Time with the girls can be just what the doctor ordered and can be a wild night or a relaxed one. After a tough year when we haven’t been able to see our loved ones much, a girls’ night in could be the perfect way to get your girls together for some quality time together. Here are some of the best ideas for a great girls’ night in. 

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Keep It Casual

There are plenty of excuses for you to dress up posh, but a girls’ night at home is usually better as a casual, comfy affair. Save your cocktails dresses for a bigger party. Instead, invite everyone to come over in their comfy clothes or even change into their pajamas when they arrive for an old-school sleepover, with snacks, movies, and games like cribbage. 

Add Special Details

Just because you’re wearing your comfy clothes, doesn’t mean you can’t make the house look good. Choose a color scheme and use these colors for things like flowers, napkins, or other decorative details. Get out your best glassware or dishes so you have a good excuse to use them. 

Don’t Panic About The Food

Don’t try to cook a huge feast if that will make you feel stressed. Only cook what you feel comfortable with. Finger foods or platters that can be snacked on throughout the evening can be a good option. Don’t feel guilty about buying some pre-made snacks or dishes as well to save yourself some time and stress. Another good way to make things easy is to make your evening a potluck night and ask everyone to bring a dish with them. 

Choose some drinks for the evening. Ask everyone to bring a bottle of wine, mix cocktails, or make something seasonal, like a mulled wine in the winter. 

Make It Cozy

Make sure everyone is comfortable, cozy, and relaxed. Make sure you have lots of places available for everyone to sit, even if you have to get some floor cushions or bean bags to add enough seats. Put out a few blankets for the girls to snuggle up under. This would be great for a movie night too. 

Relax and Have Fun

Even though you’re hosting the evening, make sure you relax and have fun too. When you’re the host, it’s normal to worry about whether or not everyone is enjoying themselves. Try to remember that it’s just a girls’ night and everyone has come because they want to spend time together. Everything else is just a bonus, so if the food doesn’t turn out well, you knock over the drinks, and the movie you chose is boring, everyone can still have a good time just because you’re all together. Try to relax and enjoy yourself too. 

A girls’ night in is a fun, low-pressure event to host to ease you back into hosting duties after a long time when you couldn’t have people over. Make some fun recipes, mix some cocktails, and get the girls over. 

It is an inevitable part of life – seasons change. With that in mind, it is time to be proactive and prepare your home for the cooler winter temperatures that are to come. Take on one task at a time so as not to overwhelm yourself, and you will be done in no time!

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HVAC Servicing

HVAC or heating, ventilation, and air conditioning is a term you need to know. You undoubtedly rely on your basic utilities daily. As such, keeping them in proper working order is essential. Throughout the year, as temperatures change, it is necessary to have your major HVAC appliances serviced. Scheduled maintenance will help your units last longer and avoid any unnecessary surprises. Find a qualified professional at www.batesairandheat.com to come to your home. Along with routine care, these experts will be good to know in case the unfortunate does occur and you need their services in an emergency.

Yard Maintenance

If you have installed an in-ground sprinkler system you must contact the installer or another lawn maintenance company to “blow out” any remaining water or moisture inside the tubes, pipes, and sprinkler heads. Water left inside can freeze when the temperatures dip, resulting in irreparable damage that is preventable. The entire winterization fee is generally less expensive than any repairs after the fact. With a few simple tools, you can take on this task yourself. Whether you choose to hire out or DIY your sprinkler winterization, simply getting it done will save you in the long run. 

Garage Cleaning

Your garage doors open and close throughout the day. Perhaps you leave them open longer on warmer days. This usually results in leaves and grass clippings making their way inside and settling into the recesses and unseen corners. While it is common to make an effort towards the concept of Spring Cleaning, Fall Cleaning is just as important. The debris that now sits in your garage will make inviting nesting areas for animals seeking shelter during the colder months. Take the time to move boxes and equipment away from the walls, and sweep out the entire garage before it gets too cold. This will make it easier when it comes time for Spring Cleaning, too.

Servicing

Winter is on its way. If you live in an area of the country that usually sees an accumulation of snow, you know how important it is to have a properly functioning snowblower. Now is the time to have your snowblower serviced before you need it. If you own a gas-operated snowblower, ensure you have filled the machine after servicing, and have a full gas can on hand for the first snow. Inspect other winter tools such as shovels to ensure they are not cracked or in need of repair.

Vehicle Safety

Now is an ideal time to get your vehicle in order. Ensure routine maintenance such as scheduled servicing, oil changes, tire rotations, and inspections are completed. Next, if you do not already have a winter emergency kit, it is crucial to get one ready.

Here is a helpful video to guide you on the essentials you will need for your emergency kit.

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Get your home, inside and out, ready for the colder winter months to come. Make some upgrades and get ready to enjoy your efforts in front of a relaxing fireplace with a good book.

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Your garden is a hugely important asset when it comes to social, mental and financial value. Not only does having a garden increase the value of your home by a significant percentage, but it can also provide you with a peaceful, quiet area of solace when life gets a little too much.

If you have a garden that has been a little neglected over the years, now might be the time to begin improving it. After all, you may want to sell up your home soon, or simply invest more time in your health and wellbeing at this stage in your life. Whatever the reason, we’ve got the best tips for you to improve your garden on the cheap, so you can enjoy the outdoors right on your doorstep. 

Let’s get started: here’s how to update your garden cheaply!

1. Build a DIY shed. 

If you are looking for a place in which to store garden furniture, gardening tools, old belongings or even use as an extra room to add to your home, a DIY shed is the right choice for you. The cost to build a DIY shed is far less than it would take to have a professionally installed garden room, for example. Despite their lower price tag, DIY sheds can be stylish, versatile and highly useful for you and your family.

Once your DIY shed is built, you can:

• Clear space in your garden and put away debris in the shed.
• Use the shed as a quiet extra room, such as a yoga studio or reading nook.
• Store unused belongings such as prams, old fridges or bikes, in the shed.
• Make your garden look more stylish and aesthetically pleasing.
• Generally get more use out of your garden space!

2. Buy plants from seed (and be patient!).

Buying large shrubberies, trees and plants for your garden can cost a pretty penny if you aren’t careful. Decking out your entire garden with fully grown plants could set you back hundreds, but there are alternatives that can provide just as beautiful a garden – as long as you’re prepared to be patient.

By buying plants from seed and planting them in the right conditions, you can save huge amounts of money, and learn all about the process of growing plants from seed. You will become a more accomplished gardener and save your cash in the meantime. As long as you are prepared to put your patience pants on, it’s worth the wait!

3. Watch gardening tutorials online.

Gardening tutorials are easy to follow, and are usually free to access online. Using the internet is a fantastic resource for getting your green thumb into the right soil; you can learn how to plant trees; the conditions in which you should plant certain flowers; tips for growing fruits and vegetables, and so many more. 

Online gardening tutorials, as well as TV shows like Gardeners’ World, can be a fantastic free resource for improving your garden without having to pay for a subscription or hire a gardener yourself. 

4. Source reclaimed garden furniture.

Garden furniture that is sturdy, chic and user friendly doesn’t come cheap. That is, if you buy it new. If you want to save money on gardening furniture, try searching for reclaimed furniture that you can work on to suit your taste. For example, by using platforms like Gumtree, you can find free or cheap second hand garden furniture that can then be repainted, treated or simply restyled to suit your needs. 

By sourcing reclaimed garden furniture, you are not only doing your bank account a favour, but you are also helping the environment. Garden furniture isn’t always made with the environment in mind; by giving new life to somebody’s old garden furniture, you are giving your garden a unique and sustainable edge. 

5. Declutter your garden & create space.

Decluttering is absolutely crucial for making the most of your garden. If you have debris such as tarpaulins, roofing equipment, gardening pots, old furniture or no-longer-functional sports equipment, it brings the vibe of your garden down, as well as reducing the free space available. Note that sometimes, it’s worth an affordable investment in making this task easier for yourself, like having a tree service completely remove a dead or rotting tree so you don’t have to keep clearing up around it. By decluttering and committing to keep your garden tidy, you are making a totally cost-free move to improve the way your garden looks and feels.

Final thoughts

Improving your garden sounds like an expensive job, but with these frugal gardening tips, you will be well on your way to having a more beautiful garden with little money spent. Do you love your garden and want to spend more time in it? Follow this guide to make significant improvements!

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If you have made the decision to propose to your other half, then congratulations! What an exciting time for you. Once you have decided that you are going to pop the question, you can feel at a bit of a loss for what to do next. It can feel overwhelming when you start looking at rings and deciding where and when you will do it. After all, you only (hopefully) get engaged once in your life, so it is important that you do it right. Here are some top tips for proposing to your other half.

Think of a budget

When it comes down to it, proposing to your other half can become expensive depending on what you do. Try not to get too caught up in it all and think of what you would like to spend. This can be broken down into the ring and the proposal itself, depending on how you want to do it. This will make it much easier to stick to what you want to spend and still have a beautiful proposal. 

Think about the sort of ring they would like

There are so many ring types out there, it is important to consider what your other half would like the most. You could opt for something new and studded with diamonds, a family heirloom, or an antique ring from a shop or market. If you do go down this route, it can be a good idea to get it checked out by jewelry appraisers first to check it is legitimate and its worth.

Decide where you are going to do it

One of the hardest decisions of the proposal is thinking of where to do it. Do you want it to be somewhere where there are a lot of people around and you will gather attention? Would you prefer it to be more secluded? Will it be somewhere such as a restaurant where you will order dinner and if so, at what point will you propose? If you are doing it somewhere outside, will you need to go and prepare it first, such as with rose petals? These are all things to take into consideration. If you and your other half have a special place that you always go to, or perhaps somewhere that you went for your first date, this can be a great place to do it.

These are just a few simple tips for proposing to your other half that should make it that bit easier! It is one of the most exciting and biggest things that you will ever do in your life so you want to ensure that it is right. Remember, you know your other half better than anyone else, so don’t listen too much about what other people advise and instead focus on what they would love. Think about if they like being the center of attention and what jewelry style they suit. What are some things that you are thinking of doing for your proposal? Let us know in the comments below!

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The living room is perhaps the most complex room in the entire home. It’s the place we sit to relax, where we talk with friends, where we snack and where we often like to relax with a good book and cup of coffee. However, it also means that it’s the busiest room in the home and that can then infer that it will be cramped, cluttered and messy. That is so often the case for many family homes, which is why we thought it would be a good idea to show you how to make your living room more spacious and more stylish. You don’t have to engage in the same old same, open plan, minimalism and neutral palette. These things work but almost too well as they have been done over and over. Let’s look at the new way, maximalism and space convening together.

The window out

When you think of the classic or traditional living room, you cannot help but think of the windows and the windowsill. In other words, you think of bay windows. This is where you can actually sit and watch the outside, and enjoy a cup of your favorite drink. You may find that these Renewal by Andersen bay windows are just the ticket. They have a brilliant design with two swing open windows and the main window being in the center. The two side windows are slightly smaller and the central window is going to be the main window which you see out of. The design is such that it’s strong and can hold a decent amount of weight. So place a throw and a sofa cushion on top and sit back on it. It’s where you may find your dog and cat sitting, watching cars drive by and noticing whether the postman has come or gone.

It’s all about proportion

Time and time again, the main reason for a stuffy living room is the lack of proportion control. Why is a seat the same size as the sofa in comparison to the overall size? Seating should be a little smaller, more intimate and something you can use to read a book. A winged chair is a good accompaniment to the living room sofa, but it should be able to seat two people or even 1 ½. You must always look at the proportion of each item in a room and ask, does it need to be as large as it currently is? 

For example, you like to put a bookcase in the room, okay that’s fine. But make sure the bookcase is being used fully. Empty spaces that are not being used are just wasted space. You could get a smaller bookcase if you just want it to be a vanity piece in the room. You may have your real books upstairs in your office or bedroom, but you may want to have trendy magazines and books in the living room as a cultural hub. Then just buy a small bookcase and enjoy the extra room.

Lighting the room

No, you do not need to paint the room white to make it feel spacious. What you can do is focus on the lighting. It’s the dark patches, spots and corners that make a room feel small. Usable space as they say, is something to focus on. Space that can be seen and entered, is space that you can utilize for your own comfort and style. A dark corner that isn’t being used by anything, will present itself with an opportunity. You can place lamps and side tables in the corners to build a foundation. Placing magazines, items and interesting objects on the side table will draw people to the corners. Using this space will immediately make the room feel larger. Because, if there is room you never venture into, then in your mind you will think the room is smaller than it actually is.

Place some figures, ceramic dolls, some photos or perhaps some kind of moving artwork that can draw people to the table. This is often called bric-a-brac of tchotchkes. This seemingly random style is actually very deliberate and gives you a chance to explore your style.

These are some great ways for you to make your living room spacious. The bay window is a superb addition. Giving you a ledge to sit on, enjoy the outside view and let in as much natural light as possible. Light the room effectively so this feeling of space and light carries on into the evening.

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While there are still a few weeks left of summer, it is never too early to start getting your home ready for fall. After all, if there is something that the past months have taught us is how important our homes can be. 

During the pandemic, we have all turned our living rooms, garages, and gardens into private gyms, yoga studios, movie theatres, and offices. Now that the cold season is coming around again, it has never been so important to check that your home provides a healthy and comfortable environment for all. 

Here are 8 maintenance tips that can help you get your home ready – make sure you get started while the weather is still on your side! 

Check Your Roof and Gutters

One of the most important maintenance tasks you will have to address before the colder months involves maintaining your roof and gutters. In fact, as leaves begin to fall and the wind picks up, it is possible for your roof and gutters to become clogged with debris. 

Checking your roof for damages is essential to ensure that your home is safe and there are no structural damages. However, the gutters, which are often overlooked by homeowners, are just as important. In fact, clogged gutters can cause rainwater to stagnate and cause water damage and rotting to the fascia board. 

Address Your Driveway

The second step is to address the area outside your home and your driveway. During the summer months, keeping this area clean and in order is easy – all you need to do is keep up with a strict maintenance schedule and invest in professional power wash services such as the ones offered by Renew Crew. 

However, as the colder months come, and, with them, more frequent rain, ice, and wind, it can be hard to look after your driveway. Make sure to complete all maintenance tasks before dealing with colder weather!

Clean Up Your Garden or Patio

It is not true that you can only enjoy your garden or patio during the summer months! By getting these areas ready in advance, you can enjoy the beauty of the outdoors for the next whole season! Just make sure you have gotten rid of leaves, updated the furniture, and invested in covers and heaters. If you have installed an outdoor fireplace, you can also enjoy marshmallows on the fire pit in autumn and beyond. 

Check for Drafts

Drafts can let the heat escape, thus making your home less energy-efficient and more uncomfortable. While these issues are easily addressed while the weather is still warm and sunny, they can become severe inconveniences as the temperatures drop. Make sure to check the whole home for drafts and consider investing in insulation – this might seem like an unnecessary investment at first, but it can truly help you reduce your energy and heat loss. 

Clean and Declutter

Clutter can have a significant impact on your ability to focus and your mood. Additionally, a cluttered area is easier to clean, which causes dust mites, debris, and mold to accumulate. In turn, this can cause the home environment to become less healthy and the indoor air quality to decrease. You can prevent all this by deep-cleaning your home before the winter months come. Consider embracing minimalism to elevate your interior decor while creating a healthy atmosphere. 

Let Nature In

Letting nature inside your home is important all year round. However, as the temperatures start to drop and the winter months approach, it is always more difficult for everyone to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air. Therefore, it is essential that you do all you can to let nature in as much as possible, especially during fall. To do so, consider letting fresh air in, installing air vents, and swapping heavy drapes for lighter curtains that let the sun through. Placing mirrored in the right locations around the house can help you create an even hairier environment. 

Check Your Thermostat and HVAC System

Your thermostat and HVAC system might have not been in use during the summer months. However, periods of inactivity can cause HVAC systems to become clogged, and, once they are back up and running, they might worsen the indoor air quality and result in far less efficient appliances. Additionally, your thermostat should be properly checked and maintained – or, consider investing in a new, smart model. 

Complete All of Your Renovation Projects

Home renovations can truly enhance the indoor style and feel of a home. Whether you are renovating the kitchen, bathroom, bedrooms, or patio area, make sure you complete all these jobs during the summer months. In fact, it can be far more complicated – and more inconvenient! – during fall or winter.