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6 Ways to Make a Temporary Living Space Feel Like Home

May 21, 2019 by admin

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Anyone who has moved or built a new home can tell you that the process is anything but seamless. Sure, you might hear from the one unicorn homeowner who made everything work perfectly but, in most cases, moving can be complicated and messy. There might be a gap between when an old home is sold and the new home is ready, or construction completion dates can be delayed. In these instances, a temporary living space might be the only option. Whether it’s moving in with family or a short-term lease, making a temporary situation feel like home can be tricky. If you’re not staying for long, it can be a struggle to get comfortable. But you don’t need to feel like a long-term guest. Make anywhere feel like home with a few genius tips.

A corkboard quickly brightens up a room and keeps it organized. Image: Africa Studio/Shutterstock

1. Utilize Removable Decor

Okay, so you’re not going to paint the walls or refinish the floors. But just because a temporary living space’s decor isn’t exactly your taste doesn’t mean you have to live with it. By bringing in a few removable pieces, you can perk up a space with your unique style. One of the best ways to make a space feel like home is with a big cork board. You can add things like pictures, memorabilia and even cute decor items you’ve picked up for your permanent space. Decorate the cork board and place it prominently and you’ll have a little bit of home.

You can also bring in smaller pieces that you’re planning to put in your permanent place. A couple of lamps or a vase can go a long way in warming up a space and making it feel like you. Just skip the oversized decor pieces. Larger pieces of furniture like couches or tables will just make moving day trickier.

Having fewer clothes helps keep your temporary closet organized. Image: Beyond Time/Shutterstock

2. Edit Your Clothes

A temporary living space can make you feel like you’re a guest, no matter where you’re staying. Living out of a disorganized suitcase or searching through storage boxes to find your favorite shirt only makes it worse. While you might not want to move all of your clothes into a temporary closet, you can make day-to-day life easier by editing your clothing. Consider the season and the stuff you wear the most. Then, choose a week or two’s worth of clothes and accessories and put the rest in storage. Having fewer clothes might not be ideal, but it can help you settle in, hang a few things up and keep your clothes organized and neat. No moving box wrinkles here!

Keep a few appliances and put the rest in storage. Image: Baloncici/Shutterstock

3. Pick Three Appliances

Some temporary living spaces come with appliances and some don’t. Either way, you can save yourself a lot of headache by keeping your temporary kitchen limited to three or four of your favorite appliances. Choose your most-used kitchen must-haves and limit how much you’ll have to move when it’s time to fly the coop. A few smaller appliances you love can also help you feel more at home in your temporary living space. You might be able to live without your blender or adapt to using someone else’s, but if your morning coffee is your sanctuary, definitely bring your coffee maker along. That way, whether it’s a couple of weeks or a couple of months, you won’t have to do without your favorite cup of joe made just the way you like it.

Temporary furniture doesn’t have to match. Image: Photographee.eu/Shutterstock

4. Find Temporary Furniture

Moving is hard on furniture — just ask anyone who’s scratched their favorite armoire in the process. Don’t risk the wear and tear on your favorite pieces by getting temporary furniture in the meantime. While many temporary living spaces come furnished, you can add pieces as you need by checking online for temporary options. Need a nightstand? Check Craigslist or Freecycle for cheap options that you can live with for now. Then, when it’s time to move to your permanent space, you can pass on the pieces to someone else without worrying about scratches or dents. Your real favorites will stay safe in storage and can be moved directly into your new home — no harm, no foul.

Kitchen table with green apples and decor

Use everyday items as home decor. Image: Africa Studio/Shutterstock

5. Keep Decor Functional

A temporary living space doesn’t have to be dreary, but you might think twice about form and function when setting it up. Don’t make extra work for yourself by moving in a bunch of decorative items you’ll just have to move out again. Instead, choose decor pieces that function in other ways. A fruit bowl, for example, adds a much-needed pop of color while keeping healthy options front and center. A cute basket by the front door personalizes a space while helping you keep keys organized in an unfamiliar space. Even a low chest can pull double duty as a coffee table and a place to stash stuff in limbo. Make sure the decor you do bring in can do more than just sit and look pretty.

Pillows and blankets are an easy way to warm up a space. Image: Aratzum/Shutterstock

6. Personalize the Space

Your temporary living space might not look like home but there’s no reason it can’t feel like home. Don’t feel guilty about adding a few things that make the space more familiar, even if you’re staying with friends or family. No one will object to a few pictures, of course, but you can also add temporary things. Textiles, like throw pillows or comfy blankets, are a great way to add personality and texture. Or use a candle that you used to have in your old home. The scent will make the space feel more familiar and help you weather the wait between temporary and permanent.

A temporary living space is less than ideal, but it’s important to remember it’s just that: temporary. Even if it’s not a perfect situation, it won’t last forever. Do your best to make a space comfortable and, no matter where you are, it’ll feel a little like home.

The post 6 Ways to Make a Temporary Living Space Feel Like Home appeared first on Freshome.com.

Water Closets: Essential or a Waste of Bathroom Space?

May 21, 2019 by admin

When you’re designing a bathroom, you’re probably going to view the 2019 trends in bathroom technology and the latest faucet trends for inspiration. A water closet is another bathroom feature that is popular among some homeowners — but it’s considered unnecessary by others. So, how do you know if it’s the right choice for your home?

If you’ve never heard of a water closet, Elle H-Millard of the National Kitchen + Bath Association (NKBA) explains, “The water closet is basically a toilet in its own room.” Do you need a toilet in its own room? Let’s find out.

Advantages

A water closet provides privacy. Image: Sisoje/Getty Images

Nathan Outlaw, President at Onvico, a general contracting and design-build company in Thomasville, GA, tells Freshome that he always recommends water closets for master bathrooms. “They help add privacy for the toilet user and allow a spouse to continue to use the bathroom when it may have been too embarrassing otherwise.”

In fact, H-Millard says homeowners could even have two water closets in the master bathroom. “You could have water closets off to the side and you can have two — his and hers — guaranteeing each person their own true privacy.” This would be an ideal scenario in a Jack and Jill bathroom, too.

A water closet can be quite stylish. Image: fiphoto/Shutterstock

She says that water closets are trending. “This is a very European movement that is taking the U.S. by storm.” Ironically, H-Millard says Americans are opening up their showers just as they’re cordoning off their toilets. “The shower zones are totally exposed, but we are closing off the more private functions in the bathroom,” she explains. “Bathing in front of others seems to be more acceptable but we are still needing our privacy when using the water closet.”

A water closet puts distance between the commode and your toothbrush. Image: MartinPrescott/Getty Images

One advantage of a water closet is that it can make your bathroom more sanitary. For example, toothbrush holders are one of the “Nasty 9” — the nine germiest places in your home. When we spoke with Dr. Charles Gerba, a microbiologist at the University of Arizona who is better known as “Dr. Germ,” he warned against storing your toothbrush holder close to the toilet. When the toilet is flushed, all of those particles sprayed through the air may land on the toothbrush holder. A water closet ensures that your toothbrush — and other toiletry items — are a safe distance away from the commode.

Disadvantages

A small water closet can induce claustrophobia. Image: zilber42/Getty Images

So, how much additional space does a water closet take up? Not much, according to H-Millard. “If it’s not an ADA-necessary water closet, they can be as small as 3’ x 5’,” she says. But when they’re too small, they might make the user feel claustrophobic.

Another concern is that water closets can sometimes take up valuable space that could be used for something else.

Sometimes, water closet space could be better utilized. Image: Breadmaker/Shutterstock

“We have several master bathrooms that we have removed the water closet from to help open up the bathroom,” Outlaw says. “In some cases, the addition of the water closet just takes up too much space and makes a bathroom feel dark and cramped.”

However, he has another solution. “In these cases, we generally recommend a freestanding shelf or some type of furniture to help block the view and provide privacy to the person using the toilet.”

Other considerations

Looking at the mirror, you can see that this water closet has windows. Image: pics721/Shutterstock

A water closet can be as small or large as you need it to be. However, always consider resale value if you’re thinking about making it expansive. Homebuyers may not appreciate that it’s taking up valuable bathroom space.

Even though it’s a small room (within a room), don’t skimp on design. There are several types of fabulous bathroom wallpaper designs that can make the water closet the bathroom’s most stylish area. A frosted glass door is another option to keep the water closet from looking bland. It will also keep this enclosed space from looking dark and drab.

Even though the water closet will have its own light fixture, keep in mind that the door will be closed when it’s in use, so make sure the lighting is sufficient. In addition, if space is an issue, consider using a pocket door.

Another consideration: Outlaw says guest bathrooms wouldn’t really need a separate closet since they’re less likely to have more than one occupant at a time.

Make sure there’s sufficient lighting in the water closet. Image: Sisoje/Getty Images

The post Water Closets: Essential or a Waste of Bathroom Space? appeared first on Freshome.com.

BloomsyBox: a Flower Lover’s Dream

May 18, 2019 by admin

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Subscription boxes are officially a thing. There’s a box for whatever interests you. If you’re a makeup lover, Birchbox is just the thing. If you and your hound are besties, you’ve got BarkBox. Basically, if you want a subscription service that suits your tastes, there’s probably a fill-in-the-blank-box out there for you. Think your “thing” might be too hard to ship? Think again. I was thrilled to discover there’s one for people who love flowers: BloomsyBox.

BloomsyBox offers weekly or monthly shipments of fresh flowers delivered right to your doorstep. I was a little skeptical. For starters, flowers fade fast. Am I really going to get wow-worthy blooms out of a cardboard box that’s been on a truck for who knows how long? And then there’s the fragility issue. You really expect me to believe you can send me a full bouquet of flowers and they’re going to arrive in great shape? Well, I got my own BloomsyBox to find out. And — spoiler alert — the answers were yes and yes.

Get single-variety and mixed bouquets shipped to your house on the schedule that works for you. Image courtesy of BloomsyBox.

How BloomsyBox works

BloomsyBox is a flower-of-the-month (or week, if you’d prefer) club. You decide if you want a bouquet monthly, bi-weekly or weekly and dictate the size of bouquet you’d like to receive. They do the rest.

The flowers

BloomsyBox features both mixed and single-variety bouquets. The latter means that instead of getting a mixed bag of flowers — including some that will die in a few days and you’ll have to carefully pick out of the bouquet — you get a full bouquet of a single type of flower. (I got a single-variety box of lilies.)

BloomsyBox varies their shipments, so you might get tropical flowers one shipment, tulips the next and then a mixed bouquet. Or, if you know you want to stick to roses, BloomsyBox has also partnered with Martha Stewart for rose-only shipments curated by Martha herself.

And each box comes with an informational card so you can take great care of your blooms, extending their lifespan as long as possible.

The sources

I was impressed to learn that BloomsyBox has put some thought into their sourcing. They partner with nearly 50 family-owned farms for their flowers, all of whom are Rainforest Alliance certified. That means your flowers grow without toxic chemicals and the workers get fair conditions.

Another fun fact about BloomsyBox’s sourcing is that they’re able to get their flowers from their source to you in two to four days. They say that’s about half the amount of time it takes for flowers to get to a vase in your home when you get them from a florist or a grocery store. That’s because BloomsyBox doesn’t need any middlemen. They ship the flowers straight from their sources, where they’re arranged, to you.

Martha Stewart Roses also ship on a monthly schedule, but at a slightly different price point. Image courtesy of BloomsyBox.

Pricing

The monthly BloomsyBox comes in three sizes:

Bloomsy S, $40/month
Bloomsy M, $50/month
Bloomsy L, $55/month

The monthly Martha Stewart Roses also comes in three sizes:

Small, $50/month
Medium, $55/month
Large, $65/month

Just can’t get enough flowers? Fear not! BloomsyBox also offers more regular shipments:

Bloomsy Bi-weekly, $50/every two weeks
Bloomsy Weekly, $45/week

Oh, and here’s a perk! All BloomsyBoxes ship free.

100% satisfaction guarantee

BloomsyBox says you’ll never have to pay for a bouquet you didn’t like. If you get a flower variety you truly dislike, you’re not out of luck.

My BloomsyBox sure did bloom! Image provided by Kacie Goff.

My BloomsyBox review

This all seems pretty good, right? If you’re a flower lover, you’re probably always trying to keep fresh flowers in your house. But that extra trip to the florist is a hassle, and grocery store bouquets often leave something to be desired. Could BloomsyBox fill the void?

I got a box to find out. However, I was initially concerned. When my box arrived, one corner was bashed in. It’s been raining a lot in my area, so a lot of my packages have been showing up a little disheveled. This one, in partcular, looked like it had been through the ringer between BloomsyBox and arriving at my door. But, upon opening it, I found the blooms inside unscathed.

I received a large box of lilies in my shipment. Upon arrival, all of them were closed. This wouldn’t have been ideal if I had been planning on hosting a dinner party that night, but I was personally thrilled. I trimmed the ends and put them in a sunny spot and, sure enough, in a few days, I had colorful blooms opening up. And I continued to enjoy my bouquet for nearly two weeks. Now that’s fresh!

The BloomsyBox was so large I used some of the blooms to add color throughout my apartment. Image provided by Kacie Goff.

The size of my shipment also impressed me. It barely fit in my largest vase! I put out a few of the blooms to make small arrangements for my bathroom and guest room and a lily for my coffee table.

The pros and cons of BloomsyBox

All in all, the freshness, quality and size of my BloomsyBox impressed me. It’s a bit of a splurge, but if you’re already spending money on fresh flowers on a regular basis, it could be an awesome way to cross an errand off your list. Plus you know you’re getting your flowers from a sustainable source. Here are my takeaways:

Pros

High-quality flowers
Fresh shipments
Free shipping in boxes that truly do protect the flowers
Quality, sustainable sourcing
Variety of size and shipment frequency options

Cons

Expensive (when compared to grabbing a bouquet at the grocery store)
Few customization options

Want to try your own BloomsyBox? Use our promo codes below. Image courtesy of BloomsyBox.

Get your own BloomsyBox

All that said, would I recommend BloomsyBox? If you love having fresh flowers in your house, absolutely. It’s a fun way to treat yourself and, because you know the flowers are coming from ethical, sustainable sources, it’s totally guilt-free! And, of course, Freshome has you covered if you want to check BloomsyBox out for yourself. Here are a couple of promo codes you can use:

$5 off their Month-to-Month Plan with code BLOOMSYA5
$10 off their 6-Month Plan with code BLOOMSYA10

With spring in full bloom (if you will), it’s the perfect time to bring some life and color into your home. Enjoy your blooms!

The post BloomsyBox: a Flower Lover’s Dream appeared first on Freshome.com.

2019 Architecture Trends: What to Expect This Year

May 17, 2019 by admin

When you think about architecture, you might imagine the timeless columns of a Grecian revival or the clean lines of a mid-century modern home. But for every classic architecture style, there are a few that didn’t quite weather the test of time. It’s why you can sometimes tell exactly when a home was built based on its architectural style alone (looking at you, 1990s ranch). The trick to transitioning from trend to style staple is choosing one or two of the elements from the style you love for your home. Resist the urge to pile all of the trends into one space. Instead, check out some of our favorite 2019 architecture trends to see which features you’d choose.

Smart homes should blend tech with design. Image: Jodie Johnson/Shutterstock

Hidden tech

Smart homes are nothing new in the world of tech and design, but architects are learning to be sneakier about it. Today, technology exists as part of the home’s design instead of being its main feature. Building smart outlets or speakers directly into the home means you get all the tech you love without tripping over wires. It’s also important that tech is seen as a seamless part of life, rather than an add-on. Expect to see even more solutions to keep tech hidden, yet totally functional.

Flex design allows homeowners to create what works for them. Image: SeventyFour/Shutterstock

Flex design

No two families are exactly alike, so why are so many floorplans the same? The idea of flexible design is one of those 2019 architecture trends we can really get behind. After all, it just makes sense that designers would start to see that different families have different ways of doing things. The result is a flexible approach to design that leaves the details up to the homeowners. Creating rooms that pull double duty (a combination guest room and office, anyone?) or getting rid of formal, less-used spaces (bye, formal dining room!) means architects can create homes where every inch is optimized for each family.

Modern kitchen with stainless steel appliances

Reclaimed wood and energy efficient appliances make a home more sustainable. Image: Artazum/Shutterstock

Sustainability

Designing for sustainability isn’t anything new on the architecture scene, but the solutions architects are using are so 2019. Sustainability isn’t just about using energy-rated appliances and a few solar panels, but really considering the impact building has on the environment. With that in mind, more designers are turning to locally sourced, sustainable building materials to get started. Sustainability is being built right into the walls with more efficient fixtures and even indoor green spaces. You might not even know that your architect is a stickler for sustainability because great designers simply make it a seamless part of your build.

Homes are getting smaller by choice. Image: Ariel Celeste Photography/Shutterstock

Smaller scale

Just a decade ago, size really mattered most when designing a home. It was all about how much square footage you could get, which is why the real estate market is packed with 1990 and early 2000 “McMansions.” These are usually homes that, while large, are often cheaply finished or cursed with small lots. It’s interesting to note that one of the most common 2019 architecture trends is choosing to build smaller. It’s not always a question of budget; homeowners are simply choosing to create smaller footprints. Not only does this leave more outdoor space, but it means easier upkeep and less maintenance. It also allows homeowners to invest in good-quality finishes and furnishings so their smaller home stands the test of time.

Open concept homes can be divided with features like stairs. Image: korisbo/Shutterstock

Segmented spaces

We all know that the open concept home has been the gold standard for the last 10 years. After decades of small, specific rooms, American families are choosing spaces that allow more room and fewer labels. But while open concept offers the most room to roam, it still has a few issues. There can be such a thing as too much openness in a home, so architects have had to learn to create defined spaces without using walls. Segmented spaces, which use architectural features like sunken rooms, varying ceiling heights and other features help to divvy up the space while keeping it open.

Well-planned outdoor spaces are like an extension of your home. Image: Artazum/Shutterstock

Outdoor living

The backyard isn’t an afterthought anymore. More architects are taking the time to design the outdoor living space as much as the indoor. Whether it’s space for a backyard barbecue, a sunny pool oasis or even just a kid’s paradise, expect to see more outdoor design in 2019. As architects consider the way families live and use their homes, it’s more apparent that outside is just as important as inside. Design a smart outdoor space and you’ll increase your home’s size without increasing square footage. What’s more, planning for outdoor space as part of the design and build means more efficient budgeting.

Modern farmhouse is 2019’s most popular trend. Image courtesy of Curtis Design Group.

Modern farmhouse

For the last couple of years, the farmhouse has reigned supreme as the top trend. Homeowners love the comfortable warmth and architectural interest farmhouse design brings to the table. But there were a few drawbacks, including the risk of becoming cluttered and kitschy. That’s why we’re not surprised to see modern farmhouse take over the list of 2019 architecture trends. It takes what everyone loves about farmhouse design (warmth, character) but uses clean lines and architecture to ensure it doesn’t become clunky and cluttered. It’s a perfect marriage of two design styles to create something as functional as it is beautiful — and we’re here for it.

Using every possible trend in your home is what could push your design out of the “timeless” category. Instead, choose two or three trends that you’d like your architect to incorporate and then allow him or her to work magic on your design. When done well, your 2019 home can stand the test of time and always look totally on trend.

The post 2019 Architecture Trends: What to Expect This Year appeared first on Freshome.com.

Wayfair’s Bridal Registry Unveils the Most Popular Wedding Gifts For The Kitchen

May 17, 2019 by admin

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Did you know that Wayfair has one of the most popular bridal registry services in the country? Wayfair Registry makes wedding gifting easy for brides and their friends and families. And the online retailer recently looked at what kitchen products are the most requested and gifted to figure out this year’s hottest kitchen appliance trends.

The KitchenAid Stand Mixer has been the top bridal gift year after year. This year, pastel colors are the most popular. All images courtesy of Wayfair.

Are you shopping for your kitchen? Or do you need the perfect wedding gift? Either way, here are Wayfair’s 5 most popular wedding gift categories:

1. Healthy living kitchen products

It looks like brides — and Wayfair shoppers, in general — are focused on health. Juicer searches are up 82 percent over last year. This secures their spot as one of the top appliances consumers want in their kitchen.

2. High-end restaurant tools

Home cooks want to be more like professional chefs. As we develop a more sophisticated “foodie” palate, we need new kitchen products. Items like sous-vide slow cookers (up 54 percent), digital multi-function cookers and air fryers are on the must-have shortlist.

3. Pastel-colored appliances

Spring (and wedding season) are obviously here. Pastel-colored appliances are hot — and the top manufacturers are making sure a good selection is available. According to Wayfair, the KitchenAid Mixer continues to be a wedding gift staple. And now you can get one from the Artisan Stand Mixer collection in pink, blue and other pastels. Here are some of the pastel pieces registered by brides:

4. Home barista products

Gourmet coffee will never go out of style. And it looks like customers are opting to create their specialty latte at home instead of waiting in line for the paper cup version. Searches for cold brew are up 50 percent. Coffee and espresso makers have more than doubled in popularity. And the champion in this category is the pour-over coffee maker, up 82 percent.

5. Memorable home entertaining

More and more consumers are looking to create an entertaining experience at home that rivals going out. Products that make a houseguest’s visit memorable are trending. According to Wayfair, “Searches for popcorn machines alone have grown by 41 percent and items such as cotton candy machines and soft serve ice cream makers are also increasing in popularity.”

The post Wayfair’s Bridal Registry Unveils the Most Popular Wedding Gifts For The Kitchen appeared first on Freshome.com.

Should You Cut Your Grass Weekly?

May 17, 2019 by admin

Few things compare to the beauty of a well-manicured lawn. Studies show that a home’s curb appeal can increase its resale value. You’ll also have a sense of pride and accomplishment, knowing that your lawn care routine is responsible for the positive results. In addition, there are environmental and health benefits of turfgrass lawns.

Curb appeal can increase your home’s resale value. Image: tab1962/Getty Images

However, the health of your lawn is dependent, in part, on proper mowing techniques. So, Freshome asked two lawn care professionals to provide best practices and tips for doing it right.

Mowing frequency

Warm season grasses grow faster in mid-summer. Images: kurham/Shutterstock

How often should you mow the lawn? “Many of us have heard the idea of mowing our lawn at least one time per week,” says Dr. Brad DeBels, Director of Operations at Weed Man Lawn Care. As a general rule, he says it’s an accurate level of frequency, but it all depends on the season and the type the grass you have.

“Warm-season grasses grow much faster in mid-summer than in the spring or fall, while cool-season grasses grow at higher rates in spring and fall than summer,” DeBels explains. “For your lawn to be the envy of the neighborhood, you should be mowing your lawn at least one time per week at the proper height.”

Are you scalping your lawn?

Scalping puts your lawn at risk. Image: SL-photo/Shutterstock

And the proper height is the cause of some confusion. “Most homeowners think if they cut their grass nice and short, it buys them more time before they need to mow again,” explains Chris McGeary at Lawn Doctor. “While mowing your lawn properly is one of the easiest ways to fight off weeds and diseases, many homeowners fall victim to mowing too short, or ‘scalping,’ which does more harm than good.”

But if mowing your grass fights off weeds and diseases, wouldn’t mowing it even shorter provide a greater level of defense? Apparently not, according to McGeary. “Scalping can have some pretty serious repercussions as a result of cutting off essential energy sources for the grass blades.” So, when you’re mowing, he says it’s important to pay attention to the height of your grass to ensure you’re not hindering its growth. “You’ll notice if you are scalping your lawn when the grass turns a yellowish color or becomes frayed,” he says.

How to avoid scalping

Dull blades can also cause scalping. Image: PPA/Shutterstock

To avoid weakening and other lawn issues, McGeary recommends cutting most warm-season grasses down to 1 inch, and he says most cool-season grasses should be 2.5 inches high.

“Scalping can also occur as a result of keeping your mower on its lowest setting and having a dull blade, so be sure to regularly check in on your equipment.” If you’re worried about your grass being too high, McGeary says longer is always better so you shouldn’t be afraid to let your grass grow. “Pairing your mowing habits with maintained irrigation will allow you to enjoy your glorious yard in no time.”

Observe these mowing guidelines

An example of Kentucky bluegrass mowed at 3 inches. Image courtesy of Weed Man Lawn Care.

DeBels recommends that you never mow more than one-third of the leaf blade off at any one time. “For example, if your desired grass height is 3 inches, you should mow the grass before it has reached a height of 4.5 inches.” This means that you may need to mow your lawn every four to five days during peak growing seasons. “If you mow more than one-third of the leaf blade off, you initiate a growth response in the plant that causes excess shoot growth, reduced root growth and can leave many unsightly leaf clippings on the surface,” DeBels explains.

Keep your mowing height as high as possible

A higher mowing height contributes to a healthier lawn. Image: PPA/Shutterstock

If you choose a higher mowing height, DeBels says you can also prevent weed growth. “Aesthetics and utility are strong considerations when choosing a mowing height, but generally the highest setting on your mower is a safe place to be,” he says. However, you don’t want your lawn to be too high, lest it provide cover for various pests and critters.

Sharpen your blades

Sharp blades produce a more effective cut. Image courtesy of Weed Man Lawn Care.

The effectiveness of your lawn mower is dependent on the sharpness of your mower blades. “When dull mower blades are being used to cut your lawn, they cut less and tear more,” DeBels explains. And this results in frayed leaf blades, and DeBels warns that it can lead to lawn disease. “Depending on your lawn size, you should consider sharpening your mower blades two times per year.” You may want to add this item to your fall lawn maintenance list.

Leave your clippings

Clippings are your lawn’s friend. Image: Nick Beer/Shutterstock

Don’t bag your clippings; leave them on the lawn. “Not only is collecting clippings labor intensive, but you are removing needed nutrients from the lawn that are contained in those leaf blades,” DeBels says. “These returned leaf blades can provide 25 percent of the yearly nitrogen the lawn needs, meaning they’re free fertilizer.”

Change up your mowing patterns

Repeatedly mowing in a circle around this well well during has caused thinning.

Repeatedly mowing in a circle around this well well caused thinning. Image courtesy of Weed Man Lawn Care.

Repetition is a bad thing as it relates to mowing. “Be sure to alternate your mowing pattern every time you cut the lawn,” DeBels says. “Be creative. Don’t simply create the same masterpiece each time.” If you continue to mow in the same direction or pattern, DeBels warns that you could create thinning and rutting, which you can see in the photo above.

Still have questions about mowing or your yard in general? Contact a lawn care professional to find out more.

The post Should You Cut Your Grass Weekly? appeared first on Freshome.com.

Spring Tasks to Keep Your Home Cooler During Summer

May 16, 2019 by admin

With the days getting warmer, you may be thinking of all the fun you’ll have this summer: cookouts, roads trips or days at the beach. But you may also want to take some time to think about one of the not-so-fun parts of summer: those increased energy bills as you run the AC constantly to keep a cooler home during summer. Fortunately, there are several ways to plan ahead to make it easier to cool the home.

These ideas run from replacing cooling equipment to simply adding an awning outside windows. Costs could be negligible (as in the case of weatherstripping) or run in the thousands of dollars (as in the case of landscaping or a new AC unit). But if you’ve needed to replace key parts of your home and you want to reduce your energy costs, it could be worth the upfront price. Plus, most of these ideas only take one afternoon to implement. Below are several ways to keep a cooler home during summer.

While windows add plenty of ambient sunlight, they can also heat the home. Image: S_Photo/Shutterstock

Check your windows

Your windows are the place that you stand to lose the most cold air and gain the most heat. Heat gain and loss account for 25 to 30 percent of residential heating and cooling energy use, according to the EPA. However, updating to new window technologies, like low-e storm windows, can help save 12 to 33 percent per year in heating and cooling costs.

But if you have an older home, replacing windows can come with disadvantages. And it can be expensive, running hundreds of dollars per window. So if you’d rather not replace your windows at this time, you can choose other options for getting a cooler home during summer:

Place awnings over windows so that less heat is hitting the window directly and transferring into the home.
Replace just the windows that leak the most air. You can hire a professional inspector to perform what’s called a “blower door” test to determine the location of the most air leaks. Though, if it’s bad enough, you can usually tell because it’s simply drafty around that window or door.
Invest in weatherstripping around windows and doors to keep them from leaking air. Different doors and windows have different weatherstripping needs, which you can read about in detail here.

Cooler Home in Summer Tree Outside Window

Having landscaping just outside the window can reduce warming sunlight in your home while the sun is lower. Image: Svetlana Larina/Shutterstock

Fix your landscaping to keep a cooler home in summer

Another idea is to think from the outside in. In other words, plan your landscaping so that you have more shade around your home. Simply put, if the sun can’t hit your windows, it can’t warm your home as much.

Look at your home to see which windows let in the most natural sunlight. Then, see if there is a large tree or shrub you can put outside the window to obstruct the sunlight.

You’ll have to be careful with this idea, however. Trees planted too close to the home can disrupt the foundation as roots expand outward. You may want to consult with a professional landscaping service if you choose this option.

Upgrading to a more energy-efficient AC unit can help reduce cooling costs before those temperatures soar. Image: Krysten Brown/Shutterstock

Replace your AC unit

If your AC unit is old, replacing it can be a direct path to a cooler home during summer. Older or lower-quality AC units run less efficiently. According to the EPA, replacing an old air conditioner with a newer energy-efficient unit could save 20 to 40 percent on your home cooling costs.

And remember, when working toward a cooler home during summer, choose an option that works with your budget. Even simple weatherstripping around your most drafty window can help in the long run.

Why Isn’t My Air Conditioner Working?
Keeping Cool: How to Choose the Right A/C Unit
HVAC Basics: What’s a Good SEER Rating?
Building Your Energy-Efficient Dream Home
Clever Ways to Hide an Ugly HVAC Unit

The post Spring Tasks to Keep Your Home Cooler During Summer appeared first on Freshome.com.

Exclusive! Chip Wade on Home Maintenance Tasks to Tackle Before Summer

May 15, 2019 by admin

Wade gave us a few tips to execute before summer. Image courtesy of Chip Wade

If you’ve ever watched Chip Wade on HGTV or the DIY Network, you know he’s pretty handy, both inside the house and outdoors. Wade, who is also the Owner and Lead Designer of Wade Works Creative and a Liberty Mutual consultant, specializes in helping homeowners create the perfect indoor and outdoor spaces.

As you can imagine, he’s busy, but Freshome asked him to stop and share a few tips on how to recover from winter and get your home and yard prepped for summer.

Service your air conditioner

You don’t want your AC breaking down during the dog days of summer. Image: C5Media/Shutterstock

“I recommend checking out your air conditioning system in the spring to ensure it’s working properly before the weather really warms up,” Wade says. The first step is to change the system’s filter. “Clogged and dirty filters make air conditioning systems work harder, stay on longer and cost more to run.” Wade recommends changing heating and air filters every two to four months.

Changing filters regularly helps to keep your system running efficiently. Image: RF-2018/Shutterstock

After changing the filter, he recommends turning on the unit to see how it is working. “Give it a minute, but if the AC doesn’t start doing its job quickly, I’d recommend checking your fuses and circuit breakers,” Wade says. If that doesn’t make a difference, or you’re getting ghost readings, he recommends calling a professional to assess the situation.

Clean your windows and screens

Caulk and weatherstripping can keep your cool air inside. Image: 3DPhoto/Shutterstock.

Wade cleans his windows by filling a spray bottle with window cleaning solution and using a squeegee or some newspaper to clean the glass since this leaves it streak-free.

“It’s important to remember that everyone’s windows fare differently after the winter,” Wade says, advising homeowners to look for signs of dry rot. “If you live in a colder climate, look for any water damage caused by melting ice or snow.”

Caulk and weatherstripping keeps your cool air inside:

Caulk and weatherstripping can keep your cool air inside. Image: pics 721/Shutterstock

He also recommends checking the seals around the window. “Recaulk or replace damaged weather stripping where needed,” Wade says. “Those seals will work to keep the cool air inside and the hot air out all summer long.”

And don’t forget about your window screens. “Take time to clean them, inspect them, repair any damage and reinstall the screens in your windows.” Not sure how to repair damaged screens? Wade says you can find a repair kit at most hardware stores. “Also, the best way to wash your screens is by using a hose — not a pressure washer — and some mild detergent.”

Inspect outdoor plumbing

Check for leaks or blockages. Image: VTT Studio/Shutterstock

Inspecting your outdoor plumbing is another maintenance task you should perform as the weather heats up. “Start by removing insulators from all outdoor faucets and then turn on the water,” Wade says. “If it isn’t flowing as it normally should, that likely means that there is an issue with your pipes and it’s time to call a plumber.”

If you have an in-ground irrigation system, he recommends calling a professional to tune up your system and ensure that it’s operating efficiently.

Get your yard ready

Inspect outdoor equipment for winter damage. Image: Mark Herried/Shutterstock

As the weather starts warming up, Wade also recommends getting your yard ready. “I like to do a full inspection of everything left outside during the winter, like playground equipment.” He says he’s looking for rust or areas that may be worn down by the weather, and starts troubleshooting from there.

Freshen up your outdoor furniture. Image: Zhu difeng/Shutterstock

After that, Wade says he’s onto the fun part. “I love bringing lawn and patio furniture out of storage and freshening them up.” He also sands and repaints if necessary. “Redesigning — or even redecorating — an outdoor space gets me excited because I’m thinking about all the time that will be spent there with friends and family.” Also, consider ways that you can erase the boundary between inside and outdoors.

Proactively maintain your home

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Image: kurhan/Shutterstock

If you stay on top of home upkeep, Wade says you can avoid future headaches. “In fact, a study from Liberty Mutual Insurance revealed 69 percent of consumers have procrastinated on home maintenance and repairs,” he says. And, unfortunately, many people don’t have money saved for maintenance issues or repair work.

“It’s all about routine maintenance, both inside and outside the home,” Wade explains. “This will save you time and money in the long run.”

The post Exclusive! Chip Wade on Home Maintenance Tasks to Tackle Before Summer appeared first on Freshome.com.

Birchbox: Treat Yourself Without Busting Your Budget

May 15, 2019 by admin

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Who doesn’t love a little retail therapy? After a stressful week at work or, heck, even a stressful meeting, treating yourself to something nice is a fun and easy way to banish those blues. The only problem? It can get pricey. And that’s doubly true if you love beauty products. That trip to Sephora adds up fast — and there’s no guarantee you’re going to like all the products you buy. That’s where Birchbox comes in.

Birchbox sends you curated beauty or grooming samples for $10 a month. Image courtesy of Birchbox.

What is Birchbox?

Birchbox is a monthly subscription box that sends a curated selection of beauty or grooming product samples. Each box is stocked with five samples, some from iconic brands and some from new and exciting ones. Oh, and the best part? Birchbox is just $10 a month.

If you’re into beauty or grooming products, Birchbox is a dream. It’s a fun and easy way to try out a handful of new products each month, saving you from a medicine cabinet spilling over with partially used products you bought, tried and didn’t love. And, speaking of savings, it’s a whole lot more affordable to try products this way, too. Plus, they have a pretty impressive list of brands, so you can rest easy knowing your box is going to come with some quality stuff.

Birchbox customizes your box to you. When you sign up, they’ll have you fill out a Beauty Profile. You tell them what kind of products you’re into and give them some info about your hair and skin. Then, each month, they use your beauty profile to curate your box. (And I think it’s pretty effective. My boxes were spot on for me.) Plus, you have the chance to pick one of your samples each month from a set list of options, which I think is a fun add-on. They email you when it’s time to pick for each box so you never have to worry about missing your window.

Sounds pretty cool, right? But, as with all subscription boxes, it all comes down to actually testing it out. So I signed up for Birchbox to get an inside look.

My February and March boxes. Image provided by Kacie Goff.

My Birchboxes

Good news, savvy reader. As of this writing, I’ve received not one — but two — Birchboxes, so we’ve got some good hard evidence to go off, here.

The body creme was my favorite from this month’s box. Image provided by Kacie Goff.

February Birchbox

In February, my box included:

First things first, that body creme is incredible. I’m something of a lotion aficionado. You’ll never, ever catch me without a quality lotion in my purse, in my glove compartment, at my desk, by my couch — you get the picture. And JUARA’s product is worth talking about. It smells great, feels luxurious upon application and keeps your skin feeling hydrated without leaving you greasy.

And, bonus, my liquid eyeliner was on its last legs, so the Eyeko came at an ideal time. And it, too, is great. Plus, I don’t know if the sample size is just big or if I got a full-size liner in my box, but it seems like it’s gonna last me a while. And since the liner retails for $22 on Birchbox’s site and I only paid $10 for my entire box, this subscription was already feeling like a steal.

Would March be equally impressive? I tracked my box obsessively once it shipped to find out.

The perfect prep-for-summer box. Image provided by Kacie Goff.

March Birchbox

In March, I got:

Okay, the people at Birchbox must be mind readers. This box was pretty much everything I had been thinking about getting for summer. No joke. I’m always looking for a good sunscreen that doesn’t feel gross to put on. And, as I’m coming up on 30 fast, I’ve noticed these beautiful crow’s feet developing by my eyes. Anticipating spending some time in the summer sun at the beach, I was thinking I should probably grow up and buy an eye cream.

And, speaking of quality beach time, what’s a more perfect look than a rosy lip balm and some highlighter on your cheeks? It was also pretty clutch that they gave me another leave-in conditioner since that’s the literal only hair maintenance I’m willing to do (so sorry, hair). So, yeah, I give them an A++ for this box.

The highlighting cream, in particular, is awesome. It’s super shimmery so you only need a tiny bit. And it smells like summer! That little tube is going to last me forever so, again, I feel like Birchbox is a steal.

Check out Birchbox for yourself

I’ve been trying quite a few subscription services lately (others I’ve loved include Home Chef and BarkBox). A lot of them are great, but Birchbox is one that I really don’t know why you wouldn’t try. I mean, it’s $10 a month. And I’m not big into makeup, but I love to treat myself. I got some seriously luxurious products (hello, collagen eye pads!) that felt truly tailored to me. As the product description card included in my March box reminded me, “There’s no time like now to take a moment for yourself.”

Ready to get your own personal moment shipped to your door? For a limited time, click this link and use coupon code FIRST10 to get your first box for only $10. (Regularly $15 a month.) Treat yourself.

The post Birchbox: Treat Yourself Without Busting Your Budget appeared first on Freshome.com.

What No One Tells You About Flipping Houses

May 15, 2019 by admin

Learn the secrets of house flipping. Image: Perry Mastrovito/Getty Images

We love binge-watching house flipping shows while dreaming of tackling a flip of our own. House flipping can be fun, and sometimes profitable, but your favorite shows don’t tell you everything you need to know before you jump into your first flip. Here’s the lowdown on what you should know before you take on a house flip:

1. It can take a long time to find a house

Flippers and investors are scouring many real estate markets right now, looking for a good property to flip. There are entire companies dedicated to flipping homes. These investment firms employ scouts to find homes to flip in most markets. Expect to make several offers and wait months to find the right home.

2. You don’t need a weekend seminar to learn how to flip a house

House flipping seminars can be valuable and give you lots of inspiration, but even if you can’t attend one, you can still flip houses. You’ll still need to learn everything you can before you start flipping homes, though. Watching HGTV can inspire you, but you can’t see all of the details that go into a successful flip. You’ll need to learn about financing, permitting and marketing before your first project. If you surround yourself with professionals, they can provide you with knowledge that you can use on future flips.

3. A standard mortgage isn’t used for house flipping

When you’re ready for your first flip, you’ll need “hard money.” Potential flippers often ask online if they can use a long-term mortgage for flipping a home. The answer is “no.” Standard mortgages are structured and priced for long-term financing. You’ll need a loan that is designed for a house flip. Hard money lenders and investors are often project-based, rather than credit-based, so it may be easier to qualify for hard money as long as your potential flip meets their criteria.

Math is an important part of house flipping. Image: Natee Meepian/Shutterstock

4. Flipping a home is all about math

Be prepared to explain the ARV (after repair value) when you’re applying for a loan for your project. It won’t matter how amazing your vision is for the finished project; investors are strict about the bottom line. Your flip project must come in within that investor’s numbers or you won’t have a deal.

5. Timing is everything when you’re flipping a house

Your hard money loan can have a 6-month to 1-year end-date, after which you may incur penalty interest. Having an attorney review your contract can prevent expensive surprises later on. Unexpected construction hiccups are commonplace and permits can take a long time. Before you sign a mortgage with a short maturity, check with the local building authority to see how long the wait will be for permits. It’s not unheard of to experience a 6-month wait for permits in some areas.

6. Be prepared to account for every cent you spend on your flip

It’s crucial to keep your receipts, use a project tracking app and stay current on your budget. Your lender will ask for this information several times during your project as they release more funds to you. Spreadsheet skills are especially valuable for home flippers. Having detailed information on expenses and loan balance can help keep your funding flowing through each phase of the project.

Learn what buyers want before you plan your house flip design. Image: Artazum/Shutterstock

7. Step into the home buyer’s shoes

Buyers love neutral palettes and homes they can move right into, but don’t be a carbon copy of every flipped house in your market. For a few years, every flipped home seemed to have an aqua front door — now yellow is the most common color. Your goal as a house flipper is to create a home that doesn’t feel like a flipped home. If you have to make choices when you’re creating your budget, bath and kitchen remodels are buyer favorites.

8. There will be surprises

You won’t know everything about your home until you open a wall or remove flooring, but don’t let surprises derail your flip. Even in the most simple cosmetic flip, you will encounter complications. Make sure your budget has a contingency for surprises. Work to run your project efficiently so that you can handle whatever comes your way. You can weather any complication with a positive attitude and laser-focus on your long-term goal.

Choosing the right materials is crucial to a successful house flip project. Image: Severija/Getty Images

9. Your home’s tile work is more important than you think

Many beginning flippers miss the mark with their tile choices and installation. Choosing attractive tile for the kitchen and bathrooms can contribute to your flip’s buyer appeal. This is not the time for elaborate tile designs, crazy colors or to express your artistic vision. If you’re not experienced setting tile precisely, hire a pro to help. Buyers want a home that is move-in ready and don’t want to be faced with the expense and mess of redoing the tile.

10. Set a realistic budget

Make room in your budget to include specialty contractors if needed. (They’re usually needed on most projects.) Make sure you understand the laws in your area for permitting and using licensed contractors for some tasks, as it can cost you money and time. Hard money lenders will require you to submit a detailed budget and estimate of the work you’ll be doing, so be ready to pay a contractor to write this up. Their experienced eye can help you see exactly what needs to be done.

11. Flipping houses isn’t for everyone

If you’re not ready to take on a house flip, you can still use the same ideas and strategies to sell your own home. Approaching your home as a house-flipper would, you can create a fresh look that buyers will notice. Visiting open houses and model homes can give you inspiration for changes you can make in your own home.

The post What No One Tells You About Flipping Houses appeared first on Freshome.com.