How to Make a Healthier Mac & Cheese

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As everyone knows, macaroni and cheese is known for being a “comfort food” soothing ability! If you love mac and cheese as much as we do, please see our tips below for making a healthier recipe for the family.

Add Vegetables

You will want to add vegetables according to the season. Peas, tomatoes, corn, squash, green beans, and almost any other vegetable make the perfect topping for the mac and cheese. The wonderful golden cheese is the perfect backdrop for hiding a few veggies for picky children. You are also adding fiber and delightful nutrients to the golden mac and cheese!

Switch out Your Pasta 

Normally, mac and cheese in a prepackaged box contain refined pasta. Switch this out with a whole wheat pasta to increase fiber, minerals, and vitamins. You can also add chickpeas to increase plant-based proteins. 

Use Different Cheeses

As you know, a ton of fat and cholesterol are in a prepackaged mac and cheese. If you choose to use a cheese that is lower in fat or even use a little bit of cottage cheese to fill in, is a great way to reduce the saturated fat and cholesterol in your side dish.

Add to Your Sauce

Now, pull out your food processor and puree some veggies like cauliflower and carrots. This is a perfect way to sneak veggies into the good ole mac and cheese! Again, you are adding fiber and nutrients without the little ones noticing.

Use Other Milk

This is a no brainer, instead of using whole milk try adding a milk alternative like almond, soy or coconut milk. Do not use heavy cream; try substituting half and half for the cream sauce.

Avoid Adding Meats

Do not add hotdogs or bacon to your mac and cheese. You will eliminate a ton of calories, fat, and cholesterol in doing so. Again, only add good things like vegetables for the perfect mac and cheese.

Do Not Bake Your Mac & Cheese

Typically, when we bake mac and cheese, we add additional cheese and breadcrumbs to the top, so it is best not to do this. Simply make your mac and cheese in a handy skillet to eliminate the extra cheese and breadcrumbs. You will cut down on lots of calories and fat when doing so.

We hope you enjoyed these tricks and happy cooking!

What Are the Dirtiest Areas of Your Home?

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The truth is, no matter how often you clean your home; there is bound to be dirt in every corner and sometimes even in unexpected spots. In fact, according to the Society for General Microbiology, germs and bacteria can divide every twenty minutes in the right environment and climate. A study conducted by the group revealed that there were over 300 different types of bacteria that were found on just thirty diverse objects. That being said, you may be interested in what are the dirtiest areas of your home. Today, we are going to take a look at them and how you can keep them clean. Let’s get started!

Kitchen 

Many studies have found that the kitchen is the dirtiest area of the home. Areas, where the food is prepared or stored, can have more bacteria and fecal matter contamination than the bathroom. You will even find that the dish sponge or cloth is heavily contaminated. Other items in the kitchen that are susceptible to contamination include: 

  • The coffee maker 
  • Kitchen countertops 
  • Refrigerator 

Cleaning Routine: You can try and keep the kitchen germ-free, especially when you are gearing up to prepare a meal. You can do so by using disinfectant wipes on all the surfaces in the kitchen, including the countertops, faucet, and refrigerator. Additionally, before washing your dishes with the sponge or washcloth, you can place it in the microwave to kill off the bacteria. You can even soak it in a warm, bleach water and throw it in the washing machine. Remember to switch out dish towels at least once a week.

Door Handles and Switches

You cannot forget about the doorknobs and switches since these are the least obvious place for germs in the house. While you would think the bathroom knob would be the dirtiest of them all, it is actually spots on the door that are much higher. Some areas that ranked high with bacteria is :

  • Refrigerator handle
  • Stove knobs
  • Microwave handles

Cleaning Routine: Try cleaning these spots with a disinfectant spray every day.

Laundry

Did you know that leaving your laundry in the washing machine for a little bit of time can cause germs to fester?

Cleaning Routine: It is important to remove your clothing articles from the washing machine once they are done and place them in the dryer or hang them to dry.

Were you surprised by any of the listed items? Is there anything that you make sure to clean that you think we missed? If so, be sure to leave us a message in the comment section.

The Best Fabric for Family Room Furniture

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Are you currently in the market for purchasing new living room furniture or reupholstering your current furniture? If you are currently in the market for investing in a sofa/chair, it should be treated as a big decision that requires some research. We have compiled a short list of “to-dos” for determining the correct color and fabric for your pieces. Let’s take a look!

Color

If hiring an interior designer is not in the budget, we have listed some questions that will guide you in the right direction for the perfect fabric color:

  • Who Will Be Using the Pieces? If children, pets, or teenagers are in the answer, darker colors are the best for hiding stains and spills. For neutral options, grays are popular and will be around for quite some time. Do not overlook blues and greens and treat them as bold neutrals. View the carpet, flooring, and all accessories to make sure they blend with the new fabric. 
  • Formal or Informal? If you are placing the furniture in a formal living room, the color may differ from the color choice you would choose for an informal living room. For example, you may opt for lighter colors in a formal area since it will be used less and only for special occasions.
  • Are Patterns Relevant? While we do not see that many patterned sofas anymore, we do see sofas brought to life by patterned pillows and blankets. Incorporating patterns through pillows and blankets can help hide additional stains, which is ideal for households with children and pets.

Fabric

Natural fibers like cotton, linen, silk, and wool are very soft to the touch but are not very durable. When you combine them with a synthetic fiber like polyester, viscose, and acrylics, the softness remains, but the added synthetic fibers strengthen the natural fibers. All of the children and pet-friendly fibers are synthetic and also stand up to spills and stains. Heavier or thicker fabric weaves are less smooth but more textured. These fibers are perfect for a family or great room pieces.

Cleaning Code 

Have you ever noticed the tag on upholstered furniture? It will include a letter code. Sofas with a “W” must be cleaned with a water-based cleaner only/distilled, or bottled water is recommended. An “S” means the upholstery must be cleaned with a professional-grade cleaning solvent and will not react well if water is used. “S/W” means that dry cleaning solvents and water can be used. 

Rub-Count

This is the best way to determine the durability of the fabric. The rub count is determined by a machine that rubs back and forth until the fabric is worn down. 20,000 and higher rubs are perfect for residential upholstery.

We hope that you are now aware of what to look for when purchasing or reupholstering your family/great room furniture. If you follow these tips, you will make sure that you have done your due diligence in fabric research!

Tips for Choosing the Right Curtains

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Any interior design expert will tell you that the right curtains can make a room. In fact, curtains are much more than just a window covering; they have the power to form the basis of a space, and they significantly contribute to the atmosphere of the room. Whether they are custom-made or store-bought, finding the perfect set of curtains for a space can be challenging. The plethora of fabrics, colors, and styles make curtain shopping, oftentimes, time-consuming. With so many options, here are some ways you can narrow down the possibilities:

Color and Fabric

When shopping for curtains, understand that fabric plays a significant role. The material dictates how the curtain will fall and if it will stand the test of time. According to experts, if the material is too heavy, it may not fold right when drawn. However, if the material is too light, it will not fall right. Do not be afraid to carefully examine the material before you make your purchase.

Remember, that sunlight will fade the vibrancy of the fabric over time. Keep this mind if you are set on using curtains that feature a bold color since they will most likely fade faster. If you plan on updating your curtains every so often, this is not a significant concern. We suggest picking curtains with neutral colors since they easily blend into your decor, and they are less likely to fade over time.

Materials like linen, silk, faux silk, and velvet make for the best materials for window treatments. Faux silk is super durable while suede, velvet, and tapestry help block out the sunlight and have insulating properties.

Hanging the Curtains

How high above the window do you plan on installing your curtains? Installing panels higher than the window will add a sense of depth and height. Try hanging curtains six inches above the frame, or you can go higher for a more dramatic look. For a traditional look, you can allow the material to touch the floor slightly.

Ready-Made or Custom

If you are working on a small budget and you are short on time, you may want to consider purchasing ready-made curtains. You can buy quality curtains from shops and showrooms. However, customized curtains allow you to tailor the material according to your window’s specific measurements, pattern, and color.

Be sure to subscribe for more tips and tricks. Thanks for reading!

Unique Ways to Use Mirrors in Your Design

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Are you searching for an easy but dramatic way to add more style to your home? If so, try decorating with mirrors. In fact, using mirrors in a space has several aesthetic benefits. It visually expands the room, making it seem bigger, and it can also create special effects. Today, we are going to share some designer secrets for tastefully using mirrors in your home’s decor. Let’s take a look!

Be Creative

When decorating with mirrors, think of this accessory as a decorative window that you can strategically place in a room to reflect any view. Mirrors can create special effects when you place it on your favorite piece of artwork, and the light reflects and emphasizes the different colors found throughout the artwork. According to design experts, there are generally no rules when it comes to decorating with mirrors. That means you can place them anywhere you want in the room.

Create a Dramatic Effect

Use mirrors to create a dramatic effect in a room with little design elements. A large floor length mirror in smaller spaces can totally transform the room. For instance, a framed floor length mirror propped against the wall in your bedroom or even at the end of the hallway can be a great design asset.

Multiple Mirrors

You do not have to stick to just one mirror in the room. In fact, you can never have too many mirrors. Get creative and hang multiple mirrors on one wall. Whether big or small, they should all be proportionate to each other, and they should be scaled based on the size of the wall. For instance, if you are working with an expansive wall, you do not want to use small mirrors. Instead, you should opt for larger mirrors that flatter the size of the wall. Additionally, when installing multiple mirrors on a wall, be sure to group them like artwork so that they are more visually appealing.

Mirror Hotspots

Although you can use mirrors in any room of the house, there are certain areas that will especially benefit from a few well-placed mirrors. The entryway is a great place to place a mirror. Also, the dining area is another great place to use mirrors. When combined with chandelier lighting and candles, mirrors will create the perfect ambiance in any space.

How do you incorporate mirrors in your design? Do you currently use any of these expert tips? If so, we would love to hear your thoughts below in the comment section.

How to Pick the Perfect Plant for Your Bathroom

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Whether you have a large, luxurious bathroom or a smaller powder room, a plant can be a beautiful addition to the space. In fact, adding a touch of nature to one of the most used rooms in the house can add a sense of peace and create a calm atmosphere. The best thing about making such a small change to your bathrooms decor is that it does not cost much.

What to Look for in a Bathroom Plant

You can expect a plant to thrive in a bathroom environment. After all, bathrooms are moist. However, you will need to choose a plant that can handle the various temperature fluctuations that it will experience in the bathroom. When someone is using the shower, humidity levels increase, making this space warmer. On the other hand, when the bathroom is not in use for a few hours, it typically gets colder.  

Also, many bathrooms are not exposed to generous levels of sunlight. So you will need a plant that meshes well with the amount of natural light that bathroom receives. Lastly, let us not forget that you have to consider just how much time and effort you are willing to dedicate to caring for a plant.  

Top Plants for the Bathroom 

What are some of the best plants to set in your bathroom? Here are some greenery worth considering: 

Spider Plant

Spider plants are low maintenance, and they are best for homeowners who do not have much gardening experience. These plants do great in cold environments. With moderate watering, keeping the soil drained and some indirect light is the only thing that a spider plant needs. You will see in no time that the plant produces a bunch of small spideys.

Cast Iron Plant

Cast Iron plants are a gorgeous looking plant that thrives in a moist place like the bathroom. The great thing about a Cast Iron plant is that it does not require a lot of water. You can simply place it under the shower once a week during summer months and every month during the winter.

Zanzibar Gem

Zanzibar Gems, also commonly referred to as the ZZ plant, is virtually indestructible and only needs a little watering during the summer. This is the perfect plant for homeowners who seek a plant with very little maintenance.

Bird Nest Fern

While Bird Nest Fern plants are aesthetically-pleasing and look even stunning in the bathroom, since these plants dry out faster, they will need more frequent water and exposure to moisture. Such bathroom plants are ideal for individuals who have some plant knowledge and are willing to put in the effort to care for them.

As always, do your research in order to decipher which plant works best for your household. Thanks for reading!

Four Feng Shui Decor Ideas for the Bedroom

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Is it time to refresh your bedroom design? If so, you might want to consider implementing Feng Shui design principles. With the weather breaking, now is the perfect time to improve the overall appearance and comfort of your bedroom. Whether you are simply seeking a better night’s rest, looking to nurture existing relationships, or bring a sense of balance into the room, you can achieve that with some of these Feng Shui decor ideas. Let’s take a look!

Select the Right Place to Put Your Bed

Troubled sleep and romantic relationships are often correlated to the placement of the bed according to Feng Shui principles. Experts recommend anchoring the bed against a wall or a headboard as opposed to the window. A floating bed that is installed in the middle of the room has no stability, which makes the room feel groundless. As a result, sleep becomes challenging. Additionally, avoid placing the bed in a corner. While this is ideal for a kid’s bedroom, this is not the case for an adult’s room. There should be enough space for each person to get in and out of bed.

Symmetry is Key

Go for a symmetrical look when designing your bedroom with Feng Shui principles in mind. When using furniture around the bed, be sure to create balance by thinking in pairs. That means the bedside tables, lamps, and other accessories should all be of the same size and equal quality.

Inspiring Artwork

When looking for artwork to hang on your bedroom walls, choose something that inspires positive emotions. In Feng Shui, sha is an element that can evoke negative feelings. Artwork can be a sha if it inspires a feeling of sadness, anger, or pain. If you want your bedroom to feel like a comfortable, safe haven, it is encouraged that you definitely invest in furniture that moves your emotion in a positive way.

If you share your bedroom with a significant other, you should exercise caution when selecting a couple of pictures to showcase. Be sure to have at least one picture that depicts a happy moment with your loved one.

Cut the Clutter and Electronics

When creating a space that is truly calm and serene, you will definitely need to cut the clutter and remove the electronics. According to Feng Shui, a messy area can symbolize unfinished business which in turn can make you feel anxious; therefore, throw away things you do not need and find new places to store odds and ends.

Do you use any of these practices currently in your bedroom design? If so, we would love to hear your thoughts below in the comment section. Thanks for reading!

Six Cleaning Habits You Need to Stop

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We all love a clean house. That being said, sometimes, your cleaning habits can be doing more harm than good. Believe it or not, we are all guilty of some type of lousy cleaning habit. Before you break out your gloves and bring out the duster, here are some common cleaning mistakes that you are probably about to make:

Failing to Read the Directions

So you have tried an expert-recommended product, but it did not work the way you thought it would. While it is possible that the product is not as great as they said, it is more likely that you just did not use it properly. Many people often fail to read the cleaning directions on products before using it, and manufacturers do their best to create quality products that will actually produce results. Before giving up on the product, you should carefully read the label for directions before using it.

Harsh Cleaning Products

Trying to get a stain out of your carpet? Or maybe you are trying to bring some life back into your furniture? Whichever the case, the answer is not always the harshest or strongest cleaning product. In fact, most jobs only require a gentle pH cleanser to adequately clean. Only break out the big guns when the gentler products do not work.

Using too much Product

Have you ever heard of the saying: too much of a good thing is never good? Only use the recommended amount of a cleaning product or else you may spend more time cleaning up excess product than actually cleaning the surface. In addition, you do not want to throw away your hard-earned money by wasting the product; therefore, less is always more.

Water on Your Hardwood Floors

Of course, your hardwood floors need to be mopped, but saturating your hardwood floors with water can ruin the finish. Make sure that you are always cautious when mixing water and wood.

Bleach as a Cleaning Product

Bleach should not be confused with a cleaning product. Bleach should be used for disinfecting and whitening; therefore, when it comes to cleaning up dirt and soil, you will have to use a real cleaning product. Save the bleach for your white laundry.

Multi-Tasking

Trying to do two things at once may make you feel like your getting things done faster, but you may be only prolonging the process. Focus on cleaning one area at a time to be effective.

Do you make any of these common mistakes? If so, you are not alone! The first course of action is to be aware then make a change.

How to Create a Guest Bedroom

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There are hundreds of reasons why we may have an extra room in our homes. Maybe the kids moved out, or you bought a home with extra rooms. Having an extra bedroom is an excellent opportunity for creating a guest room. Adding a guest room is great for hosting guests overnight. However, just furnishing a room with a bed does not necessarily make a guest bedroom. You may want to add some simple things to help make your guest stay as comfortable as possible during their stay. Consider hotels and all the accommodations they give to you. Creating a guest room is quite similar. Here is everything we recommend incorporating in your guest room:

Comfort 

First and foremost, you want to ensure your guest’s comfort. Do not give them one pillow and a throw blanket. The guest bed should be made with clean sheets and a variety of pillows. You should also include a clock and a waste bin in the bedroom as well near the bed.

Basic Toiletries 

Asking can be awkward, so try to explain everything to your guest when they arrive. Have basic toiletries and the bathroom ready for their use. Have towels folded on the bed and ready to go for them. You may want to explain any unique or complicated manners in the bathroom area, like starting the shower or the tub. 

Just Enough 

Remember, less is more. You want the room to be ready to go. Including simple décor, a mirror, and some seating in the guest bedroom is great; however, do not over-crowd the room. You want the room to be ready for them to unpack. Make sure closets and drawers are readily available for their convenience. You may also want to include a charging station for their phone, Wi-Fi passwords written down, and lamps beside the bed. 

Creating your guest room can be fun. Consider what amenities hotels provide and include them. You want your room to feel very functional. With these simple rules in mind, you will have a perfect guest room to host any guest. For more tips and tricks, make sure to subscribe!

Tips for Cleaning Your Closet

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Closets can easily become the melting pot of clutter in our homes. From clothes to storage, these spaces can quickly get out of hand. They are convenient because they are out of sight, out of mind. However, they can become a nightmare if they go unattended for too long. Cleaning out your closet can be a daunting task that is easily procrastinated. However, with a little bit of time and effort, you can once again have your closet feeling functional. Here are the steps you need to get your closet back to normal:

Remove Everything 

Starting the project is the hardest part. By removing everything from your closet, you are in too deep. If you know the project needs to be broken into several days, make categories of what you will remove and when. You can start from the ground up or start with clothes. Just be sure to pull clothes you want to donate, and use large boxes or trash bags to help sort them. You can even pull seasonal clothes from your closet to separate as well. Remember that finding everything in your closet, “a home” can take time.  

Donate 

While cleaning your closet, you will find that it is the perfect time to donate. Create three piles: one to donate, one to keep, and one undecided. Only put back your ones to keep. If you need to grab anything from your undecided pile in the next year, you needed it. If you never think about it again, you can donate it. These are easy tricks minimalist use to help eliminate clutter.

Manage 

You may want to make some small investments in storage management. Buy shoe organizers and storage shelves for your closet. You can buy bins and baskets to help keep your closet organized. When putting your clothes back into your closet, have a purpose. Sort them by casual and formal. Giving your closet a sense of organization can help you manage and keep the space clean longer. 

The closet can be intimidating to clean, but worth the time invested. These simple tactics can go a long way. Stop letting your closet manage your life and learn to manage the mess. For more tips and tricks on cleaning, make sure to subscribe.