{Home} Time To Get Your Home In Order!

*This post contains affiliate links to essential oils and other products I talk about in the post. Purchasing them here from my blog is no extra cost to you but I do earn a commission that helps in the cost of running this blog. Thanks for your support! Read full disclaimer here.

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We all want to keep our homes in order but the truth is that doing that can often be a lot easier said than done. After all, making your home look like something out of a magazine takes a whole lot of hard work and effort, and that's not something the everyone's willing to do. However, even if you are willing to put in that much effort, it's easy to end up in a position where your home still feels like its untidy, unclean and out of order. If that happens, don't panic. It just means that it might be time for something a little more serious than your typical spring clean. With that in mind, here are some things that you can do to really get your home in order.

Deep clean

Even if you clean your home regularly, there are often problem areas that end up getting missed and places that don't quite get as much attention as they should. That's where a serious deep clean comes in. When was the last time you cleared out and cleaned your kitchen cabinets? What about cleaning under all the bookcases and the couch? These kinds of things can be pretty labor intensive but ignoring them for too long can end up making your home feel dirty no matter how often you clean it. Every few months, it's worth giving the entire place a serious deep clean. It'll make your whole home feel like new.

Structural fixes

Of course, the issue with your home might be more significant than just cleanliness. It could come down to something as serious as structural issues. Things electrical issues, roof repair, or leaking pipes aren't the kinds of jobs that you want to take a DIY approach to. They can often be so complicated, delicate, or dangerous that your best bet is definitely to call in a professional to take care of it for you. Spending money on that kind of thing might be frustrating, but the truth is that these are things that are simply too important to ignore.

Rearrange

If you're feeling kind of bored of your home, there's a temptation to try and find somewhere new. However, doing that can be incredibly difficult and expensive. Instead, why not try and make your home feel like new by rearranging it a little? Most people tend to forget that they can arrange a room however they like. Why not try to experiment a little bit and try some new things/ And if you don't like it, you can always put things back the way they were.

Now, these are certainly not going to be quick and easy jobs the same way that a lot of cleaning and tidying can be, but that's because they're the sorts of things that you only really have to do every once in a while. If you're sensible and you take care of your home then you won't have to worry about these kinds of things very much at all.

{Decor} Brighten Up Your Living Room With One Of These Great Focal Points

*This post contains affiliate links to essential oils and other products I talk about in the post. Purchasing them here from my blog is no extra cost to you but I do earn a commission that helps in the cost of running this blog. Thanks for your support! Read full disclaimer here.

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The focal point in any room is important as it is the main feature that will attract the eyes as soon as someone enters the room. In most rooms it is often the main piece of furniture that instantly catches the eye, such as the bed in a bedroom. However, when it comes to a room like a living room, you have a lot more freedom to come up with a unique focal point. It doesn’t always have to be your TV!

Ready to create an amazing focal point for your living room? Here are some of the best ideas that can really add the wow factor.

A Fireplace

Fireplaces are great focal points and if you already have one built into your main living room wall, then you might not have to do much other than smarten it up. If it is the original feature, it might be full of character and could really help to add some personality to your room. Don’t worry if you don’t already have a fireplace in your room. There are now lots of stores that sell them and will be able to install them for you.

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Or if you want to do something easy you can look into getting one of these PlugIn Fireplace Furniture Pieces.

A Gallery Wall

One really popular focal point idea that many interior designers add in their own homes is a gallery wall. In order to create this, you just need to cover the main wall in the room with framed photos, artworks, and prints. The whole idea is to create a wall that works as a gallery and will display your favorite type of art.

You can find some nice Frame Sets like these on amazon.

A Piece Of Vintage Furniture

There are now lots of furniture stores, such as Plum Goose, that feature some great vintage-style brands, like Four Hands. These brands specialize in reclaimed furniture and great vintage pieces that will really add some charm and style to your living room. It’s a good idea to add a statement piece of vintage furniture that will stand out from everything else in the room.

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I really like the balance of this wall gallery by @luxdecor_montreal. But the feature that made me stop and look was the combination of different color frames..wood, black, and gold all grouped together harmoniously to create a powerful focal point. Would you like to do this on your wall? Do you like the mix of frames? Home decor today incorporates all of the things we love, the treasures we have collected over time that have meaning and memories.. so keep that art or print in the original frame and hang it with all the others you have...just like this wall! Fabulous! #framedart #oceanpainting #sevavailable #originalart #vintage #finditstyleit #smmakelifebeautiful #artistofinstagram #goldframe #instaart #photooftheday #vintageprint #artwork #artcollector #interiordesigner #diyhomedecor #myhousebeautiful #sevenstreetmarket #focalpoint #estatesalefinds #treasure #gallerywall #treasurehunt #finds #thrifting

A post shared by Cindy (@sevenstreetmarket) on Jul 24, 2018 at 10:39am PDT

Use Original Features

If you have moved into a period property then you might notice that there are some original features in the living room. One of these could be a fireplace, like I’ve already mentioned, but you might get lucky and have a living room that has the property’s original beams on display. If so, you might want to paint these or restore them to their original state. Beams are a fantastic stand-out feature and can retain the home’s original style.

Strip The Wall

If you want to really mix things up in your living room, you might want to strip the main wall to expose the brickwork. Exposed brickwork is extremely fashionable right now, and will work in a variety of interior design styles and trends. It is a certainly striking look and will definitely attract everyone’s attention!

As you can see, there are lots of different aspects of decor and your living room that can be turned into a fascinating focal point. Which one do you think that you will go with?

{Cleaning} 4 Tips To Help Clean Spillages In Your Home

*This post contains affiliate links to essential oils and other products I talk about in the post. Purchasing them here from my blog is no extra cost to you but I do earn a commission that helps in the cost of running this blog. Thanks for your support! Read full disclaimer here.

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All housewives can agree that spillages are probably the worst thing to clean in the home. When you have small kids, then you probably end up with a handful of spills every week. Plus, add in some random acts of clumsiness on the adults' behalf, and you run the risk of a home that’s overrun by spillage stains!

The good news is, there are ways you can make it much easier to clean up spills in your home.

Get in there right away

The worst thing you can do is leave a spillage sitting there for many minutes on end. When you do this, then it normally ingrains itself into the surface and causes permanent stains. Or, it will cause a stain that’s far harder to get rid of. To prevent this, you should get in there right away and clean up the spill as soon as you notice it. There’s no time to waste, soak it up immediately to prevent severe stainage!

Switch to more water-resistant flooring

Spilling things on carpets is an absolute nightmare as it completely soaks up the spill and is very hard to clean. So, to make life easier for yourself, you should switch to more water-resistant flooring options. Places like Montgomerys the flooring store will sell different options that deal with water better than others. Usually, a laminate or vinyl option is the best as you can literally just wipe spills off the surface right away. There’s no danger of the spillage seeping into the flooring and leaving a stain, which helps keep your home nice and clean.

Use white wine vinegar for food stains

Often, it’s not just drinks that get spilled in your home. If you’ve ever cooked pasta for your kids, or given them anything with tomato ketchup dipping sauce, then you know the outcome resembles that of a war zone. There are usually red spillages and stains all over the table and floor, which can be very hard to get rid of. However, one cleaning hack involves using white wine vinegar and dishwashing liquid on the stains. Simply put the liquid on the stained area and then rinse it with the vinegar. It’ll smell funky, but the vinegar helps remove the stain like magic. This trick comes in handy for most food stains.

Use salt or baking soda to neutralize stubborn stains

On a similar note, both salt and baking soda can help neutralize stubborn stains and stop them from setting in. Normally, they work best with various wine spills that you may have in your home. Perhaps you hosted a party, and someone spilled some wine, or maybe you left a glass on a table, and your child knocked it over? Either way, covering the stains with salt or baking soda can help stop it from sinking into the surface that the spill is on. Then, you can pat dry and rinse away with water, and everything will be good as new.

Don’t let spillages become an issue in your home; follow these simple tips, and you’ll clean them with absolute ease from now on.

{Home} Glamorous and Glorious Ways to Upgrade Your Home

*This post contains affiliate links to essential oils and other products I talk about in the post. Purchasing them here from my blog is no extra cost to you but I do earn a commission that helps in the cost of running this blog. Thanks for your support! Read full disclaimer here.
When it comes to decorating your home, you always want to make everything bigger and better than it already is. You run a practical and fun household, but you have always felt like there was something missing. The truth is, every home is different, so you can’t compare your home to anybody else’s. However, you can bring elements of style into your home that you might not already have. You want to create a glorious and glamorous home environment that you enjoy as much as your kids enjoy it. So far your home decor has revolved around practical elements that keep the children happy; now it’s time for you to explore your creativity and make your house dreams come true.

Chic Kitchen Counters
Having luxurious kitchen counters is something you have always dreamed of; you see them in all of the popular home design magazines and you long to have them for yourself. You worry about the cost of marble counters, but actually you can find some exquisite designs that are still very affordable. Marble countertops can enhance your kitchen by leaps and bounds so consider this style for sure.

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Fabulous Flooring

The flooring in your home can become pretty worn over time so it might be a good idea to upgrade it now. Opt for wooden flooring which is a timeless and effortless style for any home. Whether you choose deep cherry wood or light oak you will be sure to have the perfect design if you match it well with your furniture.

Smart Shades

Switching up the colour scheme of the walls in your home is the perfect way to boost its overall glamour. You might be growing tired of the shades you chose several years ago, so why not use this opportunity to bring a whole new style to your home? Choosing a colour scheme can be tricky to decide on, but if you choose something that will never go out of style like a natural cream or neutral  beige you won’t be able to go wrong.

Awesome Accessories

Getting your choices of accessories just right can be a challenge for people who don’t quite know what their personal style is. Use your instincts and choose small, but meaningful accessories to finish off the overall design of your home. Whether you hang up a sentimental picture of you and a loved one or your decorate a cushion that was a family heirloom, you can find the accessories that work well with your decor and your personal tastes.

When you start thinking about decorating your home to make it more glamorous you have to consider the ideas that make you most excited. Try not to create a carbon copy of an interior design magazine as this won’t be very personal to you. Tap into your creative mindset and allow your artistic flair to run free; you will soon be able to create a stunning home that is fully worthy of the front cover of any fancy home design magazine.

{Home Safety} Watch Out For These Possible Dangers In Your Home

*This post contains affiliate links to essential oils and other products I talk about in the post. Purchasing them here from my blog is no extra cost to you but I do earn a commission that helps in the cost of running this blog. Thanks for your support! Read full disclaimer here.

If you can’t feel safe in the home, this radically affects your ability to feel safe anywhere. Sometimes however the reason that you don’t feel safe is not exactly clear, and when this is the case it can be important to try and identify the possible causes first and foremost. The truth is that there are a number of common culprits which you might want to pay attention to, just in case they are going to be causing a problem in your home at some point in the near future. In this article, we’ll look at these possible dangers in your home, and discuss what you can do to prevent and treat those situations as best as possible - so that you can live in a much safer and happier home at all times.

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Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide is a naturally occurring gas which you have already likely encountered in your life - in fact, definitely. However, in larger quantities it is deadly, and can kill you in minutes. The other problem with it is that it is odourless, and invisible, so you could be sitting in it and just not know until it was too late. Because of the way in which carbon monoxide poisoning affects the brain, you will likely get confused and not be able to find a way to safety if you do get poisoned by it. This is why it is so important to prevent it in the first place, as once it takes hold there is not much that can be done, and even if you survive you will likely have dramatic health problems for life as a result. To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, the most important thing you can do is to install a carbon monoxide alarm. Most homes come with these now by law, but if yours doesn’t have one, make sure you get one installed. It is essential if you are to keep yourself and your family safe from this deadly gas.

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Pests

Having rodents or other pests in your home can be annoying, but if left alone they can also worsen to the point where it is actually dangerous for them to be there. In particular if you have rats in the home then it is likely that they could be carrying diseases, and bese you don't know where they might have been running around in the night, you really want to make sure that you get rid of them as soon as possible. The best way to do this, of course, is to simply call out pest control, as they will be able to help you out without any trouble. But you can also make sure that you are doing whatever you need to to stop those pests from appearing in the first place. That could mean that you want to avoid leaving food leftovers out, and that you keep windows and doors shut at all times. As long as you do that, and keep a tidy home generally, you should find that you can keep your home safe from these pests much more effectively.

Fire

Any home is capable of setting on fire, and we often forget that in our housekeeping habits. You should bear this in mind, however, as if it ever does occur, you will find that it can be incredibly damaging indeed. The best route, as usual, is prevention, and the best way to prevent fire is to know about fire safety - which means aso ensuring that you teach your children about the same. Above all, make sure that you take care with any electrical items, and if they are faulty you should be sure to dispose of them properly - or have them fixed by a professional electrician. When cooking, be careful, and make sure that you know how to deal with different types of fires, including fat fires. Also make sure that you have smoke and heat alarms throughout the house, and check the batteries in them regularly too. All of this should prevent help with a fire breaking out in your home - but you will also want to make sure that you know how to act if it does still happen. The best way is to stay low, out of the harmful smoke, and head for the nearest exit, grabbing your family along the way.

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The above can all occur in any household so make sure you are knowledgeable in these areas and prepared for if they do occur.

{Essential Oils} Why Every Home Should Have An Oil Diffuser

*This post contains affiliate links to essential oils and other products I talk about in the post. Purchasing them here from my blog is no extra cost to you but I do earn a commission that helps in the cost of running this blog. Thanks for your support! Read full disclaimer here. The simple oil diffuser is an incredibly handy device for any home and has a remarkable number of benefits. If you are going without one of these amazingly useful gadgets in your house, you are missing out. Here are a few reasons why your home should have - and use regularly - an essential oil diffuser.

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They help you relax and sleep

Essential oils are known to help you relax and repair yourself after a hard day’s work. And the oil diffuser is, without doubt, the easiest way to get these soothing elixirs into your bloodstream. Stressed at work? Why not take your diffuser into the office with you - relaxation and calm is only the press of a button away. Put some lavender, chamomile or clary sage into your diffuser for maximum effect.  

They can improve your mood

Sweet orange, scotch pine and vanilla essential oils are all fantastic for use in a diffuser to lift your mood when you are feeling down, tired, or trying to create a romantic atmosphere. Just fill your diffuser with water, tap a few drops of your favorite oil in, and press the button to lift your spirits - it’s as easy as that.

Great for your health

Did you know that some essential oils - such as peppermint, eucalyptus or lemon - can help you reduce inflammation problems and ease congestion? And the great thing about having a diffuser is that you can use it all day - just turn it on and bring it with you as you move rooms.

Perfect for safety

Candles and incense might be nice to use, but when you have children or pets, they can pose a serious health risk. Oil diffusers give you all the benefits of aromatherapy without the risk of burns, scalds, or the starting of fires. To ensure your safety, however, watch out for the type of oils you use. According to Aromatechscent.com, it's important to get oil blends, and essential oils are created to be 100% safe for your home, family, and pets. Some oils on the market are not pure and contain nasty things like parabens, glycols and other potentially harmful chemicals.

Keep insects at bay

While humans love the aroma of essential oils, many types of insect cannot stand them. Mosquitos, moths, fruit and house flies - they are all deterred from coming into your home when you use oils like cedarwood, lemongrass and rosemary, amongst others. And the beauty of a diffuser is that you can just switch it on and it does everything else for you. No need to harm or kill any insects, no chasing flies out of windows with a swatter, and no icky fly paper hanging from your ceilings.

The make you brainier

Finally, who doesn’t want to improve their cognitive function? As mindbodygreen.com point out, oils like peppermint, eucalyptus and lemon are renowned for their adaptogenic qualities, which means they can chill you out when you are stressed, pick you up when you are feeling sluggish, and ultimately help you focus better on important tasks.

OK, so there you have it - every home should have an oil diffuser! What are your thoughts?

{Home Maintenance} Show Mother Nature Who Rules The Roost In Your Home

*This post contains affiliate links to essential oils and other products I talk about in the post. Purchasing them here from my blog is no extra cost to you but I do earn a commission that helps in the cost of running this blog. Thanks for your support! Read full disclaimer here. Ever since becoming a homeowner, you’ve worked your backside off to prove yourself as a homemaker. You scrub your rooms so well that even you’d be happy to eat off your floors. You’ve despaired over décor and even dabbled in DIY. And, after your efforts, you’re pretty confident you’ve earned your place as the Ruler of the house.

But, that doesn’t mean other women aren’t trying to undermine you. In fact, we can think of one right off the bat. She’s fierce, determined, and she’ll sweep down anyone in her path. In case you hadn’t heard, her name is Mother Nature. And, she’ll destroy your hard work the moment she gets her hands on it.
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Unsurprisingly, then, you want to do everything to ensure that doesn’t happen. Lucky for you, there’s no better time to do it. Like most of us, Mother Nature tends to take it easier during summer. But, she can get a little grumpy when the cold season rolls around. To make sure her icy fingers stay clear of your perfect walls, then, consider the following ways to keep the outside out.

Batten down the hatches

It's no secret that securing doors and windows is essential for keeping intruders at bay. But, Mother Nature isn’t in the habit of entering the normal ways. Instead, she’ll seek out any gap or weakness. And, when she finds a way in, she’ll bring all manner of issues with her. Your best bet, then, is to do a complete check. Any gaps need addressing as soon as you can get to them. Given that the roof is often a problem area, we suggest you start there. Head up to your attic and take note of any drips or chinks of sunlight. Then, don’t hesitate to contact a company like KTM Roofing who can secure the area for you. Notice, too, any gaps in your exterior siding and address them now. It’s also worth double checking there are no issues with your window seals and doors. A lock won’t keep this madam out, but a brand new window seal could.

Put a storm plan in place

If you annoy Mother Nature by blocking her entry, she may well throw a storm your way to break your walls down. We told you she was fierce, didn’t we? If she sets her mind to it, even a small storm could cause you real issues. At least, it will if you don’t consider how you can survive it beforehand. By putting plans in place, however, you can scupper a breach even here. Things like window boarding's and sandbags to stop flooding are fantastic here. Securing furniture and keeping windows and doors shut can help, too. It may also be worth tying tree branches down so that they don’t snap off and do damage to the roof you’ve just repaired. Make sure, too, to keep a close eye on the weather forecast for the duration. Sometimes, storms sound like they’re easing off when they’re just getting started. Hence why they call it ‘the eye of the storm’. If you fall for that old trick, Mother Nature will make her way in the moment you open your front door. Don’t do it. Keep the weather on, and make sure no one ventures outside until you hear an all-clear.

Tackle unwelcome growth

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As a last-ditch attempt, Mother Nature may throw a few unwelcome issues of growth your way. You know how it goes; tree roots through your basement door and weeds taking over on your lawn. Call it her way of having a tantrum, if you like. This certainly seems like the act of someone fighting a losing battle. Still, last attempt or not, this could be all it takes to cause you issues. That tree root can both damage your foundations and make way for problems such as damp. Out of control weeds can smother your lovely lawn, and even make their way indoors. The best thing to do, then, would be to keep an eye on things like this and act as soon as you spot a problem. Don’t leave that tree root until its halfway through your house. Phone a tree surgeon the moment you spot it coming. Use weed killer and take action often to pull weeds from their root rather than just cutting them down. And, whatever you do; remember that you’re the head of the house, and you have the power.