Home Renovation Projects That Can Add Value to the Property

Posted on October 31, 2018 by Krissyar

Renovation work can make your home a more comfortable and enjoyable place to live. It can also help to add value to your property and make it easier to sell if you place it on the market. It’s important to realise that renovation work does not have to be major to make a difference. Even something as simple as adding more storage space can have a positive effect.

There are several renovation ideas that can improve the living experience in your home. They can also improve the saleability of your home and make it easier for you to get a good price if you ever decide to sell the property.

Taking a look at the windows

Often, we do not pay enough attention to the windows in our home. It’s easy for them to become outdated, or to be in need of repair, without us really noticing. The problem is that windows help to insulate your property, so if the glazing is not in good condition, or the frames are cracked, your home insulation is not as good as it should be. This means that you end up spending more on your energy bills. Repairing or replacing the windows in your home helps to save you money over time. It can also improve the appearance of the property. Both of these factors help to add value to your home.

Adding cladding to your home

Another renovation project which can improve the insulation of your property, and add to its value, is the addition of exterior wall cladding. You can take a look at different types of cladding here. Cladding does not just provide an extra layer of insulation, it also helps to protect your home from damage caused by severe weather, such as strong winds and hail storms.

Checking house insulation and draught proofing

We have already looked at a couple of ways in which you can add value to your home by improving insulation. It’s also important that you make sure loft insulation and draught proofing is in good condition. A well-insulated home can help save you money and protect the environment. It’s also an excellent selling feature as potential buyers will want to live in an energy efficient home.

Creating an extra bathroom

This renovation project is a little more complex than the others we have mentioned, but it’s well worthwhile. If you have space in your home where you could fit an extra bathroom or half-bath, and there is plumbing in place, you can add value to your property by providing potential buyers with valuable extra bathing space. This is especially important to families.

It does not matter whether you are looking to sell your home right now or not, adding value through renovation is a good idea. Doing so turns your home into an improved investment as well as a better place to live. It makes sense from a financial point of view.

Posted in Crafts/DIY | Leave a comment

Top 8 Pet Friendly Hotels on the Gulf Coast

Posted on October 30, 2018 by Krissyar

My favorite place to visit the beach is the Gulf Coast of Florida. Beautiful weather, beautiful beaches, and a calm ocean (perfect for snorkeling)! We spend most of our time at the beach, and then of course at our hotel. Though I don’t need a fancy 5-star hotel to stay every time I travel, I do expect modern and clean – and of course great service. The staff at the following hotels are all amazing, not to mention every single one of them are pet friendly so we can take our pup with us – it’s a family vacation after all!

Holiday Inn Express & Suites – Naples

Naples Bay Resort and Marina

Aloft Sarasota

‘Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa

Hampton Inn & Suites Fort Myers Beach/Sanibel Gateway

Hyatt House Naples

The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota

Hyatt Regency, Sarasota

Posted in Pets, Travel | 1 Comment

5 Romantic Getaway Spots You’ve Probably Never Heard Of

Posted on October 29, 2018 by Krissyar

As you know I love to travel and stay at new and exciting places whenever I get the chance. I’ve been researching and looking into the best romantic getaways  for our upcoming anniversary, and I have to say – so many beautiful places to chose from! I have narrowed them down to my top 5 (which are now all on my bucket list) romantic getaway spots that you’ve probably never heard of!

French Quarter Inn- Charleston, SC

The French Quarter Inn has true Southern hospitality. It’s just one of the reasons Travel + Leisure and Conde Nast Traveler consistently rank this historic Charleston inn among the country’s best hotels.
You can book their romantic escape package which includes

  • Private carriage-ride
  • Bottle of champagne
  • $75 restaurant gift certificate
  • Chocolate strawberries
  • Rose petal turn down service
  • Small flower bouquet

A bouquet of seasonal blooms kicks off a “Just the Two of Us” escape at the elegant French Quarter Inn, a dreamy interlude that includes dinner at one of Charleston’s most romantic restaurants, a private carriage-ride, rose petal turn down service, chocolate strawberries and bottle of champagne.

Stephanie Inn – Cannon Beach OR

About 80 miles from Portland, Haystack Rock on Oregon’s stunning North Coast has been a beacon for generations. Before Highway 26 connected Portland to the coast, intrepid travelers would journey for seven hours to reach Cannon Beach – a trip that included the infamous Ecola Toll Road and its 111 hair-pin curves. Nestled between the ocean and the Coastal Mountain Range, Cannon Beach was magical, hard to reach, and a summer home to the many beach souls who sought relief from the noise of big city life. Today, people from all over the world come to Cannon Beach and the Stephanie Inn for the same reasons.

Cannon Beach hoteliers Jan and Steve Martin had long envisioned a beachfront Inn–a place both laid back and luxurious, where guests could escape, reflect in awe of the rolling sea and monolithic sea stacks, indulge in wellness, world-class dining, read, walk and wander. Named after their daughter, the iconic Stephanie Inn opened in 1993 and has become the definition of a luxe coastal retreat. The Inn is charming and small, yet offers a full range of services and special guest experiences, and the finest Pacific Northwest cuisine on the Oregon Coast.

The Wauwinet – Nantucket, MA

The Wauwinet House first welcomed guests in 1875. The inn was named after the chief of the Indian tribe that inhabited the eastern section of the island. On June 17, 1876, The Inquirer & Mirror, reported that “The Wauwinet House was the scene of a pleasant time. A glorious sail up harbor.” 163 people attended a shore dinner serving clam chowder, boiled lobster and pastry. People kept calling out for more chowder!” Dinner was followed by quadrants, polkas and waltzes.

The steamship made regular daily trips to the inn along with the cat boat called the Lillian. Fare on the steamship was 50 cents round-trip and a shore dinner cost 75 cents. It wasn’t until 1882 when the new owner Asa Small purchased the inn for $1700 and decided to rent rooms. It was at that time that the laundry and new bathhouses were built, and the “best mattresses and springs added to the beds with neat muslin curtains and freshly painted furniture.”

The inn continued to flourish retaining its natural setting and charm. James A. Backus operated it from the mid-1890’s and became its owner soon after the turn of the century. During the 1900’s, the second floor was added along with the veranda to the front where people sat in rocking chairs to enjoy the comings and goings of the inn and the view.

In the early 1900’s, the Wauwinet Casino was built. The literal definition of the word “casino” is “a room or building for public resort or diversion.” The Wauwinet Casino served a menu of steaks, lobsters, clams, and fresh fish to the beat of a five-piece orchestra, making it the most popular restaurant on the island.

The 1930’s brought lazy summer days of sun, sea and sand with guests enjoying sailing, swimming, fishing, tennis, parties and picnics. Radios were a novelty, televisions unheard of and automobiles used only when necessary.The Backus family later sold the inn to the Robert B. Bowmans (of the Folger Hotel) in 1978. The Karp family bought the Wauwinet House in 1986. After an extensive renovation and redecorating, the inn was opened in June 1988 as The Wauwinet.

“Times and people change, but Wauwinet will always be a haven for those seeking sea, sand, and sun,” – Jane Lamb from her book Wauwinet, 1990

Ocean Lodge – Saint Simons Island, GA

Ocean Lodge renders Florentine beauty uniquely set along the southern Georgia coastline. Old World elegance is exuded in venues throughout the hotel, including a spectacular ocean view rooftop terrace and lounge. Fifteen spacious and well-appointed ocean view guest rooms are so luxurious you’ll find it impossible not to relax. A full kitchen, separate bedroom area, and beautifully furnished sitting space all open into your own private veranda. An abundance of common space area allows our guests to find enchanting spots outside of their guest room to enjoy.

The Chanler at Cliff Walk – Newport, RI

Practice the art of refined relaxation while discovering an esteemed piece of Newport history at The Chanler at Cliff Walk, housed in a 19th century mansion originally built by New York Congressman, John Winthrop Chanler. As one of Rhode Island’s historic homes, The Chanler is a beloved emblem of old world elegance.

Twenty elegantly furnished rooms comprise The Chanler’s unique accommodations, each designed around a particular historical period or decorative theme. Modern services and amenities such as complimentary Wi-Fi and our convenient house car transportation service ensure a stay that promises to be just as convenient as it is relaxing. Indulge in extraordinary meals at one of our celebrated restaurants as you relish ocean views and relax in an atmosphere of tranquil elegance.

 

Posted in Relationships, Travel | Leave a comment

10 Psychological Hacks for Better Mental Health

Posted on October 26, 2018 by Krissyar

So many people focus on their physical health these days but neglect to realize their mental health is just as important. There are a few ways you can work to maintain a positive or balanced level of mental health but what happens when you find that the stress is simply too much? Anxiety can consume the best of us, depression can hit at any time and emotions can get the better of us when events occur in our life. Today I’m sharing my top 10 psychological hacks for better mental health so that you can lead a more stable, happy life.

  1. Think about Happiness – thinking about something that makes you happy is a quick mental health booster to switch your mind towards happiness for a few moments.
  2. Keep a Journal – write down things that made you happy and grateful each day, you can end the day writing in your journal and start the day by reading the prior days note.
  3. Smile More – force yourself to smile, even when you don’t feel like it. This will naturally help you boost your mind easily, and forcing a smile isn’t that hard, you can do it!
  4. Consider Options – close your eyes when you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a deep breath and think about options that you have at this moment so that you don’t continue in a downward spiral.
  5. Eat an Orange – really you can eat any food that has vitamin C in it because foods high in vitamin C will naturally boost your mental health.
  6. Talk Less – sometimes we over-explain our decisions or feelings to people in our life, stop over-explaining yourself by talking less so that you can keep your mental health stable.
  7. Visit an Animal Shelter – if you have a local shelter that lets visitors pet the animals, go visit and spend some time giving the shelter animals a little love.
  8. Take a Walk – go for a brisk walk around town, on a nature trail or in the park to help curb that anxiety or sadness from taking over.
  9. Organize Something – go into your junk drawer, the kitchen, or even the bathroom and organize something to get your mind off whatever is bogging you down.
  10. Wear Bright Colors – find something, anything, that’s bright in color and wear it to help boost your mental health for the day, bright colors make you feel happier.

These 10 psychological hacks for better mental health are easy enough for anyone to do, no matter how worn down you feel. Try to keep this list handy for the next time you’re feeling down and out. Each of these ideas are simple, quick and can help boost you out of that mental health funk you’re feeling right now.

 

 

Posted in Fitness Friday, Fitness/Health | 1 Comment

How to Polish and Seal Granite Countertops

Posted on October 25, 2018 by Krissyar

Granite and other natural stone countertops can be found in millions of homes in the United States. Stone countertops are selected because of their beauty and durability, but they do require a little more maintenance than some other countertop materials. While many homeowners don’t know just what their countertops need, it is pretty simple. Cleaning, polishing, and sealing granite countertops at the right time will keep your countertops looking great. Knowing how to properly polish and seal a granite countertop is crucial for anyone who has one in their kitchen.

Before you polish or seal your countertops, you will want to make sure that they are clean. A proper granite cleaner will not contain any harsh chemicals that can lead to etching and scratching the surface of the stone. Aside from daily cleaning with a granite-specific cleaner, you will also want to make sure that you are cleaning up any spills that happen as soon as possible. Letting spills sit on the countertop can allow liquids to seep into the porous stone and cause stains and discoloration. This is why sealing granite countertops is so important.

Steps for Polishing a Granite Countertop

Selecting a granite polish can be daunting, but once you find one that gives you the desired shine you want without causing problems for the granite, you are ready to get started on making your countertops look brand new. Polish should be applied to granite countertops at least once a week.

Polishing the granite makes a countertop look like it’s brand new. For many homeowners, dull granite countertops can ruin the look of the kitchen. Before polishing your countertop, you need to make sure that the surface has been cleaned with a granite cleaner. Once the counters are dry, you can start polishing.

  1. Shake the can well.
  2. Hold can six to eight inches away from the surface of the stone and apply.
  3. Use a soft, absorbent cloth to wipe the polish onto the stone in circular motions.
  4. Let the polish dry to a dull finish.
  5. Buff in a circular motion with a soft, clean cloth until the desired sheen is attained.

Granite polish will also help protect the countertops from stains, spills, glass rings, and etching that can easily occur with regular use.

Steps for Sealing a Granite Countertop

Granite countertops should be sealed once a year or every 18 months to ensure that they are properly protected from spills and any other accidents that may occur. To seal a granite countertop, you will first want to make sure that the countertops have been thoroughly cleaned with an appropriate cleaner. Once that is done, you need to find a granite sealer that is made without harsh chemicals that can damage the stone in your countertop. When you have your sealer, you do the following:

  1. Shake the can well.
  2. Spray a small amount to a portion of the stone and wipe it dry in a couple of minutes to test the product. If you like the way it looks, proceed to step 3.
  3. Hold the can between six and eight inches away from the countertop and apply.
  4. Let sit for two to three minutes.
  5. Wipe dry with a clean cotton towel or paper towel.
  6. Let sit for an additional 30 minutes to ensure that the countertop is completely dry before you return things to the countertop.

Now that you know how to care for granite countertops properly, you can keep yours looking perfect from day one to year 30. Granite countertops are an investment in your home, and keeping your countertops looking their very best will only add value to your home. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by the work that goes into properly caring for granite countertops, handle the work like a professional with products that are easy to use and safe for granite.

Posted in Cleaning & Organizing | Leave a comment