Lifestyle Archives - Page 31 of 52

It’s Leg Day! 4 Calf Stretches to Include in Your Warm Up

Getting ready for leg day? Make sure you don’t pull a muscle! Click here to learn some great calf stretches to incorporate into your warm-ups.

If you’re skipping out on one part of your workout routine, it’s most likely your leg training.

To some people, warming up the calves is an afterthought (although it shouldn’t be). Sometimes, we get too focused on training the muscles on our upper halves, or our “mirror muscles” that we neglect our legs, but did you know that doing this could actually jeopardize your results?

Our legs deserve some love. Next leg day, include these four essential calf stretches so that you can warm up the right way and get the most from your workout.

1. Wall Stretch

Regularly stretching your calves can help alleviate tightness, discomfort, and pain. By adding the Wall Stretch to your routine, you’re actively allowing your leg muscles to decompress which allows for better movement and flexibility.

First, stand arm’s length from a wall and put your right leg forward, then place your palms on the wall. Reach your left leg away from your body and slowly press your heel to the floor.

You’ll hold this position for 20 seconds before repeating with your right leg. Once you’re finished, you should already feel the relief in your calf.

2. Downward Dog

This classic yoga pose is more than just a way to rewind and reset. To begin this stretch, stand with your feet together and then bend over, bringing your hands to the ground while keeping your legs straight.

Inch your hands forward until your body makes an “A” shape, then push your heels to the ground. Hold this position for 20 seconds! You should feel a deep stretch in your calves if you’re doing it right.

3. Band Stretch

These leg stretches require a resistance band, but if you don’t have one, a hand towel will suffice.

First, sit on the floor and stretch your legs out while keeping your ankles connected. Then, loop the resistance band or towel around one foot while holding each end with your hands. Pull gently on the band or towel so that your toes are reaching toward your chin; you’ll feel the stretch in your calves!

Do this on the other side and repeat for however long you’d like. This stretch is great for people who have extremely tight muscles and are looking to increase their range of motion before working out.

4. The Heel Drop

If you’re trying to bulk up some muscle on your legs, this stretch is a good option for warming up your muscles before you begin training. You’ll need a step (I use a stair-step!) or a box that will support your weight.

Start by standing on the edge of the step with your feet together. With your toes on the edge, put your weight on one leg and let gravity gently drop your heel toward the floor, but don’t step on the floor. You’ll feel the pull of the muscle instantly.

Repeat this on either side for as long as desired. It’ll warm your legs up for whatever training you choose to do next!

Trying to achieve that powerful muscle physique on your lower half? Check out this post furthering explaining how to train legs!

Calf Stretches Yield Stronger Results

Including your legs in your workout warm-up is essential to achieving desired results in both health and aesthetic aspects. If you want to balance your fitness, add these calf stretches to your routine and start seeing (and feeling) a difference now!

Did you find this article helpful? If so, be sure to check out the rest of our posts about all things health and fitness.

How to Keep Your Yards Protected from Your Dogs

Pets have always been said as human companions. Right from the very beginning, it was considered that we need a dog to learn sharing, unconditional love, and most of all loyalty. The idea of having a dog always meant early morning strolling, loads of energy, sniffing, and hair all around. Right after getting the dog the training begins, he has been taught to be best in behavior, but when the training goes wrong or if not up to the mark we might become irritated and think about giving up. But here’s where we go wrong.

Your dog might be at his highest of energy or maybe he’s an aggressive dog, and you’re already fed up with him turning your place upside down, or you have a lot of work on your head but are not able to concentrate due to your super active dog. There is nothing to be worried about as we’ve come up with answers to your problems. Want to know what it is? A Dog Mesh.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q1 what exactly is a dog mesh?

Dog mesh is basically a wired fence that is used to keep aggressive dogs or large dogs controlled and stay put with non-aggressive dogs, keep them away from your yards or let you do your work with all of your concentration.

Q2 From where to buy the dog mesh?

There are numerous online sites available for buying your perfect dog mesh. Click on the link below to go to ‘Critter fence’ and you’ll find the best quality and multiple options available for you.

Q3 How to install the dog mesh?

There’s nothing you need to worry about as the ‘Critter face’ allows you to be tension free and offers installation from the experts. So, say no to worry.

Q4 How do we know which dog mesh to opt for?

Generally, there’s a basic thumb rule if you think your dog is a bit aggressive then it’s advised to go for thicker dog mesh whereas if your dog is non-aggressive then it is fine to go for thin one too.

Q5 Does this site only offer mesh for Dogs?

No, Critter fence offers various kinds of mesh for your dear pets and it covers for most of the animals.

Q6 What kind of all kinds of mesh is provided?

Critter fence offers broad categories of fresh one is poly mesh and the other is metal mesh. Both are meant for different purposes.

Worrying about the house, yards or kitchen has been the most common problem found amongst the parents of pets and generally, they don’t know how to choose or what to choose as a dog mesh so you can always count on ‘Critter fence’ as we come with more than 30 years of expert advice and offer great quality products and services. Opting with mesh has always shown the positive and happy result amongst the buyers.

HAPPY AND ENJOYABLE PETTING!

6 Pro Tips Shared by a Celebrity Nail Tech

Have you been inspiring to become a successful nail technician? Who else can give you better advice than a celebrity nail technician herself? Let’s get started!!!

1. Listen to Your Client

As a nail tech, many clients will want to have a conversation with you. While it is not a great idea to be very chatty at work but do not shut them down as well. Instead, ask them how they are doing but refrain from sharing too much information about yourself. Be a good listener and talk only as much as needed. Do not gossip about other clients as it shows that you are unprofessional and not trustworthy.

2. Be Professional

Even when nail technicians work with a celebrity, they say, they try to keep the conversation really professional as being too friendly may make them lose focus from their work causing bad results. When you are working for high profile clients, it is extremely important to stay focussed and do your job well. You need to be reliable and give good results every time which shows you are consistently good at what you do which will increase your clientele base. Do not share inside news or final look images of celebrities to the media as it is considered highly unethical and you may get blacklisted from working for many celebrities in the future.

3. Be Consistent

When you start as a nail technician, you may not get many clients for months. In fact, in the first few months, you may lose money but do not give up so soon as consistency is the key to success in this field. It may take you a while to establish your brand and get a good clientele base till then work part-time in other salons to build your network and make your ends meet.

4. Keep Learning

You cannot even start a career as a nail technician if you do not learn the necessary skills. You can gain more information by watching online videos, reading beauty product stories or visiting conferences regarding the same, but initially, it is essential that you get a formal education to become a nail technician where you will learn all the tricks that only professionals know. Do not stop there, even when you start to work, gather more information about new nail fashion trends to always stay updated.

5. Practice, Practice, and Practice

Initially, when you start building your clientele list, you will have a lot of free time hence you can take up part-time jobs in nearby salons to just get more customers to practice on as the more you practice, your techniques will improve. It will require a few years of practice before you can call yourself a pro.

6. Work Harder Every day

No one has reached the top by just slagging at their job hence work harder every day to reach where you want to be and even if you are successful, you do not have time to be lousy at work as the competition is high and any mistake can take to down to the bottom of the barrel.

You can always use social media to promote your work and get a larger clientele base. The secret to becoming a successful nail tech is nothing but the combination of skills and the right attitude towards work which will make you popular in this field, with time.

6 Handy Tricks for Managing Family Budget

Family life requires a lot of patience, and in some cases, sacrifice, in order for everyone to feel happy and taken care of. Now, that doesn’t mean that you should deprive yourself (and your loved ones) of things that bring joy and pleasure, but rather that it’s important to be mindful of your spending so you’ll be able to afford all the amazing things a family might need. Now, if you’re someone who spends a lot and then worries afterward, here are some handy tips and tricks that will help you manage your family budget better.

Optimize your paycheck

For most, a paycheck from an employer is the primary means of income. Therefore, it is probably a good idea to start with that. When you first got your job, someone with company probably had you choose what to withhold from your paycheck. That may have been fine when you first started, but if you have had a baby, got married, bought a house, or had any other significant life changes, then you might be withholding more than you need too. You can find out for sure simply by using a withholding calculator. By adjusting your withholdings to fit your life, you may be able to take more home with each paycheck.

Keep a detailed track of your expenses

Buying groceries and other essential household items can be exhausting on a family budget, which is why it’s crucial to keep track of your expenses. If you often find yourself lost amid missing receipts and a chunk of your money going somewhere unknown, then it’s recommended to carefully monitor your expenses and income. There are numerous financial budgeting apps that can help you keep things in order, as long as you remember to enter each expense after you’re done with your purchase.

Try to plan your investments in advance

This is super important, especially if you consider yourself an impulsive shopper. Buying things on a whim is something many of us are guilty of, so there’s no need to feel bad about it. However, making certain steps to ensure a better financial future for your family is definitely a must. The most effective way to achieve that is to plan your investments in advance. That way you’ll be able to carefully compare prices and offers, while still having enough time to save money so you won’t end up in a debt.

If you love traveling, then be smart about it

Travelling is one of the most exciting things that can surely strengthen family bonds and create many happy memories that will last a lifetime. Still, since traveling as a family can be costly at times, it’s necessary to be a smart traveler and plan everything well. That’s why opting for a free credit card promotion luggage can help you earn rewards subsequently, enjoy a vacation with all the perks. Traveling with your kids can be demanding at times, so having a lot of amenities at your disposal can certainly help everyone relax while having fun at the same time.

Set some money aside for financial emergencies

Life can be surprising when we least expect it, so setting some money aside for financial emergencies can do a lot to alleviate tension and contribute to overall financial stability. Simply, you’ll feel less inclined to overspend when you know there’s a faucet leaking that needs immediate attention, and having some extra money can ensure you the ability to deal with the stress without compromising your family budget. Life insurance can be an excellent way to protect your family from money difficulties because if anything happens to you, they’ll be able to stay afloat.

Find a way to reduce your debt

Today’s economy requires many people to get into debt in order to avoid housing, healthcare and education, so if you owe a lot, that’s understandable and you shouldn’t feel bad about it. But, since getting in debt is so common, a lot of people simply decide to freely spend money they don’t have, which is the last thing to do if you want a stable family budget. Therefore, reducing your debt through a debt management plan should be your top priority, mainly since repaying all your debt is probably a big step, so it’s always better to start slowly.

Don’t waste money on food and groceries

A lot of people waste food and that is a problem that definitely needs addressing. If your family is like that, then you definitely need a chat with your spouse and kids regarding their eating and spending habits. Also, before you decide to go shopping, make sure to prepare a list of groceries in order to avoid buying something you don’t need. Now, kids can be notoriously demanding whilst in the supermarket, so it’s wise to have a chat prior to leaving the house. Tell them that they’re allowed to get one thing each, and make sure to determine the price range as well, so they won’t pick something expensive.

Conclusion

Keeping your family financially secure isn’t an easy task, so these tips will surely help you get started. Just remember to plan your purchases and vacations and if possible, find a way to lower your debt, too. Additionally, keeping a log of your expenses can help you learn more about your financial habits which will surely be of great use when managing and improving a family budget.

7 Style Tips to Spice up Your Formal Outfits for a Chic Look

Dressing up for formal events can be quite confusing. Is it cocktail-wear? Or is it black tie?

The definition of formal attire is open to interpretation because formal attire encompasses an array of events. A formal event could be a wedding, an engagement party, a corporate dinner with colleagues, or even a graduation ceremony. Your attire for each of these events is different, however.

To narrow down the basics of formal attire, we recommend investing in luxurious fabric and selecting a classic aesthetic over an avant-garde one. Opt for simple silhouettes and dark hues for an elegant and sophisticated look. Quite easy to decode, isn’t it?

But then what do you do when you just want a little something more? How do you give your formal outfits that instant upgrade that makes them all the more exciting and memorable? Well, we are here to make the ordeal easy for you. The following are some quintessential style tips that will help you spice up your formal outfits for a chic look.

Let us take a look, shall we?

1. Black is always a good idea

Black is always a safe color choice. No matter the occasion, there is nothing quite like a black dress. Every woman has a black dress in her arsenal. It always looks super elegant and chic without even trying. So, when in doubt, just slip into your favorite black dress.

The best part about a black dress is that you do not have to worry about your color choice is wrong. Opt for a little black number or something with a longer hemline.

As Karl Lagerfeld very aptly quoted, “One is never over-dressed or underdressed in a Little Black Dress.”

If you are concerned your dress might be too simple, you can always dress it up and glam up your look with the help of accessories.

Pair your black dress with a contrasting hue to breathe life into it. Red and green accents flatter the color particularly well. Transform your look with accessories such as a ruby necklace, emerald earrings, red heels, or a stunning belt, perhaps.

If you are not one to play with color, play it safe with metallic accents, gold and silver always look stunning against a black canvas.

2. A little bling hurt nobody

Perhaps the best way to spice up your formal ensemble is with jewelry. A formal event is the best place to show off your bling. Make a statement with your jewelry. Add enticing sparkle and allure to your outfit by throwing on your diamonds or pearls.

“Jewelry is like the perfect spice – it always complements what’s already there.” – Diane Von Furstenberg

Whether it is a dainty necklace, a chunky bracelet, or statement earrings, jewelry is like icing on the cake. That said, you do not need expensive jewelry to accessorize well. It all comes down to how you style your jewelry with your outfit.

Not only does jewelry make everything fabulous, but it also gives your outfit a more cohesive and sophisticated outlook. Try pairing a simple dress with a layered necklace or a plain pencil skirt and blouse with chunky earrings. In case you feel like you have overdone it, you can always just take your fine jewelry off and stick it in your purse.

3. Shoes speak louder than words

As Coco Chanel once said, “A woman with good shoes is never ugly.”

Good shoes take you to good places. Your shoes can take your look from zero to a hundred in a heartbeat. When it comes to formal footwear, your safest bet is to opt for shoes that complement your dress. However, if you are playing it safe with a simple dress but wish to pack a punch, pair your dress with statement heels. Something colorful or sparkly always gets the job done.

If you are sporting a simple monotone dress or suit, we recommend adding a little bit of pizzazz to your ensemble with statement gold or silver heels. Who doesn’t like shiny shoes? If you prefer color, zest up your monotone aesthetic with a contrasting pair of vibrant heels and a matching bag.

A pro-tip when it comes to formal footwear is to wear something comfortable. If you have been waiting to put on a new pair of heels for a special occasion, be sure to wear them around the house beforehand. All the socializing and mingling can take a toll on your feet when they are wedged in tight stilettos. The last thing you need is sore and aching feet. Also, try to pick out a shoe with the thickest heel as it offers better balance and support.

4. A fabulous handbag is all you need

Life is too short to carry a boring bag. If you are looking to amp up your look, the simplest way to do so is with a statement handbag. Opt for anything that complements your outfit and give your ensemble a classy and sophisticated upgrade. Whether it is a classic leather tote, a glittering clutch, or a beaded drawstring bag, a fabulous statement bag never fails to draw all the attention.

You do not have to break the bank and go all out on a bag. You can find some gorgeous clutches and purses at incredibly affordable prices. However, handbags are versatile accessories that you can pair with an array of outfits. Needless to say, the investment is worth it. You just have to make sure it complements your overall style. Purses are like friends; you can never have too many. Life is short; just buy the bag.

5. A kiss of makeup can fix anything

If you think you can only spice up your outfit by switching up your shoes or jewelry, you are forgetting the most powerful weapon in your arsenal. Makeup is a form of self-expression. It can make or break your look. As Marc Jacobs said, “Makeup is the finishing touch, the final accessory.”

A little sparkle on the lids, a bright red power pout, fluttery lashes, makeup enhances your features and gives you a much-needed confidence boost. Learn to strike the perfect balance, and you will realize that no other accessory matters as long as your makeup is on point.

However, you must remember not to overdo it. For instance, if you are opting for a dark smoky eye, refrain from pairing it with dark lip color and instead keep it simple with a nude pout. Let your eyes do the talking for you. Similarly, if you are playing it minimal with the eyes, add a flirty pair of lashes and go bold with deep luscious lip color to balance it all out. A little experimentation and practice always help. Makeup is art, after all.

6. Outerwear is severely underrated

When it comes to formal wear, we always tend to focus on the dress and the accessories. Outerwear does not nearly get the amount of attention that it deserves. Carrying a classy coat, wrap, or jacket is the ultimate way to spice up your look and keep you warm if it gets cold outside.

The most gorgeous fabrics to play with are wool, fur, silk, satin, cashmere, pashmina, and leather. Yes, you heard that right: leather. A women’s leather jacket may seem like an item exclusively appropriate for casual wear. However, a leather jacket is an extremely versatile piece of clothing that can give your ensemble a hint of much-needed edginess.

A warm wool or cashmere cardigan, a buttery silk scarf, a luxurious fur wrap, a sexy leather jacket, or a chic overcoat is a simple way to give your outfit a stunning upgrade.

7. Parting thoughts

Every girl needs a stunning dress and the perfect set of accessories to make a lasting impression. However, no ensemble is complete if the person wearing it does not feel comfortable or confident. You can employ all the tips and tricks in the world, but at the end of the day, the most crucial accessory at the end of the day is your attitude. A healthy splash of confidence can make you glow. Own your appearance and take pride in it. So, enjoy the party and watch your outfit come to life.

Secure Your Child’s Financial Future With These Simple Ideas

Watching your children grow into happy, healthy, responsible adults is one of the many privileges that us parents get to enjoy. We can set them up to make good decisions regarding their physical health, teach them the importance of relationships, patience, working hard, and how to always prioritize their mental health.

Have you ever thought about how you can prepare your child for the financial responsibilities of adulthood? It’s easy to overlook. After all, when they’re older, your child will get a job and start a financial journey of their own. But there are ways that parents like you and me can give them a helping hand and hit the ground running.

Want to know more? Read on for how you can secure your child’s financial future with these simple ideas.

A junior ISA

Giving your child a hand with their future plans is easy with a junior ISA – this site can help you build a pot of money for your child – it’s a tax-efficient way for you to save your money and allow it to grow each year. This money can only be accessed when your child turns 18, giving you plenty of time to create a good nest egg for your child to make the most of.

Start saving before they’re born!

If you’re currently expecting your child, then there’s no better time to start saving. The sooner the better! You don’t have to worry about putting aside vast amounts each month, especially if you’re on a tight budget. Between now and when your child turns 18, you could slowly build a strong amount that will give them a much needed financial head start.

Life insurance

Taking out life insurance for you and your partner is a simple yet effective way to support your children in case something should happen to you. Depending on your policy, your mortgage may be covered as well as funeral expenses. If you suddenly fall ill then your family won’t be plunged into a financial black hole that’s incredibly difficult to get out of. Especially while the family is grieving.

Normalize money and teach your kids about it!

Some aspects of money can be incredibly complicated. However, it’s important to teach your child the basics of money so they have a brighter financial future. Teaching them about saving, the importance of making a budget, avoiding debt and good money management are all financial building blocks your child needs to make informed choices as adults.

Write a will

Death is a difficult subject for any family, but leaving instructions for the family you’ve left behind is essential. Writing a will and leaving your children as the benefactors can help secure their futures and ensure that all your assets, property, and money goes exactly where you want it to. You’ll find lots of free will writing facilities online or reach out to a lawyer for more advice.

Final thoughts…

Teaching your kids about money and preparing them for financial responsibility is an essential part of parenting. Start as soon as possible!

Everything You Need To Know About The Instant Pot

Want to whip up a quick, delicious meal after a long hard day at the office? Maybe you are on limited time and need something quick before you head out the door. The microwave might seem like the most convenient option. There is no denying that it will get the job done, but it’ll likely suck out all the food and flavor. Plus, it is not the healthiest option out there. This is where the instant pot comes in handy. Not only can these devices whip up a good, healthy meal, but they can do it faster than you’d imagine. That being said, instant pots come available in a variety of designs and styles, and using one might seem like a straightforward process, but that isn’t always the case. Whether you are entirely new to instant pots or just looking to enhance your skills with your new device, here are some things that you need to know.

Might Take Longer Than Imagined

There is no denying that an instant pot is quick. It can whip up an entire, delectable meal in just a matter of minutes. However, it is not as fast as you might be thinking. It’s nothing like a microwave. It’s not like throwing a burrito in the microwave, heating for 5 minutes, and being done. There is no way that you can whip up a poached chicken breast in 8 minutes. You can’t make steel-cut oatmeal in 3 minutes either like some sites might have you believe. However, this doesn’t mean that the device isn’t fast. The thing with the instant pot is that the cooking process doesn’t start until the pressure builds inside. On top of this, it doesn’t end until all the pressure is released. That being said, you should set aside at least anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes just for the pressure to build and 30 minutes for it to release. A more accurate time for those oats might be more like 23 to 28 minutes as opposed to 5.

The Saute Feature

Everything you should know about how the instant pot tapioca pudding is different can be found out this website, but it really is the saute feature that sets the device apart. The saute feature is one that will allow you to caramelize onions or toast spices without pulling another pan. It is also a feature that you can take advantage of when you are done cooking soups and sauces to let them simmer for a bit. This is something that is a real pain with the slow cooker.

Not Just A Pressure Cooker

The instant pot is not just a pressure cooker like you might believe. It offers a number of unique features in one device. It acts like a slow cooker, a rice cooker, and it can make yogurt as well. Whether you are looking for a device that can do one of these things or you are looking to eliminate a device from your pantry that can do one of these things, it is the instant pot that can do them all. While the instant pots are rather large and take up a lot of counter space, you have to remember just everything they are capable of.

Get Your Decoration Ideas For Kitchen From Pros!

The kitchen is a part of our home where family spend most of the time. When we put our mind on re decorating or renovating the kitchen, we’re always stuck! The hardest parts are where to begin and what exactly to do. To ease your mind we have tips from professionals that are working on home renovations and decor on daily basis!

4 Tips You Need to Follow to Decorate – Kate On Thin Ice

Moving can be pretty exhausting and overwhelming. But that’s just the first step when it comes to starting your new life in your new house. Once that’s finished, you need to turn it into a home, a place you feel comfortable in and truly love. Creating your kitchen as an environment that always makes you feel wonderful, is one of the steps!

You’re probably fully aware that the whole decoration process can take a lot of time and energy. However, it’s not impossible, and if you follow some guidelines, you will enjoy the whole thing and get the results you’ve always dreamed of. We got you covered with these 4 tips that will surely help a great deal with the decoration.

Everything starts with moving. Make it easier.
Old and new furniture
Redecoration doesn’t always mean something totally new
Don’t wait with the decoration. Start right away!

Experience tells us that those who don’t begin redecorating their homes right after the move, will probably never start. If you really want to experience the feeling of a new home, don’t wait around. If it feels overwhelming, you can go with small, simple steps. You’ve got to strike while the iron is hot and before you feel like settling into a daily routine.If you have a lot of projects you want to finish as soon as possible, like painting a room or replacing the flooring in certain places, you can start them before you move in. It’s a lot easier to get the messier tasks like painting and flooring finished before you arrive. Just start doing the things you’ve envisioned and slowly everything will change around you.

Kitchen Renovation : 5 factors to consider – KIKI Interiors

A kitchen renovation will Increase the Appeal and Value of your Home
Upgrade your Appliances
Sinks, Faucets and Hardware
Wall Design
Revamp your Cabinets

Cabinets are one of the first features to be upgraded as they are an obvious requirement. They are also the first thing to get stained or damaged. If you want to modernize your cabinets, you can start with the hinges, and latches, as this improves the look significantly. Some homeowners even go so far as installing self-closing cabinet mechanisms which prevent slamming and allow you to take whatever item you want out of the cabinet and walk away without worrying if you have left it open or not.

Creative Kitchen lighting – Gully Creek Cottage

Several years ago I had purchased some under cabinet lighting that was inexpensive (Ikea), and had never used them. I installed those and now that allows for very nice lighting when needed for work but also allows a neat glow in the evening so you don’t have to have the entire kitchen lit up.
I wanted something totally cool and different with substantial lighting since the island workspace will be used for lots of food prep. So a little thinking outside the box came into play when I saw this beautiful table with great detailing.

Kitchen Updates for Rental Property – Wellington Home Team

Are the doors on your kitchen cabinets becoming an eyesore so you are thinking about replacing those cabinets? Try removing the cabinet doors on the upper cabinets and doing a little refurbishment on them as an alternative. Because people tend to pay less attention to the lower cabinets, you can make the uppers your visual priority. Just one cabinet with no door can be an attractive shelf and useful, though you must fill in the holes from the door hardware. However, if the kitchen has all upper doors that are unsightly, removing them all will lower the appeal and functionality. In this case, replace them all. By focusing on the upper cabinets as a set, you do not have to match the lower cabinets, as contrasting upper and lower cabinets is a popular design trend currently.

Small Decorations for Small Kitchen – A Focus on Kitchen Rugs – Rugman

1. Narrow and Long Rugs

A long narrow rectangular rug would work well as this is often the typical shape of the average small kitchen. Even where that is not the case and you only want it to cover a specific part of the floor, the narrow rug or hallway rug is convenient for this role. Imagine the front of the kitchen sink or lower kitchen cabinets, underneath the kitchen stools or along the length of the kitchen island. You could also use a narrow rug at the entrance of the kitchen.

2. Round Rugs

Round rugs may feel a little out of place in tight spaces such as the floor of a small kitchen. You can find ways to make it work though like going for smaller rugs. A round rug can be a great fit underneath pet bowls or in front of your kitchen sink. If you are fortunate to have a walk-in pantry despite the size of the kitchen, round rugs can give your pantry that added touch of flare. You could also place the rug beneath kitchen stools.

3. Breakfast Table Rugs

Small kitchens can have breakfast tables only that they’ll probably be smaller than what you’d have in a conventional kitchen. If you have a breakfast table, you can accentuate it with a rug. Kitchen tables may be round, square or rectangular so your choice of kitchen rug should take this into account for symmetry.

4. Outdoor Rugs

The kitchen rug doesn’t always have to be something specifically designated as a kitchen rug. You can re purpose outdoor rugs for instance. They are great for the kitchen thanks to their durability and sturdiness. Think about the rigors of the kitchen environment such as spilled liquids, fallen food, broken dishes and the high foot traffic.

Outdoor rugs are meant to withstand dirt and harsh weather so will easily surmount whatever the kitchen throws at them. Better yet, they can be given a thorough clean regularly without any significant deterioration to their quality.

The Best Window Treatment Ideas: Top 6 Trends to Follow

Make this 2020 the new year you start shedding light into your home with newer window treatments. Whether it’s to give your windows a facelift or purchase new curtains, something’s got to change for the better.

Even the smallest alterations can spruce up your rooms! But where can you start? Read on to find out the top six window treatment trends you can follow today!

1. Home Renovation to Welcome the New

I’m sure you’ve watched home improvement shows at least once in your life, and that you, or someone you know, is addicted to it!

The old home restoration trend goes beyond our favorite shows and will continue in many homeowners this 2020. While some renovations start to modernize, others will want to stick with the older home’s foundational design, utilizing what they have at home to make into something new.

You can incorporate traditional window treatments such as box, pencil, or pinch pleat curtains. These are perfect for older homes.

2. Open Floor Plans For More Light

Open floor plans are already becoming very popular because of how it adds flexible space, making a home look bigger. It also adds in more light and a nice view of your garden or backyard for a more positive ambiance.

You can embrace the open space and let even more light in by adding lightweight window treatments and pair it with breeze, open curtains without any blinds or sheers. This accentuates a good view while having a home look even brighter and more open.

3. Palettes Go Coastal

Did you know that Classic Blue is Pantone’s Color of the Year this 2020?

That’s why it’s time to usher in coastal-inspired colors, such as blues, crisp whites, and/or fresh greens! You can do this with your window treatments as well, which can make your home look stylish and trendy.

For those who have the neutral decor in their home, opt for a blue accent in your window treatments, accessories, and pillows. You can even opt for trendy patterns while matching the color trend, whether you want stripes, plaids, florals, or whatever design you want to achieve. This will give the area a peaceful and tranquil vibe while connecting all parts of your room and personality together.

It isn’t just the curtains and blinds to think about, but your curtain rods as well. Pair your coastal-colored window treatments with steel hardware, which is becoming bigger than ever. The curtains will embellish the simple and sleek rods, so look into bronze, nickel, or chrome materials that will give your windows a significant upgrade.

4. Shutters Start to Gain Popularity

Blind products are beginning to grow in popularity, and it’s going pretty quickly! Blinds and shutters offer classic style and more privacy to a home, as well as shade during the hot, sunny days. However, shutters alone can have your room look a bit cold.

Soften the look of the shutters by adding drapes or curtains, with your rods long enough to clear your shutters, easily opening and closing it. The curtains or drapes won’t only add design and color, but more privacy as needed!

Extra tip for those who want shutters: If you want wood plantation shutters but are on a budget, go for 2-inch wood blinds!

5. Rattan For Added Texture

Rattan and wicker furniture was once a trend that faded out but is now coming back this year. The all-natural and eco-friendly look adds more warmth and beauty to a home, having you feel like you’re away from home and in the tropics.

If you want to try this trend, invest in woven wood shades in bamboo or rattan for the textured and casual look. You can choose between dozens of colors and weaves to suit your preference! For those with a more traditional style, add contrasting binding tape to Roman shades, which adds formality.

Note that rattan and woven shades are usually see-through, depending on its weave. If you don’t want liners (these block-like completely and are visible from the outside of your home), opt for curtains over the shades, adding privacy and some softness.

6. We Go High-Tech With Our Curtains and Blinds

This is an exciting new addition to this 2020’s trends that we haven’t seen from previous years. If you have a device-activated home, you can invest in motorized blinds or curtains, the latest home technology rising in popularity today.

Activate the window treatments using a remote control, your smartphone, or your home devices like Alexa and Google! While enticing, the downfall is its cost, which can go around $300 to $1,000 per window, depending on the size and window treatment type you want. This doesn’t include special hardware and installation fees!

But if you have the budget, then it’s time to give your entire home an upgrade, including the windows. No need to walk up to them to draw curtains out or cover your windows anymore!

For those who don’t have the budget, not to worry. You can simplify the function and look of your blinds by investing in cordless lifts from Shuttterup Brisbane Blinds. These window treatments are easy to use and are a safe choice for children’s rooms and nurseries. Furthermore, they give the windows a clean and modern look.

So if you want to give your windows a new look, don’t wait any longer and try any of these treatment ideas today.

Avoid a Car Accident With these Simple Auto Tips

Did you know that thousands of car accidents happen on the roads every day? Thankfully, many people walk away with minimal injuries, however, in some circumstances the victims are left with life-changing injuries, and their family is left to deal with the aftermath of a fatality.

When we learn how to drive, we’re always taught about how to keep ourselves safe and to keep other road users in mind, sadly the more time we spend on the roads, the less cautious we become and in some cases, the more likely we are to be involved in a crash. So, with this in mind and to keep yourself from getting complacent behind the wheel, I’ve gathered some simple auto tips that will help you avoid a car accident (and hopefully not needing a car accident lawyer).

Never drink and drive

It’s a sad fact that many people still get behind the wheel whilst under the influence of alcohol. It slows down our reaction time, makes coordination difficult, and hinders our judgment, putting lives at risk. Not only can a DUI ruin your life – can you go to jail for your first DUI in PA? Click the link to find out – but it could even result in destroyed property, the loss of your job, failure in getting ahead in your career, and facing the shame from your friends and family.

Always wear a seatbelt

Reminding people to buckle up in 2020 sounds ridiculous, but many people still neglect to fasten their seatbelts before driving. Not only does a seatbelt stop you from hitting your head on the dashboard/steering wheel, but it also keeps you in place for the airbag deployment to work correctly. It also prevents you from being flung from the vehicle (the leading cause of death in a car crash) and you’re also more likely to be conscious after the crash, allowing you to escape the vehicle.

Don’t tailgate

Driving bumper to bumper with the car in front is classed as aggressive driving and causes accidents. Of course, it’s frustrating when you’re stuck behind a slow driver, however, if the driver in front suddenly brakes, you won’t have a chance to react, causing a crash that will be entirely your fault.

Take extra care at night

Sometimes driving at night is inevitable, which means you should be extra cautious. Be wary of late-night joggers, dog walkers and cyclists, as well as motorcycle riders who aren’t visible enough, and a general reduction in your visibility levels. Always keep a safe distance from other vehicles and reduce your speed.

Service your car

A faulty engine or brakes can often help cause road accidents, along with other faults with your car. A car service every year is your best bet at keeping your car problem-free and safe to drive. With an annual service a mechanic who knows what they’re looking at will check over your car to certify it’s condition and may replace certain car parts that look like they may soon break. A car service is recommended every year for your car and not only will it keep it safe to drive, but it will also maximise its resale value too.

Bonus tip: Be wary of drink drivers at night – and report any strange driving activity to the authorities.

Final thoughts

If you find yourself caught up in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, speak with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.