JCPenny's Valentine's Day Look Book 2016 and Keurig® K250 2.0 Compact Brewer review!

Every Valentine's Day, hubby and I would celebrate the special day with a nice dinner, flowers and gift exchanges. This year, I managed to surprise hubby with an early gift, thanks to Alana and William for sending me a sample from the JCPenny's Valentine's Day Look Book 2016!

Such sweet and thoughtful products! Needless to say, I am naturally drawn to the home products such as the fabulous Kalorik Heart-Shaped Waffle Maker, the fantastic Keurig® K250 2.0 Compact Brewer the pretty Chantal® 2-qt. Enamel-on-Steel Vintage Teakettle, the lovely Cake Boss™ 12-Cup Molded Nonstick Cookie Pan-Heart, the charming Nostalgia Electrics™ Coca-Cola® Series Kettle Popcorn Maker and the whimsical Tabletops Unlimited® 5-pc. Popcorn Serving Stoneware Bowl Set. 

Picking a Valentine's Day sample to surprise my hubby in this case is definitely a no-brainer! The Keurig® K250 2.0 Compact Brewer is an obvious choice because hubby is such a big coffee drinker. I have also noticed that he has been checking out these awesome units in the stores recently so getting one for ourselves is only a matter of time. I have been thinking of gifting my hubby a Keurig brewer for Valentine's Day or in his upcoming birthday so receiving this sample to review is truly a blessing!

One of the best thing about the Keurig® K250 2.0 Compact Brewer is it comes in 8 colors so you can select one that matches your decor and appliances. I picked the white unit to lighten up my not-so-bright kitchen. Here it is!

A sleek, compact and wonderful brewing machine that won't take up a lot of counter space, a perfect size for my small kitchen.

As a bonus, a water filter starter kit, a Keurig descaling solution and these goodies were included with my Keurig brewer.

This brewer comes with a touch-screen LCD to make operation simpler.

There's a removable water reservoir at the back of the brewer to allow easy refilling. Additionally, there's also a water level window that lets you see how much water is available. The drip tray is easily removable to simplify cleaning.

When the water level is low, the LCD display will remind you to refill water.

After the water is refilled, you will see a "Lift to Begin" message, indicating it's ready for you to place your K-cup inside the unit.

Once you have put your K-cup inside, it's time to pick the size of your cup (4oz, 6oz, 8oz or 10oz) and beverage "strength" setting. After you have made your selections, you can start brewing your beverage by clicking on the blinking brew button.

Hubby loves his coffee strong so he selected the strong option. 

Just push the brew button and let the brewing magic begins!

Brewing in action!

Brewing almost complete!

Mission accomplished!

Ta-dah! Hubby's cup of freshly brewed coffee is ready!

My hubby loves his brand new Keurig brewer! Usually, he only limits himself to a cup of joe but I saw him having two cups of coffee over the weekend because the Keurig brewer makes everything so easy and convenient for him.

Because hubby is the sole coffee drinker in our household at the moment, this unit is perfect for brewing a single-serve cup. This coffeemaker is quite efficient, taking less than 3 minutes to heat up the water in the reservoir or brew a cup of great tasting coffee. 

I also like how the sleek and compact design doesn't take up much counter space, ideal for tiny kitchens with limited counter space like mine. By incorporating a smart and user-friendly touch-screen LCD, it takes the operation guesswork out of you with its easy step-by-step instructions. The strength control setting for brewing is a wonderful addition. If you need a cup of hot water, you can activate the process without inserting the k-cup in the machine, which is a plus. 

The only downside of the brewer is it splashes a little on the unit every time you brew a cup of beverage but it can be easily fixed with a quick wipe from a damp paper towel, a minor inconvenience I would say.

Overall, I think this brewer is a brilliant product especially for coffee drinkers leading a fast-paced, busy lifestyle. Easy to set up and clean up, offers great flexibility for your preferred beverage (with over 50 brands and 350+ varieties to choose from), convenient to use and delivers a great tasting coffee (according to hubby), what's not to love about this well-designed coffeemaker? 

*I have received this product to review for free but the views and opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Are you a Keurig owner too? I would love to know your experience with Keurig brewer!

Don't forget to get your own Keurig brewing unit here! Check out the rest of the products in the look book here.

Countertops are the perfect way to add stunning beauty to your kitchen!

Kitchen renovation is an exciting as well as a difficult task on the part of homeowners. However, when done properly with the help of professionals, the work can be truly beautiful and of course, long lasting. So, has the number of family members increased and you feel that there is not adequate space for accommodation? Well, if you answered yes, then installing countertops in the kitchen can be of great help for your loved ones. This is a great way to increase space and value to your property. In case you want to sell off your home, you will be able to make good profit in future.

Adding countertops- Choose the right shape and size for your kitchen

Are you planning to add countertops in the cooking area? Well, if your answer is yes, then it is extremely important that you find the right one for your needs. Since they are available in different shapes and sizes, you should be careful before buying them for installation. Countertops should complement the color of the cabinet in order to provide a cohesive look to the kitchen. 

Installing quartz countertops by Caesarstone is a great option because they add stunning beauty to the kitchen and are meant to last for several years. Find the right one for your kitchen so that you will not need to replace them within a short span of time. 

Unique design- Select one that complements your cooking space

When installing countertops, homeowners should consider a design that will complements the interior décor of the space. You can pick up the same color that has been used for the cabinets and countertops. However, if you choose a different color, then you must pick a design that is compatible with your kitchen. You should consider countertops with your kitchen’s theme to give a sophisticated look to this particular area. Installing Caesarstone countertops will change the entire look of your kitchen!

More about Countertops

Adding countertops is a great way to have more working area in the kitchen and additionally, you get more space for storage. 

Great countertops will increase your property’s value if you want to sell your home in the future. More often than not, buyers prefer to purchase houses where countertops are already installed since this will lessen their cost and they do not have to take on the trouble to install them themselves.

You will find innumerable designs and styles of countertops in the market these days. However, it is essential that you consider its price and durability factor. It is advisable to select countertops that suit your budget and lifestyle. Research is key for finding your dream countertops.

And the winner of the giveaway is ..........

I am excited to announce the winner of the recent giveaway brought to you by Betty Crocker!

I used random.org to pick the winner and here it is! The lucky winner who will be receiving a $20 PayPal cash is

D Schmidt mummytotwoboys!

Congratulations! I will email you soon. Thanks to everyone who participated in this giveaway. Happy New Year, my lovelies!

Guest post- Hand Care Essentials for DIYer’s!

Oh DIY. The satisfaction of creating something crafty, chic, and beautiful all on your own is undoubtedly rewarding. But so often, amongst the exiting results we are also left with tried, dry hands. If you notice this trend, know that you are not alone, and that there are some fabulous habits you can participate in to avoid the post-project dryness.

Essential 1 – Prevention is Key! 

The best way to beat dehydrated hands is to prevent them in the first place. So of course, a nourishing hand cream will be necessary. Make it a goal to start your project with moisturized hands, and be sure to reapply your moisturizer after hand washing or during the breaks in your project. Lollia, created by amazing designer Margot Elena has a fabulous variety of shea butter hand creams that looking, feel, and smell absolutely amazing.

Essential 2 – Keep Them Covered!

If you are working with any materials that could possibly wick the moisture away from your skin (paper, cardboard, and certain woods are especially good at this), simply insert a barrier between your hands and the material. I am talking about wearing gloves, so long as it does not hinder your project! Wearing gloves might also protect you from any potential irritants or chemicals that may cause you to wash your hands more frequently, which is yet another common culprit of dryness.

Essential 3 – Give Yourself a Treat!

At the end of a long day, do not be afraid to spoil your hands a bit. If your hands are dry, but in pretty good shape (i.e. not irritated), treating yourself to a nourishing sugar scrub can be a very good idea. This will eliminate dead skin cells while infusing moisture into the skin, and prepping your hands to better absorb and product you slather on following your scrub treatment.

For intense moisture, apply your favorite product on your hands, and cover with cotton gloves for the night or evening. This will help to lock the moisture into your skin. Lastly, if you find your hands are both dry, and uncomfortable, look for treatments that are specifically designed for this occasion. It is important to remember that even your most agreeable products might cause excess irritation when applied to skin that is broken or inflamed.

Essential 4 – Do Not Be Afraid to DIY Hack It!

If you are a DIYer, odds are you are an avid lover of Pinterest. If at the end of a long craft day you notice your hands are dry and uncomfortable, and you do not have any hand cream “on hand”, do not be afraid to search up a fun DIY at-home recipe. You can enjoy this by yourself, or turn it into a fun event the entire family can enjoy. As always, exercise caution and use judgment when putting together at-home treatments.

4 Tips For Designing The Perfect Home Office!

Working from home is a dream come true for a lot of us. No need to commute, no one to tell you what to do, no set hours, and you can head to the office in your pjs. However, many remote workers find that it is fairly easy to get distracted when working from home. There are so many things to sidetrack you. From the television to the kitchen with all the snacks, you can easily be sidetracked for hours at a time. To try and minimize the amount of distractions, many recommend creating a home office.

A home office is essentially a space where you go to complete work. It should be an area that is isolated from the common distractions. What is great about having a home office is that you are in charge of the design. You can make the space as chic or eclectic as you desire. If you are creating an office space, you might enjoy some of these design ideas listed below:

1. Location

One of the most important steps to creating a home office is the location. It needs to be someplace that is far from distractions. If your home has the space, placing the office in a spare room, the basement, attic, or even in a garage or shed is a great idea. This gives you enough room to house all of your office equipment and furniture but keeps you free and clear from having easy access to the living room television or the kitchen cabinets.

When choosing a location, you also want to keep your Internet connection in mind. Since you will be accessing most of your work virtually, you want to make sure that the connection is strong enough in the space where you are going to design your office. If you do not have a strong internet connection, this should be one of the first things you invest in. Companies like Frontier offer Ann Arbor internet packages as well as other qualifying locations. Comparing the speeds and rates is a great way to see what matches your needs.

2. Functionality

It can be easy to get caught up in the aesthetic appeal of your home office; however, functionality is most important. Sure you can make your office look beautiful, but if the chair you chose has a hard back that is horrible for sitting, it is not going to do you much good. As you begin to think about the layout of the office and the types of furnishings you will choose, remember you need to be able to function comfortably. Never choose items based on looks alone.

3. Lighting Is Inspiring

Did you know that proper lighting can actually motivate you to be a better worker? Whether your home office is in a poorly lit area or not, investing in lighting is ideal. Using window treatments like ventilation blinds allows you to control the amount of natural light that comes into the office at any given time. If this is not an option or there are no windows in your office, going with bright, energy-efficient bulbs is a great alternative.

4. Add Your Own Personality

You are going to be spending a great deal of time in your home office. Therefore, you do want to make it a place that you feel great about walking into every day. While keeping comfort and functionality in mind, you should add a few design elements to the space that really interest you. 

For instance, if you are into nature, adding some plants around the room can liven up the place. If you enjoy bright and vibrant colors, apply bold color paint to the walls or create a feature wall that encompasses all the colors you like.

It may take time for your home office to come together like you imagined. Remember, while the aesthetics are interesting, it is imperative that you remember to create an office space that allows you to be productive at all times. Hopefully these design tips will get you started in creating a space that you enjoy working in on a daily basis.  

Guest post- What causes foundations and slabs to start to sink?

Whether your home is new or old, there is a possibility that the foundation (or slab) can start to sink into the ground.  The reasons for this are many. Settlement or movement can be caused by expansion in the clay, improper compaction in the soil or improperly maintained ground surrounding the foundation. Regardless of the cause of the settling, this scenario can be very serious for the homeowner. Settlement can not only reduce the value of your home, it can also render it dangerous to live in.

In most cases, the underlying cause of foundation settling is water. Certain components in soil tend to swell or shrink with varying levels of moisture. The result is varying degrees of movement in the soil. High clay content in soil is more susceptible to settling than those types of clay that have less clay. The degree of settlement can vary from very slight (which is still an issue worth addressing) to quite pronounced- a dangerous situation.

When the foundation of a home or building is laid upon unstable soil, there is much higher likelihood that the foundation will move, shift, and settle. Because there is no real degree of uniformity to each type of soil’s movement, virtually every foundation is subject to movement. This is true of all kinds of foundations, whether it is slab, pier-style or beam-style foundations. In some cases, the soil underneath a home will swell uniformly, in which case there is no issue as the foundation will also move uniformly. The problems arise when the soil swells unevenly, causing the slab to settle unevenly. That differential movement can cause cracks, fissures and other problems.

When slab settlement occurs, a host of problems can arise.  The structure can be at risk of being damaged, which can cause a variety of hazards and make the home unsafe.  Drainage problems, tripping hazards, cracks and other issues can also arise from slab settlement.

How do you know that your home may have settlement issues? There are some signs to look for.  These include:

Exterior Warning Signs

Rotation in the walls

Separation around windows or garage door

Noticeable cracks in bricks or surrounding mortar

Moldings that have fallen off or shifted

Interior Warning Signs

Doors and windows that fall out of alignment

Cracks in drywall or sheetrock

Floor cracks

Generally, settlement cracks will appear vertically, as opposed to the kind of cracks that will occur as a result of a wall being subject to lateral movement from soil pressure.

If you notice any of these warning signs, do not hesitate; call a foundation specialist such as SMR Supplies Inc. They can assess the issue and devise a solution to remedy the problem. Shifting foundations can be a serious issue, posing a threat not only to the value of your home but also to its structural integrity. Do not take that risk. Call in the experts to fix the problem and keep your home and your family safe.

Guest post- Interior Design Trends for 2016!

Is your home long overdue an image overhaul? Are you a business owner looking to give their brand a new direction with a corporate face-lift? Get inspired in time for 2016 with our cherry-picked list of interior design trends you can expect to see everywhere come the new year. It is easy to keep up with the Joneses, whatever available budget you have got to play with, dunhelm vouchers from couporando.co.uk can help you to save money.

Vintage goods and pre-owned pieces

Consumers love of vintage goods and antiques does not seem to be fading any time soon, and in 2016, it is forecast that more people than ever will be buying artisan goods and antique furnishings. When you shop right, pre-owned pieces need not cost the premium you would expect. Discover authentic antique pieces at prices you can not only afford, but will barely but a dent in the spending budget. Perfect for adding character to your spaces, you even refurbish furniture pieces that seen better days with new upholstery, paints and finishes to coordinate perfectly with your interior design theme.

Extendable, adaptable living space

As housing demands continue to rise, more and more first-time buyers are finding their budget exhausted from a relatively small property investment. But for those starved for space, 2016 sets to inspire as the continued popularity of outdoor/indoor living is expected to take off. Designed to help incorporate available outdoor space into everyday living areas, the idea of outdoor/indoor living is ideal for those short on space, and looking to making savings in their budget, with sturdy furniture pieces that can utilized both indoors and out.

Geometric prints, tiles and textures

Expect things to get mixed up in 2016 as the popularity of geometric tiles, prints and patterns continues to rise. A hot trend in interior design at the minute, you will find a multitude of geometric designs to get you inspired, making the perfect foundation for a tile project for the kitchen or bathroom. Get adventurous with your flooring and walls in other rooms of the house, and introduce geometric tiles throughout your home to stamp some real character to every space.

Natural materials from sustainable sources

Another enduring trend you can expect to see stick around in 2016 is the use of natural materials in every aspect of interior design. Signature furniture pieces made from ethically source oak, pine and maple woods continue to be a popular choice in kitchens, while metals and minerals are also making a comeback. Make sure your interiors are up to date with upcoming trends, and kit out your spaces with a semi-industrial aesthetic with copper, aluminium and stainless fixtures and fittings. Add a subtle style accent if you do not want to go big, with understated lamp shades, door handles and paneling.

Breathe new life into your interiors this 2016 with a new colour palate

Sometimes, all a space really needs is a new lick of paint. If you are on a budget and can only give your space a simple makeover, make sure you invest in some of the standout shades of the season when picking your paint. Rich reds, warm pinks and fleshy, peachy shades are sky-rocketing in popularity, with the trend expecting to continue into 2016 and beyond. The ideal colour palate for spicing up drab spaces, and adding instant warmth to any room.

Product review- The original Lava Lamp!

I have always been fascinated by lava lamps and the science behind it so when I was invited to sample a lava lamp from Lava Lite (the original lava lamp), I was beyond thrilled!

Lava Lite offers a wide range of lava lamps in a variety of sizes and combinations which includes the original lava lamps, specialty lamps, themed lamps, party lights, night lights and more. Here are some of the uniquely fabulous lava lamps that have caught my eye!

14.5" Yellow Submarine Lava Lamp with Yellow Wax & Clear Liquid

14.5" Volcano Lamp

14.5" Rainbow Glitter Lamp- Rainbow Glitter/ Clear Liquid

18.5" Double Play- White/ Purple/ White

With so many fun and quirky lava lamps on their site, I had a hard time selecting just one lamp for a review. In the end, I decided on one of their 50th Anniversary Limited Edition Collector's Item lamp! Their 50th Anniversary lamps come in four sizes: 

14.5" (Classic)

17" (Designer)

16.3" (Premier)

27" (Grande)

To give you an idea the size of the lamps in relation to each other, check out this illustration.

I decided to go for the Premier size (16.3") for its larger than average volume!

This is the one I picked!

Check out the lava lamp that arrived at my doorstep a few weeks ago!

My wonderful lava lamp came with a glass globe, a gold base, a gold cap and a light bulb. The assembling was pretty straight forward and it only took me less than a minute from start to finish. A certificate of authenticity was included with my new lamp! The dimmer switch (which was not mentioned in the product description on their website) is definitely a welcomed bonus!

This was how my lava lamp looked right after I plugged it in with the dimmer switched to the maximum. I really like the combination of yellow wax and purple liquid. They look so gorgeous together, don't you think? I also like the beautiful glass housing and the chic gold steel base and matching cap. Because of the size of my lava lamp, I had to run it for 2-3 hours to ensure it reaches its optimal performance level.

After about an hour, the wax began to melt.

About 2 hours later, my lava lamp started to form a "towery" wax pillars which is totally normal.

I checked my lava lamp again an hour later and voila, there was finally some lava action!

No two formation was ever the same and it's so much fun to watch!

I am absolutely in love with my new, gorgeous lava lamp! The lamp arrived in a perfect condition. Because my lava lamp is larger than the average size lava lamp, it took a while to warm up but the wait was absolutely worth it. The flowing and colliding melting wax was mesmerizing, relaxing and quite entertaining to watch. Unsurprisingly, my son became a huge lava lamp fan after he saw me plugged in the lamp for the first time. Now, he always asks me to turn on the lamp for him. 

A well-made and awe-inspiring lamp with charming, hypnotizing powers, what's not to love? This fascinating lamp brings our family so much fun and joy, it is now one of my most treasured possessions! Use a lava lamp to jazz up a space or inject a playful touch in a room! Highly recommended for gift giving or for yourself!

Disclosure: I have received this product to review for free but the views and opinions expressed are my own.

Have you ever owned a lava lamp? Do you have a lava lamp obsession as well? I would love to hear about it! Don't forget to get your own lava lamp here!

Book review- Decorating With Carpets: A Fine Foundation!

Thanks to Meghan Phillips for sending me another gorgeous design book, Decorating With Carpets: A Fine Foundation by Ashley Stark Kenner, Chad Stark and Heather Smith MacIsaac!

The sophisticated black and white room on the front cover of this book piqued my interest right from the start. Here is a sneak peek of some of the brilliantly decorated homes you will find inside this book!

Decorating With Carpets: A Fine Foundation is truly a gem! This visually delightful book demonstrates the importance of carpets in the world of interior design with amazing photographs of stunning rooms designed by of top designers such as Victoria Hagan, Bunny Williams, Steven Gambrel, Markham Roberts, Alexa Hampton, Jan Showers and more! Page after page of beautiful carpets and inspirational rooms, this fabulous volume shouldn't be missed. Highly recommended for every designer and design aficionados!

Don't forget to get your copy here!

*I received  this book to review for free but the views and opinions expressed are entirely my own.