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Breathe New Life Into Your Bedroom’s Decor With These Simple Tips

October 2, 2015 by

Your bedroom should be a place of rest and relaxation, but in your effort to keep things understated and minimal, you might make the décor seem a bit boring. Here are some ways to breathe new life into an outdated bedroom—while still getting a good night’s sleep.

  1. Switch out your side tables. One of the most affordable ways to update your bedroom is by switching the side tables with something unique. Opt for slim shelves mounted right to the wall if your room is small, or go for something larger than a nightstand, such as a full-sized desk, if you have the space to spare.
  2. Add a duvet cover. If you want to change your bedding without investing in an entirely new set, cover your existing comforter with an affordable duvet in a bold, fun print or spa-like white.
  3. Add a headboard. If your current bed doesn’t have a headboard, create one using a large painting, a rectangular tapestry or even an antique door.
  4. Put some art on the walls. Many people forget about decorating the walls in the bedroom, but it can make all the difference. Frame some black and white family photos or even pretty vintage wallpaper squares in colors that match your décor.
  5. Switch the window treatments. Brighten up a bedroom with sheer curtains—it may even help you get out of bed in the morning.

5 Decorating Ideas for Bedrooms [Real Simple]
5 Small Ways to Give Your Bedroom a Big Boost [Oprah]
Freshen Your Bedroom with Low-Cost Updates [Better Homes & Gardens]

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Easy Pumpkin Carving Projects for Kids

September 18, 2015 by

Carving pumpkins is a fun fall activity that the whole family can do together, but young children require carving projects that are a bit simpler (and safer) than others. Check out these adorable ideas for kid-friendly pumpkin carvings that your little ones will love.

Candy-Cursed Jack-o’-Lantern [Martha Stewart]
This pumpkin pattern may be simple, but that doesn’t mean that it’s boring. Instead of placing a candle inside, it’s made to accommodate a bowl of Halloween candy. The oversized mouth acts as a serving bowl for the sweets inside, and the kids will love to sneak a few pieces from their pumpkin once it’s complete.

Mini White Pumpkins [Apartment Therapy]
Mini pumpkins are much easier for kids’ tiny hands to navigate, and this project will transform them into something truly unique. By adding beady red eyes and costume vampire teeth, the kids can create an army of cute pumpkin vampires to put on display.

Cat Face [SheKnows]
This cat face pumpkin carving pattern is a bit more modern than most. It features a splashy silhouette of a scary cat face, and animal-loving children will get a kick out of carving it after a visit to the pumpkin patch. Although some of the smaller details may require some assistance, it can be a fun collaborative craft for parents and children.

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What’s Your Interior Design Personality? Find Out Here!

September 17, 2015 by

Are you partial to chic, modern furnishings, or is your interior design style more of the cozy, vintage-inspired variety? Knowing exactly what types of furnishings you like best will make it much easier for you to decorate your home at BLVD l Loudoun Station. Here are a few great online quizzes that will help you to zero in on your specific interior design personality.

What’s Your Decorating Style?
This quiz from Coastal Living asks a series of very abstract questions about your lifestyle, your drink preferences, and even your preferred clothing style to help you figure out your interior design style. It also makes recommendations for decorating ideas once your results are in.

Style Maker Visual Quiz
Take this visual quiz from Stylish Home is best for visual learners, as it shows you a series of photos in order to help you determine your home decor preferences. Instead of simply asking you what types of furnishings you like, it actually shows them to you to help get a more accurate response.

Decorating Style Quiz
Better Homes & Gardens offers this fun mix of visual and word-based questions regarding your decor preferences, your personality, and your unique needs. Once you complete the quiz, it offers a general idea of your home decor personality.

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Weight Loss Tips for New Dieters

September 11, 2015 by

You’ve never had to watch your weight before, but it seems like all of those years of eating whatever you want are suddenly catching up with you. If you’re about to embark on your first diet, use these simple tips to stay on track and maximize results.

  1. Think about it in the long-term. Instead of thinking of your diet as something that will eventually end, consider it a lifestyle change. That way, you’ll be able to maintain your results and even indulge in the occasional treat.
  2. Aim for realistic goals. Instead of starting an extreme diet to lose a very large amount of weight each week, set realistic goals that you can safely and healthily meet. For example, aiming to lose 2 pounds per week is a healthy and attainable weight loss goal that will still yield major results.
  3. Skip the fad diets. Instead of falling for a fad diet that cuts out a major food group or involves complicated meal plans, opt for a healthy diet that includes whole foods and balanced meals.
  4. Keep it simple. Fill your diet with fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and the occasional healthy whole grains and you’ll have no problem shedding those extra pounds.

Healthy Weight Loss and Dieting Tips [HelpGuide.org]
The 25 Best Diet Tricks of All Time [Health]
Jillian Michaels: Weight-Loss Tips That Work [Health]

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Feel a Cold Coming On? Load Up on These Surprising Vitamin C-Rich Foods!

September 4, 2015 by

If you feel a cold coming on, there are few better natural remedies than to eat foods that are high in Vitamin C. Orange juice is a popular option, but you can also take advantage of the high levels of Vitamin C in a wide variety of other fruits and vegetables. Here are just a few of the best sources of Vitamin C for the next time you’re feeling a bit under the weather.

  1. Papaya. Papayas are just as sweet and refreshing as oranges, and they contain 95.6 milligrams of Vitamin C in just one small fruit. Papayas are also rich in Vitamin A and dietary fiber. To get even more of this valuable vitamin, mash enough papaya to fill one cup; it provides about 140 milligrams of Vitamin C.
  2. Broccoli. Whether you toss it into a stir fry or eat it raw as a snack, broccoli is another great source of beneficial Vitamin C. One 148-gram serving provides about 132 milligrams of C vitamins that boost your immune system and prevent illness.
  3. Kale. Kale isn’t just a trendy so-called “superfood,” it actually does provide a whole slew of health benefits. Just two cups of chopped kale offers 160.8 milligrams of Vitamin C, as well as large amounts of Vitamins A and K, phytonutrients, and fiber.

Surprising Sources of Vitamin C [Berkeley Wellness]
7 Surprising (and Delicious) Sources of Vitamin C [Care2]
7 Foods With More Vitamin C Than an Orange [Huffington Post]

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How to Add Mixed Patterns to Your Apartment’s Decor

August 28, 2015 by

Think it takes a decorator’s eye to mix patterns? Think again! With a few smart tips and some simple rules to keep in mind, you can mix patterns like the pros in any room in your home.

  1. Choose a color scheme. First, pick a color scheme that you’ll stick with throughout the room. Whether it’s basic black and white or something brighter, like yellow and blue, this will make your pattern mixing much easier.
  2. Limit the number of patterns. While it may seem overwhelming to mix a dozen different patterns, even the most novice home decorator can work with three or four. Keep things simple, but still incredibly impactful.
  3. Decide where you’ll mix your patterns. Adding a variety of different throw pillows on the sofa or the bed is one of the most popular ways to incorporate a few different patterns in a room, but you might also want to add even more fun prints. For even more depth and dimension, try a temporary wallpaper in a big, bold pattern, or use a funky rug with simpler throw pillows and curtains.
  4. Make your own. If you’re having a hard time finding pillowcases or curtains in patterns that go together, try creating your own! It’s very easy to sew these items at home, and some tutorials don’t even involve any sewing at all.

How to Mix Patterns in a Room [For Dummies]
Learn How to Mix Patterns [BHG]
10 Easy Ways to Mix and Match Patterns in Your Home [Freshome]

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Learn About Old Faithful From These 5 Facts

August 21, 2015 by

Many tourists around the United States and the world visit Old Faithful every year. If you’ve never been to this incredible natural landmark, these five facts will show you just how special it truly is.

1. Old Faithful is the largest regularly erupting geyser in Yellowstone.
It erupts for 1.5 to 5 minutes every 35 to 120 minutes, shooting a burst of hot, steaming water up to 184 feet into the air.

2. It is one of the most studied geysers in the park.
Because scientists study it so closely, Old Faithful’s eruption times can be predicted very accurately, making it the easiest one to see when visiting the park.

3. The amount of time between eruptions lengthened in the past few decades.
Due to the earthquakes in Hebgen Lake in 1959 and Borah Park in 1983, OId Faithful’s eruptions have grown a bit further apart in recent decades.

4. Old Faithful is incredibly hot.
Sure, you probably knew that a geyser is hot, but did you know that Old Faithful ranges from 204 degrees Fahrenheit? The steam can even reach 350 degrees Fahrenheit!

5. Thousands of gallons of water are expelled with each eruption.
Old Faithful’s water eruption contains anywhere from 3,700 gallons in a 1.5-minute burst to 8,400 gallons in a 4.5-minute burst.

Old Faithful [Yellowstone Net]
Frequently Asked Questions at Old Faithful [National Park Service]
Old Faithful [The Geyser Observation and Study Association]

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Watching Your Weight? Don’t Make These Dieting Mistakes!

August 20, 2015 by

You might think that you’re on a fairly healthy diet that will eventually lead to your goal weight, but some of your eating habits might actually do more harm than good when it comes to weight loss. Check out these common dieting mistakes to make sure that they’re not a part of your daily routine

  • Eating too fast. By rushing through every meal, you don’t give your body enough time to actually feel full. If you eat slower, you’re more likely to stop eating when you’ve actually had enough.
  • Forgoing meals. Instead of making you lose weight faster, skipping meals actually leads to consuming more calories later in the day. Even if you’re not feeling hungry at meal time, try eating a small snack to keep your appetite regulated.
  • Consuming liquid calories. Many dieters don’t realize just how many calories there are in many common beverages. Drinks like wine, beer, coffee, and even juices can add hundreds of unnecessary calories throughout the day.
  • Eating too-large portions. It’s always smart to measure the portion size of your food before eating it, as it is very difficult to judge the amount of calories simply by looking at a food. You can do this by using a food scale or carrying plastic containers in the recommended sizes.

Diet Mistakes: 6 Reasons You're Not Losing Weight [WebMD]
14 Diet Foods To Avoid [Prevention]
13 Healthy Foods to Avoid For Weight Loss! [Active Beat]
Jillian Michaels: Weight-Loss Tips That Work [Health]

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How to Clean and Disinfect Wooden Cutting Boards

August 14, 2015 by

A wooden cutting board is an essential tool in any kitchen, but it's also one of the most confounding items when it comes to cleaning and disinfecting. Can you use water? Should you wash with regular dish soap? The list of questions is never-ending, but these tried-and-true methods will show you how it's done!

  1. The lemon and salt method. If you’re partial to using all-natural cleaning techniques in your kitchen, this may be the cutting board method for you. Simply sprinkle the cutting board with coarse salt, then use half of a lemon to scrape away deep-set stains and bacteria.
  2. The bleach method. Create a solution of 2 tablespoons of bleach per 1 gallon of water, then wipe your cutting board using quick, swift motions to avoid waterlog. Be sure to rinse thoroughly before using.
  3. The vinegar method. Another great all-natural way to clean your cutting board is by using simple white vinegar. Sprinkle baking soda all over the cutting board and spray it with a spray bottle of vinegar, as the vinegar has natural disinfecting properties. Allow the paste to bubble, then wipe it away with a cold, wet cloth.
  4. The hydrogen peroxide method. First, wipe your cutting board with a paper towel soaked in white vinegar, then finish the job with a second paper towel soaked in hydrogen peroxide to kill germs.

How to Clean a Cutting Board: 7 Effective Treatments [Reader’s Digest]
How To Clean a Wooden Cutting Board with Lemon and Salt [The Kitchn]
How to Clean a Cutting Board [Clorox]

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5 Essential Tools Every Kitchen Should Have

August 7, 2015 by

Whether you’ve just moved into your first apartment, or you’re simply an inexperienced home chef, buying the proper tools for the kitchen may seem pretty overwhelming. Before you head out to the kitchen supply store, read up on this list of essential items that every kitchen should have — and avoid purchasing items that you’ll likely never use.

  1. A chef’s knife. While it’s okay to purchase inexpensive, mid-level knives for spreading and slicing soft foods, every kitchen should have at least one high-quality chef’s knife. Splurge on this multi-purpose knife to avoid a potential injury when cutting something tough, such as meat or crunchy vegetables.
  2. A cutting board. Instead of chopping veggies and herbs right on the kitchen counter, use a large wooden cutting board to make the job safer and more sanitary.
  3. Kitchen shears. Cut fat from meat, stems from herbs, and slits in bread dough with handy kitchen shears.
  4. A cast iron skillet. Because you can use it on the stovetop and in the oven, a cast iron skillet is versatile and useful.
  5. Measuring cups and spoons. Instead of eyeballing amounts of ingredients, get more out of your recipes by carefully measuring each item. Invest in high-quality cups and smaller spoons that encompass the most common measurements.

Essential Kitchen Tools [Cooking Light]
The Kitchn's Guide to Essential Prep Tools & Utensils [The Kitchn]
My Essential Kitchen Tools [Ruhlman]

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