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When it comes to energy -saving, planet-helping home changes; little things add up. Not only do the little things add up in energy savings for your own home, but for the environment, as well. Let’s all do our part (and save some money in the meantime!), and think about implementing some of the energy tactics below:

Filters, and More Filters

Not only does changing filters mean healthier air and water, but changing air filters can reduce the energy it takes to heat and cool your house, as well. A win-win.

Lighting

Check each light bulb to make sure they are the correct wattage for the fixture, replace burned out bulbs, and think about converting to LED for reduced energy and heat. Bonus: Don’t forget to use natural light when possible – no…

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When your home is short on square footage, decorating can be challenging. It may seem more practical to focus on making your home fully functional, but in the long run, you’ll be happier living in your home if it’s cleverly decorated. Our 10 tips for making a small space feel big will transform your small home.

1.) Choose light, neutral hues.

It is a generally accepted rule that lighter colors contribute to an open, airy feel. By contrast, dark colors tend to absorb light, creating a close, cozy feel.

To fully benefit from this wizardry, decorate in soft, off-white and neutral hues. Lighter, brighter walls will recede from the contrast of your furnishings, making your room feel instantly larger.

Installing soft, light flooring will further…

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It seems like the 4th of July is one of those holidays that sneaks up on us well before we’re ready for it. The moment summer arrives, it’s time to host or attend a party, but it can be difficult to make a year memorable with only a week (or a few days, we won’t judge!) to plan.

If you find yourself in this unenviable position this year, don’t panic. Our list of Last Minute 4th of July Party Ideas will have you feeling just as ready for your party as you are proud to be an American.

Last Minute Additional Seating on a Dime

Unless some poorly-timed rain is headed your way, why not bring some of your more casual indoor furniture out in the sun? If you’re hosting in your backyard (and you don’t have time to pick up some hay bales), scrub down…

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With Memorial Day almost here– giving way to the fast approaching summer – homeowners are encouraged to make preparations were necessary to ensure their homes are ready for the hot weather.

Here are five tips to make sure your home and family will be in the best shape possible:

1) A/C Check and Maintenance

Whether your home has a central air conditioning system or window units you’ll install when the weather gets a little hotter, you have to make sure they’re in good shape, according to Insurance Hub. After all, if they’re going to get dozens of hours of use every week for the next several months, having them in good working condition is a must not just so they work properly, but also so they’re safe.

You’ll also need to check and…

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If you’re already doing spring cleaning, it might be wise to get out the toolbox and do some home improvement projects as well. A little maintenance can go a long way after the tough winter months.

Here are some crucial tips to making sure your home is ready for the warm weather.

1) Fix the roof

There’s probably no part of your home that takes as much of a beating every winter as the roof, according to BobVila.com. After all, it not only deals with snow, sleet, and rain, but also harsh winds, cold weather, water runoff and bearing the weight of snow and ice that builds up over the course of a few months.

With that in mind, it’s quite common for shingles or tiles to crack, loosen or fall off during the winter. When the spring thaw hits, going…

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Renovations. Weekend Warrior Projects. Pinterest Craft? Whether a big scale or small scale – home improvement can always feel daunting. That’s why we’re talking about projects that boost your home’s resale value. Improve your home for yourself, but also, do so in a smart way that directly contributes to a higher resale value. Not planning on selling your house soon? Think about making these improvements to enjoy your home before you sell. Don’t find yourself down the road wishing you had done it sooner!

Update Kitchen & Bathrooms

Yes, kitchen and bathroom updates may not be what you’re wanting to hear – but as the high use, high traffic areas of your house, and a proven rise in home value: it’s worth the number one spot. However, keep in mind…

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When you’re planning to put your home on the market, you naturally want to get the best possible offer(s) from potential buyers. While having a spare $100,000 to spend on remodeling is probably out of the question, we’ve created a list of high-impact updates ranging from $100 to $1,500 that will add value to moderately priced homes in TN.

We recommend completing as many of these upgrades as possible before placing your home on the market, however, if you can only afford a few, you’re still sure to see financial benefit for your efforts.

Target Budget: $100 – $400

Manicure all Outdoor Areas

An untamed, neglected outdoor space will give buyers the impression that you’ve neglected your home in its entirety. This problem is easy to remedy,…

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Need a little inspiration to dive into some spring cleaning? What if we told you, you could clean your entire house with cheap, effective cleaning products that only took simple, grocery store ingredients to make?! Not convinced? If you’re going to eventually clean regardless, we highly recommend tearing a little page from the DIY page and giving these safe, and inexpensive cleaning recipes a go. (P.S. Here are ten reasons people are switching over to natural cleaning products).

3 Ingredient All-Purpose Cleaner

  • ½ cup distilled white vinegar, 2 cups water, 20 drops essential oil

Combine in a spray bottle, swirl to mix, and spray. Perfect for everything except granite or marble, as the vinegar will etch!

No Scrub Microwave Cleaner

  • …

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Home improvement projects can feel daunting, and more than anything; time-consuming. However, setting aside even just one weekend can bring major improvements to your home. It’s amazing how much progress can be made in such a short period of time. Have an open weekend, or even just more free hours strung together than usual? Think about digging in and knocking off something on the “would be nice” list for your home!

For those that don’t even know where to start on that list, we’ve put together three weekend warrior projects that can take anywhere from just a few hours to a full 48 depending on how far you want to take. (P.S. Already nervous? We start with the easiest and go from there!)

Hardware Isn’t Hard

Hardware is something that often isn’t…

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Putting together last minute costumes doesn’t have to be scary.

Halloween is one of those classic moments as a parent, where at literally any point in the month leading up to the 31st, an “I need a costume” can be sprung on you with just minutes to spare. It’s as if kids think adults can create costumes out of thin air. As a parent, it’s our job to deliver. Gracefully? Not always. But prepared? You bet.

To help you through those inevitable last-minute Halloween party needs, here’s a list of cute and simple Halloween costumes we hope you’ll take comfort in while celebrating throughout the month!

Trader Joe’s Employee

It’s simple to be spot-on with this laugh-inducing Trader Joe’s Employee outfit consisting of just a Hawaiian shirt, khakis, and…

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