Homemade Grout Cleaner
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Isn’t it crazy how quickly grout becomes discolored and stained? The grout between the tiles on my kitchen floor is pretty disgusting and I’ve been thinking that it might be time to get on my hands and knees and clean it up. Problem is, I never remember to pick up grout cleaner when I’m at the store! Fortunately, there are some DIY ways to make your own homemade grout cleaner. This video shows three different ways to clean your grout, giving the pros and cons of each. Check it out!
Homemade Grout Cleaner
Do you have any other homemade grout cleaners you use at home?
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How to Stay Organized
Please tell me I am not the only person who spends all day straightening and organizing closets, drawers, pantries, etc. only to have everything be a mess a week later. How do people stay organized? I have tried so hard to be better at staying organized this past year, and while it’s still a work in progress, I’ve noticed a little bit of a difference. There’s still plenty of room for improvement though, so I’ve looked up some tips on how to stay organized to help me and, hopefully, you as well!
How to Stay Organized
via Home Decor
Use your trash can/recycling bin
You don’t have to organize everything that comes into your house. Junk mail, loose papers, old lists, etc. don’t need to have a permanent place in your home. Toss ‘em!
Bring fewer things into your home
Just because something is on sale doesn’t mean you should purchase it. Before you buy anything that will end up in your home, make sure you’ve asked yourself if 1. you really need it, 2. if you have something similar, and 3. where it will go once it’s in your home. Think through purchases before you bring them into your home - you’ll end up moving it around and stuffing it into a corner if you haven’t thought it through!
Create a Zone for things you can’t organize right away
Some things just need to stay out - whether it’s a child’s permission slip, a package to be mailed, or returns to be made. Create one specific space where you can put items you aren’t ready to organize so you still know exactly where they are. A hall tree like this white one or a metal bin rack like this could be just what you need. Just don’t let them sit there too long!
Everything should have its place
Avoid the junk drawer and make sure that everything has a place in your home. You should know where the pens, paper, and stamps are without digging through three different drawers to find them. Think of where you will really need those items the most and try to get their “spot” in a convenient place.
Donate
Go through your clothes, toys, kitchen drawers, coat closet, etc. on a regular basis and donate things that you aren’t using anymore. Someone else may need that coat you haven’t worn in years, so why not give them the chance to find it? Make it a habit to regularly purge your belongings.
via Kelleynan
Clean as you go
Whenever you leave a room, grab something that doesn’t belong there and put it away on your way out. Used cups or dirty dishes won’t linger on the table if you pick them up and dump them in the sink as you walk past. Shoes will find their rooms if you can take a minute and move them from the hallway to the closet.
Be realistic
This is the hardest one for me. Realistically, my house will never be 100% spotless with my toddler daughter running around and pulling everything off the shelf as she goes. I could (and have) drive myself crazy if I am aiming for perfection. That’s just not in the cards right now. Figure out what is the most realistic organization goal for your family and situation, and accept that it won’t be perfect.
Do you have any tips on how to stay organized? Let us know!
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Folding Clothes The Kon Mari Way
Do your clothing drawers get messy and unorganized, no matter how often you try to spruce things up? Do you forget about certain clothes you own because they get stuck at the bottom of your drawer, never to found? Are your drawers so full of clothes that you have a hard time opening and closing them? Does the thought of digging through your drawers to find an outfit stress you out every day?....... If you answered yes to any of these questions, this post is for you! In fact, I dare say it will change your life!
I read "The Magic of Tidying Up" a few years ago, and it helped me purge about 1/3 of my clothing. It was super helpful and refreshing. It wasn't until recently though, that I started folding my clothes the KonMari way. I was so sick of not having enough room in my drawers for all of my clothes, and feeling like I couldn't find anything without emptying out the entire drawer in frustration. One day I decided enough was enough. I watched these videos on how to fold my clothing the KonMari way, and I've never looked back. It looks tedious, but it's so easy. You might need an hour or two in the beginning to fold everything, but after that, upkeep is a breeze!
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I can't even tell you how wonderful it is to open my drawer and literally see EVERYTHING that's inside! The photo above is a drawer full of t-shirts. I could only fit less than half of them in the same drawer when folded the traditional way! It's made my life so much easier, and even freed up space in my closet. I love it, and I will never go back to folding my clothes the mediocre way. This is a game changer, you guys! Try it out!
And now, here are the tutorials! ......
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How to Clean an Oven
Cleaning an oven is one of the worst jobs out there. Honestly, I can't even think of the last time I cleaned mine and, if I'm being completely honest, you can tell it's been awhile. Whoops. There are so many oven cleaning products available now, but I never remember to buy them and so my oven stays as gross as it was before. I found this video showing how to clean your oven with vinegar and baking soda - and without the self-clean, that smells and heats up your house - and I now have no excuse for leaving my oven dirty. Check it out below!
How to Clean an Oven
Did you see the new LG Easy Clean Oven at the CES show this year? It's on my someday-hopefully wish list! Until then, though, I'll stick to this.
Do you have tricks for cleaning your oven?
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Best Chocolate Protein Shake
To begin, you've got to know that historically speaking I have never been a huge fan of protein shakes. I would try them occasionally, but I hated the chalky texture, and it was always a struggle to get it all down without dry heaving. About six months ago I got pretty into working out, and decided that I really wanted to find a protein shake that tasted good! I discovered the best protein powder known to man, and have been perfecting this recipe since then. Not to brag or anything, but it's AMAZING!! It honestly tastes like a chocolate shake! No gross powdery texure stuff! My kids even beg for them. I make one every morning for breakfast right after I exercise, and I litereally get excited for it every day! It tastes like a treat, but it's packed with lots of healthy goodness. Here is the recipe....
Best Chocolate Protein Shake
1 cup almond milk
1 frozen banana
2 scoops Orgain Chocolate Protein Powder
2 tsp PB2 (a low fat alternative to peanut butter, but still with the protein!)
dash of honey
dash of cocoa
5 ice cubes
Throw everything in your blender, and blend until it's rich and creamy. Enjoy!!
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Appliance Finishes
There are a huge variety of appliance finishes that will work with any budget or kitchen style. You may have your heart set on stainless steel appliances, but there are other appliance finishes that may look even better in your home! When you come into RC Willey to purchase your appliances, you’ll probably be surprised at what a variety of finishes there are. Here are some you may see below.
Appliance Finishes
WHITE APPLIANCES
For a long time, white appliances were the most popular option. While older white appliances may look outdated, newer models of white appliances can look very modern. If you want an all-white kitchen, there are plenty white appliances to choose from that will blend into your cabinetry and make your kitchen clean, simple, and light.
BLACK APPLIANCES
Black appliances are not as common as white or stainless steel appliances, but they can make a kitchen look very sleek and modern. The contrast between black appliances and white cabinetry can be a unique look, but keep in mind that black appliances and dark cabinets will make your kitchen look darker. This is not a bad thing, but something to keep in mind.
STAINLESS STEEL
Stainless steel has become a favorite appliance finish and is one of the most common appliance colors. This appliance finish is modern and very versatile. One of the best things about it is that this finish will match most cabinet colors and styles. One of the cons of stainless steel is that fingerprints and smudges appear on the surface easily. There are newer models of stainless steel coming out that are smudge-free, so make sure you check what kind you are getting before you make your purchase.
SLATE
A new appliance finish that has been showing up more and more is slate. This is a low-reflecting, warm grey color with beige undertones. One of the best parts of this finish is that it is naturally smudge-resistant, which makes it a great choice for families with small children. The earthy finish of slate makes it warm and cozy, but it is not as versatile a finish as stainless steel. This could make it difficult to change the look of your kitchen without swapping out your appliances.
BLACK STAINLESS STEEL
This is one of my favorite appliance finishes available. Like slate, black stainless steel is one of the newer appliance finishes available. The darker color of black stainless steel helps conceal fingerprints and smudges and gives kitchens a modern, sleek look. Because this is a newer appliance finish option, it’s hard to say how long-lasting it will be, but for now, I’m loving it!
Which appliance finish do you like best?
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Fitbit Competitors
While it might be one of the best and most known fitness trackers around, there are still plenty of competitors for the Fitbit. We’ve listed four other fitness trackers that you might want to consider before making your purchase!
Fitbit Competitors
Garmin Vivosmart Activity Tracker:
Samsung Gear Sport and Gear Fit
iFit Active Band
You'll be able to find a fitness tracker that will work for you, including the Fitbit, at RC Willey. CLICK HERE to shop fitness trackers and let me know which one you would choose!
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Ultra Violet Interiors
Did you hear? Last month The Pantone Color Institute named the Ultra Violet as the Pantone Color of 2018. It's amazing to me just how spot on the institute always is. Purple is coming in hot, and I'm already spotting it everywhere- in fashion, makeup, and of course interior design. Below are some pretty examples of purple decor and interiors to get you inspired. How will you incorporate purple into your home and/or wardrobe this year? Whether you go all out and paint an entire room, or simply throw in a few accents, the great thing about purple is that a little goes a long way!
via pinterest
via pinterest
via french by design blog
Elle Decor via pinterest
via french by design blog
sugarplum via pinterest
What do you think about Pantone's Color of 2018? Love it? Hate it? I'd love to hear!
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Tips For Buying A Mattress
If you’re waking up feeling achy, tired, and just plain irritable chances are you need a new mattress! Don’t go to the store and just hope you pick the right mattress - make sure you know what you’re talking about! A mattress is a big investment and something that you’ll have for almost 10 years. Follow these tips from RC Willey and get your perfect mattress.
Mattress Buying Tips
- Think about how you sleep at night. Do you sleep on your back? side? stomach? This will make a difference in the type of mattress you get. Generally speaking, back sleepers do better with a medium-firm mattress, side sleepers need a softer mattress, and stomach sleepers prefer a firm mattress.
- Decide what size you want and/or need. Make sure you’ve measured your space so you can actually fit your new mattress in your room and around your other furniture! Check out mattress sizes here.
- Test out the mattress! Don’t get self-conscious or feel like you’re in a hurry. You should lay on the mattress you’re considering for at least 10 minutes to really get the feel of it.
- Remember that comfort is a personal preference. You may hear people sing the praises of pillow top mattresses vs firm mattress or vice versa. At the end of the day, you are the one who is going to be sleeping on the mattress so make sure it works for you personally.
- Look at the warranty and return policy. At RC Willey, we offer a 100-day guarantee. This means that if you get your mattress home and, after sleeping on it for awhile, decide that it isn’t for you, you can bring it back and trade it in for one that will work for you.
- Don’t forget that it takes awhile to adjust to a new mattress. It may take up to a month to feel fully comfortable with your mattress, so give it time.
If you’re interested in a mattress and want to test one out, RC Willey has hundreds of options available and ready to deliver. Come into our store or check out our site to see for yourself!
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CES 2018 - LG Easy Clean Oven
At CES 2018 we saw the LG Easy Clean Technology. Instead of heating up your house and filling it with the smell of burned food when trying to clean your oven, LG has created a way to clean your oven that takes only 10 minutes using no chemicals and only heating up to 158°. Spray a little water on the inside of your oven, press the Easy Clean button, and then simply wipe it down. The blue interior of the ovens does not allow the food and grease to bake on, which makes keeping this oven clean a snap.
Watch all the CES 2018 videos here.
I would love having an oven this easy to clean, wouldn't you?
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