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Family Ski Retreat an Oasis of Stylish Comfort in a Harsh Landscape

A modern yet cozy family retreat in the Coast Mountains of western Canada has all the creature comforts and style to spare. The terrain and mountain environment may be harsh, but the house is a modern oasis of all the amenities a family could want during a getaway.

A modern, linear profile belnds the house with the surroundings

Called the Whistler Ski House, the residence was built ten feet above the ground, which makes it look like is floating among the trees and above the snow. More than just a design feature, the elevation protects the main part of the house from the flood-prone lakeshore.

Conceived by Tom Kundig of Olson Kundig of Seattle, the house is actually two distinct buildings connected by a glass-walled bridge that spans 80 feet. The largest of the two wings contains the living and dining spaces, master bedroom, and two guest rooms. The second wing houses all the family's children in four rooms. The wing has enough beds to accommodate not only the kids, but their friends as well.

The glass bridge links the two sections of the house.

The view from the inside of the bridge is equally nice.

While the main aim of the bridge between the two wings may be to create privacy, it also adds an interesting design feature because it weaves through a stand of evergreen trees. The views to the outside, as well as of the bridge from the outside, are grand. Separating the two parts of the house also preserves more trees and adds opportunities for additional windows to capitalize on the views. One side of the house features floor-to-ceiling windows that offer an expansive view of the mountain lake at the bottom of the property, as well as the forest of aspens, firs and hemlocks beyond it.

Large windows offer views of the surrounding mountains.

The main living area is open and very versatile.

One of the most intriguing elements of the house is a custom horizontal shutter system. The design not only creates privacy, but it also protects textiles, upholstery and art inside the house from fading due to the harsh snow glare. It's a simple system that uses crank and switch controls to transform the façade according to the weather and the family's needs. The shutters can convert the front from a bank of windows to one that is semi-exposed, shielded by raw-edged Douglas fir louvers. For more severe weather or when the family is not in residence, the windows can be completely covered by weathered steel panels.

Mechanical systems change the window covers as necessary.

Metal panels protect the windows in severe weather.

Slatted louvers shade and protect the interior.

The raised home is protected from flooding.

The home site had more challenges than just a flood-prone lakefront and extreme winter weather. The soil on the lake shore is very soft and deep, and the entire plot is in an area at high risk of seismic activity. For this reason, architects had to design a continuous 2-foot thick raft slab to support the house. The slab is set on densified soil that was prepared using a series of vibro-densified rock columns penetrating 60 to 68 feet into the ground.

The slab “floats” on the fortified soil, allowing the house to remain stationary during an earthquake that could cause the unimproved soil to slide down into the lake.

A side view shows the different layers of window shutters.

Here the slatted shades are partially raised.

Inside, the house has great style and a very sophisticated yet relaxed ambiance. Plenty of open space makes the area flexible for all the things a larger group of family and friends will want to do. Comfortable furniture and cozy throws add to the warmth of the light-filled space. Clean lines and an unclutter visual lines throughout make it aesthetically pleasing.

The fireplace is the focal point of the open main living area.

The home's large fireplace is also out of the ordinary. The mammoth concrete fireplace is double-sided, maximizing its usage and serving as a divider at the same time. The fireplace structure separates the main living and dining area from the media room on the other side. It also features custom enclosure doors that slide, allowing the homeowners to adjust the size of the fireplace opening in the media room, which is a smaller space.

The fireplace is double sided and has artful wood storage.

Moving panels adjust the size of the fireplace opening.

A panel can be lowered to make the fireplace opening even smaller.

When not in use, the space can be fully closed.

The master bedroom is focused on comfort and the view.

The “adult” section of the house is a retreat like no other. Uncluttered bedroom designs put the focus squarely on the spectacular view outside, which is the star of the property, day or night.  The minimalist decor, combined with the wood, create a warm and stylish bedroom.

The design of the bathroom emphasizes the tub and view.

Perhaps some of the most stunning views can be seen from the master bathroom. Floor to ceiling windows surround the soaking tub, making it a fantastic place to unwind after a day of outdoor activities. The minimalist design of the space only serves to highlight the views. A stunning stone floor with dramatic, dark striations pulls the eye through the room to the tub and the view beyond.

Unobtrusive stairs are located between the buildings.

Natural wood stairs to the ground level outdoors are nestled between the two sections of the house. The side railings are accompanied by an architectural grid that adds an element of safety as well as a visual complement.

The ski room has everything the family needs.

The ground level includes a garage, screened terrace and ski room, which is the epitome of an organized hub for the winter activity. With an entire family that loves the sport, the homeowners needed a way to safely and neatly store all the equipment as well as corral the wet gear after a long day on the slopes. A full ski rail and individual cubbies for coats helmets, and ski boots line the walls and a large bench sits in the middle. The ground-level room is an easy first stop before heading upstairs.

The sole pop of color comes from the oversized entry door.

The front facade of the house is also fashioned from natural shades of wood, stone and metal with one exception: The oversized, red entry door. It's a dominant pop of color on the otherwise neutral structure. Just three large steps with a low rise lead up to the entry, which is separated from the garage entry by a stone column.

The red is also a major accent from the inside.

The massive door swings only to one side.

An outdoor fireplace is a wonderful element.

Underneath the house atop the floating slab, an outdoor fireplace is built into one of the stone supports. It features a built-in concrete bench, which turns the slab into an architectural design element and not just a necessary function one. The house above adds shelter from the elements, increasing the number of occasions the family can enjoy the fireplace.

The house fits with the terrain and woods.

Taken all together, the unique and luxurious elements of this property create a dream mountain getaway for a family that enjoys skiing and the great outdoors.

The post Family Ski Retreat an Oasis of Stylish Comfort in a Harsh Landscape appeared first on Home Decorating Trends - Homedit.

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How to smudge your home

Have you heard of 'smudging'?

I started smudging my home about 3 years ago – my husband thought that I was a bit crazy but after the first time I smudged our home he noticed a difference too!

Smudging is a common practice in feng shui and many Native Americans as well. You will also hear followers of alternative healing mention speak of this practice, too! In short, it involves burning certain herbs (I will explain more about the types of herbs , keep reading). The smoke from burning these herbs will fill the air and it helps to clear out negative energy. Don't be intimated by the practice – it's quite simple!

The benefits of smudging

I try to smudge my home once a month but we are a busy family and if I'm being totally honest it doesn't happen every month. One routine I do try to stick to with this practice is – to smudge after having guests over. Why? People carry energy with them and you never know what energy they are surrounded by….so we like to clear it all out!

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Photo credit: Apartment Therapy

Clears out negative energy.

Improves mental focus

Clears the air from pollutants

Relaxing effects

Increased energy

Improved sleep

Everytime I smudge my home we all notice a big difference. Everything in the house feels lighter. If you want to read more about the practice and it's benefits – I found this article to be very useful – 8 Reasons You Should Try Smudging

How to smudge and what you need

There are different herbs that can be used to smudge and they all deal with different aspects that affect your home's energy in a negative way.

Cedar is said to be calming, purifying, comforting and protect.

Juniper is clarifying, cleansing, helps with focus and centering.

Pine is for renewal, strengthening and cleansing.

Sweetgrass is for healing, purification and encourages positive energy.

Sage is for clearing negative energy and encouraging balance.

Personally I use White sage most of the time. If you are wondering about the smell when you cleanse your home with buring white sage – I don't mind it (it smells a bit spicy, like Christmas spices).

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Photo credit: Cedar Lake

You will need a bundle of dried herbs also known as a 'smudging stick'. You will also need matches, a candle and a fireproof bowl (if you look online you will see a lot of sheels being used but any fireproof bowl is fine). Some sand – you will spave it in the fire proof bowl (I don't always use sand, to be honest). You might also see feathers used in smudging. You don't have to use one (I don't) if you carry the smoking herb bundle (aka smudge stick) around the home with the fireproof bowls in the other hand (to catch any falling embers that's just fine). I also keep my windows open while I smudge the house – this allows the negative energy to be released from the home. I'm not sure if this is how everyone practices but this is how I was taught.

So how do you smudge your home?

Start by getting out all of the supplies you need.

Next light your candle with a match – you will use the candle to light the smudge stick. It's not a torch you want it smoldering. So once lit wave it around. Be sure to have the fireproof bowl under the smoldering smudging stick – for safety reasons and for catching embers that may fall off.

I circulate around my home – smudging room by room and waving the smudge stick around (some use a feather to circulate the smoke but I like to keep it simple). Be sure to focus on corners – it is believed that negative energy 'sticks' in the corners of a room. Pay attention to all rooms not just the main or mostly used rooms – laundry rooms, closets and even the garage can have stagnant energy.

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So now that you have circulated around the entire home – you need to conclude the session. You will put out the smoldering sage stick in the sand in the fireproof bowl. You can keep the candle burning (I ujsually do for anothwr 30 mins or so). When it comes to smudging be sure to set aside enough time – this process shouldn't be rushed (15-20 minutes is usually enough time – the time depends on the size of your home).

Shop – Home Smudging

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Smudging Kit

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Pack of 3 Smudging sticks (white sage) – this is the one that I like to use!

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Smudging stick with copper bowl and sand

Smudging your home is a great way to start the new year – a clean slate, a clear energy in your home and peace of mind. I will be smudging this week and I know you will enjoy this practice too!

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Six on Saturday in my Garden, January 12, 2019

This week's Six on Saturday in my garden - for the week of January 12, 2019 - is all about Winter interest, whether by intention or accident. Six photos sharing what things look like at the moment. Enjoy! Today is my first time participating in a wonderful weekly garden series started by The Propogator, a [...]

The post Six on Saturday in my Garden, January 12, 2019 appeared first on Pet Scribbles.

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Planning Your Yard for the New Year

You've probably heard the saying “new year, new you”, but have you thought about the saying “new year, new yard”? The new year is a great time to take on new projects and to better yourself and space around you. Here are some steps for planning your new yard:

Gather Some Ideas

The first step to planning your new yard is to get a good idea of what you want for your space. You can do this by looking around for inspiration. Start with your friends and family; has anyone you know done any lawn makeovers recently? Was there anything specific that you liked or wanted to include in your space? You can also go online to look for inspiration. Look at websites, like Pinterest, and galleries of landscaping companies to pick ideas that you want to include in your space. It is a good idea to keep a compilation of your thoughts and photos or links to things that you may want to add. The more organized you are with this part of the process, the better off you will be when it comes to executing your landscaping.

Evaluate Your Wants and Needs

There are certain things that need to be included in your landscape- space for pets and children to play, adequate lighting, safe walkways, etc. There are also things that you want to be included in your space such as pools, water features, and gazebos. Write a list of all of your needs and a list of all of your reasonable wants, and start planning on what you can reasonably fit into your space. It is important to be practical and to understand that not everything will fit into your yard. You will need to prioritize what you think will most benefit you, your yard, and your family. Once you have a concrete list of what you do and do not want to be included, you can start planning.

Look into Local Landscapers

Once you have an idea of what you want for your yard and the different aspects that you want to include, it is time to look for a good landscaper. To do this, it is important to ask around for recommendations and to read online reviews. Reviews are a great way to get honest feedback and first-hand experiences about what people were happy and unhappy with in regards to their landscaping experience. Make sure to look for photos of past projects and to seek out workers with good reputations and beautiful work. The better the company you work with, the better overall experience you will have with creating a new yard for the new year.

Build a Timeline

Now that you have your ideas, your wants, your needs, and a trusted landscaper to work with, it is time to create a realistic timeline. Some landscaping projects are going to take longer than others. For instance, a pool installation will take much more time than adding some new foliage. Plan your timeline accordingly. If you want to enjoy your brand new patio for the summertime, make sure that you are making the plans to build it in the early months of spring. Having a timeline established will ensure that you get the absolute most out of your backyard remodel.

Fill Out Our Vision Planner

When you know what you want and when you want it, the next step is to fill out our Vision Planner. Your Vision Planner will help us to understand the details of your project and will help us get an idea of the total price of your remodel. The vision planner tool is thorough and effective and will help us to get on the same page as you so that we can begin your landscape transformation. You can fill out the Vision Planner here.

The new year is a time of new beginnings, and your yard should be no exception. 2019 is the year to get the landscape of your dreams, and we are here to help make that happen. If you are interested in learning more or have any questions about our services, please do not hesitate to call us at (440) 543-0500.

The post Planning Your Yard for the New Year appeared first on Cleveland Landscaping and Snow Removal.

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Pine Straw and Pests: What You Need to Know This Fall

Pine straw is a popular feature of outdoor autumn décor all around Alabama, and more people across the country are also beginning to use it as an eco-friendly, organic mulch. There are a lot of reasons to use pine straw, but before you start raking it up, keep one thing in mind. Bugs that are looking for somewhere warm to settle down for the winter also love pine straw.

That's right, insects like pine straw even more than avid gardeners. Here's why.

3 Reasons Insects Love Pine Straw in the Fall

Pine straw itself doesn't attract insects. Bugs don't eat dry pine straw, but other qualities draw in bugs including termites, centipedes and earwigs. Some of these insects help break the pine straw down, which is good for deterring weeds, but for the most part its best to keep critters away from your house.

Like other types of mulch, pine straw can serve as a hideout as well as a route for bugs to get in or near a home. As we mentioned in an earlier post, when the weather cools off bugs will be attracted to your warm home for hibernation and are looking for a way to get in. If pine straw is right up against the foundation, on the porch, etc., insects will see it as an invitation to venture further inside.

Even if they don't get inside, the pine straw acts as a ground insulator, which is another reason it attracts insects that are looking to stay warm. Homeowners use mulch to protect roots from freezing like a blanket. Just know that insects may also snuggle underneath.

Yet another double edge sword of pine straw is that it can hold in moisture. This is preferable for your plants, but it can also cause rot in wood, attracting different types of ants and other bugs in the early fall. The moisture also makes pine straw edible for a variety of insects, and termites need high moisture levels to survive.

But don't worry if you've already spent the time to collect a pile of pine needles and have covered your garden beds. When placed properly pine straw can be used to give you all the mulch benefits without the bugs.

Tips for Keeping Pine Straw from Causing Pest Problems

With pine straw it's all about placement and upkeep. Where you put it directly affects how many troublesome bugs start hanging around. Follow the tips below and you'll have a lot fewer pests to worry about this fall.

Don't put pine straw right up against the house. This makes it much easier for bugs to get inside where they don't belong. Instead, stop the mulch line at least a foot or two away from the foundation.

Create a barrier between the house and the pine straw. Just as with other types of mulch, it's best to put a barrier between any structures and the pine straw. Pea gravel is an excellent option to use as a barrier.

Only make it 2-3” deep. In Alabama and other areas with somewhat mild winters that's all it takes to keep root structures warm. It's also shallow enough so that the pine straw won't retain moisture and attract insects.

Keep pine straw mulch shallower in moist areas. If an area is typically moist (spots that are shaded all day or near the gutter outlet) the mulch needs to less than 2” deep.

Opt for long or standard length pine needles that are on the heavier side. Pine needles come in three lengths: 12”, 9” and 6”. The longer and heavier the needles are, the better they will interlock without compacting. This decreases the chances of the needles blowing out of place closer to the house when the first strong gust of wind comes along. Denser pine straw is also less likely to retain high levels of moisture.

Rake the pine needle mulch every now and then. Raking helps to aerate the pine needles so it's less likely to lock in moisture. This will also help prolong decomposing, which typically occurs within 2-4 months.

Skip natural pine straw decor. If you love the look of pine straw wreaths and house decorations, it's best to fake it. Synthetic pine straw decor won't attract insects and you can use it again next fall.

Even if you are careful when placing pine needles so that they don't encourage bugs to hang around, the safest bet is to schedule regular pest control treatments even when the weather cools off. The experienced techs at Vulcan Termite and Pest Control Inc. know where all the fall pests like to hide and can treat the pine needle mulch without harming your plants.

Give us a call for more tips on using pine straw in your yard or to make an appointment!

Original Source:  https://www.vulcantermite.com/garden-pest-control/pine-straw-pests-need-know-fall/

The post Pine Straw and Pests: What You Need to Know This Fall appeared first on Vulcan Termite & Pest Control.

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How to Create Budget-Friendly Dream Home Office

It's January!  There's something about the promise of a new year that always gives me extra motivation to tackle tough projects. January feels like is a fresh start, and it's no wonder that we get the urge to refresh and get organized!  Christmas is over, and it's time to get back to work. For me that means heading back to my home office since I work from home. And this January I decided it was finally time to tackle the project that I had been putting off for the past few years.  …..creating my dream home office!

Last January I reorganized my pantry with the help of Better Homes & Gardens products from Walmart and it turned out amazing.  Last summer I reorganized my boy's study space using Better Homes & Gardens products! So it's no surprise that when I think of organizing on a budget my first stop is Better Homes & Gardens products at Walmart.

Julie and I are honored to be part of The Better Homes & Gardens at Walmart Influencer Network. We love representing a brand that provides quality style at affordable prices. We receive compensation for our time and efforts in creating this post. Our convenient shopping links help support our blog work but add no additional expense for you.  All our opinions are authentically our own, and as always we hope you enjoy.

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The Obstacles

My office has been on my to-do list for years.  And for years I had been making up excuses. Beautiful photos had been catching my eye on Instagram and Pinterest, photos of beautiful pristine stylized work spaces that made me lust after a home office space of my dreams. But these photos also stopped me in my tracks for several reasons:

 Cost.  I didn't have a budget for new furniture and fancy new decor.

Time.  I didn't have time for complicated DIY projects.  I had WORK to do.

Practicality. I saw plenty of photos of gorgeous office spaces with stand-alone desks situated in the middle of an empty room. Where was all the STUFF?  Where were all the files, the supplies, the books? I saw lots of beautiful office space ideas, but none delivered the practical storage and work space I needed.

Do any of these problems sounds familiar?  Every time I lamented about how messy my office was I found myself stuck with too many road blocks and excuses that kept me from creating the space I craved.

Here are a couple of “Before” photos to give you an idea of how desperate the situation was!  When a space is unorganized it can quickly become a “dumping ground” for everything that needs to be stored!

      My Dream Office Goals

Since the office inspiration photos on Pinterest wouldn't work, I started thinking about what would work.  I needed my office space to include:

A large desk.  One that was big enough to hold two large computer screens and room for at least two people to sit and work side by side.

Lots of storage space.  I needed room to incorporate at least two filing cabinets, and shelves for books and supplies.

A feeling of calm.  I wanted the space to look and feel uncluttered, and organized so that time spent in the office gave me space to breath and think clearly.

And all of this I needed to achieve within a budget of $500 or less. It seemed a daunting task.

  Dream Home Office: 3 Step Planning Process

Step 1:  Evaluate Current Furniture

First of all, ask yourself, which of your current furniture pieces….

need to stay?  In other words, which pieces do you like?

can you work with?

are too expensive to replace?

are useful?

can you get rid of?

Step 2: Re-imagine The Space

With these decisions made I started to re-imagine the space.  With some pieces gone what space, if any, was free?  And what pieces could I imagine in these spaces? I wanted to try to keep the desk and design around it.   With the spaces empty to either side of the desk I started to imagine creating symmetry on both sides of the desk and both sides of the large window.

I knew what would be perfect.  Cube organizers from Better Homes & Gardens are the greatest things ever!  I measured the space and went to Walmart.com to shop for the cubes that would fit my space.  It was so easy because they have cubes to fit any space in all different configurations.  I went with two 2 x 3 cube organizers.  They fit perfectly.  And I bought them in white to contrast with all the dark furniture in the room.  They have them in lots of colors and finishes to fit any decor theme you might want.

Step 3: Work With What You Have

I knew I couldn't afford to buy all new furniture.  And some of my existing shelves were already providing some useful storage that I really needed.  My question was how to use what I had but make it look and feel more organized.

My solution? Organizing bins!

The big black computer armoire was too useful in terms of storage to get rid of.  And the dark wood shelves were also useful storage pieces.  In a perfect world I might have considered buying new furniture, but budget constraints forbid it.  I also thought of how much I would love to paint all three pieces just to brighten up the room.  Alas, I didn't have the time to take on that project at the moment.  Instead I added cream colored fabric organizing bins from Better Homes & Gardens to the shelves to give a much more stream-lined, organized look.  The light fabric instantly brightened up the dark shelves and brightened up the room.

I also used some wire frame baskets with cream colored liners.  These add a fun industrial-farmhouse vibe without breaking from the black and white color theme.

      Next, it's time to get to work! Now that the planning stage is complete it's time to make it happen.

5 Steps to Your Dream Home Office

Step 1: Take everything out of the room.

This may seem extreme but you need to deal with EVERYTHING and create a blank slate so that you can rethink the space.

  Step 2:  Purge and sort into three categories.

Keep  – and sort into piles of like items.

Donate – what has value but is not essential to you anymore?

Recycle/trash – have large boxes or bags ready to fill.

    Step 3: Put together your dream home office.

Now let's put the room back together. This is when all your hard work starts to pay off. It's so rewarding to see the new space emerge. Hang in there! You're almost done.

Don't forget what this space looked like before:

  And after…..

  Step 4: Deal with displaced items/trash.

Next up: Dealing with displaced items. Once the room is clean you need to get rid of or repurpose everything that came out of your office. Don't delay in this step. It can be tempting to just focus on your beautiful new room and put this step off, but don't! Otherwise you're trading one mess for another. The feeling of accomplishment is so well worth the effort.

Take Recycle and trash out.

Take a trip to the donation center.

Look at sorted items and start to think about how/where you will store these in your new space.

    This is where the beauty of the bins really comes into play. They provide the perfect way to organize but they hide the items from view! And you can't beat the price: $11.34 for a set of 2!

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  Step 5:  Decorating your dream home office

The final touch is to add style. Of course this is the fun part. Add just enough to make it feel finished, but not too much so it feels cluttered. Just how much is a matter of personal preference. Enjoy letting your personality shine through these details.

Can we just pause for a moment and talk about these AMAZING lamps?? Oozing style, these lamps are a statement! Gorgeous, affordable…I might need more of them…just sayin'!

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    A plush white rug with a simple modern pattern brightens up the room and freshens up a dull carpet.  Layering rugs really makes a room feel complete. This particular rug is both Julie's and my favorite. We each own several. It's stylish, affordable, doesn't shed, wears well, and is super soft!

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My Dream Home Office Decor Choices

To continue the feeling of organization I wanted to use symmetry and keep decor simple and streamlined.  Modern lamps are the perfect accents.  They provide a style statement, but they are also functional.

      Two round mirrors also add style and increase light without distracting the eye too much. I also love how they continue the simple geometric theme of the room.

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    Sleek faux plants add a touch of organic detail while keeping things streamlined. The plants and containers I chose fit the modern, minimalist style of my dream home office.

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    Modern minimalist style really works in an office because the focus is on simplicity. Keeping surfaces open and clear of clutter is the best decor element for any office.  Now I have room to work and space to think!

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Time to Create Your Own Dream Home Office!

Let 2019 be your year to stop making excuses and get to work creating the home you dream of. Take lessons from me and don't allow obstacles to stand in your way. What I learned from this project is that my dreams are attainable! Images of Pinterest perfection should inspire, not discourage. Using Better Homes and Gardens products available at Walmart I've shown you that great style doesn't have to mean high prices. I hope this transformation motivates you to tackle your own home organization projects. Because the home office of your dreams awaits!

Happy Organizing, Friends!

With love & gratitude,

Jodie & Julie

    The post How to Create Budget-Friendly Dream Home Office appeared first on The Design Twins | DIY Home Decor Inspiration Blog.

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Bathroom Organization Ideas for Your Small Space

It's easy to find a bathroom in disarray, after all it's one of the smallest rooms in the house that's also used by everyone and guests. Thankfully, there are some bathroom organization ideas that can help shape up your small space!

“People are stuck with a lot of clutter and disorganization going on in their bathroom, because they're in and out fast and don't take the time to put things away,” said Susan Stone, a professional organizer in New England.

If you're ready to create an organization system to keep your bathroom clutter at bay, keep reading for some great bathroom organization ideas from Stone and another professional organizer! Your space and morning routine will be in order in no time.

Only Store Everyday Essentials in a Bathroom

If there are items you don't use every day – such as cold medicine or 20 rolls of toilet paper – then it should be stored in a linen closet or storage space outside the bathroom, said Sara Barba of XOXOrganizing.

“In any bathroom in a regular-size home, you don't have a ton of space,” she said. “If you go and buy in bulk, I always say don't keep everything in your bathroom. That's going to take a lot of space and it's going to take months to get through all that shampoo, or whatever it is.”

If you have a lot of hair products or makeup, only store what you need to get ready the next day.

“Maybe just pare it down to what you're actually using,” said Barba. “I have so many hair products for my curly hair and then I have some for when I'm in my straight hair faze. Take the products that you're not using and store them somewhere else until you're ready to use them again.”

Bathroom Organization Ideas: Utilize Vertical Space

Instead of cramping the space under the sink with towels and bathroom necessities, or your bathroom floor with more cabinets, consider adding shelves or hooks on walls or doors to free up storage space.

“Hang shelves on walls, or baskets and hooks over the door,” said Stone. “Think vertically, because bathrooms are often space-challenged.”

She also suggests adding hooks to the inside of cabinet doors for curling irons or blow dryers, because hanging those items will free up storage space elsewhere.

“This reduces the visible clutter on the back of sinks and toilet tanks,” she said.

But before you go to the store and buy storage bins, shelves or other bathroom organization supplies, make sure you make room for them by removing what you don't need in your bathroom.

“Bins are adding more stuff, and if you're constantly adding stuff your bathroom will start to look really messy,” Barba said. “Make sure you subtract things from your bathroom before you start adding new things.”

Reorganize a Bathroom Seasonally

During your fall or spring cleaning routines, go through you bathroom and toss expired products, switch out seasonal necessities and toss old linens, said Stone.

“You should go through your bathroom once a season, because you'll want to switch out moisturizers in the winter with sunblock in the summer,” she said. “Twice a year, when you're switching out your wardrobe, you should also consider your bathroom products.”

This includes getting rid of items you never used – like a shade of lipstick that you hoped would look good, but never did. Or shampoo brands that you were excited to try, but just didn't work out.

“Your space is really special, and it should only hold the things you also consider special,” said Stone.

The post Bathroom Organization Ideas for Your Small Space appeared first on Public Storage Blog: Decluttering, Moving, Storing Tips – The Organized Life.

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Broccoli Pesto Pasta with Chickpea Casarecce

Post sponsored by Barilla. See below for more details.

There is nothing quite as delicious as a simple bowl of pasta tossed with a bit of pesto. This take with an easy broccoli pesto pasta is one of the ways I keep the pasta/pesto combination alive during the colder months when basil isn't as abundant. Best of all, this dish is gluten-free (thanks to Barilla chickpea pasta) with a suggestion on how to make it vegan!

Broccoli pesto

About the pesto:

One of my favorite items to play around with is the concept of pesto. A few herbs, some cheese, garlic, and lemon juice. It's simple but the possibilities are endless. This broccoli version is a favorite of mine in the cooler months, especially when basil isn't in season and it can get quite expensive at the store.

How else to use it

This pesto version can be used in all the same ways traditional pesto is used. Slather it on grilled cheese sandwiches. Use on grain bowls. Or, try it in one of my favorite's, a broccoli melt.

Swaps you can make

Of course, you don't have to use broccoli. I also love to make a similar pesto using hearty greens such as kale or chard. You could also add nuts, such as pine nuts (traditional), almonds, or walnuts (a good choice with the broccoli!)

Make it vegan

Cheese swap

There are a couple things you need to change to make this vegan but it's not terribly difficult. First, swap out the cheese. For the pesto I'd recommend using a sprinkle of nutritional yeast in place of the parmesan and just leave the parmesan off the topping.

Cream swap

As for the cream, play into the pesto a bit and use a nut-cream of a nut that would work well with the broccoli. Try almond or walnut cream. Or, if you happen to have it on hand already, cashew cream would work well in place of the heavy cream.

Barilla's Chickpea Casarecce Pasta

This chickpea casarecce pasta is part of Barilla's new line of legume-only pasta. I love this fun shape and it's the perfect pasta for saucey pastas. If you're using this pasta as a swap for traditional pasta, you might need a bit extra sauce- it soaks up the sauce fast. I like to keep a bit of extra pasta water on hand to thin the sauce as needed!You can find all four varieties (Red Lentil Penne, Red Lentil Rotini, Chickpea Rotini and Chickpea Casarecce) on Amazon

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The post Broccoli Pesto Pasta with Chickpea Casarecce appeared first on Naturally..

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What Should be Your Cleaning Schedule

How can you make a house cleaning schedule? Cleaning schedules can help you to know what needs to be cleaned and how often it should be cleaned. A good house cleaning schedule makes it a lot easier to set with daily, weekly, monthly and yearly cleaning tasks. A cleaning schedule is an easy and effective way of maintaining all equipment regularly. Some items in a cleaning schedule require to be cleaning more than once a day, for example, kitchen cleaning, garbage of our house. Other items can be done once a week like home furniture cleaning, dust cleaning etc. In weekly cleaning, you can schedule bedroom cleaning as a major part. If you want to schedule your home cleaning with a maid cleaning service you can follow this.

The post What Should be Your Cleaning Schedule appeared first on .

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Arnie & Kath's Kitchen

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Bottling it up

The road to vermouth does not always involve sorrow. I had not stayed with my father the night he died. He was alone. I had not known he would be, but the night before, when Vince and I left the hospital, my body collapsed in grief. It knew, if I wasn't sure, that I would not see him alive, again. I never cried in the room with him - I never wanted him to see that sorrow, or to feel anyone else's stress. And so at unexpected times in those five days I would have to pull the car over, or risk accident. When the call came to the house in the 4.30am dark,  I went to sit with him for the last time. The small dark nursing sister was there, and I was glad she had been on duty. Looking up into my eyes, she held my arm firmly and told me she was sorry. On a previous night, she had held my shoulder with that same firmness as I sat beside him, reading him childhood stories, from books whose pages were falling apart. The ward staff were kind. The previous day I was brought a tray of coffee, and asked if I would prefer hot or cold milk. And there was a cookie. I don't like cookies, but I ate that one, very carefully. Immediately afterwards, that final morning, the shocking bureaucracy and decision making of death evicted any possibility of mourning. But in the blank days after my father's cremation, and when my husband's warmth had returned to New York, I began to gather wild flowers and fynbos herbs from the mountain, the surrounding green spaces, and my mother's garden. In small jars each plant began infusing in good vodka. Elderflowers and wild plums began to ferment. On the last day of 2018 I blended and bottled the vermouth. That year is over. And from its end there is a local alchemy that tells the story of this Cape Town summer. Vermouth captures time and place like nothing else I know. When I open it in Brooklyn, sometime in a new year whose days remain to be filled, I know I will cry.

__________________________

Forage, Harvest, Feast

(Yes, there is a vermouth recipe)

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2019 Maximum HSA Contribution Limits – How Much Can You Save for Your Medical Expenses?

Health Savings Accounts, or HSAs, are growing in popularity among people who need affordable health insurance and among employers looking to save on health insurance costs.

HSAs have many benefits beyond cost savings. Let's dive in and take a look at what exactly is a health savings account, the HSA contribution limits for each calendar year, how HSAs are one of the most flexible financial accounts you can open, and why it's a good idea to max out your annual HSA contributions.

What is a Health Savings Account?

Health Savings Accounts are a type of tax-advantaged savings account specifically for health care spending. Contributions are tax deductible in the year they are made, and grow tax-free. Withdrawals are tax-free when used for qualified medical expenses.

In essence, a Health Savings Account is very similar to a combination of a Traditional IRA (tax deduction when you make the contribution) and a Roth IRA (no taxes on qualified withdrawals for medical expenses).

This is a huge benefit!

Health Savings Account Eligibility

To be eligible for an HSA, you need to participate in a qualifying High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) for health insurance.

A plan may qualify as an HDHP if the deductibles are $1,350 per year or higher for individuals, or $2,700 per year or higher for a family plan. These deductibles are typically higher than average, hence the name, High Deductible Health Plan.

High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) also limit the deductible amounts and out-of-pocket expenses. For 2019, these limits are $6,750 for self-coverage only, and up to $13,500 for family coverage.

Advantages of HDHPs

Many people choose these health insurance plans because they typically have lower monthly premiums due to the high deductible. Many employers offer these HDHP plans for the same reasons.

The goal of the higher deductibles is to save costs for everyone, incentivize policyholders to become smarter with their healthcare spending and give you the option of setting aside money pre-tax to pay for healthcare. On the flip side, you need to have sufficient funds to pay your portion of the deductible. So only choose an HDHP if you have some money set aside in an emergency fund or cash savings.

Tax Advantages of Health Savings Accounts

You can set aside pre-tax income in an HSA for use specifically on health spending. HSAs are often compared to and confused with Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).

The two are similar in that you set aside pre-tax income for health costs, but FSAs have a serious downside that HSAs do not. With an FSA if you do not spend all of the funds in your account by the end of the year you forfeit the remaining balance of your account to the plan administrator.

With a Health Savings Account you never lose the funds. In fact, you could set aside money this year in an HSA and use it 40 years from now (some people even pay for their health care out of pocket now, and use their HSAs as another way to save for retirement). And as long as the funds are used for healthcare spending, you won't pay any tax on the withdrawals.

2019 HSA Contribution Limits

How much money can you set aside for future healthcare spending with an HSA?

The maximum annual contribution is dependent upon whether you are on an individual or family plan. The maximum HSA contribution limit is $3,500 per year for an individual, while families can contribute $7,000. There is also a catch-up contribution limit of $1,000 for those who are age 55 or older (note: catchup contributions for retirement accounts start at age 50).

Here is a list of contribution limits from recent years, including the HSA contribution limits from 2010 – 2019:

Tax YearIndividualFamily Catch-Up Contributions (age 55 and over) 2019$3,500$7,000$1,000 2018$3,450$6,900$1,000 2017$3,400$6,750$1,000 2016$3,350$6,750$1,000 2015$3,350$6,650$1,000 2014$3,300$6,550$1,000 2013$3,250$6,450$1,000 2012$3,100$6,250$1,000 2011$3,050$6,150$1,000 2010$3,050$6,150$1,000

What Happens If I Contribute Too Much to an HSA?

If you are contributing funds to your HSA automatically through payroll deductions it should be virtually impossible for you to contribute too much to your Health Savings Account. However, it is possible to over-contribute by making deposits outside of the payroll system or simply through error.

If you discover you have contributed too much to your HSA, you must take action to avoid paying penalties to the IRS.

The fix is quite simple: you must remove the excess amount contributed, plus any interest earned on that amount, and pay tax on both before April 15th of the following year. (You can contribute to this year's HSA through April 15 of next year.) You received a tax break by putting the money into your HSA pre-tax, but since you contributed too much you technically should have paid tax on the original income.

Failure to remove the excess contribution by the April 15th deadline and then withdrawing the funds at a later date will result in a 6% excise tax when you do withdraw the funds. Additionally, if you leave the funds in indefinitely, each year you must pay the 6% tax.

However, there is one way to get out of having to remove the contribution and paying tax: leave the contribution in, but avoid the 6% excise tax by lowering the next year's contribution by the amount of the over-contribution.

For example, an individual with an HSA contribution limit of $3,500 per year would have been guilty of contributing $100 too much if they contributed $3,600 this year. They could avoid paying the 6% excise tax by only contributing $3,400 next year (the $3,500 contribution limit minus $100). If they contributed the full $3,500 next year, they would then be forced to pay the 6% tax on the original $100 over-contribution.

Can You Contribute if You Aren't Eligible for the Entire Year? Pro-Rated Contribution Rules Explained

Rarely do you start a new job on January 1st or end it on December 31st. When you gain and lose access to a high deductible health plan will impact your availability to contribute to an HSA. If you are not active in an HDHP for the entire year your situation is a gray area.

Here is what the IRS says in one of its instruction manuals:

Last-month rule allows eligible individuals to make a full contribution for the year even if they were not an eligible individual for the entire year. They can make the full contribution for the year if:

They are eligible individuals on the first day of last month of their taxable year. For most people this would be December 1, and

They remain eligible individuals during the testing period. The testing period runs from December 1 of the current year through December 31 of the following year (for calendar taxpayers).

If the taxpayer does not qualify to contribute the full amount for the year, the contribution is determined by using the sum of the monthly contribution limits rule.

OR

Sum of the monthly contribution limits rule (use Limitation Chart and Worksheet in Form 8889 Instructions). This is the amount determined separately for each month based on eligibility and HDHP coverage on the first day of each month plus catch-up contributions. For this purpose, the monthly limit is 1/12 of the annual contribution limit, as calculated on the Limitation Chart and worksheet.

In other words, you can contribute the full amount if you are eligible as of Dec 1, of the calendar year. However, you may owe back taxes if you do not remain eligible from January 1 – December 31 of the following year.

To avoid tax problems, your HSA contribution can be pro-rated. Simply divide your normal contribution limit by 12 to get your monthly contribution limit.

For individuals, it is $291.66 and for families $583.33 (both numbers represent the 2019 tax year; just apply the current tax year to your situation).

Each month that you had at least 1 day active in an HDHP counts as a full month for your contribution limit. Then simply multiply the number of months you were active in the health plan by your monthly contribution limit.

For example, an individual that started a new job and gained access to an HDHP on March 12th and maintained HDHP coverage through December 31st would have 10 months of pro-rated contribution availability. They could contribute $291.66 x 10 = $2,916.60 for the year. If they contributed the full amount of $3,500 they would need to take the steps listed above to avoid penalties for over-contributing to their HSA.

IRS Publication 969 has more info about HSA qualifications, contribution limits, distribution rules, and more.

Benefits of Maxing Out Your HSA Account Each Year

There are numerous advantages to having an HSA. There is the immediate tax benefit in the year you make your contribution. And since your savings never expire, you can save the funds in your HSA or a linked investment account, and let your savings and investments grow over time. In fact, this can be a brilliant investment strategy:

Using Your HSA as a Super Retirement Account

Health Savings Accounts combine the best of the Traditional IRA and Roth IRA. Contributions are tax-deductible in the year they are made (like a Traditional IRA), and the earnings and withdrawals are tax-free if used for a qualifying medical expense (like a Roth IRA, when used for retirement). There are no age limits when using your HSA funds for a qualifying medical expense. So you can let your money ride until needed. Or just let it grow and pay your medical expenses out of pocket.

What if you want to use your HSA for non-qualifying medical expenses? If used for anything other than a qualifying medical expense, you will pay taxes and a 10% early withdrawal penalty, just as you would with a retirement account. However, the rules change a little bit once you turn age 65. Once you reach age 65, the current tax rules allow you to make non-qualifying withdrawals from your HSA with the same tax rules as a Traditional IRA. So you would pay taxes on the withdrawals, but you would not pay any penalties.

This flexibility makes your HSA one of the most powerful financial tools in your toolbox.

Benefits of Long-Term HSA Ownership

I maximized my HSA contributions each year I was eligible to contribute to an HSA. We decided to take advantage of the investment opportunities through the HSA, so we elected to pay our medical costs out of pocket and invest our HSA funds.

My health insurance plan has since changed, and I am no longer eligible to contribute to an HSA plan. However, I am not required to remove those funds until I decide to use them for medical expenses, or I decide I wish to withdraw the funds for other purposes.

Since the funds are invested, I'd like to let them compound as long as possible. If we have a major medical expense, I can elect to pay for them with our HSA savings. And if we are lucky and don't have any expenses we can't pay out of our cash flow or savings, then I will have a large investment account I can tap into when I reach retirement age. I'm hoping for the latter!

Where to Open an HSA Investment Account

The first thing you need to do is qualify for an HSA with a compatible High Deductible Health Care Plan. Check with your employer if you have an employer-sponsored health care plan. If not, then you may be able to purchase a qualifying HDHP on the ACA exchanges or find one through a health insurance company such as eHealthInsurance (this is where I always found our health care plans after I became self-employed).

Once you have a qualifying health care plan, you can shop around for different banks or investment accounts that offer HSAs. I wrote an article about the process of opening an HSA account, which bank I chose, and why.

I decided to open my HSA account with HSA Bank, in part because they have easy access, very low fees (which can be waived if you maintain a certain minimum in your account and because they make it very easy to link your HSA account to a brokerage where you can invest your HSA funds.

HSA Bank offers two investment options. I chose to invest with TD Ameritrade, because of their excellent reputation and access to several hundred fee-free ETFs for trading. So I've never paid anything to make a stock purchase at TD Ameritrade because I invested in ETFs that didn't have any associated trading costs.

You can visit TD Ameritrade to learn more or to open an account.

Health Savings Accounts are one of the most flexible financial accounts you can open. If you are eligible to open an HSA, I recommend maxing out your contributions each year. And if you can swing it, try to pay your medical expenses out of pocket. This will allow your HSA contributions to grow tax-free indefinitely, allowing you to increase your net worth.

The post 2019 Maximum HSA Contribution Limits – How Much Can You Save for Your Medical Expenses? appeared first on Cash Money Life | Personal Finance, Investing, & Career.

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Selecting Countertops for a White Kitchen

A kitchen with white cabinets is timeless statement to make with your home design. It's clean and bright. But how do you select countertops for a white kitchen? We asked CliqStudios kitchen designer, Dyani Elkins for her insight on the role countertops have to play in a white kitchen and for a better understanding into “How do I get the best kitchen design ideas?”.

What comes to mind when you hear about the discussion of how to select countertops for a white kitchen?

DYANI: You would really want your client to determine if they are going for monochromatic or if the cabinets supposed to be white, so that you can then go dramatic. You're either going for real drama or monochromatic. There really isn't an in-between.

Where do you begin with making your selection for countertops?

DYANI: I feel like a lot of people already have a look that they are going for and that they already know what look they're going for. They usually have a pretty good sense. Sometimes they'll do it in reverse where the countertop was selected first to make a statement. They'll go white with their cabinets so that the countertops shine.

I did a kitchen that has this stunningly beautiful soapstone and that was the real star of the kitchen. So, everything else had to play to that. It's about how you want to make your statement. Also, your backsplash is going to make a big impact on that too. If you have a real dramatic backsplash, you may want to go more neutral on your countertops so the tile work is the star. You have to decide what you want your kitchen's focal point to be.

A cost effective and creative option for counters is concrete!

You don't want your design elements to fight each other. You don't want it to be combative and your eyes to go too many places. You have to decide if you want have a dramatic hood or tile, you want to go more neutral with your countertop. If you have a more dramatic countertop then you want to go more neutral. You don't want anything to compete.

Also, if you're going white on white you really have to have that cabinet door or sample with your when you select your countertops. Because the worst thing would be to put in that countertop and then have your whites not match. At CliqStudios we offer three different white finishes: White, Cloud White, and Bright White. You can order two free samples from our website.

In what ways do the theme or style of a kitchen influence the countertops you choose?

DYANI: It's everything. First of all, it's a major price investment and then so much of the square footage is your countertops. So, it's everything. It's a concert with cabinetry and countertops being equal in how important they are.

Contrast. When is best to go bold with your countertops choice and when should you be understated?

DYANI: I think some of it is how long are you plan to stay in the home. If you're thinking about resale then you are probably not going as bold. But if it's your dream home and dream kitchen, then it doesn't matter as long as you're selecting something you're not going to get tired of. I think that's the biggest thing when you make a bold statement with anything. Because it's a major financial investment you don't want to go trendy. Useless money isn't an object for your and you can change it out in five years. But most people are going to live with it for a really long time so you don't want something you're going to get tired of.

We talked previously about other design elements like your hood and backsplash. How do other materials like appliances, flooring, etc… effect making your countertop decision?

DYANI: I think flooring can impact it, especially if you're going for a certain look. Typically, appliances and flooring are more of a neutral and they have less of an impact on that decision than tile and cabinet colors.

Are there any basic tips and tricks homeowners can keep mind when they are going out to look for their countertops and thinking about the connection with their white kitchen?

DYANI: Really think about how you're going to use the space. Because a lot of your countertop selection is going to be based on how you use your kitchen. Different materials respond differently. If this is a beautiful kitchen that is a showcase kitchen and that's it's only function you have a lot more options. If it's going to be used a lot you need a more durable finish. A quartz is going to hold up better to a professional kitchen. If you're a cook, a baker, you have a ton of kids those kinds of surfaces are going to hold up better compared to natural elements like marble. Both marble and granite can also crack. I think the function needs to be thought about before design. Then that leads you naturally into you design once you've made those decisions.

The post Selecting Countertops for a White Kitchen appeared first on CliqStudios.

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The Opposite of Spoiled: How to Raise Money-Smart (and Generous) Kids

Ron Lieber,  NYTimes money columnist and author of The Opposite of Spoiled, discusses how to raise money-savv kids who are generous.  Talking About Money with Our Kids Whether we plan to or not our kids will pick up their financial habits based on what we say and do around them. We can look back at our parents and get an […]

The post The Opposite of Spoiled: How to Raise Money-Smart (and Generous) Kids appeared first on Couple Money.

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Houses For Sale in Raven, VA

3966 Old Kentucky Turnpike Rd, Raven, VA, Raven, VA

one owner tri-level with complete privacy! this property features 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, living room and family room with fireplace with gas logs in...

16 Marigold Ln, Raven, VA, Raven, VA

Brick ranch home with 3 bedrooms and 2 bath. Buyers and buyers agent to verify all information. Sold As Is. Cash only offers. Debra Ball, PRESTIGE...

453 Bottom Rd, Raven, VA, Raven, VA

large home with full basement. home features level lot, paved drive, two car attached garage and additional 2 car detached garage. patio offers a...

156 Davis Ln, Raven, VA, Raven, VA

Looking for space at a great deal? This home has approximately 1988 sq ft with three bedrooms and full bath on upper level and main level has a large...

738 Reedy Rd, Raven, VA, Raven, VA

Home is in good condition. Hardwood and laminate throughout with ceramic in the baths. Large den with laundry area, eat in kitchen, open deck on the...

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Top 5 Tips for Inviting Bath Designs

Learn How to Create an Inviting Guest Bathroom Design in Your Bucks County Home

One of the best things about the holiday season is having people to stay in your home.  Entertaining guests is important, but so too is creating a sanctuary for them with a well-prepared guest bathroom. To ensure your visitors feel happy and relaxed, good bath design is called for, along with a few extra touches for a guest bathroom or powder room.

 1.  KEEP IT SIMPLE

As with any bathroom design, invest in a good shower, toilet and sink with a vanity. Make sure there is a mirror and decent lighting for people to get ready. A bathtub probably won't be necessary in your guest bathroom design unless you anticipate visitors with small children. While you can experiment with color in the master bathroom, it's best to adhere to a neutral or monochrome palette in the guest bath. Play with textures and shapes and incorporate a statement piece but try to appeal to everyone's taste.

 2. LUXURY TOUCHES                                                                                                         

You're not running a hotel, but it's still nice to add luxe extras for your guests to enjoy during their stay. They'll probably bring basic toiletries but put out a basket of high-end pampering products as well as supplying essentials they may have forgotten. Have a plush robe on hand for each person in addition to fluffy towels in different sizes, remembering to hang hooks or rails for them to dry on. Candles and diffusers give a welcoming feel and show your guests that you've taken the time to make them feel special.

3. TAKE TIME TO SET UP                                                                                                   

While it's important to show visitors that everything is at hand, things should be displayed with thought and presented meticulously. Open shelving is the best solution as people can find what they need without rooting around. When displaying items, sort them into groups and then vary their size, to give an ordered yet interesting look. Hairdryers and toilet paper can go in a little vanity included in your customized bathroom design storage.

4. LEAVE SPACE

Remember to leave some space free when planning your remodel. Guests will appreciate having somewhere to put their own essentials. Resist the urge to accessorize too much. Guests might have to move a bowl of potpourri to clear space for their medications and essential toiletries! Also, remember that this is not a room to store your extra things. It should be a dedicated room for guests, at least while they are staying with you.

5. PRACTICALITIES

Think about who will be coming and for how long.  Bathroom rugs are a good idea to prevent elderly people slipping on a tiled floor. If your guests are long-term visitors (more than a few days) then include a laundry basket for them to use. Don't forget extra touches like plungers, air neutralizers and extra toilet paper, to avoid potential embarrassment. This also applies to your frequently used powder room.

The master bathroom is often the main priority in bath design, but the guest bathroom design should feel special too. Look at our bathroom gallery for more ideas and contact our design experts to help you create an inviting bath remodel that will wow your guests for years to come.

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Modern's Experts Explain How Winter Affects Pests

Farmers' Almanac Predicts a Cold & White Winter for New England

The Farmers' Almanac, that time-tested and generation-approved compendium of knowledge, has a rough prediction for the 2018-2019 New England winter: teeth-chattering cold lies ahead.

“Contrary to the stories storming the web, our time-tested, long-range formula is pointing toward a very long, cold, and snow-filled winter. We stand by our forecast and formula, which accurately predicted the many storms last winter, as well as this summer's steamy, hot conditions.” Farmers' Almanac Editor Peter Geiger said.

Have mice already started to take refuge in your home? Call Modern Pest today at 1-800-323-PEST or click here to schedule service before you're infested!

And he's right. Last winter the Geiger team predicted nearly every major storm we had.

“We're actually calling for teeth-chattering cold,” said Geiger managing editor Sandi Duncan. “It's going to be cold and it's going to be snowy. We're summarizing it as 'cold and wet' and the interesting thing is, it looks like winter might start a little bit early. We have some winter storms predicted early on.”

Modern's Expert Opinions

The Farmer's Almanac is the go-to resource for weather. And Modern Pest's team of Associate Certified Entomologists (A.C.E) are who you ask when pests are the issue. We spoke with Modern's Training Manager Mike Peaslee, A.C.E., and Training Specialists Paul Lavallee, A.C.E. and Joe Hyland, A.C.E. to get their opinions on how winter affects pest pressures.

How Does Winter Weather Affect Pests?

They all agree that the main factor is the combination of weather. That will determine pest pressures more than any one thing.

“There are variables that will affect how the winter will impact pests that we deal with. A cold snowy winter isn't necessarily a bad thing for insects,” Mike Peaslee said. “A lot depends on how quickly it gets cold, when we get the snow, etc.”

“When we think in terms of winter killing off pests, you have cold and snow. Snow does not necessarily prevent rodents, especially mice, from entering a home. There is a lot of historical evidence of mice tunneling under a snowpack in someone's yard,” Joe Hyland said.

“Rodents and insect pests will look to come inside if it's 32 degrees or -10 degrees,” Paul Lavallee added.

“The biggest impact I have seen from winter weather is when we get extreme variations in temperatures in a very short time,” Mike Peaslee said.

When winter is extremely cold, but not snowy

When it's very cold with temperatures below zero for long periods of time and there isn't much snow, the cold can start to kill off some eggs and hibernating adult arthropods (such as ticks, mosquitoes, and ants).

“Ideally, a very cold winter, with little snow, will have some impact on the numbers of pests that survive to hatch or 'wake up' in the spring,” Joe Hyland said.

“If we have a light snow year and cold temps, more ticks will die from exposure,” Paul Lavallee added.

Don't want insects and rodents for roommates this winter? Click here to schedule service with Modern Pest today!

When winter is extremely cold, AND snowy

When it's extremely cold and very snowy, the snow can insulate ticks and other pests from the brutal air temperatures. It acts as a protective blanket.

“The Almanac prediction will probably benefit pests,” Joe Hyland said. “Additionally, a heavy snow cover, as it melts in spring, provides a lot of moisture for some of these pests to thrive. I always viewed a big snow melt, followed by a warm spring and summer, as a bumper crop for ants and other insects.”

A snowy winter that results in a wet spring can also provide a large crop of grasses and seeds that rodents feed upon while mating. This can lead to increased rodent activity the following autumn.

When winter is not that cold, but snowy

As stated before, snow can act as a protective blanket for pests. When it's very snowy but not that cold, pests and their overwintering sites will be insulated by the snow. This will increase the number of pests that will survive the winter.

“A cold, snowy winter can actually be beneficial to insects as long as it doesn't become brutally cold, with temps below zero for extended periods of time prior to snowfall,” Mike Peaslee said.

The Modern Solution

No matter what winter brings, Modern Pest is here to help. Our Homecare Green program protects against over 50 common household pests, including mice, Asian lady beetles, and western conifer seed bugs that might be trying to spend winter in your warm home. Call Modern today at 1-800-323-PEST to get a free quote or schedule service. And stay warm out there!

The post Modern's Experts Explain How Winter Affects Pests appeared first on Modern Pest.