How To Cut Costs With Free Boxes!

This post is provided by Laura Bell.

Free boxes are one of the most important ways people save on a move. Instead of buying expensive boxes from a moving company, the home owners or apartment dwellers start collecting free boxes wherever they can be found.

What Boxes To Look For

So, first of all, what are you looking for in a box? There are several criteria for good boxes which you can discover if you look in hardware stores or online, you can see that there are some definite qualities you should hope to find.

Thickness is the first goal. You do not want thin cardboard. Thicker is truly better for breakable items. This is the first layer of protection, and while it can not do the job alone, it is critical. This does not mean some thinner cardboard would not work for certain items, but overall, you should favor thicker cardboard whenever possible.

Compartmentalized boxes are a big seller. You can achieve this with shoeboxes inside of a larger box. However, if you can find boxes which were already compartmentalized for a product, then you will have excellent boxes for packing dishes and other breakables.

Last, but not least, you want boxes that look new. You do not want to move items in a box that has been wet. You can only determine this by looking for water stains. It may not be water, but you will know something got it wet, and now it may not be strong enough to contain your belongings on a move.

It is also important not to have a box with food stains. This attracts all kinds of pests and may also invite smells or mold. You never know how long your moving box will be used.  Sometimes it goes straight into a basement, attic or storage unit.  

How Many Boxes Do You Need

Next you have to figure out how many boxes you need. Almost everyone needs more boxes than they realize. That is why it is critical to pack everything you can early, determining that you will need more boxes.  

Heavy items, such as books, need to be packed in smaller boxes, or the load will be too heavy. Breakable items need to be packed in similarly sized boxes. So, you will want more of this size than anything else. If you are trying to count how many boxes you want, start with the idea of one box for every 14 books and one box for every 10 glasses. This should get you started toward a realistic count.

By the way, you will need more if your move is done by professionals or if it is a long distance move. Why? In these cases, it is less likely that you can use substitutes such as big trash bags for pillows and blankets. On the other hand, if you are moving slowly across town, you may be able to unpack boxes and take them back to be repacked. 

Where To Find Boxes

The best way to find free boxes is to go scouting. You will want to check out what is at the liquor store and grocery store. You should be able to ask the manager what happens to used boxes. They may be willing to call you when boxes are available. 

Some stores put out their boxes, hoping someone will pick them up. This may even reduce their recycling fees or trash fees. Be sure to keep all extra cardboard pieces you find. These can be used inside other boxes as extra protection for plates or framed pictures.  

The key is to start your search earlier enough to find the best boxes. In addition to the compartmentalized boxes you may find at liquor stores, there may be some large boxes at grocery stores that can be used for lightweight items. 

Why Is Crawl Space Encapsulating A Great Investment?

This post is provided by M Zahid.

When you have a crawl space at your property, you may wonder how to go about keeping it in good condition. The crawl space of your home can cause huge issues around your property if it is not cared for. However, some people do not have the time, tools, or knowledge when it comes to looking after this part of the home. Well, one thing you can do is to turn to a crawl space specialist to learn more about protecting this part of your home.

One of the things that these experts can do is to look at crawl space encapsulation for the space under your home. This is a great way of protecting not only the space itself but also the rest of your home. It can also save you a lot of time, hassle, stress, and money in the future, as the space is far less likely to experience major issues that cause serious headaches for homeowners. In this article, we will look at why encapsulation is a great investment for homeowners.

Some Of The Reasons To Have This Work Completed

There are many reasons why you should get this work completed at your home. Some of the benefits you can look forward to are:

Reducing The Risk Of Serious Problems

One of the huge benefits that can come from encapsulating your crawl space is that it reduces the risk of serious problems occurring in your home. All sorts of issues can arise if you have problems in the space beneath your home, and this can have a big impact on the condition of your home, the health of those inside the property, and even your finances. By having the space encapsulated, you can protect the area, and this then means that your home also has a higher level of protection.

Better Living Conditions At Home

You will also benefit from better living conditions at home when you have this work carried out, and this means that you can relax more and enjoy a comfortable environment. By reducing the risk of problems such as mold, low air quality, dampness, and pests, encapsulation can help to maintain a comfortable and healthy home environment. So, you and your loved ones can enjoy spending time at home in a pleasant setting.

Avoiding Ongoing Costs

You can also avoid ongoing costs by having this work carried out, and this can have a huge positive impact on your finances. If you do not protect the crawl space, the many problems that can arise could end up costing a fortune to deal with and eliminate. You could be affected by everything from higher energy bills to paying for damage caused by pests and mold. However, protecting the space under the home will reduce the risk of these issues, which means huge savings in the long run.

These are some of the reasons why encapsulating your crawl space is a great investment for your home. 

Decorating Your Backyard For A Marriage Proposal!

This post is provided by Lora Young.

Have you decided to pop the question to your special someone? Before you do, you have to make sure you have made the necessary preparations, such as shopping for the perfect engagement ring. Aside from choosing from a host of peach sapphire engagement rings, you also have to prepare the venue. The backyard is perfect, since it allows you to reconnect with nature. No matter where you choose to ask her hand in marriage, decorating it can increase the chances of getting the much-awaited “yes”. Here are some ideas to help you win her heart when proposing in your backyard:

Invest In String Lights

There is just something about string lights that can instantly liven up a space. Plus, there are tons of styles and designs that you can choose from. You can go for lacy white lanterns, or choose to have that vintage filament bulb light. Not only will it help create an elegant and romantic backyard setting, but they can also be reused as a permanent decoration in your home.

Keep It Romantic With Pictures

If you do not have enough budget for expensive decorations, you can always rely on your pictures together to document how far you have come in your relationship. You can print them and DIY a frame to hold them together. What is nice about this decorative piece is that you can reminisce how the two of you started as you plan on creating more memories in the future. 

Decorate By The Season

One of the key things you should do when decorating for your marriage proposal is to decorate depending on the season. Not only will it help you source the best items to spruce up your backyard, but you also use it as a mainstay in your backyard. For example, you might want to decorate with pinecones and string lights when proposing during the Christmas season. When proposing during spring or summer, you can go all in with flowers. 

Go DIY

Nothing beats surprising your loved one with a decoration that you did yourself. If you have a dull-looking backyard space, you can build a backdrop that you can decorate. Wood pallets are a great option if you want to save some money. You can search for some ideas on the lattice work that you can copy. 

Blankets And Lanterns Will Go A Long Way

The most romantic marriage proposals are often the simplest ones. In fact, you can decorate your backyard with pieces that you can find at home. For example, you can set up a teepee tent using a few wood planks and a blanket. You can even bring out some of your furniture. Throw in some pillows from your bedroom, and you will have a simple yet breathtaking set up. Do not forget to light up the space with some cute little paper lanterns for an added romantic vibe. 

Spell It Out

If you think that you are going to stumble on your words when you propose, you can go for a decoration that would speak for itself. Go out and spell out the word, “Will You Marry Me?” using the most creative letterings that you can think of. You can print out the words, or you can have custom letterings for it. If you have a strip light, you can use it as well. 

Use The Pergola

If you have a pergola at home, you can make this the focus of your marriage proposal decor. You can use this spot where all your ideas can come to life. You can get your string lights, and cover the posts with it. You can also use the photos you have framed and let it hang on the space along with some flowers. 

Backyard proposals are romantic enough to get you the answer that you have been longing for. You just have to carefully plan it out so your partner would not ruin the surprise. 

Tips For Purchasing Furniture Online!

This post is provided by Jacqueline Diaz.

Shopping online has become the new thing nowadays. It may seem that there are some products you can easily buy and reorder using online sites, but some purchases may prove to be intimidating. Furniture can prove to be a big purchase for your home. And a shopping view that cannot be seen can be terrifying. So you have to take the initiative and surf the internet for options, designs, and brands. Like making an online purchase of anything, taking time to acquire the details is crucial. Here are some useful tips for purchasing furniture online.

Prepare Yourself

You should have in mind what you require before shopping. Below are some of the things you should have in mind in advance.

1. Budget Determination

Before shopping, it is advisable to check what amount of money you are comfortable spending. Also, it is important to save some money for assembly and shipping charges.

2. Take measurement twice

It is important to know your particulars, therefore to be on the safe side, it is advisable to take some measurements, write them down, and repeat the process twice. This enables you to choose pieces that will work for the space you have.

Look For The Style That Pleases You

When you are not certain about what style to go with, an option is to browse the internet for similar spaces to yours and check what looks, finishes, and styles they have used and if they interest you.

Costs Of Shipping

You can get information about the shipping policies of the stores on their About or FAQ pages. Review the policies thoroughly before making any purchase from that website. Online stores such as amart furniture store employ different companies like UPS and several others for shipping and offer handling and shipping rates that vary. Some stores charge high shipping costs or introduce a fee for handling to recover the low prices they sell their products for. It is advisable to purchase a piece of furniture after you have reviewed their handling and shipping costs first.

Choosing A Website That Deals With Furniture

The operation of the internet can be described as if it is a market place. Certainly, not all retailers from the internet are reliable and reputable. Purchasing furniture from popular websites that are secure can help you keep your financial information intact. This also minimizes the chances of a problem arising after the purchase is done. You should take your time and research several websites keeping in mind the furniture you want to purchase. This helps you get a deal that suits you.

Price Comparison

Most retailers operating on the internet sell items that other retailers also have. You can browse through these websites and compare the prices of the furniture you want to purchase. Write down the price of the furniture, shipping costs, and the probability of the store to charge for re-stocking and return shipping.

Purchasing furniture online saves you money and time, although you have to browse through stores like amart furniture store and several others to avoid scams. Also, browse through several stores for deals that suit you. It is advisable to use trustworthy sites, look for low prices and go for the method of shipping that you would not regret when it is time to do some upgrades in your future.

Stylish Ideas To Refresh Your Bedroom!

This post is provided by Sarah.

Not sure what style to try next in your bedroom? Are you bored of beige and tired of gray? Well, there are plenty of different styles you could try that will add freshness, vibrancy or glamour to your bedroom. Here is a few ideas to add some zing to your décor.

Paint Your Walls In A Bold Color

With paint becoming more popular than wallpaper in modern bedrooms, smooth walls are a necessity to get a good finish. If your walls are bumpy, dotted with cracks or starting to crumble then you are not going to be able to get that beautiful finish with your wall paint.  

Replastering may fix the problem, but it is tricky job that is best left to the experts. The cost to plaster a room will depend on the size of the room and the demand for plastering services in your area. Once done though, you will see the difference immediately. Your paint finish will look smooth and stylish.

Freshen Up With White

Another trend that is growing with interiors fanatics is the white floor. Whether it is with sanded and painted floorboards or with tiles or vinyl, the white floor adds a fresh, bright feature to even the darkest bedroom. 

Why not go all out with a minimalist finish and add luxury white bed linen and sheer curtains? A white floor makes the ideal backdrop for Scandi styles, coastal themes or just a great setting for a large area rug.

Going For Gold

Gold is all the rage in bathroom makeovers, but why not add the same principal to your bedroom? Gold metal bed frames, gold framed pictures on the walls and gold light fittings are simple but chic ways of adding a touch of class.

Go for added glam by wallpapering a feature wall with an art deco pattern that incorporates gold. Or upcycle your bedside tables by spray painting them in gold.

Add Warm Textures

Adding texture to a bedroom is a different way to change the style of your bedroom. If you have brickwork or wooden beams you can expose, this is a fantastic way of adding texture. But you can also try hanging tapestries or crocheted decorations to the walls, or using tufted and fringed soft furnishings. 

Think about other decorative accessories such as natural woven baskets and dried flowers to add texture to the bedroom.

How To Achieve A Dazzling Smile!

This post is provided by Luca Yates.

According to a survey, forty percent of people are unhappy with their teeth. This self-consciousness causes many to hide their teeth, covering their mouths when speaking, or smiling for photographs with their mouths closed. Many people think that once they have reached adulthood, it is too late to do anything about it, but this is far from the truth. These tips will show you some ways you can improve your smile and build your confidence.

Straightening

When you think of braces, chances are you picture the unsightly lumps of metal on teeth that many teenagers are all too familiar with. The good news is that there is now another way. Clear braces are an alternative for straightening malaligned or crowded teeth with minimal effort and visibility. Companies such as Straight My Teeth offer customized invisible braces delivered to your door that can be worn during the day or the night. Appropriate candidates usually see a difference within a few months.

Whitening

A certain amount of staining is to be expected on all teeth, as a result of food, drink, and, in some people, smoking or certain medications. Although you can buy whitening toothpastes and home-whitening kits, professional whitening is the best option as it is safer and provides better results. First, the teeth are cleaned thoroughly to remove plaque and tartar, then they are usually coated in a special gel before being exposed to a special light or laser. 

Veneers

Veneers are thin layers of medical grade porcelain which are bonded onto the front of existing teeth using a dental adhesive. They are usually used to improve the look of cracked, broken or damaged teeth, and can also be made in a lighter shade to improve the color of teeth. They are custom-made to match the rest of your teeth and therefore look quite natural.

Composite Bonding

People with decay, cracks or worn-down teeth often consider composite bonding, a process which uses a resin closely matching the natural tooth color. After preparing the natural tooth by removing any decay and applying an adhesive coating, the resin is applied to the tooth and molded into the correct shape. This is then hardened by a UV light before being finished and polished.

Implants

Dental implants can be used when a tooth, or teeth, have been lost. This procedure is more intensive than the others listed, and involves a titanium screw being placed into the jaw for the crown or denture to attach to. The procedure is done under local anesthetic, and sedation if preferred. Over time, the jawbone fuses to the screw, making the implant permanent and very natural-looking.

Ultimately, the most important thing is to keep your teeth healthy. Regular brushing, and using mouthwash and floss will help to keep your teeth and whole mouth clean and healthy. A healthy diet is also key to keeping teeth and gums healthy and strong, so regardless of whether you choose to have one of the procedures listed above, ensure you look after your teeth too.

Enrich Your Life By Reconnecting With Nature!

This post is provided by Luca Yates.

With the advancement of technology in recent years and the increase of mass production in food, many of us feel a need to reconnect with nature.

If this sounds like you then you are not alone. Getting back to nature can be an incredibly rewarding experience. You do not need to give up your smartphone and go to live in the woods to get reconnected with nature.

Here are some of the best ways you can reconnect with the outside world.

Go Exploring

This one is vital if you really want to reconnect with nature. Get off the beaten track and go and explore the world around you. Leave your smartphone at home if you feel that technology is encroaching too much in your life and simply enjoy being out in nature.

It is worth making sure that you know your route inside and out before setting off if you do choose to leave your tech behind. Always take a map even if you do take your phone in case of poor signal. The last thing you want is to get lost with no way to call for help!

Exploring your local area can be a great way to start, as many people are unaware of the beauty that lies right on their doorsteps.

You could try foraging for wild garlic, berries, and flowers- though you should always be sure that you are not trespassing when you do this.

Eat Fresh

One great way to get back to nature is to be more mindful of the food that you are consuming. This can have great health benefits as well as giving you peace of mind about what you are eating.

Where possible only eat meat that you bought from the farm which raised and slaughtered the animals. Doing the same for fruit and vegetables is important so that you can have a real understanding of what you are consuming. Knowing where your food has come from will help you be confident that it is of the best quality and as natural as possible.

You can even get your four-legged friends involved if you want to ensure that the whole family benefits from a switch to natural foods. Try this raw dog food feeding guide from Bella and Duke for some great inspiration on how a natural diet can truly change your dog’s life.

Cultivate Your Garden

This is a great way to connect with nature without having to go too far! Creating a vegetable patch in your garden can be a really rewarding way to reconnect with the outside world- and to help in your goal to eat fresh.

Gardening in general is a great way to improve your mood and health, and has been proved to have fantastic mental health benefits. This can be the perfect antidote to any feeling that technology has taken too big a part of your life.

There are plenty of guides available online to help you with your first steps. The sense of accomplishment that you will feel when serving up your first plate of veg grown in your own vegetable patch will make the hard work well worthwhile.

How To Create A Luxe Hotel Bed In The Comfort Of Your Own Home!

This post is provided by Faisal.

Traveling is hardly stress free under the best of circumstances, and these days the prospect of heading out of town or getting on a plane is even more fraught. While you might not be able to explore a foreign city this year, there is one part of the vacation experience you can enjoy from the comfort of your own home. With a little effort, and a few key purchases, you can turn your bedroom into a serene paradise worthy of the most luxurious five-star hotel. Read on for tips on giving your bed the luxury hotel treatment.

Choose All-White Bedding

The finest hotels typically choose all-white bedding, and for good reason. Not only is white bedding easy to wash, but it also looks fresh and clean, so guests can feel confident slipping between the sheets. Additionally, white bedding is soothing to the eye. There is something about the sight of a fluffy white duvet that makes you want to snuggle in for the night. If you are looking to create the hotel feel at home, consider picking up a white cover for your current duvet.

Select Plenty Of Pillows

When was the last time you upgraded your pillows? If it is been awhile, consider giving yourself the gift of better neck support this year. Take a page out of the luxury hotel design book and opt for at least four standard-sized pillows. While down is a popular choice, those with feather allergies should opt for fiber or an alternative filling. The most inviting beds also have plenty of accent pillows, so choose a wide selection in different colors and textures. 

Opt For Egyptian Cotton

Of course, when it comes to designing hotel-worthy accommodations, appearances are not everything. The most high-end five-star hotels feature bedding that is as comfortable as it is attractive, so consider swapping out your current sheets with ones of Egyptian cotton. Made from 100% cotton from the Nile River Valley, real Egyptian cotton sheets feel smooth yet crisp. For the ultimate in luxury, opt for Pure Parima’s Hotel Collection Ultra Percale Sheet Set. Made of crisp matte percale, these sheets are perfect for bringing hotel opulence to the home.

As a bonus, Egyptian cotton can help you rest easier. In fact, the fabric is a favorite choice among allergy sufferers and problem sleepers alike because it is both breathable and moisture wicking. 

You do not need to spend hundreds of dollars a night to sleep in the lap of luxury. With a little inspiration, you can create a bedroom paradise that you will long to retreat to at the end of the day. Happy decorating!

Four Amazing Subscriptions For The Home!

This post is provided by Luca Yates.

Looking after your home takes money, time, and effort. Luckily, you can save yourself some trouble on all three of those things with the right subscriptions.

There are subscription options available for all manner of products nowadays, some of which are perfect for keeping your home in order. The hassle they can save you is tremendous, and you will wonder how you ever lived without them.

Cleaning Liquid Subscription

It is amazing just how many cleaning supplies are required to keep your house spotless. From dish soap to laundry detergent, it takes a chemical army to banish the dirt away. Thankfully, you never have to worry about this stuff running out with a subscription to Cleancult. They offer a variety of kitchen, bathroom, and laundry cleaners that you can buy on a monthly, bi-monthly, or quarterly subscription. Their products are cruelty-free and eco-friendly, with refills delivered in recyclable milk cartons to reduce plastic and waste. So, you can keep your house clean without ever worrying about the planet.

Air Filter Subscription

Cleanliness is important in a home, but it is not just your surfaces that you should try to look after. The air around you could be swarming with harmful pollutants that you can not see because they are so small. The best way to get rid of these is to have an effective air filter in your HVAC or furnace, and thankfully, you can get a subscription for that. FilterBuy prides itself on offering an air filter subscription, with high-quality American-made products that you can buy in whatever size and quantity you want. This air filter subscription will take the weight of cleaning the air off your mind, thereby saving you a lot of time and effort.

All-Around Cleaning Subscription

Whatever your cleaning needs, the Honest Co. has you sorted. Need to wipe down a surface? They have a product for that. Need to disinfect something? They have a product for that. Need to do the dishes? You get the point. Not only do they have tons of cleaning supplies, but you can also get a subscription for each individual product. This way, you never run out of what you need, and you save yourself 5% on every purchase too. That is a cleaning subscription worth getting behind, especially when you consider that Honest Co. also specializes in beauty, body, and baby products too.

Surprise Cleaning Subscription

If you are a fan of surprises, then the subscription service offered by Mighty Nest might be precisely what your home needs. Unlike other subscription packages, you would not actually know what you will receive before it arrives. It is only when your monthly delivery shows up that you will discover what home good you have received. It could be cleaning products, kitchenware, storage solutions, or something entirely different. The only thing you can expect is that the products will be cruelty-free and eco-friendly, with vegan-free options available when you sign up.

Subscriptions are the easiest way to ensure you are always stocked up on the essentials, no matter what it is you need. You can not go wrong with these amazing subscriptions, and that is a guarantee. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving, my lovelies! Hope your Thanksgiving is filled with blessings and joy! 

Last year's Thanksgiving table for our family of three. 

Our simple Thanksgiving table set up.

The roasted chicken (turkey would be too much for our family).

Green bean casserole.

Mashed potatoes.

Store-bought pumpkin pie.

May your home be filled with laughter and happiness and may the good things of life be yours in abundance, not only at Thanksgiving but throughout the coming year. Most importantly, stay safe and stay well!