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So I've fallen in love with this etsy shop - Homestyle Handcrafts.  Everything is so gorgeous and there are so many different items to choose from.  

As you can see above, my flower arrangement is just beautiful in our sunporch.  It's a great centerpiece and it's so low maintenance because obvious it's faux.   I can't believe the craftsmanship in this piece. 

But that't not all.

Check out this beautiful Animal Drinking Fountain! Isn't it beautiful? There are several to choose from!  I seriously can't get over how unique and adorable these are especially because owls make such a gorgeous piece of decor in practically any home!

And of course there are dish cloths and pot scrubbers that are not only high quality but very stylish!

And for those of you with an e-reader, look no further for a stylish case!


Be sure you head over now and see what you could get for yourself or to give as gifts to friends and family.  

 

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Don't Panic! Deal With Water Damage In The Home With This Advice

It’s easy to panic when there is water damage inside your property. Whether it is because of burst pipes or down to the weather, it can be frustrating when the water damage ruins your home. It can get worse if you don’t deal with it straight away. Here is some advice on how to deal with water damage in the home.

        https://pixabay.com/en/dilapidated-room-house-disrepair-983952/

Call your home insurance

One piece of advice we can give you for dealing with water damage in the home is that you should call your home insurance straight away. Explain to them what has happened, and they will be able to tell you what to do next. You will have to pay an excess fee if you do claim for damages on your insurance. But it might be cheaper than having to pay for a company to come and sort it.

                    Pixabay

Call a restoration company

Another piece of advice you need for dealing with the water damage in the home is that you should call a restoration company. They will be able to come out and prevent your home from further damage. They will restore the home and repair any broken fixtures and appliances. You can find many companies online or in your local area who deal with Water Damage and Mold Remediation. Ask them for a quote so that you know you are getting a good deal.

Sort through the damage

You should also make sure you sort through the damage, so you know what needs to be replaced and thrown away. You should check the flooring and carpet first to see how much damage has been done. As this article explains, the best way to remove carpet after it’s been saturated is to cut it into sections, roll it up, and then remove the carpet pad too. Don’t forget to check the cabinets and the furniture too. You may need to hire a dumpster to come and remove all your damaged belongings. Just make sure you take pictures of the damaged items for evidence for the insurance.

Turn off the power in your home

Another thing you should do when there is water damage in your home is to shut down the power straight away. It’s not safe to leave the electricity and gas on if there is water in your home. Be wary though; if you have to stand in water to turn off the electric, it might be safer to get an electrician to come out and turn it off.

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Mop up the water and dry out the area

You should also make sure you mop up the water when there is water damage in your home. Use a mop and towels to remove the water from your home. You may want to put it down the drain to remove the water safely. As this feature reveals, once the water has gone, you need to dry out the area with fans and a dehumidifier. You should also open the windows to ensure it dries faster. You can then make efforts to disinfect the area and apply a solution to stop mold from growing.

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Here are some other ways to protect your home to keep it safe and looking great.

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Turn The Worst House On The Block Into The Best With These Simple Hacks

Is your property is getting a lot of attention for all the wrong reasons? It could be time for an exterior makeover. Perhaps your house has been vacant for a while? New owners often have a lot of work to do to bring the exterior of the property up to standard. After all, you don’t want your home to stick out like a sore thumb! If your neighborhood looks great but your house doesn’t, try these simple hacks to turn your place into the most attractive on the street:

Clean

Getting the building and walls clean can be a big job. Houses that have been vacant for a while can become victims of vandalism and graffiti. If you have unwanted paint on your walls, have a look at this page to see how to remove it easily. Wooden siding and fascias may need to be stripped back so they can be repainted. It’s worth doing this to check the wood is still in good condition and not rotten. Any PVC can often be hosed down with a soapy water solution for a good finish.

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Windows will also need a good clean. Of course, if they’re dirty on the inside, you’ll need to tackle both. Your path and porch may be stained or moss-covered. Try a good power washer to spruce them up again. You may need to get a wire scrubbing brush to and plant covered concrete. If the concrete is worn or damaged, now could be a good time to have it repaved or resin bonded.

Doors

Your garage and front door should be in good condition. These both need to be secure to keep your family safe. If they’re reaching the end of their useful life, it could be worth replacing them. Look for doors that match in style and color to give your home a fresh new look. You might want to match them to the window frames. Or you may choose something vibrant and contemporary to make your neighbors envious!

Roof and Guttering

Your roof should be in great condition to be certain the weather won’t get in. Clear out the gutters so that your brick work or rendering won’t suffer from water damage when it rains. Paint the guttering. Or you could replace it with maintenance-free plastic guttering. This could help give your property a face lift. Think about installing attractive solar-powered lights. Placing them underneath the guttering can light your home in the evenings. This can be very attractive and also provides added security.

Boundary

Something as simple as clearly defining your boundary can make an enormous difference to your curb appeal. Use brick walling or fencing to secure your perimeter with style. More and more people are using hedges or shrubbery. This will require regular tending and maintenance to keep it looking neat, tidy and attractive. Iron railings can be a very stylish addition to the perimeter of your home. These will need repainting about once every five years. Wooden fencing will need treating and painting annually.

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Garbage

If you can’t keep your garbage containers store around the back of the property, consider creating a little enclosure for them. Something as simple as a little fenced-off area can conceal these ugly containers. Be sure to bring them back from the curb side once they have been emptied, so they’re not a nuisance on the street. If the wind catches any trash and deposits it on your property, it’s best to tidy it up straight away. It can be hazardous as well as unattractive.

Trees

Not everybody wants trees near their properties. Roots can penetrate the foundations of your house. However, small, harmless trees can make your property very attractive. They also supply an extra degree of privacy and a little shading in the summer. Leaves will fall, and blossoms may pile up as the seasons change. Collecting them up each weekend for your compost could be a good way to keep your exterior looking tidy.

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Shrubs and Planting

Colorful flowers and planting can really brighten up a property. Try to keep your lawn short and green. You may need to harvest rainwater for this. If you’re not keen on weeding or gardening, keep flower planting in pots that can be moved around and swapped out. Shrubs will grow and spread so will need regular trimming as the seasons change. But they are ideal for bringing color, shape, and texture to the front of your property. Use them as borders for your lawn.

Landscaping and tidying the grounds of your property can create a beautiful look from the curb. Give your home a little extra TLC this season to create the best-looking property on the block. 

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Gettin' Fresh with Summer's Eve [ & A Giveaway]

The information, products, gift card, and giveaway have been provided to me by Summer's Eve.  All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Summer is full of heat, humidity, sweat, and stink.  It really is.  So I'm going to just get right down to my main point of this post - being a woman in the summer can be extremely difficult.  There are so many rules.... don't wear a wet bikini, don't let your legs chafe, don't wear makeup that will run when you sweat.  Good lord, is there anything that we CAN do?  One of my nightmare moments happened a few years ago when I was literally on a hike and just drenched in sweat.  I mean I was soaked.  By the time I got home I was itchy and irritated "down there" and I just felt disgusting all over.  Man oh man, I could have used Summer’s Eve® then.  Speaking of Summer’s Eve®...  they have a full personal care lineup dedicated to helping you feel fresh all the time no matter where you go or what you're doing. 

Their products are specially formulated for the vaginal area which is one of the body's most sensitive areas.   Summer’s Eve® helps cleanse away odor-causing bacteria and their products are clinically and gynecologist tested for safety.  It's so important to maintain a healthy pH and the gentle formulas in Summer’s Eve® products won't irritate your sensitive skin because they are alcohol-free and hypoallergenic. 

Summer’s Eve® products are a staple in my home these days.  Let's take a look....

Summer’s Eve® Cleansing Cloths are perfect for when I'm on the go.  Each one is individually wrapped and comes in amazing scents like Island Splash, Sheer Floral, and Simply Sensitive and you have the option of purchasing either 16 or 32 count packs.  These are great after the gym when you need to freshen up before you run errands.  Big presentation at work?  No problem... freshen up before and after!

Summer’s Eve® Cleansing Wash comes in scents like Simply Sensitive, Morning Pradise, Island Splash, and Delicate Blossom.  It's so refreshing and is great in the shower after a long and exhausting day.

Summer’s Eve® Night-time Cleansing Cloths are great for a touch up before you get into bed for the night. They keep me so fresh and the soft pack is great for in your nightstand.  I don't know what I'd do without these now.

Now for the giveaway....   I'm giving away one prize pack to one person that will include:
(1) pack of Summer’s Eve® Cleansing Cloths in Sheer Floral
(1) Summer’s Eve® Cleansing Wash in Aloe (15 oz.)
(1) Summer’s Eve® Cleansing Wash in Sensitive Wash (9 oz.) (1) pack of Summer’s Eve® Night-time Cleansing Cloths (32-count soft pack)



a Rafflecopter giveaway

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I Painted Stella!

Sunday night I went to Paint & Create for their Pet Paint Nite to complete the final of my 4 pup paintings.  


So my wall of doggies is finally complete.....

So when you start, the dog is sketched out for you already...

Stella was by far the hardest because I wanted to get every little detail of her fur.

 

I am so proud of my work but I'm also so glad I've completed the set! Also keep Stella in your thoughts on Friday because she goes in for a dental cleaning!

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You Can Grow Veggies From A Can

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First of all, I'm not making this up... you can really grow things from a can.    It's called Garden-In-A-Can and it's a really rewarding little venture!

I chose basil and sage.  

It was really cool because you literally just pull the tab on the top of the can, just like opening a can of beans or something!

There was a little seed packet inside each can.  

The back of the packet has the instructions. Basically you add water with 1/2 cup and then plant the seeds. 

The instructions are super easy!

Then you just need to place the can in a warm sunny spot.

It's great for a screened in porch or a window sill.

I had little sprouts coming up within a few days!

It was so cool to watch them grow.  Look at what they've become. 

This is such a great idea as a gift for someone who is a new homeowner, likes to cook, or doesn't have space for a big garden!

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