If you have a new TV, chances are you’ve starting wondering about surround sound systems or soundbars. Without room for quality speakers in TVs that are getting slimmer and slimmer, it’s important to supplement your sound with some sort of sound system. The only question is, what will work best for you? We’ve listed things you should know about the differences between soundbars and surround sound systems so you can make an informed decision. 

SOUNDBARS

A soundbar is sleek and compact enough to fit right in front of your TV. This is an affordable upgrade to your TV’s built-in speakers. Soundbars are easy to install with very few, if any, wires, and often include built-in Bluetooth. For a small to medium sized room, a soundbar will make a huge difference, but it’s important to know that it does not produce the same sound as a surround sound system. The sound is projected from a central point and the placement of the soundbar will make a difference in the overall sound quality. You may want to get subwoofer if you like a strong bass. 

SURROUND SOUND SYSTEMS

If you are looking for the best sound possible, you’re going to want to install a surround sound system. Multiple speakers are set up around the room so that sound can be projected from different parts of the room towards the seating area. This will produce a full range of realistic sound and is a much better option for larger rooms. The sound quality comes at a cost, though. Surround sound systems are one of the more expensive options and can be difficult to install. They also end up taking up more space because of the speakers, so keep that in mind when making your decision.

What kind of sound system do you have?

A well placed, thoughtfully chosen rug is the perfect way to put the finishing touches on a room. Not only does it make your bare floor feel more cozy and comfortable, rugs help to group furniture together and create specific gathering areas. Finding a rug can be a bit trickier than you’d think, so we’ve pulled together some ideas and tips to help you find the best rug for your home. 

Rug Buying Guide

BEFORE YOU BUY

One of the first things you need to do before you decide to purchase a rug is to determine what size you need for your room. The most important thing to keep in mind is that bigger is better. Ideally, your rug should fit under all your furniture so it’s important to measure out your seating area before you even start looking.

You may think you only need a rug under your couch and coffee table, but there are so many places that using a rug will make a big difference. Think about areas like entryways, bathrooms, mudrooms, kitchen nook, in front of kitchen sinks, and down long hallways. Rugs come in all shapes and sizes so you should be able to find something that fits your needs.

via Chris Loves Juila

WHAT TYPE OF RUG SHOULD YOU GET?

Handmade vs. Machine Made

• Handmade rugs are hand woven or hand-knotted by a skilled craftsman. Each handmade rug is a unique piece of art, which should be considered investment pieces. These rugs can be handed down from generation to generation and are generally more expensive than machine-made rugs.
• Machine made rugs are mass produced, which makes them the less expensive than handmade rugs. While they may cost less money, a machine made rug’s lifespan less than a handmade rug and the rug itself is not worth any value other than the price you paid.

Tufted vs. Woven

• Tufted rugs are made by punching yarn pile through fabric backing. The pile (or fiber) is either left looped or cut. Most rugs are tufted and they have a lifespan of about 5 - 10 years.
• Woven rugs are made on a loom lacing together the yarns and the backing into one product. These rugs are higher quality than tufted rugs, which makes them a more expensive option, but also extends their lifespan. Some of these rugs can last up to 30 years.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT WEAVES AND TEXTURES?

Pile: Pile refers to the density of fibers in the rug. The pile height, or the thickness from the surface of the rug to the backing, can vary.

Flat Weave: These rugs can be made of a variety of woven materials and have no pile. They are usually reversible and come in lots of different colors and patterns.

Braided: Three or more pieces of long cloth, often wool, are braided, wound around itself, and sewn together to form a braided rug.

Shag: A shag rug is a rug with a long pile.

Berber: Berber rugs are made of looped fibers. Berber rugs are affordable and easy to clean but can be snagged if things catch in the loops.

WHAT FIBER SHOULD YOU USE?

Rugs come in a variety of fibers - both natural and manmade. The type of fiber you should use will depend on how your rug will be used.

Wool: This is a good option for low traffic areas like living rooms, dining rooms, or bedrooms.

Polypropylene/Nylon/Polyester: These are more durable fibers that are suitable for high traffic areas like family rooms, kitchens, entryways, or patios.

DOES MY RUG NEED A RUG PAD?

Yes! Every rug needs a rug pad! Using a good rug pad will keep your rug smooth, flat, and wrinkle-free. A pad will keep your rug securely in place making your rug safer and easier to vacuum. Pads also protect your rug from wear and tear and keep your carpet and floors safe from whatever backing comes with your rug.

Whatever type, style, or color of rug you are looking for, RC Willey has what you need! Check out all our rug options here and let us know which one you would love to have in your home. 

It's that time of year, again!  I love fall, but the one part of the season that I never look forward to is the inevitable sore throat and horrible cough my family always catches.  We unfortunately picked it up this weekend, and my daughter had to stay home from school, on class picture day, to boot!   I hope this nasty sore throat doesn't find you, but if (and when) it does, here are 7 natural sore throat remedies. Check these out so that you'll be prepared when you get hit...... 

1. Sage-Echinacea Spray
A sage-echinacea spray has been shown to relieve sore throat discomfort as effectively as antiseptic medication spray.

Ingredients:

       • 1 tsp ground sage
       • 1 tsp ground echinacea 
       • 1/2 cup water

Directions:

1. Boil water.
2. Place sage and echinacea in a small jar and then fill with boiling water.
3. Let steep for 30 minutes.
4. Pour mixture through strainer. 
5. Place in small spray bottle and spray into throat every two hours or as needed.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is coming in hot these days because of all of the health benefits associated with drinking it!  It has been used as a natural sore throat, cough, and flu tonic for centuries.  Its main active ingredient, acetic acid, helps fight bacteria.

To help relieve throat pain, mix 1 cup of warm water with 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and an optional tablespoon of honey.

3. Salt Water 

My grandpa always gargles with salt water, and I swear it works!  Simply combine 1 cup of warm water with 1 teaspoon of salt and stir to dissolve. Gargle with a mouthful of this mixture for 30 seconds, once per hour.

 4. Lemon-Honey Water 




Honey and lemon are two of the best natural ingredients when it comes to soothing a sore throat.  Lemons contain vitamin C and antioxidants.  Honey can help fight infection, and provide pain relief.  My mom always mixed up lemon- honey water for us when we had sore throats, and I still do it for my kids today.

Mix 1 cup warm water with a little lemon juice (preferably squeezed fresh from a lemon, but juice will work too).  Add honey to taste.  Slowly sip.   

5. Fresh Ginger Root Tea 

Ginger is one of the most effective natural sore throat remedies!

Ingredients:

• Fresh ginger root.
• 1 liter water.
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) honey or sweetener of choice.
• A squeeze of lemon juice.

Directions:

1. Peel ginger root and grate into a small bowl.
2. Boil water in a large saucepan, then remove from heat.
3. Place 1 tablespoon (15 ml) grated ginger into the saucepan and cover with lid.
4. Let steep for 10 minutes.
5. Add sweetener and lemon juice, then stir to combine.

 6. Coconut Oil

It's been suggested that coconut oil may help fight infection, reduce inflammation, and relieve pain.  It can also provide relief thanks to the fact that it helps lubricate the mucous membranes in the throat.  

Start out by taking 1 tsp at a time, and don't exceed 2 Tbsp per day.  You can take it by itself (put a small spoonfull in your mouth and allow it to melt down your throat), or it also works well if you add a spoonfull of coconut oil to hot cocoa, tea, or a bowl of warm soup.  

7. Cinnamon

Cinnamon is packed with antioxidants and is used in Chinese medicine to remedy colds, flu, and ease throat pain.  Try making a warm cinnamon almond milk- not only will it taste delicious, but it should help you feel better too.   

Ingredients:

• 1 cup almond milk.
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) ground cinnamon.
• 1/8 teaspoon (0.6 ml) baking soda.
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) honey or sweetener of choice.

Directions:

1. Place cinnamon and baking soda in saucepan and mix together.
2. Add almond milk and mix again until well combined.
3. Heat mixture until it just begins to simmer, then remove from heat.
4. Stir in sweetener.

 What natural remedies do you use that help soothe a sore throat?

It’s October and that means it’s time to start coming up with Halloween decoration ideas! There are so many ways to bring the Halloween spirit into your home. Check out some of my favorite, easy ideas below. 

Halloween Decoration Ideas

via Woman's Day

Don’t you love this simple fireplace mantle decoration? The banner would be so easy to make and wouldn’t it look especially good with a metal pumpkin like this one up there as well?  

via Marvelous Mommy

I love this wall of bats. Pair it with this orange and black spider pillow for the ultimate Halloween look.

via The Band Wife

These DIY skull bookends are a subtle Halloween touch to add to your home. If you want to go all out with the skeleton theme, how funny would these skeletons be on your shelf?

via Polkadot Chair

Light up your entryway with these witch hats you can make yourself! Once your guests come through your door, greet them with some candy corn in this candy holder.

via The Gracious Wife

Fill an empty fireplace with pumpkins for the perfect fall look. Buy pumpkins from the store and keep them through November, but add a little Halloween flavor with some decorated pumpkins.

 What is your favorite way of decorating for Halloween?

If you can learn how to install laminate floors you will be able to save yourself a lot of money. My husband and I moved into a fixer-upper for our first home and knew that we wanted to swap out the old teal carpet for new flooring. Laminate floors matched the look we were going for, but we didn’t have room in our budget to pay for the installation and the flooring. Luckily, we found out that installing laminate floors isn’t nearly as difficult as it sounds, and we were able to do it ourselves! Keep reading to find out how we (my husband) did it. 

How to Install Laminate Floors

Our living room before we installed the laminate floors. The hardwood floors under the carpet were totally trashed and we had to replace them with new flooring. Notice all our attempts at trying to find the perfect gray? 

First, it’s important to know that if it’s your first time installing laminate floors it’s going to take you longer than professionals who do it on a daily basis. There’s definitely a learning curve, but once you get into the swing of things it goes much more quickly. According to my husband, the key is patience. 

Getting started!

You’ll need a few tools to get you started, so make sure you have them handy. You can rent most tools you don’t own, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t have the budget to purchase everything you need.

Tools:

Tape measure

Jamb saw

Chop saw

Hammar

Utility knife

Clamps

Nail punch

Carpenter’s square

The finished product

Laminate floors need a fairly flat subfloor, so make sure whatever surface you’re installing it on will work before you get started. We had a pretty big dip in the subfloor near one of the doors, but we used self-leveling concrete to get everything even and it worked great. Don’t skip out on the prep work if you want your floors to look nice longterm.

For the actual installation, check out the video below. Like I said, it’s pretty simple once you get going. One last tip! To quote my husband’s grandpa, measure twice and cut once. This is a project that is worth taking your time.

Seeing as refrigerators can last up to 13 years, it’s important to know exactly what you are looking for when you buy a new one. Knowing what you need and want will help you sort through the countless options available and end up with the best refrigerator for you and your family. 

Refrigerator Buying Guide

BEFORE YOU BUY

Determine Your Needs

Assess your current situation and ask yourself some questions. Do you eat out a lot and have little fresh food to store at home? Do you make most of your meals at home with fresh food? Do you eat a lot of frozen foods? The answers to these questions will impact what refrigerator style you will want, so it is important to know your needs before you buy.

Determine Size

Refrigerators come in all sizes and configurations. General guidelines suggest having 4 to 6 cubic feet per adult in the household, although if you buy food in bulk you may want more space.

Measure Your Space

Measure the depth, width, and height of the open space from a variety of locations to make sure there are no cabinets, chair rails, or baseboards that could impact the fit of the fridge. Determine which direction your fridge door will open and make sure there is at least 2 inches of extra space for the hinge to work properly. You will also need at least 1 extra inch of clearance around the top, back, and sides for airflow, so be sure to factor that in when measuring your space.

Not only does the fridge have to fit into the space, it also has to fit through your door and around islands, counters, and interior doorframes to get to it’s spot. Make sure the refrigerator you buy will fit the pathway you’ll be taking to the kitchen so you have a painless delivery and install.

TYPES OF REFRIGERATORS

Freezer on Top

This is one of the least expensive refrigerators with the most space for it’s size. As you may have guessed, the freezer is on the top of this fridge with the fresh food storage beneath it. The shelves in this refrigerator are wide and can fit large platters or trays easily. This style of refrigerator is great for people who use a lot of frozen foods, as the freezer storage is easiest to reach and getting things out of the fridge requires bending over or crouching down.

Freezer on Bottom

Fresh food storage is at eye level with a freezer on bottom refrigerator, which makes it a great option for people who use fresh foods more than frozen. The shelves of this fridge are wide, easily fitting platters and trays. Look for a freezer that has a drawer with baskets to keep things organized and visible as finding food in the freezer can sometimes be a challenge.

Side by Side

This refrigerator is made up of a freezer on one side and a refrigerator on the other. Because the narrow doors don’t open wide, it easily fits into smaller spaces.  For a family that uses a fridge and freezer equally, this is a good option as there are equal amounts of space for both the fridge and the freezer. This is also a good option for someone with physical limitations who can’t reach or bend for the freezer. The shelves of this fridge are narrow, which makes storing wide or oversized things a challenge. If this style is your choice, make sure you get the largest option you can fit, so you can have the most storage possible.

French Door

The french door style, two narrow doors on top and the freezer below, is a very popular option right now. The narrow doors need less room to swing open, meaning it can fit in smaller spaces easier. Because you only need to open one side of the fridge when getting what you need, this is an energy-saving refrigerator.

 Four Door

This refrigerator has two doors on top for fresh food storage and two doors below. While one of the doors is a designated freezer space, the other door can be used as a freezer or fridge depending on your needs. When the bottom door is used as a refrigerator, this has the most cubic space for fresh foods.

Built-In

This refrigerator is made to fit flush with cabinets and counters. If you have space requirements, this may be a good fit although these refrigerators are generally the most expensive. This is an appealing option from a design standpoint because panels can be fitted to the front of the refrigerator to match the kitchen cabinets giving it a hidden look.

Counter Depth

If you want the look of a built-in for a more budget friendly price, you may want a counter depth fridge. This is a shallower fridge that doesn’t stick out past the countertops, mimicking the look of a built in. The shelving of this refrigerator is not quite as deep as other options, but it creates a sleek look in your kitchen.

Compact or Mini

Just as the name would suggest, these are small refrigerators perfect for a kitchenette, dorm room, or office. The temperature performance may vary, so be cautious when storing perishable foods. This fridge is best for drinks, sodas, and snacks.

REFRIGERATOR FEATURES

There are many extra features available in refrigerators, so consider which ones are a priority to make purchasing easier.

• InstaView Windows - These refrigerators have a glass panel on the front door that, once you knock on it, will light up and illuminate the contents inside. This technology helps you to quickly get what you want without leaving the door open longer than necessary.
• Exterior Touch Screens - With an exterior touch screen you can organize your calendar, create a grocery list, listen to music, or look up recipes from your refrigerator. You will be able to connect it to your mobile devices as well.
• Interior Cameras - By connecting your refrigerator with your phone, you’ll be able to check and see what is in, or missing from, your refrigerator wherever you are.
• Filtered Water and Ice Dispensers  - Having a fridge that dispenses cold or hot water and crushed or cubed ice made from the ice maker in the freezer can be extremely convenient. These dispensers can be found in almost every style of refrigerator now and are very popular.
• Door in Door - An exterior door will open only a small portion of the fridge allowing for easy access to small, often used items. The inner storage portion allows for storage of larger, less often used items.  
• Temperature Control - A dial or panel that allows you to control the temperature of the refrigerator. Note: recommended temperature for refrigerators is between 37°F - 40°F and freezers between 0°F - 5°F
• Shelves and Drawers - Shelves can be moved, adjusted, folded in half, and removed completely to fit your needs. Bins are able to be removed as well. Look for shelving with a spill-proof lip to keep messes contained.
• Door Alarms - An alarm that will beep if fridge door isn’t completely closed. This not only helps prevent food waste, but also aids in conserving energy.  

Mininimalism has been the "It" style for a while now in the design world. ...... I for one love certain elements of the style: white walls, clutter-free book shelves, and streamlined furnishings.  But I'm ready for something a little more exciting.  Are you?  I kind of thought minimalism would never go away, but it looks as if it might get dethroned real soon.  The culprit is so unexpected I can hardly believe it myself: Victorian Modern!

Say, what???

Yes, you read that right.  Victorian Modern!  Traditional victorian is a style that can fall under the umbrella of maximalism, which is literally the exact opposite of everything that minimalism stands for!  To give you a taste, think: everything in excess, dark, moody colors, florals and small, intricate patterns, luxurious materials and textures (velvet!), ornate and grandiose furnishings, and lots of attention to the littlest details.  Everything is larger than life!

If you're hating how this is sounding, hang tight.  The best part about this seemingly up and coming trend is that it is not just plain victorian- it's with a modern twist!  It's taking what you love about Victorian, and mixing it with the things you appreciate about modernism/minimalism.  It might sound crazy, but I actually think the results are pretty cool.

via my scandinavian home

via pinterest

via pinterest

via pinterest

via pinterest

McGee & Co via pinterest

via amber interior design

What do you think??

The last thing you want to see is a piece of chewed gum ground into your nice, clean carpet. Knowing how to get gum out of carpet will save you a lot of time, money, and heartache. Don’t pull out the scissors to get the gum out and ruin your carpet at the same time. Check out our tips for keeping your carpets gum free instead! 

How To Get Gum Out Of Carpet

FREEZE IT OFF

If there’s a glob of gum on your carpet, get a plastic bag full of ice and put it on top of the gum. After the gum has frozen, you’ll be able to use a butter knife to gently scrape it up. You might need to use some carpet cleaner to get any remaining residue up.  

This works best if the gum hasn’t been rubbed into the floor too deep. Make sure you are careful when you start picking at the gum that you don’t ruin your carpet fibers.

MELT IT OFF

When you see the gum in your carpet, grab your hair dryer. Aim the heat directly at the gum, but make sure you are watching it closely so you don’t melt the gum all the way. As soon as you see the gum start to slightly melt, use a plastic bag to lift up the gum. The gum should stick to the plastic and lift off the carpet. You’ll need to use a carpet cleaner to finish cleaning up anything left behind from the gum.

USE GOO GONE AND CARPET CLEANER

Watch this video below to see how a professional gets rid of gum with things you probably have at home.

How have you gotten gum out of carpet?  

There are so many benefits of hardwood floors in your home, but are they right for your kitchen? With tile or laminate as the go-to flooring type for most kitchens, it might be a hard decision to change directions and go for hardwood floors. Don’t be afraid! Hardwood floors in kitchens are completely doable, as long as you keep a few things in mind. Below we’ve listed all the pros and cons of having wood floors in your kitchen. 

Wood Floors in Kitchens Pros and Cons

PROS

• Hardwood floors are beautiful and can add great value to your home. It’s a timeless look that won’t be going out of style anytime soon.
• There are so many different types, colors, and textures of wood available that you will be able to find something that works with any style of home. If you’re worried about dents or scratches, pick a wood floor with a higher texture and it should conceal most imperfections.
• Wood floors are extremely comfortable to stand and walk on. Unlike tile, which is cold and can be hard on your back and feet if you stand on it too long, wood floors are a warm and cozy flooring option.
• Certain wood floors can simply be clicked into place when installed. This can be a lifesaver if you need to replace boards - just swap out the damaged board without having to tear out the entire floor.

via

CONS

• Standing water on hardwood floors can warp or damage the boards, so leaks from sinks, refrigerators, or dishwashers can really wreak havoc on your floors if you don’t clean up the water as soon as possible.
• Hardwood floors are some of the most expensive flooring options available and you will need to sand them down and refinish the floors about every 10 years to keep them looking nice.
• Because hardwood floors are softer than other flooring types, dropping heavy objects can dent or scratch the boards.

When it comes down to it, you shouldn’t be afraid to put hardwood floor in your kitchen. You’ll need to be a little more aware of how you’re taking care of your floors to keep them in good shape, but as long as you sweep and clean the floors regularly, and use rugs or mats to protect from leak or dents, your floors should look great!

What do you think? Would you want hardwood floors in your kitchen?