Brightening up their home while also remaining on budget is a challenge that many people face every
day. While you can be sure that coupons and promo codes can give you access to exciting deals on
selected products, there are also a number of inexpensive tips that will help you spruce up your
residence without having to break the bank in the process.
Add Mirrors
Mirrors are a great cheap solution that will enhance the appearance of your home’s interior. If an area
is dark and small, placing a mirror there provides the illusion of open space. Simply stop by your local
thrift store or a secondhand shop, as they are sure to have plenty of great items for you to select from.
Even if the mirror isn’t exactly the one you want, they are very easy to strip and redecorate!
Create or Purchase Furniture Covers
While it is costly to purchase all new furniture, making or even purchasing covers for your old pieces is
not! If your furniture is dark, head online to search for new, lighter color patterns that will uplift the
area. Should you be unable to find a cover that you like at the local stores, online research can lead you
to patterns that are more to your liking – ones that you can easily make on your own.
New Rugs
Rugs are able to change a room’s entire appearance, although they are often expensive. If you are
looking for a cheaper rug option, head to a carpet wholesale outlet. In many instances, they will allow
you to purchase off cuts, which gives you a chance to find rugs for smaller rooms without having to
spend big. Rooms that are oddly shaped will benefit from carpet scraps that have been cut into the
appropriate shape!
Use More Whites
When it comes to colors that will brighten up a living area, few are more versatile than white! This hue
will work great for your walls, floors and large pieces of furniture. Giving yourself a white canvas to
work on makes for much easier home decoration projects and also serves to make dark, small rooms
look much more open and bright. It will give your tinier areas a larger, roomier, more inviting overall
appearance.
Choose The Right Accessories
A few trips to your local secondhand stores and thrift markets is all it will take for you to find some
great accessories to brighten up your home!
Brighten Up Your Home On A Budget
Consumer Reports #1 Rated Detergent, Persil
Persil is a popular laundry detergent brand which originated in Europe and is now available in the USA. Your clothes will thank you for trying this; its powerful stain-fighting, exceptional whitening, and amazing freshness are unbeatable.
It recently beat out long time favorite Tide for the #1 slot- as a long time Tide lover, I was dubious I would like it as much, let alone more. After trying it, I can tell you that I do like it just as much, and the smell is fantastic. I love the scent- it is long lasting, fresh, and fills the room with a clean and uplifting fragrance. The clothes are also clean and it is good at cleaning the messes your family leaves on clothing, which is really all you can ask for in a detergent. You can use it for colors or whites, as well.
Working on any upcoming segments? ConsumerReports.org just rated Persil ProClean Power-Liquid 2in1 “the best detergent they have ever tested”, ranking it 1st in their recently released results, and relegating Tide, which has held the top spot for years, to 2nd place.
Persil ProClean Power-Liquid 2in1 (currently at Walmart; rolling out to other retailers nationwide now)
With the power-packed combination of Persil detergent plus Pro-Lift Technology™, 2in1 is the most powerful stain-fighting Persil detergent available. Persil 2in1 laundry detergent is great for everyday laundry and has a power-boosted formula to help fight tough stains.
- Pro-Lift Technology™ for the most powerful Persil stain-fighting detergent
- Optimized for use in all washing machine types, including high efficiency (HE) washers
- Use with white and colored laundry
Visit www.PersilProClean.com for more information on all their products.
Stylish Bathroom Design Ideas For Your Home
When you have guests over, what do you think they judge the most? I’ll give you a hint, it should be the cleanest place in the house. If you guessed the kitchen, you’re incorrect. The kitchen is typically one of the dirtiest places in the house because here we just tend to let things slide. There might be a few crumbs on the floor, we’ll pick them up eventually or dirty dishes in the sink. Hey, I’m getting around to cleaning them! No, the answer is the bathroom. For some reason, don’t ask me why, when you have a guest over one of the first things they will do is ask where the bathroom is. Don’t be naive, they aren’t looking to use it, they’re looking to judge. That is why, girls and boys you want your bathroom to be absolutely stunning.
Clean It Up
Start by giving your bathroom a good clean. I know you probably clean it regularly, or at least I hope you do but you’re not doing this for hygiene reasons. It’s the best way to get close and personal with the room and find out what needs improving. For instance, you might find that the caulk around your shower has started to wear away and it needs replacing. This is quite easy to do. Just add a touch of adhesive to a cloth, wiping away the old stuff and then wash the space. Wait for that to dry before you replace it with new caulk. Also, an extra tip is to use a scented cleaner so that your bathroom smells terrific. So, now you’ve got your hands dirty and had a close look around, what needs improving?
The Color?
Are you still happy with the color of your bathroom? If not, you’re going to have to ask yourself why. You may want your room to look more modern in which case you are looking to paint it a dark color with contrasting whites and creams in places.
But remember, if you change the walls you are going to have to change to the floors too. Perhaps even all your furniture depending on how drastic the change was. If you want to save on costs, choose a color that matches your fixtures otherwise you are looking at a lot of work ahead.
Then again, you might want to update the fixtures in your room, like the shower. I for one, know that my bathroom upstairs could certainly do with a modern upgrade. For those of you considering this decision, check out some of the great shower designs that might fit in your bathroom perfectly. You don’t have to replace the whole unit. You can just make smaller improvements such as installing a new frosted glass, door. That would look rather wonderful.
Small Adjustments
Speaking of small improvements there are lots of little things you can do to improve the space. I mentioned other options rather than replace fixtures completely. So instead of upgrading your bath and sink, just get new taps and faucets. The modern design will make your bath and sink look new again and certainly fool some fussy guests.
4 Things You Might Not Know About Home Security Systems
Home security goes a long way to protect the family as well as your possessions. Whether it’s used as a shield against the criminal element or assistance during a fire, constant monitoring can greatly reduce risks. While you may be aware of the traditional alarms that may go off during an emergency, you may not know how versatile today’s technology has made these systems. Some of the best home security monitoring companies implement the most up-to-date features to protect everyone under the roof.
Email Notifications
Some monitoring services will help you set up email notifications. As your smartphone may be utilized to access your email, you can receive messages pertaining to your system regardless of where you are. As long as you have cell service, you can be apprised at what’s going on at home. This is ideal if you’re on a business trip and would like to know when the children get home from school.
Live Cameras
Networking and Internet technology allows supported cameras to be viewed from virtually anywhere. A live feed can be easily accessed from remote computers and mobile devices. Although some monitoring companies can help you set these up, a compatible camera is needed in order to view your home in real time. Not all devices support this kind of versatile functionality.
While networking and internet technologies offer new possibilities for security services, sometimes you have to use manual security systems as well. Leaving the lights on when you’re away from home and looking out for your neighbors should be built into your overall plan. Also, consider some Expandable Batons Choices for home security.
Home Automation
One of the most useful implementations of home security is that of home automation. You can control lights, locks and even the thermostat without being on the property. In fact, a good security monitoring service can help you set up advanced controls for these devices and possibly more depending on the appliances that are on the premises. From saving energy to giving the appearance someone is in the house, the possibilities are great with the right system installed.
Individual Monitoring
Monitoring systems can be set up that will advise you when a specific person has entered the premises. You can be informed every time a specific person opens or closes the system allowing you to keep tabs on who is currently at home. Your monitoring company may even be able to help you assign guest user accounts when you have in-laws visiting for extended periods of time.
Home security has never been more elaborate and affordable as it is today. From live camera feeds to home automation, you may have complete control of your property. Equipped with the right monitoring service, you can rest easy knowing that your property is well protected.
Win a ZippySack Bedding Set
Disclosure- We received the below in order to facilitate this review. All opinions are our own and honest.
It’s a bright shiny day, and the best way for a little one to start that day is by making their bed, right? This is how it happens in your house isn’t it? A nice straightened out bed room with bed made with perfect corners on it? Yeah, mine too. In reality, mornings are a point in time when we all need some help sometimes- those days when little ones who just won’t move. Any way to make their morning go a bit smoother is a step in the right direction, and this is just one of the wonderful attributes of a ZippySack. This is a fun way to get kids to help- it’s a fitted sheet which also acts as a cover/thin blanket, and is easy to “make” in the morning. The easy way to make your bed with a ZippySack is by zipping it up. With a simple zip up your bed is made. Not only is it easy to make your bed, but it also adds some fun to bed time by being able to sleep as a plush.
We were still able to use his breathe-right pillow under his zippy sack, which is great for us.
There are 8 different patterns available including robot, puppy, dino, and kitten. Each has a colorful character on it and a bright background. For those who don’t want a character, there are 2 without. One which sports a camo pattern in blue and the other, a pink floral design. As an added bonus, there is also a pocket big enough for a tablet or a book by the side of the bed.
The little guy loves his zippy sack. His main reason is that is has a huge puppy on it. He also likes the pocket on the side, a perfect spot for a small plush of course. The reason I like it because its an easy way to keep him sleeping in one spot without his nightly sleep around the bed.
ZippySacks are available online at ZippySack.com and at fine retail stores everywhere. The twin size retails for $29.99, and the full $39.99.
One of you can win one of your own- feel free to use the RC form below. Ends July 15, 2015. Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
AirFree Air Purifier- Perfect for people with Allergies
Disclosure: The Airfree Air Purifier was provided for me in order to facilitate my review. All opinions are my own and honest. I am disclosing this in accordance to FTC Guidelines. Please see “Disclose” tab for more information.
Ugh…Allergies are real serious problem for this midwestern family. Let me tell you that with the weather the way that it was this past year I think that I seriously suffered with allergies from October until recently. I haven’t had the Airfree Air Purifier for a terribly long time but I have been completely impressed with it since the moment that I plugged it in.
About Airfree:
Airfree’s technology was developed through the initiative and creativity of a father in an effort to find an effective way to ease his son’s allergy attacks. The Portuguese businessman scoured the market trying to find an air purifier that would help his son’s respiratory issues but found nothing that suited their needs. He then began to develop Airfree. In 2004, after a few adjustments from the beginning had been made to improve electronics and capacity, Airfree was born, marked by the launch of its P air purifier range, attractive and modern in design. A groundbreaking brand was on its way to conquering world markets.
About Airfree Air Purifiers:
The Airfree air purifiers are effective against bacteria, viruses, mildew, mold, dust mite allergens, pet allergens, pollen, and tobacco odors. SGS, the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company, and dozens of other international laboratories have proved the effectiveness of Airfree air purifiers at reducing the amount of microorganisms and harmful substances from the air. The TSS technology used is an exclusive and patented technology used in Airfree’s air purifiers, is established in over 50 countries worldwide, and is completely silent. With no fans or turbines, a good night’s sleep is guaranteed.
Airfree’s exclusive technology works by eliminating microorganisms and allergens, destroying them in a fraction of a second. Depending on the model, between 4,000 and 6,000 gallons of air pass through the Airfree device every hour, treating all the air in the room in a very short space of time. This entire process is completely silent and requires no maintenance, not even the occasional replacement parts. All you have to do is switch the device on and leave it to get on with the job.
About Air Purifier Onix 3000:
This Air Purifier is recommended for rooms up to 650 square feet. This great purifier reduces microbiological contamination in the air naturally, without using chemicals or filters. Recommended by doctors and with no contraindications, they can be used anywhere. It only weights 3.3 pounds and is easy to move from room to room if necessary.
My Thoughts:
I was incredibly impressed with this amazing Air Purifier. I have had horrible allergies this year, which is not something that I typically have. I hate allergies and all the yuckiness that goes along with them. My girls and husband have seemed to have bad allergies this year as well. We have had this Air Purifier in my house for about 2 weeks and we have already noticed a tremendous improvement with our allergies. I know that I will be recommending this amazing product to everyone around me that suffers with allergy problems as well. I am so impressed that it works so well in our big family room which we spend most of our time in. I also really like that you don’t have to change the filter. The fact that it burns the allergens away is what truly makes this product work well and not be a forever ending expense.
Purchase:
If you are interested in purchasing one or two for your house (I know that I am going to need an additional one) head on over to the website to see the different Air Purifiers that they have to offer and pick the one that is right for your home.
Donate Stuff, Create Jobs
So, it’s spring. The perfect (and somewhat cliche) time to clean up the house. Spruce it up, declutter, get the screens into the windows- you know, the whole jam. It needs to happen- spring is a good a time as any! Get all that winter “ew” out of the house, too.
There’s never a bad time to clear the clutter out of your home or garage or to do a wardrobe purge. When you donate your stuff to Goodwill, the revenue from the sale of your donations helps fund job training and placement opportunities for people with disabilities and disadvantages directly in your community. That’s cleaning with a purpose.
Have you heard of the the “Donate Stuff. Create Jobs.” campaign? Thanks to the programs and support services made possible by donations of clothes and household items, more than 261,000 people earned jobs in 2013 – that’s one person finding a job every 27 seconds of every business day. So you’re literally donating your stuff AND helping to create jobs.
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How Much Do You Know About Recycling ?
My family and I are pretty good about recycling and reducing waste. We try to reuse as much as possible, we fix and repair instead of replacing when possible, compost, recycle, and almost never use disposable items in our lunchboxes and the like. Getting to know just how much you can save to help is a matter of reading up on the topic. The rules are easy to follow, and there are many places where you can learn more about the topic. Whether it’s a quick article, or a step-by-step guide. We only get one planet, right?
However, that doesn’t mean that we can’t use a refresher course now and again, or learn new and helpful information to assist us in learning to do it better, or show us a new way that might work well.
According to a recent study conducted for the Ad Council, 52% of Americans don’t know which items can be recycled in the bathroom. And only 10% of Americans have a recycling bin in their bathroom, compared to the 45% who have them in the kitchen.
There’s a lot you can do to help increase recycling rates. With Earth Day coming up on 4/22, there’s no better time than now to help spread the word.
Keep America Beautiful, the national nonprofit organization, recently launched the newest phase of the “I Want to Be Recycled” public service advertising campaign. It aims to raise awareness and inspire individuals to recycle more with the latest series of ads focused on recycling in the bathroom.
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