vary in thickness, depending on the specifications required and the strength required.

 Even if one of the glass layers shatters, the plastic between the glass remains intact because the layer sandwiched between the glass makes it even stronger. 

Type of glass used in impact-resistant windows

Impact-resistant windows are made with two panes of laminated glass with a unique film between them. It is usually the most popular choice for impact protection. 

Insulated laminated glass can also be used to protect homes against hurricanes. The double glass is filled with gas (mostly argon) which makes it more impact resistant. Impact-resistant glass is used on the one side and secure tempered glass on the other. Insulated laminated glass is more expensive, but it is also more energy-efficient. 

The recommended thickness of impact glass window

The standard thickness of glass panes that can resist impact is 5/16 or 7/16 inch. However, the location where the panes will be installed and building specifications will determine which the ideal thickness should be. 

Commercial buildings and homes built on coastal areas, where there is a greater risk of hurricanes or gale-force winds, should consider thicker glass. It is worth noting the thickness of the panes does not always affect the amount of impact that the glass can endure. 

Where to buy the best hurricane impact glass in the U.S.A.? 

Fab Glass and Mirror is one of the top producers and suppliers of glass for hurricanes and other extreme phenomena. Made in the U.S.A., the hurricane impact glass is available in a vast variety of shapes, sizes, and thicknesses. Custom made dimensions are also available. 

For a structurally strong and aesthetically pleasing home, the installation of hurricane glass in buildings and homes offers substantial benefits – these benefits make it more affordable than most people think.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Why a Miniature French Bulldog Is a Good Family Pet

There are those families that cannot do without a pet. It does not matter how many members of the family there are, but they want to have a pet or several for companionship. Although there are different types of pets, dogs are the most popular. A breed that most people prefer is the Miniature French Bulldog. Here are a few benefits of owning one:

1. They Are Not Noisy

A calm environment gives you room to relax and plan your moves. This environment can be affected by noise that comes from different places such as moving vehicles, barking dogs, loud music, and more. If you own a Miniature French Bulldog, you do not have to worry about the added noise. These dogs bark less than many breeds. They are ideal for families that embrace quiet environments.

2. They Are Friendly to Kids

Kids are fragile and cannot withstand aggression. Frenchies are an expensive breed but are a good fit for child companionship. They are gentle and playful, which makes them less scary to children.

They can keep your children entertained for a long time and their clown-like personality makes them suitable for children of all ages.

3. They Are Ideal for Apartment Dwellers

Apartments are not as spacious and involve sharing a building with other tenants, so everyone needs their space and privacy. If you live in an apartment and need a dog, this one is your type.

They are calm and do not go snooping around your neighbor’s property. Therefore, you do not have to worry about quarreling with your neighbors because your pet is ill-mannered.

4. They Do Not Shed a Lot of Hair

Some family members can be allergic to pet hair. A French Bulldog does not cause these problems because it does not shed their fur like long-haired dogs. Its short coat allows it to produce minimal hair that is easy to manage.

Other than causing allergy, it also helps in keeping your air filters free from blocks. However, always empty your air filter to avoid compromising the quality of air at your home.

5. They Are Ideal for Introverts

If one or many of your family members do not like exploring outdoors, these dogs are the best companions. They require minimal exercise to keep them healthy. This breed prefers relaxing and cuddling with the owner. If you love binge-watching or passive leisure, here is your perfect match.

6. They Provide Security

Frenchies have tiny bodies, but that does not imply they are helpless. They are loyal and protective of their owners. So, while training them, you should let them be acquainted with members of your family.

Otherwise, you will risk having them attacked by your French Bulldog. If they suspect a stranger in your compound, they are strong enough to attack and scare them away.

7. They Are Easy to Maintain

We all know about those expensive dog products needed to take care of a dog. Luckily, for a Frenchie, you do not have to worry about those. Minimal maintenance requirements are needed since you only brush its fur, and that is it.

Of course, you need to wash it weekly to make it look fresh and energetic. Its fur can be shiny even after brushing. The dog’s natural oils become evenly distributed when you brush.

8. They Are Sociable With Other Pets

If other family members have different types of pets, you do not have to worry about their co-existence. French bulldogs are sociable and can accommodate other pets without attacking them. This character leaves everyone happy because they are confident about the safety of their other pets around a Frenchie.

However, you have to expose them to proper socialization to ensure they blend in well with them.

9. They Are Smart

Miniature French Bulldogs are quick to learn and retain knowledge. When compared to their “bully” group of dogs, they emerge the smartest. They pick up tricks quickly, such that if you make a mistake during training, they will not follow.

They can be stubborn which some people may confuse with being dumb. Instead of forcing them to learn, be patient until they start cooperating.

Evidently, owning a miniature French bulldog is terrific. Families looking forward to owning a pet dog should consider having this type.