Great Alternatives to Sleeping with Your TV on in the Background

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Falling asleep with the television on is a very common habit that many Americans have. While some individuals claim they cannot fall asleep without dazing off watching television, sleep studies have discovered two reasons, primarily, of why many individuals need this aid to help fall asleep. One reason is it imitates a white noise machine. The television noise is loud enough to drown out your own thoughts yet not loud enough to have you entirely consumed by the program. Another study suggests that it has just become somewhat of a ritual. As you built that habit over time, it is not easily going to stop now.

Is It Bad?

With these lights going all night from the television, you are depleting your body’s natural melatonin levels. Melatonin is a natural hormone released into your blood when your eyes stop seeing light. This natural hormone helps unwind your body to begin helping you fall asleep. No studies have become “law,” yet the theory of constant blue lights shining on your face may be affecting your sleep. Some studies have suggested that this decrease in healthy sleep is contributing to some of our nation’s obesity. While this may be a strong claim, it is essential to make sure your melatonin levels are adequate when falling asleep.

Alternative Options

So, what do you do? You probably have attempted to turn off the television before, and it just does not work. You have built the need to have the television going while you sleep. So finding an alternative is the best option. If you need sound, you may want to invest in a white sound machine. Another option is getting a fish tank with constant running water. The running water can help mimic a sound to help you fall asleep. Some individuals need a fan to fall asleep. Try placing a fan next to you as you are trying to go to bed. Lastly, you can always try turning on a radio or podcast for noise. If none of these options seem to suffice, place your television on a timer. This way, as you fall asleep, your television will turn off during the night.

Getting a good night’s sleep is vital to your body’s health. Try using some of these tricks in your own home to help break this habit. While it will not be easy, it could lead to a healthier night’s sleep.

Tips for Conquering Black Friday

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Black Friday is the Friday right after Thanksgiving. It is when many stores have huge sales in preparation for the quickly approaching holiday, Christmas. You can find some of the best deals and bargains this day. Typically, stores and malls may open even at midnight in congested areas. This mayhem can lead to some of the most chaotic and aggressive shoppers. While it is all fun and games, finding great deals can be a game-changer for the holiday season! If you plan on making it out with some good finds, you need to have a game plan. Here are the best ways to conquer the mall of Black Friday:

Search the Sales

Before the night begins, you should know what and where you are searching. Do you want to buy a television, shoes, toolbox, or purses? All these can be found in entirely different areas of the mall. First, look online at the sale prices to be expected this Black Friday. Decide where the best deals are and where you need to shop.

Map out Your Plan of Attack

Prioritize and plan your shopping that night. Big purchases like phones, computers, and televisions will go quickly. Do not postpone these purchases for later in the day. These should be your midnight purchases. Other items like clothing may be more feasible to buy later throughout the day. Find the mall or malls you plan on shopping. Have all the stores you need to stop at planned out before you begin your night. It is essential to stick to your plan to make sure you get everything you set out to buy. There will be many sales that may tempt you. Make a note of them and come back later in the day.

Create Your Army

Perhaps you are going with several friends or family members. Maybe one store is selling a toolbox you want while another store is selling pots and pans you need. It may be wise to break up the group to cover more ground. If all of you wait in one line all night, you may miss other opportunities. Black Friday sales can end by running out of the product. Make sure you invest your time wisely.

Black Friday is a great way to get a gift for the holiday. Just remember to plan and decide what sales you are interested in getting, where they will be, and who you are going with for the day. Make a rendezvous point to meet later in the day, as well. You may want to knock out your big purchases at midnight and come back later in the day for smaller purchases when the midnight rush calms.

Setting Your Table for Thanksgiving

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Your table setup matters because it can help create an organized way of dining. With Thanksgiving right around the corner, it is time to start preparing for the annual feast. The time where friends and family all come together and give thanks for everything that they are grateful to have. Setting the table the night before the event can help save you time. However, setting the table has a proper and improper way of being executed. Everything has an assigned spot to ensure a uniformed setup. To help you set the table right this year, here is what you should consider:

Casual

One size may not fit all. Perhaps your Thanksgiving dinner is more casual. If you are going for a casual approach, start by setting out placemats if desired. On the center of each placemat, place the main plate, then salad plates go directly on top of your main plate. If you are not eating salad, eliminate this plate altogether. Next, put your fork to the left of the plate, and your knife and spoon will go to the right of your main plate, respectively. Finish off the setup by placing the water glass at the top right corner of the knife and spoon.

Formal

For a more formal setup, start by putting out each placemat. Then place your main plate with your salad plate on top, directly center of the placemat like the casual setup. Place your bread plate to the top left corner. A butter knife is traditionally laid horizontally across your bread plate. Place both your salad and dining forks to the left of the main dining plate. Your knife, followed by your spoon, will go to the right of your plate. You should also place your dessert fork and spoon above the dinner plate horizontally.

With the formal setup, you will be adding three glasses: a water, a red wine glass, and a white wine glass. These three glasses should be placed in a triangle with the water glass closest to your guest. A saucer with a coffee cup will be placed below these three glasses. Place a folded napkin on top of the salad plate and consider adding place cards with each guest’s name at their assigned seats. This name-card goes directly above the dessert spoon.

You can even add a personal touch with your centerpiece, how you fold the napkins, and your placemats. Both these setups will have your guest impressed with your preparation in setting each spot. Enjoy your Thanksgiving, and for more household tricks and tips, make sure to subscribe.

How to Decorate for Fall

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Fall is a very festive season with some significant holiday décor. With Halloween being finished, it is time to start decorating for Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is a very welcoming holiday with décor that will work great the rest of the way through autumn. With its warm, earthy tones and welcoming scents, make people love having Thanksgiving décor in their homes. Here are some simple ways to prepare your house for the season and add some fun Thanksgiving décor:

Halloween

Halloween is a very festive time of the year. Halloween décor has surpassed even Christmas’ sales over the last couple of years. With this holiday quickly growing in popularity, it is not unusual to see some of this décor stay around even into November. While you may not be trying to keep up fake spider webs, a grim reaper statue, and fake tombstones in your yard, it is not uncommon for pumpkins, scarecrows, and hay barrels to remain up for the season.

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a holiday based on giving thanks. The traditional and iconic views of the first Thanksgiving dinner involve Pilgrims and Indians feasting together. You can find many Thanksgiving decoration ideas with pilgrims, Indians, and turkeys. These fun trinkets can be spread throughout your house with throw pillows, welcome mats, table cloths, and other pieces of décor. Have fun this autumn, and keep it festive by including some Thanksgiving pride.

Fall

Autumn is usually referred to as the change of the season. It is a very colorful time of the year as the leaves turn vibrant shades of red, yellow, and orange. The trees begin to shed their leaves, and the world begins to take a much more earthy tone in preparation for winter. Likewise, we can use some of these natural tones in our own décor. Consider some earthy tones and plaid textiles involving some fun warm colors like red and yellow.

Fall is time for friends and family, so get your home ready for hosting guests. This can mean fall décor can go from the exterior to the interior of your home. Adding a variety of fall flavor to your home can always be fun. What are some of your favorite fall décor? Let us know below in the comment section!

Delicious Side Dishes for Thanksgiving

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We all love the time with our loved ones on Thanksgiving and the time off work. Yet, no one will deny the absolute thrill it is to gorge on many delicious foods and desserts. When going to a Thanksgiving meal, it is always helpful to bring some side dishes to help contribute to the feast. Check with your host to see what foods are available and what they may need. If you get some freedom to choose, here are four absolute great Thanksgiving favorites:

Mac & Cheese

Mac & Cheese can be a holiday favorite. It works great with all different types of people, ranging in all ages! From the young attenders to the older people at the party, everyone loves to indulge in some cheesy goodness. Plus, Mac & Cheese can be easy to make, and if you are looking for a healthier version, be sure to visit our past blog post here.

Mashed Potatoes

For people looking for a dairy-free, carbohydrate option, consider bringing mashed potatoes! This timeless remedy is perfect for complimenting the turkey dinner. Remember to bring gravy as well. You can be even more prepared by bringing two gravy options so people can choose their favorite topping. Just be sure to use almond milk and dairy-free butter when prepping the mashed potatoes, so that everyone can enjoy them at Thanksgiving.

Buffalo Wings

Most Thanksgiving dinners will have the traditional turkey and ham. You can add another meat as a side dish, as well. Try bringing your own buffalo wings. Buffalo wings are great appetizers before the actual dinner since they are packed in protein and are delicious! Some people cannot tolerate spicy wings, so consider a milder sauce and blue cheese or ranch as a dipping sauce.

Pie

What is a feast without dessert! Pies are a phenomenal option to bring to a Thanksgiving dinner. There are several fantastic and traditional options like apple, pecan, and pumpkin pie. See if any pies may be provided, as well. If so, you can bring many different varieties, including berry, chocolate, or even lemon meringue.

Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks and appreciate the small things in life. Help contribute to the feast this year by bringing some tasty side dishes! What are some of your favorite Thanksgiving side dishes? We would love to hear from you in the comment section.

Best Plants to Improve Home Air Quality

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Our homes are our safe havens and refuge. They are the spot we can retreat from the rest of the chaotic world; therefore, having our homes be a place of comfort and relaxation is essential, but we also need to consider our health. Air quality is an important attribute that correlates directly with our health. You do not want to go home to a house full of airborne allergens and pollutants after a long day of work. Luckily, having clean air can be as easy as buying some plants for your home. Plants give off oxygen and can help purify your breathing air. Selecting the right plants is ideal for having the best atmosphere. Here are three high-quality plants that can help create better air quality in your home:

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is a very versatile plant. It can help remove volatile organic compound pollutants from the air while being beautiful. In fact, these pollutants are unwanted chemicals that are in the air in our homes, so it is important to have them removed. Aloe Vera also can easily increase oxygen levels while minimalizing carbon dioxide in your home. Having a plant like Aloe Vera is great because it is easy to keep alive and low-maintenance.

Chinese Evergreen

Chinese evergreen is a beautiful and colorful plant. It is also low-maintenance and can be watered as little as once a week while growing in low-light atmospheres. Chinese evergreen is known to be an excellent air-purifying plant. Chinese evergreens are great for pulling unwanted toxins from the air. This is an eco-friendly solution to purifying the air around your home or office.

English Ivy

Another option to consider is English Ivy. Typically, hung in baskets, these house plants can grow quite easily in semi-shady atmospheres. English ivy can cleanse benzene, formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene from the air. These solvents can be dangerous to our health. Studies have also proven that English Ivy reduces the chances of mold in your home.

Your air quality should never be overlooked. Investing in some or all of these plants is a significant, proactive step in freshening up your home. Plants have many benefits in enhancing your atmosphere. Make sure you facilitate them!

Using Animal Prints to Spice up Your Interior

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We often place emphasis on using different color variations to liven up the interiors of our home. However, animal print is a palette that often gets neglected. In fact, using animal prints in your decor will take your design scheme from bland to exciting. From accessories, furnishing, and textiles, animal prints can be used in many ways to liven up your decor. Today, we are going to take a look at five ideas for incorporating animal print. Let’s take a look!

Mixing and Matching Prints

Can you not choose between leopard print and stripes? Who says you cannot use them both? You can mix and match animal prints with other types of patterns. The best way you can achieve a mixed print and pattern look is to unite them with color. In addition, when pairing print variations, you should keep the animal print small so that it does not clash. If you are not ready to start mixing and matching prints, you can purchase pieces over time until you warm up to the idea of space full of different prints.

Use Artwork to Balance Prints

Are you afraid that you will create a space that looks like it should be in the middle of a Safari or jungle? If so, you can use artwork to balance out the prints you use in a space by incorporating sculptures, animal paintings, or artwork that uses some of the same colors of the prints you are featuring. Seek out different types of artwork from online vendors or your favorite home decor outlets for optimal results.

Pairing Solids with Animal Prints

Using your favorite animal print against solid surfaces and furnishing makes for a great accent. Cheetah, leopard, and giraffe prints stick out from neutral tones. Using animal prints with natural colors like brown, white, and even dark green can help balance the prints with the rest of the space.

Forms of Animal Prints

There are numerous possibilities for animal prints. You can purchase them in upholstery, fabrics, and textiles. However, you are not limited to textiles and upholstery. You can use animal prints as embellishments on your furniture, picture frames, and lamps. Also, you can see such prints in other accessories like wastebaskets.

Do Not Overdo It

While there are a variety of ways to implement your favorite animal prints, be careful not to overdo it. Be selective with your prints so that you do not create a space that looks unflattering or even tacky. It is all about finding balance.

What are your thoughts on animal print? Do you feel more open to incorporating it into your design after reading these tips? Let us know your thoughts below in the comment section.

How to Create Your Home Theater

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A home theater is a way of bringing the theatrical experience and premium sound to your own home. This is great for any movie buff or individuals looking to host entertainment. Home theaters offer the convenience of a movie theater in your own home. However, there is more effort that goes into this than just buying a big-screen television. Movie theaters offer premium surround sound and quality comfort. If you have a room you are looking to convert, here are the essentials you are going to need:

Television or Projector

Your initial thought may be to purchase a big-screen television. While televisions can offer many benefits, including smart televisions and crystal-clear picture, you may also want to consider a projector. Quality projectors can provide clear, high-quality images in the size you choose to display them. You can purchase a motorized projector screen or even just paint a wall white and create a fixed frame around the image. First, you will want to consider if you want a 16:9 screen for HDTV and movies or if 2:35. One is more preferred to allow you to watch CinemaScope movies while eliminating the bottom and top black bars.

Speakers, Connection Path, & Media Source

A traditional style for home speaker’s surround-sound is a 5:1 method. This contains five speakers and one subwoofer. The five speakers will be right front, center, left front, right rear, and left rear. You will need some sort of connection path to allow your speakers to communicate with your projector. Some of these can work via Bluetooth or may need to be hardwired. If you are going to need to hardwire your surround sound, make sure you think out the wire path and find the best way to hide exposed wires for a neat finished look.

You will also want to hook up a media source. How do you plan on watching videos? Consider multi-platform options. While Bluetooth is great, you will have to own every movie you want to watch. Options like X-Box or Playstation can create your theater into a smart theater by offering gaming, Hulu, Netflix, Youtube, movie streaming, and more.

Seating

The last element to add to your home theater is seating. Any entertainment room only goes as far as the comfort you can provide. You may want to have gaming chairs closer to the screen, whereas movie seating can be further back in the room. Consider how big your space is and what is the best form of seating. Individual recliners are excellent options but may not be optimal for your space. Study the room and tailor the seating to how it will work with your layout.

Creating a home theater is an excellent home addition. You will use this room for many events when hosting guests and enjoy it for your own personal use. Adding the right form of seating, screening, and audio will all play critical roles in how your room feels. Make sure you have a good understanding of how everything will come together prior to investing in the space. For more tips and tricks on home improvement plans, make sure to subscribe!

Entryway Closet Organization

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Your entryway is part of your home’s first impression. While curb appeal and your home’s exterior can help paint a picture, it still leaves people wondering how your home looks on the inside of it. When your guests or friends come to visit, they are welcomed into your home first by the entryway. Typically, these entryways will have a closet to store shoes, umbrellas, coats, and other miscellaneous items you may take outside with you on your ventures. While they may hide your unwanted messes, they also are a very convenient space. Organizing your entryway closet is great for taking pride in the small but powerful details your home may have to offer. Here are three ways to improve your entryway closet:

Shoe Rack

Entryway closets are notorious for having the family’s shoes just thrown inside of them. Add a designated shoe rack to help address this mess. Plus, your shoe rack does not have to be inside the closet. Just make sure your sure rack has a clean and well-kept appearance if not stowed away inside your closet. You can have different shoe holders for individuals in your family or make different tiers to hold different stylings of shoes. A shoe rack is a great way to organize the chaos of your closet on the ground level.

Organization Bins & Baskets

Transform your entryway’s organization by including stylish umbrella stands and holders. You can add bins and baskets around or inside your closet to also add to the styling. Adding organization bins to the top shelf of your closet to store seasonal wear like gloves, hats, scarfs, and more will help to add additional storage. By finding well-designed bins and baskets, you can add to the space’s appeal while keeping it functional.

Built-in Shelving

Go a step further and consider built-in shelving or a locker space. You can organize these for every individual in your family. Simply allow space to hold jackets, store shoes, and have areas for miscellaneous items. Built-in storage can take your entryway organization to the next level and be very classy at the same time.

How do you keep your entryway area organized? Try facilitating some or all of these techniques. Your entryway may not be able to hold all your jackets and shoes, but it is a great space to facilitate storage. For more organizational tips, make sure to subscribe to our content.

Three Ways to Incorporate Autumn Colors

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Every season offers a different color palette of beauty! Spring has many fun, bright pastel colors, summer is full of vibrant colors, winter has clean, crisp whites, and fall is full of rich, earthy tones. When you think of fall, you probably think of the colors the leaves turn on the trees. You have your reds, oranges, and yellows. However, fall has an extensive color palette to consider. You also have some very earthy tones that compliment the seasons as well, such as browns, beiges, and forest greens. Incorporating these colors into your seasonal design is a great way to take pride in the changing seasons. Here are three key ways to add autumn colors to your home’s design:

Textiles

Decorating your home for the seasons should not take you weeks to complete. Swapping out some textiles in your home is an easy way to adapt to seasonal décor. Consider pillowcases, towels, blankets, and rugs that can help incorporate some of the beautiful colors fall has to offer. Plaid is also a great pattern to consider using with these earthy tones to make a room feel more comforting and fall-oriented.

Exterior Accents

Color can be added externally through many natural remedies. Hay barrels, scarecrows, pumpkins, and cornstalks can all be facilitated to create fall scenery around your entrance. Be creative, but consider your weather. Not everything can stay outdoors during the cooler months. Think of the earthy tones and warm colors fall has to offer. Incorporating these in your exterior design is just one more nod to your seasonal pride!

Holiday Décor

There are two major holidays to consider during the fall season: Halloween and Thanksgiving. Both holidays have very distinct décor you can add to your home. Adding jack o’ lanterns and spooky décor is always fun in October. During November, you may want to incorporate cornucopias as a centerpiece, pilgrim and Indian décor, or cute turkey trinkets around your home. Just remember to enjoy the holiday season through decor, and always express yourself.

There are hundreds of ways to encapsulate the colors of fall. Remember, earthy tones and warm colors help keep the cooler months warmer. Make your home feel like a beautiful fall oasis by keeping the colors flowing throughout. For more ideas on how to decorate for the seasons, make sure to subscribe!