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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

You could be living in an old house, so you feel it is time to give it some much-needed updates. Sprucing up your home is a fun way to give it a fresh new look. This will not only make your house look more beautiful, but it also has the potential to make you and your family more comfortable. Renovations are awesome because your house is your safe haven, and there’s nothing more relaxing than going home at the end of a long day.

Before you start any type of renovation project, there are some things that you must do beforehand. You need to make a thorough assessment and evaluation of your house. You need to check what needs major work and you need to figure out what to prioritize. Doing this can help you manage your expectations. Though they are fun, home renovations projects are complicated. If you don’t do things right, you could end up wasting your time, money, and effort. Here are some things you must remember before beginning your renovation project:

Make a Plan of Action

Just like any project or goal in life, you must begin by making a proper plan of action. You have to identify your budget and what you can actually afford to work on. It could be a minor project like painting walls, reupholstering furniture, or staining your hardwoods. It could also be a major project that involves a massive overhaul of your kitchen or bathroom.

Once you know the details, you can make plans. If it is a small and basic project, you can opt to do it yourself. It would be cheaper that way. However, bigger projects will always entail the help of a reputable contractor.

Find a Temporary Place to Store Furniture

Renovating your current home space means you’ll need to find a temporary home for your furniture. Renovations can be messy, dirty, and dusty. There are paint drips, adhesive spills, and cement splotches to worry about. All of these can mar your beautiful furniture.

To prevent that from happening, put your furniture in the garage or the basement. But if you don’t have enough space, then consider leasing a temporary storage facility like the units for storage Fort Collins residents trust. They have several different unit sizes to accommodate all kinds of furniture.

Draft Your To-Do List

It is critical to draft a list of what you must be done, so you will not forget to do anything. This list will, of course, be different based on your approach. If your project is a DIY, you will have to make a checklist of all the materials you need, the tools you will use, and probable cost. This is necessary so you won’t be surprised down the road.

If you’re hiring a contractor to do your major bathroom remodeling or other major home renovation, you’ll need to do thorough research about the companies you are considering. After doing your due diligence to find the most reputable one, you’ll need to have a discussion with them. Ask them for a detailed list of what you can expect. And, of course, do not forget to draft your contract for your protection.

Keep a Good Attitude

Always remember that renovations are uncomfortable because you’re going to have to modify your lifestyle while your projects are on-going. It will be dusty and messy. If you hired professionals, people will be coming and going in your personal space. In order to keep your calm and positive spirit, you have to adjust your attitude.

You must prepare for any possible delays in your home renovation project because there are many things you have no control over. Inclement weather will undoubtedly put a strain on your timetable. In the same token, out of stock products will force you to wait for a long delivery or it can force you to find an alternative. You need to be flexible, so you won’t lose your cool in case you encounter drawbacks.

Home renovations may entail a lot of work, but the end result is always worth it. The best thing to do is plan ahead so you won’t fail. You also need to manage your budget well so you won’t go overboard. The most important thing to remember is to enjoy the process because you’re in the process of making your home an even more beautiful place to live.

Clutter creates anxiety. Too much stuff builds up in your home overloading your mind and space. We’ve got some ways to declutter your life and organize the things in your home.

Get a Storage Unit

Take things you don’t use on a regular basis, but still need, to a storage unit. Getting a storage unit at Self Storage McCart Ave is perfect because you can go get your things when you need them without cluttering your home. You can keep holiday decorations there, pieces of furniture, boxes of memorabilia, and extra clothes. You can fill a storage unit with all of the clutter in your home. Once you need something, you can easily go get it.

Donate Toys the Kids Rarely Play With

We all get so busy in life that we let things pile up in our homes. Kids get toy after toy. Soon their playroom extends to many other rooms in the house. Get them to help you go through toys on a regular basis to donate those they’re totally over. Kids seem to play with one toy for a few weeks then put it aside to collect dust. Get a trash bag and they can pick things out. If they’re the type of kid that’ll say they’ll play with that toy (even though they never will), then do it while they’re sleeping. They’ll never know it’s gone!

Wall Organization

Place wall units with cubicles in rooms where you have the most clutter. If you have a playroom, place one of these and fill the cubicles with boxes full of toys. These provide a great place to store things without showing off the clutter. You can place one in media rooms and fill the boxes in the cubes with video games and accessories. Make sure you anchor these to the wall if you have small children.

Memory Clutter

Organizing your life means getting rid of things that just pile up. Memory clutter is nostalgic, but do you ever go through it? If you have letters from high school taking up room in a closet, take photos of them then throw them away. If you have old yearbooks stacked up at the top of a closet, you’re never looking at them. If you have things sitting in boxes collecting dust, it’s time to get rid of it. If you are saving the sweater you wore when you met your husband, it’s probably just sitting there. It isn’t serving a purpose so go ahead and donate it.

Go Crazy With the Purge

You have to be serious when it comes to getting rid of stuff. If you haven’t used it or worn it, get rid of it. You may think you’ll use it one day, but be truthful with yourself. It’s going to sit there for years. You may use that juicer one day, but it’ll probably just collect dust. If clothes have stains, get rid of them. The stain isn’t going to come out, and you’re never going to wear it again. Purge your closet and cabinets every few months. It’ll surprise you at how much “stuff” is in those places.

The Four Box Method

Label four different boxes: give away, keep, relocate, and trash. Each time you go into a room, place things in boxes. Have the entire family help you. You can take some things to storage, donate some items, and trash some items. You’ll be amazed at how much stuff is really trash. It might seem significant to you, but it’s probably just trash. Your old silverware set that is sitting at the top of a cabinet could be used by someone on a daily basis, so put it in the donation box. Your broken toys in different places just need to go to the trash. The kids will never notice the ones that have missing limbs are actually missing in action.

The Clothes Hanger Test

Get in your closet and turn the hangers in a different direction. If you don’t wear an item of clothing for six months, get rid of it. If you wear an item, turn the hanger in the right direction. It’s easy, and you get rid of things. You’ll be surprised at the number of items you never wear.

With only 16 days until Thanksgiving and then another 4 weeks after that until Christmas, we know what’s coming; parties, fun, gift exchanges, and of course, FOOD!

It is almost impossible to avoid all temptations of delectable treats during the holidays.  Whether you have that ONE FOOD that you wait all year to have, or you have a grandma who won’t rest until you’re stuffed like the turkey, you’re gonna have to eat.  But, there are a few tips to help you minimize holiday eating guilt.

First, when you arrive at an event, make a plate filled with healthy, non processed choices such as fruits, nuts, and cheeses.  These good proteins will help you fill up and make you less likely to gorge on cookies and cakes.

Another tip is to make sure you eat regular meals on days you know you will be having treats later.  Some people like to go the opposite way, and eat little to nothing leading up to the party they will be attending, trying to “save calories” for the sweets they plan to have.  In my opinion, going to a party starving ensures you will be ravenous and overeat the first things you see! Have good meals or even a meal replacement shake made with Keto protein powder. Ketond makes many delicious flavors of shakes.

Finally, it is important that you do let yourself have a little of whatever it is you are craving.  By having a small portion of the holiday treat you desire, you will savor what you are eating all the more, and you won’t feel like you are depriving yourself of anything.

The next several weeks will be filled with joy! Let yourself partake without guilt.