6 New Ways to Go Green in 2015

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It’s a new year and a fresh start to create the best life possible. Every family is busy making their goals for the new year and deciding what they can do to make this year better than the last. One common goal that a lot of families are making is to go green at home. Going green is not a new trend, but it continues to grow and families see not only the impact they can have on helping the environment, but also how much money a family can save by going green.

There are a lot of ways that people can create a more eco-friendly home. Additionally, there are a lot of new ideas that families can use to be eco-friendly and save money at home. Any family can incorporate these ideas into their daily lives to make a positive change for the future. Families can try one idea and add on as everyone begins to adapt to their new way of life. Here are six new ways to go green in 2015.

Research new electricity providers

There are a lot of different options today for energy that were not available a few years ago. Additionally, a lot of these companies have made valiant efforts to provide greener options for their customers. Families can use choosetexaselectricity.org to find the best eco-friendly providers in their area.

Use eco-shopping apps

Mobile apps can make a lot of aspects of life easier for anyone. There are some mobile apps that can even help families go green. There are mobile apps that can give families options for eco-friendly products in the stores along with special deals and coupons. This is a great tool for anyone to have on their next shopping trip.

DIY some household items

Another great way to reduce waste other than buying eco-friendly products is to make your own household products. Families can work together to make a lot of things around the house, everything from dish soap to lotion.

Invest in reusable products

There are a lot of disposable things that people use around the home, things like paper towels and plastic bags. Every family can invest in some reusable products to replace these things, like towels and plastic storage containers, to reduce the amount of waste that they create every single day.

Cook smarter

A lot of families have begun cooking at home more in an effort to save money and reduce the amount of waste they create. However, every family can take this a step further by cooking smarter every day. Trying out practices like cooking with a slow cooker instead of a conventional oven to save heat are great ways to save energy and the planet.

Replace the lights

Replacing the light bulbs around the house may seem like a small and meaningless task to most families. It is easy to think it is a small task because of how easy it is, but energy-efficient light bulbs can save a lot more energy over the course of a year than traditional light bulbs.

Image: http://pixabay.com/en/recycle-symbol-icon-recycling-15172/

Home Prep Tips for Hosting a Kid’s Sleepover Party

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During the school year it is common for kids to want to spend time with their friends outside of school. One of the best ways to do this is to have a sleepover for all the kid’s friends. Sleepovers can be the highlight of a child’s school year and become a great way for children to bond and create memories that will stay with them for a lifetime. Any parent can host a great sleepover that their kids will love.

Hosting a sleepover is a big responsibility, and parents need to be prepared with everything the kids might need throughout the night. There are a lot of things around the home that can be adjusted and altered to help not only make the kids more comfortable, but also to keep everyone safe throughout the night. These are easy little steps that any parent can take before they host their first sleepover. Here are some home prep tips for hosting a kid’s sleepover party.

Update the home security system

Every home should have a Monitronics Security in Nashville home security system to protect the family and everything they own. However, even if a family has this system already, it is a good idea to update it before hosting a sleepover. This can help ensure that everyone will be safe and secure.

Do not invite the entire class

It can be tempting for parents can kids to want to invite everyone they know to their first sleepover, but this is not always the best idea. Too many people can be overwhelming for everyone and create a lot of issues. Parents should narrow it down to just a few kids at a time to make things easier for the parents and more enjoyable for the kids.

Have plenty of snacks readily available

Kids tend to eat a lot, and parents need to be prepared to feed the extra mouths when hosting a sleepover. Parents should stock up on not only things they want to make for the kids, but also things that the kids can easily grab and make themselves. For example, having a section of the fridge or a separate fridge is a great idea to keep kid-approved snacks and drinks readily available for them throughout the night.

Take ideas from other parents

Parents who are hosting a sleepover for the first time can ask for input of the other parents of the kids who will be sleeping over. Chances are that some of those parents have hosted a sleep over before as well, so they will be able to offer some good advice and tips that can help a first-timer create a successful sleepover party for everyone.

Try out a theme

Themed parties can be extremely fun and exciting for parents and kids alike. Kids can choose a theme based on whatever they like best and parents and kids can work together to recreate that theme. This is a fun way to create games and activities for the kids to play during the sleepover.

Image: http://pixabay.com/en/teddy-bear-whimsical-toy-red-funny-567952/

How To Create a Stylish Fish Tank

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Of course the primary function of your tank is to keep your fish safe and happy, but that doesn’t mean it needs to be an eyesore! With just a few simple tips you can create a beautiful habitat for your scaly friends, which will add style to any room in your home. Here’s a guide to help you create a beautiful, stylish fish tank.

Keep Things Natural

This is a great tip for both style, and your fish, as natural coloured gravel will mimic their natural habitat. In terms of style it’s much more aesthetically appealing than bright colours, and will go with any décor scheme. If you decide to use sand rather than gravel, make sure it’s either fish friendly – or if natural to rinse it through thoroughly and pass it through a fine mesh before using it in the tank. It’s worth keeping in mind though that sand can prevent your live plants from expanding their roots and thus minimize their growth. Also, if the sand is too fine or more than one and a half inches deep it will set-up an anaerobic environment which will develop a foul odor, and may rot plant roots completely. If you’re setting up a larger tank a thin layer of sand is fine, but it should be over a layer of gravel.

Choose Decorations Carefully

When selecting decorations for your tank, it’s best to choose a theme and stick to it. For example, if you choose a shipwreck theme – don’t throw in coral reef decorations as well. Logs, rocks and driftwood pieces that mimic the appearance of the real thing are great for a natural effect tank – especially if you already have a strong design theme in the room where your tank will be. It’s also important to include decorations that fish can swim in and out of – many varieties of fish like places to hide. Make sure all materials are suitable for tank use and non-toxic.

Create a Backdrop

Adding a backdrop will really make a tank pop. You can use black material or construction paper – taped to the rear (non-water) side of your tank, or vibrant blue. Black will add depth, and makes a tank look so much better than no background or a busy background. Blue is perhaps more natural, and a better bet if you’ve gone for more decoration inside the tank.

Help for Landlords: Renovation Ideas for Rental Properties

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Whether you are a seasoned professional or new to the rental business, your largest concerns will be finding a solid investment, suitable tenants and securing a stable income. There are many factors that can affect these, but carrying out a makeover can help you get the best rental yield. In most cases, a tenant would rather pay a little extra to live in well maintained property than one that was last decorated a decade ago. As well as carrying out landlord obligated repairs, invest a little time and money to reap financial rewards.

Walls and Colour Palettes

Neutral colours are best for a rental property as your tenant can happily move in, no matter what colour their furniture or bedding. Landlords tend to buy vast quantities of Magnolia and paint the property from floor to ceiling. However, such a light shade will inevitably suffer from wear and tear in a short period of time. Consider light greys, mochas and deeper shades of cream so your renovation will last longer.

Flooring Options

The golden rule here is to think about longevity and suitability. When it comes to choosing flooring, the same rule applies. The life span of a cream carpet in a rental property is relatively short. Instead, choose a carpet that contains a weave of different coloured threads. In kitchens and bathrooms, go for hard wearing tiles over laminate flooring.

Consider Your Demographic

Is the property in a suburb close to a school? Or an apartment in a financial district? Different types of property will require different types of decoration. For a large home, consider the needs of a family, or for a city centre apartment, think about the needs of a professional lifestyle.

Think carefully about rental value, too. There is no point in a £5000 renovation for a property that rents for £250pcm. Budget and spend money wisely to ensure that you see the financial benefits. Research rental properties in the local area if you are unsure.

Kitchens and Bathrooms

There is nothing worse than walking into the bathroom of a rental property to find mould and an old avocado suite. Invest and install a white three piece bathroom suite and a modern kitchen. There are a wide range of inexpensive options so you can stick to a budget. However, finish with more expensive details such as decent taps, handles and a heated towel rail.

Low Maintenance Garden

If your property comes with outside space, make sure you keep it simple and easy to maintain. In a professional property, opt for a patio or decked space. Or for a family home, choose grass and keep plants to a minimum. Whether the property has a large garden or a balcony, make the most of the space and make it functional with garden furniture.

Five Tips for How to Choose the Right Estate Agents

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When it comes to selling, people think about the price that their home could be worth and once listed, hope for a smooth sale. But it is the estate agent who will sell your property, so choosing the right person or company can mean either an accurate valuation or a lack of interest. The key to finding the best agent is to take your time and research, because whichever one you choose, you will be trusting them with your most valuable asset.

Here is some advice to help you find the right estate agent.

Check Their Credentials

In the UK, an estate agency must be registered with The Property Ombudsman. This is an official body that regulates the British real estate industry. Companies will often display scheme logos on their websites, so you can start to research from the comfort of your own home.

Be a Secret Agent

An easy way to understand how an estate agent works is to go undercover and pretend to be a potential buyer. Think about how they speak to you. Are they friendly? How do they describe the properties? Are they enthusiastic? This will allow you to see how your home would be marketed and if you would be happy with the service they offer.

Know Your Figures

All estate agents charge a percentage fee in exchange for selling your home, but the amount can differ from company to company. On average, this fee is 1.5%. Make sure you do your homework and are knowledgeable about the local housing market. This will give you leverage to negotiate on fees.

Ask Insightful Questions

You need to know how your property will be marketed and how long any agreement will last. Ask if your home will be listed in the local paper or if they use services such as Right Move. Enquire about viewings to find out if an agent will be present and if they operate outside of office hours. Also ask about the agent’s experience and find out how long they have been working in the local area.

Compare and Contrast

It is always advisable to get a valuation from at least three estate agents, as there are companies that will advise on a price that is too high to secure your property, or others that will undersell. Averaging figures will give you a solid guide price.

Seek prices from national chains as well as local estate agents who specialise in your area.

Always remember that when it comes to working with your estate agent, you are in the driver’s seat. Your home is entirely in your hands and the agent works for you, so voice opinions, ask questions and negotiate offers.

2015 Bedroom Design Trends

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It’s a new year and perhaps it’s time for a refresh in the home. As the first place we see in the morning and the last place we see at night, our bedrooms are extremely important areas of the house. They should be a safe haven where we feel calm, comfortable and relaxed. So if you’re looking to redecorate this year, take a look at the 2015 bedroom design trends below.

Retro Designs

Retro has been a growing trend in interior design, bringing back key elements from the past such as retro colour themes, 50s flooring, 70 fabric patterns or 20s art deco furniture. If you don’t have the cash to fund a full renovation, the retro look can be achieved using the simple addition of colours, patterns or decorative ornaments. 60s retro in particular has been reported as a big trend for the coming year and this can be designed using the simple application of bold colour blocking.

Mixing Textures

Another popular trend in the interior design world is the use of different materials and textures. This eclectic mix of tweeds, leathers, woods or suede helps to add more depth and interest in your room, giving it a whole new dimension. For the bedroom, try fusing together the contemporary smoothness of dark leather bed boards with some interesting textures such as wools and silks, shaggy knits or tulle.

Open Spaces & Lighting

Clutter is out and space is in. If you’re a collector of trinkets and artefacts, it’s time to clear the room. Large open space is a trend for 2015 and one of the quickest ways to create a feeling of more space (even when you don’t have it) is to use the right lighting. But to do that it’s important to first understand what you require lighting for; ambience, accent lighting or task lighting. A well-lit bedroom should be able to offer all three and a great idea is to install ceiling spotlights along with some smaller lamps or wall lights to create a more relaxed setting.

Live Plants

It’s an old wives’ tale that you shouldn’t have plants in the bedroom. In fact, plants are said to improve the energy within you home and help you feel more relaxed. They emit very tiny amounts of carbon dioxide and are the most human-friendly air filters you can have. – so they are no danger to have in the bedroom. Nature was a big trend in 2014 and in 2015 we take this up a notch by adding real live plants into our décor, not just leaf or floral prints on our curtains.

Raw Wood

Upcycled furniture has been one of the biggest furniture design trends we’ve seen in recent years – so it’s no surprise that exposed wood and raw materials are going to be such a big hit. If you’re consider yourself to be rather creative, why not build your own wooden adaptations using some old, unwanted furniture? Visit Houseandgarden.co.uk for some upcycling inspiration.

The Benefits of Installing UPVC Doors in your Home

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Consumer spending represents an interesting political and economic talking point at present, as while it continues to drive growth in the UK it is considered by some to be the cause of considerable volatility. The fact that current economic growth in the UK is powered by inflated levels of government and consumer spending is a huge cause for concern for some economic experts, as this may not be sustainable over a prolonged period of time.

For now, however, it is fair to surmise that inflated levels of consumers spending are at least driving regional business growth. Households are also benefitting from higher levels of disposable income, which is enabling them to execute home repairs and remodel their existing living space. If you do decide to invest money in refurbishing your home, however, you will need to choose your modifications carefully and spend in a responsible manner.

3 Reasons to Invest in UPVC Windows

In the current market, investing in UPVC doors and windows represents an excellent use of your capital. There are numerous reasons for this, including the following: –

Create a More Secure Home

As a starting point, it is worth considering the fact that UPVC windows (and doors) help to create a more secure home. These fittings are extremely robust and durable, while they are designed to last and provide an almost impenetrable barrier between your home and the outside world. In addition to this, presence of anti-theft locks and surface design also reinforces the security appeal of UPVC fittings, subsequently adding value to your home and potentially reducing your home insurance premiums. This is no small consideration, especially for young families or vulnerable citizens who live alone.

Reduce Energy Usage and Costs

We live in an age of energy efficiency, as home-owners are increasingly aware of their responsibilities towards the natural environment. This is often reflected in the materials used to create interior and exterior fittings, and UPVC doors and windows provide a relevant example. Contemporary products are designed to offer significant heat insulation for home-owners, enabling them to retain heat during the winter and expel it in the months of summer. This will ultimately reduce your energy consumption and carbon footprints, while also leading to significant and long-term financial savings.

Create a Seamless Fusion between Interior and Exterior Design

In modern design terms, the garden is considered to be an extension of the home. This means that one of the most prominent trends is for creating a seamless fusion between interior and exterior designs, and UPVC doors can help to achieve this is a practical and effective way. These fittings tend to include a great deal of glass in their design, which optimises exposure to natural light and allows you to create a fluent aesthetic throughout your home and garden. While it achieves this fusion from a visual perspective, most UPVC doors have excellent sound insulation and prevent unwanted noises from disturbing you in the evening.

How to Sell Your Home Quickly and Still Get the Best Price

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Every seller hopes to achieve the best possible price for their home. However, if you need to sell your home quickly an estate agent will often advise that you market your property below the estimated market value. But who said you have to choose?

Before you start building an extension, here are some cheap and easy ways to ensure your home sells for a brilliant price in a timely manner.

Paint, Repair and Tidy

This applies to the interior and exterior of your home. Repair anything that is broken or damaged and tidy up to improve your home’s appearance. This includes broken guttering or lighting, as well as mowing the lawn, trimming hedges and using storage solutions to tidy away clutter.

Tip: Make sure you paint interior walls in neutral colours as this will appeal to a wider range of buyers.

Create Space and Purpose

You can create space by knocking down walls to create an open plan living area, something that can work brilliantly if your home is small. Add French doors and a patio to increase the amount of available ground floor space. Or remove trinkets and bulky furniture. Alternatively, you can create space by implementing different design techniques.

In addition, ensure that your rooms are functional. Add a small table and chairs to create a dining kitchen, or a bed in the study to create a second bedroom. A viewer needs to be able to see how the space can be used and function as a home.

Get Planning Permission

Rather than spend thousands of pounds on an extension that may not reap the size of financial reward you would hope for, only purchase the planning permission. Typically, this costs around £300 and can greatly sway a viewing in your house’s favour.

Tip: Before you submit your plan, look at the extensions that have already been granted on your street. Precedents may have been set by work that has already been done, so doing your research first will help to prevent your plan from being rejected.

Kitchen and Bathroom Repairs

The kitchen is often regarded as the heart of the home and both the kitchen and bathroom can greatly influence the outcome of a viewing. If these rooms are tired and in desperate need of a makeover, buyers are often put off as they perceive them as high cost areas to rectify.

Rather than install a modern suite or state of the art appliances, make small changes to make these rooms look fresh. Paint walls and ceilings, redo grouting, replace the toilet seat, repair chips in the sink or bathtub, paint kitchen cupboards and add new handles. The result? A huge transformation for a fraction of the cost.

Creating the Perfect Study Space for Kids

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Having school age kids can be a very fun time for parents. Teaching a child something new every single day and watching them grow and learn new things on their own can be extremely rewarding for a parent. Most parents understand that learning should occur not only in the classroom during school days, but also outside of the classroom. Therefore, it is great for parents to encourage studying with their kids when they are at home.

The best way to encourage kids to study outside of the classroom is to provide a great study space for them to go to. Parents can create a study room that will help their children focus and create. The study space should also be a comfortable space for kids to be in every single day. Any parent can create this space for their kids to promote learning and good study habits in the home. Here are some ideas for creating the perfect study space for kids.

Give them a safe space

Safety is the first thing parents need to think about with any space their kids will be in. it is important to know that the kids will be able to safely work in the study space without concern or constant supervision from the parent. Parents can use www.homesecurity911.com to ensure that their kids will be safe in any area of the home.

Choose an open location

Another way to ensure safety is for parents to have a clear view of their kids in the study space at all times. Using an open space or a space connected to another room can help parents keep an eye on their kids at all times and be close by if a child has a question on a certain assignment.

Utilize multifunctional storage

Storage space in a study area can often be limited, especially if it is a multi-function space. Parents can help this issue by using multi-functional storage spaces in their children’s study space. Some ideas include a desk bench with storage cubbies or a bookshelf around the desk.

Think outside the desk and chair

Many parents will want to give their kids a traditional desk and chair to study with. Though this may sound like the most reasonable option, it may not be the best for kids. Kids can often feel constricted and uncomfortable if forced to sit at a desk with a normal chair for too long. Parents can instead give their kids other study spaces, like a standing desk or a daybed to read on.

Keep easy organization

Organization can be a difficult task for kids, especially kids who are not motivated to clean up their mess. Parents can give their children an easy way to organize their things to make cleaning up at the end of the day easy and even fun. Having simple labeled cubbies and giving kids rewards for studying in their space and cleaning it up are all effective ways to help kids study more outside of school and enjoy it.

Image: http://pixabay.com/en/children-studying-togetherness-boys-286239/

5 Tips for Moving into a Smaller Home

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Downsizing often has had some negative connotation with it, but the term is actually a lot more accepted today. In an effort to not only save money, but also to free themselves from excessive clutter and large piles of disorganization, many people are making the decision to move out of their large home and into something that more appropriately suites their needs. This idea may seem crazy or impossible to some, but there are a lot of methods that anyone can use to downsize and live with less space.

Moving into a smaller home does not need to be stressful or overwhelming. There are a lot of great ideas that anyone can use to make the process of downsizing not only manageable, but also enjoyable as well. Purging old things and starting fresh in a space that fits perfectly for your new needs could be the best way for everyone to take back control of their lives and live more happily every day. Here are five tips for moving into a smaller home.