Category Archives: ORGANIC HEALTH & HOME

Tips from fixing the room to finding health remedies in the kitchen.

How to Use Carpet & Rugs in Your Home for a Stylish Look

By Guest Blogger, Steph C.

How to Use Carpet & Rugs in Your Home for a Stylish Look

Are you looking for a way to transform your house into a warm, welcoming place with a touch of elegance? All you need is carpet and some rugs. What follows next is a combination of basic design skills and creativity which we all have. Here’s how to go about it:

  • Determine which areas will require rugs and which ones will need carpet

It is the very common practice to use a carpet to cover wide areas such as the floor of the sitting room and a rug on smaller areas such as in place of a doormat. You can also place rugs under the furniture provided they are large enough, or even right beside your bed. DO NOT use a brightly colored rug at the door since it will easily get dirty thus becoming unattractive.

  • Choose carpets and rugs that best suit your place

There is a wide variety of Carpets and rugs in the market that you can choose from. You might end up with a carpet that makes the environment of your house looking like that of an office, which is something that you want to avoid. Therefore before choosing one you’ve got to consider a few things such as how it blends in with the internal surrounding of your house and the material it is made of, among other things. If you have no clue about how to choose a perfect rug or carpet for you place you can always seek an internal designer’s advice.

  • Design and creativity

This is a very important part that you can’t afford to ignore .It is what will bring out the uniqueness of your house when compared to other people’s houses. A small piece of advice, go with what you like and not what is considered normal. I prefer a combination of carpets having different patterns with rugs of different shapes. If you choose to go for a hand-woven carpet or rug make sure that it is finely woven to ensure durability. If you want to layer carpets of different patterns then do so using those of the same hues. For door rugs it is best to use a rough textured rug for the door mat and a soft textured one for the bedside rug. Fur and cotton wool provide soft textured rugs while sisal and nylon provide rough ones.

  • Use an amp

Besides providing a good music experience, an amp on top of rug can create such classy scenery. It also provides a high quality audio playback system for your home library. The good thing about these is that they come in a wide variety with different features which means, what you need is what you get. You can try out the CUBE lite amplifier to mention but a few.

Finally, to bring out that stylish look in your house you just have to be simple and open to trying new things. Do not overdo 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.

This guest post is from Steph Clarke who is part of the content & community outreach team at LandofRugs.com. Steph is obsessed with interior design trends and how new technology influences design.

Is Your Home Healthy?

Is Your Home Healthy?

Most of us do what we can to keep healthy. We eat a well-balanced diet filled with vitamins and minerals. We try to get plenty of exercise and give our bodies a chance to recover with a good night’s sleep. We go to the doctors when we are unwell, we vaccinate our children and take any medication we need, we attend checkups and go for routine preventative scans, and we take the time to read about new developments which could improve our health. As a society, we’re even starting to take better care of our mental health and break down the barriers of talking about mental health issues. But, this could all be pointless if you live in an unhealthy home.

Maintaining your home thoroughly is like a wellness check that will help keep your home in a healthy condition. Not to mention, keeping up with your home’s health will keep you and your family healthier. For example, if a home in Illinois has standing water, searching basement waterproofing in Champaign, IL is the best way to fix the problem before it leads to long-term health problems for you and your house.

Your home can be full of toxins and disease which can make you and your family unwell. So, it’s important to check for the signs of an unhealthy home and do something about it before it has major adverse effects.

Air Quality

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Breathing in dirty and dusty air can have a poor effect on your health, especially if you already suffer from a condition like asthma. Long-term it can lead to heart disease and issues recovering from coughs and colds. Investing in an air purifier can filter out small particles making your air cleaner and healthier.

Damp

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A damp home can be both unhealthy and uncomfortable. Damp can also lead to the growth of black mould, especially around your windows. Over time living in a damp home can lead to more coughs and colds, a weakened immune system and more serious conditions like pneumonia. The spores from the black mould can also lead to skin irritation, sore and infected eyes, nose and throat, rashes, fatigue, headaches and chronic coughs. For those with an already weakened immune system, the risks can be even more dangerous.

To keep your home free from damp, install insulation, open a window when you shower, keep your home at an even temperature, by getting your heating checkout out by ABC Home & Commercial and leave it on at a low temperature. Repair window seals and dry washing outside or in the bathroom with a window open when possible. If you are still having issues, consider investing in a dehumidifier.

Control Your Light

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Light plays an important part in our health. Not getting enough natural sunlight can lead to a vitamin D deficiency, weak bones, poor skin tone and texture and weakened hair and nails. It can even cause depression and seasonal affective disorder. But, living in a very bright home can mean that you struggle to get to sleep properly and have a hard time reaching a deep sleep, which can leave you tired and lethargic and weaken your immunity.

Try to open your curtains during the day to let as much light in as possible and spend time in the rooms that get the most sunlight. Then, for the night time, fit curtains with a thick blackout lining and invest in an eye mask to help you sleep.

Deep Clean

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Most of us are quite good at keeping up with the everyday cleaning jobs involved with keeping our homes clean, tidy and hygienic. But, what about those jobs that only need doing every few months or less? Many of us forget these completely. This can lead to a buildup of dust and dirt, mould, damp and the growth of unhealthy toxins which can make you unwell.

So, make a Rota so that you can’t forget these jobs. Try to do one a month if you can. These jobs should include things like having your duvets dry cleaned, cleaning your curtains, washing your shower curtain, cleaning your sofa cushions, cleaning your fridge, freezer and cupboards shampooing your carpet and hoovering under all of your furniture.

Clear Out Your Cupboards

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When was the last time you went right to the back of your food cupboards? Or looked through everything in your fridge? Do you have a jar of pickled onions that’s been there for years? Many of us keep food well past its use by date as we just don’t look at it that often. Look through all of your tins, herbs and spices and everything in your fridge and freezer, checking dates and getting rid of anything that’s past its best.

Your home should be a place where you can rest and relax. When you are ill, it should be where you can recover and get better. You should feel completely happy and comfortable. It can’t be your safe space if it’s making you unhealthy, so take the time to look after it, just like you look after yourself.

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.

The Green Light You Need When Choosing A Renovator

The Green Light You Need When Choosing A Renovator

When looking to turn your brand-new house into a real home, then finding a renovator might be one of the first things on your mind. It can be a more affordable way to end up with the perfect home for you as opposed to buying your dream home. But you have to make sure you’re choosing the perfect fit. Not all renovators are built equally, so what are the green lights worth keeping an eye out for?

 

Photo sourced by artursfoto

What do you need?

You better come to any and all renovators you talk with a plan, because what exactly you want to do with the home could steer you between services that provide either remodeling or renovation. How much structural work are you going to have to do and how much of it is simply décor? Do you need any landscaping? If you’re talking to a designer, do they need you to have builders you find separately or do they have sub-contractors at the ready? Know your needs, so you know the questions to ask potential renovators to ensure they’re equipped for the project.

 

Photo sourced by Pixabay

Do they have ideas ready to go?

If your renovation is going to include a major visual redesign, then your choice is going to depend largely on finding the right sense of style. A good renovation company should be able to give you clear examples of different looks they provide, whether it’s through an online catalogue or a showroom that you can actually visit. Otherwise, you are putting it entirely on faith that they’re not going to be a complete style mismatch with you.

 

Photo sourced by Medhat Ayad

Are they open to input?

This is a big factor in whether your renovator is a blissful partner in your journey to your ideal home or a nightmare that stops you from achieving it. You likely have a Pinterest full of home décor ideas and you want to incorporate some of them but with professional help. If that’s the case, make sure you are in touch with a renovator who is more than willing to work around your ideas and build from there. Similarly, ensure they’re willing to work around your budget. If they’re too pushy, not only might you be less-than-pleased with the results, you might end up paying a lot more than you anticipated.

 

Photo sourced by Pixabay

What’s the word on the street?

A successful renovator does a lot more than helping homeowners transform their new house. They make sure that the word gets out there. If you can’t find any past examples of work they’ve done, talk to past clients, or see balanced reviews of their services, you should treat them very cautiously. They may just be new on the scene, but you don’t want amateurs on the job, and they might also be cowboys who will leave work unfinished and charge you exorbitant amounts for it.

You can never guarantee that you will be 100% happy with all the results your renovator provides. However, the tips above are your best bet for finding those who are best suited to carry out the changes you want without getting stung by any amateur antics.

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.

Living Happily In A House Together

Living Happily In A House Together

Living happily in a house together often means you have to get along with every other occupant, but that doesn’t always work out. When it comes to it, we often hide away in our spaces to try and avoid contact, and that just doesn’t work out for a healthy mindset either! Are you the kind of person who wants to move out of your current place, but have no means of doing so? Does that mean you’re stuck at home with invasive siblings and parents who still need you to pay rent every month? Maybe you’re the head of your household and just can’t keep up with the mess and the noise. Don’t worry, there’s a lot of people in the same situation as you. Here’s some tips for you to make yourself a more harmonious environment.

 

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Know it Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect

 

Look, we know that you’re not always going to get on with every person you come across, but surely you should get along with the people you live with? Well before you try to end anything in a cooperative divorce, remember that it’s alright to have those downtimes between the people who are meant to be close to you. You’re not always going to be in the right frame of mind with each other, no matter how much you love them!

 

You can tolerate the people around you when you they get annoying, and then take some time to yourself with a closed door (and maybe a lock, which you can easily install yourself!).

 

Try to Spend More Time Together

 

Yes this one is going to take a lot of effort when all you want to do is walk away from the other person, but sometimes sticking together is what you need the most. Trying to foster a more healthy relationship between the two of you is dependent on it after all!

 

So have family nights, go out together on day trips, maybe even take the older ones out for a good night every now and then. When you can do something nice together, you’re going to have a much better time at getting something nice back. You don’t have to do this constantly of course, you don’t have the money or energy for that, but try to schedule them in every couple of weeks or so.

 

Live for You

 

When it comes to living in a household you feel is overstuffed and full of some pretty negative vibes, it’s time to learn to live for yourself, if you don’t already. Make sure you know how to stay calm under the face of pressure, and try to burn off any uncomfortable or angry steam in other ways. Head to the gym, which means some productive time away from home, or simply just get and about. When you’re experiencing new things for yourself, and getting the shopping done as soon as you can, you’re doing a pretty good job.

 

Living harmoniously doesn’t have to mean sacrificing happiness!

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.

Estate Planning: What You Need To Know

Estate Planning: What You Need To Know

Smart people who like to think of the future look to secure estate planning. Estate planning is very complicated, and not everyone understands everything about it. In this article, we’ll talk about what estate planning is, when to sit down with an estate planning attorney and everything else you need to know about it.

What is Estate Planning?

Estate planning is the process of making sure that your final wishes are honored, particularly wishes about your properties and health care. It also ensures that your loved ones are properly provided for in case of your death.

Planning an estate will include what’s going to happen to all of your assets and property such as:

  • Bank accounts
  • Life and healthcare insurance policies
  • Personal properties like artworks, cars, furniture, household goods, jewelry, etc.
  • Real estate
  • Stocks and businesses

Estate planning is for everyone but only a few people are able to utilize it because most people don’t really know much about it. Most people think that estate planning is only for the rich.

It’s best to sit down with an estate planning attorney from the beginning process of a marriage or when you start a family. Some worry about it being morbid, but it’s actually a very smart and important thing to do. Time is one thing that isn’t promised, and wouldn’t you want to have things in place before your one-day adult children need to take care of you?

Important Reasons Why You Need To Plan Your Estate

Here are the most important reasons why you want to have estate planning.

Prevents your relevant assets from going to unintended beneficiaries.

The main benefit of estate planning is to have designated heirs or beneficiaries receive your valuable assets when the time comes and you are gone.

Without estate planning, the court will decide what happens to your assets. This could be a very long and ugly process, and your assets could go to the wrong beneficiaries.

The court has no way of knowing which of your beneficiaries should be responsible for your personal properties or who is entitled to your financial assets.

The court will also not automatically rule out that your spouse will get all of your assets.

Protects your children.

No one wants to die young, but if you’re a parent of very young children, you must think ahead for the sake of their future. To do that, you need to get an estate plan so you can protect and prepare your family in case of your sudden death.

You can use the will portion of an estate plan to ensure that your children are taken care of in the way that you want. You can also name people who you want to look after your children in case both parents die before the children turn 18.

Without a will like this, the court will again decide and determine who will be responsible for your children if both parents die.

Prevents your beneficiaries or heir from overpaying taxes.

Estate planning is all about protecting and ensuring the welfare of your loved ones in case you die. An estate plan will protect your loved ones from paying big tax hits.

  • Estate planning also aims to reduce estate taxes. The process aims to transfer your assets to your heirs by reducing the estate taxes as much as possible.
  • An estate plan can help couples reduce or get rid of all their federal estate taxes or state inheritance taxes.

Without an estate plan, your heirs could owe a lot of taxes.

Prevents family mess when you die.

There a lot of families who wind up in serious quarrels when one family member with money and lots of property dies. There might be one sibling who thinks that he or she deserves more than others, or one sibling who thinks that he/she should be in charge of the finances and your valuable assets even though he’s made a lot of financial mistakes in the past. Such messes can get very ugly and may end up in court with siblings fighting against each other. An estate plan could prevent this from happening.

  • An estate plan will allow you to choose who will be in charge of your finances and your other assets if you die or become mentally incapacitated.
  • This will ensure that your family may avoid fighting against each other and ensure that all of your assets are handled in the manner that you want.

Prepare for the Unexpected with Estate Planning

As we continue to live our lives, there comes a time that we forget to think about our future. We are so focused on living in the moment, that we no longer think of what’s going to happen later on. Although it is not entirely wrong to live in the moment, it is always wise to think about the future.

Estate planning can help you prepare for the unexpected. It is what you will need to do to protect your assets and your loved ones when you are no longer able to do so. Without an estate plan, your beneficiaries could end up fighting against each other. A lawyer such as ones here can help you understand how you can ensure asset protection and other relevant aspects of your estate.

On top of that, your heirs will be facing massive tax payments to accomplish, and the court could take over your assets and decide how your assets are distributed, and who gets 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.

About: Kiren Manning

Kiren is a estate law writer who enjoys writing about subject in relation to real estate and law. He has written for a few blogs in the past, and enjoys sharing his knowledge with those who enjoy reading. In his spare time he enjoys spending quality time with those he loves.