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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When it's time to remodel or update the bathroom, the hardware - faucets, towel racks, shower heads - isn't usually at the top of the shopping list. In fact, for most people, this category is likely an afterthought, which is really a shame. Like any smaller details, they all add up to a major feature that is important for carrying through the style of the bathroom. Aspects like hardware styling are key in making a bathroom distinctive and the right choice will transform a so-so design into one that's bold and attractive. We asked Chris Chmura, business development manager for Brasstech, what he sees as the hot trends in bathroom hardware for 2019. Chmura pointed out that different regions - both within the US and Canada as well as globally - have different preferences. That said, here are the top 10 bathroom trends for 2019 when it comes to hardware: Matte Black Finishes“Matte/flat black finishes on faucets, bathroom accessories, and grab bars are extremely strong throughout North America and into parts of Mexico,” Chmura says. Matte finishes started showing up on kitchen appliances and accessories a year or two ago, especially at the high end. They're popular because of their more natural look and the growing interest in touches of industrial style. Flat finishes are also an excellent contrast to elements that have a high shine and they resist fingerprints and smudges, as well as minimize the appearance of nicks and dents. More than Just Function“Safety with style” is trending for homes as well as medical and residential facilities. As the population ages, more homes include grab bars and handles, so naturally, customers want those to be as stylish as the rest of the bathroom hardware. Chura says that some designers (and customers) are moving away from grab bars with stainless steel finishes to go more natural with brass and copper, especially based on the health benefits of these metals. Going for the GoldJust as in other parts of interior decor, gold tones will be king in the coming year. “Customers are still driving the heavy gold tone trends by purchasing French/Polished Gold, Aged Brass, Uncoated Brass, Polished Brass, and Satin Brass finishes,” Chmura says. Unlike years ago, when gold was just gold, the variety of shades and tones in gold finishes today makes it a more appealing and modern option. Making it MatchThese days, residential bathrooms to have floating vanities, wall hung toilets, and “under the sink” exposed plumbing and homeowners want to have finishes on these that match the lavatory faucets. “For years, the only option for designers and homeowner was basic chrome p-traps, water supply lines, and toilet handles. Now though, customers/designers are now expecting that all of these items will match with throughout bathrooms, mudrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens,” Chmura explains. Hooks, Hooks, and More HooksUniversal Design and the ever-growing bathroom towel is driving manufacturers to keep expanding hook options, he says. “Residential and hospitality designers are using very strategic hook locations to make a space more usable for people of different heights and ages. Large long towel bars are being replaced with two or three hooks in the same space to provide towel storage, but much cleaner design line.” Valet hooks are now not only in bathrooms, but being used in closets for staging clothing, mudrooms for coat storage, public bathrooms, and laundry rooms to dry clothing. No TouchingTouchless faucets and soap dispensers have increased in customers' homes due to better technology, design styles/finishes options, and the continuing movement to improve hygiene in the bathroom, Chmura says. An increasing number of manufacturers are creating options for these types of fixtures in the home. Waste NotWater conservation products are still heavily driven by ever-changing government regulations, customers' expectations, and positive public relations for companies of all sizes. Better, more water-efficient products improve the environment and help save money over the life of a building. These types of environmentally friendly technologies are available in the latest stylish designs of many different brands. There are likely to be a variety of water-saving options in a range of styles to fit anyone's needs. Goodbye to Rose Gold“Rose Gold and Oil Rubbed Bronze finishes continue to decline in popularity across North America,” Chmura explains. “Rose Gold was an extremely strong trend over the past three years in the bathroom, but dropped as customers seemed to move away from “pink” tones of jewelry and technology like the Apple iPhone.” Oil Rubbed Bronze has slowly declined since the peak in the early 2000s to the gold tones, but still is sold still in mountain regions like Colorado he adds. A More Industrial LookIndustrial faucets and accessories for the kitchen are strong this year based on a number of manufacturers rolling out new designs this year at industry shows across the country, he explains. “Customers are seeking out designs with sharp lines, heavier looking tubes and handles, and exposed or 'raw' styles.” This fits with the overall trend of a more natural feel in the home and a more relaxed vibe in the bathroom. Split Finishes“We are having a jump in demand for split finishes on bathroom faucets. Designers are using these split finishes to highlight gold tones on a matte black base, to take a special statement, and/or remodel a bathroom with a finish originally included, but update the faucet.” Some people find the look too”matchy-matchy” when all the fixtures have the exact same finish and the mix helps avoid that. The post Get Your House Ready for 2019 With These 10 Bathroom Hardware Trends appeared first on Home Decorating Trends - Homedit. 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 possibleIf 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 separatelyThat 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 timeYou 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 overcrowdOvercrowding 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 cleanFor 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 cyclesYour 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 cycleIf you do, you're adding water, and it's almost like starting over. 8. Use the cool-down cycle at the endResidual heat will finish the job. 9. Stop short of bone-dryHang 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 rowYou'll get the benefit of residual heat. Charged with designing a showhome kitchen in London, Ontario, designers Lea Legg and Angela Bobanovic knew just where to start: by tossing the usual formula out the window. “We knew from the beginning we wanted the kitchen to be unique but still have that comfortable feeling; to feel layered and interesting while not being fussy,” says Lea. As part of a house that was designed for a home lottery, the 361-square-foot kitchen also needed to function well. “We envisioned it being used by a family who loves to cook and bake together, entertain and live daily life around that island,” she adds. An eclectic palette of materials, old world millwork and a super-efficient layout proved the perfect recipe for the space. Once an empty shell, the charcoal grey kitchen is now a welcoming spot for future homeowners to cook, dine and catch up with friends. “Don't be afraid to mix materials,” says Lea (right). “Often, when you find a space irresistible, it's because it hit that perfect mix!” Here, the designers offset metal sliding door hardware and warm wood flooring with glossy ceramic tile and gold-toned lighting. Lea and Angela divided the kitchen into zones for food prep, dining and mixing cocktails. “Having the separate pantry and bar area allowed us to have a functional, symmetrical layout in the main working space, with room for true chef's appliances,” says Lea. Clean-lined open shelving crafted from bold black metal punctuates the kitchen and keeps it grounded. An inky faucet, set of dining chairs and trio of candlesticks enhance the graphic effect. Bespoke millwork - such as this kitchen's slim, built-in workspace - makes any space feel high-end. Tucked next to the wine fridge, the desk is the ideal spot to plan a menu or pour a drink. The post This Charcoal Grey Kitchen Foregoes The Usual Formula appeared first on House & Home. Like it or not, emergency accounts are kind of boring. And they need to be. The main purpose of an emergency account is to sit around and wait for an emergency. That certainly limits your options as to where to hold the money. Because you may need the money on very short notice, the safety of principal needs to be the primary concern. But that doesn't mean you can't try to earn some income on your emergency account in the meantime. 6 Best Places to Put Your Emergency Account:You don't want to take risks in doing it, but you should attempt to earn at least a little bit of income while you're keeping your money safe. Here are six emergency account options to consider… 1. Your Local BankYour local bank is always a solid option. Unfortunately, most don't pay much in the way of interest. And it usually doesn't matter whether that's interest-bearing checking, savings, money markets, or certificates of deposit (CDs). Because they have a network of local branches, they don't need to pay high-interest rates to attract customers. For example, according to the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation's Weekly National Rates and Rate Caps, average rates on bank savings vehicles look something like this:
Those interest rates are downright microscopic. But the one advantage to local banks is that they can provide immediate physical access to your money in the event of an emergency. And even though the interest they pay amounts to little more than dust, it's better than nothing. 2. Online Bank AccountsIf you want to keep your money absolutely safe but earn higher interest than you can at a local bank, seriously consider online bank accounts. In today's world of electronic money, you can often get access to your funds from an online account just as quickly as you can from a local bank branch. In fact, most provide various options for you to get your money, including transferring it into a checking account at a local bank.
For example:
Online banks may not have local branches, but they're the next closest thing in terms of liquidity. And when you consider that the interest rates they pay on savings instruments run between 10 and 20 times higher than what local banks are paying, it's well worth keeping most of your emergency account with at least one of them. You can open an account with Ally, CIT, or Barclays today. 3. US Treasury BillsUS Treasury Bills are short-term debts issued by the US government. And because they are issued by the US government, they are considered the safest of all investments, backed by the full faith, credit, and taxing power of the US government. They can be purchased in denominations of as little as $100 through do US Treasury's portal, Current yields on these securities are all in excess of 2% APY, with specific rates as of November 16, 2018, as follows: 4. Laddered Certificates of DepositCDs generally pay higher rates of interest than what you will get on savings accounts or money markets. But the best rates go to the CDs that have longer terms. Typically, the better paying rates start with 12-month CDs. That creates a bit of a problem if you're looking to build an emergency fund. After all, emergencies don't wait 12 months for your CD to mature. You'll need an ability to access funds before a CD matures. Now you can usually liquidate a CD early. But if you do, you'll be subject to an early withdrawal penalty. That can cost you several month's worth of interest.
But an even better strategy will be to create a “CD ladder”. The laddering part has to do with staggering the maturities. For example, under Online Bank Accounts we noted that Barclays Bank offers a 12-month CD paying 2.55% APY. You can divide up your emergency account into 12 equal parts and invest the funds in 12 different 12-month CDs. If you have $12,000 in your emergency account, instead of investing it all in a single CD, you can instead invest $1,000 in one CD each month. You'll get the benefit of the 2.55% APY, but each month you'll have one CD maturing, while investing in a new one. Because one CD is maturing each month, you would have at least $1,000 available for that month, and for every month. That's how you can use a CD ladder to earn higher interest on your money, but also add a measure of liquidity for emergency purposes. 5. BettermentIf you want to add even higher returns to your emergency account, and you're willing to take on some risk to do it, you can consider putting at least some of your money into a robo-advisor. The most popular, and perhaps the best robo-adviser overall, is Betterment. For a low annual fee of just 0.25%, Betterment will provide you with a fully managed investment portfolio, that will be diversified across stocks and bonds. Stocks are the more risky asset allocation, so if you plan to use a Betterment account as an emergency account, you should favor a higher bond position. That will make it easier for you to liquidate funds at more predictable valuations than you can with stocks.
You would then be able to tap your liquid savings for immediate emergencies, and access funds from Betterment only when either a larger amount of money is needed, or the emergency lasts longer than expected, such as in the case of a job loss. Either way, you probably won't want to put all of your emergency account into Betterment. There is the risk of loss in the event of a general stock market decline. The best way to protect against that risk is to make sure you always have at least some funds sitting in a completely liquid account, using the Betterment account as a secondary emergency account. Start earning with Betterment today >> 6. Roth IRAThis one's a bit controversial as an emergency account, but it can actually make perfect sense. If you put money into a traditional IRA – or virtually any other retirement account – and you need to withdraw funds before you turn 59 ½, you'll have to pay ordinary income tax on the amount withdrawn, plus a 10% early withdrawal penalty. But the Roth IRA is the exception to that rule. Under what is known as IRS Roth IRA Ordering Rules, you can withdraw your contributions to a Roth IRA at anytime, free of both ordinary income tax and the 10% early withdrawal penalty. That's because under the ordering rules, the first funds withdrawn from a Roth IRA are considered to be your contributions. And since contributions to a Roth IRA are not tax deductible, they are not taxable on withdrawal. Apart from the fact that you can take tax-free early withdrawals from a Roth IRA, using one as an emergency account has several advantages:
Once your Roth IRA account gets big enough, you may be able to keep a small portion in liquid assets, like bonds, to use as an emergency account. But the rest of the account, the majority, can be invested for growth as part of your retirement strategy. Where You Should Put YOUR Emergency Fund?As you can see, there are more options as to where to put an emergency account than just the local bank. Best of all, you don't have to pick just one type of account. You can use several, effectively turning your emergency savings into something of a diversified portfolio. For example, you can hold a small amount, say enough to cover 30 days of living expenses, in a high yield savings account or money market. You can put a larger amount into higher yielding (but safe) investments, like CDs and Treasury Bills. Then you can put the largest amount into a growth account, like Betterment and/or a Roth IRA, to earn even higher returns for the long-term. That will enable you to have the liquid funds you need for an emergency account, while earning a lot better than 0.09% in a local bank savings account. The post Where Should You Keep An Emergency Account? appeared first on Good Financial Cents. There's nothing more magical then twinkling Christmas lights and this marks the fourth year of sharing my glowing Christmas lights night tour that positively sparkles. Cozy up by my roaring fire and enter this magical winter wonderland. Don't miss the end of this post where I link to 20 other bloggers who are sharing their […] The post Glowing Christmas Lights Night Tour appeared first on Kelly Elko. 10+ Boozy Holiday Cocktail Recipes that you'll love to try! These cocktail recipes are especially great to try around the holidays! Be sure to tell me which one is your favorite! Thank you to the bloggers who linked up their recipes in the weekly linkup post that is held here each Monday evening. Please stop […]
All-natural DIY hair spray that works amazingly, tames frizz, and holds well. You will love this easy, homemade hair spray. Follow my tips below to style your hair naturally. What you will need: water, sugar, and essential oils (optional). This post was updated in December 2018 My hair has a mind of its own. Not only is it curly and frizzy, but since having my sweet children, I have these little horns on the side of my head that drive me nuts. I tried using the flat iron to curl them down, but I finally had enough, and made some more of this awesome DIY hair spray. Originally, this post was published in 2012. Holy cow, that is a long time ago. And I used this recipe for years and years… until my second child came, and I just gave up on keeping perfect locks. But finally, I said enough with this hair horn on the side of my head and whipped up a batch of hairspray. What was I thinking waiting so long? I totally forgot how easy this recipe is to make, and how darn well it works. Guess who doesn't have a horn anymore? …It's me. Just in case you didn't put that together. The Real Reason Behind DIY Hair SprayThe real reason I wanted to try this recipe was because I needed hairspray, and I'm too cheap frugal to buy some. It helps that this recipe is “green,” since it contains no harsh chemicals, won't harm the environment, creates no waste (since I use a reusable bottle), and helps me rely less on commercial products. Also, this recipe is so easy, and you have the ingredients right in your pantry. This stuff really works, really holds, and is really cheap. What else could you ask for? Why would you want to make your own homemade hair spray?Conventional hair spray is made of toxic chemicals, even including plastics, VOCs, and artificial fragrances (which have been called the new second hand smoke). You can look through the EWG website at different hair sprays and find the good, bad, and the ugly. Many products contain ingredients that have been linked to cancer, cause organ system toxicity, endocrine disruption, etc. Things I definitely wouldn't want to be using. Heck, when it is sprayed around me, it makes my asthma flare up, so I can't use it even if I wanted to. Luckily this homemade hair spray recipe is so, so simple. Is it more eco-friendly to make homemade hair spray?Not only are the ingredients much safer and better for the environment, but since the bottle can be reused, it is creating less waste! Tips For Using And Styling Your Hair With Natural DIY Hair Spray
The following are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. How To Make DIY Hair SprayDIY Hairspray Ingredients
Directions: To use: Spray bottle should be on its finest mist. Lightly spray a thin coat of hairspray on hair; once dry, you can reapply. Warning: don't just go crazy with it, or else you will end up with a wet head. Apply and reapply in very thin coats. Natural DIY Hair Spray VideoWant more natural hair care recipes? Check these out!
DIY Hair Spray RecipeDIY Hair Spray
An easy alcohol-free DIY hair spray that works well and is super simple.
To use: Spray bottle should be on its finest mist. Lightly spray a thin coat of hairspray on hair once dry you can reapply. Warning: don't just go crazy with it or else you will end up with a wet head. Do apply in very thin coats. DIY Hair Spray FAQWill this attract bugs?I've never had this issue before. You could put a few drops of bug-repelling essential oils in it, like citronella, if you want. A friend had spilled some and it attracted ants, because, well, it's sugar. Just make sure to clean up any spills and you should be fine. How do you make hair spray with essential oils?Follow the instructions above, and then add in your favorite essential oils. What are the best essential oils for hair?
If you want to make a homemade hair spray for hair growth, then try adding a few drops each of lavender, rosemary, cedarwood and peppermint. *Note: If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any medical issues, make sure the essential oils are safe to use before using them. For instance, peppermint is not safe for breastfeeding moms (can decrease milk supply). Rosemary should also not be used while pregnant or breastfeeding. Is this a alcohol-free hair spray?Many products (even natural ones) contain alcohol, which can be really drying on your hair and cause brittle and frizzy hair. So it is not included in this homemade hair spray recipe. What is the main ingredient in homemade hair spray?Sugar! Sounds crazy, I know. But the sugar helps the hair stick together and gives it its hold. Does this wash out of your hair easily?Yes! Comes right out when you wash it. Give it a try! It's different than conventional hairspray, but you may just be pleasantly surprised at how well it works!
The post Natural DIY Hair Spray Recipe appeared first on A Blossoming Life. Hello all! I hope you've had a great week and are ready for the festivities ahead! I'm back with something I've wanted to do for years -- a quick nighttime tour. The magic of the decor and lights isn't completely captured in photos, but it's still pretty lovely. :) Night is definitely our favorite time of day during the holidays! If you'd like to see the room tours I've shared this month, you can see our cozy master tour (with tons of updates!) here, the kitchen and morning room tour here, our great room and then the basement decor here. I didn't change up much on our porch this year, so you can see all the details about that here. I'll just be sharing the photos, so if you have questions about anything please ask in the comments! I hope you enjoy! :) I hope your holidays are wonderful!! I'm so thankful for you all and your support again this year! Merry Christmas and happy holidays to you and yours. :) This content is property of Thrifty Decor Chick LLC. If you are reading this on any other site other than www.thriftydecorchick.com or one of her social media platforms, please contact her immediately (thriftydecorchick at gmail dot com). Any other use of this content is strictly forbidden. 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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