A Key To A Happy Home
I’m at my happiest at home when: 1. My family/loved ones are all there, and we spend time together. 2. When it’s nice and clean and smells good and 3. When it’s fully decorated in a way that expresses my current style and aesthetics. There are tons of little tips and tricks to boost your mood in your home! Check out this post by Stylist for scientifically proven things you can do in your home to make it a happier place:
-Paint your bedroom blue- it leads to better sleep, less stress, and lower heart rate and blood pressure.
-Have your desk facing a window- being exposed to natural light will give you more energy and creativity
-Get a spider plant for your kitchen- it’s a natural air purifier and will help remove cooking smells
-Round, wooden/metal tables are much more inviting and improve social environments.
Friday Fun Video: Easy Home Cleaning Tips
These are some awesome tips on how to KEEP your home clean (with less work).
Where To Find Pallets For Projects
There are so many awesome home projects out there that use recycled wood from pallets. Companies use these pallets to bring in products, then they are usually discarded. However, with the salvaged wood from the pallets, you can make lawn furniture, tables, chairs, shelves, clocks, lamps, desks- literally anything that can be made from wood- all for free or cheap. But how do you get ahold of them? Simple! Just check out this post by Pallet Furniture DIY for tips:
-Check out the dumpsters of small businesses
-Ask hardware and equipment stores
-Check out construction sites
-Find new openings of stores
-Check online- Craigslist, social media, and search engines!
Photo Credit: Mike Mozart
Friday Fun Video: DIY Pallet Clock
This is so cool!
Energy (and Money) Saving Home Hacks For Summer
The electric bill always spikes during the hottest and coldest months of the year. In my one bedroom apartment, our electric bill is usually around $40-50 a month. But, last month in July, it basically doubled up to $90. People who have entire homes to heat and cool feel that price spike much more painfully. So, whether you have a small apartment or a large home, what can you do to reduce your energy consumption (and that electric bill)? Check out these tips by Ryan Anderson at Bright Peak Financial:
-Cook with the microwave instead of the oven/stove when you can.
-Wait until after dark to use appliances. Avoid appliance use between 2-8pm, when electricity rates are at their peak.
-Keep it dark- keeping blinds and curtains closed will let in less light (heat).
-Don’t crank the AC- if you’re trying to save money, have it as high as you can bear. (78 degrees at home, 85 degrees when you’re not at home).
Wordless Wednesday: Dark Ceilings
Clean Your Floors With Vinegar
People with gorgeous, gleaming hardwood floors might be a little skittish about letting an acidic substance anywhere near the ground in their home. However, vinegar is an excellent cleaning substance: it’s natural, super cheap, and effective at getting rid of almost any stain. While you should never pour vinegar (or any liquid- including water) on your hardwood floor and let it sit, there is a way to safely clean hardwood with vinegar. Check out this tutorial by Becky at Clean Mama for more:
-When mixed with water, the solution’s acidity is drastically lowered and it becomes an effective method to wash hardwood floors.
-never let standing water sit on hardwood floors as it can warp and ruin the wood
-Use this recipe:
Friday Fun Video: Year Round Home Maintenance Checklist
These tips will keep your home running smoothly, and will ultimately save you money in the long run!
DIY Crate Bookcase
Bookshelves can be expensive. Especially really nice, good looking ones. You know what’s not expensive? Finding crates at thrift stores, farmer’s markets, flea markets, and discounted craft stores. They’re super versatile, and can be used as small tables and for storage! I love this idea by Cori at the Cori’s Corner Blog; she bought several small crates from a craft store, stained them herself, and then drilled them together to create a beautiful, striking bookcase. Check out her process here:
-Stack the crates beforehand to see what pattern you want your bookcase to be
-Stain away, and follow the instructions on your stain brand
-Allow them to dry COMPLETELY, in a well ventilated area
-Apply a top, protective coat to seal it
-Assemble with screws and a drill