Category Archives: ORGANIC HEALTH & HOME

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

DIY Wood Gifts for Valentine’s Day

DIY Wood Gifts for Valentine’s Day

 

 

A new year is upon us, and that means that Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. For those guys with wives/girlfriends to please, it’s time to think about romantic gifts. The question we have is, why buy your way through it all the time? With just a basic smattering of woodworking skills and a standard miter saw, you can create memorable gifts for your significant other. Besides, a thoughtful, handmade present will make a more profound impression than any store-bought gift.

With that in mind, here are some great ideas for DIY woodworking Valentine’s gifts:

 

Wooden Signs

 

This is so simple, even beginners can make them. They are very versatile and can be used as indoor decorations, or on the porch, or even in the yard. We would suggest using some beautiful grain wood for extra effect. Instead of covering the block with paint, stain the wood for a more rustic charm. For extra impact, add carved letters and heart signs instead of just painting them on.

 

Romantic Wood Blocks

 

This is another beginner-friendly option. Though they may not work as a centerpiece gift, these simple blocks can add a visual flair to other gifts. Don’t forget to paint the square blocks with romantic messages like “be mine.â€

 

Valentine’s Ladder

Create your ladder using some store-bought two-by-fours and two-by-threes. Paint them in bright colors, and add any number of wooden carvings and other embellishments. Adding heart shapes for Valentine’s Day are of course a great idea, but you can also design this as an everyday decoration for the home. Your imagination is the limit here. These ladders will make excellent indoor decor gifts.

 

Picture Frame

Use the best quality wood and stain it for a classy look. Instead of gifting an empty picture frame, we would suggest adding some DIY flair inside the frames as well. Romantic photos are a great option. Another option would be to use some carving/crafting skills to add a romantic message and artwork inside.

 

Log Wall Hangings

This is an excellent option if you have a waste log lying about in the yard or near the house. Cut the log into thin circular slices. Choose the best band saw to do the job. Stain it in any way you see fit, and attach some sweet syrupy messages. These can be cut out from pieces of wood, fabric or any other similar material. Color them bright for contrast. Use heart and arrow signs as much as possible for extra effect.

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.

 

James Niehaus

Perfectcutsandmiters.com

Points To Bear In Mind When Hiring Building Suppliers

By Guest Blogger, Rohin D.

Points To Bear In Mind When Hiring Building Suppliers

 

When we talk about home construction or home improvement there are a number of things which have to be taken into account. There are also many loose ends which have to be tied up. Amongst the various things identifying the right Building suppliers without any doubt is an important and critical task. The raw materials which go in to the making of any building without any doubt is one of the most important task and there cannot be any compromise on the same. However, with so many options being available, making the right choice often becomes a challenging and difficult task. We will try and identify a few important points that we need to bear in mind when availing the services of these professionals. You could need them for your home or also for improving the looks and appearances of your office. It might be needed for improving the curb appeal and also lead to freeing of more space whether it your home or office. The following are the most important points which one must take into account before going in for these suppliers.

 

Do They Have A Wide Selection Of Materials

 

It would always be better to look for a supplier who can provide all the building materials under one platform. It makes no sense to run  around from one supplier to another for this job. You certainly want everything available at the best prices under one umbrella. This will help you to load the materials required in one transport facility and get along with the job rather than making repeated trips to different building material outlets. It does save quite a bit of time and money which otherwise may not have been possible.

 

A Good Track Record Of Proven Service

 

When looking for suppliers of building materials, the onus lies on you to be sure that you are identifying somebody who comes with a good and proven track record. This is important from the perspective of quantity and quality. It would always be better to look for a supplier who runs a family owned business.  This is important because they would know the specific needs and requirements of the customers and act accordingly.

 

Check The Samples Before Ordering

 

Whether it is rock building materials, concrete, cement or sand, the onus lies on you to look for somebody who is known to match samples with actual supplies. It would be advisable to look for somebody who allows the customers to physically look at the samples and then decide placement of orders. The contract should contain a clause that if the orders or not as per the sample specifications and quality, then the customer should have the option to cancel the order or even return the supplies and take refund if desired.

 

Take Some Expert Advice Before Moving Forward

 

Finally as a customer you must be sure that you are buying the right grade of cement, concrete or the right type of rocks and stones for our landscaping and other needs. If needed you must not hesitate to take the help of professionals and then move forward.

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.

How to Design the Perfect Kid-Friendly Living Room

By Guest Blogger, Diana S.

How to Design the Perfect Kid-Friendly Living Room

 

If you’re just expecting or already have kids who are starting to venture into the living room on their own, it might be the right time to give your space a little kid-friendly makeover. That doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your whole aesthetics. Only a few barely visible changes will be enough to have a both beautiful and kid-friendly living room.

Washable paint

If you’re raising future painters that are still discovering their ideal canvas, don’t be surprised when you come home to a new wall design. However, if you invest in washable paint instead of your traditional one, you will be able to clean up the mess with mild soap and a damp cloth. There are even some flat matte paints that allow you to touch-up the pain without any visible brush marks. However, if your kids are really persistent with surprising you with wall murals, you can opt for chalkboard paint. Paint one wall and let your kids safely express their artistic tendencies.

Kid-friendly flooring

Kids are not very careful when eating, drinking and carrying stuff, and a lot of things will end up on your floor. So, make sure to invest in flooring that is washable, such as tile, wood or laminate. If you want to let your kids play on the floor, then you need something much softer. Luckily, there are carpets made of seagrass or jute that are durable and low-maintenance. You can also opt for small area rugs which you can toss into the washing machine every once in a while.

Durable materials

If you want your furniture to have a long and happy life, make sure your pieces come in durable and easy-to-maintain materials. There are many stain-resistant fabrics on the markets today, so you’ll definitely find something you love. Leather is also a great furniture option. For instance, lounges made of leather can be easily wiped with a wet cloth every time an accident happens. Also, keep in mind that the darker colors can take more beating than the lighter ones.

Ample storage

If you want your living room to be tidy without too much work, you have to have enough storage to put away your kids’ toys when they aren’t in use. Most people opt for decorative baskets because they are cheap, portable and very practical. However, you can also go for something more stylish and permanent like double-duty furniture with built-in storage. Benches and window seats usually come with hidden storage below the seat. There are also coffee tables and ottomans that can fit some of your kids’ trinkets and create an uncluttered and stylish look.

Create a cozy corner

If you want to keep most of your living room reserved for adults, then creating a cozy corner is a must. Simply designate one corner in your living space and fill it with fluffy pillows and lazy bags that are perfect for afternoon naps and reading seasons.

Make it fun

No matter the interior style and the atmosphere in your living space, it should really be the place where every member of the family feels comfortable and happy. So, make sure to decorate the space with at least some kid-friendly accessories. For instance, putting up the kids’ artwork on the walls next to your “grown-up†art is a great way to start. Make sure not to use too many fragile decorative pieces, and opt for nature elements (pinecones, seashells, driftwood), wooden figurines and bowls, and a lot of kid-friendly books. Hanging family photographs is another way to decorate your living space with beautiful and personal items.

As you can see, a kid-friendly living room doesn’t have to look like a kindergarten. With just a little bit of planning, it can be a stylish, functional and cozy space every member of your family will love.

 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.

Three Ways You Can Genuinely Improve Your Life This Year

Three Ways You Can Genuinely Improve Your Life This Year

Photo

 

We’re coming to the end of January, and already motivation is wearing thin when it comes to many people’s resolutions. The problem is, people set faddy and unrealistic goals that are so easy to break when the going gets tough. Let’s face it, no one wants to go for a run before work at 6am when it’s cold and dark. No one wants to give up all of their favourite things, and getting out of debt can seem impossible when January is full of oversized bills after an indulgent festive season. However it really is possible to improve your life, and when it comes to setting goals it’s important to be practical and realistic. Instead of giving up on your resolutions altogether, why not look at them in a different way. Here are five ways you can genuinely improve your life.

 

Focus on health

That’s a focus on health, not on size or appearance. If you focus on health in entirety, looking the way you want will just be a bonus of this. On top of that you will feel your best too and your body will be performing at its optimum level. Forget the crash diets, they don’t work. We all know it, all they do is deprive you and can make you lack in important vitamins. They will cause extreme hunger and an obsession around food that means you’ll simply put it all back on afterwards. Focus on cleaning up your diet, your meals should be around fifty percent fresh fruit or vegetables with a source of lean protein, complex carbohydrate and healthy fats. You certainly don’t have to feel restricted! For breakfast, how about a slice of wholegrain toast with some crushed avocado, sliced tomatoes and a poached egg on top? You could go with a fruit smoothie with the addition of a tablespoon of oats, some natural yoghurt and some goji berries. For lunch, a sweet potato baked in the oven with some tuna and light mayo filling and a side salad would make a great balanced option. Dinners could be any kind of lean protein (keep red meat to twice a week max as it’s higher in saturated fat) with vegetables and potato, whole meal pasta, rice or any of other grain such as couscous or quinoa. You could make homemade soups, healthy thin crust pizzas topped with low fat mozzarella, lots of veggies and salad on the side. You could make healthy versions of your favorite takeaway meals by reducing fat and salt and switching out certain ingredients. You can eat healthy and delicious foods every day of the week while still cutting your calories. You give your body everything it needs, never feel deprived and along with exercise are able to shift excess weight over the next few months. Drinking enough water and getting enough sleep will all contribute to the way you feel as well as the way you look. It shouldn’t be seen as a quick fix or a bid to get to a certain size. Look after your health and your appearance will follow.

 

Expand your mind

This could mean learning a new skill, focusing on your wellbeing or even go on a spiritual journey to achieve a higher level of consciousness. You could go on an avatar professional course to do this, it’s a good way to get to know yourself better and can help to bring you both peace and happiness. If spirituality isn’t your thing, how about focusing on knowledge. You could go back to college or university, there are lots of courses you can do online in your spare time. You could study a subject that interests you in your spare time, doing research from videos, articles and books. You could join a class, or even pick up a skill that you want to learn but never have. From music to cooking to driving, have a think about what you want and go for it. Just because we’re adults doesn’t mean we should stop learning. Keep your mind sharp, stay curious. Knowledge is power, you might even improve your opportunities and job prospects in your plight for knowledge too. Many people find that meditation, clearing the mind or visualising goals can be helpful, but however you go about it don’t neglect your mind. It’s easy to get caught up in the daily stresses of life and to be constantly worrying about the past or future. Spend some time in the present moment and allow yourself to feel grounded, it’s good for both mental and physical health.

 

Volunteer

It’s so easy to take what we have for granted. We go home to a warm house each day, we turn on the tap and have hot and cold water. There’s food in our pockets, if you’re really lucky you will have money leftover and maybe even a car on the drive. These things are all such luxuries to those who have nothing, and it’s only when you understand this that you can really appreciate what you have. Volunteering allows you to make a genuine difference, while learning what it truly means to be humble. You could travel and spend a summer volunteering abroad. Alternatively you could just spend an hour each week helping out at your local soup kitchen, hospital, care home or women’s shelter. If you’re in a position where you’re able to help others then you should, the world needs more people like that. You get the satisfaction of knowing you made someone’s life that bit better, and you really get to understand and appreciate what you have too. Rather than constantly feeling like you need more- the latest phone, a new tv, a fancy holiday. You can truly respect and feel glad of the things you do have, giving life a whole new perspective. If you’ve set new years resolutions to gain this item or purchase this product then this can be a different way of looking at things. You might realise you don’t need those things after all.

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.

Stress-Busting Remedies That Actually Work!

Stress-Busting Remedies That Actually Work!

If you took a moment to research de-stressing techniques online, you’d be greeted with hundreds of links. Stress is something that affects all of us at some point in our lives, and it’s incredibly beneficial to spot triggers and use self-help techniques to try and keep it under control. There may be hundreds, even thousands of remedies out there, but these stress-busters will actually make a difference. If you’re prone to stress, why not give them a whirl?

 

Regular exercise

We tend to focus on exercise as a means of lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, increasing muscle mass and improving strength and flexibility, but it’s also one of the best natural stress-relievers out there. When you work out, your body goes through a series of processes, which result in increased serotonin levels and the release of happy hormones known as endorphins. Exercise lifts your mood, but it can also release tension and help you to relax. If you’ve had a hectic day and you need to unwind, activities like yoga, Pilates, and jogging may help while sports like boxing, spinning, and golf can help to reduce stress by providing a cathartic release. Sometimes, you feel like you need to offload energy and channel frustration, and exercise enables you to do this constructively.

 

Image from https://pixabay.com/en/weights-pilates-girls-1948837/

 

Finding a happy place

When you’re feeling down or fraught, where do you go? Having a happy place can help you feel safe and secure, but it can also provide an escape from whatever is stressing you out. Many people feel most comfortable at home, and you can make a house or flat more tranquil by dedicating areas to rest and relaxation. Use ambient lighting, comforting textures and aromas to help you unwind and chill out. If you’re interested in creating a reading room or a home spa or you’re keen to make your bedroom a calmer space, you can learn more about the power of scents, lighting, and color online. If you want to get out of the house and relax, think about what makes you happy. Visit a gallery or hire a studio space nearby if you enjoy art, go to meditation classes or take a walk or a jog in the park or on the beach.

 

Image by https://pixabay.com/en/art-supplies-artist-art-supplies-1248813/

 

Talking it out

Many of us aren’t great at talking about how we feel. The trouble is that often, this means that we bottle things up and even the most minor molehills become mountains. Talking is such a therapeutic exercise, and it can really help you get things off your chest, clear your mind and solve problems that may be getting you down or making you feel anxious. Talk to people you trust and if you don’t feel comfortable speaking to people you know, consider seeing a therapist.

 

Image via https://pixabay.com/en/photos/talking/

 

Stress is a feature of modern life, but that doesn’t make it any easier to cope if you’re bogged down and struggling to muddle through. If you’re prone to stress, hopefully, you’ll find these remedies are effective for you.

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.