Life@Home • Life@Home • Life@Home • 12 January 2023

Tom’s Tips for Decorating When You Constantly Want Changes – January 2023

by Tom Johnston

A new year means new changes! Maybe you’ll be making a move this year, maybe you’ll want to redo your space – but what happens if you want to make another change down the road? Whether you’re a renter with changing roommates or have a kid with changing tastes, with these tips, you’ll be able to refresh your home with a mind to making easy changes whenever you need to.

Wallpaper used to be a slog, but several brands now offer the convenience of peel and stick wallpapers that you can remove with ease. Take the opportunity to add funky patterns on an accent wall, and why not mix and match if you really want something different. But if the zebra stripes clash with the polka-dots, peel away for easy removal with no permanent damage to your walls.

The best part about a movable bar cart is how easy it is to slot this useful storage item into any corner of your home when you need it. You could go from having a convenient bookshelf in your bedroom, to a craft caddy for kids, to an actual moving bar when guests are over. A reliable bar cart is there wherever and whenever you need it.

Your bed is the centerpiece of your bedroom, so switch up its look with a reversible duvet cover! Whether you feel like a pattern one week or a solid neutral the next, flipping the duvet is an easy way to change the focal point on your room to match your style at a moment’s notice.

If you love displaying your pictures and are constantly taking new ones, skip the hassle of frames, and consider putting up a couple of photo ledges. These shallow shelves allow you to put up as many pictures as the space allows, switch them out whenever you’d like, and accent your ledge with small succulents and other décor. Plus, the shelf could be a nice pop of colour on an otherwise neutral wall.

The best way to keep kids from doing permanent damage to the walls, consider chalk wall decal stickers that can be as large or as small as you like. Whether you want to cover an accent wall in a kids room and let them go wild or just have a panel in your kitchen to keep a grocery list, these pieces can be utilitarian or creative, depending on what you need for your space. The best part is that they’re removable if you’re ever tired of getting chalk dust everywhere.

Turn a blank wall into an art gallery with some canvas art! Here are some fun ideas to make your own artwork that will stand out in any room.

Perfect for a cold winter’s day, this chicken skillet is a healthy, simple meal that is ready in 30 minutes and takes only one pan for easy clean up.

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12 January 2023

Tom’s Tips for Storing Your Holiday Decorations – December 2022

by Tom Johnston

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! And that means it’s time to spend hours finding, detangling, and dusting all your holiday decorations that have been crammed into storage for the year. Then in a month, you’ll spend even more time trying to stuff everything back into worn down boxes. Let’s break this cycle with tips and tricks to make organizing and storing your holiday decorations really feel like the best time of the year.

Taking down your holiday decorations can seem like a daunting task and really feel like an end to holiday celebrations, but these easy steps will help make storing a breeze and set you up for success the following year. First, take a picture of every room so next year you’ll remember where each décor piece went. This will save you so much time and stress trying to remember your previous perfect set-up. Next, while you are packing up the decorations, take this time to declutter. Donate any unused or longer needed items and upcycle or throw out any broken pieces. This is also a great time to go through holiday cards as over the years they can take up a lot of space in your storage. Keep any cards that have a personal message, family photos, or sentimental value, then recycle or upcycle the remaining cards. Check out these fun holiday crafts using old cards. Following these steps will save you storage space and time and set you up for a great start to your packing.

Outdoor lights are usually one of the first holiday decorations that are taken down (usually so you don’t get judged by your neighbours if they are up too long). They can also be the most time consuming to put back up the following year because they get tangled in storage. There are many specialized storage bags and reels that will help preserve the lights; however, we have some cost-free solutions using materials you already have at home. If you have extra cardboard lying around, cut the box into rectangle pieces. On one end of the cardboard cut a small slit then slip one end of the light string in and begin wrapping the string around the board until you reach the end. Cut another small slit to hold the other end of the string. This storage hack will keep the lights detangled all year, saving you time, money, and storage space because you can stack or layer each light board.

Ornaments are some of the most fragile holiday decorations and often get broken while in storage. There are many costly storage solutions out there, but here are some DIY projects that will help keep your ornaments safe year after year. For smaller ornaments, use egg cartons. This is a great solution as each box can hold a dozen pieces and can be easily stacked to make storing easy. For larger ornaments, to-go coffee holders are a great option. Although they typically can only hold 4 ornaments, they are also great for stacking and can help keep your pieces safe and organized. Another DIY storage solution is to glue red solo cups to a piece of cardboard (ensure the piece fits inside your storage containers), then simply place ornaments in the cups. This is a great option if you have many different size bulbs as you can fit multiple into each cup, and just like the previous storage solutions, each cardboard piece is stackable to keep them secure in storage.

Artificial trees have many benefits over real trees; however, storing them can be very daunting. Because of their large size and weight, it can be hard to find a spot to keep them. Plus, it can take a lot of time and energy to set up the tree each year. A storage solution that will save you time and space, is to shrink wrap your tree. Starting from the top, section off branches and begin to shrink wrap them up. You’ll want to do 4-5 layers, so it is secure, then work your way down the tree in small parts. This will save you so much storage space. Plus, you can keep the lights on the tree, so next year all you have to do is cut off the plastic wrap and fluff up the branches. If mummifying your tree doesn’t work for your storage, you can also use an old or thrifted hockey bag. These are great storage solutions as they can hold so much (more than enough room for all your tree accessories) and many come with wheels making it easy to place and remove from storage.

Here are a few other tips for storing those miscellaneous holiday decorations that will help save you money, time, and space. First, to help keep beads from tangling with other décor pieces put them into an empty plastic water bottle. This will save you so much time detangling and each bottle can hold two strings. Second, hang your wreaths in a dry-cleaning bag to keep the wreath dust-free all year and make storing easy by hanging them in any closet or on any hook. Next, use paper towel or toilet paper tubes to store cords. This will keep all the cords organized and prevent them from tangling, helping them last longer. Finally, include a detailed list of what is in each box and place it in a sheet protector visible on the box, this will save you time and make finding and storing a breeze.

If you have an old, out of date lamp lying around, upcycle it with a new, trendy shade that can show off your style. Check out this easy DIY project to create a high-end lamp without the cost.

Step up your apple pie this holiday season with this caramel apple pie recipe. It is sure to be a hit at any dinner party!

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Image Credits: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3, Image 4, Image 5

3 November 2022

Tom’s Tips for Designing Your Big Style Kitchen – November 2022

by Tom Johnston

How you design your kitchen must be in accordance with your needs and priorities, as well as align with your future plans for your home. Here are some great design tips for creating an amazingly functional, yet beautiful kitchen that you will actually want to cook in!

Invest in great appliances. It is always important to select and purchase your appliances before beginning the design process in the kitchen. As the space is designed around the appliances, you must know the dimensions of your fridge, stove, and dishwasher before you can begin. Be sensible with selecting the sizes and buy practical appliances that fit your lifestyle. Appliances complete the look of your kitchen and quality is a must to ensure that they last several years for you and your family to enjoy.

Cover your appliances with the same finishes as your cabinets. This will create flow and unity in your kitchen.

Install a minimum of two glass doors for the upper cabinets; these can be placed in the corners or next to the range hood. By installing glass doors, you can use your best dishes or crystal glassware to accessorize your kitchen.

If the space allows, install a centralized island. An island will help create better functionality by giving you extra preparation area and extra storage space. It also adds bonus gathering and eating space for your guests.

Functionality is key, and there is nothing worse than a beautiful kitchen that is not functional. Account for all the preparation, cooking, and storage areas properly and design the kitchen around your specific wants and needs.

Lighting is also extremely important when designing a kitchen. Try to make use of both natural and artificial lighting in this space. Combine general lighting with task lighting in well-used areas. Consider accenting the island with decorative fixtures or installing under cabinet lighting above the counter space. Dimmers can also be installed to set the mood for entertaining.

If you’re looking to show off your best dishes with glass cabinet doors check out this quick and inexpensive DIY project.

Warm up on a cold night with this delicious chicken pot pie recipe.

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Image Credits: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3, Image 4, Image 5, Image 6

Life@Home • 3 November 2022

Tom’s Tips for Really Living in Your Living Room – October 2022

by Tom Johnston

Ironically the living room is the space that is lived in the least! Many people prefer to spend time in the family room or kitchen; however, it can be a huge waste of good real estate to ignore the living room. Saving the living room for a special family occasion or the holidays is a shame; it’s a room that should be used and enjoyed every day.

Treat the design and décor of your living room as beautiful, useable, and easy – not ‘special’. Think about how you live and what you want the living room to do for your lifestyle. Try using the living room as a multi-functional space for working, playing, and entertaining. Design your living room to be versatile, stylish, and easy to live in so that they can fulfil many roles. Use sturdy but lush fabrics like velvet and linen blends with fun patterns. Look for strong durable surfaces like stone and hardwoods, a variety of floor covering like sisal mixed with hides, persians or dhurries and accents that are amusing, personal and lend humour to the atmosphere.

Lighting is an important factor as well. To create a functional and well-lit space, use a mixture of overhead lighting, table lamps, floor lamps, up lights, reading lights, picture lights and candles.

Try to have enough seating for at least 10 people. Use a mix of sofas, easily moveable side chairs and stools for perching, plus lots of empty floor space for pillows. Tables showcase trays filled with objects that have special meaning but there’s always room for a cocktail or bowl of sweet or savoury treats. You can also incorporate a desk into your living room, which doubles as another server if a party breaks out.

Live in your living room – and don’t just save it for a special occasion or holiday. Use it to its full potential and create a beautiful and comfortable space where you can eat, drink and be merry – everyday!

Add a texture accent wall to your living room for a subtle visual impact.

These Pumpkin spice coconut bliss balls are the perfect seasonal snack to put out while entertaining. Plus, they are vegan so perfect for any guest!

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Life@Home • 3 November 2022

Tom’s Fall Home Maintenance Checklist – September 2022

by Tom Johnston

Book an appointment with a qualified company – annually for an oil furnace and every two years for gas.

This should be completed each month throughout the heating season. Ventilation systems, such as heat recovery ventilator filters, should be checked every two months.

Replace window screens with storm windows. Remove screens from inside casement windows to allow air from the heating system to keep condensation off window glass. Ensure windows and skylights close tightly. Replenish weather stripping as required.

Ensure all doors leading outside are shut tightly and check other doors for ease of use. Replenish door weather stripping as required. If there’s a door between your house and garage, check adjustment of the self-closing device to ensure it completely closes the door.

This will help prevent heavy snow and ice from bending ac blades.

Ensure the ground around your home slopes away from the foundation wall so water doesn’t drain into the basement.

Clean leaves from eavestroughs and roof, and test downspouts to ensure proper drainage from the roof.

Clear all obstructions such as nests.

Drain and store outdoor hoses. Close the valve to the outdoor hose connection and drain the hose bib (exterior faucet), unless your house has frost-proof hose bibs.

This includes everything from storing outdoor furniture to preparing gardens and, if necessary, protecting young/vulnerable trees or bushes from harsh winter conditions.

This simple and cost-efficient DIY built-in bookshelf will elevate the look and feel of any home.

With school starting up again, mornings can be a hectic rush out the door. Save valuable time with these make-ahead, freezer-friendly breakfast burritos for a quick and tasty breakfast.

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Life@Home • 3 November 2022

Tom’s Tips for Planning the Ultimate Summer Party – August 2022

by Tom Johnston

Summer is here! Days are longer and warmer. What better way to welcome this lovely time of year than with a summer party. Whether you plan to have a casual summer brunch or go all out with a formal summer dinner party, we have plenty of ideas to get you started!

While not mandatory, you may want to pick a theme for your summer party. Here are a few fun ideas:

Celebrate summer with a garden party. Place flower seed packets under forks at place settings. Have guests decorate clay pots with vibrant paint colours and plant flowers to take home with them.
A summer recipe party allows you to show off your cooking skills and learn some as well. Prepare your favourite summer appetizer, main dish, or dessert and share your culinary secrets. Ask guests to bring their favourite summer dish along with the recipe to share with others.
Bring your fancy chairs outdoors for a traditional tea party complete with vintage China, floral napkins, and silver teaspoons. Have guests wear proper attire that includes gloves and fancy hats. Hang a chandelier from a tree branch for a touch of sophisticated charm.
If children will be present, plan an outdoors event with plenty of snacks and drinks. Celebrate afterwards with a bonfire (if permitted) complete with smores and warm blankets.
For a relaxed summer get-together with the girls, plan an outdoors spa day. Bring out all your nail polishes, creams and face masks and ask your guests to wear a robe and slippers for comfort. Create a grazing table filled with cheeses, fruits, and veggies and top off the spa experience with refreshing lemonade or cucumber water.

Stick to two or three colours and make one a neutral or barely-there metallic. For example, sky blue tablecloth with classic white scalloped dishes. Once you choose your colour scheme, you can incorporate them into your invitations, table decorations, and floral arrangements.

Decorations don’t need to be expensive. For example, a simple tulip placed on each plate or under each napkin ring is a small touch that goes a long way. Or for an outdoor casual brunch, place simple groupings of flowers into coffee and soup cans painted in summer colours.

Celebrate with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables along with some light refreshments. Colourful salads, finger sandwiches with deli meats, pasta dishes with fresh vegetables and fruit kabobs all make delicious summer dishes. For dessert, consider mixed berry parfaits or raspberry-blueberry cake.

Quench your guest’s thirst with delicious summertime drinks at a self-serve bar where they can meet and mingle with others. Include non-alcoholic drinks such as mixed berry iced tea, strawberry lemonade, or refreshing fruit smoothies. Serve in clear, glass pitchers with lemon and lime wheels or garnish with fresh mint. If serving cocktails, keep them fun and fruity. Bright punches and sangria are always a big hit. Champagne punch with apricot nectar or sparkling wine combined with fresh juice are also great choices.

Don’t forget to say thanks! Send each guest home with a favour that celebrates the season. For example, repurpose jars into charming vases and personalize them with a note of thanks. Allow guests to choose a few flowers from your arrangements to take home with them as favours. Classic floral teacups also make perfect pots for small succulents that can be used as party favours.

Summer parties are a great way to spend quality time with your family and friends and celebrate the season.

Elevate your cooler with this DIY ice chest project. It will be a hit at all your outdoor events.

If you’re looking for the perfect summer recipe, try out these grilled shrimp foil packets. They supply the same great taste as a shrimp boil but without the mess and save you time.

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