Farmhouse Fall Decorations

Need some inspiration for fall decorations this year? Farmhouse decorations are a huge trend in 2021, it’s very easy to decorate to fit the vibe. Here are a couple of our favorite fall farmhouse themed decorations.

Chef Klaus Bier Stube in Frankfort, IL

Have you ever heard of Chef Klaus Bier Stube in Frankfort? This place is a “Cozy, knickknack-filled German eatery with hearty standards, beer & live oompah music on weekends” according to the business. They’re absolutely right. The atmosphere is German and authentic, you won’t be disappointed. We recently checked out this place, and it was amazing.

Located at 20827 S La Grange Rd Frankfort, IL 60423, Chef Klaus is a great authentic German restaurant. Kevin ordered a Weiner Schnitzel, and he said it was the best Weiner Schnitzel he’s ever had, and the best you’ll find around the south suburbs. If you’re not familiar with a Weiner Schnitzel, it’s a type of schnitzel made of a thin, breaded, pan-fried veal cutlet. Fun fact, the Weiner Schnitzel first appeared in the end of the 19th century, with the first known mention in a cookbook from 1831. In the popular southern German cookbook by Katharina Prato. This meal has been around for a long time, and Kevin has tried many Weiner Schnitzel, and this is the best around In addition to Wiener Schnitzels, they serve many other meat dishes, even burgers, and they choose only the best sorts of meats for burgers.

Let’s check out some of the yelp reviews on this place if we haven’t already motivated you to check it out.

“With the closing of the infamous Hofbräuhaus Chicago, Chef Klaus' remains one of the sole establishments in the greater-Chicago area for foodies and German-Americans to embrace their roots with delicious Münchner and Western European cuisine. Although some of der Krieg memorabilia is a bit questionable to display for today's standards, it serves as a historical cultural display. The live oompah entertainment is sure to solidify your dining experience and fly you abroad to Oktoberfest.” Aiden H, 5 star review, 8/15/2021

“The food was awesome and excellent portions and our waitress Andrea was the best! We can't wait to go again. A lot of nostalgia to look at that brought back memories of being stationed in Germany during the Cold War.” Michael T. 5 star review, 6/30/2021

“Bier Steak was absolutely cooked perfectly and about covered the entire plate! Challenge accepted!! Walked out of there one happy human!
I'll be back!” Rich B, 5 star review, 2/13/2021

In case you’re not familiar with the food and drinks they offer, here are some of the menu options, plus food dishes we’ve seen recommended.

• Weiner Schnitzel

• Bier Steak

Photo Credit: Bill P. via Yelp.com

Photo Credit: Bill P. via Yelp.com

Photo Credit: Bill P. via Yelp.com

Photo Credit: Bill P. via Yelp.com

Speaking of the beer menu, Kevin got one as well, and also said it was amazing. The size was large and it tasted perfect.

10 Causes Why Office Will Never Be the Same Comfortable as the Home Workplace

Everything changed over one year ago. A virus outbreak started small, but slowly spread through the entire world and turned into a global pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic changed the world, but not only. It changed the way we interact with each other; it changed the way we work, travel, and live at your home. People who were working in an office had to adapt to new changes or move home to settle there a permanent workplace. 

Companies and businesses could not risk the health of their employees, so working from home became the new normal. Of course, people who were working in the production field or department could not work remotely, but the great majority of people who are working from a computer can work from everywhere. All they need is a good connection to the internet, a desk and dedicated working space, and productivity. 

However, some people are thinking and hoping that we will soon return to what the world was before. Unfortunately, the global pandemic changed the world forever and some things will become the new normal. Adapting to these abrupt changes is difficult, but not impossible. Moreover, adopting a different perspective on how the pandemic changed the world could make us see the bigger picture and learn from our previous mistakes. 

So, office work will never be the same. But how will it change? Let’s take a look at the main 10 causes why this is happening. 

1. Remote work is here to stay forever

According to the latest reports of the cv writing service, before the pandemic, there was a small percentage of people that were able to work from home. There were even fewer digital nomads and this was because many companies and businesses were skeptical regarding remote work. They thought that because employees were able to work from wherever they want, they would not work at all. If before you needed to be a freelancer to have this flexibility, now things have changed. With the global pandemic that forced people to keep a physical distance to protect themselves, remote work has become the new normal. 

And it was something that taught many companies that it’s not like they think. Remote work comes with higher productivity, motivation, and job satisfaction. So, even though the vaccination is more popular and more and more people decide to vaccinate themselves, remote work is here to stay. Of course, people who would like to return to work from an office might be able to do so. But the great majority will continue working remotely. 

2. More Flexibility 

One of the benefits working from home came with is more flexibility. Employees were yearning for more flexibility from their jobs. Working on a strict schedule from 9 to 5 might give your life some structure, but sometimes you might need more flexibility. 

According to the reports of the best essay writing service review on college paper.org reviews, more flexibility does not mean less work, but a better organization. When working from home, you can organize your schedule however you want. When you take a break from working you can do your house chores or prepare your meal. However, there is a downside of too much flexibility. If you do not know how to make the difference between personal and work life, you could mix them and end up spending more time working and feeling exhausted. 

3. More Automation 

Some might think that automation is characteristic only to blue collars, but this is not true. Even though last year was not marked by tremendous advances in automation, this year is different. Automation is one of the things many companies and businesses choose to implement, something that will reduce the number of jobs available. But this automation of tasks could also allow some employees to focus on more complex tasks. 

4. Different Communication 

Working from home or remotely came with many changes for people that are working in a team. Communication and collaboration are essential in a team to ensure cohesion and productivity. However, as the global pandemic forced every team to work remotely, things have changed drastically. If before you could stop by your colleague’s office to discuss the project, now this communication is done online. There are video and audio calls that take place (using the Eyeson tool), but most communication is done on chats. And because everyone has the flexibility of organizing their schedule however they want, communication will be asynchronous. 

5. Collaborations with Freelancers 

Remote work opened a new door for many employees who decided to embark on the freelancer journey. Their number has grown tremendously and this grabbed the attention of companies and businesses. Freelancers are autonomous people who take on projects and deliver them by the deadline. Because there are more and more freelancers, companies and businesses will consider working and collaborating with them.

6. Productivity Metrics 

Before the pandemic when few companies allowed their employees to work remotely, productivity was measured considering some metrics. However, these metrics are no longer valid because everything changed now. The emphasis will be put on the quality of work, not on the quantity. 

7. Offices Will Have a Different Purpose 

One benefit working from home came with for the employers is reduced costs. They no longer have to pay the rent for the office, the utilities, and all the tools employees needed. However, this does not mean that they will get rid of the office. Offices will be smaller and they will be the place where teams meet and collaborate in person on different tasks. They can organize meetings for brainstorming or to get things done, but most work will be done remotely. 

8. Artificial Intelligence 

Just like automation, artificial intelligence and machine learning will be more and more present in our lives. And in our working lives too. According to the reviews of the assignment writing service, like writing services australia, many tasks are boring and dull and that could be done by automation or artificial intelligence. Software products based on this could make the workload of many employees less heavy, allowing them to avoid exhaustion and burnout. 

9. Employee Retention Will Be Challenging 

Because employees are working remotely, they no longer meet face to face. And even though this might be something some of them were looking for, integrating the new employees into teams will be challenging. There is a different bond or connection that gets established between team members when they are seeing each other during working days. 

10. Office Culture 

Some things are specific to every company. Each business has its goal, scopes, values, and so on. And these should reflect in the everyday work employees are doing. But teaching them the importance of the company culture and helping them feel it will be more difficult. 

Final Words 

Even though some people want to return to work from an office full time, others want to stay working remotely forever. Working from home comes with many benefits, both for employers and employees. But they also come with downsides. However, the office work will never be the same. There will be many changes that will take place, with AI, automation, machine learning, and freelancers making their way to the new office work and culture.

About the author:

Tiffany Harper is a training guru who’s been working in the corporate sector as a technology expert for several years now. She is a management graduate and loves to share her experience through blogs and expert articles with Aussiessay. For her love of writing, she provided online consultations for some research paper writing service while working with EssayWritingLand. Please do not hesitate to contact her on LinkedIn.

Pumpkin Patches in the South Suburbs

Fall is quickly approaching, which means its the season for pumpkin patches! There are various pumpkin patches around the south suburbs, but we’re here to tell you them all with honest reviews to help you pick the best one to visit!

1. Odyssey Fun Farm

Located at 18900 Oak Park Ave. Tinley Park, this pumpkin patch is fun for all ages!

Photo Credits: Odyssey Fun Farm

First on our list is Odyssey Fun Farm, located at 18900 Oak Park Ave. Tinley Park, 60477, I-80 to Harlem Ave S. to 191st E. to Prosperi Dr (near CarMax).

They begin the pumpkin patch season on Saturday, September 25th 2021, and their farm is located on a 110 acre farm!

Admission is as followed:

$22.00 Per Person
$24.00 Sat – Sun – Columbus Day

They have many attractions for all ages, including:

Giant Pillow Bouncy,

Expanded Barnyard Zoo

a Cow Train, Duck Races,

Hay Rides (Mask Required)

Pony Rides and more!

Additional prices are as followed:

Additionals:

$12.00 Per Person Zipline
$ 5.00 Per Person Containment Z Zombie Paintball Shooting Gallery
$ 8.00 Per Person Pony Rides (Must be 90lbs or less)
$ 2.00 Per Feed for Animals

They also have a well known Pac-man Maize.

Pac – Man 50th Anniversary

Picture credits: Odyssey Fun Farm

2. Bengtson’s Pumpkin Farm

13341 West 151st Street, Homer Glen, IL 60491

Photo Credits: Bengtson’s Pumpkin Farm

This is a well known pumpkin patch around the south suburbs.

The pumpkin farm opens on September 17th, 2021.

Prices are as followed:

Monday’s-Thursday’s: $18.99

Friday’s: $21.99

Saturday’s & Sunday’s: $29.99

Admission for babies under 1 is free!

There is an additional pony ride that can be purchased for $6.

They do offer military (active and veterans) entrance for free with proper identification.

The attractions they offer are as followed:

“Rockin’ Rabbits”

“Barrel Blast”

“Rooster Rodeo”

“Barnyard Dance Cow Coaster”

Gemstone and Arrowhead Mining Sluice

Fun Barn

Happy Swing

Free Selfie Booth

Pig races

Haunted Barn

Barnyard Animals & Petting Zoo

3. Puckerville Farms

13332 Bell Rd Lemont, IL 60439

Picture Credits: Puckerville Farms

Puckerville Farms is a family owned farm that offers pumpkins, Christmas tree’s and glass artwork.

They open their field from September 12th until October 31st.

They are open 7 days a week, hours as followed:

Monday-Sunday 10am-7pm.

The best part? Admission is free!

They have a “largest” pumpkin contest,

hayrides,

and face painting!

4. Butterprint Farm Pumpkin Patch

24936 S 80th Ave, Monee, IL 60449

Photo Credits: Butterprint Farm Pumpkin Patch

At this farm, they offer a variety of learning for kids.

Some of the activities you can expect to see at this farm is:

Rubber Duck Races

Crow Family Puppets

Corn Cracking and Processing

Petting Zoo

Rope Making

Butterprint Prairie Museum, and

Hayrides.

5. Kregel’s Pumpkin Patch

7705 W. 159th Ave, Lowell, IN 46356

Picture Credits: Kregel’s Pumpkin Patch

This one is a little further than the south suburbs, but still deserves an honorable mentioning. This place has many good reviews, it’s worth checking out!

They open the farm on September 25th, 2021, and close their doors on October 30th, 2021.

The hours are as followed:

Market

Monday - Saturday 9 am - 6 pm

Sunday 12 pm - 6 pm

Public Hayrides

Monday - Friday 11 am - 5 pm Every 30 minutes

Saturday 10 am - 5 pm Every 15 minutes

Sunday 12 pm - 5 pm Every 15 minutes

Prices for the farm:

General Admission - Masks are required

   - Farm Market No Fee Monday - Sunday

   - Barnyard Activities

   Friday-Sunday- Children $10, Adults    $8

  Monday - Thursday     Children $8, Adults     $6 

$1 Discount for Seniors 62+ (with ID)

Some fun things you can expect from this farm is:

Pumpkin Hayrides,

Pumpkin Peak Slide

Petting Zoo

Corn Maze

Barrel Train Ride

Sling Shot Challenge

Rat Rollers, and more!

6. Konow’s Corn Maze

16849 S Cedar Rd. Homer Glen, IL 60491

Picture Credits: Konow’s Corn Maze

This farm opens its doors on September 18th, 2021 closes their doors on October 30th, 2021, and offers events on certain dates, make sure you check out their website!

Admission Fees:

Monday – Friday: 3 and older: $12.00/person

Saturday & Sunday: 3 and older: $15.00/person
Ages 2 and younger: Free

Active Military & Veterans: Free with military ID (this applies to military and veteran individuals only)

Hours of Operation:

Monday 2PM – 8PM
Tuesday CLOSED
Wednesday 2PM – 8PM
Thursday 2PM – 8PM
Friday 10AM – 8PM
Saturday 10AM – 8PM
Sunday 10AM – 7PM

Admission includes:

Large Corn Maze,

Small Corn Maze,

2 Corn Pits,

Jump House,

Animal Barn,

Straw Playground,

2 Jumping Pillows, and more!

This pumpkin farm is DOG FRIENDLY!! However, you need to bring proof of current rabies shot and the dog must be leashed at all times.

7. Siegel’s Cottonwood Farm

17250 Weber Road, Lockport, Illinois 60441

Picture Credits: Siegel’s Cottonwood Farm

Siegel’s is open to the public from September 25th til Halloween from 10am to 6pm!

Pricing is as follows:

Online* $19.95 (Weekends and weekday price)

Onsite* $24.95 (Over 35 activities)

Online* Weekends All Inclusive Pass $31.95

(Includes General Admission, Gem Mining, & Paintball) Saturday/Sunday and Columbus Day

They also have many different types of discounts for admission prices so be sure to check out their page!

General Admission includes:

Giant Tic Tac Toe

Giant Checkers

Zach’s Farm Animals

Wheel’s of FunLand

Barnyard Playland

Port Cottonwood Playland

Maddie’s Mansion & Chalets Playland

Miss Maddie’s School House

Grandpa Franks Haunted Barn

and lots of other activities, 35 combined!

This one is definitely fun for all different ages.

Guest Contributor: Tiffany Powell

Your Complete Fall Home Prep and Maintenance Plan

Autumn is a time of renewal and gives us a chance to start anew. Since we’ve had the opportunity to take care of our homes and ourselves both inside and out, it’s time to prepare for the fall season and do some home maintenance. This time of the year represents Harvest, which is a time to acknowledge growth and expansion as a natural part of our well-being. Just as our lives go through various cycles like growth and rebirth that we see in nature, we can do the same for our homes and ourselves. Read on for a list of fall maintenance tips that will help you get excited about the upcoming season.

Indoor fall maintenance tasks

Consider these tips to help you prepare the inside of your home for the fall season:

Indoor maintenance. Now is the time to inspect things like your plumbing, electrical wiring, and panels. Ensure that all plumbing is properly insulated and that all outdoor faucets are covered and prepped for cooler weather. Look in the attic to confirm that the roof underlayment is intact and that you have adequate insulation to keep your home warm.

Heat. If you have a fireplace, fall is a perfect time to clean or sweep the chimney and have the fireplace inspected. Check your gas stove to ensure it’s working correctly, and ask for an HVAC system inspection to confirm that your heat is working correctly. It’s also an excellent time to change your air filter. If you have oil heating for your home, now is a good time to fill your tank up.

Home appliances. Do a quick inspection of all major appliances to ensure they work. If anything is broken, get them repaired or replaced, particularly your refrigerator, oven, washing machine, and dryer.

Declutter. Refresh your entire home by doing some thorough decluttering and organizing. Get rid of old electronics like unused cell phones, computers, and small appliances. It’s also a good time to dispose of expired medications. Shred all of your old bills and go through your home office to get rid of outdated paperwork. Fall is also a perfect time to declutter unworn clothing, shoes, bedding, towels, and summer items like hats and swimsuits.

Décor. Dust off your spring and summer décor and put it in storage. Now is the time to bring out the autumn and winter décor to celebrate this exciting time of year. Anything that doesn’t work or no longer brings you joy can be donated, sold, or recycled if possible.

Reorganize. This is a perfect time of year to reorganize and declutter the kitchen and pantry, your bathroom cabinets, and the shed or garage. Separate items into things you want to sell, give away or throw in the trash. Clean out your pantry and throw out expired food. Organize dry goods and place them in clear canisters, then label them so you can find them easily.

Recycle. Look for any items in your home that can go to recycling. You can also do some upcycling and repurpose items like old seasonal décor, discarded clothing, shoes, and even furniture. Get creative and come up with new ways to reuse these items in a whole new way. A simple coat of paint on an old chest or table can give it a brand-new look, for example. Clothing can be sewn into bags or pillows for a fun piece of fall décor.

Outdoor yard and patio fall maintenance tasks

Fall is also a great time to do a bit of outdoor maintenance. Here are a few things you can add to your list to prepare for the season ahead.

Outdoor maintenance. Clean your gutters and remove dead leaves, twigs, and debris. Check all the pipes going into and out of your homes, such as the waterline, gas line, and anything connected to your HVAC system. Look for signs of leaks, rust, or damage so you can get these items repaired now before winter arrives. Test your outdoor equipment like leaf blowers and lawnmowers to ensure that everything is working properly.

Insulate pipes. While you should insulate your plumbing indoors, it’s also time to insulate and protect those outdoor exposed pipes too.

Check for leaks in windows and doors. Do a “draft test” to confirm that there are no leaks in your doors and windows. Add new weatherstripping to keep all windows and doors properly sealed.

Inspect your roof. Look for possible signs of leaks in your roof and keep an eye out for missing shingles. Get all roof repairs done now before winter snow arrives to protect your home and property.

Take care of your garden. Rake leaves in your yard and put them in bags, cover any garden plants that need to be kept warm, and fertilize your plants so they will thrive through the season. Trim dead tree limbs and make sure that all of your plants are properly trimmed, and cover them with burlap (if required). You can also decrease the amount of outdoor watering you need to do during this time of year.

Do a yard and garden sweep. Some areas of the country aren’t impacted by autumn weather until later in the year. If this applies to you, just do a quick cleanup of the yard or garden and determine what you need to put away now and what you can put away later. Check on items that still work, like your outdoor lighting, and confirm if anything needs repair. It’s also a great time to declutter old outdoor items and either donate them or throw them away.

Upcycle garden items. This is also a wonderful time to see if anything outdoors can be recycled or upcycled and turned into something new. Take old wooden palettes and turn them into planters or furniture. Paint your outdoor planters in new fall colors or use some of your outdoor décor to make a cute birdhouse.

Create a schedule for outdoor tasks. Work on creating a schedule for a few outdoor activities you’ll need to tackle later when it gets closer to winter. Some items include checking the roof and gutters to prevent ice dams and a checklist to ensure you have everything you need, like snow boots, snow shovels, and deicers.

Make another maintenance list. Your home isn’t the only thing that needs a little bit of fall maintenance. Make a quick list of other items to check on, like your car, shed or garage, and driveway and walkway. Repair any cracks you see now before winter arrives to prevent them from growing and getting worse.

Celebrate the beginning of Autumn

Since Autumn is a time to start anew, it’s also a perfect time to celebrate. Keep these tips in mind to help you celebrate the upcoming season.

Declutter your life. This is a wonderful time to declutter, clean, and toss out anything that brings you unhappy memories. Only keep the things in your home that bring you joy and happiness. Remember that is not about getting your act together.

Do some fall rituals. Fall is a perfect season to practice self-care with a few simple rituals like yoga or meditation. Play some soothing music, enjoy a long bubble bath, or read a good book to help your mind and body reset.

Light some candles. In addition to some fall rituals, it’s a perfect time to light some scented candles. Aromatherapy can uplift your mood and give your home a beautiful fall-like ambiance. An essential oil diffuser is another great way to fill your home with the fragrances of autumn.

Buy new décor. Decorating your home is a wonderful way to celebrate every season, including autumn. Add a faux autumn leaf garland to your fireplace mantel, hang some fall wreaths, or fill your home with fun Halloween décor. You can also upcycle and create new décor from some of the old stuff you have lying around. This is also a great way to have some fun arts and crafts time with the family.

Celebrate the harvest. Head out to a local farmer’s market and buy fresh produce to celebrate the autumn harvest. A fun hayride or a visit to a local pumpkin patch will get everyone excited about the changing season.

Make delicious fall treats. Get excited about autumn by trying out some new recipes. Make homemade apple cider, bake a pumpkin pie, or come up with your own delectable fall dinners and desserts.

Doing a few easy maintenance tasks for your home is an integral part of taking care of your property as the seasons change. It’s also essential to maintain all your material items and, of course, yourself, too. By decluttering, organizing, and even checking on your health, you can get ready to enjoy the fall season and embrace the growth of what this new season will bring. 

Guest Contributor: Adriana Lopez, porch.com

5 Tips to Keep in Mind While Remodeling Your Kitchen

Kitchen remodeling, or kitchen redesigning, is a common and ongoing project. Kitchen remodeling aims to change your kitchen's overall appearance and functionality to improve your lifestyle.

When you decide to start a project like this, there are several things you should consider before beginning the process. It would be best if you considered everything from budgeting to design and style. You want a new look for your kitchen, but you also want it to function properly.

The process of remodeling your kitchen is complicated and requires the help of professionals in many areas. If you are thinking about doing this yourself or have no idea where to start your project, here are some tips.

Know What Type of Design You Want

Your kitchen is your home's focal point. You spend most of your time in this room, so you must choose a design that fits your needs and style.

You can choose a traditional look, a contemporary design, or something in between. Whatever you decide on, make sure it's going to work for your home and lifestyle.

Kitchen remodeling projects vary from person to person, so the best style for one family may not be ideal for another. Before you start the process, make sure that your kitchen will work for you and your family.

Keep in mind that the overall look of your kitchen will be determined by how much money you have available and what type of features you want to include.

Floor options to consider while remodeling

The type of flooring you choose will depend on your budget and personal preference. You'll want to ensure that the kind of flooring you select is easy to clean, doesn't have a strong odor, and can withstand moisture.

Your kitchen's design should also be taken into consideration. You'll want to choose a flooring option that fits your design style and works well with the other elements of your kitchen, such as lighting and appliances.

If you're planning on using tile in your kitchen, make sure it's durable enough to withstand spills and stains. If you're planning on using 3D flooring, choose a type that is easy to clean and won't warp or split over time. If you're planning on using laminate flooring in your kitchen, make sure it's stain-resistant and won't absorb moisture.

Use Quality Materials

When you're building a new kitchen, the materials used will make a big difference in how your project turns out. In general, it's best to choose high-quality cabinets and countertops for durability and beauty.

High-quality cabinetry can also save you money in the long run because it will be easier to maintain and keep looking great. You'll also find that high-quality materials are more affordable than the alternatives.

If you're planning on painting your cabinets, make sure you choose durable paint with low odor and mildew resistance. If you plan on using granite countertops, make sure you choose a type that is resistant to scratches and stains.

Selecting suitable materials for your kitchen can also help save money in the long run because it will be easier to maintain and keep looking great.

Draw Up a Budget for Your Project

Before you begin any remodeling project, it's essential to know precisely how much money you have available. This will help you determine the style and features that are most important for your kitchen.

You need to make sure that you have all the items on the list you will need for your remodeling project. This includes any cabinets, countertops, flooring, and lighting.

When it comes time to select new cabinets or countertops, you'll need to have all the dimensions and sizes available. If you don't, you may be forced to buy them from a different store or supplier, which can increase your costs.

It's also essential to include all the costs for materials and labor. If you're not sure how much you'll need, contact a professional to help you with this step.

Identify Must-Haves and Standard Features of your New Kitchen

The kitchen is the heart of your home, so it's essential to make sure you get exactly what you need. You'll want to consider how much space your new kitchen will have and how many people are likely to be using it at any given time.

When choosing appliances, consider whether or not you plan on using them often enough that they will be worth the expense. Also, make sure that you select appliances that will work well with your kitchen's design.

If you're planning on using a refrigerator in your new kitchen, look for an energy-efficient one and has adjustable shelves to accommodate different sizes of food containers. If you plan on using a dishwasher, make sure it has a "water-level" control that makes it easy to determine when the dishwasher is full.

You'll also want to take into consideration the style of cooking that you enjoy most. If you love to cook, choose appliances and features designed to make your cooking experience more enjoyable.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many decisions to be made when planning your new kitchen. But by following the tips in this article, you'll have a better idea of what's important to you and how much it will cost.

Once you've narrowed down your choices, look over the pros and cons of each appliance to make sure that it's going to be a good fit for your kitchen.

Make sure you choose your contractor carefully. Do thorough research & check more online guides before diving into the implementation.

Guest Contributor: Rituraj

Outdoor- The Multiple Advantages of Having Artificial Grass

Are you done taking care of the grass outside? All that mowing, watering, edging, and fertilising? Do you feel that it’s become quite a nuisance to maintain it on a regular basis considering all the time, money, and efforts you have to put in?

Well, you may not be wrong after all. Maintaining a natural turf can be a hectic job that requires a lot of money, manpower, and a good amount of our most precious resource- water! Something the world is already running short of.

Although, you can still manage a small garden in your old ways, it may not always be easy with a larger field. For instance, a lawn, school campus, playground, or any outdoor space for that matter. The point is that growing natural grass outdoors, given the rapid climate change, lack of water, and high cost of living, may not be the smartest thing to do. 

But that doesn't mean that you cannot do anything about it. You see, advanced technology has made the impossible, possible! One such technological marvel is artificial turf or synthetic grass- a perfect alternative to natural earth-grown grass. 

What is Artificial Grass?

Artificial grass is the modern substitute to natural grass. Albeit synthetic, it looks exactly the same, is non-toxic, safe, long lasting, and most of all quite cost-effective in the long run. 

Made from a combination of natural materials, it maintains a consistent texture, colour, and height throughout its life. It doesn’t grow, dry, or die away with time, but continues to exhibit a fresh appearance all the time.

Artificial grass comes in many sizes, shapes, colours, and dimensions making it even easier to design your outdoors as per your interest. 

Apart from making the landscaping easy, artificial grass can also benefit you in a number of ways. Let’s take a closer look.

Benefits of Artificial Grass

1. Conserve water

Unlike natural grass, artificial grass does not need water. Except for when you want to rinse it occasionally in order to prevent bad odours, dust, stain or dog poo (pets love their turf!).

This also makes it ideal for dry and drought struck places with declining water levels.

And since it does not need water, you can also save an ample amount of money on your monthly utility bills.

2. Economical

Artificial turf is pretty cheap if you consider all the cost factors associated with natural grass. There’s water bill, electricity/ fuel, labour charges, fertilisers, pesticides, equipment, tools and whatnot.

Thanks to modern tech, you don’t need any of that with artificial grass. As a result, you end up saving a lot on your monthly budget.

Moreover, by reducing your expenditure, it can also increase the overall value of your property in the market for if you plan to sell it in the future.

3. Low-maintenance

Natural grass tends to lose its colour, gets yellowish or brownish over time, dries down, and eventually dies after a while if you don’t pay regular attention. 

But even if you do, it can still take a serious toll on you along with a significant amount of energy, time, and money.

Artificial grass on the other hand, saves you from all the trouble of mowing, plowing, growing, watering, edging, fertilising and so on. Once installed, you can sit back, relax, go on vacation, and come back without worrying about maintaining it. 

It will be the same as you left it, except for some dust that may accumulate overtime. But that’s something you can easily wash away with a little sprinkle.

All-in-all, it’s a zero-maintenance deal with benefits guaranteed. 

4.Increases property value

A clean and vibrant outdoor space attracts and invites everyone’s attention. After-all, we humans have an innate connection with aesthetics. And that’s what we desperately look for, even in the material world. 

The same applies to immovable property. 

A clean and beautiful yard, or outdoor space leaves a positive impression in everyone’s eye, be it your neighbour, passers by, potential buyers, or property dealers. 

And that benefits the overall value of your property in your favour. First, due to the eye-pleasing landscape, and then for the low utility bills part.

So, yes, artificial grass is a win-win both in terms of savings as well as ROI (Return on investment).

5. Environment friendly

Artificial grass is environment-friendly as it does not need water, chemicals, fuel or energy to flourish. As a result, there is no carbon emission, and no air or ground pollution of any sort.

6. Weather resistant

Harsh weather conditions such as extreme cold or summer can damage the quality of natural grass. Not artificial grass, un un! 

One of the biggest advantages of synthetic turf is that it does not freeze in the winter or thin out in the summer. Instead, it maintains its evergreen feel no matter what.  

Therefore, it can be used for a variety of activities regardless of the weather, or the ground conditions. 

7. Long-lasting

Artificial turf has a very high life expectancy since it’s not a living landscaping solution like natural grass, but rather synthetic. 
The average age of a high-quality artificial grass is anywhere between 12-15 years. Explore the internet for more information about the same. You can also reach out to artificial turf suppliers to guide you about the quality & life of artificial grass.

8. Safe for children and pets

Made from all natural materials and free from any harmful agents, synthetic grass is totally non-toxic and completely safe for children and pets.  

And the best part, kids can now play all they want without worrying about the weather or damaging the ground. 

Although the list goes on, one thing is clear, artificial grass is clearly a winner as the multifaceted solution to all the challenges associated with natural grass and its maintenance. 

Guest Contributor: Steve Rice

7 Tips to Prepare for The Unexpected During Home Renovations

You set your sights on your dream house renovations this year, but the problem is you do not know where and how to start. You are not alone because several homeowners go into the entire process clueless of what to expect. It is only at the end of the project and has suffered through renovation mishaps that you regret not planning for it. This article will help you prepare for the unexpected when you push through with your home remodeling.

Why Renovate Your Home

Homeowners always want to have their homes in tip-top shape. It is not surprising that many of them prefer to have home renovations for several reasons. If you are thinking of the whys of home improvements, you can continue reading to find out.

Increase Your Enjoyment or Comfort of Your House

Your comfort and enjoyment are your top priorities. However, you may have overlooked these factors because your ultimate desire is to increase your home's future sales price. If it is your primary reason, you will end up living in a showroom and not a home. You can design your house improvements around your comfort and enjoyment.

Correct a Safety Issue

You cannot put off home renovation projects that involve roof leaks, electrical problems, or foundation cracks. Fixing them can prevent catastrophic loss and keep you and your family safe.

Boost Your Home’s Value

You can plan on renovating your home if you wish to sell it in a few years. You may decide to update the bathroom or kitchen, replace the front door, and open up the primary living space. 

Enhance Your House’s Function

Your growing family may need a second bathroom or more living space to make life easier for everyone. You may prefer to have a patio or deck for outdoor entertaining. Renovating can help increase home functions; as long as your planned upgrades do not decrease usable space or hurt the home’s value.

Make the Home More Efficient

Your house may need added insulation, a heat pump, or new windows. Some improvements reduce energy costs. Efficient homes attract more buyers if you wish to sell yours because they know that these fixtures will lower their electricity costs once they live in your house.

Refurbish Your Home’s Style

An outdated home is less attractive to buyers. Some homeowners decide to update their home’s style on a whim, but you can opt for timeless styles that evoke sophistication.

Prepare the Home for Selling

If your primary goal is to sell your home, you must make the appropriate choices to make it more saleable. Your upgrades must add value and fix any functional or cosmetic issues. You may choose neutral colors to prepare your home for resale.

Preparing for the Unexpected in Home Renovations

Home renovations are expensive, messy, and time-consuming. You may face an unexpected setback that will increase the remodeling costs even higher. These problems can put a big dent in your budget and cause you headaches. As a homeowner, what will you do these problems creep up? Here are the top seven tips to help you.

Ask for Recommendations and Have Rules

Setting and sticking to your budget is vital, and you must tell your contractor that you do not have any wiggle room. You may talk to them about your expectations. It may be challenging to find a contractor, so you must ask for recommendations from friends, family, neighbors, and local real estate agents. You must ask about the contractor’s experience, costs, and timelines.

Create a Plan and Set a Buffer

Remodeling projects tend to go over budget because homeowners change their minds or do not know what to do when unexpected issues arise. You must have at least a 10% contingency fund in your budget for emergencies. Moreover, you must know what you want and relate it to your contractor for a closer estimate of costs before construction begins.

Be Prepared

A 20% - 30% buffer on top of the final bid can avoid any budgetary issues. Setting an unachievable low-budget project will only force your contractor to cut costs that may cause the quality to suffer.

Include Benchmarks

Homeowners must have clear timetables for each project step and add them into the contractor’s standard contract. You must ensure that your contractor follows them and penalize them if they fail to meet the schedules.

Be Patient and Disciplined

If you plan to have home renovations, you must ask for bids from three contractors and add them to get the total cost. Some contractors want to get you as a client, but a lack of discipline and patience can result in many issues. You must create a well-defined scope of work, pick a reputable contractor, choose the specifications or materials upfront, and you may reduce the cost by one-third. You will only add two bids to compute the total amount of money you must spend on your project.

Be Definite

Home renovations will cost more than the original contractor’s quote; thus, you must be specific about your requirements. The contract must include everything you want, including the materials. Buying an expensive tile may cause you thousands of dollars more. Moreover, you must be confident about your decisions to avoid adding minor projects along the way that can delay completion and increase costs. 

Research, Plan and Minimize Changes

Home improvements require appropriate preparation. If you do not prepare for it, you will experience financial pain and heartache. It is better to spend time on research and planning. Common issues include no-show subcontractors, price fluctuation for materials, city code surprises, and omissions. You must know your preferred materials and reduce the changes you want midstream because they will be your source of budget busters.

Final Thoughts

Whatever your reason for home renovation, you must prepare for the unexpected occurrences that may wreak havoc on your project and budget. However, with the tips highlighted in this article, you can better prepare for any issue or problem.

About the Author

Charlie Svensson is one prolific and engaging freelance writer providing an assignment writing service  service for Essaymama. He is fast becoming a favorite because of his skills in blogging and content writing. Charlie writes about education, marketing, motivation blogging, social media, SEO, and self-growth. He can adapt his skills in writing a case study efficiently to reach diverse audiences.

Tips on How to Smart Up Your Home

Creating a smart home today is not a difficult or super expensive task. With so many gadgets with smart abilities on the market, you can basically turn every piece of tech into a smart device. And don’t think you have to go overboard with devices—you can make your home as smart as you want it to be. If you want to create an easy-to-handle smart setup, here are a few tips and gadgets you must add to your home:

Hire a digital assistant

One of the first steps you can take towards living in a smart home is to find a virtual assistant. Assistants like Google Home and Amazon Echo are very popular and affordable today. These assistants will help you with your smart devices and provide you with a world of information and comfort. You can just say “OK Google, play music” and enjoy! Once you settle on a virtual assistant, make sure all the rest of your smart devices are compatible with your assistant.

Smart up your plugs

Another easy step to turn your home into a smart abode is to invest in smart plugs. These plugs look just like your regular plugs, but with a twist. They are also very affordable, some even cost as little as $15. They come with an app that allows you to turn on or off remotely whatever you have plugged into your plugs or use voice commands if you’re at home. If you forgot to turn off your iron, you can just do that from miles away, no more nasty surprises. You can also create schedules for turning on and off of your devices, like your coffee machine! Some smart plugs are resistant to elements, so you can even use them outside for controlling your holiday lights or patio lights.

Boost security with smart gadgets

Your safety at home deserves extra attention, so consider adding a few safety gadgets to your smart setup. You can look into a practical smart home system that includes cameras, plugs, motion sensors and door/window sensors. The cameras are wireless and practical, with a clear image and night vision and your sensors will ensure no one comes unnoticed into your property. If you combine your smart home system kit (cameras, plugs and sensors) with a smart doorbell and lock, you will provide everyone in your family with ultimate safety. Plus, there will be no more instances of getting locked out of your house if you lose or forget keys!

Ensure smart temperature control

If you want to be smart and energy efficient at the same time, a smart thermostat will be a great addition to your home. This thermostat will monitor your energy use, follow your heating and cooling patterns at home and automatically adjust the temperature based on your habits and needs. This gadget provides you with many benefits so you can adjust the temperature and monitor your energy usage, so you can cut back your waste and become greener and richer. There are many smart thermostats on the market, so read some reviews and pick the one that fits your lifestyle and home the best.

Install smart lighting

How cool is to walk into your home, say “Alexa, I’m home” and watch as your lights go on. With smart lighting, you can program which lights go off once you say your greetings. These lights also allow you to dim and change the colors of your lights. The best thing? Smart lighting can be controlled with an app so you can manage your lighting even when you’re away from home. This is great if you want to boost safety at home and make it seem like there’s someone present when you’re on vacation or a business trip.

Smart irrigation

Smart gardens have so many options, but if you have some budget left, smart irrigation systems are worth mentioning. These systems connect to your existing irrigation system and give it intelligence like access to the weather forecast and watering requirements, so they provide your lawn and plants with all the water they need and not a touch more.

Having a smart home can not only be fun but also very practical. You will improve safety, comfort and resource savings, so you can become a true green and homely household. Plus, playing with these gadgets is super fun, especially if you’re a geek!

Guest Contributor: Diana Smith