Staycation Ideas: How to Make Your Home More Comfortable

Are you looking for ways to make your home more comfortable for a staycation? If so, you’re in luck! In this blog post, we will discuss several different ways that you can make your home more inviting and relaxing. Whether you are looking to add a few extra touches or completely overhaul your space, we have the perfect tips for you! So, sit back, relax, and let us show you how to turn your home into a cozy oasis for rest and relaxation.

One of the best ways to make your home more comfortable for a staycation is to add some extra touches. A few simple additions can go a long way in making your space feel more inviting. For example, adding some fresh flowers or plants can brighten up any room and create a relaxing atmosphere. You could also try adding some cozy blankets or pillows to your bed or couch, or setting up a reading nook with a few comfortable chairs and a nice light. If you’re looking for something a little more drastic, you could also consider repainting your walls in a relaxing hue or rearranging your furniture to create a more open and airy space.

Another great way to make your home more comfortable for a staycation is to focus on the lighting. Poor lighting can often make a room feel cramped and uncomfortable, so taking the time to adjust your light fixtures or add some extra lamps can be really helpful. If you have the option, try adding some natural light by opening up your curtains or windows. And if all else fails, you can always bring in a few floor or table lamps to help brighten up the space.

Finally, one of the most important things to keep in mind when making your home more comfortable for a staycation is to relax and take your time. Don’t feel like you have to rush through everything or try to do too much. Instead, take a few deep breaths, relax, and enjoy your time at home. After all, that’s what a staycation is all about!

Do you have any other tips for making your home more comfortable for a staycation? Share them in the comments below! And be sure to check out our other blog posts for more helpful advice. Thanks for reading!

Guard Your Mail Carrier: Tips to Keep Your Postal Person Safe

It’s time to keep your mail carrier safe! You see them every day, but you may not realize that they are just as susceptible to attacks and crimes in the neighborhood. Let’s explore some tips for making your mail carrier stay safe on their route.

1) Make sure you have a good lock on your mailbox.

This is the first and most important step in keeping your mail carrier safe. If you don’t have a lock on your mailbox, get one! It’s an easy way to deter criminals from targeting your mail carrier.

If you already have a lock on your mailbox, make sure it is in good condition and that the key is not worn out.

The post office will not deliver your mail if they can’t get into your mailbox! So, be sure to keep that key in a safe place away from the criminals who are looking for an easy target.

2) Make sure the postal worker is aware of any dogs or other animals who might be present when he delivers the mail.

Dogs can be especially dangerous to mail carriers, as they often bark and run towards them. If you have a dog who likes to greet the postal worker, make sure he knows how to handle the animal safely.

You can also put up a sign or post something in your yard letting the postal worker know about any dogs that may be on the property.

It’s always a good idea to keep your dog inside when mail is being delivered, just in case they get excited and try jumping out of an open window or door.

In some cases you can have a neighbor come over while the postal worker delivers so he doesn’t feel threatened by any possible animals.

And finally, if you know your mail carrier well and they feel comfortable with it, you can have them pet your dog! Just be sure to warn the postal worker about any aggressive tendencies your pet may have.

You can visit Gloucester City News for this article for more tips.

If there are other animals on the property that could potentially harm the mail carrier, make sure those animals are kept in a fenced-in area or inside the home.

It’s also a good idea to keep an eye on any wild animals that could be in the vicinity while the mail carrier is present.

3) Be careful about where you put packages near the door – make sure it is out of reach from any windows so no one can grab them.

You want to make sure that the mail carrier is safe while he’s on your property. If someone were able to snatch a package right out of his hands, it could be very dangerous for him and you!

Don’t put any packages or other items near windows where they can easily be taken by criminals. Make sure all incoming parcels are placed in an area that is out of reach.

If you’re expecting a large package, be sure to let your mail carrier know so he can take precautions when delivering it. He may need to leave the package at the door instead of bringing it inside.

These are just a few tips for keeping your mail carrier safe while on your property. Be sure to visit your local post office for more information on how you can help keep your mail carrier safe!

How To Choose Home Improvement Projects

What are your home improvement goals? Are you looking to save money on energy bills, or do you have a bigger project in mind? Maybe you are just trying to make the most of the space that is available. Whatever it is, there are many different factors that should be considered before starting any major projects. This article will provide some advice for choosing which project(s) will work best with your needs and lifestyle!

Better Energy Efficiency

The first thing that you want to consider is which project will be the most beneficial for your energy bill. Some projects may give more bang for their buck than others, or they may end up saving money in other ways! For example, if you are looking to save on heating costs during winter months, insulation would be a great option. If you were planning on replacing the windows in your house, this would also help to save money.

Improved Home Comfort

Other home improvement projects may not have such a clear-cut financial benefit, but can still make your home more comfortable to live in. These types of projects usually focus on making the environment better suited for the people who live there. Installing new flooring, updating the kitchen or bathroom, or adding additional living space can all make your home more comfortable.

Nice Appearance

Some people may also want to consider projects that will improve the appearance of their home. This could be anything from painting the walls to landscaping the yard! It’s important to remember that not every project needs to be a huge undertaking. Sometimes just adding a fresh coat of paint or new curtains can make a big difference.

More Flexibility

A final factor to take into consideration is how much flexibility the project will allow you. For example, if your house has an open floor plan, adding a few walls may give you more privacy in certain areas of the house. This can be great for making sure that everyone has their own space! Projects like this also have the benefit of being more easily reversible if your needs should change in the future.

So, those are some things to think about when choosing a home improvement project! It’s important to remember that there is no wrong answer – just make sure that you pick something that will work for you and your family. And always be sure to consult with a professional before beginning any project.

Helpful Tools To Have Around The Yard

One of the best things about having your own home is having your own yard. There are many possible ways you can put a yard to good use, especially during the summer season. You can host your parties in it like get-togethers and barbecues. You can set up inflatable pools for your kids or sprinklers and tarp for a splash pad. If you have a green thumb and love gardening, you can grow your own vegetables or plant different kinds of trees and flowers. The possibilities are endless.

With all those activities, it is necessary for you to maintain your yard. For you to do so, you will have to have on hand tools that are necessary and helpful for getting the job done. Here some that will help with your yard work.

1. Lawn Mower

To protect your yard from pests and keep it healthy, it is important for your yard to be mowed. At the same time, your yard will look very pleasing. Having a lawn mower will help you with that.

2. String Trimmer

This is the tool you will use in places a lawn mower cannot reach like mailboxes, fences, trees, and decks.

3. Shears

There are different kinds of shears and they are useful for different kinds of work. Does your yard have a lot of trees? If the problem is that the branches are always growing, one solution to that is to cut them, and it will be handy to have gardening shears in that case. If you love gardening and making your yard look pretty, a pruning shear will be great for that. For shrubs, a hedge shear will be more fitting.

4. Rake

A common problem with people that have yards is not only the growing grass but also the dried leaves. It is a problem especially when fall comes but it is also common during the other seasons. That is why having a rake is really important. Rakes are also used for grass clippings and many other types of debris. If you are looking for a rake used for gardening, it is different. They are rigid and are usually made of iron unlike the ones used for gathering that are usually made of plastic or aluminum alloys so it will be more flexible.

5. Air Compressor

An air compressor is very useful for powering up your air tools and is also great for inflating things. So if you love playing ball or you are planning to set up an inflated pool with some floaters, this will be a helpful tool to have. Some even use it as a leaf blower, so you will be saving a lot by having one.

6. Wheelbarrow

This is a tool that is great for transporting bulky stuff around your yard, especially for those who are into gardening. But it is also useful for other activities such as landscaping and mulching.

7. Leaf Blower

Another tool that is great for gathering leaves. It can also be handy with cleaning up dust not only in your yard but also in your garage.

Great Gifts For Your Young Guitarist

Do you have a child who is an aspiring guitarist? Are you thinking of giving them a gift? It can be hard to choose what will be the perfect gift for them. There are so many choices to pick from, and you can never really know what will be perfect. 

How about giving them something useful? If they are a guitarist, there are so many accessories and pieces of equipment you could give them that will help them to be more motivated and enhance their skills. Want some ideas? That’s why we’re here.

1. Guitar Pick

You can start with something simple and inexpensive. A guitar pick is a small thing that is very useful for guitarists. They need more of them as they tend to get lost, break, or even be given away. There are sets available that you could buy. You could also choose different designs that will fit their personality. You can even get personalized picks that can have their names on them or thoughtful quotes. The possibilities are endless. This could be a perfect gift if your child collects picks, and it will be certainly a nice addon no matter what stage your guitarist is in their musical journey.

2. Guitar Straps

Your child might also want to be a performer. With a guitar strap, the guitar can be attached to their body so that they will be able to play while standing up. There are many kinds of straps with different textures and colors. You can choose either the classic and simple ones or some colorful with funky designs. 

3. Guitar Capo

This is an accessory that we see clamped on the guitar’s fret. It is used so that the guitar players will be able to change the key without changing the chord shapes. It allows them to change pitch.

4. Tuner

With a tuner, your guitarist will able to tune their guitar quickly and easily.

5. Recording Equipment

Nowadays, it is easy to share videos and recorded songs with the help of social media. We see some music artists that started as a Youtubers or share their recorded songs through Spotify. Your child can also easily record their own covers or even their composed songs. They just need a computer and the right pieces of equipment. Here are the basic pieces of equipment that are needed for home recording:

  1. Digital Audio Workstation – the program used for recording, mixing, and editing.
  2. Audio Interface – a device used to record voices or instruments with the help of a microphone or connected instrument.
  3. Studio Microphone – used for recording vocals and even some instruments.
  4. Studio Headphones – helpful not only for recording and monitoring, but they can also be used at mixing. Practicing also can be distracting for other members of your family or neighbors, but the distraction can be reduced if your guitarist is using headphones during practice.

6. Books about Guitar or Music

If your child likes to read, a book will be a great consideration. There are a lot of possibilities on this and it’s really not limited to the “how to” books. You may also give them books about guitar’s history or about famous musicians. This way, they will be more inspired to develop more of their own skills.

Can Futons Look Nice In Your Home?

In a world where appearance seems to be essential, it can be quite hard to find something simple and comfortable that would fit your style. Does it really have to be this way? Luckily, not necessarily if you take a look around. Take clothes and accessories, for instance. There are so many pieces you can find that will make you look good yet stay simple and straightforward in style. All you need is to be creative, and at times be patient. 

Being stylish is independent of your physical appearance, as are the types of accessories you choose, the kind of car you drive, and even the place you choose to live in. Whether it is your own or rented – a house, a condo, or an apartment – people who visit will be interested in your home’s decor and the type of furniture you use. There are some cases where people have a small place and therefore have less to work with. This can be a blessing and a curse at the same time. While it seems easier to maintain a small space, but unlike bigger places where the decisions are about how to use and maximize spaces, small spaces are about saving it. It is much harder to decorate for small spaces, as anything you add may be a waste of space that could be used for something more useful. There are many creative ways to overcome this though.

One is having ideas about maximizing your storage. Another is having furniture that is dual-purpose, and there are many examples of these types of pieces. A futon is a great example of furniture that is not only cheap, but also can function as both a seat and a bed. It can be compared to a sofa bed, but they have their differences. Also, looking at a traditional Japanese futon, you’ll notice that they are quite different compared to Western-styled designs. They are folded up entirely and kept away when not in use. 

Considering all of this, would it be possible for a futon to look nice in your home? The answer is yes, of course. Just look around and you will find different designs that will certainly suit your style. Once you have one, the possibilities are endless when you consider how you will decorate your home and make space for your new space-saving furniture. It could be in the bedroom, which could function as a make-shift office during the day or as a couch for entertaining guests. You could also place a futon in the living room where it could serve as the seat for everyday use, then have it as an extra bed for family and friends when needed.

Many would say that it is not the outward appearance that counts, but rather what is on the inside is what truly matters. It is true. But also, we should remember that how we present ourselves to the public is also important. You can be simple yet classy, and this shows what kind of person you are. We can also show how we took care of our belongings and ourselves. So whether it comes down to how you dress, what kind of car and accessories you choose, or how you decorate your home, just be creative and show the world that you can look great no matter what.

How A Pressure Washer Can Help Keep Your Landscaping Clean

There are many uses for a pressure washer. The pressure washer can help keep the cement and stone landscape we have clean. This is to say, you can clean your driveway, walkway, and anything in the yard that is cement or stone. The only question one should be is to rent a machine or buy one. 

Do You Rent or Buy? 

If you are going to use the machine once per year, it would make more sense to rent the machine. To rent a power wash machine will cost around $75 for one day use. This will permit you to have an industrial level machine for one day to do all the power washing you can. On the other hand, if you plan to use the machine for more than one time per year, even twice, you should buy the machine. The machine will give eventually pay for itself. However, it should be noted, you should look to pay around $500 for a good machine. 

What to Look for When You Buy a Machine 

You should always take the make and model into consideration. By this we mean you should look at the maker of the engine. Is it from a reputable company, such as Greenworks or Sun Joe? When was it manufactured? Is there a warranty on it? What is the warranty on? Should you buy because of a name? Probably, the answer is yes. If you are not familiar with the name on the engine of the power washer, you might not want to buy the machine. 

How to Use a Power Washer 

You will need a garden hose, nozzle, gas, and oil. You will also need a tip for the nozzle. The first thing you want to do is connect the garden hose to the machine. When connecting the garden hose, you will take one end of the hose and twist it onto the provided end on the machine. You will next take the other end of the hose and twist it onto the spout at the house. This will provide the water supply for the machine. You will want to turn the water spout on. 

Select the proper tip for the nozzle. When you are selecting a tip for the nozzle make sure you are reading the tip. Sometimes there are manufacturers that will put soap in black, and other manufacturers that will make a black tip for rinsing. Make sure you have the correct tip for the job you are thinking of doing. 

Screw the tip onto the nozzle. After doing so, you will want to squeeze the trigger on the nozzle. This will elapse any air that is in the hose. You will not want any air in the hose while you are trying to power wash whatever it is you are trying to power wash. 

Of course, you will need to check that there is enough gas an oil in the machine. When you have done so, and determined there is enough gas and oil, power on the machine. You power on the machine by pulling the cord provided on the engine. That is it, you simply begin your cleaning with the power washer. 

Safety 

Safety should always be a top priority when it comes to anything you are doing. With a power washer, the safety measures are no different than if you were working with a lawn mower. You simply use the machine with extra caution. Do not point the nozzle directly at anyone else. This might cause an accidental trigger of the water. The water is at high pressure. Someone could get injured.

Are You Evaluating Electric Fireplaces For Your Home? Here’s What You Should Look For

For many homeowners, the perfect cherry on top to redecorating their home is to include a fireplace. Whether the house already had a fireplace originally attached to it or you are looking to install one for the first time, you have a few choices ahead of you. For example, for those who already possess a fireplace in the home, you may be considering closing it up and turning instead to modern fireplaces that run on electricity. For those who don’t own a fireplace, you may be confused about which offers the best experience–an original fireplace or an electric one? To help you determine if an electric fireplace is right for you, this article will cover things you should keep in mind when considering installing an electric fireplace.

How Does It Operate?

Does an electric fireplace really run on electricity? Yes. Whereas standard fireplaces only require a chimney and then wood to run, electric fireplaces require electricity in order to function. This is because the flames inside are artificial. While they most certainly are capable of heating a room, you don’t have to keep running out to acquire more firewood in order to keep your fireplace running. With electric fireplaces, all you have to do to get your fire started–or extinguished–is press a button.

Electric fireplaces plug into a wall socket and can be installed quite easily. In fact, at most, you only need to two people to install an electric fireplace. They’re relatively lightweight and can be placed anywhere so long as they have access to a wall socket. Many people call them portable fireplaces since you can quite easily move them to a different location if you so choose.

Size

Perhaps one of the best aspects of the electric fireplace is that they come in varying sizes. For those who own a smaller space but still want to enjoy a fireplace, this is excellent news. You don’t have to have a grand space in order to fit the fireplace. You also don’t need to include masonry or anything else to fit around your fireplace once you’ve installed it. Essentially, your electric fireplace can be as extravagant or as simple as you desire.

They also come in varying sizes. So, if you want a big fireplace that is the focal point of your room, then you can easily find that model available. For those who are looking for an electric fireplace, keep in mind the size of the space that you want to use it in to determine what fireplace is best for you. If you feel the fireplace is too small, you can always think about including a masonry exterior to fit around your fireplace and give it further character.

Clean-Up

As with traditional fireplaces, you typically have to clean them at least once a year. Though if you’re using them a lot, you should definitely clean them more often than that amount. A chimney sweep is usually required to clean out your chimney, so you don’t end up burning your house down. With an electric fireplace, you don’t have to worry about that. Because the flames are artificial, there isn’t smoke that’s being generated that needs to be carried away outside of your home. This makes electric fireplaces clean, efficient, and safe for children. Perhaps one of the best features is that you don’t have to carry in wood from the outdoors–which is a mess all in itself.

Lifespan

You may be wondering just how long you can enjoy an electric fireplace before it inevitably dies on you. True that a traditional fireplace can last forever provided you keep up with the upkeep. However, electric fireplaces have a pretty long lifespan, too. The more expensive models can typically last for around twenty years, whereas the cheaper models tend to operate well for around ten years.

A Fireplace For Everyone

Because of its relatively low-costs, practically anyone can own an electric fireplace. For those who want the benefits of a fireplace without having to worry about the clean-up and maintenance, the electric fireplace is the best option for you and your family to enjoy.

Keeping Your Potted Plants Lush and Vibrant

With effortlessly lush centerfolds in home and garden magazines, tending to potted plants can seem like a simple, breezy accessory. So why is it that some of us just can’t seem to hit the nail on the head?

If the cat grass is always greener in someone else’s home, never fear: chances are, it’s not your fault. Plant upkeep of any kind is a science, and, much like cooking or any home science, a learnable one if only you’re given the right information.

Choosing Plants That Thrive In Container Gardening

If you feel like you kill every plant you touch, never fear! It may not be your un-green thumb at all, but rather an unfortunate history of plants that were never designed to thrive in containers, or plants meant to thrive outside brought indoors.

Why does it matter? Plants that need room to spread their roots deep, that build a special interaction with the surrounding ecosystem, or that otherwise need room to grow may suffer when contained to a pot, though there are naturally large plants (even small trees!) that thrive in large pots. Some gardeners recommend a few solid, easy-to-keep-alive starter plants: aloe, snake plants, and ficus, for example, all require little attention and easy-to-learn care.

A plant doesn’t need to be complicated, challenging, or tamed into an environment in which it can never thrive in order to be beautiful. Instead, working indoors only with plants that truly thrive in container gardening shows a respect to nature and to each plant, as well as respect for the time and effort you put in for their care. For all your work, you deserve to choose plants that won’t set your houseplants or container garden up for failure.

Does Climate Matter Indoors?

Yes, but not exactly in the way you might think!

Growing full sun plants anywhere with under 6 sunny hours on its average day will be a challenge. If it’s one you want to take on, bear in mind that the average indoor lightbulb won’t be enough: You’ll want to consider investing in a sun-mimicking lamp to fill your potted plant’s needs. The more sensible route may be to choose a plant which likes the shade or partial sun.

But even if heavy downpours and cold snaps don’t quite make their way inside a well-insulated home, indoor potted plants will continue to have some climate preferences. The bathroom, for example, makes a great location for potted plants that prefer moisture.

Giving Your Plants The Right Soil From The Start

Though it’s easy to pick up “potting soil” and call it a day, the name on the bag is deceptive: there is no one-size-fits-all soil type for every plant you can grow inside a pot. Herbs require rocky soil, and may even benefit from a layer of pebbles laid out in the bottom of their container before adding a mixture of potting soil and pebbles. Some plant types, like orchids, require special pH measures or levels of clay soil content best found, for beginners, in specialized commercial soil mixes. Others can benefit from some DIY adjustments to your average potting soil, like adding pebbles for drainage or peat moss for moisture retention.

Placement, Placement, Placement

Every plant sold at a reputable nursery will come with an information card stuck into the soil around, or sometimes tied around the stem of, the plant. This is for more than reminding you of the plant’s casual and scientific name: most cards contain information on optimal sun exposure, space requirements, and watering.

Take some time to observe various spots in your home and yard through the day, and see how much sun each gets. “Full sun” is generally considered to be 6+ hours, but most potted plants that thrive indoors will prefer “partial sun,” or 3-6 hours. No matter how much sun a plant requires, never place a delicate plant up against a window: the glass acts like a greenhouse wall or a lens and intensifies sunlight, which means that placement too close to a window can leave plants burnt or withering.

A Note on Pet Safe and Child Safe Indoor Gardening

Adding a plant to your home is, always, introducing a new living thing into a small human ecosystem. Always check online, at the library, or with the experts at your local nursery before bringing a plant into the home to make sure it’s non-toxic to any young children or animals. Even common plants can pose a risk, so be thorough!

So what’s the verdict? Green thumb, schmeen thumb. If your potted plant efforts have been foiled no matter what you do, there is always some cause—and no, it isn’t that your hands are cursed to leave healthy plants wilting. Do your research, ask questions, and know that most plant experts at nurseries, hardware and gardening stores, or even just in your neighborhood are delighted to offer advice to an up-and-coming container gardener.

Looking To Sell Your Home? These Upgrades Are Most Attractive To Buyers

2018 has been a great time for those who are interested in selling their home. With more individuals looking to settle down in certain areas, there are homes that are being snapped up for thousands over their asking price within weeks of being posted.

If you are one of the many homeowners who is interested in selling your home this year, you may be wondering how to get the most bang for your buck. While there is little doubt that your gem of a home will be snapped up within a few months, there are a few upgrades that you can do now that will spell big bucks down the road.

Bathroom Remodel

You can either completely overhaul the bathroom for a new look and all-new appliances or you can do a smaller remodel that will still push up your price point. Re-caulking your tube or reglazing it doesn’t take more than a few hundred dollars and adds a layer of sparkle to the room. You can also upgrade the walls with new paint or texture and replace older and dated shower doors.

Add A Porch, Deck, or Patio

Adding a porch, deck, or patio to your home can greatly enhance the value and attractiveness of your home. You can continue to increase the price point that you can ask for by adding interesting gates, decorative planters, and attractive lighting. For additional purchase appeal, you should ensure that your handrails are safe and that the new outdoor section is handicap accessible.

Transform Your Attic Into a Room

Adding another room to your home can seem a daunting task but it is far easier if you are just converting your attic into a living space. It can add up to $40,000 to your resale value if you add another room and can cost far less if you have the ability to do any of the work yourself. You should also focus on any green incentive programs in your area and add solar energy for a tax refund or a discount on property taxes before you sell your home.

Kitchen Remodal

You don’t have to go big on this remodel if you don’t have the extra cash but you can still gain a large payment with a little effort in this room. Many first-time home-buyers are invested in having a well-rounded kitchen and focus on this room above all else. You can give your kitchen a serious re-vamp for as little as $5,000 by replacing old appliances, putting in a new countertop, replacing the flooring, and applying a fresh coat of paint to the walls. These little touches can make your kitchen look more inviting to those who are seeking a new space.

Landscaping

Making sure the outside of your home has curb appeal will generate a lot of interest in potential buyers. Make sure that you have a good strategy before you begin to landscape your yard. Focus on making sure that your landscaping choices fit the style of your yard, choosing lower maintenance plantings, and planting trees and flowers that will bloom at different times in the season.

By following these tips, you will see a large return on any investment that you make in your house. Remember that even though the housing market is currently firmly in support of sellers, there is no reason to slack off. Choosing to put in some time and energy as you upgrade your home will give you the type of return that you are seeking.