Accessorizing your home is like icing on a cake – it makes the cake look SO good, but can be very tricky to do it well!
Here are some tips I have found (tap on the arrows to view more slides):
About 20 to 30% of Canadians experience allergies, according to Global News. Allergies are some of the worst interruptions we encounter in our daily lives. Relentless sneezing, difficulty in breathing, stuffy noses, and itchy eyes are some common symptoms of this condition. Most allergy triggers such as pollen, dust, pet dander and mold lie within our own homes. Here’re some practical tips to ensure you design an allergy-free space.
Get a Handcrafted Eco-friendly Mattress
The average adult spends 7.2 hours sleeping at night, and nearly a third of our lives is spent sleeping, according to Statistics Canada. Yet, the mattresses we lie on are host to a cocktail of toxic chemicals, dust mites and other harmful substances that can cause allergies and other respiratory problems.
For an allergen-free sleep, consider getting an organic mattress. To ensure you are sleeping on a bed made from natural materials, look for a company that clearly outlines the ingredients it uses. The best materials include organic cotton, wool, hemp, and bamboo. An added advantage is these mattresses have a longer lifespan.
Switch to Organic Beddings
Our bedding is a common source of chemical exposure. Most bedding is made from conventional cotton which is grown using poisonous herbicides and processed and treated using toxic substances such as heavy metals, dyes, and bleaches. All these chemicals slowly release harmful gases as you sleep. Inhaling such harmful vapors and getting into contact with such materials can lead to skin reactions and other long-term health conditions. Organic bedding like those made from organic cotton, wool and hemp fiber can make a big difference in your life. They are softer, smell nicer and promote healthy sleep.
Get HEPA Air Filters
Air pollution doesn’t only happen outdoors. Inside our homes, there are many sources of pollution. Wall paints, carpets, flooring and electronics slowly release fine chemicals that irritate our lungs, skin and eyes. Installing high-quality air filters is the answer to poor air quality in homes. High Efficiency Particulate Air filters can trap the smallest contaminants of dust, debris, pet dander and mold in the house, making them an excellent choice to counter allergies.
Select the Right Flooring
The flooring you pick plays a critical role in keeping your home allergy free. Hardwood, stone, slate or tile flooring work best as they don’t attract allergens or emit harmful gases. In contrast, carpets are the largest reservoirs of dust, dander, and pollen and it can be hard to get rid of all pollutants even after a thorough cleaning. If you have to keep your carpet, clean it regularly and use a vacuum that can effectively suck up the allergens.
Control Mold
People are 40% more likely to have asthma when living in a damp or moldy home. There are over 10,000 species of molds on the planet, and one of their favorite places is the bathroom. To prevent the buildup of this allergy trigger, you need to regularly scrub and dry all surfaces in your bathroom. This should include the tiles, tab, and sinks. Repair any leaks and replace moldy shower curtains and mats. You can also utilize a bathroom exhaust fan to clear humidity from the air.
Using washable fabrics like linen and hemp, which are naturally anti-bacterial, will help ward off allergens. Wool is naturally non-allergenic and resists dust mites, making it a great choice for mattress covers and duvets and blankets.
An allergy-friendly home ensures everyone stays happy and comfortable. Although you can’t eliminate all irritants in one sweep, the tips above can help you make progress. By keeping your space clean, using organic bedding and finding the right air filter your family will always enjoy a safe and healthy home.
Contributed by Lucy Wyndham
Photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash
Read more about how to have a healthy home:
How to Create an Eco-Friendly Bedroom on a Budget
The Best Plants for a Happy and Healthy Home
4 Vacuuming and Cleaning Hacks to Combat Common Indoor Allergens
Today, more than ever, we are living in a world that is always looking for the newest and greatest things. Whether it is technology, toys, clothing, food, or medicine, we naturally want the best devices and inventions around to improve our happiness, health, and homes. Unfortunately, these advancements often come with a hidden cost. After all, it’s no secret that today’s items aren’t always created from the most eco-friendly or sustainable materials that can wreak havoc on our environment and health.
In recent years, obviously more and more people are becoming more aware of the substances and chemicals we are are bringing into our homes. Study after study is finding alarming levels of indoor air pollution, frightening amounts of harmful chemicals in our water systems, and even toxic chemicals in the blood supply of newborn babies. Which has led many of us to question the items we use on a regular basis and to begin looking for healthier solution.
Surprisingly, we may already have the answer residing in our homes and backyards: plants. In fact, plants are versatile, easy to purchase, and adaptable for any home or garden. With a little awareness, we can naturally incorporate the best plants into our lives to boost our happiness and health.
Yes, besides providing us with food and oxygen, plants provide us with many benefits that are worth noting. Plants can purify the air and remove harmful chemicals to help us breathe easier. A little flower power can brighten our homes and improve our moods, but they have also been proven to aid in the relief of anxiety, ADHD symptoms, depression, and negativity. If that isn’t amazing enough, plants have been shown to decrease stress levels, be used as remedies, improve our beauty regimens, improve the taste of food, and so much more.
For more information about the best plants for a happy and healthy home, please scroll through the following guide:
Sarah Smith is a freelance writer and content designer.
source: https://www.kremp.com/blog/flowers/how-flowers-can-impact-your-health-infographic
Indoor allergens can be difficult to deal with, especially when it comes to keeping the house clean and tidy. They are lurking everywhere, and so you need to be careful when you are tidying up and sorting things out.
Whether you are vacuuming or just taking part in some general cleaning work, we have a few tips and tricks that are sure to help you combat indoor allergens in the best and most efficient way possible. Take a look and see if any of these can help you on the way to a reaction-free cleaning experience.
#1 Get Rid of Clutter
Allergens thrive in clutter, and this is where you will find the largest collection of dust and debris. Throwing out or donating your clutter can lead to a home that is much less dusty, or if you don’t want to get rid of it then make sure you clean it a few times a week to keep on top of the dust levels.
While you are cleaning out your clutter, as well as in general, you should consider wearing a dust mask so that you can breathe better and without fear of an allergic reaction. This will help you to clean longer and more efficiently.
#2 Use a Vacuum with a HEPA Filter
You should be vacuuming several times a week, or every day if you have really bad indoor allergies. This helps to keep everything clean, especially carpets and furniture, and will reduce the chance of a nasty reaction.
When you are vacuuming, however, you should make sure that you use a model that has a HEPA filter as this will capture practically all of the allergens and trap them in the filter, so that the air that is pushed back out is clear and fresh. The filters themselves are hospital-grade also, which means that they are strong and reliable for use in the home.
#3 Wash Your Bedding Regularly
You would be surprised by how many allergens your bedding can trap, both in terms of outdoor and indoor. From pollen to dust mites, everything ends up in your bed, and it can lead to severe irritation as your allergens flair up while you sleep. The best way to tackle this is to put all of your sheets on a hot wash once a week to remove all of the allergens.
If you have a steam cleaner, you can use it to wash your mattress to kill allergens as well as your furniture. Do remember that these will need around 24 hours to dry though, depending on the steam cleaner you use. This is a great way to ensure that your home is free from indoor allergens.
#4 Keep the Bathroom under Control
Mould is probably one of the worst indoor allergens, and the place it occurs most is in your bathroom. As a result, it is important to keep this room clean and under control at all times. If you have mould already, wash the walls thoroughly and leave them to dry. If the room is naturally damp, place a heater in there so that it can dry out thoroughly.
Once dry, paint the walls with a mould-proof paint to help prevent it from growing back again. You should also purchase a dehumidifier to keep the air clear and dry at all times. You should also wash the shower curtain, as mould can collect there as well. Read how to clean mold naturally here
To Conclude
Hopefully, you have found these nifty hacks useful when it comes to keeping your home free from allergens as well as nice and clean. We know it’s tough to do, but by wearing a mask and keeping on top of the little things, you should find breathing in your home a much easier task. Plus, it doesn’t hurt to get rid of clutter on a regular basis anyway!
Resources:
https://learn.allergyandair.com/cleaning-tips-for-allergy-relief/
https://www.webmd.com/allergies/features/allergy-tips
https://www.everydayhealth.com/hs/allergy-photos/tips-to-keep-your-home-allergen-free/#05
About the Author
Gemma Tyler is a freelance writer and blogger. You can keep upto date by following Gemma on Twitter, Facebook & Pinterest. If you are interested in reading more of her vacuum and cleaning related content, be sure to check out her ultimate guides here .
Why is it that when you walk into some people’s homes, you immediately feel relaxed and drawn in to sit and stay awhile?
Well, it can be many factors, and what may feel cozy and comfortable to some, may not to others. But there are some general tips I can give you that will ensure to make your home more relaxing and welcoming.
I have been decorating homes and creating soft furnishings for over 30 years. People often comment that my homes (I have moved several times) feel so cozy, and that they would like to make their homes feel the same.
Here are the main factors that I believe contribute to having a cozy, welcoming home:
1. Comfy furniture. Make sure your furniture is comfortable and easy to clean. In your living area, whether you have 1 couch, 2 couches, a couple armchairs or a sectional, make sure the furniture is soft, but supportive, and covered in a fabric that is easy to clean. Slipcovers are great. You and your guests will feel more relaxed in comfortable in furniture that is made to be used. Always have a table surface within reach of every seat, and good lighting by at least one spot for reading. Coffee tables and side tables should not have hard, thin edges (no glass), and also be easy to clean. Wood furniture is timeless and always feels warm and inviting. Find some great sofas with free delivery here
2. Avoid too much clutter. Coffee tables with drawers or a shelf underneath, bookcases, built-ins, baskets and storage ottomans all can help hide and organize day-to-day items that are needed in the room.
3. Keep it personal. Don’t be afraid to show your personality. Photos, trip mementos, books about things that interest you, beautiful art and pottery that is meaningful to you, small collections – all add interest and are conversation pieces. The trick is not to overdue it – and to group like items together.
4. Keep it natural. Bring the outdoors in. Flowers, branches, sea shells, pine cones – whatever you can find outside that makes you happy and brings a bit of the outdoors inside all year round. Also use natural materials as much as you can – linen, hemp, wool or cotton for your curtains, roman shades, rugs, slipcovers and pillow covers. Natural sisal or wool rugs, woven baskets, wood furniture, and wood, granite and marble surfaces all help to create a timeless, classic look. I love to provide soft, cozy throws on my furniture all year round. In summer they can be taken outdoors when the evenings are a bit chilly, and in winter they provide extra warmth in the evenings. My favorite throws are made from merino wool, alpaca and angora.
5. Keep it clean. Use natural cleaning products to keep your home feeling fresh and clean. Dust and vacuum regularly and polish all surfaces. Get in the habit of tidying up at night before you go to bed so that you are not faced with this task in the morning. When everything has a place, (and every family member helps), it makes the task easier. Our minds function better and we feel less stressed when our surroundings are uncluttered, and so will your company’s.
6. Use window coverings. Even if you have an amazing view that you don’s want to cover up, you don’t have that view at night, and a big, black sheet of glass can be very cold and unwelcoming. Soft linen or cotton curtains that draw off the window during the day will frame a view and provide warmth at night. Textured roller blinds, wood blinds, and natural fabric roman shades can also provide style, colour, texture and softness to a room. Window coverings also absorb sound, making a room less echoing and easier to have a conversation in.
7. Last but not least, your home needs to smell good! Your living room, bathrooms and bedrooms can all benefit from using natural materials for keep them smelling fresh. Use pure, beeswax candles to provide a soft glow in the evening and a natural, gentle scent. Beeswax burns clear and actually cleans your air while it is burning. Essential oil diffusers also work well if you like a stronger scent.
I hope you find these tips helpful. Click on photos for sources.
I would love to know what you feel makes a house feel like a home!
Nikki
Here are some related articles:
How To Create a Calm, Natural Retreat in your Bedroom
Bedroom Decorating with Organic Materials
Making a few small changes in your home could add up to big savings in your energy bill, and that’s good news for you and for our planet.
Here are some things that you can do to make your home more energy-efficient:
- Turn the heat down. Better yet, use a programmable thermostat so you don’t have to remember to do it! Starting at just $20, it will pay for itself in a very short time. We have installed them in every house we have lived in, and like the Honeywell brand. Find them at Home Depot .
2. Use window coverings – Lined draperies can reduce a window’s heat loss by 10-30%. Drapes with darker colours and tightly woven fabrics, with heavy black-out lining will provide the most insulation. Highly reflective blinds can also reduce heat gain by up to 45%. Roman shades with heavy lining also provide extra insulation, especially when mounted close to the glass.
3. Upgrade or add insulation – Adding insulation to your attic and walls can help seal air leaks and improve your home’s heating and cooling costs. Read this article by This Old House to find out the best type of insulation to use.
4. Stop drafts – Make sure all your windows and doors have good seals. Adding weatherstripping around window frames and caulking any cracks will go a long way in making your home more energy efficient. For some inexpensive ways to seal your windows read this article by This Old House.
5. Consider replacing old wood windows if there are signs of deterioration and rot, and they cannot be repaired. Single-glazed aluminum windows also should also ideally be replaced (no more condensation!) New windows are expensive, but your decrease in energy-loss will be significant and your home will be much more comfortable, and desirable if you decide to sell.
6. Replace old toilets with a Low-Flush model. Toilets are the biggest water drain in your house, accounting for up to 30% of your water use. New, low-flush toilets use 1/3 – 1/2 the amount of water as an old one. If you can’t afford new toilets, there are some no-cost ways to cut down on how much water your toilet uses. For example, you can literally fill a plastic bottle with pebbles or sand and place it in your toilet’s water tank (away from the plumbing equipment). This will displace some of the water used for the flush.
Before you do any major renovations or upgrades, check to see if there are any government grants available in your area. In Canada, you can have an energy audit done, to determine your best plan of action. Find out more info here.
If you are looking to buy a new home in Canada, look for a home that has an R-2000 or Energy Star rating. Read more about R-2000 Homes here
Arhaus, a furniture company that believes in using natural materials, has teamed up with American Forests and designers to provide insight into ways to make your house more environmentally friendly. Many of their dining room tables are made with wood certified by the Sustainable Forestry Initiative to ensure that their products have as little environmental impact as possible. By using green technologies and organic products, we can really have an impact! Right now, Arhaus is offering up to 60% off!
Do you have any tips you would like to add? I would love to hear them!
One of the least favorite things of children seems to be bath time. They don’t want to be stuck in a tub when they could be out playing with their friends or watching a favorite television show. However, being dirty isn’t a viable option, either. Therefore, it might be easier to do some bathroom remodeling to help your child get in the mood for bathing.
To start with, look at your bathroom like your kid would. Try to spot what they don’t like and how you can fix that. Areas that aren’t easily approachable to kids can be a detriment to them wanting to be around them. Also, if the colors are dull and boring, kids just aren’t going to be receptive. If at all possible, let your kids have their bathroom and re-decorate it.
Choose a theme that fits in with your child’s interests when you start to redecorate the bathroom. You can create a mural with cartoon characters or certain animals. Then choose accessories around that particular theme. These can include themes of an aquarium, jungle safari, or a favorite fairytale. Paint the walls or use wallpaper that fit in with the chosen theme, and add accessories that will match. How about giving complementary colors that are in the bold shade a try, so that it will draw more attention to the few themed items?
natural shower curtain
Next, work on creating an environment that’s kid friendly. Use fixtures that can grow as your child grows. For instance, if you have a shower and tub combined system, kids can learn how to bathe at any age. To begin with, put up a shower curtain that fits with the rest of the theme. Later, you can change that into a hard glass door. In this way, the design can be safe as well as stylish.
For a bathroom with limited space, or if you cannot dedicate one bathroom totally to your child. Begin by decorating to suit your tastes. Then add some things that your child will enjoy.
Put in plenty of safe toys to play with while bathing as well as kid friendly soap and shampoo. Include their towels with favorite characters as well as slip resistant mats and rugs. You can make bath time a lot happier for your child.
It is easier to give them a bath with toys and things like that rather than coercing them into what they think is an odious task, the repeated experience of which will make them hate the bathing experience even more.
To find out what your kids like, all you need to do is ask what they like. They have some idea and will give you an insight into their preference. You may even discover that they want something that is so easy to do and that is cheap at the same time. You can always find something that is cheap and that your kid will like. You can usually find anything that your kid will want through websites. You can notice any theme that your kid wants and you can usually find it for a nice bargain. Given below are some common accessories kids prefer to play with during bath time or parents use as a distraction.
1.Toddler Bath Toy Ducks: It is a toy in a shape of a duck, usually yellow but available in all colors. Generally, rubber ducks are designed to be used as floating bathtub toys and may be equipped with a squeaker that makes a sound resembling the quack of a real duck. Toy bath ducks may have holes in the bill on top or at the bottom that allows the toy to take in and then squirt water. There is also an assortment of color boats and balls which are ideal distraction tools. To make it more playful and enjoyable, including bath toys with colorful designs.
2.Bubbles: Adding a small amount of bubble bath is also a grand idea. Almost every kid loves to play with bubbles. Use a mild combination of bubble bath or baby soap to create the bubbles so that it won’t hurt their eyes or sensitive body parts.
3. Bath paints and bath chalks: Many parents make use of bath paints and bath chalks to effectively keep their kids engrossed in their play and forget that they are having a bath. It is fun for them to draw on the sides of the tub or shower walls. Although these are entertaining, most parents prefer to use this tactic only occasionally because it may get a little messy sometimes.
4. Cleaning accessories: These include a clean, soft towel and washcloth, mild soap, a mild shampoo, and a good, soft bath brush. Baby towels and wash clothes are supposed to be made from pure fabrics which are ideal for a toddler’s smooth and sensitive skin. There are wide varieties of bath towels and wash clothes to choose from. When buying bath shampoo and soap for toddlers, you have to choose the ones that are delicate for their skins. If you prefer, you may go for organic shampoo and soaps which are hypo-allergenic and cannot hurt the eyes of toddlers.
5. Mirrors: When looking at decorating bathroom mirrors for young children, they appreciate seeing some of their favorite stickers on the lower corners of the mirror, making the room seem more kid-friendly. The stickers are easy to apply and just as easy to remove without causing permanent damage.
6. Spout covers: There are some advantages to having a tub that has a spout cover. The principal benefit of such spout covers is that they protect small children who could very easily hurt themselves from the uncovered tub spout, as they take a bath.
Finally, it is always a good idea to collect a lot of different accessories for the toddlers since they will probably want another in a month or so. Also, make the bathroom environment look attractive and comfortable for a kid and even an adult too by adding child-friendly items on the walls and surroundings so that the kid may not be suggested by the seemingly adult paraphernalia usually found in every bathroom.
Guest post by Lori Longoria
Read more about home decorating here:
How to Decorate Your Home for Summer
Decorating and Storage Ideas for Small Spaces
Clever Storage Ideas for Your Home
Guest post by Julie Austin
Do you want to renovate your bedroom and get rid of the same boring and dull look? Do you want to add the element of comfort, luxury, and style to your bedroom making it look chic and beautiful? If yes then you are at the right place because this article will help you can make your bedroom look stylish and feel proud of it by following these simple and easy to follow tips enlisted below.
www.citroneliving.com
1. Cut the clutter
A bedroom that is overcrowded with accessories or furniture gives a cluttered and a messy look. To cut the clutter from your room view each and every item and see is it necessary to have this particular piece in your room. Distinguishing between good clutter and bad clutter and removing all unnecessary pieces is imperative if you want to make your room look spacious and well-organized.
2. Style up your pillows
If you want to renovate your bedroom, you should consider styling your pillows and cushions. A well-made bed that is topped with a handful of cool printed or textured pillows and cushions will add an instant stylish look to your bedroom. Pillows that are used for sleeping purpose should be propped up against the bedhead, and the cushions should be put according to their height to create a well-organized yet stylish look. One thing to keep in mind is that you should choose the color of pillows and cushions according to the color scheme of the room to attract positive visual attention.
www.nikkidesigns.ca
3. Add artwork
A bedroom is a personal space. Therefore, most people avoid putting their favorite pieces of artwork in a bedroom and prefer to display them in the living room where maximum people can view them. But do you know that putting an art piece such as some wall hanging or painting in your bedroom can create a positive impact giving it both style and beauty? Try by just putting a single statement piece right above the bedhead and then see how it works like magic to upgrade the look of your bedroom. You can also consider adding wall art to your bedroom.
4. Get new curtains
Curtains are an important component of a room, they dress the windows and give an elegant look to the whole room. Therefore, if you have some old fashioned curtains that do not add the element of interest to your room then consider investing in some good looking curtains that give your bedroom a stylish look. If you have short windows, consider hanging blinds that drop all the way to the floor – they will look a great deal more lavish and make a standard window look quite a lot more captivating.
Curtains by NikkiDesigns
5. Accessorize wisely
Accessorizing is an art if used properly can add a luxurious and sophisticated touch to your bedroom. A golden tip that should be kept in mind is to invest in accessories according to the space available and avoid its overuse. A stylish rocking chair will add more charm to your bedroom as compared to some old fashioned chairs. Overloading the bedroom with unnecessary accessories will just add the clutter and give a messy look to your bedroom.
by Julie Austin, guest blogger
Author Bio:
Julie Austin is a blogger who loves to write about home improvement. She is sociable and kind and loves to decorate almost everything! In her free time, she enjoys the sunset with her friends at the seashore. Read her posts at http://www.nurserygliderz.com.
Read more about Bedroom Decorating:
How To Create a Calm, Natural Retreat in your Bedroom
Bedroom Decorating with Organic Materials
How to Create an Eco-Friendly Bedroom on a Budget
This month we are giving away an embroidered linen bolster pillow cover, valued at $46. It fits a 7″ x 20″ bolster pillow. Bolster pillows look great on benches, on a bed, or on a chair. This one has a delicate floral pattern of pale blues, greens and greys.
Contest runs from July 5 – July 19, 2017. Open to residents of Canada and USA, 18 years or older.
Thinking of hosting an outdoor party or dinner this summer? Here are a few of the ways I keep outdoor entertaining easy and fun!
- Plan ahead. Plan your party at least 1 week ahead of time. Invite your guests, see how many can make it, and make a list of those coming. You can make some pretty cool invitations here!
2. Make lists. I am a big fan of lists! Write down what food and drinks you’ll need to buy, what you need for decorations, and any other supplies (dishes, table linens, paper plates, games, etc) you may need to buy.
3. Have all your shopping done by the day before your party. That way, you will have time to clean, decorate and cook on the day of the party.
4. Have your music planned out – good music adds so much to a party! If you’re having it outdoors, make sure you have a way to play the music out there. I like to use Groove music and Spotify to create playlists – find some tips on how to do this here – so easy!
5. Fresh flowers. They are the perfect decoration, and this time of year, they are everywhere! If you don’t have flowers or flowering shrubs and trees in your garden, you can cut some at a friend’s, or buy some inexpensive annuals and fill some decorative pots – they will last all summer!
6. Get help! Enlist family members to help with getting your outdoor and indoor space clean and ready for the party. Do as much as you can the day before the party.
7. Food prep. Unless you are a gourmet cook (I am NOT), plan easy, simple dishes that everyone likes. My husband likes to bbq, so of course I let him do that. I make a few salads, marinate something for the bbq, wrap up some potatoes or yams to bake, and I ask my guests to bring an appetizer or dessert. SO easy! Here are some more summer dinner party menu ideas for if you want to venture outside the token salads, but still keep it simple healthy and delicious!
8. Provide non-alcoholic drinks too – sparkling water with lemon slices, lemonade, and club soda are all great to have on hand at a summer party. Or, get more creative with these recipes!
9. Plan entertainment. I like to have some sort of game available for those who like to play – bocce, volleyball, badminton and croquet are great if you have the space. After dinner, you may want to organize a card game or board game if you have a smaller group. Make sure you have everything you need for the activity you choose.
10. Make sure you have time to relax before the party starts. Have a bath, listen to music, do your nails. Make sure you are in a good frame of mind and excited to see your friends. If you are relaxed and happy, your guests will be too. I try to keep drinks and food self-serve, with everything easy to find for my guests. I don’t want to be in the kitchen while everyone else is having fun – so I do as much as possible ahead of time, and I don’t worry about cleaning until everyone leaves!
I hope some of my tips will help you plan a really successful, enjoyable party this summer – let me know if they do, or if you have any tips of your own you would like to share!
Here are some more articles about outdoor entertaining you may enjoy reading:
How to Update Your Outdoor Space on a Budget
Step-by-Step Guide to Setting and Outdoor Table for Summer
Live a healthy, balanced life! Save on private coaching and Nourish program
Hemp and Linen Cleansing Cloths 
Linen Queen Duvet Cover with Piping