How To Throw an Epic Fall Barbeque

September 30, 2016 by 2 Comments

 

fall barbaque tips

 

The summer might have come to an end, but there’s still plenty of time left in the year to make use of your barbeque. The weather is still mild enough, but the change in season makes it a little different to your average midsummer cookout. So get your family and friends around, and fire up the barbeque while you still can! Here are just a few of the ways you can make a fall barbeque special, and ensure your party is an epic success.

 

bbq grilling tips

Photo from Wikimedia

 

Cook Seasonal Produce

Now we’re in fall, take advantage of the awesome fall produce that’s available! Don’t be afraid to think out of the box when you’re planning your fall barbeque.  Just because certain things aren’t traditionally done on the barbeque doesn’t mean they won’t taste great. Ingredients like squash, sweet potatoes, meats marinated in warming spices are all great options to cook on the grill. You have things like mushrooms (which are at their best during the fall and winter) and corn on the cob which are both in season.  We all know they work well on the barbeque. You could even grill some seasonal fall fruits such as apples, quince and figs. Serve with some mascarpone cream for something tasty yet unusual.

 

Serve Up Warming, Seasonal Drinks

You could whip up a big batch of warming apple cider with spices for guests when they arrive. Or you could create cocktails using seasonal fruits to sip on through the evening. Think pear mimosas, blackberry margaritas and bourbon hot toddies. You could even make some homemade hot chocolate and keep it warm in the slow cooker ready to serve later in the evening. Mugs served with whipped cream, sprinkles and maybe even a shot of Irish cream liqueur are bound to go down well.

 

Keep Everyone Warm

While the weather is still nice, there’s definitely more of a chill in the air especially as the evening draws on. So investing in fire pits or outdoor fireplaces could is a great investment for the garden. You could provide guests with blankets, and all sit around the toasty fire.  Toast some marshmallows or drink hot chocolate in the cool, crisp evening to finish off the night. Perfect!

fall bbq tips

Photo from Pixabay

 

Think About Lights and Decorations

There are so many ways you could go with fall decor ideas. Hollowed out pumpkins displaying seasonal flowers make a fabulous fall decoration which doesn’t look ‘halloween-y’. You could line some mason jars with pretty fall leaves and put some tea light candles inside. You can even buy cute battery operated autumnal fairy lights featuring things like faux leaves. These kind of things will set the ambience. Having lots of lighting around is useful when the days are shorter too. As well as your smaller light sources, it’s worth having an outdoor light or floodlight if your party is going to carry on through the evening.

Have you ever thrown a fall barbeque? How did you make it different to a standard summer one?

 

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Is Your Bed Clean Enough

September 27, 2016 by 2 Comments

bedding cleaning tips

 

The bedroom is somewhere we like to retreat in search of calm and peace, as well as, rest after a day’s hustle and bustle of life. It should feel like a sanctuary. However, it won’t feel like one until we recreate it.  One of the major steps to achieving a sanctuary-like bedroom is proper cleaning. Unfortunately, we clean other parts of our bedroom and forget about some important aspects of the bed. The sheets, pillowcases, and mattress cover may be clean, but what about the pillows, mattress, and the blankets?

Your bed is not clean enough until you have thoroughly dealt with everything on your bed.  Of course, some of the items will be cleaned more often than others. The most important thing is to make to make sure you do not forget about them completely. What are some of these items that should not be forgotten?

Blankets

We are reluctant about taking our fluffy companions to the washer. However, their material can harbor a lot of dust and form proper breeding grounds for germs. This makes it necessary to clean them at least once a month, or by their sixth week of use. A frequent cleaning schedule is required. Many fabrics used on blankets are safe to clean at home with the washer.

Before putting it in the machine, do a color test to see if the dye used runs. You will know whether to launder it separately or if you wash it with other items. Set your machine to the gentle cycle and use a mild detergent with cold water. Warm or hot water, agitated beating, and strong detergents can cause your blanket to shrink, stretch, or fade.

Pillows

You may have heard that pillows are better cleaned at the dry cleaners. However, that doesn’t mean you cannot maintain them in tip-top shape from home. Most pillows can be washed at home. They can either be washed by hand or machine. Check the tags to see if there are any washing instructions. To keep off molds, dust mites, sweat and dead skin or scales, clean your pillows every three to six months. You will also improve the quality of your sleep.

Front loading washers are great for washing bedding. Load a reasonable number of pillows in your machine and distribute evenly. Using warm water and a mild detergent, run the machine on the gentle cycle. Rinse thoroughly and allow them to air dry. You can also use a dryer depending on the fiber material.

Comforters

Comforters are often forgotten; however, they collect a lot of dust, body fluids, oils and any cosmetic products.  For you to make your bed clean and fresh, consider cleaning your comforters regularly.

Check the washing instructions given for the kind of material. Comforters can usually be cleaned in a washing machine with warm water and a mild detergent.  Kill any remaining bacteria by exposing them to UV sunlight during drying.

The Mattress

Even if your mattress has a cover, some body fluids, dust particles, hair and other dirt still find their way onto its surface. Unfortunately, we tend to overlook it and that allows bacteria suitable ground to breed. This creates a hazardous sleeping surface where you can easily contract allergy related infections such as flu, asthma, and respiratory tract illnesses, among others.

Invest in a washable cover.  Wash regularly. An effective way to get rid of even the notorious bugs is by using baking powder and a vacuum cleaner.

Vacuum the surface to collect any loose dirt. Then dust the surface generously with baking powder. Allow it to sit for about 20 minutes then vacuum again. Wipe away any remaining marks with a damp cloth. Flip the mattress and repeat this process. If possible, set the mattress up and allow both sides to dry.

What other bed items do you think you are overlooking? A clean bed is not only comfortable but also safe to sleep on, but healthy to sleep on. Use the above ideas to purge any dirt and bacteria that could be endangering your health during your sleep.

Beverly Jenkins is proud of her staff at The Tidy Maids house cleaning service in Raleigh, NC. She has 24 years of experience in house cleaning, customer service, and business operations. She knows all the tips and tricks and do-it-yourself hacks when it comes to cleaning and her clients’ homes are the best proof for that.

 

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Valuable Ideas For Decorating a Small Bathroom

September 22, 2016 by 7 Comments

 

tips for remodeling or decorating a small bathroom

 

The size of the bathroom is one of the most common issues homeowners face. Even the smallest things, such as taking a bath, can pose a problem if you don’t have enough space to do them. This room is crucial for us because it affects our hygiene.  To make things worse, there are so many different items you have to fit inside of this room leaving us with very little space.

People usually say that bathroom reflects our life style. Nevertheless, it always has to be used functionally which can be a problem if there is not enough room to make it functional.

Besides the toilet equipment, we also need a lot of room for things such as soaps, shampoos, cosmetics, shaving kits, hair dryers, toothbrushes, toilet papers as well as different cleaning products. Luckily, with a little bit of planning, it is possible to incorporate all these items into your small bathroom.

Tiles

 Tiles are perhaps the most important part of the bathroom. They can have an enormous impact on the ultimate look of this room. At the same time, they give us a lot of leeway as you can combine various patterns using different tiles for wall and floor. Area around the sink and the bathtub can be emphasized by using more vivid colors. On the other hand, you can keep the floor and one part of the wall simple.

Using the Color Yellow

Yellow is ideal nuance for small bathroom especially if the room doesn’t have a window. We can make an interesting combination with various shades of this color. Ideally, yellow should be combined with white. They are both very light and provide feeling of spaciousness to your tinny bathroom.

Flowers in your bathroom

Today, besides classic, plain tiles, we can also purchase the ones that resemble wallpapers with various flower patterns. Although you have limited space, this will provide specific charm to the room averting attention from its downsides. Additionally, you can use some real flowers that will contribute to overall feeling.

Of course, you should always go for artificial flowers as the real ones are really hard to maintain and change. Make sure to use lighter colors (as we mentioned yellow). Aggressive colors such as red are not the best option for bathroom as they increase the tension in a person. Purple is also fine, especially in combination with other colors.

Lighting

Besides the central light, you should also install one right above the mirror. If you have this option, purchase halogen lights and place them in the ceiling. Similarly to colors, bright light together with its proper positioning can make feeling of space.

When it comes to the design of small bathrooms, planning is everything.  Make sure to design it, so that you can use it effectively.  Small bathrooms are usually deprived of natural light.  As a result, it is very important to have quality lighting.

When Less Becomes More

Regardless of your available space, you can always improve your bathroom. First, it is necessary to adjust various elements to the actual size of the space.  Using the right colors and a big mirror will reflect the light, which will visually increase space.   Strategically use the corners of the bathroom. Placing various items in them will maximize your space, which will allow you to utilize the rest of the room properly.

Smaller bathrooms should naturally have tiles in smaller dimensions. In that regard, you need to be selective while shopping for materials.  Be sure to buy items that will fit into your space.  During the purchase, you will also have to consider the material.  Tiles shouldn’t be slippery, remember color does matter. When it comes to utilizing space, check out corner sinks.  They have a great selection on the market that easily fit into small corner spaces. They are the ideal solution for small baths.

Last, avoid buying a bathtub. Shower stalls are much better in smaller spaces. There are quite a few options on the market, so you can definitely find something that will fit into your bathroom.

With all these tips, we are sure that you will manage to decorate your small bathroom space effectively.

 

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Raaya Garden Hose Nozzle Review #RY_GARDENER

September 19, 2016 by 2 Comments

raaya garden hose nozzle review


I received this Raaya Garden Hose Nozzle for free or at a discount in exchange for an honest review.  I needed an additional nozzle for a hose in the back of my house.  This particular hose is used to wash off the picnic table, deck, and outdoor furniture.  I hate taking the nozzle off one hose and moving it to another.  So, I was looking forward to receiving the set and putting it to the test.

The package finally arrives.  The nozzle is heavy and quality made.  It comes with 2 connectors, 4 washers and 2 O rings.  You won’t have to worry about leaks for quite some time.  It was easy to attach to the connector and to the hose.  It has a nice grip and the handle is easy to apply pressure to it.  I love that it has a little triangle on top that can be used to hold the handle in place.  You can set the handle and let the hose do the work.

 

garden hose nozzle review

 

The handle is ergonomically designed too.  This feature is important to me because of my carpal tunnel.  It’s heavy, but it doesn’t add a lot of weight to the hose.

The nozzle has several water streams.  First, the full stream is what I use to wash the car or clean off the deck and outdoor furniture.  It is powerful and does the job.  It’s perfect for cleaning off the driveway or the vinyl siding on the house.  This is a plus.

The one negative on this nozzle is that the streams are not marked.  I would not use the full stream in my garden or shrubbery bed.  It’s too powerful for tender plants and it would blast the mulch from the shrubbery beds.  Because the nozzle is not marked, you have to literally turn the knob on the hose to unmarked settings and just wait and see what stream you arrive at.  It’s not a show stopper, but it is an inconvenience. Other than that, I would recommend this nozzle.

 

 

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15 Morning Habits to Make Coming Home Even Better

September 14, 2016 by 1 Comment

If you’re a working mom, your home can become a pretty complex place. Home is where you make memories with your family, and where you keep them safe.  It’s also where you relax and build your life with your husband or significant other. We all know that busy schedules can disrupt domestic harmony.  So, today we’re sharing tips on chores that you can perform in the morning.  Getting organized can put you on the path to empowering yourself and making coming home a pleasure.

 

 

house cleaning tips, kids chores

 

 

 You may prefer to leave cleaning and other jobs for the weekend. However, there are a few simple steps you can take on a daily basis to tweak your home.  For example, opening the curtains in the living room will fill the room with light and air.  Plumping up sofa cushions will make the room far more enticing.   Also, add flowers and/or a fragrance diffuser in the entry way.  Beauty and a fresh scent when you enter your home.  It’s a great way to unwind and have a positive attitude when you’re greeted by the children and your husband.
Another step is to make your kid’s beds in the morning or encourage your child to make their bed if they are old enough.  It will make their rooms feel tidy, and more appealing when bedtime arrives.  Don’t neglect your own bed either.  There’s nothing more comforting than the sight of a made bed and a fresh pair of pajamas.  Get in the habit of fluffing the pillows and decluttering before going to bed, and making beds in the morning.  You will find that it only takes a few minutes to perform these tasks.
If this already feels achievable, be sure to check out this new infographic which explores a handful of other tips for reviving your love affair with your home – without the burden of extra work.

15 Morning Habits to Make Coming Back Home Even Better

 

 

Filed Under: Cleaning Tips, Empowerment, Life-Thoughts, Women's Health Tagged With: , ,

Book Review – My Marriage My Testimony

July 14, 2016 by Leave a Comment

This website contains endorsements for products and services, which means when you click on a link that we recommend, we may receive a commission to help pay for the maintenance of this blog.  Not every link is an affiliate link, but some are.  I am a member of the Amazon Affiliate program.

 

 

reading list, Kindle Books,

 

We all have a purpose in life. First, if you’re struggling to save your marriage or understand your purpose, add My Marriage, My Testimony to your reading list. Second, find yourself a quiet spot and prepare to devour it.  I literally read this book in one sitting. 

Few of us know our purpose in life. This author explains how she found her calling and happiness after being miserable for years. Additionally, she discusses her troubled marriages and the pain of infidelity.  She goes on to discuss her upper class upbringing; however, she finds herself in the welfare office getting food stamps.  She shares how she thought she would die from the  pain of infidelity, but manages to find her calling as a result of it. 

Are you finding yourself in any of this?  Furthermore, Darlene Jackson, painfully shares the mental abuse that was inflicted on her during her first marriage. After she finds the strength to leave her abuser, he refuses to financially support his own children. 

Most importantly, she shares how she simply couldn’t bare to look at her second husband’s love child after his betrayal.  Understandably, she found herself hating her husband. Even so, God placed circumstances in her path that wouldn’t allow her to leave him.  She found herself at her lowest. During that time, she places her hands in God’s hands and finds her purpose in life. She also found the strength and courage to love her husband again by forgiving him for the pain he caused her. She states that she let go and let God change her husband from the inside out.

Eventually, he gave his life to God as well and they now have the marriage she dreamed of. She is now a minister who shares her story to help others who have lost their way, divorced, been betrayed or who are trying to understand their purpose in life.

Finally, I purchased this book on my Kindle.  It’s about 85 pages and easy to read.  The author has the ability to make you feel her story and also think about your life. Purchase a copy for yourself or give it as a gift. It’s a great gift for those who are struggling in any area of their life. 

 

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Inspirational Quote – Live

July 6, 2016 by 2 Comments

inspiration quotes, funny quotes, motivational quotes

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Make Your Home’s Exterior Perfect for Summer

July 1, 2016 by 2 Comments

 

home improvement ideas, curb appeal, exterior home improvement

 

For the most part, summer is the time when guests come over to the house for barbecues and holiday events. You want the exterior of the home looking as immaculate as possible. Not only does it fill you with a sense of pride, but it can also make visitors feel more welcome. Some things can even be beneficial to protect the property at the same time. Here are a few of the things I do to get the house ready for the hottest months of the year.

Caring for the Roof and Gutters

Keeping debris off your roof and gutters helps protect your property as well as deliver a nice appearance. This could be especially important for those launching fireworks nearby during special occasions. All it takes is the smallest spark to ruin an otherwise pleasant gathering. It’s not uncommon for the contents within a gutter to ignite due to an aerial firework. Keeping the roof and gutters clean is a relatively easy process.  If you’re not sure how to proceed, it may be wise to contact a professional to assist. Here are a few practical reasons why you would want to care for the roof and gutters this summer:

  • Protects the roof during summer storms
  • Helps keep water away from the foundation
  • Gives the home a fresh appearance from the road
  • Prepares the home for the fall and winter months

Exquisite Exterior Walls

A lot of homes just need a simple scrub down to enhance the appearance. Using a simple towel and a bucket of soapy water, you can spend some time washing dirt and grime off the exterior walls. You may want to refrain from using a pressure hose, though. Too much pressure could result in cracking or breaking parts of your siding. In some cases, a fresh coat of paint could make all the difference for exterior walls. Not only will this give your house a fresh new look, but it can also protect the siding from UV damage. This is important because exposure to sunlight will eventually break down the materials in siding over time.

Patio Projects

Sprucing up the patio will offer an elegant appearance. In essence, the patio is like any other room in the house. It needs the same kind of care and attention if you want to keep it looking nice and functional. After all, you might be spending a great deal of time in this area and you want to be comfortable. Here are a few things I do to enhance this area of the home:

  • Re-stain or re-apply waterproofing to the wood to give it an amazing appeal
  • Add a coat of paint to the trim to enhance the aesthetics
  • Re-arrange the furniture to offer a unique experience for yourself
  • Clean the grill with a brush and non-toxic solvents to give it a like-new finish

Driveway Adjustments

The driveway is one of those areas that a lot of people forget about. However, it’s also one of the most apparent visuals when arriving at the property. If there are cracks or holes, patching these up could greatly enhance the visage of the homestead. Most cement mixtures are inexpensive and can be picked up at your local hardware store. Simply add the right amount of water and you’ve created filler for the driveway. In more extreme cases, it may not be a bad idea to call in a professional. Using the wrong kind of concrete could be detrimental to fixing the driveway. Once the material sets, it will be that much harder to go back and fix a mistake.

Accentuating the Yard

The yard is one of the most obvious areas for creating the perfect visual during the summer. It’s one of those exterior areas that catches the eyes of everyone, and it will greatly impact curb appeal. The biggest investment you might have for enhancing the lawn is time. Easy modifications include:

  • Mowing the grass and keeping edges trimmed
  • Planting flowers in gardens or in pots near the doorways
  • Installing a rock garden with a tree coming out of the center
  • Installing solar-charged lighting along pathways
  • Adding accent lighting to areas of interest such as the garden or object on the property
  • Installing a small water fountain or waterfall to give the property more of a “living” feel

While many of these can be done on your own, some of the more advanced projects may require help. For example, you may need extensive electrical experience if you want to add elegant accent lighting. These are only a handful of things you can do yourself to make the home’s exterior as perfect as possible. Not only will these modifications turn a few heads in the neighborhood, they can also allow you to feel good about your property. Enhance your summer by giving yourself and guests a superb location to relax. Most of these additions take little effort and don’t require a large investment of money.

Jeff E. Brown Photo

 

About the Author: Jeff E. Brown is a freelance writer and a self-taught handy man with a knack for lifehacking and DIY projects. Based out of his home office where his two dogs keep him company while he types, Jeff loves writing about home improvement topics, teaching others all the tips and tricks he has learned since he moved out of an apartment and into a house. When he’s not writing, he loves organizing barbecue parties in his garden. You can contact Jeff via his landing page.

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Inspirational Quote – Bricks

June 29, 2016 by 3 Comments

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Bloomsy Box Review

June 6, 2016 by 2 Comments

product review, online florist, Bloomsy Review

 

I was contacted by Bloomsy Box to review a bouquet of their flowers in exchange for a review.  I love fresh flowers in my home so I accepted; however, all opinions are my own. 

Bloomsy Box delivers fresh bouquets of flowers to your home weekly or monthly depending on the plan that you choose. There are 3 monthly options:  Bloomsy S, L, and M. The prices are $39.99, $43.99 and $48.99 respectively. The weekly options are: Bloomsy W and Bloomsy WW. The prices are $38.15 and $41.00 per week respectively. Each category has designated flowers that will be shipped directly to your home, business or vacation. You get a surprise bouquet of one single variety per week or month depending on your plan.  No ferns, baby’s breath etc. will be mixed with the flower choice. The arrangements are simple, but elegant.   

The Bloomsy Box was delivered by FedEx.  I became excited, I opened the box and there was a beautiful box of sunflowers just waiting for a vase.  They were secured in the box and wrapped in Kraft Paper.  Each head of the sunflowers was secured with netting. I removed the bouquet from the box and the netting from each of the sunflowers and placed them in a vase.  I waited and waited for the sunflowers to open; however, they never reached that goal.     

 

flower deliveries online,

 

Bloomsy ships their bouquets overnight to ensure they are fresh and the flowers are in bud form with the intention of them opening within 3 days.  Humm………   Disappointed, I decided to approach the problem as a customer rather than a reviewer. I took this step because I wanted to check out the customer service so I could see exactly how this particular problem would be handled.  Their motto is, “If you’re not happy, we aren’t either! That’s why we guarantee your satisfaction–or you don’t pay for your bouquet.”  I put them to the test and they delivered. 

In about a week, FedEx delivered another box from Bloomsy Box.  I eagerly opened the box and to my surprise I found 20 Spray Red Roses. I searched their site and the bouquet is called Confident.  I love roses as much as I love sunflowers.   They quality and all were buds.  I become excited again and placed the roses in a vase.  Within 3 – 4 days the buds started to open.  They lasted for about a week.  It was a slow, enjoyable process and it made up for the sunflowers not opening. 

 

online floral deliveries, Bloomsy Box

 

DSCN3265

 

If you love fresh flowers in your home, but don’t have time to garden year round Bloomsy Box is recommended.  It’s also a great idea to have fresh flowers in your office, if you’re a manager these would make a great gift for a co-worker or employee, how sending to a friend or neighbor each month.  The possibilities are endless. Head over and check out their selections. The bouquets are beautiful.

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