All posts by TipsfromTia

Prevention, Tips and Remedy is what you find when you read Tips from Tia. Tia is Radio personality, with tons of answers and tips on Organic Beauty, Health, Life, Home and Sex. TipsfromTia.com; a place where you can trust the tip you're given, and not rely on a dozen different answers. Some Tips are decades old, and all I can say is it may be your grandmother's tip,but with more appeal! Tipsfromtia.com a source you can trust. Remember, looking good; feeling good.
ORGANIC HEALTH & HOME

Escape From The Homebuying Money Pit

Escape From The Homebuying Money Pit

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If you’re buying a home this year, I’d like to welcome you to the money pit. You might think that it’s easy to keep the costs of purchasing a home under control. Or, that you know exactly how much it’s going to cost and what you’ll need to pay, but boy are you wrong. There are hidden expenses, extra payments and unseen issues that you are blissfully unaware of right now. That’s the bad news. The good news is that I can help you climb out the pit so you can appreciating the buying dream.

Get The Price To The Floor

First things first, let’s make sure that you’re not paying more for the house that you want then you need to. You should be aiming for buying at the floor price. If you don’t know what this is it’s the absolutely minimum and owner will be willing to sell their property at. Bare in mind, most owners start the asking price nowhere near the floor. For instance, you might have a seller with a home that is being marketed at four hundred grand. What they won’t tell you is that they’d be willing to sell at three-fifty if you can cut out the hassle. There are multiple ways to get that floor asking price. One of the best ways is to go low and offer a great setup for the sale. For instance, cash up front is always something that sellers love to hear. Particularly, if they are trying to buy a new home fast.

Price Check Everything

You’re going to be purchasing a lot of different services when buying your new home. Moving teams are the classic examples because prices can vary dramatically. One company might charge you two thousand while another might offer the same service for nine hundred. You might think that a lower price means a poor service. But with local movers that’s not usually true. It all depends on their business model and how much they are able to save.

Careful Committing To Improvements

Once you buy the home, the fun really begins. A lot of owners find out that there’s more problems with the property than they thought. Usually, this is going to be true if you’re buying an older home. That’s why you should always get a thorough inspection. These days, homeowners tend to dodge inspections for two reasons. First, it gives time for another buyer to jump in and steal the property with a higher offer. Second, it’s an unnecessary expense if you can trust the seller. The big secret? You can never trust the seller. They will always be hiding something that would knock the property value down a peg or two so be cautious. The last thing you want is to buy a home only to find out the big bills have only just begun.

Take this advice and you won’t just be able to climb out of the money pit. Instead, you can avoid falling into it completely!

Tia, and TipsfromTia.com  is trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good, from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on Twitter or Instagram.

ORGANIC HEALTH & HOME, SEX & LIFE

What Are The Best Short-Term Borrowing Options?

What Are The Best Short-Term Borrowing Options?

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We all know what it’s like to be stuck in a tough situation financially. Even if you are someone who is extremely careful with their finances, it can be relatively easy for the wrong thing to happen, and before you know it you are in real trouble. Financial concerns like this are enough to worry anyone, but it is good to know that there are at least ways out which you can take advantage of. If you are in a tough financial position, then you will want to have a variety of possible options to choose from, so as to get out of that place as quickly as possible. The good news there is that there are many decent short-term borrowing options which can help you out. In this article, we are going to discuss which are the best, so that you can make a more informed decision if you are ever in such an unfortunate situation yourself.

Overdrafts

When it comes to short-term borrowing, the overdraft has always been one of the best options. There are a number of advantages to the overdraft. To begin with, it offers a low interest rate most of the time, meaning that you won’t be paying back any more than necessary. It is also true that overdrafts tend to be relatively straightforward to secure – and that can be a real blessing for someone who is in deep financial trouble. What’s more, when you apply for bank overdraft, it is likely to affect your credit rating much less than many of the other borrowing options that are out there. You also have the ability to pay back an overdraft over a much longer time, without necessarily paying too much.

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Credit Card

If you do not have a credit card, then getting one while you are in financial trouble is not the best idea. However, if you already have one, it can be a useful short-term solution to a sticky situation. So long as you only use it to borrow an amount you can definitely repay, and in good time, it can be one of the easiest and best solutions of all. Just be careful that you don’t get carried away with it, as this could quickly land you in even deeper trouble than you were already in.

Interest-Free Loans

Next we come to one of the best possible short-term borrowing options. There are actually many interest-free short-term loans out there, which are well worth considering if you are having difficulty getting through the month financially. While you want to avoid payday loans as much as possible, these loans are much more financially viable, and could end up saving your skin if you go about it in the right way. There are many ways that you can go about getting an interest-free loan, so this is well worth considering if you are struggling. If you do go down this route, remember to be careful and take it slowly, otherwise you might end up borrowing too much, or at a higher than zero rate.

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Tia, and TipsfromTia.com  is trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good, from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on Twitter or Instagram.

ORGANIC HEALTH & HOME

What You Need to Know to Choose the Right Bathtub

By Guest Blogger Diana S.

What You Need to Know to Choose the Right Bathtub

image-1When you need to buy new things for your bathroom you can simply go into the nearest bathroom accessories store, or order online and problem solved. While that is always a possibility, the chances of you being able to install it into your bathroom without any problems are equal to those of winning a lottery. If you wish to go home with a bathtub that will perfectly suit your needs, fit into your bathroom flawlessly and remain functional for a long time, there are several things that need to be taken into consideration before making a final pick.

Measure everything precisely

Even though it may seem redundant to emphasize that knowing the exact measures of the available space you have for your new bathtub is important, you would be surprised how many people end up returning their newly bought bathtubs because they proved to be too big to install. Bathtubs of various types come in standard dimensions. Custom sizes are also available, but they are usually significantly more expensive. In any case, make sure that the space designated for it will comfortably accommodate the one you pick. 

Proportions

When proportions are concerned, proper bathtub size is very important for two reasons. The first one is related to users themselves. The volume of the tub needs to perfectly accommodate the user. When you find a tub you like, do not be ashamed to sit in it, and that way see if it fits. That is the only way to be certain that it does. The second ‘proportion’ concern is whether your tub fits properly with other bathroom elements. A grand size tub simply sticks out when small spaces are concerned, while miniature tubs become lost in big ones. 

Interior design concerns

Being a centerpiece of a bathroom’s interior design, the type of the bathtub you opt for has an enormous impact in creating a harmonious environment. For example, if Victorian design dominates your bathroom, a clawfoot tub would fit perfectly. On the other hand, corner tubs are more suitable for contemporary settings, while freestanding bath is more universal, with models that are adequate for any interior design.  

Study different materials

image-7There is a great variety of materials that are used to build bathtubs and they all come with certain advantages and disadvantages. For example, acrylic tubs are lightweight and of high gloss but are less durable than cast iron tubs. On the other hand, cast iron ones require good support structure due to their weight and are rarely big. Cultured marble tubs are easy to maintain, highly decorative, but at the same time brittle and if cracks occur, they cannot be repaired. The list goes on and on, so make sure you get familiar with all the facts before you opt for a particular material.

Additional features

Naturally, the main reason why we all prefer bathtubs is the joy we feel when our entire bodies are soaked in water of preferred temperature. However, modern features that are continually being added to bathtubs raise this experience to a completely new level. Whirlpool tubs, foot massage jets and chromatherapy baths are just some of the modern, spa-like additions. If you like this kind of relaxation, make sure you check out every available option.

As you can see, choosing a tub requires a lot of thinking. It is a complex process, so consulting vendors, your friends and online sources like this one is advisable. However, something that is so personal should not be trusted into someone else’s hands. It is you who needs to make the final decisions. After all, you are the one that will be using it and the more effort you put into choosing the perfect one, the more you’ll enjoy it.

 Tia, and TipsfromTia.com  is trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good, from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on Twitter or Instagram.

ORGANIC HEALTH & HOME, SEX & LIFE

The Case For Buying: Why You Need To Stop Renting

The Case For Buying: Why You Need To Stop Renting

Buying versus renting. It’s the age old debate that’s afflicted generations since the housing market became what it is today, but there’s no group of people it affects more than generation Y. Those of us who are what is known as ‘millennials’ are finding it harder and harder to keep track of our finances and thus get onto the property ladder. More people than ever are renting well into their thirties, with the average age of a first-time buyer now up to 33 years old. This is mainly to do with the amount of money needed for a deposit, and the fluctuating job market means that many people have to move cities frequently to chase the jobs they want. In this respect, renting can be great as it is so flexible – great for a wandering soul, or perhaps for people who don’t quite want to commit to a specific location for too long. But with so much emphasis being put on getting onto the housing ladder, why exactly should you? Here are some reasons why it can benefit you.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

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You end up with a valuable asset

Property is an asset. In fact, it’s probably the most expensive asset you will ever have. The initial investment you make in your property will probably be quite a lot, but the benefit is that you then have the opportunity to make it back or to expand on it. If you see your house as a ‘fixer-upper’, you could buy cheap and sell for profit, leaving you with a nice sum or money to either spend or reinvest. Or maybe you will end up wanting to capitalize on your home’s equity, either for a renovation project or again, another kind of investment..

It works out cheaper

The initial deposit aside, owning a house rather than renting one generally tends to work out cheaper than renting. For example, you may be wondering whether affording a house payment is something you will feasibly be able to do. In reality, your monthly mortgage repayments will probably be around the same kind of price as your current rent anyway. Plus, landlords can be notoriously difficult to work with. The person you are renting your property from may try and avoid paying you back your deposit by charging you for minor repairs and/or wear and tear. The money you pay towards paying off your mortgage ultimately helps you end up with a house of your own at the end of it, whereas renting is often regarded as simply ‘throwing money down the drain’.

Paint Diy Brush Painting
Paint Diy Brush Painting

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You can make it your own

Another significant benefit to buying your own property is that it gives you the opportunity to decorate it how you wish. There is a limited amount of decorating you can do with a rental property – some landlords won’t even let you put pictures on the walls, in fact. But with a house of your very own, you can paint, hammer and drill to your heart’s content, until you have your dream home.

Tia, and TipsfromTia.com  is trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good, from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on Twitter or Instagram.

ORGANIC HEALTH & HOME

The Little Things that Turn your House into a Home

The Little Things that Turn your House into a Home

A house and a home are two very different things. A house describes the physical property itself – nothing more than a collection of carefully arranged bricks – but a home is much more than that, it represents your past, present and future.

Your home should embody safety, treasured memories and future happiness, but sometimes it can be a struggle to achieve the right feeling in your house, particularly when you’ve just moved in. However, there are a few things you can do to make your house feel more warm, personal and, of course, homely.

Put those precious moments on display

If a stranger was to walk into your home now, would your house look like it has been lived in or could they be walking into a hotel room? Your home should serve as a place to store all your proudest and more cherished moments and that means not having them tucked away in a dusty box in the attic.

Placing pictures of family and friends around the house is a great way of making your home feel more personal to you and they can also add to the appearance of your property. Photographs also make great conversation pieces when you have guests over and can be a great way of lifting your spirits if you’re feeling stressed or upset.

If you know anyone that’s just moved house, then a frame makes for a wonderful housewarming present as it encourages them to display the photo moments that mean the most to them.

Buy good quality furniture

Furnishing your home can be an expensive process. It seems like there are so many rooms to fill, there’s decorating to be finished and you’ve just had to pay all those administrative fees that accompany the house buying process. With all this going on, it can be tempting to cut corners here and there and buy cheaper, lower quality furniture.

The problem with this is that it often represents a false economy. Cheaper goods will usually need replacing sooner, which will leave you shelling out once more and having to deal with the hassle of moving sofas and beds in and out of the house. There’s nothing wrong with finding a bargain of course, but be wary of anything that seems too good to be true – it usually is.

Another problem with buying cheap furniture is that it can mean you have to compromise on your vision for your home’s interior. If you want your home to look a certain way, the furniture is a big part of that and so it’s worth spending a little more to create the look you’ve been dreaming of. There’s also the comfort factor to consider. If your sofa is stiff and unpleasant to sit on, then your house is never going to feel like a home no matter how long you live there.

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Iron-out the flaws

Another way of making a house feel like a home is to make sure that any unwanted quirks and problems are ironed out as soon as possible. If you have a door that has a mind of its own and keeps closing when it should stay open, then buy a few door stops. If you have a leaky tap that’s driving you mad, then tighten the fitting or give the plumber a call.

There always seems to be something that needs fixing in your home, but it’s important that you don’t let the little things niggle away at you. A draughty room here or a creaking floorboard there may not be much to worry about in the grand scheme of things, but collectively these issues can prevent you from enjoying your home to its fullest.

Make it open and inclusive

The exact setup of your home is entirely your decision, but if your property is a bit claustrophobic it won’t feel quite right, particularly if you have a family. Opting for an open and inclusive environment is the perfect way of making your home a child-friendly place. With the right lighting and room design, your home can provide the environment for work and play in equal measure.

An open-plan design is a great way for everyone in the home to spend time together whether it’s watching television, playing board games, or any other fun activity. You may also find that a more open layout simply creates more space, which is always appreciated.

In order to embrace your open-plan home, speak to a builder or structural engineer about which walls can be taken down to create larger living spaces. If you’re worried about an open-plan design taking something away from the coziness of your property, there are approaches you can take that aim to create the best of both worlds. Breakfast bars and mezzanine areas can be used to partition areas of rooms, for example, without cutting them off completely.

Light the way

The lighting in your home can play a very important role in creating the right atmosphere, so there’s a lot more to think about than what lampshade to purchase.

Having many different lights throughout a single room, for example, lets you manage the overall lighting more effectively and means that certain areas can be lit more brightly than others. Dimmer switches are also a great investment and work particularly well if you have young children and want to get them following a bedtime routine.

Also, don’t forget the importance of natural light. Try not to block windows that let in sunlight and if you have mirrors in your home, try to locate them so that they reflect the natural light around the living area. You may not realize it, but good lighting can have a significant impact on your mood and contribute to your appreciation of your home.

Create new memories

Although putting up photos of times gone by is a great way of decorating your house, it will only begin to truly feel like home when you’ve started creating new memories there. Open your home out to family and friends by having a barbecue, dinner party or hosting a birthday celebration and you’ll start to feel like you belong there.

Some people may feel as though there home is not “ready†in terms of its interior to have guests over, or maybe they think that their house is their own personal space and would rather meet friends at an external venue. That’s fine, but often the most happiness comes from sharing something that you’re passionate about with others – and this includes your home. Fill your house with chat and laughter and you’ll quickly learn to love having others over.

Get creative when it comes to storage

The amount of clutter that people accumulate over the years can be truly astounding. Whether it’s personal mementos or junk that you can’t bear to throw away, these items can get in the way if not dealt with properly. If you’ve got boxes or piles in the corners of your rooms then your house is not going to feel complete.

Fortunately, there are ways that you can get creative when it comes to home storage. Finding space where there seemingly is none can be challenge but it is definitely a rewarding one. Make the most of wall, floor, or even ceiling space to maximize your home’s storage capabilities. When everything is in its right place, you’ll start to feel more settled in your home.

Let everyone have their own space

Although you want your home to feel inclusive, it is important that everyone that you live with has a little section to call their own. This could be something small, like an armchair by the fire, or a larger area like an office or “man cave.†Whether you want to relax, or work on your own personal project, having your own space is an important part of sharing your home.

Don’t take your home too seriously

Despite all the tips mentioned above, the most important thing to remember about your home is to not take it too seriously. If you’re getting worked up about whether the carpet matches the wallpaper or whether your friends are going to like your décor then you’re never going to be able to relax. Your home is all about you and so if you want to have a traditional antique next to a 70s retro dining table then go for it! Don’t worry about whether it “works†or not. Make your house in your own image and you’ll quickly feel at home there.

Whether you’ve just moved into a new property or have been living somewhere for a while, turning a house into a home requires some work. The most important thing to remember is that loving your property is not about spending the most money or having impeccable style, it’s all about making your home feel right for you. When you achieve this, it’s a wonderful feeling and all your external stresses melt away as you come through the door. Displaying a personal touch in your house is definitely worth it, because there really is no place like home.

Tia, and TipsfromTia.com  is trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good, from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on Twitter or Instagram.