Author Archives: Carrie
Reasons for Hiring a Quality Interior Designer Despite the Cost

You might think that the job of an interior designer is easy. You even believe that you can do it yourself, and it’s a waste of financial resources. Before you do, you should reconsider the idea of hiring one. There are plenty of benefits that having an interior designer could bring.
You will be with someone who knows the industry
It would be great working with someone who understands the job and has connections with people in the industry. You need them since you want to lower the cost. Buying items from suppliers could be costly if you do it on your own. Having an interior designer by your side will make things a lot easier. It also helps to have someone who understands every detail of interior design; colour matching, layout, combination of furniture, and quality of materials. Even when you have an excellent eye for design, you will never understand these details.
You will save more money
Apart from connections with suppliers, interior designers can also help reduce the cost in other ways. One of them is by helping you save time. When you hire a designer, you will get things done quickly. You have someone helping you with planning and organizing. You can also avoid potential errors. If you can get through the entire process quickly, you will end up saving more money.
Another way for interior designers to help you financially is by letting you stick with your budget without sacrificing quality. You have to work with whatever budget you have. If you do the job alone, you might go beyond what you set. If not, several aspects could get sacrificed. Interior designers understand that you have a limited budget, and will work within it.
Your property’s value will increase
If you tell potential buyers in the future that an interior designer did the decoration, it increases its value. You can immediately sell the property. If you’re aiming for high-end buyers, it’s even better. They understand the value of a house designed by an interior designer. They also know that their task to redecorate won’t be too challenging if the place already looks fascinating.
You can relax
You might enjoy doing interior design at first. It extracts your creative juices, and you can also mix and match a lot of things. After a while, it becomes exhausting. You can’t do the job quickly. You might even feel irritated with suppliers who are challenging to work with. You won’t feel the same when you’re with an interior designer. They will do everything for you. Along the way, you will make tough choices, but that’s it. The rest will be the responsibility of your designer. You can even make requests. For instance, if you want to have a bathtub and it’s not in the plan, the designer will help you get one. You can start by looking at http://www.jtspas.co.uk for more details.
Find the best interior designer now, and you will finish the job soon. You won’t believe the transformation that will happen.
Do You Need a New TV? These Signs Will Tell You
Is it time to upgrade your old TV? We are witnessing the expansion of flatscreen TVs and the bunch of features added to them just to make the product more competitive on the market. 3D, apps for streaming and integrated web browsers, voice powered remote controls – these are just some of the features companies add to their TVs to attract customers.
However, lately the main bait is HDR and 4k resolution. Well, these are features that will definitely leave you speechless.
It’s OK to choose 1080p or full-HD today
In case you have been buying a TV in the last few years you already know what the terms Full-HD and 1080p mean. We have already mention the HDR and 4K resolution, but you won’t make a mistake if you choose a full-HD TV for example.
In most cases the resolution of some streaming apps like Netflix, or video consoles like Xbox One are made for 1080p resolution and you will be extremely satisfied to watch the content at the resolution it was meant to be watched in.
Gaming info and tips are unreadable
It is also time to replace your old TV with a modern one if you can’t read the important notifications while you are playing your favorite video game.
Upgrading your TV to a new one will drastically improve your gaming experience. You will be much more aware of the gaming details and you can be sure your eyes are more protected than they were before! Additionally if you connect your TV with your speakers like some of the ones described here, you can truly enjoy all the video gaming aspects just the way they were designed to be experienced.
You are still using your old CRT TV
If you are still using an old CRT TV it I needless to say that it’s time to replace it. Of course, if you love watching VHS tapes, or if you are into retro video gaming then it’s OK to use these.
However, if you aren’t interested in them then it’s time for an upgrade. Any LED TV will be a better option than the one you are currently using. This will also make it easy to enjoy some of the modern media, streaming videos and music, watching DVDs or Blu-ray videos and so on.
The TV Has Become Slow and Unresponsive
Another reason to upgrade your TV is when it becomes too slow and unresponsive. It may happen because the manufacturer stopped updating the apps and firmware or the internal memory is full. Replacing this TV will improve your smart TV experience, improve the picture quality to one of the latest standards. This especially applies if you are replacing your 1080p TV with a bigger 4K/HDR TV. The difference will be incredible.
You need to connect your laptop to enjoy streaming media
If you are still connecting your laptop to your TV to watch Netflix, a movie or some streaming media, it’s time to upgrade your TV. Almost every TV you buy today will have preinstalled applications like Hulu, Netflix, HBO GO and similar. You simply connect the TV to your home network and you can have everything at a press of a button.
If you are aware of any of the signs described above, then it’s really the time to replace your old TV with a new one. You don’t have to go with the most expensive and the biggest at the moment. It greatly depends on your budget and your particular needs. Also take care of the available space, and most importantly don’t hurry with the purchase. There are many different brands and models and there is a great TV for everyone. Just do your homework first – read some reviews first and see what people on forums speak about specific models. After you do that, you can be sure you have purchased the right TV for you.
Digital Detoxing: Benefits And Guide How To Do It
Leaving technology behind to search for satisfaction in real life is called digital detoxing, and it is essential to bring happiness in your social life. Technology is a supportive factor in our lives which allows us to complete difficult tasks efficiently. It is also confirmed that a balanced use of technology can help us to better appreciate the originality of nature in the wild.
If you wish to try a digital detox, you should follow those steps which can help create balance between technology and real life.
Turn off notifications
You should turn off notifications for all your apps. For your essential apps, you can manage a schedule for the phone to give notifications, and this can help minimize disturbance in daily life.
Leave the phone alone during meals
You don’t need to be scared to leave your phone in another room while you are busy participating in social events like family time, dinner time, or just relaxing. This practice will bring a feeling of rest in your mind, and you can focus on your work more effectively when you return to it.
Change screen brightness
The brightness of your device is also more harmful than you might think; you should research how to change its’ settings. It is possible to adjust a schedule for screen brightness in some phones, for different brightness levels during certain times.
Adjust to your life with the technology-free concept
You have to make a place in your life for living without technology. It is useful to specify which times you wish to be connected, and which times you wish to be device-free.
Technology free bedroom
Your phone shouldn’t be used in your bedroom excessively. The light emitted will trick your body into staying awake longer, and you will have difficulties falling asleep.
Cleaning your social apps
Social apps are mostly used in leisure time, and the usage of them should be reassessed frequently. This is one of the hardest things to do, but one of the most important. to live a life life free from technology influences.
Download suitable apps
Various apps are available in app stores, and you should download an app only after viewing its features, specifications, and benefits. Don’t download unnecessary and time wasting apps. Be specific with your needs. For example, if you are looking for help with homework, Do my homework now is what you need.
Realize tech’s effects on the body
You have to protect your body from the side effects of technologies, including bad posture, eye strain, neck strain, and much more. Be aware of what’s happening to your body when you use your device.
Is It Time to Build a Home?

Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.com
Just about everyone likes to peruse real estate websites, whether they are just browsing for fun or actually searching for a new house. But no matter the house listing, there is hardly ever a listing where you can’t find one thing that you wouldn’t change about the house. If you are the kind of person who likes to put all their own touches on every corner of their home, it may be time to consider building your home! Here are some things that might indicate you should build a home:
You like to make decisions
If so, building a home is right up your alley. You will get to decide everything that goes into your home, from paint and flooring, to appliances and furniture.
You are not in a hurry
The planning and building of a house can take months to years. Building is a good option for those who have time to spare.
You are able to work well with others
You will be working with everyone from bankers to realtors to contractors and many more people. Having pleasant interactions with them will make the building experience better for everyone involved.
Preparing to build a home is a big choice, but there are plenty of people that can help you, including entities similar to Brenex Property Developers. You may surprise yourself by how much you enjoy the whole process.
Love in the Time of COVID
It’s been a long four months. It goes without saying that the world has changed, and most likely, so has your household. Relationships changed. Some of us were out of work. In some households, both income earners were furloughed. The quarantine orders meant we were all spending more time with our significant others, for better or worse.
For some couples, spending extended time together is a blessing. They finally have the time to truly realize what they mean to one another, and make deeper connections. And for others…well, let’s just say that the quirks you used to find so endearing might not seem that way after months in each other’s presence 24 hours a day!
Since life is not exactly back to normal, I wanted to share some ideas for sharing time with your honey even when you have to stay at home.
Listen to a book or podcast together
An easy way to do this is to use your Alexa or Google device so you can listen to the same content at the same time. Instead of another movie night, use a book or podcast to spark discussion. Somehow finishing a book gives you more of a sense of accomplishment than binge watching a show.
Try a long, drawn out recipe
You know the ones you have saved on Pinterest because they look so yummy but you need a thousand ingredients and it might take 4 hours to make? Yes, those are the ones we want here. You get to eat the results, even if they are sooooo not Pinterest worthy.
Talk to an outsider
If, as I said above, you don’t find your partner particularly endearing right now, why not talk to someone about it? Relationship counseling is now more accessible than ever and you don’t even have to leave your couch to talk to someone as a couple.
Take on a project
Paint a room, build a shelf, plant a flowerbed. Collaborating together on something, be it home improvement, art, gardening, or more, will make you feel closer as you make something you can be proud of!
Always remember that no matter how long you have been together, it’s important to date your partner and make them feel appreciated. With a little work, you should be able to come through this difficult time even stronger together.
5 Ways To Make Your Temporary House Feel Like Home
Living in temporary housing can be a difficult and frustrating challenge; however, there are many things you can do to make your temporary housing feel like home. When living in temporary housing, you may find it difficult to design and decorate the home like you would a permanent house. Fortunately, there are many simple things you can do to make your temporary home feel like your real home.
#1) Furnish the Home as You Want
A great way to make your temporary home feel like a permanent home is to furnish the home as you want. Even if you are living in a man camp Pecos Tx workers trust, you can find fully furnished temporary homes to make you feel more at home. Many times, if you are living in temporary housing, you can find companies to furnish the home as you want or even ask the housing company to furnish the home for you. Picking out small furniture pieces can make a huge difference. It can allow you to feel more relaxed where you are sitting and more comfortable in your own home.
#2) Hang Pictures
The absolute best way to make any place feel like home is to hang pictures. You should hang pictures of anything and everything that makes you happy. Adding pictures of your family and friends can make any temporary home feel like a permanent home. It is the best way to make yourself feel more comfortable and more relaxed. If you get to wake up every morning and go to bed every night looking at things that make you happy, you can easily feel more relaxed. Even if you are not able to hang pictures on the wall, you can still put pictures all over the home. You can put them on dressers, nightstands, entertainment stands, and windowsills.
#3) Get a New Mattress
Typically, the best part of being home is sleeping in a bed you are used to. Being able to sleep in a comfortable bed that is all yours is one of the key features of a permanent home. Even if you are living in temporary housing, you could invest in a new mattress that you can call your own. Being able to pick out your own mattress that has the exact firmness that you desire can help you sleep easier and longer each night. Getting a full night’s rest and waking up relaxed each morning will make any home feel like your permanent home.
#4) Add Some Natural Elements
If you are living in temporary housing, it may be because you are away from home working hard each day. You never know when you may be able to leave or find permanent housing. You might be thinking about when you will need to move. This can be unsettling at times. To help you relax and forget about the pressure that you have, you can add some natural elements to your home. Adding natural elements to any home can make you forget about the stress in your life, connect more with nature, and feel more relaxed. When you are feeling more secure and less stressed out you can turn any temporary home into a sanctuary that feels like a permanent home.
#5) Bring Comfortable Towels and Blankets
Another ideal way to make any temporary home feel like a permanent home is to use your own towels and blankets. These comfort items are an ideal way to transform any temporary home into a sanctuary of your very own. Everyone wants a comfortable and soft towel when they get out of the bath or shower. Bringing your own towels with you to a temporary home can make the entire experience much more relaxing. Also, bringing your own blankets that you can snuggle up on the couch with or go to sleep with is an ideal way to help you relax and make any area feel like home.
If you are living in temporary housing, you likely have a lot on your plate. You are working hard every day and are grateful for the work. However, you might be away from your family and the stress of it could leave you overwhelmed. If this is the case, find some things you can do to help you unwind, such as exercise, or finding a new hobby.
The ideas above are suggestions to help you feel more at home. There are many more tips that you could try to make where you live to feel comfortable and familiar.
Must List for Outdoor Enthusiasts
It’s the time of year where many people are spending more time outdoors. Even with the current situation of COVID 19 happening in the world around us, we can still find ways to escape. Getting out into the wilderness is one good way of doing that. Sure, national parks and the usual places for crowds might be closed at this time, but nature is all around you and you shouldn’t have to look far to find some solitude.
Make sure before you take yourself outside though, you are prepped with the best tactical gear.
A FIRST AID KIT: a first aid kit will come in handy for many reasons, and you will definitely regret it if you DON’T bring one and end up needing it. From cuts and scrapes, to bites and burns, make sure you have what you need in an emergency or injury situation. Kits come in a wide range of sizes.
HYDRATION: you can get your water from a variety of sources, from hydrating backpacks like a CamelBak to the ever popular HydroFlask…but always take more water than you think you will need.
MOISTURE WICKING CLOTHING: it’s spring, and soon will be summer…for many places, once you go outside and start trekking, you will be working up a sweat. Moisture wicking clothing can help with that. You can get you favorite brands such as Adidas tactical gear, or Oakley tactical gear.
A GOOD PAIR OF BOOTS OR SHOES: putting in all those steps means you will want to treat your feet as well as you can. Hiking boots or shoes can get very pricey, but investing in the care of your feet is not something you will regret at the end of a long day of being outdoors.
These are the very basics you will need to get outside this spring and summer. Of course, as your build your interest in this hobby, you will be sure to spend more!
Teaching United States Symbols
Although sometimes it’s not necessarily mandated that first and second grade classrooms have a strict social studies curriculum, I still made it a point starting last year to teach snippets of United States history and government last year! For the most part, I ended up having to design my own lessons and tests.
I taught everything from levels and functions of government, to United States symbols. We even had a mock race for classroom mayor! Even students in the lower elementary grades can benefit from learning some parts of how our country works.
For United States symbols, it has been easier to teach this in my Montessori classroom this year. Since many of my social studies and history lessons rely heavily on nomenclature cards (a type of flash card, for the non-Montessori trained), I have been able to make several sets of cards for students to review. I have a set that consists of many symbols that have come to represent our country, such as the Statue of Liberty, the bald eagle, and the presidential seal. I also have another, more specialized set of cards that shows the history and evolution of the United States flag.
Did you know our flag has been through more than 10 changes to get us to the one we know and recognize now? Brush up on your United States flag history and you may learn a lot!
Some other ways I have found to make children love learning about a topic they may find otherwise boring include having them design their own flag, and playing symbol recognition games on Kahoot.
For the design a flag activity, each student will receive a piece of blank paper and a few rules: They must incorporate the colors red, white, and blue, and they must use stars and stripes in some way. They are then free to reimagine the flag and I have had some very cool results!
Kahoot has several symbol recognition quizzes. My kids at first struggled with not blurting answers, so if you have never played Kahoot before, maybe try a few practice rounds.
I hope you have enjoyed my tips and happy teaching!
FANDANGO GIVEAWAY: The Way Back featuring Ben Affleck
Hi yall! Today I am excited to share coverage of a new feature film coming out on March 6. If you like sports this one is for you.
This is Warner Bros. latest film, THE WAY BACK, starring Ben Affleck. This inspirational film is a real and raw portrayal of how hope is found in second chances.
In this heartwarming story of redemption, Jack Cunningham (portrayed by Ben Affleck) is struggling with addiction when a priest offers him a coaching position at his former high school. He reluctantly agrees to accept the job and ends up finding a glimmer of hope for the future and shot at a second chance.
Everyone loves a great comeback, and this film is the perfect opportunity to share the power of a true redemption story! THE WAY BACK is an honest representation of how we all struggle and face set-backs in life, and emphasizes that the way back is never too far away. The world definitely needs more stories full of grace and redemption, and this film wholly exemplifies that.
THE WAY BACK will be in theaters nationwide on March 6, 2020. You can find more information here:
Do you have a comeback story you want to share with me? You could win a set of Fandango tickets to see The Way Back in the theater! Comment below to enter.
Valentine’s Day Gift Round Up
Hey yall!
I am excited that Valentine’s Day is right around the corner! I look at it as a special day to show your love for anyone special in your life; significant others, children, co-workers, and so on.
Here is a list of a few gift ideas for the ones you love!
FOR YOUR COWORKERS
These super cute paper clips are under 10 bucks for a box big enough to spread around your office. I love puns…might I suggest clipping these to a little note that says ‘Let’s stick together”?
FOR YOUR CHILDREN
For younger kids, a heart-filled counting book featuring adorable animals will surely become a bedtime favorite.
Older kids love making stuff, and slime is sooooo two years ago! Soap is fun to make, smells great, AND cleans you!
FOR YOUR PARTNER
Who needs jewelry when you can gift each other matching pjs? Lazy One has a collection of matching pajamas for many holidays, and Valentine’s Day is included. They’re perfect for a cozy night at home, or a romantic getaway 😉
If you’ve been with your partner for a long time (15 years here!), then I bet you know everything about them. Well, maybe not EVERYTHING…this game for couples might make you ask questions you’d never thought to before, and get to know each other even better.
FOR YOUR BFF
A simple but cute hashtag mug will be the perfect gift for you and your friend to sip the tea while you spill the tea.
I hope I have given you some fun ideas for gits for this Valentine’s Day! Never forget to show your love and appreciation for those you treasure every day though.