Safeguarding your home during an extended vacation

Your home is your most valuable possession. When you are going away for an extended vacation it is very important that you do everything possible to safeguard your home. Safeguarding your home is as much about using common sense as it is about using fancy equipment. Here are a few tips to get you started thinking about things to do and things not to do.

Things to do

Install timers on lamps in your home. This will turn on random lights at times you designate. You can rotate the lamps and the times so that it will appear that someone is at home turning the lights on.

Leave a car sitting in your driveway and if possible have a neighbor or close friend move the car every few days so that it appears that someone is actually staying in the house. Another alternative is to actually hire a home sitter to stay at your home while you are away. This works well if you happen to have pets.

Go online to the U.S. Postal Service and put a hold on your mail. There is a simple form that you fill out. When you return you can either pick up the mail at the local post office or you can request that they deliver it all. It is a red flag to thieves to see mail piling up in your mailbox. If you get home newspaper delivery, put a vacation stop on that as well. This is another red flag to thieves.

Disconnect the water to your washing machine. This sounds like a simple thing but it doesn’t take much to cause a major flood in your home. If it is going to be winter, turn off the water to your entire house, just in case you lose power for any length of time.

Talk to the local police and tell them that you are going away for an extended vacation. They will be able to patrol the neighborhood during the time you are away just to take a look.

Let your closest neighbors know that you are going to be away. Most neighbors are good about keeping an eye out for anything suspicious going on. Let them know when you will be returning. It might be nice to let them know that you would be happy to return the service for them when they are away.

If there have been incidents of break-ins in your neighborhood, you may want to buy an alarm system. These are not foolproof but they can at least give you some advantage over the crooks.

Unplug any appliances that you can, the only one that probably needs to be kept plugged in are the lamps you will be turning on and the refrigerator or a freezer.

Check the locks on all of your windows and of course, be sure to set the deadlock on doors. Don't forget the door to the garage. This may not stop a potential burglar but you do want to make it as difficult as possible.

Things not to do

Don’t announce on your Facebook or Twitter account that you are going on vacation. If you want to share that information do it personally through an email with friends or even better, wait until you return and share your vacation photos.

Don’t tell everyone you meet that you are going to be away. Even people you trust may have friends who are not as trustworthy. This is your home and you need to be vigilant in safeguarding it.

Don’t leave your expensive electronic equipment sitting out where it is visible from lower floor windows. If you have a safety deposit box, move all your valuables to the box or consider buying a wall or floor safe. You can’t hide all your possessions but you can at least make it more difficult for someone to take them.

When you are going away on an extended vacation, there are many things that you can do. 

Use these tips to get you thinking about what things make sense in your situation and then come up with the ones that work well for you. You will have a much more relaxed vacation if you are not stressed about what is happening to your home.

Fashion tips for women over 50

Today’s 50-year-old woman is just reaching her stride. Most women are heading into their prime earning years and with childbearing behind them, are prepared to make their mark. Being fifty is a time to be gorgeous, just look at stars like Mariska Hargitay and Elle MacPherson. Fifty is the new forty and mature women have never looked better.

By the time a woman reaches 50, she has developed a style sense of her own and while she may follow the latest fashions trends, she can set a trend or two herself. Many of the runway designers are designing for a clientele that looks like they are closer to 15 than 50. Here are a few tips for turning those trends into great fashion.

Size

As women age, gravity comes into effect. She doesn’t have the same shape she had at twenty years old even if she weighs the same. Mother Nature does some pretty strange things to a woman’s body. Understanding this and adjusting for it makes aging a non-issue. Fit is the most important thing about clothes and style. Size is just a number and getting hung up on it is counterproductive. It is all about tailoring, fitting the largest part of the body and having the clothes tailored to fit the rest.

Style

Classic is a good style to go with when a woman reaches fifty years or older. It doesn’t mean that a 50-year-old has to dress like a granny especially if she doesn’t feel like a granny. Being a granny is a great thing, especially a fashionable granny. Above the knee for dresses and skirts, especially if a woman has great legs is a good length and with a high heel give a great fashionable look. When in doubt, ask yourself, would Jackie O have worn this? If the answer makes you laugh or cringe, then walk away from that rack.

Color

By the time a woman is fifty years old, she should know which colors flatter her but there are so many new colors coming out all the time that it is important to do a second look every so often. Every shade of every color, even a signature one, isn’t going to be flattering and some colors that might not have been considered twenty years ago look terrific today especially since there is a good chance that your hair color and makeup routine may have changed. Give color a try, it can add a lot of light to a woman’s face, don’t be afraid of it.

The styles and colors of today are very flattering to women of 50 years old. Purples and plums are almost universally good and olive is an easy color to wear. Red is also a great color for most woman, try a few different shades until you find the one that is perfect for you. A great pair of camel dress slacks and a red or purple cashmere turtleneck will be a great outfit for any woman of any age and 50 is no exception.

Decorating your baby girl's nursery

When you are expecting a baby girl, there are many options for decorating a baby girl nursery. Pink is often the first color that comes to mind for girls but it is certainly not the only option. Think about whether you are going to have a theme before making a decision. This will determine the ideal color

Themes

Flowers, fairies, princesses and nursery rhymes are all themes popular with little girls. Other nursery themes are neutral and nature-based. Some children's books offer great decorating options. Many people look to Disney for inspiration. The choices are almost unlimited. This is your chance to create a dream nursery.

As your little girl grows, she will want to have a say in her room decor so this may be your one chance to create the room of your dreams. It is not necessary, however, to have a theme in order to create a beautiful nursery.

For something special, consider Alice in Wonderland or Tinkerbell as your theme. The Internet offers a variety of options to help you bring the theme to the nursery.

Colors

Just consider the Disney princesses, what a variety of colors you could choose. Snow White, for instance, means a blue-and-yellow theme. This may seem a little boyish but with the right accessories, there will be no doubt that it will be a nursery fit for a princess. With all the other princesses to choose from; undoubtedly one will have the colors you desire.

If you live in an apartment where painting the walls is not an option you can still create a charming room. White walls are a blank canvas for your creativity. You can add colorful, removable wall decorations.

Furniture

A baby girl's nursery will need a crib; all other furniture in the room is optional. You may want a changing table, rocking chair, dresser for clothes, toy boxes, and other items but these are not a must. You can have a closet organizer that holds clothes and other important items. You can choose colored furniture, white or wood. It is up to you.

Accessories

Making your baby girl's room uniquely yours can be done with the simple addition of accessories. Wall hangings, photos, stuffed animals, lamps, rugs and other items can bring in color or a theme.

The most important thing to remember when creating a baby girl nursery is that it needs to be not only beautiful, it needs to be functional. This is where your baby is going to sleep and it needs to provide a relaxed, quiet atmosphere conducive to a restful night or nap. This means being able to close out the light with appropriate shades and curtains.

Choosing bathroom flooring

When you are considering what to put on your bathroom floor you have a lot of options. You need to consider all the criteria for a good bathroom floor. It needs to be waterproof, non-slippery and in your price range. If you are going to install it yourself then ease of installment is also a consideration.

Vinyl

One of the least expensive choices is vinyl flooring. This can be in one piece or done in tiles. It is durable, water resistant and inexpensive. It also comes in a wide variety of styles and colors. It can be self-adhesive or you can apply an adhesive to the floor.

Laminate

Laminate flooring has gained a lot of popularity recently and they are a good choice for a bathroom. If you are thinking of wood but don't want all the work that having wood in your bathroom would cause. Laminates are virtually care-free and should give at least ten years of service.

Wood

If you want to go with a real wood floor it will be great looking but it will require that you take extra care. You will have to make sure that it doesn't get wet. If it does you need to dry it immediately. Keeping the sealing material in perfect condition is imperative. With the correct maintenance, a wood floor can literally last forever. Bamboo is the newest floor of choice and its sustainability and good looks make it very popular.

Carpet

Some people enjoy the warmth of carpet in the bathroom. Moisture can be a big issue with carpet and if any wetness isn't treated immediately can lead to mold and mildew forming. Carpet may need to be replaced frequently but if it fits your style, go for it.

Tile

Among the most popular flooring for bathrooms is tile. This can be ceramic, marble, porcelain or granite. When it comes to choices, tiles offer the most options. They come in not only different materials but also in different sizes. You can choose one size or a mixture of sizes. They also come in many colors and textures. You can go with all one color and size or you can mix it up.

You can also use the grout that holds the tiles together as a design element by using a coordinating color or a contrasting color.

One of the complaints about tile is that it can be very cold. There is a cure for this issue. You can by a heating system that goes underneath the tiles and you can then step out of the shower onto a warm floor. The tile floor can and will last forever and need very minimal care. If you are the type of person who likes to change things often go with a neutral color so that you can change the accessories.

Adding a new bathroom floor is a big decision and you need to consider all the bathroom flooring options carefully before you decide which type of floor is best for you.

Pixabay photo

What to consider when choosing a bathrooom sink

Your bathroom sink is a vital part of your bathroom functionality but beyond that, it is also a decorative element. It is not just a place to wash your hands, it is a fashion statement. The choice of sink for your bathroom needs to meet the needs that you have in that bathroom but everyone also wants to create a bathroom they are proud of. Here are some things that need to be considered when choosing a bathroom sink.

When it comes to buying a sink for your bathroom there are many things that are important. Space is one of the primary issues. Get your tape measure and accurately measure the space you have available. Once you have that measurement you will be able to consider whether you can fit a vanity or you need to go with a pedestal or wall mounted sink.

A vanity offers the option of extra storage as well as functionality. There are many sizes of vanities from very small to spacious double sink models. You can choose a vanity that is on display at your local hardware or plumbing supply store or you can custom design one from components that they have available. You can also provide your own piece of furniture and either build in the sink you choose or pick one of the bowls that sit on top. 

Bathroom sinks are no longer just ceramic. They can be made from blown glass, metal. stone or composite materials. They come in every color under the sun and in patterns and designs to suit every taste and purse. Everyone from the traditionalist to the cutting edge artist will find something that they find aesthetically pleasing. 

If space is at a premium, a wall mount or pedestal sink may be the best choice. It allows you to have a sink in an area where a vanity is not possible. Bathroom sinks can be quite small and a small wall mount sink takes very little space. Pedestal sinks take a little more space and of course, you must have the floor space as well. You can find a new sink in a variety of shapes,  round, oval, square and rectangular, with a large lip or none at all. They can be hand painted, plain white or in fashion colors.

When choosing your bathroom sink, remember to coordinate with your tub and toilet. With some sink choices, your piping will be visible and this should match your choice of faucets. 

Buying a new bathroom sink can be an inexpensive way to give your bathroom a whole new look. Another way is to add a new floor. 

DIY: Creating a unique headboard

The headboard in a bedroom is an important design element. Most bedroom sets come with a headboard which can be made of many types of wood including oak, maple, cherry and mahogany. Another common headboard material is brass and also white painted iron. When these are just not cutting it, what options are available? The options are limitless. Here are a few tips for creating a unique headboard for your bedroom.

Padded headboard

Some padded headboards are available in stores. These are usually made from a plastic or velvet type of materials. You don’t need to settle for something that can be found in a store. With a little work and a little imagination, a unique one of a kind headboard is easy to make.

First stop is the local lumber yard where a piece of plywood needs to be purchased. Measure the size of the bed that the headboard will be used with to make sure the piece being purchased is large enough. 

Depending on the height of the ceiling and the size of the bed, two or three feet tall is a good height. Purchase glue that will work for attaching padding to the plywood and a heavy duty stapler. Head to the fabric store with measurements in hand. Purchase padding, batting, and fabric. The padding is glued onto the plywood and the batting and fabric are stapled to the rear of the headboard. Buttons may be added to the front to create a tufted effect.

Not everyone wants to do a craft project to create a unique headboard. Many beautiful and unique headboards can be created from items that are purchased already made. One place to look for unique items for a headboard at stores such as Lowe’s and Home Depot.

Mantle

One interesting option is to paint and hang a pre-made mantle. Painting the wall behind the bed in a focal color sets the tone for the room. The mantle can then be painted white or stained a color to match the rest of the wood in the room. The mantle now is placed on the wall behind the bed about a foot and a half to two feet above the pillows. It can be used to display a special collection, family pictures or just about anything including lighting. If you prefer an antique look, places like Black Dog Salvage offer some amazing mantles that have been rescued from demolition.

Thanks to Pintrest https://www.pinterest.com/explore/fireplace-mantle-headboard/

Mirrors

Another unique headboard option is a mirror. These can also be purchased at the big box stores but also check out antique and home décor stores. Placing mirrors on a wall makes the room look larger and also increases the feeling of light in the room. To create a headboard, place the mirrors in a line behind the bead at the height of a normal headboard. Mirror tiles can be used or framed mirrors, just be sure to place the mirrors right next to each other to create a clean line.

Art

Art is a great focal point as a headboard. Art can be purchased or it can be created. It can be placed in one frame or several frames and lined up behind the bed. If you have some great photos that you have taken these can be blown up and used as art.

Shutters

Shutters make a great headboard. Purchase tall ones, paint them a color that matches the room and then attached them to each other. They need to be attached to the wall with nails, glue or Velcro. Shutter purchased at stores like Loew’s and Home Depot can be plastic which is quite light.

Doors

A door painted and placed on the wall behind the bed is a unique and pretty headboard option. New ones can be purchased or used ones at tag sales or second-hand stores.

For my headboard, I have a peiece of wrought iron art that I found at Pier One, I love having a headboard that is attached to the wall, not the mattress. 

Creating a unique headboard is only limited by your imagination.  Let these tips get you started and let your own tastes find what will make your bedroom truly unique.

Efficiently loading your dishwasher

When it comes to loading the dishwasher efficiently, there are a few things to consider. Every dishwasher is a little different in how the interior is organized. The interior configuration will be a factor in how your place dirty dishes, glasses and pots and pans.

Silverware

Most dishwashers have a spate basket that is designed to hold the silverware. It allows the silverware to stand up and be washed from top to bottom. Keep in mind that how you place the silverware in the basket may affect the amount of water and detergent that actually hits them. If the tines of the fork are down inside the basket, they will get less vigorous cleaning than if they are placed handle down. If placing knives blade up, be very careful when loading and unloading the machine. The silverware basket is also a great place to place your sponges and small lids which may fall between the rungs of the shelves.

Delicate items

If you are washing delicate glasses or cups in the dishwasher, it is best to place them on the top rack where they will safest. It is important to be sure that delicate items are not crowded on the rack as well, since the pressure from the water can move them, and you don't want to allow them to touch each other. Try to place soft plastic glasses in between the more delicate items if at all possible. 

Other items that are best placed on the top rack include some plastic containers and lids. They should be as far away from the heat source as possible, which is often at the bottom of the dishwasher.

Large items

Large trays and platters are best placed on the outside of the rack and in most dishwashers will only fit on the bottom rack. Make sure they are secure since you don't want them moving around and banging into other items in the dishwasher.

Dishes

Most dishwashers have prongs that come up off the racks to keep items secure in an upright position. Use these to maximize the amount of cleaning that the washer can provide. They hold the dishes in place and allow enough space for the water and to move easily between soiled items.

Pots and pans

These are among the hardest items to place efficiently since they are awkward sizes and shapes and often need to be placed at an angle to maximize the cleaning. Just be careful, whatever angle you place these items at, that they have plenty of room for the cleaner to hit the dirty spots.

The most efficient thing you can do when loading your dishwasher is to make sure that you don't overcrowd the items that you want to get clean.