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Where to Shop Holiday Gifts for Pet Lovers

December 3, 2015 by

Are you struggling with finding the perfect gift for the pet lover in your life? To make your search a bit easier, there are a number of online shops that are filled with adorable and functional gifts that every animal fanatic will adore. Here are three of the most bark-tastic sites for pet-friendly holiday gifts.

Dog is Good
If you’re shopping for someone who loves his or her dog more than most humans, Dog is Good is the perfect resource. This online shop is made especially for dog people and offers dog-themed apparel, home décor items and even toys for your loved one’s dog.

Frontgate
For the pet-loving friend who prefers items that are a bit more upscale, Frontgate is another wonderful website. You’ll especially love the personalized dog bone ornaments, Nantucket Colonial dog houses and decorative dog breed pillows.

Etsy
Etsy is your online resource for all things handmade, and the site’s pet section is just as creative and unique as its other options. Gift your friend a custom painted pet portrait this holiday from one of the site’s talented artists, or even order a stylish leather cat collar to keep a loved one’s feline friend looking perfectly on trend.

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Fall Craft Projects Your Kids Will Love Making

November 19, 2015 by

Whether the kids are too young for school or they’re home for a holiday break, the fall season provides ample time for fun family crafts. Here are three DIY projects that will bring out the artistic side in your little ones.

Pumpkin Spice Playdough [smallfriendly.com]
Even if you’ve made your own playdough before, you’ve probably never seen one quite like this. Adding pumpkin pie spices to the usual recipe gives this moldable dough a fall-inspired scent, while a bit of food coloring adds autumn colors like red, orange, and yellow.

Apple Stamping [sweetlittlepeanut.com]
You may remember making stamps out of apples a child yourself, but this is one craft that truly stands the test of time. Simply cut small apples in half and let the kids use the flat sides as stamps with fall-colored paints. Best of all, this craft is fun for everyone from babies to toddlers and even your pre-teens!

Scribble Lantern Tutorial [valariebudayr.typepad.com]
There is some truly beautiful natural light come fall, so make the most of it with these paper lanterns that you can place on a sunny windowsill. The kids can scribble all over them with regular crayons to create a colorful look that’s even better when it catches the light.

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Safety First! Check Out These Halloween Safety Tips for Motorists

October 22, 2015 by

Even if you’re not trick or treating yourself, safety should be a top priority on Halloween. It’s important to be cautious while driving in order to keep the streets safe for young trick or treaters, and these simple tips will show you how.

  1. Be especially cautious between the hours of 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. This is the most common time for trick or treating in neighborhoods across the country, so you should be especially cautious or even try to avoid driving between these hours if possible.
  2. Don’t pass stopped vehicles. Even if you would normally pass a stopped car, keep in mind that the driver could be dropping off young children. Be patient and wait for them to keep going.
  3. Put your phone away. Although you should never use the phone while driving, this rule is even more important on October 31. Don’t take a phone call, send a text message, fiddle with the radio, or engage in any other distracting activities until you're out of the car altogether.
  4. Keep an eye out. The absolute best way to keep yourself and neighborhood children safe on Halloween is by staying alert while driving. Look out for kids darting into the street out of excitement, and be especially cautious once it starts to get darker outside.

Halloween Driving Safety Tips [Progressive]
Halloween safety tips for pedestrians and drivers [Consumer Reports]

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Burn Fat and Torch Calories by Walking. Here’s How!

September 17, 2015 by

While you might think that you have to run for miles to lose weight, studies show that spending an hour walking briskly around your neighborhood is just as effective at burning calories and helping you lose weight. If you want to begin a daily walking habit, here’s how to get started.

  • Think shorter, more intense bursts. Instead of slowly walking for an hour or two each day, concentrate on shorter bursts of higher-intensity walking. Many experts suggest briskly walking for 30 minutes a day, three days a week to get started.
  • Don’t forget to warm up. Even though walking isn’t as hard on your muscles and joints as running, you’ll still need to warm up to prevent cramping and stress on the heart. Shoot for a five-minute stroll before every walk.
  • Activate your muscles. Instead of just walking like you would in your daily life, turn your walk into a real workout by activating your abdominal muscles, squeezing your glutes, and even pumping your arms back and forth.
  • Ramp up the incline. If you really want to target your legs and glutes, walk on a route that has a lot of hills or rough terrain. You can even take a hike for a more scenic workout.

Walking to Lose Weight [All You]
How to Walk Off 10 Pounds [Health]
Top 10 health benefits of walking every day [Tesco Living]

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Clever Decorating and Storage Ideas for the Bedroom

August 20, 2015 by

Between trying on clothes every morning to tossing and turning in the covers every night, the place that should be your sleep sanctuary can start to look a bit more lived-in than you’d like. Here are some smart tips for decorating and storing your essentials in your bedroom.

  • Add a wall-mounted nightstand. Maximize the square footage in your bedroom by installing a wall-mounted nightstand. You could even use a shelf with an attached drawer.
  • Mount a cabinet above the bed. To really free up floor space, consider forgoing a traditional headboard in favor of a flat, hanging cabinet mounted just above the bed.
  • Add light curtains. While many people prefer light-blocking curtains in the bedroom, these can make a room feel smaller. Choose light, gauzy options in a neutral color to bring more openness to the room — and help you spring out of bed in the morning!
  • Add an under-bed “dresser.” Buy a bed with built-in storage, or slide lidded storage containers under your bed. Either is a good option for storing out-of-season clothing, blankets, and other bulky items.
  • Add a desk at the foot of the bed. Create a bedroom workspace by investing in a skinny desk facing the end of the bed. It can also double as a vanity.

Design Dozen: 12 Clever Space-Saving Solutions for Small Bedrooms [Apartment Therapy]
169 So Cool Headboard Ideas That You Won’t Need More [Shelterness]
12 Bedroom Storage Ideas to Optimize Your Space [Decoholic]

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Quick and Easy Marinades for That Upcoming Barbecue

July 23, 2015 by

Every barbecue enthusiast knows that the marinade is key when it comes to adding flavor to your meats, but there are a whole lot more options than just the usual barbecue sauce to choose from. From sweet to tangy to spicy, these grill-ready marinades can take foods from bland to mouthwatering in just a few minutes flat. And best of all? They don’t have to sit in the refrigerator all night, so they’re perfect for the last-minute home chef!

Greek Marinade [greek.food.com]
Olive oil and lemon juice impart a bright, zesty flavor to foods like chicken and fish, while a bounty of fresh herbs and spices will make you feel like you hopped a plane to the shores of Greece. Pour this perfect marinade over your meats and pop them into the fridge for an hour before grilling.

Maple Grilled Salmon Glaze [myrecipes.com]
Take salmon to the next level with this sweet and smoky glaze that you can brush on the fish — or even on a juicy pork chop — right as it’s cooking. Garnish with orange slices to bring out even more sweet, citrus-y flavor.

Barbecue Sauce [marthastewart.com]
Although there are limitless options for marinades, sometimes you’re just in the mood for a good old-fashioned barbecue sauce. This simple, straightforward recipe takes just 30 minutes to make, and it can be used on everything from ribs to chicken at your next cookout.

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How to Incorporate Antiques Into Modern Decor

June 18, 2015 by

You love the look of antiques, but you don’t want your home to look stuffy or stodgy. It can be difficult to create a balance between new and old items in your decor, but these simple tips from the pros will show you exactly how to incorporate antiques into an otherwise modern space.

  • Pick the right items. Instead of buying something at an antique store just because you like it, consider whether or not you can actually use it in your home. A large antique bicycle is probably not the best choice in an apartment, but an antique mirror certainly is.
  • Don’t spend too much. Browse thrift stores and yard sales to find low prices on hidden gems instead of making an impulse purchase at an overpriced antique store. That way, you’ll feel good about saving money on something that you really need.
  • Choose furniture. Antique furniture is a great investment because it’s often higher quality than modern pieces from big box stores. Things like dressers, credenzas, and desks are all great options that will stand the test of time.
  • Be sure to contrast. If you’re worried about your antiques making your home look dated, spread them out and use modern elements in between as contrast. Place a vintage coffee table near a modern sofa, or hang an antique frame in an updated bathroom.

Add Antique Accents To Your Modern Home Décor [The Accent Wall]
How To Mix and Match Antique Furniture In Modern Spaces [Build Direct]
Can You Mix Antique Furniture with Modern Furniture? [Savvy Examiner]

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How to Choose the Lighting That Best Complements Your Space

June 4, 2015 by

Want to show your apartment in the most flattering light possible? Use these smart tips for choosing the right type of lighting for every room in your home.

  • Illuminate your foyer and hallway with bright, cheery lighting. Add a floor lamp directly next to the front door that will light your way when you come home at night, and consider placing a bright lamp on a side table in the hallway so that you can easily see where you’re going.
  • Add soft, soothing light in the bedroom, as this is supposed to be a place of relaxation. Try using a small lamp with a lower-watt light bulb.
  • In the living room, you can add a tall, arched lamp next to the couch for a stylish look and to add additional lighting when you’re lounging around at night. If the light bulbs in the overhead light are too bright, switch them out with something less glaring.
  • Add a hanging pendant light right above the kitchen table. There are many options that don’t require hardwiring, so you can easily hang them and switch them out when you move.

How to Choose the Right Lighting for Each Room [WikiHow]
How To Choose The Lighting Fixtures For Your Home – A Room-By-Room Guide [HomeDit]
How to Choose the Right Size Lighting Fixture [LightsOnline.com]

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How to Plant Your Very Own Windowsill Herb Garden

May 21, 2015 by

Want to have fresh herbs right at your fingertips — without having to stop at the grocery store or farmers' market? Consider growing your own! Use these simple tips for planting a windowsill herb garden right in your own apartment.

  • Choose the window. An herb garden requires at least five hours of direct sunlight per day, as well as a temperature of 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Buy starter plants. Unless you’re an expert gardener, your best bet is to start with grown plants rather than seeds. Chives, oregano, mint, rosemary, and thyme are among the easiest herbs to grow indoors.
  • Choose the right pots. Most people use terra cotta pots for their herbs because they are attractive and affordable. Be sure to choose pots with holes at the bottom for drainage and a saucer underneath to catch excess water. Herbs do well in pots that are 6- to 12-inches deep.
  • Add well-draining soil. Herbs require a lightweight potting mix that prevents against common diseases. Add 2 to 3 inches in the bottom of your pot, gently add the herb, and then cover to about an inch below the top of the pot.
  • Don’t over-water. Herbs require a regular watering schedule, but they don’t need to be watered every day. Water close to the soil, avoiding the leaves, whenever you notice your plant drooping.

Windowsill Herb Gardens [Epicurious]
10 Most Common Herb Garden Mistakes [About Home]
How to Start an Indoor Herb Garden [Spark People]

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Where to Shop for Temporary Wallpaper and Wall Decals Online

May 7, 2015 by

When living in a rental, temporary wallpapers and removable wall decals add a fun pop of color or pattern to your space, but they can be easily taken down at the end of your lease. Here are just a few online retailers that sell different types of temporary wallpapers and decals.

Swag Paper
With a name like Swag Paper, it’s no surprise that this site sells wallpaper that’s cool, chic, and statement-worthy. Geometric diamonds, Art Deco designs, and minimalist poppy flowers are just a few of the wallpaper styles, and you can purchase strips in different heights to get exactly the amount that you need.

2Modern
If your style is a bit more colorful, 2Modern offers retro-inspired wallpapers and options with big, bold stripes. You’ll even find children’s wallpaper covered in zoo animals, robots, or silly cityscapes that the little ones will love.

Blik
Blik offers temporary wallpapers in traditional strips to cover the whole wall, but it also carries more unique designs like stick-on headboards and individual decals. Add a large tree in your living room, a sea of fish in your kitchen, and even some music notes in a child’s room.

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