miscellaneous

• 10 De-Cluttering Tips from the Professional Space Savers

  
  content provided by One Source Process – apostille services washington dc

  Keeping your home tidy and free of clutter can seem like a challenging task in the beginning but it is important to push past your doubts and defeat the clutter bug. These simple tips will ensure that you de-clutter your home in no time.

  1. Donate to Charity

  Throw out the torn and worn clothes but give those that remain in good condition to someone in need. There are hundreds of charities that accept donated clothes such as Oxfam. You will be doing a good deed and freeing some space in the closet at the same time.

  2. Storage

  If you have a lot of items around the house that you have no room for but are reluctant to just throw out, consider keeping them in self storage. This is a convenient way to de-clutter your home and you can rent the unit for as long as you like.

  3. Only keep what you need

  According to The Guardian, the focus of de-cluttering should be on what to keep instead of deciding what to get rid of. This will give you a clearer perspective on what is expendable and what is irreplaceable.  

  4. Install Extra Shelves

  Make the most of your wall space by installing some useful shelves to store books, photo albums, toys and other things that tend to clutter the house. You can get a little more creative and paint the shelves a colour that matches the rest of the room to add a touch of personalisation.

  5. Tackle One Room at a Time

  Try not to take on such a mammoth task all at once. Instead, clean and sort out one room at a time. This will make the process so much easier. If you can’t find a place for a certain item then throw it out or donate it.

  6. Label Boxes

  Save yourself a lot of time and effort by labelling the boxes that you fill as you de-clutter your home. Labels will help to keep your things organized and will make finding them again so much easier.

  7. Use Cereal Boxes as Dividers

  For those items that are often difficult to place, use cereal boxes as drawer dividers. According to www.realsimple.com, you can keep better track of items such as candles by corralling them with a ‘grid of interlocking inserts tailored to the contents—whether that’s candles, batteries, or cosmetics.’

  8. Sort out Documents

  Homes tend to have a lot of old letters, school documents and old paperwork lying about which can make a home look messy. Decide which papers can be thrown out and then create separate files to store the important documents to help you to keep track of them.

  9. Use a Shoe Rack

  Encourage your family to store their shoes on a handy shoe rack. This will keep the shoes in one place and provide a handy storage solution for all of the many pairs of shoes in your house.

  10. Basket Storage

  Baskets can be hung behind doors, on walls or under the stairs to store smaller items such as scarves, socks, bathroom essentials and toys, etc.

  partnered post • CC-licensed photograph by Rubbermaid

• Caesar Stone Quartz Countertops: Customized Countertops For Your Kitchen Space

  
  

  Note: this is a partnered post and consideration was received for its publication.

  A kitchen is a place where all the action happens. Countertops definitely see a lot of action in the kitchen space. Because of this specific reason, they should be properly maintained, cleaned and protected. Just like any other surface, these high traffic areas should be cleaned in a proper way depending on the kind of material you have used. Keep reading this post to learn about Caesarstone’s quartz countertops.

  Granite & Quartz: What’s The Speciality?

  A quartz granite countertop is a very popular choice among people who love the appearance of granite but are a little worried about the stones short falls. In simple words, granite is a porous natural stone which can quickly absorb liquids; it can easily soak up any kind of cooking oils and the best thing is that it can be easily etched by acids which are found in any household items i.e. hairspray.

  The reason why Caesarstone quartz countertops have gained popularity among the modern homeowners is because they are not affected by any of the hazards. When it comes to the colour or pattern of granite, it is something very unpredictable, and this sometimes will make things a little difficult for you as you won’t be able to make the right choice. They are even in their colour, pattern and texture.

  Top Benefits Of Quartz Kitchen Countertops

  One of the major benefits of quartz kitchen countertops is that they have some of the best qualities of natural stone i.e. when it comes to the durability and appearance of the countertops. The best thing is that they don’t have any as such cons and you can also get it at a very affordable price if you buy it from a reputed online store.

  Of course, you must be very well aware of the fact that they are man-made. The process of manufacturing usually involves raw quartz crystals which is one of the hardest substances available in the market. After it has been selected and the ground procedure is done, it’s the resin and crystals which are combined together along with resin and different colours.

  Once they all are mixed together, all the components are then heated and then they are vibro-compacted which creates an impenetrable surface. It’s around 95% quartz components which are used in the manufacturing process of quartz countertops or it won’t be durable. The final product is non-porous, strong and has excellent durability in comparison to granite.

  Colours: What Options Do You Have?

  If you have decided to choose engineered quartz countertops, you will be happy to know that they are available in a huge range of colours that cannot be easily found because dye is combined with crushed stone. They are very versatile and appealing. It is the appearance of the countertops which can dazzle the eyes.

  The installation process of Caesarstone’s quartz countertops is definitely a do-it-yourself project. It is advisable to hire a professional who can carry out the task for you. You should do a complete background check of the professional before hiring them for the task.

• Vertical or Horizontal Blinds: Which One Should You Pick?

  
  

  Among the window treatments available in the market, window blinds remain popular among homeowners for good reasons. When properly selected and installed, they can make a big difference in the overall interior aesthetic of a home. They can also significantly reduce heat transfer and reflect most natural light streaming into a space, thereby reducing heating and cooling costs, not to mention help enhance the privacy of a home.

  When it is time to purchase window blinds from blinds.com, your final decision will likely involve choosing between two popular options: vertical or horizontal. So how will you know which one to pick?

  As both types of blinds look and perform differently, it is a good idea to carefully understand their advantages and disadvantages and use them as a basis to guide you through your choice.

  

  Vertical blinds

  Neat and elegant, vertical blinds are characterized by slats that hang vertically from a head rail that houses mechanical components that control the slats when they are adjusted. The individual slats can be rotated 180 degrees or can also be completely pulled out of the way.

  One of the main advantages of vertical blinds is that they can cover large expanses of glass. They also help elongate the height of a room, allow for better air circulation and provide sufficient privacy and light control. Vertical blinds are also easier to clean, as their slats don’t easily collect dirt or dust. You can also find them in a number of colours and sizes, with some verticals having the capability to be aesthetically improved by slipping strips of materials into the vanes, thereby making them design flexible.

  The problem with vertical blinds is that if you purchase cheap ones, their slats will clank together and the components that operate them are visible if there is no headrail in place. When not properly chosen they can be imposing in a room and may even make the space look too corporate.

  
  

  Horizontal blinds

  Horizontal blinds are the exact opposite of vertical blinds. Also referred to as Venetian blinds, these treatments are made up of long horizontal strips that hang on top of each other through a ladder system that is connected to a rotating drum that is used to rotate the slats. They also feature a pull cord or wand which when pulled or rotated raises and stacks the slats together at the top of the hang rail. The same cord or wand is used to drop the slats down when privacy is needed or when natural light has to be blocked.

  The good thing about horizontal blinds is that they work well for almost all types of windows, including those that are compact or thin. They can also control light direction by twisting their slats. Like vertical blinds, they are available in a wide variety of colours, sizes and materials. Hidden brackets and no valance options for these blinds allow them to easily disappear into the inner window frames.

  If you will be opting for horizontal blinds, one of the major issues associated with them is that they clank against windows when breeze enters the room. Those with route hole in the centre may also allow anyone to peek inside your home. The slats also tend to accumulate dust, making them a bit difficult to clean.

  Making the choice

  There are a number of factors that you’ll need to take into account to arrive at an informed choice. These include the size and shape of your windows your need for privacy and light control, the style of the room where the blinds would be involved, and your budget.

  However, there are cases where vertical and horizontal blinds perform better than the other. For instance, large individual windows are a prime territory for vertical blinds as the vertical nature of the slats will provide proper coverage against prying eyes and sunlight. They will also emphasize the height of the windows. Vertical blinds are also suitable to use for areas that receive a lot of foot traffic since they are easier to clean.

  Horizontal blinds, on the other hand, suit smaller and deep windows best as well as those windows whose panes are opened by raising or lowering. They also work well for less used areas, such as the bedroom.

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• Make your bedroom more luxurious than any five star hotel room

  

  Note: this is a guest post and consideration was received for its publication. photo: CC-licensed image by Jeanne Michelle Smith

  Let’s face it; we all want to live the life
  of luxury and that’s why we constantly dream of winning the lottery and
  escaping to a faraway island. In addition, whenever we plan holidays we always
  consider the luxury and relaxation elements of the trips. But, why do we have
  to get away to experience luxury? You can have luxury
  right in your own home and the cost implications aren’t huge. Here’s how
  you can make your home more luxurious than any five star hotel:

  • Save yourself time by installing a dishwasher: The best thing about a holiday is that somebody else does all the
    chores and this leaves you free to relax. By getting a dishwasher you can
    eliminate at least one banal task, giving you more time to relax and enjoy your
    time away from the office.
  • Upgrade your bed and mattress: One of
    the most notable things about a five star hotel is the comfort of the bed. It
    is almost impossible to have a bad sleep in a posh hotel and this is something
    that you can easily emulate in your own home by upgrading your bed and
    mattress. Four-poster
    beds really exemplify style and luxury and look great in any home (as long
    as you have the ceiling height). If this interests you, then visit Retford
    Pine to see what is on offer for what price.
  • Add candles and mood lighting to get the right vibe: Holidays and breaks are all about relaxation and nothing relaxes
    people more than scented candles. Used in the right place and at the right
    time, candles can improve both the smell and look of any home. They can not
    only add freshness but they can change the mood of any room too; particularly
    if you’re snuggled on the sofa watching a good film.

  Five star hotels really are luxurious but they
  are simply unaffordable on a regular basis. Upgrading your home gradually,
  however, is much more affordable and sustainable. So, use your money wisely and
  you can live in comparable luxury in no time! All of the above suggestions are
  great ideas but feel free to add your own and move at your own pace. Everybody
  sees luxury differently, so make sure that what you do is right for you and
  your family. You really can be enjoying your own luxurious home in no time-
  you’ll never have to go away again.

• Seasonal Maintenance Tasks Around The House

  

  Note: this is a guest post and consideration was received for its publication. photo: CC-licensed image by Charlie Vinz

  Perhaps you’ve been in your home for many
  years and you’ve just realised you can no longer put off all those essential
  repairs you’ve tried to ignore since you moved in. Maybe you’ve just moved in
  and discovered your dream home is a little rough around the edges. Or maybe
  you’re looking to sell or let and there’s a few glaring problems that you can’t
  sell as “rustic” to potential buyers.

  Whatever stage you’re at in the property
  ladder, it’s always good practice to keep your home in top condition from January
  to December – and to that end, there’s a host of easy but effective checks and
  preparations you can perform throughout the year that can help prevent a lot of
  unnecessary work later on. Alternatively, if you’re a DIY novice who’d prefer a
  professional appraisal and expert work – or if you just don’t have the time –
  you could choose to go with a home maintenance service such as The Handy People
  who will supply trained handymen to fix all kinds of problems around the house.

  Spring

  The varying weather can take its toll on a
  poorly maintained house. Spring is the time to check and repair any cracks
  in the walls or ceilings, perhaps caused by winter ice, which can let in
  rain during spring showers or summer thunderstorms.

  Summer

  Watch out for humidity, which can lead to
  damp and structural damage – consider using a dehumidifier to keep the air in
  cellars, garages and bathrooms dry. But the good weather makes summer a great
  opportunity to air out rooms, give carpets and rugs a good clean, and inspect
  the exterior of the house and garden for any small jobs that need doing.

  Autumn

  It’s time to check the heating – check your
  central heating is operating correctly, and be sure to bleed radiators so heat
  can circulate properly throughout the house before the cold sets in. Because
  the cold weather plays havoc with plumbing, take the time to check
  your pipes and taps to ensure the whole system works as it should.

  Winter

  When winter rolls around, be sure to wipe
  down cold windows where condensation forms – excessive water can quickly lead
  to damp on walls and rotting wood.

  Using electric heaters and fireplaces can
  keep our homes cosy and warm in winter, but it sharply increases the risk of
  fires. Now’s the time to check the batteries in your smoke alarm and make sure
  you and your family know what to do if the worst happens – it could save your
  life.

• Make your living room a place for all the family

  

  It is important to remember that your house has to be practical and functional as well as stylish and luxurious. Above all else, your house should be a family home. There are a number of ways that you can make your home more family oriented, here are just a couple:

  • Ensure that there are family photos on display: Nobody wants to feel like an alien in their own home and achieving a sense of belonging is essential if you’re trying to create family cohesion. To make sure everyone feels at home in their own home, have family photos on display. You should be proud of your family, be sure to show them off with all the pride and prominence they deserve.
  • Don’t buy products based on style alone; make sure they have comfort value: Yes, stylish items can look beautiful but sometimes they are not practical. If you don’t buy practical items then it may discourage your family from using the room and teenagers in particular may skulk off into their own rooms rather than using the family room.
  • Create a room all the family will enjoy: Each room in your home should have something for everyone. For this reason, you cannot build the family room around the tastes of one particular family member. Remember that everyone has to feel comfortable. Yes, your room should be stylish, but it should not be off putting. Sofas and rugs are made for people to sit on- they’re not just art!
  • Centre the room around your television: Although people often do not want to admit it, most of us spend a lot of our family time in front of the Satellite TV. Instead of shunning this, embrace it and make it family time. Try making your television into a home cinema so your family can sit and watch movies together. When doing this, make sure that you use your television to its full potential by adding a backlight to enhance the atmosphere. Try checking out Northern Robotic Systems for ideas.

  Your family really are the most important thing in your life; and they always will be. For this reason it is important that your house is a home and is somewhere that everyone wants to be. Converting your living room into a de facto family room will help achieve this in an instant so try some of the above tips today! 

  partnered post • photo: CC-licensed image by Chunky Salsa

• Why you should consider adding a pet to your family

  

  Note: this is a guest post and consideration was received for its publication. photo: CC-licensed image by Adam Yoblon

  Home really is a place for all the family! No
  matter what the scale and size of your family, you should consider getting a pet, and here’s why:

  • Pets are loving companions: This may
    sound a little cliché, but a pet can be an incredibly good friend. When you get
    a pet they are the first person that you see on a morning and the last person
    you see on a night. Above all else, all a pet wants is love and attention so they
    will never be far away. If you’re looking for extra love and care in your life
    then a pet really is the answer- nobody can ignore a wagging tail a pet is
    almost guaranteed to make you glow.
  • They bring structure and routine to your life: If you are a workaholic then you may need to force yourself to have
    a break every once in a while. Pets are ideal if you want to add some extra
    structure in your life. In some ways, pets are similar to children and they
    crave structure in the exact same way. This set structure can feed into your
    own life and can be highly useful if you struggle with over-committing to
    work.
  • Some pets can be great for exercise and weight loss: If you buy a mobile animal such as a dog or a horse then they will
    need regular exercise. If you exercise with them by either riding them or
    walking them then you will be in great shape in no time. It is amazing how many
    calories you burn walking or riding and taking a pet with you makes the
    experience much more interesting and keeps you committed!  

   You should always consider what pet is
  right for you. Dogs and cats are still the number one pet choice in the UK but both
  of these take a lot of care and attention.
  If you’re not sure that you have the time for this then consider a pet that
  needs less in terms of maintenance. Fish require minimum
  care and attention and their tank can also make a lovely decorative
  feature. Consider getting a feature fish tank for your home as this can make
  your home look like a tropical paradise. If this sounds like an idea that you’d
  be interested in, then visit Fish-Fish-Fish.com
  for more ideas.

• Screwdrivers and Drills: Essential Tools For Every Toolbox

  

  Note: this is a guest post and consideration was received for its publication. photo: CC-licensed image by Lachlan Donald

  It pays to be prepared. Even the best
  organised DIY fan knows the pain of planning out a long weekend of work to put
  up those shelves you always wanted, finally fix the squeaky door, and give the
  wall a fresh lick of paint – only to discover at 6pm on a Sunday evening that
  vital piece of equipment you thought you had is missing, and all the shops are
  closed. There’s no way around it – you just have to be better prepared next
  time and make sure you have absolutely everything you might need ready for use.
  But it’s easier than you might think to be prepared for almost any construction
  task – simply pick up a large screwdriver set and a versatile combi hammer
  drill, and you’ll be prepared for almost any job.

  Screwdriver Set

  Whether you’re assembling flatpack
  furniture or just opening the battery compartment on the remote control, having
  the right screwdriver for the job can mean the difference between a quick
  disassembly and the horror of a stripped screw that will never come out.
  Luckily, you don’t need to purchase and store a dozen different screwdrivers to
  get by – a simple screwdriver set, containing a handle and an array of bits, is
  all you need for the majority of jobs.

  Though there can be a bewildering
  array of screw bits available, you only need a handful to cope with almost
  any home DIY task. Flathead screws are still common in older constructions,
  while Philips and pozidrives screws are almost ubiquitous for modern DIY work.
  If you work with electronics or computers, it can be handy to be prepared for
  star-shaped Torx screws too.

  Combi Hammer Drill

  As the name suggests, a combi hammer drill
  is a versatile piece of equipment that can handle almost any DIY drilling
  around the house. Use them with a drill bit for wood or metal and the high
  torque motor punches holes effortlessly for construction projects or affixing
  objects to walls. Switch down to a lower torque, and they function just as
  effectively for taking the effort out of driving screws with the press of a
  button – especially ideal for tight spaces where a manual screwdriver might be
  awkward to turn. Plus, with a hammer function, they provide the sheer force
  required to drill the toughest of materials like concrete or masonry –
  impossible with any other type of drill. You can pick between a corded or
  cordless drill depending on your preferences – Anglia
  Tool Centre offer a range of cordless drills for freedom from dangling wires
  when working.

• Renovate your kitchen and dining area in order to make your home look truly stunning

  

  One room that can add value to your house is your kitchen. Most people who go on house viewings have the kitchen as a ‘make or break’ room. Even if you’re not looking at selling your house you should still consider renovating your kitchen area because, as well as adding value, it can make your home look truly stunning. Here are some great ideas on how you can make your kitchen area look beautiful:

  • Upgrade your appliances: Although this is a costly upgrade it is one that is well worth making. New, shiny appliances can make your kitchen area look stunning and new gadgets can look cool as well as being functional. Brushed steel and silver look clean and modern and really can make your kitchen sparkle. As well as this, new appliances can help improve your food too. Making tea and serving any guests can be impossible if you have a dodgy oven that won’t stay at temperature, and new appliances will help solve this problem.

  • Consider the use of your workspace: In the kitchen area, convenience often overshadows style and elegance. If you’re going for the luxury look then it is wise to think practically. The worst thing that you can do in your kitchen is clutter your workspace with unnecessary items. Keep it clean and simple; if you keep the number of objects on your workspace to a minimum then your kitchen will look bigger, cleaner and brighter.

  • Get new cupboards: New cupboards can really make your kitchen sparkle. Cupboard doors take a lot of knocks and because of this they become chipped and cracked. New cupboard doors will make it look as though you have a brand new kitchen at minimum cost. As well as new doors, consider quality door handles like the ones offered by Handle Store.

  A well planned and refurbished kitchen area can really make your house look great. Whether this renovation is done to increase your family time or the value of your home then make sure that you do it well. Once it is complete you should get your friends and family around for a dinner party as soon as possible! If you’re renovating then you should always show it off; there’s no better feeling than having other people tell you how beautiful your home is.

  partnered post • CC-licensed image by Grant McLean

• Four Ways to Make Your Bedroom Feel Cosier

  

  Note: this is a guest post and consideration was received for its publication. photo: CC-licensed image by Tracie Lee

  As the colder months approach, you might want to consider making your bedroom feel a little cosier, so here are some ideas for switching things up to get ready for autumn and winter…

  Invest in new carpets or rugs

  There’s nothing worse than stepping onto cold, wooden flooring on an early winter’s morning. Investing in a plush, fluffy new carpet will feel luxurious underfoot and will help make the bedroom feel cosier as a whole. If you can’t afford to carpet the whole of your bedroom, then a few rugs should do the trick. Try to pick one made out of a soft, cosy material; the thicker and more plush it is, the better. 

  Stock up on candles

  There’s nothing cosier than candle light, so having a stash of your favourite scented candles ready for those cold winter evenings is a good idea. Lavender and other calming scents work well in the bedroom as they can help you wind down and relax before dropping off to sleep. Have a few burning around the room if you’re in bed reading, and if you’re lucky enough to have an open fire in the room, be sure to light it.

  Replace your bedding

  Swapping your light summer duvet for a thicker one will ensure you’re always kept toasty on the colder winter nights. A throw or blanket and some scatter cushions in soft fabrics will also help to make the room feel cosier, as well as keeping it looking great.  If your mattress is feeling a little old and tired, then you should probably invest in a new one for winter. Muscles are more likely to stiffen up when your body’s cold, so you need a mattress that isn’t going to cause you any aches and pains. If you think you might need a new one, make sure you get the best deal available as mattresses can be expensive. Start by visiting local retailers and then look online on websites like And So to Bed to compare prices.

  Decorate with family photos

  There’s something cosy and homely about having photos of your nearest and dearest dotted around your room. Have prints made of your favourite photographs and go shopping for some decorative picture frames to house them in. You could hang them on the walls or have some standing on your bedside table. Alternatively, for a more personal touch, you could even create a collage.