April 2024

Home Improvement Ideas post

Home Improvement Ideas:Create a Space You’ll Love

1 Comment / Home, Home Improvement Ideas

Owning a home comes with a whirlwind of tasks every day, but hey, it’s all about turning that house into a haven you’re proud to call your own, right? Time to shake things up and make your place the envy of the neighbourhood! First things first, let’s brainstorm some big ideas to jazz it up. Then, get ready to dive into some exciting projects and transform your space into the ultimate dream home. Ready to explore some home improvement ideas for enhancing your space and making it an absolute pleasure to be in. Let’s go! Home Improvement Ideas Update The Master Bathroom Let’s talk about upgrading your master bathroom! It’s a space that both homeowners and potential buyers value greatly. Whether you’re aiming to enhance your own comfort or attract potential buyers, sprucing up this essential room doesn’t have to mean a complete renovation. Consider simple yet impactful upgrades like installing brighter lighting to create a more inviting atmosphere or expanding your shower for added luxury. Perhaps a fresh coat of paint or a stylish vanity makeover could breathe new life into the space. And don’t forget about practicalities – keep an eye out for signs of blocked drains and address them promptly with professional help if needed. Plus, ample storage solutions will keep clutter at bay and maintain a tidy, organised appearance. Dive Into A Renovating Adventure Let’s embark on a redecorating adventure and give your home a dazzling makeover! Now’s the perfect time to reimagine your space and infuse it with fresh energy. Embrace a minimalist approach and declutter to simplify your space, allowing only your favourite pieces to shine. It’s all about curating a collection that reflects your style and adds a modern edge to your home. But why stop there? Shake things up by rearranging furniture to breathe new life into tired layouts. And who can resist the allure of colourful area rugs and flowing curtains? They’re like instant mood lifters for any room! So, grab your paintbrush, fluff those pillows, and create a vibrant and dynamic space. Get ready to fall in love with your home all over again! Freshen Up Your Walls With New Paint Elevate your home’s ambience with a fresh coat of paint. Opt for a timeless neutral palette that exudes modern charm and enhances your home’s appeal, whether you’re staying put or considering selling down the road. Feeling adventurous? Then painting is a project you may want to tackle on your own to save some money and unleash your creativity. But before diving in, explore some paint samples and test them on your walls to see how they fare in different lighting and throughout the day. If you want to add a dash of personality. Then why not consider painting an accent wall or experimenting with bold hues in smaller spaces like bathrooms? With a splash of paint and a sprinkle of imagination, your home will feel brand new in no time! Create Your Ultimate Home Office With more time being spent at home, particularly if you’re working remotely, having a dedicated workspace is crucial. That’s where the idea of setting up a home office comes into play. Start by selecting a location that offers privacy and plenty of natural light. Ideally, opt for a room with a door that can be closed, allowing you to concentrate without interruptions. Then, unleash your creativity as you plan and decorate your space to match your personality and taste. But why stop there? Consider practical enhancements such as incorporating a pull-out bed. This addition can effortlessly transform your office into a welcoming guest room whenever friends or family decide to stay over. With just a bit of effort, your home office can evolve into a harmonious blend of productivity and comfort, making both work and relaxation seamless experiences. Conclusion As you embark on your journey to enhance your home, remember that the possibilities for transformation are endless. By implementing these home improvement ideas, you can turn your space into a haven that reflects your style and meets your needs. Whether you’re updating your master bathroom, embarking on a renovating adventure, freshening up your walls with new paint, or creating your ultimate home office, each step brings you closer to achieving the home of your dreams. So, don’t hesitate to explore, experiment, and make your home improvements a reality. With dedication and creativity, your home can become a place of comfort, productivity, and joy for years to come.    

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4 home improvements that increase the value of your property

4 Home Improvements That Increase The Value Of Your Property

2 Comments / Home, Home Improvement Ideas

Isn’t it just wonderful when your home reflects all the hard work and care you’ve put into it, becoming a source of pride when you entertain guests? And if you’re anything like many homeowners, you’re always seeking ways to enhance your home’s appeal and functionality, including home improvements that increase value. But here’s a thought: have you ever considered exploring home improvements that operate behind the scenes, away from plain sight? While it may not seem obvious, these upgrades can make a significant impact, whether it’s about trimming your energy bills or maximizing the utility of your living space. Let’s explore a few of these home improvements that go beyond the surface, transforming your home into a haven of contemporary comfort and convenience. 4 Home Improvements That Increase The Value Of Your Property 1. Embrace Solar Power While solar panels might not be the most visually striking addition to your home, their impact is undeniable. By harnessing the power of the sun, you’re not only reducing your carbon footprint but also slashing your energy bills. Imagine the satisfaction of watching your electricity meter tick downward as your home generates its own clean, renewable energy. Plus, with potential tax incentives and rebates, the initial investment becomes a savvy long-term financial decision. 2. Upgrade Your Home’s Insulation for Comfort and Savings Often overlooked, the condition of your home’s insulation is key to keeping it cozy and efficient. If you’re in an older house, chances are your insulation has seen better days. Particularly if your home was built between the 1920s and the 1970s, it might still be insulated with asbestos, which can pose health risks. In such situations, it’s crucial to bring in professionals to safely remove the asbestos and replace it with modern, energy-efficient wall insulation. While this upgrade might not catch your attention right away, its benefits are huge. Not only will it make your home warmer and more comfortable. But it’ll also save you money on heating bills in the long run. Investing in quality insulation isn’t just smart for your home’s energy efficiency – it’s also a vital step in protecting your family’s health and well-being. 3. Transform Unused Spaces Ready to unlock the hidden potential of those overlooked spaces in your home? Whether it’s a neglected garage, cellar, or attic, it’s time to transform them into something truly remarkable. Just imagine turning that dusty garage into a cozy guest bedroom or converting your cluttered attic into the home office of your dreams. Not only will you make better use of your home’s square footage. You’ll also create new spaces to entertain and impress your guests. Plus, adding these functional rooms can significantly increase the value of your property. So why wait any longer? Take those forgotten areas and turn them into standout features of your home! 4. Time To Pave The Way For A Driveway If you’ve been without one, it’s worth considering adding this feature to your property. Sure, you might need to jump through a few hoops to get planning permission, but the perks are worth it. Not only does a driveway add an intriguing touch to your home. It also enhances safety for your vehicle, lowers insurance premiums, and boosts your property’s curb appeal for potential buyers down the road. So, why not look into what you’ll need to do to get permission to have a driveway installed? It’s another opportunity to elevate your home and enjoy the fruits of your hard work. By investing in these strategic home improvements that increase the value of your property, you’re not just upgrading your living space; you’re future-proofing your home for years to come. So go ahead, think beyond the surface and transform your house into the ultimate expression of modern living.

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Reduce Car Maintenance Costs

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Maintaining your car doesn’t have to be an endless financial burden. Whether you’re a seasoned driver or just starting out, the expenses of keeping your vehicle running smoothly can swiftly add up, urging the need to find ways to spend less. No need to worry! You’re not alone in facing this challenge. There are straightforward steps you can take to reduce your car maintenance costs and improve your financial health. By implementing these strategies, you’ll maintain your car’s condition while saving money. Let’s get started on cutting those costs! Reduce Car Maintenance Costs Buy New One of the most significant ways to reduce car maintenance costs is to consider buying a new vehicle. While it may seem like a hefty upfront expense, investing in a new car can actually save you money in the long run. Newer cars typically experience fewer issues and require fewer repairs during the initial years of ownership. By opting for a new car, you can potentially avoid costly maintenance and repair bills down the line, leading to substantial long-term savings. Quality Parts Matter In addition to purchasing a new car, opting for approved parts is another effective strategy for reducing car maintenance costs. When it comes to replacing parts in your vehicle, it can be tempting to choose cheaper, unofficial options. However, this often results in more frequent replacements and additional costs over time. It’s much better to use official parts, such as Tesla car parts for a Tesla, Ford for a Ford, and so on. By prioritising official parts recommended for your specific make and model, you ensure better quality and longevity, ultimately reducing car maintenance expenses over the life of your vehicle. You’ll spend less overall this way and enjoy much higher quality in the meantime. Stay Ahead With Regular Servicing Regular servicing is also essential for minimising car maintenance costs. While servicing your car may appear as an added expense, it’s a crucial step in preventing major issues and expensive repairs. Following the manufacturer’s recommended service schedule allows you to identify and address potential problems early on, saving you money in the long term. By staying on top of regular servicing, you can maintain your vehicle’s performance and reliability while avoiding costly breakdowns and repairs. Drive Carefully Furthermore, practising responsible driving habits can significantly impact your car’s longevity and maintenance costs. By driving carefully and avoiding sudden stops and accelerations, you can minimise wear and tear on your vehicle, reducing the need for repairs and maintenance. Additionally, driving responsibly can help you save on fuel costs, further reducing your overall car maintenance costs. By incorporating these strategies into your car maintenance routine, you can take control of your expenses and enjoy a smoother ride both on the road and in your wallet. Whether you’re considering purchasing a new car, opting for approved parts, staying on top of regular servicing, or practising responsible driving habits, taking proactive steps to reduce car maintenance costs can lead to significant long-term savings. So, the next time you’re behind the wheel, remember to drive smart and invest in the long-term health of your vehicle. Your bank account will thank you for it!  

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makeup and hair products post

My Favourite Makeup and Hair Products

10 Comments / Beauty and Self Care, Home

Hey friends! It’s time to link up with Adrienne, Dara, Jen, Joanne, and Sarah to chat about our favourite makeup and hair products. My Favourite Makeup And Hair Products Makeup Products While I usually stick to the basics and don’t have a huge makeup collection, shopping with my makeup guru bestie always inspires me to try different beauty products. So over the past couple of years, I’ve slowly ventured beyond just tinted moisturiser and lipstick and started using products like contour and highlighter. Concealer has also become my new best friend. This is my favourite tinted moisturiser which I have found out has recently been discontinued. It’s not easy getting a good colour match and I was happy with this shade. A touch of cream blush for that dewy look. This is my favourite eyeshadow palette but I tend to only wear it for special occasions and don’t use it every day. I’m also a big fan of this liquid eyeliner and hope to build up the courage to try a bold Sophia Loren-inspired look someday. Chanel mascara for fancy lashes. These are my favourite lip colours. Underneath my makeup, I use this sunscreen. At the end of the day, I wash my face with Neutrogena face cleanser. Then wipe off any residual make-up with micellar water. It’s great stuff! Here is my favourite local place to buy make-up products. I haven’t visited in a while because I prefer to use up what I have first. Having said that, my concealer is running a bit low so I will probably visit Mecca during the autumn break (4 days to go!) Hair Products Onto hair products, where I’ve perhaps invested a small fortune in taming my frizzy hair. It’s been quite the battle! I’ve experimented with all sorts of conditioners, shampoos, serums, and hair masks – you name it, I’ve tried it! While these hair products were good, my hair was just too crazy. Here are just a few. In the past, I didn’t need to check the weather forecast because my hair would tell me if it was going to rain or not. Any chance of rain and my hair would puff up like a big puffy frightened cat (not pretty). But all that changed recently when I got keratin treatment and it’s the best thing ever. The other day I walked home in the torrential rain, TORRENTIAL!! I’m talking buckets! And guess what? My hair stayed tame. Sure it got slightly wavy but it wasn’t the usual scary, frizzy mess. I was so happy that I didn’t mind being drenched or that my shoes were absolutely soaked from wading through ankle-deep puddles. I looked like a real mess but I was a mess with good hair – priceless! My hairdresser suggested I use shampoo free from sulphates to make sure it doesn’t ruin the keratin treatment. So I’m currently using these hair care products. I also colour my hair with Garnier Olia light brown hair colour. And that’s about all of my favourite makeup and hair products. Thanks so much for reading and I hope that you have a wonderful day! Related Articles Simple Things You Can Do To Improve Your Skin      

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Friday favourites

Friday Favourites

11 Comments / Friday Favourites, Home

Hi, friends! Welcome to Friday Favourites! I’m so thrilled that this short week actually felt shorter. Usually, four-day workweeks drag on like any other, but not this time. Although I must admit, I was a bit confused about what day it was throughout the week. But all that confusion disappears today because it’s my favourite day of the week. Friday, I love you! This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. Ok, so it’s time to share a few favourites, thanks so much for being here! Up until today (it’s pouring with rain at the moment!) I had been thoroughly enjoying perfect autumn weather where the mornings and evenings are cool yet the days are so warm! I had been checking the forecast constantly, trying to brace myself for a sudden drop in temperatures as I’m not a fan of the cold. Thankfully, apart from today, it has been smooth sailing. I’m so happy that according to the weather forecast, next week will still bring temperatures in the mid-20s (celsius that is) phew! Warm autumn weather means that flowers are still blooming. On Wednesday I mentioned that I had replanted the ivy from its tiny cramped pot into a more spacious one, hoping that it would finally take off and flourish. I’ve had it for over a year and it’s still only small. The other plant I keep on the open shelves in the kitchen is thriving and I love the touch of greenery it adds to this space. Green is good! I can’t get enough dark chocolate! or coffee! My sweet, kind friends bought me a bag of coffee beans. I had been wanting to grind my own coffee beans so it was the perfect excuse to buy a manual coffee grinder. Ahh, there’s nothing like the smell of freshly ground coffee. It’s just amazing! Another cozy favourite this week was enjoying a cup of frothy hot chocolate while watching TV. I used this butter chicken blend from Gewurzhaus Spice House and our butter chicken tasted so good! The mix of spices makes cooking up tasty meals super easy. I also love their speedy spaghetti blend. One of my favourite things to do is have a movie playing on my iPad while I cook. The other day I made a spinach, feta and ricotta pie to take to my aunts for our Easter lunch. While I was cooking I watched my favourite movie ‘Volver’ with Penelope Cruz. Have you seen it? Tomorrow night, I’m hosting Cousin Connect, we usually play a board game after dinner. This time, I thought that we could switch things up a bit by playing a new game. My wonderful work friend and supplier of all fun resources lent me her game of Hedbanz. I’m planning to use the headbands from Hedbanz to play a variation of Celebrity Heads. Today when we had a spare minute at work, I asked some of my work buddies to write the names of celebrities on cards. I haven’t peeked at what they wrote so that I can play and join in the fun too! I’m going to jump off (crawl more likely as it’s been a day!) the computer and tackle a couple of chores, then it’s couch time for this tired chook! I hope you have a wonderful weekend and I look forward to being back here on Monday! Linking up with Andrea and Erika    

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April Edition of Currently

13 Comments / Amazon Finds, Family Life, Home

Hi friends it’s great to be back on this sunny autumn day linking up with Jennifer from Overflowing With Thankfulness. It’s the April edition of Currently and today we are chatting about what we are currently loving, looking forward to, buying, planting and cleaning. Thanks so much for being here! This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. Thank you for your support! LOVING I am loving these sunny, warm autumn days with blue skies and the cool nights are a big bonus. There’s something so cozy about the crispness in the air and it sure does make falling asleep a whole lot easier, compared to those humid, sticky summer nights. I am also loving and relishing our final week of daylight saving. With the clocks set to go back on Sunday, I know that it will be shorter days for us until spring arrives. Ho Hum. LOOKING FORWARD TO I might have mentioned this a few hundred times but I’ll say it again. I can’t wait for the autumn school holidays, only 8 days to go! We are planning a couple of exciting day trips with my cousin and her family. So I’m really looking forward to those! My cousin’s mother-in-law is visiting from Ohio for a few weeks so it will be great for her to experience Taronga Zoo and do a day trip to our capital city, Canberra. When she asked me if I wanted to join them – yes, please!! BUYING I haven’t bought much of anything lately, except for the usual essentials that help keep us alive, like food, etc. It’s easy not to spend money when I’m busy at work during the term. But coming up to the school holidays when I will be able to enjoy some fun shopping trips then it will be a different story. I’m still trying to be mindful of my spending though. Oh yes, I nearly forgot to mention. I recently bought this amazing motion-activated unscented cat deterrent spray and it has worked a treat in keeping our kitten Mochi off the kitchen counters. If you have a furry friend who is exploring no-go zones then this spray is the best! It’s safe, harmless, sanity-saving and super effective! PLANTING I replanted this little Ivy plant that was in a tiny pot. Now it has a bigger home, I hope that it will start to flourish. CLEANING Apart from the usual daily cleaning chores I haven’t embarked on any major cleaning. Although I have noticed the doors calling my name recently, they have a few marks on them that need a good scrub. It’s the school holidays soon so I’ll probably get to them then. And that’s a wrap for this month! Can you believe that it’s April already, wow! I hope you have an amazing day and I look forward to being back here on Friday. See ya!

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Easter weekend recap

Easter Weekend Recap

12 Comments / Hello Monday, Home

Hi friends! It feels like I’ve been away forever, I took a much-needed mini-break and today I’m excited to be back linking up with Holly and Sarah to share some Easter weekend fun. Thanks so much for stopping by! Good Friday Four-day weekends always confuse me in a good way. While I don’t think that it necessarily makes the working week feel shorter. It’s nice to wake up on Friday and Monday mornings without the dreaded alarm going off. Although I may have panicked for a microsecond when  I first woke up on both of those days thinking “Oh no! I have to get up and go to work, I missed the alarm!!” Haha. Anyway, I spent the whole of Friday thinking that it was Thursday even though I knew it was Good Friday. My aunt hosted a family lunch and we hung out eating, talking and playing Jackbox TV games well into the night. Saturday I was just so tired on Saturday and I spent the whole morning thinking that I should do this and that. In the end, I gave up, listened to my body and rested. I had an afternoon nap then I woke up, ate dinner and spent the rest of the evening binge-watching The Amazing Race. Steve got home late from work and he watched the season finale with me even though he hadn’t watched any of the previous episodes. He can easily start watching anything from any point in any movie or show and still gets very involved and interested. You would never guess that he hadn’t watched something from the beginning. I’m nothing like that! I need to watch everything from the start or I’m just confused. I won’t spoil the ending just in case you might want to watch season 35 of The Amazing Race. But it was such a fantastic season and my favourite team was this father-son team. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the strong bond and mutual respect they shared throughout the entire race. Even when things got tough they were always so encouraging and supportive towards each other and they never bickered, not once! To top it off they were excellent communicators! The son is a CODA (child of deaf adults) and they communicated via sign language. It was amazing and inspiring to watch! Easter Sunday Sunday was just such a fun family day! One of my cousins organised an Easter egg hunt at Oatley Park and even though we were a small group as not all of the cousins could make it. We had a blast! Oatley Park is surrounded by bush, perfect for hiding chocolate eggs! My cousin’s husband is originally from Ohio and is sensibly aware of the possibility of snakes in the bush. Luckily it’s not something I had ever considered which is surprising given that I’m such a scaredy cat about so many things! After he had checked the area and hidden the eggs, we ran around trying to find them before they melted! It was a hot sunny autumn day which felt more like summer. I love that our youngest cousins, who are 11 and 13 years old, enthusiastically join in on all the fun kid stuff. They often say that they wish that some of the older cousins with partners would hurry up and have kids already. I can’t see that happening any time soon so for now they are our baby cousins! After the egg hunt, we walked over to the play area where they had this giant climbing thing. The youngest cousins scrambled right to the top in a flash and then so did the rest. Miss 11-year-old started calling me to climb up too (can you spot her in her bunny ears?).”Come on Ruthie climb up I know you can do it!”. She’s so sweet and I felt incredibly flattered that she thought I could possibly make it to the top. It was high and I’m less young than I was a long time ago! Then freshly inspired from watching so many episodes of The Amazing Race where all the teams jumped out of a plane and one team ate spiders. I thought ‘Hey why not!’ and before I could overthink it I ran over and climbed to the top! Coming down was easy as the way out was just through a giant slide. Because the inside of the slide was so dark, I used my feet to stop myself from shooting down too fast. I didn’t want to look like a giant cannonball when I came out of the end. Can you imagine! Hahahaha!! Anyway, I may have felt like I needed a hip replacement afterwards but I’m all good now. Here we are at the top! Easter Monday It’s Monday afternoon over here and I have had the best day doing ‘all the things’ at a leisurely pace. I managed to do a few loads of laundry and my laundry hamper is now empty! This should last maybe an hour or so but that’s ok because I’m living in the moment. I have also finished the rest of the chores that I would normally do when I get home from work. So basically I’m a superhero! Tonight we are catching up with friends at our local club for dinner so it should be a fun night. One of our friends is very good at telling some very bad dad jokes! It’s been a fantastic Easter weekend and I’m super excited that we have only 9 more preschool days until we break up for the term. Wow, that’s gone fast! I hope you have a wonderful week and I look forward to being back here on Wednesday. See ya!  

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