"Treat yo self."
Tom and Donna - Parks and Recreations
The Indy Home Pros Team is back again to bring you another Amazon list! In this article, we are showing you 10 must-have items for the kitchen. For your safety, we recommend waiting to order non-essential packages to avoid potentially spreading viral infections during this time. For now, we encourage you to simply add these amazing items to your cart or wishlist and order when conditions are ideal. Be sure to engage in social distancing and keep your hands clean. Thank you!
iTouchless 13 Gallon Stainless Steel Automatic Trash Can (64.97)
Salmonella, E. Coli, and Listeria are just a few of the germs lurking around in your trash bin. With each touch we risk spreading these germs throughout our kitchen and home. How do we solve this problem? The iTouchless Automatic Trash Can offers a solution for this issue. The iTouchless is an automatic trash can with built in sensors that open when it detects an item in its field of vision. Depending on what setting you choose, the 12.8 inch lid can stay open for 5 seconds or 5 minutes. It is equipped with easy to use open and close buttons in choosing your preferred setting. A carbon odor filter is also installed into the trash can to combat smells. This trash can runs for 1.5 years with 4 D batteries. If you don’t care for batteries, it also comes equipped with an AC adapter wall plug in. If you recycle, something we encourage everyone to do, the iTouchless is available in a trash and recycle design if you would like to invest in that version.
Chef's Path Airtight Food Storage Container Set - 7 PC Set (39.97)
These popular storage containers have taken social media by storm! Now you can have a set of your own. This 7-piece storage container set is perfect for storing food items such as bundles of pasta, rice, cookies, dry fruit, and so much more. The set also comes with sticker labels and a marker. The containers come in a variety of sizes, have Lid-Lock lids to ensure air tightness, and are made from BPA-free plastic.
SimpleHouseware Kitchen Cabinet Pantry Pan and Pot Lid Organizer Rack Holder (13.87)
Keeping pans organized in your cabinets can prove to be a hassle. Invest in this pan and pot lid organizer rack to free up space in your cabinets and keep your cooking tools in great condition. At only 13.87, this is a steal for your kitchen!
Utopia Kitchen [18-Pieces] Glass Food Storage Containers with Lids (25.99)
Having proper food containers is ideal for the perfect kitchen. Over the years, our once perfect plastic containers have been tainted by various food items. From pasta dishes to pizza, these containers are all worn out, covered with dreaded sauce stains. Glass containers provide the perfect alternative. Glass food containers last much longer than plastic containers, and of course, are stain resistant. This glass food storage set comes with 18 pieces (9 containers and 9 lids), and is BPA-free and FDA approved. The containers (without the lid) are oven safe, and the full set can be placed in the freezer. The lids are also a four latch system to ensure airtightness and zero leakage.
Hamilton Beach Breakfast Sandwich Maker (24.99)
This sandwich maker is a breakfast lover’s dream! The Hamilton Beach Breakfast Sandwich Maker cooks your custom sandwiches in minutes. Build your sandwich in four easy steps by following the 25 available recipes on their website, or follow your taste buds and make whatever kind of sandwich you would like. Comment your favorite recipe below!
NutriBullet NBR-1201 12-Piece High-Speed Blender/Mixer System (49.99)
The NutriBullet is the perfect accessory to add to your kitchen. This powerful blender is a popular item in many kitchens due to its strong motor base, sharp blades, and affordable price. The base is detachable and comes with a lid so you are able to enjoy your smoothies on the go. The set also comes with two cups with handles and lids. Gather your favorite fruits and/or vegetables and make a delicious smoothie!
Kitchen Utensil Set 24 Nylon and Stainless Steel Utensil Set (19.98)
Are your kitchen utensils looking a bit tattered? Invest in a new set! This 24 kitchen utensil set is the perfect set for any kitchen. It comes in a variety of textures and shades to fit any kitchen style, and comes with various tools to meet your cooking needs.
Lodge L8SK3 Cast Iron Skillet (14.88)
Every kitchen needs a cast iron set. This 14 dollar cast iron is the perfect one to put in your home. It is high quality, chemical free and comes in a variety of sizes. This brand seasons their cast iron with 100% vegetable oil. Find easy cast iron recipes and start cooking delicious meals!
Umbra Saddle Sink Caddy (9.49)
Keep sponges dry with this simple sink caddy. Made from dishwasher safe flexible rubber, this caddy hangs in the middle of your sink to give sponges and other small cleaning items a place to dry. At under $10, you can’t pass this deal up.
Under Cabinet LED Lighting kit (20.99)
Add some underlighting to your kitchen cabinets! Adding lights under cabinets adds a cool touch to your kitchen and helps with preventing eye strain. The set comes with 6 pre-cut strips and a wireless remote control with 16 available shades. Change the colors to fit your mood, liven up a party, or stick with traditional white lights for daily use.
Works Cited
https://spoonuniversity.com/how-to/how-to-clean-a-trash-can-and-why-it-is-worth-the-effort
“We need solitude, because when we're alone, we're free from obligations, we don't need to put on a show, and we can hear our own thoughts.”
Tamim Ansary
Do you sing? Are you an artist? Would you like to teach a class? On Fiverr.com you can do just that in the comforts of your own home! Fiverr is an online marketplace for freelance work. Set your own rate and start getting paid for your talents.
Since many of us are stuck in the house at this time, people have been creating fun social media challenges! Popular platforms you can find these challenges on include Twitter, Instagram, and most notably, Tik Tok. These challenges consist of things such as recreating popular scenes from movies or tv shows, but mostly, learning dances. One of the most popular dance challenges on social media right now is the #SavageDanceChallenge. The song was created by artist Megan the Stallion, and a dance was quickly made from it. Can you complete this challenge? Be sure to use the hashtag if you try it out!
Reorganizing a space is more filling than one might think. Getting rid of unnecessary clutter and creating a structured space (however that may look to you) will leave you feeling more comfortable in that space. Pick some spots in your room to organize to help make that space feel breathable. You can find organizational inspiration on Pinterest to help give you an idea on how you want a room to look. Check out our Pinterest page @RE/MAX Advanced Realty: Indy Home Pros Team and click on our Home Organization board to get inspired!
Have you bought book after book, but can’t seem to find the time to sit down and actually read them? Well, now is a better time than ever. Pick a spot in your home that feels the most comfortable and open up a good book. If you don’t have any books to choose from, research a topic you are interested in and read up on it. The best route to take in finding a good article is by searching through a website such as Google Scholar. Through this platform, you are able to find scientific articles about a subject and dive in deep. Depending on what you are researching, you can find some real gems on this website.
In the wake of the outbreak, many places, including gyms, are closed down. This set back shouldn’t break your gym routine. Even though some people don’t like the idea of working out at home, in this situation, it’ll have to do. There are a plethora of at home workouts you can find on the internet, particular on Youtube. Many fitness gurus have been posting at-home workouts on their Instagram and Twitter pages. Some popular accounts are Chris Heria, Booty King, and many more. It’s amazing how useful social media can be. Check out various platforms and find a workout routine that fits your needs.
From artwork, to videos, to writing a short story, creating content is a fun way to kill time. Creating content is a great activity to do because it involves exploring your hobbies and interests. Do you love to write? Look up some writing prompts and see what story you come up with. Are you a digital creator? Watch a Photoshop or After Effects tutorial and add your own spin to a project. You can even create something such as a music playlists! The possibilities are endless. Take the time to sit down and dive into your interests, and create something amazing.
Have you always wanted to learn how to play the piano or speak in a different language? Give yourself the opportunity to explore those interests. There are many online resources you can utilize to achieve those goals. If you want to learn how to play a song on the piano, you can look up a tutorial on Youtube for the song of your choice. How about learning a language? On iTalki, you can set up classes in your target language. This can range from a simple conversation to an actual linguistics course. After picking a skill you want to brush up on or learn from scratch, research your resources and get started!
As mentioned above, reorganizing a space makes that area feel more welcoming. One of the best spots to do this reorganizing in is your bedroom. Japanese organization expert Marie Kondo says that cleaning and reorganizing a spot makes that space feel like a new environment and creates a sense of joy. On social media, it isn’t uncommon to see people joke about “deep cleaning” their bedrooms after having a mental breakdown. They state that clearing their personal space helped them cleanse their mental space. Take some time to clean and rearrange your room to create a space that feels refreshing and inviting.
Many artists and public figures have been going live on Instagram live to engage with their supporters. Artists such as John Legend have played piano and sang to his audience, and other artists such as Miley Cyrus have had virtual talk shows. The creativity from some of these artists is incredible and encourages social distancing while still being social with others.
Take some time to evaluate your goals in life. Are you happy with where you are? Where do you see yourself in the next 2 years? What can you improve on? What do you want to do more of? In the hussle and bussle of everyday life, we can sometimes forget to sit down and talk to ourselves about how we are feeling and our goals in life. Write down your thoughts to connect with yourself. If writing isn’t your thing, try recording them into a voice recorder and play it back to reflect. We often check up on others, but rarely check up on ourselves. Use this time to re-evaluate who you are, what you want, and where you are going.
“Nine-tenths of our sickness can be prevented by right thinking plus right hygiene - nine-tenths of it!”
Henry Miller
Door knobs and light switches are frequent-contact surfaces in every home. These surfaces are home to viruses and germs that can easily spread throughout a home with each touch. Use disinfectant spray to rid door knobs and light switches of bacteria. Disinfectant sprays are recommended for these surfaces because the spray can reach every nook and cranny that disinfectant wipes might miss.
Toothbrushes are trapped in an area where bacteria flies around constantly. The area that we clean and relieve ourselves in is full of harmful bacteria. Typically, people place their toothbrushes in a holder on the bathroom counter. When we flush the toilet, bacteria is shot up 6 feet into the air and settles on areas such as the counter, sink, floor, and yes, even your toothbrush. Even with toothbrush covers, bacteria can still grow abundantly. The best way to keep these oral tools safe is by keeping them in a medicine cabinet or drawer. Flushing with the toliet seat down to prevent the spread of bacteria is also encouraged. The American Dental Association recommends replacing toothbrushes every 3 months.
In the current era, we have our smart phones on hand every day, multiple times a day. This causes an amalgamation of germs on our phones. Scientists from the University of Arizona have found that mobile phones have 10 times more bacteria than most toilet seats. Use sanitizer wipes to scrub away germs multiple times a week.
Faucet handles are also frequent-contact surfaces that collect many germs throughout the day. According to the National Science Foundation, these handles hold over 600 times more micrograms per square inch than a toilet handle (Reader’s Digest). Keep this area disinfected!
We pick up our remotes daily, and naturally so, form a heaping amount of bacteria on its surface. A study from the University of Arizona found TV remote controls in hospital rooms to be the object covered with the most bacteria, even beating the toilet bowl handle (Infection Control). Be sure to give these a good cleaning at least once a week.
Research has found that keyboards are 20,000 times more dirty than a toilet seat, phones being 9,000 times more dirty (Huffington Post). It is essential to keep your desk area free from bacteria. Use sprays for hard to reach surfaces and wipes for those easy to reach. If you use a keyboard and mouse at work, don’t forget to disinfect them as well.
Since our early ages, we have been constantly reminded to keep our hands clean and free from bad bacteria. From the moment we wake up, we are greeted by bacteria, both good and bad, and our hands are typically the first thing to make contact. Germs can live on the hands for up to 3 hours, and the amount of germs doubles when you use the restroom. Your hands also spread germs 1,000 times faster when they are wet versus dry. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends washing your hands for 20 seconds, turning off the water while scrubbing for conservation. Always remember to wash your hand before and after eating, after using the restroom, before washing your face, and also coming home after being out and about.
Works Cited
https://www.rd.com/home/cleaning-organizing/most-germs-bathroom/
You know you could do a puzzle, you know you could play another board game, but here are 8 Unique and Different Activities that can lead to lower stress and hopefully add some optimism to your daily life and outlook! We are all in this together!
1) Make It A Contest!
Compete with family in-person or on video: who can load/unload the dishwasher fastest, who can do the most push-ups, make a fun competition out of anything!
2) Start a Garden
Indoor or outdoor, now is the perfect time to start a garden. There are various websites to order seeds from. If you have potting soil and pots, you can start inside, if not, it's nearly the time of year to start an outdoor garden anyway! Pick a spot in your yard that gets a good amount of sunlight and that doesn't hold water.
3) Vision Board
The only rule about Vision Boards are that there are no rules! It's a great way to visualize and put your Goals, Hopes, Dreams, Ambitions, etc. into an actual physical manifestation! Cut out picture goals from magazines, write favorite quotes, map out future trips, the possibilities are endless. All you need is a blank posterboard or multiple pieces of paper taped together and you're ready to go!
4) Dream Journal
A dream journal is just that, a journal in which to write down your dreams! Keep it by your bed, and when you wake up, write your dreams down! You'll be surpirsed at how interesting it is to read them back as you usually forget them in a matter of minutes. You can even use an online website to decipher what things in your dreams might mean! Have fun!
5) Yoga & Other In-Home Workouts
Easier suggested than done, but the feeling you'll get after either of these is well worth it. There are countless beginner guided yoga sessions and workouts on YouTube. Do it!
6) Take Up Old or New Hobbies
What better place than here? What better time than now?
7) Learn a Foreign Language with Duolingo, Babbel, or Another App
Come out of this thing smarter and more well-rounded!
8) Meditate
There's a lot of stigma behind our final suggestion. Some people believe meditating to be sitting with an empty mind, free of thought, This is nearly impossible, especially at first. Try noticing your thoughts, then letting them go. Each time you bring your mind back to the moment you are winning and flexing your brain muscle!
“The objective of cleaning is not just to clean, but to feel happiness living within that environment.”
Marie Kondo
It’s time to crank up the tunes and give your home the deep clean it’s been waiting for. In this article, we list areas of the home that are in need of some seasonal cleaning and tell you the best ways to accomplish each task. Keep this guide handy as you begin cleaning your home for the spring!
Kitchen
Sinks are exposed to food and bacteria every day. Take some time to properly clean and disinfect this area of the kitchen. Garbage disposers are also bacteria ridden, and at times, can emit unpleasant smells. Clean and combat odor by tossing in a garbage disposer tablet. These tablets are also easy DIY projects. Place lemon or orange rinds in an ice tray filled with water. Once frozen, run them through the disposer. The ice will sharpen the blades and remove any food that may be stuck, while the rinds will release a pleasant citrus aroma. Citrus peels are safe for the garbage disposer, but fruit peels such as mangos or stringy vegetables such as celery can potentially damage the disposer, as they can get caught around the blade. Be careful of what you dispose of!
Dirt and debris are tracked around floors each and every day. Take this time to give the floor extra care by giving it a good clean. Give the floor a good sweep. Reach underneath cabinets, the fridge, stove, and in small corners. Once finished, clean the floors with a cleaning solution that works well and smells even better. Lemon Pine Sol and Fabuloso are staples in a clean freaks’ cleaning ammo.
Cooking with the same pots and pans easily becomes routine, but have you taken the time to inspect the condition of these cooking tools? The bottom may be stained with burnt food and grease, or maybe the handles have gone a bit loose. You may be able polish up these items by cleaning them with the proper cleaning agent, and by tightening any loose screws. If the items are beyond repair or you just want to start fresh, invest in a set that fits your cooking needs.
The oven can become a graveyard of food that may have boiled off the sides of a dish and onto the bottom of the appliance. Find the proper cleaning agent for this appliance and remove stains. The next time you use the oven, you’ll be pleased to see a sparking surface.
It’s easy to throw items in cabinets and drawers and forget they exist. Over time, these spaces grow in strength and become “junk drawers”. Years down the line you’ll ask yourself, “How did this get so cluttered?” or “Where did all this stuff come from?”. You will then be haunted by the fact that at some point in time, this space will need to be cleaned. Today is the day to rid yourself of this nightmare! Grab a trash bag and start filtering through junk drawers. You’ll be pleased to find that most of it is trash and won’t require another spot in your home. For cabinets, only keep storage containers that are in a set, and rid the space of random containers that are rarely used or are covered in stains. Just like the pots and pans, if you want to start fresh, toss out the old and invest in new tupperware. We recommend a set that is BPA free, recyclable, freezer, microwave and dishwasher safe, and can be stored easily!
Living Room
When removing pillows and cushions from the couch, you’ll be surprised to see what’s been lurking underneath you while catching up on your favorite tv shows. Grab the vacuum and remove crumbs and debris from under and between the cushions. Be mindful of valuable things that may have slipped between the couch such as earrings, chapstick, or quarters. Once finished, fluff the pillows and hit the couch with a deodorizer spray.
Dust shelves, tables, and ceiling fans to free the room of circulating debris. Dusting is especially important if residents of that home have allergies.
Carpets take on a lot of wear, tear and bacteria every day. Invest in a carpet cleaner of your own or hire a professional. You will be amazed at how great your carpet looks once cleaned. Be sure to keep shoes at bay and tell your guest to remove them at the door. Shoes are a breeding ground for bacteria and even feces. This is definitely not something you want to track around in any part of your home. Always enforce a no-shoe rule in your home.
Candles don’t count as cleaning, but they can make a huge difference in a space. Pick a candle of your choice and light it in your living room to invite your favorite smells in this space.
Bathroom
Cleaning the shower and tub is daunting, is why many people quickly clean this area or don’t clean it at all. Today is the day where you’re going all in. Grab a tub and shower cleaner that’s free from harsh chemicals and an extendable scrubber to avoid straining your back. This is the easiest way to rid your shower and tub from dirt and gunk. A cleaning solution without harsh chemicals will allow you to breath easily in the space, and having an extendable scrubber is a luxury item you never knew you needed.
Like kitchen cabinets, bathroom cabinets can be filled with trash and unnecessary items over time. Grab a trash bag and throw away old product containers and other trash that is not needed. You’ll be thrilled to see how much space you have for the things that actually matter.
Shower mats are breeding grounds for bacteria. Being that this item stays wet for almost an hour every day, twice a day, it’s the perfect place for bacteria to grow. Clean these mats in the washing machine if possible, or replace them all together.
Collect used towels that have been hanging out in the bathroom and place them in the washer to be cleaned. If you have the space, place a basket designated for used towels in the corner of the bathroom. This way they don’t have to be scouted out and can easily be transferred to the washing machine.
Bedroom
Having items underneath the bed is said to have bad feng shui (energy). If the space underneath the bed is blocked, energy can’t circulate around your body when you sleep. If energy isn’t your thing, just know there are better places for storage than where you sleep. Do your best to find homes for these items.
Refresh your windows by giving them a good clean with window cleaner and a towel. Throw your curtains into the washer to refresh them as well.
Like the living room, have your carpet cleaned. If you have wood flooring in your bedroom, sweep, disinfect, and polish the floors.
No bedroom is complete without candles. Light a candle in your room to invite your favorite scents in the space.
Garage
The garage is a great place to store items. Invest in clear storage tubs to store items such as a Christmas tree and other holiday decorations, tools, extra dry goods, etc. Stack them on shelves or neatly in a corner of the garage.
Grab a broom and sweep around the garage. Dirt and debris fly in this space every day and can get dirty over time. You’ll be surprised at how much dirt you’ll find in sweeping your garage out!
Take a soapy towel and clean the outside of the garage door. Dirt and dust can stick to this door over time. Take some time to give it a quick scrub to revitalize its original color.
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“When the going gets tough, the tough go shopping!”
Anonymous
The Indy Home Pros team is back again to bring you 10 more amazing items you didn’t know you needed from Amazon. In this article, we list 10 must-have items for the bedroom. Tell us what your favorite item is in the comments below!
Having quality sheets is a bedroom staple. These affordable microfiber sheets are ultra-comfy and come in a variety of shades and patterns. The set comes with one flat sheet, one fitted sheet, and 2 pillowcases. The material is made from 100% polyester microfiber and its sizes range from twin to California King. At 19.99, you can’t pass this deal up.
Everyone has a favorite blanket they love to cuddle up with. This one just might become your new favorite! This ultra-soft microfiber blanket is the perfect bed and/or couch accessory. It comes in a variety of shades to fit every style and a price to fit everyone’s budget.
Hotel pillows are next level quality; now you can have a set of your own. Invest in these pillows to upgrade your quality of sleep. These pillows are filled with quality hypoallergenic fiber imported from Germany to support your head and neck.
Overdue for a new comforter? Invest in this one from Amazon! This high quality plush bedding is cost-efficient and is sure to withstand the test of time. It is machine-washable with sizes ranging from twin to California King, and comes in the shades white, navy and gray.
The Dreamegg was mentioned in one of our previous Amazon lists, and is making a comeback in this one. Dreamegg is a sound machine designed to help you sleep. It comes equipped with 24 soothing sounds to help put you to sleep faster. Some sounds you can hear from this machine include: white noise, sea waves, campfire, rain and many more.
Having water by our bedside is something most of us like to have. Typically, people may use water bottles or a glass cup and place it on their nightstand. Add a classy touch to your room by placing this crystal water carafe and glass on your nightstand. Not only does it look beautiful, it can also keep your drinking water free from any debris. The material is lead free and can be used for water, juice and other beverages.
Investing in a humidifier means you are investing in better sleep. Having a humidifier running while you sleep helps reduce dryness in the air and chances of congestion. The steam also helps your nose filter out bacteria that may trigger colds or allergy symptoms.
Like to listen to podcasts or music while getting ready for bed or when starting your day? Purchase this cost-efficient and quality portable bluetooth speaker to place by your bedside. This speaker comes with an aux cord, has a long lasting battery life, and top-notch sound quality.
Sleeping masks blocks out light that can disturb your sleep. This mask also combats eye dryness and comes with ear plugs to cancel out noise. The material is lightweight, won’t smudge makeup, and is even recommended for meditation. At 11.90, you don’t want to miss out!
Take your mattress comfort to the next level by adding a mattress topper. You will be amazed at the extra comfort this product can provide to the best of mattresses. This memory foam gel topper comes in 2 and 3 inch sizes, and distributes body weight evenly to alleviate pressure points. 50.00 is an amazing price for such a quality mattress topper.
There’s a science behind creating the perfect home office. In this article, we list 5 effective ways anyone can create a space fit for productivity.
Colors trigger the human brain into giving an emotional response. When we see red, we may associate it with danger or anger. When we see yellow, we may tie it to happiness. How can we use this to our advantage in a space such as a home office? Of course, yellow may not be everyone’s color of choice and emotional interpretation can vary. As previously mentioned, red can be associated with danger in the eyes of one person, but in the eyes of another, can easily be tied to love or the idea of romance. The color one chooses for their home office should be based on their color preference and how they personally connect with a shade. For this space, it is not necessarily the shade you chose, but the intensity of the color that affects productivity. According to Angela Wright, a world-renowned color psychologist, bold hues stimulate the brain, while soft shades soothe (Bailey, Chris). The kind of work conducted in a home office and it’s intensity should help determine if that space requires a strong or soothing color.
Comfort should be one of the top priorities in creating a home office. The idea of trying to do work in a stiff and rather uncomfortable chair and/or at an unappealing desk that lacks space, could very much be the reason why one may want to leave the room; they feel it is not conducive for productivity. Take the time to be picky in hunting for a desk and chair; yes be picky. Find a chair that fits your style and that is most importantly, comfortable. Find a desk that has an adequate amount of space to work on and is appealing to the eye. IKEA is your best bet in finding a chair and desk that are nicely designed and run for a reasonable price. If you are a master thrifter, searching through your favorite shops could be a great way to find suitable pieces as well.
Proper organization is crucial for creating a space fit for work and productivity. As mentioned in a previous article, stress thrives in cluttered spaces. Finding an easy and efficient organization system will play a key role in helping a space feel light and and easy to work in. Youtube is a great platform to get organization inspiration from. This community is able to enlighten viewers on the world of organization and the best systems to live by for various areas of the home. Pinterest is also a great platform to collect organization ideas from. Check out our Pinterest Home Organization board @ RE/MAX Advanced Realty: Indy Home Pros Team to get inspired!
Not only is wall art a fun way to incorporate pieces of personality into a space, it also carries mental and physical health benefits. “Recent research on visual art has focused on its psychological and physiological effects, mostly in clinical populations. It has shown that visual art interventions have stabilizing effects on the individual by reducing distress, increasing self-reflection and self- awareness, altering behaviour and thinking patterns, and also by normalizing heart rate, blood pressure, or even cortisol levels,” (Bolwerk, Anne, et al). Some pieces one can incorporate in their home office include paintings, quotes, hanging plants from the walls, etc. These pieces can also serve as items that help motivate and inspire whoever is working in that space. The creative possibilities are endless and the results, worth it. Find creative wall art at spots such as Target or Amazon.com.
An artist is nothing without their tools! Be sure a home office has all the supplies it needs according to the type of work that will be conducted in that space. Most importantly, be sure not to have a surplus of supplies. Remember, we want to ensure this space stays efficient and organized.
Works Cited
Bailey, Chris. “The Exact Color to Paint Your Office to Become the Most Productive.” A Life of Productivity, 6 Mar. 2017, alifeofproductivity.com/angela-wright-interview/.
Bolwerk, Anne, et al. “Correction: How Art Changes Your Brain: Differential Effects of Visual Art Production and Cognitive Art Evaluation on Functional Brain Connectivity.” PLoS ONE, vol. 9, no. 12, 2014, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0116548.
“Whoever said money can’t buy happiness simply didn’t know where to go shopping.”
Bo Derek, Actress, Film Producer, & Model
These products from Amazon are must-haves for any home. Check out these 10 items and add them to your cart!
Dishes can be a hassle, but these dishwashing gloves make the process a little easier. These silicone gloves have dense bristles that create lots of foam and properly cleans dishes. These gloves are also multi-purpose and can be used to clean a bathroom, car, and even a pet! Of course for sanitary reasons, we recommend buying separate pairs for different uses.
Hair and other debris get trapped at the bottom of brooms with every use. This can cause brooms to spread dirt and trash in attempts to clean our homes. Having to look at a dirty broom isn’t the most appealing either. With this broom set, teeth have been attached to the dustpan to comb through the bristles to remove hair and debris; a simple, but ingenious invention!
It takes an astonishing one thousand years for plastic to decompose. Order these reusable sandwich/snack bags to cut down on your plastic use and combat pollution. These bags are made from food grade material, free from BPA, chloride, and lead. The material is recyclable, and if burned, will not release toxins into the atmosphere. Although they are not dishwasher safe, they are easily cleaned, and are able to properly store various food items from sandwiches to fresh fruit.
Bathtime just got even more relaxing with this simple product. For 5.99, add a wine glass holder in your bathroom to sip on your favorite wine while relaxing your muscles in the bathtub. Pairing this product with the next one on our list will set the tone for relaxing soak in the tub.
It’s easy to develop a work, eat, sleep routine in today’s busy world. With this, creating the proper environment to reset our bodies and minds in preparation for the hustle and bustle of the next day is crucial. The Dreamegg can help us sleep a little easier as we climb into bed and hope for a good night’s rest. This machine produces sounds that help relax our minds to put us to sleep faster. Sounds include various versions of white noise, fans, and nature.
Stop settling for fabric infested with fuzz balls. Fuzz balls can manifest on our clothes and on our bed sheets. Despite them rubbing against our delicate skin and causing our fabrics to look run down, many people have a tendency to ignore these little critters and go about their daily lives. With this fabric defuzzer, you can easily remove these fuzz balls and renew fabrics.
Often times, we hear people say they want to incorporate more vegetables into their diet, typically through a traditional salad. However, what happens in that fateful moment in the kitchen when it’s time to make the salad? We have all the ingredients we need and don’t have a reason not to make the salad, but there’s something standing in the way. That thing is time. The amount of time it will take to make the salad seems to outweigh the benefits of consuming one. Thoroughly washing each vegetable, cutting it into pieces, and then having to clean up the boards and knives you have used and return each item back to the fridge. With this salad cutter bowl, we can cut the amount of time and effort required to create a delicious salad. Simply wash your veggies and cut them in the bowl used to eat the salad out of. Making a salad has never been easier with this unique and ingenious product.
Scrubbing a bath and shower is a sport of its own. Invest in this lightweight extendable tile and tub scrubber to make the cleaning process less strenuous. This product stretches from 26 to 42 inches, and the antimicrobial head is abrasive and is able to hold water for rinsing.
Sometimes our desks can become cluttered with various items that invade our space. On top of this, our laptops and computers take up even more surface area. Invest in this monitor stand to increase desk space, productivity, and lower stress. This monitor stand comes with storage components for items such as paper clips, pens, sticky notes, etc. There are even components for your phone and coffee/tea mug.
A jar grip serves as a very useful tool for every household. Tight jars prove to be one of the most stressful things on the planet. Make opening one easier by purchasing jar grip. These grips come in three different shapes and fits over most jars and bottles. Take the effort out of opening tight jars by investing in this product.
You’ve got your new home, or you’re preparing extra hard before you do, and you want to know just what you need. We tried to leave the more obvious and basic needs off this list, like bowls and forks. We assume you knew you needed those.
So. You’ve got pots, you’ve got pans, but what are the things you will undoubtedly need and are sure to forget? We’ve got 10 for you!
1) Plants!
Plants are easy to overlook when you get a new home, as you can be concerned about literally everything else, but trust us when we say the calmness and serenity they can add to your home’s ambiance is invaluable! Compare the pictures below
2) Step Ladder
Okay, so it’s not the most exciting item on the list, but it’s one you will absolutely need. From hanging curtains or new pictures, to changing or putting in new lightbulbs, this ladder will be your life saver. It’s much easier than bringing the standard ladder inside from the garage, but if you do need the traditonal ladder as well, we recommend the Little Giant.
3) Locks
Again, we didn’t promise this would be the most exciting article, but even if you take away one thing, this should be it. Changing your locks to your new home is the quickest and easiest way to feel that the home is finally yours; and safe.
You never know how many copies of the old keys were made, and who has them, so sleep peacefully knowing only those you want to have access to your home, do.
Ring Doorbell Cameras are easily the best way to make your home feel safe and protected. Check for deals around holidays, and buy them even before you have your home. You can buy playback features that allow you to see what went on at your house even if you didn't catch it live. This also allows you do check on who is at your door without being present!
5) Tool Kit
Again, you likely already know this one, but this list wouldn't be complete without it. We like this tool kit, and we don't recommend getting the cheapest one, because well, you get what you pay for.
You'll want tools that hold up, because you'll be using them way more than you ever thought possible with a new house.
6) Curtains
You might not have had to think about these bad boys in your apartment, but you're going to want curtains. They instantly transform your home into your own private space, while adding a personal touch depending on your color and pattern choice.
Curtains also help make your space feel bigger when hung higher, so go for it! Curtain rod not included.
When it comes to yard work, these things are life savers. Trying to put fallen limbs and trimmed bushes into a plastic trash bag will scream to your neighbors, "Hey, I'm a rookie!". Order these and stash them until you need them, even if it's winter when you purchase your home!
Okay, so maybe we stretched the article title with "need" for this product, but this candle is absolutely amazing! It's a way to cleanse your space and make it new, without the actual tediousness that comes with burning sage. Plus, this one lasts 50+ hours!
9) Board Games
You have a house now. Meaning, it's time to stock up on board games that will fill your hall closet and get solid use at least twice a year. Don't be the homeowner who entertains and has zero games options!
10) Frank's Red Hot
Because no home is complete without it 🙂
8313 W. 10th St
Indianapolis IN 46234
dennis@indyhomepros.com
317-316-8224