Skipping Stone Design

Skipping Stone Design

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Red Oak vs White Oak Flooring: Which is Better?

The average homeowner spends about $6,649 each year on home renovations and projects. Spending on projects around the house is a costly but essential undertaking for any homeowner, so you’re not alone when you decide that it’s time to switch things up inside your little corner of the world.

One of the most important parts of any home renovation is choosing new flooring. You’ll want something stylish, durable, and high-quality. When you look into materials that meet these qualifications, you’ll notice that all roads lead to oak.

Read on to discuss the difference between red oak and white oak flooring so that you can determine what kind of oak is right for your individual needs!

Color and Texture

The biggest difference between red oak and white oak is, of course, the color. Ironically, white oak flooring generally has a darker hue than red oak does. It tends to be a beige color that leans toward light brown. As a result of this, this wood tends to have a warm appearance that looks great with yellow, orange, or red wallpaper and decorations.

On the other hand, red oak is a bit lighter in color. It has a slightly pinkish tinge to it, but it’s more golden than not. While white oak is a brown-leaning beige, red oak could be said to be a white-leaning beige.

The grains of these two types of hardwood are also distinct from one another. All oak has swirling and wavy grain, giving it an organic and homelike feel. However, the grain of red oak tends to be a bit more unique insofar as that it’s more smooth to the touch.

When you run your fingers along white oak flooring, you’ll feel crevices and grooves where the grain is. However, since red oak is so smooth (especially after buffing and shining), you’ll be able to see the grain without feeling it.

Durability and Resistance

Because you’ll be using your flooring constantly, it’s essential that you get something that will last a long time.

The good news is that if you read more about oak flooring, you’ll find that every style is incredibly durable. Both materials are hard- white oak rates 1360 on the Janka scale of hardness and red oak comes in at 1290. This makes both types of flooring hard and durable enough that they’ll last for years barring disaster.

As you’ll notice in looking at the numbers, white oak is harder than red oak wood. For this reason, it doesn’t show dents or scratches. If you’re likely to drop things on the floor, you might want to go with white oak flooring. Not only that, but the high hardness means that the flooring is rot-resistant and unlikely to succumb to pest infestations.

Red oak is a bit softer. However, it’s unlikely to show dents and scratches on the surface because the grain patterns tend to be more organic. These crazy patterns continue to look amazing even when additional scratches are added because these imperfections just blend in with the grain.

The thing about red oak, though, is that it’s best for use indoors. It’s less resistant to rot and pests than white oak flooring is, though it should be alright as long as it isn’t used in an area with a lot of moisture. That isn’t to say that it won’t last a long time- it will! It just might be more susceptible to damage than the white oak alternative would be.

Styles and Vibes

Because of the smooth grain of red oak, people tend to view it as a classic that never goes out of style. Because of this, it’s perceived as a classier material for flooring that boasts a traditional style for your home. If you want to feel high-class, red oak is likely the way to go.

For this reason, red oak flooring is typically the right choice for homes that have a lot of antique furniture, rugs, or decorations. If you like history or vintage decorations, red oak flooring will perfectly complement your decor and make you feel like you’re in a bygone era. Pair your red oak flooring with some rich burgundy Victorian or Edwardian rugs as well as eggshell-white wall paint. It will look phenomenal.

On the other hand, you’ll want to use sleek white oak for a modern or contemporary feel around the house. White oak flooring is usually said to have a more 21st-century feel. This means that a house with a lot of technology or adherence to current trends will look great with this style.

Try getting yourself some organic, colorful lamps and statues in various shapes and sizes. In addition, you might want to paint the walls of the room that you use white oak flooring in a funky, bright color. Sky blue or canary yellow is sure the give the room a modern feel and funky flair that you love.

Red Oak vs White Oak Flooring: Which Is Better?

Red oak and white oak are two very different types of woods, each with their own distinct advantages and disadvantages. Which one is the right choice for your home is entirely up to you. After all, you’re the one who needs to decorate their home in a way that shows off your personal style, flair, and tastes!

Now that you know the main differences between red oak and white oak flooring, it’s time to get more tips on how to make your house as homelike as possible. Check out the ‘homes’ tab on our home page to get some more tips about both interior and exterior design and decor.

Have fun remodeling!

What is the Average Cost of Tree Removal? A Helpful Price Guide

There’s that tree in your yard that just needs to go. You’ve thought about getting rid of it yourself, but now you’ve decided to go with a tree removal contractor. But just what is the cost of tree removal?

With so many variables, and different contractors, it’s easy to get confused. Fortunately, we’re here to help. Keep reading this guide and you’ll find out.

Cost of Tree Removal

How much does it cost to cut down a tree? Well, there’s no simple answer. The average price is around $700, but it could be well under half of that if it’s a small tree that’s easy to tet to, or over half if it’s a larger tree with more obstacles in its way.

Why You Should Hire Someone To Remove

Even if it looks like a simple task, it almost definitely won’t be. Removing a tree isn’t easy, and it’s a lot safer to hire someone who knows what they’re doing.

Factors Of Cost

When it comes to tree removal, there’s no set price. It depends on a number of variables, from the size of the tree to your location.

Size and Height Of The Tree

An obvious one, perhaps, but it’s worth bearing in mind that a taller tree will cost more to remove. By the same token, so will a tree that’s bigger and spreads further.

Location

Where is the tree that you want to remove? A tree in your front yard is likely to be cheaper to remove than a tree in your back yard, and if you’re in a rural or suburban area it might be cheaper than if you live somewhere that’s heavily built-up.

Obstacles

If there’s a fence or a sizable rock or even power lines in the way of the tree, it will make it more difficult to remove. Remove what you’re able to safely before the tree is set to be removed for a cheaper transaction, but if there’s an obstacle you can’t avoid, you’ll be looking at greater expense.

Type Of Tree

The cost of tree removal also depends on the sort of tree you’re looking to remove. Removing a palm tree is likely to set you back around $650 but could be as low as $400, while a pine tree may cost around $1,100 to remove.

Maple trees can grow to over 100 feet, and as a result, may cost up to $1,800 – the higher end of the price range. The American ash tree is also likely to be more expensive, while in contrast, dogwood trees could cost as little as $125 to remove.

Save Money

If you’re looking at some of these figures a little anxiously, there are some things you can do to reduce the cost. You’ll still be paying, but the fee might be slightly lower.

Prepare First

If there’s anything you can safely do yourself beforehand, do it. Clear the area and remove any obstacles you’re able to.

Wait Until Winter

As winter is the off-season for tree removal contractors, the dead tree removal cost is likely to be lower. It’s a lot quieter, so you may be able to agree on a lower price.

Use The Wood

There’s a couple of options here. Some companies might agree to remove your tree for free and in return sell on the wood themselves. Alternatively, you could make use of the wood or sell it on to recoup some of the cost.

Removing the Tree

Now you know the average dead tree removal cost and the cost to trim a tree, what are you waiting for? Shop around for tree removal contractors today, and check out some of our other posts too!

Furniture Buying Tips: How to Get Quality Furniture for a Lower Price

Looking to furnish your home with new furniture? It’s probably going to cost you a pretty penny in most cases.

A sofa alone will cost, on average, about $1,000. And that’s just one of the many, many pieces of furniture that you’ll need to buy to revamp the look of your home’s interior.

You’ll also need to get your hands on tables, chairs, dressers, and so much more for all the various rooms throughout your home. It can get to be very costly very quickly.

Fortunately, there are some useful furniture buying tips that you can put to good use when picking up new furniture to save yourself some money. You can purchase high-quality furniture for your living room, dining room, or bedroom without breaking the bank.

Take a look at some of the best furniture buying tips below.

Start Things Off by Establishing a Furniture Buying Budget

About how much are you prepared to spend on new furniture for your home at this time? That’s a question you’re going to want to ask yourself before you begin shopping around for it.

Crunch the numbers and see how much money you can afford to set aside for furniture shopping. This will help you narrow down your search once you start looking around at different sofas, tables, chairs, etc.

If you shop for furniture without a budget in mind, it’s going to be very easy for you to spend way more than you should on everything you’ll need to furnish your home. A budget will serve as a guide for you and allow you to reel yourself in when you fall in love with furniture that’s out of your price range.

Look for Stores That Have a Reputation for Selling Affordable Furniture

When you’re trying to work your way through the process of choosing luxury furniture for your home, there are going to be plenty of places for you to shop. From brick-and-mortar furniture stores to online furniture shops, you’ll have no shortage of options.

If you want to make sure you don’t overspend on furniture, look around for stores that have established a reputation for offering high-quality furniture at great prices. Ask family members and friends for recommendations and read reviews for furniture stores to see what their prices are like.

Shop for Furniture at the Right Times of the Year

Did you know that there are certain times of the year when you should shop for furniture if you want to get the best bargains? Generally speaking, January and July are going to be your two best bets.

This is because most furniture stores will update their inventory in February and August with new furniture. As a result, they need to clear out the furniture they already have to make room for the new stuff, and they often try to do it by slashing prices on their old furniture.

If you can afford to wait a little while to buy new furniture, you may want to think about waiting until January or July to do it.

Try to Negotiate the Prices for Furniture With Salespeople

Not everyone realizes this, but you don’t have to agree to pay whatever is listed on a price tag for a piece of furniture. The salespeople who work in furniture stores are often willing to negotiate a little bit on price if it means making a sale.

Use this to your advantage when you’re in the market for new furniture for your home. If you think the price tag on something should be lower for one reason or another, tell a salesperson what you would be willing to pay for it and see what they say.

They might respond by saying, “No.” But they might also respond by bringing the price down for you or, at the very least, meeting you somewhere in the middle on price.

Negotiating could help you get great furniture for a fraction of what it’s supposed to cost. You’ll walk away from a furniture store feeling like a real winner following a successful negotiation.

Steer Clear of Sacrificing Quality for Lower Costs When Buying Furniture

In an effort to save a few dollars when you’re looking for new furniture for your home, you might be tempted to sacrifice quality for lower costs. It can be hard to convince yourself that it’s a better idea to pay, say, $1,000 for a sofa than $300 for one.

But here’s the thing: That $300 sofa that you’re thinking about buying? It might only last you a year or two before it starts falling apart and forces you to buy a new one.

The $1,000 sofa, on the other hand, might last you ten years before you even need to think about replacing it. So by going with a sofa that’s slightly more expensive, you can save yourself a ton of money over the long term when you aren’t replacing your sofa all the time.

You should think in those terms when you’re considering why you should pay a little extra for furniture when you’re shopping for it. Of all the furniture buying tips listed here, this one might be the most useful. It’ll help you avoid furnishing your home with cheap furniture that won’t stand the test of time.

Use These Furniture Buying Tips to Furnish Your Home Today

Buying new furniture for your home can be an overwhelming process. It can also leave you with a big pile of debt if you don’t go about doing it in the right way.

The furniture buying tips found here should help you buy high-quality furniture for a great price. You won’t have to worry about blowing your budget on one or two items when you use these tips to your benefit.

Would you like to learn more about picking out the right furniture for your home? Check out the other articles on our blog to discover how much fun it can be to shop around for new furniture.

Finding the Best Price for Domestic Flights

Air travel is a necessity for many people but can get extremely expensive. However, a few tips and tricks can help reduce the costs and keep your domestic business trips affordable — or let you keep more of your vacation budget for adventures at your destination.

Book Early

The number-one tip for finding the cheapest fares on any flight is to book seats as early as possible. For instance, as of this writing, a flight with American Airlines from Nashville, TN, to Norfolk, VA, departing on a Friday and returning the following Sunday costs $212 if booked within two weeks of the trip. However, scheduling the flight one month in advance reduces the fare to $162 — a $60 discount. Clearly, planning ahead pays off!

However, a cheaper fare is not the only benefit of booking early. Airlines frequently overbook flights to ensure that all seats are filled even if each flight has a few no-shows. If a flight is still overbooked at departure, or if, for example, flight crew unexpectedly need to ride along, and not enough fliers volunteer to give up their seats, some passengers may be bumped from the flight involuntarily. Bumping often occurs on a last-on, first-off basis, with the latest-booked seats most likely to be bumped. Hence, by scheduling early, you are more likely to keep your seat in the event of an overflow.

Avoid Busy Dates

The day of the week you choose to fly out can also influence the price of your ticket. Due to the popularity of weekend travel, Fridays and Sundays are the busiest, and therefore most expensive, days to fly; Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday, however, tend to be cheaper. Let’s return to that weekend in Nashville. Again, a round trip from Norfolk to Nashville departing on a Friday and returning on a Sunday costs $212 with American Airlines, but rescheduling the departing flight to Thursday reduces the price to $178 — a reduction of more than 16 per cent.

Consider Discount Airlines

If your trip is for basic necessity, a discount airline may be for you. Discount airlines, as the name suggests, emphasize price and efficiency over luxurious amenities and include Jetblue, Southwest, and Allegiant. For example, a round trip from Norfolk to Nashville, departing Friday and returning Monday, scheduled well in advance, may cost $211 with American Airlines but $185 with Allegiant. However, discount airlines may also have limited dates, times, locations, and seating — another reason why booking early is the best bet.

Use a Travel Booking Site

While the above three factors are the most important for determining the price of a flight, other special circumstances can result in cheaper seats. Finding the best price for your flight can take lots of research, but travel booking websites can help do it for you. Sites like Travelocity, Orbitz, and Expedia aggregate information from airlines across the country and can help you find the cheapest flight for your chosen date and time, along with hotel reservations and resorts. These sites can give discounts for package deals (of a flight and hotel) that are less expensive than both would have been by themselves.

However, these large sites may not list smaller or discount airlines. If you already have a hotel deal (or aren’t booking a hotel at all) and just want help finding the cheapest flight, CheapFareMart may be more helpful. CheapFareMart is a travel-booking site that specializes in getting you the lowest price for your flight. Click here for more information about CheapFareMart, and check out their website to browse all sorts of deals on domestic and international air travel.

What are savings and why you should invest?

Money-related issues are often very important because money runs the world. Money gives the power to do and undo virtually everything in the world. However, you would need to have enough of it for everything you want to achieve with it. However, this is often not the case as we are capable of spending millions every single day but only capable of making between tens and hundreds per day in most cases. Fortunately, it is possible to keep money by saving and grow money by investing.

What is Savings?
 Savings is the act of keeping aside a particular amount or percentage from what you make intending to keep them for emergencies, future use or for use after retirement. Savings are important because they come in useful whenever we suddenly need money to take care of a problem. With savings, it would be possible to easily sort them out as opposed to looking for where to urgent raise money or loan money. You could get interested in money saved when you put it in a fixed saving account in the bank. However, the interest is often minimal and just a little percentage of the money saved. This is why investment is often encouraged.

What is an investment?
 Investment entails the act of putting some money into a venture that is expected to yield money. There are many options for investing money. Money could be invested in other businesses that need financier in exchange for a percentage of the profit. Money could also be invested through finance companies that help people invest money and pay them back their capital along with some profit as agreed. However, things might not always go as smoothly as the finance companies could sometimes lose the money and would find it difficult paying back the money. This is why it is important to read customer reviews related to finance to know which companies have a track record of keeping to their promise and those that have a track record of helping their customers lose their money.

Why you should invest?
 Investing allows you to make more money compared to when you save. With some investments, you could continue to make profits that could be transferred to your heirs for as long as the company continues to exist. The right investments are easily the easiest way to grow your money and become financially independent. With multiple investments, you could have multiple streams of income, whose proceeds you can channel into other types of investment. After some time, you would find out that you are making enough to sustain you for the rest of your lives.

Which is better: Saving or Investing
Saving and investing both have their advantages and their disadvantages. Saving allows you to keep your money such that you have a little amount added to it as interest and you can access it at any time. Investment, on the other hand, gives you the chance to make much more money, you cannot get instant access to the money and you might even lose the whole money. Thus, it is important to save and invest at the same time. If you have decided that you are going to be saving a particular percentage of your money, you could further divide that percentage into two. You can subsequently save one part in a reputable bank and invest the other. That way, half of it will be safe while the other half will go into other investments with the hope that they would also yield as they should.

Top Reasons Why Your House Is Not Selling

 

So you have listed your residential property on a popular classifieds site, but you are still unable to sell it. What could be the reason for this? If you are in Miami, selling a house shouldn’t be difficult except if there are reasons that make it unappealing to buyers, or the buyers are not aware of it.

Inadequate promotion

If you do a Google search with the keyword phrase “sell my house fast Miami,” you should find a good number of options for selling your property online for free. Many sites specialize in residential property listings in the Floridian resort city. However, sometimes it’s not enough to rely on these free listing services.

Popular sites contain ceaselessly growing numbers of listings, which means your for-sale ad can be buried deep in the multitude of listings. Don’t expect inquiries to come in, let alone find a buyer if your listing is hardly visible on the web. You may need to exert extra effort to promote your listing. Use other options, including social media. Also, don’t hesitate to use real estate agent services.

The price is too high

One of the most common reasons why properties remain unsold is the steep price. If you really want to sell your home, set an acceptable figure. Don’t determine it based on what you feel the price should be. You have to do some research. Look at the numbers of the other residential properties in the same area. However, be sure you are not offering your house for a price that is too low.

It needs improvement

Another critical factor to take into account is the appearance of the house you are selling. It’s difficult to convince buyers if what you are offering is not up to scratch. More often than not, they will only consider buying something that still needs repairs and renovation if the price is notably low. Otherwise, they will just ignore your house even if you think you have already adjusted the price to take into account the repairs and improvements needed on the unit.

As a rule of thumb, avoid selling something that is not in its optimum condition. Doing so is just like making do with the lowest possible price you can get. You don’t have to make the house as good as brand new. What’s important is that it looks decent and there are no repairs needed, especially if the family buying it intends to move in as soon as possible.

Disappointed buyers

Moreover, it’s worth pointing out how some buyers tend to react adversely to listings or ads they perceive as deceptive. For example, if they find out upon visual inspection that the photos shown in the listing are drastically different from how the actual property appears, it’s not unusual for them to be frustrated. This frustration can then result in them backing out from the possible purchase.

To sum it all up, it’s likely that you are unable to sell your house because it is not properly promoted, it is overpriced, and it needs improvement. Buyers often prefer houses that allow them to relocate immediately.

 

 

8 Ways To Build Team Spirit

 

8 Ways To Build Team Spirit

Ironically, one of the best ways to build morale in the workplace is to leave it. From San Diego whale watching tours to scavenger hunts through historic Coronado, there are myriad ways to boost your organization’s team spirit. Here are eight of the best:

  1. Volunteer

Time is arguably your most valuable resource. Donating it to others in need is an excellent way to not only forge team bonds but also give back to the community. Volunteer work can reinvigorate your employees’ bodies, minds and maybe even their souls, and there’s no shortage of San Diego nonprofits that could benefit from your manpower:

  • Make-A-Wish Foundation of San Diego
  • Father Joe’s Villages
  • Outdoor Outreach
  • San Diego Habitat for Humanity
  • Serving Seniors
  • Just in Time for Foster Youth
  • San Diego Food Bank
  1. Visit the U.S.S. Midway Museum

The U.S.S. Midway is one of San Diego’s most iconic attractions. Taking an afternoon to tour this naval workhorse, which served longer than any other aircraft carrier in the modern era, can provide a much-needed break from the regular routine and let your staff take a deep dive into American history, too.

  1. Take an Art Class

It doesn’t matter if your staff is stuffed with budding Picassos or if stick men and women are more your company’s oeuvre. Taking an art class together is a magnificent way to make a little mess and elevate employee morale.

  1. Go Whale Watching

One of the most unique locales for team-building is at sea. Private whale watching tours San Diego are an increasingly popular way to break out of the office, get some fresh air and — hopefully — spot some incredible animals.

  1. Spend the Day at Safari Park

If the heart of your organization is more landlubber than pirate, that doesn’t mean you can’t get outside and learn a thing or two about teamwork from the animal kingdom. San Diego Zoo’s Safari Park offers a variety of wildly entertaining exhibits and tours, in addition to professional coordinators that can help you organize a more structured event.

  1. Share a Meal

Simply put, San Diego’s food scene is on fire. From One Door North and The Florence to Punch Bowl Social and Trailer Park After Dark, there’s no shortage of local eateries ready to delight the senses of groups large and small.

  1. Play Team Sports

Lift your employees’ spirits — and their heart rates — by entering a company team in a citywide soccer, softball or beach volleyball league. Or, depending on the size of your organization, you may even consider starting your own private league. Breaking a sweat is an easy way to break down barriers and create connections.

  1. Go on a Scavenger Hunt

Another one of the most popular corporate event ideas San Diego is the classic scavenger hunt. Groups from La Jolla to the Gaslamp Quarter offer guided competitions where your crew can unleash both its creative and competitive sides as it races from clue to clue.

San Diego is a vibrant city with no shortage of ways to rejuvenate your team’s spirit or simply cut loose for a day while enjoying the Pacific Coast. Choose an activity that fits your organization’s character for an experience that you’ll be talking about for years to come.

Preparing For Foundation Repair

When you’re mapping out your plans for a home, you probably aren’t too worried about the state of your foundation. If you want your plans to stay on track, however, you should be. If your foundation falls by the wayside and starts to crack, then you may have to allocate some of your design budget for necessary repairs.

How, though, can you go about anticipating a leak? If one does form, what kind of repair options do you have on the table?

No need to panic. The local foundation repair professionals working in your area will be able to answer your questions and get your home maintenance plan back on track in little to no time at all.

What Causes a Foundation Leak?

Foundation leaks rarely form out of the blue. While it may seem as though these leaks appear after one significant storm, they’re more often caused by weeks or months of exposure to hydrostatic pressure. This pressure, which is generated by rainwater and groundwater pressing against your home, both erodes your foundation materials and causes your foundation to rapidly change temperature. As the temperature rises and falls, your foundation materials will try to expand and contract accordingly. If this process goes on for too long, your foundation will crack from the stress.

That said, it’s not just hydrostatic pressure that can cause your foundation to crack. If you have large trees in your lawn, their invasive root systems may try to breach the hull of your home.

Signs to Look Out For

More often than not, you’ll be able to first identify a foundation leak by looking to your structural supports. These types of leaks have the biggest impact on your support beams and the piering installed around your foundation at the time of your home’s construction.

The most common signs of a foundation leak that you’ll find inside of your home include:

  • Bowing walls
  • Shifting floors
  • Gaps at the joints of your foundation
  • Sticking doors
  • Foggy windows
  • Water-damaged belongings or furniture
  • Mold

Unfortunately, the myths surrounding foundation repair practices prevent many homeowners from seeking out viable waterproofing or repair solutions before a leak can worsen. If you let a foundation leak go for too long, you’ll end up finding its symptoms outside of your home.

A foundation leak that you’ve let fall by the wayside can cause:

  • Vertical cracks in your walls
  • A cracked chimney
  • Cracks running horizontally across your foundation
  • Home sinking

Fixing a Foundation Leak

Once you’ve identified a foundation leak, you’re going to want to talk with a local contractor about the repair options you have on the table. Your options are going to vary based on the size of your home, the severity of the damage, and your available budget.

That said, some of the most common foundation repair solutions include:

  • Piering
  • Underpinning
  • Leveling and slabjacking
  • Sealing
  • Subfloor drainage

Who You Gonna Call?

In this day of do-it-yourself, you may want to try and save a bit of money by fixing your foundation yourself. Unfortunately, the process isn’t as easy as it sounds. Unless you have the certifications stating that you have the education and experience to fix someone’s foundation, it’s often best to leave this work to the professionals.

If you’re concerned about saving money, though, there’s some good news for you. Most foundation repair professionals offer a free foundation inspection and repairs quote. This way, you can better understand what’s going on below your home without having to break into your repair fund.

Don’t let your home design dreams fall by the wayside the next time it rains. Reach out to a local foundation repair professional and get your plans back on track.

 

Bedroom Gadgets and Items You Need To Have In 2020

Do you have trouble falling and staying asleep? You’re not alone. In fact, 68 percent of people say they struggle with sleep at least once a week.

The environment in your bedroom can make or break your quest to catch those nightly ZZZs. Luckily, there are some awesome bedroom gadgets on the market today that can help to turn your bedroom into a sleep oasis. Take a look at a few of our favorites.

Sound Headbands

Sound makes a huge difference in our ability to sleep. Unfortunately, if you sleep with a partner, you may not both appreciate the same background noise at bedtime. Sound headbands solve this problem!

These are flat headphones that sit inside a soft headband and connect to your smartphone through a Bluetooth connection. This way you can listen to music, podcasts, or white noise while you drift off to sleep.

Relief for Stomach Sleep

People who sleep on their stomachs often toss and turn all night, trying to stay comfortable. A pillow for stomach sleeper may be the perfect answer! The thin memory foam material helps to provide spinal support and it has a cooling gel that will keep you from getting sweaty while you sleep.

Smart Lights

Have you ever been jolted awake by your alarm clock? Of course you have! And this can set your whole day off to a bad start.

Enter the smart light. These bedroom gadgets simulate the rising of the sun to wake you up naturally, instead of with a loud sound.

This can help you feel less groggy when you wake up and may keep you from waking up throughout the night dreading the morning alarm.

Sleep Trackers

From armbands like the FitBit to sleeping mats that go under your mattress, there are many options on the market for tracking your sleep habits. These will show you how long it takes you to fall asleep, how many times you wake up throughout the night, and the quality of your sleep.

Some also monitor your heart rate and will even tell you if you snore! You can use this information to make changes that will help you sleep better. Bonus points for choosing one that has bedtime reminders and alarms that wake you up gently at the perfect time based on your sleep cycle.

Dual-Zone Duvet

If you and your partner prefer different sleep temperatures, there’s no need to shiver or sweat all night. There are now dual-zone duvets that will deliver either heated or cooled air on separate sides to keep you both comfortable all night long.

Try These Awesome Bedroom Gadgets Today!

Pick up a few of these cool bedroom gadgets and you’ll be well on your way to getting a great night’s sleep and waking up feeling rested!

Want even more smart tips for improving your life? Take some time to browse through a few more of our blog posts.

5 Gorgeous Water Feature Ideas for Your Patio

Listening to the sound of water releases the stress-regulating hormone cortisol, leading to a more relaxed state. This is a bonus effect from the beautiful water feature you will get to enjoy in your backyard.

If you are looking for an attractive addition to your patio then look no further than an easy-to-install fountain.

Read on to discover the 5 newest water feature ideas for a unique outdoor living space.

1. Flowing Pathway

Backyard water features don’t have to be big to make an impact. They can be small narrow paths that lead to your pool or a nearby body of water.

Use your gutter run-off, water barrel or circulating pool water to create a steady flow that extends throughout your yard. Water can line your walkways and guide you and your visitors to a backyard oasis. You can also use it to irrigator water to your garden.

2. Connecting Bridge Pond

This Japanese-style water feature is classic, but the design can be modern. Develop a small pond surrounded with a wooden or stone patio. The pond needs to be large enough to fit a bridge that connects both sides. Use steel or concrete for a contemporary look.

A pond brings nature to your home, from birds quenching their thirst to reptiles looking for a cozy habitat. This adds to the serenity portrayed by your water feature.

3. Wall Fountain

Water features that create the gentle sound of falling water can be in any size home. A wall foundation comes in many dimensions, from a table-size foundation to a full-size wall.

Blend the waterfall into your home by using river stones that flow into your pool. Or make it a stand-out feature using a bright tile that is displayed on its own. Use a small catching pool to filter the water.

4. Spouting Statue

Even small backyard water features can include a statue. That is because they are so versatile.  What makes them interesting is your figurine choice and how the water is sprayed.

Get creative with spouting statues that project water from the figure’s mouth or gushes from the center of a flower. You can also add multiple exit ports and animatronics if you are feeling playful.

5. Water Play

Not all patio water features are for show, they can also be interactive. If you have children then they will love this type of water feature that allows them to get wet at the same time.

Use waterproof, padded materials that create a grip like recycled rubber for the ground. Then hide the foundation under the floor with the help of hardscaping services for a magical surprise. Children have to step on the markers (try shapes or colors) to squirt the water in the air.

Water Feature Ideas That Complement Your Home

Your backyard is an extension of your home, so you want to make it as comfortable and as cohesive as possible. These water feature ideas can transform your yard to be a perfect addition to your interior.

Check out our Tip section for more ways to spruce up your outdoors.