Travel Tips, Ideas, and Hacks + HM #234

Got a travel bug? Find great travel tips, ideas, and hacks for traveling! Link up at Home Matters with recipes, DIY, decor. #Travel #TravelTips #HomeMattersParty

Travel Tips, Ideas, and Hacks + HM #234

Have you got a travel bug? Make the most of your getaways and vacations with this awesome roundup of travel tips, ideas, and hacks from the gals of Home Matters!I’ve got tips for the airport, traveling on a budget, things to know for international travel, and some of the best free apps to rock your trip. Enjoy!

 

 

Top Ten Airport Hacks from Sheree @ SheShe Show

 

61 Ways to Travel on a Budget from Milly @ Mini Adventures

 

15 Essential Things To Do Before International Travel from PattiThe Savvy Globetrotter

 

25 of the Best FREE Travel Apps from JuliannaThe Discoveries Of

 

Travel Tips, Ideas, and Hacks Blog Hop

Click through all the Hosts and Co-hosts blogs to see the complete Themed Roundup!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter


 

A Home Matters Themed Roundup

Last Week’s Theme: Memorial Day Inspiration

Next Week’s Theme: Stay at Home Summer Activities/Backyard Games/Outdoor Activities



Welcome to the weekly Home Matters Linky Party. A great place to come, share your blog posts, and make new friends.

We would love to have you visit our blogs and follow us on social media!

Hosts

Lorelai @ Life With LorelaiFacebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Ashley @ Sweetpea LifestyleFacebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Donna @ Modern On MonticelloFacebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Co-hosts

Sahana @ VikalpahFacebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Emily @ Domestic DeadlineFacebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Nina @ Vintage Mama’s CottageFacebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

 

Check out more posts from the Hosts and Co-Hosts on our
NEW Pinterest Board, All Things Home Matters!
And, please do follow…

Follow All Things Home Matters Board on Pinterest.

 

Each week, we like to feature some of the awesome posts shared at last week’s party. We hope you will be inspired by these creative and talented bloggers who share their best recipes, DIY projects, crafts, home decor, organization ideas, and more. Enjoy!

Check out this week’s features below.

 

Stenciled Patriotic Envelope Pillow from Lisa @ Fresh Vintage by Lisa

PIN here


Peanut Butter Brownie Squares from Kelli @ 3 Boys and a Dog

PIN here


Instant Pot Candied Nuts from Melissa @ Sparkles to Sprinkles

PIN here


Easy Succulent Hanging Basket from Amber @ Follow the Yellow Brick Home

PIN here


Easy Fruit Pizza from Miranda @ Cookie Dough and Oven Mitts

PIN here

 

Thank you to all who linked up at last week’s party. We look forward to seeing what you will be sharing with us this week!

Remember that every feature is shared on all Host’s and Co-Host’s blogs, as well as on the Home Matters Linky Party Pinterest Board! Don’t forget to follow…

Follow Home Matters Linky Party Board on Pinterest.

If you were featured this week, Please Grab our Featured Button to display proudly on your blog post, featured page, or sidebar! Share the joy…

Are you ready to Party?

The linky party starts when Friday begins and closes when Monday ends, EST.

We at Home Matters love meeting new people and discovering new blogs. Help us grow this party by sharing a link on your post or grabbing our party button for your sidebar or party page.

Stop by and VISIT as many OTHER BLOGGERS as you can. Leave them a message, and share their talents on social media.

Be sure to Please USE our Registered Hashtag

 

Home Matters Linky Party Guidelines:

We are thrilled that you came by to link up today! Here are a few rules that hosts and co-hosts of the Home Matters Party follow, and we ask that you follow them, as well.

  1. Please link up no more than THREE posts each week–try to make sure that they are new links that you have not shared here previously. (Exception: Holiday/Seasonal specific posts may be shared once per year.)
  1. Please take some time to poke around and visit some of the other links.
  1. Please take some time to check out your hosts and co-hosts on social media.
  1. We appreciate the variety of blogs on the www; however, the Home Matters Party is for links on matters of the HOME. Please link accordingly.
  1. We ask that you do not add other Linky Parties, Blog Hops, or Giveaways–unless you begin the party with a new project, recipe or post.
  1. On the same note, please do not add links of an extremist, political or strong controversial nature. (The hosts and co-hosts read each and every blog post linked and will contact you directly if you have linked something that does not fit into the realm of the party.)

With your help, we can continue to grow the Home Matters Party! Thank you!

Got a travel bug? Find great travel tips, ideas, and hacks 4 traveling! Link up @ Home Matters w/ recipes, DIY, decor. #Travel #TravelTips #HomeMattersParty Click To Tweet

 

We are looking for Co-Hosts. Help us Rock this party!
If you are interested, please

Click Here for DETAILS!

 

Link Up!

By joining the Home Matters Linky Party you are giving permission for all hosts and co-hosts to use and share any part of your post, including pictures, for party promotion, as featured posts, in party photo collages, on blogs, and across social media, etc. All credits will be given to the original source. Also, you will receive a weekly email reminder regarding the new week’s Home Matters Linky Party.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter


Thank you for joining in the fun and excitement at the Home Matters Linky Party. We hope you enjoy it as much as we do. We look forward to chatting with you in the comments.

 

Don’t have a blog, but want to Remember to Party With Us each week?
Forgot to leave your email while linking up your post?
You can still sign up for our Email Party Reminders. Click below for a form…

 

 

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Air Conditioning – 5 Tips On Choosing The Right One For Your Home

Get 5 Tips on choosing the right Air Conditioning System for your home. Find out the best Air conditioner features for your lifestyle and needs.

 

5 Tips on Choosing an Air Conditioning System

Get the Right One for Your Home

 

Air conditioning systems have become almost vital in our times with the changing weather conditions. If you do not have one, you are probably looking to get one installed. And, If you have a system already, you may be in the market to replace or maintain your existing unit. Of course, with the wide range options, this could be a challenging decision. Here are a few pointers to help you along the way to the right system for you home.

 

Air conditioner system

Purchasing an air conditioning system is an investment well-worth the cost. Prices will vary according to the size of your home or office and your specific needs. You will receive a good return with cooling and comfort provided by the AC unit. On hot summer days, the cooling system not only removes the heat, but will add a lovely freshness to your rooms.

 

Tips on choosing the right system for your needs

 

Do not allow the varying sizes, models, and features through you for a loop. Check out these tips that will give you an edge in making the right choice in AC systems for your house.

 

Air conditioner installation

  1. Size

You need to know the size of the space you are looking to cool and purchase an air conditioning unit that can handle the job. If the system is too small for the space, it will never sufficiently cool the space. This will result in the system overworking and lead to damage of the compressor and other parts. Purchasing an over-sized unit will only cost you more money than necessary in the cost of the unit itself. Both scenarios will cost you more money in the long run by increased energy costs and consumption. So, it is important to purchase an appropriately sized air conditioning system that is suitable for your space requirements. Do some research and get help from knowledgeable professionals.

 

  1. Energy Efficiency

Another primary concern should be the energy efficiency of your air conditioning system. You will want to check out the energy efficiency rating, known as the SEER or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This rating will give you an idea of how efficient the unit is in terms of energy expenditure. The higher the rating the more efficient and better the equipment, which will save you a lot of money on electric bills.

 

Air conditioner installed

  1. Features

Get to know what features are available in air conditioning systems. Find out what they do, and what their purpose is. That way, you can make a good decision on the best features for your needs. Manufacturers offer devices with many advanced features such as; easy filter removal, sleep timer, energy efficiency, human activity sensing, anti-bacterial filters, and many more.

 

  1. Service and Warranty Period

Warranties and service policies are important to consider. Look for reputable brands with long warranties including a replacement guarantee. You will also want to have the option of extending the warranty period. This will save on maintenance costs if any problems arise.

 

Air conditioner

  1. Budget

Be budget conscious. Looking at air conditioning systems that are out of your price range will not benefit you or your home or office. Buy the best product that fits within your budget. If the unit you truly want is above your financial range, do a little more saving before you purchase. Then, you can get the unit that best fits your requirements.

 

I hope you have found these tips helpful and informative. Good luck in finding the perfect air conditioning system for your home.

 

 

 

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Bedroom Furniture – 10 Things To Keep In Mind

Find out what 10 things to consider when choosing your bedroom furniture. Your private space should be peaceful, comfortable, and cozy.

 

10 Things to Keep in Mind While Choosing Bedroom Furniture

 

When you step into your bedroom you should be enveloped by a feeling of absolute peace. Your bedroom is one of the most private areas of your home, and decorating it is purely for your benefit and not for visitors. How, though, do you choose the right styles of bedroom furniture when there is no end to what you can pick from? This guide will help you choose what complements your bedroom and makes it cozy and comfortable, as it ought to be.

 

  1. Bedroom Size:

 

Keeping your bedroom size in mind will help you choose furniture wisely. You need to measure your bedroom exactly and plan where you wish to keep each piece of furniture. Lack of planning may lead to impulse buying, and you may end up with furniture that will be useless. Instead of crowding your room because of bad planning or not taking your room’s size into consideration while buying bedroom furniture, plan wisely so that you’ll be pleased with the result.

 

  1. Bedroom Style:

 

When you’re buying furniture, they should be considered and match with the overall theme of your bedroom.  For example, if your bedroom’s overall décor is contemporary or transitional, your furniture should blend in.

 

  1. Room Color Scheme:

 

Choose bedroom furniture colors that blend in with the color scheme so that your furniture fits in with the rest of the room. Bad color coordination can ruin your sleep and make your bedroom anything but a comfortable haven of peace.

 

  1. Design:

 

Take into consideration the likes and dislikes of whoever is going to use the bedroom that you’re furnishing. If you’re furnishing a kid’s bedroom, choose cool furniture that they will love. On the other hand, adults may prefer a more sophisticated look.

 

  1. Space Saving Options:

 

Consider whether your bedroom has sufficient space to accommodate all that you plan to buy. Instead of buying a bed and a separate chest of drawers, opt for a bed with storage drawers fitted with them. Instead of regular bookcases, choose hanging bookshelves that save space.

 

  1. Budget:

 

Bedroom furniture is not cheap and therefore set a budget and plan what you can get within that based on what takes the highest priority. Never buy more than you can afford or you won’t enjoy your purchase.

 

  1. Material and Quality:

 

Choose bedroom furniture that is tough and durable. No one wants to lie on a bed that collapses after a while or that isn’t comfortable. Most good furniture comes with warranty and proper details on the material used.

 

  1. Accessories:

 

Some of your bedroom furniture may come with necessary accessories, so check on these. For example, your bed may come with an optional headboard or your storage cabinets may have wall-mount kits. Check on accessories before purchasing so that you get all that you’re paying for.

 

  1. Price:

 

Before finalizing on your bedroom furniture, compare the price with multiple stores and suppliers with the quality in mind of course. Rather than choosing your furniture out of a store that puts on the price to pay for their showy outlet, choose it out of a store that gives you good quality at a reasonable price.

 

  1. Reviews:

 

If you’ve opted to buy your bedroom furniture from an online seller or a well-known local outlet, check on reviews from those who’ve purchased from them. Also, check with friends for references so that you can be sure to get your furniture from a reputed dealer who will give you good value for your money.

 

 

~Melissa

 

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5 Budget Friendly Projects For Your Apartment

Debbie Lewis joins us again today with some easy and doable projects for making the most of your rental living spaces.

5 Budget Friendly Projects

For Your Apartment

 

Living in a rental can leave you feeling a bit restricted when it comes to updates. If you’re looking for a way to ditch the cookie-cutter feel of your apartment, try these affordable upgrades that you can tackle over the weekend.

Add Geometric Interest to Walls

Painting isn’t always an option for renters, but that doesn’t mean you have to live with boring walls. Update your apartment with a geometric stick-on solution instead. Purchase sticky vinyl in your chosen color, and use a manual die cutting tool to create your desired shapes. Go for a colorful array of polka dots, chic stripes, or series of retro starbursts. Your options are limited only by your imagination and willingness to trace and cut the pieces. Once you’ve prepared the shapes, just stick them up. They’ll peel right down again when it’s time to move. Check out this Vinyl Wall Art of the Eiffel Tower that Lorelai did in Rory’s bedroom.

Create Custom Storage Spaces

Image via Flickr by prettyinprint

Storage space is typically at a premium in an apartment. You want to make smart use of every available inch without giving your place a cluttered look. DIY storage can offer a versatile solution that’s custom made to fit the available dimensions. Make your own plywood rolling drawers to fit perfectly under your bed or beneath hanging clothes in your closet. Build shoe storage from PVC pipes for a wall-to-wall piece that lets you make use of every bit of available closet space. The options are endless with a little DIY ingenuity.

Opt for Open Storage

Is your apartment lacking some of the desired cabinet space for your kitchen essentials? Turn to open storage that doubles as a decorative element instead. Mount two or three shelves to any open wall and keep your most colorful cups, plates, bowls, and serving ware here. Add hooks to the bottom of the lowest shelf for your collection of mugs or a few bright dish towels.

Upgrade Your Showerhead

Many apartment fixtures are too troublesome to change, but your showerhead is something that you actually have a great deal of control over. Changing out the showerhead is a matter of quickly screwing the standard installation off and adding your sparkling new fixture. You can dramatically improve your morning routine with an adjustable showerhead with multiple settings. If you want to reduce your water bill, a low-flow showerhead is an investment that can help you save in the long run.

Change the Doorknobs

Doorknobs are another apartment feature you can easily swap out with minimal effort. Upgrading to new knobs can instantly give your apartment a fresher look. You’ll also enjoy the benefit of knobs that lock properly if that’s something you’re struggling with. Have kids you don’t want isolated in their rooms? Switch to knobs that don’t lock at all. Just keep the old ones so you can change them back before you leave.

There’s no need for rental restrictions to leave your unit feeling dull. Get creative with the available space in your apartment and make the most of what’s available with these smart solutions.

 

 

 

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