7 THINGS YOU HAVE TO CHECK IN YOUR HOUSE BEFORE ROLLING INTO AN AUTUMN SEASON

When we talk of the autumn season, some of the things that come to most peoples’ minds include carved pumpkins, yellow-orange foliage, and the smell of cinnamon. Adults enjoy spending most of their time outdoors having some fresh air while children go out to take pictures and swap skateboards. This fall, you don’t have to think of buying Halloween candy or pencil cases only. You need to prepare your house to keep it safe and warm for the next several months. In this post, we are going to share with you seven things that you have to check in your house before rolling into the autumn season. Let’s get started!

1. Prepare for falling leaves

Watching the leaves turning from deep green to sunset yellow is one of the top highlights in fall. You need to start preparing to rake up the fallen leaves on your property. If mulching or composting the leaves is your preferred style, you don’t have to worry about this. However, if you want to remove them from your lawn or yard, you’ll need to invest in the right tools. You’ll need a good rake, spade, and wheelbarrow to clear the leaves and save time. To remove the growing pile, always remember to stock up on huge bags.

2. Branch out

As the weather gets colder and winds start getting stronger, aging trees can pose a huge threat. If such a tree has its branches over your home, you’ll need to cut them to reduce accidents and the risk of damage. If branches fall on your property, the damage can either be minor or severe. Light branches can shatter windows or damaged shingles while heavy ones might block gutters, or damage your roof. You need to look at the trees around your property and inspect for weaknesses. Start trimming the trees strategically when they start getting close to your house. Hire a professional or use the right tools to eliminate branches that get too close to your house or those that pose a risk of falling.

3. Clear your gutters

You need to inspect your roof before the season and remove any branches or leaves that may have accumulated there. As the leaves pile up and fall in your yard, you should remember that the same is happening on your roof. If you don’t clear out the leaves on time, they will affect water drainage and create a dam of water. Still water can damage the exterior surface of your roof. And this can spread to the inside of your house thus promoting the growth of mold and mildew. Always check your rain-gutters and drainage systems to ensure that nothing blocks them.

4. Repair roof leaks

Minor roof leaks can become a huge problem especially when temperatures start dropping. Snow or frozen water will increase the risk of water damage. Therefore, you need to climb up your roof and inspect it thoroughly. Check for any signs of damage especially on the valleys and ridges. Look at the chimneys and vents too. A small amount of effort can save you thousands of dollars in the long run.

5. Work on your lawn

As the weather gradually turns colder some individuals will feel relieved because they won’t have to mow or clean their lawn again till spring. In most cases, this is usually true. You won’t have lots of responsibilities when it comes to taking care of your lawn. However, before you start locking yourself in, you need to fertilize your lawn. Start by spreading a layer of ground freeze to ensure that your lawn grows green in the spring. This is one of the best ways to start the spring season. You can also save a lot of money by winterizing your sprinkler system.

6. Fill the cracks around your property

The growing roots might have damaged the walkway or driveway. It’s important to take a couple of minutes to walk around your property and check if the pavers and concrete have become uneven or loose. This simple task can prevent hazards throughout different seasons of the year, especially in icy or wet weather. No matter how small the crack is, if you spot and fill it before winter, you’ll have a chance to prevent water from getting in and freezing. This can lead to more cracks and damages which will be expensive to repair.

7. Prepare to heat things up

You need to inspect the equipment that heats your home and perform routine maintenance before winter. If you use a heater, you can hire a professional to inspect for you. And ensure that it is working safely and efficiently. A heater that leaks will not only waste energy but also fill your house with dangerous poisonous air. You should never sacrifice the quality of indoor air for anything. This is especially true during the winter season.

Bonus Tips:

Change the air filter

The air filter in your property should be changed regularly. While most homeowners neglect or forget to change the air filter, fall is the best time to look at all the filters in your home and change them if necessary. Doing this will not only improve the quality of air in your house but also increase the efficiency levels of your furnace. If you have started taking note of whines and screeches from the belt or erratic sounds from the furnace, you’ll need to inspect it for burner problems, blockages, or thermostat issues. You should do this during fall instead of waiting till the winter season.

Inspect the chimney

If you use a chimney to heat your home during the cold season, you’ll need to inspect it during fall to ensure that there are no venting problems or blockages. Clean, sweep, and clear the chimney before you start a fire in your house. If you are on a budget, you should consider including an energy-efficient fireplace to heat all your rooms. Conducting routine checks during fall will help you save time and money and avoid inconveniences.

Conclusion

Before rolling into the autumn season, there are a lot of things that you need to check around your property to minimize hazards and save money. While these tasks seem intimidating, they are as easy as a pumpkin (well, much easier). You can also delegate some of these tasks to professionals.

Author Bio:

Leon Collier is a blogger and academic writer from the UK who works with Write my essay UK and offers a writing service. He likes trying new subjects and is always focused on proving his worth as a writer in new and challenging writing areas. His hobbies are reading books and playing tabletop games with his friends. You can reach him via Twitter @LeonCollier12.

Photo by Weston MacKinnon on Unsplash

5 TIPS TO KEEP IN MIND WHILE REMODELING YOUR KITCHEN

Kitchen remodeling, or kitchen redesigning, is a common and ongoing project. Kitchen remodeling aims to change your kitchen’s overall appearance and functionality to improve your lifestyle.

When you decide to start a project like this, there are several things you should consider before beginning the process. It would be best if you considered everything from budgeting to design and style. You want a new look for your kitchen, but you also want it to function properly.

The process of remodeling your kitchen is complicated and requires the help of professionals in many areas. If you are thinking about doing this yourself or have no idea where to start your project, here are some tips.

KNOW WHAT TYPE OF DESIGN YOU WANT

Your kitchen is your home’s focal point. You spend most of your time in this room, so you must choose a design that fits your needs and style.

You can choose a traditional look, a contemporary design, or something in between. Whatever you decide on, make sure it’s going to work for your home and lifestyle.

Kitchen remodeling projects vary from person to person, so the best style for one family may not be ideal for another. Before you start the process, make sure that your kitchen will work for you and your family.

Keep in mind that the overall look of your kitchen will be determined by how much money you have available and what type of features you want to include.

FLOOR OPTIONS TO CONSIDER WHILE REMODELING

The type of flooring you choose will depend on your budget and personal preference. You’ll want to ensure that the kind of flooring you select is easy to clean, doesn’t have a strong odor, and can withstand moisture.

Your kitchen’s design should also be taken into consideration. You’ll want to choose a flooring option that fits your design style and works well with the other elements of your kitchen, such as lighting and appliances.

If you’re planning on using tile in your kitchen, make sure it’s durable enough to withstand spills and stains. If you’re planning on using 3D flooring, choose a type that is easy to clean and won’t warp or split over time. If you’re planning on using laminate flooring in your kitchen, make sure it’s stain-resistant and won’t absorb moisture.

USE QUALITY MATERIALS

When you’re building a new kitchen, the materials used will make a big difference in how your project turns out. In general, it’s best to choose high-quality cabinets and countertops for durability and beauty.

High-quality cabinetry can also save you money in the long run because it will be easier to maintain and keep looking great. You’ll also find that high-quality materials are more affordable than the alternatives.

If you’re planning on painting your cabinets, make sure you choose durable paint with low odor and mildew resistance. If you plan on using granite countertops, make sure you choose a type that is resistant to scratches and stains.

Selecting suitable materials for your kitchen can also help save money in the long run because it will be easier to maintain and keep looking great.

DRAW UP A BUDGET FOR YOUR PROJECT

Before you begin any remodeling project, it’s essential to know precisely how much money you have available. This will help you determine the style and features that are most important for your kitchen.

You need to make sure that you have all the items on the list you will need for your remodeling project. This includes any cabinets, countertops, flooring, and lighting.

When it comes time to select new cabinets or countertops, you’ll need to have all the dimensions and sizes available. If you don’t, you may be forced to buy them from a different store or supplier, which can increase your costs.

It’s also essential to include all the costs for materials and labor. If you’re not sure how much you’ll need, contact a professional to help you with this step.

IDENTIFY MUST-HAVES AND STANDARD FEATURES OF YOUR NEW KITCHEN

The kitchen is the heart of your home, so it’s essential to make sure you get exactly what you need. You’ll want to consider how much space your new kitchen will have and how many people are likely to be using it at any given time.

When choosing appliances, consider whether or not you plan on using them often enough that they will be worth the expense. Also, make sure that you select appliances that will work well with your kitchen’s design.

If you’re planning on using a refrigerator in your new kitchen, look for an energy-efficient one and has adjustable shelves to accommodate different sizes of food containers. If you plan on using a dishwasher, make sure it has a “water-level” control that makes it easy to determine when the dishwasher is full.

You’ll also want to take into consideration the style of cooking that you enjoy most. If you love to cook, choose appliances and features designed to make your cooking experience more enjoyable.

CONCLUSION

As you can see, there are many decisions to be made when planning your new kitchen. But by following the tips in this article, you’ll have a better idea of what’s important to you and how much it will cost.

Once you’ve narrowed down your choices, look over the pros and cons of each appliance to make sure that it’s going to be a good fit for your kitchen.

Make sure you choose your contractor carefully. Do thorough research & check more online guides before diving into the implementation.

Guest Contributor: Rituraj

BENEFITS OF BECOMING A PLUMBER

Are you thinking about what you want to do in life? Going to a trade school is a very good idea after high school or if you think you need a career change. There’s so many benefits about going into the trades, and we highly recommend the plumbing industry!

INEXPENSIVE EDUCATION

You can go to a community college or a vocational school to train to be a plumber, therefore no massive student loan debts. There are also numerous apprenticeships that would allow you to work and earn money while learning hands on at the same time.

YOU MAKE A GOOD LIVING

Most plumbers live comfortably. The average salary for a plumber, based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics, is over $50,620 annually compared to the national median income of $36,200.

The more experience you have, certifications, and skill you have all play into your salary.

JOB SECURITY

You will never lose your job due to a lack of need. People will always need a plumber, no matter the state of the economic environment.

YOU’LL NEVER GET BORED

Each job site is a different scenario and a different way to fix things. You will never get tired of doing the same thing because no two jobs will be the exact same.

THERE’S ALWAYS OPPORTUNITY TO REACH HIGHER POSITIONS.

After an apprenticeships, if you stick with it, you can be successful. You will be licensed, can open your own business, the opportunity is endless.

–Kevin Szabo Jr Plumbing Team

708-845-7922

PUMPKIN PATCHES IN THE SOUTH SUBURBS

Fall is quickly approaching, which means its the season for pumpkin patches! There are various pumpkin patches around the south suburbs, but we’re here to tell you them all with honest reviews to help you pick the best one to visit!

1. ODYSSEY FUN FARM

Located at **18900 Oak Park Ave. Tinley Park,** this pumpkin patch is fun for all ages!
Photo Credits: Odyssey Fun Farm

First on our list is Odyssey Fun Farm, located at 18900 Oak Park Ave. Tinley Park, 60477, I-80 to Harlem Ave S. to 191st E. to Prosperi Dr (near CarMax).

They begin the pumpkin patch season on Saturday, September 25th 2021, and their farm is located on a 110 acre farm!

Admission is as followed:

$22.00 Per Person
$24.00 Sat – Sun – Columbus Day

They have many attractions for all ages, including:

Giant Pillow Bouncy,

Expanded Barnyard Zoo

a Cow Train, Duck Races,

Hay Rides (Mask Required)

Pony Rides and more!

Additional prices are as followed:

Additionals:

$12.00 Per Person Zipline
$ 5.00 Per Person Containment Z Zombie Paintball Shooting Gallery
$ 8.00 Per Person Pony Rides (Must be 90lbs or less)
$ 2.00 Per Feed for Animals

They also have a well known Pac-man Maize.

Pac – Man 50th Anniversary
Picture credits: Odyssey Fun Farm

2. BENGTSON’S PUMPKIN FARM

13341 West 151st Street, Homer Glen, IL 60491
Photo Credits: Bengtson’s Pumpkin Farm

This is a well known pumpkin patch around the south suburbs.

The pumpkin farm opens on September 17th, 2021.

Prices are as followed:

Monday’s-Thursday’s: $18.99

Friday’s: $21.99

Saturday’s & Sunday’s: $29.99

Admission for babies under 1 is free!

There is an additional pony ride that can be purchased for $6.

They do offer military (active and veterans) entrance for free with proper identification.

The attractions they offer are as followed:

“Rockin’ Rabbits”

“Barrel Blast”

“Rooster Rodeo”

“Barnyard Dance Cow Coaster”

Gemstone and Arrowhead Mining Sluice

Fun Barn

Happy Swing

Free Selfie Booth

Pig races

Haunted Barn

Barnyard Animals & Petting Zoo

3. PUCKERVILLE FARMS

13332 Bell Rd Lemont, IL 60439
Picture Credits: Puckerville Farms

Puckerville Farms is a family owned farm that offers pumpkins, Christmas tree’s and glass artwork.

They open their field from September 12th until October 31st.

They are open 7 days a week, hours as followed:

Monday-Sunday 10am-7pm.

The best part? Admission is free!

They have a “largest” pumpkin contest,

hayrides,

and face painting!

4. BUTTERPRINT FARM PUMPKIN PATCH

24936 S 80th Ave, Monee, IL 60449
Photo Credits: Butterprint Farm Pumpkin Patch

At this farm, they offer a variety of learning for kids.

Some of the activities you can expect to see at this farm is:

Rubber Duck Races

Crow Family Puppets

Corn Cracking and Processing

Petting Zoo

Rope Making

Butterprint Prairie Museum, and

Hayrides.

5. KREGEL’S PUMPKIN PATCH

7705 W. 159th Ave, Lowell, IN 46356
Picture Credits: Kregel’s Pumpkin Patch

This one is a little further than the south suburbs, but still deserves an honorable mentioning. This place has many good reviews, it’s worth checking out!

They open the farm on September 25th, 2021, and close their doors on October 30th, 2021.

The hours are as followed:

Market

Monday – Saturday 9 am – 6 pm

Sunday 12 pm – 6 pm

Public Hayrides

Monday – Friday 11 am – 5 pm Every 30 minutes

Saturday 10 am – 5 pm Every 15 minutes

Sunday 12 pm – 5 pm Every 15 minutes

Prices for the farm:

General Admission – Masks are required

– Farm Market No Fee Monday – Sunday

– Barnyard Activities

Friday-Sunday- Children $10, Adults $8

Monday – Thursday Children $8, Adults $6

$1 Discount for Seniors 62+ (with ID)

Some fun things you can expect from this farm is:

Pumpkin Hayrides,

Pumpkin Peak Slide

Petting Zoo

Corn Maze

Barrel Train Ride

Sling Shot Challenge

Rat Rollers, and more!

6. KONOW’S CORN MAZE

**16849 S Cedar Rd. Homer Glen, IL 60491**
Picture Credits: Konow’s Corn Maze

This farm opens its doors on September 18th, 2021 closes their doors on October 30th, 2021, and offers events on certain dates, make sure you check out their website!

Admission Fees:

Monday – Friday: 3 and older: $12.00/person

Saturday & Sunday: 3 and older: $15.00/person
Ages 2 and younger: Free

Active Military & Veterans: Free with military ID (this applies to military and veteran individuals only)

Hours of Operation:

Monday 2PM – 8PM
Tuesday CLOSED
Wednesday 2PM – 8PM
Thursday 2PM – 8PM
Friday 10AM – 8PM
Saturday 10AM – 8PM
Sunday 10AM – 7PM

Admission includes:

Large Corn Maze,

Small Corn Maze,

2 Corn Pits,

Jump House,

Animal Barn,

Straw Playground,

2 Jumping Pillows, and more!

This pumpkin farm is DOG FRIENDLY!! However, you need to bring proof of current rabies shot and the dog must be leashed at all times.

7. SIEGEL’S COTTONWOOD FARM

17250 Weber Road, Lockport, Illinois 60441
Picture Credits: Siegel’s Cottonwood Farm

Siegel’s is open to the public from September 25th til Halloween from 10am to 6pm!

Pricing is as follows:

Online* $19.95 (Weekends and weekday price)

Onsite* $24.95 (Over 35 activities)

Online* Weekends All Inclusive Pass $31.95

(Includes General Admission, Gem Mining, & Paintball) Saturday/Sunday and Columbus Day

They also have many different types of discounts for admission prices so be sure to check out their page!

General Admission includes:

Giant Tic Tac Toe

Giant Checkers

Zach’s Farm Animals

Wheel’s of FunLand

Barnyard Playland

Port Cottonwood Playland

Maddie’s Mansion & Chalets Playland

Miss Maddie’s School House

Grandpa Franks Haunted Barn

and lots of other activities, 35 combined!

This one is definitely fun for all different ages.

–Kevin Szabo Jr Plumbing Team

708-845-7922

YUCK!!! WHAT IS THAT SMELL?

WHAT ARE YOU PUTTING DOWN THE DRAIN?

My husband is a plumber, I know what I’m allowed to put down the drain and what doesn’t belong down the drain. Recently we redid our plumbing in our kitchen, so there is zero excuse for the sink to smell. I love to cook, with cooking comes a pile of dishes, pots and pans constantly getting washed in our kitchen sink. It doesn’t matter what you like to cook, everyone uses some sort of oil or butter for cooking. I personally love Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and I know for a fact that it needs to be disposed of properly (in a container or double bagged) and thrown in the garbage. But, there will always be residue left on plates, and on pots and pans. If you’re not putting oil down your sink drain, why does it still smell? Because of all the residue left on your plates, pots and pans, you are going to get a nasty smell coming from your sink drain.

How do we stop the sink drain from smelling? You should always run cold water down your drain. Every couple of weeks or once a month, depending on how much you use your sink, you need to clean your sink drain with baking soda and vinegar. Another reason your sink drain might smell could be caused by having incorrectly installed waste lines, causing your P-Trap to not hold water to prevent sewer gasses from exiting. Finally, it could be a clogged-up vent pipe. For your kitchen sink to work the way it should, you need your drains and vents to work correctly. If you have maintain your sink drain and it still has a bad smell, contact a plumber. They will check your waste lines and vent pipes.

IF YOU KEEP YOUR SINK DRAIN CLEAN AND CLEAR, AND PROPERLY MAINTAINED, THERE SHOULDN’T BE ANY REASON FOR YOUR KITCHEN SINK DRAIN TO SMELL BAD.

WHAT DOESN’T BELONG DOWN THE DRAIN:

· Oil

· Butter

· Bones

· Peels

· Vegetables

· Fruits

· Seeds

· Plastic

· Metal

· Glass

WHAT BELONGS DOWN THE DRAIN:

· Water

· Dirty Water

· Dirty Soapy Water

· …..that’s it!!!!

HOW TO MAINTAIN A GOOD SMELLING SINK?

Vinegar, Baking Soda and Lemon Juice. ½ cup of vinegar, ½ a cup of baking soda. Pour it down the drain, let it sit for 30 minutes. After squeeze 1 lemon down the drain, let it sit there for another 30 minutes. Followed by cold running water to wash everything down. Your drain will smell great.

GARBAGE DISPOSAL:

Vinegar & Baking Soda, ½ cup of vinegar and ½ cup of baking soda down garbage disposal. Let it sit there for 30 minutes, then flush out with cold water. Follow it with fresh squeezed lemon juice and ice, turn on garbage disposal.

Freeze lemon wedges in ice cube trays, place ice cubes down garbage disposal every couple of weeks if you regularly use garbage disposal.

Now you should have a GREAT smelling kitchen sink. If you need help or would love to have one of our plumbers check out your kitchen sink drain, give us a call. We are always happy to help you.

–Kevin Szabo Jr Plumbing Team

708-845-7922

Kitchen Sink Drain, Sink Drain, Plumbing Maintenance, Kitchen Sink Drain Maintenance, Drain Maintenance, Sink Drain Smells Bad, Plumbing Service, Plumber in Tinley Park, Plumber in Orland Park, Plumber in Oak Forest, Plumber in Midlothian, Plumber in Homewood, Plumber in Crestwood,Plumber in Palos Park, Plumber in Palos Heights, Plumber in Frankfort, Plumber in Mokena,Plumber in New Lenox, Plumber in Lemont, Plumber in Homer Glen, Plumber in Oak Lawn, Garbage Disposal Maintenance

Hardware Tools and Supplies For Home

Tools For Your Home

Hardware tools are those tools that are very necessary to improve and maintain our house. Hardware tools include plumbing supplies, power tools, hand tools etc. In this article, I’ll explain that what the most important tools that every house owner must have that helps to maintain daily home tasks, and why these are necessary.

Following are the basic and necessary hardware tools and supplies,

Plumbing supplies:

Plumbing supplies (fixture) is an exchangeable machine which helps you to drain water and also connected to a plumbing system. The most frequent and important plumbing fixtures are bathtubs, drains, kitchen sinks, and strainers. Draining is not considered as the most attractive part of a house, because it is critical. The process of the drain-waste system is to carry waste water and dirt from sinks, bathtubs, shower, toilets and all water related appliances that mostly include dishwashers and washing machines. It is hard to get done this job, but you can do it when you have a collection of good plumbing supplies and a little know-how about the process.

Power tools:

A power tool is a tool that starts by an extra power source and machinery. Without power tool, you cannot do your electric work with the help of hand tool or manual labor. Most common type of power tool includes electric motors, miter saw, battery power drill, circular saw, and jigsaw. Power tools can be classified as portable (handy) or stationery power tools. The main advantage of using portable power tools is you can do the task by moving machine freely and effortlessly. Whereas stationary power tools give benefit in speed and accuracy, metal work can be done by stationary power (machine) tools. Power tools are also used in industries, in production, in a garden, and at home as well.

Hand tools:

With the help of hand tool work can be done manually. It includes the wide range of wrench and axes. It is a set of traditional gadget that contains crescent wrench, hammers, pliers, saws, tape measures, utility knives, flashlight, and screwdrivers. Hand tools are less risky than power tools and also easy to use, with the help of these hand tools you can do the minor and major task by self. Let’s take an example of the hacksaw, you can cut through metal pipe, screw, nuts, and bolts with hacksaw easily and it can’t be done with any other tool. Same with the pipe wrench, it used to stiff and slacken threaded pipes, fixtures, and nuts.

Tools and supplies are the most important and necessary thing that every household should have as well as should have an adequate knowledge that how to use hardware tools and supplies in an effective and efficient way. Hardware tools help you to manage minor as well as major daily tasks without any trouble. For this you must have a quality toolkit that lasts longer, it is obvious to buy expensive tools all in once but, you can buy some basic tools that are needed the most.

Author Bio:

Shawn Michaels is an engineer and a documentary maker who likes to review mechanical tools. He loves to explore new places full of natural beauty and enjoys tool shopping! He writes regularly for www.BestAdjustableWrench.com

Simple Way To Revamp A Bathroom

ce64e0fc57b47c14677757807a012873

If your bathroom is looking a little tired, it may not take a complete renovation to bring it back to life. Some planning and a few simple alterations can go a long way and make your bathroom feel like a brand new space that will wow your visiting friends and family. We all know that bathrooms serve a pretty important function in our homes; they’re one of a few rooms that the whole family will use daily, and it might be the only room that guests use as well. It’s one of the rooms that’s most important for potential buyers to like (the bathroom, along with the kitchen, can often be the make it or break it for a sale). Your bathroom should be functional, but it also can be a place where you can kick your shoes off and relax at the end of a busy week.

The first thing that you should look at when it comes to bathroom revamping is the walls. Is that paint colour giving your bathroom a case of the blahs? Maybe it was chosen by the previous owner or tenant, or maybe you painted on a whim and have realized that your paint colour just isn’t working anymore. Whatever the case may be, painting your bathroom can be the single biggest change you can make in the feel of the room. Before you grab another can of colour, check out your wall condition. It doesn’t take a whole lot of elbow grease to fill in small holes and sand them down. Use a spackle that turns pink to white (wet to dry) so you know when to grab that sandpaper and get to work. Spend your time getting the wall nice and smooth and then figure out what colour is going to work best. Even if you’re a person who loves colour, a pale neutral on the walls can actually breathe a lot of life into a space. Save the punches of colour for your accessories. Giving your trim and baseboards a fresh coat of white can make a bigger impact that you probably imagine as well. The key to a good paint job is to take your time and don’t opt for the cheapest paint out there; a good quality paint may actually save you money in the long run as the coverage will be far better than with a cheap, thin paint.

So your walls look a lot better, what now? Take a look at the vanity mirror. Often even in brand new houses, the mirror is a large pane of glass with no trim. If that’s the case and you’re short on budget, use a nice baseboard cut to size to create a frame for your mirror. Give it a fresh coat of paint in the same colour as your trim and baseboards. If your mirror is smaller and you’re able to remove it, either update the one you have with paint or search the stores for a mirror that better fits your taste. The mirror and vanity are often focal points and a great choice can update your entire room.

If your towels, hand towels and facecloths are visible (if they’re on an open shelf or rolled in a basket, for example), you’ll be surprised at how much nicer a matching set in a beautiful, complementary colour can look. Towels are primarily functional, of course, but they can most definitely serve double duty as decor as well. Here’s where you can add those punches of colour I mentioned earlier. If you love red, go for shades of cherry or wine in your bathroom linens. Teal remains the colour of choice this year and towels come in some gorgeous varieties. Whatever your choice, always keep them rolled or folded neatly. Check out matching bathmats in luxurious pile to give your bathroom a boost.

Look up! Your light fixture might be keeping your bathroom looking dull and it’s not hard to shed more light on the situation. If you love the fixture, make sure to clean it so it’s free from dust and debris, and check your bulbs. There are a number of different shades and functions in light bulbs and you’ll want to ensure that yours is doing the job it’s supposed to. Go for bright white especially in bathrooms that don’t have the benefit of natural light through a window. Your lighting should make your bathroom feel welcoming and certain lights can make it appear dingy.

Your decor should also complement your bathroom colours and style, so ensure that it’s doing the job you want it to. Craft projects can be fun and look store bought, so if you have the knack, get to work putting a few things together for a room you’ll love!

Thank you to Nina Wells who wrote this article. Nina is a guest author from Steam Shower Store and is a respected and expert voice in a plethora of health related subjects with over 10 years of writing under her belt.

WHAT DO YOU DO IF YOU RUN OUT OF TOILET PAPER IN A PUBLIC RESTROOM?

What do you do if you run out of toilet paper in a public restroom?

It’s not your day. Nothing seems to go right. Your boss is on your butt about God knows what. You couldn’t get any sleep last night, because your spouse’s snoring is so bad that you’re considering committing murder, something simple not too messy. So, you decide to run to Dunkin Donuts, because coffee just makes everything better, after catching your breath you ask the nice lady for a large coffee. She looks at you, she can tell this isn’t your day.

“Sir, we are making a fresh batch as we speak. Unfortunately, two of our machines are down”.

“Oh no, how could this happen? How does Dunkin Donuts actually run out of coffee?”

As I originally said, it’s not your day. You go on to work and get nothing done because you can’t function correctly. As you’re trying to wrap up your day you run into the bathroom and do your duty. You are in such a rush that you aren’t paying attention. Disastrously, there isn’t any toilet paper. Ouch! You start to panic.

What are you supposed to do? Look around, what would Macgyver do?

1. Neighbor- if there’s someone in the stall next to you, ask them to spare some toilet paper. If there’s anybody in the bathroom, hopefully washing their hands, asked them to grab you a roll from the other stall.

2. Empty Bathroom- if the restroom is empty, get up, and hurry over to the next stall before someone sees you with your pants down.

3. Phone a Friend- if you’re at a work/restaurant/bar, more than likely you’re with someone. Use your life line, they might give you crap about it, but who cares. You need that toilet paper.

4. Call the Establishment- If you’re at work, someone must be around to help. If you’re out at a restaurant, call the host and tell them what’s going on. They will come save the day. They might even feel bad for you and offer you a beer on the house.

5. Purse/Wallet- look inside your purse or wallet for napkins, tissues, receipts, business cards, if you’re desperate use some singles.

6. Socks- use one sock to wipe and the other one to wrap and toss away. Don’t you dare flush it.

7. Underwear- would you rather have underwear on or a clean bum?

8. Scarf/Gloves/Hat- this is a hit or miss. Depending on weather, if you’re wearing any of it.

9. Extra Shirt- depending on the season, you might have an extra shirt on. Cut your losses and use it.

10. Toilet Paper Cardboard- this will hurt, but it seems like you have no other option. I don’t even think this will work, but you’re obviously somewhere were you’re not wearing socks, underwear, or have an extra shirt. For the first time in your life, you’re using the bathroom without your phone. You don’t have any friends and nothing is going your way.

If you’re a guest at someone’s house, please just swallow your pride and ask for toilet paper. If they don’t have any, ask for newspaper. No matter what, your day can’t get any worse.

If you enjoyed our blog post, please visit our Home Improvement and Plumbing Blog

BEST DECORATED CHRISTMAS HOUSE CONTEST

Whose house has the best Christmas decorations in our area? We love Christmas in our house. I have a 2 ½ year old boy who has been extremely enthusiastic for all the Christmas decorations. We drive around looking at the Christmas Decorated Houses, we stop, and gaze in admiration.

To show our appreciation we are having a contest for the best house in our area. $100 in gift cards for the Best Christmas Decorated House. If you follow our Facebook Page, our customers, and neighbors have been posting their beautifully decorated homes.

Last weekend, I took my son around the suburbs in our area to visit the houses everyone has been posting about. Let me tell you, he loved every second of it. My son had a giant smile on his face. He was having so much fun, that he didn’t want to leave each house we were visiting.
The detail, and hours that were spent on these Christmas Decorated Houses deserve all the exposure and appreciation that they could get. You must love Christmas and kids to put that much effort into decorating a house.

I know I’m a grown adult, but, I feel like a kid when I see a house that has Christmas Decorations. The joy it brings to people is worth every second these home owners put into decorating their homes.
To enter for a chance to win you must submit a picture and address to our Facebook Page.

These are the houses that have entered our contest so far:

8930 Fairfield Lane Tinley Park, IL 60487
15010 15014 avers Ave Midlothian IL 60445
14635 Saddle Brook Ln, Homer Glen, IL 60491
17321 Avon Ln Tinley Park, IL 60477
16815 Highbush Rd Orland Park, IL 60467
16423 Parliament Ave, Tinley Park, IL 60477

Winner will be named Sunday, December 11th 2016!!!!

Best of Luck

Please visit our Home Improvement and Plumbing Blog

5 Simple Bedroom Makeover Ideas

bedroom-ideas

Are you the kind of person who likes to spend the maximum amount of time in your bedroom? Do you think it’s time your bedroom got a makeover so that it’s more comfortable, attractive and healthy to be in? For this, you needn’t call in an interior decorator and spend big money. Just a few small tweaks here and there can change your room marvelously. If you’re ready to make small changes that could make a big difference to your room, read on:

Bring character to your bedroom with nice wood flooring: By installing a great wood flooring such as white oak flooring to your bedroom, you’d lend a lot of character to it. However, this doesn’t mean spending huge money. You can do this installing the floor yourself.

Bring the outdoors inside: To get the widest possible view, it’s a great idea to bring the outdoors into your room. One way of doing this is to have large windows, from floor to ceiling that will keep the room warm with sunlight streaming in and give you a wonderful view of the landscape outside. Make your layout in the room simple and easy to walk around so that the windows get all the importance. Let your bed be parallel with the window so that you can enjoy the view and turn over in bed if you find the light too strong.

A spot to sit but not in bed: You might want to sit in your bedroom to do a bit of personal reading or writing–something you can’t do comfortably in bed. So, create a corner where you can have a couple of comfortable chairs and table, where you can do what you want–even if it means having a chat with your partner, getting into shoes or checking your email.

Have an interesting headboard? If you’re the type that sits up in bed to read, you need an interesting and practical headboard. The Net is full of interesting designs of headboards, so why not choose among them? You could make it yourself if you’re a talented woodworker or have it done professionally. Use your imagination and create a unique headboard. After all, it’s your headboard that you want for a specific purpose.

A nightstand with everything you need: It makes sense to have a nightstand that accommodates everything you might need in the middle of the night. You’re obviously going to need room for a jug of water, a book, your medicines, a torch and a bedside lamp. When putting your necessities together on your nightstand, don’t think your nightstand must be absolutely perfect. It only needs to be perfect in having enough room for all that you want there. Finally, your nightstand has to reflect your personality, so go ahead and fill it with all your needs.

How is you room lighting? Rather than installing the lights directly over your bed, you should install them in a way that you can look up at them when you are in your bed. Direct light is pretty uncomfortable if installed overhead as compared to the soft light at face level.

Conclusion

If you like all the changes you’ve just made in your bedroom recently, sit back and admire your creativity. Then, get up and start enjoying your new-look bedroom.

Author Bio: Manisha Kumar is a versatile writer and editor of thebasicwoodworking.com. She loves blogging about DIY tips on woodworking and home décor. When she is not blogging, she is watching movies or cooking her favorite recipes.

Guest Contributor, Manisha Kumar

If you enjoyed our Blog Post, please visit our Home Improvement and Plumbing Blog.