Lifestyle

The TV antenna is making a comeback.

Wait a minute, hold on, isn’t that obsolete technology? With everything digital nowadays, what’s the reason for the sudden surge in popularity?

The answer, ironically, is also because everything is digital today. Most people pay for streaming services such as Netflix, Disney Plus, or Hulu. What streaming offers and what cable offers overlap and with the rising costs of cable TV, there are plenty of reasons to cut the cord.

On the other hand, over-the-air TV is the perfect complement to streaming services. With the right antenna placement, you can access free local channels that you won’t find on Netflix.

Yet, even with new tech in antenna, such as signal amplifiers, you still need to find the right spot for your antenna. Here are some tips to help you position your antenna to pick up the best signal possible.

Map It Out

Before buying a new TV antenna, you should begin by knowing the locations of the TV broadcast towers in your area. This will give you an idea about the type of antenna you need. Your distance to the tower will determine whether you should buy an indoor, outdoor, amplified, or non-amplified antenna.

You can check out this handy TV coverage map to help you get started.

Also, some antennas are directional or unidirectional. This means that they have to be oriented toward the local transmitting tower to receive a signal. Identifying the location of the tower can guide you in pointing the antenna in the right direction.

“Take Me Higher”

If there’s one rule that’s true about finding the optimum placement of your antenna, it’s that higher is better.

Even if you have an indoor antenna, you should try to put it as high as you can in the room. In some cases, you might have to use a long coaxial cable to install the antenna in a different, higher-level room, like the attic.

If you have an outdoor antenna, the ideal site is on top of the roof. This will give you the best reception and access to more channels.

Three Important Words About Antenna Placement: Line of Sight

TV signals are like a sniper’s bullet. They need a clear path to reach the target. If there are fewer obstructions between the tower and your antenna, you’ll have a clearer reception.

So what counts as obstruction? Thick walls, ceilings, trees, and buildings will interfere with the broadcast signal. Some electronic devices, such as consoles and computers, may also sabotage the transmission.

This is why placing the antenna near the window, away from electronics, will often give you the best results. There are also antenna models that are flat and square-shaped. You can mount this type of antenna on the window by securing the four corners with adhesive.

You might have to try a few different windows or external walls to figure out the sweet spot. Just remember to keep the pathway from the tower to the antenna unhindered and you should be good to go.

Picture Perfect

As a cord-cutter, you can only enjoy your freedom from the shackles of cable companies if you’re getting high-quality TV signals. These tips about antenna placement should provide endless hours of entertainment and keep you from going back to cable.

For more lifestyle tips and tricks, please continue to browse our website.

According to the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals, over 10 million American homes have a pool. If you’re thinking of adding your home to that number, it’s time to decide what home pool designs most suit your tastes.

For those looking to add a little luxury to their home this summer, check out these 5 home pool designs that will make you wish every day was a pool-day.

1. Family Fun Adventure

If you have kids or simply love a sense of adventure, a family fun adventure pool will hit the spot. Think rock waterslides, waterfall caves, diving boards and more.

You can tailor your adventurous pool to meet your family’s tastes, but this style of pool will always be the party-pool of choice. You can even add artistic elements in and around the pool to add pops of color and personality.

Customize your own “island” or pirate’s ship features. Really, the limit with this style of pool is your own imagination.

2. Key West

The key element of this tasteful pool design is choosing the right outdoor travertine pavers. Ask them to install a natural-looking stone (something reminiscent of the cobblestone found in Key West), around your pool in a herringbone pattern.

Include plenty of tropical plants, conch style design, and a couple of lounge chairs and voila! You’ll feel just like Ernest Hemingway sitting in your favorite Key West hangout.

3. Emphasize the View

If your backyard boasts an incredible view, an infinity pool lends itself well to emphasizing the natural beauty around it.

Choose a minimalistic deck and fewer plants surrounding the pool so you can lounge while still taking in the views. Not to mention, the illusion of a never-ending edge that an infinity pool creates also draws the eye to onward into the sunset and surrounding view.

4. Night-Swim Lovers

Like the idea of a private, moonlight swim? Design your swimming pool to include all the features that night-swim lovers will thrill at.

Romantic uplighting for trees or palms surrounding your pool give off an inviting glow to help illuminate your swim. Choose pool lights that soothe and invite.

If you’d like to keep your night-swims free from neighbor’s prying eyes, build a tasteful wall around your pool or plant large shrubs or trees to surround it and give you a sense of privacy.

5. Small But Stunning

If you’re strapped for space, but still want a pool that makes a statement, consider an in-ground pool made with mosaic tiles. Depending on the color of tiles you choose, your pool can have a luster of deep, inviting blue, or rich, tropical green.

For smaller pools, floor seating contributes well to the intimate feel while still adding to the style of a refreshing retreat.

Home Pool Designs: Choosing the Best for You

Home pool designs vary so greatly that choosing the best for you will depend largely on your tastes, as well as your budget and space.

Browse the budget portion of our blog for ideas on how you can budget for this pool project and more.

There’s nothing like the look and feel of brand new furniture. Yet, nothing new lasts forever. As a matter of fact, the average sofa wears away after seven years, 15 at the most.

No worries. If you’re at this point with your furniture, don’t go broke buying new stuff. You can update furniture you already have.

Restoring old furniture gives your bank account a break and saves you time. The hassle it takes to find the same comfort, make, and model could disappoint you in the long run.

Refurbishing also affords you the liberty to modernize the style at your own taste. Not to mention, the environmental benefits. Updating what you have puts less of a carbon footprint on the living world.

If you’re looking to refashion the look in your home without spending a lot, read this. Take a look at our article and see how to update furniture to look new and contemporary.

Upholster the Coffee Table

The coffee table is the first place people prop their feet when they sit down on the couch. Why not make it more comfortable for them.

One of the best ways to modernize a coffee or end table is to turn it into an ottoman.

Strip off the old paint, if need be. If not, sand and dust it, then add a little shellac for shine. Use old sheets or curtains for fabric, or hit up a thrift store for cool but cheap fabrics.

You’ll likely find some old cushions there as well if you don’t already have some. If you’d like to do some simple sewing, feel free. Make it moveable by adding a heavy duty caster or four.

The best part of this update is you can still leave space to rest a drink while you watch tv or read a good book.

Update Furniture Like Dining Room Chairs

In most homes, the family room and dining rooms get the most traffic. So wear and tear on furniture in these areas go without saying.

When the dining room chairs get a little shabby, break out the cans of spray paint. You read that right. Spray paint.

If you have old metal chairs that look worn. Don’t put them in the garbage. Grab a few cans of your favorite color spray paint and go to town. The results will surprise you. And, if you want to soften up the room, consider paster colors.

Pastels add a calming effect to a room, perfect for dining and enjoying dinner.

Staining

Staining can make all the wood pieces of furniture in a home look brand new. Plus, it’s not an expensive project, considering you can make your own stain.

If you’ve never stained before, you’ll need to practice a bit on some old wood pieces first. Once you get the stain or stains you like, start on small pieces like legs on the sofa.

Add some contrast by using different stains on the tv stand, bookshelves, dressers, and bedposts.

Start Modernizing

You don’t have to spend thousands of dollars to enjoy a modernized space. All you have to do is update furniture in your home to look like new.

Make a list of old pieces you’d like to upgrade, then refurbish them one by one.

Want to read more interesting write-ups like this? Take a look at our features and enjoy some amazing lifestyle tips and tricks.

Living a more mobile lifestyle is a bold choice when you have kids, but it’s not an impossible goal. You’ll have to augment your traditional idea of how life should be lived when you have kids, but you’ll find new freedoms and joys as you evolve.

Living life on the road gives your kids the rare opportunity to experience different cultures, landscapes, and more. Take a moment now to read through a few tips that will make raising your family in an RV more manageable, and prepare yourself for the adventure of a lifetime.

Prepare yourself for the harsh realities

When you live life on the road in an RV, you are living a full-time existence with your children. There’s no daycare, no time away at work, and you will get tired of being around your family.

The best defense is to learn positive ways to give everyone their own space, even the kids. Your RV isn’t huge. Spend the bulk of your time outside, and incorporate an outdoor storage space for your extra things. This will provide a bit more space inside the RV for everyone to stretch their legs.

The people your family will meet

Living the RV life grants your children a priceless social opportunity. It’s true that they won’t have a stationary group of friends, but a beautiful thing happens when kids are transient.

Your children will learn to find their place in social groups of all shapes and sizes. Your children will have experiences with kids from all different backgrounds, meaning they will have a more accurate perception of people as a whole.

Always incorporate naps for everyone

Naps are essential when you live life in an RV with children. Get up early, and go out to explore. Come back, and have a little downtime midday. You don’t have to lay out a rigid nap structure, but it’s good for everyone to have some time to recharge their batteries.

Learn to employ shifts for the adults

You and your partner will need time away from the hustle and bustle of energetic children. It’s wise to set up a way to employ shifts from time to time.

Give yourself the chance to enjoy your individuality, and do the same for your partner. It may be as simple as going for a long walk around the area, but take time away from serving the needs of your children. It’s okay.

The downtime is always beautiful

There may be a fair collection of challenges to face when you choose to raise a family in an RV, but the benefits of life on the road outweigh the tough times.

The smiles will outweigh the frowns, and your children will be better for the experiences they encounter. Take the time to breathe the fresh air, and truly enjoy your surroundings.

When winter arrives, it can be tempting to think that a good clean up can wait until spring. However, there are some important jobs to do during the winter months that will help to protect your home and make sure that your garden is ready for spring. This year, why not spend some time winter cleaning your home, so you can make the most of spring when it finally appears?

Here are some winter jobs you should start with.

Clear gutters and check your roof tiles

If you have tiles on your roof, then it is a good idea to have them checked before every winter, so that you can have repairs done before the bad weather damages your home with potential leaks. You should be able to find a service that will check your tiles for you and clear your guttering, as this is another important job that will stop your guttering breaking, blocking, or overflowing.

Jet wash the patio

Over winter, when it gets colder, your patio is likely to get slippery, which could be dangerous. This is why getting it jet washed will ensure that there is no potentially slippery mud and debris. You can usually hire professional help to jet wash for a reasonable price, and in this case it is important to check that they have suitable insurance such as pressure washing insurance by Next Insurance in case they cause any damage to your home or garden. As well as being safer to walk on, your garden will look much tidier once the patio is jet washed.

Put garden furniture away

If you have any garden furniture, you can protect it by storing it away for winter, or covering it with suitable materials to protect it from the bad weather throughout the winter when it is not being used.

Have a clear-out

Traditionally, people tend to have their big clear out in the spring but why wait until then? If you have a family who gets a lot of big gifts over Christmas, then you probably find that you run out of room in the house to fit everything in. This is why it is a good idea to do your clear-out before Christmas. This also means that you can take your clothes, toys, and similar items to charity shops, which will hopefully be able to help people over Christmas time.

Clear the outside of your windows

If you haven’t been able to clean the outside of your windows for a while, winter is a good time to do so, seeing that this is the time when they are usually dirtiest with the debris from nearby trees having settled around your window frames in autumn. If you like putting up lights around the exterior of your home for Christmas, then you can do them at the same time, instead of getting the ladders out twice. Having clean windows will add some extra sparkle to your lights.

Why wait until spring to do your interior and exterior clean when these important tasks all need to be done in winter?

When you can have all the water you want by turning on the faucet, it seems silly to have a water tank, right?

Wrong. Water tanks don’t only help the earth, but they can save you money on bills as well.

Think of how many things you use water for in your home. The dishwasher, your shower, flushing the toilet, rinsing dishes, washing your hands – and more!

Every time you use that water, you’re paying a company for it. You pay them to filter it for you, to deliver it through the pipes, and even, in some cases, to come to turn your access on!

That’s a lot of money you’re spending on something that falls freely from the sky.

If you invest a one-time in a water filtration system and buy one of the best water storage tanks below, you can cut your usage in half- if not more!

Plus, you’re saving the energy it takes for the water to get to you from the company, and that, in turn, helps save our dying earth.

The Best Water Storage Tanks: Size Matters

When you’re buying a water storage tank, you need to think about what size you need. Containers are graded in liters, or sometimes gallons, depending on where you live.

The size of the water tank that’s right for you depends on what you’re using the water for.

If you’re keeping water on hand to drink in case of an emergency, you can get away with multiple 3-5 gallon stackable tanks.

But if you’re using it for a business, you’ll need much, much more than that.

When you shop with The Water Tank Factory, you can choose between 340-liter options, all the way up to hundreds of thousands of liters.

Keep in mind that if you are consuming this water, it will still need to be filtered. You’ll have to set up a separate water filtration system to use your water-tank water for consumption.

Characteristics of Great Water Tanks

There are a few things to look for when you buy a water tank, other than size.

You want to make sure they’re made out of high-quality plastic, or even metal. If you buy a soft-plastic tank, chemicals from the plastic can sink into your water, poisoning it over time.

Consider where you’ll store these water tanks too. Some larger cisterns can be buried underground or concealed in a room, depending on what you’re using them for.

Finally, keep costs in mind when shopping for water tanks. The larger and higher quality they are, the more expensive they should be.

Water Tanks for Homes and Businesses

The best water storage tanks for one person aren’t necessarily the best for another. Don’t be afraid to shop around and make sure you’re getting the best selection and the best deal.

It’s your money and your water, after all!

For more helpful lifestyle articles like this, browse our blog categories, above.

Artificial grass?

When did people start putting fake grass in their yards? People have been using fake synthetic grass in their yard for years now.

While it might not be common, people are starting to see the benefit of fake grass. The benefits are especially clear in areas where it might be difficult to grow grass.

Continue reading this article and learn more about the benefits of fake grass so you can see if it’s right for you.

1. Durable

If you have kids and pets that like to play rough out in the yard, you’re going to love artificial grass. This durable grass can stand up to even the roughest playmates.

You’ll be glad to know that it has a long life expectancy even if kids are pets are present.

2. Appearance

If you’re worried that people are going to hate the way your yard makes the neighborhood look, you must be thinking about turf of years gone by. Artificial turf looks amazing now and you’ll be the envy of your neighbors.

You’ll likely see a few of them changing over to artificial turf themselves.

3. Save Water

If you live in an area where there are issues with lack of water then artificial grass is a no-brainer for you. If you use too much water when you’re under a water watch, you could get fined.

Taking showers and even running the pool shouldn’t get you into trouble but if you’re watering the lawn frequently, that can get up to a lot of water.

Those that live in the West are likely some of the best candidates since that is where many residents go through water bans.

4. Mud Puddles Be Gone

Even if you live in an area that doesn’t get a lot of rain, your yard can get puddles and mud when you run your sprinklers. If your kids or fido decide they want to play, you’re likely to find some of the mud from your yard has made its way into your otherwise clean house.

There is really no way you can keep your yard from having puddles without redoing your landscape and this can be pretty expensive.

5. Set It And Forget It (Almost)

Once you’ve got your synthetic turf installation finished, you’re pretty free and clear when it comes to maintenance. No more riding the mower around your yard, or even worse — pushing the mower!

Blow off the debris that might make its way to your yard and keep an eye out for anything your pets might leave behind and you’re pretty much good to go.

Is Artificial Grass In Your Future?

Now that you know more about these artificial grass benefits, are you ready to get yours?

If you’re not ready to stop learning, we have many other articles on our site that can help with your DIY projects and beyond.

Browse our site, find your favorite section, drop a bookmark and come back soon for more great reads.

If you want to protect your home and make it a pleasurable place to live, you should start by handling your plumbing utilities. Each bathroom in your home should have shower filters that deliver nothing but the purest most comfortable water possible.

This is particularly useful if you live in a community that has hard water problems.

When you’re shopping around, it pays to look for the best shower filters that you can find. Consider these shower filter models below.

The Best Shower Filters on the Market

Hard water is an issue a lot of people deal with, that can have plenty of undesired results.

The water is considered “hard” when it has a lot of calcium and magnesium deposits. If you have hard water in your shower, it can leave deposits and soap scum on your skin, make it hard to get a lather, stain your tub and shower, and cause minerals to build up inside of your pipes.

In order to avoid this, you need to spare no expense when it comes to buying one of the following shower filters:

1. Filtap

You absolutely can’t go wrong with a Filtap shower filter.

This shower filter uses a 4-stage alkalizer system, along with the most sophisticated filtration technology. People that install Filtap filters in their bathrooms say that the water becomes cleaner and chemical-free, which also makes your home more eco-friendly.

2. AquaBliss Universal

By using the AquaBliss Universal shower filter, you’re making an investment in your beauty as much as you are your bathroom. This shower filter is known to rid your water of its impurities, which allows you to have stronger and longer hair, along with healthier nails and skin.

Having this filter is a must if you have a sensitive scalp and want to regrow and condition damaged hair.

2. Berkley Shower Filter

This shower filter gets rid of 95 percent of chlorine build-up and deposits. As such, you can prevent scaling and dryness, while also keeping your tub and shower as clean as possible.

People love this shower head because of its ability to protect your health and the fact that it has a long lifespan of use.

3. Aquasana AQ-4100 Deluxe

You will enjoy this shower filter because it is completely adjustable. It is an eco-friendly model since it uses carbon from coconuts to filter out impurities.

People that use this filter in their shower report that it is simple to install and cost-effective.

Purchase the Best Shower Filters For Your Bathroom

These are some of the best shower filters you fill find anywhere. You will be glad that you have them once you’re able to bypass your hard water problems and keep your shower gleaming and scale-free.

The three shower filters above are useful for any bathroom in your home. Not only will you enjoy a safer bathroom environment, but your filtered shower water will also help improve your hair, skin, and nails.

Consider these tips and check back for more home design advice.

Interested in renting an apartment? You might find that a good one is hard to come by.

There are more than 20 million apartments situated throughout the country at the moment. But experts are warning that the U.S. needs for almost 5 million new apartments to be built between now and 2030 to keep up with the rising demand for them.

It’s not always easy to track down a great apartment in a city of town, even if you’re very familiar with the area. But by learning how to pick an apartment, you can give yourself an advantage over others searching for apartments and put yourself in a better position to find the right one for your lifestyle.

Check out some useful tips that will help you choose an apartment below.

Look for an Apartment in the Right Location

You’ve no doubt heard the cliche “location, location, location” used time and time again in reference to real estate. But there’s a good reason for that: Location is the most important aspect when shopping around for a home or apartment.

If you absolutely love spending time shopping and eating out in the middle of a big city, the last thing you want to do is rent an apartment on the outskirts of town where you won’t be able to do those things. You need an apartment situated near the places you like to be day in and day out.

Your apartment should also be at least semi-close to school or work so that you don’t have a hard time getting to where you need to be every day. You’re going to make life harder than it has to be by picking an apartment on the wrong side of town.

Consider Which Type of Layout You Like for an Apartment

Do you want an apartment that is one big open space—or would you prefer one that has a bunch of different rooms that each have a specific purpose?

You’re going to want to ask yourself this question before you begin looking at apartments. You can narrow down your options by choosing the type of layout that you like from the very beginning.

Some people don’t mind studio apartments at all. They’re able to use different design tricks to make them feel larger than they are.

Other people need for bedrooms, living rooms, and dining areas to each have their own designated areas. It’s all a matter of personal preference and what you like the most.

Create a List of Amenities That You Need in an Apartment

There are certain apartments that come with hardly any amenities at all. There are others, like these apartments, that seem to have every amenity in the world.

Which amenities do you need to see in the apartment that you rent? Do you want an apartment that has:

• Furniture already in it?
• A washer and dryer?
• A parking spot that comes with it?
• Internet and cable services included?

You will, of course, have to pay the price for these amenities. But if you consider them to be must-have items for your lifestyle, you won’t mind shelling out a little extra for them.

Check Out Who Lives in Neighboring Apartments

When you’re taking a look at an apartment, you should be prepared to scope out more than just what’s happening inside the apartment. You should also be aware of what’s going on around it and, more specifically, who is living in the apartments that surround it.

If you’re a young person who enjoys having people over and letting loose on the weekends, you might not want to rent an apartment that has nothing but families or older people living in it. If, on the other hand, you’re a middle-aged person who enjoys peace and quiet, an apartment building full of young people might not be ideal.

Try to find out who your neighbors would be if you were to move into an apartment. They could make or break the experience of living in the apartment for you.

Make Sure an Apartment Isn’t Out of Your Price Range

How much can you afford to spend on an apartment every month? This is yet another important question that you should consider prior to starting your search for one.

The average cost of an apartment in your city or town is going to depend on where you’re located. The median cost of a one-bedroom apartment in Wichita, Kansas is under $500, while the median cost of a one-bedroom apartment in Atlanta, Georgia is up over $1,500.

But generally speaking, you should take the same approach to budgeting for an apartment no matter where you live. Crunch the numbers to see what you can afford and resist the urge to talk yourself into renting something out of your price range.

Be Decisive When You Find an Apartment You Love

At some point, you’re going to find an apartment that you love while hunting around for one. It’s going to have the location you want, the layout you’re looking for, and a price that you can afford.

Don’t hesitate to say, “I’ll take it!”

When you’re thinking about how to pick an apartment, it’s very easy to overthink things. You’ll drag your feet at times and hem and haw while trying to make a decision.

If you do this, you could miss out on the perfect apartment for your lifestyle. So be decisive and snatch up an apartment as soon as you know that it’s what you want.

Learn How to Pick an Apartment Before You Begin Looking for One

Many people make the mistake of starting an apartment search without learning how to pick an apartment first. This often makes the process more stressful and challenging than it has to be.

Rather than going in blind and trying to learn how to pick an apartment on the fly, use the tips found here to prepare yourself in advance. You’ll have a much easier time finding an apartment, and you’ll enjoy the experience so much more overall.

Learn more tips for finding great apartments by poking around on our blog and reading through our other articles.