How to care for your solid wood furniture!

This post is provided by Boris Goncearenco.

The furniture, made of natural wood, is distinguished by its high aesthetics, beauty and being environmentally friendly. Such furniture will always be in fashion and is sold by a big number of online furniture retailers like NY Furniture Outlets, Wayfair, etc. And although modern furniture made of wood is covered with all sorts of high-quality lacquers, you still need to know how to clean the furniture so that it will please your glance for a long time with its flawless appearance.

Basic care rules

Natural wood is one of those materials that require constant care. Wipe the wooden furniture with a damp and dry cloth at least one a week. The ideal option is a soft fabric or suede. Sometimes you can clean furniture with special tools, but these should not contain ammonia, abrasives or solvents. It will be also good to treat the surface with wax, vinegar or burdock oil.

Right climate for your furniture

For wooden furniture, the room temperature should not drop below 60ºF. However, too high temperatures also may have negative effect on furniture. For example, placing heating devices near furniture covered with wood veneers or made of solid wood can lead to deformation of the finish layer, appearance of blisters and bubbles. Relative humidity in the room with wooden furniture should not exceed 65%. It is advisable to avoid direct exposure to direct sunlight.

Cleaners and polishers

Hundreds of manufacturers of household chemicals offer a variety of means to care for furniture- cleansers, sprays, polishes, waxes, wet wipes, etc. When making your purchase, you should exclude products that contain acetone and silicone compounds. Preference should be given to polishes based on natural ingredients- beeswax, olive and linseed oil.

Avoid direct sunlight

On bright sunny days, especially if the room in which the furniture is located is on the sunny side, it is recommended to darken the windows with translucent curtains or blinds so that they scatter light and prevent direct sunlight from reaching the surface of wooden furniture.

Solid wood furniture care

There are also special features of care for the solid wood furniture:

1. When cleaning the facades, the wood must be wiped in the direction of the pattern, thus removing dirt from the pores of the wood.

2. Steam cleaning is not suitable for cleaning furniture from solid wood.

3. Dry cleaning of straight panels made of natural wood can be carried out with a vacuum cleaner and soft brush nozzle.

4. Water may not harm the surfaces of the facades, but it can adversely affect the base material. It is always necessary to immediately wipe the water that has fallen on the surface of the furniture so that moisture does not penetrate into its base, for example, through the seams or pores.

Most important thing to keep in mind

Monthly maintenance of solid wood and veneered furniture should contain:

-dry cleaning with a vacuum cleaner with a soft nozzle

-wiping the surface with a soft cloth (flannel, suede or velvet) in the direction of the wood pattern so that the dust does not remain in the pores

-in case of scratches and other minor defects, it is better to wipe them with a special mastic of the appropriate color, applying it to a clean, dry surface

Cottage & Bungalow decorative pillow and table lamp!

Recently, I was contacted by Cottage & Bungalow to review their beautiful products. After checking out their website, I immediately agree!

Cottage & Bungalow is a wonderful company offering distinguished coastal furniture, beach decor and accessories that are handpicked for their design and quality. On their website, you will also find custom handcrafted furniture of highest quality crafted by artisans. With endless selections from laid-back pieces to elegant and luxurious furnishings, you will find something you love at Cottage & Bungalow!

Here are some of my favorite items from Cottage & Bungalow!

Double Arches Navy/ Sky Embroidered Pillow

Dahlia Arm Chair in Three Colors

Tilda 5-Light Chandelier

Bennett Three Drawer Nightstand

Sona 48" Rattan Dining Table Base in Clover or Nutmeg

Ponte Vedra Double Bench

Cumberland Cabinet

Moderne Maru Daybed

Regeant Rattan Daybed in Clove or Nutmeg

Summerland Key Bed

Such beautiful pieces! I love how effortlessly chic and casual they look! For today's review, I have chosen a pretty decorative pillow and a table lamp to spruce up my guest bedroom. Here they are!

Jala Macrame Decorative Pillow

Ribbon Coral Mini Lamp

Check out my guest bedroom mini makeover!

I really love the new additions in my guest bedroom!

Measuring at 12"x16", this small pillow creates a big impact in the room, thanks to its beautiful intricate patterns. It really gives the room an added visual interest and a dose of boho flair, don't you think? It comes with an insert and is removable for the occasional cleaning.

With a warm, neutral tone, it can be easily incorporated into any room and in many color schemes. Talk about versatility! At the moment, this pillow is on sale with a 20% off discount given at checkout.

This table lamp is absolutely stunning and brings me so much joy! Thanks to its coral design, this lamp exudes an effortlessly casual, coastal feel. The beautiful glass base adds a touch of style and elegance to the overall design. 

Both products are truly gorgeous and well-made. I couldn't be happier with both my choices. Highly recommended!

On a side note, the first coral table lamp I received was broken during transit. However, I was sent a new lamp promptly. Needless to say, I am pleased with their amazing customer service!

Don't forget to check out Cottage & Bungalow when you have a moment. Currently, they are running a sale with a 20% on selected rugs, bedding and pillows with sales ending tonight!

*I received both products to review for free but the views and opinions expressed are my own.

Tree management, removal and safety!

This post is provided by Jesse Hughes.

Trees live for a very long time but at some point they are likely to need to be removed, or at the very least pruned. When they are small this is not likely to be an issue but as they grow you are likely to need professional help.

This is particularly true if you are looking to use a tree removal service in Sydney. No matter how long your tree has been alive, regular maintenance will help it to stay healthy and extend its life. 

While it may be tempting to do the work yourself, there are several good reasons why the management, removal and safety of your trees should be entrusted to a professional:

Regulations

In Australia, you cannot remove or even prune certain trees without getting permission from the local authority. Even if the tree is diseased or a danger; it needs to be verified by a professional.

Alongside this if you prune a tree that you do not think is on the list and you turn out to be wrong you can face a hefty fine.

The prudent and recommended approach is to get a professional in to verify the type of tree you are dealing with. They can confirm this is writing, allowing you to prune your tree or use their services.

Safety

Have you ever seen a tree fall? You may be surprised to discover just how far it can go and how much damage it can do in the process. 

Of course, you would be attempting to make it fall in a certain place, but unless you are a professional this is harder than it appears.

A professional tree removal specialist will have the right equipment to bring your tree down without causing harm to other properties or people nearby. You will be grateful you used them.

Insurance

A good tree management company will have all the relevant insurances to cover you and themselves should anything go wrong with the felling or pruning.

Trees are surprisingly heavy, even a large branch can squash a car. It pays to have the right insurance to ensure there are no issues after the event.

Knowledge

Knowledge is often underrated but it is essential. You may think that your favorite tree is dead and needs to be removed, a specialist will know if it is or if it can be saved. They have the knowledge to help you make the right decision for the tree and your surroundings.

The opposite is also true; sometimes a healthy tree needs to be removed simply because its roots are starting to cause an issue for your foundations or the road nearby.

You may not spot the issue but a tree specialist will. This is why it is so important to create a schedule for your tree maintenance and to find a professional firm that will handle all your needs.

Their assistance will ensure you are complying with all the relevant regulations and your trees are removed and managed in a professional and environmentally friendly way.

Five Tips For Decorating Your Home On A Budget!

This post is provided by Boris Dzingarov.

Home décor projects do not always have to be expensive. There are tons of simple ideas that you can implement without investing much money or hiring an expert. By investing in the beauty of your home, you will boost the serenity and value. Below are some simple tips you can apply to get the beauty you want without breaking the bank. 

Make A Budget

If you will be buying anything, make a budget and identify how much you can comfortably spend. Without a budget, you may be tempted to spend more than you can afford because home décor items are very attractive. 

Highlight Your Plan

What do you want to achieve at the end of the project? Which rooms do you want to transform? Which ones should be given a priority? These are some of the factors you should consider when planning for an interior decor project. You can have as many items on your list as possible. However, when it comes to implementing, tackle one project at a time. This will allow you to focus and get the best output. 

Use What You Have

If you are not ready to invest any money, start with what you have at home. Use the beautiful fabric you have to sew new covers for your throw pillows. Rearrange the shelves and paint some of your walls with a new colorful paint. Be careful with the paint to avoid damaging your furniture and floors. The empty bottles can also be transformed to colorful flower vases with a little spray paint. There is so much you can do with what you already have at home. 

Check out some DIY ideas on the internet and use your creativity too. You will be surprised by how much DIY can help in transforming your home into a beautiful space. 

Hire An Expert 

You can hire an expert even when on a tight budget. You only have to list a number of suitable interior decorators and compare their rates to choose the most affordable one. Alternatively, you can hire a consultant to create a design for you and then you handle the rest of the work by yourself.

Shop Wisely 

When you go shopping, take your time and compare different options. Look for the most affordable option that suits your needs. For instance, ePlanters has a variety of indoor planters, each with a varying price. While all of them are beautiful, not each of them will be suitable for your project. Do not forget to look for offers and discounts as these can help you in saving money. 

Another shopping tip is to shop for second-hand items. Take advantage of your neighbors’ garage sales and look for online deals too. You can get some very good deals when you shop for used products. Many people associate second-hand products with poor quality and damage, but this is not the case. Most of the second-hand items are normally as good as new.

By making use of what you have, doing it by yourself, shopping wisely, and seeking affordable interior decor services, you will be able to decorate on a budget.  

Four Ways To Greenify Your Bedroom Design!

This post is provided by Boris Dzhingarov.

So, you have decided you want to be more eco-conscious in your home, and now it is time to renovate your bedroom with a greener approach. Figuring out where to start when you have never done anything like this before can be difficult, but with a bit of research you should have no problem coming up with new additions that are in line with your goals and principles. With that said, here are four things you can do to add flair and cleanliness to any bedroom.

Organic Bedding

The bedding is often overlooked during bedroom design, but if you are wanting to go full green it would be best to opt for organic bed sheets, blankets, and pillow cases. Conventional bedding is typically made in a factory using all sorts of potentially harmful chemicals that are not only bad for the environment but are also not ideal for skin contact on a regular basis. Furthermore, when you shake up the bedding, all of those fibers and chemicals are released into the air, creating allergens and airborne toxins that are not present in organic bedding sets. Fortunately, popular brands like SOL Organics have extensive catalogs of all kinds of bedding made from fully organic and eco-friendly materials.

House Plants

What better way to go green than to add some actual greenery to your surroundings? Plants not only give your bedroom a more natural appearance, they also provide the benefit of releasing fresh oxygen and aromas into the air, which can make a for a more airy and fresh feeling overall. Of course, they also add an extra artistic touch that simply can not be matched by plastic plants or paintings.  

Motion Sensor Lighting

A great way to save on your energy bill and reduce your bedroom's carbon footprint is to install motion sensor activated lighting that only turns on when someone enters the room and turns off automatically when you leave. Likewise, you may want to opt for dimmable lighting fixtures to avoid using the full blub wattage during evening times when stronger lighting is not needed.

More Sunlight

In addition to using motion sensors and dimmable lighting, another way to reduce your dependency on artificial lighting is to let more natural sunlight into your bedroom through the addition or expansion of windows or sky lights. Using partially translucent curtains- those that let light in but do not let light out- is a good way to boost natural room lighting without compromising privacy.

It All Adds Up To Eco-Friendly Style And Comfort!

Many people associate environmental consciousness with hippies and rustic living spaces, but in reality, there are many modern home designers who have begun to specialize in organic and clean interior design. As a result, it is now easier than ever to find wholesome components and additions regardless of the theme or style you are going for. Ultimately, all of the above improvements can be done in the course of a weekend and once you have finished you will be glad that your bedroom is clean, energy efficient, and tailored to your ethics and preferences.

Four Signs You Need A New Air Conditioning System!

This post is provided by Zoe Price.

Sometimes it is hard to know whether you need to repair or replace a major appliance. The issue gets more complicated when the items are a constant source of maintenance and repair. Here are 4 signs you need a new air conditioning system.

It Is More Than Ten Years Old.

There are several reasons you want to replace an AC as it ages. The first is that it is wearing out, and every day that goes by, the odds of a catastrophic failure go up. The second is the fact that technology is getting better every year. The newer air conditioners are more efficient than your existing unit, just as new refrigerators use a third or less of the power your twenty-year-old fridge uses. If the air conditioner is more than ten years old, you will probably want to replace it with something more reliable and energy efficient. 

The Cost To Repair Is Half Or More The Cost To Replace.

Depending on who you ask, it is time to replace something when the cost of a repair is one third to one half the cost of a new unit. This rule of thumb comes from the known trend that once you have a big costly repair, you are due for another one, and two repairs worth the cost of a new unit are not worth it. In that case, it would have been better to just replace the unit. Two repairs that are both a third of the cost of a new unit mean it is on its way downhill, and you would save yourself a lot of aggravation if you just put a new unit in.

You can get quotes from contractors for the cost of the repairs. To get the cost of replacing the unit, use Porch's air conditioning installation calculator.

It Just Does Not Do The Job.

It is possible that the air conditioner is undersized for your home. If you bought a right-sized unit, you could keep your house comfortable and do so without as high of an electric bill.

Another issue is if you keep finding the unit failing to keep its cool. Maybe the unit keeps leaking refrigerant. Perhaps your system is generating fumes and debris that keep clogging the filters. In either case, its deterioration is preventing it from working properly. You could continue with all the little fixes and recharges, or you could simply get a new unit that works well.

Poor Indoor Air Quality

If you are constantly changing your air filters and can not get rid of that smell or aggravating fine particulate in the air, you may need to replace your air conditioner. There are times when the issue is a blocked drain or filters that need to be replaced, but if maintenance to clear those common causes just does not cut it, you may need to replace the air conditioner instead. This is especially true if the unit is generating a chemical or burning smell before spreading it through the house.

If the unit is getting old or expensive to maintain, replace it. And if you think it is the cause of your poor indoor air quality, it needs to be checked out at a minimum, if not replaced.

Product review- Latest Bedding quilt set!

Recently, I was offered a chance to try the Black Bear Lodge Quilt Set from Latest Bedding. 

I have received a queen set which includes 1 quilt and 2 shams. The quilt measures 86 inches wide x 86 inches long and each pillow sham measures 20 inches wide x 26 inches long. 

The Black Bear Lodge Quilt Set features moose, black bears, evergreen trees and snow-capped mountains with a reversible native print. I can envisioned this bedding in an alpine cabin or rustic lodge or in a child's bedroom with a wilderness adventure or a camping theme.

Made with a combination of cotton and polyester, this bedding is machine washable. Unlike most bedding set, this bedding set is thin enough to be use during spring, summer and fall. During cold winter months, this quilt can be used as a bed topper for extra warmth. 

Thanks to its multi-colored design, this rustic bedding quilt set can be used with a variety of sheet sets and blankets. The reversible design is so versatile. When the quilt is fold over slightly, you can get a peek of the native print which adds another layer of visual interest to the overall design. Such a nice touch, don't you think?

Don't forget to check out Latest Bedding for more lovely beddings when you get a chance!

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

How do I know if it is safe to dig into my backyard?

This article is provided by Jesse Hughes.

Digging in your backyard – is it safe?

Making the most of your outdoor space is often a good idea. You can build an extension to your property, a garden room or even just a workshop where you can go and spend some time away from the chaos that often comes with family life. It is not as simple as just starting to dig up the ground in your yard though. There are things that you need to think about before this happens. 

One of the most important things to consider is the safety aspect of digging in your outside space. If you do not think about this, you could be putting you and your family in danger. 

How do you know if digging in your yard is safe?

You may think that you know everything there is to know about your yard. It is easy to spot a tree or an old piece of fence that may present an obstacle to a building project. You can take these things into account and make sure that the structures you are planning are safely built around them. 

However, it is not as easy to deal with obstacles that may be hidden underground. You cannot see what is happening down there. As a result, there is a chance that you could hit a water pipe or a gas main. This could cause serious issues with your project and could also be dangerous. This is why you should have utility locating work carried out, to ensure that it is safe for you to continue as planned. 

What else do you need to think about?

It is not just safety that you need to think about when you are building on your property. There are other important factors that you need to take into account. 

Checking that you have any permission that is needed.

Depending on what type of structure you are building, you may require permission from the local council. You should always check to see if this is the case, before the digging starts. 

Making sure that you have a realistic budget in place.

There is no point in having the perfect workshop in your yard if all you do is worry about money because you have spent too much on its construction. You need to sit down and work out a realistic budget before the project starts. It is important to include a bit extra to the expected spend so that you can deal with any unexpected issues.

Hiring the right people for the job. 

If you want your building project to be successful, you need to make sure that you have the right people in place to do the work. It is worth taking time to hire a good contractor, so that you can be sure that you have made the right choice. 

You should never neglect the safety aspect when you are thinking of digging in your yard. Make sure that you know about any obstacles, above and below ground, so you can be safe and reduce the risk of unwanted costly surprises. 

5 Steps To A Successful Product Review Blog!

This post is provided by Clarissa Caouette.

A product review blog can be a great place to pursue your passions and get hands on experience with the kinds of products you love. There are dozens of product review sites out there. How do you get started in this lucrative field and make your product review blog successful? 

The first step, of course, it to start a website. You will need to choose a relevant and catchy domain name, find a web host and decide between shared and dedicated hosting, and design your website using a template or by hiring someone to design it for you.

Once you have your site set up, follow these five steps to build a successful product review blog.

Pick Your Niche

General product review sites are fine, but you will find it much easier to find an audience and build a following if you specialize. Even large review sites like CNET focus on software and computers. Consumer Reports may get away with generalization, but you probably would not reach that level at least when you are just starting out. 

Choose something that you are passionate about, but that there are enough new products released regularly that you can continue to blog about them for some time. Things like cell phones, Virtual Reality, apps, software, consumer electronics of all kinds, cars, and kitchen gadgets are all great examples.

Build An Audience

No one is going to give you or offer you discounted products to review unless you have an audience who is reading those reviews. This means you need to build an audience. How do you do that in the area of reviews? Here are some tips:

Write Reviews On Amazon And Other Sites: Review products like the ones you want to review on your blog on other sites and become a trusted reviewer. People who value your opinion will follow you.

Be Active On Social Media: Post your reviews on social media, and make it clear you are a reviewer. Companies will often come to you for reviews of products once they see what you do, and audiences will trust your opinions.

Do Not Forget Reddit And Tumblr: There are many product discussion forums on Tumblr and Reddit and being active there can get you a good reputation as a reviewer and someone whose opinion is unbiased and can be trusted. Facebook groups are another good place to get involved in a particular community. 

Hashtag It: Use the right hashtags to get your product reviews noticed when you share them. This will increase your following in various niche areas. 

The bigger following you have, the more successful your product review blog will be, especially if you have that audience before you even get started. 

Review The Things You Use

At first, it may take you a while to get companies to send you sample products to review, so review the ones you already use and intend to buy anyway. Be honest, but positive. No company wants a poor review, and if you are simply product bashing your blog probably would not go far. 

However, brands also like honest feedback about what they can improve and may even follow up with you if you have a great idea for a way their product could be better. 

Post these reviews on your blog and on other sites. Exposure will help with growth, and starting with what you have or need will provide a good foundation for reviews. 

Create Ad Revenue

One you have a certain amount of traffic, you can make good money from ad revenue. This usually means a couple of things. First, you must add code to your site that allows for native ads like Google and Amazon ads, along with others like Outbrain and more. These ads pay you whenever someone clicks on them. 

Affiliate links pay you whenever someone makes a purchase through them. These pay a higher percentage overall, but usually there are fewer conversions so less money overall than PPC ads. 

You can also sell ad space on your site to the manufacturers of the products you review or similar ones. Their products will be displayed where people who want to purchase them are browsing anyway. These can be a great way to make your blog successful. Just do not use too many and clutter your blog space. 

You can also look for a site sponsor. This is a brand that wants to be featured on your site regularly and in ads in various places on the site. A good site sponsor can provide consistent revenue for your site and increase traffic.

Add Sponsored Posts

Lastly, the brands and types of products you review will want to be seen on your site. One of the easiest ways to do this is for them to create blog posts that talk about their product, and then pay you to place them on your site. 

There is a word of caution here. You have built up trust with your readers, and you do not want them to feel like you sold out or are trying to sell them something deliberately. There are also legal obligations about revealing what posts on your site are sponsored, so be sure you are forthright about what you are doing. 

Still, sponsored posts can provide a steady stream of income to your product review site, making it both profitable and successful in helping people make the right choices about products they are investing in. 

A successful product review blog is not hard to create, but it will be work and take time before it becomes successful. Choose a niche, find an engaged audience, and then review away. Done properly, you will end up with a successful product review blog. 

Happy birthday to me!

Guess what? In the blink of an eye, I turned 38 years old today! Happy birthday to me!

During my 38 years on this earth, I have been through a lot of ups and downs, fortunately more happy moments than sad ones in these 15 years so I feel very blessed! I am also thankful that I am able to do what I love, have a loving family and remained healthy (even though I have gain some pounds throughout the years!). :)

To celebrate the special occasion, we went to Chicago two weeks ago. We ate a lot of delicious Asian food and desserts and also did some window shopping at Rejuvenation!

I have also received a Chloe bag (my dream bag!) from hubby a week ago, a bouquet of beautiful roses yesterday and a few lovely surprises this morning!

Getting older isn't so bad after all! I feel so blessed and grateful! 

This year, our family will be going through some big changes so my birthday wish this year is for everything to go smoothly! Wish me luck!