1. Get A Computer Desk

Having a desk that is designed for a computer makes it easy to clean up your office space. Computer desks are available in a variety of workspaces made just for PCs and their components. They offer the best solution to hiding wires in your office and are better options than writing or executive desks. A good place to start if you’re in the market for a good desk is at officedesk.com. They have a wide variety of desks at what seems to us like great prices!

2. Get Connected

A wireless router can connect to more than your PC and the Internet. You can use it to connect multiple wireless devices and eliminate some of the wires in your office. Find a router that is compatible with most wireless adapters to avoid connection issues with other devices. These devices come in all shapes and sizes, so be sure to check Bradley Mitchell’s guide at About.com to ensure you’re getting the right one.

3. Change Out The Monitor

To make your monitor’s cables disappear, buy a TV that connects wirelessly to your computer. If your computer does not have a wireless adapter built in, you will need to get one in order for it to connect. Once you have it hooked up, the TV will stream images from your PC directly to the screen, and you will not have to worry about wires running over your desk anymore.

4. Wireless Keyboard And Mouse

The two wires that stretch across a desk most often belong to the keyboard and mouse. A wireless keyboard and mouse will keep your desk looking clutter free and will give you the flexibility of range if you have a large desk. Wireless keyboards and mouse sets are very responsive and easy to hook up.

5. Print From Anywhere

Wireless printers make a good addition to any office space. The printers are highly efficient and are accessible by any device that uses a wireless connection. The best feature of a wireless printer is that it no longer needs to stay attached to the PC, which gives you plenty of options for placement in the office. Even Google has what they call cloud print now, so check it out and find what fits your work style the best.

6. Wireless Audio

Using a wireless speaker set will help you eliminate even more wires from the office. Wireless desktop speakers are nice to have because they let you place sound anywhere in your office, like a bookshelf or mounted to a wall. The speakers even let you take your music to another room if you wish.

7. Wireless Webcam

Wireless webcams make setting up a video conference simple. Without the cords, you can share anything in your office easily and can move the conference to other areas of your home. The wireless cameras can also double as a security camera when you are out of the office. Most laptops come with these little guys built in, if your computer is missing on it’s probably a good sign you need to get a new one!

8. Wire And Cable Management

Some wires are necessary, such as power and Internet cables. The best way to hide these cables is with wire sleeves, which attach to walls or baseboards. Some sleeves come in basic colors, while others can be painted to match the exact wall color.

However, if you insist in doing it your way, moving by yourself does not have to be completely painful. Here are some tips on how to move successfully on your own we learned along the way:

Get Rid of Unused Items

The first thing you need to do is get rid of the items you don’t use anymore. If you get rid of unused items, packing and organizing will be much easier. Consider donating your unused items to a charity or selling them at a garage sale.

Get Organized

Your move will be a lot smoother if you are organized. It is helpful to make a list of things you have to do each day before the move. For example, a week before you move, you should get prices for truck rentals and handle address changes. If you try to do two or three things each day, moving will not seem so stressful.

Pick the Right Moving Truck

If you are making a big move, you will likely have to rent a moving truck. Make sure to shop around so that you get the best possible deal. Also, realize that your mileage will probably not be included in the moving rates.

Collect Boxes

Boxes are essential for any move, so start collecting them. Try to get as many boxes as you can because you never know how many you will need. Go to local grocery stores and ask for boxes. Most grocery managers will be happy to give you boxes for free.

Label Your Boxes

Take the time to label your boxes. For example, you can write what items are in each box or what room they go in. Labeling your boxes will definitely make the unpacking process easier and quicker.

Tell Everyone About Your Move

Let all your family members and friends know that you are moving. Inform them at least a few weeks ahead of time so that they can make plans to help you. If you get at least a couple of other people to help you, the moving process will be a lot easier. Show them how much you appreciate their help by buying them lunch afterward.

Think About Renting a Storage Unit

If you do not think you will have enough room for all of your belongings in your new place, think about renting a storage unit. Check out at least a few different storage facilities beforehand. Make sure that the storage facility you choose is secure and modern.

Pack a Bag of Essentials

It is a good idea to pack a bag of essentials that you can carry around with you during moving day. Some of the items you can pack in your bag include aspirin, toiletries and extra clothes.

If you follow these helpful tips, moving will be a lot less stressful. Avoid panicking if things don’t go perfectly on moving day. Also, do not hesitate to take breaks when you need them.

1. The Bathroom Vanity

The vanity sink is the most public fixture in the bathroom. Typically located close to the room’s entrance, it’s often visible from other areas in the home. A new bathroom vanity is an affordable upgrade that elevates the style of the room while providing extra space for storage. The number of styles available make it easy to choose a bathroom vanity that coordinates the bath with the rest of your home. If you’re looking for a place to start shopping, we recommend checking out PremiereVanities.com as they have a great selection at affordable prices.

When it comes to counter top materials for your new vanity, stone remains the most popular option. According to a recent survey conducted by the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA), the top three most-requested vanity counter materials are granite, quartz and marble. Solid-surface materials that mimic the look of stone are also popular choices.

2. Trending Colors

Applying a fresh coat of paint is an affordable and easy way to infuse new life into a tired bathroom. Gray has replaced white as the most-asked-for color in bathroom makeovers, according to the NKBA. A gray color scheme gives the room a sophisticated look without overpowering the space and works well with both contemporary styles and traditional designs.

Because the element of water dominates the bathroom, colors that evoke sand and sea are also effective. Green remains a popular color choice, with blue following close behind. For a Zen-like atmosphere, earth tones are ideal, particularly when the bathroom makeover includes spa features such as a stand-alone soaking tub.

3. Finishing Touches

Bathroom faucets, shower heads and hardware offer opportunities to give the room a coordinated, cohesive look. The NKBA lists polished chrome, brushed or satin nickel finishes as the most popular choices. It’s all about function when it comes to favorite choices for faucets and shower heads  Sink faucets with touch-operation offer ease of use to both children and seniors. Multiple shower heads in the shower enclosure offer both relaxation and re invigoration. When mixing shower head sprays and faucet fixtures, choosing the same finish throughout the room helps link together the various styles.

4. Lighting Schemes

Few design elements transform the look of a bathroom like lighting. Bathrooms are typically constructed with a single, bland overhead light fixture. Replacing the generic fixture with a fashionable pendant light adds instant elegance to the room. Installing wall sconces at either side of the vanity mirror helps illuminate grooming tasks. It’s an economical way to amp up the room’s style.

It doesn’t take an extensive and expensive remodeling project to change the look, feel and functionality of your bathroom. To help choose the upgrades that will make the most difference in the space, set clear design goals. Once you decide how you want the finished results to make you feel while you’re in the room, it’s easier to select the products that will achieve the desired effect.

10 Tools You Need for DIY Remodeling

1. The Cordless Palm Nailer

Never let cords get in your way when you are putting up drywall or building a cabinet. While this tool might not completely eliminate the need for a hammer, nailing will become less of a grueling task with the compact tool that is powered by an air compressor. Select the pressure setting, attach the nail to the magnetized tip, and position the tool and you can drive nails into virtually any type of surface.

2. Ballistic Fasteners

Are you installing an indoor flooring system or outdoor deck boards that are grooved to fasten together? This can be a tedious and time-consuming job without the right tools. With a ballistic fastener that is designed to make contact with the grooves and fasten them together instantly, you can reduce the amount of time it takes to install your flooring by as much as 50% and take save your back in the process.

3. Hole Saw Mini Kit

If you are renovating your bathroom of your kitchen, chances are you will need to drill compact holes where electrical fixtures and plumbing pipes will run. While you might not be an electrician, you can still cut the perfect hole with a hole saw mini kit that includes a compact drill and hole saw drill bits of varying sizes.

4. Cordless Sander

Are you refinishing your floors or your cabinets? Do not pay a contractor to do something you could do on your own with the right sander and sand paper. Keep your remodeling costs low and breath life into your hardwood flooring, your cabinet faces, or your deck. With a woodworking cordless sander that comes complete with a vacuum attachment, you can prepare your floors for staining and clean up the mess at the same time.

5. Right Angle Impact Driver

Ever needed to drive a nail into a tight space that is virtually impossible to reach? It happens all too often. If you are looking for a solution, purchase a right angel impact driver with a powered motor that can reach the tight spaces without cramping your wrist.

6. Auto Loader Screwdriver

Are you tired of shuffling through your tool box to find all of your screwdrivers? The auto loader multi bit screwdriver is the answer. This single tool can be loaded with multiple drill bits so that you always have the bit you need for your project handy. Twist the tool to select the bit you need for this screw and save time.

7. Grout Out Attachment

The grout out attachment for your reciprocating saw is all you will need to remove grout in a fraction of the time. If you are tired of your dingy grout, removing it and changing the color can dramatically transform the room. This simple attachment made of carbon steel eliminates the need to manually scrape grout and will keep your tiles safe from damage too.

8. Tool Alarm

Your tools are valuable. The last thing you need is someone fiddling in your toolbox or stealing your equipment. Just like you need the right tools for your project, you also need to protect the tools you own. A toolbox alarm is a great way to remotely monitor your tools and will alert you when someone tries to enter your tool box without your permission.

First, ask yourself:

“How long will my baby be in the nursery?”

If you’re like most parents, you don’t live in a mansion, so that nursery room may have to convert into your baby’s bedroom — this usually occurs around age 5. If you know ahead of time how long the nursery room will be in place, you’ll have a better idea of the painting you decide to do.

Some themes to consider are: fairy tales, nursery rhymes, animated characters from videos (this is an especially easy theme to convert from a nursery to a child’s bedroom after four or five years), religious/angelic images, etc. There is nothing to limit the choices you have for the theme of your child’s nursery.

If you are not an artist, but have your heart set on painting a mural for the nursery walls, not to worry. Many artists are available for work in almost any neighborhood; check the local discount newspapers, high schools, even the web-based classifieds; artists are always looking for gigs. If you want to complete the painting yourself and you have never done anything like this before, you have support in the form of local craft stores and countless websites. Complete a web search, “How to paint Tinkerbell on a wall,” and over one million sites will come up, each one providing complete, easy, do-it-yourself instructions (many with youtube videos).

Take a shortcut through art school. Decide on an image that you want to paint, example: Simba. Go the web, select a graphic of the character. Print it, and cut out the image (it should be at least 8 1/2” x 11” for a good painting). Turn the image over and using a pencil, shade in the sheet of paper. Tape the image to the nursery wall, faceup. Use a pencil to trace all of the lines (eyes, ears, nose, paws, all of the lines of the image.) Remove the piece of paper to see an outline of Simba on your nursery wall — this is the hardest part of the process. After purchasing some bottles of paint from a craft store, and a paintbrush or two, just fill in the corresponding color and allow the paint to dry.

Next, use a black magic marker and outline the Simba you have just painted; the black lines should be on top of the painted sections, to add definition. Refer to your printout from the web as a reference. Allow the black magic marker ink to completely dry, and to seal in your work of art, paint all over Simba with a clear gloss — and Voilà! You are an artist.

Whatever theme you decide for your baby’s nursery walls, make it great, and have fun with the colors. And if you decide that you are not so happy with the results, just remember this: one paint roller and a small can of egg shell is just like a delete key.

Following the proper steps for wallpaper installation will ensure the surface stays smooth and flat and that the seams and imperfections of the application remain invisible. Choices for modern wallpaper include flat or textured options that may be constructed of silk or vinyl materials. The type of material used may impact the level of difficulty a home owner has in completing the installation.

1. Mark the room and cut the paper

Wallpaper isn’t simply hung from left to right along the open wall. Proper hanging of wallpaper actually starts from the middle of the wall, or wherever a person’s eyes might land first when they enter a room.

By taking a small piece of wallpaper and tacking it up on the wall temporarily, the room can be measured for the number of strips required and expected seam locations. After marking the room fully, the home owner can roll out and cut the required pieces of wallpaper.

2. Apply paste to the wallpaper or loosen the adhesive

Some wallpaper will require paste while other wallpaper is pre-pasted. For strips of wallpaper that have no paste, an even coat of paste should be applied, after which the paper should be held for about five minutes before hanging.

For wallpaper with paste already applied, the paper will require submersion in water for about five minutes to activate the paste and get it ready for adhering to the wall.

Tip: Gently fold the paper onto itself without bending it so that the paste doesn’t dry out before the wallpaper can be applied and secured to the wall.

3. Hang the wallpaper

Proper application of the wallpaper to the wall requires starting at the top of the wall and applying the strip in a downward motion along the surface. After the initial hanging of a piece, the edges should be smoothed onto the wall with a lightly moist sponge and then pressed onto the wall from the center of the strip outward toward the edges.

When applied to the wall, the strip should have some overlap at the top and bottom of the wall, with the excess paper trimmed away with a knife after the paper is secure upon the surface. Each time a new strip is placed on the wall, it will require nudging upward or downward to match the strip hung before it.

4. Take care of the corners

Wallpaper strips always should be matched next to one another without any overlapping, but the corners of the room are the exception to this rule. The first piece applied to the wall will cover the corner by about a quarter of an inch. The second piece applied to the opposing wall will cover that quarter inch and hang flush against the corner.

5. Trim around doors and windows

Excess strips of paper around the room should be trimmed after application of the wallpaper around the room is complete. To prevent ripping or warping of the wallpaper, a diagonal cut should be used.

Hanging wallpaper is a process that can’t be rushed, and for the best results a home owner should always take care and time when measuring the walls, applying the paper, and cutting the final trimmings.

Step 1: Planning

Consider the size, location and style of the garden that will best suit your needs. These deliberations will enable you to delve into a garden that will be enjoyable and rewarding rather than overwhelming or impractical.

When contemplating size, consider how much time you have to devote to regular garden maintenance once planting is complete. Also decide which vegetables you and your family enjoy the most and choose produce that typically trends within the cuisine of your preferred cooking recipes.

Choose a location that offers full sun exposure, shelter from high winds and soil with good drainage in which to designate a vegetable gardening spot. Be sure to have a long enough hose to easily reach this location for daily watering.

There are many style options for vegetable gardens, from simple oblong plots of soil to raised beds to vast and elaborately designed garden areas.

Step 2: Designing

Begin construction once you have chosen the garden spot and the layout. Determine if you desire wooden framework to define the garden’s edges and sections and decide on whether fencing around the perimeter may be necessary to prevent pets and wildlife from trouncing and grazing. Vertical structures will be needed for climbing specimens such as cucumbers or string beans. Establish walkway paths in order to access all sections of the garden.

Step 3: Soil Preparation

Dig and turn all of the soil to a depth of approximately twelve inches. Remove weeds, old plant material and debris. Break and crumble large chunks of dirt until it all appears uniformly fine. Next, evenly distribute compost throughout the garden and mix until it is incorporated with the soil.

Garden centers and county cooperative extension centers will test soil samples to determine if any other substances should be mixed in to correct soil conditions that may be counteractive in growing a successful vegetable garden.

Cover the soil with a plastic tarp until you are ready to plant. This serves a dual purpose of retaining daytime warmth, thus preventing the soil from freezing during early spring nighttime temperature plunges, as well as discouraging weed growth during this interim.

Step 4: Planting

Once threats of frost have subsided for the season, then you are ready to add the plants. Water the garden thoroughly on the day before planting, and again immediately once planting is complete. Follow label instructions regarding spacing since overcrowding can lead to nonproductive and spindly plants. Cover spaces between plants with mulch to retard weed growth and to hold moisture.

Step 5: Maintenance

Water the garden daily and remove weeds regularly. Pinch early plant growth to encourage fuller plants and harvest vegetables regularly to promote continued production. Stake taller plants and be sure to protect plants when threatened with harsh weather events.

No vegetable or fruit is more flavorful and rewarding than that which is picked fresh from your own garden. Homegrown produce not only saves money, it enables your family to savor a healthy diet at its delicious and nutritious best.

1. Vacuum Thoroughly and Often

Regular vacuuming will help keep your household surfaces free of pet hair and dander. Twice a week should do it unless your pet is shedding. In that case, you may have to vacuum on a daily basis.

2. Dress Your Bed With Washable Fabrics

Using bedsheets, pillowcases, blankets, quilts and comforters that are made of washable fabrics will go a long way towards keeping your sleeping space clean and sanitary. You can give your entire bedroom a makeover just by throwing everything into the washer.

3. Forget About Wall-to-Wall Carpeting

Wall-to-wall carpeting harbors mold, mildew, dirt, dust, grime, pet hair and other substances. Bare floors with washable throw rugs look nicer anyway and are much better for the health of all household inhabitants. Both humans and animals have been known to develop respiratory problems due to the difficulty of keeping wall-to-wall carpeting clean.

4. Groom and Bathe Your Pet Frequently

Furry friends enjoy that just bathed-and-brushed feeling just as much as we do. Performing grooming tasks on your pet frequently will help to keep your home clean and free from pet hair and dander.

5. Discover the Joys of Stain Resistant Fabrics

Instead of asking for trouble by using dirt and dust magnets like velvet for upholstery or pillows or using delicate silk and chintz for home decor purposes, use washable, synthetic fabrics such as Crypton. Nearly indestructible, Crypton repels stains and unpleasant odors. Leather is also a good choice because it’s nonporous and easily cleaned with a damp cloth.

6. Choose Pet Toys and Treats With Cleanliness in Mind

Even though our canine furry friends dearly love chewing on those dried pig ears and rawhide bones, these items can have damaging effects on household flooring and furniture because they leave greasy stains. Choose rubber toys for dogs instead. If you have indoor cats, you should provide them with scratching posts in attractive shapes and styles.

7. Color Coordinate Your Pets and Your Furniture

Selecting furniture in the same color range as your pets will make pet hair much less noticeable. Imaginative use of color will also make your home environment more appealing.

8. Set Up a Mud Room Near Your Front Entry

After a long romp outdoors, furry friends are likely to have muddy paws. Setting up a designated room to clean paws and other effected areas will go a long way toward keeping your indoor environment clean.

9. Select Hard-Surfaced Floors

Hard-surfaced flooring is easy to keep clean and sanitary simply by vacuuming and mopping on a regular basis. They are also quite stylish and attractive. The best flooring material for homes where pets live is also the one that’s presents the best overall appearance: ceramic tile.