traceyropper-blog - Tumblr blog

traceyropper-blog · 5 years

Text

America's Safest Affordable Cities … That Won't Put You to Sleep

mihailomilovanovic/iStock

Buying a home these days is a high-stakes, need-to-have/nice-to-have equation. You need a home within an hour's drive of work; it would be nice to have one that's in walkable distance. You need a full-size kitchen with room for your five-person brood; it would be nice to have a chef's kitchen with La Cornue Grand Palais range, Meneghini Arredamenti fridge, and, heck, a Mugnaini wood-fired pizza oven. You need at least 2.5 bathrooms; it would be nice to have a master en suite spa with a touchscreen-controlled smart bidet. Dream the dream, my friends!

So what's the neediest of all need-to-haves? You need to find a safe place to live where you can still afford a great home. And wouldn't it be nice if there were even fun stuff to do after work and on weekends? Yes, indeed.

Realtor.com set out to find these seductive strongholds where you can have it all. And we're not talking about the boonies: We zeroed in on metropolitan areas, which include cities and the surrounding suburbs. (Note: Cities often have higher crime rates than their less-populated surroundings.)

Research-and common sense-indicates that when crime goes up, property values go down. Meanwhile, home buyers will pay more to live in locations with lower rates of violent crime, according to a 2015 Auburn University study. It doesn't hurt that these areas typically also have top public schools.

“When homeowners think about the biggest investment of their life, top of mind is how safe an area would be to live in and raise a family,” says Rick Palacios Jr., director of research at John Burns Real Estate Consulting.

They also want to make sure that their investment appreciates over time, which it typically won't do as much in areas with growing crime. “High crime rates unnerve potential home buyers,” he says. Um, yeah.

The good news: Crime has declined sharply since the early '90s. Violent offenses, which include homicide, assault, and robbery, plummeted 49% from 1993 to 2017, according to FBI data. This explains why some of our safest places were once known for riots and rampant car thefts before they rebounded. (The downside: Gentrification is leading to some longtime residents being priced out.)

The places that made our affordable safe harbor ranking are a mix of smaller metros that never really struggled with high crime, and cities once riddled with problems that have successfully pulled off a turnaround. Our list is concentrated on resurgent Midwest, Southern, and Rust Belt cities. No Western metros were included because home prices are simply too high.

We analyzed crime data provided by NeighborhoodScout, a website that tracks community data, focusing on America's 150 largest metros. We eliminated those with high rates of violent or property crime, and with home prices above the (roughly) $300,000 national median. Next, we zeroed in on cities with great extracurriculars-running the gamut from nightlife, to kayaking, to great indie bookstores-as tracked on Yelp.com.**

Safety, affordability, and fun! Yep, they can coexist. Let's take a tour.

Safest affordable metros

Tony Frenzel

1. Grand Rapids, MI

Median home list rice: $280,000 Total crime rate: 18.38%

Luxury condo building in Grand Rapids, MI

realtor.com

As some Michigan cities, including Flint and Detroit, continue to face hard times, Grand Rapids is booming. The very low 2.5% metro unemployment rate is reason No. 1 for the upswing.

“The economy is strong here, with lots of jobs at different levels,” says Trisha Cornelius, a local real estate agent with Keller Williams. “The neighborhoods are affordable and clean. There isn't much in the way of urban blight.”

Indeed, only 2.2% of homes here are vacant, compared with 9.6% in Flint and 6.5% in Detroit, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Meanwhile, the metro has been attracting younger residents lured by those plentiful gigs, the affordable housing, and the influx of craft breweries in the area.

“A 25-year-old can actually afford to buy a home here,” Cornelius says. They're snagging luxury, one-bedroom condos priced at around $200,000 like this converted, historic school building spanning two city blocks.

But bargain prices won't last forever. While the national housing market is starting to slow, realtor.com projects Grand Rapids will be the second-hottest market in 2019, with a 8.2% projected sales price growth.

Local R&R: Buckle your blades on for ice-skating in Rosa Parks Circle.

---

2. Pittsburgh, PA

Median home list price: $173,000 Total crime rate: 18.44%

Home in Brighton Heights neighborhood of Pittsburgh, PA

realtor.com

As Pittsburgh's steel mills shuttered and residents pulled up stakes, many neighborhoods fell into a crime-ridden, downward spiral. But that feels like ancient history these days, as the city continues to reinvent itself as a thriving corporate center for startups and tech biggies like Uber and Google alike. Now those once-hurting neighborhoods, like Brighton Heights, are seeing their fortunes rise and rise, with an influx of new workers moving in.

Brighton Heights “is a neighborhood in transition. … When I was growing up in the '90s, it was certainly not a place for a first-time home buyer; but that's changed,” says local restate agent Bobby West of Coldwell Banker.

Young professionals and home flippers are buying up many of the community's Craftsman-style homes built in the early 1900s for under $150,000.

The number of violent crimes plummeted 24.8% from 2000 to 2014, according to the most recent FBI data. While crime is low in the metro, there are still some problem areas within the city limits. And residents are still hurting from last October's tragic shooting at a Pittsburgh synagogue, a hate crime that left 11 dead.

Local R&R: Fixate on flora fantasies at the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.

---

3. Port St. Lucie, FL

Median home list price: $285,100 Total crime rate: 19.16%

Four-bedroom home in Port St. Lucie, FL

realtor.com

About two hours north of Miami, Port St. Lucie is a quiet Atlantic beach town, long a magnet for retirees.

“Here, it's just a really calm mix of people, mostly families and retirees,” says Richard L. McKinney, a real estate agent at Atlantic Shores Realty Expertise. “People are just coming here to live and commute to work, so we don't get all that ruckus that comes with tourism” in other Florida ocean areas.

This beach town is made up of lots of new single-home and condo communities. And prices are still reasonable, leading realtor.com to name Port St. Lucie one of the most affordable beach towns in June. Buyers can find condos just minutes from the beach for $150,000, says McKinney.

Local R&R: Gaze or gape at gators at the Savannas Preserve State Park.

---

4. El Paso, TX

Median home list price: $175,800 Total crime rate: 20.48%

El Paso, TX, ranch house

realtor.com

A combination of tougher police action and changing demographics has led to substantial decline in violent crime in this once-dicey metro on the U.S.-Mexico border. In the early '90s, El Paso often had more than 50 homicides a year. But from 2012 to 2016, the city averaged fewer than 18 homicides, according to the city's police department. That's good news for locals, and for long-term property values.

Finding a single-story, brick ranch under $200,000 in El Paso is a breeze. In fact, last year realtor.com named El Paso one of the best markets for middle-class home buyers. Developer-friendly zoning laws and low land costs make building homes here cheaper than in other parts of the country.

Local R&R: Manage your mountain mania! Start climbing at Franklin Mountains State Park.

---

5. Syracuse, NY

Median home list price: $160,000 Total crime rate: 21.4%

Condos in Syracuse, NY

realtor.com

In the early 2000s, former industrial center Syracuse began pumping millions into renovating crime-ridden communities near downtown to entice college students to live there after graduation, instead of scramming as soon as possible. Crime dropped so much that everyone from young professionals to empty nesters bought up remodeled condos there.

“Over a decade, downtown Syracuse went from being unsafe to the hottest spot to live” in the area, says Amber Spain-Mosher, a real estate agent at Re/Max in Syracuse. “The residential growth downtown is unlike anything we've seen before. And it shows no sign of slowing down.”

Homes in nearby urban neighborhoods have also received a boost. As the city became safer, more people swooped in and bought up fixer-uppers just above the $100,000 price range. That's played a role in home prices rising 9.6% over the past year.

Local R&R: The 13-day Great New York State Fair attracts nearly a million visitors annually.

---

6. Hartford, CT

Median home list price: $260,000 Total crime rate: 21.97%

Three-bedroom home in Parkville in Hartford, CT

realtor.com

Hartford is a charming town with stately, older homes and rich history dating to Colonial America. And it's packed with affluent and highly educated homeowners who live in the burbs.

But that's not the only reason crime is low here. Several neighborhoods in the city proper, which has a higher crime rate than the metro, have seen an increase in development. Investors are setting their sights on areas such as Parkville, a once-dicey neighborhood that now has a burgeoning startup and art scene. They're flipping 100-year-old multifamily homes, then selling or renting them out to Connecticut College grads.

“All the work to make downtown safer is paying dividends: Standard old office buildings are being converted into nice apartments,” says David Griggs, president and CEO of the MetroHartford Alliance, Hartford's economic development arm

Local R&R: Huckleberry hysteria! Go nuts visiting the Mark Twain House, where the American Master lived from 1874 to 1891.

---

7. Fayetteville, AR

Median home list price: $272,600 Total crime rate: 23.21%

Two-bedroom home in Fayetteville, AR

realtor.com

Retail giant Walmart has its headquarters in Bentonville, in the Fayetteville metro, and that's long ensured high property values and low crime. And as the company continues to expand, so does the real estate market here.

“We don't have the wrong side of the tracks here,” says Jill Bell, a local real estate agent at Crye-Leike. “[Even neighborhoods like] far south Fayetteville that had a bad reputation in the past has been revitalized.”

Local R&R: Get your theater on! See nationally acclaimed productions in an intimate setting at TheatreSquared.

---

8. Springfield, MA

Median home list price: $244,950 Total crime rate: 26.14%

This four-bedroom Cape Cod in Springfield, MA, is listed for $249,900.

realtor.com

Massachusetts has the top public schools in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report. It's no wonder buying a home in the state isn't cheap-the median list price is $450,000. That's where the Springfield metro sets itself apart: Folks can score reasonably priced homes, enroll their children in high-performing schools, and live in a low-crime area.

Communities such as East Longmeadow, home to East Longmeadow High School, which boasts a 98% graduation rate, are highly sought-after. And buyers can find many four-bedroom, Cape Cod–style homes priced around $250,000.

But crime within the Springfield city limits is higher, with neighborhoods such as McKnight and Forest Park all having some issues. In Forest Park, the vehicle theft rate is three times higher than the statewide rate-so be cautious.

Local R&R: Ramp up your roller-coaster love with a trip to Six Flags New England.

---

9. Cincinnati, OH

Median home list price: $233,600 Total crime rate: 26.26%

Renovated condos in Over-the-Rhine in Cincinnati, OH

realtor.com

Cincinnati doesn't exactly spring to mind when most folks think about low crime. In 2001, the city burst onto the national consciousness when riots broke out after the police shooting of an unarmed 19-year-old black man. In the years that followed, many avoided the city.

But in recent years, things have improved. The Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, where much of the rioting took place, might be the city's biggest success story. Many of the three-story brick buildings, built 150 years ago by German immigrants, have been remodeled and turned into condos that sometimes sell for over $500,000. And OTR, as it's known by the locals, is among the region's top spots to be on a Saturday night with bars and nightclubs.

The Cincinnati metro is packed with booming, low-crime suburbs with good schools and new, sprawling subdivisions, including some just across the Ohio River and in Warren County, one of the state's fastest-growing counties.

Local R&R: Chow down on Cincinnati-style chili-with spaghetti and copious amounts of cheese, natch.

---

10. Fort Wayne, IN

Median home list price: $180,000 Total crime rate: 26.62%

Buyers can snag four-bedroom homes in Fort Wayne, IN, for $150,000.

realtor.com

These days, the streets of downtown Fort Wayne are lined with new businesses, restaurants, and moving trucks. But this Midwestern destination for young professionals wasn't always like this.

“A decade ago, Fort Wayne's downtown wasn't the best place after dark,” says Ryan Dollens, a real estate agent and appraiser with Keller Williams Realty in Fort Wayne. “There was nothing going on-it was eerie.”

Things started to change in 2010, when the city spent $30 million on Parkview Field, now home to Fort Wayne's popular minor-league team, the TinCaps. Then the city started to renovate Harrison Square in downtown, which included building new apartment complexes, a hotel, and a park with amphitheater. The efforts paid off.

“By adding all these businesses, restaurants, and apartments, they've really been able to clean up the streets,” Dollens says.

Buyers have responded, with prices soaring 11.1% over the past 12 months. Last July, it was ranked second on realtor.com's hottest markets list. But despite the hype, buyers can still snag three- to four-bedroom, two-story homes just outside downtown for under $200,000.

Local R&R: Soar with the butterflies and other wildlife at the Eagle Marsh Nature Preserve.

* A metropolitan statistical area is a designation that includes the urban core of a city and the surrounding smaller towns and cities. We limited our rankings to just one metro per state to ensure some geographic diversity.

** We used Yelp.com for the number of per capita nightlife venues, highly rated restaurants, kayaking/rafting/scuba diving opportunities, gyms, libraries, bookstores, and campgrounds.

Allison Underhill contributed to this report.

The post America's Safest Affordable Cities … That Won't Put You to Sleep appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

0 notes

traceyropper-blog · 5 years

Text

FREE subscription to Real Simple Magazine + Sports Illustrated for Kids

(Note: The links in this post are affiliate links, and we will be compensated when you make a purchase by clicking through our links. Read our disclosure policy here.)

I just got a completely FREE subscription to Real Simple Magazine AND a completely free subscription to Sports Illustrated for Kids from Rewards Survey. Here's how:

I signed into my Rewards Survey account (if you don't have an account, sign up here - it's free!)

I took a short survey that they offered me (it only took me about two minutes).

As soon as I took the survey, they offered me $30 in free rewards points that I could spend on a number of different magazine subscriptions. I chose to get Real Simple magazine. You just fill out a simple form and check no on the offers that pop up.

After I had ordered my subscription to Real Simple magazine - completely FREE! - I was offered the option to take another survey. So I said yes.

I took the second survey (again it only took me less than 2 minutes) and I was offered more magazines I could order for free. I chose to get Sports Illustrated for Kids. Again, I checked “no” on the extra offers and got the free subscription.

Note: I didn't have to give any card information, so I won't be billed ever nor will my subscription auto-renew.

Go sign up and get your free subscriptions! And let me know which magazine subscription(s) you choose!

I can't wait to get my FREE magazines in the mail… and Silas is going to be excited about getting Sports Illustrated for Kids!

Psst! I also signed up for a FREE subscription to Health magazine this week, too! Did you get that freebie, as well?

0 notes

traceyropper-blog · 5 years

Text

'House Party' Podcast: Is 'The Bachelor' Mansion Decor Hideous? Plus, What Not to Do in the Bedroom

Getty Images; realtor.com

“House Party” is realtor.com's official podcast about the overlapping worlds of real estate and pop culture. Click the player above to hear our takes on this week's hot topics.

It's January, so that means three things are for certain: Gyms everywhere are packed with sweaty resolution-makers, the days are slowly-but finally-getting longer, and, of course, there's an all-new season of “The Bachelor.”

In the premiere this week, we were introduced to the 29 women-and one sloth-who are vying for the heart of Colton Underwood, the franchise's first-ever virgin bachelor. We have thoughts (like the fact that it was three hours of our lives we'll never get back), but since this isn't a “Bachelor” podcast, we'll refrain from going too far down the rabbit hole. We did, however, go all-in on “The Bachelor” mansion decor, which changes from season to season. Is it haute or hideous?

Then Erik, Natalie, and Rachel discuss whether they're officially Marie Kondo-verts after watching three episodes of the pro organizer's new Netflix show, “Tidying Up.” There's a lot to unpack here (clutter pun!).

Speaking of cleaning, a man in California was caught on camera this week licking a doorbell clean. For three hours. That's 180 minutes of licking, folks. Why? Well, we're sure he had his reasons-and we're pretty sure those reasons included bath salts. But isn't it fun what our home security cameras can capture these things? (P.S. The licker is still at large. Slurp!)

Next, we take things into the bedroom. (Not like that, you sickos.) Rachel admits to having a few items in her boudoir that could be keeping her up at night, and we're pretty sure the rest of you do, too. How is your bedroom subconsciously stressing you out? You'll have to listen to find out!

We also discuss some of the biggest little bungalows for sale right now. They are cute and spacious, and we seriously want them all.

And, of course, we've got celebrity winners and losers (or, as Erik prefers to call them, “famous people who just didn't do so great in real estate this particular week but they're probably very nice people, actually.”) Our winner made real estate moves (like Jagger), and our loser had to shred the price of his San Francisco mansion.

So what are you waiting for? Listen already! Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Google Play Music, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. And, by all means, throw us a five-star rating if you like what you hear. The more good ratings and reviews we have, the easier it'll be for people to find us.

Have a wacky home-related story you're dying to share? Wish you could finally get your real estate questions answered? We're all ears. Reach us at [email protected], or tweet us @housepartypod on Twitter.

Stories we discussed on 'House Party' this week:

6 Shockers About 'The Bachelor' Mansion We'll Bet You Never Knew

Can Marie Kondo Help You Organize in 2019? Find Out Here

Watch Marie Kondo Battle the 'Biggest' Mess She's Ever Seen

De-Stress Your Nest: 7 Things in Your Bedroom Making You Anxious

A Bungalow Doesn't Have to Be Small! 9 Jumbo Bungalows for Sale

Metallica's Kirk Hammett Shreds $1.1M Off Price of San Francisco Mansion

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner Finally Sell Their Home to a Buyer You Won't Believe

Adam Levine Reportedly Buys Beverly Hills Estate for $35.5M

The post 'House Party' Podcast: Is 'The Bachelor' Mansion Decor Hideous? Plus, What Not to Do in the Bedroom appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com®.

0 notes

traceyropper-blog · 5 years

Text

Customizable YB1 Housing designed by Yves Behar gives owners total creative control

Any house that is commissioned from a designer, architect, and building team affords the owner a certain level of customizability and control. Having your dream house built is a collaborative effort, after all! When it comes to true creative control, however, few options give owners as much power over decision as commissioning a YB1 House, conceptualized and completed by Yves Behar! View in gallery Based out of Switzerland, this initiative..

More...

The post Customizable YB1 Housing designed by Yves Behar gives owners total creative control appeared first on HomeDSGN.

0 notes

traceyropper-blog · 5 years

Text

Survey: Gen-Xers & Older Millennials Believe Stocks are a Better Investment than Real Estate

35-44 year olds were hit hardest by the housing bust just as they reached prime first-time homebuying age

Less than half of homebuyers and sellers between the ages of 35 and 44 believe that real estate is a better long-term investment than the stock market, according to a survey Redfin commissioned in December of more than 2,600 people nationwide who bought or sold a home in the last year, attempted to do so, or have plans to buy or sell soon.

Buyers who reached the median first-time homebuyer age of 31 years old between 2008 and 2012 during the Great Recession and housing market collapse are now 38 to 42 years old. Redfin's survey results show that this was the only age group that has less confidence in real estate as an investment than the stock market. Just 48 percent of homebuyers and sellers in this age group believe that real estate is a better long-term investment than the stock market.

“The oldest Millennials and youngest Gen-Xers entered their late twenties or early thirties during the housing crash, which explains why they are more skeptical about investing in real-estate,” said Redfin chief economist Daryl Fairweather. “This generation experienced a major setback during the housing bust, which hit just as they were most likely to be getting married, starting a family, and becoming a first time homeowner. Looking into the future, we expect to see homeownership increase as Millennials enter prime home-buying age. This is because Millennials have a more favorable opinion of real estate as an investment than Gen-Xers, and Millennials are a larger group than Gen-Xers.”

In every other age group, buyers and sellers who believe that real estate is a better long-term investment outnumbered those who believe the stock market is better.

This finding is surprising given that it comes from a survey of people specifically buying or selling homes, which is a group that presumably would be biased toward real estate to begin with. Younger Baby Boomers, respondents aged 55 to 64, were the most optimistic about real estate as an investment. Previous Redfin surveys of homebuyers and sellers have not asked this specific question, so we do not yet have any data on whether this has changed over time.

Methodology

Redfin contracted Qualtrics to field a study between November 2 and December 10, 2018 of 2,647 people from the general population who indicated they had bought or sold a home in the past year, tried to buy or sell a home in the past year or plan to do so this year.

This report focused included data from the 1,784 people who answered the question: “Which do you believe is the better investment for those who do not plan to move their money in the long term, the stock market or real estate?” People who answered either “Real estate is the slightly better investment” or “Real estate is the better investment by far” were grouped together, and those who answered “The stock market is the slightly better investment” or “The stock market is the better investment by far” were grouped together.

The survey had respondents from all 50 states and Washington, D.C.

For more information about the survey and its findings, contact Redfin Journalist Services at [email protected].

The post Survey: Gen-Xers & Older Millennials Believe Stocks are a Better Investment than Real Estate appeared first on Redfin Real-Time.

0 notes

traceyropper-blog · 5 years

Text

Look for These Whole30 Approved Brands at Walmart

Are you swinging by Walmart to pick up a few Whole30 Approved Great Value bowls to stock your freezer with #JanuaryWhole30 emergency meals? Keep an eye out for Whole30 Approved products from these other brands, too!

1 | Whole30 Approved Great Value Bowls

The Whole30 Approved Great Value bowls are carried in about 4,000 Walmart stores nationwide; if the Walmart near you carries “better for you” frozen brands, it's likely you'll find these Whole30 Approved bowls there, too. Call or visit your local store to see if they're stocking these bowls.

2 | Grandcestors

The Great Value bowls aren't the only Whole30 Approved option you'll find in the freezer section at Walmart! Our longtime partners Grancestors have a line of Whole30 Approved frozen meals, and many Whole30'ers have found their products on the shelf right next to or above the Great Value meals.

3 | Bonafide Provisions

While you're in the freezer aisle stocking up on Whole30 Approved Great Value meals and Grancestors, keep an eye out for Bonafide Provisions Organic Beef Bone Broth and Organic Chicken Bone Broth. These Bonafide Provisions Bone Broths are an awesome base for Whole30 soups and stews; here at Whole30 HQ we also love sipping them warm from a mug in the wintertime.

Click here to to find Bonafide Provisions at a Walmart location near you.

4 | Tribalí

Our Whole30 Approved adventure in the frozen section isn't over quite yet, there's ONE more brand you might find on the shelf at your favorite Walmart location. Look for organic, frozen meat patties from Tribalí near the Great Value and Grancestor meals. Click here to check if Tribalí is carried at a Walmart location near you.

5| Applegate

Our partners at Applegate have TWENTY SEVEN Whole30 Approved meat products; you won't find every single Approved item at your local Walmart, but chances are good you'll find some of their more popular products. Look for their hot dogs; dinner sausages; and sliced deli meat. See the complete list of Whole30 Approved Applegate products here.

Click here to find Applegate products in your favorite Walmart store.

Bonus| The New Primal, Lacroix and More

Depending where you live, you might find EVEN MORE Whole30 Approved products at Walmart!

Lacroix You'll find popular Lacroix flavors in the beverage aisle at most Walmart locations; click here to find Lacroix at your local Walmart.

The New Primal Find The New Primal marinades (all Whole30 Approved!) at select Walmart locations. Click here to check if they're in stock at your favorite Walmart store.

Paleo Powder This delicious Whole30 Approved all-purpose seasoning is available at Walmart in certain regions. Use their store locator to see if you can pick up Paleo Powder at your local Walmart.

Tessemae's Look out for tasty, Whole30 Approved Tessemae's salad dressings in the refrigeratoed produce case next time you're at Walmart. Check their store locator to see if Tessemae's is carried at a Walmart near you.

The post Look for These Whole30 Approved Brands at Walmart appeared first on The Whole30® Program.

0 notes

traceyropper-blog · 5 years

Text

How To Choose The Best Swimming Pool Filter

If you wish to keep your cardiovascular system in an excellent condition, swimming is the way to go. A giant water splash does more good to our body than we can think. Besides maintaining the overall health, swimming is known to boost our metabolism.

But do you want to take those laps in unsanitary conditions? Of course not. The pathogens in unclean swimming pools tend to nullify the benefits that come from the invigorating workout. The best way to make a swimming pool free from all the disease-causing micro-organisms is installing a quality swimming pool filter.

Although it is not as simple as opting for the first one you find after a single Google search, there are many aspects to examine. On that note, let us dive into the details of how to choose the best swimming pool filter for your swimming pool.

Examine The Pool Size

Different pool filters have different powers. Depending on the size of the pool, you have to opt for the filter accordingly. The speed of most filters is measured in Gallons per minute or gallons per hour if the pool accommodates a large amount of water. Calculate the volume of water in the pool and convert it into gallons. It will help you pick the right filter. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

Consider The water Flow Rate

For determining the turnover rate of the pool, you have to find out the speed with which water flows through the filtering medium. According to the laws of most states, 12 gallons per hour is the standard turnover rate. It ensures quality cleanliness and provides an excellent swimming environment.

Consider The Maintenance Ease

This principle applies to all the machines in the world. A filter that is easy to maintain can offer a greater convenience level and allow the authorities to stay in their comfort zone. This way, they can focus on other aspects of the development of the swimming pool instead of wasting time and money over maintaining the pool. Opt for a filter that is easy to install, clean, use, repair. Instead of hiring professionals, you should be able to handle the replacement of parts in a hassle-free way.

Scrutinize The Durability

One of the most critical factors to determine while choosing a swimming pool filter is the durability. A filter that starts to give trouble, in the long run, is eventually of no use. The water in a swimming pool has certain chemicals to keep it germ-free. Make sure the filter you select is made up of materials that are corrosion and rust free. For determining the durability, you can check out the manufacturer's website for client testimonials, reviews, complaints and so on.

Seek For Recommendations and Perform Detailed Research

The best way to get positive recommendations is to consult friends, family, and relatives. No opinion can be more genuine than theirs. They will provide you with real insights, and you can also get a detailed idea of their experience. Another great source of recommendations is online reviews. You can access them on the manufacturer's website and from bloggers of a similar niche. The detailed research is especially helpful if you are looking out for an entirely new model that you haven't tried out before. If you have to replace your old model with a similar one, you can go ahead with your own experience a guide.

Affordability

Budget and affordability are the resting pillars of any purchase. The same applies to purchase a swimming pool filter. If you are on a tight budget, don't just head out and buy the cheapest filter without any research. Remember, you only get what you pay. On the other hand, if you don't have a budget restriction, purchasing the most expensive filter does not guarantee to provide you with excellent results. Before spending your hard earned money, examine the crucial aspects first. If you are completely satisfied, only then invest in a filter.

Go Bigger

Faster water filtration is always the goal. Regardless of the size of the pool, no one wants a lousy filter that takes forever to clean a pool. After determining the volume and the pool turnover rate, you have pretty much done. Size is essential to keep in mind when it comes to buying a swimming pool filter, the bigger, the better. A large-sized filter cleans swimming pool water at a rapid pace and can handle greater quantities although it doesn't mean that you opt for the enormous commercial filtration system when all you need is a mini filter for the kids' pool. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; amzn_assoc_search_bar = "true"; amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "handymtips03-20"; amzn_assoc_search_bar_position = "bottom"; amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "search"; amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; amzn_assoc_region = "US"; amzn_assoc_title = "Shop Pool Filters"; amzn_assoc_default_search_phrase = "pool filters"; amzn_assoc_default_category = "All"; amzn_assoc_linkid = "d31f9d24e74a3a2bd0fb3d6451d35943";

Checking out the Different Types

There are a plethora of different types of swimming pool filters designed for the suitability of different users. Make sure you check out all the available categories and determine which one accurately meets all your needs. Let us take a look at some common types.

1. Sand filters

You can go with a sand filter if you are on an extremely tight budget. Sand filter replacement is inexpensive. Although small dirt particles can easily pass through, so it is not highly recommended.

2. Cartridge Filters

If you can afford something better than sand filters but can't go entirely over the budget, a cartridge filter is an optimum choice. High speed and greater turnover rate only add to its immense benefits.

3. DE Filters

DE stands for Diatomaceous Earth. They are the most elite form of swimming pool filters. DE powder is used to recharge the filter, and it can remove the tiniest debris owing to its superior cleansing properties.

Conclusion

Exercising your body from head to toe has immense benefits, and swimming is the best way to go about it. It increases lung strength and improves the overall heart condition of an individual. Although you can only reap the numerous advantages only if you have a decent swimming pool filter, thus, keep in mind the above-mentioned points and get one as soon as possible. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});

The post How To Choose The Best Swimming Pool Filter appeared first on Handyman tips.

0 notes

traceyropper-blog · 5 years

Text

Toffee Tassies Recipe

I know we are a little late with the Christmas cookie baking this year but I've been begging for my husband to try to turn his Boston Banoffee Pie into a cookie version and when I saw nut tassies, I knew that we could use the same concept for a toffee tassies recipe. Trust me when I say that his pie version gets people obsessed when he makes it. It's unbelievably good and YOU MUST TRY IT. Please trust me on this one and let me know what you think. It's a really thick and rich pie and one slice of it can be a tad bit too filling so these little cookies who are like miniature pies are the perfect little decadent treat.

This post may contain affiliate links from which I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Click here to read my full disclosure policy. toffee tassies recipe

For this recipe you need to double the pie crust recipe because otherwise there isn't enough dough for two trays of cookies.

We used miniature cup cake baking trays (HERE) to make the toffee tassies.

ingredients for toffee tassies recipe crust:

2 1/2 cups of flour

1 cup of room temperature butter

1/2 cup of caster (or regular sugar)

filling:

14 oz can sweetened condensed milk

2/3 cup light brown sugar

2 TBSP golden syrup

1/2 cup of butter

cooking instructions Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.

Continue reading Toffee Tassies Recipe at Cuckoo4Design.

0 notes

traceyropper-blog · 5 years

Text

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.

0 notes

traceyropper-blog · 5 years

Text

Easy Photo Wall Gallery Ideas

I have always loved sharing easy photo wall gallery ideas. It seems natural to incorporate photos into my decor since the people in those photos are so important to me. More recently, I have begun adding photos to my spaces on a larger scale: I added old family photo to our upstairs hallway and a photo to our hallway landing.

However, my favorite photo wall gallery is in our family room (on the other side of our kitchen wall). I originally created the wall using IKEA frames (see more here), but I was having issues with the frames warping over time. When Frame It Easy asked to partner, I was excited to update my sagging frames. If you aren't familiar with Frame It Easy, they offer online custom picture frames that are easy, affordable and fast.

I have to also mention that they offer photo printing, and I am SO impressed with the quality. The photos are gorgeous.

When you go to Frame It Easy's website, you select the art size, the frame style, the mat size, the cover and the backing.

The frames came in one large box, and all I had to do was remove a protective cover from the acrylic front. The frames came ready to hang – it was so easy!

I went with thin gold frames to accent the gold in our kitchen, and the wall is perfect.

I was able to select a custom frame size that would work perfect for my space.

I always struggle with framing photos because I find a random piece of hair stuck in between the glass and photo, but not this time! The photos came perfectly framed without any dust, debris or random hair!

I also added a small photo gallery wall to my home office (which is also our master bedroom).

I selected a square frame for the center and two matching horizontal frames for either side.

Do you have some blank walls you'd love to dress up with some new photo galleries? I have a coupon code to help you get started. You can save 10% with the code “SARAD” if you order before February 1, 2019. Also, come see me on Instagram where one lucky person will receive a $100 credit to Frame It Easy!

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Frame It Easy. All opinions are 100% mine.

Find me on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Pinterest

The post Easy Photo Wall Gallery Ideas appeared first on Sincerely, Sara D..

0 notes

traceyropper-blog · 5 years

Text

Is Meal Planning one of your New Year's Resolutions?

Meal planning is not easy and healthy meals don't just happen. Both take a little (or a lot) of planning and time to execute. First you have to figure out what you're eating, make your list, buy the ingredients, and then prepare everything. I am all about simplifying these steps and I know that healthy […]

The post Is Meal Planning one of your New Year's Resolutions? appeared first on Clean Mama.

0 notes

traceyropper-blog · 5 years

Text

5 Ways to Tell If Your Cabinets Need to be Replaced Instead of Refaced

The good news? Cabinet refacing is affordable, sustainable and will yield the look of custom cabinets for a fraction of the price. The less-good news is that some cabinets simply can't be refaced. There are certain scenarios in which replacing your cabinets with custom or semi-custom options is the best solution for your kitchen remodel.

0 notes

traceyropper-blog · 5 years

Text

Last Minute Budget Changes for 2019

The last thing any property manager wants to hear is that something they need isn't in the budget. There are several components that go into your yearly costs, and it can be easy to let some things fall between the cracks if you're not careful.

0 notes

traceyropper-blog · 5 years

Text

Twinkle Champagne Cocktail

This Downton Abbey-inspired Twinkle champagne cocktail is a great way to add a little sparkle to your celebrations. With its champagne top and glitzy name, this light, delicately flavored drink is ideal for New Year's Eve or Valentine's Day.

No good party cocktail is complete without some show-stopping appetizers to pair it with. I almost never hose a dinner and drinks party without my favorite Garlic Roasted Shrimp, Easy and Elegant Meat and Cheese Board, or Dried Apricot and Blue Cheese Canapes with Walnuts

Be sure to sign up for my email… to get new recipes and ideas in your inbox!

Click HERE to save recipe to Pinterest!

Twinkle Champagne Cocktail

Guys, we are just days away from the end of the year! Sip Sip Hooray!

Nothing helps you celebrate the start of a new year better than a cocktail as sophisticated as this Twinkle Champagne Cocktail! A little fizz, a dash of vodka, and a fruity surprise will make your night sparkle with delight.

With only three simple ingredients, and easy as pie directions, in no time you'll be feeling like the Lord or Lady of the house. No one will be able to resist this softly sweet and smooth concoction, so be ready to be mixing up this cocktail all night long! (more…)

The post Twinkle Champagne Cocktail appeared first on TidyMom®.

0 notes

traceyropper-blog · 5 years

Text

Skinnytaste Meal Plan (December 31-January 6)

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®.

I'm away on vacation, but didn't want to leave you without your meal plan! 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 Skinnytaste Meal Planner

youtube

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!

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 (12/31) B: 2 hard-boiled eggs (0) with 2 ounces avocado (3) L: Black-Eyed Pea Dip (1) and Skillet Sweet Potato Chicken Hash with Eggs (3) D: NEW YEARS EVE DINNER OUT!

Totals: Freestyle™ SP 7, Calories 606*

TUESDAY (1/1) B: Breakfast Burrito Bowl with Spiced Butternut Squash** (3) L: Chicken Salad with Avocado **(4) and a pear (0) D: Steak Taco Lettuce Wraps (4) with Mexican Cauliflower “Rice” (1) Totals: Freestyle™ SP 12, Calories 892*

WEDNESDAY (1/2) B: Breakfast Burrito Bowl with Spiced Butternut Squash** (3) L: Chicken Salad with Avocado **(4) and a pear (0) D: Paleo Jalapeno Popper Chicken Chili (7) Totals: Freestyle™ SP 14, Calories 872*

THURSDAY (1/3) B: Breakfast Burrito Bowl with Spiced Butternut Squash** (3) L: Chicken Salad with Avocado **(4) and a pear (0) D: LEFTOVER Paleo Jalapeno Popper Chicken Chili (7) Totals: Freestyle™ SP 14, Calories 872*

FRIDAY (1/4) B: Breakfast Burrito Bowl with Spiced Butternut Squash** (3) L: Chicken Salad with Avocado **(4) and a pear (0) D: Garlic Shrimp in Coconut Milk, Tomatoes and Cilantro (3) over 1 cup sautéed riced cauliflower (0) Totals: Freestyle™ SP 10, Calories 863*

SATURDAY (1/5) B: Breakfast BLT Salad (4) L: Turmeric Roasted Sweet Potato and Macadamia Soup (5) D: DINNER OUT! Totals: Freestyle™ SP 16, Calories 870*

SUNDAY (1/6) B: Huevos Pericos (2) (recipe x 2) with 1 ounce avocado (1) L: LEFTOVER Turmeric Roasted Sweet Potato and Macadamia Soup (5) D: Peruvian Beef Stir Fry (7) with 1 ounce avocado (1) Totals: Freestyle™ SP 16, Calories 870*

*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.

**Prep Monday or Tuesday for breakfast and lunch all week

(more…)

0 notes