doriskforeman36-blog

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Enjoying a Fire Pit in the Winter Season

So, yes, it's wintertime and it's really cold outside.  Far too many people think that once winter weather hits, they have to stay holed up inside their homes. But what about your beautiful backyard and all the enjoyment your family gets out of it? There's no reason to limit yourself to the summer when it comes to outdoor entertainment. Consider installing a fire pit to make even the darkest winter nights sparkle with fun.

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How can I use my fire pit in the winter?

The same way you would use it in any other time, really! You might have to swap out some of the usual fare- think of trading in your icy lemonade for a toasty cup of cocoa- but sitting around the fire with family and friends never goes out of season. Your fire pit will offer both light and warmth while you still get to enjoy the fresh air.

Why have a fire pit at all?

Entertaining guests in front of cozy blaze is a surefire way to keep them happy. But a fire pit provides more than that for your home. It can also be made to be a decorative and appealing part of your landscaping, and the addition of a fire pit will also add value to your home. With all the benefits it can provide, why not call your landscaper today to install your fire pit?

If you have any questions, contact Rhine Landscaping by calling 410-442-2445 or click here today!

Rhine Landscaping in Baltimore, Maryland can handle every aspect of your landscape, from hardscapes and patios / walkways, to retaining walls, water features such as fountains, fireplaces/ firepits,swimming pools, landscape design, landscape installation, outdoor kitchens, decks, pavilions, basement waterproofing, drainage and more,

Check us out on Facebook and Twitter as well!

The post Enjoying a Fire Pit in the Winter Season appeared first on Rhine Landscaping.

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Indoor Plants & Greenery for the Holidays

This time of year, it's wonderful to bring holiday lights and greenery into the house to remind us of our gardens and add sparkle and cheer to our homes.

Green is the color of renewal and regeneration, and for centuries evergreen trees and greenery have been used in winter celebrations as a symbol of everlasting life. From swags of evergreen to miniature table-top gardens, here are some ideas we love for decorating your home with live plants and fresh-cut greens and flowers.

  Forcing bulbs is one of the easiest ways to brighten up the darkest weeks of the year. Image: Pistils Nursery.

  Honor winter with a garland, anywhere in your home. This mix of fir, pine and arborvitae branches is accented with dried citrus, but you could decorate with anything that cheers your soul, from ribbons to seashells to toy animals. Image: One Kings Lane.

  Fiddle-leaf figs are wildly popular for many reasons, including the fact that they bring a huge, bright pop of green indoors. Apartment Therapy has some good tips for keeping your fiddle-leaf fig happy and healthy. Image: Making It Lovely.

  Norfolk Island Pines are wonderful evergreen houseplants-an excellent low-maintenance, small-footprint substitute for a Christmas tree. Image: White Flower Farm.

  Decorate a centerpiece or add adorable details to a gift presentation with rosemary and holly berries. Image: Monrovia.

  Make the most of winter sunlight by moving your houseplants to your brightest windows, and add even more beauty with pots of forced bulbs. Image: A Garden for the House | Delicious Living.

  The post Indoor Plants & Greenery for the Holidays appeared first on Home Outside.

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What Do You Need to Do to Buy a House?

Buying a home is one of those things that many of us end up doing at some point, but very few of us are taught how to do it. Sure, you know it involves touring houses, finding a real estate agent and getting a loan, but you might be less clear on where to go or who to talk to about doing those things, or in what order you should be doing them.

Fear not. Here's our step-by-step guide to home buying, for absolute beginners.

Get Your Finances in Order

Unless you're fabulously wealthy, it's unlikely that you'll be able to simply decide, “I think I'll buy a house now” and breeze through the process in a few weeks.

You're probably wondering about loan preapproval, house hunting and real estate agents, but the process of preparing to buy a home actually starts months or even years before you start looking at mortgage rates.

You need to be financially ready. This means looking at your current financial situation and seeing how it lines up with what mortgage lenders look for in a borrower, figuring out what you can afford and saving for a down payment and closing costs.

What Lenders Are Looking For

Here are some of the basic requirements you'll likely need to fulfill to be approved for a mortgage. Keep in mind, these are general guidelines and may vary depending on your lender and what type of loan you get:

Minimum credit score of 620 for conventional loans; 580 for FHA loans

Good credit history

Proof of reliable source of income

Debt-to-income ratio below 50%

If you meet only the minimum requirements, you may want to work on improving your credit score before applying for a mortgage, as this can get you access to better rates.

Determining How Much You Can Afford

You'll have to get preapproved for a mortgage to know exactly how much you'll be able to spend on a home, but figuring out what your monthly budget might be if you take on a mortgage will help you decide if you can realistically afford a home.

There are many home-affordability calculators that estimate how much home you can afford and what your monthly payments might be. You may find that you're able to get a mortgage with a lower monthly payment than what you're currently paying towards rent. However, keep in mind that homeownership comes with all kinds of new costs, so factor in things like taxes, insurance and maintenance when looking at what your overall costs would be.

Saving for a Down Payment

Saving for your down payment can take a while, especially if you plan to put  20% down.

Luckily, there are plenty of options for those who can't pull together that kind of cash. FHA loans require only 3.5% down, and there are conventional-loan options that allow you to go as low as 3% down – with the caveat that mortgage insurance will be included. If you qualify for a VA or USDA loan, you could get a home with 0% down.

The reason 20% is the oft-quoted number is because that's the minimum you can put down while avoiding mortgage insurance. On top of that, the larger down payment you make, the lower your monthly payments will be.

When you're figuring out how much you need to save, don't forget to factor in closing costs. Your individual closing costs will vary depending on your situation, but usually end up being around 2% – 5% of the home's value.

You'll need to provide two months of bank statements to prove you've had your down payment funds in an account for at least 60 days for them to be eligible for you to use. Lenders require this documentation to ensure that you aren't taking out another loan to cover your down payment.

Get Preapproved

Once you're confident you're ready to begin the process, getting preapproved for a mortgage should be at the top of your to-do list. Preapproval tells you how much you can borrow and shows sellers that you're serious.

For preapproval, a lender will look at your credit report  to make sure that you have a qualifying credit score and see if you have any major debts or blemishes such as bankruptcy. The lender will also look at how much debt you have relative to your income and ask you for information about your income and assets. It helps to have documentation including recent W-2s, paystubs, bank statements and any other relevant paperwork ready to go, to make the process as smooth as possible.

Once you're preapproved for a mortgage, be careful not to make any big changes to your financial profile, such as taking on additional debt or switching jobs, as this could put your approval at risk.

Find a Good Real Estate Agent

The right real estate agent will guide you through the process, make everything go faster and more smoothly and help reduce your first-time homebuyer anxiety.

When looking for a good real estate agent, online reviews or an in-person interview with anyone you're considering can be a big help. You want someone who is going to be an advocate for you and honor your wants and needs, but who will also be honest with you and help you set realistic expectations.

Find the Right House

The first step to finding the right house is knowing what you're looking for. Make a list of your wants and needs, and rate them in order of importance. This could include things like number of bedrooms, proximity to your workplace, school district or yard size.

To make your search easier, start out by looking for homes online. By checking out online listings, you can get a feel for what's on the market and prescreen any homes within your price range, so you'll only tour places you're truly considering.

If you're having trouble finding a house that feels like home, consult your real estate agent. Agents aren't just experts on helping people find a home; they're also experts on the local housing market, and they can help you set realistic expectations and keep you motivated when you're feeling like you'll never find the right house.

Make an Offer

When you find a house you like, don't hesitate. Your real estate agent will help you with the particulars of making the offer. What you'll need to decide is how much you want to pay and negotiate. In a hot market, you may not have the luxury of negotiation and may even have to pay above asking price to get the home you want. In a colder market, you're more likely to have the seller agree to a lower price or certain seller concessions. Ask your real estate agent for guidance when figuring out the details of your offer.

Your offer will spell out the terms of the sale, including any contingencies. Contingencies allow you to withdraw from the deal if certain circumstances aren't met, such as a home inspection that reveals a need for significant repairs.

Get Ready to Close

Now is the time to get your mortgage approved. Your lender may ask for additional or updated documentation, and if house hunting took longer than expected and your preapproval expired, the lender  may need to pull your credit again.

Your lender will also set up an appraisal, for which a professional will evaluate the house and compare it to similar properties in the area, and then decide how much the house is worth. This process protects both you and your lender from overpaying on a home. You can also set up your home inspection at this time (if you have a specified inspection period, be sure to get it done within that timeframe).

If the house is appraised for less than the asking price, you can ask the seller to lower the price or you can pay the difference out-of-pocket at closing.

Once your mortgage is approved and all the details are worked out, you're ready for the big event: closing day.

Make sure to find out ahead of time what you need to bring to closing, and if you need to wire your down payment funds in advance. At minimum, you'll need a valid form of ID, like a driver's license or passport, and a cashier's or certified check with the funds to cover closing costs. Depending on your situation, you may also need to bring proof of insurance or other supporting documentation.

At the closing table, you'll spend time reading and signing a bunch of paperwork. Make sure you read everything; this is one of the biggest purchases you'll make in your life, after all.

Then comes the moment you've been waiting for, when you're handed the keys to your home. That's right, your home. Take a moment to bask in the glory, not just of becoming a homeowner but of finally being done with the homebuying process. Go relax in your new house. You've earned it.

Ready to start your journey to homeownership? Get started online or give one of our Home Loan Experts a call at (800) 785-4788. If you still have questions, you can ask them in the comments.

The post What Do You Need to Do to Buy a House? appeared first on ZING Blog by Quicken Loans.

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Reasons to Love Mobile Banking

Online and mobile banking is on the rise, and as the country's leading Black owned online banking institution, it's only right we address the in's and out's of this tech trend.

Mobile banking allows you to take OneUnited Bank anywhere you go, so you can check your account balance, transfer funds, pay bills, review your purchase history, deposit checks, watch movies, and much more. Well, maybe not the movies part, but it sounded like a good idea right? More importantly this makes banking so much easier, especially if you're trying to get your friends to make the switch to banking Black. Let's look at some of the reasons to fall in love with mobile banking, and maybe it'll be easier to convince your friends and family to do the same.

It's Efficient. There's no need to run to a branch location or go through the process of logging in through your mobile browser, the app is your bank. Not only can you manage your normal, every day banking needs, but you can do it without disrupting the rest of your daily schedule. Banking Black is easier than ever.

Bank Anywhere. With access to over 30,000 surcharge free ATMs nationwide our customers are familiar with accessibility… and mobile banking extends that capability. Whether you're traveling, moving out of the country, or possibly skydiving with an itch to check your balance, all your banking needs are at your fingertips. Enjoy the same services and features anywhere you are.

Products & Services. Like we said before mobile banking allows you to access all the services of the bank, created with the intention to ease the process of banking activities that previously would have forced you to go to a physical location. As technology grows so does what you can do with the app, like as remote deposit capture, which allows you to deposit your check by simply taking a picture of it through you mobile device. How convenient is that?

Secure. The common hesitation with mobile banking is usually the question, “just how safe is it…really?” Well, we can guarantee that every time you use the app your privacy is not only protected but all information shared between your mobile device and our banking servers is encrypted. Furthermore, we require that you authenticate yourself upon each/any mobile device using your online banking information as a safeguard for your account and information.

No fees. Yes, you read that right, there are no fees associated with mobile banking. Unlike fees associated with banking, such as maintenance, ATM, or paper statement fees. There are no surprises here, although, you should check with your phone carrier to be aware of any stipulations attached to using the app.

Control. The most significant feature of mobile banking is intangible because it's the newfound control you have over your finances. Monitoring your spending and account balances becomes second nature due to the ease of access. Finally bought that flat screen that might've cost a little too much? Grab your phone and immediately check your balance. Transferring money to your savings to save you from yourself? It can be done at the click of a button. You've always controlled your finances, now control the way you bank.

As the age of information only grows, so does our ability to elevate systems that have been in place for decades. Our first level up was turning our customers into advocates, to share the message of banking Black, and circulating your dollars back into our communities, now it's reaching another height with mobile banking.

From efficiency to accessibility and control, #BankBlack your way, right from the palm of your hand.

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2019 Tax Deadline, Start Date, and Extension Dates (for 2018 Calendar Year)

This post has been updated for 2019 (the 2018 tax year). It's January and other than frigid cold temperatures and seasonal mood disorder, you know what that means – tax season has arrived. Someone at the IRS is apparently still working during the government shutdown, as they released a notice today that stated, “We are committed to ensuring that taxpayers receive their refunds notwithstanding the government shutdown. I appreciate the hard work of the employees and their commitment to the taxpayers during this period.” – IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. It remains to be seen if... [Read the rest of the story at 20somethingfinance.com]

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Here Are The 7 Things I Will Only Clean With Microfiber Cloths

They say that a workman is only as good as his tools. I personally believe that the same principle applies to cleaning! You can do an okay job using any old cleaning tool, but with the right tool, you'll be able to do a great job faster and with less effort. And I don't think any of us would mind saving ourselves some time and effort on cleaning tasks right? ;-)

And while there are a lot of cleaning tools that excel at certain tasks, today I want to focus on one tool in particular: microfiber cloths. Microfiber cloths are gentle enough for delicate surfaces, yet they have the grip and absorbency to trap messes like few other tools can. Today I'm sharing 7 different cleaning tasks that I only trust to microfiber cloths. And by the end of this post, I think you'll understand exactly why!

7 Things You Should Clean With Microfiber Cloths

1. Shower Walls

Not only are microfiber cloths great for cleaning your shower, they can help you keep it clean too! Use a microfiber cloth to wipe down your shower walls after each use. You'll pick up any soapy residue and moisture on the walls, preventing soap scum and even mildew from forming in the future.

Use your microfiber cloths along with my daily shower cleaner spray will keep your shower looking beautiful for weeks! Learn how to make the spray at the link below.

Related: This One Simple Thing Will Keep Your Shower Cleaner, Longer

2. Windows & Mirrors

Cleaning your windows and mirrors with microfiber will leave them super shiny and streak-free! Add equal parts water and vinegar to a spray bottle, spray it onto your cloth, and use it to wipe down your mirrors and windows.

3. Granite, Stainless Steel, & Other Kitchen Surfaces

Microfiber is great for cleaning and shining up any surface in your kitchen. It will leave your stone countertops gleaming, and remove smudges and smears from stainless steel! My homemade granite cleaner works great on both stone and stainless steel, and you can learn how to make it at the link below.

Related: This Easy Homemade Granite Cleaner Makes Countertops Sparkle

4. Eyeglasses

Use a dry microfiber cloth to clean everyday smears and smudges off your glasses and sunglasses. But on those rare occasions that you need a bit of extra cleaning power, you can make your own lens and screen cleaning solution! Check that out at the link below.

Related: Make Your Own Screen Cleaner For Pennies!

5. Glassware

Sick of water spots on your glasses and stemware? Just buff them with a microfiber cloth! The cloth will pick up any residue or mineral deposits without the need for additional cleaners.

6. Dusting

Microfiber cloths are excellent for dusting. You can use a dry cloth to pick up light dust and dirt, or use a wet cloth to power through thicker dust and grime. And since microfiber is so effective at trapping dirt, you don't have to worry about spreading it around like other dusters do!

7. Spills

Use a dry microfiber cloth to absorb spilled liquids. One cloth can absorb as much as a whole can of soda! You can also use a damp microfiber cloth to clean up spilled dry ingredients, like flour, salt, etc. The wet fibers grab onto even the tiniest particles to make cleaning spills a breeze.

More About Microfiber

Curious about what microfiber cloths I use? I had been hunting for months for a quality microfiber cloth that wouldn't break the bank, and I finally found what I was looking for! I bought the ecloth Home Cleaning Set a couple of weeks ago and have been very impressed so far. In fact, I was so impressed that I reached out to ecloth to secure a special discount just for you guys! Get 15% off any order placed in the next 7 days when you use coupon code JILL15. Click here to get started!

Want to learn more about what microfiber is or how it works? Read the post at the link below to get all the details!

Related: This Is Why Microfiber Cloths Are The Ultimate Cleaning Tool

Concerned about the environmental impact of microfiber? It's a tricky issue, because while they do help us cut back on using disposable paper products, there are drawbacks to using microfiber as well. Every time you wash microfiber cloths, the cloths shed a small amount of microfibers into the water, and eventually into the oceans. The best way to minimize this effect is to wash microfiber cloths as infrequently as possible on a delicate, cold-water cycle. This will minimize shedding and help reduce the impact of microfiber on the environment.

Do you clean with microfiber cloths at home?

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Overnight Oatmeal Parfaits

These vegan and gluten-free overnight oatmeal parfaits are easy to make, customizable and a great option for meal prep. Prepare a few batches on Sunday so you're all ready for quick and healthy breakfasts throughout the week. Oats for an Easy, Healthy Breakfast Overnight oats are a wonderful way to enjoy a quick and healthy breakfast...

Read More

The post Overnight Oatmeal Parfaits appeared first on Running on Real Food.

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15 Winter Cabins That Make The Most Out Of The Snowy Season

There's something uniquely comforting and charming about spending time in a small cabin when it's freezing cold outside. Winter cabins make us feel warm and cozy plus they're almost always situated in remote regions with gorgeous views which provides the perfect environment in which to recharge our batteries, to relax and to enjoy quality time with our loved ones (or alone) before returning to our busy everyday lives. We searched far and wide and we selected our favorite winter cabins from around the world to share with you today.

Given the fact that winter cabins are often situated in remote areas or only used for shorts periods of time throughout the year, the issue of security can be a valid concern. When building the Delta Shelter, studio Olson Kundig found a great way to deal with this problem. The cabin was build on stilts and has metal shutters which allow it to become completely sealed and secured when the owner is away. In addition to that, it has a modern and cool design with lots of appealing features. The cabin is located in Mazama, US.

Due to strict architectural guidelines in this beautiful Alpine valley in Manigold, France, Studio Razavi Architecture didn't really have a lot of freedom when designing this winter cabin. Still, the team managed to make the most of the circumstances, opting for a traditional style overall and allowing the cabin to seamlessly blend in with the other local structures while maintaining its own unique character. 

If there's one thing mountain cabins are famous for, that would be the views. A lot of modern cabins feature large windows which maximize these views but other less conventional design strategies are sometimes used as well. This holiday retreat near Geilo, a village in Norway is a perfect example. The region is known for its ski resorts and there's actually an open terrain unfolding right next to this cabin so the team at Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter came up with a design which separates the building into several volumes, each with a distinct orientation.

Rather than standing out, this lovely winter cabin from Lillehammer, Norway manages to blend into the landscape and to keep a low profile all while taking full advantage of its surroundings and the beautiful views they provide. The structure is designed by studio Vardehaugen and is inspired by snowbound cabins. The design blurs the boundaries between architecture and nature, bringing the inhabitants closer to their surroundings and allowing them to feel like an actual part of the mountain. 

Situated in a quiet residential area north of Whistler in Canada, this A-frame cabin is surrounded by other chalets and retreats featuring similar designs, most of them dating back to the 1970s. This particular winter cabin was designed by Scott & Scott Architects and has a modern vibe inside and out and that allows it to stand out and to showcase its distinct character without actually contrasting too much with its surroundings.

The winter cabin designed by studio Delordinaire has a very special way of making its inhabitants feel immersed in nature. The cabin was built on stilts and the elevated structure actually forms an open and protected outdoor space which is a very unusual ground floor area. Out here, below the actual cabin, there's an outdoor stove and a space which allows one to enjoy the snowy views and to spend time outside while being protected from the elements. The cabin is located in Quebec, Canada.

This is actually an all-year cabin, a charming and peaceful retreat located near Ål village in Norway. Residents can enjoy hiking in the summer and skiing in the winter on the nearby tracks. The cabin was designed by Reiulf Ramstad Arkitekter who were careful to take advantage of the site's unique topography and views.

As with any other type of structure, the location is very important for a winter cabin and just in relation to the views but also to the topography and any other advantages the site may offer. The mountain retreat designed by Filter Arkitekter in Sirdal, Norway sits on a very steep terrain and the architects used that in their favor to embed the building into the landscape in a literal sense. It's a great way to merge nature and architecture. 

Can you believe this A-frame cabin was actually built in the '60s? It has such a chic and timeless vibe and recently it's been remodeled and converted into a cozy winter retreat. It was a project completed by designers Chad and Courtney Ludeman of Postgreen Homes. The cabin is located in New Jersey, along Maurice River. It has large openings which let in natural light and inside it's organized into a double-height atrium, a loft bedroom and a basement area.

Sleeping in a cabin is definitely a nice experience but sleeping in a cabin that's up in the trees is even better. A while ago the Treehotel in northern Sweden just got a new addition designed by Snøhetta. The hotel is actually a collection of six treehouse-inspired cabins, all providing magnificent views and perfect observation points for admiring the Northern Lights. This cabin sits 10 meters above the forest floor, supported by 12 columns.

Cabana Sapte is a cozy cabin situated in the Fagaras Mountain, in Romania. It's been completely remodeled in 2017 and can sleep up to 12 people in five bedrooms. The glazed side allows panoramic views and an abundance of natural light to enter the cabin while the wooden floors and pitched roof create a warm and cozy ambiance inside.

The minimalist design and the selected palette of materials and finishes all lead to one objective: to create a cabin which is able to blend into the landscape and to communicate with nature and its immediate surrounds in a seamless and natural manner. This become possible thanks to studio CARGO Architecture. The cabin is located in the Petite-Rivière-Saint-François region of Canada.

This cabin is quite different than everything else we showed you so far. Its modern appearance makes it more suitable to call this a hut rather than a cabin. Located in Flims, Switzerland, this site used to be occupied by an old cabin and stable combo, which were taken down after being abandoned for a period of time. A new cabin was built in the same place as the old one. Its design and character preserve and charm of the original structures, featuring a timber log structure and massive concrete walls. This was a project by Selina Walder and Georg Nickisch.

Inspired by the freedom and adventure which define snowboarding as an experience in itself, this winter cabin is located in a remote region on the northern end of Vancouver Island in Canada. It was designed by studio Scott & Scott Architects and manages to almost seamlessly blend into the surroundings thanks to the grey exterior and wooden accents.

The last winter cabin that caught our eye lately was designed by Alp'Architecture Sàrl and is located in Bagnes, Switzerland. Originally this used to be a small barn which was extended into a residence by annexing a series of new volumes at the back of the building. It was all done with minimal impact on the overall appearance and structure of the cabin or its facades.

The post 15 Winter Cabins That Make The Most Out Of The Snowy Season appeared first on Home Decorating Trends - Homedit.

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Here Are The 7 Things I Will Only Clean With Microfiber Cloths

They say that a workman is only as good as his tools. I personally believe that the same principle applies to cleaning! You can do an okay job using any old cleaning tool, but with the right tool, you'll be able to do a great job faster and with less effort. And I don't think any of us would mind saving ourselves some time and effort on cleaning tasks right? ;-)

And while there are a lot of cleaning tools that excel at certain tasks, today I want to focus on one tool in particular: microfiber cloths. Microfiber cloths are gentle enough for delicate surfaces, yet they have the grip and absorbency to trap messes like few other tools can. Today I'm sharing 7 different cleaning tasks that I only trust to microfiber cloths. And by the end of this post, I think you'll understand exactly why!

7 Things You Should Clean With Microfiber Cloths

1. Shower Walls

Not only are microfiber cloths great for cleaning your shower, they can help you keep it clean too! Use a microfiber cloth to wipe down your shower walls after each use. You'll pick up any soapy residue and moisture on the walls, preventing soap scum and even mildew from forming in the future.

Use your microfiber cloths along with my daily shower cleaner spray will keep your shower looking beautiful for weeks! Learn how to make the spray at the link below.

Related: This One Simple Thing Will Keep Your Shower Cleaner, Longer

2. Windows & Mirrors

Cleaning your windows and mirrors with microfiber will leave them super shiny and streak-free! Add equal parts water and vinegar to a spray bottle, spray it onto your cloth, and use it to wipe down your mirrors and windows.

3. Granite, Stainless Steel, & Other Kitchen Surfaces

Microfiber is great for cleaning and shining up any surface in your kitchen. It will leave your stone countertops gleaming, and remove smudges and smears from stainless steel! My homemade granite cleaner works great on both stone and stainless steel, and you can learn how to make it at the link below.

Related: This Easy Homemade Granite Cleaner Makes Countertops Sparkle

4. Eyeglasses

Use a dry microfiber cloth to clean everyday smears and smudges off your glasses and sunglasses. But on those rare occasions that you need a bit of extra cleaning power, you can make your own lens and screen cleaning solution! Check that out at the link below.

Related: Make Your Own Screen Cleaner For Pennies!

5. Glassware

Sick of water spots on your glasses and stemware? Just buff them with a microfiber cloth! The cloth will pick up any residue or mineral deposits without the need for additional cleaners.

6. Dusting

Microfiber cloths are excellent for dusting. You can use a dry cloth to pick up light dust and dirt, or use a wet cloth to power through thicker dust and grime. And since microfiber is so effective at trapping dirt, you don't have to worry about spreading it around like other dusters do!

7. Spills

Use a dry microfiber cloth to absorb spilled liquids. One cloth can absorb as much as a whole can of soda! You can also use a damp microfiber cloth to clean up spilled dry ingredients, like flour, salt, etc. The wet fibers grab onto even the tiniest particles to make cleaning spills a breeze.

More About Microfiber

Curious about what microfiber cloths I use? I had been hunting for months for a quality microfiber cloth that wouldn't break the bank, and I finally found what I was looking for! I bought the ecloth Home Cleaning Set a couple of weeks ago and have been very impressed so far. In fact, I was so impressed that I reached out to ecloth to secure a special discount just for you guys! Get 15% off any order placed in the next 7 days when you use coupon code JILL15.

Want to learn more about what microfiber is or how it works? Read the post at the link below to get all the details!

Related: This Is Why Microfiber Cloths Are The Ultimate Cleaning Tool

Concerned about the environmental impact of microfiber? It's a tricky issue, because while they do help us cut back on using disposable paper products, there are drawbacks to using microfiber as well. Every time you wash microfiber cloths, the cloths shed a small amount of microfibers into the water, and eventually into the oceans. The best way to minimize this effect is to wash microfiber cloths as infrequently as possible on a delicate, cold-water cycle. This will minimize shedding and help reduce the impact of microfiber on the environment.

Do you clean with microfiber cloths at home?

[doriskforeman36-blog]

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.

[doriskforeman36-blog]

Why Winter is the Best Time to Complete Your Interior Painting

The winter season brings it's fair share of snow, assuming you live in a region where snow is common. Even so, painting a home in the cold is not exactly ideal, even for painting professionals. Instead of breaking out the winter jacket and earmuffs, it might actually be better to focus on your home's interior instead. While you'll want to get the exterior painted eventually, it's better to wait for a more ideal climate than to brave the frigid weather. Consider these four reasons why interior painting is a great place to start this season.

  Take Advantage of Your Holiday Vacation

If you're snowed in, consider this perfect timing to take a closer look at your home's interior. Even if you aren't snowed in, chances are you've taken some time off work and have some time to kill anyway. Just make sure you purchase the paint you want to use beforehand in case you do get snowed in. While you're at it, it may be good to purchase other supplies commonly found in paint stores, such as shovels or salt for your driveway.

Faster Drying Paint

Alternatively, those who live in dryer climates throughout the year can also take advantage of the winter season. Summer means higher rates of humidity, which is not exactly ideal for the drying process. Because winter weather is generally a dryer season, your paint job should dry noticeably quicker than it would during other times of the year. Just make sure to crack the windows so proper ventilation can get in.

Earlier Natural Light

Since daylight savings time occurs during the winter season, you'll get more light during the morning hours. This should act as good incentive to get up early and start your paint job then. If your room has windows and you live in a snowy climate, you can also take advantage of the natural light reflecting off of the snow outside. More light makes it easier for you to see areas of your interior you may miss. It also allows you to work more efficiently, shortening the process overall.

Save Money on Professional Painting

If you plan on hiring a painting company, you'll learn that their rates go down during the winter season. According to some estimates, painting during the winter season can be as much as 40 percent cheaper compared to hiring services during the summer. Getting a professional paint job at a lower rate is always a benefit!

Additionally, getting your interior paint job done now will give you more time to focus on the exterior once the weather gets warmer. You'll also have more time to focus on outdoor projects in general, including garden plots, deck repairs and utility maintenance.

No longer do you have to ask yourself “when is the best time to paint inside my house?” There's no better time than winter to work with a painting company. Call a professional to get your estimate today!

About Platinum Painting

The team members at Platinum Painting are interior experts who only focus on residential homes. That means you can expect knowledge that's catered to you as a homeowner, not vague information that could help any average client. It also means you can get your cabinets and doors painted along with your walls. To learn more about their work or get a free estimate, you can contact them through their website.

The post Why Winter is the Best Time to Complete Your Interior Painting appeared first on Platinum Painting Blog.

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8 Things to Avoid Buying in Bulk

One of the rules of frugal grocery shopping is to buy in bulk.

Indeed, we're told to buy larger amounts of the things we like when they are on sale so that we save money in the long run. However, in some cases it's actually better to forgo buying in bulk.

Here are 8 things where this is particular true:

1. Nuts

You might be able to get a great deal on nuts, but they actually expire in between one and two months. Nuts have a high fat content and can go rancid sooner than you might expect. Seeds (flax, sesame, etc.) can also have the same problem.

Before you stock up on these delicious snack, think about how often you really eat them, and make sure you can eat them in the prescribed amount of time.

2. Cooking oils

It depends on what kinds of oil you are using, and where you store them. Olive oil will keep for about six months in a cool, dark place. Peanut and corn oil can keep for a year unopened, and for six months after being opened.

Sesame oil and walnut oil are only good for a couple of months. You can prolong the life of cooking oils in the fridge, but they are likely to thicken in the fridge, so you will have to wait for them to warm to room temperature when you want to use them.

3. Brown rice

Brown rice does not keep as long as white rice (which is too bad, since brown rice is healthier for you). It lasts only six months to a year, although you can lengthen the shelf life by putting it in the refrigerator.

4. Condiments

You might be surprised how long it takes you to get through your condiments - and they're only good for between six months a year. Mayo, mustard and ketchup may all go bad before you use them if you buy in bulk. The same is true of peanut butter and jelly. (And Nutella.)

5. Cereal

Right now, we have a pantry full of bulk cereal that's about to expire. We bought it in bulk months ago, and we just aren't getting through it that fast because we eat other, healthier things for breakfast most mornings. Carefully gauge your cereal needs, and consider slowing down on the bulk buying.

6. Frozen foods

After a few months, frozen foods will get freezer burn. Even frozen meats won't last forever. Carefully consider how much space you have, and whether you will get through the frozen foods before they go bad in the freezer. You might find that it's better to keep a one to two months' supply at a time, and rotate it.

7. Spices

After six months to a year, spices start losing their potency. So buying huge bulk containers might not be the way to go - unless you cook a lot. Think about what you use most often, and whether or not you really need that much of each spice.

8. Nutritional supplements

Whether its a multivitamin, protein shake mix or a bottle of fish oil capsules, be aware of whether you will get through that big container before it expires. This goes for medication as well. My husband and I stopped buying massive bottles of Ibuprofen after we discovered one that was three years past its expiration date.

Part of frugality is buying what you will use, and not buying excess that you throw away. Take stock of your habits, and pay attention to expiration dates.

Good food storage is routinely rotated so that you eat things within their expiration date while having some months of food stored up. Making a plan can ensure that you have what you need - and that you aren't throwing spoiled food out on a regular basis.

This article originally appeared on MoneyNing.com. Let us know what you think (or read what others thought) here.

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Annual Family Christmas Picture 2019: Rock You Like A Snowstorm

Merry Christmas you guys!! I hope you are having a wonderful holiday with the people you love the  most!

Every Christmas Court's siblings get together for our annual family photo. This is our 8th year and believe me when I say, this is our favorite part of Christmas. It started off as a funny gift for Court's parents and has become the highlight of our entire year. I'll link all of the past years photos below!

The year we channeled our inner hairband and went full on 80's glam rock.

Please note Brem doing “spidey hands”

Love you all!

2010: OG White Trash

2011: White Trash Glam

2012: You'll Shoot Your Eye Out!

2013: How The Grinch Stole Christmas!

2014: Flashback To 1976

2015: North Pole Bookings

2016: Holly Jolly Misfits

2017: Have a Very (Geri)atric Christmas

The post Annual Family Christmas Picture 2019: Rock You Like A Snowstorm appeared first on Vintage Revivals.

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Houses For Sale in Lebec, CA

2713 Gibson Dr, Lebec, CA, Lebec, CA

Attention investors! Duplex in Lebec! The main unit is a 2 bed with an office, 2 bath that rents for $1000/month. The bottom unit is a 1 bed, 1 bath...

624 South Dr, Lebec, CA, Lebec, CA

Large duble lot in Lebec, easy to build either a conventional home or a manufactured home. This is a nice lot surrounded by Oaks and rollings hills...

990 Mesa Valley Rd, Lebec, CA, Lebec, CA

Immaculate 1782 sq. ft. 3 bedroom, 2 bath ranch home plus den/office situated on over 2 acres of land, fully fenced with automatic gated entrance has...

Mesa Valley Ct, Lebec, CA, Lebec, CA

Just over 2.5 acres, this beautiful parcel is nestled in the hills with wonderful sweeping views in all directions! The majority of the land is...

Mesa Valley Ct, Lebec, CA, Lebec, CA

Just over 2.5 acres, this beautiful parcel is nestled in the hills with wonderful sweeping views in all directions! The majority of the land is...

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An Immunity Soup to Light up Your Insides

This soup is built on a monster white pepper broth. White pepper with jolts of ginger, and stabs of garlic. I like it just shy of scalding, racing down my throat, sweeping through my sinuses in one boisterous, fragrant swoop. This is a soup I make often, particularly when I need a boost. And, while I float other ingredients in the broth, mostly to make a meal of things, that part of the equation is usually an after thought. For me, this soup is all about the clear strong broth, the invigorating way it makes me feel, and the way it lights up my insides. This is a soup for the coldest days, the runniest noses, and the shortest days of winter. You should make it too.

A couple words of wisdom here. Serve hot. As hot as you can stand without betraying your tongue. It's an experience that's just not the same when the soup is served lukewarm. On occasion, I'll whisk in a bit of brown or red miso for a fuller-bodied, creamier broth experience – also the beneficial miso nutrients. But, try it straight and clear first. -h

Continue reading An Immunity Soup to Light up Your Insides on 101 Cookbooks

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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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My Darling Lemon Thyme top 10 posts of 2018

As the year draws to an end I thought I'd carry on the tradition I started last year of sharing the 10 most popular posts of the year. Last year (as it was the first time I'd shared a pot of it's kind) I shared the top 10 posts of the year, from newly posted recipes, to classics posted years ago. This year however I thought it would be great to see which of the posts I've shared DURING 2018 spoke to you the most. It's always super interesting for me to see which posts were well received, sometimes I have an idea when a post will do great (if something has chocolate, especially if it's a 'healthy' sweet treat, it's usually ok to assume it will be well received!), but a few of them have surprised me, in a good way! I'm stoked to see there are so many of you interested in sprouting and the kinds of recipes you can then make with them. Very cool. Looking at the top posts of this past year, from all the recipes on my site, a few of the all-time favourites showed up again this year... Ginger-roasted pumpkin + quinoa salad […]