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Feb
05


4 REASONS TO LOVE BASIC INVITE



This is a collaborative post. All opinions are my own.

In the past year, we've had to rethink how we celebrate so many of life's
important events: weddings, birthdays, holidays, births, graduations, and so
forth. At least one way we've been able to stay connected through this crazy
period of time is with cards. In this digital age, there's something so special
about receiving physical mail, something tangible that you can put on the fridge
and hold in your hands. One of my favorite companies for customizable stationery
is Basic Invite. They have really beautiful designs for all kinds of milestones,
whether you're looking for a graduation announcement template or a wedding
invitation design or a memorable business card. Here are four reasons why I
totally recommend Basic Invite.



1. Sooo many color options.

Basic Invite is allows customers almost unlimited color options with instant
previews online. Once you've select a design, you can change the color of each
element on the card. With over 180 colors to choose from, it's easy to customize
your stationery so that it perfectly matches the colors of your school, your
wedding's color palette, or your company's branding. In addition, there are over
40 different envelope colors to choose from. The envelopes peel and seal so they
can be closed quickly and securely.



2. Customized samples.

Before you place your final order, you can get a printed sample of your actual
invitation, to feel the paper quality, see how it will print, and make sure your
graduation party invitation is absolutely perfect. This is something that very
few companies allow!



3. Easy addressing.

Another thing that's special about Basic Invite is their address capturing
service. It allows customers to share a link on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or
any other social media to request their friends and family’s addresses. The
addresses are stored in the customer’s account and can be selected during the
design process. Basic Invite also offers recipient address printing at no cost
on all card orders (a huge time saver if you're placing a big order!).



4. Great prices.

Basic Invite is already very affordable, and right now they are offering 15% off
with the coupon code 15FF51. If you've been thinking that it's time to order
graduation announcements, baby announcements, or any other type of stationery,
definitely take advantage of that offer!

1 COMMENT
 * Contact aileen@athomeinlove.com for rates & more information.

 * 


Dec
08


5 WAYS TO SPREAD COMFORT & JOY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON



This post is sponsored by Tranquility. All opinions are my own.

Well, I don't think any of us could have predicted what a crazy, historic year
2020 would turn out to be. Unprecedented, challenging, and memorable to say the
least! Here in Washington state, we just entered a new round of lockdowns and
are being asked not to hold any social gatherings indoors. Soooo needless to
say, the holidays will look much different this year. Even if your state is
still open, it's likely that you have family members or friends who aren't
comfortable gathering. As we head into winter, I've been thinking a lot about
the people I know who live alone, especially those that are older. I hope it's
not too long before we can see them in person and give them a BIG hug...but in
the meantime, I've been thinking about how we can spread some comfort and joy
this Christmas season.



1. Gift a weighted blanket: I think a weighted blanket may just be the perfect
holiday gift for 2020. It's the next-best-thing to a big, comforting hug!
Weighted blankets apply deep calming pressure to help you rest and relax.
According to Psychology Today, their soothing effects have many benefits
including reduced anxiety and stress, falling asleep faster, and getting better
sleep. I have a Tranquility weighted blanket and I love it both for sleeping
under, and for getting cozy during the day. What I love about Tranquility is
that they have come in different weights and styles, including cooling and
temperature-balancing, so there’s a blanket to fit every preference. Tranquility
weighted blankets start out at just $25 and can be purchased online at Target or
Walmart. They are super soft, durable, and have a removable, machine washable
cover. I'll be doing a giveaway on Instagram soon, so keep an eye out for that!

2. Take a drive to see the holiday lights: This is a fun holiday tradition that
(thankfully) we don't have to give up this year. Make some hot cocoa, get the
kids in the car, turn up the Christmas music, and drive around your neighborhood
to see the best Christmas light displays. You could even plan ahead with your
neighbors and friends to make this year extra-special. Let them know when you'll
be driving by so they can come out on their front porch or wave through the
windows. Make sure to return the favor: add some extra cheer to the front of
your house this year, and if you know your friends will be driving by, try to do
something special like putting a sign in the window with their kids' names.

3. Plan a holiday movie watch party: Try this idea if you're looking for a way
to bridge the distance and connect with family members that you won't be seeing
this Christmas. Plan to watch the same Christmas movie at the same time, then
send each other photos! If you want to take it up a notch, you could even order
the same Christmas jammies to wear, and plan to eat the same snacks. This would
be a fun thing to do with cousins, grandparents, and the whole extended family.

4. Organize a front porch Christmas cookie exchange: Instead of gathering
in-person for a Christmas party, try a Covid-friendly Christmas cookie exchange.
Everyone bakes a few dozen of their favorite Christmas cookie, then packs them
up in tins or boxes. On the same day, drop them off on each others' front
porches, so everyone ends up with a variety of cute, yummy cookies to enjoy. You
could even pack cookies carefully in a box and mail them to family that's
farther away.

5. Open gifts together virtually: We may not be able to get together in-person
for Christmas, but at least we can gather virtually. Zoom or FaceTime can make
opening gifts a little more personal. After all, seeing the reaction when your
loved ones open your gifts is part of the fun!

What other ideas do you have for keeping the holiday spirit alive in 2020?
Wishing you and your family all the coziness and comfort.

1 COMMENT
 * Contact
   aileen@athomeinlove.com
   for rates & more information.
   

 * 


Oct
19


5 COMMON SLEEP MISTAKES & HOW TO FIX THEM



This post is written in partnership with Tranquility. All opinions are my own.

We all know that sleep is important. In fact, it's as crucial as exercise and
eating well, according to Medical News Today. A good night's sleep can make a
huge difference in our productivity, mood, and overall well-being. And yet, many
Americans suffer from lack of sleep. Sometimes, the reason is obvious: we're
staying up way too late binge watching a show, or we're sick, or we have a baby
waking us up in the middle of the night. Other times, the reason isn't as clear.
Perhaps we're really trying to go to bed at a decent hour, there's nothing
specific we can pinpoint that is keeping us up...and still, we can't seem to get
enough sleep. We toss and turn for hours, or wake up in the middle of the night
for no apparent reason. I know, because I've been there. Sleepless nights made
me feel so frustrated and helpless--and a bit resentful of my innocent husband,
blissfully snoozing away (how dare he?!). For the sake of my health, my sanity,
and my marriage, I did some research. Some of the results I found were things I
already knew (afternoon coffee is not such a great idea). But other things were
kind of surprising. A lot of "sleep mistakes" we make are super normal, common
activities. These daily habits could be sabotaging your sleep without you even
realizing it! The good news is, most of them are easy to fix.



5 Common Sleep Mistakes





1. Changing your sleep schedule on weekends. If you've had a long week of
burning the candle at both ends, you may think it's a good idea to "catch up on
sleep" over the weekend. But as it turns out, that can do more harm than good.
According to Sleep.org, changing your sleep schedule on weekends can throw off
your body's circadian rhythm, giving you the equivalent of social jet lag. This
will make it harder to fall asleep or stay asleep the next night...and over
time, the health consequences can be more serious, including an increased risk
of developing obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.





Try this instead: If you love sleeping in, try to vary your wakeup time by no
more than an hour on weekends.



2. Taking long naps. When you're feeling sleep deprived, you might think that a
nap would be a good way to get some zzz's in. And that can be true. But if you
take too long of a nap, especially later in the day, it can backfire. Long naps
can make you wake up groggy and disoriented, and can worse your nighttime sleep
problems, creating a vicious cycle.



Try this instead: According to Mayo Clinic, you should aim for naps that last
about 10-20 minutes in the early afternoon (before 3pm).





3. Stressing and worrying about something as you're trying to fall asleep. This
is a common one for me. I lay down at night, and instead of powering down, my
brain goes into panic mode, racing with stress and anxiety. Suddenly, I remember
something I forgot to do that day, or dwell on an awkward interaction from
earlier, or start worrying about my to do list for the week.



Try this instead: Create a calming nighttime routine to help you wind down
before you get in bed. For me, I write down any lingering thoughts or tasks I
have running through my head, so I can let go of them mentally until the next
day. Then I like to relax under my Tranquility weighted blanket in the evenings,
while I'm reading, watching a show, or talking to my husband. I also take my
weighted blanket to bed. Studies have shown that a weighted blanket's calming
pressure can enhance relaxation and provide a natural solution to better sleep.





If you’re interested in trying a weighted blanket, Tranquility has a range of
affordable styles available at Target and Walmart.





4. Sleeping with your phone next to you. Many of us sleep with our phones next
to our beds. Maybe we're afraid of missing an important call or text, or we like
to scroll social media at night in bed, or we use our cell phones as our alarm.
Regardless of the reason, sleeping with your phone next to you is a bad idea.
First of all, if you do get a text or notification just as you're nodding off,
it'll probably throw off your sleep. Plus, according to Harvard Health
Publishing, the blue light of your phone's LED screen can disrupt your circadian
rhythm and suppress the production of melatonin (a sleep-inducing hormone). And
that's not even touching on the potential health risks of having a cell phone
next to your head all night.



Try this instead: Ideally, put your phone away 2-3 hours before you intend to
fall asleep. Keep it another room at night (not your bedroom!). If your phone is
currently your alarm, get a standalone alarm clock...you can find lots of
options under $20.



5. Sleeping in a room with too much light. Darkness is a natural signal that
tells your body it's time to sleep. If you leave on lights at night, even just a
light in the hall, it can make it harder for your brain to reach those deeper
levels of sleep that you need to feel fully rested. If you have exterior lights
turned on or if the sun is still up, then light coming through your window can
have the same effect.



Try this instead: Hang blackout blinds or curtains to block out light coming in
through your bedroom windows, and make sure that all your lights are turned off
inside. If you must use a nightlight, try one with a red bulb (red light has
been shown to be less disruptive to sleep). It's also a good idea to prepare
your body for sleep by dimming the lights a full hour before bedtime.
1 COMMENT

Sep
03


RENOVATING YOUR HOME ON A BUDGET: 12 MONEY-SAVING TIPS



This is a collaborative post. All opinions are my own.

If you’re building a house, adding an extension, or renovating some area of your
home, there is a lot of work—and money—involved. Just the thought of it can be
overwhelming. Not surprisingly, one of the biggest factors that holds people
back when it comes to renovations is the cost. Achieving your ideal space rarely
comes cheap. From the planning stage to polishing off the finishing touches, it
can be difficult to keep the costs down. And a rising renovation bill can be
overwhelming, leading to unfinished work or an unsatisfactory end product. The
good news is that home renovation on a budget is possible! The first step is to
realize that you will have to compromise on something. But that doesn’t mean you
can’t end up with an end result that you love! Here are twelve money-saving tips
when you’re renovating on a budget.



1. Plan, plan, and plan some more

Saving money is all about finding little ways to cut costs. So it’s important to
be organized and plan out every single stage of the renovation.

Create a timeline of the project and take note of when each stage is set to take
place. Write action lists detailing what needs to be done and organize them in
terms of priority. Once your plan is in place, you can be more precise with your
budget and spending strategy.

Remember to consider all the possible disruptions you’ll encounter. For example,
if you’re carrying out a kitchen renovation, have a plan to pre-prepare meals
that an be made on a grill, hot plate, or crockpot, so that you’re not
scrambling and eating out every night. 

Work through your plan and re-evaluate if necessary.

2. Get multiple quotes

If your goal is to save money, then you have to go the extra mile to reach it.
This means shopping around and getting multiple quotes for the work. Although
you might think you’ve been quoted a good price, you’d be surprised at your
bargaining power when getting another quote.

Getting multiple quotes for each stage of the renovation can save you hundreds,
if not thousands on your build.

Aim to get at least three quotes per job. Research and read reviews of the
service providers’ previous work. Make sure to note that the cheapest quote
isn’t always the best option. Weigh up all things before making your decisions.

3. Hire the right people

Hiring the right people to carry out your home improvement work is critical to
your budget and he success of your project overall. Not only do they need to
have the skill and ability to complete the job, but it’s also crucial that you
can communicate effectively with them.

An obvious route is to hire the best-in-class for each aspect of your
renovation. However, this can drive up your costs significantly. By doing some
extra research on what people to hire, you can save a lot of money.

Instead of hiring an expensive carpenter or bricklayer, consider using a
handyman to cater to some of the more straightforward jobs.

4. Re-use and re-cycle

Save money on expensive new items by finding alternative uses for products that
you already own. Second-hand materials are also cheaper options to consider.

Be careful what you re-use. Some materials shouldn’t be used twice, particularly
if they’re important to the structural integrity of the building.

Re-using and re-cycling are often best suited to design and home interiors. The
online marketplace has never been more ideal for buying secondhand.  

5. Look to seasonal sales for future planning

Seasonal sales are often the best opportunities to make major purchases. At
certain times of the year, companies hold large sales, offering huge discounts
on all products. In most cases, these sales occur every season.

If you’re well organized and have planned ahead, you should look to these sales
to get bargains. Hardware and furniture stores generally put out their offers
ahead of time, giving you further opportunities to strike good deals.

Ensure that you’re aware of the regular price of the sale items before
committing to the purchase.

6. Consider taking a DIY approach

By taking on some of the work yourself, you can save a lot of money. DIY
projects can also be enjoyable, as well as satisfying. There’s nothing quite
like seeing your very own hard work come to life in front of your eyes.

If there is no major time pressure, make sure that you take things slowly to
ensure that a good job is done. While DIY projects can turn out great, they can
also quickly turn into a disaster. Don’t attempt something that you don’t have
the tools, skills, or knowledge to complete. Construction and DIY can be
dangerous.

For a lot of people, painting, demolition, and other basic work will be the
limit, while others will be able to handle more complex duties. However, when it
comes to crafts such as plumbing, gas, and electrical work, it’s advisable to
hire professionals.

7. Focus on sustainability

Renovating provides you with the perfect opportunity to create a more
sustainable home. Although laying the foundations for a sustainable household
can require higher up-front costs, the long-term savings can be significant.

If you have the means, consider installing some renewable energy systems. If
this simply isn’t an option, perhaps a smaller scale approach will suit better.
Start to switch out old energy-sapping appliances with more sustainable
versions. These will give you significant savings on your energy bills and are
becoming much more affordable.

8. Know when to splurge

When you’re adhering to a tight budget, you can get stuck in the mindset of
paying the least amount possible for every aspect of your renovation. While this
is a positive when it comes to saving money, there are times when you should
fork out a little extra cash.

For things that affect the safety of you and your family, it’s vital to pay the
necessary costs to ensure a good job is done. Electricity, plumbing, and
structural work are potential health hazards. You must not compromise when it
comes to these areas. Hire a qualified and skilled professional to handle this
type of work.

In addition, there are cosmetic things where splurging a little on a higher end
product can really make a difference visually. For example, if you’re already
hiring someone to tile a backsplash, the labor costs are probably the biggest
expense. Going for a more expensive tile that you love won’t add a huge bump in
cost...but it could make your kitchen feel way more fancy than the basic subway
tile.

9. Invest in time over money

When it comes to saving, there is generally a trade-off between your time and
money. If you want to save time, you must be willing to pay extra. For example,
paying an additional cost for fast delivery. However, if you want to save money,
you must be willing to invest your time into the project.

By dedicating the majority of your spare time to your renovation project you can
save a lot of money. In your spare time, you can research suppliers, supplies,
and renovations online. You can also shop around and use your time to find the
best deals available. If you want to get hands-on, you can help out on-site and
carry out basic tasks that need to be done.

10. Choose value over cheap

Although you’re trying to save money during the renovation, the main priority
should be to create the best possible home improvement project within your
budget. This doesn’t mean creating the cheapest renovation imaginable.

When making purchasing and hiring decisions, opt for good value over cheap.
Cheap items are often more expensive in the long term. Underpaying for
renovation work often leads to additional work being necessary down the line.

Find a balance between good work and price, and prioritize excellent value
rather than low cost.

11. Create space with light

Many renovation projects are carried out with the intention of creating more
space. While this may be necessary for small rooms, natural light often
increases the perceived space in an area. Instead of paying extortionate
construction costs to extend the size of your home, look to more strategic ways
of creating space.

Skylights, large windows, bay windows, or double doors can work wonders in
letting additional light into a room. Mirrors are effective in dispersing
natural light around a room and can give it more depth.

Remember that a larger room doesn’t always equate to an increase of perceived
space.

12. Focus on the smaller details

To make a house a home, it’s important to add features that align with your
personality. Avoid getting caught up in expensive home trends that don’t add
true character to your living space. Focus on the smaller details to achieve
your dream home. Avoid splashing out on expensive and unnecessary items that
won’t benefit your space.

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