Fun Things To Do When It’s Raining

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Many times we will make plans for the weekend or break. It is all laid out and ready to be done. But it is a real bummer when the weather did not correspond with it. Sure, there may be weather reports, but the problem at times is when it is unexpected or something planned very ahead of time.

But not to worry. You can still have activities that can be done even with the bad weather.

1. Go to a Mall

Just because it is raining does not mean you cannot go out. You still do although you may not able to do some activities that involve being outdoors. But you can still enjoy some like going to a mall. You can do some shopping or just simply look around. You can have your friends or family with you. What is great about being at a mall is not only about shopping. There are also restaurants or fast food around and you can eat there and consider it as eating out.

2. Binge Watch

This may be one of the popular things to do at home. If you have some show you would like to catch up on, this will be a great time for you. This does not only count TV shows, but you can also do some movie marathons. So, it does not matter if you are going to set up your Netflix or make use of your DVD collection, what matters is you will get to enjoy your day even with the bad weather. You can even invite someone or friends if you want to and share some moments with them.

3. Read a Book

This is another way to pass the time. If you are a wide reader and have a backlog of books you would like to read, this will be a great opportunity. You can definitely do it in the comfort of your own home, but it does not always have to be like that. You can also do it in different places even with the rain because you can have some quiet, alone time in a cafe or a library. 

4. Play Games or Indoor Sports

Surely, when it is raining, you cannot do a lot of sports such as frisbee, football, tennis, etc. unless they will be done indoors. Nowadays, there are indoor courts you can go to and if you really want to break a sweat, this will be a good option. There are also other indoor sports you can do such as badminton, table tennis, or bowling. It will be something you can give a try.

This also includes some games. If you have kids, it will be a great time to bond with them through games. You can have some of your board games. If you are creative, you can even do some other indoor activities.

5. Listen to Music

With the weather, you might also just like to relax with it. A great way to do it is to sit, have some coffee or tea then have some music. You may even have a playlist for a rainy day to set the mood, and it will be a good time to play it.

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How To Make Reading Fun

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Reading is one of the things you can do to pass time. What is good about it is that it is relaxing and can get your mind off things. It can also activate your imagination.

The problem at times is that you can easily get bored with it. It would be said that this problem is only for kids, but it is for adults too. So, how would one enjoy reading and make it more fun?

1. Choose the Right Time

You would want to do reading when your mind is really clear and relaxed. You also will not choose the time that you are sleepy or else you will just sleep on with your reading. It does not matter if it is night or day. There are some studies that said it would be during the day, but it will be up to you in the end. 

If reading is not really your thing but would like to have a start with it, you can start with short times like having 15 to 30 minutes then see how you will get from there.

2. Choose the Right Place

Another important thing to choose is where will you read. You would want someplace quiet like your room or study or home office. You can even do it in public places such as a library or cafe or at a park. You will also like to choose something that you are comfortable like in a good couch or your own bed. It will be in a place where it will be not bad for your posture. Make sure that the place you will read will be able to make you focused and concentrated. If not, you may lose interest in it altogether.

3. Choose the Right Book

For you to be sure that you would do something for a long time, it should interest you. So, if you are going to start reading a book, be sure to pick something that you know interests you. It is like picking a movie you would like to watch or a playlist that will keep you going rather than irritate you. That is the same for reading. 

There is a variety of genres and types available. Maybe you would like something fictional to escape. Then there are types that love non-fictional or historical to learn. If you want to get started, there are short stories or articles that you can read to begin. As long as what you are reading is motivating for you, it does not matter what.

4. Choose the Right Image

This means having your imagination enhanced. One of the reasons why some people did not like the movie counterparts of books is because it does not meet their expectations or it is not something they imagined. The reason for that is because doing films has its limitations, unlike our brain and imagination which is limitless in a way. 

So, if you want to really enjoy what you are reading, you will need to widen your imagination. You may choose something with images on it or look some of them online. You can also start with a book that has a film based on it, so you could do the comparison yourself.

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Looking to Fill Your Tool Shed? Here Are Some To Consider

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It is great to have extra space for doing your crafts and DIY projects and having all of your tools in one place. Whether it will be your garage or an extra building, it is a nice place for you to either repair something that is broken or build something like a table or cabinet. It is a great way to spend some time for yourself. It is not only therapeutic, but it is also productive. 

Of course, having a shed is not only about being productive but also about being organized, which is a quality that is important for this. Why? So that it will be easier for you to navigate your tools and therefore faster to get things done. Beyond making sure your shed is properly heated for the winter, it will also be handy if you need to find the tools to fix something in your home. But before organizing your tools, you’re going to have to make sure you have the tools you need in your shed in your shed. 

Hand Tools

These are the tools that will be used without any electricity or other source of power. These tools are usually needed for simple repairs around the home. There are a number of them that are essential to have on hand and they are:

  1. Hammer – One of the most well-known tools. It drives and removes nails and is very useful for DIY furniture. In addition, it also practical for home needs like driving nails for frames or repairing a broken door or cabinet.
  2. Screwdrivers – They are also one of the well-known tools and frequently used for home repairs. There are many kinds of them, but the two most basic are the flat-head, the one with a single slot on top, and the Philips, the one with a small cross in the middle. Having multiple sets of screwdrivers will be convenient for different kinds of home repairs.
  3. Pliers – A tool used for holding objects. There are different types of pliers and are used for different purposes but mostly for electronics and bending. The most common types are the long nose, needle nose, slip-joint, channel lock, and a vice grip.
  4. Wrench – A tool used for tightening bolts and nuts. It is a well-known tool for plumbing but can also be for mechanical uses such as cars.
  5. Measuring Tools – Tools such as measuring tapes, rulers, and levels are helpful so that you know your components or appliances are going to be in the right size.

Power Tools

As the name suggests, these are the tools that are used with power or electricity. There are a lot of them, but there are just a few that you might really need.

  1. Drill – Drills are said to be the most useful tool. They are a very handy and can be used for plotting holes for nails and screws. It is also used for driving screws.
  2. Saw – The most basic is the handsaw , which is not a power tool and is great for small cutting jobs. But if you are looking for something that will be used for cutting larger pieces of wood, a power saw will be great for that. The most basic of them is the circular saw and is known to be really versatile.
  3. Air Compressor– An air compressor is very useful for powering up your power tools and is also great for providing a compresser air supply. In addition to that, it can also be used for other things like inflating the tire of your car or ball or pool floaters.

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What To Make For A Thanksgiving Potluck

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It is fall. You can feel it with the changing of the temperature. You can also see it with all the seasonal products that are sold in stores whether it be flavors of coffee and pastries or displays and decors for the upcoming holidays. 

One of those anticipated holidays is Thanksgiving. It is the time wherein family and friends gather together to give their gratitude. And of course, with this gathering, there will be food (lots of it). There are people that host it and invite family and some of the friends. But there are also some that do not have the time to do all the cooking and the solution for that is to invite guests and have their own share.

If you are one that got an invite for this, here are tips on what you will bring:

1. Something Easy

One of the reasons why you might not host a Thanksgiving dinner yourself is because of busyness. Going to a potluck is a nice way for you to not be pressured and stressed in cooking yet still giving a share. With your busyness, you might want to do something easy. You can do some salads or other appetizers such as soup and finger food. There are also desserts that are easy to do. It does not also mean you will have to only bring food. You can also bring in drinks that are either pre-made or something you mix yourself.

2. Something Light

If you are not the one hosting the dinner, you might want to bring something that is not that heavy on the stomach. Because in this case, the host might be the one who gets to prepare the heavier ones or the main course unless you were requested for something. Also, another thing to keep in mind is that there will surely be a lot of food, so it would be nice to have something that will not make you and other guests not too full and can still try other food. 

If you will need to travel a long distance and also has a problem with transportation then another definition for something light is having something easy to carry. 

3. Something Seasonal

Because it is autumn, there are flavors and products that are available this season. Because of that, it will be a lot easier for you to get them and also to have ideas about what you will prepare. What is also great is that they can be desserts, appetizers, drinks, and even sides for the main course. The most popular would be pumpkins, and they have can be a soup or a pie. Another is apple which can be either for pie or you can come up with a drink with it. With this food available, you will not be stressed out in preparing.

4. Something Tasty

Of course, even with the variety of food available, you will need to have something that is delicious and memorable. With that, even in a small way, you will make an impact through their taste buds and stomach. 

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How To Host A Dinner Party In A Small Apartment

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A great way to spend time with friends or family is through food. You will be able to catch up and exchange stories really well with food as your company. That is why many would go out to restaurants or any other food places to eat and hangout. A great alternative would be doing it in a home. That way, it will be cheaper and also cozier than a public place.

It would be a hassle if your home is small and seems to have no space for it. But it can be possible, and here are some solutions you can do:

1. Rearrange the Furniture

One of the solutions is to make space for your guests. You can achieve this by rearranging your furniture. Keep in mind that this will be temporary, so do not worry about it much. The one thing you should think about is how will your guests fit in your room? You can repurpose some of your furniture. Some of your tables can serve as food tables. You can also move some of the furniture in other rooms for the meantime. You can also rearrange your seats on the side so that there will be more space and mobility.

2. Think About the Decor

Just because you do not have enough space does not mean you will not make your home look good. You are going to rearrange your furniture, why not take advantage of it? You can have a theme and can even use it as a reason to not use a table or even seats. Lights can also improve the mood of the party. You can have those mood lighting that will also help have their attention away from the lack of space.

3. Choose Food Wisely

Because of the lack of space, it would be better to have the food served in buffet-style. This way, you will not have problems with space for the dinner table. Your guests will also easily mingle this way. But of course, the food should be easily served and also easy to be eaten with minimal utensils. Finger foods are one of the best examples of this, so it is a must-have for the party. They are not only good as appetizers, but the main course can also be cut into parts too. Tacos and burgers are also examples that can be served and eaten easily. This is also the same for your drinks. Make sure to have something that is ready.

4. Just Relax

Hosting a party is really a hard job. But always remember your reason for throwing it in the first place, and that is to have fun. There might be imperfections such as food or drinks being not enough or some spillage, but do not worry about that. Instead, enjoy your time with your friends. Remember that it is all about making memories and catching up. And if you want your guests to enjoy, you should too and do not miss out because of the busyness.

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How To Install An Electric Fireplace In Your Wall

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A house will be called a home if it is a place where you will feel warm, cozy, and relaxed. Surely, it will be your company. But it is not only that, but it is also how you will make it. One of the elements for that to be done is how you will decorate your house. You can decorate it according to your personality and what you feel is right for you. 

This also includes what you will add to your home. For example, if you love music, you will have a lot of musical instruments for sure. If you are into movies or would love to watch shows with the full experience, you might invest in a big-screen TV and sound system. Then if you are into reading, you might have a library full of books. It is all about your interest and things that you find joy with.

A fireplace is also a great addition for your house to be cozier not only for you but also for your guests. What is great is that you will not need to have a gas line to have one. Now, you can have an electrical one and an added bonus is that it is cheaper and also easy to install.

So, what does it take to have and install an electric fireplace?

1. Find the Ideal One

It is not only according to your likes but also considers what will be compatible in your house. You can ask for help or suggestions with this. You can also look for reviews and see if they are good at your home.

2. Choose the Space

After choosing the right one, you will need to have space. It will be really handy if you have it near a power outlet, so you will not need an extension or installing a new one. Make sure that space is also not a fire hazard and also away from direct sunlight and overhead lighting.

3. Prepare the Tools

You will need to have the right tools for this. They are mostly basic tools such as a Phillips screwdriver, hammer, drill, and pliers. You will also need level and measuring tape for accuracy. You might also need a ladder so that your arms will not strain if it gets quite high.

4. Install the Bracket

The first you will install is the bracket. It is the one that will hold the fireplace, so make sure that it will be really secure and stable and make sure that it is not loose.

5. Attach the Fireplace

After installing the bracket, attach the fireplace into it. Make sure that it is secure. Check if it is stable enough to be not pulled away from the wall or will not fall down.

6. Test and Enjoy

Then it is time to use your fireplace. Have its test run and know that it really works and if it does heat your room well. If it has other features, know about them, so you will have the full experience of your fireplace.

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How To Stop Furniture From Sliding on Wood Floors

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One of the most infuriating things to do in your home is keeping them in place. It could be either be maintenance or just keeping them in order.

Furniture sliding is one of those things. Not only it kept things out of order, and you will need to arrange it every time. It also gives your floor some scratches. Because of that, it will be a hassle to remove those scratches every time, and there will be an eventual time that it will be permanently damaged which is more expensive to fix.

There is a simple solution for this though, and the great news is that it is not costly and can easily be done.

1. Area Rug

This will be the easiest solution. You will just need to place them underneath a table or seats. The great thing about this also serves as decor for your room. Have something that is large enough to accommodate the whole room or it might look awkward when some of the furniture is not covered. 

2. Rubber Pad

If you are into DIY, you can definitely do one yourself. It is easy and also cheap. All you will need is a rubber pad. You can but this in hardware. It is even a variety available online. After you have it, cut it in a circle or square and make sure that it is a bit larger than the legs. You can adhere to it by putting a double-sided tape for each. The problem with this though is that they are visible from afar, so you might need to make it work for your decor aesthetic.

3. Furniture Gripper

These are the ready-made grippers you can purchase. Just like the rubber pads, you will need to resize them to fit. These grippers already have adhesive and after you put them, you will need to apply some pressure for it to be firmly secured. It is said to be not a nice choice for dining chairs because it does not attach permanently and would be a hassle to put it every time.

4. Stop Blocks

These are more expensive than rubber pads or even furniture grippers, but it is also a good alternative. This is especially effective for those large pieces of furniture.

5. Felt Pads

Felt pads are also a great alternative. They are also quite similar to the furniture gripper and even the rubber pads. They are not that effective when it comes to stopping the sliding though but can definitely protect your flooring, so this will be a better use for corner tables or any other furniture that is not used much.

6. Rubber Drawer Liner

This is another alternative you can have. You can also definitely cut them in a small size. They are more effective than felt pads but the problem is that it does not last for a long while. So just like felt pads, they would have better opted for pieces of furniture that are not used much.

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How To Clean Suede Furniture

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Nothing is more satisfying than having a piece of furniture that is not only good to look at but is also comfortable and gives you a great feeling. You would want to stay there forever especially after a busy and long day. 

One of the hassles is cleaning it up. Surely, it has to be dusted and cleaned regularly. But there are also things that are unexpected such as food spillage. Then it is also a different story if you have pets or kids.

Suede is a material that is pleasing for the eye and also feels good to be rested on. But as said before, cleaning will be a hassle, and the suede is one of the more challenging ones. It is very important to maintain a suede not only to make it look good but also to lengthen its manner. 

Depending on your furniture’s situation, you will clean your suede furniture in different ways.

1. Vacuum

This is one of the ways to maintain your furniture. If there are some movie nights or some guests over, there will surely be crumbs that will be left. Even if that is not the case, everyday dust and dirt will be stuck. This is most relevant if you have pets. It is a big part of them to shed and their fur will surely be caught up with the suede. For this reason, it is important to vacuum your suede furniture regularly. It will be handy if your vacuum has an upholstery attachment because it will be a lot easier.

2. Use a Solution

It will be different if your furniture managed to have stains. One of the ways to easily remove it is if it is still fresh and wet. So if something spilled, you will have to take action right away. You will not really need any solution to this. You will just need something to absorb it like a cloth then wipe the remaining with a damp cloth. But if it does not go away, you can apply a solution to it. You could either use something bought but you could just simply use rubbing alcohol.

If you are dealing with old stains though, it will be trickier. One of the solutions is using an eraser. There are available special erasers for suede, but an ordinary office or school eraser works out just fine.

3. Brush

Another factor for the maintenance of suede is brushing it. This will be done regularly and also right after cleaning a stain. The reason for this is to remove more dirt and also for restoration. The kind of brush you will use is not the same as you use for your hair. Instead, you will use something that is made with soft bristles. To brush it, you will need to do it in circular motions and gently. This will soften the material. The pressure is needed more for the part that recently has the stain removed. This will especially be needed if you have a pet in your home to remove their fur.

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How to Tear Down A Wall In Your House

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There are times that you would just like to have something new so that things will be not boring or repetitive. That includes your home. You would like to change things up like redecorating or clearing rooms for purposes or just simply adding up some things.

Then there will be times that you would want to add more space to a room. The question would be how to that on a budget? It will surely be expensive to call a contractor to build one. A great solution would be tearing down the wall which is a bit less than building another one.

Demolishing a wall sounds like it is a hard task to do, and it will indeed need some planning to do. Here are the factors you will need to do:

1. Inspect the Wall

You would need to inspect the wall first if it is good for demolition. The first thing you will need to inspect is if it is load-bearing which means a wall that holds up the structure of your home. It will surely affect the foundation of your home if it will be torn down. You can ask for some help with this via an engineer or an architect. If it does, it does not mean you cannot proceed, but it might cost you because there might be a need for some working in it. 

Another thing to check if there is an electrical outlet that you will need to have an electrician’s help.

2. Gather the Tools

Then before doing the demolition, you should make sure that you have the right tools on hand or else it might be more challenging as it will be. There are various tools you will need to have for this.

3. Prepare for Demolition

Before anything, you will need to prepare first. That includes protecting the surroundings. You will need to cover up the floors, vents, and windows. This is for easier cleanup and also to protect them from debris.

Clothing is also important for your protection. You will need to wear pants and sturdy shoes. You will also need goggles, mask, and gloves. It will also be easier if you will have someone to help you.

4. Do the Demolition

Once all the preparation is done, it is time to tear down the wall. The first thing to do is to outline what you will be removed then cut it. After that, use your sledgehammer to start a hole then remove the studs. If there is insulation, remove it and then, repeat the process. 

5. Take Out Plates and Studs

After the drywall is gone, you will need to remove the studs. You can cut it with a reciprocating saw then pull it out. After removing the studs, it is time to remove the plates.

6. Fix the Floor and Ceiling

Because the wall has been removed, there will surely be holes in the floor and ceiling. Patch the ceiling with wood strips then apply some sealer. As for the floor, that will depend. If it is carpeted or with linoleum, you will need to have the match and patch it. It will be harder if it is hardwood, so you might consider calling a professional for that.

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Furniture That Works Well In Small Spaces

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Are you living in a small apartment or house that has little space? No need to worry about it. After all, living in small spaces seems to be a growing trend. There are also certain situations that call us to be minimalistic, and it’s good to make the best of what you have. It’s not something to be anxious about though, as there are now so many solutions for creatively maximizing the space that you have to work with. Let’s discuss some of the pieces of furniture that will work very well in small spaces.

1. Ottoman with Storage

Do you need an extra seat? How about a little bit of extra storage? An ottoman with a built-in drawer is truly the best of both worlds when comes to satisfying these needs. It could be a place where you can store your magazines and your children’s toys, or perhaps even some of your clothes. The good thing about an ottoman is that the storage space it provides doesn’t have to be obvious. A nice design will just look like an ordinary seat. You’re also not limited to using it as a seat, it can also serve as a footstool, a table, or even as an extension of a couch for a makeshift bed. 

2. Futon

Another type of furniture that is both functional and conducive to small living spaces the futon. At first glance it is a couch, but it can also be turned into a bed, much like a sofa bed. The difference is that a futon is usually cheaper and easier to convert back and forth. This versatile piece of furniture can be your bed if your bedroom is small and you need to make most of the space. It could also be in other places in your home instead of a couch. It could go great in your living room so that if you have your family or friends over, you will not have a problem with extra mattresses and lack of space.

3. Storage Coffee Table

It is good to know that there are many pieces of furniture that are not only used for the room to look good but also functional. Having a coffee table with extra storage can be a good addition for making your home less cluttered. The best part is that it can be really convenient for keeping commonly-used items, like TV remotes, reference books, blankets, you name it.

4. Folding Table

Tables are one of the types of furniture that are often used, whether it’s for eating or working. A folding table is handy for entertaining guests. It can also be used as a working area then folded and tucked away when not in use. 

5. Folding Chair 

Having extra chairs that are foldable is another great addition for homes with small spaces. They can either be used as an extra seat for visitors or folded and stowed away when the room gets too crowded. Folding chairs can be used in conjunction with the folding table, or simply stand alone as an extra chair in the dining area.

6. Floor Pillow

As the inhabitant of a small space you know it can be hard for accommodating many guests as you can quickly run out of seating options to offer them. Having a floor pillow can be a great solution and it will definitely help alleviate the lack of space for chairs. It is also a good way for the guests to feel be comfortable and at home.

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