Blog Page 64

How to Choose a Lifestyle Magazine to Advertise Your Brand?

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Living room with table, chairs and couch
Used with permission of Lisa Furey Interiors

A magazine is a broad term that encompasses many genres. But, still, they all have one thing in common. They are driven by the content rather than the ads. With this said, there are several factors you’ll want to consider before choosing a publication for your advertising campaigns.

Define Your Audience

Living room with table, chairs and couch
Used with permission of Lisa Furey Interiors

First of all, it’s essential to identify your target audience and understand the publication’s demographics. This will allow you to calibrate your ad copy appropriately, ensuring that it’s within tone with what is being offered in the magazine. For example, if targeting a younger demographic, make sure your ad copy is engaging and conversational.

Look at the Editorial Styles

Second, it’s essential to be aware of different editorial styles within the publication. A lifestyle magazine is curated by specific editors who have unique strengths and areas of interest. An editor with a background in design may be more inclined to feature ads for fashion brands, whereas an editor with a background in entertainment will likely feature things like gadgets or new tech. 

Look at the ads within the magazine’s pages and get a feel for what is being featured most frequently, which should help you determine if it’s a good fit for your brand.

Find Out Where Your Ads Will Be Placed

Bright designed living room with firework
Used with permission of Lisa Furey Interiors

There are different sections in a magazine that host advertising opportunities, so be sure to find out where they place your ad. For example, fashion magazines often have a different fashion and beauty section that exclusively features fashion and beauty products. In contrast, some publications may feature lifestyle-specific advertising only on the editorial pages.

Different sections of a publication can target different audiences. For example, if placing ads within the travel section of a magazine, you’ll likely be able to reach an older demographic that is willing to spend extra money traveling.

Read the Publication Before Making a Decision

It’s essential to read up on the publication before making any decisions. This feature will allow you to understand better what the publication offers and how it can benefit your brand. 

Not only will this give you a better idea of what types of ads to expect within the pages, but it will also provide valuable insight into what your target audience finds interesting and engaging. This will help you craft your ad copy better and make more informed decisions about positioning your ads.

Why Choose a Lifestyle Magazine to Advertise?

Magazine and a plant on a coffee table
Photo by Kristine Weilert on Unsplash

Lifestyle magazine represents different genres that editors curate with different strengths. This feature can be a great way to introduce your brand and its benefits to an entirely new audience, allowing you to reach a more engaged and targeted demographic than through traditional advertising channels.

  1. Lifestyle publications often benefit from a high degree of authority, making it easier to convince customers that your brand is credible. Targeting this particular audience should also allow you to better engage with customers overall.
  2. Magazine publications are primarily found in public places. Hence, it’s much easier for them to quickly reach new customers who may not have visited your website or even be aware of your brand. Magazine distribution is a great way to increase awareness of your product’s benefits, resulting in more purchases over time.
  3. Most magazines offer lifestyle-specific advertising opportunities, meaning you’ll likely only need to work with one department rather than many different individuals. Still, it’s crucial to find out where they place your ad so you can better understand the magazine’s editorial style.

It’s important to note that magazines are usually found in public places, so they have a much easier time reaching new customers who may not have ever visited your website or known about your brand before. This could potentially result in more purchases over time.

Thanks to iconiclife.com for consulting.

Tips for Sustainable Interior Design

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Living room with sofa and coffee table with a vase and flowers
Used with permission of Blackband Design

Sustainability is a practice that can be implemented into every part of our lives. To be sustainable, we have to consider how our lifestyle and actions impact the environment, and how we can change to lessen our environmental footprint. Our housing and how we design the space we live in can play a large role in our eco-footprint. If you’re looking to go green, there are many steps you can take in how you design your home to be more eco-friendly.

Living room with sofa and coffee table with a vase and flowers
Used with permission of Blackband Design

What Makes Interior Design Unsustainable?

First and foremost, it’s important to acknowledge the challenges in the interior design and housing industries when it comes to sustainability. Your environmental impact goes beyond what you do inside your home, because there are larger systems that we depend on to produce and deliver the products we use to furnish our homes. Being aware of these systems and unsustainable practices that occur is the first step to making more sustainable choices. These are a few of the biggest challenges that often go overlooked:

Exploited Labor

Sustainability goes beyond protecting nature; it also includes human health and safety. Exploitative labor practices are commonplace in large scale supply chains for many of the products that we consume on a daily basis. The U.S. Department of Labor reports that forced labor and child labor are widely used in the furniture, rug, textile, and brassware industries.

Unsustainable Wood Harvesting

Shelfs with vases and decorations
Used with permission of Blackband Design

In the furniture industry, wood is a staple material. Most large furniture manufacturers use unsustainable wood harvesting practices that cause deforestation. Deforestation contributes to CO2 emissions, habitat loss, and species extinction. In addition to the unsustainable wood harvesting that is generally commonplace among the housing and furniture industries, some companies engage in illegal wood harvesting. This can cause conflicts with local indigenous peoples, challenge human rights, and can endanger protected forested areas.

Furniture Waste

The nature of the furniture market prioritizes single-use products and immediate satisfaction, meaning we tend to buy new furniture and throw it away when we no longer want it. Used furniture often goes unwanted and ends up in a landfill. The Environmental Protection Agency has reported that 10 million tons of furniture end up in landfills every year. This furniture waste will only continue to increase as flat-packed furniture becomes more popular, encouraging a “fast furniture” mindset of buying cheap furniture that doesn’t last.

Solutions to Sustainability Challenges

A hall with white walls and star-shaped celling
Used with permission of Blackband Design

If you want to fully embrace sustainability in the design of your home, here are some of the best solutions to these major sustainability challenges:

1. Buy used furniture

Before you buy a new piece of furniture, shop used first. Check out local marketplaces like Facebook and Nextdoor; oftentimes you can find furniture in good condition with a little patience and determination. You can also turn a used piece of furniture into a DIY project – give it a fresh coat of paint or dismantle it and build something new.

2. Buy wood consciously

If you are buying wood products new, find a business that discloses their wood harvesting process. This goes for all wood products, such as doors, flooring, kitchen cabinets, etc. Many smaller companies like ETO Doors sell wood products that are FSC certified, meaning they are made with sustainably forested wood.

3. Shop fair trade

When buying any new products, learn about the sourcing and production process of the company you’re buying from. Try to shop at businesses that disclose their practices and follow fair trade principles. This means sustainable production and no exploitative labor.

4. Recycle décor materials

Bedroom with double bed, cabinets and sofa
Used with permission of Blackband Design

When it comes to décor, get creative! There are many ways to use recycled materials to create beautiful DIY décor. Alternatively, buy décor that is made from recycled materials. This can apply to furniture and rugs as well.

5. Design for efficiency

Keep energy efficiency in mind while designing a space. Heating and lighting are key components of interior design. Utilize natural lighting as effectively as possible to minimize the need for artificial lighting. Opt for eco-friendly lighting options that let you control the color and brightness settings. For cold climates, thermal insulation from carpeting and rugs goes a long way to reduce the energy your heating system uses.

Thanks to .etodoors.com for consulting on this post.

A Comprehensive Guide to Buying a House in Costa Rica

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Living room with wide windows with sea view
Used with permission of Blackband Design

Are you looking to relocate or buy a vacation home in Costa Rica? Well, you are in the right place. In this guide, we have compiled everything you need to know about buying a house in Costa Rica. Before delving into the ultimate guide for buying a house in Costa Rica, we will start by looking at some reasons why Costa Rica should be on your radar if you are looking to invest in a property. Let us get started!

Living room with wide windows with sea view
Used with permission of Blackband Design

Why Costa Rica?

Costa Rica is one popular attraction in Central America. Here are some of the reasons for its growing popularity:

  • Costa Rica is famous for its easy living. Most people love to vacation there to enjoy the laid-back lifestyle and warmth of Tico hospitality. The vibrant area makes for a beautiful vacation spot. Buying property there takes those vacations up a notch because it provides the perfect opportunity to experience the country at a leisurely pace.
  • You get the chance to enjoy a high standard of living in the country. That is owed to the low cost of living. It helps that the services and amenities like education, healthcare and other infrastructure are satisfactory and have no significant difference to those in countries like the US.
  • The low crime rate makes it safer to acquire property in Costa Rica.
  • Language barrier is not an issue since most people speak English.
  • The property market offers good returns on beach rentals and coastal properties. The demand is usually high because of the high number of tourists that visit the area.

Now that you know why Costa Rica can be good value for your money here is a guide for buying a house:

1. Have an idea of what you want

There are tons of housing options to choose from in the housing market. There is a whole range from condominiums, townhouses and villas. Knowing what you are looking for helps to narrow down your options. It also makes it easier to find the perfect spot for you.

You also have the alternative between an old house or a new house. Both have their pros and cons. For instance, with an old one, the price is more affordable. You can get a significant plot of land and a house with unique characteristics.

However, the house may need serious upgrades and fixes. A new one, on the other hand, is less costly to maintain. It has a modern feel and could be in an ideal neighbourhood. However, it could be too pricey or sit in a smaller plot area.

2. Explore the location before committing

Sea shore in Costa Rica
Photo by Nat Fernández on Unsplash

Before you decide to sign in the dotted line, it is necessary to explore the property location. Try to tour and walk around the neighbourhood. Talking to people who live there will give you a clearer picture of what it is like to live in the area. Ask about the value of the properties in the location from the neighbours.

Visit the prospective property both in the day and at night. That way, you can gauge how safe the neighbourhood is. It also helps you see if the location has favourable weather at different times of the year. To be extra safe, opt to rent a property in the area for about half a year to get time to ponder if the neighbourhood is the best for you.

3. Get a Real Estate Agent

Working with a reputable real estate agent makes a world of difference. As savvy as you may be as a home buyer, purchasing property in a foreign country requires a lot of on-the-ground experience. You will make wiser and better-informed decisions when you get a professional realtor who knows the ins and outs of the market. Here is why:

  • With a real estate agent, you can access scores of listings and get someone to assist you with selecting the best property based on your interests and needs. It is especially crucial because Costa Rica does not have a Multiple Listing Service (MLS).
  • A real estate agent with knowledge of the place will know the history of different properties and neighborhoods better than you would. They can also recommend reliable professionals to help in property inspections.
  • A realtor would save you money by negotiating not only the purchase price. They can also help with other things like financing, date of possession, repairs and furnishings etc.
  • A professional realtor will guide you through the closing process, making things significantly smoother.

Working with a legitimate real estate agent when looking for Costa Rica Real estate homes for sale will make the entire process stress-free. Again, it will be far easier to get the right property at the right price.

4. Make an offer

Kitchen with kitchen island in grey tones
Used with permission of Blackband Design

After settling on a house, the next step is making an offer. The advantage of having a realtor is that they can make an offer on your behalf. All properties have a list price, and your offer should not be too far from the list price.

When you make an offer, remember that the seller may have others that they may decide to consider. If the seller accepts the offer, get your real estate attorney to draft an agreement of purchase and sale.

After all the parties sign the agreement, you will go ahead and make the deposit. In most cases, you have about two weeks to deposit the amount in a government-registered escrow account.

5. Close the sale

In Costa Rica, it takes about two months after a sale is agreed to close. Ensure that you have all the money ready ahead of time. After you transfer the amount, the real estate attorney will help you complete the closing. Ensure that the attorney you use is a notary public that can ensure the purchase is registered in San Jose.

The closing costs will generally depend on the sale price and the period it takes to transfer the property.

Remember that any costs to be incurred in the closing process fall on the buyer. You will also have to shoulder notary services costs.

6. Register the property

Yard with armchairs, table and palm trees
Used with permission of Blackband Design

Registering is the last step of closing a sale. You can choose to do it under a corporate name or individual name. In most cases, houses are usually purchased and put under a corporation name to make things easier.

If you decide to use this process, ensure that the attorney you have is well-versed with the process. That is because they will be the ones responsible for registering the property in the National Registry.

Wrapping up

We hope this guide has helped you learn a thing you need to know if you are looking to buy a house in Costa Rica. Remember to do your due diligence as you shop for the right house.

Thanks to all companies linked above.

What is the Effect of EWS1 Form on Flat Owners?

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Living room with armchairs, sofa, coffee table and TV
Used with permission of Blackband Design

After the Grenfell Tower tragedy, the government in the UK was forced to re-examine its policies regarding exterior cladding on buildings. Unfortunately, this led to a mire of legal issues for those who are stuck in flats with the same faulty ACM cladding. Facing backlash from the media and from the people, the UK government has been accused of burying its head in the sand with regards amending the issue.

So far, the government have gone back and forth over what EWS1 compliance truly means. Here is the up-to-date guidance on how you will be affected if you’re a flat owner.

What is the EWS1 form?

Living room with armchairs, sofa, coffee table and TV
Used with permission of Blackband Design

After the initial wave of tragedy, the government were forced to act immediately. In response, they introduced a new addendum to one of the existing fire safety regulations. This additional note came to be known as Advice Note 14. None of us were prepared for what happened next.

Lenders and property valuers decided that they would no longer issue mortgages to those that could not prove that the building was following Advice Note 14. Keep in mind that note 14 was simply an amendment to an existing regulation. There was no certification for it. Nevertheless, lenders and property valuers demanded that there should be. Those who owned flats affected by ACM cladding were suddenly left with properties which were worth nothing. They could not buy, and they could not sell.

The EWS1 form was introduced as a means to end this. It stands for exterior wall system. The government revisited the guidance and made stricter regulations about who needed to apply for an EWS1 form and who didn’t.

What is the EWS1 process?

Kitchen with dining table and blue kitchen cabinet
Used with permission of Blackband Design

The EWS1 process ensures that all homeowners who own a building within a block of flats can find out if they are affected by this or not. The process calls for an inspector to come to your house and examine your exterior walls. They are looking at the type of building materials used to create your cladding to see whether it is fire safe. If they find that it is fire safe, you will be cleared for EWS1 compliance. If they find that it is not fire safe, then you will need to remediate your cladding.

How is it Impacting Flat Owners?

If you live in a block of flats and the building is marked as non-compliant, you will need to appeal to your property owner to have the cladding brought into line with current guidelines. If you are trying to buy or sell you property, you will need to have this form taken care of beforehand. Once you have achieved compliance, the form needs to be completed again in five years’ time. One form is enough for your whole building.

Bedroom with double bed and grey walls
Used with permission of Blackband Design

Many building owners have decided they will not meet the costs of renewing the cladding. This leaves leaseholders in a difficult situation. The government has earmarked billions to rectify the situation, at an estimated cost of £12 – 45,000 per residence. As usual, though, the UK government aren’t making things easy for private landlords and homeowners who want to access the fund. It should be noted, however, that they have completed most of the renovations to the publicly owned buildings that they promised to make after Grenfell. These buildings have a 90% completion rate for cladding remediation.

What to do next?

If you are affected by the cladding crisis you can appeal to your property owner and to your local MP. You can read more about potential funding here, and you can start crowd funding and social media campaigns to draw attention to your cause.

Thanks to asdbuild.com for consulting.

6 Tips for Implementing Islamic Influences to a Home’s Interior

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Hall with staircase and a desk with decorations
Used with permission of Blackband Design

There’s a classic saying that home is where the heart resides. But for a religion like Islam, the home is also a place to cultivate one’s faith. The marriage of art and interior design with the expression of the Islamic faith is something that Muslims should pursue their own residences. The right design choices can help create a spiritual, meditative, and purposeful atmosphere for everyday living as a Muslim or Muslimah.

Are you new to the Islamic faith, or are you a longtime believer who simply wants to incorporate more Islamic design influences into your home? In either case, the following suggestions will prove helpful when you’re decorating your home in accordance with what’s halal. You can find similar tips for incorporating your faith into your daily lifestyle through an app like Muslim Pro.

Keep Your Interiors Beautiful, But Not Extravagant

Kitchen with black and white tiles, sink and cabinet
Used with permission of Blackband Design

Islam is a religion that upholds the values of modesty and humility. You should be able to articulate this not only in your manner and your way of dressing but also in the way you furnish your home. This doesn’t necessarily mean that your home’s interiors have to be bare and bland—it’s possible to decorate your home space with love while avoiding ostentation or luxury.

There are several ways that you can articulate a Muslim ethos when decorating your home. For one, you can go the minimalist route and choose just a few functional, but beautiful set pieces for each room in your house. You can also use halal materials that adhere to the value of simplicity, like recycled hardwood.

Celebrate the Bounty of Nature in Your Home

Allah manifests His divine will and order through nature, and this is something that’s long been celebrated in the interior design of Islamic spaces. This can be seen in the use of the courtyard, or sahn, in mosques and in olden Arabian-style houses. In ancient times, the inner courtyard was a place where the faithful could gather to get a breath of fresh air and to perform their ablutions before prayer.

You can hearken to these natural elements by adding plants, bushes, and landscaping materials to both your indoor and outdoor garden spaces. If you live in an apartment or townhouse, you can decorate your living spaces with potted indoor plants.

Honor Traditional Muslim Colors in Your Home Decorations

Bedroom with nightstand, green lamp, decorations and double bed
Used with permission of Blackband Design

Aside from actual botanical elements, you can also incorporate earthy and natural colors into your home design. The color green, in particular, can feature widely on your walls, floors, or furnishings. Many Muslims actively incorporate the color green into their clothing and surroundings because it has a deep religious significance. According to the Qur’an, those who live in paradise sport green garments that are made of silk.

Put a touch of green in your interior design, and complement it with hues of brown, gold, red, or orange. Using this kind of color scheme can do a lot to communicate Islamic influence in your home environment.

Adorn Your Home with Islamic Tapestries, Glassworks, and Paintings

Next, you can furnish your home with items that sport the geometric patterns and motifs that are widely used in Islamic art. Decorate with lamps or vases that showcase traditional Muslim glasswork techniques, hang arabesque tapestries on your walls, and use tessellated wooden screens to divide your rooms.

The most important thing about the artwork in a Muslim is that it shouldn’t feature figures of humans, animals, or any being that has a soul, as this is forbidden by the Qur’an. The same goes with statues or figurines; avoid these and stick with abstract and geometric designs.

Decorate Your Home with Handmade Calligraphy Stencils

Calligraphy stencil and a notebook
Photo by Punta y pincel Brushlettering on Unsplash

Calligraphy is considered one of the highest arts in the Islamic faith, given that stylized letterings can breathe new life into the sacred text of the Qur’an. You can purchase wall art or decals that feature Islamic calligraphy—or, you can embark on your own calligraphy projects with your family members and furnish your interior spaces with the outputs.

You and your family members can try stenciling your favorite verses or Muslim sayings on paper, and then frame each project. You can hang these on your walls, or you can put them on photo frame stands and top coffee tables, desks, or shelves with them.

Designate a Special Prayer Room Inside Your House

If you have the space in your home, you should also designate and furnish a special room for your salah or five daily prayers. Lay the room out and organize the items inside so that it’s easy for you and your family members to follow the Ka’ba, or the orientation towards Mecca, while you’re praying.

The room should also be isolated from traffic zones in your house, for example your corridor, kitchen, or bathroom. This ensures that the space is not easily disturbed, and that there are no distractions during the worship of Allah SWT.

Conclusion

Using these tips, design your home as a reflection of your faithfulness to Allah in your everyday life. Your residence should be a pleasant, peaceful, and homey respite for joyful living, and it should also celebrate Allah’s own beautiful and infinite nature.

Make your home a place where you and your family members can be your best selves as part of the Muslim community, and let it express your Islamic ideals to anyone you welcome inside.

For more lifestyle tips that honor the Islamic way of life, be sure to check out the Muslim Pro app. Download it today for additional suggestions on how to live your faith in the modern world.

Thanks to muslimpro.com for consulting.

How the Right Lighting Will Improve Your Life

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Living room with table, chairs and couch
Used with permission of Lisa Furey Interiors

Every day, we spend our time in various types of lighting. From the natural light coming through the window during the day to the artificial light at night, it is always there. It can be said that while necessary for survival, light has no off switch. Lack of good lighting is a major factor in many people’s lack of mood and energy. Did you know that mood swings, sleeplessness, and irritability are all symptoms of a bad color temperature? Fortunately, with just an investment in better quality light bulbs, you can greatly improve the quality of your life! So, the role of the right lighting in our life is great and here we will discuss it.

Living room with table, chairs and couch
Used with permission of Lisa Furey Interiors

Lighting – The Secret To A Happier Life:

Most people don’t realize just how important lighting is to their daily lives. Let’s check those out for better understanding.

RIght Lighting Help Us To Reduce Depression:

Even though we think that we can’t control all the factors that could cause depression, one of the factors that we can control is lighting. New research has shown that the right lighting can help reduce depression and improve mental health.

Artificial light after sunset promotes alertness and provides relief from depressive symptoms. Daylight therapy is another way to treat depression or seasonal affective disorder. This therapy involves spending time outside during natural daylight hours during the fall and winter months. Light therapy has been shown to reduce both depression and anxiety, as it involves sitting in front of a lightbox for half an hour each day. For those who spend the majority of their time indoors, it’s important that they have adequate lighting.

Lighting Help Us In Mood-Lifting:

Kitchen with bar table
Used with permission of Lisa Furay Interiors

Many of us enjoy finding ways to bring more light into our homes. This is not just because we want to improve the aesthetics of our living space, but also because we know that light can have a positive effect on our mood and overall health. In fact, research has shown that people tend to feel happier when they are in a room full of natural light. But now, with advancements in technology, you don’t have to go out of your way to find the perfect light for your home. Now, you can buy smart bulbs that change color and brightness depending on what type of mood or activity you’re doing.

Perfect Lighting Fight Against Diseases:

Light is an essential element in the sustenance and development of all living things. It is an intrinsic part of life that we tend to take for granted. However, how we perceive light can actually affect our overall quality of life.

Health is the paramount concern for most people. A common concern with health is the risk factors that can lead to diseases such as obesity and respiratory problems. Lighting has an impact on these risks as well as others like cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and mood disorders. We need to make sure that we use soft lighting in our homes, and offices during both day and nighttime hours.

Different light sources emit different wavelengths of light. Light is an important factor in human health. The color or wavelength of light determines how “cool” the light is. Cool light, such as blue, is less harmful to humans than warmer colors, such as red. For that reason, experts recommend that people should avoid being exposed to warm colors for long periods of time because it can be damaging to their eyes and skin.

Role Of Bright Light and Dimmer Light:

Bathroom with tub and crystal celling
Used with permission of Lisa Furay Interiors

In today’s fast-paced society, many people find it difficult to focus on a task for more than a few minutes before being pulled away. Many others have difficulty sleeping because they are exposed to light during late hours. It may sound counterintuitive, but LED lights that are too bright can actually hurt our ability to concentrate on what we’re doing. This is because of a phenomenon called the “photic sneeze reflex”. On the other hand, dimmer lights, make for a night of better sleep.

Final verdict

In an age of technology, light still has a huge impact on our lives. The right lighting will improve your mood, reduce eye strain and even help you sleep better. Research has found that a lack of natural light can have a negative effect on the circadian rhythm which is the body’s internal clock that tells it when to go to bed and wake up. You can’t bear to live without your smartphone or tablet anymore. But all of the technology in the world isn’t going to make you happy if you’re using it outside without proper lighting. In fact, it’s time to take charge of your own well-being and find the right lighting for your life.

Thanks to olightstore.uk for consulting on this post.

BENEFITS OF ELECTRIC PATIO AWNINGS

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House and the backyard
Used with permission of Blackband Design

It was like Raymond Loewy, a French-born American industrial designer, had electric patio awnings in mind when he posited that “the most reliable appliance has simplicity and quality, does what is demanded of it, is economical to use, easy to maintain, and just as easy to repair… It also sells best and looks good.” An electric patio awning is everything Raymond Loewy listed and more.

House and the backyard
Used with permission of Blackband Design

An electric patio awning is a motorized awning that has a roof-like cover designed to shelter your deck or patio. It is the most common type of patio awning because it is very simple and convenient to use. An electric patio awning can be controlled through the use of a smartphone, a voice assistant or through smart control.

Are you in need of an awning over your deck or patio? Do you want a highly effective awning? Do you need an awning that is convenient to operate? Electric patio awnings are what you should think of getting. With an electric patio awning, you get more than enough returns on your investment.

Why electric awnings?

Yard with palm trees, table and armchairs
Used with permission of Blackband Design
  • Electric awnings are very convenient to use.
  • It is very easy to set.
  • They are more efficient than manual awnings.
  • It is easy to retract in times of  heavy rain or scorching sun.
  • Electric awnings make an awning last longer. Studies have revealed that a motorized awning can be used four times more than a manual awning.
  • You get optimum shade and sun control from an electric awning.
  • It is important to note that an electric awning can be controlled from anywhere in the house. You can choose to open or close your awning from a location other than where the awning is installed.
  • Electric awnings save time and energy.

What are the benefits of having electric patio awnings?

Table surrounded with chairs, sunflowers in a vase and big doors leading to yard
Used with permission Breeze Giannasio
  1. It transforms what looks like a regular area in your outdoor space to something beautiful and classy. It has a high aesthetic value.
  2. An electric patio awning serves as a good relaxation spot outdoors. It’s the perfect place to host a mini private party.
  3. An electric patio awning increases the home resale value of your building.
  4. Electric patio awnings make your patio more functional and enjoyable. Your kids can play safely in it.
  5. It has been designed to protect occupants of a home, their furniture and even the building from weather elements like heavy rain, wind and harmful UV rays from the sun.
  6. You can spend more time with your family in a well erected electric patio awning. It enables family bonding moments.
  7. Electric patio awnings save cost by keeping the home cooler.
  8. An electric patio awning is very easy to operate. Nothing beats being able to operate your awning from the comfort of your room.
  9. It accounts for comfort.

You can contact us for your clean, superior and highly effective electric patio awnings. You can have an awning designed according to your needs. Contact us today!

Thanks to shades-awnings.co.uk for consulting.

B Lender Mortgage Toronto: Importance and Checklist

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House on a lake
Used with permission of Emily Followill

If you don’t meet the requirements of an A lender, the next step is to try to meet the requirements of a sub-prime lender, known as a “B” lender. This is a viable and an effective option for many borrowers who are facing economic challenges yet need to meet their expenses to fund a new home.

Mortgage that is funded through non-traditional banks or financing sources but is nonetheless subject to B-20 standards are categorized under this. This consists of trust companies, tier two banks, and credit unions. Hence, B Lender mortgages Toronto are quasi-regulated lenders who are not directly controlled by the federal government but are subject to rules indirectly due to the nature of their operation.

House on a lake
Used with permission of Emily Followill

B lender mortgage provides a clear solution for clients who require financing but are unable to obtain it through traditional banks due to factors such as: nature of income, high debt servicing ratios, previous mortgage arrears, poor/blemished credit, previous bankruptcies or consumer proposals, and non-traditional down payment sources. B lender mortgages have fewer qualification requirements and are more lenient on debt servicing ratios, and accommodating other sources of income such as self-employment, contractual work and commissions.

How can B lenders help you?

Living room
Used with permission of Emily Followill

B Lenders are a possibility for those who have been turned down by traditional A lenders or who want more flexibility. They are the lender of choice for those with good credit and consistent income. Canada’s B mortgage lenders are increasingly becoming a popular option for borrowers.

A handy checklist to qualify for B loan

  • Your property must have fewer than four units.
  • Property can be occupied by the owner or rented out.
  • Property must be located in a commercially viable urban location.
  • Higher qualifying percentages
  • The term can begin from one year.
  • There are no variable mortgage alternatives available
  • For a period of 6-12 months, a mortgage payment history is required.
Kitchen with dining table
Used with permission of Emily Followill

Thus, B mortgage lenders are suited for your individual’s needs, such as offering interest-only mortgages to help people who are cash-strapped. This gives people who might otherwise be unable to obtain a regular mortgage the option to own a home and fund their expenses. This is why, understanding about B lender mortgages and how you can apply for one is important. This option paves way for you to obtain finances for your new home despite financial obstacles.

Thanks to certifiedmortgagebroker.com for consulting.

How to Turn Your Bathroom Into a DIY Spa

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Designed bathroom
Photo by Sidekix Media on Unsplash

Everyone wants to enjoy the spa experience regularly, but going to the spa regularly is expensive and takes up a lot of time. While the “me time” and relaxation may be worth the price, the practicality of taking off work to go to the spa may make it unfeasible. Luckily, you have another option. You can turn your bathroom into your spa and enjoy a spa experience at home as often as you want.

Here are four steps to turn your bathroom into your DIY spa.

1. Remodel

Designed bathroom
Photo by Sidekix Media on Unsplash

The first step will be a little remodeling. Research for the best bathtub replacement and buy a tub that is durable and easy to clean. You can find tubs made from fiberglass, acrylic, resin, or porcelain. Choose one that looks and feels good to you because the visual aesthetic of the bathroom will be as important as the functionality. Look at the bathroom materials like the tile, faucet, and shower to decide what you want to keep and what needs to be replaced. Everything that goes into the bathroom should support the spa-like atmosphere you are trying to create.

2. Buy the right supplies

To enjoy a spa experience, you need the right supplies. This will include Fab CBD oil, wintermint, mint breeze, blood orange, or other scented oils that can help you relax while in the bathroom. You also want to buy body scrubs, face masks, soft towels, a cozy robe, body oils and lotions, and anything else that will make you feel like you’re at a spa. Get advice on the best face lotions and CBD products for your spa. You can get CBD products that you consume like oils, capsules, or tinctures to help you relax. You can also get topical CBD products like lotions or salves that will help you relax while also benefitting your skin.

3. Create a spa-like atmosphere

Bathroom with suspended lights and bath tub
Used with permission of Millhaven Homes

Once the bathroom is remodeled and you have a new bathtub, shower, sink, faucet, tile floor, marble vanity top, and whatever else you decide to install, you want to take it a step further with the feel and decor of the room. Add green plants to the space, hang eucalyptus in the shower, and use an oil diffuser to provide a fantastic calming smell and atmosphere in the bathroom at all times. Look through magazines or visit a spa to get a feel for the decor and how it makes you feel before choosing accessories for your home spa. Some may like the all-natural feel with live plants and earthy colors, while others prefer a livelier feel with jungle prints and fake tropical plants. Choose the decor that suits you personally.

4. Schedule spa time

Master bathroom with sink, tub and chair
Used with permission of Massucco Warner

Once your bathroom spa is complete, you have to schedule spa time. This isn’t going to be the same as grabbing a quick shower. You want to give yourself plenty of time for relaxing, pampering, lounging, and recharging yourself physically and emotionally. You want your spa time to be uninterrupted, so be sure to eliminate possible distractions. Talk to your partner and kids if you need to ensure you will have uninterrupted time in your bathroom spa. Decide ahead of time what services you will provide for yourself, and don’t skip out on anything. You may choose a bath and facial one day, but a hot shower and waxing another day.

Turning your bathroom into a spa is a great way to practice self-care regularly. The money you spend remodeling the bathroom is money you are investing in yourself and your personal needs. There is nothing selfish or unnecessary about excellent self-care.

Thanks to all companies linked above.

How to Sign Up For Solar Feed-In Tariffs?

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White house exterior
Used with permission of Jenny Keenan

If you have an existing solar energy system or are exploring the option of getting one with a feed-in tariff (FiT), you can get paid for the energy your system produces. For example, if you are connected to the electricity grid, and your renewable energy system produces more electricity than your property needs, you can export this surplus energy.

The rate that will receive for the export varies according to several factors. For example, origin energy feed in tariff rates are amongst the best in the country, but their rates are conditional and vary across states.

Check Your Eligibility for Feed-In Tariffs

White house exterior
Used with permission of Jenny Keenan

To be eligible for the feed-in tariff, one should install the solar PV system on a household or small business. Your system must be connected to the grid under the National Energy Market (NEM). The NEM is an interconnected electrical system that supports over nine million customers. It is the wholesale market through which energy distributors and retailers trade electricity in Australia. 

If you plan on installing a new solar energy system, you could also be eligible for the government’s Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme.

Different Feed-In Tariff Rates According to the Location

Depending on your location, the regulatory authorities and electricity retailers will offer you different rates. For example, in SA, if your solar PV system was connected to the grid before September 30, 2011, you could be eligible to receive a distributor feed-in tariff. On the other hand, if you reside outside of South East QLD, you might be able to get the regional solar feed-in tariff.

Then, there are FiT rates offered by retailers. Again the location matters here. For example, in Victoria, there is a minimum and maximum FiT rate set by the regulator. But, that is not the case in QLD, and thus the rates vary. 

Compare Plans from Retailers Online

Living room with couch, coffee table and shelf with decorations
Used with permission of Katie Destefano

Before applying to any retailer, you must take some time to compare the plans they offer. You can do so using a third-party comparison website. You provide details like your area, availability of solar PV, and get details of all retailers and their offerings in your area.

Several retailers offer reasonable rates across the country, such as Origin energy feed in tariff. But a high FiT rate should not be your sole concern. When comparing retailers, consider other factors like supply and usage charges, limited-time offers, discounts, billing periods, and terms and conditions.  

Once you find a plan that best suits your needs, you can fill in an application online or get in touch with the retailer’s customer service. If you want to switch retailers, you can do so with the help of a comparison website. Your details will be transferred to the new retailer, and everything will be taken care of without you needing even to make a call.

Maximise Solar Energy Value with Feed-In Tariffs

House pool and yard
Used with permission of Blackband Design

If you are interested in receiving a feed-in tariff, start researching the retailers in your location. You can use third-party websites to compare tariffs online. Explore plans offered by Origin energy feed in tariff and other similar providers. When comparing retailers, FiT rates, base rates, discounts, and customer service are some factors to consider.

Thanks to econnex.com.au for consulting on this post.