Benefits of Decluttering Your Home

April 21, 2022 by Leave a Comment

Regardless of how organized you think you are, it is normal to accumulate a large quantity of stuff over time. In some cases, you may not even realize just how much stuff you have. Decluttering does not have to be complicated or done all in one go, it is simply the process of removing unwanted, or unnecessary items from your home. It is usually prompted by a space getting too overcrowded with items, or when a person is looking to travel or move house. 

You don’t have to throw everything away. Some items you may want to keep, but just don’t need to be in your home, and can be stored in cheap storage units until you need them again.

Even if you don’t have a significant reason to declutter your home, it can still benefit you in a variety of ways, from reducing stress to boosting your productivity. 

Here are some of the top benefits of decluttering your home that will encourage you to get started today. 

declutter

#1 Reduce stress and anxiety 

A cluttered home that is filled with items all over the place and mess, can be overwhelming and frustrating. This can have a knock-on effect on your mental health, as your stress levels increase, irritability increases and a sense of shame starts to creep in. A cluttered home will always equate to a cluttered mind, which is why it can be an effective method of promoting positive mental health. It can make you feel more in control, and much happier and calmer. 

#2 Boost productivity 

When you have a clearer mind, you are instantly going to feel more motivated, creative and productive with the tasks that you need to complete. It can be frustrating, and distracting, when you are surrounded by lots of mess, or trying to navigate around a disorganized home, or desk. The tasks you are trying to complete will impact your focus and compete for your attention. A home and desk space that is clean and organized, will stop you from hunting for the items that you need and promote attention and focus. 

#3 Make your home cleaner

It can be difficult to clean around your home properly when you have a large number of items taking up space. This often means that lots of places are not cleaned regularly, or at all. This can gather lots of dust and allergens, which is not very good for your health and wellbeing. Even if you have cluttered rooms that you don’t use often, like your attic, the allergens can still make their way around your home through the airflow. This can be particularly dangerous for anyone in your home that suffers from hayfever, allergies, eczema and hay fever. A home that is free from clutter will be much easier to clean and take a lot less time to do so.

Decluttering your home can benefit your entire life, from stress and anxiety to the cleanliness of your home. There’s no better time to start than now.

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How To Make Your New Home A Perfect Fit For Your Family

April 13, 2022 by Leave a Comment

You’re in the process of moving into a new property (or you’ve recently moved in) and you’re probably wondering how you can make your new home fit your family a little better. The chances are that you selected the new property that you live in because it was the right size for your family and set in a good area, but that doesn’t mean that it feels like home just yet. 

The truth is that when you move to somewhere new, it can take a while for your new home to feel like home. It can take time to work out how you’re going to make your new home feel like home and be somewhere that you and your family feel comfortable and at home, but with a few simple steps you can make your new property feel like home (and be a better fit for your family). 

Wondering what these steps are and how you can make your new home feel like a perfect fit for your family? Below is a guide to everything that you need to know about making sure that your new home is a perfect fit for you and your family. 

Volkswagen beatle

Start with unpacking

The first step to making your new home feel like home (and be a good fit for your family) and the best way to do that is to unpack everything. Until you unpack all of your family’s boxes, a new home can feel like a foreign and rather unwelcoming space, so it pays to take the time to unpack everything. 

Once you’ve unpacked everything, work on determining where in your new home each item should go. Don’t be tempted to lay things out exactly like your previous home, instead take the time to think about how you can make the most of the space that your new home offers. 

You might decide to lay your furniture out in the same way as before, or you might opt for a new approach to the decor and design of your home. Either way, make sure that the layout you go for works in the space that you have, and fits yours and your family’s needs. 

Utilize accessories to add a sense of personality 

When it comes to adding personality to your new home, accessories are a real life-saver. The chances are that you have some plans to overhaul and redesign the space over time, but for now, utilizing accessories as a means of adding personality to the space is a great move to make. Honestly, you’d be amazed at how much difference a few well thought out accessories can make to the look and feel of your new space. 

Believe it or not, with a selection of carefully selected accessories, you can transform your new home into somewhere that you – and your family – will love living in and spending time in. You might have big plans for the future, but in the meantime, using accessories to update the tone and style of the space can be a smart move to make. 

When buying accessories, work on a room-by-room basis, carefully selecting matching accessories that fit the space. Then, once you’ve completed one room, move onto the next one, and start selecting accessories for that space. 

Think about practicality

When it comes to feeling comfortable (and content) in your new home, it also pays to think about the practical side of things, and what additions you might need to make to ensure the space feels comfortable and is liveable for you and your family. 

For instance, say there isn’t a good heating system in place, you might want to consider having a home heating installation performed, ensuring that you’re able to keep your home at the right temperature, even throughout the colder months. If you can afford to, you might also want to look at combined heating and cooling systems, so that you can alter the temperature in your home depending on the season. 

Take the time to think about any practicalities that your new home is missing, and work out how you can amend that. The most important thing is that your new home is a functional and practical space for you and your family, and offers everything that is needed for an easy day-to-day life. 

Not sure what else you might need? Take the time to think about all the essentials your previous home had and why they were so helpful for day-to-day life for you and your family. By adding these to your new home, you can ensure that it feels just as comfortable as your old home. 

Get inspiration

Before you can start thinking about any changes you want to make to your new home’s layout and decor, it’s a good idea to take the time to source some inspiration. There are plenty of online resources designed with home inspiration in mind, including various websites and tutorials. A super handy tool for sourcing decor inspiration and ideas is Pinterest, because you can create mood boards and save ideas that appeal to you on them, to return to later. 

Plan out any changes 

It can be helpful to start planning out any changes that you want to make to the property, so that you can see the potential that your new home holds for you and your family. If you’ve got ideas for what you want to do with the space, start by sketching them out or writing them down, so that you can get a better idea of what your aspirations are. 

The next step, when you’re ready, is to consult a designer to discuss your concepts and what your next steps should be to make them a reality. This process might take time, but it’s definitely worthwhile following it, if it means that the end result will be of a higher quality than simply diving straight into making the changes. 

There you have it, a simple guide to how you can make your new home a perfect fir for your family.

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How To Truly Upgrade Your Standard Of Living

April 13, 2022 by Leave a Comment

At times when the rising cost of living is causing many people to budget a little more, it can sometimes seem tasteless to discuss how to raise your standard of living. But there are many reasons as to why someone might justify doing so. It might be that your children have flown the nest now, becoming financially independent, meaning you have more disposable income to spend on yourself.

woman at laptop with coffee

Perhaps you’ve moved in with your boyfriend or girlfriend and are pooling your incomes together from two full-time jobs, allowing you to enjoy the finer things in life a little more frequently. Or, perhaps you’ve sold off old assets, have gained promotion, or have come into an inheritance. Regardless, there’s no issue or justification in spending a little more to live more comfortably.

What matters is doing so in a tasteful manner, and practicing good financial judgment. So – what are the best ways to upgrade your standard of living in real, noticeable ways, rather than in simply buying a more expensive everything? Let’s consider that, below:

Upgrading Your Real Estate

Upgrading your living situation can redefine everything in your life. Living in a safer area, for instance, can help you feel more secure and will raise the value of your property value over time. It can also open you up to certain amenities you may have only dreamed of, such as living in luxury with access to the water. Of all the living standards you could invest in, making sure you live in a lovely home fit for your needs are what most will be happier paying a little more money for.

After all, our homes serve as the anchor points for our lives. Even something as simple as a friendlier commute, or more peaceful surroundings, can make a big difference in terms of how we approach each day and how confident we are in our future. Furthermore, once we own such an asset, it can serve as one of the most worthwhile financial backbones we have to offer.

A Better, More Durable Car

There’s an old sentiment that suggests it’s better to purchase more expensive boots because you have to replace them less, and repairs will last longer over time. The same could be said for vehicles. Of course, it’s still an unwise investment to purchase a vehicle brand new off the lot simply in valuation terms, but purchasing a more reliable, updated model can truly help you in the long run.

Not only will this reduce the chance of failing vehicle inspections or needing constant, routine repairs, but you may find that over time, your fuel economy is more cost-effective – especially if you invest in a relatively newer model such as an electric hybrid or even fully electric vehicle. 

Lifestyle Tech That Works

It can be nice to integrate useful tech into your life, not to define or dictate your daily choices or how you organize your week, but in order to make the process easier to deal with and harder to forget. For instance, smart appliances such as smart fridges allow you to keep a running tally of your groceries, which can be very useful to keep in mind when ordering them next time.

Furthermore, integrating security devices such as doorbell cameras and security systems can ensure you feel safer at home no matter where you live. While you’d be right to feel hesitant to add a tech device to every single element of your living situation, tech appliances of worth are raising the standard of living of people all around the world, and there’s no shame in opting for a better unit with more relevant and useful services.

Invest In Long-Term Growth

You are the most important asset you will ever have, and while you have inner worth regardless of where you are in life, it’s amazing  to see how direct investments in our own wellbeing and futures can help us appreciate in said value.

For instance, investing in your own education can enhance your standard of living by giving you access to networking contacts, more qualifications, and ultimately more opportunities as a result of that. It can feel odd to think of ourselves as related to our standard of living, as if we were an external amenity, but of course, you are absolutely the root of how you live and interact with each day. There’s no shame in trying something new from a business perspective or going back to college in order to thrive. An investment in yourself is never wasted.

With this advice, we hope you can upgrade your standard of living at home in the best possible sense. Of course, couple that with as many vacations as you can afford, and you’ll enjoy a life well lived.

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Glendalough Craft Irish Spirits

April 11, 2022 by Leave a Comment

irish whiskey

Founded in 2011, Glendalough Distillery (pronounced glen-da-lock) began distilling the traditional Irish spirit Poitín and has since used the inspirational backdrop of the Wicklow mountains to become a purveyor of fine whiskey and gin. 

Glendalough gins are freshly distilled from hand-foraged, wild botanicals in the Wicklow mountains, while Glendalough whiskeys are the result of a relentless search for the finest, most flavorful species of oak in the world. 

Glendalough was named New York International Spirits Competition “Ireland’s Gin Distillery of the Year 2021” and awarded Icons of Whisky Ireland “Sustainable Distillery of the Year 2021.”

Glendalough, Co. Wicklow, Ireland

A rainy day in Glendalough, Co. Wicklow, Ireland. One of our better days traveling- even if the rain came at you from every single direction, LOL.

THE RANGE:

Glendalough craft Irish spirits are perfect for mixing into autumnal cocktails, as well as for gifting this holiday season. Samples and recipes are available upon request:

Glendalough Distillery is the first Irish whiskey brand to use the rare and exotic Mizunara oak, where the woods of Wicklow meet the island of Hokkaido in the form of a rare, exquisite whiskey. Unlock Glendalough 7-Year-Old Single Malt Mizunara Finish – the key to your best, most elevated dinner yet.

Mizunara

Mizunara’s rarity makes sourcing a great undertaking, but Glendalough was ready for the challenge of being the first Irish whiskey to utilize this oak. The trunks of these uniquely beautiful trees are prone to growing twisted, and they must grow to be twice the age of most oak trees before they can be felled. It then takes three years to dry, and even then, is notoriously difficult to cooper due to its porousness. However, therein lies its saving grace: whiskey can seep deeper into the wood, resulting in an alluring, exotic flavor.

Nose: Vibrant, fruity and floral

Palate: A luxuriously smooth mouthfeel with notes of dark chocolate orange, sandalwood and cinnamon synonymous with Mizunara whiskeys

Finish: The spirit benefits from an exceptionally long finish of toasted oak and subtle layers of complex, woody spices, with the dark chocolate lingering even longer

Purchase: Mizunara is rolling out now in limited quantities at select retailers nationwide at SRP $99.99 for 750ml. This March, your readers can find a bottle near them here: glendaloughdistillery.com

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Here’s How to Build a Compelling Online Presence for Your Small Business

April 11, 2022 by Leave a Comment

If you’re like most small business owners, you probably wear a lot of hats. You’re the accountant, marketer, salesperson, and CEO. But what about when it comes to your website? Do you know how to make sure it’s effective in helping you reach your goals? This post will walk you through the steps to creating a great online presence for your small business. We’ll start with developing a clear strategy and then create engaging content and build connections with customers online. Let’s get started.

meeting

1) Develop a clear strategy:

The first step to creating a great online presence is developing a clear strategy. What are your goals for your website? Are you looking to generate leads, sell products, or build brand awareness? Once you know what you want to achieve, you can start developing a plan for getting there. Start by taking a look at your current website. Is it doing everything you want it to do? If not, what changes do you need to make, maybe consider an online reputation management company? Once you understand where you’re starting from, you can begin to develop a plan for where you want to go.

2) Create engaging content:

Once you have a clear strategy in place, it’s time to start creating engaging content. This is the heart of your online presence, and it’s what will help you achieve your goals. Start by creating a blog and writing articles relevant to your industry and audience. If you’re selling products, make sure to write compelling product descriptions and include calls to action. And don’t forget about social media! Regularly posting interesting and valuable content on social media sites like Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn can help you reach even more customers online.

3) Build connections with customers online:

The final step to creating a significant online presence is to build connections with your customers. This can be done in several ways, but one of the best is social media. Social media provides an excellent opportunity to connect with customers and create relationships. Make sure you’re responsive to comments and questions and take the time to engage with customers regularly. By building solid relationships with your customers, you’ll create advocates who will help promote your business online.

4) Promote your business online:

Once you have a strong online presence, it’s time to start promoting your business. There are many ways to do this, but one of the best is search engine optimization (SEO). SEO is the process of optimizing your website and content for the search engines. This can be done by including relevant keywords in your titles and articles and making sure your site is easy to navigate and understand. By taking the time to optimize your site for the search engines, you’ll make it easier for customers to find you when they’re searching for businesses like yours.

These are a few tips to help you build an outstanding online presence for your small business. By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your goals. So what are you waiting for? Get started today.

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The future of the IPA – Firestone Walker unveils Hopnosis

April 11, 2022 by Leave a Comment
Firestone Walker today released Hopnosis IPA—the culmination of the brewery’s 15-year quest to master the West Coast IPA style. Brewed with Mosaic Cryo Hops®, Hopnosis is a seamless, aromatic and explosively tropical IPA.
beer hops
“Hopnosis represents everything we’ve learned about hopping techniques over the years, all rolled into one beer,” said Brewmaster Matt Brynildson. “This is our ultimate new-school expression of the West Coast IPA.”
Hopnosis is now rolling out to all Firestone Walker markets in 6-pack and 12-pack (12-ounce) cans; 19.2-ounce cans; and on draft.
Cryo Hops® Magic
The Firestone Walker brewing team has developed an arsenal of favorite new-age hops for IPA—all of which are featured in Hopnosis. These include hops from New Zealand and the Pacific Northwest, with a focus on Mosaic Cryo Hops® as well as Idaho 7 and Nelson.
Cryo Hops® are made by collecting the concentrated lupulin from whole-leaf hops, which contains the pure resins for bitterness and aromatic oils. “Mosaic Cryo Hops® are the centerpiece of Hopnosis,” Brynildson said. “They provide intense hop aroma and flavor with incredible integration, enabling us to make a hop-forward beer that is low in bitterness, super smooth and delicious.”
Hopnosis is extravagantly double dry hopped, with nearly five pounds of hops used for every barrel brewed. The resulting beer is loaded with hop-derived flavors of mango, passionfruit, white grape and lychee. The ABV of Hopnosis is 6.7 percent, providing an excellent balance of flavor and texture.
West Coast Wonder
The origins of Hopnosis date back to Firestone Walker’s original West Coast IPA—Union Jack, which was introduced in 2007. Hopnosis also reflects concepts learned while developing the Luponic Distortion revolving IPA series and the Mind Haze family of IPAs. Finally, it draws inspiration from numerous brewing collaborations here and abroad.
These experiences have yielded a variety of hop integration techniques that Brynildson and his team brought to bear in creating Hopnosis.
“This is where the West Coast style is headed,” Brynildson said. “Aromatic hops and new hopping techniques are driving the future. On top of that, Cryo Hops® are opening up fresh possibilities. Now you can get all of the ‘oomph’ of hop saturation that you want from a West Coast IPA, but with less of that classic bitterness, more of these new-age hop flavors, and a whole new level of balance and drinkability.”
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Raise a Glass to National Beer Day with Firestone Walker

April 11, 2022 by Leave a Comment
green beer
Firestone Walker and Brewmaster Matt Brynildson have curated a wide array beers that everyone can enjoy including:
  • Hopnosis: Launched last month, Hopnosis is an innovative IPA brewed with coveted Cryo Hops® pellets and an explosion of tropical fruit flavors.
  • Mind Haze: Juicy, fruity and creamy, with pronounced tropical tastes – this beer gives a true hazy-style mouthfeel that will keep you refreshed through your Beer Day festivities.
The Paso Robles-based brewery pays homage to the central coast of California with its easy drinking 805 Beer collection:
  • 805 Original: A light, refreshing ale originally created for the laid-back California lifestyle.
  • 805 Cerveza: Cerveza is a premium lager with a touch of lime. Crisp, clean, dry, and approachable – a beer anyone can enjoy.
Brewed in their R&D Propagator in Venice, CA, Firestone Walker Brewing Company is excited to announce the third rendition of their Wookey Jack IPA – only available for a limited time!
The beautifully decorated 16 oz can features Firestone Walker’s signature lion and bear logo amongst a hard-to-miss purple color scheme. Wookey Jack IPA was brewed with a mixture of pale and de-bittered black malts with spicy rye, citra and amarillo hops. This flavor combination provides a concentrated finish that will satisfy those who prefer a darker beer.
Firestone Walker
Firestone Walker Brewing Company also recently launched Hopnosis in all Firestone Walker markets. Hopnosis is a culmination of the brewery’s – and Brewmaster Matt Brynildson’s – 15-year quest to master the West Coast IPA style. Brewed with Mosaic Cryo Hops®, Hopnosis is a seamless, aromatic and explosively tropical IPA.
Check out Firestone Walker’s full line-up of beers here: https://www.firestonebeer.com/our-beers/  To find a Firestone Walker Beer near you visit their Beer Finder here.
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Looking to Spice Up Your Cooking?

April 7, 2022 by 2 Comments

Looking to shake things up in the kitchen? Check out these spices, rubs, and foodie finds.

steak rub

Rainier Foods

Price: $3.99 – $44.99

chicken rub

Rainier Foods is the maker of delicious premium spice blends. From vegetables to chicken, pork, beef, seafood, and snacks, they have the right seasoning for any recipe. Bulk rubs are also available. A family-owned business located in the shadow of Mt. Rainier in Washington, they source the finest ingredients, with all products made locally to ensure the best quality from the Pacific Northwest. The brand proudly donates 1% of sales to the Washington National Park Fund. Also available on Amazon.

Stemple Creek Ranch knows the importance of family time and brings folks together for a quality meal no matter the occasion. Add it to the menu for your next family meal. The family-owned brand is leading the way in regenerative agriculture while offering premium meats that are often served in Michelin star restaurants. Families nationwide can enjoy these delicious offerings delivered right to their doorsteps for them to easily prepare on their own. They are strong believers that grass-fed and grass-finished animals make the best selections for their customers. Making it the perfect meat to grill up with friends and family.
farm to table
Price: 16oz – $5.99 | 3lb – $14.99
Lefty’s legendary Fish N’ Chicken Mix fry batter adds some Southern flair to any meal. The ultimate spicy addition to your Super Bowl feast. The bold flavors marry perfectly with poultry, pork, seafood, and vegetables. Set out to make flavorful food made with quality ingredients, and once you try their fry mix you will be left wanting to indulge. Also available on Amazon and select Sam’s Club, Kroger, Publix, and Safeway retailers in the DMV region.
hot sauce rub marinade
Price: Varies
When Veteran Dennis Butterworth set out to compete in a BBQ competition just for fun, little did he know it would eventually lead to a brand that offers premium products with a touch of goodwill. Meet WarPig BBQ. Their BBQ sauces will leave you feeling good all-around. Be sure to add them to your favorite meat. A portion of proceeds from their BBQ sauces and rubs are donated to Veterans organizations.

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