Clutter is the bane of a well-curated home. It’s all too easy to let unnecessary objects pile up in your home. These 10 items are so easy to say goodbye to, you won’t believe you ever let them stay in your home in the first place.
Expired Toiletries
Makeup, lotions, and other toiletries can begin to harvest bacteria and simply go bad as time goes on. Toss expired or old items lurking in your bathroom drawer.
Old Spices
Spices lose their flavor and potency as time goes on. If you sniff your spice and the smell doesn’t come through, it’s time to toss it.
Extra Flower Vases
If you have a small vase collection as a result of delivery floral arrangements, pair it down to your favorite two. (You’ll likely get another the next time a special event rolls around.)
Old Charging Cables
Toss or recycle old charging cables–especially if you no longer know what they go to. You will likely don’t need them if you haven’t used them in the last year.
Take Out Menus
You are likely using a food delivery service for take out at this point. You don’t need the paper version–it’s all online anyway.
Promotional Tote Bags
Vendors love to give out promotional swag, but you likely have your favorite totes already. Donate the leftovers, free items aren’t always worth the space they take up.
VHS Tapes
You’re not actually going to take the time to pull out your dusty VCR so you can work out to that 80’s aerobics tape.
Expired Medicine
Get rid of your expired medicine; ask your local law enforcement on how to do it safely.
Past Prescription Glasses
Sure, you could technically reuse the frames, but you wanted a change. Donate your old pair to someone in need.
Puzzles or Games with Missing Pieces
If you really loved the game or puzzle, plan to get a new one.
Old Paint
House paint never looks the same over time. Consider simply buying new paint when the time comes to keep everything looking fresh.
Broken Items
You swore you would repair them, but it’s been over a year. Chances are, you didn’t need it too badly if you never got around to fixing the item. It’s time to let it go.
Keeping your home calm and clutter-free can be a chore, but getting rid of these items is a no-fuss method to be on your way to a decluttered and well-curated living space.
Eco-Friendly Tips With Low Costs and High Savings
Most homeowners have weather-stripped their doors to maximize climate control, and have switched out traditional incandescent light bulbs with eco-friendly CFL models. Short of installing double paned windows or making other costly home improvements, what more can you do to make your home “greener” without emptying your wallet?
Change filters often. Change air conditioning filters monthly to keep the system running at peak performance.
Dry bigger loads. Your dryer has more capacity than you think. Dry two or more loads at once so the dryer cools down and heats up less frequently. And clean out the lint filter often.
Check the fridge seal. Feel for cold air around your closed refrigerator door to be sure the seal is in good condition.
Adjust stove top cooking. Avoid wasting heat by matching up your pot/pan size to the correct burner.
Unplug battery chargers. Many chargers continue to draw power even when not connected to a device, so unplug yours after charging.
Use a laptop. They use less energy than your desktop computer, so use them instead when you can.
Reduce hot water consumption. Install low-flow, aerating faucets and shower heads. Select a shower head with a flow rate of less than 2.5 gallons per minute.
Choose drought-tolerant plants. Any number of plants and ground covers can add greenery to a yard without gulping lots of water – including clover, certain breeds of grass like Bermuda and Zoysia, and edible plants like herbs and strawberries. (Note: you may want to put in some type of wood or brick border to contain groundcovers or plants in the area you want them to stay in.)
4 Tips to Pick the Right Artwork for Your Home
Keep these tips in mind when selecting artwork for your home.
Golden Rule of Art Acquisition
Surround yourself with works that truly inspire and excite you.
Size and Scale
Whether it’s a painting or a sculpture, try to maintain a sense of size and scale that’s appropriate to the room.
Consider the Atmosphere
In each room, we strive to create a different ambiance. Keep this in mind and select art that captures the perfect mood for each setting.
Color and Style
The art you choose to display should be consistent with the overall aesthetic, so consider how the colors and textures will fit into a room.
Lighten Up Your Living Space
Do you dream of a light, airy living space?
Achieve the desired effect with these simple tips:
Paint it white. Two coats of white paint will turn your living space into a year-round winter wonderland.
Minimize. Cut clutter by adding hidden storage systems. Minimize furniture to a handful of necessary pieces.
Add mirrors. In addition to wall mirrors, add mirrored backsplashes or mirrored trays. Not into mirrors? Sparkle can do the trick, too.
Lighten the linens. Breezy, airy curtains will make your space seem plush and comfortable.
Incorporate shades of gray. Add soft, light shades of gray or blue to your color scheme.
5 Great Additions for Your Fall Garden
Here are five of the best plants to introduce to your garden this fall.
Chrysanthemums
They can thrive long after summer is over and will add the perfect fall colors outside your home.
Pansies
These heart-shaped annuals are an ideal way to re-energize your exterior practically any time of year.
Tulips
The best time to plant bulbs is six to eight weeks before the first frost of autumn.
Cold-Season Vegetables
Hearty vegetables like broccoli, brussels sprouts and beets can survive even after the frost arrives.
Trees and Shrubs
September and October are usually considered the best time of year to plant trees. Now is the time to add lush vegetation to your property.
4 Mantras to Make You Happy
Some days, keeping a smile on your face can be a struggle. Whether you’re dealing with a stressful career, medical issues or just feeling weighed down by your daily routine, repeating positive mantras can help shift your mood—if you’re open to it.
Below are four helpful happy mantras to lift your mood.
You can do it. Whether you’re under a huge deadline for work or trying to finish that last mile on the treadmill, telling yourself that you can do it will make your success more likely. Be your own cheerleader!
Just breathe. Feeling overwhelmed? Remind yourself to breathe. Pair this mantra with big, deep inhalations to feel calmer and happier.
Thank you. Gratitude goes a long way, and can shift your perception of things (and the way people perceive you) if integrated into daily life. Be thankful for getting to work safely, even if you had a longer-than-usual commute. Be thankful you have the funds to buy groceries, even when your list of errands seems endless. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
No judgements. This is easier said than done, especially in a world where other people’s lives are constantly popping into our news feeds. Annoyed at your co-worker’s cheesy engagement photos? Irritated that your college roommate seems to be traveling constantly, when you can’t even afford a staycation? Remind yourself to pay attention to your own life, and don’t judge or envy others for their choices.
Make More From Small Spaces
Living in a small space?
Try these tips to make more room in your tiny home or studio.
– Take advantage of vertical real estate by using wall space to install shelving for books, off-season clothes, and more.
– Hanging storage is king in small spaces, and again, can maximize height. Think hooks to hang your bike or a rack for hanging pots and pans.
– Choose functional furniture that double as storage, like ottomans that open and couches with stash space in the arm rests.
– Create stackable storage on any surface or shelf with a wire rack that lets you stack glasses above your plates, mugs above your glasses, and so on.
Use your space wisely, and you’ll be living large in your small home!
5 Kitchen Styles for any Home!
10 Items You Can Declutter Right Away
Clutter is the bane of a well-curated home. It’s all too easy to let unnecessary objects pile up in your home. These 10 items are so easy to say goodbye to, you won’t believe you ever let them stay in your home in the first place.
Expired Toiletries
Makeup, lotions, and other toiletries can begin to harvest bacteria and simply go bad as time goes on. Toss expired or old items lurking in your bathroom drawer.
Old Spices
Spices lose their flavor and potency as time goes on. If you sniff your spice and the smell doesn’t come through, it’s time to toss it.
Extra Flower Vases
If you have a small vase collection as a result of delivery floral arrangements, pair it down to your favorite two. (You’ll likely get another the next time a special event rolls around.)
Old Charging Cables
Toss or recycle old charging cables–especially if you no longer know what they go to. You will likely don’t need them if you haven’t used them in the last year.
Take Out Menus
You are likely using a food delivery service for take out at this point. You don’t need the paper version–it’s all online anyway.
Promotional Tote Bags
Vendors love to give out promotional swag, but you likely have your favorite totes already. Donate the leftovers, free items aren’t always worth the space they take up.
VHS Tapes
You’re not actually going to take the time to pull out your dusty VCR so you can work out to that 80’s aerobics tape.
Expired Medicine
Get rid of your expired medicine; ask your local law enforcement on how to do it safely.
Past Prescription Glasses
Sure, you could technically reuse the frames, but you wanted a change. Donate your old pair to someone in need.
Puzzles or Games with Missing Pieces
If you really loved the game or puzzle, plan to get a new one.
Old Paint
House paint never looks the same over time. Consider simply buying new paint when the time comes to keep everything looking fresh.
Broken Items
You swore you would repair them, but it’s been over a year. Chances are, you didn’t need it too badly if you never got around to fixing the item. It’s time to let it go.
Keeping your home calm and clutter-free can be a chore, but getting rid of these items is a no-fuss method to be on your way to a decluttered and well-curated living space.
How to Design with Art Deco
3 Tips for Low-Maintenance Landscaping
Having a beautifully landscaped property makes your home instantly more welcoming and can also increase your home value by boosting your curb appeal. However, unless you are willing to get down-and-dirty, or want to budget for a consistent landscaping team, a beautiful yard can seem like a daunting undertaking. Thankfully, there are some excellent options for low-maintenance landscaping for any home that you will love.
Go For Mulch
Whether you opt for an expansive lawn with easy to care for foliage surrounding it, or you opt for an even lower maintenance option to cover the expanse of your yard, you will no-doubt want to create a few planting beds to add visual appeal and variety. In these areas, keep it simple by covering the bed with a barrier cloth and mulch for weed control. You can opt to replace organic mulch (which will provide your garden with nutrients) annually, or select rubber mulch for a truly hands-off option. There are pros and cons for both options depending on your climate, so consult a local garden expert to find out what is best for your needs.
Choose River Rock
While river rock requires a larger upfront investment than mulch, it can be used in areas where mulch may have been used. Its benefits are similar to that of inorganic mulch–it will not decay over the course of the year and will not need to be replaced. Large river rocks can serve as an accent or focal-point in an otherwise plant-based yard, while smaller river rocks can take the place of full lawns.
Low-Maintenance Plant Choices
Native or Xeric plants are the perfect options to ensure that your yard has greenery without needing to be constantly tended to. Plants that grow locally are less-likely to need excessive care to flourish in your yard and climate, making them a logical inclusion in your landscaping. Alternatively xeriscaping your yard by adding Succulents like Aloe Vera, hearty ornamental sages, and Artemisia is an excellent way to add texture and beauty while remaining relatively drought resistant. This can allow you to conserve water and reduce your need to water often, but still have a visually appealing yard.
Having curb appeal doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your hard-earned weekends on the yard. A little knowledge of your local climate can do a lot to ensure that your landscaping is low-maintenance and lasts for years to come.