Author: Eldon Kartchner

House Hunting In San Francisco: Tips And Tricks For Finding Your Dream Home
House
by Eldon Kartchner on 0

House Hunting In San Francisco: Tips And Tricks For Finding Your Dream Home

House hunting in San Francisco could be tricky, especially looking for a home in and around the bay area. It gets considered the most expensive area in the country, so having a logical expectation regarding the factors of the price point should be kept in mind.

San Francisco realtors help hunt for a home as per clients’ requirements. Apart from assisting prospective clients in searching for new homes, they also manage properties and collect and monitor monthly rents. They handle payments for timely mortgages, insurance, taxes, and other utilities.

Tips And Tricks To Find Your Dream Home

Hunting for a dream home is like shopping. The exact type of home required will be available at the best price if adequately researched and identified. Sometimes it takes just days to find such a home, and other times, maybe months. Tips and tricks to find the dream home are,

Mortgage Pre-Approval

Getting mortgage pre-approval means the buyer is financially sound, and any bank or finance company will be more than happy to lend money for purchasing a home.

It means the buyer is considered less risky compared to other buyers who do not have mortgage pre-approval. Sometimes a seller will honor to work with buyers who got the pre-approval mortgage, as these buyers tend to offer a higher price for the house.

A buyer has to go through a lot of paperwork and fulfill documentation conditions to get pre-approval. It demonstrates good faith on the buyer’s part, protecting the seller’s interest.

When a buyer gets a mortgage pre-approval, that means they are qualified for a loan. When purchasing the house, the lender will approve the loan per their terms and conditions.

If the lender does not approve the loan, a pre-approval will help the buyer find another house soon, showing sellers that the buyer is financially sound.

The seller will get interested to sell the house to the buyer with mortgage pre-approval or if they have finance available to buy rather than wait for the buyer who has none.

Below The Budget

Looking for houses below the budget will prove to be effective. San Francisco is an expensive city to live in. It naturally means the cost of a new home will be high even on the outskirts of the city limits, especially for those with a tight budget.

It is better to plan a budget for the new home and then go for a house that is less than the fixed budget, as sometimes the sellers sell their home above the listed price if they get higher bidding from the buyer.

It is better to check the houses below the budget, as it will help avoid spending more than the budget. Sometimes the buyers pay more than the listed price because they want to avoid considering alternative houses which will come within their budget.

Before buying the selected property by exceeding the budget, the buyer should have an alternative to the selected one. Buying a home that meets the requirements and easily fits the budget is always advisable, as it will save money in the long run.

Winter Is The Best Time

Winter is the best time to go house hunting in San Francisco. From January to March, hunting houses are at their peak because many want to relocate before the summer.

Since there won’t be many hunts for houses during winter, the inventory levels will remain high, and it will be easier to find that budget-friendly dream home.

Due to the moderate weather in summer and fall, the quota of buyers looking for a home will be more, and this makes it hard to get that desirable property.

Future Plans

It is always best to plan what will work best in the future. Therefore, if a buyer is planning to buy a house, they should at least have the plan to stay in that home for another six to eight years so that the mortgage loan could get paid back, which will help build equity in the long run.

If the house grows as time passes, it is a perfect home. An extra bedroom or two should get built when planning to have kids. Also, if working from home, then a room for a home office should be there.

Real Estate Agent

Hiring a real estate agent to buy a home in San Francisco is not mandatory, but hiring a reputable realtor could be a boon during home buying.

A reputable realtor will know the house-buying market from the inside out. The agent with experience knows how and where to check the neighborhood to find homes having multiple attractive offers.

These agents will help set up appointments with the seller’s agent. It will ensure no time is wasted by viewing properties available on the private market or even those not listed homes, as the properties may not get converted into a sale.

A reputable realtor will represent the buyer solely and will try to negotiate and get a good deal for the buyer. Therefore it is always advisable to hire a reputable realtor.

An agent makes everything easier and clear by giving an outline of all the options available so that no hidden surprises are there while signing official documents.

Virtual House Hunting

After the pandemic, many changes have come in the realtor market, and one such change is virtual house hunting.

Virtual house hunting means hunting a house online instead of going physically to the house’s location. It is a convenient way to view a home from anywhere worldwide, provided internet access exists.

Going physically to look at a new house for buying during work hours or even on weekends could be time-consuming and tiresome.

Conclusion

In San Francisco, a common misconception exists that when hunting for a house, offering a bid higher than the listed price will guarantee that home. It is not true at all.

If the offer seemed too high to the seller, they could reject it and give another buyer a counteroffer, which could be less than the previous offer.

Therefore it is best to make an initial offer based on prices compared to similar types of homes nearby. If the seller offers a reasonable price, offer them a price close to their offer price. Haggling for better prices and conditions is expected in the realtor market.

The bay area of San Francisco is an expensive area to live in. A reasonable budget is vital to buying a home in this area.

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The Most Scandalous Paintings Created by Balthus
Art
by Eldon Kartchner on 0

The Most Scandalous Paintings Created by Balthus

There are many painters who shocked the world with their paintings. No matter if you love them, or hate them, there is one thing we must all admit – they are exceptional painters with skills that only a few people have. If you are a fan of the art, then you’ve probably heard about many controversial and scandalous painters and paintings, and one of them is Balthus.

Count Balthazar Klossowski de Rola is a modern artist who was born in 1908 in France. He is considered both Polish and French artist and he died in 2001. Right now, his arts are on display in The Museum of Modern Art and he is also known for painting surrealism, expressionism, and realism. If you’ve heard about him, and if you are acquainted with the Balthus artworks, you probably already know that he liked to paint young girls, that were usually undressed, and felines that had a sinister look about them.

In this article, we are going to talk more about the most scandalous paintings that were created by this artist, and we will also give you more information about the artwork itself, and why it is considered so controversial.

Katia Reading

This artwork was created in 1974, and the original name of the piece is Katia Lisant. It is quite a big painting, with the dimensions of 180 x 210 cm and it was created on canvas using tempera.

It is in an expressionistic style and it features the young girl, Katia that is in her study room and she is reading a book. Even though this specific art is not as controversial as other artwork created by the same artist, we can see the little girl in a mini skirt, so many people beg the question if Balthus had any bad intentions when creating this piece.

This painting is in a private collection now, but if you are interested in buying a replica, you can find one in different sizes and made of different materials on the market.

Children

The Children painting is one of the early works of the artist. It was created in 1937 and it is created in the surrealist style. Just like the previous art, it was painted with tempera on canvas, and right now it is located in the Picasso Museum in Paris. So, if you are interested in seeing this piece, you can visit France, and if you want to own a replica, you can easily find different Balthus print on the market.

Even though this art looks innocent at first glance, people are wondering if this artist was actually a pedophile and if there was a sinister intention behind his pictures. Here two children are featured in the classroom, and the whole setting looks peaceful. The reason why it is seen as scandalous is the young girl who is painted on her knees, wearing a short skirt.

Nude At Rest

It is said that adolescent girls, usually nude were the favorite thing to paint for Count Balthazar Klossowski de Rola, and Nude at Rest is just that. This oil on canvas painting is part of a private collection now, and it was painted in 1977. Here we have another expressionism painting and it features a nude young girl comfortably sitting in an armchair.

According to lavelart.com, if you want to decorate your home without spending too much money, you can always choose a print or a painting on canvas. So, if you are looking to own a piece of this exceptional artist, you can always find something online.

Girl And Cat

The artist’s son, Stanislas once said that his father’s paintings represent the ageless body of people and that when we see them, we can get nostalgic or even frustrated, but one thing is for sure, they will not leave us indifferent.

This Balthus art was created in 1937, and it features another adolescent girl comfortably resting on a chair. The reason why it is seen as scandalous is – the artist painted the girl’s underwear that can be visibly seen under her skirt. It was painted in the expressionism style and right now it is part of a private collection.

Patience

It is said that his artwork is probably one of the best that this painter has created, and many people call this an exceptional piece. It was created in 1955 and right now it is featured in a private collection.

It is not sure if Balthus used his neighbor’s daughter as an inspiration for most of his work, or if he was just trying to just capture the perfection of the body that comes with the adolescence. Even though there are many versions of this art, the original one features a girl with long hair, resting above the table. Under the table, we can notice a small cat, that seems to be hunting or playing with her prey.

This is another piece that was created in the expressionism style and the media is oil on canvas. Even though the Balthus’ paintings are seen as scandalous, everyone agrees that his style was different, bold, and unique.

What do you think of these pieces? Would you like to be the proud owner of any of them? The artist once said that these pieces should not be read about and that they should be seen, so maybe you should visit one of the museums where these artworks are exhibited so you can see the beauty of them in person.

There are many things that are still a mystery when it comes to the painter, and one thing everyone wonders is why he decided to paint mostly adolescent girls. Thérèse Blanchard is said to be the inspiration for most of the artwork of this famous painter, and it is said that when they were neighbors, this girl was only 12 years old.

The first artwork that he ever created was The Guitar Lesson and it is said to be the most scandalous one. No matter if you agree with his style or not, one thing is for sure – the quality and the imagery of his works are impeccable.

 

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Different Types of Research Papers
Business
by Eldon Kartchner on 0

Different Types of Research Papers

Are you staring at the blank page of your laptop and wondering what type of research paper you will address? You might not be alone. These papers are complicated and time-consuming tasks that have made most students develop a negative attitude towards them. Due to this attitude, students always end up struggling to choose the right type that will make them enjoy the writing process. In most cases, the negative attitude arises from the fact that students do not know the different kinds of research papers. Here is the list of various types that you can tackle whether you are in college, graduate school, high school, or university:

  1. An Analytical Research Paper

An analytical type refers to a task that requires a student to describe different viewpoints, analyze them, and then make a practical conclusion. These kinds of jobs usually raise a question that will allow the writer to analyze and describe these varying viewpoints. These kinds of papers are quite straightforward to tackle since there is no hidden code a student needs to address them. Instead, all they have to do is describe and break down the question and then determine the various elements to answer it. You will attain these viewpoints from the work of other researchers that relate to your question.

  1. A Persuasive or an Argumentative Research Paper

Some people may refer to argumentative types as persuasive research papers. It is because any form of persuasive writing usually intends to make the reader side the writer’s viewpoints or position. An argumentative paper requires the researcher to describe the problem at hand from two different views. When addressing the two sides, the writer must show a lack of bias and in-depth knowledge and understanding of both positions. Similarly, when presenting the two viewpoints, the writers also have to propose the pros and cons of both stands. After a critical presentation of the two sides, the researcher must end their argumentative type of paper by stating their position or preference. One point that can help readers to sway with your viewpoint is using logical facts and statistical data.

  1. A Cause and Effect Research Paper

As the name suggests, a cause and effect essay merely requires a researcher to address the causes and the effects of the subject. It means that these particular tasks must look at the situation at hand, break down the root causes, present the outcomes of these factors, and draw a conclusion. When writing these particular tasks, students must organize their ideas and thoughts accurately, adhere to the given formatting style, and include citations and references. The clear presentation of the organization of ideas will help the reader to pinpoint the “Why?” and “What?” These present the effects and causes, respectively. If there is no organization, then the cause and effect research essay may lose its central focus.

  1. A Survey Research Paper

A survey type may not be so common in high schools compared to graduate schools. It is because it entails the conduction of actual surveys. It is pretty standard in courses dealing with public health, psychology, sociology, and so on. When you are tackling a survey research paper, you will have to conduct a survey to gather data, analyze all the findings, and draw conclusions. Therefore, when you go to the field for the survey, ensure that you ask your respondents’ relevant questions to your topic.

  1. An Experimental Research Paper

Again, as the name suggests, an experimental type of paper will entail the investigator experimenting. When you write an experimental essay, the focus is on providing clear and comprehensive details about the experiment. However, a researcher has to go beyond describing the experimental case in detail. He or she also has to share the beneficial experience of conducting the experience and sum up by giving a practical or useful inference. It means that a researcher has to have excellent analytical skills to allow them to describe the experiment’s causation and its outcomes. Since writing an experimental paper is quite daunting and time-consuming, most students tend to hire research paper professionals from professional services such as Acemyhomework.com.

  1. A Problem-Solution Research Paper

You might have acquired a hint of what these tasks entail by looking at the name. Problem-solution types are tasks that are written by either students or scholars to help in attaining solutions for various problems. A researcher cannot achieve an effective solution without going back to the drawing board and researching what works and what resolution has been enacted. So, you will have to start by describing the problem if you have been assigned or are tackling a problem-solution research paper. Ensure you leave no stone unturned so that you know what solution works best. After that, propose various solutions and settle for the most viable one. Ensure you justify its effectiveness by proving how it works using valid proof or evidence.

  1. A Report Research Paper

Another type of essay/paper on this list is the report type. It is arguably one of the easiest types of papers to tackle compared to others. However, a significant number of students would argue otherwise. While writing a report paper, a researcher must go through all the current work on their event or topic. It merely means outlining all the job done on the item that you are discussing. It is this element of this task that makes most scholars argue it is most accessible. However, you do not stop at this. You will then have to inform your audience about the main facts of the theme. After that, you must use the information and make an excellent conclusion.

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4 Benefits Of Owning A Swimming Pool At Home
House
by Eldon Kartchner on 0

4 Benefits Of Owning A Swimming Pool At Home

A great way to cool off in the summer heat is to “escape” to the seaside. However, after the costs and risks of coronavirus – the biggest drawback of this plan is that the summer lasts three months, and the vacation usually lasts two weeks. Therefore, the question remains how you will fight high temperatures when you return from the beach. But there is a cure for that too – why not enjoy the pool from the comfort of your own home? These are some of the benefits of owning a pool at home.

Summer Is Coming: Enjoy Your Pool

Soon the summer will come, warmer days will begin – and now is the right time to make a plan on how to spend that time. If you have a large enough backyard – make a pool. Swimming pools are a pleasure for the whole family and extend the summer vacation and provide enjoyment during hot summer days. More and more people are interested in setting up swimming pools these days. Classic pools for larger yards are popular, as well as smaller pools or so-called hydromassage pools, in which you can cool down as well as in classic pools. When choosing a pool, the most important thing is to pay attention to the size, shape, quality installation – and then to maintain them properly, so that you can enjoy them without worries.

Pool Installation And Maintenance

Nowadays, you can find pools of various sizes and shapes – so you only need to have a yard in which to place it. The type of pool and the choice of materials depend on the budget that is foreseen – and in the last few years the costs of construction and installation have been significantly reduced compared to previous years. In addition to the pool, it is important to anticipate the purchase of accompanying equipment that will make cleaning easier and provide cleaner and safer bathing water. Also, you can find covers that will protect the pool from mechanical impurities such as dust, leaves, etc.

Choose The Right Place For The Pool And Enjoy

Building a pool is a big undertaking and it needs to be carefully planned and done to reap the fruits of your investment for many years. According to compasspools.com.au, there are some questions you need to pay attention to for the pool to not only fit into your desired budget – but also to meet the needs of your family. When choosing a place for the pool, it is important to pay attention to the following:

  • Sun Exposure

choose a place in the yard that is the sunniest during the day, so that the water is heated as much as possible naturally.

  • Trees

the proximity of trees and other vegetation should be avoided due to shade and falling leaves and branches in the pool.

  • Distance From House

the pool should not be too far from the house, so as not to diminish the enjoyment of it.

Pools Were Once A Luxury And Today They Are A Need

For many years, pools used to be a luxury for the wealthiest. However, today, they have become almost a mandatory ancillary content of many homes. Many house backyards are enriched by the construction of outdoor pools – which are easily used even in winter with the use of pool domes or additional water heating. The pool is certainly no longer accessible only to the few as it once was. So, what are the 4 benefits of owning your pool – read below.

1.    Enjoying In Privacy

Having a private pool in your backyard is a big advantage. You will enjoy during the hot summer days regardless of the length of your vacation. Of course, if you have children – it will be a real training ground for their summer games. You don’t have to take them anywhere too far – just take a few steps and you’re already in the world of summer water fun. Also, your pool allows you to cool off, swim and sunbathe in the privacy of your home – without being exposed to views like when you are at the beach or public pool.

1.    Reduce Stress

If you are often tense and under stress, you know that swimming will help you. Therefore, the pool is an ideal thing for all of us who are exposed to everyday stress. You can enjoy the sun and swim for recreation and relaxation. You can also enjoy a night swim – that will completely relax you before sleep. Either way, swimming and enjoying the pool will relax your muscles – and limit the production of cortisol which is a stress hormone. You will go to sleep relaxed and unburdened, and the mornings will start better.

2.    A Good Place For Family Games And Mingling With Friends

The pool is a brilliant spot to invest your energy. There, people of any age can participate in having fun, small talks, and getting to know one another while swimming and playing. Even more, you can organize a pool party if you wish. You can invite your friends and family for a pool afternoon party where you can enjoy a barbecue, soft drinks, and good music. It is just the place where you will have so much fun. You can play in the water, practice aquatic aerobics, and stay fit without sacrificing your social life.

3.    Good Investment

Have you ever considered renting or selling a house in the near future? If your answer is yes – the pool will be a good investment. The very existence of a swimming pool can contribute to an extraordinary increase in the price of your property. The situation is the same if you look at it as an investment in the case of renting a house. So, you will invest once, and later you may be able to profit from it.

4.    Providing Comfort And Beautiful Moments

The pool allows you to relax at home, whenever you want. Breakfast on the terrace, lazing by the water, coffee break, dinner by candlelight, swimming, and gymnastics in the water to preserve health. Whether you are alone or with family and friends, the pool will provide you with many beautiful moments! The pool also gives a new dimension to your home and garden. You can enjoy having an elegant, but also a luxurious lifestyle every day.

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Tables from Bellavista: all Colors, Shapes, Sizes, and Purposes
Style
by Eldon Kartchner on 0

Tables from Bellavista: all Colors, Shapes, Sizes, and Purposes

When asked to quickly name any piece of furniture, most of us will think of a table. No wonder: the tables are omnipresent. Nobody knows what the very first furniture item was, but most likely it was a table.

Any home has a number of tables. In a dining area, there obviously is a dining table to eat at, in a living room we’ll surely see a coffee table to gather around. A desk or a computer table is one more item we are likely to find in almost every home. All these tables differ in size and design; they may also be made of different materials. Each one is made to suit its purpose best.

Nowadays most people take furnishing their homes seriously. All in all, home is the place where we recreate ourselves to get going with renewed energy the next day. So, everything should be thought out to the last detail, so that we have the maximum comfort.

Nobody will argue that picking the furniture for a home is no trifling matter. The table you’re buying now will serve you for years to come.  High-quality modern furniture, like the items from Bellavista Collection –awell-known resource selling Italian luxury furniture – will last for decades. So, you’d better think thrice before buying one. Make sure you have picked the best.

Bellavista’s website has a section calledTables, where you will find various types of tables, such as coffee and side tables, dining tables, consoles, and desks. These kinds of tables are conveniently placed into separate sub-sections. With such easy navigation, selecting your dream table will take minutes.

Bon Appetit!

Want a new dining table? Bellavista offers nine elegant dining tables. They are sophisticatedly designed and made of best-quality materials, so each of these items will look great in your dining room – or area, if you live in an open floor plan apartment.

If you like round tables, either THOMAS ROUND or S.FRANCISCO ROUND- LAZY SUSAN will be a great choice. The first one, THOMAS ROUND, is a sleek-looking dining table with a base made of aluminum with a copper finishing and the top available in a variety of woods with an attractive marble insert.

The second one is made of solid wood (larch, American walnut, or oak), with as many as 9 different color options. Lazy Susan inserted on its top will turn your dinners into parties.

If you prefer rectangular tables but want something special – what about a table with marble inset? Combination of wood and marble always looks striking. Look, for example, at MESAMAGNA. Its top inset can be made of Calacatta marble, Carrara marble, or Emperador dark brown marble. This table is pretty large: 75 cm. high, 120 cm. wide and available in two length options – 220 and 300 cm.

The tabletop of THOMAS EXTENSIBLE also has insets of marble. You can choose among Emperador dark brown, striato grey, or pulpis marble. Its two strong jar-like legs are made of copper.

TULIPE is also two-legged; its base is made of hammered brass. Its top can be either completely wooden or with oval marble inset.

A Cup of Coffee?

A well-picked coffee table can well become a centerpiece of your living room. Bellavista offers as many as 32 different coffee and side tables, which are so diverse that you will surely find something to your liking there.

For example, look at LEONARDO, a relatively small round table (90 cm. in diameter, 50 cm. high), available in 8 wood options of natural or stained walnut and oak.

Or give a glance at TULIPE LOW – a small brother of TULIPE dining table. Relatively big (180 x 76 cm.) and low (only 28 cm. high), firmly rests on one massive leg made of hammered brass. As for the top, you are welcome to choose among thirteen kinds of wood and three kinds of marble.

The choice is wide indeed. What about antique-looking rectangular CASSANDRA with its impressive carved legs? Or oval GASTONE or FRANCIS, with modest lines? Or would you prefer chick ALI BABA’ with its top in marble (4 options) and ornate wooden structure available in 5 kinds of oak?

A number of these impressive tables are made of materials other than wood. Take a glance at round three-legged cast brass BATISTA, or hole, made of brushed stainless steel, bronze, or black nickel. Magnificent JAAFAR is made of glass and cast aluminum, with or without a gold finish.

Some tables, such as GONG and GONG T, belong to Dulce china collection, recently shown at 2018 Milan Furniture Fair- a highly prestigious trade show taking place since 1961. Inspired by Oriental motifs, these items were created especially for the 57th edition of the Fair.

What About a Game of Chess or a Round of Cards?

If you are a fan of board games like chess, checkers, card games and backgammon, a gaming table called Las Vegas is worth your attention. Available in 8 wood options, this table is a great choice for your living room. With Las Vegas table, you can invite Las Vegas right to your living-room at any time!

Time to Work

Need a desk for your home office? Take a look at RICHARD, which is a 2018 addition to the collection. Even with comparatively minimalistic design, RICHARD desk looks chic indeed. It is available in 9 options of wood, including ebony, rosewood, and natural sycamore and has a base made of blackened metal.

As for DANTE desk, it looks so elegant with its bronze feet and handles, belting leather of the top and drawer bottom, whatever of8 options of wood you prefer.

Functionality and Convenience

Console tables are common in modern homes for a good reason. They easily fit well into any interior. They combine beauty with functionality. For example, EIFFEL CONSOLE which is 3 meters long and 40 cm. high, can well serve as a room divider in an open plan dwelling.

Bellavista offers a number of beautiful consoles that will make your room look special. What about MAO or RITZ from Dulce China collection? Or ZETA, with its z-like profile made of bronze or black nickel? You can choose out of 18 options for its top – 14 kinds of wood and 4 of marbles.

Whatever table from Bellavista you choose, you can be sure that its quality will be impeccable, so this table will serve you for decades to come.

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Roman Blinds: Restyle Your Home
Style
by Eldon Kartchner on 0

Roman Blinds: Restyle Your Home

If you are decorating your home and you are not sure what curtains to use, you might as well opt for Roman blinds. These have been quite popular lately, and they will make your living room or your bedroom look stylish and fashionable. The best thing about Roman blinds is that they come in various sizes, colors, and fabrics and in case you are not familiar with them, it is time to check them out.

What are Roman blinds?

Roman blinds are used to cover your windows, and besides being practical, they are also visually pleasing. Flat pieces of fabric are used to create shade in your home, but also to prevent dust from coming in when you open the windows. These blinds can be adjusted as you want them and they can be raised or lowered when required.

How are they constructed?

The Roman blinds are created from a piece of flat fabric, and it has a lining to the back that forms a sealed pocket which has pull cords attached for raising and lowering. When it is raised, the fabric folds and stacks on top of itself automatically, and the series of neat horizontal folds is created. If it is lowered, the flat surface stretches, covering the entire window.

They are easy to operate

When the cords are pulled simultaneously, the bottom dowel is raised, and it meets the dowel above it. Therefore, a fold is created in the fabric and the higher you want to raise them, the blinds have more folds. How many folds a curtain has depends on the length of the curtain. You want the blinds to cover the entire windows. The rods, channels, and cords are neatly packed in the back, and they will not be visible from your home. Because of this simple technique, the Roman blinds are offered in various fabrics and textures.

What’s the best room for Roman blinds?

There isn’t one specific room in which you can put your blinds. If you like them, you can put them all over your house, but you can use them in one room instead. In most cases, Roman blinds are adorning the windows of living rooms and dining rooms, but you will also find them in master bedrooms, guest rooms, and even children’s rooms.

However, bear in mind that it is much better to choose pale colors of your blinds, especially for the windows which are exposed directly to the sun during the day. The reason for it is that the color might fade over the years and with a brighter color, that will not happen any time soon.

Avoid kitchens and bathrooms

Roman blinds are built more as a decorative item primarily while the function is put in the second place. Those who purchase them want their home to look nice, and that is why you shouldn’t put them in kitchens or bathrooms. They are not made of moisture-resistance fabrics, and that is why finding them in kitchens and bathrooms is a rarity.

Remember how we said that they are made of different fabrics? Well, with the careful selection, you can find the blinds you will install in your kitchen and your bathroom. Still, this is something you have to decide by yourself.

As you can see, Roman blinds are perfect for your home and to make things even better they are affordable. You have a lot to choose from. Not only can you select your favorite fabric, but you can also choose the color and the pattern which you find most attractive and that fits the rest of the interior.

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Home Cooking! Letting Out the Chef Within You
Home
by Eldon Kartchner on 0

Home Cooking! Letting Out the Chef Within You

We have been in our homes for two years because of the pandemic. As we go on in our life in this new normal, some of us have a habit of ordering deliveries. Food from deliveries may sound convenient, especially when one is busy with work, spending quality time with the family, or playing online casino games using their earned casino bonus. However, ordering food outside could not only cost more, but usually have more sodium, sugars, or other unhealthy ingredients that can harm the body in the long run.

Some of us still know how to cook. But most of this generation are even afraid of boiling water using a pot and a stove. So let us see what we need and what you can buy depending on your living space.

Why Cook?

These days some people are dependent on food delivery services. Though most cooks are at home, the generations today are still getting into the habit of cooking. Some kits have a step-by-step guide, and everything is measured to make that “perfect dish.” However, this saps the enjoyment out of cooking.

Before, cooking simply relies on your taste and what you have in your pantry or fridge. Ingredient measurements are more of your preference in taste and volume, no weighing scales. Making something delicious out of some random stuff has a sense of accomplishment. Cooking is an adventure to embark on.

What to Invest On?

We are in the modern age where cookware is available. So aside from the stove and fridge, here are some you may need to help you with your cooking.

Appliances

You may have a stove and fridge in your home, essential for a kitchen. But those two, though, are enough, may need some help from other gadgets to save time and money. Here are some suggested appliances you may have or need.

  • Electric kettle – to save stove space in boiling water for hot drinks or cooking.
  • Blender – versatile in puree and blending fruits and vegetables plus, if it has a spice grinder, you can grind black peppers or dried spices.
  • Mixer – to whip eggs for omelets and cream.

Those are just some appliances that could be indispensable to save you time. You could add many, but these are essential appliances that you may have one or two.

Tools

Pots for sauces and stew pans for frying and sauteing. Wooden spoons are excellent so that they won’t damage your pots. Knives and chopping board for cutting ingredients. Plates and bowls to put them. These are the things you may have but add a box grater for cheese, fruits, and vegetables.

It is crucial when you use them to observe cleanliness. Always wash your knife and board after cutting meat, also wash anything you use after you cook. Maintaining them clean and in good condition, you can pass them on to the next generation.

Dried and in Bulk

You now have the appliance and tools; you need to know what to buy as pantry staples. It depends on the culture and location. Buying in bulk is cheaper and can last a long time, especially dried goods. Beans and grains are good staples as a base for any meal. Hard cheese also is excellent for pasta and sauces as seasoning.

Pasta and flour are excellent pantry staples for Italian dishes and flour to make bread. Asians have rice as a staple and egg noodles for soups and stir fry.

Takeout Takeaways

Though you are cooking at home, you sometimes want something fast. These deliveries or going to fast-food chains have some condiments they give away. So don’t throw away those hot sauces, ketchup, chili flakes, sugars, and creamers from the coffee shop. These are portioned for a single serving, great for adding flavor.

Minute Meal Recipes

You have your staples and tools now; what to cook? Online there are a lot of fifteen-minute meals you can follow. These are easy and have simple ingredients, excellent for beginners. There are also cookbooks to study the techniques and upgrade your cooking.

Know the Rules So You Can Bend Them

You have tools and techniques; learning the basics is part of the fun. The real fun is trying to bend them and end with excellent results. There are many hacks in the kitchen that you can use online. All you need is to check your basics, make trial dishes, and have your signature dish.

It Involves Staying Healthy

Home cooking gives you control over what you eat. Eating fast-food every day is not a balanced diet, let alone healthy. By controlling the salt, sugar, and fat intake, especially when you get older. Knowing how to cook is a step to a better you. Together with regular exercise, you can stay healthy and live longer.

Depending on your activity, you can also go on a special diet like plant-based or high protein. If you can stop craving fast food, it’s a significant milestone. Being healthy is not always what you exert but what you put in your body.

Lessen Your Expenses and Trash

Cooking your meal is efficient and lessens your trash. Deliveries have the packaging, and after you eat the content, you have to dispose of it. When you do groceries and prepare your food, the less you collect packaging because you only buy once a week. The less trash and even recycling of some plastic bags make you help the environment in your little way.

Plus, your waste will be biodegradable. Biodegradable, you can put on plants to return the sustenance to nature.

Giving a Good Impression

Being a home cook is also an impressive talent. Home cooking is not a chore, but it is a tradition for some. Whether you live alone and cook a dish from where you are from, you will feel at home. To families, it is a way to bond the generations.

As a home cook, your creativity is your partner. You can create dishes or make your twist of a dish you know. Cooking is an art and is appreciated by everyone. So you may have a few dishes you knew from childhood or saw online, making it an inspiration to expand. Home cooking is a great hobby and part of enjoying life.

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Unique Wall Decoration Ideas for Kids Room
Children
by Eldon Kartchner on 0

Unique Wall Decoration Ideas for Kids Room

Decorating children’s rooms is a lot of fun! The potential is practically limitless, and there are no design constraints. The walls are the most enjoyable part – they’re like big fresh canvases waiting for bold colors and fun designs.

This article shows you tons of ideas and information to decor your children’s room in a better way. These ideas are easily adaptable to fit your child’s interests and preferences. This may include kid-friendly color palettes or fun ideas for artwork and wall decor.

There’s something for kids of all ages here, from toddlers to teenagers.

1.   Easy, Geometric Design

The crisp white walls are contrasted with small black triangles. Use a stencil to create this type of look, or use wall decals for a less permanent option.

Toy storage does not have to be tedious. On a wall of floating shelves, your child’s collection of toys can double as decor.

2.   Little Ballerina

Your delicate dancer is deserving of a special place. The sheer look of the little girl’s room included a place to hang her ballet outfit and shoes.

Choosing a monochromatic color scheme with subtle accent colors gives you more flexibility as your child grows.

3.   Wall Decor with Inspirational Quotes

While stars, flowers, and cute animals are appropriate for young children, teens, and tweens. Quotes from their favorite books would better serve it. Alternatively, you can use inspirational quotes from world leaders, scientists, and famous people to decorate the walls.

Use different quotes in different areas of the room. For example, a “Hakuna Matata” theme will work well in the bedroom. Quotes like “Never Give Up” or “Dream Big” will quickly spruce up your children’s study desks.

4.   Turquoise + Coral

Consider a chic and timeless color palette for your nursery that will grow with your child. Coral and turquoise, combined with gleaming gold accents, make a lovely combination for a little girl’s room.

Monogrammed wall art is a charming and timeless addition that will outlast the baby stage.

5.   Wild for Watermelon

Hot pink is a bold color for decorating, but combining it with a softer shade like mint green helps soften its impact. A watermelon throw pillow inspired the color palette for a little girl’s bedroom.

Watermelon decals adorn the plain white walls to keep the theme going.

6.   Animal and Jungle Theme

Do you have an animal-obsessed child at home? Decorate the room with jungle-themed or animal-themed wall decor to allow your children to embrace and express their love for animals.

Jungle safaris, cartoon animals, swinging monkeys, and magnificent giraffes are the most popular choices among parents for their children’s rooms. Animal and jungle-themed decor is best suited for young children, and such designs also help children learn about the natural world.

7.   Beautiful Butterflies

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different patterns. In this eclectic bedroom, a colorful accent wall with a butterfly print goes perfectly with the bedding.

Stick to a similar color scheme and avoid going overboard. The design would be too visually busy if the butterfly wallpaper use on all of the walls.

8.   Keep it Neutral

When it comes to decorating a first-time nursery, it’s tempting to go all out. But take inspiration from neutral-toned space to make your life easier.

Not only are neutral tones still popular, but they also allow you to incorporate color cost-effectively. And as your child grows, the neutral canvas is simple to change.

9. Wall Art of Adventure Maps

Long-time veterans like Dora and Diego can attest to the dream of traveling around the world and reaching far and wide. Adventure map wall decor is ideal for instilling an insatiable wanderlust in your little ones.

Allow your little explorers’ minds to wander a little. And allow them to become curious about different countries, cultures, people, and geographies around the world.

You can also go for any trending kid’s wall art like this one according to your child’s interest.

10. Bring the Outdoors Inside

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Living Room Furniture Arrangements With A Fireplace And TV
House
by Eldon Kartchner on 0

Living Room Furniture Arrangements With A Fireplace And TV

If you have a fireplace then the best thing you could do is arrange the furniture and TV to suit it best.

Trust us when we say it, owning a fireplace is quite possibly the best thing your home could have. It offers endless opportunities in terms of arranging since it is a very versatile addition to your home.

But it needs to be done properly to do it justice. Simply making it the focal point isn’t enough, and you have to do some brainstorming to get the most out of it.

Luckily for you, we have the best living room furniture arrangements with your fireplace and TV that will make all the sense in the world. We will include a number of layouts to give you more options, and each and every one of those layouts is carefully designed and calculated to meet your needs.

Without dwelling too much, let’s start.

1. Small Layouts

Not everyone lives in a mansion so this one is probably the one that most of you can relate to.

Having a smaller living room is nothing to be ashamed of, quite the contrary it is the best way for the fireplace to function properly and the easiest to style.

The smaller space might give you less room to maneuver when arranging the furniture but gives you endless options.

Since this article is about a fireplace and TV, then it goes without saying that they should be the focal point. As you would expect, the TV goes on top of the fireplace, meaning both should be pressed towards one of your living room walls.

A smaller room works best with a sofa, a coffee table, and two chairs. Arranging these can be done in multiple ways. We think that the best way would be to place the sofa and two chairs as opposed to one another, with the coffee table in between them. The fireplace should come to the left of the chairs and to the right of the sofa. As an added bonus, you could get a rug to go underneath.

2. Layouts for Different Setting

It wouldn’t be out of this world is the fireplace and TV aren’t placed on top of one another.

In some households, they like to keep them separated for different reasons. The obvious one is that the heat emitting from the fireplace can harm your TV.

So, it would be quite disappointing if we didn’t explore arrangement options in these situations.

We’ve seen dozens of articles saying that an attractive layout would be the have the TV on one side of the room, while the fireplace on the opposite. We think that this layout totally negates the reasons for owning a fireplace, since who owns a fireplace without wanting to look at it?

If we place the TV on the opposite wall, we’re not going to look at the fireplace, are we?

So, to solve this headache of a problem, we suggest placing the fireplace on the adjacent wall to the left or right of your TV set.

On the subject of TV’s, what kind of television set are you using? Are you on cable, paying for a streaming service, or aerial? It’s important to ask these questions as quality television is important to go along with your magnificent fireplace throughout the year.

For that matter, we suggest you go aerial as the options of channels are simply too huge to miss out on. If you have any problem with installation, then make sure to give tayloraerials.co.uk a visit.

3. Layouts For Opposite Settings

We are going to completely contradict ourselves on this one, but for good reasons.

A lot of households have their fireplace and television placed on opposite ends of their living rooms. While we might not agree with it, it is still something that we have to cover.

One thing that this layout requires is a little bit more space to pull off. This means that smaller living rooms might not be suited for it.

But this layout isn’t all bad and there are ways to make it work. Unfortunately, neither fireplace nor TV can be the focal point at the same time, so you have to pick and choose which will get the attention.

Luckily for you, you can arrange all of your furniture in the middle of both, with neither sofas no chairs facing towards either wall. This means that the attention can be placed on either, depending on the needs.

This allows for some pretty excellent layouts which you can get creative with.

4. Layouts for Both Next to Each Other

If picking which to give attention is a harder task, then why not have them share the attention but instead of on top of each other, they will be placed next to each other.

You can get really creative with this one as you can arrange the furniture in multiple ways. The main thing to note here is that both will serve as the focal point, and you have to work around it. The entire décor, every chair, sofa, coffee table, and every other accessory has to revolve around them.

The most basic layout involves placing a sofa on the opposite side of the TV with the sofa facing it. You could then have the rest of the décor placed on both sides of the sofa, with the coffee table coming in the middle of it all.

This way, you have a full view of the fireplace and TV, as well as, a view of all the people that share the living room with you.

Decorating your living room to accommodate your fireplace and TV isn’t a hard task. Sure it requires you to have either as the focal point, but this only makes the furniture arranging an even easier task.

You can get really creative with some very strange layouts that ultimately work in accordance with both. The choice for modern décor, timeless, and vintage doesn’t impact the style or choice of arrangement.

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Travertine Pros and Cons
Nature
by Eldon Kartchner on 0

Travertine Pros and Cons

Travertine is one of the most popular natural stones available in the market today. Its unique shape and rigidity make it different from others. Compared to other materials, it lasts longer and suitable for use both on the floors and the walls. This stone is common in building construction. If you want to create a terrace on your property to extend your usable space or add value to your house, pavers would be a worthwhile alternative to concrete.

Smoothened stones can lead to a dazzling surface with different color choices. For floor installation, travertine is conveniently accessible in the form of pavers as well as tiles.

Pros of Travertine

Aesthetics

When used to build a patio or porch, travertine pavers convey a message of luxury and opulence. You can make an awesome, usable room with this product increasing your property’s value. This stele has unique natural veins. The color is also distinct as each piece is different. Its unique character makes travertine finished products naturally attractive.

You may consider using this stone to enhance your home or property’s curb appeal, increase the property value, impress your guests, or enjoy your space. Whatever your reason, these aesthetics will transform your home into a beautiful haven.

It is affordable

If you are keen on low-cost natural stone or a budget, travertine is your best bet. The stone is affordable and will serve you as well as other materials in the same range.

Versatile

Depending on your taste and style, it is versatile and offers many choices of colors and patterns. This stone accommodates users with various preferences, thanks to its wide variety of options. Also, tiles come in several textures and tone flexibility. Explore different patterns of the four finishing forms of tiles.

Durable

Travertine tiles are durable, thanks to their longevity. The products are timeless and withstand exposure to water seamlessly. Travertine is a natural material that is naturally porous. However, the pores become open and wider, impacting the look with moisture and water. You can reduce the impact of moisture by cleaning the surfaces regularly. Sealing the stone when needed is also another way of improving its durability.

Manageable

Since there are so many travertine varieties available, you do not have the same one to replace. You can, however, get similar variants to add to your space.  Also, you can carry additional tiles that can be useful to repair the damaged one.

Interior designers use this characteristic of travertine to produce unique patterns and designs.

Green Product

This material is environmentally friendly in comparison to many others. It is as a result of heating the springs using geothermal energy. It is the best choice for nature enthusiasts.

Green products blend well with nature and are safe to use both in your home interior and exterior. Most chemically generated products react with elements like heat-producing dangerous emissions that may have adverse effects in the long term. It does not have any reactive characteristics that pose a danger to people exposed to the products. Since the material cannot burn, it is safe for use in any part of your home.

Resilient

The different weather conditions affect building materials in various ways. It is resilient to extreme weather conditions and handles the different weather patterns well. In the pool paving, these pavers are most suitable. Travertine will work for the paths in your gardens and the exterior walls of a home to shield it against heat and UV light. You can use the stone for many other outdoor spaces.

Most materials are destroyed by extreme weather conditions like summer and winter, compromising the building’s structure.

Cons of travertine

Porosity

It is prone to damage or destroy a surface after some time. Although the chances are minimal, it is a possibility. This is one of the major disadvantages of the stone.

Dissolvable Material

The travertine stone surfaces readily dissolve acids. There is also a high chance of a permanent stain if you spill orange or citrus squash on travertine tiles. This is because the acid-dissolvable interacts with the calcium carbonate of the material. If you have small children or planning to install travertine tiles in your kitchen area, be careful. Like any other surfaces, wipe off spills immediately to avoid stains and reactions.

Counterfeits

Porcelain pavers are some of the stones that perfectly mimic travertine. Unfortunately, unscrupulous business people ride on the confusion and sell porcelain pavers as travertine tiles. Non-specialists with little experience in the building industry often fall victims to these con games. Consider sourcing original stones from established companies with a solid reputation.

It is heavy

It is heavier than other stones. You may also be disappointed if you want a simple installation of the these tiles as the tiles are bulky and difficult to mount. Moving them from one location to another is also cumbersome.

High maintenance cost

It needs more care compared to most other options in the market. However, the stone is durable.

Lacks homogeneity

Lack of homogeneity is a source of some problems when the tiles are damaged and need replacement.

It has its distinctive features, which are embellished by its presence in your home. You will need a high skilled designer, an excellent sense of style, or sheer luck to synchronize replaced pieces to the rest of the room.

Delicate

This stone is susceptible to acidic substances. Natural cleaners like water and cloth will suffice for cleaning most of the time. Mild cleaning agents that work well for other surfaces may be too harsh on the stone.

Handling it needs a high level of skill and expertise when building or renovating your space.

Conclusion

Screening, continuous care, and a specific set-up will give you the desired results when handling this stone. While most things have cons, the positive aspects of the travertine stone outweigh the negative. If you plan to use it for your project, source genuine products from reputable stores like Saturnia Travertini.

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