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White Chicken Chili from The Whole30 Slow Cooker, featuring Thrive Market

Sponsored by Thrive Market

Winter is here, and it's chilly (pun intended)! Cozy up with Thrive Market, your go-to online shop for affordable Whole30 Approved staples to use all #JanuaryWhole30 long. Today, we're teaming up with Thrive Market to share a sneak-peek recipe from Melissa Hartwig Urban's newest book, The Whole30 Slow Cooker, featuring more than 150 recipes for your slow cooker and Instant Pot. Prediction: It's your new favorite recipe to enjoy on a chilly evening, made easy when you shop Thrive Market's digital aisles to gather the ingredients you need.

Before you start cooking, click here to shop Melissa's Thrive Market favorites and get an additional 25% off your first order!

White Chicken Chili With Sweet Potatoes

SERVES 4 | PREP: 35 minutes | SLOW COOK: 5 hours (low) or 2 ½ hours (high)| TOTAL: 6 hours Recipe contributed to The Whole30 Slow Cooker by Michele Rosen of Paleo Running Momma

Ingredients 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless Thrive Market Free-Range Organic Chicken Breasts 2 cups Whole30-compliant chicken broth or Chicken Bone Broth (page 294) 1 large white or Japanese sweet potato, peeled and cut into ¾-inch pieces (about 3 cups) 1 small yellow onion, diced 1 can (4 ounces) Thrive Market Mild Green Diced Chiles 1 tablespoon finely chopped seeded jalapeño 4 cloves garlic, minced 2 teaspoons Thrive Market Organic Ground Cumin 1 teaspoon Thrive Market Organic Oregano 1/2 teaspoon Thrive Market Organic Chili Powder 1/8 teaspoon Thrive Market Organic Cayenne Pepper 1 teaspoon sea salt 1/4 teaspoon Thrive Market Organic Ground Pepper 1/2 cup Whole30-compliant Thrive Market Organic Coconut Cream 1 tablespoon Clarified Butter or Thrive Market Organic Ghee 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (optional) 1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro 1 avocado, halved, pitted, peeled, and diced Chopped fresh cilantro or chives, for serving

Instructions

PLACE the chicken in a 4-quart slow cooker. Add the broth, sweet potato, onion, green chiles, jalapeño, garlic, cumin, oregano, chili powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

COOK on low for 5 to 6 hours or on high for 2 1/2 to 3 hours.

TRANSFER the chicken to a plate; cover to keep warm. Turn the slow cooker to high if using the low setting. Add the coconut cream, butter, lime juice, and nutritional yeast (if using) to the slow cooker; stir to combine. Cover and cook for 20 minutes.

USE two forks to shred the chicken. Return the chicken to the slow cooker. Cover and cook for 10 minutes. Stir in the 1 tablespoon minced cilantro.

SERVE with the avocado and more cilantro.

Ready to get cooking? Click here to get an extra 25% off your first Thrive Market order.

This post was sponsored by Thrive Market; thank you for supporting our Whole30 partners.

The post White Chicken Chili from The Whole30 Slow Cooker, featuring Thrive Market appeared first on The Whole30® Program.

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Choosing An Insurance Policy To Meet Your Needs

Nothing is guaranteed in this life. Around any corner, some accident can occur.

While accidents differ in their severity, it's always a good idea to be prepared. Insurance is one way to future-proof yourself against the worst and to make sure you aren't taking a financial hit out of the blue.

Consider the below to be the primary type of insurance policies you may need.

Home Insurance

If you own your home, then this is a legal requirement. Even if you don't own a property, there are other types of home insurance that you should know about.

Home insurance offers unexpected benefits including that it can cover you against an injury that someone else suffers while on your property.

Depending on the coverage you pay for, you may be able to claim the following:

Damage to your home 

Loss of property due to theft

Damage due to fire

The expense of temporary housing due to repairs leaving your home uninhabitable 

These are some of the standard options, but there are others that generally cost extra. You can also claim any damage that might occur to your personal belongings. For example, with the right coverage, if you spill water on your laptop and it stops working, you would be able to claim that through your insurance.

One thing that doesn't always come as standard is natural disaster insurance. However, if this is something that you are concerned about, then speak to your insurance company to see if it can be added.

InsuranceJournal.com reported, of 2017's 330 natural disasters, insurance losses were over $134 billion showing the importance of being covered.

Life Insurance

Some companies will offer a level of life insurance as part of their care package for employees, but outside of that, there are a couple of options.  

Term life is the most common. This covers you for a selected period. This is the more cost-effective option.  Whole life, as you might expect, covers an individual for a lifetime. This type of insurance often comes with money guarantees and is continuous as long as you keep making payments.

There are some things to remember with life insurance. If you have suffered from a life-threatening illness, then it can be harder to find coverage. Still, some providers tailor policies for such individuals.  Some will require a medical exam, while others can include other family members.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance coverage can be taken out to insure individual trips. There is also accident insurance that can protect you in the event of baggage loss, injuries, and even accidental death. Your health or life insurance is unlikely to cover you when abroad, and medical bills can be expensive.

To save money on your travel insurance, you could choose only to get travel medical insurance. However, most of the time, this will not cover you in the event of delays, cancellations, or anything other than health-related claims.

Annual travel insurance protects you all year round. If you travel often, then this might be the most relevant type of travel insurance for you.

If you are embarking on a holiday that involves extreme sports, such as snowboarding, skiing, or surfing, then you may wish to check if you need to an extra layer of insurance as you may not be covered in the event of an accident.

Medical Insurance

Depending on what health plan you choose, you can expect to pay a percentage of any medical costs. The percentage gets lower the higher the level of coverage.

Here are the four levels of coverage. The individual pays the remainder of the medical costs:

Bronze – Covers 60% of medical costs

Silver – 70%

Gold  – 80%

Platinum – 90%

Below are the five most common types of medical insurance plans

Health maintenance organizations – You don't get as much freedom to choose your care provider should you need it with this type of policy.

Preferred provider organizations – You'll have more freedom to choose a provider, but this can cost more money.

Exclusive provider organizations – You can choose the care provider, as long as it is within the insurance company's network.

High deductible health plans – Often combined with a health-related savings account. The money you pay with is free from taxes.

Point of service plans – Expect a limited choice of provider, but at a lower premium.

Car Insurance

Most states require auto insurance before you get behind the wheel. There are a few types to remember.

Liability coverage – covers other people and their property in the event of an accident that you caused.

Collision coverage – coverage for any road accident, whether it's your fault or not.

Comprehensive coverage – this helps to cover damage caused by a third party, fire or theft. Sometimes even natural disasters are included as part of the coverage.

Personal injury protection – this is a requirement in some states that can cover your medical expenses that are the result of a road accident.

As with many types of insurance, a deductible will often be required. The lower the deductible, the higher the overall price of your insurance is likely to be.

Of course, everyone hopes that none of these are ever needed, but it is always best to protect yourself against the unexpected.

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Staying Connected: Smart Kitchen Charging Stations to Make Your Life Easier

We live in times when being separated from our precious gadgets for a few fleeting moments seems more painful and intolerable than being away from people we love for days! The tech-savvy world around us is one where staying connected is the most important aspect of life. We tend to share pretty much everything and anything with people we know and don't know as well! Of course, ironically we only seem to share information while guarding our material possessions ever so dearly. That aside, practicality demands we have our gadgets always ready and charged at all times. And it is here that the smart kitchen charging stations come in handy.

Oxidized metal enclosure provides the charging ports in this uber-contemporary kitchen [From: Balestri Architects / Mikiko Kikuyama Photography]

We just cannot live without our dear smartphone, iPad or laptop even for an hour or two. There is this constant compulsion to go back to it at all times. It is an interesting conundrum and a pattern that we are increasingly becoming a part of. Kitchen charging stations help in making sure that your devices are always powered up and you will not have to part with them either! With the kitchen becoming the new 'social hangout' in most homes, it makes sense to create a charging station that serves the family's need. Short on ideas? Flip through the very best below and make your life a whole lot easier –

Kitchen Drawers as Charging Stations

This is the simplest of all ideas and it works best because it is so uncomplicated and cost-effective as well. Turning one of those many drawers in the kitchen into your charging station is both easy and efficient. Most of your gadgets will easily fit into the drawer and with a closed space like this, you will not have to worry about ungainly ports and many cables disturbing the kitchen aesthetic. The best part of the drawer that doubles as charging station is the fact that it provides a secure home for your tablet, smartphone and laptop in the kitchen – one away from fire, spills and other freak accidents.

RELATED: 24 Tiny Island Ideas for the Smart Modern Kitchen

Kitchen island is the perfect place to have a cabinet wth charging points [From: Studio Dearborn]

Perfect kitchen charging station that can be hidden from view with ease [From: Tracey Stephens Interior Design]

Spacious charging station in the kitchen can power up everything from your laptop to iPad [From: Richard Burke Design]

A perfect place to charge your iPads and smartphones in the kitchen!

Dedicated cabinet for charging your gadgets in the kitchen makes your life a whole lot easier [From: Henderer Design + Build / Jacob Williamson Photography]

A More Open Affair!

Prefer you smartphone or tablet to be always in your sight so that you can respond at a moments notice? You might want to do something about that addition, but for those who do insist, there are many ways in which the open charging station can be placed in the kitchen. Corners are often the best spots and they also generally tend to have charging points, making the taks a whole lot easier. Some might prefer the kitchen island countertop instead, but this is for those who are careful enough to not spill around all the time. Take your pick and get started right away!

RELATED: 20 Charming Coffee Stations to Wake Up to Every Morning

Little nooks with charging points in the kitchen keep you connected at all times [From: Ogawa Fisher Architects]

Use the kitchen corners to create a smart charging station [From: Terracotta Studio]

Contemporary built-in charging station for the kitchen island

Custom designed cabinet in kitchen with charging points [From: Starline Cabinets]

What Works for You?

Explore all the options out there before you settle on a kitchen charging station. We absolutely love the idea of simple flip-out charging stattions that come with USB ports instead of the traditional electrical outlets. This makes chaging a whole lot easier for you and the need of an adapter is done away with. You can just close the little unit when done and it can be easily hooked on to everything from the island countertop to a corner in the worktop. Cabinets with greater number of outlets and custom cabinets are smart options for large families where just a few ports will not do the trick.

RELATED: Elegant Stage Offers A Discreet Charging Shelf For Your Smart Gadgets

Hidden cabinets in the kitchen combine aesthetics with practicality [From: Lane Homes & Remodeling]

Time to hide away your wires and charging points with ease [From: Hammer Design Build Remodel]

Tip-out drawers are a great way to save space in the kitchen [From: Arbor Mills]

Cabinet at the end of the kitchen island acts as the charging station [From: behold design / Forte in Focus Photography]

As you wait for home surfaces and countertops that will charge gadgets automatically when placed upon them (trust us, that day is not far away), think about getting a small and smart charging station for your kitchen this season. It is an idea the whole family will appreciate!

You're reading Staying Connected: Smart Kitchen Charging Stations to Make Your Life Easier, originally posted on Decoist. If you enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Decoist on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.

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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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How Patio Planning Goes from Overwhelming to Fun and Easy

If you're in the process of patio planning, even if you've only just begun your research, then you may have already realized that there's a lot involved. There are so many different factors in play and a big range of choices when it comes to patio materials and even patio builders (all with different price ranges), and you might feel terribly overwhelmed.

If you are going to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a new patio, you want it to be perfect. It ought to not only look nice but should not have ongoing problems with it either. You should be able to create a patio that meets your needs and doesn't have you wondering if you wasted your money.

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Remodeling Your Bathroom for the New Year

The new year is a great time to take on new projects. Maybe your goal is to make it to the gym more, budget more responsibly, or take on new endeavors around the house. The new year is also a great time to start thinking about remodeling your bathroom. Here are some things to consider if you are thinking about remodeling in the new year:

A Great Seasonal Gift

The holidays are the perfect time for a bathroom remodel because they make a great gift. A brand new, luxury bathroom is the perfect present not just for yourself, but for your entire family. If you are looking for a last minute gift idea that everyone can enjoy, you should consider a bathroom remodel. Your family bathroom is a place that everybody benefits from. Whether it's relaxing in a long bath after a hard day at work or primping in front of a beautiful new vanity as you prepare to take on the day, your bathroom is a crucial part of your regular routine. A new bathroom will give your entire family a space to enjoy and will help to improve the overall aesthetics of your home.

Accommodate Your Family

As your family grows over the years and your kids start to get older, you are going to need more space and storage to accommodate everybody's schedules and needs. When you take the time to create a brand new bathroom in your home, you should account for every member of your household and customize your design around your family's needs.  Do your kids need more places for toiletries? Add some cabinets! Do you need a place to relax and unwind? Add a brand new luxury tub for soaking! When you do a bathroom remodel with Luxury Bath, you will be able to customize every detail of your space to make it work for you. You'll love having the extra space and accommodations, and your family will be so thankful that you made the change.

Increase Your Home Value

One of the benefits of adding in a brand new, luxury bathroom is that it can greatly increase the value of your home. Whether you are looking to sell in the near future or thinking about it a few years down the line, the addition of a beautiful bathroom space is a big selling point among potential buyers. A luxury bathroom is a great asset to have and is a wise investment that can pay off in the future.

It Only Takes One Day

One of the best parts of a bathroom remodel with your experts here at Luxury Bath is that it only takes one day. Yes, that's right. In just one day you can have a brand new bathroom. This means that you and your family will not be inconvenienced or cut off from your bathroom space for weeks at a time while renovations are being done. Our team of experts will help you map out exactly what you want for your space and execute the design and remodel quickly, neatly, and efficiently.  When you decide to upgrade with our company, we will have your brand new space ready in no time at all.

New Year, New Bathroom

One of the best parts about a bathroom remodel for the new year is that it gives you a brand new space and a fresh start. One of the best parts of New Year's is that you get a clean slate and a new beginning. This new space will add a fun spin and change of scenery to your home and is a great way to kick off the new year. This year, take the time to tackle new projects and start new endeavors to better yourself and your home.

If you are interested in a free, in-home estimate or simply want to learn more about your remodeling options, contact us today. We can help create a plan to get the bathroom that you have always wanted and can help you get a brand new space for the new year. Give us a call today at 614-475-7700.

The post Remodeling Your Bathroom for the New Year appeared first on Luxury Bathroom Remodeling - One Day Bath Remodels - Onyx Collection.

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Broccoli Pesto Pasta with Chickpea Casarecce

Post sponsored by Barilla. See below for more details.

There is nothing quite as delicious as a simple bowl of pasta tossed with a bit of pesto. This take with an easy broccoli pesto pasta is one of the ways I keep the pasta/pesto combination alive during the colder months when basil isn't as abundant. Best of all, this dish is gluten-free (thanks to Barilla chickpea pasta) with a suggestion on how to make it vegan!

Broccoli pesto

About the pesto:

One of my favorite items to play around with is the concept of pesto. A few herbs, some cheese, garlic, and lemon juice. It's simple but the possibilities are endless. This broccoli version is a favorite of mine in the cooler months, especially when basil isn't in season and it can get quite expensive at the store.

How else to use it

This pesto version can be used in all the same ways traditional pesto is used. Slather it on grilled cheese sandwiches. Use on grain bowls. Or, try it in one of my favorite's, a broccoli melt.

Swaps you can make

Of course, you don't have to use broccoli. I also love to make a similar pesto using hearty greens such as kale or chard. You could also add nuts, such as pine nuts (traditional), almonds, or walnuts (a good choice with the broccoli!)

Make it vegan

Cheese swap

There are a couple things you need to change to make this vegan but it's not terribly difficult. First, swap out the cheese. For the pesto I'd recommend using a sprinkle of nutritional yeast in place of the parmesan and just leave the parmesan off the topping.

Cream swap

As for the cream, play into the pesto a bit and use a nut-cream of a nut that would work well with the broccoli. Try almond or walnut cream. Or, if you happen to have it on hand already, cashew cream would work well in place of the heavy cream.

Barilla's Chickpea Casarecce Pasta

This chickpea casarecce pasta is part of Barilla's new line of legume-only pasta. I love this fun shape and it's the perfect pasta for saucey pastas. If you're using this pasta as a swap for traditional pasta, you might need a bit extra sauce- it soaks up the sauce fast. I like to keep a bit of extra pasta water on hand to thin the sauce as needed!You can find all four varieties (Red Lentil Penne, Red Lentil Rotini, Chickpea Rotini and Chickpea Casarecce) on Amazon

[tasty-recipe id="37689"]

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The post Broccoli Pesto Pasta with Chickpea Casarecce appeared first on Naturally..

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Open Shelves Styled for Winter

The post-holiday home can be a confusing one to decorate, am I right?  Do I take down all the decorations?  Leave some of them?  Why does my house look so empty?  These are the burning questions churning through my mind, you guys.  I've really simplified everywhere, but I left a few of the holiday decorations, that can also pass as winter decor on my open shelving in the eating area.  The result is a pretty, winter-y open shelving situation.

The funny thing about these shelves, is that I've really changed them very little since I got these open shelves almost 3 years ago. Sure, I add or remove things on occasion, but they've stayed very similar for a long time.  For my holiday decor, I added some LED House Ornaments, and some sparkly, winter sprigs in copper little copper canisters.  I also added some twinkly garland at the top.  To me, this whole look completely passes as “winter appropriate,” so I just left them as-is for the remainder of the winter.

I love the idea that I can leave some of my holiday decor out for the next few months.  I really love the clean and fresh feel of the house after the Christmas decorations are put away, but I also love leaving a little bit of sparkle out.

I'm working on a post for next week that highlights 20 of my current favorite decor pieces for under $40.  If you're looking for some open-shelving inspiration, be sure to check back!

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Turn on your JavaScript to view content

Last year I wrote a post with all of my tips for How to Style Open Shelves, be sure to check it out!

Have a great day!

The post Open Shelves Styled for Winter appeared first on House by Hoff.

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The Landscape Revisited - My most valuable lessons of 2018

The 2018 growing season is coming to a close. Thanksgiving is behind us and the next holiday season is closing in. In Massachusetts, we've already had eight inches of snow dumped on us. At my company, as we're valiantly struggling to keep working through the snow, rain, frost, and mud, I realize the mixed blessing that garden making is for me, my staff and our clients. Full of ups and downs, successes and failures, working in the landscape and with nature is not a task that anyone should take on if they expect a predictable, repeatable work environment. That isn't a good description of the outside work life...at least not where I live.

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Save energy and money with this diet for your dryer

Your clothes dryer is one of the biggest energy hogs in your house. Turn these 10 tips into habits, and you'll see the difference in your bill.

We all know that line-drying our laundry under the sun is the green thing to do. Some of us actually enjoy it. But what if you live in a city apartment? What if it's been pouring rain for two days straight? What if you just can't cope with wrangling 75 clothespins today?

Thank God for modern appliances.

Just keep in mind that your clothes dryer is one of the biggest energy hogs in your house, often using more electricity than a newer refrigerator and dishwasher combined. Nationwide, according to Green Building Advisor, clothes dryers account for a whopping 6 percent of all household electric use!

Here's how to dry with less energy - and less money. You can turn these 10 tips into habits in no time.

1. Get as much water out of the clothes as possible

If your washing machine has the option, go with the fastest spin cycle. (Front-loaders can spin way faster than top-loaders.) It can make a dramatic difference in your dry time, whether you use the dryer or the sun. BTW, indoor racks are a green option too, if you have the space.

2. Dry heavy and light items separately

That way, you won't spend extra energy on the things that need less drying time. Dry towels separately, for example.

3. Untangle things and put them in one at a time

You need air circulation in there, not a big wet ball. There's a lot of debate about whether dryer balls actually help keep things separated and reduce drying time, but they can't hurt.

4. Don't do partial loads, but don't overcrowd

Overcrowding means less air circulation and longer dry times. Half to three-quarters full is a good limit.

5. Keep the lint filter and the vent clean

For better air circulation, clean the lint filter every time you dry and check the vent at least once a year. Lint can also create a serious fire hazard. Dryer sheets leave a film that also impedes air flow. If you use them, scrub the filter monthly.

6. Don't use timed cycles

Your machine might keep going past dry. Newer dryers have moisture sensors that turn them off promptly.

7. Don't add more after you start the cycle

If you do, you're adding water, and it's almost like starting over.

8. Use the cool-down cycle at the end

Residual heat will finish the job.

9. Stop short of bone-dry

Hang stuff up to dry the rest of the way if necessary. Slightly damp clothes won't be wrinkled either, which reduces the need for energy-intensive ironing. You'll extend the life of your clothes too - heat is hard on fabric.

10. Dry two or more loads in a row

You'll get the benefit of residual heat.

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7 tips to planning a bathroom renovation

When planning a bathroom renovation, you need to choose a design option that meets your existing and future needs. This may be a simple renovation to replace fixtures or a complex project to change the layout and enlarge the bathroom.

Our guide to planning a bathroom renovation will give you plenty of food for thought so you can decide how to proceed.

1. Bathroom layout

Think about your current bathroom layout. Is it flexible enough to meet your existing or future needs for space and storage? Is there anything about the layout that bothers you, e.g. perhaps it's noticeably cold or drafty while taking a bath or feels cramped and poky?

Get a bathroom designer in to assess the structure carefully so you know the limits of your bathroom. The proposed renovation must either fit the existing structure or the required structural changes must be possible. They can also draw you up a basic draft of the best layout for the space.

2. Fixtures

When it comes to fixtures, it's a good idea to create a wish list of everything you want in your bathroom reno. After all, modern bathrooms are all about pampering, as well as functionality.

Even if you have to cut your list back at a later date due to budget or size constraints, at least it'll be a conscious decision, and not because you didn't realise you could have it.

Fixtures you might want to consider for a new layout include:

His & hers sinks Free standing bath Whirlpool tub Shower or bath niche Twin showers New toilet Underfloor heating Heated towel rail Adding windows or skylights New ventilation fan.

3. Lighting

The right lighting can make a huge difference to the final look and functionality of your bathroom. So this should be an important consideration and not just an afterthought.

Think about the existing lighting. Is it visually pleasing or is it outdated? Does it use energy efficiently? Does it give out adequate light or do you need more overall light or task lighting?

Ideally, a bathroom should have a few layers of lighting including:

Ambient – such as recessed fixtures or wall sconces

Task – to illuminate the vanity mirror

Decorative – for adding interest to the space

In a bathroom reno, a lighting update may be as simple as replacing the existing fixtures with new ones or as complex as a complete redesign. If you're adding a lot of new features, then you may need new wiring and outlets for increased loads (e.g. whirlpool tubs or underfloor heating).

4. Colour ideas

Choosing a colour scheme is one of the most important factors of a bathroom reno. The right colours will make you want to spend time in your new bathroom, not avoid it.

You may have set ideas on the colours you want to use, or you may need more time to research ideas on interior decorating sites.

If you're not sure where to start or don't want to get it wrong, here are some ideas to help you out:

Use colour cues from materials you've already chosen, e.g. tile tones, marble veins.

Carry a colour palette through from another room in the house, e.g. the kitchen for cohesion and flow.

Create a mood board of tile, paint and fabric samples, so you can see how it all looks together.

Use neutrals, such as grey and white, as your base and add colours with accessories like towels, a pot plant, or fancy hand wash.

5. Storage requirements

Not enough bathroom storage is a common complaint for many homeowners. So make sure your new bathroom takes care of all your storage needs.

Think about how many people will use the bathroom on a regular basis. If it's an ensuite for a master bedroom, for example, then you won't need as much storage as a family bathroom does.

What items do you want to store in the bathroom for ease of access: towels, toilet paper, extra shampoo, toothpaste?

What kind of storage do you want, inbuilt or freestanding? Even if you have a small bathroom you can get creative by adding inset shelving to a wall, a corner or above the doorway.

6. Tiling height

Choosing the right tiling height is important when renovating because it will affect the overall look and feel of the bathroom. As well as the cost.

You can tile to a certain level, for example, to the top of the window or door architrave. You can also have different tiling levels in the one bathroom or you can tile to the ceiling. All will have a different effect on how the bathroom will look.

Speak to a bathroom designer about tiling to get professional advice on what will work in your space.

7. What to budget?

A complete bathroom renovation, in general, cost you between $20,000 and $30,000, a luxury bathroom renovation over $50,000.

At the end of the day, the overall cost estimate of the bathroom renovation will be affected by how labour intensive it is, (e.g. tilers, plumbers, builders) and the how many luxury features you add.

To keep within your budget, prioritise your wishlist and avoid a bathroom renovation blowout by:

Making a plan and sticking to it

Keeping to the layout you have rather than restructuring

Shopping around for the best price on fixtures

Using reputable tradespeople who stick to budgets

Not overspending on designer fixtures.

If you'd like to find out what's possible in terms of a bathroom renovation in your space, get in touch with the team at Bubbles Bathrooms today – we look forward to hearing from you!

The post 7 tips to planning a bathroom renovation appeared first on Bubbles Bathrooms.

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New Life "Paints It Forward" for Ezra Lionheart

Hey everyone, Noah Winkles here from New Life Painting. This is going to be our first annual Pain It Forward for Ezra Lionheart. We are doing this in memory of Ezra, my best friend, Eric, and his wife, Sarah who are a part of a program called Angels Foster Care, and they had Ezra for about seven months, and he had passed away a year ago.

So what we're doing is we're going to do a Paint It Forward in his memory. We worked with Angels to get Cindy and Wally Hernandez and we're going to be painting their house today. We chose them just because they have worked with Angels for about six years. They've had 15 kids through their house in the foster program and so we're super thankful, and really happy to work with them and paint their house.  For colors, we're going to go from this sand color and the green fascia, and we're going to go to a bare color which is called perfect taupe. It's kind of a silver taupe color that's going to be for the stucco, and then it's "Starless Night" is going to be for the fascia, which is kind of a dark navy blue. And then the black is Black Bordeaux, and that's going to be going around for the doors and for some of the trim. So those are going to be the three colors we are going to use.

I want to thank Kelly-Moore Paints and Lalo at Kelly-Moore for donating about 25 gallons to repaint this home. We want to just say thank you for that.  

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Do Gutters Increase Home Value? Here's How Top Appraisers Assess the Water Shields of the House

Gutters are the unsung heroes of real estate. They don't earn compliments like a property's gorgeous landscaping or the rustic tile selection of your master shower will. But without them, a home's structural integrity is at risk.

Every day 14,000 homeowners face water emergencies while 37% have claimed losses due to water issues. Meanwhile, homeowners insurance companies pay out $2.5 billion in water damage losses every year. Gutters serve the critical role of pushing water where it needs to be: away from the house to avoid foundation erosion and roof leaks.

“When I go out to appraise a property for a lender, they will almost never lend on a property that doesn't have gutters and downspouts that are functional,” said Jerin Harper, a home appraiser in Oregon with a decade of experience.

“In this instance, I would be required to provide a 'cost-to-cure,' which is an estimate to install or repair gutters and downspouts. The cost-to-cure figure can then be subtracted from the overall home value.”

So do gutters increase home value? Not exactly, because they're like the tires of a car: buyers expect a property to have them in good working condition, or they'll pay less for it. We'll help you get up to speed on homeownership and gutters with insights from top appraisers around the country who explain:

How gutters shield the house from ice dams and foundation problems

The numbers on dirty or damaged gutters and how they detract from your home's value

Pro tips on gutter material selection, installation, and add-ons to maximize ROI

Gutters as guardians of the house: Protecting against ice damming and foundation erosion

Imagine you're sitting in your living room on a chilly winter day watching television, when suddenly you feel a drop of water on your head. And then another, and another. You look up to find a wet patch spreading out on your ceiling just above you.

Or, picture this: It's been a stormy few days with lots of rain. You go outside to clean up after the storm and to your horror, find that some of your foundation has washed away-but only in one spot that should have been difficult for the water to reach.

The culprit in both situations? In most cases, bad gutters. Properly constructed and clean gutters are essential to preventing water damage to your home.

The first scenario likely due to an issue called ice damming on the roof, where the water melting from a warmer part of your roof can't escape. This typically happens when gutters haven't been cleaned out properly, the water freezes, and then the ice accumulates under your shingles, melting and damaging the attic or ceiling in your home.

The second scenario could be thanks to a broken gutter or a missing downspout-the water is dumping down onto your foundation instead of getting pushed away from the house.

“You need to have gutters because you're going to start affecting your foundation significantly if you don't direct water away appropriately,” said Brett Young, a top-selling agent in Indianapolis. “It's not an option out here, honestly. If you're buying a house that doesn't have gutters on it, it's probably because it's a bank sale home and it's all beat up.”

Granted, some locations don't need gutters as much as others-like Arizona, for example, where Young used to live.

Some homes out there didn't have gutters and it wasn't a big deal, essentially because it's the desert and there's just not that much rain. But even in that situation, it's better to have them rather than not, just in case a storm comes through that is strong enough to damage your home.

No gutters (or gutters in poor condition) will detract value from your house

Not only will a lack of gutters or ones with issues hurt your home and affect the sale, it could also actively lower your home's value.

Whether you don't have any gutters or the ones you have are dirty, broken or improperly attached, you're compromising the longevity of the home by leaving it open to other problems. And those problems will have an effect on the appraisal when you're trying to sell.

Harper notes gutters in poor condition could detract between $500 and $1,000 from the value of an average-sized house with a straightforward installation by a professional.

“Gutters are part of the real estate, but there's not a specific adjustment line for gutters,” said Michael Keough, a 30-year residential home appraiser in New Jersey. “If the lack of gutters is ruining something, you'll detract from that item.”

In some cases, the missing or damaged gutters can even end a sale before it begins.

Good gutters will attract buyers but don't necessarily add value

All that being said, gutters themselves typically won't increase the value of your home. They're standard, especially in areas with a lot of rain, and having them isn't anything special.

“People don't just normally install gutters for the aesthetics of the gutters,” said Edmond (Buddy) Eslava, a nationally renowned appraiser with the Appraisal Consultant Group in the Mobile, Alabama. “If you needed them and didn't have them, it would detract value. But having them won't add value.”

You can, though, add overall perceived value to your home based on the gutters themselves. Our experts shared some tips on what to do to make your gutters work for your home sale.

Make sure your gutters are installed properly.

There are two important pieces to this equation. Proper gutter installation means making sure the water is being diverted far away enough from the house so no damage is sustained around the foundation or on the siding.

But you also have to make sure they're level-meaning no water is left to pool up in them with nowhere to drain. If that happens, they can start to draw an accumulation of mosquitos and other nasty bugs or cause ice damming.

Match your gutters to your home.

Just like any other part of your property, including outbuildings, shutters, garages, and even gazebos, you'll want to make sure the color and size of your gutters are appropriate for your home.

For the color, typically the gutters will be the same color as the outdoor trim. As far as sizing, Young notes that the standard size used to be four inches, but now it's up to six inches-so get the larger ones.

Eslava agrees, noting that eight-inch gutters are available too, and you should opt for those ones instead of the six-inch. But, if your house is a bit smaller and the large gutters would look out of place, then stay with a smaller size.

It's also critical to have enough downspouts. The general rule is one downspout for every 35 or so feet of gutter.

Stick with the standard gutter materials.

Seams are out. If you want gutters that will bring value to your home, skip them and go for a seamless option. It looks tidier and more professional. Typically, gutters are metal or aluminum; the actual material doesn't matter much as long as the gutters are sturdy, functional, and match your house. Each material does have pluses and minuses, though.

Aluminum: These resist corrosion and are relatively inexpensive, plus they're lightweight and the standard material. But they can have strength problems and may break under pressure.

Metal, like copper or steel: These types of gutters are heavy, expensive, and difficult to install. But they're stronger than aluminum and work well for matching a certain aesthetic on the outside of your home.

Vinyl or plastic: These are generally the cheapest type of gutter and they're easily installed, but they come with several drawbacks. They can discolor easily, and they're the weakest of the top three options.

Get gutter guards: Gutter guards are covers that go over your gutters to stop junk from building up inside them. These are your first line of defense if you live in a heavily wooded area or have a lot of trees near your house.

They'll stop leaves and sticks from getting in, and will keep squirrels and their seeds out-so you don't have to worry about looking up one day to see a patch of sunflowers sprouting from the edge of your roof. As a plus, Young says having gutter guards could add value to a home appraisal.

Skip the rain collection system: Well, unless you really want one. Young says that he's never seen a rain barrel or rain collection system add to the actual value of the house-though some buyers may like having it. Some won't, though, so go with your personal preference on this one.

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Top Reasons to Plan Your Spring Landscaping in Winter

In landscaping, winter means spring. The more you plan ahead, the sooner spring will arrive outside your home. Plus, you'll get to spend the season enjoying your outdoor space rather than working on it. Picture it now: You're soaking up the sun on that first warm day-reading and lounging, rather than pulling and planting. If that's not enough to get you inspired, here are the top reasons to start planning your spring landscaping in winter.

Better Scheduling By the time the whispers of spring being in the air begin, your favorite landscape architect's schedule has probably filled up considerably. If you have a design-build project in mind-such as a patio, poolscape or outdoor kitchen-winter is the ideal time to book your desired company and a time frame that is convenient for you.

Pass the Time During the long stretch of winter, we all daydream about the reward of spring and summer. The problem is that doing so tends to make winter feel even longer. Instead of wishing, we can be working-and when we're spending winter working on your vision for when spring finally arrives, the time can fly like you never thought possible. Trust us and try it!

Enjoy the Process Using winter as the prep window for spring also allows you to take your time and enjoy the creativity that comes with landscaping. You can be deliberate with your decisions around plants, hardscaping and other features, without feeling like you're losing the few months of warmth we're entitled to as New Jerseyans. If you wait until spring is in full swing to get started, you could very well find yourself looking to the following spring-a full year down the road-as the one for which your space will be ready to host a bright and sunny get-together.

First to See Spring When you plan ahead, you'll have little to do in April other than wait for that blissful feeling in the air to arrive and embrace the natural beauty that follows. Ready to turn this winter into spring planning? Contact High Tech Landscapes today!

  The post Top Reasons to Plan Your Spring Landscaping in Winter appeared first on Hightech Landscapes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sheepishly he nodded.

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

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

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

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

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

Guess what?

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

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

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

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

CLICK HERE TO GET TICKET and BOOK ROOM!

Regain Your Pioneering Spirit…

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Is It Worth It?…

Owners reveal what they discovered at the Painting Profits Summit without pulling any punches. Yikes! These guys give it to you straight…

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

[pedrobsaunders-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.

[pedrobsaunders-blog]

Printable Desk Pad To-Do List

They say some things never change: death, taxes…and to-do lists. Okay…maybe I added that last one.

I'm sure we can all agree that to-do lists are a part of life that will never go away…and if I'm being honest, there are few to-do list items that carried over from 2018! As long as we'lre going to have to-do lists, we'd might as well make them pretty, printable and FREE. I've got all three covered with this adorable printable desk pad to-do list that will look lovely in your home office or at your work desk. Either way, I can promise friends and coworkers will ask about the trendy, expensive boutique where you bought it. Don't worry, you don't have to tell them you got it for free. Your secret's safe with me!

This to-do list is a biggie …not some puny little notepad that will get crumpled and lost in the depths of your tote bag. This baby weighs in a 11×17″ and is printable with the magic of the Canon PIXMA TS9521C printer. This printer can tackle a variety of paper sizes and offers borderless printing on 12×12″, 7×10″, 11×17 and more! Today, we're printing on tabloid sized sheets and assembling them into a tear-away notepad that will keep you organized all year long!

CLICK HERE to download and print yours!

STEP ONE

To print your to-do list, you'll need the Canon PIXMA TS9521C printer loaded with 11×17″ paper in the rear tray. You'll also need a piece of chipboard (optional) , some decoupage glue, a paint brush and a few bull clips.

  STEP TWO:

Clip the pages together then brush the edges with decoupage glue. Allow it to dry completely then go back with another layer of glue. Once it's completely dried, the glue will hold the pages together and you can tear them away as you complete each week!

So easy and a colorful way to stay organized!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Canon. The opinions and text are all mine.

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