Personal Training Business From Home - A Potentially Lucrative Enterprise!

This post is provided by Super Groups.

Beautiful people are everywhere, but especially on TV. We, as a society, are bombarded with images of beautiful, in shape people. Advertisers utilize beautiful people to sell their products because they know such a strategy is very practical. 

Fitness itself is indeed a very lucrative business because it feeds off of our obsession with physical perfection. Although it generally depends on the personality, most people care about how they look. Therefore, they actively engage in some sort of exercise, whether it is strength training, aerobics, or a combination of the two. Unfortunately, some people may struggle with their weight and may need the assistance of a personal trainer. It is not always easy to get in shape without professional assistance because losing weight is actually quite complicated. A professional guidance of a personal trainer may come in handy.

Being a personal trainer is a useful profession because of a simple economic principle, namely that there is always a demand for such a provider. There are always people who need the guidance of a personal trainer. Designing the right eating and training protocol is often one of the services that can be provided by a personal trainer.

Personal training can also be a lucrative business even when conducted from home. Even if there is a start up cost to buy the necessary gym equipment for a home gym, in the long run, there is a lot of money to be made. Most gym memberships are quite costly. A better alternative is choosing to come to a personal trainer who works out of a home gym. Although some gyms may offer free personal training, their personal trainers are amateurish at best. Even though a home gym may be more expensive than a beginner gym that also comes with free personal training, a home gym personal trainer ensures that there is less, if any, gym intimidation. This may be very useful to a beginner who is just starting a fitness journey.

One advice to a home gym personal trainer is to buy a sufficient array of fitness equipment, hopefully at a bargain price. Without the right combination of fitness equipment, making money from personal training will be a challenge. However, a decent array of dumbbells, a few mats and a few jump ropes should be enough for a decent workout. A skilled personal trainer can design a good fitness program with a limited amount of equipment.

It is important that a personal trainer working from home purchases a liability insurance. This liability insurance is a good protection against client unintended injury. Liability insurance is defined as a compensation to the client by an outside company just in case an injury occurs. One company that sells such an insurance is Insure Fitness Group. This company sells insurance at reduced rates. On their website, they offer insurance rates starting as low as $15.49 per month. Insure Fitness Group, located at Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, specifically caters to fitness professionals who do not work out of a commercial gym. Just like a medical professional who is trained to be a specialist in their field, a personal trainer working from home is in need of liability insurance.

How To Maximize Space In Your Home!

This post is provided by James Fitzpatrick.

Having enough space in our home is something we all strive to have in our lives. Living in a cramped space, especially when you have growing families, can make daily life a real hassle. You do not want to be stepping on or over each other to get where you need to be in your home. There is something you can do to maximize even the smallest living space. With just a little research and creativity, you can give your home the space you need without too much effort.

This article is designed to help you manage your home space and even give you a chance to gain more space in your home with a little renovating and decluttering of your home. If you or someone you know desperately needs help to maximize the space in their home, continue to read on for the best way to maximize your living arrangements.

Bypass Sliding Doors

One incredible way to save and maximize space is to install bypass sliding door hardware and put in sliding doors in your home. These doors allow for less room to be used than a traditional door uses up. These doors are great ideas for those that live in apartments and need more space. You will not have a door that has to open and take up valuable space.

A Clawfoot Bathtub

This may sound a little old-school, but changing out your bathtub with an antique type bathtub, a clawfoot bathtub, can save you a ton of room. These bathtubs not only look cool and can give any home a retro look, but it has benefits, too. Clawfoot bathtubs can:

-Save several feet of the bathroom space in your home.

-Allow for a larger sink that will offer more space for your toiletries and styling products.

-Become an integral piece in your home that will get people talking.

This bathtub is great for those with cramped bathrooms, a good bathtub for those who need to stretch out and relax, or for families with two or more kids. It also gives your space a trendy, minimalist look.

Kitchen Spice Rack

If your kitchen lacks space, you can free up a bit of space with a spice rack organizer. This allows you to install a small shelf big enough for all the spices you own and place it on your wall. This, in turn, saves you counter space which can be used for prep cooking, needed appliances, and more. This gives those who are in the kitchen most of the time the space they need to cook and make it easier to clean.

Corner Shelves

If you find yourself lacking space in your living room due to too much stuff and little room to walk around, you can try corner shelves. These shelves help by:

-Taking knick-knacks, gaming consoles, movies, etc., and organizing them on a small, space-saving shelf.

- Allows you more space to walk around your home.

This is a great idea for small apartments or even a small one- to two-bedroom home, saving you space and sprucing up your decor.

Kitchen Window

Lastly, a great way to add space is by taking out a bit of a wall that divides the living room from the kitchen area for a kitchen window. This window creates an area for you to place decorative items, be able to look out from the kitchen while you are cooking and speak to your family, keep a closer eye on your children, and add some space to your kitchen area. This is an idea for smaller homes or apartments.

There are many wonderful space-saving ideas that anyone can try. These are the top picks by those who have used these tricks for their own homes or have found these to be popular ideas by talking to interior professionals. Whatever you decide, you are sure to gain space and lose stress from an overcrowded home. Give these a try today and see how these five space-saving ideas help you. You will be glad you took the time to save space in your home and make your home a little less cramped.

Stylish Details That Will Give Your Home A Luxurious Feel!

This post is provided by Stephen Marshall.

Everyone wants their home to feel like a castle but not everyone is part of a royal family. 

It is quite unfair, we know. However, there are more budget-friendly things you can do to spruce up your miniature castle and give it a more luxurious feel. It will feel great to have friends and family admire your ingenuity and flair for design and details. 

Without further ado, here is what you can do to make yourself and your home feel like a million bucks.

1. Use Molding And Trim To Round Out The Space

A lot of people use this little trick to turn a room from a basic box to an inviting space. Details like these give a visual cue that the decorator took every detail into account while arranging the interior. 

The most common types of trims you might want to incorporate are:

Baseboards – baseboards are placed at the lowest point of the wall and run the parameter of the entire room, they are not very expensive and with the help of a few online tutorials you can install them yourself. 

Casing – they are used to frame doors and windows and give the space a more elegant look.

Crown molding – placed along the ceiling of a room.

Chair rails – molding placed at the height of a chair and that runs horizontally around the perimeter of the room.

2. Design A Focal Point For Every Room

According to the experts at Hausera.com, another great way to give your home a luxurious and elegant ambiance is to highlight one design detail for every room. It draws the attention and makes the space look for thought-out. 

The best way to pick a focal point is to just emphasize an already existing architectural detail. Maybe it is a beautiful, old fireplace that you can add a new mantle to. Maybe it is a large window with a beautiful view outside and lots of natural light. Then you could consider adding a window seat and to accentuate its loveliness.

3. Hang Art On The Walls

Another classic trick is to hang some pictures on the wall. Not everyone has money to buy paintings although there are lots of very talented street-artists with very affordable and impressive looking work that could lend you a helping hand. Another option is to get digital prints, those are indeed very cost-effective and the best part is that with all the options you will have no problem finding something that matches the color scheme of the space.

4. Use A Warm Color Palette

What makes a space feel luxurious is an inviting ambiance. You will want to use colors that make you, your family and your guests want to spend time there, to feel like this is a great place to unwind. According to the research done in color psychology, warm colors such as red, orange or yellow are perceived by the human eye as cozy and intimate while cooler color like gray and green can be used to make a space look larger and induce calmness. So we recommend you use mostly warm colors with touches of gray or green in smaller spaces. 

Five Crucial Protections To Take During Home Improvement Projects!

This post is provided by Boris Dzhingarov.

In most cases of major construction or home improvement projects, it pays to hire a professional. While the costs can seem staggering, the guarantee of quality, elimination of any personal risk and the time saved are all valuable factors to consider. Some individuals do decide to embark on major home projects alone, while many others embrace more minor projects with ease.

Nevertheless, those not inherently familiar with these procedures are prone to making innocent but potentially disastrous mistakes. Safeguarding both yourself and your home from any unintended DIY side-effects should be a top priority.

As such, let us look at five crucial protections you should take when performing various home improvement projects.

Put Down A Dropcloth

So many home improvement and construction projects in the home can create an utter mess. For these kinds of projects, putting down dropcloths in the work area before beginning is imperative. Whether you are painting, sanding or spackling, materials and debris can easily fall onto the floor. Protecting your floors – whether they are carpet, hardwood or laminate – from these messes by using dropcloths is well worth the effort, so invest in a one or more of these protective accessories.

Shut Off Utilities

Many construction projects may involve structural elements of the home, such as electrical wires and water pipes. Before working on any socket, installing any fixture or cutting into any wall, it is vital that you turn off the utilities to prevent damage and harm. Not only can one wrong move cause a flood within the home or an electrical fire, but it could also potentially cost you your life. Do not be lazy, and take the extra time needed to shut off utilities before working on vulnerable areas of the home.

Protect Your Eyes, Ears, Hands And Feet

It can be all too easy to feel comfortable when working on projects in and around the home. Unfortunately, luck does not care where you are: one wrong move, and you could suffer serious injuries. As such, any home improvement or construction project should always be centered around wearing proper protection, which includes eyewear, ear protection, gloves and proper footwear (depending on the exact project).

Ensure Proper Ventilation

A variety of construction and home improvement projects ideally need specific ventilation conditions to avoid any damage to your lungs and other organs. For example, ensuring open windows and box fans are present in a room when painting is ideal, but closing off any airflow when cutting through drywall or installing insulation helps prevent tiny particles from circulating throughout the room and being inhaled. Always consider whether your project could generate small forms of debris that are harmful if ingested and make the proper accommodations.

Secure the Ladder

One of the most common household accidents is falling, and a large chunk of these accidents involve ladders. If you are conducting home improvement projects inside or outside of the home, be sure to place your ladder on a firm, even surface and secure it to the wall, tree or other nearby sturdy structure for additional support. Whether you are putting up new gutters or cleaning the chandelier, one slip could cost you thousands of dollars in medical bills – or even worse, your life. 

Many home improvement projects can be made safer and less prone to mishaps by adopting these five tips. While not everyone will be relevant for every occasion, keep this list in mind when embarking on your next construction or DIY project around the house.

Top Interior Design Styles For 2019!

This post is provided by Clayton Richard.

Your home should be an extension of you and your personality. Whether you are simple and organized or eclectic and colorful, your home should reflect that. You have to live in your home almost every day of the year, so it should be a place that brings you happiness and peace. It can also be changed around as frequently as you would like as your taste develops and your needs change. It is fun to keep up with new trends in interior design, and pick and choose what new styles speak to you and work for your overall vision. Give your home a fresh, modern twist with some of these popular design styles of 2019.

Statement walls and ceilings

One of the most popular trends right now is an accent wall that makes a real statement, particularly a single black wall. Take this trend further by using an interesting wallpaper in a deep, sharp color scheme or use press-and-stick subway tiles to add even more texture to the room. You can also make a statement with a textured or wallpapered ceiling. One of the hottest trends right now is a textured wooden ceiling or a dark wallpaper that pulls together the pieces of the room. Get some inspo for this “fifth wall” trend and think about what colors and designs might help add some pizzazz to your home.

Eco-friendly pieces

It is no secret that the society cares much about the environment than we ever have. We understand the importance of keeping the planet clean and safe for future generations. This mentality is more than a trend, it should be a way of life. For the sake of our environment, think about buying “green” when you are decorating your home. Some popular sustainable fabrics right now are hemp fiber and organic cotton. You will feel even better about your next purchase when you know it is not contributing to polluting our Earth.

Minimalism

When it comes to designing a home in 2019, simplicity is everything. It is all about living a stress-free life, and it is hard to be at peace in a house that is too busy. While some may believe minimalist styles can be cold, harsh, and empty. However, this can not be further from the truth. The key is to choose pieces that are sharp, attractive, simple, and multi-functional. Minimalism is also an inexpensive choice for decor, since you will be investing in only what you need and can not get excessive. Practice this less-is-more attitude in your home for a modern look that is always in style.

Rustic Touches

A popular look right now is wood combined with stone and metal, creating a natural, rustic feeling. A rustic home often includes weathered furniture and fabrics, so you will have an easy time finding pieces for your space at thrift shops and yard sales. Add some natural touches to your home combined with modern pieces to create a unique and timeless feel. If rustic is your style, keep an eye out for Birmingham houses for sale that have these touches already built in, such as exposed brick walls, old stone fireplaces, and gorgeous wooden beams on the ceiling.

Pros And Cons To Consider When Moving To Tampa!

This post is provided by Super Groups.

Known as "Cigar City" or "The Big Guava" Tampa, Florida is an exciting and historic place to live. As the second largest metropolitan area in Florida next to Miami, Tampa offers lots of reasons for you to call it home. Here are some of the pros and cons to consider if you are thinking about moving to Tampa.

1. Cost Of Living

Although wages in Tampa are not quite as high as other areas of the country with the median household income in 2019 at $49,000, there is no state tax in Florida, which helps with the cost of living. Housing is a bit more affordable with the average home value at about $222,000 in 2019. The fact that Tampa is part of a large metropolitan area also helps with the costs of food, clothing, and gasoline.

Many residents have moved to the Tampa area more for the lifestyle, preferring it over higher paying job opportunities in other locations. Tampa has a large Spanish community and is a city with lots of diversity.

2. Activities And Entertainment

When it comes to things to do in the Tampa area, there are plenty of activities and entertainment for you to enjoy. There is a wide selection of restaurants for you to try, ranging from Mexican Food and Barbecue to Steakhouses and Italian, Chinese, and more. When you are ready for some excitement, Tampa has lots of museums, nightclubs, sports activities, theme parks, and aquariums.

Tampa is also just a short drive to communities like Orlando with lots of theme parks, as well as ocean side communities like Jacksonville with plenty of east coast beaches.

3. Local Neighborhoods

The city of Tampa is made up of lots of different neighborhoods ranging from poor and middle class to larger luxury homes. There are also neighborhoods like Spanishtown, Palmetto Beach, and Seminole Heights, giving you the opportunity to find just the right place to call home. A few of the more popular neighborhoods include Hyde Park, the more historic section of town; Forest Hills, a more rural part of town; Courier City, the more urban environment; and Lincoln Gardens, one of the more upscale neighborhoods in Tampa.

There are many planned communities that include HomeOwner Associations as well as rural communities for those who want a bit more space. There are also communities like Riverview that are designed to be safe, family-friendly neighborhoods with entertainment and dining establishments nearby.

4. Employment Opportunities

When it comes to employment opportunities, Tampa has a wide variety of options for those looking for specific job industries. The city includes job opportunities in healthcare, finance, customer service, management, food services, hospitality and a whole lot more.

A few of Tampa's largest employers include companies like Publix Supermarket, JP Morgan Chase, University of South Florida, BayCare Health System, and Verizon. Companies among the top 100 places to work in Tampa include, the Progressive Group, GTE Financial, and SandPearl Resort.

5. Education

If you are looking to further your education, the city of Tampa offers a number of higher education opportunities. Institutions like the University of Tampa, the University of South Florida, and Strayer University allow local residents the chance to gain a college degree close to home.

Tampa also includes technical and occupational education programs like ITT Technical Institute, the Paul Mitchell School, the International Academy of Design & Technology, and the College of Public Health to name a few. Tampa offers the 8th largest school district in the country for younger students in grades K-12. The Hillsborough County School District gives students the opportunity to access a wide variety of activities and resources.

Summer Is Here: How To Keep Pests From Ruining Your Backyard BBQ!

This post is provided by Super Groups.

Before you look to kickoff the summer with a backyard BBQ, you should prioritize some summer lawn pest control. Basically, look over your yard and see if you can find any telltale signs of pests or pest activity. Below, you will find a rogue's gallery of the usual suspects when it comes to pests that tend to show up in the summer. You will also see what tends to grab those pests' interests and how to make them stop being a problem.

Armadillos

Armadillos are pests for two reasons.

-They can burrow into the ground, causing your back yard to become uneven and filled with holes.

-They carry several diseases that can be transmitted to humans.

The good news with armadillos is they are easy to deal with; they are insectivores that only eat bugs they find while burrowing. One of the easiest solutions to an armadillo problem is to fence in your yard with materials that penetrate at least one foot beneath the soil. This will deter the armadillo and have it going elsewhere.

If you notice your armadillo is a recurring problem, watch for any patterns in its behavior, you may luck out and notice a path that it likes to follow. In this scenario, consider laying down a cage trap and it may just do the trick.

(Fire) Ants

While ants will travel wherever they can find food, often in packs, their mounds are usually easy to find. Look for any holes in the dirt, ideally with ants moving in and out of them. If you happen to find ants, there is no shortage to the number of ways in which they can be dispatched.

-Granules are an option that takes time to work but can end most colonies within a week. One upside to granules is that they do all of the work, you just need to plant them down the hole.

-Sprays require you to actually see the ants you want to kill. This means that they can be of limited use against large colonies and there is also a risk of harming any pets you may keep outside.

If you want to prevent ants from being a major problem, limit how often you keep food served outside. You should also do your best to keep your yard clean before and after a party, the whiff of sugars from a nearly-empty soda or beer can is like a signal flare for ant activity.

Moles

Moles are like a less problematic version of armadillos in that they do not transmit diseases to humans but their burrowing habits can weaken the root systems of your plants and leave holes in your yard. The best way of dealing with moles is to stomp around their holes for activity and keep your yard fenced in.

Mosquitoes

These flying nuisances not only make an annoying sound and cause you to itch after they stealthily snack on your blood, they can also make excellent vectors for a wide variety of diseases. Mosquitoes sense prey by "chemoreception," they can sense chemicals and use that awareness to find blood. The best way to get rid of a mosquito problem is to make sure that you have no pools of standing water on your property.

Even as little as half an inch of water is sufficient for mosquitoes to lay their eggs and produce another generation. If you know mosquitoes are a problem of the neighborhood, use bug spray with an active ingredient like DEET or oil of lemon-eucalyptus is ideal; you can also purchase yard torches that produce this chemical as their fires burn.

The Delicate Nature Of Design: Why It Is Always Good To Have A Home Warranty!

This post is provided by Kristina Marshall.

When you move into a new home, it is always a good idea to invest in a home warranty. Although it may feel as though you already have a lot of expenses and fees to think about with the move, opting to purchase a home warranty can help you to save money later. 

What is a Home Warranty?

It is important not to confuse home warranties with home insurance coverage as the two products cover different aspects of your household. Home insurance plans tend to deal with the house itself, its structuring, and any events such as natural problems (i.e. falling trees) and break-ins. Home warranties typically focus their protection on large electrical appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines and boilers. 

6 Reasons Why A Home Warranty Is A Good Idea 

There are various advantages to having a home warranty as summarized below. 

You Have Access To A Range Of Qualified Technicians 

If your dishwasher was to spontaneously break down and start leaking dirty water, no doubt it would be an unexpected annoyance. However, a  lot of the stress and irritation is mitigated when you have a home warranty. Instead of having to panic and trawl through your local phone directory looking for a reputable repairman, you can simply call the service center for your home warranty coverage. Within a matter of minutes, you will likely have an appointment for a technician to come out to you. Most companies that offer home warranties have call centers that are open 24/7. 

Home Warranties Protect Against Unexpected Breakdowns 

You never know what is around the corner, and the same is true when it comes to your electrical appliances. Even if you invest in premium brands and take care of the items in your household, you are not immune to breakages. Replacement parts, repair work, and services can be expensive if you are not covered. 

Rather than having to shell out hundreds of dollars to fix something that has broken, a home warranty means that you are covered if something should break. You will have peace of mind that a repair technician will come out to inspect the issue quickly, no questions asked. 

A Home Warranty Reassures You About Items Inherited In House Move

Often when people move houses, they acquire several appliances and household items in the move. Large ovens and water heaters may have been built into the infrastructure and could not be removed, or white goods such as dishwashers and refrigerators may have been left behind if the previous owner felt that it was not worthwhile to take them with him. 

In an ideal world, the previous house owner would be able to hand you all of the manuals and warranty papers for each of the appliances, and you would have an idea of when each machine was purchased and how well it functions. In reality, this may not be possible. Water heaters and boilers are just one example of items that can be very costly to replace or repair. A water heater found in a newly purchased home may work perfectly, or it may need extensive repairs after three months. In any case, a home warranty will cover you. 

Home Warranties Fit Into A Frugal Budget 

Home warranties are a good protection option if you are trying to adhere to a tight budget. This way, you can set aside a few dollars every month for your home warranty coverage as opposed to spending hundreds of dollars at once if something goes wrong. 

You Can Purchase A Plan That Suits You 

There are numerous home warranty coverage plans available. You can select a plan that is tailored to your specific needs based on your property size and the types of household items that you want to have covered. Due to the various options available, you can feel assured that you are never paying out for a package that is more than what you need.  

It Is An Insurance Option You Are Likely To Use 

A home warranty is an example of an insurance option that you are bound to get some use out of eventually. As unfortunate as it may be, everything breaks or encounters operational issues at  some point or another. With that considered, when you have a home warranty plan, you know that you are paying into a policy that you are going to make use out of. 

Before You Invest In A Home Warranty 

On the whole, opting to purchase a home warranty provides you with a lot of peace of mind about your property and the items within it. It is nice to be able to rest in the notion that everything is taken care of, and that you do not even have to think about what will happen if something breaks. That said, there are a few things to consider before committing to a plan. 

Always assess the various  plans available from your home warranty provider so that you can ensure that you choose the one most suited to you. Read the small print so that you know precisely what is covered and what is not. 

Five Tips That Will Enhance Your Logo Design Skills!

This post is provided by Daniil Balabushkin.

Nowadays, most enterprises highly depend on effectively communicating with their clientele. Marketers formulate strategies that ensure people can engage with businesses in several ways. For this reason, business owners invest many resources on the creation of visual tools aimed at engaging people and interacting with them. Today, a logo is not just a mere business symbol used in identifying a company and its services or products. It aids in creating a strong brand identity. 

Logos serve a variety of functions in the modern business world. Your logo can send the correct message to your target clients. If professionally designed, a logo has the potential to convert someone into a loyal customer. There are numerous ways a properly designed logo can serve the company. The article summarizes five tips that can help you design a professional logo.

It should reflect what your business entails.

You need to design your logo in a manner that makes it fully able to represent your business. All images and colors used in your design must align with the business as well as the services or products it delivers. A logo can only create a brand identity if it properly aligns with the business objectives. 

Target customers shall also receive the message you are sending if your design also reflects the business attributes or values. Therefore, whether it is a brand new design or a redesign of an existing logo, consider these tips for establishing your brand in a competitive business environment. 

Make an impression.

The logo design you select needs to make a lasting impression upon the customers as well as the market. A simple look at your logo should be enough to enthrall whoever views it. One important function of a logo is to entice customers to continuously purchase a company’s goods or services once they get a good impression of your design.

To create a lasting impression, ensure that the logo is unique. This means that it should have a new design concept to enable it to stand out from most generic logos within the market. You must design a logo more attractive than that of your competition.

This concept is somewhat similar to composing a narrative essay. When telling your story, you need to give your audience a lasting impression. This is the only way you can make your composition memorable. Otherwise, if you do not know how to create an impression, you can hire essay writers.

Use colors in an organized manner.

Colors have a critical role in the determination of your brand’s message. For instance, if red is used as the primary color within a logo, it sends out a message that the particular brand is aggressive, energetic, and passionate. Therefore, your brand targets a youthful customer base. In case you choose blue as the main color, it will stimulate feelings of oneness and intelligence.

For this reason, most social networks, the likes of Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn have blue logos. So if you are designing a logo for a social media website, consider using blue as the primary color. Use bold and bright colors to attract the most attention. However, ensure that the colors also communicate the brand personality. 

Choose fonts wisely.

Typefaces also communicate a message about a brand’s personality. For instance, typefaces for toy companies are likely to be handwritten to be child-friendly. In case it is a rock music band, use bold colors to demonstrate a strong personality. Lastly, avoid the use of gimmicky fonts. You would rather create your unique fonts specifically for your logo.

Get acquainted with the brand.

Before beginning the logo design process, ensure that you have some basic knowledge about the brand or business. Bear in mind that this logo must reach the target market and attract customers. Therefore, note down what the brand, business, and market entails. Find out the ideology behind the brand as well as its future inspirations. 

You also need knowledge of the brand at a personal level. Try to determine whether it is a tough brand or a softer one in terms of the tone. A designer also needs to know how the brand intends to project itself to customers and the general market. All these details must be available before the design process starts. This information acts as a guide to assist you in picking the appropriate logo elements. 

In conclusion, ensure you understand the brand inside out and keep the design unique and simple. This is one of the primary keys to a powerful logo. Also, make it scalable and versatile.

Engagement Ring Mistakes That Almost Every Guy Makes!

This post is provided by Will Bail.

Buying the perfect engagement ring is not an easy task; after all, you are buying a ring that is meant to capture the essence you share with your beloved. 

That is a big task that may feel overwhelming, which could be the reason some people make mistakes when looking for that perfect ring. The following are some of the most common mistakes made and what you can do to avoid them.

Size Is Not Everything

One mistake some engagement ring buyers make is concentrating only on the size of the diamond. Perhaps movies or shows have made it easy to believe that the diamond's size is all that matters, but that is not the case. 

For example, did you know that the diamond's cut ensures that the stone glistens beautifully, as the experts at Michael Arthur point out. 

Customization Works

Some people think the best thing to do is to simply buy a classic ring that is not unique. This is done to avoid the trouble of customizing your own, but that is not a good idea.

Your love is unique and so should your ring be. Now, it is important to admit that you are not a ring maker, so it is best to customize your engagement ring with the help of a designer to create something unique but cohesive. 

Going At It Alone

Others make the mistake of thinking the best way to shop for an engagement ring is to do it alone. The idea behind this mistake is believing you know best or thinking that it is more romantic if you go through this entire process on your own. 

Be humble and accept that your beloved has friends and family members who may know something you do not. Go ahead and reach out to them, and use their suggestions to formulate the best engagement ring idea you can come up with. 

Overlooking Comfort

Do not concentrate just on the overall look of the ring. Pay attention to the ring's comfort level. Keep in mind that your beloved is going to be wearing this ring a lot if not all the time. This means the ring should not only fit well but feel comfortable. 

There are a number of things to look for, like if the ring is made using only hypoallegernic nickle-free metals. It might also be a good idea to ensure that the engagement ring is designed with a quilted exterior that is there to make the ring more breathable.

These are just some of the things you can consider as you make your purchase. Of course, there are other things, such as making sure you do not purchase the ring from a store that did not source their diamonds ethically.

This is done through the Kimberly Process Certification system that is attempting to fight blood diamond mining. The chances are high that your beloved is going to love the ring if you avoid some of these mistakes.

Happy birthday to me!

Today is my birthday and I feel very blessed to see another year! Last year was filled with ups and downs so hopefully, this year will be a smooth-sailing one. Fingers crossed.

This year I do not have any big plans like the previous years. To celebrate, we will check out a new hot pot restaurant in Chicago later. We are planning to go for the all-you-can-eat option so we can try as many things on the menu tonight. The restaurant has a lot of rave reviews so I am pretty excited! 

I also picked out this gorgeous card case as my "birthday gift" while we were at the outlet mall a few months ago. Thanks hubby!

It is not something I would normally picked but I am super obsessed with this beauty. I am drawn to its bold, striking and beautiful design. Although it is a card case, I am planning to use it as a small wallet. I can't wait to use this baby! 

How do you celebrate your birthday, my lovelies? I am dying to know!

How To Look After Your Swimming Pool!

This post is provided by Jorge Costilla.

We have always dreamed of having our own personal swimming pool in our very own backyard. Come on, who would really mind having such a luxury? You could host summer pool parties, invite all your friends, swim to relax or to work out or enjoy a good read whilst lounging by the pool. There are endless possibilities when you have a pool! Planning how to perfect that tan?

Well, we hate to bring you back down to earth. But remember – owning a pool comes with great responsibility. First of all, to install a nice pool is going to cost you quite a bit of your precious dollars. So, you will want to make sure that you look after it to the best of your ability!

If you are at a friend’s place and he has a pool, keep an eye out for certain signs whether he looks after his swimming pool or not. For instance, if the water in the pool is of a greenish color, then that means it has poor upkeep. If a comprehensive maintenance plan is not implemented, then your pool can suffer from algae build ups or broken filters. And trust us, nobody you know will want to enter a pool in such a condition! Remember, you want to make sure that your pool remains in the best possible condition. Whether resurfacing is needed, do not worry about it. There are plenty of entities who could do this for you, for example, Willsha Pools offers resurfacing.

To help you out, here are a few tips on how you can look after your swimming pool:

Fall in love with skimming and scrubbing

Removing leaves and other such debris from your pool will be part of your daily life. You will have to do it repeatedly to possess a clean, pristine pool. 

Got a bit of flexibility in your budget? If yes, consider investing in a robot vacuum cleaner that will descend to the pool floor and clean it thoroughly for you. There are plenty of options you can check out and decide based the importance of factors such as price differentials, reviews and performance requirements.

Now, why did we mention scrubbing? You will have to scrub the sides of your pool to evade algae build up. The good thing is that if you do this every other week, you are good to go. Take a scrub brush and scrub with all you have got! If you have trouble with any old spots, take an old sock and fill it up with chlorine. Let it rest on top of the spot for a few hours and then try scrubbing yet again. As the algae will be eaten by the chlorine, you should be able to clean the pool side easily now. 

Check your pool’s chemical levels

If the chemical levels in your pool are unbalanced, it could create murky water, cause irritation to your eyes and become a playground for bacteria growth. Disgusting, isn't it? We know you do not want this! You should check your pool water at least once a week.

Watch out for the water level

As much as the chemical levels are crucial, so is the actual volume of water flowing in your pool. If a bunch of kids spend the afternoon cannon balling or if there is heavy rain, then yes, the pool level may rise naturally. What you want to do is to maintain the pool level that is halfway up to the opening of the skimmer. If the water is too low, fill up a garden hose and add the required amount of water to the pool. On the other hand, if the water quantity is too much – try to get your hands on a submergible pump that will allow you to drain the excess. You can get these babies at any home improvement stores. Once you have managed to get the water levels back to a desirable level, do not forget to recheck the chemical balances. 

Utilize tennis balls to absorb oils

Apart for recreational usage, a tennis ball can be quite useful in the pool context. When a swimmer leaves the pool, specific oils are left behind in the water. It could be residue from your suntan lotion, your hair products or the natural oil that is produced by our skin. Just throw a tennis ball into your swimming pool and let its natural fibers absorb such oils.

Schedule a yearly appointment for pool servicing

Whether you think you need it or not, get a scheduled yearly appointment for your pool to be serviced professionally. Its mechanical equipment such as its heating systems, filters or pumps may require checks from experts in the field. This is knowledge you may not have. Do an appraisal of your pool before your pool service man comes in. Check for leaks, holes in the linear, or any loud sounds coming from the mechanism. Anything is possible, right? Guide the pool service individual towards these issues so he knows where to get started. 

Clean your pool’s filter

As the name denotes, your swimming pool’s filter plays a crucial role in its upkeep by removing any impurities. This includes but is not limited to leaves, dirt, and small toys even. Usually, you can clean your pool’s filter by turning it off, removing the filter cap, taking out the filter basket and throwing away any debris that have accumulated with the passage of time. How many times should you clean it? We recommend doing this at least once a week! What you can do once a month is to wash out the pipes used by your filter by backwashing. Just set your filter to backwash, remove the leaf basket and clean it out. After that, just switch your pump on and let it work till the waste pip releases clear and clean water. 

This may sound like extra work to you – especially on top of other normal chores that one has to do. If you have a family, take turns engaging in these pool maintenance activities.

Create A Stunning Antique Look For Any Room!

This post is provided by Lora Young.

When it comes to décor and room styles, we all have different tastes. Some people want every room in their home to be completely modern and contemporary. Others are looking for a more traditional look such as 1950s or 1960s style of décor. There are also those that want to create a stunning vintage or antique look in their home.

If you want to create an antique look and feel in any room in your home, there are various ways in which you can do this. Everything from the flooring to the furniture and lighting can make a difference to the appearance of the room. Fortunately, you do not have to spend a fortune on real antiques, as there are plenty of hacks that can help you to create the perfect vintage finish.

Some Of The Ways To Add An Antique Touch

There are various ways in which you can create an antique look in any room in your home. First, you can use products such as milk paint, which is ideal when used on wood to create a beautiful antique finish. If you have some old furniture that is looking worn and old, you can coat it with this paint to create something that looks vintage and antique-and it certainly costs a lot less than investing in real antique furniture.

Another thing to look at is the lighting in the room. The last thing you want is something ultra-modern such as spotlights. Instead, look at things such as candelabra-style wall lights and faux crystal chandeliers for your room. These will enable you to enjoy affordability while also re-creating a stunning antique finish that is elegant, stylish, and grand.

The flooring in the room will also contribute to the overall finish, so make sure you look at the various options. Some people like to have solid wood to help create a more antique appearance for the room. However, you can also look at rich, bold carpeting if you prefer a warmer finish for the room.

The artwork you use in the room can also have an impact on the overall appearance. If you want to make your room look antique, you can get stylish artwork in vintage-style gold frames to put up around the room. In addition, you can hang an antique-style mirror in the room, which is another great way to add the ideal finishing touch and feel as though you have stepped back in time.

When it comes to drapes and upholstery, rich reds and golds are a great choice for an antique finish. They also help to add warmth to the room, particularly when you opt for fabrics such as velvet.

Relax In Your Antique Surroundings

By following these tips, you can look forward to relaxing in antique surroundings but without spending the fortune you would have to if you were buying real antiques. With your imagination, the right products, and the help of the internet, you can create a wonderful vintage finish even if you are on a tight budget.