ServiceMagic Connection

From the category archives:

Just for Fun

We say instead of remembering any resolutions that fell by the wayside from last year, let’s focus on the future. Is there a spot in your house that you wish you could change? Especially when it comes to the bathroom and kitchen, minor changes or remodels can make a big difference. Maybe a stove with more burners could mean quicker or healthier dinners. Or perhaps a new water heater will speed up shower times in the morning.

To help you get started, we have compiled a small list of 2012 home resolutions:

  • Take out the carpet and add wood floors! Wood floors are easier to clean and they will transform a room.
  • Start a small garden in your backyard.
  • Remove wall scuffs and marks throughout your house. It’s amazing how small cleanups make a difference.
  • Instead of remodeling your kitchen, save some money by staining your cabinets. A darker stain can change the look and feel of your kitchen.
  • Purchase and install new windows, and see the savings in your energy bills!

The best part of making your home your resolution is once you’ve finished planning, you can send in the pros to do the work. If it’s a few smaller jobs, think about bundling them up for a handyman to knock out at once. If you’re focusing on a particular room, now’s a great time to start talking to a few pros. Just remember to talk to at least three pros to find someone that will work well with you. If you do the prep work now and figure out what you want, which is the fun part, you can transform your room later this year with ease.

Happy New Years!

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Windsor Kitchen Stove - Pinterest.com

Do you have any old kitchen throwback’s at home? This Windsor Kitchen Stove we found on Pinterest would be a fantastic focal point – bonus points if it’s fully functional and working!

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Happy (almost) Halloween from ServiceMagic!

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Fashion and beauty require a lot of maintenance. From dry cleaning and alterations to frizz and pimples, we are constantly striving to look our best.

However, all that maintenance can come with a hefty price tag. Dry cleaning alone can cost well over $100 for one modest trip.

Dryer Sheet

Image Source: RealSimple.com

Lucky for us, there are a lot of common household items that double as fashion and beauty lifesavers. Here are some insider secrets on the second function you didn’t know your household items had…

1. Masking Tape: This sticky household item is perfect for removing lint and dog hair without ruining your clothes. Simply take a longer piece and run it across the areas that need care, lifting every so often so as not to stretch fabric.

2. Dryer Sheet: These are your lifesaver in winter. Simply run it over your hair to eliminate static and minimize frizz. Need another use for those dry sheets? Stick them in smelly shoes to eliminate odor. [click to continue…]

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Feng Shui Living Room - TheSpiritualFengshui.com

Background

Feng Shui (pronounced fung-shway): The arranging and positioning of objects to let energy flow better in your house. Translates to “wind-water” in English. It is said to promote health and energy. Originated from Chinese astronomy, the goal of feng shui is to situate your environment on spots with good qi (pronounced chee).

Elements of Feng Shui

Elements of Feng Shui EarthBalance-Interiors.com

1. Wood – harnesses creativity and represents growth, strength, flexibility and intuition. Too much wood may make you feel overwhelmed, rigid, and stubborn; however too little wood will idle your creativity and possibly depression. Wood objects to use in your home: fresh & silk flowers, plants & trees, cotton, and wood furniture

2. Fire – increases enthusiasm and leadership. Fire can be used for expression, inspiration or boldness. If fire is overused it may transform into anger, irritability and reckless behavior. If fire is used too it represents lack of emotion, limited vision and shortness of self-esteem. Fire objects to use in your home: candles, natural light, incandescent lights, shades of red, pink or purple, and animal prints

3. Earth – promotes strength and order while providing balance.  Too much earth in a space will see an increase in boredom and sluggishness. If there is too little earth, you may feel disorganized and unfocused. Earth objects to use in your home: earth tones, square shapes, low & flat surfaces and images of landscapes

4. Metal – mental clarity and logic are affected with metal elements. If there is too much metal you may come across as chatty and speaking without thinking; however too little metal can provoke cautiousness and lack of focus. Metal objects to use in your home: round shapes, anything made of metals, rocks/stones, and pastel or gray-toned colors.

5. Water – water symbolizes spirituality and can bring about inspiration and wisdom. Too much water creates an unbalanced feeling and drained emotions. Too little water brings a lack of sympathy and isolation. Water objects to use in your home: dark tones, reflective surfaces, asymmetrical shapes, water, and water features

Hopefully we’ve helped you start thinking about how to feng shui your home, and if you need a designer that specializes in Feng Shui you can find one at ServiceMagic.com!

Which element do you like best? Do you already incorporate ones of these elements in your home?

Sources:
Wikipedia – Feng Shui
HGTV – Elements of Feng Shui

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vinegar

Vinegar Bottle - RealSimple.com

If you are a fan of the ServiceMagic Facebook page you may have noticed that each week we are featuring a Tuesday Tip. (If you’re not a fan, be sure to join the discussion by liking our page!) Last week’s Tuesday Tip item was vinegar. We asked our Facebook fans the following question…

Tuesday Tip! You can use it as paint thinner and for preserving wood! What other uses does Vinegar have around the home?

… and we were overwhelmed with responses! From mopping tile floors to preventing drain clogs, below are the top ways to use vinegar in your home. [click to continue…]

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Think of a side table as a couch’s sidekick. While the couch may seem like the center of attention, side tables ensure glasses aren’t placed on the floor, they hold lamps to provide extra lighting and they’re great for books, candles, and other decor items. Not only are side tables crucial for a living space, they can also make the couch look good!  As you can see in the images above – from HGTV’s Green Home in Stapleton, CO – a side table doesn’t have to be boring. [click to continue…]

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