Month: June 2015

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Move In and Move On (Cut the Complications When Moving)

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If you’ve recently bought a new home, or are in the process of buying a home, congratulations! You’ve probably got a lot of stuff on your mind. Stuff like “Where am I gonna put all this stuff?” probably. But never fear! Here are some tips and tricks to help you move into a new home with as little clutter and chaos as possible.

A truly relaxed lifestyle is all about simplicity. That being said, it makes sense to keep things simple when you’re moving. Make a list of everything you know you want in your new home, and get specific! That painting of London, that copy of Bruce Almighty on Blu-Ray, that mug with all the cherries on it… But here’s the kicker. If it’s not on the list, you guessed it, get rid of it. There are plenty of donation centers that would distribute your non-essentials to people in need, and you’ll have considerably less stuff to worry about moving and organizing.

Another way you can save yourself additional stress during your move is to get label crazy. Keeping your things organized and easy to discern will help you to unpack faster, and get things in the right place on the first try. Make sure you don’t try to stuff everything from one room into one box though, especially the heavy stuff like dishes and books.

The best tip for moving into your new piece of real estate is a fairly simple one. Unpack immediately. I know I know, you’re tired from all those other moving antics. But I’ll let y’all in on a little secret. When you unpack things the second they’re in the house, you won’t have to do it later. Crazy, right!? Tackling the task of finding a place for everything is going to make your home feel like, well, a home. You’ll be less likely to live among the boxes and push the unpacking off indefinitely.

Real estate can be real stressful, but making your new house a home can help to take the edge off. So get labeling, get listing, and get back to living!

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DIY 3 Whimsical Ways To Transform Garden Sheds

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Across the pond in the United Kingdom, the humble garden shed has long been a popular feature in not-so-humble country estates. More than 10 million U.K. homeowners have a garden shed, and increasingly garden shed designs have been blossoming in U.S. backyards, too.

Now that the Web is full of sites like Pinterest, Instagram, and a thousand Do-It-Yourself Blogs and How To websites, it’s never been easier to find step-by-step tutorials for building truly fantastic garden shed designs.

If you have a boring old shed on your property, or if you’re looking for custom shed designs to complement your existing landscaping features, then here’s four whimsical ways to hack garden shed designs:

1. Prefab Structures Are Perfect For Hacking

Most Americans don’t have the construction or engineering skill to build garden shed designs from the ground up, and even for those who do have the know how, who knows how they’ll find the time? But thanks to the magic of the internet, you can find quality, handmade, prefab Amish built sheds online and have them delivered right to your backyard. Amish prefab garages and sheds arrive fully formed and ready for some DIY wizardry.

2. Transform A Garden Shed Into A Greenhouse

If you’re renovating your home or replacing fixtures, then you can use old, worn out window panes to turn a common garden shed into a DIY greenhouse for your backyard. Even if you don’t go full greenhouse, adding a few extra windows to the walls or roof can turn dank, spider-filled sheds into beautiful, sun-filled custom sheds.

3. The Fort Of Your Dreams

Pre fab sheds and custom Amish gazebos can easily be hacked into the ultimate playhouse for kids or grand kids. A little paint, some decoration, and some fun games inside can transform that backyard shed into every kid’s dream fort. Let your inner child run wild and build the fort you’ve always wanted.

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Surprising Facts About How Clothing Donations Help the Environment

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Environmental concerns have been rising for years. Here are some facts you may not know about the environment and how you can do your part to help:

  • The average American makes 4.5 pounds of trash daily. This comes out to an estimated 1.5 tons of waste per year.
  • The Environmental Protection Agency reports that about 75% of solid waste is recyclable, even though only an estimated 30% is actually recycled.
  • Americans create about 21.5 million tons of food waste every year.
  • If that food waste was all composted, the greenhouse gases it would reduce would be equal to the effect of taking 2 million cars off the road.
  • If every American who buys a newspaper recycled just one-tenth of it, 25 million trees a year would be saved.
  • Americans recycled and composted about 87 million tons in 2012.
  • One way to reduce landfill waste and environmental pollution is by clothing donation.
  • The average household in America throws away approximately 68 pounds of clothing a year.
  • This comes out to approximately 12 million tons of wasted cloth.
  • About 99% of that clothing could be donated or recycled.
  • Non-biodegradable synthetic fabrics such as polyester, nylon, and rayon, comprise 5% of the garbage found in landfills
  • In one year, approximately $5.8 billion worth of clothing donations were given as charity donations for non profit organizations and charities
  • Donating clothing to charity resulted in an estimated 2 million tons of clothing kept out of landfills in 2011.
  • Textile recycling creates and maintains about 17,000 jobs in the US at any given time.
  • On average, one person buys 10 pounds of recycled clothing per year.
  • Only about 15% of clothing and textiles were recovered for recycling in 2011.
  • About 80% of clothing donations are used by the organizations collecting it for helping families in need and for funding themselves.
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3 Signs It’s Time to Redecorate Pronto

Nautical telescope

As cool as you may think your interior design might be, it might be higher time to redecorate than you suspect. Here are just a few clues you may be missing.

It’s Been a While Since You’ve Updated Things. When was the last time you redecorated your home? Can you even remember? If it’s been awhile, don’t worry, because you’re not alone. Nearly half (47%) of Americans haven’t updated their interior design in the past five years. In other words, more than half of the nation needs to redecorate.

Your Home Is a Little Depressing. If you’ve been feeling a little down when you’re at home, then it might be time to redecorate. Believe it or not, only one out of five Americans are happy with their home decor, and 14% of Americans say their homes make them feel downright “gloomy.”

You’re Not Spending Time at Home Anymore. How long are you home for? Do you only stop back to sleep, change clothes, shower, and eat? Do you spend as little time in the house as possible, intentionally or otherwise? If so, then you should probably redecorate. If you like where you live, then you’re going to want to spend more time there. Although many Americans take a lot of pride in the homes, many are hardly ever there. A shocking 36% reported only spending five to eight waking hours in their houses each day.

If you need to redecorate, consider investing in nautical decor, which is in right now. It seems like everyone is snatching up nautical home decorations, like porthole clocks, replica diving helmets, and wall hanging anchors for their homes. And even if you don’t find nautical decor as rustic and tasteful as other people, you should at least consider redecorating.

If you have any questions about redecorating, feel free to share in the comments.

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3 Ways To Be Smarter About Buying a New Home

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Buying a new home can seem like a daunting process, especially if you’ve never purchased a house before. One of the most important things you can do, before making any major decisions (and definitely before stressing out too much by yourself) is to find a great real estate agent to help you through it.

But if you’re wondering what you can do to get ready, or if you’re just wondering what to expect when you’re buying a new home for the first time, here are a few insider tips that will make the entire process a little bit easier:

  1. Set a reasonable price limit. It’s okay to go a little above the amount that you originally wanted to pay, but the key when looking at new homes for sale is to set a price limit and stick to it. One of the biggest mistakes that buyers make is to splurge just a bit too much on a house that they really can’t afford — and no matter how nice a house or a neighborhood may be, if you’re drowning in debt because of it, you won’t be happy.

  2. Consider the bigger picture in terms of cost. This is definitely where an experienced real estate broker will provide extra assistance! When it comes to calculating the cost of buying a new home, many people forget that the sale amount isn’t actually what they’ll end up paying. If the house needs a lot of repairs or is in a high-tax area, the cost will end up being much higher than expected. Sometimes it’s enough just to look for a house in the next county over, or to pay extra attention to what the previous owners were paying for monthly electric and water bills.

  3. Plan ahead, especially when it comes to finances. The fact is, if you have a better credit score, you’ll get a better rate on any loans or mortgages you look into — that’s just how it is. If you know that you’re going to be looking for a new home sometime in the next few years, make sure to pay your bills on time and be careful about taking out too many new lines of credit. Sometimes you can’t plan this far in advance — which is perfectly normal — but if you have the opportunity, make sure you don’t pass it up.

So now we’re turning to you for some help! If you have experience buying a new home, what tips would you give to someone else? What mistakes did you make when looking at a house for sale?

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3 Unforgettable Memorial Ideas For Pets

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For many Americans, the death of a beloved childhood pet is the first time they ever encounter the concept of death. Sadly, that first brush with mortality is often marked with nothing more than an impromptu toilet bowl funeral, or a traumatic final trip to the vet.

As adults, many U.S. animal lovers choose to honor their special bond with unforgettable memorials. While people might tease you about constantly posting pet pics on Facebook and Twitter, the truth is that human beings and animals like cats and dogs have a special bond. We’ve evolved side by side for thousands of years, and the passing of a pet often causes deep grief.

For years, many people struggled with this grief alone, but now the Web is connecting bereaved pet owners looking for unique sympathy gifts and ways to help their best friend rest in peace forever. So here are three special memorial ideas for pets to help honor their memory:

1. Plant a Garden

If a pet dies in your home, then a backyard burial doesn’t have to be a rushed experience. With a little preparation, you can gather together with friends and family for a brief memorial service. If your pet passes with the assistance of a veterinarian, then consider biodegradable cremation urns or animal urns for ashes, perfect for burial in a garden. Arrange stones or plant perennial flowers so that every time your garden blooms you remember the happy times you spent together.

2. Make a Donation

Not everyone chooses to bury their pet or keep potentially painful reminders on display. Still, there’s no better way to honor the memory of the pet who never left your side than by helping other animals in need. Donate to a shelter or animal sanctuary in your pet’s name, that way your grief can help other needy animals achieve a better quality of life.

3. Cremation Ash Jewelry, Urn Pendants, and other Memorial Keepsakes

Today, many companies provide cremation keepsakes for grieving pet owners. Cremation jewelry is designed to hold a small portion of ashes and comes in a variety of styles. Urn pendants are a tasteful and versatile option, and urn pendants can be worn as a necklace, bracelet, or even used on key chains. Whether you wear an urn pendant under your clothes or show it off proudly, it might comfort you to always keep a part of your pet close to your heart.

If cremation jewelry, animal urns for ashes, or urn pendants sound like something you would be interested it, then speak with your vet about the best way to store the ashes.

Remember that no matter what you choose, you shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help. There is a growing community online for pet owners suffering from grief and separation anxiety.

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Transform the Way You Sleep With Adjustable Beds

Best adjustable beds

Did you know that sleeping on a flat mattress may be increasing your pain levels? If you suffer from one the leading issues that keep people awake (namely, pain in your back and neck, TMJ, or bad headaches), your regular mattress might be contributing to how bad you feel when you wake up or your pain during the day. The new mattress topper or a larger bed probably won’t help your pain. However, one type of bed that you may not have heard of might just be the solution to your problems.
Hospitals are the most common place you can find this type of bed: adjustable beds. The slight incline that they provide either at the top or bottom of the bed keeps you from contorting your body while you sleep into uncomfortable positions and prevents pain you didn’t want in the first place. A leading brand of adjustible beds is Craftmatic® Adjustible Beds, which have been in existence for over 40 years. They’ve sold over 1.1. million beds, many of which come with heat or massage options. These extra options may help ease the following complaints:

  • low back pain
  • minor aches and pains due to muscular fatigue or overexertion
  • edema or swelling of the legs
  • poor local blood circulation of the legs
  • symptoms of hiatus hernia
  • nighttime heartburn
  • symptoms of gastric reflux

Another way that an extra heating accessory can ease pain is by giving a person temporary relief from mild arthritis or muscle pain that’s related to stress or tension during the day. The incline on these adjustable beds lets people sleep in a more upright position, which can help reduce or ease light and occasional snoring. For those who have sleep apnea (and for their spouses), looking at adjustible beds might be the way to go.
Reasons to Consider Buying An Adjustable Bed
If you’ve ever wondered why you toss and turn in the middle of the night, it may very well be because you’re trying to ease pressure and pain on certain parts of your body in your sleep. This pain is often caused by your flat mattress, which doesn’t offer the right kind of support for your back and other areas of your body. However, because of its incline, an adjustable bed can (and does) ease that pressure, according to the National Sleep Foundation. There are many different sizes of adjustable beds, like king size adjustable beds or a twin adjustable bed, so it’s sure to fit your needs.
Where to Find Adjustable Beds
Mattress stores and department stores are excellent places to go find an adjustable bed, especially if you want to test it out yourself. If you know a specific brand of adjustable bed you want, you can often order from their website or go to their physical retail store, if they have one near year. Online is another good resource if you’re looking for a discounted bed.
Don’t let yourself fall asleep in pain. You deserve a good night’s sleep that lets you wake up pain free and ready for your day. Look into an adjustable bed and improve your quality of sleep within hours.

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Three Little Known But Important Facts About Clothing Donations

clothing donationDuring the winter holiday season, it’s easy to get caught up in the spirit of generosity, kindness, and that general feel-good vibe. After all, it’s contagious, and the air seems to buzz with radiant, positive energy.

It’s during this chaotic time that organizations receive the most charitable donations out of any other time of the year. In preparation for large holiday feasts, events, and parties, and in order to restock food banks, it’s common for donors and volunteers to give non-perishable food items such as canned goods as charity donations during this time of year.

While all kind of donations are accepted — and needed — donating clothing to charity can be particularly beneficial, regardless of the time of year. With spring just around the corner, now is the perfect time to get a jump start on your spring cleaning while giving back to your community by cleaning out your closet.

Here are three of the top reasons why clothing donations are so important.

They fulfill a basic need
Food, shelter, and clothing are considered the three most basic things every human needs in order to live, making clothing donations of the utmost importance. While winter clothing is especially helpful during the colder months, you can donate all kinds and styles of clothing all year long. In fact, business casual and professional attire is always in high demand. Even if you’re short on time, donation pick up services allow you give back at a time that works best for you.

They’re good for you
While donating and volunteering helps those in need, did you know that it can also benefit your own physiology? According to a research study published in June 2014 by the Citizens Advice Bureau, three out of five participants said donating and volunteering helped them to feel less stressed. In addition, four out of five said donating and volunteering helped to improve their self confidence.

They’re good for the environment
Even though 99% of clothing that is thrown away could have been recycled, Americans discard an average of 68 pounds of clothing a year. By recycling or donating unused or unneeded clothing, you’re helping to reduce landfill waste, as well as pollution to the environment. For example, in 2006, a whopping 2.5 billion pounds of fabric were kept from the landfills by used-clothing purchases.

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How to Find the Right Assisted Living Facility For Your Loved One

Updated 07/05/22

Think about it your parents need a senior living facility in which they can interact with other peers. Most of their former peers have relocated to other towns, while others are deceased. Shopping for an assisted living facility is easy if you know what you want. Various facilities offer assisted living support and have different regulations governing the institution. Additionally, shopping for a nursing home with your loved one is essential. The facility you settle on should be favorable for you and your loved one.

The internet is a good source of knowing some facts about assisted living facilities. Also, national assisted living facilities are more affordable, saving you some coins. Moreover, compare public-owned and privately owned institutions regarding the costs charged and services offered. The location of the assisted living facility should not be far from where you live or work. Remember, even if the facility offers several health care options, you must be close by in case hospitalization is required.

First, you could start with an online search of different living facilities near your area and then visit them with your loved one. After the loved ones retire, it is an excellent time to shop around and list some of the facilities that could work for both parties.

There are about 33,000 assisted living facilities in the United States. While some of these assisted living homes are certainly places where the elderly person in your life would feel perfectly comfortable and happy, there are others that have less satisfactory services.

In order to avoid the latter, here are a few things to look for as you review your senior housing options.

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What Is the Housing Like?

First things first, you need to check out how many houses and apartments there are in the assisted living community. Are there different sizes? Do some have kitchens? Are they private or shared? Are the bathrooms private?

What Sort of Care Do They Offer?

Some elderly people require more care and looking after than others, which is why you need to check what sort of care an assisted living facility in question offers. Do they have special care units for patients with Alzheimer’s? Is there a written care plan for each individual resident? Can residents choose their own doctors? These are things you need to look into.

What Will It Cost?

Although you want the best assisted living program for the elderly person in your life, you have to be realistic about things. Many of the best assisted living programs cost a fortune, so you have to be sure you can afford it. Most assisted living is paid for with a combination of savings, social security, and veteran benefits. Before you agree to anything, make sure you can afford it.

Choosing to get the elderly person in your life help is never an easy decision, and deciding what facility is right for them is never easy, either. If you watch out for these three things, though, you’ll have an easier time of it.

If you have any questions, feel free to share in the comments.