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Home Ideas Ben Soreff Home Ideas Ben Soreff

Guest Post - Simple Tips To Change Your Garden Into a Personal Haven

We all need a little more nature in our lives, but it can be hard to get enough of it without hiking or mountaineering every other day. It's why we've started to cherish the little slice of nature we have in our backyards. There's nothing quite as charming as sipping coffee in the morning while checking out the garden that you've built with your own two hands.

Why not add a bit more charm to your garden? You'd be surprised at what a little handiwork and clever design can do for your gardening efforts. If you're short on ideas, we've come up with a few tips to help you get started with your garden overhaul.

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We all need a little more nature in our lives, but it can be hard to get enough of it without hiking or mountaineering every other day. It's why we've started to cherish the little slice of nature we have in our backyards. There's nothing quite as charming as sipping coffee in the morning while checking out the garden that you've built with your own two hands. 

Why not add a bit more charm to your garden? You'd be surprised at what a little handiwork and clever design can do for your gardening efforts. If you're short on ideas, we've come up with a few tips to help you get started with your garden overhaul.

Grow some natural walls

When spending time in your garden, you'll obviously want some privacy. If your backyard is oriented towards neighbors’ homes and yards, it can be a bit difficult to feel comfortable with people being able to see you. Getting a high enough fence is an option, but it can make you feel like you've boxed yourself in or created a little green prison. Plus, it's an expensive endeavor. 

A much better alternative would be to plant or grow your own walls—in the form of hedges! There's no better way to give yourself a gorgeous view while also obstructing neighbors’ views of your backyard than with a hedge. Plus, they're much better at keeping away pests and unwanted intruders than a simple fence. You can grow them from scratch or get a medium-sized hedge and maintain it until it grows large enough to suit your needs. Afterwards, all you need to do is maintain it and you'll have the perfect all-purpose fence. 

Plant some produce

While you can enjoy your garden from an aesthetic point of view, why not also enjoy it from a practical one? There's no rule that says you have to strictly plant decorative vegetation. You can and should go for a few edible plants that will help you appreciate home-grown food. 

It may seem like a challenging and time-consuming task, but there are plenty of produce options that don't require too much effort. Take an old pot, get a bit of compost, and you can start planting things like herbs, tomatoes, squash, and many other delicious plants with relative ease. They thrive in the summer without drying out, meaning that you can simply water them regularly and they'll be okay for most of the season. 

The best part is that you can use leftover food for compost. It's an eco-friendly solution that also helps you save a bit of money here and there. If you're aiming for a more ambitious garden full of various fruits and vegetables, you should get familiar with their seasons. Some of them will only grow during specific times of the year, while others tend to be okay as long as it's not too cold outside. 

There's nothing quite as charming as picking up fresh fruit from a plant that you grew yourself and eating it while lounging on your deck. Keep in mind, plants can give you quite a bit of produce during the season. It'll often be tastier than its store-bought counterparts, and you'll get to cut back on your grocery spending a tiny bit. With all the benefits involved, it's no wonder people like to plant produce whenever they can. 

Introduce extra pots

Speaking of plants, you should remember that you aren't limited to the garden surface when it comes to adding new ones. Potted plants aren't just an indoor thing, you know. You can add plants of various shapes and sizes all over your backyard, and even put some on your porch or deck if you have enough pots. They're a pretty cheap investment that can enhance the beauty of your home garden quite a bit. 

You'll want to pick and choose your pots wisely if you want them to match the overall look of your garden. Stone, terracotta, and pots with earthy colors are recommended for most gardens, but you don't have to stick to the mold. You can get colorful pots or even bleach-white ones if you believe that they'll go well with the garden's design. 

Don't just think in terms of horizontal surfaces either. If you have any walls that seem a bit empty compared to the rest of your backyard, why not hang a few pots on them? It's a pretty straightforward change that doesn't take much of your time or effort, but it can have an enormous effect on your yard's look. If you're short on pots, there's no reason to fret. You can use old aluminum cans instead! They're not as conspicuous as they seem when there's a plant inside. Setting them up is easy, and you can put most plants in a can without issue, as long as you don't intend to grow them to an unreasonable size. 

Add a water feature

Other than plants, you might be wondering what else can add a cozy and natural feel to your garden? Well, water features fit the bill pretty well. Not only do they add extra charm and flair to your personal oasis, but they can also have a calming effect. Imagine listening to the sounds of flowing water while relaxing on a summer day. Sounds pretty good, doesn't it? 

You might think that water features are essentially just fancy fountains, but you have several different options to choose from. Ponds and birdbaths have become especially popular in recent years. They add quite a bit of nature aside from the feel of flowing water. Birds are attracted to birdbaths, which means you'll probably have fewer pests in your garden after you install one. If you don't like having birds all around your garden, you could create a small pond with some stone details. They benefit the local environment and create a quaint visual detail. Plus, a pond is much easier to maintain than a fountain.

If, on the other hand, you want to get a fountain—you're in luck! There are countless different types of fountains, each with its own unique design. You can go for a fancy and magnificent marble design that will be the envy of all your neighbors, or you can go for something quaint and simple that won't demand so much attention. Fountains are surprisingly easy to set up, so you shouldn't have trouble DIYing the job. 

Introduce seating options

What good is a gorgeous outdoor area if you can't sit back and relax while enjoying the view? While standing might be a good option, you’d be much better off with some comfortable seating. Most people opt for the typical sturdy, metallic chairs for their deck and outdoor area, but these kinds of options don't provide much comfort. The good news is that you don't have to limit yourself to ordinary outdoor furniture. You can bring indoor comfort right to your deck or patio with ease.

Adding a sofa or comfy chair outside is now more doable than ever. Plenty of them are made from materials that can handle outdoor weather just fine, as long as you protect them from direct contact with rain and snow. Adding a pergola to your deck would go a long way towards creating a comfortable outdoor area. Afterwards, you can add most types of furniture that's great for lounging around and spending time outside. 

One of the most-practical choices for outdoor furniture is a bean bag. It's cozy, lightweight, and easy to transport. You can place one just about anywhere and move it out of sight when the weather forecast shows there'll be rain or snow. Plus, comfortable bean bags come in all kinds of shapes, sizes, and colors. You can get one that matches the rest of your furniture, or choose a colorful one that stands out and makes a statement. 

Keep out the clutter

Decluttering is just as important for your garden as it is for your home's interior. It can be difficult to enjoy the gorgeous greenery and water details if there are tools and boxes everywhere. Taking care of this problem will help you make the outdoor area much more peaceful and relaxing.

Start by organizing your tools properly. Taking care of the garden requires a lot of work and accessories, but you shouldn't leave them all around your yard. If possible, create a small tool shed where you can keep things like shovels and the lawnmower, as they can be a sight for sore eyes. You can also hammer a few nails in a wall or fence and hang tools there. It might not get them out of sight, but it will make the space look more organized. 

If either of these options doesn't work for your outdoor area, try to store tools in the basement. It might be a hassle to move them in and out every time you maintain your garden, but you'll be able to enjoy the gorgeous view a lot more without the excess clutter.

Conclusion

There are many ways to transform your garden from just a quaint detail into a gorgeous haven. With a good plan and some handiwork, you can create a perfect natural oasis that you can enjoy every single day. Consider some of the aforementioned tips and you'll be well on your way to overhauling your garden and backyard. 

Author bio:

My name is Grace Wilson. I’m a 27-year-old biotechnologist and kind of a bookish girl. Surfing the Internet is my favorite, that’s why I’ve turned into blogging. Following a healthy mindset and lifestyle is what I consider my life principle. If interested, follow my Twitter.

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Home Maintenance Ben Soreff Home Maintenance Ben Soreff

Six Things That Can Assure You Are Hiring the Best Plumber

Plumbers are very important professionals that we need in our daily lives. They help us in many ways by fixing frozen pipes in winter, clearing blockage, stopping leakage, and replacing broken pipes. They are highly trained and experienced in carrying out the required job. But there are many rookies also that address themselves as professional but are not. So, to make sure you are hiring the best plumber, remember seven things mentioned below.

We partnered with a home maintenance company for this post. The opinions in the post are honest. All reviews and opinions expressed in this post are based on our personal views. We are excited because we know you will love it

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Plumbers are very important professionals that we need in our daily lives. They help us in many ways by fixing frozen pipes in winter, clearing blockage, stopping leakage, and replacing broken pipes. They are highly trained and experienced in carrying out the required job. But there are many rookies also that address themselves as professional but are not. So, to make sure you are hiring the best plumber, remember seven things mentioned below.

6 Things to Look for in Your Plumber.

Hiring a plumber is not an easy task. You must hire a person you will not regret opting for later. If you want to take the service from the best plumber, you need to make sure that you check the following points:

#1. Business Experience

Before hiring a plumber, it is good to investigate the individual about the period he has been working in the particular industry. You must be aware of the kind of work these people provided in the past. The reviews of their previous clients will give a good idea as to who you must hire. Getting an experienced plumber means standing a better chance to get results. Good workmanship is expected to last longer.

#2. License

The next thing that you must check is your plumber’s license. Ask your plumber for to prove his ability and qualification to do plumbing work. The law clearly states that the person doing the plumbing work needs to have a proper license. You do not want to get involved in the case of hiring an unlicensed plumbing company and suffer the loss.

#3. Price

Make sure to ask your plumber for a quote and compare them with others. It is very important to measure the cost of the services to avoid being cheated. There are many plumbers who will ask you to pay more than they are serving you. Quality service for the cost you are paying is a must.

#4. Ask For Reference

Ask your family, friends, relatives, and neighbors if they know any good plumber in the area. A reputable worker always has many references to speak about their work on their behalf. They impress the clients so much that their clients suggest others also to take service from them. List all the suggestions on a piece of paper, and the name that appears most of the time go for that plumber.

#5. Avoid Those Asking for Upfront Payment

Do not trust plumbers that are asking for upfront payment. These individuals often delay the work or, even worse, disappear with the money altogether. There is no saying as to who you can trust these days. There is a high risk of losing money in the hands of fraud people. However, if you are carrying big projects, then you can still pay milestones and pay a partial amount after the work is completed. Do the research work well before actually hire someone.

#6. Ask About the Kind of Services

Before you hire a plumber, ask about the kind of services they provide and evaluate whether they fall in the area of your need. There is a wide array of services that these plumbing companies offer. It includes maintenance, repair, installation of hot water, etc. There are some companies that only specialize in one type of service. Hiring these company increases the quality of work. So, once you figure out where you need service, hire the company accordingly. There are also individuals who are experts in certain tasks they do. You will know their reputation and will trust with the work.

Consider the points mentioned above, so you make no mistake in hiring the best plumber for your house. It will ensure genuine, cost-effective, and quality work. Plus, you can expect that no matter the cause, the professional will restore the water system once again. Call these professionals any time you think you need their help to dot the repair work.

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Home Ideas Ben Soreff Home Ideas Ben Soreff

5 DIY IDEAS TO TURN YOUR ROOM INTO A MYSTERY ROOM 

Amidst physical distancing and Covid-19, it is understandable that escape room enthusiasts would want a more safe and sanitary experience at home. Even if your reason for a DIY mystery room is to have fun at home, then don’t worry we got you covered.

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Amidst physical distancing and Covid-19, it is understandable that escape room enthusiasts would want a more safe and sanitary experience at home. Even if your reason for a DIY mystery room is to have fun at home, then don’t worry we got you covered.  

Mystery rooms are great fun and can easily be constructed within your house. Be it a temporary room or a permanent room. Preparation is the key to a DIY mystery room. 

Before you begin planning your mystery room/escape room, it is important you outline the purpose for it. While the general idea is to have fun, it can also be an educational room for kids, a party room for adults, and a fun puzzle-solving time with family.  

Once the desired purpose is clear, set a background story for it, escape rooms can feel like a tedious puzzle-filled cage without a good background story. 

Next, ensure you have a theme and characters to along with the story. Is a set in the 1950s or 2010s? having a theme and set of characters will help in ensuring that the puzzles are relevant and do not break immersion.  

With characters and themes out of the away, plan your puzzles. This is perhaps the most difficult out of all the preparations. Deciding on puzzles relevant to your escape room is important. you don’t want a puzzle involving mobile phones in a 1970’s murder escape room. that breaks the immersion.  

Another key thing is to not overdo puzzles. Ensure that the experience is fun and not brain-scratching and agonizing experience. Ensure that the puzzles are not too difficult or easy. Place proper clues around. 

With the basic preparation done, let us look at the 5 (five) DIY ideas to turn your ordinary room into a fun-filled mystery room/escape room. 

1. LOCK & KEY 

Lock and Key are some of the most essential items in a DIY escape room. locking things such as cupboards, dressers, or boxes containing clues gives a sense of purpose. Incorporating puzzles that reward you with keys instantly allows for a great search and find mission.  

Simple, cheap, and effective, LOCK and KEY are available almost in every household and are great items for making interesting puzzles. 

Using small padlocks to lockboxes containing clues or using a combination lock as part and parcel of a puzzle, locks have great versatility, locks and chain can even be used to seal the escape room to help with immersion.  

As a safety feature, always ensure to keep spare keys with the room master or in a place accessible in case of any emergency.  

2. HIDDEN ITEMS 

Hiding items around the room can be great fun, finding the last piece of the puzzle can be gratifying. Hiding items behind locked doors, cabinets, dressers, or inside them is a great Idea. 

Items such as passcodes, keys, clues, messages, or even a whole new puzzle can be hidden for the players to find. If you have a safe with passwords or with a traditional locking mechanism, then various things can be hidden in them. 

A great idea to hide small things is to put them into other items such as balloons, bottles, out-of-reach ceilings, pillow covers. 

Various objects such as plastic balls, cups, and holders can be cut or designed to hold keys in plain sight without raising suspicion. 

3. WORD PUZZLES 

Playing around with words is amazing, isn’t it? We all have come across a word puzzle at least once in our lifetime. However, word puzzles are a staple for escape rooms.  

A word puzzle in the form of riddles and questions can be used to provide either clue or hint towards another puzzle. Writing down on small pieces of paper that can be hidden will give you an opportunity to search every nook and cranny. 

Word puzzles can be made using jigsaw pieces with words written behind each piece. Requiring players to solve the jigsaw to get the next clue.   

Alternatively, keep random bits of paper with a single or more alphabet hidden. The player will have to solve and make sense of these alphabets to get access to another clue/key.  

Various cut-outs of the crossword puzzle can be used as hints or even puzzles. Combination puzzles requiring alphabets to align (cryptex) to form a word are another great idea that can be used.  

Taking inspiration from ‘The Riddler’, Batman’s nemesis and an expert in riddles are suggested for maximum effect.  

4. NUMBER PUZZLES 

Just like word puzzles, number puzzles are complementary in that they can be used with lock and key mechanisms, with word puzzles, and any other riddle that is used. A combination lock can be used in which only opens with specific numbers.  

A table can be created with each alphabet corresponding to a different digit. These digits can further be access codes to secret safes or items. 

Various objects can be labeled with alphanumeric language. Puzzles involving the player solving and decoding secret codes from alphanumeric to numeric or alphabets can be a fun and easy DIY puzzle. 

5. HIDDEN CLUES 

Clues are like catalysts in an escape room. without clues, escape is slow and boring. To hide clues or to have hidden clues in a DIY escape room, a small piece of paper can be taped on any number of objects hidden out of the field of view. It is the oldest trick in the book. 

Taping keys or that final jigsaw puzzle piece underneath a dresser that when found leads to another puzzle that when solved leads to the hidden item inside a pillow that when used…. you get the point. Clues can simply be hidden in plain sight with all your stuff in dressers or pen stands or places cluttered with items.  

Make sure your clues even if found early can only make sense when they are found correctly and not by skipping puzzles. This will ensure players stick to the traditional way of solving puzzles to advance. Sequencing your clues and predicting the order of them being found is important. 

CONCLUSION 

REMEMBER, Escape rooms are immersive and fun, do not go overboard by creating impossible puzzles and tough clues. Keeping it simple is the number one rule. Ensure everyone abides by the rule as cheating or bypassing stages/puzzles will break the immersion and defeat the purpose.  

With these ideas, you should be able to cater to people of all ages at your house in your room. with little preparation, you can experience a mystery room now! 

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Home Ideas Ben Soreff Home Ideas Ben Soreff

Guest Post - 4 Summer Safety Tips for Children

Summers are for bonding and creating memories as a family. However, it’s difficult to relax if you’re worried about your children’s safety. Luckily, the following precautions can protect your kids and put your mind at ease.

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Summers are for bonding and creating memories as a family. However, it’s difficult to relax if you’re worried about your children’s safety. Luckily, the following precautions can protect your kids and put your mind at ease.

1. Apply Sunscreen

With so many fun outdoor activities to enjoy, your kids will likely be outside all summer. Protect them from sunburn by applying sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before they head out to the pool or trampoline.

Use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and reapply about every two hours. If they’re swimming or sweating, apply another layer or put on some protective clothing to prevent burns.

2. Secure the Pool

Every day, about two children aged 14 or younger die in unintentional drowning incidents. Therefore, whether you have kids or not, it’s important to put a fence or other barrier around your pool. Doing so will prevent the neighbors’ youngsters from wandering onto your property and accidentally falling in.

3. Mind the Garage Door

Children and parents should also practice safety when playing in and around the garage and driveway. At least 85 kids have suffered permanent brain injuries or died in automatic garage door accidents. However, teaching kids to be aware of their surroundings and keeping the door’s path free of toys can effectively keep your family safe.

4. Protect Against Bugs

While observing backyard bugs can provide a unique learning opportunity, insects can also bite and sting curious children. If you want to minimize the number of dangerous creepy crawlies in your yard, try sprinkling your garden with diatomaceous earth or natural, non-toxic pesticides.

These simple solutions will keep insect populations in check so your kids are less likely to encounter six-legged threats.

Fun in the Sun

By taking the right precautions, you and your kiddos can have a safe and memorable summer. Take advantage of the bright sunshine, cool breeze a

Author bio: Rose Morrison is the managing editor of Renovated, where she offers advice on home renovation, maintenance, and organization.nd slow-paced lifestyle now, because your little ones will be back in school before you know it!

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