6 Simple Ways to Increase Your Home's Curb Appeal
We are mid-way through May, the weather is beautiful, and people are enjoying their front and back yards again! Have you spruced up the outside of your home and yard yet this season? If not, now is the perfect time. Devote one weekend to fixing up your outdoor space, and you'll reap the benefits all summer long! Whether you are looking to sell your home, or just want things looking spick and span, try these 6 simple ways to increase your home's curb appeal....
1. Paint your front door
It's amazing what a fresh coat of paint on a front door can do to transform the look and feel of an entire home! It's amazing! Whether your current front door color just needs a little sprucing up, or you want to start over- don't forget to give your front door the needed love and attention it deserves! Pick a fun color that pops if you really want to make a statement!
via pinterest
2. Get new house numbers
Match them to the style of your home, and get new, larger house numbers. They look great from the street and really make a home look put together.
via pinterest
3. Switch up your hardware
Refresh your front door with not only paint, but also a new handle and door knocker! Your door will look brand new, and you won't be out that much money, either. Simple change, big results.
via pinterest
4. Dress up the front porch
It's absolutely incredible what a cute, decorated front porch can do for a home! So bring on the rocking chairs, wicker furniture, outdoor pillows, cute welcome mats, and flower pots!
Better Homes & Gardens via pinterest
5. Hang up an American flag
If this is literally the only thing you do to give your house a little more curb appeal, it will work! I'm amazed at how a home always looks about 10 times more charming if it has an American flag hanging from the porch. Perfect way to bring on summer!
via pinterest
6. Clean up the landscape
Take a day or two to really give your yard some TLC. Trim all the trees and bushes, pull all the weeds and renew your garden edges, mow and trim the grass, etc. Clean up the landscape and your house will look like a million bucks!
via pinterest
Now, go start working on your home's curb appeal!
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How to Declutter
It’s so easy to feel overwhelmed and overcome with clutter. If you’re like me and get frustrated every time you end up digging through a drawer for minutes at a time looking for a pen or fingernail clippers, it might be time to make some changes. When it comes to decluttering, it’s important to remember that everything doesn’t have to be done at once. Make a list of the places you need to declutter and start with the easiest job first. After you’ve completely finished that job, stop! Only do one job at a time so that you have the drive to keep going.
In my quest to figure out the best (and least overwhelming) way to declutter my home, I found an article from Becoming Minimalist that had a couple of good ideas I wanted to share with you below!
How to Declutter
via Home We're Home
- Give away one item a day for a year. It might seem really small and like you aren’t making a lot of progress, but after a year you’ll have gotten rid of 365 things!
- Have everyone in your family grab a trash bag and fill it as quickly as possible with either garbage or things to be donated. A whole lot of junk can fit into a garbage bag and if you make it a monthly habit, you’ll quickly reduce the clutter in your house.
- Take the 12-12-12 Challenge. Find 12 things you can throw away, 12 things you can donate and 12 things you can put away in their proper place.
There were a lot of ideas and tips in this article you might want to check out if you’re in the mood to declutter your home. How have you decided to declutter your home?
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DIY Wall Art
It can get expensive filling walls with art, even with all the affordable art options out there. LINK Even if you can afford whatever art you want, sometimes it’s more fun to create your own work of art. If you’ve got the artistic bug and are itching to make something of your own but aren’t sure of what to create, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading for some DIY wall art ideas and inspiration!
DIY Wall Art
via diys
Wouldn't these shadow boxes look great in your kitchen? Find out how to make these Fake Fruit Wall Art here!
via City Farm House
If you have a large wall you're trying to fill, why not try this abstract painting? Pick whatever color will fit the style of your home and find out how to create this art here.
via A Beautiful Mess
These fun wall art pieces would be so fun in a kid's room. If you aren't a fan of the X and O, pick any shape or letter and start creating! Instructions found here.
No one will guess that you created this unique piece of art using paint, soap, and drinking straws. Find out how to make it here.
Create these triangle shadow boxes and you'll be able to switch out the decorations inside whenever you want. Instructions are found here.
Don't forget that you can make any image into a piece of art with RC Willey!
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Breakfast in Bed
Mother’s Day is right around the corner and what better way to show the mom in your life that you love her than a delicious breakfast in bed? With a little planning ahead, you’ll be able to pull off a restaurant-worthy breakfast for the whole family to enjoy. So grab yourself a breakfast tray and look through some of these breakfast in bed recipes below.
Breakfast in Bed
HASHBROWN EGG NESTS from The Cooking Jar
CINNAMON FRENCH TOAST BAKE from Genius Kitchen
BREAKFAST CASSEROLE from Mel's Kitchen Cafe
CINNAMON ROLLS from The Pioneer Woman
I'm craving all of these right now!
Are you going to be making breakfast in bed this Sunday? What are you going to be making?
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Mother's Day Menu Ideas
I always appreciate and enjoy gifts and flowers on Mother's day, but my husband and children have found that the SURE FIRE way to my heart is through thoughtful notes and an incredibly delicious meal! I mean, what mom doesn't love being cooked for? Give your mom or wife the best gift this Sunday- a yummy lineup of her favorite foods! Here are some ideas to get you started....
If your mom/wife loves:
Pasta, then make her this:
Margherita Pasta via a bountiful kitchen
Fish, then make her this:
Grilled Salmon via Genius Kitchen
Burgers, then make her this:
The Big Boss Burger via Modern Honey
Sandwiches, then make her this:
Gouda Honeycrisp Apple Bacon Grilled Cheese via Modern Honey
BBQ Ribs, then make her these:
Chili glazed Pork Ribs via food network
Chicken & Veggie Kabobs, then make her these:
via a bountiful kitchen
Fancy Pizza, then make her this:
Summer Peach, Balsamic & Goat Cheese Pizza via Loveandoliveoil
Tacos, then make her these:
Chili Lime Tacos with Mango Salsa via Mel's Kitchen Cafe
Now, go start planning that menu!
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Kitchen Backsplash Ideas
There are so many different kitchen backsplash ideas and options nowadays that it should be easy to find a unique option for your home. I love how there are so many ways to bring your own individual taste into home designs now! Think creatively and decide on something you love, not just something that is in style, when choosing your kitchen backsplash. Keep reading for some unique kitchen backsplash ideas.
Kitchen Backsplash Ideas
via House and Home
Traditionally backsplashes have followed the straight line of the bottom of the wall cabinets, regardless of whether or not there is a cabinet or an empty wall. Forget tradition and take your backsplash all the way up to the ceiling. You’ll be making a big statement that will work especially well with open shelving.
via NJ Monthly
Subway tiles still reign supreme and for good reason! They’re a classic. If you want the look of subway tiles but want to have something a little more unique, go for a larger subway tile.
via Emily Henderson
With plain countertops, think about a patterned backsplash. Using tiles to create chevrons, herringbone, or any other pattern you can think of will create texture and visual interest. For an even bolder statement, pick tiles that have graphic prints or large patterns on them. The key to making this work is creating a simple, plain kitchen and using the backsplash as the main focus.
via House Beautiful
Another way to create a bold statement is to pick colorful tiles. It might be scary leaving the neutral white, gray, or beige tiles behind, but with so many colorful tile options available now you will be able to match your kitchen to your personality.
via Decor Pad
So far we’ve talked mainly about tiles, but think creatively about backsplash options! Slabs of marble or metal will create a unique look. Likewise, there are wood options that you may not have thought of like shiplap or beadboard. You’ll need to do your research when it comes to what materials will stand up to cooking stains or moisture, but with a little imagination, you can make your kitchen one of a kind.
Good luck planning your kitchen backsplashes and don’t forget that RC Willey has all the appliances you need in order to create your own gourmet kitchen!
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Mother's Day Gift Ideas
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Where's The Best Place to Put a Piano?
Piano's are a beautiful, timeless investment and addition to any home. Did you know that there are some stipulations you should consider when it comes to finding the right place to keep your paino, though? It turns out, you shouldn't just throw it in any old room, on any old wall! There are certain things you should do, and others you should avoid, that will help ensure that your piano continues to look and sound incredible for many years to come. Here are a few guidelines to follow....
- The curved side of the grand piano should face listeners. That way the sound will take center stage!
- Make sure you consider humidity and temperature! Windows or heating/cooling vents can effect piano sound and damage the interior workings of the piano. For this reason, placing the piano on an interior wall is highly recommended if possible. Also, avoid keeping your piano in a basement.
- Consider "live" and "dead" materials when designing a music room. "Live" = wood, and "Dead" = carpet. Wood will enhance the sound of the piano, and carpet will absorb it.
- Don't use your piano as a bookshelf! It's not meant to hold picture frames and other decorations.
- Try to keep it out of a high traffic area in your home. The chances of scratches, spills, and other accidents will lessen if it's away from the bustle of activity.
via pinterest
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Modern Kitchens
You won’t find a cleaner, sleeker look than that of a modern kitchen. With their straight lines and high-tech appliances, modern kitchens can be some of the most interesting and beautiful kitchens you’ll find. If you find yourself drawn to the modern look and want to incorporate it into your home, or if you’re completely remodeling your kitchen and are going to go totally modern, this guide will help you know what you’ll want to include.
Modern Kitchens
- In a modern kitchen, you’ll want to be sure you have modern appliances. With all the appliance finishes available, you’ll be able to find a look that will work perfectly in whatever modern direction you choose to go. LG appliances have some of the sleekest appliances available. Check them out before you make your final appliances choice!
via Immy and Indi
- Modern kitchens are known for being simple and unadorned. Cabinets are simple and unadorned, usually frameless, and countertops have straight lines and no raised edges. Cabinet hardware is simple. Think minimalistic.
- Rather than a cozy kitchen with nooks and crannies, modern kitchens favor open floor plans. These floor plans make the kitchen spacious and are easy to move around in.
- While the lack of ornamentation and details may seem cold, it doesn’t have to be. Modern kitchens rely on natural materials and industrial elements for interest. Show the wood grain, the veins in the marble, and the look of untreated concrete. These subtle textures will make your kitchen beautiful.
via House and Home
- Another way you’ll be able to keep your kitchen feeling modern is by focusing on horizontal lines. Long, wide drawers and horizontal tiles and hardware will emphasize the long lines that characterize a modern kitchen.
- Pick your light fixtures carefully. Like everything in a modern kitchen, you’ll want to think simple. That doesn’t mean boring, though. Consider the size, shape, and texture of the light fixtures. Picking an unexpected light fixture will give a pop to your kitchen.
via Elle Decor
- Last but not least, if you want a truly modern kitchen, stay consistent in your look. Eclectic kitchens have bits and pieces of different styles, but to achieve a modern kitchen you need to commit and stick with the same style throughout everything, including your dining table and chairs.
What do you think of modern kitchens?
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How to Do Laundry Once a Week
I have a love/hate relationship with doing the laundry. I really enjoy the smell of fresh, clean clothes hanging on the drying rack in my laundry room, and I love the sense of accomplishment I feel once I've finished folding what feels like 10,000 loads of laundry. Not to mention, I get time to sit down and watch tv without feeling guilty while I fold, which basically never happens!! On the flip side though, laundry is also the WORST. I have little kids who like to change their clothes 17 times a day! I feel like I have laundry coming out of my ears! It's completely overwhelming. It took washing the same load four times last week because I kept forgetting to switch it to the dryer before it started smelling bad, for me to realize that I am in major need of a laundry intervention!! If you feel like laundry is taking over your life too, this post is for you!
For me, I've found that I have a healthier, happier relationship with laundry is I do it ONCE a week. None of this one load a day, or a couple loads every other day business. I find that it works best for me to bang it all out in 24 hours so that I can be done with it for the next 6 days! I've gotten pretty lax about making my laundry day a priority over the past 6 months or so, and I've been paying for it mentally and emotionally! So, I'm taking my life back!
Here's how to do your laundry in ONE day.....
1. Have everyone gather up all of their dirty clothes hampers and bring them to the laundry room the night before laundry day. I like to get all of my laundry done on Monday, so for us gathering all of our dirty clothes Sunday night would be ideal.
2. Take time to sort your loads the night before. This is key. You will start you off in an organized manner, and keep everything running smoothly. I know some people like to do everyone's loads seperately, but for me it works better to combine everything. For my family of 5, this is what my loads usually look like:
- 1 load of whites in WARM
- 2 loads of colors in WARM
- 2 loads of darks (including jeans) in WARM
- 1 or 2 gentle cycle loads in COLD (mostly all of my clothes)
- 2 loads of towels in HOT
- 1 or 2 loads of sheets, depending on how much time I get
- I LOATHE hunting for missing socks, so recently I decided to implement a sock only load as well. Jury is still out on whether it will be effective or not.
3. Start washing ASAP the morning of laundry day. Literally, first thing you do after rolling out of bed is go throw your first load in! I like to start with whites first, and continue in the order listed above.
4. Stay on top of it! As soon as you hear the washer finish a load, sprint to the laundry room and move it to the dryer! The faster you keep those loads moving, the faster you'll get done!
5. Fold immediately once clothes come out of the dryer. I'm always tempted to skip this step and wait until the very end to fold everything. But I always end up remembering that's a horrible idea once I'm staring at a huge mountain of laundry and I want to run far, far away and cry. If you fold right away, it feels a little more manageable.
Studio McGee via pinterest
6. Have a separate laundry basket for each child, and put their clean clothes in their own basket. If your kids are little, put away their clothes as soon as loads are washed and folded, but if they are old enough to put their own laundry away, just keep adding to their basket throughout the day. My four and five year old have both been responsible for putting their clean laundry away for a while now, and it's the best thing ever.
7. Once all clothes are washed and folded, MAKE SURE EVERYTHING GETS PUT AWAY BY THAT NIGHT!! This step is crucial. I can't tell you how many weeks I have laundry baskets floating around with clean clothes on the bottom, and dirty clothes strewn over them because I was too lazy or tired to take ten minutes to put them away. Do it!
8. Forget about laundry for another week, and go live your best life! But really. If you get it all done in a day, I give you permission to not think about it again for another week!
What other tips do you have for a successful one laundry day a week?
P.S. If you need a new washer or dryer, check out our amazing appliances at RC Willey!
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