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Where to Shop Industrial-Style Furniture and Decor Online

July 23, 2015 by

Want to get in on the industrial-chic trend? You can inject the cool, hip home decor style into your space at BLVD l Loudoun Station with help from these popular retailers. A bit of distressed metal here, a dash of reclaimed wood there, and your cozy rental will take on the big-city loft vibe that you’ve always wanted!

Dot & Bo
Although this popular online home goods retailer is best known for its affordable selection of mid-century modern furnishings, it’s also a great resource for finding industrial furniture pieces that look like they came straight from a converted warehouse. Browse metal pendant lights, concrete planters, and even Parsons desks with perfectly weathered wood tops.

World Market
This affordable, eclectic housewares store offers an impressive selection of industrial-inspired furniture items that includes wooden beds, coffee tables on rolling casters, and metal bar carts perfect for entertaining.

Industrial Home
The name says it all at this popular online retailer. Industrial Home carries what it describes as “a vintage twist on modern industrial living,” which includes a great selection of antique-inspired light fixtures, warm leather sofas and rugged, wooden dining tables that offer that signature loft feel.

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Uses for a French Press — Beyond Coffee!

July 17, 2015 by

Many people are jumping in on the French press trend because it makes barista-quality coffee quickly and easily right at home. If you own a French press, however, you might be surprised to find that you can use it for much more than just brewing your morning cup of joe. Here are a few unique uses for your French press.

  • Making tea. This one may be fairly obvious, but many people don’t realize that they can also use a French press for tea. Simply fill the bottom with tea bags or loose leaf tea, then brew as usual.
  • Frothing milk. If you consider frothed milk a luxury of the coffee shop, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find that you can froth your own milk by simply adding it to the French press and pumping it up and down a few times.
  • As a strainer. Use your French press to strain just about anything, even pesky quinoa that usually slips through the cracks. Just add things like spinach, fresh fruit, or even shrimp and dispense the water. Just make sure to thoroughly clean the press afterward!
  • Infusing oils. Mix herbs and spices with olive oil and heat the mixture in a saucepan over medium heat. Allow the mixture to cool, then transfer it to the French press and strain out the herbs.

5 More Uses For Your French Press! [The Kitchn]
14 {Other} Ways to Use a French Coffee Press [Preparedness Mama]
Use Your French Press to Make Whipped Cream [LifeHacker]

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3 Health Benefits of Strength Training Exercises

July 10, 2015 by

Even if you don’t plan on bulking up or competing in weight lifting competitions any time soon, strength training is a crucial part of any exercise regimen. Here are three great reasons to incorporate weight training into your workouts.

  1. It promotes strong bones. Weakening bones is a concern that all people have to face as they age. The stress that strength training puts on your bones increases their density and prevents osteoporosis, keeping you strong and healthy as years pass.
  2. It helps to control your weight. While you might relate weight loss with intense cardiovascular workouts, strength training is just as important if you want to lose weight. Gaining muscle increases your metabolism and causes your body to burn calories more efficiently.
  3. It gives you more energy. Like all workouts, strength training increases your stamina and helps you to stay alert and focused. After a few weeks of regular weight lifting or body weight exercises, you’ll notice that you feel more energized throughout the day. Some scientific studies even show that years of regular strength training exercises help to sharpen your focus and keep your mind attentive as you age.

Strength training: Get stronger, leaner, healthier [Mayo Clinic]
7 Reasons to Add Strength Training to Your Workout Routine [Everyday Health]
Benefits of Strength Training [Body Building]

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Your Kids Can Hone Their Math Skills on These Fun, Free Websites

July 9, 2015 by

It can be difficult to help a child who is struggling with math, whether they’re learning basic elementary addition or complex algebraic equations. If your son or daughter needs a bit of extra practice outside of the classroom, these fun and free math websites can help improve their skills and make them excited about learning.

Knowledge Adventure’s Math Games
Knowledge Adventure is a colorful website that enables users to tailor math games to their child’s specific grade level. Each game features adorable cartoon characters, exciting graphics, and fun levels that are so silly, your little one may not even know that they’re also educational.

Math Playground
This rainbow-hued collection of games spans math-related topics like addition, multiplication, fractions, and pre-algebra. Kids can navigate the site’s easy-to-use features entirely on their own, or you can browse by grade level to find games related to the specific areas where your child is struggling.

Fun Brain
Fun Brain is an educational website that offers fun games in a variety of different schools subjects, and its Math Arcade section includes five games perfect for elementary students. Choose between games like Space Slingshot and Math Baseball to make learning arithmetic fun for your child.

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Stylish Storage Solutions for Arts and Crafts Supplies

June 26, 2015 by

Whether you’re an avid crafter or your children are often doing art projects at home, you know how difficult it can be to find storage space for all of those paints, markers, fabrics, crayons, and other supplies. Here are just a few stylish ways that you can keep your arts and crafts supplies neatly organized until your next DIY project.

Mason Jar Storage System [redtri.com]
Turn your storage solution into an art project in itself. This colorful DIY idea involves covering old mason jars in fun, pattered washi tape, then using those jars to store everything from markers to paint brushes and even loose buttons.

Kids’ Craft Apron [www.bhg.com]
If your child has trouble keeping his or her craft supplies together while doing a project, you can make this simple apron as your next family art project. Simply take an old gardening apron, use the belt to tie it to the side of your child’s crafting table, and fill the spacious pockets with all of the essentials.

Hanging Storage Bins [apartmenttherapy.com]
Screw a metal rod from any home goods store into your wall, then attach S-shaped hooks and hang bins in all sizes from each hook. You can use these to keep your art supplies within reach but off of your tabletop.

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How to Exercise Outdoors Safely During the Summer

June 18, 2015 by

While running outdoors in the summer can be more enjoyable than in the winter, it comes with its own set of adjustments and safety hazards. Whether you already have a set running schedule or you’re looking to begin a morning jogging routine this summer, here are a few things that you should know to help beat the heat.

  1. Choose the right time of day. Instead of running during your lunch break when the sun is at its hottest, opt instead for an early morning or late afternoon jog. As a general rule, avoid running during the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
  2. Wear sunscreen. You might not think about it like you would, say, at the beach, but you’re at just as much risk for sunburn while running. Be sure to wear something around SPF 45.
  3. Stay hydrated from the get-go. Most runners recommend drinking a full glass of water before you even set out on your run to avoid dehydration. While running, stop for a drink every 15 minutes (even if you’re not thirsty).
  4. Pay attention to your body. If you feel dizzy, lightheaded, or nauseated while running, slow to a walk (or stop running altogether) and seek out a shaded spot to rest.

8 Tips for Exercising in Summer Heat [Active.com]
20 Ways To Have a Rockin' Outdoor Workout [Greatist.com]
Summer Safety: 8 Outdoor Fitness Training Tips To Help You Keep Cool [Medical Daily]

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Check Out These Fun Facts About U.S. National Parks

May 22, 2015 by

If you’re looking for an affordable vacation that enables you to get in touch with nature, visiting a national park is a great option. There are numerous National Parks throughout the country that offer outdoor activities, camping, and much more. Here are some facts about the nation’s most interesting parks.

  • The National Parks System has 397 national parks on record, but some of them don’t seem like parks at all. Abraham Lincoln’s birthplace, for example, is considered a National Park.
  • Perhaps the most famous National Park, Yellowstone National Park, is also the country’s first. Ulysses S. Grant signed a law deeming it a National Park way back in 1872.
  • Mount McKinley, the highest point in North America, is located in Denali National Park and Preserve. The lowest point in the Western hemisphere is also located in a National Park; it is Death Valley, and it is found in Death Valley National Park in California.
  • There are two National Parks located north of the Arctic Circle: Gates of the Arctic National Park and the Kobuk Valley National Park. Both are located in Alaska.
  • More than 280 million people from all over the world visit American National Parks each year.

National Park System Fun Facts [ NPS]
Facts About US National Parks [U.S. National Parks]
Little-Known Facts About America's National Parks [Huffington Post]

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Add a Splash of Green to Your Apartment With These Easy-Care Houseplants

May 21, 2015 by

There’s no better way to breathe new life — quite literally! — into your apartment than by adding a few lush, green houseplants to every room. Even if you don’t exactly have a green thumb, these low-maintenance plants will last for years with minimal care.

  1. Pothos. The pothos plant is one of the most common houseplants, and you’ve likely noticed its trailing stems filled with marbled green leaves in many offices and homes. Aside from its beautiful appearance, this plant also requires little light, minimal watering, and even helps to remove toxins from the air.
  2. Aloe. Spiky aloe plants do best in direct sunlight on a windowsill, and because they prefer dry soil, they’re perfect for the forgetful indoor gardener.
  3. Jade. This succulent plant is one of the most interesting in appearance, as it contains thick, rubbery leaves that grow across criss-crossing branches. It also has a very long lifespan of a decade or more.
  4. Snake plant. The snake plant, also known as “mother-in-law’s tongue,” is an affordable alternative to pricey floor plants, as its long, snake-like leaves grow upright in a unique and attractive way. It requires little watering, and it doesn’t mind low sunlight.
  5. Fiddle Leaf Fig. Although it can be a bit finicky, few plants make as much of an impact as the stylish, trendy fiddle fig. If you keep it in bright sunlight it can even grow as high as the ceiling.

24 of the Easiest Houseplants You Can Grow [Better Homes & Gardens]
The 15 easiest indoor house plants that won't die on you. [Today Home]
Easy Houseplants [This Old House]

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Calling All Artists: Check Out These Drawing Tips and Tutorials on Pinterest!

April 17, 2015 by

You love to draw, but taking an art class might be too time-consuming. Just like with most things, you can find everything you need to improve your art skills right on the Internet! Pinterest boasts a number of drawing tutorials, painting tips, and other ways to connect with experienced artists without leaving the comforts of your own laptop.

Drawing Tutorials
If you’re a visual learner looking for a bit of assistance improving your sketches, the Drawing Tutorials board on Pinterest can help. This board is filled with links to videos that will show you the mechanics of drawing landscapes, sketching the details of a person’s lips, and even creating beautiful drawings on a chalkboard.

Draw
You don’t particularly need to watch instructional videos, but you could use a bit of guidance when it comes to drawing. This board contains endless sources of drawing inspiration, as well as diagrams and daily assignments to help you improve your drawing skills. You can also use the additional tabs at the top to browse the Draw board by doodles, anime, sketches, or whichever type of drawing that you’re most interested in.

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Interior Design 101: Decorating Tips for Beginners

April 16, 2015 by

So you didn’t go to school for interior design? No big deal; you can still transform your home into a designer-worthy space using just a few simple tips. These handy tricks will show you how to inject a stylish, inspiring look into any room in your home.

  1. Use symmetry. If you’re unsure of how to arrange the furniture in a room or hang frames on a wall, simply keep the idea of symmetry in mind. Symmetrical rooms are more pleasing to the eye, so try adding two sofas facing one another to help balance your living room.
  2. Consider the scale. Be sure to choose furniture in a size that fits your specific room. Choose large, overstuffed items for more open rooms and compact, apartment-sized furniture in smaller spaces.
  3. Choose a focal point. If the majority of your furniture is fairly plain, invest in one statement piece as an accent. Try a colorful chair, a large, framed painting, or an ornate rug.
  4. Use color to your advantage. Choose the color scheme of a room based on what type of emotion you want the room to convey. For example, use soft, soothing tones to encourage relaxation in a bedroom.
  5. Mix new and vintage pieces. While a room full of thrift store furnishings may look mismatched, using all brand new furniture looks impersonal. Combine the two styles for a designer look.

Top Interior Design Tips for Beginners [Bliss at Home]
Interior Design 101 [Visual.ly]
What are Some Interior Design Tips for Beginners? [Wise Geek]

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