No Budget, No Problem: How To Successfully Transform Your Home When Funds Are Tight

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A happy home life is something that we all deserve, which is why making improvements to the property is a key item on every homeowner’s agenda. Completing those jobs can enhance our daily lives while they often have a positive impact on the value of our most valued assets. Sadly, though, a lack of capital is the major stumbling block that stops many people from turning their visions into a reality.

When funds are tight, it can be tempting to give up. There are ways to bypass those perceived problems, however. Here’s all you need to know.

Accessing Funds

Just because you don’t have cash at your disposal right now, it doesn’t mean you can’t access extra capital. Unsecured loans for homeowners allow you to gain funds for home upgrade plans without borrowing against the property. Better still, this option is open to those without perfect credit scores too.   

Of course, taking out a loan for luxury products and holidays is probably a bad idea. Nonetheless, improving the home is an investment that will pay for itself in the long run. Besides, ignoring necessary jobs could come back to haunt you.

Take The DIY Route

Make no mistake; some jobs are best left to the professional. Still, removing (or at least reducing) labour costs is the easiest way to cut the overall expense. In this age of online tutorials and affordable materials, there’s no excuse for ignoring this option.

Creating a new atmosphere through the use of stylish lighting is an easy job that brings a massive impact. On a similar note, a few coats of paint can transform the look of the walls and the vibe of the entire home. Meanwhile, simple decks and garden projects can be completed at a leisurely pace, which is great news for your budget and sanity.

Think Beyond Money

Adding value isn’t simply about increasing the potential sale price of the property. Sometimes, the best upgrades are the ones that actively improve your life. In many cases, simplicity is the answer.

Upcycling is a popular trend right now, not least because it saves money. There are many tasks, such as using old toys to improve a child’s bedroom, which will give your home that special glow. Meanwhile, repurposing organizational folders by using adhesive tape can add extra storage space. This can quickly create more room throughout the property. With a little creative thinking, great things can be achieved.

Put Safety First

It’s great to have the luxury entertainment items, but the property will never feel like home unless it is safe. Installing CCTV cameras is easy while advanced tech means that they are now cheaper than ever too. Frankly, they will instantly give you that peace of mind needed to enjoy home life to an even greater level.

Of course, childproofing the home is equally important. Meanwhile, you must be vigilant to leaks and damaged structural features. Let those necessities take priority over cosmetic jobs, and your capital will be used to far greater effect.

You’ll gain a better home without ruining your financial status. What more could any homeowner ask for?

 

Image source:

Image 1 – http://maxpixel.freegreatpicture.com/photo-475883

Image 2 – pixabay.com

 

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5 Reasons Why Soundproofing Windows Is Good for Your Health

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soundproofing windows

Getting some peace and quiet is not an easy thing to accomplish in our time, even when living in a suburban area. In developed countries, industrialization has brought machines and electronic devices inside and around every home. And, all of them are generating noises, from a constant hum that drives you insane to noise pollution.

Let’s be honest: achieving a state of tranquility in our world is unlikely. But, there are ways we can reduce the noise and turn our homes into a small oasis.

Soundproof windows are one of the best solutions.

What Is Noise Pollution After All?

Noise pollution occurs when human or wildlife activity is disturbed by excessive noise exposure over prolonged periods of time. This is an environmental problem as well as a health one since it affects the natural rhythm of both individual human lives and the environment as a system. Besides the evident effect on our hearing ability, noise pollution can lead to an entire list of non-auditory problems.

Here’s a list of them and how soundproof windows can help you avoid them.

  1. Hearing Problems

According to one study on noise pollution effects on health, exposure to continuous noise can lead to a progressive hearing loss. Our ears and brains are adapted to a certain amount of environmental noise, and when this limit is exceeded, the organs gradually lose their sensitivity, and the brain no longer filters the noises properly.

By limiting the amount of noise that gets inside your home, soundproofing windows are not only an excellent investment for your mental well-being but your ears’ health as well.

  1. Sleep Disorders

Your sleep patterns can be affected if your bedroom lets outside noise in or if you have electronic devices that generate hums or noise in the room. The effects of disrupted sleep are fatigue, low performance at work and irritability. Your brain can shut off traffic noise during the day, but at night it perceives it at its worst.

Soundproof windows can help you get rid of traffic noise pollution and greatly improve your sleep quality.

  1. Higher Incidence of Cardiovascular Disease

When the noise levels are constantly above a reasonable limit, our stress levels go up. The body reacts by raising the blood pressure and heart rate. According to one ample study, more patients with heart and vascular problems have been admitted to the hospitals and health clinics in areas with high noise levels that in the neighborhoods where noise pollution is not that pronounced.

Installing soundproof windows can do more than just ensuring you rest properly every night. It can protect your heart’s health too.

  1. Disturbance in Communication

Communication is crucial for your performance and productivity, especially when working in a group.  Any barrier to communication will affect entire processes in your work and make your day more difficult. Noise can be one of the most troublesome forms of disturbance, as it leads to misunderstandings and brings out strong, negative emotions.

Whether you’re working from home or a 9-to-5 job, soundproofed windows can make a significant difference in your work performance.

  1. Noise Pollution Affects Your General Quality of Life and Mental Health

High noise levels can lead to psychological symptoms in both children and adults. You might notice how a chaotic, noisy environment makes you jumpy, edgy, tired and impatient. If you add this on top of your normal work or school challenges, your mind gets overwhelmed in time, and soon you will need coping mechanisms.

Since it’s not always possible or easy to choose your working and living environments, you have to deal with excessive noise directly. Some jobs or situations can allow you to wear sound canceling headphones, but it is not always applicable or comfortable. Soundproofing your windows is the most straightforward improvement you can add to your house or work place.

Whether you use home-made improvisations or hire a specialized company to improve your home, any decrease in the noise levels will have a dramatic impact on your quality of life.

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Transitioning Your Makeup Routine from Summer to Fall

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It may seem a little bit odd for you to see a headline like this in the middle of summer, but still, it is never too early to start preparing your skin for upcoming weather changes, right? Plus, it is useful to know some things in advance, kind of like how we’ll all be fully aware of next year’s spring fashion trends as soon as November starts. In this article, you will learn how to recover your skin from all that summer damage and also find out about the hottest fall makeup trends.

makeup

Skincare

Hours-long beach sessions have probably already started to take their toll on your skin in forms of peeling, drying, greasing etc. And yes, your skincare routine is going to go through several changes now, but don’t worry – that doesn’t have to be a bother at all.

Goodbye summer moisturizer

Your favorite can’t-live-without moisturizer will be replaced by a heavier one. And yes, when we hear that, most of us instantly think about clogged pores and weighed down skin.However, now there are those that are specially designed to feel light while keeping your skin ultra-moisturized – kind of like the ones from Gorgeous Cosmetics, for example. After all, moisturizing is a very important process for keeping our skin safe from oiliness, blackheads, dryness etc.

Facial oils

There are countless benefits of incorporating these into your daily skincare routine, especially if you are using argan oil which is full of omega 3, 6 and 9 that protect and nourish your skin in the best way possible.

Sometimes we need extra(s)

Exactly – sometimes, when all those nighttime cat-eyes, crazy festival eyeshadows and rubbing your waterproof mascara take their toll on those fine lines around your eyes, moisturizers just aren’t strong enough to help them. This is why you need to upgrade your skincare arsenal with some aloe vera enriched eye creams. Use your eye cream every night before bed by massaging it gently onto the area around your eyes.

Makeup

After your skin is fully recovered from sea salt, pool chlorine, sand and sunlight, it’s time to doll yourself up. Say goodbye to fluorescent lips, mermaid eyes and pink highlighters – the fall has something else in mind.

All forms of metallic eye shadow

The fall of 2017 brings us all kinds of eye shadow color trends, but one stands out way above the others, and that is metallic – in all possible shades. And no, it is not just about dabbing some silver around your eyes. At 2017 fall fashion shows,metallics were swept across eyelids which gave the looks a remarkable beauty statement of strength that quickly spread through the runways. There are two ultimate ways to rock this trend: by blending a few completely opposite colors (like they did at the Alberta Ferretti fashion show with black, red and metal gold) which creates a beautiful, but at the same time badass impression, or by sticking to one particular metallic eye shadow like Lloyd Simmonds did at the Alexis Mabille fashion show.

If none of these work for you, you can always improvise and invent a new style yourself.

Burgundy

Luckily for us, burgundy has managed to remain the ultimate fall trend for another season.You can opt for sexy burgundy lips, or bold burgundy eyes. If you are wondering how such a thing as burgundy eyes can work, just take a look at La Perla’s fashion show and makeup artwork of one and only Erin Parsons who found the inspiration in British gardens. Make sure you try this color out this fall.

Gothic all the way

Ever wanted to pair your black shadow with a dark lipstick such as wine red or dark plum without feeling like a wicked witch? This year you can, because Rihanna once again launched a new makeup trend at her Fenty x Puma fashion show.

Beside this combination, many trends, such as rock ‘n’ roll eyes (a.k.a Kate Moss’s iconic eyeliner) and heavy-handed black liner approach, also made a huge comeback this season.

Graphic eyes

This makeup trend is embracing the looks you’ve only seen in those futuristic movies. Basically, it is all about achieving a structured look with an exaggerated flick and making unconventional color combinations. This look is super edgy and perfect for those who want to grab everybody’s attention.

The new smoky eye

Forget everything you’ve learned about smoky eyes. Now, it is all about wearing black makeup only on the outskirts of your eye (like the Saint Laurent fashion shows), doing an extreme graphic version of cat eye (Versace fashion show), or smudging only your brow bone with black shadow (like they did at the Giorgio Armani fashion show).

That would be it. How do you like these makeup trends? Feel free to leave your opinion in the comment section below.

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Celebrity Makeup Artists Share Their Summer Secrets

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We know that during summer months the only thick layer on you should be sunscreen. So, make sure you apply it at least 20 minutes before you put any makeup on, to let it soak in properly. Okay, let’s get straight to work then.

Vincent Oquendo says: exfoliation first

Believe it or not, Vincent Oquendo does one really strange thing before dolling up his VIP clients: he shaves them. Don’t worry, not literally. He calls that procedure dermaplaning. Basically, it is a new form of exfoliation where you use a sharp tool (10 gauge scalpel) to remove that dry and dirty top layer of your skin and leave you with much smoother and brighter complexion. Also, it eliminates the peach fuzz and leaves you with a very smooth and clean canvas for applying makeup. The treatment is painless and completely safe if you are careful enough. After you’re done, use a simple BB cream or a lightweight foundation.

makeup artist
image source: Vincent Oquendo – http://bit.ly/2u3MoGZ

Molly R. Stern says: get naked

Stop it! Don’t take your clothes off! Walking around in these extreme high temperatures will result in sweating, smearing and smudging. To avoid these side effects, go light on your skin, avoid heavy foundation and make sure you use only the products you really need. If you have a clear face, don’t bother using anything at all, but on the other hand, if you think you need a foundation, just mix it with your sunscreen and dab a light concealer with your fingers on those critical spots.

Image source: Molly R. Stern – http://bit.ly/2tODbXI

Robert Sesnek says: switch to tinted moisturizers

Since we all use moisturizer on a daily basis, why wouldn’t we get the best of both worlds and save our skin and pores from foundation? If you don’t like the idea of using commercial tinted moisturizers, you can make your own by mixing your regular oil-free moisturizer with your lightweight foundation to achieve that soft and sheer appearance.

Image source: Robert Sesnek – http://bit.ly/2tOF1YM

Monika Blunder says: proper tools matter

Your super expensive light base won’t count if it is not applied the right way. It will eventually slide off your face and give you that dirty and melted look. Make sure you invest in quality synthetic buffing brushes which will help your foundation last longer and prevent it from looking oily.

Photo source: Monika Blunder – http://bit.ly/2tO2klH

Kelsey Deenihan says: bronzer is the safest way to get a tan

Powder SPF enriched bronzer can do wonders for your glow. Feel free to sweep it all over your face to make your complexion seem a lot deeper and then dust a shimmery one over it to accentuate the highlight points of your face a.k.a your temples, the bridge of your nose and the highest part of your cheekbones. You will glow like never before.

Image source: Kelsey Deenihan – http://prn.to/2tOyLjP

Every makeup artist ever says: during summertime go waterproof

What is worse: seeing yourself in a mirror after a long day and realizing you look like a raccoon, or wondering how long have you looked that way? When the temperatures are this high, your makeup will smudge due to excessive sweating. A waterproof mascara, like Maybelline Great Lash mascara for example, won’t smear, run and will easily handle pool, sea and sweat.

However, mascara and eyeliner are not the only waterproof makeup products out there. You can now find waterproof foundation, concealers, and even blushes and eye shadows which fill successfully fight both heat and humidity.

That would be it. Did you find any of these tips helpful? Do you know any other? Feel free to leave them in the comment section below.

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How to Deal with Common Home Emergencies

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Home emergencies tend to catch us off guard. They usually aren’t that difficult to handle, but they come at the worse possible moment and can really make our lives miserable at least until the help comes our way.

home emergencies

The only way to handle these situations is to anticipate them and be prepared in advance. The majority of these emergencies can be handled by someone without professional training by using tools that can be found in every home.

Power failure

There’s not much you can do to prevent power failures, because they mostly happen due to external factors such as extreme weather changes, but you can be prepared. Some of these preparations are quite simple and you can use any equipment. If you know that there’s a chance that power may go off in your area, you can group big furniture in the center of your room so you can move around without the fear of running into something.

Prepare some food, water and a few flashlights in case the blackout lasts for a while. Any canned food will be fine as long as you can open it and eat it without electricity.

Roof repair

This is another weather-related problem. However, some roof issues could happen regardless of the weather if your house is old and you don’t maintain the roof properly. It’s important to keep in mind that, for larger projects on the roof, you need to have a proper permit and safety measures in place. You can only patch up a few things on your own, until the professionals come to your aid.

Clean the gutters regularly and see if there are any cracks on the roof. The gutters can be cleaned by hand – all you need is a plastic bag and a good ladder.

Faucets and sinks

Plumbing problems are inevitable, no matter how well your kitchen is maintained. All faucets come with an expiration date and you’ll have to change them every once in a while. O-rings are the most common cause of faucet problems and you can change them with just a wrench and a screwdriver.

Clogged sinks are just as common, but they take a bit more handiness to fix.In case you get in over your head you could always call a plumber from Eastern Suburbs to help you out.

Broken heating

There a few signs that might suggest you have a problem with air-conditioning. If you hear strange sounds coming out of the unit or the device is leaking water, turn it off right away. The same goes if the device takes a long time to turn on or if it appears to be working but there’s no cold (or hot) air coming out.

Most of these could be fixed simply by cleaning the heating device, gently and thoroughly. This should be done while the device is off and you should start with filters and finish with the exterior. Clean it when you notice the problem and continue doing it every 6 months.

Gas leaks

Gas leaks are no laughing matter. With just a small leak – a simple match or a spark could cause a fire or even an explosion. The leaks are most commonly noticed by a distinct smell of gas. If you do notice the smell open all doors and windows to air out the room, don’t turn on any electric devices and don’t light a match in the room.

The rest should be done by professionals – your only job is to turn the gas off at the meter and call the professionals.

 

Most of the home emergencies can be avoided or easily repaired simply by planning ahead. Do this and you won’t be caught off guard when something does happen.

 

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