Anxiety Over Home Improvement Projects? Take Control and Start by Making a Plan

Home improvements are exciting, but they also come with a certain level of nerves and anxiety. You're anticipating great changes for your home, but these usually come at a heavy financial burden and/or worries about the way they'll turn out. However, there are ways to manage these overwhelming feelings by incorporating a plan for your home and yourself. Keep reading to learn how to implement a plan with your specific improvement ideas, and how to manage your feelings throughout the course of these changes.

Make a plan.

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A very obvious first step since, as with any big changes, planning ahead alleviates a certain level of anxiety. Part of this plan includes pinpointing exactly what you're going to renovate. This can be anything from a big kitchen to something more specific, like an item of furniture within a room. Once you decide on an area or specific thing to renovate, you have to consider what kind of funds you have to work with. Money is a large stressor for many Americans and maintaining an affordable renovation is key to keeping stress levels low.

By staying within your budget parameters, you'll ensure that you'll feel comfortable with the amount you're spending, instead of feeling overwhelmed that you're going outside of your comfort zone on your renovations.

Let the professionals handle it.

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If there's one assured way to relieve some of the stress from renovations, it's to leave it up to the professionals. This means letting the experts handle the jobs that you might not be able to complete. For example, when dealing with concrete, consider this company for mass concrete in Flushing, NY. They are leading concrete professionals that can create large concrete projects. They also complete concrete projects for residential buildings, basements, driveways, patios, and even pools. No matter your concrete needs, they'll be sure to get you great quality service so that you can rest easy in the knowledge that this aspect of your home renovations are in good hands.

Manage your feelings throughout renovations.

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When it all feels like it's getting too much to handle, find other ways to get help for yourself. There's no shame in getting mental health counseling. Around 59 million people attend therapy in the United States. You're not alone in the search to minimize your anxiety. Consider searching the term therapist NYC to find a mental health professional that will help you manage and adapt to these changes. This group of therapists in New York City has all of the tools to help with any mental health concerns, or desire for change. Therapy is a safe space to let out your worries and frustrations. It's not something taboo, but rather a great thing to have in your tool belt so that you can effectively manage stress as it comes, instead of blowing up or becoming so overwhelmed that you can't function.

Obviously, your specific needs for therapy can surpass home renovations. Although, it's worth noting that big changes like these can trigger a lot of feelings that you'll want to unpack with cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT. It's also a great outlet to deal with any anxiety disorders, phobias, and other mental health concerns by simply talking and finding the right methods to manage your wellness. Even with the current pandemic and social distancing measures, you can stay quarantined and get teletherapy sessions. This way, you get the same mental health care from the safety and comfort of your own home. You'll have access to high-quality therapists that meet their client's individual needs to create a game plan for long term management, while you focus on the road to achieving your best self. Keep in mind that this ideal version of yourself is possible with the assistance of mental health professionals.

In the meantime, your potential therapist will give you coping tools to manage your stress and anxiety during your home renovations. In turn, this helps your overall health and wellness for this life transition, and for years that follow.

How to Use Your Couch in Different Areas of Your House

In recent years, the parts of a home that used to be so strictly defined have started losing their rigidity.  People double bedrooms as home offices, the dining room is also a study room, and living rooms have become home gyms.  This option comes to mind, especially when it comes to furniture.  Our couches have lived lifetimes in our living rooms, saved for use only when we're watching tv or reading a book and wanting to lounge.  They don't have to be left for this!

There are dozens of other places in your home that could use a couch- these are some of them!

Home Offices

Although we know better than to let ourselves lounge and be comfortable when we're trying to work, since it can risk us wanting to nap,  Still, having a couch in your office can give you a huge advantage.  When you need somewhere to sit on your breaks, but don't want to go too far from your computer, a couch can help.

Another great tip is that you can double your office into a guest room if you don't have enough rooms in your home.  This plan can help you avoid putting a bed into your office or make your guests sleep on an air mattress. Instead, you can find a couch that doubles as a bed.  Make sure to choose carefully when you select your couch, or you could end up with a two in one that's not great at being either.

Bedrooms

Our bedrooms are made to be palaces of comfort, yet we often don’t have any comfortable surfaces besides our beds!  We deserve more places to sit and enjoy our rooms.  A couch could offer a place to sit and put on your socks in the morning, or a sanctuary to slip away from the world and read.  

Take the time to dig around for a couch or sofa to make you comfortable, check out materials, or look at different sofa reviews to find the perfect choice for your room.  A sofa can reimagine how you enjoy the bedroom and make it into more of a suite than a simple place.  If you live with roommates or a family and need time to yourself- a couch in your bedroom can make it so that you don't have to spend all of your time in your room in a bed.

Some bedroom sets have a loveseat option you can get to go with the group, but don't be afraid to be bold with this piece!  You can make it the one jewel tone item in your room, or get a dark couch for a mostly light place.  Don't be afraid to be bold with it!

Guest Rooms

Guest rooms are often just a bed, a chair, and a small desk.  Instead of just doing that, you can look instead of what can make them comfortable.  A guest may need time to themselves while they stay in your home.  Offer them the comfort of a space where they can relax, keep their bags, and spread out when they want to enjoy time to themselves.  A comfortable and happy guest is more likely to come back and visit, plus everyone wants to make their guests and family happy and satisfied.

If you want to double your bed count for guests, you can also utilize this couch to make a second bed.  Making this couch a pullout couch will let more than one guest stay, without making them remain in the same bed.  As mentioned before, make sure you get a high-quality pullout couch so that your guests will get to be as comfortable and happy as possible.  You don't want to skimp on this and leave someone with back pain or a terrible night of sleep.

Laundry Room

This laundry room isn't the first place much think of when considering where to put a couch, but hear me out!  Almost a third of American families often end up with a pile of laundry they stash somewhere and dig out of when they need clothes.  When you have kids, that laundry pile is unavoidable.  Make folding and doing laundry something you want to do by making the room more comfortable.  A small sofa or loveseat is all you need; you can even read or work on a laptop while you wait for the dryer to finish.  It may sound like a bizarre idea, but the more comfortable you make a room, the more likely that you'll end up using it.  Allow yourself to catch up on laundry without having to feel like you're undertaking a monumental task.

Sunroom

Sunrooms are beautiful rooms that not every home has.  Like screened-in porches, these areas allow you to feel connected to the world outside of your home, while also enjoying the comforts of staying away from bugs or rain.  Many people use patio furniture in these rooms, but it doesn't have to be like that!  Depending on the area you live in, a sofa or couch could happily live in your sunroom.  

Look at brands that call themselves mildew or mold-resistant, and then work out from there.  These days you can find a couch in almost any style or price point that matches what you want, so don’t be afraid to look!

Our couches don't need to live only in our living rooms, they're versatile pieces of furniture that can be put to use in most rooms of our home that need a little comfort.  If you have a place that needs a little more space and somewhere to sit and have time to yourself or with others, think about putting a couch there!

6 Useful Pest Control Tips For Homeowners

Are you suspicious of pest infestation in your home? Unfortunately, many homeowners fail to notice the presence of these destructive creatures until they’ve invaded every single corner of the house. Therefore, even before seeing a minor sign of infestation, one is advised to take precaution measures to deny entry to these unwelcome guests. 

As long as homes are regularly cleaned, food is stored correctly, garbage is regularly disposed of, and moisture is kept minimal, there’s no reason to feel threatened by pests. However, if things get out of control, you can always count on professional assistance. Homeowners can choose from the myriad of pest control specialists, like http://pestaid.com.au/, offering comprehensive inspections and custom pest control services. 

The following tips will prove handy when protecting your home against these awful creatures.

Clean your home regularly

One of the most effective tips for a homeowner to avoid pest infestation is keeping its home pristine by cleaning it regularly. Residents are advised to pay special attention to the cleanliness of their kitchens and bathrooms, as these destructive insects thrive most in damp conditions. For instance, dirty dishes should be washed daily, not left in the sink for days. Also, kitchen counters, drawers, and other surfaces should be wiped with a disinfectant cleaner to minimize the risk of infestation. 

Moreover, it’s paramount for the bathroom to be kept clean to reduce the level of dampness. Consequently, the sink should be washed as much as once a week, whereas the shower curtain should be kept dry most of the time to prevent moss. You’re also advised to keep the drain unclogged by conducting regular inspections for the presence of hair, grime, and soap. 

Additionally, every homeowner should vacuum and mop the flooring regularly to ensure no debris is left for pests to feed on. While performing these chores, there’s a chance for you to locate the homes of these annoying bugs or ruin their plans of making one. 

Minimize moisture

Pests are particularly fond of dampness and standing water, which is why residents need to minimize moisture as much as possible. Start by inspecting the outdoor faucets for potential leaks, as well as check the direction of the water flow coming out of the rain gutters. It’s paramount for the water to drain away from the house to prevent stagnant water. Also, wood mulch is supposed to be kept far from home in order not to attract insects indoors. Click here for some handy tips about drawing water away from the house. 

Furthermore, your home has to be properly ventilated to discourage pests from finding entry points, particularly the basement and the attic. Make sure you use dehumidifiers in those parts of the house you consider most susceptible to moisture. Apart from ensuring proper ventilation, you aren’t supposed to overwater your houseplants, as these are an often neglected source of dampness. 

Store food properly

Another useful tip for homeowners to prevent pest infestation is storing food in containers and leaving no food source for these destructive insects to find. Your pantry should be cleaned regularly, as most residents fail to check this room for spoiled food. Every food should be sealed in a reusable container in case the original package can no longer be 100% sealed. 

In addition, overripe fruits and vegetables shouldn’t be stored in the fridge for longer periods, particularly when cut, as these appeal to cockroaches and ants. Also, homeowners with pets are advised against leaving their companions’ food in a bowl throughout the day. Keep in mind that your pet won’t be the only one feeding on the food. Make sure your companion eats the entire meal shortly after you’ve placed the bowl on the floor. 

Leave no entry points unsealed

Another effective method of preventing pest infestation is sealing all the entry points that enable these destructive insects to access your home. In order to locate such points on your property, you need to perform a detailed inspection of all doors, windows, pipes, and wires. Bear in mind that most of these annoying creatures are tiny enough to squeeze through gaps and cracks. 

It’s vital to seal any holes and gaps that you find in your roof or utility pipes, which pave the way of pests into your house. Broken doors and windows should be immediately repaired, as well as any foundation cracks. Use no expanding caulk or foam when sealing the gaps, as these destructive bugs are likely to make holes through them via chewing. 

Dispose of garbage regularly

Garbage accumulation is an inviting sign for pests to invade your home, especially rodents and cockroaches. Therefore, homeowners are highly recommended to dispose of their household garbage on a daily basis. Since most of the rubbish ends up in the garbage bins in your yard, these are supposed to have close-fitting lids. 

Moreover, your yard should be kept rubbish-free, as well. Apart from looking unappealing, a messy yard is a paradise for pests. Hence, make sure you cut your grass and weed your garden regularly, as well as remove fallen branches and leaf litter. All tree branches should be adequately trimmed in order not to come in contact with your home. These are the perfect way for insects to cross over and find a shelter in your house. 

Secure nets on your windows

Pests can be impeded from entering one’s home by attaching nets to all the windows. These nets are capable of stopping cockroaches, mosquitos, and spiders from making themselves welcome on your property. 

Besides denying access to these ruinous creatures, nets are an excellent ventilation method. When the weather is warm, you can leave your windows wide open without fearing unwelcomed guests will invade your property. Additionally, inspect all windows around the house for broken glass or panes, as these are a common entry point for these noxious bugs. 

Final thoughts

Doing your regular household chores minimizes the chances of pest infestation. 

Hire professionals if the situation gets out of control!

7 Tips on How to Design an Eco-Friendly Kitchen

As the world is evolving with its latest inventions, the use of appliances and substances harmful to the Earth is also increasing. People should be advised to use eco-friendly items to reduce the Earth’s resources exploitation as much as possible. To save our planet, we can start by taking small steps and using recyclable and eco-friendly materials. When designing your kitchen, you can make environmentally thoughtful choices.

Create a Sustainable Design:

You can style your kitchen that does not require the usage of so many resources, and on top of that, sealing it with paint can produce toxins in the environment. Design a kitchen that does not need many replacements, as it will help reduce the usage of natural resources. 

Having a functional, beautiful, easy to use kitchen space for everyone that can last many years is an essential factor in designing an eco-friendly kitchen.

Cabinets:

Instead of getting newly designed cabinets, you can reface them as it uses less wood. Usage of a lot of wood can reduce our forest count and affect the amount of oxygen in the atmosphere. When you reface your cabinets, it makes them durable and stronger than before. It will cost you less as compared to when you replace your cabinets.

Counter-Tops:

People mostly like to choose granite material as their countertops. But granite is not a renewable resource, thus leading to increased waste on Earth, and it requires more mining than other materials. You can choose quartz and Corian as your countertops as they do not need toxic sealants and tend to last longer without cracking.

Increase Your Use Of Recycled Materials:

Increase your use of recycled material in the kitchen to reduce waste and improve the environment. 

• The stainless steel used in making sinks is often made using recycled material.
• For flooring and cabinetry, look for wood made with a non-chemical adhesive.
• Bamboo is a great eco-friendly product as it grows at a faster rate.
• The cement used for building a kitchen uses chemicals and huge quantities of water. You can replace cement with resin.

Choice of Appliances:

When designing your kitchen, buy kitchen appliances that will save you energy and keep you away from harmful pollutants.

• Replace your kettles for boiling water that costs a lot of electricity with a boiling water tap. 
• When using a coffee maker, use a reusable filter. Using disposable paper filters end up in the landfill and pollute the environment as they contain trace amounts of dioxin pollutants.
• Use a toaster with two slots for bread as it requires less energy compared to a four slotted toaster.
• Before you purchase a waffle maker, make sure that it is Teflon-free as it leaches out chemicals when heated at high temperatures. It can be harmful to the environment.

How to Choose Your Cookware:

Stay Away from Teflon Coated Products:

In Teflon, PFOA is a carcinogen and hormone disruptor that harms the body by staying in the environment. Perfluorinated chemicals found in Teflon coating can leach toxic substances into your food. They are found in saucepans, muffin tins, and baking sheets.

Alternatives to Teflon:

Stainless Steel:

Pans made out of stainless steel are a great option for eco-friendly cookware. These pans are coated with aluminum and copper, which conducts heat well. It can cook acidic foods.

Non-Stick Cookware:

Non-stick pans are good for your health as they use a ceramic coating. It is free of toxic chemicals and is considered safe under high temperatures. In the manufacturing of these pans, no heavy metals are used, and its exterior is made of durable heavy-gauge die-cast aluminum.

Use of Green Products:

Eco-friendly products use less energy and water than the standard ones, and they help reduce energy costs. The pandemic that we are facing these days is known as Coronavirus, and because of it, we are confined to our houses, which makes us more exposed to the air pollution created by the kitchen. Air pollution is produced because of cooking fumes and the gases produced from paints, flooring, renovating cabinets, and countertops. 

Try to increase the usage of green products to reduce air pollution. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are harmful for our eyes, nose, and throat and can cause cancer and are produced by paints, wood, preservations, and other materials. Use eco-friendly paint that does not contain VOCs.

Author Bio: 

Amy Rehan is a guest post manager at Globex Outreach. Her job is to ensure all guest post projects are completed on time and according to client’s requirements.

How To Remove Bad Smells In The Kitchen

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Gone are the days when the kitchen is merely utilized as an area to prepare and cook meals. Today, kitchens are becoming more diverse as they’re now used by homeowners to entertain guests and share conversations with the family. Most homeowners will also invest in the newest kitchen appliances and furnishings as they treat this particular area as an extension of their living room. 

The kitchen is very functional, but it’ll be very challenging for you to enjoy the space if it smells bad. How do you think you can have fun in your kitchen if the area stinks?  Do you think you’ll have the confidence to invite your friends over at your kitchen if everything in it smells bad?  It’s common for the kitchen to have all sorts of smells, but this doesn’t mean that you should let the odor linger. 

Here’s how you can remove bad smells in the kitchen:

1. Check Your Air Filter
   
   There are many reasons why your kitchen often smells bad. Aside from the odor coming from raw ingredients and wastes, your kitchen can also smell bad if your air filters are damaged. Dirt and dust can easily accumulate when you have a damaged air filter, as well as cause bad odors in your kitchen.
   
   If you often notice that your kitchen smells bad even before you start cooking, spend some time to check your air filter and replace it with a quality air filter when necessary. Aside from keeping your kitchen smelling good, replacing your air filters regularly can also improve the air quality in your kitchen. Doing so will lessen your family’s susceptibility to allergies.
   
   
2. Put Lemons In Your Garbage Bins
   
   Your kitchen will always have wastes. This is where you’ll prepare meals for friends and family, which is why your kitchen trash bins will be often full.
   
   For your garbage containers to, still, smell fresh, feed them some lemons. Simply slice several pieces of lemon and place them inside your trash bins. Lemons contain citric acid that can effectively break down the grease and gunk that cause bad odor in your kitchen.  Lemons will also leave a light and lemony scent in your kitchen, which can improve the overall ambiance of the space.
   
   
3. Spritz Some Homemade Air Freshener
   
   Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to spend a lot of money just to keep your kitchen smelling good. There are actually many ways you can easily get rid of bad smells in the kitchen, and making your own air freshener is a great example.
   
   You can make your own air freshener simply by mixing two tablespoons of water, three quarters cup of rubbing alcohol, and about 20 drops of your favorite essential oils. Some of the best oils you can use for your kitchen are orange, lavender, and peppermint.
   
   After mixing the liquids together, put everything in a spray bottle and spritz it on areas that are prone to bad odors. Using homemade air fresheners is one of the easiest ways to make your kitchen smell good, which is perfect when you’re expecting guests after using the kitchen for hours!
   
   
4. Keep Your Sponges Dry
   
   No kitchen would be complete without sponges. This is an essential tool that helps clean your silverware and different surfaces in your kitchen. A sponge is very useful, but can also cause bad odors in the kitchen when not cleaned properly.
   
   Another hack that you can try to remove bad smells from your kitchen is to always keep your sponges dry. A wet sponge can cause strong odors, especially when your kitchen is enclosed. A wet sponge can also attract germs and bacteria, and can become the reason why your entire household will become sick.
   
   Make sure that none of these happen by placing your sponge in an area with good airflow. Don’t forget to put your sponges in the dishwasher at least once a week to get rid of any stink.
   
   
5. Cancel Out Cooking Smells
   
   Certain dishes leave bad odors in your kitchen. Spaghetti marinara, for example, will usually leave a stink in your kitchen for hours. The same is true for fried fish and recipes that require different types of cheeses.
   
   You can easily cancel out cooking smells in your kitchen by filling a saucepan with about a cup of water and three tablespoons of vinegar, and letting it boil for a few minutes. The steam from the mixture will neutralize any nasty smells from your kitchen and make the area feel cleaner. 

Use Simple Strategies

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There are many ways you can remove bad smells in your kitchen. You just have to find and use a strategy that’s easy to implement and suits your lifestyle. You’ll be encouraged to make your kitchen smell good if you know strategies that are to do and effective!