Guest Post

A Splash of Color Makes All the Difference

April 16, 2018 by Painter Mommy Leave a Comment

The decision to paint your home is not one to put off. While you may believe that painting your house is a cosmetic treatment that can wait for another day, you might be surprised to discover exactly how a bad paint job can impact your mood. If your home is in need of a fresh coat of paint, then now is the perfect time for you to start exploring all of the reasons to get on top of this goal as soon as possible. You simply need to take a look at some exciting reasons to get a move on.

Explore some of these suggestions and see how acting now can transform your home in the most exciting ways. Before you know it, you’ll be ready to welcome a brand new look for your home.

Mood Boost

Right away, you need to understand how the appearance of your residence impacts your mood and psychological state. On the surface, it might seem like painting is a simple matter of aesthetics. In truth, the condition of your home says a lot about you as a person. When guests come to your house and notice the paint on the exterior has been cracking, flaking, or fading, they might assume you do not have the care or desire to improve the appearance. It can also create a number of problems when it comes to attempting to sell your home.

One of the best reasons to consider painting your home is to increase the curb appeal. Whether you are looking to sell your house in the near future or you want to consider the option in a few years, you need to make sure the outside is appealing to those who decide to pass by. When the exterior has fresh and appealing paint, it can draw attention and cause people to take notice. If you want to get the results you’re looking for and improve how people view your home, then now is the time to contact the experts.

Increased Protection

You also may want to think about painting the exterior of your home as a preventative measure. Time and the elements can easily take a toll on the appearance of your space. The longer you have lived in your home, the more likely it is that your house has taken a beaten from wind, sunlight, and other forces. By painting your home every few years, you are giving yourself the chance to add an increased layer of protection against any harmful agents that might be blowing about in the breeze.

There are plenty of simple reasons to think about hiring professional painters to take on the task of adding a new coat to your home. If you want to make sure you are always doing your part to improve the way your home looks to others and handles during intense weather, then reach out and contact the experts as soon as possible to get the process started. Explore your options and see how a little bit of paint can go a long way when it comes to how you feel about the place where you live.

Micro Managing – 5 Reasons a Microfinance Loan Might Be Right For You

March 19, 2018 by Painter Mommy Leave a Comment

Image Source: Rawpixel

More people than ever are finding it increasingly hard to access bank loans. Perhaps you have a bad credit score or inconsistent cash flow, in which case, very few banks want to work with you. It could simply be because banks have moved away from small and personal loans ever since the 2008 financial crisis – which is probably for the best. Microfinance can be a better alternative to banks and unscrupulous payday lenders when you find yourself in need of cash in a hurry. Here are five scenarios where microfinance might be the right solution for you:

Car Trouble

Most people make use of their vehicle for their daily commute. A large segment of the population also relies on them for their very livelihood. But if that car were to break down suddenly and public transport wasn’t a viable option, a small loan would be a great solution in a tight situation. Likewise, if your car is totaled or you’re purchasing your first car, low-interest microcredit is likely what you need.

Home Improvements

Our homes can be a significant drain on our resources. Investing in energy efficient improvements can save you a lot of money over the mid and long-term. By simply replacing the five most frequently used light fixtures around the house with energy efficient light bulbs, you can save $75 per year. Plant several trees on the sunny side of your home, and you can reduce your annual air conditioning costs by as much as 50%. Alternatively, when things go wrong, repairs and maintenance can put a horrific dent in an already tight budget. Access to a ready source of cash can ensure that you can keep your home in shape without plunging yourself into unmanageable debt.

Life Cycle

The US, like most of the rest of the world, is experiencing an all-time low in the number of marriages per year. Primary amongst the reasons cited for couples delaying or deciding not to embark on marriage altogether is the spiralling costs, coupled with stagnant or shrinking real wages. Even modest weddings can still cost thousands that young couples simply don’t have. Accessing a small loan can allow you to have that wedding about which you’ve been dreaming.

Education Expenses

Spending money on your education is always a sound investment, no matter the age. Statistics show that the average college graduate with a 4-year bachelor’s degree earns twice as much money throughout his or her life as someone with a high school diploma alone. However, starting school does require some initial financial investment which can be prohibitive. This is one of those times when microcredit might just come in handy by helping to get you into the system so that you can pursue your goals and achieve your potential through higher education.

Unforeseen Expenses

Just like your car breaking down in the middle of the road, or a mind-numbing toothache in the middle of the night, or even a pipe bursting when you’re not at home, all can bring on some unforeseen expenses for which you might not have planned. And if you don’t have a rainy-day fund put aside, like 78% of all working Americans, then something seemingly as insignificant as a twisted ankle or a broken fridge can turn into a financial struggle.

Microfinance has been around for a very long time and with good reason too. Many are nonprofit organizations looking to help out the little guy wherever he may need some assistance. Do your research, and you may find that you qualify for that leg up that will help get you on financial track without trapping you in the high-interest debt cycle.

Exterior Design – How to Give Your Outdoor Areas a Stylish Makeover

March 19, 2018 by Painter Mommy Leave a Comment

Source: Shutterstock

Is your home outdoor area looking a little lacklustre these days? Are you bored of your current decor, or simply looking for a fresh injection of life into your space? If that’s the case, this is the article for you. Read on to find out a little more about how you can give your outdoor areas a stylish makeover. With a little know-how, you’ll be able to turn your space into one of your dreams.

Keep It Warm And Toasty

Summer has come and gone, but that doesn’t mean that your days of lounging out in your outdoor areas have to come to an end. A simple solution to keep your outdoor area warm and toasty all year long is to install some gas outdoor heaters into your space. These heaters look stylish, and ensure that you can continue to wine and dine outside, even in the colder months. The fun doesn’t have to stop just because the weather has shifted!

Dress Your Table

Your outdoor area is not complete without a large table where people can come together to relax or have a family meal together. We recommend purchasing wooden tables or tables made of natural materials so that the aesthetic flows with the earthy tones of the outdoors. Always keep your table well dressed, with a table runner, placemats, flowers and tea lights. This will truly breathe some new life and elegance into your outdoor area, and you’ll always be ready should company come knocking on your door.

Lighting Is Key

Nothing transforms the mood of a space more than lighting does, and your outdoor area is the perfect opportunity for you to get creative with lights. You can consider hanging up affordable fairy lights, paper lanterns, or even go all out and install step lights, solar powered lights, spike lights and pathway lights into the area. Keeping the area well lit ensures that you have a great ambience even when the sun goes down, and makes your outdoor area look much more inviting in the evening.

Landscape, Landscape, Landscape!

Landscaping is essential if you want to give your outdoor areas a stylish makeover. Not only are they beautiful, but plants also help to breathe life into your space, beckoning you in to sit down and relax. There are a myriad of options when it comes to landscaping – from vertical gardens to shrubs to privacy offering hedges. If you are not confident in landscaping yourself, don’t fret, there are many professionals out there who will be able to offer you guidance and assistance.

Why Not Grow Your Own Produce?

Outdoor spaces don’t have to be all about just entertainment – why not put your space to good use by starting your very own fruit and vegetable garden? There is nothing better than growing your own food, knowing how it has been grown and enjoying the bountiful crops of your hard work. You can grow many cost effective veggies such as herbs, lettuce, tomatoes and beans in your outdoor area, saving you money in the long run as well. Aside from growing your own food, you can even compost, which is a way of recycling your organic waste and turning it into a nitrogen rich substance that will greatly improve the soil in your outdoor areas.

We hope that this article has given you some insight into how you can go about transforming your outdoor area. With a little know how and a trip to a DIY store or two, you’ll be lounging in your dream outdoor patio or backyard in no time.

Boys and Their Toys – 6 Manly Gifts for Your Manly Man

March 19, 2018 by Painter Mommy Leave a Comment

With Christmas behind us, many people will be rejoicing at being able to close their wallets and step away from the gift stores. However, it might be a little premature to stow away the Benjamins, for Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. Then there are birthdays, anniversaries and plenty other opportunities to put further dents in the bank balance. If you want to get ahead of the game and treat the man in your life to a gift he’ll just love, we’ve included six options below. You may find you’ll hit the jackpot with any of these options.

LED Light Bars

If your man has a love for the outdoors and off-roading, you can do no better than LED light bars for his beloved truck. LED light bars are the perfect accompaniment to any outdoor enthusiast’s 4WD, and can light up the darkest back road for optimum safety. You’ll never be able to wipe the grin off his face if you purchased him some of these bad boys!

Sports Tickets

The football season may be drawing to a close, but with the NBA in full swing and MLB just around the corner, your significant other will love the chance to sport that big foam finger while watching his favorite team. Tickets to a big game will be the perfect memorable experience for the passionate sports fan.

Activewear

Believe it or not, attire makes an excellent option, and in today’s health and fitness-conscious world, activewear is the wearable gift of choice. Men make up a growing proportion of the estimated $178B global sports apparel market, so forget about the socks, underwear and ties and go for something that he will love, as well as being practical. However, not just any old Walmart tracksuit will do. Go for known brands such as Reebok, Nike, and Adidas that are sure to impress.

Workshop Sets

If your man is forever engaged in the next big project with his vehicles, or he just likes to spend time in the garage tinkering away, consider purchasing a workshop set for him. “I don’t need any new tools,” said no man, ever, so you really can’t go wrong with this one. That’s not to say you shouldn’t be selective. From now until Valentine’s Day or his birthday, pay attention to what he has, uses, and what he says he needs so you can be sure to hit the mark.

Accessories

How many times have you said to your boyfriend that he needs to get rid of his cracked and peeling wallet, or his tatty belt? Accessories, while important, often don’t feature highly on any man’s list of things to buy for themselves. Even though digital wallets are beginning to gain traction, guys are not showing signs of giving up their bulging monstrosities anytime soon. If left to his own devices, he will keep using it until it is five loosely bound wallet molecules, so it’s up to you to rip that bandaid off and get him a new one!

Brew Kit

The dog might be man’s best friend, but a brew kit is sure to be a close second. Not only can he enjoy a cold brew after a hard day’s work, but he can also enjoy the fruits of his labor. A brew kit can offer a sense of satisfaction, and may even open the door to a whole new hobby that you and his friends can also enjoy with him.

Choosing a gift for your man for Valentine’s Day, his birthday or other special occasion can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. Opt for one or more of these six presents, and watch as his face lights up!

From Tasteless to Trendy – Ditching the Drab With a Decor Makeover

February 27, 2018 by Painter Mommy Leave a Comment

Whether your looking to carry out a complete makeover or just looking for some minor decoration tips to spruce up your decor, we have some great ways to revitalise your home. We’ve got decoration and style ideas from wallpaper trends through to beautiful leather lounge suites that won’t fail to brighten up any room.

Luscious Lavender is the New Millennial Pink

In 2017, we heard all about millennial pink, and although pastel pinks are still all the rage this year, lavender and lilacs are the new chic colour creeping into decor trends of 2018. Use these colours to create a comfortable space where you can relax. Why not add some textiles and accessories in these colours to really show you have your finger on the design pulse. Rugs, cushions and other decorative accessories are a great way to make any room shine.

Reconnect with Nature

Natural and rustic materials are gaining more and more momentum, raw wooden shelves are a great way to add extra storage space as well as some natural warmth. Earthy accessories such as terracotta plant pots featuring greenery really make a home feel welcoming and natural.

Organic and traditional handcrafted accessories are also a quick fix for more compact rooms, such as bathrooms, where you may be short on space. Try adding a beautiful woven hanging plant pot to add some freshness to smaller areas without taking up much too much floor space.

If you have the budget and are looking for a statement wall, why not look to see whether you can expose natural brick to add a focal point to your room. Combine natural brick with some bold pictures to really make the place pop.

Dark and Moody

As well as pastels moody tones are also going to be making a splash this year. Darker tones could be incorporated into artwork or used to create a tone on tone wall and furniture combo to add some variety to the house decor. Picking a bold armchair to offset a darker wall is a great way to have some fun with colour this season.

Moody blue tones are currently taking over the design world with their wonderful ability to be moody and inviting at the same time. Creating a tranquil place to relax and escape from the day-to-day hassles of busy lifestyles.

Bright Colours and Bold Patterns

Decorating with bold prints is a simple way to add a bit of life and vibrancy to your home. Why not play around with pictures and prints of different sizes on one wall. It will change the ambiance of any room without breaking the bank.

Another way to revitalise old furniture is to reupholster a signature piece to give it a new lease of life, or purchase some textured throws and cushions to add a bit of colour to your home.

Patterned wallpapers have exploded in recent years as they’re a great way to make any room breathtakingly beautiful. From bathrooms all the way through to your kitchen or bedroom, floral, geometric and even ornate designs can add a subtle updated or a bold splash of colour that can excite any guest.

Patterned wallpaper prices can vary dramatically though, therefore make sure you measure up correctly to avoid any unnecessary material wastage.

Deep Dark Woods

Dark wood will be a popular material this year with furniture moving away from lighter scandio style woods to deeper tones. These darker tones will compliment the moodier paint palettes detailed above and add a sense of luxury and glamour. Furniture designs with darker wood finishes will accentuate their metallic and copper finishings which will be much more visible in homes this year, combining the modern with the retro to create a new take on modern interiors.

What are you waiting for? Start searching for your home decor inspiration and make your home breathtaking this year.