5 Features for Turning Your Bathroom into Utter Bliss

For some people, bathrooms are just the place where they go to get ready for the day or wash off the grime of a hard day’s work. However, with just a few changes to shake things up, it can be an area of utter bliss that not only succeeds in getting you clean but washes away the stress of the day as well. Here are five features for turning your bathroom into perfection. 

Image:pexels.com

A Tub You Could Sleep in

It’s time to get rid of your old crusty tub and replace it with one that surpasses your expectations. Finding a great tub is a matter of personal preference, but you’ll undoubtedly want a large one, possibly with jets. If tubs aren’t exactly your taste, installing an upgraded shower can transform what used to be about simply getting clean into a full-on relaxing experience.

Plenty of Sink Space

If you find yourself fighting your spouse for sink space, it might be time for an upgrade. Adding more sink space with an additional mirror room will allow you and your spouse to get ready for the day without throwing elbows. This is also a good opportunity to install a second sink with custom bathroom countertops. You’ll have enough room for all your bathroom accessories without knocking them over when you reach for your toothbrush.

Heated Floors

Do you hate waking up in the morning and stumbling into the bathroom where the cold tiles just make you want to crawl back into bed? With heated floors, you’ll never have to experience that again. By installing radiant heating on your bathroom floors, your feet will never succumb to icy titles.

The Perfect Throne

While there’s nothing wrong with the average toilet, why would you use one when you could have a throne? There are porcelain beasts with heated seating, built-in bidets, and even self-cleaning properties! Once you’ve used a toilet like this, you’ll never want to go back. Installing a toilet like this will seriously change your life.

Inviting Lighting

Lighting can transform a room from a dark dungeon into a bright paradise, or anything in between. Forget about the standard lighting that you most likely have in your current bathroom and replace it with something spectacular. There are nearly limitless options of lighting styles to choose from, along with warm, soft, bright, and dim lighting.

Pick a style that works for you and light up your new bathroom!

Why Would You Ever Leave?

Adding these upgrades to your bathroom can heighten your morning routine like never before. You’ll quickly find that with features like a heated floor and the perfect tub, there will rarely be a reason to leave your bathroom.

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3 Ways to Improve Your Home Office

Perhaps one of the only benefits of the COVID-19 pandemic is the introduction of working from home for many Americans who were not able to do so previously. Working from home is more convenient than commuting to and from an office, and can help free up time for busy employees across the nation; however, doing so comes with its own set of challenges, such as difficulty balancing work and home life for some who struggle to leave a tough day’s work at the office, now that their office is their home. This is why it is extremely important to have a solid home office set up, which keeps any supplies that you may need nearby while also creating a space where you can work separately from the rest of your home responsibilities and distractions. 

Upgrading your home office to make it a permanent space where you can work efficiently and free from distractions is the key to maintaining the perfect home and work life. Whether you seek actual office furniture from a company like Key Interiors to truly make your space feel like an office or just want to add a little extra decor to match the rest of your home, here are 3 simple ways to spruce up your home office to make working from home an even better deal.

Image:pexels.com

1. Stay Active With a Standing Desk

No matter where you’re working from, sitting at a desk all day can be boring (and bad for your back). Switch things up with a standing desk! If you’d like to get a quick workout while you work, invest in a mini treadmill and walk or jog while you type. This will improve your mental and physical health, and make every workday exciting. 

2. Ergonomic Keyboard

Say goodbye to sore wrists and discomfort in your hands or arms thanks to your bulky, company-issued keyboard; you get to choose the equipment in your home office, so it’s time to invest in an ergonomic keyboard that was designed with your maximum comfort in mind. You can get both wireless and traditionally wired keyboards that are compatible with all devices. This is a seemingly small but extremely effective upgrade for any home office. Your wrists will thank you!

3. Soft Lighting 

Bright, fluorescent lights that most office spaces come equipped with can trigger headaches and are generally unpleasant to deal with during a long workday. Good news: when you work from home, you choose the lighting. In your home office, you should opt for soft, more dim lighting as it is shown to be better for your mental health and requires less straining of the eyes during a long day of staring at a screen.  

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3 Tips for Buying Your Toddler’s Shoes

When your little one starts walking, it is best to let them remain barefoot around the house. When they are outside or in public, however, it is necessary for them to have a good pair of shoes on - and it can be difficult for parents to determine how to buy the right shoes for their toddler. While it can be tempting to buy the cutest shoes available at your local baby clothing retailer, shoes for toddlers should be all about fit and function. It is important for people of all ages to invest in a pair of shoes that fit correctly, to avoid issues like bunions that would need to be corrected by northwestsurgerycenter.com. 

Since it might be difficult for toddlers to communicate with you about the fit of a particular pair of shoes, here are some tips for picking out their first pair of new shoes. 

Image:pexels.com

1. Buy in Person, Not Online

While you might be tempted to purchase shoes for your little one online, it is best to make such an important purchase in person where you can measure your child’s feet and allow them to walk around in the shoes before you buy. Have a professional at the store measure your child’s feet, and be sure that they try on shoes while standing up, to get an accurate measurement for the fit. 

2. Account for Socks 

Even if your toddler hates wearing socks (as many do), it is important that they wear a pair with their new shoes to avoid blisters or irritation on their bare feet. With that said, it is important to remember to ensure that your child is wearing socks to the store to try on their new shoes, so that you can make sure the shoes will not be too tight on their feet once they are wearing socks on the go. 

3. Invest in High-Quality Material

The shoes you get for your child should be made of high-quality materials such as canvas or leather. Any shoes for toddlers are made out of rubber or plastic, which will cause discomfort when walking for even a short period of time. Be sure to stay away from styles like wedges or shoes with pointy toes - although these are trendy, they are not realistic for little ones who are still learning to walk, and need to have the most comfortable shoes possible. 

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Summary: If you have hardwood flooring in your Mississauga-area home, it’s important to follow certain steps to protect it from damage and ensure it keeps looking as good as new. For this, you should clean regularly, avoid wet mops, be careful of sunlight, use area rugs and choose the right cleaning products. 

The Best Ways to Protect Your Hardwood Floors in Mississauga

Whether you’ve had hardwood floors in your Mississauga home for years or just installed them, maintaining and protecting them is important. 

Besides extending their life, the right maintenance will ensure that it stays looking beautiful for years. 

But this doesn’t need to be difficult, especially if you can establish a routine that can keep them looking their best, even after years of daily use. 

To help homeowners make the most of their hardwood flooring in Mississauga, our flooring experts have shared some tips to protect it. Use them to keep your floors looking good for years to come. 

Easy Maintenance Tips to Protect Your Hardwood Flooring in Mississauga

Preserve the beauty of your hardwood floors with these maintenance tips. 

1. Clean Regularly

Just as you would with any flooring material, it’s necessary to clean hardwood regularly to make it last and look great. That means sweeping every day to get rid of dirt, dust and crumbs that may cause damage. You can also use a microfiber dust mop to get rid of smaller dust particles your broom may have missed. Alternatively, you can vacuum. 

2. Avoid Wet Mops

While some homeowners prefer to mop their floors, this must be avoided at all costs when it comes to hardwood in Mississauga. Saturating a wooden floor with water can warp your floorboards. Instead, mildly dampen a dry rag but make sure you wipe the surface with a dry cloth to get rid of any moisture. 

3. Be Wary of Sunlight

Another thing to keep an eye out for when it comes to hardwood flooring in Mississauga is exposure to sunlight. Direct UV rays can cause your flooring to lose its colour over time, resulting in a faded appearance. 

So, if you have hardwood floors in a room that receives a lot of sunlight, consider investing in high-quality window treatments that can block it out. But there’s no need to go overboard. Simple window treatments such as curtains and blinds can also protect them. 

4. Use Area Rugs

Once you have moved furniture into your room, you can determine the areas where people will be walking most and use area rugs accordingly. They are specifically designed to protect sections of the floor that may be subject to a lot of movement. Area rugs are also available in a wide range of colours, patterns and designs, so you can find something suitable for your space. 

5. Select the Right Products

When cleaning hardwood flooring in Mississauga, make sure you only use products recommended for hardwood. They will bring out the wood’s best and prevent damage to the surface. For instance, use a high-quality broom, mop and dust mop designed specifically for wooden floors. 

In terms of the dust mop, choose reusable microfiber pads that work well with the material. When it comes to cleaners, purchase ones that are safe for hardwood flooring, leave no residue, and are safe for both pets and children. 

Regular maintenance of your hardwood flooring in Toronto is vital to protect its beauty and ensure it lasts many years. Use this guide to protect them from normal wear and tear. Investing your time and a bit of attention into protecting your floors will keep your home looking stylish and your flooring as good as new for years to come. 

Source:

https://www.thespruce.com/hardwood-flooring-mistakes-4172018

https://www.thisoldhouse.com/flooring/21019357/how-to-protect-wood-floors

https://www.signaturecustomflooring.com/how-to-protect-your-hardwood-floors/

https://www.homify.co.uk/ideabooks/5535671/how-to-protect-hardwood-floors

https://www.brisbanesfinestfloors.com.au/news/how-to-protect-hardwood-floors-lengthen-their-life

https://www.fromtheforest.com/blogs/fromtheforest/how-to-protect-your-hardwood-floors

https://allbetterapp.com/3-ways-to-prevent-damage-to-your-floor/

https://www.flatrate.com/blog/how-to-protect-hardwood-floors-moving/

https://rentberry.com/blog/protect-hardwood-floors

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How to Glam Up Your Kitchen with Custom Blinds in Toronto

Summary: Thinking of revamping your kitchen with high-quality window coverings? Discover top tips on how to achieve this with custom-made blinds. 

Your kitchen is likely one of the most used rooms in your Toronto-area home, and beautiful window treatments can make it more appealing.

But to choose appropriate window coverings for this space, you need to consider both their functionality and their visual appeal. 

Most homeowners prefer custom blinds over the pre-fabricated ones in Toronto. Unlike readymade ones, custom blinds offer a wide array of fabrics, colours, and designs that perfectly fit your windows. They are also quite functional. 

Here are a few ways how they help to beautify your kitchen space. 

Revamp Your Kitchen with Custom Blinds in Toronto

When it comes to custom coverings, there are multiple options available in terms of textures, designs, and types. This means there is something ideal for your kitchen. Let’s find out how to redecorate this space with these coverings. 

Choose Roman Blinds for a Sophisticated Look 

The fine patterns and stripes of Roman blinds create a highly personalized kitchen. Their gentle draping adds sophistication, grace, and a contemporary appearance. These blinds are stacked in horizontal folds that have stunning visual impact. They are available in natural and synthetic fabrics that are water-resistant. 

Buy Vertical Blinds that Can be Repaired Quickly

These window coverings offer optimum privacy, look beautiful, and are highly resistant to both fire and moisture. Plus, they are available in diverse textures and colours. Vertical blinds are widely used in the kitchen because they can be repaired quickly and easily. 

Pick Faux Wood Blinds for a Clean and Fresh Look 

Faux wood blinds are one of the most popular options for Toronto-area homeowners. This is because they are highly waterproof, resistant to warping, and can be cleaned quickly. 

They are easily tailored in a variety of finishes, slat widths, and colours, thereby making them perfect additions to your kitchen. Do you want to increase your window treatments’ flair? Then choose these wood blinds along with matching tapes. 

Use Roller Blinds to Make Your Kitchen More Colourful 

Roller blinds can be customized to suit any type of kitchen decor and add more colour to it. They are easy to operate, highly functional, flame retardant, water resistant and perfect for keeping near the kitchen sink. Roller blinds are also easily cleanedRoller blinds are also easily cleaned. 

Choose Wooden Venetian Blinds for Optimum Light Control 

These window blinds can be rotated 180 degrees to offer optimum control of sunlight entering your kitchen. Their rotating slats can be angled so you experience maximum privacy while enjoying the view outside. 

Whether you have a traditional kitchen or a modern one, these custom blinds fit well with any kitchen style. This is possible because the wood’s natural grain can match flawlessly. When properly maintained and cleaned, these coverings last for a very long time. 

Buy Aluminum Venetian Blinds for an Uncluttered Look 

These stylish and functional blinds come with exclusive metallic finishes and solid colours. They are resistant to moisture, so you can place them on the kitchen sink without damaging them. 

Custom aluminum Venetian coverings give your kitchen an uncluttered appearance. They also offer light control and privacy depending on the window slat setting you choose. 

Make use of these custom blinds ideas to improve the ambience of your kitchen. Whether you have a traditional or modern one, custom blinds help to beautify your kitchen in Toronto and enhance its functionality. For more information, contact a trusted window blinds company. 

Sources:

https://www.bhg.com/decorating/window-treatments/basics/kitchen-window-treatment-ideas/

https://www.blinds.com/blog/top-5-styles-kitchen-window-treatments

https://masteringkitchens.com/what-kind-of-blinds-are-best-for-kitchens/

https://www.bloominblinds.com/about-us/blog/2020/june/best-window-treatments-for-kitchens/

https://www.swiftdirectblinds.co.uk/inspiration-and-tips/articles/best-blinds-for-your-kitchen/

https://www.zebrablinds.com/blog/guide-blinds-for-kitchen-sink-windows/

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Self Care Tips for New Moms

After having a baby, everything changes. Whether you are a first time parent or just gave birth to your fourth child, welcoming a new baby is one of the most challenging (although rewarding) experiences one can have. For new moms, it can be hard to prioritize self care in the midst of caring for your new child and adapting to the changes in your home and family life. Without taking the time for self care, however, new moms are at risk for more serious symptoms of postpartum depression, and are more likely to  experience burnout which could lead to further mental health related problems. 

Image:pexels.com

Despite what you might think, self care does not need to be expensive or time consuming. If you  are a new mom, here are 3 simple ideas for self care that can be done in the midst of even the  most hectic schedule. 

Take a Hot Bath

The best way to gett a little bit of “me time” even in the midst of a hectic schedule is by taking a hot bath. Use a bath bomb, scented bubbl bath, or muscle relaxing epsom salts for a little extra pampering. Light some candles, play your favorite music, and boom - your bathroom is turned into a relaxing spa. 

Focus on Fitness

While you shouldn’t feel pressure to look a certain way after giving birth, working out and creating a physical wellness routine can help alleviate some negative postpartum feelings and boost confidence. Whether you seek treatment from a clinic like ThriveMD or work with a trainer to establish a workout routine at your local gym, focusing on physical wellness after giving birth is a great way to put yourself first.

Get Support from Friends 

When caring for a new baby, you might not find yourself with much spare time to spend with friends or loved ones. Spending quality time with friends can help to alleviate stress and can help you get into a routine of doing things that you enjoyed pre-baby. If you are struggling to find time to socialize, pick one or two nights per week when your partner or another loved one can watch the baby while you go out for coffee or grab dinner with some friends. 

The best self care requires nothing more than taking time to do something for yourself that you really enjoy, even if it’s small. These 3 simple ideas can provide much needed rest and relaxation for new moms. 

 

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Pro’s and Con’s of Renovating v. Building a House

Buying a house comes with many decisions, but choosing to build a brand new home or purchase an older home that needs renovation will be one of the first. There are many pros and cons to both, so we’ve gone ahead and listed some of them here to make your decision a bit easier.

Renovating

Pros

One major benefit to renovating an older home is the personalization it can offer. A home that is outdated may need a lot of work, but allows you to make all the decisions to create a space that is the perfect fit for you and your family. This gives you the creativity to choose a design style that matches your taste, room to room.

Cost can be a huge factor in purchasing real estate, and buying an older home is much more cost efficient. With all the work you put in through renovations, you can easily earn your money back and even make a profit. Real estate is tricky and complicated, but with patience it can be a great way to make money through large and small renovations.

With renovating an existing space, you can mitigate the up-front costs by going room by room. Start by updating the rooms that are most outdated first, such as the bathrooms. If you aren’t an experienced designer, a good piece to focus your design around is what everyone faces while in the space–a statement bathroom vanity of your choosing. With the focal point in place, the style will be more obvious and you’ll be able to match other fixtures and decor to tie the whole room together.

Lastly, older homes typically have a higher quality build. They tend to have better bones to start and can sustain renovations and projects without creating structural problems down the road. With an older home, you can usually be sure that the structure and foundation are solid and reliable.

Cons

One negative to renovating an older home is that fixtures may need to be replaced; it can be a lot of work, and you may need to outsource contractors and/or architects depending on how much work needs to be done. Fixtures such as water heater, kitchen appliances, and plumbing may all need to be replaced simply due to aging. This can set you back in your budget before you’ve even started the moving process.

Renovating is a lot of work and therefore can take a lot of time. If you have a short timeline and need a home that is move-in ready, renovating may not be the best option unless you find a home that you can live in while completing smaller projects. 

With all these projects and potential outsourcing, you may experience setbacks in your timeline and budget. Things like structural changes and electrical or plumbing work that could be required are time consuming and will require a professional for those who don’t have prior experience.

Building

Pros

One huge pro to building a new house is that everything is new! That may seem obvious, but having all new appliances and fixtures is a bonus that not all homeowners get and will definitely cut out initial maintenance that may occur with an older home.

Being move-in ready, a new home doesn’t require any physical labor. So if you’re busy and don’t have the time to put into home projects, building a new home may be the perfect fit for you and your lifestyle.

Location is another huge bonus to building a new home. As long as you can find land in a city or town that you love, you’ll get to be super selective when it comes to exactly where your new home will be located. This can be a big benefit, especially for those who have a family or want to start one because you’ll get to be picky with which neighborhood your kids will grow up in and where they will attend school.

Cons

Builders can be tricky to deal with and many times can and will cut corners to make things cheaper for them. This can cause problems down the road with things breaking and needing to be repaired or replaced.

Building new can also be extremely expensive and should mostly be considered by those who plan on building their forever home or have the budget for it. Obtaining a construction loan can also be difficult and can become an obstacle in your timeline right off the bat. It will be worth it to some, but others may not find building a new house necessary, or budget friendly.

Though building a home isn’t a lot of physical work, unless you’re the builder, it does come with a lot of decisions. You’ll have to choose the right builder and all the finishes, including flooring, tile, backsplashes, paint colors, etc. Or you can let the builder decide, but it may not match your exact style or preference. This means taking full creative freedom, or letting it go, and not meeting your future needs.

Conclusion

Take all these pros and cons into consideration and ultimately decide which is best for you and your family. This list is just a start and it is smart to do more research when making such a big life decision. Homeownership is stressful, but is a big part of life and you’ll want to take joy in whichever decision you end up making.

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