Wake Up Your Sleepy Space With These Home Refresh Ideas: Style + Life + Fashion Featured

Check out the recent Redfin article we were featured in:

Whether you’ve outgrown your current decor or your new space doesn’t feel quite like home, it might be time for a refresh. And while there’s no doubt that expanding your art collection or adding new house plants can be a breath of fresh air for your home, it can be difficult to know where to begin.

Maybe you've outgrown your current decor, or you’ve just moved into a new house or apartment and it doesn’t feel quite like home yet. Either way, it might be time to refresh your space.
Wake Up Your Sleepy Space With These Home Refresh Ideas

That’s why Redfin reached out to us and other experts from Vancouver, BC all the way to Boston, for our best advice on making your home feel refreshed and elevated. So if you need a little extra guidance or you’re just looking for interior design inspiration, check out our best recommendations for refreshing your home.

Read the full article here: Wake Up Your Sleepy Space With These Home Refresh Ideas | Redfin

Luster Premium White’s Pearl Infused Pro Light Dental Whitening System: Unboxing Video

Luster Premium White’s Pearl Infused Pro Light Dental Whitening System works up to 7X faster than all major whitening kits! With three easy steps, you get visibly whiter teeth in just 30 minutes and 6 shades whiter in 3 days! By using both light and heat, the patented Xenon teeth whitening light is proven more effective and quicker than other teeth whitening LED light systems. Developed by dentists, this kit includes: Pro Light, Serum, Rinse, and Pearl Infused Mint Whitening Toothpaste.

Reveal your brightest smile, cleanest teeth, and happiest gums NATURALLY with GuruNanda. Their NEW dentist-recommended Oxyburst Whitening Mouthwash is a patented formula that truly does do it all – freshens breath, supports tooth and gum health, and gets teeth their brightest white, all within seconds. The cutting edge of oral care and beauty, this patented mouthwash contains two components: a proprietary blend of seven 100% pure and natural essential oils for whole mouth health and fresher breath, and oxygen-powered whitening ingredients. Together, they gently remove stains, create fresh breath, and support stronger teeth and gums. No other mouthwash whitens teeth better or faster while seamlessly integrating the natural healing of Ayurveda and state-of-the-art Western medical technology to help you reveal your most dazzling smile.

Teeth Whitening System Unboxing Video

Make Your Home A Sanctuary

Graduation season and Father’s Day are approaching and below are three great gift ideas that are perfect for the home:

COVE HANGER-This patented Cove Hanger (launched April 11th) was designed by Jessica Davidoff when she became a mom and her wardrobe got longer-and her closet shrank! Longer garments take up twice the space (top and bottom). Traditional hangers cause wrinkling, collection of floor dust/pet hair and can snag clothes touching the lower rack! The hanger’s ground-breaking patented top locking feature secures the bottom half of the garment-place over and through the hanger then lock-a hanger for TRAVEL too! This unisex hanger accommodates all longer garments: suites/jackets/coats, trench coats, maxi/midi dresses, kaftans, skirts, jumpsuits and wedding/evening gowns. Made of recycled plastic and has an anti-slip velvet base. There is a scented ribbon with their custom fragrance, Morgan Park-a modern take on sachet fragrance for clothes that is also available. Both products are the first of many to come from Cove! Available: https://www.createyourcove.com

THE MAGIC WEIGHTED BLANKETThis comforting weighted blanket has been fondly referred to as “the blanket that hugs you back” and is the original “OG” of weighted blankets. Invented by a father, driving his young daughter who was playing in the back when she put a “beanie baby” toy on his shoulder and it felt surprisingly very comforting. He had an epiphany-what would a whole “beanie” blanket feel like? He came home told his wife and she made a prototype in 1998! Since then, research shows that weighted blankets bring down anxiety among other benefits. Manufactured solely in the USA, comes in a variety of the softest material coupled with the glass beads sewn into the blanket make this the best blanket on the market. What a perfect gift to give to anyone who suffers from anxiety or stress? It has been shown to also comfort people with autism or who suffer from PTSD. Available: www.magicweightedblanket.com

LumiCharge II Smart(est) Lamp-Rarely does one find a functional desk lamp that is design friendly in a home office, kitchen, bedroom, study or at the office! The LumiCharge II is it! Designed by an engineer whose desk was always cluttered. Between his phone charger, lamp base, clock, he needed actual room to work! So he designed a SLEEK and SOPHISTICATED smart lamp that looks good anywhere! LumiCharge dimmable LED desk lamp features include: charging station, Qi 10W fast wireless charger, a universal phone dock, motion sensor, aesthetically pleasing for both home & office décor, full calendar display with date, time, temperature settings, dimmable display backlight, multiple brightness level (remembers last setting) and “new” UV and ANTI-MICROBIAL paint coating to reduce the growth of germs on the surface! LumiCharge also has a T2W model with a bluetooth speaker.

Juneteenth Recipes for our Soul! – The Urban Martha Stewart

Growing up in Los Angeles, My parents were very involved in the Black movement but I didn’t really learn and absorb Black history until I went away to college at UC Berkeley and enrolled into an African American Studies classes with the infamous Dr. Harry Edwards. He rocked my world on African American Studies and I remember calling my mom crying asking her why she didn’t teach about our Black history?
For the full story and recipes please visit Ali in the Valley!

New Habits: Should They Be Left In Lockdown?

We had a lot of time to learn and perfect new habits over the last year, and many people are keen to continue taking the time to do them even as life goes back to normal. Of course, there may be some habits that are better left, but there have been many great habits people have formed that have really made a difference in their lives and allowed them to find a new passion in life. However, just what are these, why are they worth keeping onto, and could it provide you with inspiration to try it yourself? Keep reading to find out more.

Featured Photo from Vuelio

The Lockdown Kitchen

It was prime time to start getting creative in the kitchen. With so much time at home, people uncovered a love for cooking and baking in the kitchen. From having different themes to using new ingredients and learning new skills, many felt inspired by television shows such as The Great British Bake Off or Masterchef, while others may have been gifted the present of time and were finally able to start testing out recipes from a forgotten cookbook. Not only was there more time for cooking, but everyone had longer to take a moment to plan out a week of eating. To the foodies who never had enough time, this was heaven.

Not only were people more likely to use their stock in the cupboards (because of the essential-only shopping trips), but they had a knock-on effect of a better quality and healthier diet. Overall, this habit should definitely be taken out of lockdown and carried on into post-lockdown life.

The Lockdown Garden

Many were lucky enough in lockdown to have a space, big or small, outside of their four walls in the form of a garden. With so much time spent out there, it got many people thinking more creatively and making the most of their time outside. A survey from Squire Garden Centres concluded that 77% of people did more gardening during lockdown than they would normally do.

From gardening, the same respondents of the survey said it gave them a sense of achievement but also an outlet for stress and a source of much-needed happiness. This kind of positivity should be taken with everyone who found comfort in it from lockdown.

The Lockdown Knitting

Knitting may not have appealed to the masses, to begin with, but once gifted with time, many tried their hand at the skill, and so lockdown provided a lifeline for many wool stores in London. Knitting, obviously, creates a beautiful piece of art, a wooly hat or a newborns’ first blanket, but it has the added bonus of stimulating the mind. Knitting has proven to mimic the rhythmic repetition of mediation, thereby calming those who ‘practice’ the skill and is well worth continuing long after lockdown. You find all your essentials online from wool stores and take guidance from online resources.

The Lockdown Decorating

Interestingly, homeware brand Habitat announced that what consumers watched (or binged) on the television influenced the decoration of their homes. This is a dangerous game, as what could be deemed as stylish in the 1900s period drama may not sit so nicely in a modern home.

This trend should definitely be used sparingly. Otherwise, the front room may look like the set studio for a production company!

Throughout the global pandemic, everyone needed to seek comfort in their home, whether that meant small home improvement projects, getting your fingers green, smelling out the kitchen with delicious cooking or baking, or getting stuck into a challenging skill like knitting, They all brought a sense of calmness and relaxation. As a society, these skills should be taken back into reality, where new skills can flourish in classes, groups, or even to show off your new dish at a dinner party.

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WAFF48 Lifestyle Segment: National Hot Breakfast Month Blueberry Brie Melt

February was National Hot Breakfast Month.  Nationwide, food retailers were encouraging everyone to start their day with a warm meal.  I couldn’t agree more because there are so many benefits to eating a hot breakfast.  Number one, breakfast foods help fuel the body and provide a sharper focus while boosting the metabolism.

In support of this initiative, I hosted a lifestyle segment live from my kitchen!  It was a lot of fun because I was able to inspire the local Huntsville audience with a delicious meal.

Julian’s Recipe Blueberry & Brie Melt

Ingredients:

  • 1 ½ cups blueberries
  • 2 tsp lemon zest
  • 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 8 Julian’s Recipe Wafels
  • 4 ounces of brie cheese, thinly sliced

 

Directions:

Combine the blueberries, lemon zest and sugar in a medium saucepan.

Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer for about 5 minutes until the mixture has thickened.

Place the butter in a grill pan over medium-high heat. Then place your wafels into the pan.

Add 4-5 slices of brie cheese on top followed by a generous scoop of the blueberry compote.

Add the second wafel on top and then flip! Allow 2-3 minutes per side or until golden.

Serve while hot and enjoy!

Click on the link to watch the segment:  WAFF48

Check Out These Delicious Super Bowl Snack Recipes

To celebrate, TheSoul Publishing — the publisher behind one of the top five YouTube channels, 5-Minute Crafts – has provided some delicious treats to keep the fun going at your Super Bowl party.

Featured Photo from Simply Home Cooked

    • Easy Oreo Cake Pops – Crush a bag of Oreos and combine with cream cheese. Roll into balls and insert a toothpick; then, dip into melted white chocolate and freeze. Yum! (Instructions here)
    • Elegant Chocolate Rose Cookies – Combine melted chocolate and flour, and then add to a piping bag. Create small spirals on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and then bake. These elevated cookies will add a touch of glamour to watching football at home! (Instructions here)
    • Colorful Popcorn! – Add oil and popcorn kernels to a deep pot, as if you’re making stovetop popcorn. Then, add a secret ingredient…skittles! As the kernels pop, they will become bright, colorful, and the perfect combination of salty and sweet. (Instructions here)
    • Avocado Fries – What’s better than guacamole and chips? How about frying avocado for a delicious snack! Dredge avocado slices in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, then add to hot oil to fry until golden brown. (Instructions here)
  • Pull Apart Mozzarella Sticks – Slice a block of mozzarella into pieces (without slicing all the way through); add to hot frying oil, then serve with marinara sauce for a savory snack. (Instructions here)

Lifestyle Alert: Insider Tips On Taking Holiday Hosting To The Next Level

Whether you’re planning to host a casual night in or get creative with some holiday cheer, the nation’s most elite event planners, founder of Bluebird Productions, serial mompreneur Virginia Frischkorn and her expert team have the answers to make your hosting a whole lot easier.

Taking everything they know about successful hosting and delivering it straight to consumers through all you need to know digital boxes at bluebirdinabox.com.

Here’s a look inside this fall and winter’s most sought after online secrets:
  • Trick or Treat (Kids Halloween): Inspired by sweet tooths and pumpkin patches, this curated box reminds party-goers that Halloween is about more than dressing up and eating candy – it’s about creating an atmosphere of whimsy and true connection among both children and parents. Bluebird In A Box provides entertainment go-to’s that guarantee a day of loud laughter, creativity, and memories, with original activities like Mummy Racing, Pumpkin Patch Stomp, and Spaghetti Search. Serve up ghostly delights like Mummy Meatballs, Grapefruit “Pumpkins,” or Monster Pizzas. Whip up delectably ghastly drinks like Boo-Nilla Ice Cream Floats, Goosebumps Punch, or Vampire Juice. Plus, get costume ideas and tips for easy post-party cleanup.
  • Spooky Supper (Adult Halloween): This Bluebird box gives adults the excuse they need to revisit childhood costumes and experience that scary-movie-adrenaline-rush in the eerie glow of dramatic candlelight. Roll out the red carpet with horror flick recommendations, along with suggestions for spooktastic touches like bat sculptures. Enjoy killer cuisine like Black Magic Cake, Cider-Glazed Chicken Breast, or Taste of Fall Salad. Create creepy cocktails like The Cauldron, The Spooky Negroni, or Hocus Pocus Punch. Discover how to craft a scream-worthy centerpiece with tapered candles, pumpkins, pomegranates, figs, and cobwebs. Plus, get 2020’s best costume ideas (remember Tiger King and murder hornets?)
  • Friendsgiving: Create a new tradition, gathering with your besties and brothers-from-another-mother to give thanks without the obligatory side hugs and awkward conversations. Get the party started with movie recommendations and links to activities like Thanksgiving Bingo or Family Gathering Table Topics. Bring people together around delectable dishes inspired by Martha Stewart, Chrissy Tiegen, Ina Garten, and David Lebovitz. Browse wine pairings and soul-warming cocktail recipes like the classic Apple Toddy, Maple Manhattan, Hot Mulled Cider. Plus, get inventive decor ideas that set the scene for gratitude and sharing.
  • Pumpkin Spice: Settle in for a spirited event inspired by warm cider, crackling fireplaces, crisp autumn air, flannels, and cozy candlelit meals. Kick things off with our classic fall film recommendations and soulful guest gift ideas. Encourage collaboration and laughter with fun-filled activities like a murder mystery dinner or pumpkin carving kit, plus creative conversation starters. Enjoy mouthwatering delights inspired by culinary greats like Julia Child and Massimo Battura, including sweet and savory Fig Prosciutto Bites, Harvest Salad, Beef Bourguignon, and Pumpkin Coffee Cake. Set the mood with signature sips such as Fall Sangria, a Ginger Pear Snap, or Caramel Apple Pie Mocktail. Plus, get styling accents, wardrobe ideas, and more!

How to Take Control of Your Life Once and For All

Taking control of your life might sound like a luxury with so much going on in the world. But if you take the time to change your approach for life and put yourself in the driver’s seat for a change, your life will improve in a variety of ways. There are many ways to do this and we’re about to touch on a range of different topics, so read on to find out more about getting this right.

Control Your Surroundings and Potential Distractions

If you’re going to take better control of your life, you first need to do what you can to take control of your surroundings. If you’re the kind of person who has their plans and intentions derailed by a lack of control and not really being able to commit to things, you should control your surroundings better. For example, working from home means having to cut out distractions and create surroundings that are conducive to work.

Featured Photo from Awed by Monica

Make a Habit of Thinking Before You Act, Not the Other Way Round

You should also do what you can to make a habit of thinking before you act. When you don’t think through your actions and decisions in life, you simply end up taking the wrong route and that’s obviously not what you want to habit. Make it the norm for you to stop and think before making any significant decision.

Become a Learner

If you want to get ahead in life and feel more like you’re in control of your own destiny, you should do what you can to become a better learner. If there are gaps in your knowledge in particular areas that are important to you or that might be important in your career going forward, make an effort to learn and better yourself.

Pay More Attention to Your Financial Life

Paying a little more attention to your finances will be a big part of taking back control for you. If you’re not able to control your finances, you’re going to struggle to get to where you want to be. A lot of people feel a loss of control in their lives because they aren’t in control of their money. Head to https://www.dtss.us/ to find out more about these issues.

Manage Your Emotions and Long-Held Beliefs

Managing your emotions is something that all of us should try to get better at doing. And sometimes you also need to question your emotions and your long-held beliefs. Be open to change and open to changing your mind. That’s what learning and improving in life should be all about after all. None of us get it all right.

There’s no reason why you can’t start feeling more in control of your life and destiny, and with the help of the advice above it’ll be a whole lot easier to achieve. Be sure to find ways in which these tips can be made to fit the needs and realities of your life; after all, everyone’s in a different place.

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