Do you have too many clothes that you want to hang dry but don’t have a good place to do it? This issue can easily be resolved with Closet & Storage Concept’s custom hanging rods. Our hanging rods can be designed to rest in a position that does not take up any extra space and compliments your surrounding designs. Whenever the time comes to hang dry some clothes, just pull the hanging rod from the wall and enjoy the luxury of utilizing your vertical space.
All of our storage solutions can be a great addition to any home but can be especially beneficial if you’re tight on space. If your home does not have a laundry room but you still need a place for it, our solutions can elevate your home to a level you never thought possible. We can utilize your available space and create the best combination of cabinets, cubbies, hanging rods, and more to give you the best laundry experience possible.
Don’t limit yourself to a basic laundry room! Allow us to enhance your functionality and style while you enjoy the benefits of a well-organized and beautiful space. Contact Closet & Storage Concepts today to schedule a free consultation and find the best fit for your home.
The post Creating The Perfect Laundry Room appeared first on Closet & Storage Concepts.
]]>Got a big collection of books? I do. While I love to read, I can't say I feel the same way about how my bookshelf looks. We just bought it a few years back and despite my craftiness, I haven’t been able to spruce it up, until lately, when I’ve been seeing #shelfies all over Instagram and found them so adorable! If you’re looking for ideas and inspiration, I’ve rounded up the best shelf ideas on the web!
On a roll? Your bookshelf can do the same too. Recreate this easy DIY rolling bookshelf (which is a very easy project with this step-by-step tutorial) and save on a storage piece furniture while adding an attractive decor factor to your living room. It’s great for displaying some beautiful vignettes and using as storage.
Having a decent bookshelf close to the headboard is definitely a functional thought so you can forever do away with that annoying scenario when you're already comfortably tucked in bed, only to realize you don't have your book with you.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BSjjh1GD70b/
How many inactive skateboards are collecting dust in your garage? In order for you to have a functional skateboard bookshelf, you will need to have two or more skateboard. But as they say the more the merrier, you'll have plenty of shelves to hold your books.
Want a bookshelf that will catch an eye? This upside-down bookshelf will surely give you just that! Don’t worry, this is just a nifty illusion. No gravity laws has been altered, so pretty doable.
This is a pretty easy-to-follow tutorial for a built-in shelving unit. Once you're done with the structure, you can use your creativity to fill it with some colors and textures.
Looks intimidating? Worry not, this DIY antique ladder shelf does not need a ton of DIY skills. Simply install L-brackets to your empty wall, secure your wooden ladder, and then you can get creative in arranging your books.
A little handiwork is needed (drilling and measuring) but your hard work will definitely pay off. You'll have a sturdy shelf that can hold any of your books or knick-knacks.
In general, bookshelves rest on the floor, but this one is confidently hanging from the ceiling. I guess you would worry about banging into them and knocking your books to the floor, however with a little pressure on the ropes, you'll minimize the hassle.
Who would not want a trendy creation? This bookshelf tree is Pinterest-worthy. The purple color is really beautiful, but you can definitely change it to match the color of your room.
Upcycle drawers from old dressers you salvaged from on the sidewalk, or from thrift stores, into boxes you can simply set up on your wall. This can be a wonderful French cleat aspirant.
Got crates? Upcycle them into your very own bookshelf. This adorable rustic bookshelf is fun, easy, and relatively quick to complete from a couple of unfinished wooden crates.
Don't just settle for a plain bookshelf wall, design your own bookshelf lining and have fun with it. You’ll just need a couple of minutes and little to no skill for this DIY project, but the result is a conversation piece you'll be proud of.
It is essential to instill the importance of reading to our young ones and one way to do that is to engage them through beautiful cover art. Make this DIY book nook for the kiddos and help them choose a book in a snap.
Fancy to have an invisible bookshelf? Learn how to make it in this video from Kay Okay Vlog:
Making a bookshelf is a fairly easy woodworking project you can get done in just a day or two. Pick one of these DIY bookshelf ideas and round up those wayward books into a corner, to save some space and money. Who knows, maybe you can come up with a statement piece of furniture to uplift your home decor!
Which DIY bookshelf will you make this weekend? Let us know in the comments section below!
Time to dress up your bookshelf! Check out these 11 DIY bookends and use it to jazz up your bookshelf!
Stay connected with us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram!
Editor’s Note – This post was originally published in May 2016 and has been updated for quality and relevancy.
]]>We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs.
If you’ve ever found yourself rummaging through a mountain of mismatched food storage containers, you’ll agree that Tupperware sets are like the socks of a kitchen. You somehow always have too many, and yet never any perfect pairs. And instead of going MIA in the dryer, they disappear into the depths of your corner cabinets. We’re happy to let you know that your days spent searching for elusive plastic lids are over. Here, pro organizers and interior designers share their best Tupperware storage ideas to manage the mayhem for good.
Nothing beats the satisfaction of having four or five separate sets neatly stacked inside of each other in size order. You keep your cupboards looking decluttered without having to compromise on the amount of Tupperware you have. —Laura Price, founder, The Home Organisation
Since these are typically everyday items, we recommend storing them in easy-to-access lower cabinets. There’s nothing worse than having to rifle overhead for what you need or risk a waterfall of containers falling on your head. If you’re storing in a drawer, use little boxes or drawer dividers to separate your lids and bases. If you’re using shelves, consider installing a glider insert so you don’t have to dig in the back. —Jennifer Verruto, founder and CEO, Blythe Interiors
The golden rule of storing Tupperware is to never put a container back in the cupboard without a top on it. It’s nature’s great mystery as to how they manage to lose their lids, but they do. A lot. Store them as a complete set so you never have to worry about mismatched pieces clogging up your cupboards. —Laura Price
One of the easiest ways to keep containers organized is to store them stacked in a drawer or cabinet with the lids on, but if you don’t have the room to stack, nest the containers inside one another, and line up the corresponding lids right next to the bottoms. If you’re really tight on space, I recommend getting a nesting set with lids like this. —Amy Berryhill, founder, Spiffy Chicks
Store smaller pieces, particularly sauce and dressing containers, in a small basket at the front [of the cabinet]. This way you never run the risk of losing the little ones in the abyss of the cupboard. —Laura Price
Inevitably, a lid will get separated from its bottom, but that doesn’t mean you have to toss it! Tupperware bases become great bath toys, craft storage, or under-the-counter toiletry organizers. One of our favorite uses for extra lids is as furniture movers. Place them underneath the leg of something that needs to be moved to prevent the legs from scratching your floors. —Jennifer Verruto
The post 6 Clever Tupperware Storage Ideas to Keep Your Cabinets in Check appeared first on domino.
]]>Here’s everything you need to know about storing carrots and celery the right way to get the best results and avoid food waste and save money.
Baby carrots are notorious for drying out. To keep the carrots crunchy and moist, here’s how to store them for a few weeks…
There are various methods, from the moist sand method to using a root cellar (a basement space, which is great for long term food storage).
But my preferred method is to use the plastic bag method. Using this method, carrots will last several months in the fridge. Yes, a short period of time, but unless you have a huge bushel of carrots and need long-term storage, this method works great.
Since peeled carrots no longer have a protective peel (which keeps them from drying out), here’s the best way to store them…
PS: This also works for storing unpeeled carrots, if you don’t want to use the bag method above.
The easy way to store whole celery is to…
There are so many different ways to use carrots. From a side dish to a snack. Here are a few of my favorite ways…
Celery also has many different uses. Here are a few of my favorites:
Yes, you can! But to preserve the nutrients when frozen, first cut the carrots, then blanch in boiling water for 2 minutes, then immeadiately submerge in a bowl of ice cold water. This will immeadiately stop the cooking, keeping the carrots crisp. Once cool, remove the carrots, dry off, then place on a sheet pan and freeze on a single layer (add parchment paper to the sheet pan first to keep carrots from sticking to the pan). Remove the carrots, once frozen, and add to a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 12 months. Here’s how to freeze carrots. Frozen carrots are best used for cooking; not eating raw.
You don’t need to blanch celery, like carrots, but you can if you want to preserve the flavor. If you choose to blanch the celery before freezing, follow the same instructions as the carrots. If not, arrange the cut (raw) celery on a sheet pan (line the sheet pan with parchment paper first), then freeze in a single layer. Once frozen, add the celery to a freezer bag and store in the freezer for up to 18 months! Here’s how to freeze celery. Frozen celery is best used for cooking; not eating raw.
Store cooked carrots just like any leftover. Place the carrots in an airtight container, then store in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or add to a saucepan with a bit of water on the stove-top.
Take a Peek Inside My Fridge: Take a tour of my fridge and see all my storage hacks for saving money and keeping produce fresh.
The post How to Fresh Store Carrots & Celery (Cut & Whole) appeared first on Live Simply.
]]>Say farewell to the chaos of clutter and embrace a serene and organized living space with our expert decluttering tips. Discover 10 quick and easy places to start decluttering that will kick-start your journey toward a clutter-free life. Let’s get started!
The best place to start decluttering is always with SUE: small, unemotional, and easy categories or spaces. Starting with SUE spaces will help you build momentum during the decluttering process and grow your decluttering muscles so you can eventually tackle even the hardest clutter. Keep reading to find out some of the best SUE spaces to start decluttering.
Begin your decluttering journey by tackling the easiest and fastest place to start – the trash. Empty those overflowing bins, dispose of expired items, and swiftly get rid of unnecessary paper clutter, freeing up valuable space instantly.
This common sorting mistake can completely derail your decluttering progress. Find out the mistake you’re probably making without realizing and what to do instead.
Sorting through your sock drawer may seem like a small task, but it’s a quick win in decluttering. Match up pairs, discard worn-out or mismatched socks, and neatly organize the remaining ones. You’ll not only save time searching for matching socks in the future but also create a tidier drawer.
Image Credit: Shutterstock.Refresh your underwear drawer by decluttering old or ill-fitting undergarments. Discard any worn-out or damaged items, and donate the ones you no longer wear or need. This simple act will streamline your morning routine and make selecting the perfect pair a breeze.
Take a few minutes to declutter the outside of your fridge, removing outdated magnets, old notes, and expired coupons. A clean and clutter-free fridge surface instantly brings a sense of order to your kitchen and creates a more inviting atmosphere.
It’s no secret that many people are looking for any way to declutter their lives, and for most, that starts with their homes. There are countless methods to declutter, organize, and embrace a minimalist lifestyle, but not all are respected by the general public. Recently, decluttering experts met in an online discussion to reveal the trends they wish would go away forever.
Streamline your meal preparation by decluttering your utensil drawer. Remove any duplicates or utensils you rarely use, keeping only the essential ones. Arrange them neatly and enjoy the ease of finding the right tool for your culinary adventures.
Clear out the clutter in your mug collection by letting go of the ones you rarely use or have accumulated over time. Donate or repurpose them, keeping only the mugs that truly bring you joy. Your cupboard will have more space, and your morning coffee routine will be simplified.
It’s true! Asking yourself this one question could be keeping your home cluttered. Learn what that question is and how simply rewording it can mean the difference between struggling with clutter and finally becoming clutter-free:
Tackle the infamous junk drawer, filled with random odds and ends. Dedicate a few minutes to sorting through its contents, discarding expired items, organizing loose items into designated containers, and reclaiming the functionality of this often-neglected space.
Start and end your day with a clutter-free mind by decluttering the top of your nightstand. Clear away any accumulated items, return them to their proper places, or find new storage solutions. Creating a serene and organized space will enhance your sleep quality and morning routine.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by stuff and wondering how to purge your home, we’ve got you covered. Starting to declutter and simplify your life doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Promise! Here are 10 easy ways to get started and create a happy, organized life.
Reclaim your bathroom counter by decluttering unnecessary items such as expired beauty products, old medications, or unused toiletries. Keep only the essentials neatly displayed, making your morning and evening rituals more efficient and enjoyable.
Take control of your writing implements by decluttering your pen and marker collection. Discard dried-out or non-functional ones, and keep only the ones you regularly use. An organized and efficient pen collection will make writing tasks a breeze.
This article was produced and syndicated by Happy Organized Life.
The post Get Clutter Under Control: 10 Quick and Painless Places to Start Decluttering appeared first on Happy Organized Life.
]]>This online community is home to 2.3 million members who are always ready to help people identify the mysterious objects they found.
The gig is simple: someone uploads a photo of whatever it is they want the name of, and the gang starts commenting under it, offering their input until, inevitably, a person shows up who knows exactly what it is.
However, even if you're not posting anything, scrolling through their solved cases feels like an interesting challenge, where you can test (and expand) your own knowledge. So we invite you to do just that!
Answer: It's a magazine rack installed upside down because people decorating Airbnb's don't know what they're doing.
Image credits: mmay_a
Answer: This setup prevents Muslims from having to lift our legs up dangerously high while trying to stick our feet in the sink one at a time. The alternative to that is we have to take a handful of water and pour it onto our feet below the sink causing the floor to get wet. Muslims also have to keep their feet clean before praying, which is obviously problematic in a bathroom where everyone pisses on the floor and walks with their shoes between the stalls and the sink, so you might see them trying to keep one shoe on while washing the other foot and then switching. It’s also why we take our shoes off before praying and use prayer rugs to avoid touching unclean things while praying.
Image credits: atomicdragon136
Answer: They look like silkworm cocoons.
Image credits: loveofGod12345
Answer: Steel "soap" bar. Removes odors like onion from ur hands when u wash with it by just adding a strong steel odor on top.
Image credits: inzombiac
Answer: It's a place to rest your beer while you play cards.
Image credits: One_Has_Lepers
Answer: A Himalayan Calendar. The outer ring as 12 balls, each corresponding to a month. The next two rings have a tens and ones digit. The tens has three balls for up to the 31st, and the next has nine balls, for 0 to 9. And then four rings for the year, up to 9999.
Image credits: Oxfordcommapreacher
Answer: Micro plastic particles. Probably to show how Nike helps to clean up our planet. Greenwashing at best.
Image credits: tsirs
Answer: Looks like a page spreader for reading. Point end goes into the spine and thumb in hole so you can one hand books easy.
Image credits: Karljoneill
Answer: Cabbage sliced for making sauerkraut.
Image credits: Interesting_Usual882
Answer: It's whale sick get it checked it could be worth thousands a kg. It's an ingredient used in high end perfumes.
Image credits: Swimming_Sea964
Answer: My wife says horse hoof cleaning tool, and she's a major horse gal. Also, burying an iron object within the foundation of a home was once considered good luck.
Image credits: StarsSuck
Answer: They can be used to avoid chairs scratching your floors. So they are socks, but for chairs rather than humans.
Image credits: InevitableDevice2182
Answer: You hang weights on chains to power mechanical cuckoo clocks. One powers the clock mechanism, and the other powers the cuckoo. The weight turns gears in the mechanism as the chain drops. To wind the clock, you pull on the other end of the chain and bring the weight back up, and the same for the chain that powers the cuckoo.
Image credits: reddit.com
Answer: Probably a horse. The bottom is the sire and dam.
Image credits: Wequiwa
Answer: It's a butter curler, for making fancy bits of butter.
Image credits: Curious-Creation
Answer: Terra cotta sugar saver. You put it in with your brown sugar to keep it from clumping or drying out in storage.
Image credits: potatochild001
Answer: It's actually a purse. There's space in there for some coins for bus/cab fare, some powder makeup (behind the little door), and calling cards.
Image credits: didilamour
Answer: It's an early 19th C Gaslamp. The gas is piped up the pole, and a copper pipe would have extended into the glass lamp house, which fitted into the hoop.
Image credits: scientificdramatist
Answer: HPDFCU Ultrasonic Animal Deterrent.
Image credits: BloodyBender
Answer: It’s a lamp. It’s literally an oil lamp, to be used to create light. The wick goes in the spout. The oil goes in the belly. You light the wick and a flame will burn on the end of the spout like a little candle, and you can carry your lantern around with you.
Image credits: FlaxxtotheMaxx
Answer: Telephone dialer. You put the ball end in the desired number of the phone dial instead of your finger tip and used it to turn the dial.
Image credits: boneyheimer
Answer: Anti-wolf collar for sheepdogs.
Image credits: delilahgabj
Answer: These are pretty much radiators that were filled with embers and/or hot stones when needed.
Image credits: Shadow_F3r4L
Answer: This is a mushroom growing in the ceiling and is likely the result of water damage from the floor above.
Image credits: AFROSS
Answer: A cigarette lighter.
Image credits: junkshopper2000
Answer: A vintage spoon pendant used for illegal substances.
Image credits: tlmsmith
Answer: It is a cold box.
Image credits: reddit.com
Answer: It is a spoon designed to separate the fat from the sauce, called "cuillère dégraisseuse".
Image credits: bazoid
Answer: Boards that keep stray dogs from peeing on the door.
Image credits: GOBLINH8ER
Answer: It’s for the manufacturing of the product so that it can be turned while standing up.
Image credits: Eastern-East1476
Answer: Your mechanic is gonna want that back. It’s part of a lift.
Image credits: BlueFlames1723
Answer: "Black Money Scam". It's construction paper or similar, he was scammed to believe it was currency dyed to be smuggled and could be restored.
Image credits: sbs_str_9091
Answer: Linen press.
Image credits: boredaugust
Answer: It's a container for keeping herbs fresh in your refrigerator.
Image credits: Jahstar7
Answer: It is a Vasculum, a sturdy collection container used by botanists on field excursions in which plant specimens can be collected without damaging them.
Image credits: Valuable-Camera-7107
Answer: It’s a diver rescue marker, for ocean rescue. You release it to dye the water around you and even at night a blacklight can light it up.
Image credits: howitzer1
Answer: Part of an old telephone. The bell is for incoming calls. The crank is to buzz the operator to connect you to the other party.
Image credits: Radio-Groundbreaking
Answer: It's a chair, howdah style.
Image credits: ali_cat_
Answer: Immersion heater. The metal piece goes into a cup of water and heats it.
Image credits: Commercial_Wasabi_86
Answer: YVW Water Watchers! Initiative to remind children to conserve water when possible. This is insanely clever. The Hawthorne effect is when people behave differently when they know or feel like they’re being watched—choosing a healthier meal at lunch with your fit friends, or being more productive at work when you sit near the boss’s office.
Image credits: Johanso
Answer: It's a "claw" to help pull in fishing nets.
Image credits: machukahn
Answer: An old Beltone type hearing aid. There's a transistor in the tie clip, and it plugs into a cord for the hearing aid.
Image credits: badluckninja13
Answer: Carpenter Bee traps.
Image credits: redscarfdemon
Answer: This is a ULV mosquito adulticiding fogger.
Image credits: LibyanKing
Answer: Old septic tank.
Image credits: bbush721
Answer: Looks like the membrane from a kazoo.
Image credits: isabel_77
Answer: Wow, that's a blast from the past. It's for write protecting a 5.25" floppy disk.
It’s for making a single sided disk double sided.
Image credits: R_McN
Answer: Mirror guy here, there are lots of things related to the adhesive that can pull off or degrade the silver backing, including: forceful detachment of the adhesive which pulls off the silver, using an acid curing adhesive instead of a neutral curing adhesive, putting the adhesive onto unpainted Sheetrock which screws up the curing process, or drawing a closed shape with the adhesive so air gets trapped in it when the mirror is pressed against the wall.
Image credits: AdamCohn
Answer: Obfuscation pattern, it's there to hide info or keep people from trying to read through an envelope and look at personal information.
Image credits: 1nesandzer0s
Answer: Worked at a Ponderosa back in my teens as a line cook and we had one of these. When an order was up we would press a button on a box and it would light up a number, so a server would know their order was ready for a table.
Image credits: Gusto74
Answer: It's a perfume diffuser. You can spray your perfume on it, and it will absorb it and release the smell into the air.
Image credits: Solve-Problems
Answer: This is just a scientific specimen cabinet, which could be used for anything from geology to lepidopterology.
Image credits: IGutenberg
Answer: It's a button hook.
Image credits: MiniRipperton
Answer: An oil lamp.
Image credits: watamat
Answer: A wash tamper or "wasstamper" in Dutch.
Image credits: solidboom
Answer: A leather fishing belt. You can put the end of the fishing rod in the hole for support.
Image credits: nyxfriesian
Answer: It's for transporting racing pigeons.
Image credits: Subaru_turtle
Answer: It is a space for a wireless pod that tracks your running workout called Nike+ sensor.
Image credits: Zyloph
Answer: This is used to measure the height of the net in tennis.
Image credits: Mcmakar
Answer: It’s for drafting. It’s an eraser shield.
Image credits: bu11fr0g
Answer: It’s a baler! The metal bands have small metal prongs protitruding, they pick up the hay. The corkscrew in the back moves it into the baling chamber, where a ram compresses it into a bale, after that it’s tied together and pushed out of the machine.
Image credits: only1jellybeanz
Answer: Chicken steamer, it's used to add humidity to the house.
Image credits: uberCalifornia
Answer: It’s an avocado slicer. You cut the avocado in half and seed it, then scoop out slices.
Image credits: Whatsername868
Answer: This happens a lot in seawater. You see it in the beach all the time as a thick brownish foam. Basically, as marine creatures and so on (especially algae) decompose after death their bodies break down into various components. One of the processes is called saponification and basically converts fats into soap (fun fact, the same thing can happen to un-preserved humans). This coats the sand, gravel, rocks etc and then it is stirred up into foam by the water and (usually) high winds. On the beach it’s usually a mix of these animal byproducts, sand and other contaminants, it’s likely similar here but with less sand. In a canal it is likely stirred up by the wake of watercraft.
Image credits: hamo804
Answer: It's a window breaker for car windows.
Image credits: hardcuts26
Answer: It's for holding books.
Image credits: el_gato_uno
Answer: Hydraulic fluid reservoir for a military vehicle, possibly a hercules.
Image credits: FollowTheScript
Answer: It’s a sensor to turn the heated sidewalk on and off.
Image credits: littleteethparty
Answer: It’s a comb hammer for dressing stone.
Image credits: CallanSeabs
Answer: I think the dowel was put into a shelf slot after the fact to possibly make this into a paper towel holder. I say breadbox.
Image credits: DrDirtyJ
Answer: It's a back support.
Image credits: cubswin16
Answer: An old blade honer/sharpener.
Image credits: perfectlowstorm
Answer: A rotisserie clamp.
Image credits: Anxious-Kiwi-92
Answer: Knife rests.
Image credits: Echidnado
Answer: A tick removal tool. It's called a "tick twister".
Image credits: Repulsive-Wear8696
Answer: It's a tooth pick in a design patented in 1881.
Image credits: ruby_dust17
Answer: It's a vintage police restraint chain called "chain nipper".
Image credits: Mrandres21
Answer: It's a phone “booth.” At one point it likely held a phone (likely a payphone). You could stand it in, have your call, and not be in the middle of the hallway.
Image credits: Major-tomm
Answer: It's a dry water massage bed. A person lays inside and water pummels them.
Image credits: Wraldpyk
Answer: A hanger cover. It's to prevent suits or similar from getting a crease when hanging on a hanger with sharp angles.
Image credits: ellanaKG
Answer: Guide rails for keeping a derailed car from getting too off center.
Image credits: marxman28
Answer: A display for hats.
Image credits: rramirezcantu
Answer: A pull pin from a fire extinguisher.
Image credits: LoganSlendy
Answer: They're measuring wifi strength and saturation as part of MLB's deal with Extreme Networks.
Image credits: paradigmjumper
Answer: It's a temperature sensor for a humidifier.
Image credits: hiberniagermania
Answer: It’s for laptop/tablet storage while charging.
Image credits: fred_lincoln
Answer: It’s a badger gate.
Image credits: 3sponge
Answer: It's part of a cream separator for milk.
Image credits: Wht-ever
Answer: A wagon brake.
Image credits: WrinkledWatchman
Answer: This is a seafood or cocktail fork.
Image credits: GnedTheGnome
Answer: It is a phone holder.
Image credits: Different-Aerie-6508
Answer: Basically there are huge underground tunnels that take water to the power plants, these gates shut the water to them.
Image credits: Limelight_019283
Answer: These are old kilns.
Image credits: Check_M88
Answer: Looks like a it’s maybe a flagpole finial, possibly 19th century or early twentieth.
Image credits: nate8334
Answer: Chef's hat.
Image credits: reddit.com
Answer: They are granaries, for corn and grain.
Image credits: ProperNomenclature
Answer: It’s a home observatory. The telescope inside doesn’t have to be particularly big, but chances are if they spent the money on the dome they have a pretty nice scope.
Image credits: jlol8452
Answer: Saildrone.
Image credits: ShireHorseRider
Answer: Sonde device to measure pipe blockage / delineation using acoustic waves.
Image credits: PSN_ALadyCat
Answer: It's one of a pair of "rattlesnake eggs". You hold them separated slightly in your hand, and toss them up in the air, and they make a cool noise when they magnetize together. That's about it.
Image credits: MotherOfMagpies23
Answer: These are Japanese folding screen weights.
Image credits: RepTheDee
Answer: It’s a keyboard key remover. It’s to help install custom keys but if it didn’t come with any custom keys, they probably gave it to you to help you remove all the keys to make cleaning easier.
Image credits: NuclearHoagie
Answer: They are anti theft strips and will sound the alarm if you try to pass the detectors at the door when not having paid the item.
Image credits: lucian_blignaut
Answer: It’s a core plug for a large roll of paper. You take them out when you load them onto a cutting machine to make smaller rolls like adding machine tapes or toilet paper rolls.
Image credits: Kcnabrev
Answer: It’s part of a magic kit where the magician “guesses” someone’s number… should be like 6 of them with various numbers on them…
Image credits: Backup-AccountHLS
Answer: It’s a spoon rest for cooking so your counter top doesn’t get dirty. Can hold multiple utensils at once. Easy to wash and clean.
Image credits: PoetryOfLogicalIdeas
Answer: That is a paddle designed to swat back a small ball 'a hornet' in the traditional swiss sport or hornussen.
Image credits: rojothered
Answer: It is an outrigger for trolling. you attach a long line to it and this carries it out away from the side of the boat so you can put out two long lines at once. Used for tuna and swordfish in the gulf stream.
Image credits: avery4206
Answer: It's a fishing net float.
Image credits: redblackrider
Answer: A waterproof bathroom mirror TV.
Image credits: natalie_grrr
Answer: It is an Eruv.
Image credits: fjbruzr
Answer: A vintage craftsman wet wheel sharpening stone tool.
Image credits: DonKiedicRPG
Answer: A holder for moth balls, called "mortemoth".
Image credits: pocketfullasunshine1
Answer: It’s a manual massage roller ball.
Image credits: doogal580
Answer: It's a foldable flying disk.
Image credits: ActivityFar178
Answer: It's a vintage “Midget” folding garment hanger.
Image credits: MediumSizeMoose
Answer: The month and year of manufacture. It’s a permanent dent made in the tool steel of the injection molding tooling, so the most recent dent is the birth date of the wheel arch.
Image credits: xrawmonkey
Answer: A Hoosier flour sifter. The flour is contained in a box above or in this case - the conical bag and you crank out what you need below.
Image credits: 98_percent_angel
Answer: A ball mill. Similar in concept to a rock tumbler, but used by industry to powderize or smooth materials.
Image credits: BoutelouaGracilis
Answer: To hold bottles up, so they don't fall out of the door.
Image credits: perksofbeingcrafty
Answer: A Remfly Perimeter Trip Alarm.
Image credits: johnnycross798
Answer: It's a lazy dog. A small bomb dropped in large numbers. No explosives in it.
Image credits: maxuhmillion28
Answer: These are tiny mock versions of what they used to use on riversides to stop erosion. Now they're mostly just decorations or hashi holders (chopstiick holders, but they have much smaller ones - i have some in my cuppard) so your food-covered hashi doesn't touch the table. They were called Takejakago.
Image credits: Sea_Negotiation_2651
Answer: Mk 25 marine location marker.
Image credits: JForce1
Answer: It’s a pull chain and hanging bracket for a solid door bell.
Image credits: tired-until-infinity
Answer: It's a hose holder that prevents tangling.
Image credits: No_Maintenance_550
Answer: Fidget toy.
Image credits: Far_Ad8215
Answer: It's an infrared based occupancy sensor. The TV controller is outputting an infrared signal activating the sensor. Source: husband who is an electrical engineer.
Image credits: Infomaniac63
Answer: Snack plate. Circle is for a cup to rest in.
Image credits: aft25
Answer: Canopy covers for glider cockpits.
Image credits: No-Adeptness1671
Answer: It’s a pog slammer.
Image credits: Tribulus_terrestris
Answer: It’s for ties.
Image credits: elliebelliemk
Answer: An inflatable cushion for securing cargo.
Image credits: SmartGround754
Answer: A South African Knobkerrie.
Image credits: Zeeplebooplebrix
Answer: It's a type of WAP for the hotel staff called AT&T Staff Alert.
Image credits: S3-000
Answer: Cell phone holder for the car vent.
Image credits: aut0asfixiacion
Answer: It’s an old style attachment for a child seat.
Image credits: AlfajorConFernet
Answer: It's a paperweight.
Image credits: iang626
Answer: I think it's actually to evenly distribute the coffee rather than tamp it, the tamper would be used after this thing and has a flat bottom.
Image credits: motherherbivore_
Visual boundaries are a vital part of classroom setup, especially in special education classrooms! I am so excited to show you how I set up and utilize these visual boundaries in my self-contained autism classroom! Let’s go!
The first reason I choose to have visual boundaries in my classroom is for student safety. I have students who will elope, or run, from the classroom for various reasons. You’ll notice the red tape and stop sign on the floor. These serve as visual reminders that they are not able to leave the classroom without an adult. However, this doesn’t always work, especially if the student is in an escalated state. The gate serves as a way to slow them down and give staff a chance to catch up to them, and it also serves as a visual boundary/reminder that they aren’t able to access the hallway at that time. This works really well about 90% of the time. The other 10%, the classroom door also needs to be closed to serve as a support for the gate. Do you have a gate on your classroom door?
I buy stock in red tape for my classroom! It is especially helpful when needing a contrasting color for your floors. You’ll notice that I have several spaces in my classroom where I have utilized the red tape. The first two photos show teacher and para stations with stop signs to signal students that they are not able to go behind the red tape. This is for adults only. The red tape also creates the boundary for the calm corner and our swing. The large red square is the “safe zone” for the swing, and the students are taught that they may not swing past the red tape.
Excuse me? Shower curtains and bed sheets in the classroom? Bri, are you feeling okay?
I promise these things work! Do you have items in your classroom that aren’t always available or cubbies/shelves that you wish had doors on them but don’t? Bed sheets and shower curtains help to create an “out of sight, out of mind” type of visual boundary. In my classroom, I put these over their morning bins to signal that they are unavailable and it’s time to move on with the day. I use them on my shelves near my calm corner so that students aren’t able to have free access to the toys on the shelves. I don’t have a ton of storage in my classroom, so I use bed sheets on a couple of my empty cubbies to act as cabinets. This visual boundary is one of my favorites to utilize because IT WORKS!
Side note: I prefer vinyl shower curtains because they are easier to wipe down and clean!
Do you have dividers in your classroom? I use mine for a variety of things, specifically visual boundaries. Along with large furniture, these dividers serve as an additional “wall” to block off areas that students shouldn’t be accessing or to give the visual boundary of a work station or center in the classroom. The dividers pictured above are used to block off the life skills area until it is time to utilize that center, and for my independent work station. You can look and purchase these awesome sound-proof dividers here!
Here is a less expensive alternative for dividers (affiliate link) that are just as helpful (pictured below)!
Furniture serves as great visual boundaries in your classroom! As pictured above, you see that I have utilized bookshelves, dividers, and 3-drawer carts to create visual boundaries for one-on-one and independent work centers. I also utilize filing cabinets for visual boundaries in my classroom. In my school, these are very easy to come by as many teachers aren’t using them as much! Plus, they are very sturdy and double as extra storage space: win-win!
Visual boundaries are essential for your special education classroom! It creates a safe and predictable environment for your learners. If you’d like to read more about creating visual boundaries, check out this blog post by Whitney!
The post How to Create Visual Boundaries appeared first on Simply Special Ed.
]]>Shop the best deals with Paige!
Hey Hipsters! We have rounded up the best deals that Paige found while she was out deal-hunting this week and are thrilled to share all these amazing deals with you!
Not familiar with Paige? She’s the guru behind the Hip Facebook page always finding you awesome deals, trendy new toys, foods that will make you drool, and everything in between! This week she spotted awesome finds at Dollar Tree, Walmart, and Walgreens!
Check out these fun NEW Dollar Tree storage finds…
Shallow Slotted Baskets w/ Handles
Only $1.25
*Order online for as low as $45 for a 36-pack!
Plastic Waste Baskets
Only $1.25
Plastic Flip-Top Mini Waste Baskets
Only $1.25
Large Slotted Plastic Laundry Baskets
Only $1.25
*Order online for as low as $45 for a 36-pack!
Plastic Tote w/ Handles
Only $1.25
*Order online for as low as $45 for a 36-pack!
Rectangular Basket 2-pack
Only $1.25
Mini Plastic Storage Bucket w/ Handle 2-pack
Only $1.25
Plastic Rectangular Slotted Storage Bins
Only $1.25
*Order online for as low as $30 for a 24-pack!
Flexible Round Storage Tub w/ Handles
Only $1.25
Oval Tub w/ Handles
Only $1.25
*Order online for as low as $45 for a 36-pack!
Colorful Plastic Rectangular Slotted Baskets
Only $1.25
*Order online for as low as $45 for a 36-pack!
Rectangular Plastic Drawer Organization Baskets
Only $1.25
*Order online for as low as $30 for a 24-pack!
Closet Essentials Belt & Tie Hanger
Only $1.25
*Order online for as low as $60 for a 48-pack!
Large Food Storage Containers
Only $1.25
Square Plastic Veggie Dip Containers
Only $1.25
*Order online for as low as $30 for a 24-pack!
Surefresh Rectangular Food Storage Container 3-pack
Only $1.25
Translucent Plastic Lidded Sandwich Containers
Only $1.25
*Order online for as low as $30 for a 24-pack!
Royal Norfolk Sunflower Dinnerware & Kitchen Accessories
Only $1.25 each!
*Take a closer look at the full collection here!
Paige had a Squishmallow dupe sighting at Walmart…
Cuddly Crew Squishy Plush Toys
Only $4.97 – available in store only!
These Squishmallow lookalikes were spotted in cute designs including bubble tea, sushi, matcha, and bao buns!
We’re big fans of these Walgreens clearance finds…
Disney Mickey & Minnie Mouse USB Fans
Possibly only $8.99 (regularly $9.99) – available in-store only!
*These other handheld light-up Disney fans are on clearance online for $6.29 (regularly $8.99)!
Garden Party Dino Message Fan
Only $6.99 (regularly $9.99)!
O2Cool Necklace Fan
Possibly only $6.99 (regularly $9.99) – available in-store only!
O2Cool Misting Fan
Possibly as low as $9.59 (regularly $11.99) – available in-store only!
*Note that these fans are available for regular price online.
I have 20 reasons why we need aluminum foil, this would be the minimum number of reasons why I store it. I think I take my boxes of foil for granted. I panic when I’m down to my last box in the pantry. We all know we use aluminum foil for different things around the house, camping, and in the garage. I buy the smaller boxes as well as the larger heavy-duty aluminum foil boxes. Please send me your reasons why you store foil and I will add them to my list. Thank you in advance.
Here’s the deal, we can do so many things with those boxes whether large or small. It’s a fairly inexpensive item to store, but is so versatile I can’t be without it! Aluminum Foil Heavy-Duty and Regular Aluminum Foil.
I’m updating this post from August 2016, how time flies! I like to share old posts when I have improved the quality of information. Thank for you following my blog all these years. We have a great community of people.
1. I use it to cover casseroles. We all know some recipes call for a cover whereas others, say to bake uncovered.
2. If I wrap my baking pan with foil and spray vegetable oil to bake fish in the oven, the clean-up is so much easier.
3. We love to make “foil dinners” (meat, onions, potatoes, and garlic) for the oven, barbecue, or fire pit. Do you love the smell of the barbecue baking your individual meals? I sure do!
4. Foil works great in a Dutch Oven with those sticky meals that are hard to clean out Lodge Camp Dutch Oven, 6 Qt. Make a “covering” of foil in the shape of the Dutch Oven.
5. Those tin foil rabbit ears STILL work. Yes, we laugh about it, but they still work if you don’t have cable.
6. Foil makes a perfect drop cloth for craft painting and then toss it. The throw-away cloth ones are great but if I just need a small piece of aluminum foil, why waste money on a piece of fabric that’s made to be used for painting?
7. Make a makeshift pan for a fire pit from a few layers of heavy-duty foil in a pan shape, and use large sticks or hot dog sticks covered with foil as handles.
8. Perfect to place a piece of foil below those cherry or other fruit pies baking in the oven to catch any drips.
9. Kids love to make different shapes by molding the foil (after a disaster this would be a great diversion for kids).
10. Sharpen scissors by folding several pieces together and start cutting.
11. Line your barbecue grease drip drawer and replace it often to avoid fire flare-ups. Sometimes people forget to clean out that BBQ drawer and then have flareups that can burn your house down. Please check those often to keep your barbecue safe to use.
12. Line the paint roller trays and remove by gathering the corners and toss when dry-no need to buy the expensive throwaway paint trays.
13. Pie crust protector-no more burnt crust edges. If you have a pair of scissors available, cut a few pieces to keep the pie edges from overbaking.
14. Makes a great makeshift funnel.
15. Scrub your pots at the campfire with a wad of aluminum foil, it really does work and it’s disposable.
16. Cover the doorknobs while painting a door to protect them from paint drips.
17. Makeshift pan for a grill.
18. If you do not have waterproof matches, cover the ones you have with foil and protect them from a rainstorm or other moisture.
19. Makeshift reflector to catch the sunshine for photographs.
20. Fireplace-place a large sheet or two of foil on the floor of the fireplace to gather up the ashes after they cool and are ready to discard. I used to have a log holder that kept the burning logs off the foil.
The next time you see aluminum foil, grab an extra box…large or small, you’ll be glad you did!
I hope you enjoyed my post today on 20 reasons we need aluminum foil. It’s the simple things in life that make our life easier. May God Bless this world, Linda
The post 20 Reasons Why We Need Aluminum Foil appeared first on Food Storage Moms.
]]>Sealing food in a plastic bag can prevent freezer burn by limiting the food’s exposure to air, reducing oxidation.
By Mary H.J. Farrell
Updated by Daniel Bortz
Want to keep your food fresher for longer, while also cutting down on waste? Get one of Consumer Reports’ top-rated vacuum sealers. We tested seven to find the best little machines on the market. Our tests revealed that all seven do a great job dry-sealing food, but their performance varies in other measures. For example, some are easier to clean than others.
Vacuum sealers extract air from a bag, then fuse the sides together along a heated strip, creating an airtight seal. If you’ve ever frozen an expensive piece of meat only to find it covered with a thin layer of ice crystals, you’ll appreciate what a vacuum sealer can do. That frosty freezer burn doesn’t make the meat unsafe to eat, but it can change the taste, texture, and appearance.
Ditto for frozen vegetables, bread, and just about any other food. You can prevent freezer burn by limiting the food’s exposure to air to reduce oxidation. And sure, you could try tightly wrapping your food in plastic wrap or foil before putting it in a plastic storage bag. But a vacuum sealer is much more efficient and effective.
It’s especially valuable if you buy your food in bulk. “Having whole foods on hand like meat, veggies, and grains is key to a healthy diet,” says Amy Keating, RD, a Consumer Reports nutritionist. “Using a vacuum sealer to maintain fresh ingredients can reduce waste and make these ingredients more accessible for quick, healthy meals.”
Read on for ratings and reviews of the top three vacuum sealers from our tests. To see the entire list, check out our full vacuum sealer ratings. And scroll down to learn how we test vacuum sealers in our labs.
Dimensions: 6x16x9 inches (height x width x depth)
Comes with: 12 quart-sized bags, 10 gallon-sized bags, and a bag roll that’s 8 feet long and 11 inches wide
FoodSaver VS3180 Multi-Use
CR’s take: Known for its late-night infomercials in years past, FoodSaver is still a major player in this market. The FoodSaver VS3180 Multi-Use is almost as good at sealing moist food as sealing dry, and it operates quickly. Its noise score is so-so, but this product is the only sealer to earn a stellar rating on our ease-of-use test. It latches with a lever, and the controls are easy to understand, though the unsealed buttons may collect debris. There is handy storage for the bag roll and cord, and it’s a cinch to clean. Both of the gaskets that hold the bag in place for sealing can be removed for cleaning, and the catch basin that collects any stray liquid can be taken out and emptied. A nice add-on: an accessory port that makes it possible to vacuum seal lidded containers (that you buy separately).
Dimensions: 6x17x10 inches (height x width x depth)
Comes with: 6 quart-sized bags, 4 gallon-sized bags, and a bag roll that’s 8 feet long and 11 inches wide
Hamilton Beach NutriFresh 78220
CR’s take: The Hamilton Beach NutriFresh 78220 is another good choice if you like to marinate food, earning a strong rating on our moist-sealing test. It operates quickly, which you’ll appreciate if you’re sealing multiple bags of food to freeze. It doesn’t notch a perfect ease-of-use score but it comes close. To latch the unit, you press the top down firmly and press two buttons on the sides. Once the cycle is complete, the latch releases automatically. The controls are sealed, making them easy to clean, and both gaskets can be removed for cleaning, though the catch basin must be cleaned in place. There’s ample storage for both the cord and the bag roll.
Dimensions: 3x17x5 inches (height by width by depth)
Comes with: 10 quart-sized bags
Anova Culinary ANVS01-US00
CR’s take: The Anova Culinary ANVS01-US00 is the smallest of the vacuum sealers we tested. It’s also the quietest and the only model to earn an outstanding rating on our noise test. It seals quickly and can handle moist sealing with aplomb. The only thing holding it back? Its lackluster ease-of-use score. Only the bottom gasket can be removed for cleaning, and the catch basin must be cleaned in place. This is the only vacuum sealer in our tests that doesn’t come with a bag roll, though you can buy one separately. There’s no onboard storage for a bag roll, a trade-off made to reduce the size of the unit.
CR tested seven vacuum sealers from six brands. The sealers, roughly $50 to $150, are about as wide as a toaster oven, though most aren’t that tall or deep. The larger models store a roll of plastic onboard, called a bag roll, that you cut to size. Those without roll storage don’t require as much counter space and are even small enough to stash in a drawer.
Some sealers come with a bag roll and/or precut bags in a variety of sizes (such as pint, quart, and gallon). Prices for replacements vary: A batch of 44 quart-sized replacement bags for FoodSaver models costs $25 on the brand’s website, while 150 generic quart-sized bags cost only $928 on Amazon. (We tested two generic brands, and they worked with all the sealers in our tests.)
In previous tests, we evaluated whether vacuum sealing extended the storage life of food. “The answer to that was a resounding ‘Yes,’ so we didn’t feel the need to repeat those tests,” says CR test engineer Bernie Deitrick. Instead, we focused on how well a model seals dry food (such as an uncooked chicken breast or steak), how well it seals moist food (think meat in a marinade), how fast it works, how quietly it operates, and whether it’s simple to clean, and has convenience features, such as cord and bag roll storage, and has easy-to-understand controls.
Consumer Reports is an independent, nonprofit organization that works side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. CR does not endorse products or services, and does not accept advertising. Copyright © 2023, Consumer Reports, Inc.
]]>If your home office lacks inspiration, organization or convenience, do something about it — like one of these cool home office ideas.
A relatively simple do-it-yourself project transforms your office from second-rate to top of the line.
Keep important but lesser used office materials on a high floating shelf centered above your home office desk. Because this is an unusual placement, make it a design accent by matching the color of the shelf to the desk.
To hang the shelf, you’ll need a tape measure, pencil, level, handheld electric drill, wall anchors (hollow ones for plaster, butterfly or toggle anchors for drywall), screwdriver, and the shelf, bracket and screws.
Paint your office walls to create a calming and non-distracting backdrop for your work. Gray is a great neutral. Because the paint is available in so many different shades — dark, light, beige-ish, brownish, blue-ish — it matches just about anything.
To do a top-notch painting job, you’ll need a cellulose sponge, dishwashing liquid, a 2 to 2 ½-inch paintbrush, roller and rolling pan, painter’s tape, a 2-inch angled brush, and, of course, paint.
While you’re thinking “painting,” spruce up your office by putting a couple of fresh coats on your chair. There are many different ways you can go about painting wood furniture. For starters, you will need a drop cloth to work on, furniture cleaner, sponge, sand paper and electric sander, rag or towel, medium-size paint brush, primer, paint and oil-based clear sealant.
Make a useful and interesting desk from two repurposed wood stools and some pieces of lumber. You’ll need the stools, paint, paintbrush, boards, screws, electric or traditional screwdriver, paintbrush and wood stain.
The width of the desktop should be about the same as the width of the stool. A little wider is fine. Depending upon the width, you may need two or three boards.
Make a wall organizer for mail or paperwork by repurposing an old shutter. In addition to the shutter, you’ll need wood putty, hot glue gun, sandpaper, electric drill, rag, latex paint, paintbrush, four ½-inch wood screws with decorative washers and a measuring tape.
Dry erase boards are useful around the office, but they’re decidedly unstylish. Make one that matches your room using molding, a dry erase board, paint and hot glue gun. Wall hangers are optional.
Don’t forget to stay connected with us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram!
]]>Do you ever sit around and think, “man I’d love to tackle some DIY home projects this weekend but I’m not sure where to start”? Because I do. Sometimes I’m in the mood to DIY but I just don’t have the inspiration. It can be hard to know where to get started when the entire world of possibilities is open to you!
I’m here to help. I’m rounding up sixty simple, affordable, and accessible DIY home decor and home improvement projects that you can tackle this weekend. They’re all beginner-friendly, and they’re all a TON of fun!
I’m organizing the list by room, but of course most of the these can be done in any room! Just browse around and see if any of these DIY home projects speak to you, then do it in whatever room you want.
You can get supplies for pretty much all of these DIY home decor projects at the hardware store, and you can find step by step instructions at the links below.
And there you have it. SIXTY simple, affordable DIY home decor and home improvement projects that you can tackle this weekend. Can’t wait to hear what you try first – you should have plenty of inspiration to get you started with all these step by step tutorials!
The post 60 DIY Home Decor Projects You Can Tackle This Weekend appeared first on Love & Renovations.
]]>Most pet accessories are built for functionality and not aesthetics, but there’s a new generation of designers trying to remedy that.
One of the most pressing questions you ask yourself before getting a pet is, "How in the world will I keep my house clean once I invite this literal animal in to share my space?!" Animals are territorial by nature and in this case, "animals" includes us, the owners and caretakers. What’s mine is mine, and what’s theirs is theirs, but eventually what’s ours actually becomes theirs, leaving little evidence of a home that once exuded magazine-like cleanliness. After Spot, Rufus, Noodles, and Daisy move in, all of the areas of the house fit for entertaining begin to resemble a playroom and function only in this hybrid zone of shared living space between you and them.
Many designers are beginning to pick up on the decades-old dilemma of how to make a pet product that isn’t ugly, and also functions well enough for pet owners and their pets to love it. Pet owners everywhere are starting to modernize their approach to living with pets, reducing the stigma of pet ownership as an unclean practice. Whether your furry friend walks on four legs or hops with two, these chic and stylish furniture pieces will be sure to assist in blurring home-contained territorial lines while also providing an upgrade to that giant Tupperware container in your kitchen, that tall carpet-covered cat tree, or that play pen covered in hay and paper shreddings.
The safest accident-proof litter box cover furniture made just for bunnies, a home-base, and a console table all in one. Hands down the most sophisticated set-up exclusively for free-roam house rabbits on the market—not for your average bunny parent. Healthy rabbits need ample room for endless zoomies and binkies, so we designed a unique litter box set-up that seamlessly blends with the largest area of the home—usually the living room. It's a chic alternative to X-pens and NIC grids (intended only for free-roam indoor house rabbits, not a full-time enclosure).
The Bink Rabbit Credenza is a functionally wonderful piece of furniture for our little rabbit friends. As a rabbit owner myself, it is extremely hard to find rabbit hutches that are appropriately sized and designed for the mental health of my rabbit. Many people don’t know that as prey animals, rabbits experience high levels of anxiety on a day to day basis. They feel safe and secure in closed dark spaces where they can hide, but also need space to stretch out and relax. Not to mention their extremely clingy nature, so openings for them to be able to freely move around and to bond with you are super important.
The Credenza is designed by Portland-based bunny mom of Betty and Elvis and Bink founder Jenni Nguyen. Suitable for one to two indoor house rabbits, the piece is an accident-proof, litter box cover that functions as a console table for you and as a home base for your little hopper while hiding all of that messy hay and clutter from eyesight in your relaxation space.
There’s a built-in hay feeder with chew-proof metal, and beneath that is a small cubby to store treats and other rabbit supplies. And my favorite feature of the all, which I find to be especially important for my little bun, is the anti-slip flooring for those fuzzy little paws.
TV cabinet and the ideal house for cats or small dogs. One of the sides of the furniture has an opening so that the cat can enter and rest. The side can be mounted both on the left and on the right of the cabinet. Two doors with soft closing piston. Interior divider that divides the space in two.
In the same likeness is the Granda Ka television cabinet and house for cats and small dogs by SUNOHOME based in Valencia, Spain. Topanga and David, founders of SUNOHOME set out on a mission to idealize comfort within the shared spaces of co-species cohabitating. Due to its small size, the Grand Ka is optimal for cats and small dogs.
This adorably simple pet home offers a large entry with a soft closing piston and a small entry window. An interior divider splits the space into two separate compartments so that you can hide items in plain sight; living peacefully on one side are wires and other at-risk technology items, while on the other lies your companion.
A mid-century modern dog kibble storage and dispenser system. Furniture-grade, 9-layer European beechwood with a rich, walnut stain Inside is a BPA free, plastic bin that keeps your food fresh & safe Robust linear rail system that allows for smooth lever & drawer motion Human-grade stainless steel bowls Hand-assembled in USA
The Houndsy Kibble Dispenser is a beautifully camouflaged food dispenser. Designed by co-founders Luke and Pavan, the dispenser came from a place of frustration over the ritual process of dog feeding. In short, kibble is a bit of a nightmare: scooping it, storing it, fighting off an overly-eager eater, and worst of all, spilling the kibble and watching it roll everywhere. This dispenser streamlines this process, and also provides proper storage conditions so that the kibble stays fresh.
The design is super fun and extremely convenient—just pull the lever and dispense the proper amount of food without breaking your back by bending down. The lever also locks, which prevents accidental feedings by smart pets and curious toddlers. But the most striking thing here is the design: it’s is a miter-folded box with no visible seams, constructed with furniture-grade, European beechwood stained in a rich walnut brown. The goal of the design was to create a midcentury modern form that can perfectly accent any pet-owner’s kitchen.
Do you like things in your house to look a certain way? Tired of unattractive pet crates? Look no further than this one: crafted from solid wood and metal, it looks like a credenza but acts like a crate. It features crown molding on the top and a solidly-hued finish for a traditional look and is accented by metal bars so your pet can look out. It's also odor-, rust-, and stain-resistant.
Metal pet crates, of the sort seen in any dog owner’s house, are slightly hostile, very large, and unfortunately, a little ugly. However, the Damien Double Wide Credenza Pet Crate by Archie and Oscar is an elegant solution. It’s great for a large dog but also sized appropriately for two to three little guys. And the design is sure to match a variety of home decor as it mimics minimalist modern style at the base while adding a bit of vintage country flare at the top.
If you lack the space for big furniture items but still would like for Cornelius and Dr. Floofer to live a well-designed life, the Pink Bau Raised Bunny Hay Feeder, Tuft and Paw Grove Cat Tower , and Oviban Cat Scratcher are a few smaller-scale furniture items for your home.
A perfect handmade piece that is a great addition to any home with bunnies! This stylish feeder is made of spruce wood and stained, with 3 hay holes and top opening and it fits into every home decor. The vegan leather handle on the top gives it an elegant touch. Width: 40 cm / 15.7 inDepth: 20 cm / 7.8 inHeight: 30 cm / 11.8 in ( 20 cm / 7.8 in box + 10 cm / 4 in legs )
The Pink Bau Bunny Hay Feeder is another way to minimize all of the hay dust and sticks that tend to get scattered across the home when a bunny is present. Hand-crafted in Italy, the wood container has three hay holes and top opening with a vegan leather handle for refilling.
When it comes to cat perches, it doesn’t get any better than this. The Grove's distinctive slatted design is visually striking while seamlessly harmonizing with your existing decor. Open views allow your cat to feel secure while reclining in the lower interior, while the faux shearling top level provides a panoramic lookout and a spot for socializing with nearby humans. The Grove comes in short and tall versions, which can be used individually or in multiples
The Grove Modern Cat Tower by Tuft and Paw is designed with wood slats, turning the cat tree into an object that is visually striking but also allows for your cat to feel secure while you can observe them from outside. (The tower is modeled by Oscar, who is 12 pounds, but it can hold all cats.)
Three ways of use, easy to set hanging/horizontal floor/side table mode. With Velcro on the back, you can attach the cushion to the floor or table. Home-feeling design to create a home we share with our pets, placed anywhere to match your private home decor, just like a piece of furniture.
Lastly, the Oviban Three Modes Cat Scratcher offers three modes of use. You can hang it horizontally on the wall, lay it on the floor, or mount it vertically against a surface. Velcro backing assists attachment in vertical mode and prevents movement of the piece, ensuring that your furniture near the scratcher is protected.
There is no excuse for us now, in 2023, to keep ceding territory over to our pets. There are many ways to live in harmony—both sanitarily, and with great style.
Top photo by Stephen A. Miller
We love the products we feature and hope you do, too. If you buy something through a link on the site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
RELATED: DIY Garage Storage Shelves to Maximize Space
Keeping your garage organized requires proper planning on how to best use your space and maximize storage.
Our garage is one of the least used areas in the house, but it is also the easiest dumping place where everything is put in when not being used.
Organizing all the cluttered items accumulated in the garage may seem impossible to handle, but it can be done.
So, I am sharing with you some of these garage organization ideas to get all of the clutter under control. With a little planning and organizing, you can get a well-organized garage in no time.
Looking for a mudroom space? Why not turn your garage entry into one? A small space next to the entryway is the perfect spot to hang umbrellas, hats, coats, and backpacks. It's also a brilliant idea to put in a shoe cubby or storage bins to put all your shoes away.
With some bungee cords, you can create a ready-access cage where you can store all your sports balls quickly against the wall and kids can easily grab one at the bottom without unloading all the ones on top.
Make use of your overhead spaces to store your seasonal or frequently used stuff to keep them out of the way. It’s ideal to put a label or use stackable clear plastic bins to know what’s inside and keep them dust-free.
Give your lawn and gardening tools their place, out of the way, yet easy-to-access spot with these simple and inexpensive PVC organizers. Grab a PVC pipe and cut them into holders for your rakes, shovels, and tools.
This screwdriver rack will keep your tools in their place. This is such an easy and inexpensive project to make. You may use pieces of scrap wood and drill a few holes in it. Then, cut some brackets for mounting, and you now have a neat and sturdy tool organizer.
Storing all your garden tools can be tough – they are long and short, or heavy and light. And, this garden tool rack is a perfect solution to the problem in no time at all. Using a couple of planks from a pallet, your garden tools will be organized without spending a fortune.
Forget those times when you had your tape dispensers lying on your desk. It's time to make your own wooden tape dispenser for your garage. This is a brilliant idea to keep track of your tapes.
Have problems with some Razor scooters lying all over the place? Then it's time to allocate a scooter parking area!
Decide on how many scooter stalls you want, get the stall measurements right and cut your boards to length. Attach the boards square and straight to keep everything in place. This wooden scooter stand is very easy to use and fairly sturdy.
Keep your entire workshop clean and organized with this cordless drill storage. This will also serve as a charging station that will keep all your cordless tools in just one place, ready to be used and fully charged.
RELATED: Garage Shelving Ideas For Ultimate Garage Organization
Stay organized in a simple and practical style with this DIY magnetic strip. Mount a magnetic strip directly to a wall near your workbench area to keep your tools on visual display and at the ready.
This is not only useful in the garage, but also in the kitchen as a knife rack, or as an elegant organizer for your jewelry, makeup, and other beauty products.
Keep your workbench area organized by hanging tools on a pegboard. It's one of the brilliant ideas to keep all your supplies close at hand and you won't have to struggle to pull them from your drawers. Adding pegboards to your garage provides so many space and storage opportunities.
This DIY hanging tire storage rack is so simple, yet very practical tire rack. It can be built with little to no carpentry experience. It's solid off-the-floor storage usually made from scrap wood. You will surely love your extra garage floor space.
Yes, we can!
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— DIY Projects (@DIYProjectsCom) October 29, 2016
Your wall studs are the perfect way to keep all your things organized. Grab a couple of boards and attach them to the exposed studs and make different shelvings to hold a few stuff. Skip a space between your studs and add some hooks to hang your rakes, shovels, and other taller tools.
Collapsible workbenches are easy to make and require minimal supplies. Just fold it up after using it and you instantly have extra space. No need to move a workbench around the garage anymore!
Hanging jars under the shelves is the best storage solution for your garage. Just drill the lids under the shelves and screw your mason jars in. An easy and simple way to store your nails, screws, and bolt. Plus, it's a perfect opportunity to upcycle mason jars.
Putting labels is perhaps the most important part of an organization. You will easily know what's inside every container, tub, and bin without knocking down everything inside.
Label the containers with taped-on labels or dry erase markers for easy re-labeling. Your garage is so much better organized when everything has its own place and labels to go with it.
Use an empty wall space in your garage to hang a shoe organizer and place your spray paint cans in the pouches. This spray paint organizer allows you to see the color you need and grab it without unloading every other can on the drawer or shelf.
Looking for more garage organization ideas? Watch this video from Ana White and learn how to build garage shelving:
Isn't it great to have everything at hand without the boats being in between? I love it! Everything should have its designated post, so everyone in the house will know what item goes where. I'm definitely loving a much better-organized garage space! I'm sure you will like it, too!
Do you find these garage organization ideas helpful? What is your favorite way to keep your garage organized? Let us know in the comments below!
Need some laundry room organization ideas? Then, check out these DIY Organization Ideas for Your Laundry Room!
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Feature image via Houzz
]]>Another similar phrase, attributed to Napoleon Bonaparte, suggests to “Never interrupt an enemy while they are making a mistake”, and redditors proved that one to be true. User ‘Spinksy48’ asked the ‘Ask Reddit’ community members what was their “never-interrupt-an-enemy” moment, and they had plenty of stories to share. Scroll down to find them on the list below and see why some expressions are able to stand the test of time.
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Redecorate a home with some chalk paint ideas! It's one of the ways to do a home makeover without buying any new pieces. All you have to do to start is to think out of the box when it comes to your furniture. Once you’ve got a color and concept in mind, grab a paintbrush and some chalk paint, and get to work.
Coat your candle holders with a layer of chalk paint for a matte finish. Once the paint has dried, give the pieces a more distressed look by rubbing them with sandpaper.
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Give your home a French country look by coating a basket with gray chalk paint. Simply brush the chalk paint on the inside of the basket. Then, once it has dried, resume painting on the outside.
Tip: For added depth, you can choose to layer different chalk paint colors.
Add a touch of vintage charm to your bedroom with these chalk painted drawers.
Tip: Before you begin painting, disassemble or remove the drawers from the base frame first. Not only will you have an easier paint job, but your paint will also dry faster this way.
Making these chalk painted vases is easy. Simply turn your jar upside down and paint a coat of chalk paint. Once dry, lightly sand the edges for a more vintage look.
Tip: If your jars have a pattern on, it's best to paint in the direction of the pattern.
The base of the table and the chair frames were coated with chalk paint for this tutorial. By the way, don’t forget to coat on a clear soft wax once the paint has dried. Doing so will help the paint last longer.
I love how each little box of these jewelry holders uses old accessories as knobs. It’s such an ingenious way of reusing old earrings that have lost its pair.
Tip: If you’re upcycling a wooden box to turn into a jewelry case, use white vinegar and water to clean the wood.
Make a batch of homemade chalk paint by mixing 2 cups of flat paint, a tablespoon of water, and 3 tablespoons of plaster of Paris. Once you’ve got the paint fully mixed, dip a paintbrush in and begin painting your highchair.
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Makeover an apothecary cabinet by adding chalk paint. Don’t forget to line the surfaces near the drawer faces with tape. This will prevent any unwanted paint marks on the sides.
This chalk paint recipe makes use of 1 cup of latex paint, 1/4 cup of calcium carbonate, and 1/8 cup of water. Mix all of these together and give your couch a coating to make for an-almost-new and improved sofa.
Update a vintage dresser with a coat of chalk paint. Don’t worry too much about getting chalk paint on the hardware of your dresser. You can simply paint over them after the paint has dried.
This project will let you leave little messages on your chalkboard coffee table. The best part is, you won’t even need to paint the entire coffee table. The top surface alone will do.
Want to give a gray-wash finish to your chalk painted dresser? Simply add a bit of water to the chalk paint, then, apply a layer on your dresser. Once the paint is on the furniture, grab a cloth, and wipe away some of the paint for a gray-washed effect.
Tip: Use a lint-free cloth.
This DIY first aid storage box makes use of an old wine box, and is an excellent idea for upcycling.
Tip: Remind yourself of your prescriptions by writing the dosage needed on the front surface of the wooden door.
Dave and I love dual purpose furniture, so this project has a special place in our hearts. What we did was we painted a layer of chalk paint on the bottom surface of a foldable chair. That way, we can write little messages — such as a welcome note or a reminder — without having to put a whole board in.
Need a place to put additional reminders in your home office? Paint your filing cabinet with some chalk paint and you’ll never forget another item on your to-do list again.
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Give an old bookshelf a makeover with a coating of chalk paint.
Tip: Create a sense of depth by painting the insides of your bookshelf in a darker color. Switch it up by painting the legs in a different color as well.
Check if your bed frame has a laminate surface before giving it a coating of chalk paint. If it is, you’ll want to give it a light sanding or a coat of shellac first.
Make an old chair look more shabby chic with some chalk paint. You can also amp up the comfort level by throwing on a pillow or a blanket.
Isn’t this pop of color on a mirror frame just fantastic? A sea foam green color would look perfect in the living room of a beach house.
Lighten up a dark colored piano with a few coats of chalk paint. Don’t forget to place tape on the pedals and the keys to avoid any unwanted paint splatters.
Tweak an Ikea nightstand and make it your own with this little DIY. If you’re attaching an o’verlay like this tutorial, make sure to use spray glue and not wood glue, as the latter is too runny and messy.
Learn more techniques for your chalk paint ideas when you watch the video below. It’ll teach you 5 must know brush strokes for chalk painting.
I hope this roundup gave you lots of chalk paint ideas to choose from when it comes to giving your home a vintage charm. The truth is, you really don’t have to spend a lot to switch up your home furniture. Sometimes all you need is a fresh coat of chalk paint.
Which chalk paint ideas are you dying to try out? Let us know in the comments below!
Have some paint leftover? These ideas will ensure the paint won't go to waste.
Feature image via Era Home Design
]]>Do long summer days have you running out of ideas for how to entertain your children? Do your kids ever complain about being bored? Maybe the answer is to put them to work, because believe it or not, kids can organize!
When it comes to getting organized, children may seem like more of a liability than an asset. While kids can certainly be “contributors to the chaos,” they can also be helpful in establishing order. Of course, very young children have limited attention spans and skills, but it is all about matching the task to the child. It also helps to be very specific, with small, discrete little projects. For instance, rather than telling kids to “clean up their room,” try making a game of “let’s gather all the shoes in the house and find a place for them to live. You might also want to put on a fun song or set a timer. Additionally, offering an incentive (e.g. an ice cream, a trip to the park, etc.) can make tasks appealing and fun.
Here is a list of ideas to consider for a rainy (or steamy!) day:
Want to go even further? Why not set your kids off on a Decluttering Scavenger Hunt?
Do you think kids can organize? Do you have ideas to add to this list?
Your best saving tool is shopping deals on Walmart!
Neglecting much-needed repairs at home? Hop on over to Walmart.com where they’ve dropped the price of select Hyper Tough Tool Sets!
These sets are great to have around the house for easy repairs, but would also make a nice gift basket addition for new homeowners or to send with your kiddo that’s off to their first dorm or apartment. Plus, since select items are available for free store pickup – you still have time to grab them for handy Dads for Father’s Day!
Check out these Hyper Tough tool sets…
Hyper Tough 38 Piece Multi-Size Stubby Wrench & Socket Set
Only $12.88 (regularly $19.68)
Includes ratcheting screwdriver, adjustable wrench, ratcheting wrench, socket extender, 20 bits, 14 sockets & carrying case.
This little set has everything I’ll need in a convenient case. They have a nice weight to them and are comfortable in my hand. Just right to keep in my kitchen drawer.
Every house should have one! This is a nice, handy socket set. It is good for my household needs and the case doubles as a storage and catch for hardware. It is a great addition to my toolbox because the price is so good. I plan to pick up a couple more for gifts.
Hyper Tough 38 Piece Multi-size Stubby Ratchet & Socket Set
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Includes ratcheting screwdriver, socket extender, 24 bits, 12 sockets & carrying case.
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Hyper Tough 32 Piece Screwdriver Bit Set with Storage Case
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Includes screwdriver, adapters, 30 bits & carrying case.
Hyper Tough 52 Piece T-Handle Ratchet Multi-type Screwdriver Bit Set
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Hyper Tough 50 Piece Drill Bit & Drive Bit Set
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Get more gift ideas for the men in your life this way —>
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!doctype>]]>By Anna Kocharian
There’s an unspoken rule that an entryway should serve as a drop-off point for all sorts of gear—shoes, coats, mail, and keys are just the start.
And while some homes have a mudroom, hall closet, or garage with dedicated storage, others lack the necessary framework for concealing clutter.
With that in mind, we turned to professional organizers for their tried-and-true tips for bringing a little more method to the madness that can be a home’s entry.
In a mudroom or entryway, function should always come first, says professional organizer Lucy Milligan Wahl, founder of LMW Edits. “You can make any system look good, but you have to create it first,” she says.
Photo: Linda Raymond/Getty Images
Everything from a home’s layout to your lifestyle and even the climate can affect the way the area is arranged.
If you live in a region where it’s always raining, having a dedicated and easy-to-reach spot for umbrellas and rain gear is important. If your family is involved in a heavy rotation of sports and music lessons, you might want to carve out a nook for the gear they’ll be toting back and forth.
Finally, think about how often you’ll be able to organize the space—and be realistic about it.
“Are you willing to put in a few minutes every day to tidy up or does it all need to be grab-and-go?” Wahl says. Once you’ve figured that out, analyze your space and make a thoughtful plan from there.
If your home is lacking a mudroom or an entryway altogether, you may have to fashion one.
“First, find a space that is a good one-stop-spot for jackets, shoes, bags, and more—a catchall on the way in and out where your family can store things and have easy access to coming and going,” says home improvement and lifestyle expert Kathryn Emery of Be the Best Home. It doesn’t need to be a huge area; all you really need is a little bit of wall space.
Carving out a kids’ zone can be a helpful way to encourage them to stay tidy—or something close to it. Emery suggests dedicating a cubby or shelf for each child, to help them form a habit of stowing their belongings the moment they walk in.
Photo: Tria Giovan/GAP Interiors
“A bench with storage drawers is great for kids, as they are low to the ground and simple to get in and out of,” she says.
Though if you’re looking for a more simple approach, wall-mounted hooks are the way to go. Be sure to install them at a height the little ones can easily reach for convenience when hanging coats and bags.
Swivel hooks, which can often feature three to five movable hooks, are a great option for maximizing a space and keeping one person’s items confined to a dedicated spot, Emery says. And if you have enough wall space, install a few of them in a row.
The Shopping List
• Oversize Hammered Metal Wall Hook, $40 at Pottery Barn
Shop more wall hooks: Amazon, Target, Wayfair
• Safavieh Damien 3-Drawer Wood Storage Unit, $250 at Walmart, $281 at Home Depot
Keys, wallets, and similarly sized items can easily get lost in the shuffle, so it’s always worth having a dedicated spot for them. “Use containers that are just large enough for the items you need,” Wahl says.
Photo: Tria Giovan/GAP Interiors
Keys can go in a small dish or tray, phones can live on a charging station, and mail can be stacked in trays, Wahl says.
Take things a step further and give each member of the family their own tray to make the process a bit more streamlined. The entry is an area that’s already filled with lots of stuff, so avoid adding anything extraneous because it will instantly become clutter.
“The area should be for the things your family uses on a daily or near-daily basis,” the organization expert says.
Shop mail and key organizers: Amazon, Target, Walmart, Wayfair
If you have more belongings than storage space in your entryway or mudroom, a freestanding cabinet can be a good solution. One that incorporates an array of useful features—think a coat rack, shoe holder, and bench—can be a great way to consolidate the basics into one neat zone.
Photo: Kilito Chan/Getty Images
The sort of cabinetry you choose to bring in can include features like a clothing rod, drawers, hooks, or shoe shelves, says certified professional organizer Schae Lewis of Mission 2 Organize. It all depends on your needs.
Play to the weaknesses of the area. If you’re lacking a designated zone for a specific category, be it shoes, coats, or bags, find a storage unit that can cater to that.
“If you are creating the space from scratch without any cabinetry, plenty of hooks and a shoe solution are crucial for this space,” Lewis says.
The Shopping List
• Vasagle 3-in-1 Coat Rack, $68 at Wayfair, from $70 at Amazon
• Godishus Wardrobe, $150 at Ikea
• 6-Tier Shoe Storage Cabinet, $45 at Amazon
Consumer Reports is an independent, nonprofit organization that works side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. CR does not endorse products or services, and does not accept advertising. Copyright © 2023, Consumer Reports, Inc.
]]>The concept of the family as a two-parents-with-children household has its roots in the early 20th century and saw the height of its cultural popularity in the postwar era. Gleaming Rockwellian visions of the suburbs tended to feature mom spending her days cooking, dad coming home at 5:30 p.m. and little Johnny and Susie playing with the dog in the yard.
While there’s certainly nothing wrong with this family structure, American culture has, at its best, grown to accept and embrace that not every family can or should be the Cleavers of “Leave It to Beaver” fame. From single-parent households to multigenerational living situations, LGBTQ+ parents to contented “DINK” (dual income, no kids) couples, the American family is now a mutable and endlessly, joyously diverse concept.
So how does this translate to residential design? If the kitchen is the heart of the home and the bath is the sanctuary, how might those spaces look and function differently to suit different family structures? KBDN asked designers to weigh in with their experiences.
Based out of Montclair, NJ, Tracey Stephens often finds herself designing for families living in multigenerational situations – in particular clients whose parents have moved in with them, or who have jointly decided to live together. According to Stephens, these arrangements often take place “in a large house that had extra rooms that we just sort of repurposed,” pointing to an example of a home in which she added a door to the hallway leading to the rooms to create a small private living suite. “We upgraded the bathroom with universal design type of plumbing and grab bars and such and included a sitting room and a bedroom.”
Stephens makes it clear that the families in question are not living as separate housemates, but as a cohesive unit, all of whom “participate in the daily life of the family.”
As such, designing for multigenerational households does not mean just creating a space for grandparents away from the rest of the family, but can often mean retrofitting the existing space to account for not just grandparents, but their children and their children’s children. She likes, in particular, to make sure the spaces are kid-friendly to encourage interactions between all three generations in the home and to foster independence early on for little ones.
“In the kitchen, there’s typically a drawer or someplace for the kids lower in the base cabinets for their plates and cups, which encourages independence for them to get their own things and set the table,” she notes. “Or, there’s a snack drawer, so they can get their own snacks.” Additionally, she ensures that pop-up mixers and other accessories are easy to access for young chefs learning grandma and grandpa’s kitchen secrets.
In addition to her multigenerational family clients, Stephens also has experience designing for couples for whom a rigidly defined “his-and-hers” bathroom simply wouldn’t be accurate or welcome. “I’ve worked with same-gender couples, and…I am really not in favor of gendered design – masculine or feminine,” she asserts, adding that “I have found that individual design [taste] is not based on gender, or age or generation.”
This has translated to her designs for the very young, as well – when creating designs for kids’ baths, she tries to think beyond pink and blue to create an aesthetic that everyone can enjoy.
For Michal Brison, managing principal of MBB Design Studio, her southern California location is a big influence on the spaces she is called upon to create. The Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) laws in California make garage conversions and other small units a popular ask, especially for extended families living together.
“We found that our clients are asking for more versatility with their homes, whether it be guest rooms that serve as home offices or gyms. So they need a portion of a garage converted or built on an addition to accommodate that, whether those are detached or attached to the house.”
For Brison’s clients, it’s all about creating versatile spaces and maximizing the available square footage. She points to one Santa Monica project – “It’s quite a large home, about 5,000 square feet in the main house. And it used to have just a two-car detached garage that is accessible from an alley. We’re building a two-bedroom ADU to be attached to the garage and built on top to serve both as a pool house, a guest house and a mother-in-law suite for the homeowner.”
Another Calabasas project features a partial conversion of a three-car garage to a second floor ADU to serve as a two-
bedroom guest suite for the homeowner’s family that visits from out of state for long periods of time. “And eventually both those homeowners are thinking they will retire and their kids will take over the house or a caretaker can live there while they share a facility with their grown children. So everybody’s on the same grounds, the same single-family residence, but that’s expanded to accommodate more than one household.”
When discussing the uses of ADUs with her clients, Brison has to take a fairly careful approach – especially where aging and mobility needs are concerned – but many people are refreshingly frank. “Some people are comfortable talking about it freely and making it clear that it’s something they’re thinking about – they think about all the worst possible scenarios and make sure they accommodate for that as best they can when they’re planning a major project for their home,” she comments. “And we’ve seen clients bring their family members to be a part of that conversation.”
Owner of Santa Monica-based Sarah Barnard Design, designer Sarah Barnard, WELL AP + LEED AP, practices awareness of the changing family in all her designs.
“The idea of the family unit has evolved and expanded, and many people have a very personal relationship with the concept of family, which is often reflected throughout the home space,” she says. “Family-focused living can include a more flexible and multi-generational home space, homes that embrace friends as a family through a focus on hosting, entertaining and creating an emotionally open home. Sometimes it may look like a more pet-friendly home or focusing on privacy, with more opportunities for independence and individualized design.”
In order to create a welcoming and open design practice, she makes inclusive language and practices an intentional and consistent part of her business.
“Many common design terms can be rooted in language derived from harmful histories,” she points out. “Part of design is ensuring comfort, and if the language around design is inclusive, it can help establish an environment of trust. Researching language and adopting inclusive language practices can help create an environment where people feel comfortable being vulnerable and sharing details of their lifestyle that can be crucial to designing a space that suits their needs. Trust between a client and a designer can help to effectively strategize a space that will meet their habits and emotional needs.”
So what are the key ingredients to creating inclusive designs? “It may sound counterintuitive, but a big part of inclusivity is specificity,” she says. “Having autonomy over space is crucial for creating a space of comfort and offering an opportunity for each person to create an environment that’s supportive of their needs, which will look different for everyone.”
In particular, “Creating opportunities for individuals to control movement and physical comfort through modular or adjustable workspace setups, with autonomy over lighting and temperature, can all make a significant difference in comfort and wellbeing.”
Megan Siason, founder of Orange County firm m studio Interior Design, has another take on the difference between the family of yesterday and now. “Reflecting on the residential design of the 50s and the ‘traditional American family,’ the home felt as if it were intentionally geared towards the comfort of the individual, rather than the family as a whole,” she remarks.
“Of the homes I’ve remodeled that were originally built in this era or prior, the spaces were always compartmentalized and closed off…especially the kitchen,” she notes. “The kitchens, just large enough to fit a refrigerator, stove and sink, were separated from the living spaces so the cook of the house – most often the wife, a nanny or ladies of the family – was not interrupted by the festivities happening in the adjacent, and also separated, common areas. Similarly, other rooms of the home, including the dining and living spaces, were cozier and sectioned off.”
According to Siason, her clientele since 2009 has represented a diverse sampling of modern family structures, including multigenerational households, the DINK contingent, working professionals with children and families with “fur babies.”
The needs of these different families change based on what their day-to-day looks like, she says. For professional childless couples, for example, “With both partners being busy working professionals, their needs are geared toward efficiency, and often entertainment.”
Siason, like Brison, also sees many requests for ADUs and additions to house extended families. “Especially seen in most Asian-American cultures, more and more room additions and ADUs have been requested to accommodate needed space for three generations to be under one roof,” she points out. “This allows grandparents to be close to family as they age and help watch grandchildren.”
Intriguingly, what all of Siason’s clients have in common is a need that seems to define what sets the modern family apart – connection. “An underlying commonality in the variety of the clients I serve includes more open, spacious layouts to ensure inclusivity of everyone in the household and their activities, hobbies, etc.,” she says. “There’s a greater sense of ‘togetherness’ that lacked in years prior with segregated spaces.”
The post Room for All appeared first on Kitchen & Bath Design News.
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Jo Sampson began the summer of 2017 in good spirits. Her debut collection for Drexel Heritage Furniture launched two months earlier; a line of bespoke photography and prints created in collaboration with Wendover Art Group had just been released; and she was awaiting a shipment of pieces for a scheduled photo shoot at her Victorian home in London. But as June drew to a close, the unthinkable happened: At just 44 years old, the British designer and mother of two daughters was diagnosed with what would eventually be classified as a highly aggressive form of breast cancer.
“It was quite surreal,” Sampson says, looking back on it. “Because the products had left the port, I had to go through with receiving a 40-foot shipping container, clearing customs, and then organizing the delivery to my house. Things happen, and you can sit back and wallow in it or move on,” she adds.
In fact, she approaches every aspect of her life with such determined positivity. Though six months of chemotherapy and radiation slowed her down, they didn’t sideline her. “As a creative person, you still want to create—you need that mental stimulation,” she says. “My clients were great because they let me do what I could when I could. Some days I couldn’t move and just stayed in bed, but my mind was always going.”
Another source of reassurance was her home itself. “The treatment was brutal and debilitating,” recalls Sampson. “The irony was that my house was in the best shape it had ever been in, and it became my cocoon.” In the heart of London’s Dulwich Village—a leafy enclave with historic residences, rolling green spaces, and a world-class portrait gallery whose walls drip with Rembrandts—the stately Victorian maintains many of its original details, from fireplaces with glazed-tile surrounds to plaster cornices and ceiling roses. The vibe, however, is clean-lined and contemporary, in keeping with Sampson’s personal aesthetic. “It had real character,” she says of purchasing the property six years ago. “We moved in when it was quite a wreck, but I wanted to retain and respect its history while making it more comfortable.”
For Sampson, that meant customizing the house into an atelier-like retreat that is conducive to both work and play. She established a much larger family room by extending the back of the structure—which included the kitchen and the living room—nearly 20 feet, and she built a freestanding studio for meetings and brainstorming sessions in the backyard. “I drop the girls off at school every morning and pick them up every afternoon, and don’t have to waste time getting to and from an office in downtown London,” Sampson explains. “A big realization I had after being ill was that you have to make work work for you.”
Of course, having her work life and home life collide on a daily basis presents its own challenges. “I’m exposed to so much inspiration all the time—it can be very dangerous,” she jokes of the difficulty she has keeping her design impulses at bay. But she overcomes it by sticking to a simple black-and-white palette, then blending in more nuanced shades of each, as well as muted accent colors, for an eclectic balance that can easily be changed with small tweaks and updates. In the living room, a plum velvet sofa plays off brass details, a richly veined marble fireplace, and Sampson’s graphic black hand-painted brushstrokes against a crisp white wall. “As a designer, I’m very classically minded,” says Sampson. “I don’t like a lot of saturation; I prefer much more tone-on-tone color.”
That’s also true of the eat-in kitchen, where blush-hued chairs and herringbone wood floors add warmth to white cabinetry, a custom brass stove hood, and drawer pulls that resemble lightning bolts. “I wanted the units to look like furniture and create an unexpected focal point,” she says, noting that the patina of the metal will only add interest over time.
That kind of delicate ornamentation is a theme throughout Sampson’s home and work. Much of the artwork on display is comprised of her own sketches, and many of the pieces are prototypes from Sampson’s line for Drexel Heritage Furniture, which showcase her less predictable approach to design. The bar cart in the living room, for example, is less than typical. While most are crafted to highlight bottles of liquor, Sampson’s is intended to hide those bulky, often unattractive vessels in concealed side compartments and instead showcase her cache of cut-crystal goblets and decanters, many of which are from her collection for Waterford.
“Your home has to be your sanctuary,” she says of both the creative solace and personal comfort she finds in a house that shows her hand at every turn. In her daughter Grace’s room, a jungle-themed wallpaper by Cole & Son provides endless hours of entertainment. “We lie in bed counting how many monkeys we can find camouflaged among the greenery,” Sampson notes, relishing the quiet moments with her children but also those spent cultivating curiosity and wonder. “I want them to be inspired every day.”
The Goods
This story was originally published in our Spring 2019 issue with the headline “A Fine Balance.”
The post During a Difficult—But Triumphant—Year, This British Designer’s Atelier-Like Home Was Her Cocoon appeared first on domino.
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Reading up on Domino’s shopping guides is like having your own personal product concierge. We do the tedious part—deep-dive research, hands-on testing, and tapping experts for advice—so all you have to do is hit “add to cart.” That’s why we call them Simply the Best.
A good desk can be a game changer. In fact, it’s hard to overemphasize the importance of having a dedicated space for deep concentration, and this (productive!) piece of furniture—whether it’s tucked in a corner or proudly announcing itself in the middle of an office—is just that. As the centerpiece of a workspace, a desk enables good work habits through its physical aspects, like lots of storage and surface area, as well as its physiological connotations, when your mind intuitively links that space with focus and productivity.
And that applies to kids, too: It’s a place where homework, learning, creating, and playing can happen. So we went on the hunt for the best kids’ desks, investigating everything from materials to color palettes, organization options to extra features. And, of course, we didn’t forget about design and overall functionality. Read on for the 10 that made our cut, from the retro to the modular.
Dimensions: 46-by-31 -by-20 inches | Storage: One drawer | Color: Natural | Additional features: Adjustable levelers
What we like:
Worth noting:
Why we chose it: This versatile, playful piece is designed to feel appropriate at just about any age.
It’s not every day that we find something that’s designed for kids but is so sophisticated and well considered that it works for adults, too—but this desk is precisely that. Its curved shape and legs evoke a feeling of fun and youthfulness, but its solid-wood construction with dovetailed joinery means that it will, in fact, likely last from childhood to adolescence (and maybe even into adulthood). It’s the perfect size for a laptop, a notebook, a cup of coffee—er, we mean milk or juice!—with a drawer that provides plenty of room for the essentials, like chargers and writing utensils. The cane panels on the sides add a bit of texture, emphasizing the curved corners, and there’s also a coordinating mirror you can purchase if you want to turn it into a vanity at some point.
Dimensions: 28-by-24-by-18 inches | Storage: No | Colors: Dark blue, rose pink, gray, cashmere, poppy red
What we like:
Worth noting:
Why we chose it: Clean lines and cute colors make this stained-wood desk a favorite.
As part of the Little Architect series, this desk is included in a kids-oriented furniture line that exudes good taste and functional design—exactly what little architects-in-training would appreciate. The collection encompasses a table, chairs, bench, and desk available in five different colors of stained solid ash so that you and your budding designer can mix and match as you wish. The raised bar at the back of the desk props up books, and the widely spaced legs can accommodate both a small bench and a chair. We love that it has the benefits and durability of natural wood with the fun color palette of painted furniture.
Dimensions: 47-by-29.5-by-29 inches | Storage: None | Color: Natural and white | Additional features: Doubles as a crafting or gaming table
What we like:
Worth noting:
Why we chose it: Tap this solid surface for more than homework—it’s big enough for all your little one’s art endeavors.
While this piece is technically a small dining table (it comfortably seats two to four adults), we can easily see this minimalist style working well as a desk. Take advantage of the extra surface area by adding filing folders or other tabletop organizers for everything from pencils and pens to paints in an easy-to-see, easy-to-reach vicinity. It also means that when your kiddo invites a friend over, they can sit together to tackle the night’s assignment before breaking out the coloring books or board games. We also love that this is made with real, solid wood and a ceramic-like white top that’s a breeze to keep clean. “I was surprised how nice the table is, as the picture does not do it justice. The thin legs make it look more elegant,” one shopper writes. Reviewers also confirm it comes together in less than 10 minutes, and all you need is the tools it ships with.
Dimensions: 30-by-38-by-23 inches | Storage: Two drawers | Colors: Mint/natural and white/natural | Height adjustable: No | Additional features: Matching stool
What we like:
Worth noting:
Why we chose it: Two-tone design plus a two-piece set equals an easy, Scandi-inspired children’s workspace.
Whimsical and compact in design, this set comprises a desk and matching four-legged stool that tucks right under for minimal impact on a small space. The legs of the desk and stool are solid pine, and both are topped with a contrasting laminated MDF in a crisp white or mint green finish. A single funky leg on the stool is carved with three orbs and finished with a metal kickplate, a playful reminder that it’s designed for kids. We’re also a fan of the two colorways, which are gender-neutral and would work in just about any space. Two drawers make it easy to stash away pencils, pens, markers, and other essentials for getting into the creative spirit.
Dimensions: 30-by-41-by-23 inches| Storage: None | Colors: Insignia blue and white | Additional features: Floor glides
What we like:
Worth noting:
Why we chose it: Simple, effortless, and durable: This metal desk hits all three marks.
Whether it’s for reading, working, scribbling, or crafting, it is hard to go wrong with this simple metal desk from Target’s Pillowfort collection, which is specifically designed for children. The desk embraces simplicity and mess-free living, essentially consisting of three elements: a sizable rectangular desktop and two U-shaped metal legs. The entire desk is made from metal and painted a glossy metallic finish in either white or a deep, moody blue that could bring a little bit of color and flair to a room or work as a neutral. The desk doesn’t have its own storage, but a matching chair with similar clean lines can be purchased to complete the set.
Dimensions: 42-by-21-by-30 inches | Storage: Two large drawers and shelves | Color: White | Additional features: Integrated corkboard, and built-in outlets
What we like:
Worth noting:
Why we chose it: Whether on its own or paired with matching leaning shelves, this desk is a great solution for spaces large and small.
Classic in form and clever in its storage options and ability to be arranged in multiples, this desk makes room for optimal studying and concentrating. We love how it incorporates three types of display and storage: two sliding drawers for notebooks, pens, pencils, and smaller items; a raised shelf for books, note cards, and more; and a corkboard that serves as the perfect hanging spot for a calendar, photos, notes, and artwork. The desk works well on its own, since its height makes it a natural focal point of the space; it also shines when paired with matching shelving units, cabinets, or combined with other desks for multiple kids.
Dimensions: 21-by-22-by-16 inches | Storage: One front drawer | Colors: Black, walnut, gray, black and white, maple and silver | Additional features: Pencil tray
What we like:
Worth noting:
Why we chose it: Color us happy with this vintage-inspired desk.
Few things are as eye-catching and joy inspiring as carefully chosen, vintage-inspired colors, and that’s why we fell in love with this piece that could easily be mistaken for the very desks we all used in elementary school. It’s serving major vintage vibes, but modern practicality, outfitted with an open drawer for easy-to-reach storage. One shopper shares they purchased the same unit years ago, and it sill looks good as new. Others have tapped it to create a homeschool set up for multiple kids. Its compact size and curvy legs mean it’s ideal in small spaces, and the adjustable heights means it’s suitable for students of all ages.
Dimensions: 30-by-50-by-20 inches | Storage: One front drawer | Color: Natural | Additional features: Three hooks, raised back
What we like:
Worth noting:
Why we chose it: Cute as a button and practical, to boot, this desk plays up its plywood construction with fun details and exposed edges.
It’s all about the details with this plywood desk from Polish design brand Nuki, which specializes in children’s furniture—and it shows. The desk boasts a large surface area with plenty of space for spreading out, but thanks to features like a raised back, papers and pens will stay put (instead of finding themselves on the floor). The asymmetric design incorporates three handy plywood hooks on the left side and an open rectangle on the right side for additional hanging, and we love how the exposed edges show off the plywood construction. The curved corners of the drawer and legs make it feel kid-appropriate and safe, and a neutral wood tone means it works with a range of color palettes.
Dimensions: 29-by-29-by-20 inches | Storage: One front drawer | Color: White | Additional features: Cord cutout
What we like:
Worth noting:
Why we chose it: A fit for even the smallest spaces, this desk is flexible and tech-friendly.
A desktop covered with cables and wires will be a thing of the past when you introduce this tidy, fun-size desk from IKEA’s Micke line. Available in a clean white color, the piece is tiny but effective: It incorporates a front drawer that comprises the width of the desk, a partially open side leg, and a cable outlet at the back for keeping wires and cords out of the way. The asymmetrical legs (one solid, one open) can be mounted on either side of the desk, and thanks to a finished back, the desk could sit comfortably against a wall or smack in the middle of a room. Smaller details like drawer stops that prevent the drawer from being pulled out too far and an easy, straightforward installation (even by IKEA standards!) are other elements we appreciate.
Dimensions: 28-by-27-by-27 inches (39 inches high with hutch) | Storage: Movable hutch and shelves | Color: White | Additional features: Cord cutout
What we like:
Worth noting:
Why we chose it: An empty nook quickly becomes a hub of productivity with this desk specifically designed to fit in corners.
Nearly triangular in shape, this white desk was created to make the most out of a tight corner—and turn it into a study space with plenty of storage. We like the combination of flexibility and shelving here, thanks to a little hutch that provides four cubby spaces (one large, three small) and can be mounted to either the right or the left side. A handy cable outlet is centered at the back of the desk, so your cords and cables can be bundled no matter what side the shelves are on.
Dimensions: 30-by-40 inches | Storage: Five shelves | Color: Midnight blue | Additional features: Matching, bench-syle seat
What we like:
Worth noting:
Why we chose it: A compact catch-all for all your kids’ supplies.
Constructed from baltic birch, this wooden desk and bench combo is designed to bring order to unruly art and school supplies that are likely overflowing elsewhere. Take advantage instead of the five built-in storage shelves that are totally adjustable based on your child’s needs and corral tall paintbrushes, scissors, or crayons. Each of these desks are made by hand in Northwest Connecticut with non-toxic paint and glue that’ll last beyond the toddler and perhaps even the teen years. While it definitely skews on the pricier side, it also ships with a matching, two-seater bench that easily slides in to take up less space when not in use.
Here at Domino, design and aesthetics always play an important part in our decision-making. In fact, when we vetted our selections for the best kids’ desks, design and aesthetics were just as important as the practical side of things such as materials, storage, dimensions, and proportions. Special features that make working easier and more flexible, like cord cutouts or integrated shelving and hooks, were also top of mind for us. And experts, from parenting and education experts to interior and furniture designers, agree: It’s not form over function, but instead form and function when it comes to the best workspaces for children.
“When looking for a kids’ desk, there are a few things I consider: One, they’re going to grow, and two, it’s going to get messy,” says Emily Yeates, principal designer at interior design firm Urban Revival. With that in mind, she advises that you’ll want to pick something that is durable and age-appropriate, both in terms of the height of the desk and materials and special design features. A desk for a 3-year-old might not need, say, a cable cutout for a laptop charger, but a pencil holder and an easy-to-clean surface are key. On the other hand, if you’re shopping for a child who is about to enter middle school (and maybe also a growth spurt!), look for a desk that could pass as an adult version in size and maybe even design, with more sophisticated materials or color palettes. Bonus point: It will make them feel a little more grown-up (and maybe even inspire some very serious study sessions).
While most desks for adults are designed at a standard height range of around 28 to 30 inches, kids’ desks can range from significantly shorter than that (for desks designed for younger kids) to desks right in that range. Know that if you’re hoping for a desk that will grow—literally—at pace with your child, you’ll want a full-height desk from the beginning, or one with adjustable legs or extendable leaves for more workspace. In terms of surface area, make sure that you’ve figured out how your child will be working. Is the desk mainly for arts and crafts, or does it need to fit a computer, notebook, and maybe even a caffeinated beverage for late-night paper writing?
Everyone we spoke with agreed: Storage is key. At least one drawer is desirable, notes Malka Helft of Think Chic Interiors, but the more, the better. Interior designer Mary Beth Christopher of MBC Interior Design explains that plenty of storage is particularly important if the bedroom is on the smaller side. “A desk is a great place to tuck extra things away and keep them off the floor,” she explains. “School and art supplies can be stored in drawers, so the work surface stays clean, making it a distraction-free zone.”
While our experts cited a range of materials for their favorites, from easy-to-clean laminate to hearty hardwoods and durable metal, they were in agreement about what not to use. Surfaces like leather or glass are easily damaged or scratched and should be off-limits, as should textured desk surfaces that won’t allow for easy writing. Noted Australian children’s furniture designer Sally Dominguez also cautions against desks made of melamine products, which can contain formaldehyde. When in doubt, she recommends going for natural materials.
How to put a desk together isn’t going to be the first thing that comes to mind when you’re shopping, but it’s an important point to consider. Some of the best kids’ desks arrive flat-packed in a single box or two and can be put together in a matter of minutes, while others (particularly those that feature drawers) can be more complex and require some elbow grease or handiness.
Our experts were divided on this, saying that both storage and a cutout for cables and cords were both essential. “Whether it is a desk with drawers, wall-mounted folders, a supply caddy, or a few glass ball jars for their pens and pencils, it’s important to give kids a place for all of their school supplies to live,” says Shawna Percival of Styleberry Creative Interiors. On a similar note, keeping visual clutter from various cords and cables for electronics or even lighting in check can, like organized storage, help kids concentrate and keep them on task.
Looking to go one step further? “Find a desk with a built-in outlet/charging station. Many desks now come with this feature and it is definitely a bonus, since so many kids are using technology to complete and submit their work,” says Kristin Bartone, creative director and principal of Bartone Interiors.
The ideal location for a kids’ desk depends on the child’s age and, to an extent, the temperament and ages of siblings. “If you have elementary school–age children, we recommend placing the desk in a communal space like a first-floor playroom or den,” says Tracy Morris of Tracy Morris Design. The central location in the house makes for easy responses to the many homework questions at this age. On the other hand, if you have junior high– or high school–age children, “placing their desks in their rooms is the best bet,” recommends Morris. “They can have quiet for concentrated work, and if there are Zoom classes, it will not drive the rest of the family crazy,” she adds.
But regardless of the room you choose, consider putting the desk as close to the light and fresh air (ideally a window), notes Sara Mosele of Sara Mosele Interiors. When possible, it’s also a good idea to place the desk in a space or zone of a room that’s separate from the bed or play area, so that there’s a clear spatial (and mental!) separation between functions, she recommends.
Most manufacturers of kids’ desks are familiar with their targeted user, so durable, easy-to-clean surfaces abound. The majority of desks, whether they’re laminate, wood, or metal, can be wiped down with a soft, damp cloth. Got some particularly stubborn “art”? It might be time to pull out the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, but be sure to clean a test area first to check for colorfastness. Looking for a more natural solution? Karen Aronian, Ed.D., a parenting and education expert, recommends cleaning off markings and grime with a vinegar-and-water solution, followed by a spritz of alcohol to remove germs and stains. And if all else fails, “you can always repaint a marked-up desk,” she says. “However, you might just want to hold onto the graffiti, marks, and stickers that celebrate a child’s development.”
When it comes to drawers, our experts note that it’s not so much the number of drawers that’s important; it’s proportions and dimensions. “If you’re opting for a smaller desk, shallow drawers are the best use of storage for kids,” says Sarah Sain, designer for family-run renovation company Sain Homes. Shallow drawers are ideal for storing laptops, pens or pencils, and other creative tools without having them get lost in deep, seemingly bottomless drawers that inevitably fill up with all sorts of toys, games, markers, and maybe even the odd snack or two.
In an ideal world, all kids’ desks would be height adjustable to accommodate them as they (and their piles of homework) grow. However, the reality is that most aren’t height adjustable. Many may come with adjustable levelers that help keep the desk from that ever-frustrating wobble on uneven floors, but don’t expect them to be able to be lowered or raised significantly unless that’s clearly stated as a major feature.
When it comes to picking out the best desk for your child, the name of the game is storage and style. Whether you’re giving your kid their first workspace as they start school or purchasing what may be their last desk at home (sad face), providing them with their own workspace is a great way to encourage good study habits. Here, we’ve done the legwork to prove that the best kids’ desks not only provide the physical location for work to be done—they can also inspire creativity, house countless toys and books, and even brighten a room thanks to their thoughtful and fun design.
The post The Best Kids’ Desks Meet All Your Little One’s Scholarly Needs appeared first on domino.
]]>The best home improvement projects improve your quality of living and have a good return on investment. A walk-in closet investment provides both of these benefits.
More homeowners are learning that walk-in closets can significantly enhance our living spaces.
Storing clothes and accessories isn’t the only thing walk-in closets are being primarily used for, either. Walk-ins also serve as luxurious, personal home sanctuary spaces that can fundamentally change your daily dressing routine, too.
Walk-in closets have also become an in-demand feature for homebuyers who want more storage room and functionality from their prime bedroom’s closets.
The ideal home for 59% of Canadian homebuyers includes a walk-in closet, according to a recent survey by real estate marketplace Zolo.
A survey by House Digest found that the most preferred type of closet for 79% of homeowners is a walk-in closet.
Whereas walk-in closets were once viewed as a niche amenity found almost exclusively in mansions, they’re more commonplace nowadays. Homes of all sizes and property values now include walk-ins.
Walk-in closets also have much more mainstream appeal nowadays because we see them so often on TV and streaming makeover shows, social media, and interior design websites.
Let’s find out why this home design trend is so popular and what benefits a walk-in closet investment provides.
We own so many things that it’s harder than ever to stay organized. Recent data from Statista shows that the closets of consumers worldwide had an average of 136 apparel items in them.
Untidy closets tend to spill over into the main bedroom area. They’re also more frustrating and time-consuming to use because it’s harder to locate specific items in the closet. One reason clutter and disorganization cause so much stress is that it makes us feel like we’re not in control of our environment.
Has it been years since you last saw the back wall of your master bedroom’s overstuffed reach-in closet? If so, here’s how a walk-in closet can be a wardrobe organization game-changer:
Smart homeowners considering a renovation project cast an eye toward the future and how their investment can pay dividends later on.
Architectural Digest recently analyzed the National Association of Realtors’ annual Remodeling Impact Report. Their article lists the best interior remodeling projects for return on investment percentage. Here are the top five results:
Remodelled closets have such an impressive return on investment and stand out to homebuyers for a few reasons.
For starters, most homes have fairly basic closets. In a lot of cases, not much has been done to update a master bedroom’s builder closet. Some may contain little more than a single rod and shelf. Naturally, a spacious, stylish walk-in closet with premium functionality will look positively heavenly in comparison!
A homebuyer who sees a tidy closet with plenty of storage capacity and practical functionality will envision how nice the space would be to use for themselves.
And the more luxurious a walk-in closet is, the more its “wow factor” goes up. A well-appointed walk-in tells potential buyers that you have high standards for your living space, which leaves a positive impression.
Walk-in closets with the right upgrades and high-quality materials don’t just give your home a competitive edge to help it sell faster, it can boost your selling price, too.
The ample space available in a walk-in closet allows you to design to your heart’s content. It can be as simple or elaborate as required.
Here are some popular walk-in closet ideas worth considering for your custom design:
The beauty of custom closets is that you have a lot more design options compared to off-the-shelf closet organizing systems. You’re not limited by the “one size fits all” philosophy that comes with buying mass-produced closet organizer products.
Organized Interiors’ Classic and Monogram closet systems are ideal for walk-in closets. Choose from hundreds of options for cabinetry finishes and decorative hardware. The widths, depths, and heights of everything in your walk-in closet can be tailored to your specifications by our designers.
Yes, custom closets do cost more than DIY closet organizers, but for a good reason. As you can imagine, custom-designing, manufacturing, and installing a walk-in closet takes time.
The higher-quality materials that are used also increase the cost, but the result is a far superior product compared to budget-friendly walk-in closet systems. All of these details factor into how much you’ll recoup from a walk-in closet investment.
Walk-in closets are often designed with luxurious aesthetics in mind to produce stylish and upscale spaces to showcase your wardrobe and accessories.
Professional closet design companies like Organized Interiors can create bespoke walk-in closets with as many luxury features as you need.
Depending on your budget and requirements, it’s possible to create a home showpiece that inspires closet envy. If this is your goal, our fully customizable Monogram closet system is exactly what you’re looking for.
Lighting upgrades will improve the space’s functionality and can significantly impact the luxurious look and feel of a walk-in closet. Touches like adding an elegant chandelier and dynamic accent and ambient lighting features create a chic, boutique-style aesthetic.
Consider some of these other additions to help you style up a luxury walk-in closet:
Let’s expand on one of the walk-in closet investment benefits we’ve briefly touched upon: using it as a dressing space.
Having an all-in-one home area where you can store your wardrobe, get dressed and undressed, and do your makeup, hair, and grooming is invaluable.
A dedicated home dressing room becomes a personal sanctuary that provides privacy, comfort, and convenience.
The efficiency of your morning routine will improve and you’ll waste less time getting ready for work. This fosters a positive mindset and sets a better tone for the rest of your day.
At the day’s end, you’ll appreciate having a personalized, cozy, and tranquil space where you can unwind and reflect on your day.
Another reason a walk-in closet investment is worth it is because closet renovations are one of the most satisfying types of remodeling projects homeowners can do.
The Remodeling Impact Report’s “Joy Score” measures the enjoyment homeowners get from their remodels on a scale of 1 to 10. Closet renovations, along with a few other types of projects, scored a perfect 10 out of 10 for interior renovations. That’s higher than popular home improvement projects like bathroom and kitchen remodels.
A recent Today’s Homeowner study found that 39% of people who renovate do it to increase their enjoyment of their home. And 93% of homeowners who did a renovation felt their quality of life was better afterwards.
There are so many benefits of having an orderly walk-in closet with easy grab-and-go functionality, so it’s no wonder that homeowners love what a revamped closet space offers.
One more practical benefit of adding a walk-in closet is that it gives a spare room more functionality. Having an empty room in a home is nothing more than wasted space. An underused room doesn’t make the most of your home’s square footage, either.
The best location for a walk-in closet is in a spare room adjoining the master bedroom (or across the hall from it). Another benefit of using a spare room is that it allows you to take advantage of its natural light.
The room doesn’t have to be huge because you can do a lot with a walk-in closet design in a smaller room.
For some people, converting an entire room into a closet may seem extravagant and impractical. Keep in mind, however, that a walk-in closet with built-in storage allows you to get rid of bedroom furniture like a dresser and wardrobe.
A walk-in closet can even be designed to incorporate a home office space. As more people find themselves working from home, the cloffice has become a practical way to get more functionality from our living spaces. Learn more about a cloffice and whether it’s right for your home.
A walk-in closet investment transforms your master bedroom closet from ordinary to extraordinary.
Organized Interiors has walk-in and reach-in closet solutions to fit your style and meet your organizing needs.
Schedule a free design consultation with one of our design professionals to experience for yourself the enjoyment of owning a beautiful walk-in closet.
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I have already taken the time to put this through it unboxing process and provided a few very brief initial first thoughts for the device, however, that was before I lived with it for any sort of time. I wanted to dig down to the very core of the Core Edition phone to find out what made it tick and now this has been done, I have a better grasp of the subject matter.
So let’s get started and see if this phone that is currently on sale for £269 at OnePlus is worth spending some of your hard-earned cash on.
Design
I have gone over this in more detail in the unboxing article I wrote when I first receive the device earlier last month. I was pretty pleased with the design of the phone as it has some very nice details. A couple of areas that stand out now having used the phone are broken down in some detail below.
-It’s a bit square… but in a good way.
I have got to day this was one of the things that struck me the most about the design of this phone when I first unboxed it and even before that when I saw the early pictures. I will go as far as say this was one of the things that made me want to review the phone, to begin with. If you have been a reader of Coolsmartphone for some time you may remember I was a big fan of the Xperia lineup of old and one of the things that I liked most about their design, which is continued into today’s phones that they are pushing out was the “blockiness” of the design. I can’t quite put my finger on it but I like this.
The Nord CE 3 is very much from the same school of thought in this regard. it has a large flat glass display a flat plastic back and flat plastic side and bottom rails making up the frame. These all appeal to me. The rails along the side and bottom are nicely textured to add a bit of grip to the exterior making it easier to hold and they are very slightly rounded off on the four corners which contribute to the comfort when it is hand. It is very similar in terms of the design that is currently being offered of the iPhone 14 lie up and this has been unchanged for what feels like forever. I do like this design choice and it fits the market segment correctly I feel.
-The buttons are split between both sides of the phone
I have found that this is a design choice that OnePlus started to follow a while ago and I like it for the most part as it means that you aren’t confused as to which button does which. So on the right-hand side, you have got the power button which also pulls double duty as a fingerprint reader. It is nicely raised enough (just about 1mm)so that it can be found with ease and has good action. The fingerprint reader is also pretty responsive too which is a nice touch. the volume buttons are then located on the left-hand side almost exactly opposite the power button. This means that unlike on my Pixel 7 Pro, I am not often pressing the volume key instead of the power key. There is however a downside which I need to mention and that is that it is very easy to accidentally take a screenshot with these buttons the way they are located which I have done several times by mistake!! it is an easy fix as you can turn the feature off in the settings which I am yet to do, whenever I remember to do it I then get sidetracked by something else.
-The back is plastic.
Now for a lot of people, this is a negative but for me and given the costs of this phone I am not too bummed out by this. I get that having a glass rear panel is nicer as the feel is better and it affords a better feel in the hand. it does however mean that the phone is inherently more fragile and if you were to drop it then the glass will break meaning an expensive repair and potential for other damage. having a plastic back means that the phone is more resistant to damage if the phone does get dropped and it is cheaper to make in the first place. So for me, this is a good decision on the material used but they did in my opinion, especially on the back colour way make a fundamental mistake. They have given the back of the phone a “Piano black” style finish which we see on a lot of car interiors these days. This is one of the most annoying finishes that they could have had as this means that the phone is constantly covered in smudges and fingerprints. if you give this to a teenager without the case this phone will look mining in a matter of seconds. It is, for this reason, I was very glad to see that OnePlus has continued to provide a free clear TPU case for the phone in the box as this was applied as soon as the initial picture had been taken and only removed if I need to photograph the back panel. If you’re choosing this phone and hate fingerprints get the Lime Green one as even if this is the same glossy finish you won’t see the fingerprints as much on that colour version.
-Camera Modules are exaggerated.
This is a bit of an odd one to me. I can see what has been done as this is the designed direction being taken for the Nord series in its 3rd generation. the camera modules on the back of the phone are pretty massive for the overall size of the phone. I can get it for the top array as that features the bigger camera but the bottom array is a bit nasty looking as it has 2 camera lenses in the same circle. This means that if you glance a the phone then you would think this has 2 rear cameras but in reality, you really only have the one which is mounted into the top circle.
I was on a video call the other day for work and happened to be doing something on my phone for password authentication and out of the blue I got a comment from one of my colleagues saying that the cameras were ridiculously big! I then felt compelled to advise him that it was only the top one that was the actual camera and the bottom one contained a depth of field sensor and the 2 MP macro lens The person who commented uses a Samsung phone that incidentally has the same 107Mp sensor on his phone and was shocked at how big they had made the housing for the camera when compared to his phone. It is not a problem in any way but just something that came up in my time with the device.
-Sim and Micro SD card support!
It has been such a long time since I have had the pleasure to use a phone that supports micro SD card expansion that I forgot all about this feature and how useful it is. I love that if I needed to I can throw in a memory card to the phone and store extra content on it. This would be great for me to take this away on a trip as it means I can throw a load of music and MP4 files onto a large SD card and then I will have a way of keeping my 10-year-old entertained on long journeys. It also means that if he was using it and it and the screen were to get broken as long as I set the camera to store photos on the external storage then he will have all those photos available to him on that memory card. Given that the phone also only comes with one storage size of 128GB having the expandable memory is a great selling point as it will allow the phone to be used for longer without the need to buy extra cloud solutions once that internal memory has been used up. I have been using the phone for a few weeks with my regular app loadout and music on the phone and I have already used 90GB of the stage so having the ability to add extra will be very useful.
of course that is only one of the use cases for the extra slot as the phone also supports a secondary sim which is a gain very useful if you are using this a travel phone as it means that you can have both your primary and secondary sim inside it at the same time. The phone has various future that will allow you to determine which SIM is used or what which can be set up easily for you to make the best use of this feature.
-3.5mm headphone jack on board.
So I defiantly did not expect to see this on such a budget-oriented device as this feature was something that was for the large part now defunct on all phones bar the Sony lineup Xperia 1 Series devices which are all £1k plus phones. I am pleased to see this is back as it was a feature I used to get better audio when I was recording videos at trade shows but it also means that if I was going to be giving this to a child I can give them headphones that they can use that won’t cost me a small fortune but will still allow a good sound experience. it also means one less thing for them to lose and let run out of power.
-SuperVooc 67W charging.
Fast charging is a must for phones these days and the Nord CE 3 has this covered with the built-in SuperVooc fast charging capability meaning that even the most demanding of users will find that they can back up to speed in no time at all. With a recharging speed of 0% to 80% in just 30 minutes you can have enough power for your day’s adventure in the time it takes you to get yourself ready whiteout having to worry about the phone not being charged. I have been using SuperVooc charging on a Realme phone that my wife uses for nearly a year now and it is a godsend as she never remembers to charge her phone so it always needs that quick boost, which SuperVooc affords.
However, it is often a cited concern that using fast charging will harm the battery or the phone which is where the SuperVooc Endurance Edition aspect of the charging protocols comes into its own. The phone and charger will use the phone’s built-in Battery Health Engine software to ensure that the phone’s battery will be kept in optimum condition so that you charge it whenever you need it and depending on your charging habits the charging speed will be adjusted. So if for example you are plugging in overnight all the time then the phone will pick up on this behaviour and it will then slow down the charging rate accordingly. If however, you are more of charge and dash style person then it will allow the phone to charge quickly and fast for the short period the phone is plugged in. This is normally a feature that is only found on flagship-grade phones so it is nice to see this on a lower specced device.
So those are some of the design features that jump out to me about the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G. The key overwhelming feeling I get from the phone is that this is a phone that does what it says on the tin but the design is only part of what allows this to happen a lot of that does what it says on the tin comes from the hardware and what is inside the phone so let’s spend a few moments going through that
Hardware
First up and following on nicely from the battery tech I have just been looking at is that this phone has a suitably large 5000mah hour battery meaning that you should in most use cases not have to worry too much about being left with a depleted battery on most days. In most of my usage, I have normally had anywhere from 30% to 40% left in my daily use cases. Now admittedly I am not a young man and I don’t spend a lot of time using social media or taking pictures as I am at work for 8 hours of the day and my phone will just be ticking over quietly in the corner. However, I do use the phone for at least 2 hrs of media playback over Bluetooth on most days while I drive to and from the office for work. I will normally have about a 1hrs use of email and then another hour of web browsing and social scrolling in the evenings throw in a few Youtube videos and that is where we are at. All of this time I have had the phone connected to a Galaxy Watch 5 Pro over Bluetooth as well for tracking steps and notification duties as well. I have not ever been worried about the phone running low on juice so far and most days I can stretch the usage out to last me up to days which is nice to have.
It is good to see this price point getting a decent size battery and coupled with the aforementioned charging speed and tech this is head and shoulders above some higher-end devices that I have tested and owned over the years.
Next up is the screen that is I would say average to good. Whilst I had no problems with its speed and fluidity of displaying content and navigating on the large 6.72″ 120Hz FHD Display I did have an issue with the brightness of the screen as I found that it was very hard to see in direct sunlight. This is partly down to the panel being an LCD and the colours being not as vibrant due to the capabilities of LCD panels by their very nature. The panel was also not a very bright panel maxing out at 680nits which when combined with my preference for dark mode does make it tricky to see when the sun comes out.
I also dont think it was being helped by the screen protector that comes pre-applied to the phone as this seems to be a dust magnet and I found myself constantly cleaning the screen down especially when I had just taken it out of my pocket to use it. I am not sure what material was used by OnePlus for the screen protector but the combination of the screen protector and TPU case meant that the phone was constantly being covered in lint and dust. I did ultimately remove the screen protector as it started to peel at the edges and the dust pick up did reduce a bit so that is some food for thought.
Under the hood the brains of the phone are in the form of the efficient energy-sipping Snapdragon 695 5G chipset that was plenty powerful for most daily tasks which I carried out on the phone it was very rare for me to see any sort of slowdowns on the phone. Again as mentioned above I don’t tend to push these phones to their max but I was able to do all I wanted to do on it with very little speed difference when compared to either my Z Fold 4 5G or my Pixel 7 Pro. The only chick was that I did occasionally notice that when I was using some apps that required large data set to be loaded this was a bit slower than on my flagship devices. I didn’t see the same when playing F1 Mobile at least not after I went through the initial loadout of the game that was as this did take a bit longer than I would have liked, but it is a big game so I will let the Nord CE 3 off for that one. I use the inbuilt gaming mode to monitor the performance of the game and I was consistently getting frames rates in the high 20s’ through the session apart from one very strange moment when the phone slowed down to single figures and everything turned into a bit of an awful laggy mess. A quick force close of the app seemed to resolve the issue and it didn’t come back even after playing for about another hour of gameplay time.
Another area where I was keen to test the phone’s performance was when I was using it with Android Auto in my car. This has been the downfall of phones that are much better specced than the Nord CE 3 in the past. I am happy to report that the phone didn’t have any problems when using Android Auto in a wired mode, Unfortunately, I was unable to test the wired functionality as my car does not support that feature but it worked fine when using it for music playback and handling voice and texts while I was on the road.
In terms of call quality, the phone delivered here calls were crisp and clear and they synced up with Bluetooth fine both on my watch and my car. In terms of the signal I was experiencing the same sort of signal that I typically get on most phones I have tested as of late in some specific areas I was able to get a better signal on the Nord CE 3 that I sometimes would get on my Pixel 7 Pro. I would say that this is another respect of having the plastic case design as it allows more of the signal to get into the phone’s antennas which unlike the Nord CE 3’s counterparts have to use signal channels creating potential weakness in the frame. This has been a problem on the OnePlus devices since the adoption of the larger camera modules on the OnePlus 10 series phones and sadly it is still evident on their 11 series. The good news is this should be the case with the Nord CE 3 and the other phones within the Nord series of devices.
So in terms of hardware and performance, the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G is great bang for its buck as long as your expectations are realistic.
A lot of the phone’s appeal comes down to the software experience that is provided by the phone and that brings me nicely to the software side
Software
The concept of the OnePlus phones, when they were originally envisioned, was to bring true flagship value to the masses at a low and affordable price point. While there have been some shifts in this ethos over the years I do feel that a lot of hose aspects still ring true in the way that the Oxygen OS 13.1 UI that sits on top of Android 13 still works. Yes, there has been a lot of merging with the parent companies Colour Os that can be found on Oppo and Realme phones but this is not necessarily a bad thing as Oxygen OS is a really good UI. It doesn’t add too much duplication and where the duplications of apps or functions do happen they are either well thought out and useful or easily sidestepped. I have been running this phone as my daily driver for quite some time during this elongated review and I have found that I was never left lacking in terms of the way the software works.
The UI allows me to set the phone up the way I want it to I have options if I want them and if I don’t then I am not forced to adopt them. An example of this is the App Drawer. I can set the phone to either have on or off as I want. I can have a swipe-down gesture brings up my notifications screen or it can bring down the OnePlus Shelf option, which is a place to keep useful widgets for quick access. Being that I am a bit of an old-school user I prefer the notifications dropdown but I have the option for either which is good to see. I do appreciate the search function in the app drawer and I have found myself using it more than once.
With all that being said, there are some minor annoyances that you do learn to live with but are not found on a device from the pixel lineup. So if I get a notification I need to tap on the small arrow icon to view it on Oxygen OS which is a bit annoying when I am trying to quickly clear my notifications. on other phones I can just pull down and as I do so all my notifications expand fully allowing me to see what I need and quickly dismiss irrelevant apps.
A lot of the OnePlus built-in apps require you to approve the Status Of Usage before you use them which is annoying but is only an issue on the first use so this is forgivable.
I did also find that the battery management was sometimes a little too persistent for my liking as I would be reminded about an app that is open in the background that I want to be open too frequently. If I want the app open then I know what it is going to do to my battery. Again this is probably something that is just me as I know what I am doing but for an inexperienced user, this would potentially prove to be useful as it will stop the phone from running unneeded programs in the background. I do feel that this is not as big of a problem as the Oxygen OS management software makes it out to be though as I normally get the same sort of battery life out of the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G as I get on my Pixel 7 Pro despite them using different chipsets screen types etc.
If you can live with these very minor issues in the software there is a lot to like about Oxygen OS 13.1 and don’t let the OG Oneplus Oxygen OS hater put you off. I have been more than happy living with the phone daily and would be more than happy to recommend this phone based on the software implementation to either my wife or my parent. I also know that my son would be more than happy with this phone as it would allow him to do everything he wants to do and more.
Just before I wrap up on the software there is one more section that I want to mention. that is of course virtual RAM. This is something that more and more phones are starting to feature and I am pleased to see that it is on board here as it does allow the phone to stretch its legs if you need that extra bit of memory for gaming or multi-app use. It is particularly useful when gaming as it allows for an option called Championship Mode
This will essentially turn your phone into a dedicated handheld when you are in a game and draws the maximum power from the phone for gaming only everything else becomes secondary. By default, the virtual RAM capacity is set as 4GB but this can be doubled if required (In my testing I have not needed to do this but it could be useful for some)
Last but not least let’s look at the camera.
Camera
This is perhaps one of the weaker aspects of the phone but going into this I was aware that the camera was not going to be amazing as we do only have one sensor to work with in reality here. The camera adopts pixel binning using a 9 in 1 ratio meaning that your 108 MP sensor will produce images of 12 MP in size which is plenty for an entry-level camera. the difference here though is as the image is being captured by a high MP sensor it can pull in more data about the subject matter and essentially capture more light. this in turn results in brighter, clearer and more natural-looking images. In addition, you do of course have you wide variety of capture modes included and some of these modes will feature an aspect of AI Assitance to tweak your settings to suit the lighting levels the subject the depth of focus etc.
You also have got 3x Lossless Zoom which is of course a digital manipulation afforded by the large sensor size but it works reasonably well as can be seen in the zoomed images below. But that is enough of me stating the facts here are some image si have captured for you to assess yourself and make your judgements.
As you can see from the images the camera is not too bad in optimum light conditions. The macro shots come out pretty well and it does a good job of keeping the subject in focus when using portrait mode (even when the subject is not a person!). This is all pretty much par for the course with any camera these days. It is when the light drops that normally things start to wrong.
I have included a few low-light shots here to show what I mean
The first of the above shots was without night mode and the second was with night mode on. As you can see there is a little bit of improvement but it is not great as we have a lot of edge blurring on the shot. To be fair to the Nord CE most phones would have struggled with this type of shot. This however is not something that would actively disuade me from this phone as these are firmly in the minority of the photos I would be intending to take with this phone. Also, the LED flash is more than bright enough to make up for the low light issue.
As for video the phone can record at up to 1080p at up to 30FPS in normal video and it will also do 720p at up to 120fps samples of which can be seen below.
Last but not least is the selfie mode which is more than good enough. it also allows for background blurring and it does a pretty good job at keep the focus on the subject whilst blurring out the background.
I am happy with the camera performance for a phone of this price point and would be more than happy to recommend this to someone who doesn’t need anything more advanced which to be fair is the vast majority of us.
Conclusion
This phone is a very good budget offering and I have enjoyed using it. If I had not become so accustomed to the high-end flagships that I can use due to this website I would be happy with this phone as one for myself. it is of course not perfect but given what you are paying it does a great job. I found it slightly irritating when I was using it in very bright sunlight due to the relatively low nit levels that the screen was able to produce. There were some things in the software that did annoy me slightly but none of these things were a deal breaker for me overall.
OnePlus has always been very good at hitting the cash-to-spec balance well with the Nord range and this is why I am normally such a big fan of it. I have recommended that some of my colleagues look to this phone as a possible replacement for their ageing phones that they are currently using as they have said that cost is a bigger factor for them than high-end specs. I feel that this is the market where the OnePlus Nord cE 3 Lite 5g shines brightest. If you are on the lookout for a phone for a gift to a family member who doesn’t need the specs to be top-end but wants to know that they have something reliable and easy to use this is defiantly one I would recommend.
In terms of its competition there are a lot of cheap but good ones in this segment b the direct competitors for me though are the Pixel 6A and the Realme 10 Pro. The Pixel 6A I currently a tad more expensive but it does bring all of the Pixel’s unique features to the party and as such this would be a bit of a step up especially if the camera was one of the main drivers for the user. The Realme 10 Pro on the other hand is essentially the same phone albeit in a different shell and with slightly different branding. The main reason why I don’t think Realme would be one I would recommend is that it is a largely unknown brand in the UK.
So there you have the OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G, This is a very competent phone with a great price tag and some great specs on board. if you know someone who just needs a smartphone but doesn’t demand the best interest of specs, then this is a strong recommendation. it is also a great alternative for your normal phone if you are looking for a secondary device for work, or travel to the sketchier areas of the world. (on my recent trip to Marroco this would have been a great option over my Fold 4 as it wouldn’t have been the end of the world had I needed to replace it if it got lost /stolen etc). lastly, if you have kids who have not quite learned the value of high-end electronics and don’t take the best care of things this would be a great option for them as well.
If you are wanting to get a OnePlus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G now is a great time to buy as they currently are selling them for £269 on the OnePlus Website, they are also available on Amazon for £289.99 with next-day delivery if you have a prime account
The post OnePus Nord CE 3 Lite 5G – Review is original content from Coolsmartphone. If you see it on another news website, please let us know.
]]>Packing your RV: This one seemingly simple task tends to be the hardest part of the RV experience for non-full-time families. When you look at the mental effort that goes into packing your rig, it makes sense why that is the case. There’s pressure to remember everything when you hit the road, but also pressure to pack light and save weight.
There are a myriad of clothing options needed: clothes for rain, clothes for the sun, shoes for lounging, shoes for hiking, and shoes for the shower if you plan to use the public bath.
There’s food to consider too. What will you eat? Will you have enough snacks (moms know this one all too well)? What about the food that goes with you in the car if you’re traveling with a bumper pull or fifth wheel to keep your body fueled for long drives?
When it comes time to roll up your sleeves and bring out only what’s critical, without leaving out anything you’ll want or need on your camping trip, having a system for packing your RV is necessary. It’s this system that I’ve worked on fine-tuning for our family since we bought our first RV and started traveling with two babies under the age of two. Years later, the system I started continues to save our family hours of stress, headaches, and overwhelm before every single RV trip.
The first place I always start is with a big brain dump. On one side of my RV packing checklist, I jot down everything I can think of that we’ll need. That, on the surface, sounds overwhelming. If you approach it as a massive brain dump without rhyme or reason, it can be.
Instead, I like to move through each area of the RV mentally. I think of myself approaching the rig first. What do we need for our outdoor time? Solar lantern. Check. Coozies for our drinks. Check. Tablecloth. Check.
Then, I move inside. With our layout, our bedroom is the first area on the right. Clothes are a must. Check. Shoes. Check. Socks. Check. Unmentionables. Check. Swimwear in the summer. Check. Beanies and big jacket in the winter. Check. On my checklist, I’ll add a small checkbox for each family member next to these items to ensure everyone has what they need. Don’t skip that step. I forgot to pack my oldest son’s pajamas one year, so we had to get creative. A small checkbox for each person in your family when packing your RV will prevent that mistake from happening again.
I keep moving through the rig. What’s needed in our kitchen? Pots. Pans. Cutlery. Napkins. Cups. Which linens will we need to bring? Extra sheets and blankets. Towels for the pool or the shower. Then I look at our kid’s activities. What are they still playing with from their special camping drawer? What’s something new I can surprise them with on our next trip?
Finally, I end up in our bathroom. We’ll need regular toiletries, of course. We’ll also want medicine in case someone gets sick. A first aid kit. Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. Extra RV-friendly toilet paper. Once I’ve done this mental walk-through, adding items to the RV packing checklist, it’s time to move to the next step—meal planning. Packing your RV without serious meal planning is a new RVer’s biggest mistake.
If there’s one place I don’t want to drive to while camping, it’s the grocery store. Grocery shopping is already one of my least favorite chores, so adding it to a camping trip just feels frustrating. To help avoid that need, I take a similar approach to the big brain dump above when packing my RV with groceries.
First, I plan out our meals and snacks for when we’re on the road. Knowing what we’ll eat not only helps avoid unnecessary grocery runs, but it also helps me breathe easier while at the campsite. Everything is planned, so it’s easy to grab what’s needed, make something delicious, and relax while camping. Easy peasy lemon squeezy, as my kids say.
After jotting down meal ideas for our trip, I list every ingredient we’ll need. If we’re having fajitas, I write down peppers, onions, tortillas, sour cream, avocado, cheese, and a side salad to go with it. If we’re having hamburgers, I jot down the meat, buns, cheese, and all of the fixings and condiments. That list of specific ingredients makes it so we don’t overlook something yummy.
One of our favorite things to eat while camping is mac and cheese warmed up over the campfire. However, I do not love making mac and cheese at the campsite. Cooking pasta, draining the pasta water (which should not be done in your RV sink), melting the cheese and milk together—give me the big kitchen for that task!
Because I like to make some meals and side dishes ahead of time, I list out what’s needed before we go on my RV packing checklist. Putting it on the checklist makes it easier to plan your packing schedule and ensure you’re not forgetting anything important for your trip.
With the rig’s interior packed, I move to think through travel days. Because we have two kiddos and travel with a bumper pull, I like to pack our car with activities, snacks, trash bags, diapers (when the kids were still in diapers), and wipes to get us to our destination.
Having snacks, activities, and supplies in the car is helpful if you have an unexpected stop that requires you to leave your rig. Not having to climb up inside and pack a bag to head out to a fun and unexpected picnic lunch by a lake you just discovered will simplify your experience and help you, the packer of the RV, feel more at ease. Packing your car or truck is just as important as packing your RV.
Certain items don’t go in our rig until travel day. Toiletries are an obvious one. We also pack our phone chargers, tablet chargers for the kids (they only get them in the car), and pillows on travel day. Writing each item down on our checklist lets me rest easier as we roll out of the driveway and hit the road.
Inevitably, you’ll forget something. Or, you’ll think of something you wish you had in your RV that you didn’t think to pack. Or, you’ll run out of a staple in your rig (toilet paper, I’m looking at you) that you’ll want to remember for the next trip.
Having a notepad in your RV to jot down things you’ll want to remember for next time helps you to keep refining your own system for packing your RV. Then, when you get home, you can add those items to your next camping trip’s RV packing checklist, so you can keep rolling your big brain dump forward and simplify the packing process even further.
Packing your RV doesn’t have to be the most stressful part of camping. In fact, it can be fun to think through all the adventures you’ll have. Having a system to simplify the experience makes it far easier to remember everything, saves you mental gymnastics of rolling through your lists over and over again, and helps you sleep easier the night before you travel, knowing you have everything on your list.
One of the best parts about RVing is engaging with the community of traveling enthusiasts. iRV2 forums allow folks to chat with other RVers online, and get other perspectives on everything RVing, including products, destinations, RV mods, and more.
The post Simplify RV Packing With These Expert Tips appeared first on RV LIFE.
]]>"This razor gave me the silkiest, smoothest shave I've ever had! I never get any cuts or scrapes, even on those hard-to-shave places."
We’ve previously featured glimpses of Carly’s apartment on the site—just take a look at the dazzling photos below and you’ll see why—and are eager to share the full home tour of her Hell’s Kitchen abode below. Read on for all the details of this chic and sophisticated NYC apartment.
Source: Carly Fuller | @mycityapartment
Name: Carly Fuller
Location: Hell’s Kitchen, New York City
Square Footage: 450
Rent/Own: Rent
A decade! Wow, that sounds so long! I came to the city because my cousin was begging me to babysit her children. Her nanny was leaving and she couldn’t afford the standard nanny salary. At first, I said, “No way!”—she had four kids under five. Then, after a few months, I thought, “Why not?” I’d be living in the middle of Manhattan! As much as I missed everyone at home, I loved NYC so much. I ended up working in a bar for extra money and made friends, and then that was it—I never went back to England.
Source: Carly Fuller | @mycityapartment
I found this apartment on Craigslist, though I’m not sure anyone still uses that as a resource anymore. It’s technically a two-bedroom, and I moved in with a roommate who was living here already. My room was what is now the living room. I didn’t know much about Hell’s Kitchen, but I loved how busy it was, and eight years later, I still do! My roommate ended up moving out a couple of years later and my boyfriend moved in.
Source: Carly Fuller | @mycityapartment
I’m really lucky that my partner doesn’t have a design preference, so I was basically able to do whatever I wanted. Storage is an issue for sure, but we live quite minimally. I don’t have many beauty products in the bathroom, and we don’t own that many clothes! That’s probably not what everyone wants to hear, but maybe this will inspire someone to go through what they really need/wear/use and do a big clearout!
Source: Carly Fuller | @mycityapartment
I love my vintage dresser in the living room. It holds all of the bed linens and laptops/chargers in the top drawer. Dressers and benches under the TV aren’t your traditional living room furniture, but when it comes to small homes, anything works. The shoe cabinet in our kitchen is actually a buffet table that I got secondhand and sanded down on my roof. We needed something by the front door for our shoes, and we don’t have an entryway, and since it’s in the kitchen, I didn’t want it to look like a shoe cabinet!
Source: Carly Fuller | @mycityapartment
Thank you! I think using a lot of textures and natural materials makes it feel comforting. And greenery helps add some life to a room. I think I could be drawn to neutrals because I live in such a busy, fast-paced city, so it’s nice to walk into a home that’s soothing and serene.
Source: Carly Fuller | @mycityapartment
I think I was so beyond excited about having a full apartment to decorate how I wanted that I went crazy and copied three different Pinterest images for the three rooms (LOL). One room was bold stripes and eclectic (crazy!!!), one was farmhouse boho, and the other was girly glam. I then tried to make each of the three rooms more cohesive and went slightly modern with black accent walls. Then I was over that and painted all three rooms in different off-whites. Over time, I think my apartment aesthetic grew up with me. Not that I’m calling myself sophisticated and mature, but that’s how I want my apartment to look.
Source: Carly Fuller | @mycityapartment
My inspiration is the fact that I’m always on a budget, and if I think I can make something for cheaper, then I’ll try! I think adding the built-in shelving in the kitchen, which is our little bar area, is my favorite thing I’ve done. But the nightstands, the bedroom pendants, or the art above the living room dresser are all close seconds!
Source: Carly Fuller | @mycityapartment
In the kitchen, I applied peel-and-stick marble paper on the countertops and covered the black backsplash with beadboard wallpaper. That last project didn’t really go that well, and the wallpaper fell into the tiles’ grooves and you can clearly see. However, I still prefer it over the black tile! I also replaced the hardware with some pretty vintage ones from Etsy. But best of all, I convinced my landlord to pay for a new faucet and sink because the one I had was terrible! We have a good relationship and he knows how much I love design, so he let me pick whatever I wanted as long as it was within his budget.
Source: Carly Fuller | @mycityapartment
The marble bistro is from World Market and a vanity table is exactly what I bought it for, but it’s sometimes fun to bring into the kitchen corner and use for a dining moment.
I love the Chelsea Flea and a shop called Vintage Thrift for little treasures, lamps, and artwork. For bigger furniture pieces, I think Facebook Marketplace is amazing, as well as other secondhand websites like AptDeco.
Source: Carly Fuller | @mycityapartment
I think storage was the main problem. I made sure to buy a bed and sofa/futon with height so I could utilize the space underneath. I also made sure our nightstands have storage rather than using a regular end table. Basically, every piece of furniture was bought with storage in mind. With the kitchen, I had enough room to add an island, which provided dining seating and more kitchen storage, too.
Source: Carly Fuller | @mycityapartment
Design is my true passion. I searched for home staging jobs online and applied to a few. I was lucky enough to be given the chance with no NYC home staging background, which they all seem to require! I now work for a couple of home stagers and one designer, so my week is always different. I’m all over the city in a different neighborhood every day, from a penthouse on the top floor of a skyrise to a little studio in Tudor City. It’s so fun!
Source: Carly Fuller | @mycityapartment
I started a whole other Instagram for my apartment so I could share it with people who were interested. I didn’t go on it that much, and I still use it quite casually. Probably connecting with people has been the best part. It’s so lovely seeing others try a DIY I did or buy something I recommended and just inspiring anyone in general to make the most of whatever space they call home.
The post This Chic City Apartment Proves That 450 Square Feet Doesn’t Have to Limit Style appeared first on The Everygirl.
]]>This feature and the mailers’ light weight make them an ideal shipping supply, particularly for small businesses. These businesses often need to maximize usable space in their shipping and storage areas, and the compact size of bubble mailers makes them a great fit for this requirement.
Built-In Cushioning: Bubble mailers feature built-in bubble cushioning, providing excellent protection against shocks and impacts during shipping. This eliminates the need for additional protective packaging materials, reducing the overall packing time. As a result, bubble mailers can be a great choice for businesses seeking to streamline their shipping process.
Versatility: Bubble mailers offer versatility in terms of the types of items they can accommodate. From small electronics and jewelry to books and documents, these mailers can protect a wide variety of items. Furthermore, bubble mailers come in various sizes, ensuring a suitable option for different items.
Lightweight: Bubble mailers are lightweight, an important consideration in shipping. A lighter package often translates into lower shipping costs, making bubble mailers a cost-effective option. Despite their lightness, they don’t compromise on protection, ensuring the items’ safety.
Easy to Store: Their flat design makes bubble mailers easy to store. They can be stacked neatly, allowing for efficient use of storage space. This can be especially advantageous for businesses with limited storage capacity. The ease of storage also makes bubble mailers a practical choice for occasional shippers.
Sealing Feature: One of the practical features of bubble mailers is their self-sealing ability. This design eliminates the need for additional adhesive, making the packing process faster and more efficient. Furthermore, the seal is typically quite strong, reducing the likelihood of the package opening during transit. This feature ensures that the items inside the mailer remain secure from the point of packing to the point of delivery.
Professional Appearance: Bubble mailers offer a sleek and professional look that can enhance the perception of your shipments. A quality bubble mailer can make a positive impression on the recipient, reflecting positively on your brand. Whether you’re a business owner looking to improve customer experience or an individual sender wanting to give a professional touch to your package, bubble mailers can be a great choice.
Variety: Bubble mailers are available in a wide range of sizes, styles, and colors. This variety allows you to choose the perfect mailer for each item. If you’re shipping something small and fragile, a smaller, well-cushioned mailer would be ideal. For larger items, there are larger sizes available. There are even eco-friendly bubble mailers for those who prioritize sustainability. This diversity makes bubble mailers a flexible solution for different shipping needs.
Protect the items you ship to your customers by using these top bubble mailers that are now available on Amazon.
Top Pick: The Metronic 4×8 Inch Bubble Mailer protects and secures your items during transit; this waterproof mailer offers convenience, durability, and reliability. Whether you run a small business or need to send personal packages, these padded envelopes are a cost-effective solution ensuring your products’ safety.
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The Metronic 4×8 Inch Bubble Mailer has a durable construction, self-sealing feature, cushioned interior, and tear resistance. However, consider its limitations regarding size, fragility, manual sealing, and insulation requirements.
Metronic 4×8 Inch Bubble Mailer 50 Pack
Runner Up: The Sales4Less 5 Poly Bubble Mailers are lightweight mailer envelopes that are perfect for small businesses. The water-resistant and tear-proof construction ensures the safety of your delicate products, while the self-sealing feature adds an extra layer of security.
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Sales4Less 5 Poly Bubble Mailers offers bubble cushioning and polypropylene material to ensure that items remain safe during transit.
Sales4Less 5 Poly Bubble Mailers
Best Value: The Scotch Plastic Bubble Mailer offers lightweight yet reliable cushioning to keep your contents safe during transit. Made with durable plastic material, the flat surface of the mailer is easy to write on and ready for postage.
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The Scotch Plastic Bubble Mailer is perfect for small businesses, offices, or home shipping needs, these bubble mailers are a practical alternative to traditional cardboard boxes.
The Amazon Basics Kraft Bubble Mailer has a kraft paper exterior made from durable recycled material and offers ample room for a sticker or hand-written labeling, allowing for easy identification. The 50gsm bubble interior lining protects against bending or breaking during shipping. W
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The Amazon Basics Kraft Bubble Mailer has self-sealing closure with strong adhesive, ensuring hassle-free packaging. Although it has limited size options and color availability, it serves as a low-cost alternative to box shipping or standard envelopes.
Amazon Basics Kraft Bubble Mailer, 14.5″ x 20″
The 50 Pieces Metallic Padded Bubble Mailers by Outus have a metallic finish and they offer a wear-proof, moisture-proof, and waterproof solution. The mailers feature air bubbles on both sides to safeguard your items during transit.
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The 50 Pieces Metallic Padded Bubble Mailers by Outus provide an alternative to traditional mailers. With their stylish metallic finish, these mailers protect your items and add a professional touch to your shipments.
50 Pieces Metallic Padded Bubble Mailers
The METRONIC Daisy Printed Padded Envelopes are practical but also visually appealing, featuring a fancy daisy design. Durable and waterproof construction and self-sealing adhesive are some of the features.
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The METRONIC Daisy Printed Padded Envelopes provide a secure closure eliminating any concerns about tampering during transit.
Metronic 4×8 Inch Bubble Mailer 100 Pack
The UCGOU Bubble Mailers are opaque poly mailers with full air bubbles and gray film inner lining providing excellent cushioning and privacy protection. These mailers are an ideal choice for small and medium-sized businesses and are suitable for various items such as cards, CDs, jewelry, makeup supplies, and sunglasses boxes.
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The UCGOU Bubble Mailers in the 6×10 inch size offer strong self-sealing adhesive that ensures secure closure, while the puncture-resistant and waterproof material safeguards items during transit. These mailers improve productivity and reduce costs by eliminating the need for additional packaging materials.
UCGOU Bubble Mailers 6×10 Inch
The Fuxury White Bubble Mailers have strong adhesive making them ideal for transporting various items such as photos, shirts, books, iPads, and clothing. These mailers are crafted with high-quality polyethylene materials and offer exceptional durability, sturdiness, and protection.
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Fuxury White Bubble Mailers in the size of 10.5×16 inches has a cushioning effect provided by the 80gsm bubble lining with unique air cellular layers and all-round strong air bubble technology. . The cushioning effect is enhanced by the bubble wrap lining, ensuring the safety of shipped items.
Fuxury White Bubble Mailers 10.5×16 Inch
The LIMNUO Bubble Mailers, in the size of 8.5×12 inches, provide practical storage and shipping protection against water, snow, and tampering. With their self-sealed design, these multipurpose bubble mailers, once the envelope is sealed, it cannot be opened without visible signs of tampering, ensuring extra security for your shipped items.
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LIMNUO Bubble Mailers re suitable for various items such as cosmetics, fashion accessories, and jewelry. LIMNUO offers customer satisfaction with a zero-risk purchase with a full refund guarantee.
LIMNUO Bubble Mailers 8.5×12 Inch
The iMBAPrice Premium Self Seal Poly Bubble Mailers offer multi-layer protection, made from a durable, moisture-resistant, and puncture-resistant blend of polyethylene film. The peel-and-seal adhesive closure provides a reliable and tamper-evident seal, enhancing the security of your shipments.
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The iMBAPrice Premium Self Seal Poly Bubble Mailers has tough bubble interior that offers excellent cushioning and protection to provide cost-effective shipping.
iMBAPrice Premium Self Seal Poly Bubble Mailers
A vast array of bubble mailers are available on the market, each designed to cater to specific shipping needs. You’ll find Kraft paper mailers, known for their sturdy outer paper layer; poly bubble mailers, appreciated for their water-resistant properties; metallic bubble mailers, which catch the eye with their shiny exterior; and decorative bubble mailers, which come in various colors and patterns for a personalized touch. This assortment means businesses and individuals can select the type of mailer that best suits their unique shipping requirements.
Bubble mailers typically comprise two primary materials: an outer layer and an inner bubble wrap layer. The outer layer can be made from a variety of materials, including Kraft paper, polyethylene plastic, or metalized film. This layer is designed to withstand the rigors of transit, providing durability and, in some cases, water resistance. The inner layer consists of bubble wrap, which provides protective cushioning that shields fragile items from impact.
The concept of the bubble mailer originated from the invention of bubble wrap in the late 1950s. Seeing the potential of this cushioning material for shipping fragile items, innovators created the bubble mailer, effectively combining an envelope with bubble wrap. The result was a lightweight, protective packaging solution that offered peace of mind to senders and recipients alike. Over the years, the bubble mailer has evolved, with manufacturers introducing various types and sizes to meet a range of shipping needs.
Bubble mailers have become a mainstay in shipping for many reasons. First, their lightweight nature can help lower shipping costs, as charges are often based on weight. Second, their self-sealing design saves time, eliminating the need for additional tape. Additionally, the cushioning offered by the bubble wrap interior provides a high level of protection for the contents, reducing the chance of damage during delivery. Customizable options also allow businesses to enhance their brand visibility by featuring logos or unique designs on the mailer.
The manufacturing of bubble mailers involves the use of specific raw materials. The most common materials include polyethylene for the bubble wrap interior and Kraft paper, poly film, or metalized film for the outer layer. Manufacturers carefully select these materials for their properties, such as strength, flexibility, and lightness, which are important for the overall quality and functionality of the final product.
The manufacturing process of bubble mailers typically begins with bubble wrap production. This involves sealing two sheets of plastic together to trap air bubbles between them. This bubble-lined sheet is then laminated to the chosen outer material. The resulting laminated sheet is cut into the desired sizes, and the edges are sealed to create individual mailers. A strip of adhesive is applied to the flap of the mailer, which the user can expose by removing a strip of protective paper to seal the envelope.
They undergo rigorous quality assurance and testing procedures to ensure bubble mailers meet standards for protecting items in transit. These tests often include a drop test to check the durability of the mailer and its ability to protect its contents from impacts. Other checks include a seal strength test to ensure the adhesive seal can securely close the mailer and a puncture resistance test to check the resilience of the outer layer. Regular quality checks throughout manufacturing help ensure the final product meets the necessary standards.
Like many other types of packaging, bubble mailers have an environmental impact due to their production and disposal. Manufacturers are aware of this and have taken steps to mitigate these impacts. Some companies now produce recyclable or biodegradable bubble mailers, made from materials that can be broken down or recycled more easily than traditional materials.
Additionally, the move towards using more lightweight materials reduces shipping costs and the amount of material used overall, which can have a positive environmental effect.
As environmental consciousness continues to grow among consumers and businesses, manufacturers of bubble mailers are expected to invest further in sustainable options. We’ll likely see increased use of recycled or plant-based materials in producing bubble mailers. Innovations may also lead to the development of bubble mailers that are easier to recycle or compost. Simultaneously, customization options may expand, allowing businesses to create distinctive, brand-promoting mailers while adhering to sustainable practices.
Bubble mailers are used in packaging across numerous industries. They’re a go-to solution for shipping a wide range of items, from jewelry and CDs to small electronic devices. Their protective design safeguards against damage during transit, offering peace of mind for both the sender and the recipient. Moreover, the self-sealing feature of these mailers simplifies the packaging process, making them an efficient option for businesses of all sizes.
Bubble mailers are particularly useful when shipping fragile items. The bubble padding helps absorb shocks and bumps during delivery, ensuring the item reaches the customer intact. They’re perfect for shipping sensitive items like glassware, jewelry, small electronics, and other delicate products. As a result, bubble mailers are a popular choice for e-commerce businesses that frequently ship a variety of delicate items.
E-commerce businesses heavily rely on bubble mailers for their shipping needs. These mailers offer a practical solution for ensuring products reach customers in excellent condition, contributing to positive reviews and repeat business. Additionally, bubble mailers can be easily customized, allowing businesses to promote their brand during delivery directly. This can help businesses stand out and make a lasting impression on customers in a competitive online market.
With shipping costs often calculated based on weight, bubble mailers can offer significant savings. They are lighter than boxes or other more substantial packaging options, helping to keep shipping costs down. Moreover, their slim design allows for more efficient use of space in delivery vehicles, which can further contribute to cost reduction. By offering a lightweight, space-efficient packaging solution, bubble mailers can play a key role in an effective cost-saving strategy for businesses.
Aside from their common use in shipping, bubble mailers can be repurposed in a variety of creative ways. They’ve been used as document protectors, CD or DVD cases, or even seed starters for gardeners. Craft enthusiasts have also used them as a base for creating unique decorative items. These unconventional uses demonstrate the versatility of bubble mailers and offer great inspiration for recycling or reusing these materials, contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle.
To choose the right bubble mailer, evaluate what you’ll be shipping. Think about the items’ size, weight, and fragility. Lightweight jewelry, for instance, requires different protection than heavier electronics. The material of the items also matters. Some items may need more cushioning or a tougher exterior for the mailer. It’s all about understanding your items’ needs to reach their destination safely.
Bubble mailers come in many sizes, typically expressed in internal dimensions. Sizes can range from small ones, around 4×7 inches, ideal for compact items like jewelry, to larger ones up to 14.5×20 inches, suitable for books or electronics. The size you choose depends on what you’re shipping – you want your item to fit comfortably inside without too much extra space, which can allow the item to move around and potentially get damaged.
Bubble mailers are made from various materials, with each offering different benefits. Poly bubble mailers, for instance, are waterproof and tear-resistant, ideal for items that need extra protection from moisture or rough handling. Kraft paper bubble mailers, on the other hand, offer a balance of protection and presentability, making them perfect for businesses looking to impress their customers with an unboxing experience.
Many suppliers offer customizable bubble mailers if off-the-shelf options don’t meet your needs. You can request specific sizes or materials and even have your logo printed on the mailers. Custom options are a great way to enhance your brand presence while ensuring your products get the protection they need.
Environmental concerns are increasingly influencing buyer choices. If sustainability is important to you or your customers, look for eco-friendly bubble mailers. These are often made from recycled materials and are usually recyclable. This choice can reduce your environmental impact and enhance your brand’s reputation among environmentally conscious consumers.
Bubble mailers provide a protective cushion that’s perfect for storing fragile items. Whether it’s fine jewelry, collectible items, or sensitive documents, bubble mailers can safeguard these from scratches, dents, or other damage. They’re also excellent for keeping things organized, as each item or set of items can have its mailer.
Their sealing feature lets bubble mailers keep out dust, moisture, and other contaminants, making them great for long-term storage. This feature is handy for items sensitive to environmental conditions, such as electronics, old photographs, or important documents.
Bubble mailers are a space-saving storage solution. Their slim design makes them easy to stack, helping you optimize your storage area. This can be especially useful in smaller spaces or when you have many items to store.
If you’ve received items in bubble mailers, consider reusing them for storage. It’s an easy way to reduce waste and use something that might otherwise be thrown away. Just make sure the mailer is clean and in good condition before using it for storage.
Bubble mailers can be a fantastic organizational tool. You can use them to sort items in a drawer or box, making finding things easier. You can also label them for added convenience. From craft supplies to hardware, bubble mailers can help keep your items sorted and protected.
Bubble mailers come in a wide range of sizes, making them adaptable for shipping various items. You can find them as small as 4×6 inches, perfect for jewelry, and as large as 14.25×20 inches, which can fit larger items such as books or electronics. Many suppliers offer customizable sizes to meet specific requirements.
The recyclability of bubble mailers depends on their materials. Some bubble mailers made entirely of plastic can be recycled along with plastic bags. Others, like Kraft paper bubble mailers, may require separation of materials before recycling. Always check the packaging for specific recycling instructions.
Yes, bubble mailers can often be reused before they’re recycled. If the mailer is still in good condition after its initial use, it can be reused for shipping, storage, or one of the creative uses mentioned earlier.
Many manufacturers offer customizable bubble mailers. This can include printing a company logo, changing the color, or even adjusting the size of the mailer. Customization can provide a unique touch to a business’s packaging, making a memorable impression on customers.
The weight a bubble mailer can hold depends on its size and construction. However, they’re designed to be strong and durable. A standard bubble mailer can usually hold up to 2-3 pounds. Always check with the manufacturer for specific weight guidelines.
The bubble padding inside the mailers provides a cushion that helps protect items from impact during shipping. For particularly fragile or valuable items, additional cushioning might be beneficial.
Bubble mailers can be a cost-effective choice for shipping. They’re lightweight, which can help reduce shipping costs, and their protective bubble lining can save costs associated with damaged goods. Plus, their self-sealing design saves time and the need for extra tape or sealants.
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This article, "Bubble Mailers: Options for Your Business" was first published on Small Business Trends
]]>By Melanie Pinola
Here’s what to do with the old laptops, cell phones, and power cords you no longer need. Plus, how to organize what you do use, including streamlining that overflowing email inbox.
Follow this step-by-step guide to saving what you need, deleting the rest, and recycling the hardware.
Gather and Sort Gadgets
The first step in taking control of unwanted devices is to collect them in one spot that’s convenient but out of sight, where you can work on the project gradually.
Then divide them into two categories.
Devices that don’t contain personal data on them, such as keyboards, headphones, and monitors, can go into boxes ready to sell, donate, or recycle.
The second group is for items that may have important files, such as laptops, phones, and CDs. In most cases, you’ll want to copy and then erase those files. (Instructions follow.) But if you don’t care about retrieving the information and just want to make sure sensitive data is deleted, you can try a free service that will take the items off your hands and erase the data—in which case, jump to "Sell, Donate, or Recycle," below.
Back Up and Wipe Old Phones
The photos, contacts, and messages from your old phone may already be copied onto your new phone. But you can do it again to be safe.
• Android phones: Go to Settings, tap the search icon, and enter "backup." Follow the prompts, then wait 24 hours to make sure everything gets copied. If your phone has an SD card for extra storage, pop it into your computer’s built-in SD card reader or an external reader, which costs around $10 from brands such as Kingston and SanDisk.
• iPhones: One option is to back up to iCloud, but you may have to pay a monthly fee to get enough storage. (Go to Settings, tap your name > iCloud backup.) Or connect the phone to your computer with a cable. On a Mac, open Finder and click on the iPhone. Then click General > "Back up all of the data on your iPhone to this Mac." On a Windows PC, open iTunes, then click the iPhone button > Summary > Back Up Now.
Then erase the data on the phone. If it has a SIM card, remove and destroy it (scissors should work). Search Settings for "reset."
Wipe a Laptop or Desktop Computer
This process can take a while. If you have trouble—say, the device won’t turn on—or you prefer to get help, contact an electronics repair shop. As an example, Best Buy’s Geek Squad data backup service starts at $100.
Ready to take it on yourself? A fast, simple backup method is to copy the files onto an external hard drive. A 2-terabyte drive should be more than enough—and you can then use it for extra storage with your current computer. Prominent brands such as Seagate and Western Digital offer them for about $60. Connect the drive to the old computer with a USB cable, then use File Explorer for Windows or Finder on Mac to copy the files you want onto the drive.
Next, permanently wipe all personal data from the laptop. This takes a number of steps, which vary depending on the type and age of your computer. See how to wipe a computer clean of personal data.
Destroy Old CDs, DVDs, and Floppy Disks
Do you still have a pile of 3.5-inch floppy disks in a desk drawer? You can buy an inexpensive reader to copy the files to your computer or just see what’s on them. A floppy disk drive on Amazon runs about $20; a DVD drive is about $25.
Once you have the files on your computer, make the obsolete disks unreadable: Cut scratches in a CD or DVD, and cut up the disk inside a floppy disk. Then add the pieces to your e-cycling pile.
Sell, Donate, or Recycle
It’s finally time to get your dusty old gadgets out of the house.
Cash out. Trade-in programs will give you a quote for items like PCs and phones, a free shipping label, and cash or a gift card after they receive them. Options include Amazon, Apple, and Best Buy. BuyBackWorld and Gazelle promise to delete all your personal data.
Donate. Check with a local charity or go to WorldComputerExchange. org, which distributes tech to schools and programs across the globe. Dell Reconnect works with Goodwill; it takes items in any condition and promises to wipe your data.
Recycle. Don’t throw electronic items in the trash. Recycling them helps conserve resources and keep toxic chemicals out of the environment. Your local recycling center may accept e-waste. Or go to Earth911.com to find other options near you.
Eventually, your phone and laptop may start telling you they’re running out of space, especially if you’ve saved lots of photos and videos. Here’s how to declutter your devices.
Free Up Storage on Your Computer
Delete unused applications. The first step is to delete old applications, which can take up a lot of room on a hard drive. You might not even be using the biggest space hogs.
• Mac: Open Finder and go to the Applications folder. Select the app, then either drag it to the Trash or right-click it (or click while holding down the Control button) and choose File > Move to Trash. Then right-click on the Trash icon and choose Empty Trash.
• Windows: Go to Settings. Then choose Apps > Apps & features. Find the app you want to remove, then select More > Uninstall.
Delete duplicates. Identical copies of files aren’t just a waste of space; they’re confusing when you don’t know which file to open. Here’s an easy way to find and delete those duplicates.
• Mac: Open Finder and search for "(1)" with quotation marks.
• Windows: In File Explorer on Windows, search for filename: "*(1)*".
Use built-in utilities. These tools will recommend other ways to save space.
• Mac: Click the Apple icon, then System Settings > General > Storage.
• Windows: Find the app called Disk Cleanup, or a feature called Storage Sense under Start > Settings > System > Storage.
Declutter Your Desktop and Downloads Folder
Having numerous files on your desktop is like having papers spread all over your actual desk: It can be hard to find what you need and stressful to look at. Your downloads folder can get just as messy.
Delete the files on your desktop you no longer need, such as that PDF ticket for an event long ago, as well as unneeded shortcuts to applications.
Next, move files you do want to keep to the appropriate subfolder under your main Documents folder—or create a new subfolder if necessary.
Now open your Downloads folder and scroll through the list to identify any files you want to keep, such as downloaded bank statements. Move them to the appropriate folders under Documents.
Everything else, including installation files (.dmg on Mac, .exe on Windows), can be trashed.
Illustration: Joseph Carrington
Free Up Storage on Your Phone
Quickly clean up an Android phone. You can delete unused apps, duplicate photos, junk files, and more with the Files by Google app. Download it from the Play Store if it’s not already installed. In the app, tap Clean on the bottom. Then you can choose the kinds of files and apps you want to remove with just a few taps.
Delete unused apps on an iPhone. Go to Settings > General > iPhone Storage to see a color-coded bar graph showing your storage usage. Below that, click on the recommendations iOS will present to you, such as enabling "Offload Unused Apps," which deletes the apps but keeps the user data in case you want to use the apps in the future. You’ll also see on this screen the apps that are installed on your phone and their size. Tap on the ones you wish to delete.
Optimize photos and videos. Photos and videos tend to take up the most storage space. Photo optimization stores full-resolution versions in the cloud while leaving smaller versions on your phone.
• On an Android phone: Go to Google Photos’ settings and select "Free up space."
• On an iPhone: Go to Settings > Photos and enable "Optimize iPhone Storage." Now you’ll have more room...for more photos and videos.
Online life brings certain headaches, such as ever-changing passwords and an overflowing inbox. Here are fixes for those annoyances.
Manage Your Passwords
Have you clicked a "Forgot password?" link in the past few months? Resetting your password because you can’t remember it is no one’s idea of a good time. For your security, and to make logging in to accounts as hassle-free as possible, we recommend using a password manager, which generates and saves long, unique passwords for all your online accounts. (One thing you should never do is reuse the same password on multiple sites, which is a major security risk.) In CR’s tests, 1Password (from $36 per year) performed the best for its balance of privacy, security, and ease of use. Dashlane and Keeper offer both free and paid options.
Once you start using a password manager, you need to remember just one password—the one you use to access all your stored log-in credentials. Make it long (at least 16 characters), unique, and memorable. You can use a series of random words separated by hyphens or spaces. It’s fine to write this down in a notebook stored safely at home.
Shut Down Old Accounts
Many of us have long-forgotten accounts with retailers, apps, media sites, and more. This raises the odds of your data being misused or stolen. To find old accounts to close, search for emails with phrases like "welcome to" and "confirm your email." To avoid phishing attacks, don’t click on links in these emails. Instead, go to the company website in a fresh browser tab.
Illustration: Joseph Carrington
Empty Your Email Inbox
An inbox full of hundreds if not thousands of read and unread emails is distracting and can be a source of stress. You could archive everything, but the emails will take up space and it could cost money if you exceed the account’s free storage limit. See how to delete emails en masse, even hundreds at a time.
Stop Unwanted Emails
Once you empty your inbox of marketing emails, you don’t want it to quickly fill back up.
Marketers give you a way to stop receiving their messages. A convenient tactic for collecting a lot of them in one place is to search your inbox for common marketing lingo like "today only," "while supplies last," "limited time," "coupon," and even "privacy policy" and "edit your preferences."
Then, in the search results, open each email and click on the Unsubscribe link next to the email sender’s name, if it’s available. Or scroll to the bottom of the email to find the Unsubscribe link to remove yourself from the mailing list.
Repeat with each sender, and enjoy deleting the emails as you go.
Editor’s Note: This article also appeared in the July 2023 issue of Consumer Reports magazine.
Consumer Reports is an independent, nonprofit organization that works side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. CR does not endorse products or services, and does not accept advertising. Copyright © 2023, Consumer Reports, Inc.
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The all-new 48-Inch Four Door French Door Refrigerator features softly illuminated 3D lighting and a sleek, stainless-steel wrapped interior with an emphasis on innovation and performance for the at home chef. SmartThings 3.0 provides remote access to a range of functions and features while supporting IQ Remote View, allowing users to view the contents of their fridge from a built-in camera.
Using Dacor’s trademarked technology, a FreshZone drawer with 3 cooling modes helps optimize storage space while the FreshZone™ Plus drawer can be converted from fridge to freezer, to preserve optimal taste, texture, and flavor for stored foods. The appliance is made for stylish hosting with upgraded integrations including a sensor-activated, auto-filling water pitcher with the option to infuse flavor and a Dual Icemaker that produces both whiskey-ball and cubed ice. The Dacor 48-inch Four Door French Door Refrigerator launches later this month.
The 48-Inch Transitional Range marries a sleek user interface with bold, stainless-steel touchpoints. An Auto-Tilting 7-inch LCD touch screen supports voice and remote control through Wi-Fi-enabled SmartThings, as well as featuring access to an extensive catalog of step-by-step, chef-curated, guided recipes through Dacor’s Chef Mode.
Designed to simplify life through innovation, the range includes air sous-vide, air fry, and dual infrared broilers. Dual Four-Part Pure Convection ensures zero flavor transfer and is complimented by the range’s expansive oven cavity large enough to accommodate commercial sheet pans, so multiple dishes can bake at once. 22K BTU SimmerSear brass burners provide the flexibility to simmer delicate sauces or sear crusts on meats while Illumina Knobs further emphasize the range’s modern aesthetic, coming alive when the user interacts with the appliance. The Dacor 48-Inch Transitional Range releases later this month.
See also: THOR Kitchen Debuts 24-Inch Refrigerator And Freezer Drawers For Extra Cooled Storage
]]>A supply drawer we created while unpacking a client
Moving is stressful. There’s pretty much no way around it. Even if an employer is paying for the move and you have the movers pack you, there are a lot of details with which to contend and it’s a hassle. Working with a professional organizer can help, but even so, the process is stressful.
I’ve recently helped several clients settle into their new homes by bringing in teams to unpack and organize their belongings. All of them were packed by the movers. Observing how the unpacking and organizing process went, I’ve identified a few ways to make the move easier:
Yes, moving is stressful. But it doesn’t have to be a nightmare. With a little planning and forethought, you can make it relatively easy.
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