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Basic Mistakes to Avoid to Keep Your Wooden Table in Its Top Condition

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Dining space with table, chairs and firework
Used with permission of Blackband Desing

A solid wooden dining table is quite an investment because solid woods are expensive. Whether it is made of oak, walnut, pine, or any other wood type, you must protect your wood dining table to keep its surface in its top condition for many years. Keep in mind that heat, harsh chemicals, and moisture can damage your wood table.

The best thing about wood dining tables is that they provide your dining space’s much-needed durability and versatility, especially when you go with extendable dining tables.  If you buy a wood dining table, here are the basic mistakes to avoid to keep it looking good even after many years.

Placing hot things directly on the table

Dinning space with table, chairs and firework
Used with permission of Blackband Design

The dining table is meant to withstand frequent use since it is where your family meets for everyday dinner or to share tasty meals. However, many homeowners wear away their dining tables by placing hot kitchenware directly on the table without using any mats. A casserole dish or stew pot straight out of the oven should not be placed directly on your dining table. As earlier said, heat is one of the enemies of wood. You can use table mats or a serving cloth to protect your wood table from the scorches of the heat from kitchenware.

Skipping on table mats

Whenever your family is having a meal at the dining table, it is best to protect it from spills and stains with table mats or table cloths. Table mats come in handy for daily dining, but a large table cloth is perfect for large group dinners like hosting birthdays, parties, and other celebrations.

Note that plastic table mats can melt under hot kitchenware or trap moisture, which impacts your wood table. Others might cause a chemical reaction with the wood finish on the table. Cloth is good over synthetic table cloths. You should only use them when using the dining table and remove them when not in use to enjoy your beautiful wood table.

Using a knife to scrape off wax spills

Dining room with dark table and white chairs
Used with permission of Katie Destefano

Many homeowners are guilty of this mistake; using a knife to scrape off wax spills after a candle-lit dinner. Avoid using a knife or anything metal, such as scissors, to scrape off stains from your wooden dining table. Remember that it may scrape off the finish of the wood or the wood itself if there is no top protective layer. You can use a credit card to scrape off wax clumps or run a slightly warm iron over a cloth on the wax to melt it.

Using commercial dusting sprays and cleaners

The best thing about a wooden table is that it is long-lasting with simple maintenance like dusting and wiping spills as they occur. Steer clear of commercial dusting sprays meant to give you wood table only a temporary sheen and then attracts more dirt that builds upon the wood. Others contain chemicals that interact with the finish on the wood and degrade it. You can easily maintain your wood dining table with a wet cotton cloth to wipe daily spills and buff with a dry cloth.

Ignoring condensation

Cold drinks and flower vases can transfer humidity and moisture to a wooden dining table which leaves white rings of moisture if the water gets trapped in the wood. It is best always to use pads, coasters, and trivets when placing cold drinks on your dining table. If you notice water rings non your dining table, there are several ways you can deal with that. First, wait for two to three days. If the water ring does not disappear, blow it gently with a hairdryer on low heat or use an oil-based product to remove the water spot.

Ignoring scratches on the table

Dinning room and kitchen
Used with permission of Jack Gardner

When hosting large group parties and dinners, always cover your wood dining table with a table cloth or provide your guests with napkins. Huge metal watches, bangles, and spiky rings can gouge your wooden table. The scratches may be invisible in the beginning but get unsightly with time. Use a table cloth to protect your wood table when hosting guests.

The final words

Taking care of your wooden table prolongs its service life and keeps it looking its best, enhancing your dining area’s overall look.

Thanks to all companies linked above.

A Complete Guide to Buying Artificial Grass

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Lawn closeup with a house blurred in a background
Photo by Petar Tonchev on Unsplash

Artificial grass has gained popularity through the years, and many homeowners have started to lay synthetic turf on their lawns and landscapes. Primarily, people use this type of grass as flooring for pet spaces and playgrounds. In some cases, homeowners use artificial grass to turn empty spaces into green areas to improve their property’s curb appeal.

Aside from private property owners, the government and some organizations use artificial grass in public parks. Commercial property owners also lay synthetic grass in pool sides and commercial gardens.

Lawn closeup with a house blurred in a background
Photo by Petar Tonchev on Unsplash

Suppose you’re still in the limbo of choosing whether to lay artificial grass on your lawn. In that case, this article could help you understand synthetic grass and decide on getting one. It will also serve as a guide on buying them.

What To Consider Before Choosing The Turf

Before you jump into the decision of buying your artificial grass, you may consider the following steps:

1. Assess Your Needs

Identify what you and your lawn need before the turf installation. Do you need to cover all parts of your property?

If your answer is yes, you may start with measuring the lawn and get its area. If your lawn’s shape is rectangle or square, you could multiply the length and width. If your lawn is a triangle, the formula is base times height. If it’s a circle, divide the diameter by 2, square the answer, and multiply the product to π.

Knowing the area of your property allows you to compute the total cost turf per unit now. For a quicker solution, you may use an artificial grass cost calculator. To use this simple application, you may need to input a few measurements and information to determine the cost:

  • Project Size: The area of the grass lawn.
  • Property Type: Choose whether it’s residential or commercial. Generally, commercial types cost higher than residential.
  • Type Of Turf: In most cases, artificial grass has several types according to quality and thickness.
  • Type Of Soil: Assess the soil composition of your lawn. Know which material is predominant. Is it clay, loam, or sand? Depending on the soil composition, additional work may be needed, adding to the total cost.
  • Type Of Installation: Homeowners may also assess the manner of installation as it may affect the general labor costs and length of the work needed to get it done. In most cases, installers fill in 65-85 mm of soil base before adding a sub-base. Then, they lay down the chosen turf on top of the sub-base.

2. Compare The Types

Backyard with lawn and olive tree
Used with permission of Breeze Giannasio

Before summing up, consider checking the various types of grass. As to materials, here are some of the common types:

  • Nylon: Exceptionally resilient, always springs back to an upright position.
  • Polyethylene: More durable yet may require regular brushing for maintenance.
  • Polypropylene: Soft, moisture-resistant, pet-friendly.

For pile height, manufacturers generally classify the turf as short, medium, and long. As to the turf’s use, the general classifications are pet yard, sports complexes, residential lawn, balcony surface, among others. You can find artificial grasses in different colors: green, yellow-green, bright, and assorted.

Lastly, artificial grass is also grouped according to the following features:

  • UV-stabilized: The type that could withstand extreme heat.
  • Urethane-backed: This type amplifies the durability of the grass.
  • Non-absorbent: This type doesn’t absorb the smells caused by cleaning compounds and animal waste.
  • Frost- And Heat-Resistant: This type has the best chance to endure the highest and lowest temperatures.
  • Non-flammable: Ideal for spaces with open fires like outdoor kitchens and lounges with fire pits.
  • Perforation: This feature allows proper water draining, preventing the formation of puddles.
  • Non-staining: This feature lets its original color stand out despite exposure to other elements and objects that could stain the grass.
  • Non-toxic And Non-allergenic: Doesn’t contain harmful materials
  • Aesthetic Value: Adds value to the property, either it’s residential or commercial.
  • Lawn Coverage: Most artificial turf types cover uneven spots, especially during summer when the grass dries up and during winter when the grass freezes.
  • Bug-free: Some types of turf prevent bugs and infestations from happening. Hence, they prevent pets and even people from getting hitchhiking pests and insects.
  • Ease Of Cleaning: Most types of synthetic turf are easy to clean and suitable for most cleaning compounds

3. Know The Fill And Soil Of Your Lawn

To have the best laid artificial grass, consider knowing the surface where you’ll install it. Is it made of clay that softens when wet and hardens after drying up? Is it sandy making it difficult for the grass to stay level because the surface loosens immediately? To address these issues, you need to prepare your yard for better and simpler artificial grass installation.

4. Compare The Costs

In choosing fake grass, one of the factors to consider is the price. Basically, the cost depends on the grass quality, features, type of material, and the total area. One way to compare the prices is to give a quotation to various artificial turf providers.

In some cases, the artificial grass providers cut costs if the order covers an extensive area. In other words, the larger the space for laying, the lower the price per unit.

Yet, note that the initial cost of fake grass is higher than natural grass. The low maintenance of artificial grass helps the homeowners save money as replacements will no longer be necessary in most cases.

5. Assess The Ease Of Laying

Lawn in the park with trees
Photo by Victor Malyushev on Unsplash

Another point to consider is the ease of installation, especially if you plan to lay the grass yourself. At this point of consideration, the factors are the pile height and the thickness of the grass. Typically, these features would make it harder for installers to lay the grass. If you choose a DIY laying, buy the shorter and thinner grass types.

6. Maintenance

Although artificial turf doesn’t need regular maintenance like natural grass, it still needs checking from time to time. Knowing the issues will help you anticipate the problems and issues that you need to address. Heres’ a shortlist of the concerns you may encounter along the way:

  • Sinking Spots Or Holes: The uneven placement of grass mats may cause sinking spots and holes. To prevent and solve these, ensure that you set each unit correctly. You could stretch the grass with a compactor.
  • Visible Joint Lines: You could fix this with high-quality joining tape. Make sure that you fasten and tape each side and edge tightly.
  • Weed Growth: In some cases, homeowners use herbicides. Others clean using a vacuum as the weeds usually grow from the accumulated dust or soil buildup.
  • Lifted Edges: A compactor and joining tapes could also fix the placement of these edges so that they won’t roll, crumple, or top over other units.

Having enumerated the possible issues, you should prefer the grass that is less likely to have the mentioned troubles. If you want to prepare for these problems, you may compare the existing turf in the lawns of your friends.

Also, you may read the reviews of homeowners who had sod installation in their properties. Lastly, you could talk to a professional sod installer for practical maintenance tips and tricks.

7. Warranty

Typically, the best artificial grass is offered with a warranty. This is based on the idea that artificial turf is a long-term investment. Thus, financial features, such as a warranty, should be present. Generally, warranty coverage differs in each type, size, and quality of the turf. In most cases, the larger the turf area is, the better the warranty offer is.

8. DIY Vs. Professional Installation

Front of the house with lawn
Used with permission of Emily Followill

Laying the artificial grass may be challenging for most homeowners. However, some are brave enough to take the challenge and careful enough to lay the grass delicately. If you’re choosing DIY installation, here are some situations that could do the laying yourself:

  • Small-sized locations, such as balcony and pet areas.
  • Even or flat surfaces.
  • Dry and easy-to-clean surface.

If you have the following grass types and surface conditions, consider seeking professional artificial turf installers:

  • When the grass types are heavy and very thick.
  • When the surface’s shape is irregular.
  • When there are so many uneven spots.
  • When there are already existing puddles before installation.

While DIY installation saves money, chances are it can affect the quality of the results. Yet, if you want to push through laying the artificial grass even on wider and uneven surfaces, make sure that you have the professional tools and skills.

Wrapping Up

Artificial grass had come a long way before people considered it a must-have today. Its demand has grown from small spaces to commercial properties, which is understandable. After all, it currently outnumbers the benefits you can gain versus having natural grass.

Suppose you’re planning to lay a grass mat on your lawn. In that case, think about what this guide has discussed. Don’t forget the points you need to think about before buying and installing the type of artificial grass that meets your standards. Above all, consider the cost-effective and environment-friendly grass. These will benefit not just you but also your family and the environment.

Thanks to ideal-turf.com for consulting on this post.

Tips for Getting Organized This Fall

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Bedroom with book shelf and vases
Used with permission of Casework

Fall signals the end of summer days, and kickstarts the soon-to-be hectic holiday season — which means it’s the perfect time to get organized.

Christina Giaquinto, home organization expert with ModularClosets.com has put together some practical and easy-to-follow tips in helping to reduce stress and save time while going into the coziest months of the year- clutter-free. 

1. Declutter the Pool And Beach Supplies

House pool and yard
Used with permission of Blackband Design

There is always a transition period right before it gets cool outside so while the weather is still nice outside, this is a great time to go through pool and beach supplies and toys. If everything can be reused and carried into next year, that is great! Simply store it away in a bin so everything is ready for summer 2022. Here are a few items to look through that may need to be discarded or donated. 

– Expired or empty suntan lotion 

– Outdoor pillows or rugs 

– Beach / pool towels that are worn or ripped 

– broken sand toys etc. 

2. Transitional Fall Pieces

It’s not necessarily have to bring out all the winter clothes just yet but it’s the perfect time to organize transitional pieces such as longer sleeved clothing, cardigans and sweaters. This is not necessary for everyone, but another helpful goal to do this fall is a reorganizing of closets to prepare them for winter. With larger bulkier items getting unpacked soon, begin to prepare designated closet to fit those items. 

3. Cold Weather Is Coming!

Bedroom with book shelf and vases
Used with permission of Casework

With cold weather coming, this is such an amazing time to go through any jackets and put aside any that no longer fit you, or don’t fit the current style anymore. This allows for one to declutter their closets in preparation for winter as well as help others. 

The reason this is a great time to do so is because with the cold weather coming there will be a lot of people who can use winter jackets. Check out local donation centers, and / or local charities to see where to drop off winter jackets. 

4. Start to Write Your 2022 Organizing Goals

There is still lots of time to get organized this season and for the end of the year, but don’t feel pressured to finish everything at once. With the holidays approaching, complete 1 – 2 organizing projects and prepare for what will begin in the new year. Getting organized is about creating systems and doing it at a pace that is right. The most important thing is to start. Commit to 1- 2 projects for fall and winter and then write a list of everything to organize in the new year. 

5. Organize a Homework / Workstations

Corner of the room as home office
Used with permission of Alice Lane

Having a routine for doing homework helps with getting it done efficiently and without distractions. While, yes, homework can be done any place, it is much more beneficial, organized and productive when a designated space is designed for it. Even a small closet space can be transformed into a cozy homework area with some shelving, lighting and chair.

Bonus Tip!

Remember in tip #4 where we talked about writing down all organizing goals for the end of the year as well as for 2022? Be sure to also write down any closets that can use better systems. Living an organized life centers around everything having a place and a “home.”

Fortunately, this can easily be accomplished with an effective closet system that is designed to work for a specific space and function. An example of such a system is Modular Closets which are DIY mix and match organizational units that give you the ability to customize a closet or area according to individual space, wardrobe, gear and organizational needs. Whether it’s a bedroom closet, kitchen pantry, mudroom, home office or laundry room, implementing such a system makes organization easy peasy as there are various sized units with options for shelving, drawers, hang bars, and more. Having a system in place helps you transition from season to season more seamlessly without a lot of disarray and chaos.

Christina Giaquinto is a Professional Organizer and Brand Ambassador for Modular Closets,  https://www.modularclosets.com. Having run her own organizing business for several years, Christina focuses on giving her clients the tools, methods, and techniques for maintaining their spaces. Modular Closets are high-quality and easy-to-design closet systems made in the USA you can order, assemble and install yourself, in no time at all. Using closet modules (closet pieces you can mix & match to design your own modular closet), homeowners everywhere are empowered to achieve a true custom closet look- for nearly 40% less than standard custom closets. 

Thanks to modularclosets.com for consulting.

6 Tips for Finding the Right Electrician

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White kitchen with sink, oven and microwave
Used with permission of Alice Lane

Choosing contractors to work on your home can be intimidating, especially when looking for electrical work. You want someone who will respect your home, do the job well, and charge you a reasonable price for the work. When it comes to electrical jobs, safety is also paramount.

It’s worth finding a reputable local electrician from Terrigal whether you’re doing full renovations or adding a few extra outlets. Here are six tips for finding the right local electrician to keep on file for when issues arise.

Ask for Referrals and Recommendations

Blue and white living room with sofa, table, chairs and TV on the wall in the background
This image is used with permission of Timothy Godbold

Start by asking your network if they have an electrician they recommend working with. Ideally, you’ll get your recommendation from someone who has recently used their services for a similar project, rather than someone plugging their best friend’s company.

When you receive the recommendation, don’t hesitate to ask questions about their experience and the process. Most people are happy to share their insights and help. Additionally, it’s worth listening to horror stories and recommendations about which electricians not to hire. Consider holding your extended conversations via private message.

Read Unbiased Reviews

Next, read online reviews to get a better idea of the electrician’s work. If they have an established company, you should be able to pull this information from Google reviews, Facebook, or the Better Business Bureau.

If the individual works under their own name or is difficult to find online, try an advanced Google search to see if their name comes up in any recent posts or stories.

Look at Professional Certifications and Documentation

Used with permission of Alice Lane

Next, look at your shortlist of electricians and research their professional certifications and documentation. There are several different levels of contractor training and certification to consider when looking for an electrician.

A master electrician is the highest level of experience, indicating they’ve had over 10,000 hours and over two years of work. A journeyman is a step down from a master, with an apprentice being an entry-level electrician.

It’s worth noting that a journeyman or apprentice is still a licensed electrician who went through post-secondary education or on-the-job training. However, if you feel more comfortable with a master electrician, that’s a personal choice.

Regardless of which level of experience you choose, you’ll always want to ask for proof of insurance. Insurance protects both the electrician and you, as well as your property, should an accident occur.

Determine Your Needs and Scope

Before you reach out to an electrician, clarify what work you need to be completed and how that fits into your budget. Working with an established master electrician will cost you more for the same work completed by a journeyman or apprentice. In other words, it might be worth the cost savings to have an apprentice put in a new outlet.

It’s also helpful to be clear about what you want so you can better communicate your needs for the project.

Ask Questions About Their Experience

Living room with beige colors, sofas, coffee table and TV
Used with permission of Kira David Design

When you start talking to an electrician about potentially working on your home, feel free to ask questions about their experience. You can ask for clarification about the services they offer, how they charge for their services, relevant experience, and how long they’ve been in business. You can also ask for proof of insurance and licensing at this time.

Ask for a Consultation and Quote

Once you’ve found a few electricians who meet your expectations, ask for a consultation and a quote. They may be able to provide an estimate based on a best-case scenario, but electrical work can be tricky, and an in-home consultation could be required.

Collect a few quotes and choose the provider that makes the most sense based on your budget and needs.

With these simple tips, you can find a reputable electrician to handle your current and future home improvement projects.

Thanks to yoursgi.com for consulting on this post.

Are Custom Cabinets Worth the Price? All You Need to Know

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Cabinet in the living room and paintings on the wall above
Photo by Spacejoy on Unsplash

If you are thinking of having custom cabinets installed in your home, you might be wondering if it is worth the cost. Homeowners have an endless array of options when it comes to installing new cabinets; however, there are a lot of things to consider in order to make the right decision. Custom cabinets can mean different things to different people.

First, you need to think about your space. More often than not, the kitchen is the heart of the home. If you entertain and cook a lot, you will probably want to make sure your cabinets can withstand the test of time and use. Timeframe and budget are two other major factors to consider before making your decision. Once all of those things are in place you can decide which cabinetry would be best for you—stock cabinets, semi-custom cabinets, or fully custom cabinets. We’ve outlined the differences and the benefits of each below.

Stock Cabinets

Kitchen with white kitchen cabinet and flowers on kitchen table
Used with permission of Andrea West Design

You may ask yourself, are stock cabinets the cheapest and fastest option? The answer to that is probably not what you think. It’s true, stock cabinets are prefabricated and come in standardized sizes and you can purchase them pre-assembled or ready to assemble (RTA). Keep in mind, if you opt for RTA cabinets, they will need to be assembled upon arrival which will add a significant amount of time to your kitchen remodel or install.

Now, you may think this is the best and most economical option but think again. Often, stock cabinets don’t integrate easily into your existing space. Your contractor or cabinet designer will need to work with the cabinet installer to make them fit, leaving you with unusable cabinet space or awkward spaces around your cabinets. With stock cabinets, your options are limited, as you only have a certain number of styles to choose from.

Also, stock cabinets are often made out of lower-quality wood or even particleboard. This means that they tend to be less durable and do not hold up nearly as well over time. Stock cabinet shelves typically bend under a heavy load and will more than likely show signs of wear and tear much sooner than high-end custom cabinets will. Stock cabinets are the least expensive option, and typically run between $100 and $300 per linear foot. Just keep in mind, they are only available in limited styles, colors, and material options and may not fit properly out of the box.

 Semi-Custom Cabinets

Cabinet in the living room and paintings on the wall above
Photo by Spacejoy on Unsplash

Semi-custom cabinets (a hybrid) can provide you with some of the features you want, that aren’t available with standard stock cabinets, giving you more flexible options. The options available vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, but some options could include the type of wood, stain or paint finish. Additionally, they may offer a variety of cabinet accessories, such as special trays, or built-in racks and many offer a variety of sizes to better fit your space.

Because semi-custom cabinets are made to your specifications, they typically take between 4-6 weeks depending on the manufacturer. Semi-custom cabinets are a bit more expensive than stock cabinets (typically around $150-$650 per linear foot), but are a good choice if you are looking for customization, but are still budget conscious.

Custom Cabinets

With custom cabinetry, you can make your kitchen dreams come true! Not only can you select your box material, door material, hardware, finishes and colors—you can also personalize your space based on your habits and interests down to the very last detail. Love coffee? Install a custom coffee station. Love wine? Install a wine chiller! Love baking? Install a baking zone, with pull-out shelving for your mixer and other baking appliances. Deep drawers, pull-out lazy Susans, and built-in spice racks are just some of the ways custom cabinets can maximize your kitchen storage and organization.

Custom cabinets ensure that you utilize every inch of your space efficiently. You can modify cabinet and drawer depths, widths, and heights to fit your exact space and add an array of storage and organization accessories to ensure every cabinet is as functional as possible. With custom cabinets, you can have floor to ceiling cabinets with solid hardwood doors—something you could not achieve with off-the-shelf stock cabinetry. You can also further personalize your cabinets with decorative molding, glass door upgrades and accessories to match your unique style. In addition, your cabinets can be made from high-quality materials, like oak or metal which will be sure to last for many years.

Grey and white kitchen cabinet
Used with permission of Kira David Design

 The cost for custom cabinetry ranges anywhere from $500-$1,200 per linear foot, but a worthwhile investment when you consider the craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into designing custom cabinetry. Additionally, if and when you decide to sell your home, custom cabinets will increase the value of your home and give you a solid return on your investment. So, if you can find the budget for custom cabinets, it is definitely worth the added cost!

Now you know what custom cabinets cost, as well as the difference between stock, custom, and semi-custom cabinetry. This information should help you make the best decision whether you’re installing custom kitchen cabinets into your newly built home or considering a kitchen remodel or kitchen renovation.

The last thing to consider is that not all custom cabinet makers are equal. Be sure to choose a company that is licensed, has experience, and good reviews. No matter what you choose, installing new cabinets is a substantial investment.

Thanks to christinokitchens.com for consulting.

Features for a Good Electrician

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Living room with big white couch
Used with permission of Millhaven homes

An electrician performing electrical repairs at home, workplace, or establishments must be skilled enough to find the solution and solve it professionally easily. A high quality Sydney electrician leaves the customers satisfied with these services. This will help to create a positive bond between electrician and homeowner, thus, generate trust. For this, an electrician must be qualified, certified, and experienced so it will be easier to carry out any electrical service and repairs. 

Bright designed living room with big couch
Used with permission of Millhaven homes

To make your interior activities run smoothly, it is necessary to run an unbroken energy supply from the power. To achieve this, as a good electrician, you will always be in demand. Most people will appreciate your work.

Electricians are paid well for their outstanding workmanship, due to which they are appreciated in any part no matter how hard the damage is. Here are a few tips for a good electrician that help to spark up their future. 

1. Focus on customer service 

Electricians must require maths and physics knowledge to ace and become certified electricians. Also, to enhance yourself in this particular field and commence an electrical business, it is necessary to have impeccable communication skills.

This is because you must communicate with clients on matters related to electricity. Some may not understand electrical terms but would like to understand what they pay for.

Living room with blue chairs, table with flowers in vase, mirror and big windows in the background
Used with permission Massucco Warner

To be a good electrician to customers’ demands and services, you must be engrossed more on:

  • Understanding customer’s needs and what they are looking for.
  • Make them understand your ideas properly so that they can be clear to them. 
  • Work professionally and effectively not to break down customer trust. 
  • Must have all the basic knowledge and good communication skills. 

If the electrician carries all these qualities, it is very helpful for the electrician to leave customers happy. Even when something goes out of your hand then; customers will not ignore you. 

2. Develop a healthy relationship

Whether it is staff, subcontractors, and suppliers, everybody must be treated equally without any type of harassment or use of harsh words. Furthermore, to make your work hassle-free without wasting time, you must interact positively, clear out the queries, and build a strong relationship.

A positive and healthy environment can be great in the working place.

3. Never stop the thirst for knowledge

Kitchen with grey kitchen cabinet
Used with permission of Kira David Design

Even if you become an electrical expert in this field, you should never stop learning as this attitude always enhances your talent and takes you in the long run. If you plan to open your own business, then you should also go with safety and business development courses. Also, if there are changes in local electrician standards and technological advancements, you must be aware of everything. 

4. Must be digitally strong

In a digital era, an electrician must be digitally strong and make their online presence remarkable. If you want your customers to reach your services effortlessly, the direct formula is building your website and making it powerful in search engines. Social media platforms like- YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram will also help boost and grow your business. 

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

Bathroom Improvement Tips

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Bathroom with designed bath tub, mirror and sink
Used with permission of Melanie Gowen

You don’t have to have an entire bathroom re-fit to transform your space into pure luxury. Equally, you don’t have to spend a fortune to do so. We have the ultimate tips for transforming your bathroom at home to give you a space of pure luxury and relaxation. Keep reading to find out how!

Colour Scheme

Bathroom with designed bath tub, mirror and sink
Used with permission of Melanie Gowen

By sticking to a neutral theme in your bathroom you are encouraging an easier transition in colour scheme in the future. Creating a more versatile bathroom environment will ensure you have a more sustainable design that you will love for longer. With a neutral base you can introduce colour through your soft furnishings, flower arrangements, diffusers, and blinds.

Showers

Whilst you’re not re-fitting your entire bathroom, we feel it’s important to have a good shower with great temperature control and pressure, so you feel as if you’re having luxury treatment with every use. We recommend a mixer shower to combine the water with temperature precision for a reliable and luxurious shower experience every single time.

Tiles

Bathroom with tub and sink
Used with permission of Kira David Design

If you’re not keen on the colour or pattern of your bathroom tiles, you can replace with something cleaner and simpler, or you can paint them with good old tile paint. Simply switching up the design with a fresh lick of paint can transform your entire room so quickly and effectively. Again, stick with the neutral theme so you have the ability to easily change up your colour scheme in the future without having to make big expensive changes. Something white, grey, or beige would be perfect.

Lighting

Lighting is the foundation of a good bathroom, particularly if it is lacking in natural lighting. If you can, you should try and maximise natural lighting as much as possible, using a simple linen blind for the window and no curtains. For your vanity mirror you should have lighting either side to encourage symmetry, with a statement feature light over any freestanding baths. If your bath and shower is built in, simple spotlights will fit perfectly with vanity lighting.

Greenery

Photo by Collov Home Design on Unsplash

Plants in your bathroom should always be a consideration. With the ability to bring colour to your space, plants can lift the mood and create a lovely space to be in. Adding shelving to home your plants, particularly those that trail is a beautiful addition to your space.  

Feature Pieces

If your space allows, we recommend featuring a free-standing piece of furniture such as a ladder shelf or statement chair. Chairs are a beautiful addition to your bathroom particularly if the room is sizeable and featuring large open spaces that need to be filled. If the space doesn’t allow, you can compensate the space with woven baskets or a storage unit to home extra soap, toothbrushes, and toilet rolls.

Thanks to all companies linked above.

12 Awesome Reasons Why the USA Should Be on Your Next Travel List

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Used with permission of Jane Beiles Photography

The USA is the largest nation if measured by land area and third largest if measured by total area (water inclusive). It has a wide variety of climates within its borders but is home to most of the world’s tallest mountains, biggest lakes, and deepest canyons.

America is a powerhouse for tourism. It is one of the most popular destinations globally, drawing close to 100 million visitors annually. The USA has an impressive collection of landmarks worth visiting, including some of the country’s oldest cities and most iconic natural wonders. While New York City and San Francisco are top destinations.

Here we give 12 reasons why the USA is the best place for travel and tourism.

1. Top class entertainment

Photo by Den Harrson on Unsplash

The USA has so many entertainment activities options such as national parks, theme parks, live shows, shopping malls, and much more. One can spend an entire day enjoying different attractions along with friends and family!

2. Beaches

No matter where one is planning to visit in the USA, beaches are never too far away from them. Whether it’s Hawaii or California or Florida or New York or any other city; there will always be a beach that offers different types of activities such as swimming, surfing, fishing and much more.

3. Food

The cuisine of the USA is world-famous for its diverse flavors and taste. Here one will find a perfect combination of south and Central American food along with European and Asian cuisine, which makes it very interesting for the visitors. So, one will always have a variety to choose from regardless of whether they are going to a restaurant or buying some food item from a supermarket or anywhere else! 

4. Shopping

Used with permission of Jane Beiles Photography

The USA has so many options when it comes to shopping malls, boutiques, duty-free shops, souvenir shops etc. where one can buy almost anything starting from expensive watches to hand made jewelries at cheap rates from different cities such as New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco Bay Area, Las Vegas, Chicago, Boston, Houston and many more.

5. Adventure

The USA is a great place to enjoy an outdoor adventure with friends and family. Here one will find different types of activities such as sky diving (iFly), whale watching, scuba diving roller coasters, cycling etc. along with some amazing things like visiting an underwater shipwreck museum or hanging glide from the bottom of ski lift at Vail Ski Resort which make one’s journey worth remembering for a lifetime! And while you are making many moments to cherish, we will take care of your bags at Luggage storage San Francisco.

6. Weather

One of the best reasons to visit the USA is its perfect and balanced weather throughout the year that never makes it difficult for visitors to explore attractions and do various other exciting things. Furthermore, the temperature of almost all the city of the USA remains between 20 degrees Celsius to 36 degrees Celsius, making it an ideal place for family, couples, and friends.

7. Education

Corner of the room as home office
Used with permission of Alice Lane

It is the best place for higher education. Here, one can find the world’s best universities such as Harvard, Stanford, Yale, etc. where students from all over the world come to study at their world-class educational facilities. It is also home to many innovative research centers that provide great exposure for students willing to learn new things!

8. Transportation

All major cities of the USA have modern transportation facilities like airports, railways stations, etc. along with roads, i.e., connecting two cities or states, making it easier for visitors to move around without facing any difficulties throughout their journey. Moreover, one can easily book flights online through travel websites with no hidden charges to ensure their complete satisfaction! If you are looking for a more luxurious option that will get you where you need to go fast, do some research on jet card pricing.

9. Adventure Tourism

The USA has world-class adventure tourism facilities in terms of sky diving, scuba diving, skiing, zorbing, etc. Moreover, it is home to different ski resorts, including Copper Mountain Ski Resort in Colorado, which has the highest skiable mountain in North America! But don’t forget to buy travel insurance online India. Plan before visiting any foreign destination. It comes in handy in case of any mishappening.

10. Educational Tourism

Students who are willing to learn new things while having fun at the same time should definitely plan a trip to the USA where they can enjoy snowboarding or skiing at different ski resorts and explore educational places like museums and historical sites that are not only informative but also very interesting! They can also try volunteering during their stay in this fantastic country. 

11. Historical & Cultural Tourism

Photo by Robin Schreiner on Unsplash

The USA has a long history of immigration and settlement, which can be seen through its historical and cultural tourism. One can visit places like Walden Pond, Boston Tea Party Ship and Museum, Plymouth Rock, etc. In addition, it is home to many historical sites such as the White House in Washington D.C., Fort Knox Gold Bullion Depository, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Launch Complex 39B, etc.

12. Well Connected Transportation System

The USA has a well-connected transportation system to ensure one’s complete comfort during their journey from one city to another with different modes of transportations, including buses, railways, flights, etc. Apart from that, it is also surrounded by big bodies of water on three sides i.e., the Atlantic Ocean in the east and the Pacific Ocean in the west, making it easily accessible from other countries.

These were some top reasons which make one feel super eager and excited to visit the USA. Thanks to careinsurance.com for consulting.

Various Inspirations for Commercial Interior Design by VictorEric

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Designed home office with big desk and chairs
Used with permission of Breeze Giannasio

Are you the type of person who is fond of creating and updating your designs to make them more appealing and comfortable? Do you spend most of your free days at home rearranging your furniture and ornaments based on the design that you recently saw on the internet or magazine?

There are various home renovation and design inspirations that you can have today. You may browse a website or a magazine that shows different types of designs and themes that you can adapt and try in your household.

Armchairs and coffee table in home office
Used with permission of Breeze Giannasio

Some people are still trying to evaluate and adjust whether they will need to change the color of their walls or buy new pieces of furniture to make the ambiance more warm and cozy. Deciding on some interior design changes can be complicated for some individuals. Hence, it is recommended that they will ask a friend or loved one who knows a contractor or a company that offers their services in fixing homes.

In general, interior design is the art of planning and supervising the design, layout, and execution of interiors including the furnishing of any building interior. This may be a foreign term for some people who are around their 70s-90s.

Commercial interior design refers to the interior design of commercial establishments and spaces and includes business offices, retail stores, lobbies of various establishments and hotels. In line with this, you may click here for the definition of interior design and its principles. It also provides an explanation of its purpose and how it can affect the entirety of your place.

There are many reasons for a business to have a commercial Interior design but it is regarded as a crucial part of the success of any establishment or business and customer and employee satisfaction. If you want to catch the attention of your customers and audience, you must have a place that can help them have quality time with their friends and colleagues while at the same time being 100% comfortable and relaxed.

As a minimum standard, the interior of commercial establishments must be designed to be functional and allow employees and staff to work efficiently and not to be seen as a mess by visitors. This link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Efficiencycan give more insight on the importance of efficiency in any activity and its difference with effectivity.

Designed home office with big desk and chairs
Used with permission of Breeze Giannasio

Furthermore, you will also notice how designs and architectural works can significantly affect the mood and productivity of the employees. They can finish their tasks faster and in good quality if their surroundings are well lit and the environment is suitable for concentration.

It has become a necessity in an ever so competitive business world which needs customers and potential customers to receive a warm and welcoming vibe when entering an establishment. The interior design is crucial for the first impressions and experience of both customers and employees and consequently the long-term goals of success of any business.

Commercial Interior Designers

Commercial interior designers are highly qualified professionals with the necessary expertise to create, direct and design the construction or renovation of the interior spaces of commercial establishments.

Additionally, they are more than a professional that designs or decorator of the interiors of an establishment. They can also help owners and administrators in the selection of materials to suit the proposed design. Some of these people studied in the University for 4-5 years to earn a degree and license in working as a professional designer.

The arrangement, materials used and the space available are crucial elements that will take into consideration in the direction, layout, and planning of a functional commercial interior. These are vital aspects in adapting the theme that the client wants and keeping the integrity and curb appeal of their homes at the same time.

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

Furthermore, commercial interior design that is properly made will also take into consideration the balance of design with structural integrity and safety with functionality and aesthetics ensuring a safe, functional, and welcoming workplace and interior. This is one of the main goals of various contractors in the United States and other countries worldwide.

Commercial Interior designers are equipped with the proper knowledge to plan perfectly for a business space without compromising on design and the possibility of work efficiency and safety.

Commercial interior designers can also help in the renovation of existing interior designs that are seen as outdated and are not functional without entailing too many expenses. This link: https://www.merriam-webster.com has the definitions of the word renovate and its proper use. Not all people understand this term, hence, it is important to let them know how they can benefit from this once they decided to make some changes in their lovely homes.

This can be done by giving options and explaining to the owner what are the key elements and parts of the interior that need to be changed to adapt to modern standards of commercial interiors. It is also a trend nowadays to regularly change the design and overall appearance of some areas in your home to make it more personalized.

Designed office with two women working at the desk
Photo by Copernico on Unsplash

All of these can be made with the help of your trusted commercial interior designers. They also have their goals and follows the type of setting that their clients want to have. An example of this is when a business owner wants its employees, customers, and potential customers to feel more comfortable and relaxed while finishing their tasks.

It is the desire of any business owner to stand out from the rest of the competition and for its brand to establish a unique identity for employees to become loyal and hardworking and for customers to spread the goodwill of the business.

In conclusion, having your own trusted and knowledgeable designer can be a great asset for any business and even in your personal space, when planning and renovating your interior space. They have the necessary skills and proficiency in this line of work which is a favorable aspect for you and can suggest things you may never have known about.

Thanks to victoreric.com for consulting on this post.

Why is there a yellow mushroom growing in my houseplant?

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Wild garden and a white house in the background
Photo by Chaewon Lee on Unsplash

Many people get worried when they see the yellowish mushrooms growing in their house plants. To clear the air we contacted the experts at mushrooms online, and they told us that yellow mushroom is a completely harmless fungus. They also mentioned that in most cases yellow mushroom plays a crucial role for plant’s growth, which is pretty surprising.

 Many people even try to search for such mushrooms to put in their favorite plant pots as it increases the life span of the plant.

If you are unable to find these mushrooms at a shop, as many vendors think that there will be little clientele for them, then you can have these mushrooms online too. However, it is naturally occurring then consider your plants blessed.

In this article we will discuss why these yellow mushrooms in the flower pot are important for your plants, and why is it growing naturally.

Wild garden and a white house in the background
Photo by Chaewon Lee on Unsplash

Why is there a yellow mushroom in the plant pots?

Fungus is one of the most common micro-organisms, and mushroom is a plant mushroom that can grow anywhere in a plant pot or your garden. However, the yellow mushroom which often grows in the summers is pretty common in some cases. It is known as the flower pot parasol.

The reason why it grows is pretty obvious, where there is exposed sugar and carbohydrates, there will be fungi. The yellow mushroom fungi grow to decompose the fertilizers, and other nutrients in a plant pot.

The following reasons can be considered as a potential cause for the yellow mushrooms in your plant pot.

  • The soil you used is contaminated.
  • The mushroom spores were carried in by air.
  • There were already spores on the plant when you bought it.
  • The soil is very rich.
  • The pot is pretty wet, and therefore the fungi grow in these pots pretty easily.

Should I worry after seeing the yellow fungus?

Garden with pots
Used with permission of Blackband Design

The first thing to do before you worry about the yellow fungus is to identify it. To find out if it is actually the yellow fungus then you must check its location of growth. If it is growing alongside the plant then it is actually the yellow fungus; otherwise, it can be something else.

Now coming towards the worrying part. One should not worry at all if he sees the yellow fungus growing in his flower pot. Now you might be wondering why should not we worry upon seeing something unwanted in our plant pot?

You must bear in mind that this mushroom will not harm your plant or impede its growth. You can let it grow, however, if it looks creepy then you must take out the plant, and change the soil of the plant.

When to remove the yellow fungus?

In some cases, the yellow mushroom makes a symbiotic relationship with the mold. It is an alarming and risky situation. One should immediately remove the yellow fungus from the pot; otherwise, it will damage your room or the place where you have put that pot.

How to remove the yellow mushroom from the plant pot?

Backyard with lawn and trees
Used with permission of Breeze Giannasio

Removing fungus from your home is pretty difficult because fungus spores will not go away easily. As you cannot see them properly. You can follow these methods to remove the yellow fungus from the plant pot.

  • You must get rid of the pot as soon as possible. You must throw it.
  • If you do not want to throw the pot, maybe it is a gift or precious to you, then you must change the soil. Take out the soil and the plant, throw away the soil, then clean the plant and the pot. Now place the plant again in the pot with some new soil.
  • If you do not want to involve in any activity, then simply pluck out the grown mushrooms.
  • Fungicides are also a solution. However, using them will be very irritating as you will have to tolerate their smell and irritating chemicals too. In some cases, the fungicides can also kill the good and necessary microorganisms in the plant pot, thus affecting the growth of your plant.
  • The last resort is changing the conditions of the plant. as in many cases, the humidity and temperature is supporting the growth of the unwanted yellow mushroom, thus you can try changing the environment

Thanks to mushrooms.online for consulting.