Consider These Home Improvement Factors to Avoid Disaster

October 6, 2016 by Angie Leave a Comment

Buying a home can be one of the most stressful things you do. But living in that home while tackling renovation and home improvement projects can be even more tough. No one warns you about that before you decide to embark on the process. However, we all want to improve our home in some way. Be that extending it to create more space or just simply decorating it more towards your tastes. Whatever the improvement may be, we are all subject to disasters occurring. So avoid any potential problems by taking into account some of these factors.

Check the Structure of Your Property

Your home may be old, or fairly new, but at some point, you are going to need to consider the foundation and structure of your property. Even more so if you plan to change the property structurally. This is when getting companies like Edens Structural Solutions to come and check things over could be very sensible. Doing this avoids any potential disasters when work begins on the improvements you wish to make.

Ensure You Have Good Plans in Place Before Taking on Any Work

All improvements need a degree of planning. If you are decorating your home, you may plan the colors you wish to use, if you are extending then you may have something more complicated. Getting an architect to draw up plans with a new floor plan and guideline will be vital for the process of building that extension. In some cases permission needs to be granted, and so good plans will enable that process to run smoothly.

Consider Your Budget Before Spending Gets Out of Control

No one likes to talk about the finances. But no matter what the improvement to your property is there will be some cost attached to it. So before anything happens, make sure you consider what your budget is. When it comes to home improvements, the costs can quickly skyrocket. Especially when there aren’t plans to take certain factors into considerations. This is when it might be worth having a contingency fund in place for unforeseen circumstances. However, budgeting correctly in the first instance should help you avoid any problems in regards to cost further down the line.

Consider Designs that Will Stand the Test of Time

We know improvements cost money. So when it comes to the design side of things like new kitchens or bathrooms, try and choose something that will stand the test of time. The last thing anyone wants it to have to go through this process all over again sooner than expected. Making decisions like this wisely will also help when it comes to selling your property. Ensuring that your design choices will appeal to the masses.

Designate the Job of Project Manager to Someone You Trust

Finally, ensure that you enlist the help of someone you trust. If you are not project managing the improvements yourself than having a contractor in place will ensure that you stay on plan and to budget. It’s always best to have one person accountable, be that yourself or an organisation.

Planning any home improvement?

I hope these factors help you avoid disaster in any of your future home improvement projects. 🙂

Angie

Angie is a coffee-fueled writer, artist-wanna-be, and over-worker who currently resides in a tiny fixer-upper near Salt Lake City with her boyfriend and 70lb rescue pittie. She works full time in Customer Service/Computers, part-time in retail and fashion, goes to school part-time on and off, maintains this and another couple of blogs, as well as volunteers with rescue dogs. In her free time, what little of it there is, she likes to read, play nerd games, craft and create art, and spend time with all of the awesome people in her life.

http://www.mysocalledchaos.com

September Favorites & Monthly Coffee

September 29, 2016 by Angie Leave a Comment

Oh September as come and nearly gone, and it’s time to talk about our September favorites and share our most-loved blog posts from other bloggers in the Monthly Coffee linky party. Are you ready? I’m very nearly not… Except I don’t mourn September flying by so quickly when I know that October is near… October is the best month of the year! So, here are my September favorites…

September Favorites Around the Blogosphere

Why You Should Start Doing Things That Scare You at Work by Mckenzie of Mckenzie Allyshia // This is such a great post! I needed that reminder to get out of my comfort zone and work towards more growth and possibility. I’ve felt stuck for so long…

Lisa Frank: Graphic Design in Vintage 80s Rainbow Heaven by Brittany at Pop Shop America // I was such a Lisa Frank kid. I spent hours coloring in Lisa Frank books, I carried around Lisa Frank binders and other school supplies, and the stickers-man, that was sticker heaven! For some reason, I’ve gone all these years without thinking about much more than how much I adored the school supplies each year, and missed all the controversy! Brittany shared a great post with some of the Lisa Frank vintage finds on Etsy-and linked to some fascinating company dirt!

Five Easy Ways to Stay in Touch Due to Long Distance from Tabitha at A Hundred Tiny Wishes // This post is so personally relevant to me. It seems that as I grow older more and more of my nearest and dearest pick up and move away. My very best friend MelanieGrace has lived in Savannah for many years now, my good friend Samuel moved to Seattle and took with him several other friends and acquaintances, and of course my roommate of many years and best guy friend Josh lives all the way up in Edmonton. Keeping in touch with them is important to me, and these are all great ideas!

3 Things You Need to Know About Going Viral by Kimi of The Blog Dept. // Did you know Kimi (from Kimi Who?) started a second blog to help other bloggers? She did, and it’s great! I loved this post because I’ve never really thought about going Viral… I mean I hoped for it, but I never really thought about what it might entail.

September Favorites in Fashion

Rainbow Moonstone Sterling Silver Ring from Don Biu Silver
Live For Love Scoop Tee from Torrid – I bought this and I LOVE it!
from Mary Morris Jewelry
Charm, Quote and tassel Keychains from Jill Makes
Mermaid Pink Shell Enamel Pin from I Love Crafty
Beef Taco Charm from Sucre Sucre Miniatures
Gilded Grace Lace Dress in Champagne from ModCloth – I’m in love with this dress. If I were getting married right now-THIS would be the dress. It even comes in extended sizes. I kind of want to buy the dress and plan an entire wedding all around it-but we’re not there yet and what if my size changes? Haha!
Talisman Necklace with Patina Feather, Arrowhead, and Leaf from Jessica Klaaran
TOMS Women’s Classic Slip-On Black Floral “La Vie est Belle – I bought these and I keep wearing them all the time! I love them so much.
LuLaRoe Halloween Leggings – Okay, I finally gave in and tried the LLR leggings and I’m obsessed with them. So now, I’m dying for some Halloween leggings-so much for that I broke and pre-ordered like 5 pair. To be fair, they’re mystery so I figure if I order 5 I’ll at least get one that I love. But I’m hoping so desperately for at least the witch hats and some skulls. DESPERATELY.
Fox Bag from La Lisette
Fold Over Combat Boots (Wide Width) from Torrid – I have a pair like this in black and I LOVE them!
The Dancer to Your Questions Dress in Blue Plaid from ModCloth
Knit Drape Front Fringe Cardigan from Torrid
Apothecary On Bag from ModCloth
Disney Ariel Collection Shell Drape Cardigan from Torrid – I just bought this and it’s sooooo cute.
Jeggings from Torrid – Seriously, I’m in LOVE. My black ones are amazing, and I’m obsessed with my new Olive Green Jeggings and Dark Teal Jeggings.
Layering Necklace – Silver and Agate Arrowhead Necklace from Delezhen
Not Here To Smile For You Feminist Cat Brooch from Riotcakes

September Stitch Fix by Libby at Health, Love & Fire // No one does Stitch Fix like Libby does. I actually really look forward to reading her posts and seeing all of the outfits she tries on. I get inspiration, and I get to leave my opinion on what I think she should keep. I love that! Haha!

September Favorites in Travel

Five Places in Europe I Would Love to Visit Again by Olya at The Siberian American // I want to go to all of these places! I have yet to go to Europe, but Olya has given me a fabulous list of places to go.

Five Things to Do on the Way to Glacier National Park by Andi at Misadventures with Andi // I always love Andi’s helpful and exciting travel posts. I learn more about places, and inevitably add a million places to my “must see” list. This one is no different!

The Narrows | Zion National Park from Ashley Lauren at The Homeplace // Zion National Park is in my home state, and can you believe I’ve never been there? I’ve heard a lot though-and definitely need to go! Ashley Lauren’s photos are gorgeous there too…

The Carr’s Move Out West by Chelsie at Hey There Chelsie // Um, I love this post because it means the gorgeous Chelsie is now almost my neighbor. I mean, now I’ll have another Salt Lake City bloggy buddy right? Also, I love that she had such a great bloggy friend (fellow Utahn Shannon) to help her move! I love blog friends!

September Favorites in Home & Garden

Where You Lead Gilmore Girls Theme Song Digital Printable Wall Art 8×10 from Mama Designed
Fall Coffee Mug, Fall Mug from The Sister Studio
Child / Teen / Adult Mermaid Tail Minky Blanket from Tara’s Cozy Creations
French Bergere Wing Back Chair from Orange Nolive
Little House Planter from 3D Uni Print
Restored Victorian Hollywood Regency Sofa Settee Love Seat from Vintage Rescues
Gypsy Dream Catcher- Modern Macrame Wall Hanging from Open Eyes Open Mind
Whales in Comparison Butter Dish from ModCloth
Sight for Saur Eyes Lamp in Stegosaurus from ModCloth
Ring Dish – Love You To The Moon And Back from Pottery Lodge
Ceramic Skull Planter from MudPuppy
When the Planets A-Dine Plate Set from ModCloth
Vintage Camper Bird House from One Man One Garage
Peas Pass the Salt Shaker Set from ModCloth
Scoops of Flower Measuring Spoons from ModCloth
Set of 3 Small Mountain Wall Shelf from Landings by Nikki
Hippy Hammock // Macrame Chair from The Throwback Daze
Show Me Your Kitties Mug from DeLuce Design
Sparrow the Seeds Magnetic Planter Set from ModCloth
to gnome you is to love you from Jesiiii
Hanging, Mini Pebbled Octopus Air Planter from Cindy Searles
Tacos & Booze Quote Doormat from Fox and Clover Boutique
To Eats Their Own Baking Dish in Fauna – Large from ModCloth
Get Your Chlorophyll Duvet Cover in Full/Queen from ModCloth

September Favorites in Food

Pumpkin Bundt Cake with Brown Butter Glaze from Marye at Restless Chipotle // Doesn’t this sound amazing? YUM!

Maple Chipotle Cashews from Willow at Create Mindfully // These also sound amazing. Such a great fall-flavored snacking treat!

8 Pumpkin Wine Pairings from Insolence and Wine // Um yes please. Can we pair all the Pumpkin dishes with all the wine this Fall! YES MA’AM!

September Favorites in DIY

5 Easy Fall DIY Projects from Hannah & Sara at The Perfect Storm // I LOVE these DIY projects that Hannah and Sara found. That cute fox wreath… NEED.

Almost Free DIY Pumpkin Planter for Fall from Alexis at Chemistry Cachet // Love love love this easy and cheap DIY! It’s soooo cute, and as a lover of all things Halloween I HAD to share it.

Fall Decor Chalk Paint DIY from Allie at Eat.Raise.Run // This is sooooo cute. Serioulsy, what a pretty Fall decor item.

What are your September Favorites?

The Monthly Coffee Link-Up

Monthly Coffee is a monthly linky party where we showcase posts from other bloggers that we loved throughout the month. You’ll find all sorts of things here, anything that tickled our fancy for the month, and hopefully you’ll find new posts you love and make some new bloggy friends.

How to Participate in Monthly Coffee

Write up a post showcasing the other posts you loved throughout the month. (I find it helpful to schedule the post or set it to draft at the start of the month, and then just add links to it as the month goes on so I don’t lose anything.)
Add the button or a link back to the party to your post.
Link-up in the inLinkz linky tool at the bottom of this post.
Visit other partiers and check out what they showcased, and leave comments for them.

Link Up With This Party

This post does contain affiliate links, but many are just links to other bloggers that I loved posts from this month. Please take a moment to check them out and leave them some love if you can.

Angie

http://www.mysocalledchaos.com

Give Your Kitchen Cabinets a Makeover

September 23, 2016 by Angie Leave a Comment

The kitchen ranks very high on a potential buyer’s priority list. And the condition of your kitchen can be the deciding factor when it comes down to the sale. Buyers want to know that the kitchen is functional, and in most cases, one look at the kitchen cabinets provides the answer.

Get your home ready to stage and sell with these four kitchen cabinet makeover tips.

Downsize

If you open up your kitchen cabinets and items start tumbling out, it’s time to make a change — especially if you’re staging your home for potential buyers. Reduce your kitchen clutter by downsizing things you don’t necessarily need. Whether it’s extra mugs, old pots and pans or multiple plastic containers, say goodbye to these space takers and get creative with kitchen storage. Paring down your kitchen items will keep things simple and accessible, and you won’t have any cabinet nightmares when buyers swing open your cabinet doors. Remember, if cupboards are overstuffed, that may give the impression that your kitchen doesn’t offer enough storage space.

Lighten Up

Color can go a long way. By adding a bright, fresh coat of paint to the interior of your cabinets you can transform the way they look. And it’s simple, too. Buyers will be able to see all of the space that’s available for kitchen storage. This simple project will make your kitchen cabinet areas look spacious and light. Additionally, if your cabinets are dark, consider painting your walls a light, neutral color to make the space appear light and airy. Bonus: Dark-colored cupboards will look striking against a light wall. Another way to brighten up your kitchen cabinets it by taking out your old cupboard doors and adding glass panel cabinet doors in eye-level locations. With these doors, display your neatly organized shelves so buyers can picture their own kitchen items in the space.

Clean, Clean, Clean

A clean kitchen is a must when staging your home to sell. If you use your kitchen frequently, you’ve likely noticed a greasy, dirty buildup on your cabinets. Before showing your home to buyers, consider having your kitchen deep-cleaned by a professional cleaning service. Using a professional cleaning service will not only take one task off your plate, it will give you more time to stage the rest of your home.

Nix Your Cabinets

Yes, get rid of some of your kitchen cabinets. You’ll be surprised to learn that eliminating some of your kitchen cupboards can actually make your kitchen space appear larger to buyers. Consider removing some of your upper cabinets from your kitchen walls and replace them with floating shelves. In most cases these shelves can hold the same amount of items as a cabinet, however, there is one difference: Shelves display the wall behind them, which makes the kitchen appear to have more space. Additionally, vertical storage can clear up clutter around your kitchen and make kitchen items appear more accessible. When taking on this project be sure to stage the floating shelves with large accessories to make the units look uncluttered and only use your best kitchenware and dishes for display.

Do you like your kitchen cabinets?

Angie

http://www.mysocalledchaos.com

Renovating Your New Home: The Best Ways to Get Started

September 13, 2016 by Angie 18 Comments

So you’ve just bought a new home – congratulations and champagne are most definitely in order! After all, buying property is a big deal, especially as it can take years to save up enough money to be able to do so. Now that you’ve signed on the dotted line and got your keys, you’re probably starting to think about how you’ll do it up. It can take time to get your new home looking as beautiful as you dreamed it would.

To help you get the ball moving, here are a few ideas and suggestions for the best ways to go about it. Take these on board and you can ensure that your new home is both well designed and practical.

Find Inspiration for Renovating

Just like with any home decor and design project, the first step that you need to take is to get inspiration. You may already have some ideas of the type of space you want to transform your home into, or you might have no idea what you want to do with the property. Either way, take the time to look at what other people have done with their homes.

Believe it or not, a little inspiration goes a long way. Even if you don’t like an entire idea, you may find elements of it useful. Any ideas that you like the look of save some images of. So that you can refer to them later on.

Write a List of Wants and Needs

Once you’ve taken the time to get inspired, the next step is to sit down and write a list of wants and needs for your property. Wants are things that you would like your home to have, while needs are things that it has to have. As well as writing these down, it’s a good idea to get an idea of what each update will cost.

So say, for example, you want to add an en suite to your bedroom, contact a contractor to get an idea of how much it would cost to install. Or, for instance, say you want to have a granny flat added to your garden for your aging parents to move into. You could visit the website of a specialist company to get an idea of the cost and time frame you would be looking at. Think of it this way, the more time you take to get an idea of what’s involved in each update, the better.

Put a Plan for Renovating in Place

Last but not least, you need to put a plan in place. This is an important step, as, without a plan, you won’t know what area of your new home to focus on first. Prioritize the most important updates, so that you are able to get these done first. These should be things that will make living in your new home easier and more enjoyable for you.

Buying a new home is always going to incredibly exciting because of how big a step it is. However, it’s important not to get caught up in all the excitement and fail to take the time to research and plan out the changes that you want to make.

Are you renovating a home?

This post contains affiliate links. Thanks so much for supporting my blog!

Angie

http://www.mysocalledchaos.com

Make Your Home Safe And Secure With These Essential Tips

September 7, 2016 by Angie 9 Comments

It’s a sad fact that in today’s world we have to think about making sure our homes, and the things in them, are safe and secure. Too many people take opportunities to earn a quick buck and burglary is one of the ways they do it. Homes that have no security measures in place are the ones that are mostly likely to be targeted. While this isn’t meant to scare you, what I hope it might do is make you more aware of your security measures in place for your home. Which is why I thought I would share with you some of the most common ways to make sure your home is safe and secure.

Install a Security Alarm

One of the most popular ways to protect your home is to add a security alarm. This is something that gets wired throughout your home. Often, the alarm will be triggered by a door or window being opened or smashed. Or by someone activating a movement detector in some of the rooms of your home. An alarm system is fitted to the exterior of your property. A lot of the time this is enough to put off anyone daring to try and enter your home. If they are triggered a loud alarm noise will be activated, alerting anyone in that area that something untoward is occurring. Some modern day systems even the owners aware through an app on their smartphones.

Do you feel secure in your home? Here are some tips to help that safety be a reality…

TWEET IT

Think About Adding Shutters

Adding roller shutters to windows, doors and garages is a great way to add additional protection to your home. You can protect your home with roller shutters using high quality materials. Not only do they protect against potential burglaries, but also from harsh weather conditions. As well as being a visual deterrent. Some roller shutter systems can have an automatic lock down procedure. It’s a great addition to any home, and also can help in other ways like saving money on energy bills or offering additional privacy.

Get a Pet Dog

You may think that this point is a bit of a joke, but a pet dog can be a huge deterrent for people entering your property. A dog can bark and warn off potential burglars. A lot of people also have a fear of dogs so it would put off many people. You don’t have to have your dog patrolling your front lawn, though. Even if they stay inside, a sticker mentioning you had a dog could be all it takes. This would also help if the dog were with you and away from the home.

A pet dog can be a huge deterrent for people entering your property…

TWEET IT

Make More Use of Your Perimeter

A lot of houses have an outdoor perimeter. So a great way to make your home more safe and secure is to utilize this with high fences and walls. Of course, you don’t want them to be too high where it may affect sun coverage, etc. But it could be enough to warn off anyone attempting to enter your property without permission. Especially if you add a gated entry as well.

Consider Security Cameras

A more popular trend occurring is the use of security cameras. Especially as some brands and companies have apps that can link to your smartphone. This enables you to keep an eye on your home even when you are not there. You can make them as discrete or obvious as you want them to be. However, installing security cameras can be quite costly. So you need to decide whether the investment is warranted in the area you live.

Get Into the Right Habits

A lot of the time, people will capitalise on the little mistakes that some homeowners can make. For example, not locking doors or windows. Often some people may leave their home with a window wide open. These tend to be in forgotten rooms or at the back of the house where you are likely to miss it. However, this is where opportunists such as burglars will take advantage.

The right habits can make your home much more secure.

TWEET IT

Get the Community Involved

Finally, it’s always worth considering speaking to neighbours and the local community. Houses and people are better secured when you have others looking out for you. This is where a common neighbourhood watch or community group could be formed. All with the same purpose of protecting your area and homes. This is where good relationships with your neighbours could work in your favour. Especially when the time comes to take vacations.

How do you feel safe and secure?

I hope these tips helps you keep your home safe and secure in the future.

This post contains a few affiliate links. Thanks so much for your support and readership!

Angie

http://www.mysocalledchaos.com

Quick Tips on Saving for Your First Home’s Down Payment

August 30, 2016 by Angie 3 Comments

Buying a home is usually the biggest single purchase a person will make in his or her lifetime. If you’re currently preparing to make a big real estate purchase, it’s vital to consider the complexities of it. Not only are we talking about the mortgage, but the down payment you’ll have to come up with.

Here are the things you need to know about saving before you buy.

Finalize Your Home Preference

The home location plays a big part of its overall cost and that of the down payment.

Where Will You Live?

Have you already found a home to spend your hard-earned money on? Home ownership, especially if you’re a first-time home buyer is riddled with a variety of steps that you need to commit to. If you’re still on the process of choosing, consider the houses for sale in Adelaide, where you and your family can enjoy a Mediterranean climate and a relaxed lifestyle all year around.

Assess Your Buying Capacity

Before starting to look for homes, the first step is deciding what you can purchase based on your financial capacity. You also need to list your basic requirements such as size, location, maintenance, utilities, and other bills.

If both you and your spouse have income, consider finding a home where you can cover every applicable expense in a single pay check.

Consider A 20% Down Payment

Typically, it’s best to provide 20% or more when purchasing a home. At 20% down, you’ll have a quicker time getting approved for a mortgage and will be able to reduce, even avoid a Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI). PMI is an additional monthly cost for low-equity home owners.

What if I can’t give a 20% down payment? You can STILL buy a house with a lower down payment, but you will need to pay a monthly PMI. Many banks and lenders offer loan programs for first-time, low-income homeowners through government programs, so check that out too.

Start an Automated Savings Plan

After knowing how much you can afford to spend for buying your home, you can now start saving. The best option for most people is to save a part of their pay check automatically.

You may choose a fixed percentage or amount of each pay check to go directly to your savings account into an appropriate account. Save as much as you can to build up your balance and make a purchase as soon as possible.

Building Equity

After the painstaking process of saving and making your first home purchase, you are a bona fide homeowner! Now it’s time to build your home’s equity.

As you continue paying your mortgage, each month you’ll own more of the bought property. Over time, the property value can also increase, which will automatically add to your equity. When you decide to sell your home in the future, chances are your next down payment will be bigger than the one you started with. This is one way to build your wealth, and something you should consider as an investment strategy in the future.

Are you saving up a home’s down payment?

Saving for your first home’s down payment is both an exciting and hard phase, but once you set foot in your own home, those hardships will be gone in an instant. Best of luck!

Angie

http://www.mysocalledchaos.com

Kit Your Kitchen Out With These Awesome Cooking Accessories

August 26, 2016 by Angie 4 Comments

Cooking has become a popular pastime as well as a way to ensure a healthy lifestyle. There is a lot of pleasure to be gained from eating a meal that was home cooked. And if the ingredients have come from your own garden, the flavors are even fresher. Do you love cooking? Chances are the kitchen is your favorite room at home. Why not invest in a few of these awesome cooking accessories to make your kitchen the source of the most incredible dishes you’ll eat?

Grill

Not every kitchen comes with a grill. Fortunately, you can grill food in lots of different ways. Grilling is widely believed to be the healthiest way to cook meats and fish. It allows the excess fats to drain away, leaving you with the leanest and most flavorful meat dishes you can get. Best of all, you can even grill your favorite vegetables with some of these too.

Electric health grills often resemble waffle makers. You close the lid down on the food so both sides of your food can be cooked simultaneously. Barbecues are also grills. You can skewer meat cuts and vegetables over it, or lay your foods straight across the grill itself. Food will need turning regularly for an even finish. There are also grill pans. The best griddle pans or grill pans out there can be used on ceramic, gas or convection hobs. The bottom of the pan is grooved so fats can drain away from the food. Best of all you get that incredible grill line across your steaks!

Blender

Most of us have a blender of some sort in the house, but so few of us are making the most of them. You can crush ice for cocktails, blitz fruit for smoothies, and blend veggies to make soups. Many blenders are also food processors. This means they have attachments for cutting, slicing and grating your favorite vegetables. Make chips, coleslaw, purees, or chopped veggies simply and easily.

Blenders can save you so much time and effort with food prep. However, with the trend for minimalist, contemporary style kitchens, few of us like to have a big blender on the kitchen worktop. You could keep a cupboard free to pop it away when you’re done. Or you might be able to store it up on a shelf somewhere. No matter what style of kitchen you have, it’s worth making some space for a blender.

Knives

Some people keep them in a block. Others use a magnet panel across the wall. Having your knives to hand can certainly speed things up. There are three types of knife handle to choose from. Rubber or plastic tend to be the cheapest option but could be the least durable. Wooden handled knives rarely survive too many cycles in the dishwasher. Metal handles are often preferred by leading chefs, but they may lack the grip and light weight you’re looking for.

Slow Cooker

These have become very popular in family homes due to the convenience they offer. Most ovens have a slow or low cook option, so this may not be an essential buy for you. However, it’s likely to be cheaper to run than cooking on gas. There are hundreds of great slow cooker recipes. Even if you’re not short on time, these can be preferred for dishes like a casserole. This is because slow cooking the cubed beef makes it so much more tender and juicy. The flavors have time to broaden, and the consistency can be thicker and warmer.

Chopping Boards

Chopping boards never last that long, so chances are you’ll be thinking about buying a new set soon. As a cook, it’s important to avoid contaminating different foods. The chopping board is the biggest culprit for this. Ideally, you should have one for fish, one for meats, one for vegetables, and another for your grains like bread. There are many sets that are color coded to help you easily identify which is which. You may choose a silicon or plastic based board as they can go through the dishwasher. However, cuts from the knife will soon add up, leaving them vulnerable to collecting bacteria.

Wood will also suffer from cuts, which is why you should use a different board for each food type. Some famous chefs like to present foods on their old chopping boards. They can be an attractive addition to the meal. Wooden boards can crack and split in the dishwasher, so wash them by hand. Glass boards can also be an option. These can be ideal for meats, but juices may run more easily across the surface.

Other Kitchen Gadgets

Some of the best gadgets in the world were designed for the kitchen. Pasta makers, in particular, have proven very popular for those who love to cook everything fresh. Electric grinders for salt and pepper are handy by the stove as well as on the dining table. Meat mincers and coffee bean grinders also make light work of your preparation. Electronic food scales and hand whisks go together beautifully when you’ve got the kids baking cakes. And when you’re cooking for many, the food thermometer is a must.

Poachers, boilers, steamers, mini grills, bread makers and microwaves are among some of our favorite kitchen gadgets. Many food enthusiasts agree that gadgets for convenience encourage more people to cook at home rather than making them lazy chefs. Best of all, they make cooking and food preparation more fun. It’s easy to grab a take-out. Cooking a good meal takes time, effort, and passion.

The oven and the hob may be the most used ways to cook and heat food. But there are so many more options. When it comes to cooking, it’s important to have plenty of choice about how to cook and how to prepare the meal you’ll be eating. Add a spice rack, a windowsill herb garden, or even a patio vegetable planter for your super kitchen. For the healthiest and most wholesome meals you can eat, stay in this weekend and cook at home.

What are your favorite cooking accessories?

This post does contain some affiliate links. Thanks so much for supporting this blog and my sponsors.

Angie

http://www.mysocalledchaos.com

9 Easy Ways To Make Your Home More Eco-Friendly

July 25, 2016 by Angie 14 Comments

Making your home more eco-friendly can only ever be a good thing. We need to look after our planet, and it is our responsibility to make the that are changes required ourselves. Here are 9 easy (and cost-effective) ways to make your home greener, without making compromises. Not only will the environment thank you, but your monthly bills might be a bit friendlier as well!

Replace Light Bulbs

Energy efficient light bulbs are an easy and cheap way of saving energy and money. While they are slightly more expensive to purchase, they last much longer than normal light bulbs, making them more cost-effective in the long run and much more eco-friendly.

Unplug

Almost all appliances can be turned off at the plug, so whether it’s the television or the kettle, avoiding leavings things on standby can save energy and money.

Turn Off the Tap

Turning off taps when not using them is also a simple way of making your home more eco-friendly. Don’t leave them running when brushing your teeth, and only using the amount that you need in your kettle. Water efficient shower heads are also available and products that make your toilet use less water per flush. Not only does this help the environment, but it will cut down on metered water bills.

Most of us have experience with drought, or know someone who does, save water. Turn off the tap…

TWEET IT

Wash at 30

More washing products and companies are promoting the benefits of washing at a lower temperature now. It is just as efficient as washing at a higher temperature, but saves energy and is gentler on your clothing. Try a product specifically for this and turn the temperature down.

Use Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products

There are loads of cleaning products and supplies now they are organic and safer for the environment. Whether you are buying products yourself or using home cleaning services, try to use ones which are free of chemicals and are non-toxic.

Install A Water Butt

A water butt can be really useful and efficient in saving water usage, especially if you live in an area with heavy rainfall. This water can be used to water plants and clean outside spaces, cutting down on costs.

Insulate Your Home

Insulating your home is another easy and obvious solution for making your house more eco-friendly. You can try it yourself; the supplies are easy to purchase, or call a company in to do the work for you. Heating bills will be cut in the cooler months, saving energy and costs.

Energy Efficient Appliances

While you don’t need to go out and purchase all new things for your home, when it comes to replacing older products check the labels for their energy efficiency. Kettles, microwaves, hoovers and TV’s are all available in a range of energy efficiency. So, while some are more expensive, they could save you in the long run.

How often do you unplug appliances when you leave? It could save you tons of money!

TWEET IT

Recycle

Recycling is something we can all do to help the environment. Check local authorities for what they take and when, and set up a system for sorting your trash. If you have a big clear out, taking materials to tips and dumping grounds, and make sure they’re all disposed of safely and correctly. If you’re unsure how to dispose of something, contact your local city green team (most cities have one, if yours doesn’t-check at county or state level) to see how, when, and where to dispose of certain items. Some cities, like mine, have a curbside pickup program that they run once or twice per year-it’s been so handy!

How are you being more eco-friendly at home?

This post does contain some affiliate links. Using affiliate links helps me keep the lights on and this blog running. Thank you for your support!

Angie

http://www.mysocalledchaos.com

Five Home Maintenance Tasks That You Don’t Have To Do Yourself

June 17, 2016 by Angie 5 Comments

I know that home maintenance, might not be at the top of your to-do list. Like my laundry, I put mine off for as long for as possible. But the problem with that is things can get really bad, or even break or leak. But what if there was a way that you could get some of the bigger stuff done, without lifting a finger? There is. Try outsourcing these jobs to professionals to make sure that your home look gorgeous and runs smoothly.

Oven

If you love to cook, then your oven is probably a bit disgusting inside. The problem with cleaning the oven yourself is that you have to get down and dirty with oven cleaner, scrubbing away at all that burnt on food. Not the best use of a Sunday morning in my book. That’s why you should get someone in to do it for you. They will do the scrubbing and the cleaning, deal with the harsh chemical and get to wear the fetching rubber gloves. You get to have a nice sit down with a cup of coffee. Well worth the money in my opinion.

Roof

Roof repair and maintenance can be expensive. If you live in an older property, it’s best to keep on eye on things so you can deal with them before they deteriorate too much. While you can grab a ladder and work on the roof yourself, it’s not the safest option. Roofs can be slippery, and difficult to walk across. If you’re not keen on height working on the roof is a definite no-no. By employing a professional roofer, you get to stay with your feet firmly on the ground and you roof still gets the maintenance its needs.

Boiler

Your boiler is an essential part of your heating and hot water systems. If your boiler breaks down, you could be without hot water and central heating when you need it the most. Your boiler is also one thing that will need professional servicing. You won’t be able to do it yourself. Use a boiler servicing company for this to make sure your boiler is working at 100% before the cold weather sets in.

Carpet

You can clean your own carpets with products from the supermarket or rented machines. But a dedicated carpet cleaning service will do a better job. This is because they have better equipment and chemicals available to them. Getting a professional carpet clean is an especially good idea if you are in a rental property. You can keep the invoice for when you move out, providing that you have taken good care of the carpets.

Curtains

Curtains can be washed in a domestic washing machine, but you might be better off taking them to the dry cleaners. This is because they can shrink if exposed to water. The are also cumbersome and heavy, and it’s easier to get someone else to do the cleaning than having to handle them yourself.

What home maintenance tasks do you hire out?

This post contains affiliate links. Thanks for supporting my blog!

Angie

http://www.mysocalledchaos.com

Cleaning Your Home: When To Call In The Experts

June 14, 2016 by Angie 33 Comments

We know how important it is to keep our homes clean and tidy. We’re used to the weekly routine of cleaning and doing the laundry and the regular deep cleans. Most of this we can do ourselves. But there are times when it is wise to call in the experts.

Cleaning Carpets

With jumps in technology in vacuums cleaners and steam cleaners, it is easier than ever to keep carpets clean. However, there are times when it is pertinent to enlist the help of a professional cleaner. For example, to remove stubborn stains or to deal with infestations. Sometimes it is a good idea to employ a carpet cleaner at the end of a tenancy or just to spruce up your flooring.

Do you know how to get stains out of carpet? Or when you need an expert to help?

TWEET IT

Professional cleaners will come armed with industrial equipment and products. They will ensure the quality of deep clean that is not always possible with domestic cleaners. In addition, they can provide a range of services such as deodorizing and stain removal.

Window Cleaning

It is likely that cleaning your windows is part of your regular household clean. But what about the outside of windows? Downstairs windows may be easy to reach but what about upstairs?

If you don’t keep on top of your windows, grime can build up and cause several issues, including problems with frames. Don’t be tempted to take out the ladders and do this yourself. Book the services of a regular window cleaner.

Fleas

Fleas arrive in the fur of our beloved pets, usually in cats and dogs. They can be transferred to humans and cause nasty, itchy bits. The tend to take up camp in carpets and other furnishings. The best way to avoid a flea infestation is prevention. Treat your pets with a reputable flea treatment on a regular basis. Your vet can advise. Make sure they are groomed regularly and kept clean.

Once fleas are in your home, they can be tricky to remove. There are several sprays and home treatments on the market. However, if they don’t work then call in the exterminators. They will make your home free of fleas in no time at all.

Heaven forbid you get fleas or bed bugs, but if you do you definitely need experts…

TWEET IT

Bed Bugs

As the name suggests, bed bugs tend to be focused on the bed area. They are tricky to spot due to their size. And they tend to come out at night and feed on the occupants of the bed.

You can’t feel them bite as they have an anesthetic in their saliva. This numbs the skin and helps them to feast for longer. You may spot their bite marks as they tend to appear in clusters. You may notice three or four grouped together on the skin.

Another tell-tale clue is the appearance of spots of blood on your bedding. This is likely to appear close to the pillow.

Bed bugs are best dealt with by a bed bug exterminator. They employ safe techniques that will not cause harm to you, your home, or its inhabitants. Furthermore, reputable companies will guarantee success and follow up if required.

To avoid bed bugs making an appearance in the first place, keep your home tidy and clutter free. Hoover regularly, including mattresses and furnishings. Set up a cleaning calendar to ensure that this becomes a regular part of your routine.

Day-to-day cleaning is no big deal, but sometimes you just need an expert…

TWEET IT

Many of these problems can be prevented with regular cleaning and tidying. But it is important to know your limitations and call in in the experts when necessary.

What’s your go-to professional cleaning advice?

This post may contain affiliate links. Thank you for supporting my blog!

Angie

http://www.mysocalledchaos.com