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Wallpaper? Don’t Say No Just Yet
July 30, 2021
Wallpaper? Don’t Say No Just Yet Are you ready for an interior design refresh? Wallpaper has gained momentum in recent years around the decor world. However, you want to make sure you’re making a decision that you’ll enjoy for years since redoing the walls requires an investment of both time and money. Here are some pros and cons to choosing wallpaper. First, wallpaper is great for adding patterns and color. There’s an endless array of options to choose from, so it’s easy to find a pattern that will match your decor. It can also add texture to liven up an otherwise bland space. High-quality wallpaper, when applied properly, has the potential to last well over a decade. There also isn’t as much worry about discoloration as there may be with paint. Wallpaper can also cover minor flaws. A small crack might show through paint, but the pattern and texture of wallpaper would easily mask it. It not only masks flaws, but scents as well. Some wallpapers come in scented varieties to pass a more pleasant aroma throughout the home, whereas fresh paint tends to have a harsher smell. One of the downsides of wallpaper is the removal process. This is why it’s important to be sure that you want to make the change, as removing it is a tedious and exhausting process. It can also be costly if you need to recruit professionals to help get the job done. Another con to wallpaper is the potential to look dated. There are many patterns and colors out there that are on trend for the moment, but come resale time they could be an eyesore. Consider whether your wallpaper will still look good in 15 years before applying it. Peels, chips and tears are something else to consider when looking at wallpaper. Though newer models have been constructed more durably than previous decades, it is still a possibility. Wallpaper isn’t always the worst choice to make when redecorating your walls. If you want something more stylish than a plain paint color and have weighed all of the costs, go for it.
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How to Organize Your Walk-In Closet
July 30, 2021
How to Organize Your Walk-In Closet Is your walk-in closet overwhelming? Now is a great time to organize. Maybe you’ve let things slide for too long and just have piles that you have to dig through or maybe things are scattered all over the place. Either way, take a look at these ideas on maximizing your storage space and minimizing the stress. Double RodsDouble hanging rods help to maximize closet space exponentially. Shorter clothes, such as tops, can be hung on the top bar and longer pants and skirts can hang on the bottom bar. Wire OrganizersWire closet shelves easily add space for folded items such as t-shirts. Since the wire shelves are ventilated, they allow clothes to keep air out and won’t retain humidity or odor. There are also snap-on options to reconfigure as much as you need to. HampersAdd a hamper or two to your walk-in closet. This will make laundry a breeze and will prevent clean clothes being mixed with dirty piles. Instead of throwing clothes on the floor at the end of the day, set them in a hamper that can be taken to the laundry room easily. Divided hampers are great as well to sort colors or sizes. ShoesThe average woman owns 40 pairs of shoes! Luckily, there are various storage options for shoes in walk-in closets and it’s easy to find the one that works best for you and your shoe collection. Efficient routines are made possible by keeping shoes visible, sorted and easy to access. LightingBelieve it or not, the right lighting can make a huge difference in bringing a drab closet to a bright oasis. It helps you to see colors more accurately and gives a crisp feeling to the space. Hang Purses, Scarves and MoreA few shower hooks will do wonders when organizing accessories. Purses, belts, ties and other accessories can be hung on shower hooks to save shelf space that can be used for clothing and shoes. These ideas should get you on the right track to a beautifully organized closet. You’ll feel more peace when things are easily accessible and the cluttered space is cleared.
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Make Any Room Look Better with These 8 Things
July 30, 2021
Make Any Room Look Better with These 8 Things
Do you walk into any room in your home and feel like there’s just something missing? Surprisingly, different pieces of decor and other items can make a huge difference when it comes to the overall atmosphere of your home. Here is a list of 8 different things that will freshen up any space.- House Plants
- Mirrors
- Wall Art
- Lighting
- A New Rug
- Throw Pillows
- Shelving Accessories
- Updated Fixtures
How to Maximize the Natural Light in Your Home
July 30, 2021
How to Maximize the Natural Light in Your Home
Sunlight can affect anyone’s mood exponentially. Now more than ever, it’s important to have a little bit of Vitamin D to boost your happiness and productivity. Getting light into darker rooms can be tough, but makes a world of difference when it is accomplished. Here are a few ways to bring more natural light throughout your home. Mirror EffectShiny surfaces, such as mirrors, make light reflect and bounce around the room. Chandeliers, mirrors, or silver-plated photo frames will all help the natural light reflect in the room and add a decorative touch. Window TreatmentsThick drapes and curtains absorb natural light and prevent it from entering a room. Lighter colors and fabrics will open up the space and brighten it as well. If you prefer energy saving or room darkening curtains, open them up during the day to allow the light to come in. TransparencyAdding a glass door or side window can increase the flow of light that comes into your home. Frosted glass is a great option for privacy while keeping things bright. There are even frosted film sheets available that will work on any budget. Glass tabletops and acrylic chairs are another great way to increase the lighting in a room. They are extremely on trend as well! Paint Color ChoicesDarker walls make it difficult for natural light to travel through, so use paint that complements the use of light instead. A light gray is a classic choice that will match just about any piece of decor as well. Kitchen ContrastsIf you have dark cabinetry in the kitchen, create a stark contrast with light countertop finishes. The lighter color and different texture will break up the solid color of cabinets and help your kitchen feel more open. Light backsplash is another good way to bring in more light. Try a few of these simple changes and increase the positivity in your home. The right lighting makes the biggest difference, so use these tips to help that happen!
Aging in Place Features to Consider
July 30, 2021
Aging in Place Features to Consider
Have you thought about long-term care when you grow older? Or do you have a loved one who owns a home and is facing what to do as they age? There are many reasons someone might want to stay in their own home, and luckily there are features available that could make that possible. The term for staying in your home as you grow older is “aging in place”. Here are a few ideas to help plan for that. Plan AheadIt’s difficult to plan ahead because your needs could easily change. It is definitely important to have an idea of the different types of help you may want or need in the future. Consider whether or not you will need someone to live with you or someone that could come by daily to assist you with minor things. An aide like this could help with tasks such as washing your hair or getting dressed. One-Story Floor PlanOwning a single-level home is essential if you are considering aging in place. Mobility issues may arise in the future, so stairs would be out of the question. If you are in a two-story home, be sure there is an owner’s suite on the bottom level or have one added on. A stair lift can be added too, if necessary. Look for a home that has a flat entrance as well with no steps. Wide OpeningsIn the event that more accessibility is needed in the future, wider doorways and hallways will be beneficial. Many builders include these in certain floor plans already, but you can also have the custom option for them when building. Comfortable FlooringChoose a flooring material that isn’t too tough on the feet and joints. Floors with a rubber base are softer and easier to walk around on, though they can be on the higher end price-wise. Pick something that’s easy to clean as well. Bathroom AccommodationsBathtubs can be harder to get in and out of as you grow older. This is where walk-in showers come in. There are special chairs for showers as well to ease discomfort. If you do have a tub/shower combo, be sure to have grab bars installed to prevent slipping. There are many factors to consider when planning to age in place. These are a few of the top, but be sure to weigh every possibility and decide what’s best for you and your family.
Dealing with Snake Troubles
July 30, 2021
Summertime seems to bring out the snakes. Between the humidity from summer rain, the hot weather and many other factors, it’s fairly common to spot a snake in your yard around this time. If you want to protect your property from a snake visit, here are a few preventative measures to take: Maintaining PropertyAn overgrown yard is the perfect breeding ground and hiding spot for snakes. Not keeping your yard maintained can also attract rodents, which snakes enjoy chasing. Carefully inspect the exterior area of your property to ensure there is no standing water since they love a damp environment. Patch up any cracks or holes you may find as well. If you keep firewood on your property, be sure it is in a sealed container as snakes love woodpiles. Keep the grass cut short so that they have nowhere to hide. Protect Your PropertyThere are a good number of natural items you can easily find to keep snakes deterred from your property. Eliminate food supplies for snakes such as rodents, frogs, birds, or insects. A thorough pest control routine may help keep snakes away in the long run. Mothballs contain naphthalene, an ingredient commonly found in commercial snake repellent products. The smell irritates snakes but does not harm them. You can place mothballs in any cracks or crevices around your property where snakes may be an issue. However, use extreme caution if there are children or pets in the home as they can be toxic for them. Powdered sulfur can be sprinkled around the property to repel snakes. It irritates their scaly skin so they are unlikely to return. It does give off a strong odor, so wear a mask when applying it. Clove and cinnamon oils can be mixed together in a spray bottle and sprayed directly on any snakes you might see to make them slither off. Garlic and onions contain sulfonic acid, another natural repellent. Mix them with rock salt and sprinkle around the property. Snakes dislike the scent that ammonia gives off. Spray it around affected areas to keep them away. These are a few simple options to consider if you are wanting to keep a snake problem under control. You can also contact a local wildlife control agency or exterminator service for professional assistance.
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Non-Traditional Christmas Tree Decorations
July 30, 2021
Non-Traditional Christmas Tree Decorations It’s the most wonderful time of the year during the most unprecedented year. Many plans and traditions have been thrown out in 2020, so why not shake up your Christmas decor as well? You may want to keep your usual Christmas tree as a piece of stability in such a wild year but for a bit of extra adventure, consider these unusual pieces of decor to add a unique touch to this holiday season: Garland Christmas TreeThis is a great idea for families with little ones who may be prone to messing with a traditional tree and knocking it over. Take a garland made from pom-poms, tassels or tinsel and use double-sided tape or push pins to attach it to the wall in the shape of a tree. Succulent Christmas TreeThe succulent trend has been going steady for a few years now, so give it a holiday twist. Arrange faux succulents into the shape of a tree by gluing together with a hot glue gun and add a festive star to the top. It makes for the perfect centerpiece that will be the talk of your holiday meals. Deconstructed TreeA unique way to save space is a deconstructed Christmas tree. Gather multiple sticks of various sizes that can be arranged into a tree shape and attach them with string lights. This will lay perfectly against the wall and ornaments can still be hung for some extra pizazz. Book TreeAre you an avid book collector? Gather a stack of books with green spines (or create faux wood books and paint them green), and pile them into a pyramid or tree shape. If you have a fun paperweight, add it to the top for your “star”. This is another great centerpiece idea or a different way to fill up some empty space on a shelf. Christmas Card TreeLooking for a different way to display all of the Christmas cards you receive from loved ones? Take double-sided tape and attach them to the wall into the shape of a tree. A tin or decorative basket on the floor full of blankets or presents is a great “trunk” for a final touch. Hay Bale TreeNow, it’s time for an outdoor idea that will catch the attention of your neighbors- a hay bale tree. Stack hay bales up into a tree shape (you can find faux ones at craft stores if you don’t want the real thing) and spray paint them green or leave them natural. Add a decorative garland and enjoy this unique, rustic yard decor! It doesn’t take much to think outside of the box and create different decor that goes against the grain. Again, if you choose to keep your regular tree up this year, that’s great! But consider one of these other ideas in addition to your traditional tree as a way to mix things up and have fun this season after such a tough year.
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The Best Gift Exchange Games for Your Holiday Party
July 30, 2021
The Best Gift Exchange Games for Your Holiday Party Are you hosting or attending a party during the holidays with a small group of friends or family? If so, gift exchanges are always a fun way to break the ice and bond with others. You may be tired of the classic white elephant game, so here are a few different ideas to think about when planning your holiday gathering. Never Have I Ever Gift Exchange Game Create a list of holiday-specific “Never Have I Ever” statements, at least one per guest attending. These can be statements such as “Never have I ever eaten a fruitcake”, “Never have I ever said I loved a gift that I didn’t really like”, or “Never have I ever had Christmas with a tree”. Guests will place their gifts around the floor or on a table upon arrival and the statements are placed in a basket in the middle of the gifts. Each person selects a statement and if they HAVE done what is on the paper, they will switch seats with someone else. Once everyone has shifted around, they open the gift in front of them. AuctionIf you have a Monopoly game, take the play money out for this one. The “auctioneer” will collect the gifts and distribute equal amounts of “money” to each player. Players can hold, shake and feel the gifts to try and guess what they might be. The gifts stay wrapped during the auction and whoever bids the highest gets to keep them. To spice up the competition, do another auction round after all of the gifts have been opened! Guess the GiverCollect gifts as guests arrive and write a number on each of them. Write the same number on a notecard or small piece of paper and hand it to the guest to write a fun fact about themselves on the back. Have everyone take turns drawing the paper out of a basket, read the fact aloud, and take turns guessing who the fact is about. The person who guesses correctly receives that gift. Repeat until everyone has a gift. Roll the DiceHave guests sit in a circle and distribute gifts among them. Pick an action for each number on a dice and enjoy the game as long as desired. Here are the action steps that can be associated with the dice: 1- trade gifts with someone across from you2- trade with the person to your left3- trade with the person to your right4- trade with anyone5- unwrap your gift 6- everyone passes their gift down twice It’ll be nice to let loose a little and play some fun games this season with those you love. You might even take home a fun new gift that you didn’t know you needed or wanted!
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Local Winter Date Night Ideas
July 30, 2021
Local Winter Date Night IdeasAlthough the world is still upside down after a pandemic hit us, there is room to find Christmas joy and fun this holiday season. It’s more important than ever to keep relationships prioritized after having gone through such unprecedented times. If you’re overdue for a good date night, here are a few ideas of what you can do locally that won’t require much travel and may not break the bank. Take a walk in the park. There are quite a few different parks in the CSRA that have beautiful light displays for the holiday season, so take an evening to check them out. Bundle up in a cozy coat and hat and grab a cup of your favorite coffee or hot cocoa to keep warm. Try the Evans Towne Center Park or Augusta Common in downtown Augusta after a nice dinner. Enjoy Christmas in Hopelands Gardens. Over in Aiken, South Carolina, Hopelands Gardens will have their beautiful Christmas display set up during the month of December. There are over two miles of lighted pathways and displays with more than 100,000 shining lights. Entry is free, but donations are accepted to help support the growth of the program put on by the city of Aiken. Indulge in hot cocoa at home. For an easy in-home date night that helps you maintain social distancing, cuddle up with a nice mug of hot cocoa. The newest trend in the baking world is hot cocoa bombs. Visit a local bakery or contact a baker you know that is making them and snag one or a whole pack. Hot cocoa bombs are similar to bath bombs- they bust open with goodness! You’ll place one in a mug and slowly pour hot milk over it until the chocolate breaks to reveal cocoa powder and marshmallows. Lay out a good charcuterie tray and snack with your loved one while watching a favorite Christmas movie. Admire the wonder of Lights of the South. A favorite tradition around the CSRA is Lights of the South, nestled away off of Louisville road in Grovetown. Hop on the hayride through the trail or spend some time walking to take in all of the sights. They are open through the month of December and tickets can be purchased here to avoid longer lines upon arrival. It doesn’t take much to bring Christmas joy to the ones you love this season. Stay warm, wash your hands, and enjoy a lovely date.
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