Which Home Improvement Projects Are the Biggest Bang for Your Buck?

Which Home Improvement Projects Are the Biggest Bang for Your Buck?

Every home needs repair or renovation from time to time. Some of it may be that finishes are dated and worn out. Some may be personal preference — someone might just want a different arrangement for a kitchen or an expansive bathroom. And some may be that things need replacing because they’re failing, such as a roof. But when it comes to making an investment of time and money, what is the biggest return on your investment? Meaning, what might you get more back from the money you spent once you decide to sell your home?

Luckily, those kinds of things are what the experts track. They’ve figured out what repairs should be prioritized (hint: those holes in the wall need to go away). And then when it comes to renovations, the biggest bang for your buck project might surprise you: it’s a garage door replacement. What else should you try to do first? This graphic explains it.

For more information about Taxes, learn more here.

Guest Contributor: Sean Farrell

How to Make Your Backyard Perfect for Entertaining Guests

How to Make Your Backyard Perfect for Entertaining Guests

Throwing a party in your backyard is so much more than moving your guests from indoors to outdoors. There are certain things you need to prepare for depending on the time of day or year you decide to entertain your guests. Here are a few tips and tricks to help make your backyard perfect for entertaining friends and family at any time!

Outdoor kitchen

A party planner’s worst nightmare is having to isolate yourself in the kitchen, scrambling to get everything together. You want to be able to enjoy your own party that you’ve spent so much time preparing for. 

Who says you can’t prepare the food while you’re entertaining your guests? Setting up an outdoor kitchen is the perfect way to go about this. Install an outdoor sink for easy cleanup, and have an outdoor fridge to keep food and drinks cool for those hot summer days. Put together your canapés and tiramisu while you have a cold beer or a glass of wine. This way, you can have a chat with your guests and maybe even show off your cooking skills! 

Drink station 

A party’s not a party without a drink or three! Make drinks accessible to your guests at all times regardless of what you’re serving. You don’t want your guests having to ask you where they can get a drink, that’s embarrassing! Have a look online for inspiration - there are plenty of fun drink station ideas you can incorporate at your party. Put all the essentials together – glasses, plates, ice, shakers and straws, pop, beer, water, wine. Making it convenient for your guests to get their own drink means that you won’t have to worry about being the bartender the entire time!  

Outdoor dining

At every party, it’s important to feed your guests. When your guests leave with a full belly, that’s when you know the party was a success! Along with having good food, you should provide comfortable seating where everyone can enjoy the food. No one wants to stand around awkwardly while they eat. Invest in a beautiful outdoor dining set with a long table. Nothing is more intimate than sharing a delicious meal together. Seat everyone together an in a family-style and break bread! 

Photo from Pixabay

Make it Comfortable

Not everyone wants to sit at the dinner table the entire evening. Have a variety of seating options to keep everyone comfortable and relaxed. Get the outdoor furniture ready, so your guests can lounge out and enjoy the evening. Make sure you have some big and comfortable outdoor cushions lying around and a few throws to ensure you’re your friends and family don’t get cold. These are perfect for keeping the party going when the sun sets and the temperature drops.

Set the Mood

What marks a perfect outdoor party? It’s the atmosphere, of course! It doesn’t have to be an evening event for you to light a fire. The glow and crackling of a fire warms up your backyard and sets a nice, relaxing mood. If you don’t have an outdoor fireplace or a fire pit, you can recreate the ambience with real or battery-operated candles! Fairy lights and paper lanterns are also enchanting and will give your party a magical, whimsical effect. Be warned, with a mood like this, there is no doubt that your guests will want to stay late!

Wi-Fi ready backyard

Thanks to our digital age, everyone is posting things online. This includes your party! Make it easy for your guests to do so by ensuring there is a Wi-Fi connection in your backyard. If they want to show all their friends and family what a success your party is, let them! After all, you’ve put so much effort in making your backyard perfect for entertaining guests, why not let everyone know?

It’s time to swap out your lounge for your backyard. It’s a great chance to get outdoors and enjoy nature and fresh air. It’s alright if this is your first time throwing an outdoor party. By following these tips for creating a party-ready backyard, your guests are bound to be impressed!

Author’s bio:

New Zealand-based writer Harper enjoys hosting parties for family friends.  After enjoying a hearty meal, they love to sit back, relax and take in the view of the city's beautiful skyline with a glass of wine in hand. Check out more of her work on her personal blog.

Guest Contributor: Harper Reid

Bathrooms Trends of 2020

Bathrooms Trends of 2020

If youre buying a new home or just trying to freshen up the look of your bathroom, a timeless theme is key. Making a bathroom look at modern and up to date as possible without is showing its age quickly. Exacmples of bathroom treands that are HORRIBLY out of style would be; carpted floors, pink shell sinks, and the pastel colored toilets.I have provided some modern ideas and examples to get the creative juices flowing for ideas for future use.

Shiplap

 Shiplap wooden boards can be an super easy way to freshen up walls. With easy application these peel and stick strips can be adheard to any wall. This takes away the stress of paininting and can be easily cleaned and wiped down. Not to mention they can mask any dirt or dust as well so dirty walls will never be an issue again. Packages of shiplap can be bought at a reasonable cost too making it an affordable remodel. They can either be purchased as real wood boards that can be fitted and stacked to desired wall or, as decals. Being a slightly cheaper version but still getting the job done.

Marble Accents

 Marble is a beautiful and simple way to make any room or home look more expensive, and crisp. Marble accents can be subtle too. Weather it’s the counter tops, floors, or even as tiles in the shower. This will keep a bathroom from showing its age because just about everyone enjoys the clean, simple look of marble.

Colors

 Most bathrooms show their age by the colors used. It may sounds simple and boring but, monochrome or grayscale keep youthful. The colors and simple and easy on the eyes. Décor and surrounding accents are easy to find and match up and you don’t have to go searching all overall to keep a certain theme. The theme is simple, more or less “black and white”

Decorative Tile 

 Decorative tile is another trend that keeps getting more popular depending on how much of it you like, and where. Not only can it make a wonderful blacks splash or wall pattern. The mosaic and pattern of ther tile can make a room look beautiful. I have provided several examples of decorative tile and arrangements for sinks and surrounding tub areas.

Contributor: Klaudia Schueler

“How to Avoid Rookie Plumbing Mistakes”

“How to Avoid Rookie Plumbing Mistakes”

When you finally have your own home and a minor plumbing problem happens, you might start to feel one of the following: your home is brand new and it’s impossible to have major issues already; your bank account was drained by the purchase of your house and you really don’t feel like spending more money at the moment; you have a hands-on approach to everything and you feel like there’s no problem you can’t fix if you just set your mind on it; all of the above at the same time.

While your enthusiasm and self-reliance surely might help your finances in some situations as well as making your life easier, it might also make it considerably harder when you don’t know what you’re dealing with. Most experienced plumbers report that half of the repairs they’re called to do are caused by people trying to fix the original problem and turning it into a bigger nightmare in the process.

It’s important to remember that while some plumbing repairs are pretty much intuitive, not all plumbing problems are easily fixed with common-sense alone. The golden rule in this case (as well as in regards to any other task you’re not familiar with) would be to face the matter with a “when in doubt, ask a professional” attitude.

In the meantime, there are a few helpful tips you can follow to avoid turning a minor problem into a disaster and to keep your hydraulic system in good health.

10 Tips To Avoid Most Common Plumbing Mistakes We’re not talking rocket science of course, but approaching plumbing with little to no knowledge can still cause considerable damage both to your house and your wallet, so you might want to be careful and keep in mind a few of these tips below.

1. Use the Right tools

When you’re not familiar with the world of plumbing, you might think whatever tool you already have at home is as good as any. Unfortunately, that’s a very common mistake and one of the most dangerous, because 99 out of 100 times using the wrong tools will either cause a bigger problem or ruin your fixtures. It is recommended to use the right tools and proper fitting like parker hydraulic fittings.

Especially when dealing with chrome, for example, you might want to avoid using just any adjustable wrench you have lying around and invested in a strap wrench instead. This way, you’re going to kill two birds with one stone: you’ll avoid over-tightening and scratches on your brand new fixture. Awesome!

2. Drain Cleaner is NOT your friend

When dealing with a clogged pipe, your first instinct will be that of using a drain cleaner. It’s quick, it’s easy and it’s cheap so it’s understandable. What you don’t know is that using a drain cleaner does not guarantee your pipe is completely free from obstructions, which might cause a bigger clog in the future. Also, if used too often the chemicals of the drain cleaner will end up ruining your pipes.

3. The Plunger, On the Other Hand, is Your Best Friend

There should always be a plunger in your house. In most cases, it’s the tool-to-go for problems like toilet clogging or too much hair down the shower drain. It’s cheap and it does the job without ruining your fixtures. Owning more than one plunger at a time might be a good idea, too.

4. Don’t Become an Outlaw

A common mistake is thinking that as long as you do work in your own house, you’re not overstepping any line, but this way of thinking can quickly put you into trouble with the law. No matter what you decide to do within your four walls, there is a code to follow. Before replacing your piping or installing a new fixture, you will have to get a permit from local authorities. This is very important because otherwise you might get fined and your house might lose value on the market. It might also become impossible to sell it altogether.

5. Sweater Weather

This is important for everyone but essential for those who live in places with very frigid winters.

When the cold season hits, any exposed water pipe you might have in your house is at risk of freezing and frozen pipes can more easily break or burst. The solution to this problem is to insulate any pipe outside of your house, but also in your garage and in your basement.

Wrapping your pipes is more than a safety measure: it will effectively “isolate” them, leading to a more stable transfer of heat/cold. This means that during warmer seasons your water won’t be too hot, while during cold seasons it won’t take as long for the hot water to reach your faucet.

6. Your Toilet is Not a Trash Can…

If you have the habit of flushing anything that isn’t toilet paper down the toilet, you might want to stop doing so. Solid food waste, diapers, pads — these things belong in their respective bins and should not be flushed down the toilet because you might cause huge clogs that might eventually break your toilet.

7. ...and Neither is Your Garbage Disposal

For the same reason, you need to becareful when disposing of your food waste down your garbage disposal. Things like coffee grounds and food wrapping should not be going down the drain and doing so will only come back to bite you in the future.

8. Some Pipes Are Not Meant for Each Other

When changing or installing new pipes most people will probably consult a professional, but if you resolved to embark on this adventure on your own, please remember not all pipes work well together. For example, copper and galvanized pipes will only end up corroding each other when connected.

9. Turn Off the Water

This might sound obvious, but it’s actually a very easy step to forget. Before attempting any work on your piping remember to turn off your water supply unless you want to turn your house into a waterpark.

10. Small problems = Future Big Problems

No matter if you’re planning on fixing a problem yourself or calling a plumber, never ever put off repairs. You don’t know when and how quickly a small problem can escalate into an emergency that will be way more expensive to fix in terms of time and money.

Conclusion

In conclusion, everyone has attempted to fix a plumbing problem on their own at one point in their lives, so don’t feel too bad if you made any of these mistakes. Keep these tips in mind next time and remember: the safest option will always be to rely on a professional.

Guest Contributor: Mark William

Top 7 Tips for Great Air Quality in Your Working Area

Top 7 Tips for Great Air Quality in Your Working Area

Poor air quality can lead to a multitude of different health problems. It can trigger allergies, irritate eyes, aggravate asthma and if there’s long-term exposure, it can cause serious health issues. Good quality air is vital for a healthy work environment. Here we look at 7 top tips that are going to keep you healthy.

1.) Ventilation

Workspaces can often get very stuffy. You can have the likes of odors, dust and chemical smell from cleaners. One of the easiest ways to get better quality air is simply by opening up the workspace and letting air flow through it.

This isn’t just about getting the clean air from outside, it’s also about getting rid of the air in your office, which can often be quite humid. There is a word of warning, however. If you work in a city center then the air outside may not be the cleanest.

2.) Use an Air Purifier

If you want the highest quality air, get an air purifier . They work to remove dust and other small pieces of debris from the air. This is perfect for anyone with allergies especially but everyone is going to benefit from not having those pollutants in the air.

They work by sucking the surrounding air and running it through various types of filters. The air then comes out of the other side much nicer and easier to breathe. Even a highly-effective air filter is quite affordable and would be a great option.

3.) Clean your AC

While an air conditioning unit can help to clear the air to some extent, their primary use is to keep you comfortable, and not healthy. It can be easy to forget about them and let them do their job without ever thinking about maintaining them.

In reality, it’s vital that you clean and maintain air conditioning units. They accumulate dust and dirt over time and you don’t want them sitting there. There is also the threat of Legionnaire’s disease that is caused by breathing in a mist that can contain bacteria. This can potentially be from unclean AC’s.

4.) Clean the Area of Dust

It is not just the dust in the air that needs purifying, it’s dust everywhere. Clearing your workspace of as much dust as possible will improve air quality. The most obvious culprit here is from the carpets as they need to be vacuum cleaned regularly.

Aside from that, there are also blinds, computers, work areas and any other exposed surfaces that will need to be cleaned. Sometimes a little hard work is needed to get your air quality the highest it could possibly be.

5.) Bring in Some Plants

Everyone knows that plants use up carbon dioxide and give off oxygen. It makes them great for preventing an office space from feeling stuffy and humid. This is especially a great option in those city areas where the air outside isn’t the healthiest.

You do want to be careful about what type of plants you’re going to use. Any that produce pollen is a no-go and you want them to be as easy to maintain as possible. Not only will they improve air quality but they will also make your working area a lot nicer.

6.) Don’t use Industrial Cleaners

Ever been into a kitchen or any other area that has just been bleached? For some, it will instantly give them a headache or make them light-headed. Any use of chemicals in a working area should be limited to only when absolutely necessary.

There are plenty of more friendly cleaners out there on the market that will also kill off bacteria. Using chemicals in a confined space can often do more harm than good. It’s best to avoid them when you can and the air quality will improve because of it.

7.) Check your Appliances

In a working area, there can be numerous types of devices, products, and appliances that can cause air quality to worsen. This could be exposed chemicals, a small gas leak or an inefficient heating system that hasn’t been maintained for years.

It’s important to check appliances regularly and get a professional to give them the green light. Some issues aren’t always that obvious and could be causing illness and headaches etc. Checking them will not only keep air quality high but it’ll also give you peace of mind.

The Importance of Air Quality

The negative effects of air quality aren’t always apparent. Health issues such as headaches can be caused by a wide range of factors and they could be blamed on another issue when, in fact, it was due to the poor air quality.

Longer-term, the effects can be very serious. Respiratory and lung issues have long been linked to air pollution. It’s important to take steps as soon as possible to improve your working area and you’ll soon notice a cleaner, more productive and healthier environment.

Author Bio: Steve Brian is a blogger and writer lived in Los Angeles. He likes swimming, traveling and hiking. He contributes articles about indoor air at airbetter.org.

Guest Contributor: Steve Brian

Common Bad Roofing Decisions You Should Avoid

Common Bad Roofing Decisions You Should Avoid

Buying a home should be seen as a long-term investment, which means that people should have no reservations when it comes to making sure that the structure is sturdy. Homeowners should include getting a sturdy roof to protect themselves from the elements.

Getting a sturdy roof to protect the home is only the first step since homeowners must also check on their roofs to ensure that they will stay protected from the harsh elements without complication. However, most homeowners neglect their roofing and make bad decisions when it comes to maintaining them.

Neglecting to Inspect the Roof

Many homeowners are content to know that they have a roof covering their heads and neglect to check on its current status. Our roofs will sustain damages throughout their service lives, and inspecting them is a must before any problems with them become worse enough to cause inconveniences.

Not Remedying the Problems Immediately

Inspecting the roof is one thing, but taking steps to fix the problems spotted during an inspection is another. Some homeowners deliberately neglect to fix the issues since they believe that their roofs can still withstand the weather and offer adequate protection. Due to their neglect, many minor issues tend to worsen and cause significant damages to the roof. Homeowners will also likely see whether their gutters are clogged or not when inspecting the roof, which is why cleaning them is a must. Gutters clogged with dead leaves, twigs, and other debris won’t be able to drain water through the downspout, resulting in water damage on the roof and other parts of the house. Roofs damaged due to curling or missing shingles will need to be replaced as soon as possible. Poorly maintained roofs will also need to be replaced when they’re past their service lives. When the roof has curling or missing shingles, it iss wise to replace them as soon as possible. Roofs that are past their service lives must also be replaced, primarily when they are poorly maintained.

Settling with Low-Quality Roofing Materials

Roof replacements are expensive, which is why homeowners must properly maintain the roofs that they have to ensure that it can stand up to the harsh elements. However, a time may come when homeowners have no choice but to replace their roofs. Some homeowners might look for ways to save money during the initial purchase, which can mean getting a roof with low-grade materials. People can indeed save money now when they settle for the cheapest option, but the level of protection such roofing can give is never assured. Relying on the cheapest roofing contractors. Another mistake that homeowners commit in their bid to save money is relying on the cheapest roofing contractor to install their roofs. Having a reputable roofer handle the roof’s installation should be a homeowner’s priority, but due to how costly it can be, some are forced to look for alternatives. An experienced and reliable roofing contractor may be rather pricey, but their services are guaranteed to be of high quality. There is no guarantee that a cheap contractor can do the job well, and there is also the possibility that the installation will be done poorly.

Conclusion

Roofs are expensive, which is why people should invest in them to ensure that they will receive the best protection from the elements. When the homeowners have already decided on the roofing material for their homes, then they should rely on the best residential roofing contractor to install the roof for them. After having a durable roof, homeowners should conduct regular maintenance checks to make sure that they won’t fail at a crucial time.

Guest Contributor: Jeremy Kinsworthy

Farm House Inspired Bathrooms

Farm House Inspired Bathrooms

Currently, the “farm house” style has been a significantly popular theme when decorating or tieing together a home. Not to mention that you can turn any room or space into this look with using simple ideas that can come at a reasonable cost. The main focus of the style is keeping it modern with a cozy feel. Making any room or space welcoming with its warm and “homey” feel.

 Besides practicality and simplicity, the farmhouse style also combines the beauty of rural architecture and the comfort of modern structures. Place comfortable pieces of furniture, use warm or cool neutrals or earth tones, add metal accents, and get yourself a farmhouse-themed home. The coziness promises a “home sweet home” vibe and relaxation and fun at the same time for you and your guests.

What makes the farmhouse style attractive to homeowners is that it doesn’t limit creativity. There are no hard rules in sporting a farmhouse style. You can use different textures, such as metal, stone, and wood, and mix and match your favorite pieces in a unique but appealing way. If you plan on buying farmhouse decors, consider sourcing them out from one store.

Barn Doors

Not only just a functional, the barn door style make a great statement to any home. Different styles or worn wood and colors of stain are used to match or mix match complemetnign colors in a home. Doors are typically large, heavy wood held up on a track to slide the panel for entry.  Bold brass handeles or knobs are picked and attached if the door didn’t come with them already.

Colors

Tradionally colors are kept simple and basic. For example walls are usually left a fresh clean whites, greys and even light blues. This way accessories or acomaning wall art or furniture stands out against the blank slate. Statement pieces are usually bold primary colors. Such as blacks, blues, and different shades of brown depending on the wood furnishings.

Staple Pieces

The farm house theme usually has a few things come to mind immideatly; shiplap, hardwood, and the wash tub style sink. All once considered old fashioned at one point but are now being treated as back in style with a modern facelift. Utilities most commonly are porciline or stainless steel. Big washtub style sinks held in a warn wood utility cabinet. Yiu can dress these up with mix and match knobs or handles to give them a unique and personal characteristic.

Keep it Simple

Simple and clean are the guidelines to live by in this case. No over crowding with knickknacks, busy colors, or clutter. A clean space for a clean mind. The farmhouse theme is a simple design to welcome you to your home and keep it inviting to guests. Decorating should include, simple but rustic pieces. Examples of pieces could be antique objects, woven baskets, worn wood furnihsings, and even that looks weathered and tarnished. Old is new in this case.

Guest Contributor, Klaudia Schueler

7 Ways a Nebulizing Diffuser Can Improve Your Home

7 Ways a Nebulizing Diffuser Can Improve Your Home   

A nebulizing diffuser can greatly improve your home. From the wonderful supply of savory scents, to microbe-fighting power, there is so much to look forward to. Before diving into the many benefits, let us consider what a nebulizing diffuser is. The market provides a host of diffusers to choose from; among them being nebulizing diffusers. A nebulizing diffuser works in a superior way to give you optimal aromatherapy benefits.

The Nebulizing Diffuser and How it Works

The nebulizing diffuser achieves the highest rate of essential oil dispersal into the air. This optimized rendering makes it possible to enjoy all the wonderful therapeutic benefits of aromatherapy. In addition, this diffuser is quiet, safe and does not need any heat or water to function. The Nebulizing Diffuser by Organic Aromas is also aesthetically pleasing; it is a piece of inspired art in your space. This aromatherapy tool works by using pressurized air employing a fluid dynamics formula known as the Bernoulli principle. When you get the nebulizing diffuser, you can improve your home in the following ways;

1. Fight Odors Effectively

Garbage disposal mechanisms in your home can present with many challenges. Blocked drainages are prone to unpleasant smells as well. Even after drainages are cleared, dealing with foul smell can be an issue. A nebulizing diffuser can help you transform bad smells into pleasant scents. Essential oils are highly aromatic and incorporating them into your garbage disposal and drainage management can improve your home drastically. You can play around with many aromas to keep your home crisp. Citrusy scents as well as lavender or rose are popular when it comes to adding freshness into your home. Choose the scent that fits your home best.

1. Fight odors effectively

Garbage disposal mechanisms in your home can present you with many challenges. Blocked drainages are prone to unpleasant smells as well. Even after drains are cleared, dealing with foul smell can be an issue. A nebulizing diffuser can help you transform bad smells into pleasant scents. Essential oils are highly aromatic and incorporating them into your garbage disposal and drainage management can improve your home drastically. You can play around with many aromas to keep your home crisp. Citrusy scents as well as lavender or rose are popular when it comes to adding freshness into your home. Choose the scent that fits your home best.

2. Fight Disease-causing Microbes

Viruses, fungi and bacteria always pose a threat to your health. In your home, getting rid of these dangerous microbes can reduce flus, colds and other illnesses. A nebulizing diffuser will disperse essential oils into your home to kill these microbes. In fact, dangerous airborne microbes are greatly reduced by the oils. Most oils are potent antimicrobial agents that cleanse the air and surfaces of your home to keep your family protected. Dangerous microbes are able to conveniently hide in carpets and other conducive areas in the home.  A nebulizing diffuser action reaches every inch of the home for optimal cleansing. Keep in mind that studies have shown that some essential oils are more effective in killing microbes than most conventional cleaning agents. Diffusing fights germs without causing any harm to your health. It is therefore a safe way to cleanse your home. A diffuser also improves the air in your home; keeping your airways moist; this also prevents flus and colds. Some of the best essential oils to diffuse for the ultimate antimicrobial effect include lemon, thyme, sage, tea tree, rosemary and grapefruit.  

3. Repel Bugs Naturally

Bugs are always bothersome; and if you are grappling with insects such as mosquitoes and ants in your home, a nebulizing diffuser is what you need. Studies have confirmed that using essential oils in your home can repel bugs like mosquitoes and ants effectively. You don’t have to buy expensive harmful chemicals to achieve good results. In fact, mosquitoes carrying the notorious Zika virus have been effectively repelled using essential oils. Modern bug repellants indeed come with a host of ill effects and to this end, a diffuser is the best way to protect your home. Some of the best oils for this application include lemongrass and clove essential oils. Bugs do not only cause serious diseases; but they also affect the hygiene standards of your home.

4. Inject Positive Energy into Your Home

It is no secret that essential oils have mood-lifting power. When you are feeling low, diffusing some oil can transform your outlook and leave you feeling much better. These oils can also cultivate a romantic atmosphere as needed. A nebulizing diffuser works best to deliver the perfect aromatic balance in your home. Some of the best mood elevating oils to diffuse include vanilla, rose, jasmine, sweet orange, sandalwood; the list goes on. A positive inviting mood in your home is invaluable.

5. Control your Appetite Naturally

With a new realization on healthy living, more and more people are considering adopting healthy habits. If your appetite is over the roof, a nebulizing diffuser can actually help you. New studies are now revealing that some essential oils such as peppermint oil can curb appetite naturally. The oil works by helping you feel full when you are craving for your favorite unhealthy snack. The new research also revealed that peppermint oil triggers more energy in the body and this helps control appetite. A healthy you makes a healthy home.

6. Save money

As hinted to above, a nebulizing diffuser helps control microbes, repel bugs, fights stress among many others. In the long term, you save money because you do not have to buy expensive pesticides, antibacterial agents, sleeping pills and so on. Investing in a diffuser means investing in better health; and this saves you money. You will be delighted to learn that a nebulizing diffuser does not cost an arm. This aromatherapy tool is affordable and available in the market.  

7. Add a Beautiful Centerpiece in Your Space

    Nebulizing diffusers such as the ones made by Organic Aromas are not just functional; they also make for artistic additions to your space. Carefully crafted with plantation hardwood bases and hand blown pyrex glass, these diffusers are designed for display. Choose a design that appeals to you most. As you can see, your home has  a lot to gain when you choose a nebulizing diffuser. Keep in mind that some diffusers such as ultrasonic types use water to diffuse oils. This affects the potency and efficacy of the oil. When it comes to oil lamps, they are not just messy but they are highly flammable and dangerous. Candle diffusers use heat and heat will denature essential oils leading to less effective results. Therefore, a quality nebulizing diffuser will make all the difference in any home.

Guest Contributor, Gayle

Including Buffet Furniture for Home Improvement

Placing cabinets around the dining area in order to store crockeries or for displaying them enhances the beauty of the place. This piece of furniture that is constructed with a combination of cupboards and drawers is perfect for optimum storage. The initial design of this furniture was called sideboard which has evolved over the period of time.

The Purpose of Having Buffet Furniture

This furniture serves a similar purpose to a sideboard but with the exception in design. Buffet is a system of serving food in a manner where diners can serve themselves. This concept of displaying is applied at households where extra crockeries are kept in this storage space along with dishes that might be consumed later.

Having this furniture can avoid a lot of clutter and mess on the dining table. In the early times, butlers would use this place to set up the platter properly before presenting it on the dining table. Cutleries like spoons, forks, knives, plates and bowls can be kept in these cabinets in order to make more space in the kitchen. A  buffet furniture  is considered to be more substantial than the other similar furniture styles.

One of the greatest advantages of these is that any item store inside is at a hand’s reach but inside a closed storage. This provides a closed intimacy and privacy that the owners might prefer. There are some people who do not like displaying their belongings. Here are some of the creative ideas for optimum utilization of buffet furniture:

1. For storing casseroles, plates, spoons, napkins, table mats, and more.

2. Displaying certain treasured collections.

3. Creating a place to store children products.

4. Placing decorative lights and lamps.

5. Arranging drinks, spirits and brews.

6. A place to keep tea and coffee machines.

7. Keep cooking books or magazines.

8. Managing clutter in the house.

The Different Designs of Buffet Furniture

People often make a mistake between the concept of a buffet and a sideboard. To put it in simpler words, when the furniture is placed and meant for a living room, it will be known as a sideboard. Subsequently, when the furniture is designed for the dining room, it becomes a buffet. These are basically the two differences between the furniture with the same built that are used in different rooms.

• Buffets have a lower countertop in comparison to the sideboard. This speciality makes it easier to serve drinks and food. However, despite of the popular concept of this furniture, alterations can always be made. These changes depend on the style and pattern of the entire room in which the furniture is being placed.

• Other than this, the number of cabinets and drawers that are included in the buffet can also be more or even less depending on personal preferences. The other advantage with buffet is that they can be used as console tables as well.

• Different types of materials can be used to make this piece of furniture but people mostly prefer oak and mahogany for the aesthetic and polished finish. Metal is very rarely seen when it comes to using it in buffet furniture due to the inconvenience and unpleasing look. Having a wooden finish compliments it with the rest of the room as well.

Households would furnish their houses with sideboards even in the early 18 th  century but the design was different in comparison. This concept was only common in those households who could afford to dedicate one room for the sole purpose of dining. The present version of this furniture is commonly known as buffet furniture.

Guest Contributor, Jessica Curry

The Best Locations and Positions to Place Security Camera Systems

The Best Locations and Positions to Place Security Camera Systems

If you are reading this article, then chances are you already know or want to know about the importance of security camera systems. Security camera systems keep your property safe from burglars and other mischievous perpetrators who damage or vandalize your property. They have become very much prevalent and you can find its usage in both residential and commercial purposes. Whichever security camera system you choose for yourself, placing it correctly is the primary aspect that will define its effectiveness. While installing the security cameras, one of the key factors that you need to take into consideration is that it should be placed well so that it covers the maximum area.  This article will summarize the best locations and positions to place your security camera system to maximize its effectiveness.

Right Place to Install A Security Camera System:

#1. Near the windows that are situated off-street - Place a security camera system near the windows that are facing towards the street, it will deter the burglars who mostly prefer to use a rear window that is cut off from the view from the street that protects them from getting caught. A security camera system will keep those windows and thereby your home safe from thieves and vandals.

#2. Near the main door - The most important placement for your security camera systems is the main door of your home. Not only does it saves you from burglars entering through the front door, it can also act as a peephole and let you know who is at the door so that you can get some time and safe distance to decide whether or not you want to open the door for the visitor.

#3. Near the back door - It is one of the most vulnerable areas where the burglars are going to enter your home. Hence, you must also take this place into consideration. Installing security camera systems at the back door is a must for the independent homeowners. As suggested before, keep your cameras out of human reach and keep it protected from the possibilities of things being thrown at them.

#4. Other places to cover - After you have protected the front and back door and the off-street windows, you may consider making your house even safe by placing your security camera system in some other places in your property’s vicinity.

• The garage

• Driveways

• Second floor

• The basement

Common Mistakes That Should Be Avoided While Placing Your Security Camera Systems

#1. Do not forget to secure your security camera systems - Security camera systems can be easily tampered, stolen with or even damaged by perpetrators if not secured properly. The camera should ideally be placed 9 feet above the ground to keep it out of trouble’s reach. Also, make sure that the outside cameras are well protected from the harsh weather conditions.

#2. Avoid choosing the highest point for camera placement - Although placing the security camera systems at the highest point in your property will give it a better view, a detailed look of a perpetrator’s feature will not be evident from such heights. You might not be able to identify the criminal at all. To know the best place to install the cameras, you  must consult the seller . They will assess the place and will also help you in the placement of cameras.

#3. Do not forget to provide proper lighting - Irrespective of how well your security cameras systems are placed, they will be rendered useless in dark places or during the night without proper lighting. There must be ample lighting such that the security camera systems can get a clear recording and picture. Security camera systems are fast becoming a necessity of every household given the increase in crimes in recent years. Keep this article in mind while placing your security camera systems for them to work effectively and you to have peace of mind.

Guest Contributor, Jessica Curry