jvmason10304-blog

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Boy's Bedroom Update!

Do you love how my last post was like “let's take on the world and organize all the things!”  And then radio silence for a week?  Turns out I had to push pause on taking on the world. ;) I started the week with so much energy and got the last of my Christmas put away. […]

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6 Homeowner Tasks You Didn't Know You Should Be Doing

Being a homeowner is the best. You can adorn your walls with millennial pink … or its new updated cousin, Living Coral! Put in a doggie door! And you can plant your favorite flowers!

But … you also have to take care of all that stuff. Which means sometimes being a homeowner is the worst - so many responsibilities! While it can seem overwhelming to take care of everything that needs to be done, it does get easier with time. But new - and even veteran - homeowners don't know what they don't know, so consider this your cheat sheet to ensuring that you're up on all the surprising tasks homeowners need to tackle.

1. Update your home appraisal

Didn't realize you were supposed to do that every now and then? You're not alone. Remember: the more accurately your home is appraised, the more likely you are to have adequate insurance coverage. Some elements to point out to the appraiser are any remodeling you've done, growth in the neighborhood that might've caused your home to appreciate, and any other factors that might make your home worth more or less.

But heads-up, getting your home appraised can cost you some cash up front. Usually it's a few hundred dollars, but it can vary depending on your location, size of your home, and other factors.

2. Change your smoke alarm batteries and your smoke alarm

You probably already knew this, but it's SO important we're going to remind you again. Change them every year. Do it now. What you might not realize though is that smoke alarms themselves don't last forever. You should change them out with fresh ones every decade. 

3. Double-check your insurance coverage

Circumstances change and it's smart to talk to your insurance company to do an annual check-up (before your policy renews) to make sure your coverages are up to date. Like if you recently got divorced or you've remodeled your house. It's also smart to run some numbers to make sure you're getting the best deal and that you're realizing all the available discounts, from having multiple policies with one insurer to installing a hail-resistant roof.

4. Replace your fire extinguisher

Did you know that your fire extinguisher can expire? Manufacturers recommend changing it out every 5 to 15 years. See if yours is still up to the job by checking the pressure gauge to make sure the needle is in the “green.” What to do with the old one? Why not practice using it before you recycle it? Check out our instructions for how to effectively use a fire extinguisher.

5. Refresh your disaster preparedness kit

If you've put together a kit, good on you! (And if you haven't, please get busy). But if you haven't looked at it in a few years, well, you might be disappointed to find out that the canned food or water you stowed has expired. Just drag it out, take a look, and swap out old items for new ones.

6. Clean the refrigerator coils and wash the dishwasher

Nope, we're not putting you on! There are a bunch of home maintenance tasks that you really should do to keep your appliances working in optimum order. We're talking cleaning out dryer vents, draining hot water heaters, and yes, even cleaning the dishwasher and other appliances that clean your things. The payoff? Harder working appliances and possibly even lower utility bills.

Check off these tasks for peace of mind in your home sweet home!

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Laugh So You Don't Cry: What It's Really Like to Celebrate Christmas With Little Kids

I decorate for Christmas the day after Thanksgiving and don't un-decorate until well into January. In fact, I wrote this on January 9th basking in the warm glow of my Christmas tree. Although less warm than it was earlier in the month because a bunch of bulbs burned out. Probably because I turn it on ALL the time.

I had high hopes for Christmas this year because:

I'm not pregnant (hello gin-and-tonics on Christmas Eve);

Kidwoods is three years old, which seems old enough to “get” Christmas;

We weren't hosting or traveling!

So I thought: yeah! It'll be a low-key, cozy, lots of adult beverages snuggled up by the fire type of Christmas week!!

Somehow I forgot that:

There was no preschool so we had both kids home all day. Every day. Allllll day.

Continue reading Laugh So You Don't Cry: What It's Really Like to Celebrate Christmas With Little Kids at Frugalwoods.

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Minimalist Family Home

The interior design of this unique new family home by Moor Design, is focused on minimalism, functionality and modern aesthetics. It features 5 spacious bedrooms, 4 bathrooms and a large 2 car garage on the back of the lot. Efforts have been made to allow the maximum amount of natural light to flow throughout the space and to connect the interior space to the exterior nature spaces that surround the home. The polished interior finishes feature high-end white oak flooring, european cabinetry, large-scale honed marble wall tiles and bespoke lighting. This three level family home in the trendy Fraserhood neighbourhood was constructed by Asanti Homes and won a second place award for Best 'Other Room' by the National Kitchen & Bathroom Association. 

Photo Credit: Janis Nicolay

The post Minimalist Family Home appeared first on Decoholic.

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2019 Home Organization Challenge Week 2: The Pantry

    It's week 2 of the challenge and we are moving right along. We're still in the kitchen this week but we will re-focus our efforts towards organizing our food & the pantry. If you don't have a pantry (like me), organize the area where you keep your food. If you didn't get your refrigerator cleaned out last week, do it now. You have 7 days to complete the second challenge but shouldn't take you that long. Be quick and efficient with your time. If you would like to purchase any of the items featured in this post, check out my favorites shop here.

  FIRST TIME PARTICIPANTS: Welcome! We are glad you're here. Take a minute to look over the challenge details then begin working at your own pace. You can find the week 1 challenge here. Before you start, print out the complete 14 week schedule and checklists below.

Free Challenge Kit

  Welcome to week 2 of the challenge. We will be spending the next 7 days deep cleaning and organizing the pantry (or the area where you keep your food).  For encouragement, join our Home Organization Facebook community to share your progress, or struggles, or questions. Or simply look through the photos and read how others are doing.

This week should be pretty straight forward. Empty the pantry, wipe it out, toss expired food, and put it all back in an organized fashion.

THE PROCESS

PLAN – Before starting, make sure you have a good supply of boxes, bins & food containers. You will need them.  If you do not have any, simply organize your pantry into “categories”.

SET UP – If you are using them, line up your empty bins, baskets & containers onto the kitchen table. If you don't have any, you can still separate your food into 'categories' on the table.

PURGE & ORGANIZE – Take everything out of your pantry.  Check the expiration date and throw out expired or no longer used items.  Place “like” items in the baskets on the table. Organizing your food into categories (bins) will help keep your pantry looking nice and neat.  (Categories to consider: School, Breakfast, Pasta, Baking, Sauce, Bread, Snacks, Sides, etc.)  You can also empty bags & boxes into OXO containers or mason jars for a more uniform look.  If the unused food isn't expired, you can donate it to a local food pantry.

CLEAN –  Once you are finished organizing everything into categories, you can wipe out your pantry, then sweep & mop the floor.  You want it all nice & clean before you put everything away.

PUT AWAY – Place all of your neatly organized bins, boxes, and containers back into your pantry

LABEL – Label each bin & container with a labeler or hang a tag on the baskets.

We do not have a pantry in our new home. It just wasn't important to me. From my experience, having a pantry meant a lot of expired food (because I bought too much and we didn't eat it in time) and excess clutter. I also shop for groceries every Sunday so I don't need to store too much more than a week or 2 of food.

    This time around, I made plans to use a small cabinet to store food. It's in the hallway right outside of our kitchen. I also have huge 10 foot island that has the storage space I need for small appliances, canned goods, etc… so it works well for us.

Each week after I return from the grocery store, I spend a couple of minutes tidying up the cabinets. It has helped me to eliminate wasteful food and indulgent grocery shopping.  I try to stick with a list and only buy what we need for the week. It's been a nice change from the overstuffed shelves full of food.

THE LAYOUT. No matter if you have a large pantry or small set of cabinets, categorize your food storage into zones for easy access and order.

    DRY GOODS. Glass jars with airtight lids are the perfect way to condense boxes and bags into uniform food storage. These jars are my favorite. You can also store dry goods in OXO containers or mason jars.

    Use a labeling machine to label the jars.

    If you don't have a labeler, you can use a wet erase marker and write on the glass jar.

    BASKETS. Wicker baskets & bins are great for storing potatoes, onions, bagged items, and cutting boards. It's also easy to grab what you need quickly.

      CANNED GOODS. We keep our canned goods in the cabinet under our kitchen island. I am grateful for this extra space.

    There's not much pretty organization involved down here. Everything is placed into categories and that works for us.

    Another way to organize canned goods is by using narrow bins. Here is a photo of my canned goods in our old pantry. You can see more detailed photos here. The bins are from The Container Store.

    DECOR. Not only can your pantry be functional but it can be pretty as well. Bring your home decor into the pantry and add a little charm. I love to display vintage bread boards and Demi John jars. I also keep my French apron & dried lavender hanging on the sides of the cabinet.

      Here are several blog posts that are sure to inspire you to get your pantry organized.

My Pantry Organization 2018

My Pantry Organization 2014

Pantry Organization 2012

An Organized Baking Pantry

Menu Planning Door

Snack Organization

    For the perfect companion guide to our challenge, purchase The Complete Book to Home Organization. It includes all 14 weekly challenges and will be your guide over the next 14 weeks, as you tackle your spaces. No need to log onto the computer for ideas, this manual has it all!

    For help with cleaning your house during the challenge, be sure to get the complimenting book The Complete Book of Clean.  It has tons of cleaning recipes, tips, and checklists that will teach you how to get your homes sparkling clean.

    Concentrate on purging your pantry this week.  Follow the process I've laid out for you. Make sure to set up organized zones for better functionality.  If. you need more guidance, be sure to get my book. Try not to get side-tracked and don't move ahead until you are completely finished with the space.

Share your progress on Instagram using the hash tag #abfolchallenge, blog about the weekly challenges, and  share your before and after pictures over at my Home Organization FB group here.  Hold yourself accountable and finish all 14 challenges! I can't wait to see what you accomplish.  Good luck. I'll see you back next week for the week 3 challenge. Happy Organizing!

~Toni

    Disclaimer: You may find Amazon affiliate links within this post. Thank you for your support to A Bowl Full of Lemons.

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The Benefits of Maintaining a Clean, Tidy Home During Winter

Maintain a tidy home this winter with help from Misty Clean!

As the old saying goes, “a clean home is a happy home,” and there is plenty of truth behind that. Creating a happy home environment is just one of the many benefits you can achieve by keeping a tidy and clean home. There are many physical, health, mental, and emotional benefits you can expect to see as a result of having a clean house. Here are a few examples of benefits you will notice by living in a beautiful, clean home.  

Prevents Spreading of Germs

One of the biggest reasons you should keep a clean home is because it helps prevent germs from spreading. There are many areas in your home that are big, germ-ridden spots that you need to keep clean and sanitized. Your kitchen, in particular, is one area that is especially germ-ridden and should be thoroughly cleaned every time you use it. Additionally, you should frequently be washing your sheets, especially the pillow sheets. To maintain a clean home from germs, you should also be sanitizing your remote controls and other electronics frequently since those are other spots that bacteria tend to concentrate at.

Relieve Stress and Fatigue

When you do not have a clean home, it places a great toll on you. A messy home can easily stress you out because the mess is a constant reminder of work that you have to do, which can tire you out simply by looking at it. An unclean home can also make it more difficult to locate items quickly, which will only add to your stress. Having a clean home can easily solve these issues, but when you have limited time, it can be hard to find time to clean which only further stresses you out. This is why you should consider hiring a professional cleaning service to give you a clean home, freeing up your time and relieving you of a great deal of stress and fatigue.

Create Lasting Impressions

You will also want to make sure you have a clean home so that you will be able to make a good and lasting impression on people who visit you. By having a clean home, you are making a more relaxed environment that people will be able to enjoy when they come over. By creating a clean home, people will find it appealing and inviting and will want to come back over whenever you extend an invitation.

Call Misty Clean Today for a Professional Cleaning!

Every home is unique, and every homeowner requires different cleaning services than the next. It's important to hire a professional cleaning company that can customize their services to your needs, rather than paying for services you don't need. Whether you need to the master bath deep cleaned or you're looking for the entire home to be sanitized, Misty Clean can help.

If you're ready to get your home Misty Clean, give us a call at (410) 255-4111 or visit us online. For more cleaning tips and tricks, follow us on Facebook, Google+, and Pinterest.

The post The Benefits of Maintaining a Clean, Tidy Home During Winter appeared first on Misty Clean.

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How to Start an Overwhelming Organizing Project

Learn how to start an overwhelming organizing project to make it more manageable and bring order to your space! I admit, there have been times when I have walked into a messy room with the intention of getting it organized and then walked right back out again because the task felt so overwhelming! I mean,...

The post How to Start an Overwhelming Organizing Project appeared first on Just a Girl and Her Blog.

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Cozy in Coastal Maine

Maine is famous for beautiful summers with refreshing temperatures, ocean breezes, and plenty of outdoor activities. The winter season is pretty fabulous too, and there are many offerings to entertain the adventure enthusiast or the homebody. Maine's various ski mountains attract visitors from all over New England and beyond. Frozen lakes and ponds are perfect for family ice skating or a vigorous round of hockey; and there are numerous trails for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. Whether you wish to go out and enjoy one of these brisk winter adventures, or simply cozy up by the fire, these stunning Maine homes have got you covered.

Aspinwall Bremen Long Island, Maine

The great room in this historic island home features massive oak trusses and the commanding central fireplace, made from local stone, is thought to be one of the largest in Maine.

Undercliff Cottage | Camden, Maine

This lovely den with coffered ceilings, Cypress trim, and a stone fireplace is perfect for enjoying a good book while the flakes fall outside

Sears Cottage | Islesboro, Maine

This fine historic home features eleven unique wood-burning fireplaces and water views from almost every room.

Periwinkle Beach | Islesboro, Maine

This central, brick Russian fireplace is designed to maximize warmth and coziness.

Otter Creek Lane | Islesboro, Maine

The three limestone fireplaces in this bright and open home were inspired by Giorgio Armani.

Northeast Point | Camden, ME

When it is cold out, cooking and dining is a pleasure in front of this warm and inviting fireplace.

Dark Harbor House | Islesboro, Maine

With nine fireplaces throughout this thoughtfully-renovated historic home, it is difficult to choose just one!

260 Bay View Street | Camden, Maine

The double-sided, commanding stone fireplace in this festive family great room is perfect any time of the year.

For additional information about these listings, please contact Joe Sortwell, jsortwell@landvest.com or Terry Sortwell, tsortwell@landvest.com in our Camden office, 207-236-3543.

The post Cozy in Coastal Maine appeared first on LandVest Blog.

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Top 10 Best Credit Card Bonus Offers – January 2019

Updated January 2019. That space in your wallet or purse is more valuable than you think. Credit card companies are fighting it out, offering strong perks and $500+ value for a single card during the first year to encourage you to apply and try it out. These are the top 10 credit card offers that I would apply for right now, if I didn't already most of them. Recent changes:

Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards – new Companion Pass offer.

Chase United Explorer – limited-offer expired.

Chase World of Hyatt – limited-offer expired.

Barclaycard Arrival Plus – new 70,000 mile limited-time offer.

If you pay off your balances every month, then you can join me and many others in funding a huge chunk of your annual travel budget with cash credits, points, and miles. You don't need to be a “I only fly business class” world traveler. I mostly use my rewards points on domestic economy flights, mid-class hotels, and cheap car rentals. If you have credit card debt, you should focus on paying that off first as the interest charges could offset most of the perks.

This is a companion post to my Top 10 Best Business Card Offers. Small business bonuses are on average even higher than those on consumer cards.

Note: Certain Chase cards have a “5/24 rule” which is an unofficial rule that they will automatically deny approval on new credit cards if you have 5 or more new credit cards from any issuer on your credit report within the past 2 years. This rule applies on a per-person basis, so if you are new, you might want to start with those Chase cards.

Barclaycard Arrival Plus Card

70,000 points (worth $700 towards travel) after $5,000 in purchases in the first 90 days and paying the annual fee. See link for details.

Unlimited 2X miles on every purchase.

$0 annual fee for the first year, then $89.

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

50,000 Ultimate Rewards points (worth $625 towards travel) after $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months. See link for details.

2X points on Travel and Dining at restaurants worldwide.

$0 annual fee for the first year, then $95.

Subject to 5/24 rule.

Alternative: Chase Sapphire Reserve Card. More rewards, more perks including lounge access, $450 annual fee, $300 annual travel credit.

Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus Card

Bonus Companion Pass + 30,000 Southwest points. Earn the Companion Pass and 30,000 points after spending $4,000 within the first 3 months. Offer ends 2/11/19. Companion Pass is promotional and will end 12/31/19. See link for details.

$69 annual fee.

Subject to 5/24 rule.

American Express Gold Card

40,000 Membership Rewards points (flexible, worth 50,000 miles at various airlines) after $2,000 in purchases in the first 3 months. See link for details.

$120 in Grubhub and Seamless credit. $10 in statement credits each month when you pay with this card at participating partners – Grubhub, Seamless, The Cheesecake Factory, Ruth's Chris Steak House and participating Shake Shack locations.

$100 airline fee credit. Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $100 per calendar year in statement credits towards checked baggage fees and inflight meals.

$250 annual fee.

Citi Premier Card

50,000 ThankYou points (worth $625 towards travel) after $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months. See link for details.

3X points on Travel, including Gas Stations

$0 annual fee for the first year, then $95.

Citi AAdvantage Platinum Select Card

Up to 50,000 American Airlines miles. 40,000 miles after $2,000 in purchases in first 3 months, plus another 10,000 after making a total of $6,000 in purchases in first 12 months of account opening. See link for details.

First checked bag free on domestic flights perk ($60 value per roundtrip, per person).

$0 annual fee for the first year, then $99.

British Airways Visa Signature Card

Up to 100,000 Avios points. 50,000 Avios after $3,000 in purchases within first 3 months. Additional 25,000 Avios for $10,000 in purchases within first year. Additional 25,000 Avios for $20,000 in purchases within first year. See link for details and redemption tips.

Free Travel Together companion ticket when you spend $30,000 in calendar year.

$95 annual fee.

NOT subject to 5/24 rule.

Hilton Honors Ascend Card from American Express

125,000 Hilton Honors points after $2,000 in purchases within the first 3 months.. See link for details and rough valuation of points.

Free Weekend Night Reward certificate after you spend $15,000 on purchases in a calendar year.

$95 annual fee.

Bank of America Premium Rewards Card

50,000 points (worth $500 towards travel) after $3,000 in purchases within the first 90 days. See link for details.

2 points for every $1 spent on travel and dining purchases and 1.5 points for every $1 spent on all other purchases.

$100 annual Airline Incidental Statement Credit.

Up to $100 credit towards TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fee.

$95 annual fee.

Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Card

$500 cash bonus after $3000 in purchases within the first 3 months. See link for details.

4% cash back on dining and entertainment.

$0 annual fee for the first year, then $95.

Chase World of Hyatt Card

Up to 50,000 Hyatt points. 25,000 Bonus Points after $3,000 in purchases in the first 3 months. Plus an additional 25,000 Bonus Points after a total of $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months. See link for details and rough valuation of points.

$95 annual fee, free night award upon card anniversary.

Subject to 5/24 rule.

Chase United Explorer Card

40,000 United miles. 40,000 bonus United miles after spending $2,000 within the first 3 months. See link for details.

Free first checked bag for both you and a companion (a savings of up to $120 per roundtrip) when you use your Card to purchase your United ticket.

Expanded award availability. Having this card makes it easier to find that saver award economy ticket.

$0 annual fee for the first year, then $95.

Subject to 5/24 rule.

“The editorial content here is not provided by any of the companies mentioned, and has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone.”

Top 10 Best Credit Card Bonus Offers – January 2019 from My Money Blog.

Copyright © 2018 MyMoneyBlog.com. All Rights Reserved. Do not re-syndicate without permission.

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The Importance of Boat Insurance in the Winter

You may not use your boat very often in the winter, but it is still a good idea to have boat or watercraft insurance because many insurance claims are made in the colder months in Milwaukee, WI.

Is Boat Insurance Required?

Boat insurance is not required by the state of Wisconsin, however, if you have financed your boat, the lender will require insurance on it to recoup any losses on his asset until it's paid off. Some marinas and docks also require you to have watercraft insurance for their own protection if you use their facilities.

When Old Man Winter Arrives

You most probably don't go out on The Great Lakes too often in the winter due to the ice formations, however at the beginning of fall and spring when the waters thaw; you may want to go fishing. It is still the best idea to keep insurance on your boat all year round for your protection, as many losses do occur in the winter. Even if you store your boat in your garage, house fires in the winter often spread to the garage and you could end up with a total loss. Thefts of boats occur often in the winter because most people don't think about checking their storage unit too often in the winter with a boat in it. Lightning is more prevalent with winter storms and can destroy your boat whether it is in open storage or a facility that is completely closed in Milwaukee, WI.

What is an At-Risk Boat Policy?

An at-risk boat policy from Dern & Company gives you the best protection for your boat. It protects you while operating the boat on the water and while it is stored. This policy can also cover losses that result from a failing part. You are covered in this type of policy for theft, vandalism, fire, grounding, sinking, and lightning. You can also add coverage for all of your personal items on the boat too.

Call us at Dern & Company or stop in to see one of our knowledgeable agents to learn more about your boating policy and find which will protect your assets to the fullest.

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Raising a sofa with furniture casters to turn it into a dining settee bench

First of all Happy New Year! I hope you had a wonderful break and holiday season! I'm ready to blog again!

… and wow isn't that an exciting title to start with? Uhmmmm nope … but let me tell you it's a project that I should have tackled much much sooner because the outcome is literally life changing for us. I had bought the antique silk velvet sofa in our dining room years ago, yup years ago at a local auction but the seating height was not meant for a dining table. It was just too low and I had put solving this issue on the back burner. I just always apologized to people who sat at our table by saying that I didn't get to fixing the issue yet and that they should just focus on how comfy the settee actually is and not the fact that they are sitting at the table like children who just aren't as tall yet as everyone else. Yeah I'm rolling my eyes at myself as I'm typing.

Part of this project paralysis was due to the fact that I didn't know exactly what I could use to raise the seating.

Continue reading Raising a sofa with furniture casters to turn it into a dining settee bench at Cuckoo4Design.

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Getting the Fake Tree Down before July

No one wants to be the family "celebrating" year round with the tree on display. If there are any grown ups in the house it's time to put the tree away when xmas is over. Get the kids to do it if you can. Here is an easy step by step guide:

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Top 10 Posts of 2018

I always get a little nostalgic at the beginning of a new year and enjoy reflecting back on the year that has past.  As always, I continue to be amazed at the opportunities that this blog provides for our family and I'm so grateful for everyone that has supported me on this blogging journey. This blog would be nothing without YOU!

Top Blog Posts of 2018

I'm continuously looking for ways to improve the blog and serve you guys better. It totally makes my day when you email me or comment on my posts and I absolutely LOVE getting your input.  Since I don't always hear from you though, I often look at what posts are the most popular and try to plan some additional blog content around those topics.  Sometimes it surprises me!

This year, many of your favorite cleaning tips and organization posts from years' past continue to stay in the top 10, along with a couple of fun holiday projects.  The home decor posts didn't quite make it into the top 10 but they were close!  So here they are – the top 10 blog posts of 2018!

Number 10: The January Decluttering Challenge

If you're ready for a clean and decluttered start to the new year, join in my January decluttering challenge! I know many of you joined me last year and I hope even more join in this year.  The post has been updated with all of the 2019 free organization printables for you, so feel free to join in.  It's never too late!

Number 9: Family Binder Budgeting Printables

If you're looking to get your budget on track after the holidays, these printables are a great way to keep track of where your money is going.  Get started on the road to financial success!

Number 8: Turkey Treats

These little turkey treats have been a Thanksgiving favorite for a few years now and they've received over 15 million views on my Facebook page!

Number 7: Eleven Daily Habits to Keep Your House Clean and Tidy

It can be hard to keep up with all of the daily cleaning around your house, but these simple habits can make it so much easier!

Number 6: How to Clean Upholstered Chairs and Other Upholstery

If your upholstery is looking stained and dingy, give these cleaning tips a try. You'll be amazed at how clean they can get!

Number 5: How to Remove Burned Food from Pots

This is always a favorite – especially after the holidays!  This tip works great for really bad burned on food as well as just a good pot cleaning after a busy cooking season.

Number 4: Ten Things to Clean After the Flu

No one likes it when the flu comes to visit! Follow these cleaning tips to get your home clean and disinfected, and help it from spreading to everyone else in the household.

Number 3: Popsicle Stick Sleds

These are one of my favorite craft projects and I love seeing how everyone puts their own spin it!  I even added some popsicle stick skis this year!

Number 2: How to Organize Bills – Bill Payment Tracker Printables

I've used these bill tracking printables for a few years now and I have found them SO helpful!  Now that many of our bills are just sent electronically I find them even more helpful to keep track of what I have {and haven't!} paid.

      Number 1: How to Clean your Washing Machine

This post has been my number one post for 4 years running!  There are lots of helpful tips to get your front loader looking and working its best. You might just love your front loader again!

And there you have it – the top 10 blog posts of 2018!  Thank-you again for such a wonderful year and I look forward to connecting with you more in the year ahead. As always, please let me know if there are any specific post ideas that would be helpful for you.  I love to hear from you and I hope that we can continue to build this little community together.

Top Home and DIY Bloggers Best Posts

If you're looking for more home and DIY inspiration, please take a minute to check out my DIY and Home blogger friends' top posts from 2018! This is the very best the web has to offer and you're sure to find some amazing ideas!

TIDBITS | Miss Mustard Seed | Farmhouse on Boone | Maison De Pax | A Burst of Beautiful

Simply Designing | Bless'er House | Taryn Whiteaker Designs | Designthusiasm | Unskinny Boppy

Live Laugh Rowe | Kendra John Designs | House by Hoff | So Much Better With Age | Life On Virginia Street

ZDesign At Home | Town and Country Living | Shabbyfufu | Happy Happy Nester | Stacy Risenmay

Cherished bliss | Clean and Scentsible | anderson + grant | The Happy Housie | Summer Adams

Decor Gold Designs | Maison de Cinq | Seeking Lavender Lane

The post Top 10 Posts of 2018 appeared first on Clean and Scentsible.

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What is Private Mortgage Insurance? Why do I need it?

When you're ready to buy a house, you'll need to make a payment during the onset of the purchase, known as a down payment. Your down payment will be a percentage of the entire loan; this percentage varies and can be anywhere from 3.5% to 20%. When you make a down payment, you are taking on part of the risk from your lender and reducing the amount of your succeeding mortgage. After paying your down payment, your mortgage covers the rest of the home's price. For a traditional conventional loan, a lender may require at least a 20% down payment at closing. What happens if you don't have enough money to meet that requirement? Or maybe you haven't had the time to save for this payment.

This is where private mortgage insurance (PMI) comes in.

PMI is sold by private insurers. It is offered in association with conventional mortgages to prevent or reduce potential losses to lenders resulting from the borrower failing to make payments; defaulting. One in three borrowers buys PMI to afford a home, without a large upfront payment. With PMI, home buyers seeking a conventional mortgage have more options to purchase homes without the burden of saving 20% of the home's purchase price.

How does PMI benefit homebuyers?

If you choose to not make the 20% down payment, you still have options for financing a home. How much PMI you're required to purchase depends on the amount of the loan amount, and the loan-to-value ratio.  This ratio indicates how much a loan is compared to the value of your home.  For example, a $100,000 valued home with a $95,000 dollar mortgage will have a loan to value ratio of 95%.  Most PMI rates fall between .5% and 1% of the loan annually, which can be broken into monthly payments, although there are other choices on how to pay for PMI available to you. You're required to obtain PMI and keep the insurance in force while paying for renewal until you build sufficient equity in the property. This is used in the event of a default; so the lender's losses can be reduced. When the loan-to-value ratio is 78%, your mortgage lender is required to drop PMI.

Purchasing PMI may also be beneficial for you if you don't have enough time to save 20% of the loan amount prior to closing. Purchasing PMI gives you the opportunity to be living in your dream home sooner, while making the PMI payments along the way. Multiple loan options make obtaining a mortgage not only manageable, but something to look forward to.

It is important to be aware of your options, and weigh the pros and cons of each to determine what works best for you.

If you'd like to learn more about your options in funding your home purchase, get started with a Union Home Mortgage loan officer today.

The post What is Private Mortgage Insurance? Why do I need it? appeared first on housing buzz blog.

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Dishwasher Drawers with Custom Panels

Custom, integrated panels make these built-in dishwashers look like regular cabinet drawers.

The post Dishwasher Drawers with Custom Panels appeared first on Sawdust Girl®.

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At the paint store coffee pot, Brian's 2019 painting predictions…

Two days ago, I was dropping of flyers at local paint stores about the 2019 Painting Profits Summit.

There was a little bit of a line to talk to the clerk, so I got a cup of coffee and spoke to an owner named Brian for a while about what he thought the new year held for painters in general and his business specifically.

His predictions were – sadly – spot-on as the conversation continued…

Brian was what I call vaguely optimistic and hopeful about good things happening in his painting business in 2019. He told me he thought his sales would be up and things would be better.

He had been in business for eight years in our local Chattanooga market.

About this time, I found myself doing something that wasn't really my place to do.

You see, I'm a coach and a problem solver by trade. It's how I make my living and I'm really good at getting positive results for painters.

So, before I knew it – almost reflexively – I'm quizzing Brian about the things that matter most for 2019 business improvements. A quick “systems pulse check” if you will:

“So, Brian, what will you do differently in 2019 with your…”

“…Sales + Estimating System?” Brian says, “The SAME…”

“…Online + Offline Marketing?” Brian says, “No plans to change…”

“…Crew + Office Management?” Brian says, “About the SAME…”

“…Education + Time Management?” Brian says, “Too busy…”

“…Hiring + Recruitment of Painters?” Brian says, “You can't find good help…”

Finally, I asked Brian… “If I worked for you as a painter and I had done a terrible job painting a house, would you expect me to do it differently on the next project – or do the exact same thing and blindly hope for a better outcome?”

Brian said, “You'd have to do it different. I'd make you do it different.”

I asked, “What if I didn't? Would it change?”

Brian answered, “No. No, it wouldn't.”

I took a sip of my coffee and said, “Brian, bud, if you do the same thing in 2019 you've done the past eight years, will you get about the same result?”

Sheepishly he nodded.

I handed Brian a flyer to the 2019 Painting Profits Summit and asked him to look into joining us.

Sadly, Brian's initial outlook and plan of action for 2019 is representative of 95% of our industry. Vague optimism and hope that rarely amounts to much.

However, after being asked a few sensible questions, his prediction of achieving the same results without significant changes in his business became obvious to him. After working with hundreds of painters, I can tell you his last pronouncement was accurate.

I shouldn't write this, but I feel sad for Brian.

Chances are, he'll never make a change… even though opportunity stood next to him at a paint store coffee pot, presented him with a reasonable way to look at his business, then handed him a personal invitation for an amazing opportunity.

Guess what?

You don't have to think like Brian. If you've read this far, chances are you don't.

I'd like to invite you – personally – to join me at the 2019 Painting Profits Summit.

I want 2019 to be your best year ever… and that requires a change!

Email or call with questions! I can't wait to see you there! BL

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The post At the paint store coffee pot, Brian's 2019 painting predictions… appeared first on The Academy for Professional Painting Contractors.

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Why You Should Consider Professional Popcorn Ceiling Removal

If your home's ceiling looks like it's covered in ridges or bumps, you've got a house that was likely built in the 60s or 70s. However, this design hasn't only become dated over the years; it also poses a high risk of collecting dust. Keep in mind that these are not the only reasons you should consider hiring a professional popcorn ceiling removal service.

By reading this brief blog post, you'll learn exactly what you have to gain not just by removing and replacing your popcorn ceiling, but why it's always better to hire a professional to do the job for you.

  Pros of Removing Popcorn Ceilings

If you're the type of person to redecorate often, you'll quickly learn that decorating a popcorn ceiling is impossible to accomplish. Once it's gone, you can paint it whatever color or design that you want without worrying about the popcorn material getting in the way.

If the ceiling becomes damaged in any way, repairing it can be a challenging task. Replacing portions of the ceiling is not easy with popcorn ceilings because finding the exact texture and color is difficult, almost ensuring that your ceiling will look inconsistent once the repairs are complete. For complete uniformity, the whole ceiling would need replacing.

When your deep cleaning season finally comes around, you'll quickly learn that cleaning a popcorn ceiling of dust and cobwebs is unbearable. Bits and piece of ceiling falling onto your floor and forcing you to clean for longer is not something you should have to deal with in the future.

Why Hiring a Pro is the Way to Go

The only way that you're going to be able to decorate your ceiling is if you remove the popcorn material, which is a daunting task you should never tackle on your own. If your ceiling is particularly large, the labor needed to remove the material is going to take far more than a single pair of hands to complete. Having a few extra sets of hands can make the process far more productive.

It's likely that drywall is sitting behind your ceiling, which means if you don't know exactly how to remove the popcorn material, you'll easily damage the drywall in the process. Furthermore, it's incredibly important to get the ceiling tested for asbestos and lead, two toxic chemicals you do not want to be breathing in.

When you have a professional removing your popcorn ceiling, you reduce your exposure to these chemicals which may potentially be inside your ceiling. Plus, if the ceiling were to be damaged in any way, you wouldn't have to address the issue of toxic chemicals when you least expect it. If you have children living in your home, this particularly important.

Replacing your ceiling doesn't have to be difficult when you have a painting company by your side. They know all the precautions you need to take prior to removal!

About the Author

The team at Platinum Painting considers safety and security to be a very high priority. When you hire individuals to inspect and remove popcorn material from your home, you can rest assured that they've done it many times before and know the exact precautions necessary to reduce potentially toxic exposure to certain chemicals. To learn more about the removal process or receive a free quote for your next home improvement project, you can contact them through their website.

The post Why You Should Consider Professional Popcorn Ceiling Removal appeared first on Platinum Painting Blog.