At the Fence

With a new year upon us, there’s never been a better time to think about the home and how you can make it an even happier environment in 2018 and beyond. Before putting those plans into practice, though, your first job is to gain a vision of what you wish the property to look like. There are several useful places which can provide this inspiration. Here are some of the best options at your disposal. Image credit: TV & Media Home improvements are big business. As such, they are a hot topic for TV shows, magazine articles, and general media content. This makes them the perfect resource to pick up ideas on the latest trends and styles. While some sources will tell you solely about things you can buy, there are plenty of guides available too. These ideas can be very useful when trying to improve your DIY game . After all, inspiration isn’t just about finding items with the right appearance. Financial responsibility and making your money work harder is equally vital. Of course, it’s

Looking for a way to rebuild your finances after the holidays?  If you haven't tried Swagbucks before, you can get a bonus $3 for signing up as my referral during January. Swagbucks is a rewards site where you earn points (called SB) for things you're probably doing online already, like searching, watching videos, discovering deals, and taking surveys. Then you take those points and exchange them for gift cards to places like Amazon, Starbucks, Walmart, Target, or PayPal cash.   When you sign up through me this month, you can earn a $3 bonus! Here's how:   1.  Sign up using this link   2. Earn 300 SB total before 2/1/18. You'll get a $3 (300 SB) bonus for it!   3. If you want even more bonuses, you'll get a $10 (1000 SB rebate) bonus for making your first shop purchase! That's in addition to the SB you earn for every dollar you spend.    That's it. It's super easy, and Swagbucks is for real. I use it myself, and I've earned over 7000 Swagbucks over t

When it comes to living standards, many people want to have it all. Yet, why shouldn’t you be able to live a life in your own home where you can solve all your problems no matter how small or large they are? Like the old saying goes, an Englishman’s home is his castle . Even if you’re not English, the phrase still applies to you too. This is why manufacturers and companies all across the world are constantly thinking of new solutions to even the most nitpicky of issues home owners regularly find themselves wrestling with. There’s simply a wave of products you can buy that will take away the clutter that comes with having young children, hide away an overabundance of various items like glasses, coasters, books, cutlery and just about anything you can think of. There’s no reason why you can’t have as many things as you’d like, as home storage space comes in many different forms. Source pxhere Enough Clinking and Clanging One thing that almost every family in the world can share a laugh a

(image:  https://www.pexels.com/photo/home-real-estate-106399/ ) Congratulations on that house offer having finally been accepted! Moving is one of the most stressful things you will ever experience. Luckily you will only have to do it once or twice, but research suggests the average individual moves up to eight times in their lifetime. If you have done it before, you will know that this comes with its own stress and tension, that can be likely to spring up between you, your partner and even your kids. If you haven’t moved previously, you are in for an experience in a league of its own. Don’t worry, like everything else, moving also gets easier the more you do it and as a result, you should start seeing this experience as something beneficial rather than a hindrance. The below guide will help you with some of the main aspects of moving, so read carefully. The Move Nothing is more exciting than having all your stuff packed and boxed in your old living room. The date has finally arr

Let’s be honest, it isn’t easy being active each day. We all know that it is so much better for us to have some form of healthy and active lifestyle, not over indulging too much with the junk or sugary foods, exercising a few times a week and generally taking good care of ourselves . However, it can be quite difficult to maintain this sort of lifestyle and with the recent holiday period now in the past, it is fair to say that many of us will be feeling less than our best when it comes to our energy levels and our waistlines. Which is why I thought I would share with you some of the top tips to help you become more active generally on a day to day basis. I hope it inspires you to become your best active self. Image source Setting Realistic Targets Now is the time when many people set themselves targets for losing weight or getting more fit, partially because they may have set themselves a goal as part of the new year resolutions. It is also just as important to set yourself realistic ta

Hey neighbors!! Flint rollers make a great small gift idea.  I am pretty excited about them for my daughters.  These little gadgets retract inside a decorative tube, which makes them perfect for travel, to toss in your purse or gym bag.  They won't stick to everything in your purse, and you wont't have to tear off the outer layer because it got dirty bouncing around in your gym bag. ($7.99 - $14.99)  You can also purchase refills on their site. ($3.00 - $5.00) The Flint rollers come in many different designs, so you are sure to find one for just about anyone.  You simply twist the base and the the lint roller comes out the top.  When you are done, push down on the roller until it is back inside the cover.  Just like normal when the outside sheet gets too dirty, peel it back and tear it off.  Another nice benefit is that Flint rollers are refillable. My daughters take several small trips each year, including a cruise, and these Flint lint rollers will be travelin

Image Credit: Flickr If you are planning to sell your home, you will surely have already read all about giving your house the curb appeal it needs to tempt in prospective buyers . But what about if you have found the house of your dreams and it needs a revamp to get it back to its original beauty? The process for making the outside of your house as beautiful as the inside is exactly the same, whether you are trying to sell or want to restore your happily ever after home to its former glory. It’s simply a case of knowing where to start and how to allocate your budget wisely. The Roof Making sure that your roof is in perfect working condition is just as important as it looking good. The roof isn’t just a nice hat that encloses the four walls, it is also an ideal space for adding extra insulation, it keeps out water and it also keeps you safe in storms. This means that choosing the right type of roof is vital for its longevity. Commercial roofing contractors NJ will be able to advise yo

Image Millennials, also known as the wired generation, are off buying houses. How mad is that? It also brings in a lot of home technology advancements. With a generation so used to having the world at their fingertips, with having technology as part of every bit of their lives, it only makes sense that, as they start buying homes, the techniverse keeps up with them. Automatic coffee machines, fridges that let you when you’re out of milk, pet video chat? Let’s be honest; if we were offered it all tomorrow, we would go for it! Talking Fridge Want to make a new recipe, just ask the fridge to download it. Hands full with cooking dinner but have run out of an ingredient? Ask the fridge to add it to the shopping list. Kids can draw on it, and you can video chat while cooking. You can even see what’s in the fridge without having to open it. It’s like living in a castle which is why the talking fridge is definitely the list of awesome tech. Singing Bath Continuing on with the real-life creat

If you spend more time rolling over trying to get comfortable than you do sleeping in your bed, then it’s time for a change. Actually, it’s quite urgent that you make changes now to avoid ill health. A lack of sleep can be quite dangerous. If you choose to drive your car tired, it can be dangerous for others too. So get up from under the covers, grab your dressing gown, and let’s get started with a bedroom makeover. Temperature What’s the temperature in your bedroom? One of the biggest causes of light sleeping or difficulty falling asleep is the wrong temperature. It should be quite cool in your room. Don’t turn up the AC so high you can see your breath, but do keep the temperature a couple of degrees cooler than other rooms in your house. Typically, this means a room temperature of about 18 to 19 degrees Celsius. Keep the sun out of the room to keep it cool. Image source Now consider your comforter, blanket or duvet. Will that make you too warm, or leave you feeling chilly? Pick the r

When you consider the concept of a home, the reality of the situation may surprise you. These structures are designed to shelter and protect you from the elements, keeping the outside world at bay, while also giving you somewhere to keep your possessions without them getting ruined. This makes it quite strange, then, that people work hard to bring the outside right back in. How exactly is this sort of approach achieved in the modern world, though? ( Image Source ) Wood has long held the crown for the single most popular building material out there. Of course, in most applications, people don’t choose to leave their wood looking natural. Instead, they will be painted or covered with a veneer, hiding the natural look of the wood. Companies like Corndell furniture don’t take this approach, though, instead choosing to use finishes which bring out their wood’s inherent appeal. Each different kind of wood will offer a different feel. It can be worth doing plenty of research to make sure you

Hey, Neighbors! Today I have yet another product that will make life with your little one a little easier!  Some of you may be familiar with the Blooming Bath-- the plush petals that conform to any sink for a more comfortable bathing experience. Let me tell you a little bit about how the Blooming Bath got it's start.. " Eric Devericks was a professional cartoonist. Brian Pond designed golf putters. David Morelock loved to surf. And Tom Morris was a proud geek. The four friends couldn't have been more different. But they all had one thing in common: They were dads - and they prided themselves on being good ones. Change a diaper? No sweat. Soothe a screaming newborn? Right away. Pull a splinter? Kiss a boo-boo? Laugh at really bad knock-knock jokes? Of course. But there was another thing they had in common - experience with a chore that really shouldn't be a chore. "When your baby's so soapy and slippery and squirmy and when you're trying to b

Image Herbal tea comes in many different forms, there are teas which contain caffeine such as green, white and black tea. There are teas made from fruits, from flowers, herbs, plants, spices… you name it, and there’s probably a tea for it. Herbal tea is something people have been drinking for thousands of years, and it is often used as a healthy alternative to things like coffee. Herbal tea is full of vitamins, minerals, it boosts your metabolism and can offer other health benefits too. When it comes to choosing the herbal tea you want to drink, it is important to look for products with the highest quality ingredients. If you want to get the full health benefits from a herbal tea, you will want to leave the teabag in for about 10 minutes. You can learn about different teas here: DetoxTeaGuide.com Today we are going to look through a few different herbal teas and look at the specific benefits they offer for the body. Whether your goal is to fight a cold, get fit or have more ener

Image Buying a house has historically been a good investment and, despite the much-publicized issues in the US Housing Market , purchasing a property still has many advantages. Taking out a mortgage to buy your first home can be difficult in the current market due to disproportionately high prices to wages, and of course, mortgage costs fluctuate with interest rates. In general, however, mortgages tend to become more comfortable to pay over time as your life circumstances even out and your income is expected to rise. If you are considering buying your own home, here are a few tips which may be able to help. Dazzle With A Deposit Putting aside money for a deposit must be considered a priority. The more substantial deposit you have to bargain with, the more confidence that lenders will have in you, allowing more flexibility as to what they will offer. The issue is, this may take time. It is worth dedicating yourself to watching your spending, and cutting costs where you can to make it ha

The holidays are here and the online rewards site Swagbucks has a smart and fun way for you to earn and save while you spend.   Swagbucks is hosting another round of Shopping Swago! What is SWAGO you ask? It's a bingo-inspired promotion run by Swagbucks, a website that rewards you with points (called SB) for completing everyday online activities. You can redeem those SB for free gift cards. If you've never used Swagbucks, participating in SWAGO is a great introduction to the site and an easy way to earn a good amount of points quickly.   Click here to get started !   Here’s what you need to know to get your 3 00 SB ($3) Bonus (and don’t worry, you don’t have to make a purchase to complete a pattern): Shop Swago will begin on Monday, December 18th at 9am PT/12pm ET , make sure you hit “Join” otherwise you won’t get credit for completing the action items. Each square on your Swago Board will contain an action item to complete. Once you complete the action item

Hey neighbors!! How many of you remember my review of Altar Egos?  Well, it is available on DVD and digitally.  You can find it online at: Buy or rent at ChristianCinema.com Stream it from Amazon Prime Video Buy or rent at CBD.com  Take a moment to view this short video clip.  I am sure you will want to see the whole video!! I found Altar Egos an entertaining watch.  The good news I have to share is that one neighbors will receive a free digital download of Altar Egos.  The giveaway only runs until Thursday the 21st, so be sure to enter now. ( *FREE digital film rental from ChristianCinema.com) Thanks for stopping by today! See you again soon

From Owning a home is stressful at the best of times, but during winter, when the weather is less than forgiving, it’s even worse. For most of us, winter is well and truly here, and that means that the weather is a massive problem that we are all currently facing. There is so much damage that a winter storm can do to your home, and with Christmas right around the corner, the last thing that you want is to not have a roof over your head. If you’re worried about the damage that the ice, snow, and rain could do to your home and want to avoid it, then keep reading. Frozen Pipes As the temperature drops, the biggest fear that most homeowners have is of frozen pipes, or rather, what happens after the pipe freezes. When your pipe freezes, it can crack, which will release massive amounts of water into your home, completely flooding it, and causing ridiculous amounts of damage, that could only be fixed by professionals, like White Mountain Restoration . To avoid this happening, you shou

Crafting is making a comeback. Whereas it used to be the domain of homemakers, grannies and those with way too much time on their hands, crafting is now the tool many entrepreneurs use to set up money making artisan businesses. With online platforms such as Etsy and Deviantart from which to sell their wares, unique crafts are becoming more accessible to the masses. Even if you’ve been hiding your creative flair under a bushel for the past few years, you can chart a course on the crafty path. Take a look at these crafty projects you might want to have a go at in 2018. Image by Origami A craft and skill that has been around for thousands of years, the Japanese art of paper folding is much more difficult than it sounds. You won’t be creating random paper aeroplanes out of A4 pieces of paper, you’ll be folding specialist origami paper into oriental flying cranes, swans, frogs and other shapes. It can take decades to become an origami master. However, you can grab yourself an instructiona

Christmas time isn’t usually associated with fitness , other than fitness gifts, but to a lot of people fitness is just about everything. If you’re really into your fitness you’ll know there will come a time where you just don’t feel like you’re making any sort of improvement. Sometimes your body will just peak, and it’ll be hard to get back into a state where you feel like you’re making changes. This applies so much to people who try and body build. Sometimes it is hard to know what your muscles need to give them that little bit of an edge. So, this article is here to help all you fitness bunny’s out there boost your progress a little, no matter what your end goal is. Image Credit Food Counts No matter what you’re trying to do, lose weight, gain muscle, tone up, you should really know by now that what you eat really does count. There’s foods out there that can really change the whole of your progress. If you’re trying to bodybuild, counting your macros and micros is a huge part of

We all want to make sure that we look after ourselves and those around us throughout the years. Unfortunately, the fantasy is always more straightforward than the reality. Factors such as work, relationships, and unforeseen circumstance have a habit of getting in the way, and the result all too often is that of life getting in the way. It doesn’t have to be like this. Technological advancements have made it easier than ever to keep up to date with what is happening with your friends and family even if you are on the other side of the country or even the world. Furthermore, these advancements can also be beneficial to you, should you so wish. Wanting to look out for friends and family is a natural desire. You want them to be happy, just as much (and sometimes more) than you want yourself to be happy. Keeping an eye out for those you love young and old can breed love and respect, and make you feel better about yourself in the long run. Keeping in touch with those you care about

Hey neighbors! I don't know about you, but I can remember watching some of the Globetrotter games on tv as I was growing up.  When I was given the opportunity recently to go to a Globetrotters game (courtesy of The Harlem Globetrotters and US Family Guides), I was pretty excited, but was not sure how I would like it.  I mean, they must have changed a lot since I was younger.  You know, Curly and Meadowlark Lemon and all the other guys were a pretty classy act to follow.  Anyway, I am glad I went.  Yes the players have changed, but they still are just as entertaining and talented as the team  I knew growing up. The Harlem Globetrotters played a great game!  I enjoyed watching their interaction with each there, and with the audience.  The game brought about a lot of cheering and laughter.  It was a nice time for me to sit back and enjoy seeing some of the old antics, mixed in with some updated fun.  I want to say here, that The Harlem Globetrotters are just as family frien

Image Source It can be great getting stuck into a DIY project. You get to focus all of your energy and effort on one thing, and you get to enjoy the fruits of your labour at the end of it. The trouble is when you end up coming up against a project that you're not going to be able to finish, or even start in the first place. There are few things more frustrating than having to get someone else to take care of a project that you'd much rather deal with on your own. If you want to be able to stop doing that, here are a few things that you can do to start getting serious with your DIY. Do your research If you want to start getting a decent idea of how to tackle some more serious or intensive DIY project, then you're going to need to increase the amount of knowledge that you have, even from a basic level. If you've generally been playing things by ear up until now, it's time for that to change. Sure, it might have been alright before, but as the projects that you take o

( Image Source ) For a lot of people, DIY and other home improvement work is mostly superficial. You are changing your home to make it look nice or fit a different theme, and won’t be adding much to its functionality. Of course, most people won’t need constant home-tech updates to be happy, but you will need to keep your home in good shape. This is impossible if you don’t focus on the right areas, as mere cosmetics won’t help your home if it’s falling apart. So, to give you some support, this post will be exploring your home’s bones and some of the ways you can keep them intact. Structure The very first, and possibly most important area to consider is the structure of your home. From the foundations which support it to the bricks and walls which help it to stand, your home will only be any good if it is structurally sound. When you first buy a place, you should always have a professional  check it over for you. Along with this, you could also consider having this done every couple of y

Image Credit When you consider what your home represents on an emotional level , there are a lot of feelings of peace, security, safety, belonging, and feeling settled… yet, with such busy lives we can often let our physical home environment spiral out of control. This article offers a practical four-step process to create a happy home environment for you and your family. 1. DE-CLUTTER There’s a popular saying that goes something like “ tidy house tidy mind ” which means the same could hold true for the opposite - in that a cluttered house could lead to cluttered mind - in fact, there have been a number of sociological and psychological studies that link the two. If you are always searching through clutter to find your car keys, or frantically searching through draws prior to going on holiday in a desperate attempt to find your passport - then you could certainly benefit from this advice. It leads onto the next phase of ‘getting organized’, but decluttering your home is nece