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Some Fun Things To Do With Your Wedding Photos

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After your big wedding day, life can often feel a little like an anti-climax. You’ll have had all that excitement and stress leading up to marriage, and then suddenly it will all be over and you’ll find yourself going back to what is pretty much just normal everyday life. The thing is, that married life isn’t in reality all that far removed from life before you were married. Sure you wear a ring on your finger, and maybe your self-view will have altered slightly, but mostly you’ll have the same day-to-day routine and life will carry on as ever.

One great keepsake you have from the wedding right away though, will be all your pictures. You’ll have hundreds, if not thousands, of pictures to go through and there are all kinds of fun things you can do with them to try and keep the day alive a little longer. Here are some uses for your wedding photos.

Facebook

Once you get to a certain age, you’ll find that Facebook becomes almost entirely filled with pictures of weddings. This is fine, and you will probably have suffered in silence up until now, but now it’s your turn to contribute and to show off your happiness to the world. Facebook is a great place to upload, and friends who attended your wedding will be eager to see themselves in professional photos. Likewise you should also find that there are a few great profile pictures and cover pictures for you to use from the batch which will help show how important the day – and your new spouse – are to you.

There are other places you can use these pictures on your computer too. For instance you can set a picture as your desktop wallpaper, or as your phone wallpaper, and you can put photos from your wedding as your screensaver. That way you’ll constantly be reminded of the amazing occasion.

Create an Album

With so many photos digital these days, some people will never create a physical photo album. For an event this big though that’s a big shame, so make sure that you put some time and thought into creating a real photo album that you can flick through with friends or just when you’ve got a bored moment. If you don’t want to go the traditional route of sticking photos into little plastic folders, then you should be able to order a nice book of your photos (that you design) using a site like Lulu to publish it. That way you can also pass them around to others.

Frame Them

You should also be sure to frame a few photos from your wedding so that they’re there to enjoy even when you’re not specifically looking for them. This will also serve as a good conversation starter, so pick a few of your favourite ones and ask your wedding photographers if they can print them out for you nicely. Then get a frame to do them justice and place them in key positions around the house.

One nice idea? Put a small photo in a drawer you go into regularly – you’ll find you look at it far more often than you would if it was standing on the mantelpiece.

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Today’s guest author, Riley Peters, is a professional photographer based in Toronto, Canada. She is an artistic person and is quick at learning new musical instruments. She is an ace guitar player and plays in a local acoustic band.





How To Give Your Living Room A Facelift On A Budget

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Sometimes the desire to redesign your living room will just hit you. You’ll be lying on your sofa, staring at the ceiling or walls of the room or even just at the furniture and just think “it’s about time I changed this room up a bit”. However, not everyone can afford to make really expensive changes and buy new furniture but whilst this is unfortunate, it is not the end of the world.

 

It is entirely possible to redesign your living room on a budget, so below are some handy tips which will help you do this.

1. Analyse what you currently have and what you really need

A lot of people will just go out and spend money on things they like…not things they actually need. Therefore it’s a good idea to make a list of everything you currently have and then see if you’re willing to get rid of anything (sell it for a small sum) and then it will be clearer as to what your living room is now in need of.

Keep in mind all that you plan to keep will have to fit in with your new theme or style, so be stringent but also beware of getting rid of things you might be able to customise or revamp later on. (Discussed in point 4)

2. Spend less, buy more

Many people are snobbish about buying furniture or fabrics at sales or at online auctions but that’s just silly. Just think about how much money you will be able to save through buying in the sales or from buying second-hand goods. A lot of sites like eBay, Gumtree and Freecycle offer thousands of products that have hardly been used but are at hugely discounted prices.

Buying second-hand furniture also means your goods have a bit more history to them, rather than buying brand new from the store, where they have no history at all. You need to be prepared to do a lot of digging before you find exactly what you are looking for though, so be patient because there are so many good deals out there.

3. Change the room’s layout

This is, without a doubt one of the cheapest options when it comes to redesigning your living room; this costs nothing! You’d be amazed at just how much a room’s outlook can change when you just shift the furniture around a little bit. For instance don’t be afraid to place furniture at angles or even completely remove certain furniture from the room, both of which will totally change the room’s look.

It’s a good idea to have a think about how you are going to be able to create the most space in your living room. Living rooms always look and feel nicer when they are open, so do a few trials before deciding on what your favourite layout is going to be.

4. Customise and revamp

Before getting rid of any furniture and spending any money to replace what you’re getting rid of, think about whether you can revamp your goods. Often, people will throw out sofas simply because the colours no longer match the colour scheme of the room, or the sofa covers have become a bit old and tattered.

It can often be cheaper to reupholster your old sofas than it is to buy a whole brand new suite so look into the costs involved in reupholstering. Alternatively if you’re up for a challenge, buy the fabric you want and do it yourself. With wooden furniture, it’s also very easy to revamp. All you need to do is sand down the varnished finish and re-varnish to make furniture looks as good as new, or even paint it to fit in with the new look of your living room.

5. Create a focal point and add accessories

One of the cheapest options for redesigning a living room is to paint it. Paint is very affordable and can really make a huge difference to how a room looks. It’s always a good idea to give your living room a lick of paint every few years or so anyway, just to keep it looking fresh. However, keep in mind you can really make your room stand out by adding a focal point. You can do this very cheaply by just painting one wall a different colour.

You should also look at adding a few accessories here and there, such as lamps, rugs, artwork and cushions. Not only can you pick up all of these kinds of accessories for very reasonable prices, thus saving a lot of money but they will also really make your living room look lovely and homely. You can also inject a whole range of new colours into the room, as well as make old furniture look a lot nicer, i.e. by using new throws and cushions.

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  •  License: Image author owned

Laura writes for Jaga vertical radiators. When not blogging, she can often be found switching out her radiators on a whim.

Tips For Decorating Your Garden

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Garden Group ~ Tucson Botanic GardenFor most of us, our gardens are an extension of our living spaces. It’s a place to entertain guests, children and pets. Or it can be a sanctuary and place of relaxation. And with a little effort, your garden can be a little piece of heaven. Here are five tips to decorating your garden and having your own space to escape from life’s daily stress.

Choose appropriate outdoor furniture

When purchasing outdoor furniture, consider the purpose of your garden. Will you use it to entertain guests? Will it be a playground for your children? Or, will it be your own quiet retreat place? Also, consider the amount of space you have and take accurate measurements. Lastly, try to match your outdoor living furniture with your indoor design. Your outdoor furniture and décor must be able to withstand the weather, be that wind and rain. Therefore, it is important that your furniture is made of sturdy, weather resistant material.

Take lighting to the next level

Many landscapes can become romantic at night with the right lighting. By placing electric lights in trees and pathways, you can set the ambiance for your patio or garden. Consider hanging gracious outdoor lanterns from the trees. This will make for a dreamy atmosphere. You can also use streetlight-style lamps to punctuate patios and pathways. Try to pick fixtures that coordinate with the lights placed on the house’s exterior walls.

Showcase plant collections

Your garden should be the center of attention in your backyard. Display your favorite specimens in pots and pedestals. For greater exposure, place these objects at eye level. Embrace unusual displays and place plants in vintage pots or a painted chest of drawers. If you just plant flowers in beds they will disappear in the background. This is where you can get creative. Take advantage of antique shops and yard sales for the perfect outdoor décor.

Add a splash of color

Lighten up your backyard with color accent pieces such as bright colored ceramic pots and chairs. Try filling bright colored pots with plants that can draw the eye from a distance. You can also paint patio chairs in bright colors and arrange them around a neutral tabletop. Wall art is also a great way to liven up your backyard. You can even add color to your outdoor décor by covering a fence with suspended flowerpots. Create even more impact by using the same color throughout your yard.

Give life to your garden

Objects that a visitor can actually see and touch, like birdbaths and statues. For example, statues are an easy way to make your garden unique and fun. Accent your yard with frolicking animals and garden benches. Decorating your garden will make your backyard more inviting and encourage your guests to stay longer.

Accentuate with flowers

What could be more inviting than a flower-filled garden? Plant a mixture of roses, verbena and foxgloves to create a charming atmosphere. Or you could plant a bed of flowering perennials. Use climbing roses on a fence or arbor for a dramatic focal point. When it comes to planting beautiful flowers, the options are endless.

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Ann Michaels is a freelance writer with a green thumb. Every spring, Ann prepares her garden for the New Year. She recently purchased great products like dog statues from Saint Francis Garden for her budding garden.

Are Bugs Creating A Nuisance At Your Home? Have A Look At Acquisitive Solutions

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It’s not just the dirt that affects our space but lot of other pesky things like weeds, bugs and rodents also kills the serenity of the home. Pests have been part of the human process since the start of the human history. They are varied animals and plants that obstruct the human process. Some of the pests may bug while you walk along the streets while others may just stay hidden in your living space, creating a nuisance at your home. A lot of chemicals have been designed to fight with these pests but few are effective and those that are very effective do not fit in well in everybody’s pocket. In fact it is seen that half of the times, these pest control chemicals do not even work properly and are least effective after a certain time gap. Apart from the issue of effectiveness, some of the pest control solutions are made using hazardous chemicals and these chemicals are not only dangerous to the humans especially the young children at home, but are also a threat to the environment. Look at some of the simple acquisitive solutions that can help you get rid of the pests.

Cucumbers are not just for glowing skin

Cucumbers are considered the best for eliminating dark circles, curing puffiness, and yes not to forget, putting the slices of it in the salad.  However there is another side to this “good for skin” element. These are considered as one of the best natural ant repellents. Just like the picky toddlers, even ants dislike cucumbers and do everything possible so as to avoid interaction with it. So if you see the little buggers sliding down your window panes, just place a few cucumbers alongside the edges and the ants will push their steps back.

Fly away the flea

One of the best ways to keep the fleas off your pet is to use ground rosemary leaves. These leaves once sprinkled over the beds or even on the pets can help keep off the fleas. With this little steps avoid the nuisance that the fleas create.

Mash potatoes and kill unwanted buggers 

Mash potatoes taste good but are they tastier even for the unwanted pests? Well, if you place a bowl of desiccated mashed potato flakes and some water, all the tiny critters that come near it and try to eat will experience an unexpected shock. When the water comes in contact with the potato flakes, they puff up like sponges and eventually bloat out, killing the little buggers.

Protect your garden with vinegar

Vinegar is a favourite of gardeners and lawn lovers as it helps kill the unwanted pests like weed. Weed are of different forms but vinegar identifies all as one and equally effective on each of them. So, next time you go to any grocery store, buy a solution that has the highest concentration of vinegar in it.

Keep away the snail and snugs

Snails and slugs are beer lovers and get attracted to this intoxicating drink the fastest. So, all that you are required to do to keep them away and keep your garden safe from them is to pour about one inch of beer into some empty can. Attracted by the smell, these unwanted creepy crawlies try to carve their way to the beer and as soon as they reach out to it, they tumble in it and drown. After this only that you need to do is clear the mess.

Chase Cullen is the author of this informative post. He is an excellent writer, a loving husband and a caring father who enjoys blogging in his spare time. He just got a bed bug heat remediation treatmentdone in his house and is satisfied with its end result.

Enjoy Small Space Living With Three Simple Steps

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Many individuals, couples and families these days are finding themselves in smaller homes and apartments. With poor organization, oversized furniture and too much clutter, a small space can easily feel even smaller. Taking any of these three steps will simplify your home and help your small space feel organized, controlled and even more spacious.

Master the Clutter

An essential element to a simplified and well-organized home lies within your ability to de-clutter. There is no need to hang onto items “just in case” or because your Great Aunt Martha gifted something to you. If you don’t need it, get rid of it.

Take a look through cupboards and drawers, and as you come across excess silverware, Tupperware with no lids, cookbooks you never use and clothes you don’t wear, ask yourself these two questions:

Is it one of five things I would save if my house caught fire?
Have I used it in the last year?

If you can’t answer “yes” to at least one of these questions with various items in your home, then you can consider them merely space filler. Get rid of them. It may hurt at first, but you’ll feel much better in the long run.

You have likely heard the saying, “A place for everything and everything in its place.” Everything in your home needs a place to “live” whether it’s your car keys, mail, the kid’s crayons and artwork or extra toilet paper. If everything does not have a place to live, it is more likely to get left out and lost among the piles that inevitably build up on counters and coffee tables creating confusion and added stress.

As you de-clutter, avoid the temptation to multitask. Focus on one space at a time and see the de-cluttering and organizing through to completion.

Furniture for Small Spaces

When it comes to living in a small space, the right furniture can play a huge role in the effectiveness and comfort of your home. As you de-clutter cabinets and drawers, you may also realize that a couch or bean bag chair have to go to make room for something else.

The key to making a small space feel larger is having the right furniture. If you shop around the internet, you will find several companies that sell amazing multi-functional furniture that will maximize every inch of any small space with ceiling mounted beds, collapsible tables and chairs, or all-in-one furnishings such as a kitchen table that transforms into a computer desk in the morning and a bed at night.

Simplify Your Home with Apps

When designing your small space, consider adding current technology to simplify your living quarters. For starters, a truly user-friendly home automation system allows you to control features from a touchscreen module placed in your home as well as remotely from any internet source such as your smart phone or office computer.

Electronic locks ensure that your home can easily be locked up at the touch of a button. You can also unlock your house just as easily to let a friend in while you aren’t home.

Additionally, some home automation systems allow you to turn simple home appliances off or on. This can come in quite handy on the mornings you forget to turn off the coffee pot, television or curling iron as you run out the door to work.

Another great feature you can find with home automation is the capability to turn lights on or off as well as the thermostat up or down from anywhere whether you are at the office, on vacation in Barbados or watching a movie on your couch.

As you bring in more multi-functional furniture, eliminate the clutter and take advantage of the latest in home automation technology, you will find your home feeling larger and smarter so that you can enjoy more of what life has to offer.

About the Author: Lindsey Patterson is a freelance writer who specializes in technology and home automation. For more information on home security systems check out Vivint reviews.

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