kerrychelly-blog

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Recycled Sweater Accessories for Winter

       Before you donate those old sweaters think again! 

They can be recycled into your new favorite 

winter accessories!

Click here to read the rest of this post...

Homeroad

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2018 Holiday Gift Guide – DIY Staff Picks

At DIYControls, we have been finding great products and proudly serving our customers for over 60 years! Our focus is on do-it-yourself products designed to protect you and your home and business, and to keep your entire family – including pets, children, and seniors– safe and secure in and out of the home.

Exceptional Service & Support

From freeze alarms, pool alarms, remote monitoring solutions and automatic shut-off valves to phone thermostats, wireless security systems, and video surveillance and more, we are your source for easy-to-use products to protect your family, home and business. And we're happy to provide free technical support for every item we sell.

All of us here at DIYControls take pride in offering exceptional and friendly customer service. We know our products inside and out, and love nothing more than helping you select the most economical and valuable protection.

Our Staff Picks for Holiday Gifts

When it comes to the holidays, we're as particular as you are about finding just the right gift for everyone on our list. To help you get a head start on your shopping, here are 12 things we would most like to give – or receive – this year!

Bob: Home Protection During the Holidays

Protection is a priority for those like Bob who aren't always “home for the holidays.” With an automatic water main shutoff system like the leakSmart Automatic Water Shut Off System with Internet control, Bob can rest assured that his home and belongings are protected against water damage before it starts. Leaksmart's sensor-based system detects leaks throughout the home and shuts off the water in less than 5 seconds. The system hub connects to the Internet and sends audible and visible alarms as well as notifications via a smart device app.

Bob's wish list also includes a professional grade DIY security system to safeguard his home against intruders and other safety hazards. A fee-free, internet based security system like Risco's WiComm Internet/Cellular Security System with a cellular backup option lets Bob use an iOS or Android smartphone or a computer to control the system from anywhere. He can also receive email and push notification alerts right to his mobile device .

Dan:

A Warm Welcome

For ski and snowboard enthusiasts like Dan, the gift of an Internet thermostat lets him live the dream of arriving to a pre-heated ski cabin on cold winter nights. The Venstar T3700 Explorer Residential Digital Thermostat has seven-day, single-day, or five-and- two-day programming. A variety of lighting, language and temperature options allow Dan to customize the unit, and he can choose to connect remotely using either WiFi or Z-Wave technologies by adding one of Venstar's optional wireless modules. All for under $100!

Laura: A Sound Sleep and Reminder to Take Her Meds

The Marsona Sound Therapy Machine is a thoughtful and unque gift for anyone who has difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep, especially those like Laura who suffer from tinnitus. It lulls users with relaxing sounds like falling rain, the ocean's surf or crickets chirping softly. This lightweight, portable machine plugs into a wall outlet or runs on battery power. It also features an automatic timer and sliding volume control.

Laura would also appreciate finding a Med-Q White Digital Pill Box Organizer in her

stocking. She can easily program the Med-Q with her medication time and it will flash the corresponding day slot with a bright red light. It also sounds an alarm that increases in volume. Features include 14 removable compartments, oversized buttons and large, digital display, and braille marking.

Kris: A Smart Home Upgrade

Kris is wishing for an easy entree into the world of smart homes. The Samsung SmartThings + Leviton Home

Automation Bundle gives her the ability to easily control the lighting in her home from anywhere in the world. The kit includes the SmartThings hub, a Leviton universal dimmer and a Leviton switch. And because this system is totally expandable and compatible with many WiFi and Z-wave sensors and modules, Kris can add any of hundreds of compatible devices to monitor and protect her property, including lights, speakers, locks, thermostats, sensors and more.

Laura's Mom: Layers of Pool Safety for Her Grandkids

The Safety Turtle 2.0 Child Immersion Pool Alarm System is the easiest way to

protect little ones around a pool for open water. This “personal immersion” system uses water-activated wristbands that trigger a loud alarm when submerged in water. Laura's mom can use the Safety Turtle at home or carry it to wherever the grandkids will be swimming, including hotels, lakes, a friend's pool or on a boat.

For an added layer of protection, the easy-to-install MagnaLatch ALERT Pool Safety Gate Latch with Alarm is a magnetic latch she can affix to vinyl, metal or wood gate posts. The top-pull model has dual electric warnings when unlatched – bright LED lights and an audible alarm – and a rekeyable lock for extra security and convenience.

Lisa: Fewer Worries About Her New Dog

The gift of an indoor pet cam would go a long way towards alleviating Lisa's worries about her new dog when she's at work or away from home. Motorola's Digital Wireless Indoor Pet Monitor with two cameras offers a convenient two-way communication feature that will allow Lisa to communicate to her dog without being in the same room. The video monitor has a full color LCD screen and infrared night vision for keeping an eye on things in very low light levels.

Jim: Vacation Home Peace of Mind

A freeze alarm monitors the temperature inside the home and provides a warning if it dips dangerously low. It's an ideal gift for people like Jim, who owns a vacation home up north that he closes up for the winter. A call-out freeze alarm like the best-selling TempAlarm Dialer Pro sends Jim an alert via a phone call when the indoor temperatures in his home are falling.

A local alarm like the simple-to-use Freeze Flash Temperature Warning

Light lets Jim put his observant neighbors to work for him! All he has to do is set the low temperature, install the batteries and place the unit in a visible window. When the temperature goes below the set level, the light will flash and attract his neighbors' attention.

Donna: Home Alone Security for Her Dad

The Ring Video Doorbell is tops on Donna's list of gifts for her elderly dad, who lives alone in a town several hours' drive from her. It's like Caller ID for the front

door and super-simple to use! When the doorbell is pressed or motion is detected, an alert is sent to her dad's smartphone along with streaming live HD video of the visitor outside the door. Ring Video also lets her dad converse with the visitor through the built-in microphone and speakers.

Still looking for the perfect gift?

Click on the Great Gift Ideas tab on the DIYControls home page for more suggestions. Use the lefthand column to shop by price, manufacturer, features and more. It's a handy resource for finding holiday gift ideas for everyone on your list!

  The post 2018 Holiday Gift Guide – DIY Staff Picks appeared first on DIYControls Blog.

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Arnie & Kath's Kitchen

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Raw raspberry + dark chocolate ice cream bites

Hi! I hope your year has got off to a good start? We're still in full summer-chill-mode around here. Most days I'm still in my pj's nearing lunchtime, unless it's full tide... then we're at the beach. I've also been hanging out in our veggie garden as much as I can, but more on that next week. I'm just stopping in real quick today to share this recipe, which is PERFECT for this time of the year. I shared it over on my Instagram feed at the end of last year, but it's so good I also wanted to share it here so it's easy for everyone to find in years to come. I put a call out on Instagram last week asking what kinds of things you'd like to see on here this year. Last year I sadly barely had time to even think about this space, but I'm going to try my best to change that this year (no promises, but I will try!). I'd love to hear your thoughts below in the comments, let me know the kinds of recipes you like to see, whether you'd like me to start sharing more about our veggie garden or […]

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Your Complete Career Guide to Becoming a Water Damage Restoration Technician

It's more than a job:

It's a career path that leads to helping residents when they need it most. As a water damage restoration technician, you're positioned to assist home and business owners recover their property, their belongings and their peace of mind.

This exciting field is wide open to both men and women. The work can be hard. The projects can be long-term. The satisfaction that comes from helping others through difficult times is always rewarding.

With this guide, we lay out an overview of the information you need to make a meaningful career choice. We cover it all from general qualifications and hands-on training to course studies and industry certification.

Water Restoration Technician Job Description

Your job as a WRT puts you in the field tackling all types of water mitigation projects. You're part of a team of highly trained technicians restoring water-damaged properties and personal belongings.

Most scheduling happens within the bounds of a normal work week, and you're sometimes on emergency standby. The restoration business serves customers 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

These are examples of the different processes you handle in your role as a certified water restoration technician.

• Advanced equipment setup and operation • Heavy-duty water removal and extraction • Property cleanup including sanitation processes • Site-wide structural drying and dehumidifying • Recovery of salvageable personal belongings • Damaged material tear-out and replacement • Property-wide reconstruction and restoration

Becoming a WRT doesn't require a professional trade license. However, once you've completed your training, we highly recommended that you follow through with industry-approved certification.

What Does Water Damage Restoration Technician Training Offer?

Water damage restoration training involves course studies and hands-on field experience.

As you advance through various learning stages, you become familiar with the science behind the work. For example, you understand the importance of psychrometry and how it applies to the restoration process.

Study courses cover a variety of procedures including dealing with hazardous sewage backups and black water contamination. You learn the full effects of all types of water damage, how to handle different projects and the requirements for WRT certification.

On-the-job training maximizes your understanding of course studies. In the field, you partner with experienced technicians who explain the details involved in water extraction, containment and cleanup. You soon become confident in your abilities to tackle any job from emergency dispatch and damage assessment to final restoration.

What Does IICRC Certification Mean and Why Is It Important?

The Institution of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification is recognized for promoting professionalism and establishing the highest standards across our industry. The IICRC supports more than 50,000 certified technicians and 6,000 businesses around the globe.

Successful certification is based on course completion, written examination and skill demonstration. By fulfilling IICRC requirements for WRT certification, you establish your credentials as an expert in water damage restoration.

When you become an IICRC-certified technician, you have documentation of your experience, training and understanding of water damage restoration procedures. It's not a requirement for working in this field, but it does give you a big advantage over technicians who don't have industry-approved certification.

How Much Does a Water Damage Restoration Technician Make?

Established, reputable restoration companies always offer fair hourly wages. They also consider IICRC certification as a valuable asset on your resume. In general, WRT jobs average an hourly pay rate of $14. Highly experienced technicians can earn an average of $20 or more per hour.

Water damage restoration often involves extra hours on the clock, and that results in overtime pay. When a technician goes above and beyond job expectations, it's not unusual for customers to offer their appreciation with cash tips.

You increase your earnings by developing your job skills in the field and expanding your industry knowledge with ongoing education. You might advance into a leadership role with a salary of $60,000 or more per year.

Who Benefits From Your Hard Work?

Every day, you assist people who face the aftermath of water damage to their property and belongings. It can be a very stressful time for home or business owners, but your skills and professionalism help them regain their sense of well-being. These are just a few examples of the settings you encounter as a water restoration technician.

• Homes and condos • Apartment buildings • Retail complexes • Office buildings • Restaurants and hotels • Health care facilities • Public and private schools • Government buildings • Sporting and event facilities

Why Should You Make WRT a Career?

The restoration business continues to grow every year, and that helps build job security into your career.

If you enjoy working with your hands and your head, you look forward to projects that keep your skills sharp. If you enjoy helping other people, you take home the satisfaction of making a positive difference every day.

Working as a WRT offers on-the-job experiences that set the profession apart from other trades. Last year, our teams headed to Texas after Hurricane Harvey where we took care of home and business owners all along the Gulf Coast. From there, we headed to Florida to assist residents through the aftermath Hurricane Irma. It was exhausting work, but it was also very rewarding professionally and personally.

As a water damage restoration technician, you're in a unique position to help people recover more than their property:

You help them regain their peace of mind, and that always makes the job worthwhile.

Where Do You Get Started?

If you're in the Chicago area, we invite you to contact us for more information about your career as a WRT. You can also find information online about IICRC certification classes in your city.

We're proud to be leading members of the industry with our certified water damage restoration services in Chicago and the suburbs. It's our pleasure to share our knowledge and enthusiasm, so feel free to give us a call here at ServiceMaster by Zaba.

The post Your Complete Career Guide to Becoming a Water Damage Restoration Technician appeared first on ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba.

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7 Stupid Easy Ways To Fix Your Finances In 2019

With 2019 just around the corner, you may have a resolution to fix your finances. If 2018 left you in debt, stressed out, maxed out, freaked out or just ready for a change, read on.

You would be AMAZED at what you can change in a year. The person you are today, does NOT need to be the person you are 12 months from now.

There are so many ways to go about doing this: loans, refinancing, a second job, starting a blog or becoming a freelance writer, transferring credit card balances, seeing a financial counselor, etc., etc., ETC.! But those aren't particularly easy and they certainly are not a way to get quick cash.

That's why I've created this list of 7 stupid easy ways to change your finances. Each option is a simple and fast way to start on the path to financial health.

Survey Says- Make Some Extra Cash

You can pinch pennies aplenty, but if you're not making a lot to begin with, you'll find it's challenging to get ahead.  If you can squeeze in some extra time in nights and weekends, earning a few extra bucks can be a game changer.  Enter, the survey side hustle.

Online surveys are an easy and convenient way to earn a few bucks from the comfort of your couch. Keep in mind, though, that they do require you to pay attention and actually read each and every question. The company can tell if you just fibbed your way through the survey and will not pay you for it. They may even remove you from their program.

While there are numerous survey sites you could try, they're not all created equal. Some rarely have surveys for you to take or make it extremely difficult to cash out. Luckily for you, we've sifted through all the survey companies and have come up with a list of programs where you can *actually* earn some money. They include:

Pinecone Research

Survey Junkie

Global Test Market

Ipsos

Examine Your Credit

If you are suffering from low or even no credit, it's important to keep an eye on your credit score. Not only will this allow you to see your progress, it can also help you catch any errors or inconsistencies.

While you are entitled to a free credit report from each credit reporting company (Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax), Credit Sesame is my preferred monitoring program. Not only is it free, but you can check your credit report and score as often as you like. Pretty snazzy, ey?

It be totally scary to look at your credit score, I get it.  But knowing what's negatively impacting you NOW can help you in a year's time when you go to make a big purchase.  Follow these steps to earn some money and trim expenses, but also make sure you understand your score and how to improve it!

Trim and Sift It

Money-saving apps and programs are a dime a dozen these days. I've even written about some in the past. But as of December of 2018, my two favorites are Trim and Sift.  Using apps on your phone to simplify and optimize your spending habits is a great way to save without breaking a sweat!

Trim

Trim is an online, desktop based program that automates ways to save you money. After you securely connect your accounts, Trim will inspect each one to determine if there are any potential money saving options. Specifically, Trim excels at examining and notifying you of your recurring subscriptions, discovers if you can save money on your cable, and allows you to automate your savings. You can even request account alerts via text for things like overdrafts, low-funds, or large purchases. Best of all, it is free.

Trim takes security very seriously and therefore they have implemented 256-bit SSL encryption, two-factor authentication, and read-only access. Your account info is not stored of their servers. To learn more about Trim or to sign up, pop on over here.

Sift

Sift is an app that focuses on your credit cards and their purchases. Named as one of Google Play's Best Apps of 2018, it maximizes your cashback and rewards, while tracking all the benefits available for each of your cards. It will automatically update you on any perks that may be available to you due to using a specific card. For example, theft and damage and warranties, time left to return, and price protection. The latter is my favorite perk, as it will help you save money on previous purchases if you used certain cards when buying an item that has decreased in price.

As for Sift's security, information is transmitted securely via SSL (TLS 1.2) bank grade encryption. All of their servers and databases have very strict access control and all data transmitted and stored is anonymized. To give Sift a try, check it out here.

Save and Earn

When was the last time you evaluated your savings accounts? Do you know what kind of interest you are earning on your funds? If you use a big bank, with lots of brick and mortar locations, it is likely you aren't getting as much as you could. Solve that problem by considering an online bank. My favorite is Capital One 360. Not only will you receive up to a $100 bonus when you open an account, but because they don't have any physical locations, you get a higher yield interest rate. They have a large network of ATMs and offer mobile deposit, allowing you to get most of the benefits of a typical bank with less fees and a higher rate on your savings.

Surf's Up

As mentioned above, online surveys are a nice way to change your finances by earning some quick cash. But the internet has more to offer than that. For example, Swagbucks is an easy way to earn gift cards. Swagbucks offer the typical surveys, but they also reward you for watching videos, shopping online, and more. It's totally free and you can redeem your points earned for pretty much any gift card out there, including MasterCard.

If you want to earn some major cashback on your online purchases, you've got to give Ebates a try. Depending on which merchant you buy from, you can get up to 50% back. As a good example, when I switched from AT&T to Verizon for my mobile service, I got $75 cashback just for shopping through Ebates. That was a pretty outstanding month, but I typically reel in at least $20 a month just for shopping at online stores I already planned to buy from using Ebates.

(Re)Build Your Budget

You can't change your finances for the better if you aren't sticking to a healthy budget. I talk a lot about budgeting here at Frugal Beautiful, but my post How to Fall in Love with Your Budget is particularly useful.

Alternatively, there are several books on the subject that have helped me, and others like me, to create a budget and not deviate from that plan. A few of my favorite include:

The Total Money Makeover: Classic Edition: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness

How to Manage Your Money When You Don't Have Any

All Your Worth: The Ultimate Lifetime Money Plan

The Behavior Gap: Simple Ways to Stop Doing Dumb Things with Money

Zero Down Your Debt: Reclaim Your Income and Build a Life You'll Love (I absolutely love the authors, who run the fabulous finance blog Club Thrifty.)

Once you've read up on the subject, consider an online budgeting software like Mint or Personal Capital. It is easier than using pen and paper, especially on the go.

I use both of these apps.  I love that Mint has a little doughnut chart that shows me how much I'm spending in each category (sometimes it's horrifying!) and that Personal Capital shows me the overall picture of how I'm doing to track my net worth.  It's super motivating!

Hustle Hard

My personal favorite way to improve one's personal finances is to find a side hustle. I've written extensively on my most profitable side hustle: Airbnb. Seriously, without the money I make hosting travelers on Airbnb, I'd be in a world of hurt. Owning a home has been a much more expensive endeavor than expected, specifically due to a major increase in taxes and numerous repairs not found before closing. Airbnb has helped me stay on track with my budgeting and retirement goals.

As of this writing in late 2018, I'm earning over $750 a month just renting out my spare room with minimal work as an Airbnb host. 

Another quick and easy option is to drive for Uber or Lyft. It's simple and fast to get started with either company and can bring in some significant cash quickly. Cha-ching!

Start Saving With Just $1

One of my most popular posts is the Mason Jar Money Method .  If you're a fan of the envelope system from Dave Ramsey or have cash on hand, this is for you.  You start with a giant mason jar, and start with $1.

Each week your savings grow from there and you begin to build better habits to make those bigger weeks work- you have about $1300 by year's end.  What could you do with $1300 more dollars in the bank?  Maybe put it towards next year's Christmas gifts and travel? New tires?  A vacation? You will be $1300 ahead by this time next year.

So, what are you waiting for? It's never too late to get a handle on your financial life. Hop to it, friend, and best of luck!

Additional Reading:

Top Ten Articles to Read When You Want To Invest

How to Balance Debt Repayment with Holiday Expenses

What You Need to Know Before Going Car Shopping

7 Things to Do at Work to Help Pay Off Your Loans

4 Ways To Detox From Overspending

How I've Lived On An $800 Monthly Budget In The City

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A Dutch Lament: Where oh Where Is PokerStars Located?

In a few weeks I'll be publishing my list of where online gambling sites are located. A question that arose in the Netherlands is in regards to the location of PokerStars, the largest online poker site. An excerpt from my 2018 list shows:

PokerStars Rational Entertainment Enterprises Limited dba PokerStars Douglas Bay Complex, King Edward Rd Onchan, IM3 1DZ Isle of Man

PokerStars.eu Rational Gaming Europe Ltd dba PokerStars.eu Villa Seminia, 8, Sir Temi Zammit Ave Ta'Xbiex, XBX1011, Malta

Why is this a big deal? Taxes.

PokerStars.com is based on the Isle of Man. The Isle of Man is a self-governing British Crown Dependency. It is not part of the European Union. The Isle of Man is located in the Irish Sea. Malta is another island; it's located near Sicily in the Mediterranean Sea. Malta is a member of the European Union. PokerStars.eu is based in Malta. This matters for taxes in the Netherlands. If you're a resident of the Netherlands and you play on PokerStars.com, you owe 29% tax on your winnings; however, if you play on PokerStars.eu, you don't. Needless to say, Dutch residents play on PokerStars.eu.

Except the Dutch Tax Office disagreed. They held that since PokerStars.eu is owned by the Rational Group (the parent of PokerStars), and the Rational Group is based on the Isle of Man, that playing on PokerStars.eu is still playing on a site outside the European Union and 29% tax is owed. A District Court agreed with the Dutch Tax Office. That decision was then appealed to the Court of Appeals in 's-Hertogenbosch.

That court reversed the ruling (link is in Dutch). The ruling, as best as I can determine, states that the place of establishment of the holder of internet poker (here, Malta) is decisive for the classification as domestic or foreign game of chance and, thus, taxation of play on PokerStars.eu violates the Treaty Establishing the European Union. The decision can be appealed to the Supreme Court of the Netherlands but for now, playing on PokerStars.eu is tax-free.

News Story (in English): Dutchnews.nl

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Dad does it! Hacks the most amazing princess castle bed

When my son was 4 years old, my wife and I needed to move him out of his convertible toddler bed to a “big kid bed” so that our daughter could begin to use the former.

He wasn't excited about it, so I offered to build him a new bed that was “the most awesome bed ever”, and the result was a success that made him very happy.

Our daughter is no dummy though … as she approached her fourth birthday, she began asking for her own special “big girl bed”.

And while our son had given us complete “creative control”, our daughter was a little more specific: “a fairy princess castle bed … preferably pink,” she said.

My daughter's first draft of the hack

3D model before construction began

This is the Fairy Princess Castle Bed we built for her:

Watch my YouTube video, including 3D model, time lapse of the assembly, and my daughter's reaction to her Fairy Princess Castle Bed:

IKEA items used for castle bed:

2 Kura children's beds

1 Kura bed tent

Other materials:

~30' of 2x4s

~80' of 2x2s

~16' of 1x4s

~15' of 1x10s

3' of 1×12

18 2' x 4' white mdf panels

6 2'x4' faux stone panels

~30 ft2 of laminate flooring

~30 ft2 of plywood

~25' of nature-themed moulding

~50' of plain moulding

Strips of hobby wood

4 flat metal bars

22 button magnets

Square dowels of varying thickness

Bundle of cedar siding

Various pieces of hardware

Roll of grey contact paper

Quart of pink paint

Several quarts dark brown (Jacobean) stain

Several quarts of clear lacquer

Quart of black paint

Various fake plants

2 sets of remote-controlled LED strip lights

1 Aukey table light

2 sets of drawer slides

Tools:

Belt sander

Sandpaper (60-220 grit) and sanding block

Rip cut saw

Hack saw

Back cut saw

Miter box

Power drill and various drill bits

Hammer

Various screw drivers

Level

Various paint brushes

Super glue

Construction adhesive (i.e. “Liquid Nails”)

Caulk gun

Hot glue gun

Staple gun

How we put together the Fairy Princess Castle Bed

This hack was so extensive that giving detailed step-by-step instructions would be a book in itself, so here's a concise summary:

The hack consists of 2 major sections (each of which is comprised of a separate Kura bed):

I. “The bed”

1. Use belt sander to strip preexisting lacquer off all Kura parts

2. Stain all wooden Kura parts

3. Cover mdf panels provided with the Kura with grey contact paper on one side.

4. Assemble Kura roughly according to IKEA's conventional directions, but keep each of the 4 walls separate from one another. Only notable exception is to not include the upper rail to the side wall adjacent to the ladder – as this will be where “the bed” joins “the tower”. This will also require 2 2x4s (or alternatively 2 2x2s) to help support the back wall, which otherwise can't be assembled independently of the others.

5. Create frames for the door and window using 2x4s and 2×2 respectively.

Finishing the bed half

Front wall almost finished

6. Construct the door from bed slats taken from the second Kura: Cut off the ends to create the proper height. Attach them together using rectangular dowels nailed to their back sides.

Future door from bed slats

Use hacksaw to cut metal bars to the width of the door, superglue metal button magnets on the front to look like rivets, and paint the bar/magnet pieces black. Once dry, attach to the bed slats.

(Super gluing them didn't hold well – I had better luck with drilling shallow holes into the slats, filling with construction adhesive, and then clamping the bars over them for 24 hours. Be sure to roughen the back side of the bars for maximum adhesion).

Once door finished, attach to the frame via hinges.

Optional: Attached pink wooden fairy to the door using the same drill hole-filled with adhesive approach.

7. Construct window shutters using square dowels and strips of “hobby wood”. Paint pink. Attach to window frame.

Window shutters in various stages of completion

8. Use white mdf panels for the walls. (The ones I used were actually intended for whiteboards, so were smooth white on one side, and rough/unfinished on the other. The smooth white side replicated dry wall relatively well). Attached walls to the inside of each of the now-assembled Kura wall frames.

9. Cut faux stone panels to fit into the preexisting spaces in the front frame. (I used Wellington light grey panels from fauxpanels.com. Attach to the backside of the mdf panels using construction adhesive.

10. Create an inset for behind the ladder using the same general principles used in steps 8 and 9.

11. Cut, sand, and stain plain moulding to use inside the first floor of “the bed” to cover over seems

II. “The Tower”

This is the more difficult half to hack/construct.

First, the tower consists of part of the second Kura bed tipped on its side (It doesn't include the top rail – which can be used as 2×2's anywhere else in the project).

Also, the tipped Kura may not be structurally sound; I create a platform for the second floor of the tower using 2×4's, 2×2's, and plywood, which stood completely independently of the visible tower.

12. As with “the bed”, strip and stain all wooden Kura parts.

13. Also as with “the bed”, assemble the 4 walls using the 12 main edge pieces to the bed/tower.

14. Create a lower platform using plywood placed on top of spare bed slats. (This will go directly on the actual room's floor when finished)

15. Create the upper platform using 2x4s for the vertical supports, 2x2s for the “beams”, and plywood for the floor. The plywood can be covered on one side with the white mdf panels to make a nice ceiling for the first floor.

16. Use a combination of 2×2's and mdf panels to create a wall that will divide the first floor into 2 halves. The left half will become an alcove for the hide-away bookcase, and the right will become a “secret passage”.

Inside castle bed – secret passage closed

Inside castle bed – secret passage open

Secret passage exit to outside

17. Create the sliding platform for the bookcase. I used 2 2x4s attached to the lower platform, 2 2x4s attached to a horizontal 1×12 that acted as a shelf, linked together by industrial-strength, full extension drawer slides. (I used 32” drawer slides made by Hettich)

Sliding platform for bookcase

18. Use a combination of 2×4's, 2×2's, mdf panels, and faux stone panels to create the front and side walls in similar fashion to what was done for “the bed”.

This should include swinging doors covered with stone panel that will act like hidden compartments for the bookcase and secret passage.

The back wall of the tower will rest against the wall of the actual room and thus, can be left open as it was for “the bed”.

Backside of tower, almost finished

19. Build door and window shutters as done with “the bed”.

20. Use plain moulding to cover vertical seams inside the tower, and additional moulding around the top (I used nature-themed moulding).

21. Cut wooden laminate flooring to cover both the lower and upper platforms. (You do not need to worry about underlayment for this kind of usage)

Inside of tower without the upper platform

Inside the first floor (i.e. under the mattress)

22. Build a bookcase that will fit in the alcove and on top of the sliding platform built during step 17. (I would have preferred to use an IKEA bookcase – for example, a Bestå or Billy bookcase – but there wasn't one that was the appropriate size).

Paint (or finish) bookcase. I also glued some thin strips of nature-themed moulding to the front to add some character.

III. “The tower roof”

23. The tower roof was the most elaborate and challenging step.

Calculating measurements for the tower roof

Angled wood used as a radial beam for the tower's vaulted ceiling

To begin, create a frame that will firmly attach to the top of the tower and also provide a lip for the roof to sit in.

(This way, the roof will stay on by virtue of its weight alone, and you won't need to worry about separately securing the roof.)

Vaulted ceiling inside tower

The roof is built from 4 triangular shaped mdf panels, joined together by pairs of angled wooden dowels that act as radial beams for a vaulted, pyramid shaped ceiling.

(I lacked the tools to do create those “beams”, so this involved a lot of sanding and revisions.) For the roof, I used cedar siding (which I needed to recut and sand prior to painting pink).

Tower roof, about halfway finished

IV. Assembly of the Castle Bed

By this point, you should have 4-5 different pieces for “the bed” (4 walls +/- separate inset behind the ladder), slats for “the bed”, and ~12 different pieces for “the tower” (4 walls, 2 platforms, 2-4 vertical posts for upper platform, 1 inner vertical wall on first floor, bookcase, roof frame, roof). Time to put them all together. (The main assembly took me ~10 hours, separated across 2 days).

Now install the lights, any miniature furniture (e.g. pillows, kids chair, toy box), and attach fake plants (I literally stapled them to the wood frame).

Parts that will eventually become the exterior light fixture

Finished exterior light

Add mattress and bed tent.

Woohoo – you're finally done!

Our daughter loves her Fairy Princess Castle bed.

How long and how much did the castle bed cost?

Took 10 months and ~400 hours. Total cost was about $2000-2500 US (I didn't keep receipts).

What do you like most about the castle bed?

How much my daughter likes it.

What was the hardest part about the hack?

Getting the hidden bookcase to slide in and out of its alcove with enough ease that my daughter could easily do it herself.

What to pay special attention to?

A Kura bed is not necessarily structurally stable if used on its side. Also, be 100% sure this monstrosity will fit into its destination room before you start!

Looking back, would you have done the castle bed differently?

I would have spent less time on the shingled roof, which is literally not visible without a step stool.

~ by Eric Strong

The post Dad does it! Hacks the most amazing princess castle bed appeared first on IKEA Hackers.

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Top 10 most popular posts from 2018

Well 2018 is over and 2019 is here and I love taking this time to look back at past projects and clients that I have helped this year.  I also love to look back at the posts that you loved and responded to…

Here is the Top 10 Most popular posts of 2018…

10. Door mats were a big trend that started in 2017 and continued into 2018.  I love doing the 'window shopping' for you – so I took it upon myself to curate some of the best 'Welcome' mats for the home … Post number 10 – Welcome Home

9. The Modern Farmhouse continues to be a popular style and the round up of modern farmhouse stools was a success! You loved the inspiration images and the links to actual stools for purchase…Post number 9 – Modern Farmhouse Stools

8. Decor on a budget is my jam! And when it comes to home staging I like to see just how far my dollar can go – turns out you love those cost friendly tips for home staging, too! Post number 8 – 7 Low Cost Home Staging Tips

7. I have been sharing some small updates and projects around my own home and the update of my son's bedroom was a fan favorite – the furniture, brick wallpaper and the affordable accessories totally transformed his room … Post number 7 – Boys Bedroom Update

6. Pattern tile is something I love and you all do too! I have used pattern tile in some recent projects … I think you felt inspired by these ways to use pattern tile. Post number 6 – How to Use Pattern Tile

5. I was a home stager for about 8 years and I just can't keep a secret when it comes to home staging tips that work! Can you keep a secret? Post number 5 – 10 secrets about home staging

4. Home staging is a must – I believe that and so do you! I shared my 6 must-have props for home staging and you are great listeners (readers) … Post number 4 – The 6 Best Props to Stage your Home

3. Yes, you can make your home look and feel larger and this post shows you how…Post number 3 – 7 Easy Tips to make a small rooms feel big

2. Learn from your mistakes … or maybe just don't try these at home…Post number 2 – 8 Home staging mistakes

1. We all love kitchens and we all know that they are the heart of the home – so it is no surprise that the number 1 post for 2018 is….Home staging tips for the kitchen

I will have many more tips, tricks, trends and of course projects to share with you in 2019! Looking forward to sharing with you and looking forward to hearing about what you have planned for this new year,

The post Top 10 most popular posts from 2018 appeared first on interiorsbykiki.com.

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Skinnytaste Meal Plan (January 14-January 20)

A free 7-day flexible weight loss meal plan including breakfast, lunch and dinner and a shopping list. All recipes include calories and Weight Watchers Freestyle™ SmartPoints®.

This week's plan I am utilizing leftovers for an easy lunch. This Instant Pot Pork Carnitas makes enough for several meals. I serve them with tortillas but you can also serve them over brown rice or a big salad. I also wanted to share that I will be doing a cooking demo next Friday in Macy's Chicago, you can find out more here.

If you're new to my meal plans, I've been sharing these free, 7-day flexible healthy meal plans (you can see my previous meal plans here) that are meant as a guide, with plenty of wiggle room for you to add more food, coffee, beverages, fruits, snacks, dessert, wine, etc or swap recipes out for meals you prefer, you can search for recipes by course in the index. You should aim for around 1500 calories* per day.

There's also a precise, organized grocery list that will make grocery shopping so much easier and much less stressful. Save you money and time. You'll dine out less often, waste less food and you'll have everything you need on hand to help keep you on track.

Lastly, if you're on Facebook join my Skinnytaste Facebook Community where everyone's sharing photos of recipes they are making, you can join here. I'm loving all the ideas everyone's sharing!

Also, if you don't have the Skinnytaste Meal Planner, now would be a great time to get one to get organized for 2019! There was a print error last year, but it's perfect now! You can order it here!

THE DETAILS:

Breakfast and lunch Monday-Friday, are designed to serve 1 while dinners and all meals on Saturday and Sunday are designed to serve a family of 4. Some recipes make enough leftovers for two nights or lunch the next day. While we truly believe there is no one size fits all meal plan, we did our best to come up with something that appeals to a wide range of individuals. Everything is Weight Watchers friendly, I included the updated Weight Watcher Freestyle Points for your convenience, feel free to swap out any recipes you wish or just use this for inspiration!

The grocery list is comprehensive and includes everything you need to make all meals on the plan. I've even included brand recommendations of products I love and use often. Cross check your cabinets because many condiments you'll notice I use often, so you may already have a lot of them.

And last, but certainly not least, this meal plan is flexible and realistic. There's plenty of wiggle room for cocktails, healthy snacks, dessert and dinner out. And if necessary, you can move some things around to make it work with your schedule. Please let me know if you're using these plans, this will help me decide if I should continue sharing them!

MONDAY (1/14) B: Overnight Oats in a Jar (5) L: Chickpea Tuna Salad (0) D: Veggie Lasagna Zucchini Boats (7)

Totals: Freestyle™ SP SP 12, Calories 816*

TUESDAY (1/15) B: 4-Ingredient Flourless Banana-Nut Pancakes (4) L: Chickpea Tuna Salad (0) D: Instant Pot Pork Carnitas** (3) with 2 corn tortillas (3), 2 ounces avocado (3) and Quick and Delicioso Cuban Style Black Beans (1) Totals: Freestyle™ SP 14, Calories 1,071* 

WEDNESDAY (1/16) B: Open-Faced Omelet with Avocado and Pico de Gallo (1) L: LEFTOVER Instant Pot Pork Carnitas (3) with 2 corn tortillas (3) and 2 ounces avocado (3) D: One Skillet Chicken with Bacon and Green Beans (2) and ¾ cup brown rice (5) Totals: Freestyle™  SP 17, Calories 881*

THURSDAY (1/17) B: 4-Ingredient Flourless Banana-Nut Pancakes (4) L: LEFTOVER Instant Pot Pork Carnitas (3) over 2 cups shredded romaine (0) and 2 ounces avocado (3) D: Chunky Beef, Cabbage and Tomato Soup** (3) with 2 ounces multigrain baguette (3) Totals: Freestyle™ SP 16, Calories 895*

FRIDAY (1/18) B: Open-Faced Omelet with Avocado and Pico de Gallo (1) L: LEFTOVER Chunky Beef, Cabbage and Tomato Soup (3) with an apple (0) D: Shrimp Cakes (5) with Creamy Cauliflower Puree (1) and Roasted Broccoli with Smashed Garlic (2) Totals: Freestyle™ SP 12, Calories 867*

SATURDAY (1/19) B: Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats (5) L: 3-Bean Turkey Chili (0) with 2 tablespoons shredded cheddar (2) and 1 tablespoon light sour cream (1) D: DINNER OUT! Totals:  Freestyle™ SP 8, Calories 543*

SUNDAY (1/20) B: LEFTOVER Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats (5) L: LEFTOVER 3-Bean Turkey Chili (0) with 2 tbsps shredded cheddar (2) and 1 tbsp light sour cream (1) D: Instant Pot Chicken Parmesan (4) with 1 cup sautéed zoodles (0) Totals:  Freestyle™ SP 12, Calories 811*

*This is just a guide, women should aim for around 1500 calories per day. Here's a helpful calculator to estimate your calorie needs. I've left plenty of wiggle room for you to add more food such as coffee, beverages, fruits, snacks, dessert, wine, etc.

*Freeze any leftover you/your family won't eat

(more…)

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How to Stick to Your New Year's Cleaning Resolutions

2019 is here and the annual tradition of setting New Year's Resolutions and vowing to break bad habits has begun!

The new year is the perfect time to start afresh and set yourself a few personal goals. This year, why not try setting some resolutions for your home too? From monthly decluttering, to cleaning the fridge once a week, these can be a great way to improve your family's wellbeing and the general cleanliness of your home.

Once you have decided on your resolutions, the hard part is sticking to them! By late February, many of us begin to lose motivation.

Make this year different – we have gathered six tips that are sure to make your New Year's cleaning resolutions a success!

    1. Keep it simple

It is easy to get carried away when making resolutions, especially when filled with the optimism and determination of the new year. In reality, establishing new cleaning habits will take time and willpower. So, the best approach is to settle for a few, simple resolutions. This will allow you to focus your efforts and will make sticking to your goals more achievable.  Check out our post on New Year's Resolutions to Improve Your House's Well-Being for some ideas!

  2. Make a plan, not a wish

Once you have decided on your resolutions, the key is to make them specific. For instance, instead of declaring, 'this year I will keep the fridge organised', it is much more effective to decide, 'this year I will organise the fridge once a week'. Break your goals down into smaller steps and create a plan detailing which day each task will be completed and how often. By creating resolutions that are clear, measurable and scheduled, monitoring your progress will become much easier.

  3. Share it with the family

Sharing your cleaning resolutions with everyone in the house will help to drive your motivation and deter you from giving up. Better yet, getting the children involved will be a great way of sharing the work load and making sure the housekeeping resolutions are kept throughout the year.

  4. Write it down

Make your cleaning resolutions concrete by writing them down. Creating a checklist or a journal can be a great way of tracking your progress. Try placing notes around the house, such as on the noticeboard or fridge, as this will help to remind everyone what should be cleaned and when. A written checklist will keep your motivation alive and ensure your resolutions do not fade into the background after the initial enthusiasm of January!

  5. Reward Yourself

When making your New Year's resolution plan, don't forget to include rewards! Rewarding yourself and your family with a treat, after each successful month of sticking to your cleaning goals, will give you all a sense of achievement and will help to maintain your motivation.

  6. Don't give up!

Slip-ups are the most common reason why people give up on their New Year's resolutions. However, it is important to remember that slip-ups and set backs are inevitable. If you forget to clean the fridge or pass on your weekly declutter, don't view it as a failure or an excuse to give up altogether. Instead, treat every slip-up as a temporary set – back and resolve to get back on track!

  Happy New Year and Good Luck!

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The Cost of Living in Minneapolis, MN

If you're longing for wild expanses of forests and lakes, cold winters with lots of snow, and some of the friendliest folks you'll ever meet, Minneapolis, Minnesota, has all that and more. Now home to many Fortune 500 companies and growing in recognition for its medical and tech research, Minneapolis has become an increasingly popular […]

The post The Cost of Living in Minneapolis, MN appeared first on Unpakt Blog.

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How Much Does Landscape Design Cost?

How Much Does Landscape Design Cost In Portland

Sample Landscape Design

Updated 12/18 to reflect the current cost of landscape design.

When you hire a landscape designer you are paying them to develop a plan for your property. This usually involves drawings that show your landscape from above. You can see placement and relative sizes of proposed elements. Plants are placed, lighting fixtures are specified- the irrigation system layout may even be involved. This design, once in hand, can be given to licensed landscape contractors to bid and install.

But what does it  actually cost to get a landscape design completed?

In general, a full landscape design will cost $500 - $5000. (Ross NW Watergardens usually charges between $1500 and $3000.) Some landscape designers charge an initial consultation fee, ranging from $100 - $250. (We have no initial consultation fee.) What factors affect price?

Modern Landscape Design by Ben Bowen of Ross NW Watergardens

The designer's credentials. Landscape designers can become accredited or certified through a number of organizations. These can be an indicator of experience and skill- they are definitely a cost, which probably gets reflected in their price. A landscape designer with a long career, good reputation, established network, and impressive portfolio is certainly going to cost more. And if your designer is actually a landscape architect, then expect to pay towards the high end of the range above.

Your property. Large properties require large amounts of time at the drafting table or computer and will cost more. Properties with a lot of slopes, existing mature landscapes, extra environmental concerns, or other challenges will push the price up.

Your desires. Sometimes clients call looking for a landscape design, but really just need a planting plan. Basic improvements can be easily worked out and are towards the lower end of the cost spectrum. If you want an outdoor kitchen, deck, water feature, lighting, shed, and whatever else? That's a lot of moving parts and the design fee will reflect that.

Landscape style. Purity is one of the most expensive things in design. An authentic English or Japanese garden takes a lot of knowledge, planning, and skill. A design that prioritizes modern lines, native plantings, wildlife, or low water use narrows options and challenges a designer. We enjoy these kinds of challenges- but they come at a cost.

There are obviously a lot of factors that effect what you pay for a landscape design. But, with the knowledge above you at least have an idea of what your design project could cost. The only way to find out for sure is to contact a local landscape designer and ask!

[kerrychelly-blog]

5 Tax-Saving Tips for Your Small Business

Tax credits and deductions are typically offered to small businesses each year. With a little planning, you can prepare to take advantage of the deductions you may be entitled to. The high-level summary of deductible business expenses from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) can help you get started. Read on to learn what expenses your business may be able to claim.

Equipment and Software Purchases

Your business may qualify for the Section 179 Deduction if you purchased eligible equipment throughout the tax year. This deduction typically allows businesses to claim the full purchase price of any qualifying equipment. Some eligible items might include machinery, printing presses, office furniture, computers and computer software, according to the IRS.

Insurance Costs

Insurance premiums related to issues like malpractice, workers' compensation and property coverage are usually deductible as business expenses, says the IRS. Life insurance and car insurance premiums may be deductible as well, though eligibility depends on circumstances surrounding the coverage - such as who is listed as the beneficiary or how you calculate car expenses. It may be best to confirm eligibility with your tax adviser.

If your business meets the below qualifications, you may also be able to claim the small business health care tax credit, according to the IRS.

Has less than 25 full-time equivalent employees.

Pays average annual wages less than $50,000 per year per full-time equivalent employee.

Offers employees a qualified health plan.

Pays at least 50 percent of the health care coverage costs per employee (excluding dependents).

Keep in mind that a full-time equivalent employee is defined by the IRS as multiple employees who are not full-time employees individually, but whose hours equate to a full-time employee when combined - and a full-time employee works at least 130 hours within a calendar month.

Charitable Contributions

If your small business makes qualified donations to charitable organizations, they may be tax deductible, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration. Not only does this include cash donations, but businesses may also be able to deduct the fair market value of property donations or expenses incurred as the result of volunteer work (such as supplies or telephone expenses).

Energy-Efficiency Equipment

If your business invested in certain types of energy-saving equipment, you may be able to deduct the expenses on your taxes, according to Energy.gov. Examples may include heating or cooling systems, solar lighting or a solar water heater. The Energy.gov website notes specific qualifications, so be sure to check with your tax adviser to see if any of your energy-efficient upgrades qualify.

Accommodations for Qualified Employees

If your business invested in ways to provide access to people with disabilities, you may be eligible to claim a tax credit if you meet certain qualifications, says the IRS. Credits may also be available if your business hired people with disabilities or removed barriers that previously prohibited their ease of mobility. Additionally, if your business employs veterans, you may be able to claim the Work Opportunity Credit, says the IRS.

By putting in time and effort now, you can find out if your small business may be able to benefit from tax breaks. If you think your business qualifies for any tax credits, be sure to consult your tax adviser to see if you can take advantage of the deductions.

The brief discussion of taxes on this page may not be complete or current. The laws and regulations are complex and subject to change. For complete details, consult your attorney or tax adviser.

Originally published on February 19, 2014.

The post 5 Tax-Saving Tips for Your Small Business appeared first on The Allstate Blog.

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How to Clean + Declutter Your Kitchen Counters (and keep them that way!)

You'll be surprised how keeping your counters clear can help eliminate that disorganized and cluttered feeling. Here are a couple quick steps to tackle that kitchen counter clutter once and for all.  If you're doing The Clutter Challenge with me, I hope the timing of this post is perfect. Completely clear your counters. Remove everything […]

The post How to Clean + Declutter Your Kitchen Counters (and keep them that way!) appeared first on Clean Mama.

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No-Equipment Bodyweight Workout

This no-equipment bodyweight strength workout can be done anytime, anywhere. No equipment needed. This is perfect for traveling or at at-home when you don't have time for the gym. You'll be working through a circuit of descending reps of air squats, push-ups, sit-ups and lunges with a set of 15 burpees between each round. How...

Read More

The post No-Equipment Bodyweight Workout appeared first on Running on Real Food.

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IRS to Open Tax Season on Monday, January 28th

The IRS announced yesterday that the 2019 Tax Season will begin on Monday, January 28th:

Despite the government shutdown, the Internal Revenue Service today confirmed that it will process tax returns beginning January 28, 2019 and provide refunds to taxpayers as scheduled.

“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,” said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig.

Congress directed the payment of all tax refunds through a permanent, indefinite appropriation (31 U.S.C. 1324), and the IRS has consistently been of the view that it has authority to pay refunds despite a lapse in annual appropriations. Although in 2011 the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) directed the IRS not to pay refunds during a lapse, OMB has reviewed the relevant law at Treasury's request and concluded that IRS may pay tax refunds during a lapse.

The IRS will be recalling a significant portion of its workforce, currently furloughed as part of the government shutdown, to work. Additional details for the IRS filing season will be included in an updated FY2019 Lapsed Appropriations Contingency Plan to be released publicly in the coming days.

January 28th will be the first date that 2018 tax year business and individual tax returns can be filed with the IRS.