Must-Have Pumpkin Products for Fall 2017

 Fall is here, and to many of us, that means just one thing: Pumpkin Spice EVERYTHING! The celebrated squash is the undisputed champion of autumn, with manufacturers of products ranging from coffee to car air fresheners hopping on the pumpkin spice bandwagon and churning out fall-inspired goodies to get us in the mood for crisp air, chilly nights and hot cider. Here are a few of our favorite offerings for 2017 to get you pumped for pumpkin season!

Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Butter- Those who frequent Trader Joe’s know that the quirky specialty grocer has a particular knack for creating beloved, one-of-a-kind products that are exclusive to the store, such as their celebrated Cowboy Bark, as well as their famous (infamous?) “Two-Buck Chuck” wine label, Charles Shaw Wines. Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Butter is one such product, with fans across the country who wait each year in eager anticipation for its annual fall release. A delightful marriage of sweet and savory, Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Butter is as delicious with brie as it is on crackers or toast. $2.29

Talenti Pumpkin Pie Gelato- Spice up your dessert game with the out-of-this-world pumpkin spice gelato from Talenti. This creamy, delectable seasonal gelato is made with real pumpkin pie, crust and all, and is a must-have for the ice cream and gelato enthusiast who wants to experience the flavors of fall in a decadent, delicious way. $5.99

Spiced Pumpkin Candle- Yankee Candle Company- Not all pumpkin spice products are created equal. This especially holds true for candles, whose pumpkin spice iterations run the gamut from exquisite to just plain stinky! The Yankee Candle Company, known for its high-quality, long-burning candles, takes top honors for Best Pumpkin Spice Candle Aroma. With an aromatic blend of spices and an underlying pumpkin fragrance that is equal parts soothing and inviting, this candle will enhance the fall ambiance of any living space without becoming overpowering. From $1.99

What are some of your favorite pumpkin products? Let us know in the Comments section!

8 Tips for Surviving a Kitchen Remodel

It’s finally happening- you are getting the kitchen of your dreams! For all gourmet cooks (and those who aspire to be), a kitchen remodel is the beginning of many exciting culinary adventures. However, before you can fire up your fancy new Viking range, you need to find a way to cope with the stress and inconvenience that comes along with upgrading your existing kitchen.

It takes a little creativity and a LOT of planning, but it is possible to still dine at home in the midst of a kitchen renovation. Here are a few helpful tips to guide you through the construction period as smoothly as possible.

1. Understand the Timeframe

 Discuss a timeline with your contractor to get a realistic estimate of how long you will not be able to use your kitchen. Make sure to find out if you can use parts of the kitchen for some of the renovation period, or if the entire area will need to be avoided. With these details in mind, develop a workaround for the areas which can still be used, if any. Is there space for the fridge to be plugged in until the flooring needs to be replaced? Will you still have access to the kitchen sink when the contractors have left for the day? Just remember that renovation can be a messy business and you may want to seal off the kitchen from the rest of the house until the remodel is complete.

2. Set Up a Temporary Kitchen

 Even if you’re planning to eat out at restaurants for the majority of the renovation, you still may wish to have an area in which you can make a morning cup of coffee or toast a bagel. You can set up a temporary kitchen space in a garage, basement or corner of a downstairs room, such as the family room. If you have an area with a wet bar or a utility tub, that would work well for any dishes that may need to be washed. Make sure there are plenty of available outlets for the appliances you may wish to plug in.

3. Stock Up

During your kitchen remodel, be sure to buy items like canned soup, cold cereal, breakfast bars and frozen meals that you can eat conveniently and relatively easily at home. You may also want to check into prepared foods at your supermarket’s deli for meal ideas- you will be amazed at the quality and variety of the foods they offer! Cooking meals ahead of time is another good option, provided you still have access to a microwave and a freezer during the remodel. Save yourself the headache of doing the dishes and buy disposable tableware until your renovation is complete.

4. Pack it Away…or Don’t

 Before the remodel is scheduled to begin, take the time to carefully pack up the contents of your kitchen. This is also a good time to purge any items you never use (hello, breadmaker wedding present!) and any duplicate, broken or mismatched items you may have. Don’t forget to set aside any utensils or appliances you may still need on a daily basis during the remodel.

5. Protect the Rest of the House

 Aside from the kitchen, think about the other high-traffic areas of the house that need to be protected from construction dust and workers walking through all day. Drop cloths can be laid down on the floors to protect carpet from stains, and breakable items such as pictures, sculpture and knickknacks, should be removed from any walls or shelves that could be accidentally bumped when cabinetry or appliances are being moved in.

6. Take it Outside

 If you are doing your kitchen renovation during the warmer months, your outdoor grill and patio table serves as a wonderful substitute for the kitchen. You can use your grill to roast veggies, bake pizza and make foil-packet dinners like you did at camp as a kid. With the addition of a picnic blanket and some s’mores, you and your family will think of the kitchen remodel as a fun adventure instead of a burden or inconvenience.

7. Don’t Forget Fido

 If your pet is used to his food and water bowls being in the kitchen, start moving his bowls to an alternate location about a week before the remodel begins. This will help them get used to eating in a different place. Also, if your pet is constantly underfoot or especially anxious around strange people and noises, be sure to keep him away from work areas at all times.

8. Get Away From it All

As long as you’re OK with leaving your kitchen remodel contractors in the house without you there, this is an ideal time for a family vacation, camping trip or long weekend at the lake. Being away from the remodel will not only recharge your batteries, but you will be amazed and surprised by the progress the remodelers have made upon your return.

All of you who have done a remodel, what other tips can you give? If you are about to do a remodel, what questions do you have? Leave them in the comments section.

Save Energy this Summer with These 13 Appliance Tips

With the weather getting hotter during summer, it can “shock” you when you receive your electricity bill. There are a few things that you can do to make sure your appliances are running efficiently to save you money and energy consumption.

1. Make sure to have ENERGY STAR- rated appliances. These devices are ranked by the U.S. Department of Energy as using less energy than the standard amount. ENERGY Star-rated appliances use about 20% less energy and can save you more than $270 in your energy costs.

Refrigerators:

2. Make sure not to overload the amount of groceries in your refrigerator. Having tons of items in your refrigerator will require more energy to keep it cool.

3. Don’t keep your refrigerator door open for a long period of time. Also make sure to not open your door repeatedly in a short period of time.  Opening the door will cause the cool air inside to escape and makes the refrigerator motor work harder.

4. Keep your refrigerator temperature in between 32- 40 degrees F. Your freezer temperature should be set between 30-0 degrees F.

Washing Machines:

5. Using cold water when doing most of your washes can save you money and still have your cloths perfectly cleaned.

6. Just like dishwashers, you should make sure that you run full loads because most washers will use the same amount of electricity.

7. Have a front-load washing machine. Front-load washing machines use two-thirds less water than top-load washing machines, reducing electricity and water.

Drying Machines:

8. Selecting to have a faster spin cycle can help reduce less time to dry your cloths.

9. When the weather is hot, you can dry some of your cloths outside on a clothesline or a drying rack to save energy costs.

10. Place your washing machine in a room that is warmer than a cold location like a cold basement. The warmer air going into the dryer will use less energy to heat the air up.

Dishwashers:

11. Make sure to load your dishwasher fully for each cycle. Most dishwashers use the same amount of electricity and hot water for each load whether it’s a full load or half of a load.

Ovens or ranges:

12. Don’t open your oven door frequently to check on your food. The temperature can drop about 25-30 degrees and requires more energy to regenerate the set temperature.

13. Use glass baking dishes as much as possible. Glass retains heat better than other materials. This can cook your food faster and you can even decrease the oven temperature.

What other things do you do to consume less energy in your home? Leave it in the comments section.

For Mattress Purchases Consider Motion Transfer

There are a couple of things to consider before buying a new mattress. On of the big things that can affect your decision is motion transfer. Watch the video to see what it is.



Things to take away:

• Innerspring mattresses have motion transfer. 
• Memory foam and hybrid mattresses can reduce if not eliminate motion transfer. 
• Some great options to consider are Tempur-Pedic brand mattresses.

What questions do you have about purchasing a new mattress? 

Your Guide to Smart Home Devices- Part 3

This is the third installment of our 3-part series about smart home devices and appliances. Today we focus on appliances that are changing the meaning of the word “efficiency,” one technological breakthrough at a time. Check out parts 1 and 2 for more recommendations on the most brilliant smart home innovations of 2016!

Samsung Family Hub Refrigerator, starts at $5,599 - Samsung, leading pioneer of smart home appliance integration, has done it again with its beautifully-designed Family Hub refrigerator. Unlike previous iterations of Samsung smart fridges, this one is fully compatible with Alexa, Amazon’s voice assistant, and will work in conjunction with your smartphones and even stream TV! (Oh, yeah, and it does a great job of keeping food cold too.) Marvel at the 21.5-inch touchscreen that allows you to send and receive messages from your family and friends’ smartphones, share your calendars so your appointments are always handy for viewing, and display family photos (you can take snapshots of your kids’ artwork for a futuristic spin on the old refrigerator magnet!) Dazzle your friends with the efficiency of ordering groceries right from your fridge, courtesy of Alexa. If you have dreamed of talking to your refrigerator (oh, is that just me? Awkward.) this is the refrigerator for you. Of course, all this technology and innovation doesn’t come cheap- the Samsung Family Hub starts at $5,599 for the standard depth stainless steel model, and a counter-depth black stainless model will cost you in the neighborhood of $5,999. You can find one here for a better deal.

LG Smart ThinQ Washer and Dryer, from $1,599.99 each-Wouldn’t it be nice if you could check the status of your wash or dry cycle from your smartphone? With the LG Smart ThinQ washer and dryer combo, to the energy-efficient capabilities designed to optimize your usage of power, Smart ThinQ washers and dryers are a game-changer for the way we will do laundry in years to come. The gorgeous stainless steel construction and sleek design make this a washer/dryer combo you’ll want to show off, and the WaveForce washing technology and TrueStream drying technology help to make each load come out perfectly every time, with no hassle. Best of all, it was recently announced that the entire line of LG Smart ThinQ appliances will soon be adding Alexa (via a Smart ThinQ hub, sold separately), which means your washer and dryer will be able to seamlessly integrate with the rest of your smart home in the very near future. Here is one that we recommend.

GE WiFi Connect Free-Standing Convection Range, starts at $2,099- Turn your smartphone into a remote control for your stovetop and oven with a WiFi Connect range from GE! The appliance giant has gotten into the smart home arena in a big way with a line of free-standing ranges as well as cooktops and wall ovens that can be turned on, off, preheated and more via a smartphone app! Using an IFTTT (If This Then That) “recipe,” Alexa can even be used to trigger on/off verbal commands. Best of all, none of the cooking efficiency is sacrificed in the name of technology- the GE free-standing convection range boasts the largest integrated griddle on the market, as well as a gas convection oven that circulates heat for maximum cooking results every time. Check out all the details here. 

Looking for appliances to help you upgrade your smart home? Check out part 1 in the smart appliance series. Appliance Factory has a wide range of smart appliances at unbeatable prices. Check out one of our 16 locations today or visit our website. We look forward to helping you create your home of the future!

Spring Clean (Enough)- Shortcuts for Spring Cleaning

Spring is upon us, and with it comes spring cleaning! We all have the best intentions when it comes to wanting to give our homes the thorough yearly cleaning they deserve, but we also have tremendously busy lives and it can be hard to find the time to do a serious deep-cleaning. Here are a few spring cleaning shortcuts that will give you the results you want in a fraction of the time!

Clean (some of) your carpets- Focus on the high-traffic areas of your carpet- living room, main hallways, family room- for the deep-cleaning rug shampoo every spring, and just do the whole house once every couple of years. Not only will you save money but it will cut down on drying time.

Steam clean your curtains- Washing curtains in a machine, or getting them dry cleaned, can be a major time-suck. Not only do you have to take the curtains down, but then you have to wash and dry and re-hang them- the work of at least several hours! With a little wrinkle-releasing, odor-eliminating spray (try CleanFast) and a hand-held fabric steamer, you can steam your way to fresh curtains without having to deal with taking them off the rods.

Bust out the Dustbuster- Using a handheld vacuum to clean your upholstery can be almost as effective as getting it professionally shampooed, with less cost and inconvenience. Use your hand vac to get all the errant crumbs, pet hair and life debris out of the cushions and frame of your upholstered furniture pieces, then use a clean, damp cloth to wipe down the fabric. Use a spot-cleaning stain remover, such as Shout, for any problem stains (make sure to test it on the fabric first).

Don’t stress over windows- While it is an admirable goal to get every window in your house squeaky-clean inside and out, it can also be a back-breaking chore that goes unappreciated. After all, how often do you really look at the windows at the back of your house? Focus on the big windows in front of the house that face the street and give those a good cleaning. Try to clean your windows on a day that is wind-free to avoid being splashed by cold water.

Clean as you go- Obviously, the best way to avoid lengthy spring-cleaning projects is to keep your home clean all year long. You can accomplish this by taking a few extra minutes each day to give specific areas of your home a once-over. Putting laundry away? Take 5 minutes to tidy the closet shelves. Taking winter coats to the dry cleaners? See if there’s anything in your hall closet that can be donated or thrown out. Wiping up a spill in the fridge? Take a moment to wipe all the shelves while you’re at it (and go ahead and toss those mystery containers in the way-back while you’re at it.) Taking a few moments to tidy, putting things back in the place where they go- these are all things that can be done quickly during each day, which can save you hours in the long run.

All About Window Film

One of the things we love about our house is its number of windows. Not only do they provide ample natural light and give the whole house an open, airy feeling, the windows themselves come in a variety of unique sizes and shapes, creating a lot of visual interest. Some of the windows, however, are in spots where we don’t necessarily want our neighbors to be able to look in (like the master bathroom, for example), yet treatment options for odd-sized windows are limited. When we first heard about window film, we were thrilled. Window film was the solution for us- read on to find out if it is right for your home.

What is window film? Do you remember those Colorforms you played with as a kid- those transparent film objects that used static to cling to windows and plastic surfaces? That’s the basic principle behind window film, on a much larger scale. Window film is a self-adhesive polyester film that is applied to windows and other glass surfaces. In addition to being used for decorative and privacy purposes, some window film can deflect UV rays, acting as a sunscreen on your window to prevent fading of upholstery fabrics inside the house.

What does it look like? These days, window film comes in a variety of patterns and designs. From rice paper to frosted glass, to a stained glass pattern, you can do just about anything with window film. Make it as translucent or as opaque as you wish- it’s up to you!

How do I apply it? Window film can be tricky to apply, what with all the air bubbles that can be trapped beneath it. (Think of it as a giant screen protector for your phone.) In order to properly apply window film, you must first measure the film paper against the window to be covered, using an Exacto knife to cut it to the precise size and shape. Once your shape has been cut, peel off the backing paper from the corner, leaving most of the rest of the film covered and slowly, using a squeegee to push out air bubbles, smooth it across your window. Some professional installers recommend the use of a spray bottle of water to ensure the maximum cling.

What if I hate it? Window film is easy to remove- just peel it off! The film won’t damage your windows. All you will need to do is go over any streaks left behind with a glass cleaner and the window will be as good as new.

Where do I find it? Window film is available at any hardware store, and can even be purchased online. If you prefer to let a professional handle the application of the film, most companies that sell blinds or other window treatments can help you.

Clean House Tips for Pet Owners

As a nation, we love our pets. Our furry friends make us laugh and give us constant companionship and unconditional love. We don’t, however, have to love the messes, odors and disorganization that pets can bring to the table when we open our homes to them. Here are a few cleaning tips for pet owners who love a tidy house as much as they love their four-legged fur babies.

Minimize the hair issue. Dogs and cats shed- a lot. Unless you have a breed that doesn’t shed, chances are your house is overrun with pet hair. This can not only make your furniture look shabby and unclean, but can also wreak havoc upon houseguests and family members with an allergy to pet dander. Grooming your pets regularly can cut down on the amount of dog or cat hair that is shed in the house, as can putting a special sheet, towel or blanket down on the spot(s) your pet occupies most often and then shaking off the hair outside before laundering. Of course, nothing cuts through the hair better than a thorough vacuuming- you may wish to invest in a good vacuum cleaner specially designed for pet owners, and give the major areas of your house a good vacuuming at least twice weekly.

Wipe Your Paws. Dogs are known to track mud in from the yard, especially in winter and spring months. To avoid muddy pawprints on your clean floors, keep a towel and shallow container half-full of room-temperature water by the door, and clean your pooch’s paws off as soon as they come inside. Baby wipes are also a practical weapon in the war on paw prints, and can be very effective after a walk through a muddy puddle.

Stains happen. No matter how well you train and care for your pet, accidents are bound to happen. Puppies get excited and forget their potty training. Kitties miss the litter box. Dogs and cats of all ages sometimes get illnesses which cause accidents that can be unpleasant to clean. It is a part of pet ownership that you know about as soon as you sign up. All you can do is learn how to treat pet stains effectively. The best way to deal with fresh stains is to remove solid residue, then blot with a clean white cloth, then apply a solution of one cup lukewarm water and a couple drops of clear dishwashing liquid. Blot dry and repeat steps until the stain is gone.

For persistent stains and odors, I recommend Amaziing Solutions Pet Stain Remover and Pet Odor Eliminator ($19.97, Amazon). When used as directed, this product can eliminate even the strongest odors caused by pet stains on carpets and upholstery. It is by far the finest enzyme-based odor eliminator I have used, and got rid of stains and smells I thought were going to be there forever!

Speaking of Odors… Even when it is not the direct result of a potty accident, pet owners know that there is a certain “smell” that comes with furry friends. Candles, plug-in air fresheners and odor-neutralizing sprays such as Febreze can go a long way in making your house smell fresh and pleasant, but please do try to follow the “less is more” approach to camouflaging pet odors with artificial scent. The best way to keep your home smelling fresh and clean is to regularly clean surfaces with lemon, baking soda and vinegar, and to sprinkle baking soda onto your carpet prior to vacuuming.

It’s furniture, not FUR-niture. If you’re like me, you can’t bear to be one of those people who doesn’t allow their pet on the furniture. As far as I’m concerned, my dogs are my family members and are therefore entitled to rest on any bed, couch or ottoman they please. The result, of course, is an endless supply of dog hair on the couch cushions and throw pillows, not to mention the “dog smell” that can arise from time to time. To combat these issues while still allowing your pet to make himself at home, consider purchasing furniture with microfiber or microsuede upholstery. Both of these materials are durable enough to withstand pressure from claws without tearing or snagging, and can be easily cleaned with a damp cloth. Additionally, you may want to take your pet’s fur color into consideration when buying a sofa: true story, when my husband and I were buying our furniture for our first house, I took a few “samples” of my bulldog’s hair and laid it on the couches we were considering to find the color that best camouflaged it.

It’s not easy to have a clean home and a pet at the same time, but it can be done, with a little patience, diligence and consistency. Have any stories of pet-related house disasters and how you cleaned them up? Please let us know in the comments section.

Deck the Halls DIY

‘Tis the season to be crafty! Why pay top dollar at department stores for your holiday home décor when you can put together fun crafts at home that are both cheap and easy to make? (Not to mention unique- nobody’s home will look quite like yours.)

The Internet abounds with articles and blog posts full of excellent projects this time of year, and we have selected 5 of our favorites. Go grab some glitter glue and pipe cleaners- we’ll wait!

Card Garland (Source: MarthaStewart.com)

Looking for an innovative way to display all the beautiful holiday cards your friends and family members have sent you? Simply glue scraps of colorful gift wrap to one side of a clothespin, clip the paper-covered clothespins to a length of ribbon or festive garland and hang above a mantel or along a banister. When you receive new cards, clip them along the ribbon- what a fun and practical decoration!

Christmas Tree Wire Ornament Holder (Source: Better Homes and Gardens)

This fun, framed wire tree and decorative ornaments are sure to make your wall pop! A new twist on the timeless tradition of hanging beautiful ornaments from a Christmas tree. For a list of materials and instructions, visit the link above.

Ornament Vases (Source: RealSimple.com)

Not particularly crafty? That’s OK, you can still get creative. Express your personal style by filling glass jars and vases with leftover Christmas balls and ornaments. A bare windowsill or tabletop will suddenly be filled with chic Christmas cheer!

Cookie Cutter Décor (Source: GoodHousekeeping.com)

Hanging whimsical Christmas cookie cutters in your kitchen area will make your home décor look anything BUT cookie-cutter! Hang them from a sign, as seen in the picture, or simply loop some ribbon through them and let them dangle from your overhead pot rack or wine rack. A simple touch that adds warmth and visual interest.

Sweet Treats (Source: LifeHack.org)

Keep it simple (and delicious) and fill glass vases, Mason jars and apothecary jars with beautiful Christmas candies. Mini candy canes, red-and-green gumdrops, candy ribbon, and even Hanukkah gelt can add a festive and yummy touch to any table or countertop.

Cheap and Easy Decorating Ideas

Creating a unique space doesn’t have to break the bank, nor do you have to have a degree in interior design to make your home beautiful. Check out this helpful article from Style at Home, with 25 easy decorating ideas to do on a budget. Here are a few of my favorites from the list that I have actually tried with success in my own home:

 

Family Photo Wall- “Create a gallery wall of family photos and other small pictures in matching (or contrasting) frames, arranged in a collage on a large wall such as a stairwell or hallway.” I have a photo wall like this in my dining room, with a tastefully laid out mishmash of black collage photo frames, and it creates visual interest while proudly displaying happy family memories. The best part? Two of the photo collage frames were wedding gifts and therefore cost us nothing, while the third one was $10 at Ross and happened to match the others perfectly.

One Man’s Trash is Another Man’s Treasure- “Peruse Craigslist, eBay or freecycle.org regularly for finds. It’s amazing what shows up as a bargain or even free.” Though my husband and I agree to disagree on this decorating tip, I have found many fantastic items for the house on eBay and Craigslist, as well as thrift stores and even the Dumpster outside our old apartment! One of my prized possessions, a working high-quality record player dating from the late 1960s, set me back only $25 on Craigslist. Such a deal!

 

Chandelier Magic- “Replace overhead lighting with thrift-store (or box store) chandeliers.” Our first house came with the world’s ugliest brass chandelier, which not only was an eyesore but also had a way of smacking houseguests in the head when they stood up from the table too quickly. $100, plus $25 for installation help from an experienced electrician, got us the most beautiful, sleek art-deco style chandelier from Home Depot, which gave our whole dining area an instant facelift.

 

Cabinetry Cosmetics- “Replace the drawer and cabinet pulls in your kitchen, bath, bedroom, or on a furniture piece.” For approximately $20, we were able to add stylish, modern pulls to all the cabinets and drawers in our old kitchen. The results were instant and dramatic.

 

Let Nature In- “A tray filled with pinecones, a tall vase of dried pampas grass stalks, or a bowl of colorful pebbles, beach glass or shells all make eye-catching home décor accessories.” This is one I use constantly at home- we’ve got some seashells and-picked by my husband at the beach scattered along the mirror of our master bathroom counter, a candle-holding tray adorned with various smooth rocks and flat glass marbles and a tall bamboo vase filled with stalks of natural grasses and reeds. The cost is cheap (or free!) but the effect is breathtaking.

Have you tried any of the tips from this article? Let us know in the comments below

Give Your Home an Energy-Efficiency Makeover

In terms of energy, how efficient is your home? You may be surprised at how much money you can possibly save each year by making a few changes to your household appliances and usage. These ten handy home energy tips can put you on the fast track to cost savings and a smaller carbon footprint!

1. Wash clothes in cold water- Many high-efficiency washers are just as effective at washing clothes on their cold water setting as on a warm or hot water setting. Simply switching to cold water can save you up to $63 a year, according to the US Alliance to Save Energy.

2. Save up to 10% on cooling and heating costs with a programmable thermostat- Having a thermostat that you can program to different temperatures throughout the day can save on your energy bill by cutting down the run time of your furnace or air conditioning unit. For an ultra-modern experience, check out Nest, a “smart thermostat” that can be controlled from your mobile device and adapts to your daily schedule by “learning” when to turn heating and cooling systems on or off.

3. Use your window treatments- For a more low-tech approach, close your blinds on sunny summer days to keep out the heat, and open them in the winter to let good old fashioned solar power warm your house.

4. Turn off all lights and electronics when not in use- Even the most innocuous household items, such as a toaster or a coffee maker, can use up surprising amounts of energy when left plugged in all day. These small appliances, nicknamed “vampire appliances” for their tendency to suck energy out, are even bigger offenders if they have a clock on them. Leave them unplugged until it’s time to use them.

5. Invest in newfangled light bulbs- CFLs and LED lightbulbs may seem like the less cost-effective option at the hardware store, but they can save you a bundle on the back end. Energy-efficient lightbulbs reduce energy use up to 80% from traditional light bulbs.

6. Always buy Energy Star- Look for the Energy Star label on your appliances. This is the government’s seal of approval for energy efficiency, guaranteed to save the consumer up to 30% on energy bills.

7. Change your shower heads- Using a low-flow shower head or faucet can save on water bills, which in turn can put extra cash in your pocket and make your home more eco-friendly. Best of all, low-flow shower heads have come a long way since their inception, and are now very high-quality and hardly make a difference in your morning shower.

8. Change those dirty filters- In order to keep the A/C and furnace from having to work extra hard to push out air, change the filters once every three months. This will also benefit you by reducing the number of allergens in the air.

9. Turn down your water heater- Reducing the temperature to 130 degrees F will make little to no impact on the hot water in your household, but will save you a considerable amount of money and energy. Another good tip is to invest in a special blanket for water heaters, which helps retain the heat in the unit.

10. Insulate your home properly- Sealing cracks around windows and doors and insulating your home can save up to 20% on energy bills by keeping heated or cooled air inside the house where it belongs. As everyone’s dad says, we’re not paying to heat/cool the outside, after all!

Source: US Alliance to Save Energy

Get Your Home Ready for Fall

As summer winds down and the kids start back to school, it’s time to start thinking about the shorter, cooler autumn days ahead. Now’s the time to make a list of all of the things you need to do to prepare your house for fall. Use the following tips as a handy checklist to make sure your home is ready for the cooler temperatures and falling leaves coming soon:

Insulate water pipes- Pipes that are in areas exposed to cold temperatures, particularly in the basement, are extremely susceptible to bursting when the freezing temps move in. Fall is a perfect time to insulate these pipes well in advance of the winter months.

Check your caulking- Any caulking around doors and windows that shows signs of deterioration needs to be repaired in order to properly insulate the house. While you’re at it, go ahead and check the caulking around your bathroom fixtures as well.

Clean your gutters- As the fall foliage begins to accumulate it is important to make sure your gutters are cleaned regularly. Gutters that are clogged with leaves and debris can cause water damage to your siding, landscaping and foundation that are costly to repair.

Schedule a chimney cleaning- If you have a chimney, make sure it gets a tune up by a professional before you light that first roaring fire on a chilly autumn evening.

Clean or replace your furnace filter- a dirty filter will cause your furnace to have to run harder, not only driving up your gas bill but also causing unnecessary wear and tear to your unit.

Clean the dryer exhaust duct- Using a duct-cleaning brush, remove all pieces of dust and lint from the dryer exhaust duct and the space under the dryer. This can prevent a dryer fire from occurring.

Inspect your smoke detectors- While the batteries in your detectors should be tested monthly, it is a good idea to make an annual inventory and battery change to ensure they are in working order.

Safeguard against fire hazards- Since October is National Fire Prevention Month, fall is a good time to make sure there are no fire hazards such as loose-fitting plugs, frayed cords and wires, or overloaded outlets or surge protectors. You should also make sure there is a working multi-purpose fire extinguisher accessible on each floor of the home for easy access in case of emergency. Schedule a family meeting and devise an evacuation plan so that everybody knows what to do in the event of a fire.

Featuring…Feature Walls!

For those of us wanting to make a big statement on a small budget, a feature wall is a fabulous way to make a room “pop.” In the same spirit as the highly popular accent wall design concept of the 90s and 00s, the feature wall adds an element of interest to one wall in a room, creating a focal point that is both exciting and unique. You can add a touch of elegance or whimsy to any wall in any room in the house, in ways both large and small.

A few tips to keep in mind for your feature wall, no matter how large or small scale of a project you have in mind:

Dark=Drama- If you wish to add some drama to the room, go for a dark color for your feature wall. A charcoal, navy or black wall plays off of the surrounding lighter walls nicely and draws the eye directly to the space you wish to serve as the focal point of the room.

 

Consider Color Blocking- Who says feature walls have to be all one color? A nice striped or patterned color-blocking effect on the feature wall can create visual interest that mingles nicely with the surrounding wall colors. For example, you can set off solid colored surrounding walls with a feature wall that includes complementary colors so that the whole thing goes together. It is also a fun and popular idea to use wallpaper on the feature wall and let the colors of the wallpaper coordinate with the solid walls for a sense of harmony.

   

 

Feature Walls Can Be Functional- Especially in smaller living spaces, one fun idea might be to incorporate functionality into your feature wall. For example, you could use a massive bookshelf, vintage record player, family pictures or floating shelves with children’s toys on them as the primary focus of your feature wall, which not only will give great visual interest to the area but also provide an excellent storage space for these items. Additionally, this will give your living space a sense of your personality and let the wall speak for you. Don’t be afraid to get creative!

Everyday Items to Clean Your Appliances

Who says cleaning products must be costly to clean effectively? Banish those harsh chemicals and pricey concoctions for good and keep your appliances beautiful using things you already have laying around in your kitchen. You will be amazed how you can keep all of your kitchen appliances sparkling clean and running like new, just by using things like:

 

Baking Soda-

While the uses for baking soda are seemingly limitless, baking soda has long been associated with deodorizing refrigerators. In fact, Arm and Hammer actually manufactures a special container that is designed to be stuck on the inside fridge wall and changed monthly. When it comes to deodorizing with baking soda, why stop at the refrigerator? It can be dusted along the bottom of the dishwasher, rubbed into a microwave with a damp cloth and sprinkled liberally down the garbage disposal, all with the same wonderful effect of eliminating kitchen odors.

 

Vinegar-

Baking soda’s time-honored partner in home cleaning remedies, white vinegar is useful for a variety of household tasks. One particularly inventive use of vinegar, mixed with an equal amount of water, is as an anti-grease agent to prevent buildup inside your oven. If you are concerned about the toxicity of bleach and other cleaning agents on the market, vinegar is a great, safe and eco-friendly alternative. It can be used to wipe down countertops and cabinets.

 

Tang-

The powdery orange drink originally designed for astronauts has a secret identity as a powerful dishwasher cleaner! Using Tang instead of dish detergent in a hot-water cycle can give the inside of the dishwasher an all-over clean, thanks to the acidity of the powder.

 

Coffee-

Another way to effectively eliminate odors in the refrigerator is to place a small bowl of coffee grounds on one of the fridge shelves, replacing every two months for best results. The best part- the grounds can even be used! Talk about recycling!

Mold - Don't Let It Invade Your Home

Mold

Definition: A furry growth of minute fungal hyphae occurring typically in moist warm conditions, especially on food or other organic matter.

Synonyms: Mildew, fungus, dry rot, must

Sound like something you want in your home, around your loved ones? Didn't think so.

So what causes mold? Mold requires a special brew of moisture, warmth and food. Because of these necessities to survive, mold is commonly found in bathrooms, kitchens, basements or any area where flooding or leakage has occurred. Roofs, walls, pipes are also very common areas for this fungus to hide in.

What risks does mold bring? The most common reactions to mold are allergy-like symptoms such as:

• Wheezing
• Rash
• Watery eyes
• Runny nose
• Itchy eyes
• Coughing
• Redness of the eyes

How can you prevent mold in your home? According to Mother Nature Network you can prevent mold with these simple tasks:

• Identify problem areas in your home and correct them
• Dry wet areas immediately
• Prevent moisture with proper ventilation
• Equip your home with mold-resistant products
• Monitor humidity indoors
• Direct water away from your home
• Clean or repair roof gutters
• Improve air flow in your home
• Keep mold off household plants