Every home should have a goal of being eco-friendly to some degree. Whether that be recycling or minding the water usage, having a small eco goal should be kept in mind. In this article, we are bringing you 4 easy ways you can incorporate eco-friendly habits into your home. Earth Day is coming up soon, so you’ll want to bookmark this one!

1. Ditch Cases of Plastic Water Bottles

It’s 2021 - ditch buying cases of plastic water bottles and save yourself the stress of seeing them in every corner of your home. According to The Water Project, “an estimated 80 percent of all plastic water bottles in the United States get tossed in with the trash, and only 20 percent of the bottles that are recycled can actually be used for recycling. And as for the bottles that are thrown away, they take over 1,000 years to biodegrade,” (Greenwald). One of the best ways to reduce water bottle waste is to simply invest in a great reusable water bottle. You can look in stores such as Target or online on Amazon.com to find one that meets your needs. There are a wide range of water bottles to choose from, each with their own unique set of characteristics. When looking for the ideal water bottle, many people have four factors they consider when choosing a bottle. These factors are water bottle size, material, color and price. You can fine tune these preferences online to find your ideal bottle. Choose one you feel meets your needs and help put an end to plastic water bottle waste.

2. Line Dry Laundry

Hang your laundry outside or in a clean space in your home to dry. This eliminates the excessive energy that dryers use. According to the EPA, a dryer uses more energy than a refrigerator, washing machine, and dishwasher. Air drying your clothing can reduce energy usage from major appliances in a typical household by as much as one-third. Air drying articles of clothing also serves as a great way to preserve the clothing itself. Jeans are a great example. Jeans, especially those of lower quality, can shrink with time after running them through the dryer repeatedly every week. A great way to fight the shrink is to simply line or air dry them. This drying process can easily extend to other articles of clothing of different material to extend their life. Using this method, you will save money on your electricity bill while also stretching the life of your clothing by ensuring they stay in ideal condition for as long as possible. 

3. Turn Off Lights When Not in Use

At home, we are all guilty of leaving lights on in an area of the home we are not currently residing in. Perhaps we’ve just watched a horror film and want to ensure our space is well lit from every angle or maybe we just have a bad habit of leaving lights in various areas throughout the home. Whatever the case may be, it is crucial that we are mindful of when to turn the lights off. Incandescent lights should be turned off when not in use. They are the least efficient type of lighting and give off more heat than light. According to research from Imperial College London, “the British government's estimate of how much carbon dioxide can be saved by switching off the lights is 60 percent too low, and the seemingly insignificant action has greater consequences than experts once assumed,” (Greenwald). It is also important that you switch over to LED bulbs. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, “light-emitting diodes (LEDs) use 75 percent less energy and last 25 times longer than incandescent lighting,” (Greenwald). Save electricity by adopting and living by these rules above. 

4. Add Some Plants Around the Home

Add some greenery in your home with plants. Not only do plants look great, they serve as mini filters to take in CO2 and release oxygen into your home. This is a great and easy way to regulate the air that you breathe and ensure that you are making efforts to help keep it clean. Research by NASA has revealed that houseplants can remove up to 87 percent of air toxin in 24 hours. These plants will also help regulate humidity and increase levels of positivity. Seeing greenery helps us feel more relaxed. There is a wide variety of plants to choose from for your home. If you have pets, it is crucial that you research what plants are toxic to them to ensure they are in a safe environment. Be sure to follow the proper watering care for each plant and ensure they receive the sunlight they need, whether that be direct or indirect sunlight. Be sure to also buy organic soil that will allow each plant to grow to their full potential due to being in the proper environment.

Works Cited

Greenwald June 8, Morgan. “30 Easy Ways to Make Your Home More Eco-Friendly.” Best Life, 2 Oct. 2019, bestlifeonline.com/eco-friendly-home/#:~:text=30%20Easy%20Ways%20to%20Make%20Your%20Home%20More,6%20Adopt%20Meatless%20Mondays.%20...%20More%20items...%20.

Every realtor should ensure they keep these three things in their arsenal. Taking the time to ensure these things are updated and provide the correct information are crucial to achieving a great presence online as a realtor and will help generate leads. Take a look at these three things every successful realtor has.

1. Updated Websites

If a client were to search your name online, would you be nervous or excited about what they might find? As a realtor, it is crucial that you present yourself in a professional light online. The first step in achieving this is by updating your bio on websites such as Zillow, Homes.com, Mibor, etc. You want to ensure these sites hold updated and accurate information about yourself as a realtor.

It is also important to take a look at your reviews on each platform associated with you as a realtor. If there are any comments or reviews that are of ill-nature, do what you can to either rid your page of that comment or review, or you could reply in attempts to alleviate the issue. It is crucial that you are polite, professional and create an comfortable environment where possible issues can be resolved. Having this attitude will allow others to see you in a positive light and a true professional.

Another important task to tackle in handling your online presence as a realtor is to do an online audit. When a potential client searches you on Google, there is a high chance other realtors will come before you and your information may not be on the first page of Google. In doing an online audit, you can increase your chances of all of the platforms you are listed on as a realtor being on the first page of Google so that clients can find you first.

2. A Presence on Social Media

Whether you have a large follower count or not, having a great presence on social media as a realtor will always be a plus. This is a fantastic way to present listings, your services, reviews, videos, graphics, etc to potential clients.

Having a social media platform as a realtor should serve as a great resource for those who stumble across your page and puts you in a position to present yourself as an industry expert through social media.

For example, Instagram is a great social media platform to utilize as an agent. Through this social media platform you can share the suggested content listed above. Having a steady stream of content is a great way to present information and related engaging content to potential clients. The amount of followers you have is somewhat important, but more than anything, having a consistent stream of resourceful content will aid in presenting yourself professionally on social media platforms. 

3. Passion for Helping Others

At its core, being a realtor means to assist others. Buying a home is one of the largest physical and emotional investments a person can make. As an agent, keeping the best interests of your clients at the forefront is your responsibility. With this, you create an environment where they feel comfortable expressing their needs and concerns with you, which will aid in allowing for a smooth process in buying a new home and/or selling their old home.

Movie theaters were closed for a few months due to the pandemic, but have recently opened back up, inviting a number of guests in one space. Despite your overwhelming urge to resume life in the theater, it is still more important than ever to not gather in large groups for an extended period of time. One way to indulge in the movie theater experience we all love and miss is to bring the theater to you! In this article, we are bringing you 5 things you can purchase from Amazon to create the cinema experience you miss and crave, all while being in the safety of your own home as we continue to push through the pandemic. Sit back, relax and take a look at these must-have (and cost-efficient) home theater items!

1. JIMTAB M18 Native 1080P LED Video Projector ($226.99)

This projector makes for an incredible edition to any space. The JIMTAB projector comes in at an affordable price of $226.99. This projector comes equipped with 1080P, making your viewing experience clear and full of color! The screen extends out to 70 inches wide, mimicking the appearance of the quality projectors we see in theaters.

Most projectors need an exterior sound bar in order to capture clear and quality audio due to the lack of quality found in the projector itself. With the JIMTAB projector that issue is nonexistent. The internal speakers installed into this projector are amazing in quality, making your audio experience all the more comparable to a true cinema experience.

For the price and quality, you can’t pass this projector up. With great reviews and a demo on Youtube, this projector is truly an awesome investment. You can also expect it to ship in quick time. Check out further stats of the projector by clicking the Amazon link embedded into the item title.

2. Luxury Faux Fur Throw Blanket ($22.90)

This luxurious throw blanket is a must have for blanket lovers! This ultra soft throw blanket has over 8,000 ratings, with mostly ever customer very pleased with this product. This amazing throw blanket comes in 8 different shades to fit the aesthetic of any home. The product is made from 100% polyester to mimic the ultra soft feel of fur. This blanket is durable and is fade and stain resistant. It is also a great item to take outdoors for camping or bonfire nights. It is double-sided to ensure the user experiences comfort on both sides.

The greatest thing about this luxury blanket is that it is machine washable, making the cleaning process a breeze. It is recommended to wash the blanket using cold water and to tumble dry on no heat in order to keep the blanket in ideal condition. This is a perfect item to complement your bedroom cinema experience. Wrap up with this cozy blanket while you watch your favorite movie on the big screen!

3. Snack and Drink Holder ($44.97)

If you’re a snack and drink hoarder like the rest of us during a movie, you’ll need to invest in this next item! Let’s take a stroll down memory lane. You’ve just given a theater team member your ticket and are waiting in line for snacks. You look over the menu.

Definitely gotta get a soft pretzel. And I can’t pass up a slushy! I should probably pick out some candy too. Popcorn, extra large. Why is everything so expensive?

The great thing about being at home is that you have all of your favorite drinks and snacks at your disposal! If you’re anything like the rest of us, you can expect to have at least 5 different snacks - and that’s okay! It’s nice to indulge in your favorite snacks during a movie!

With this next item, you can ensure those snacks and drinks don’t spill on your sheets during the movie. The MOOKUNY sofa buddy is another great addition in order to achieve a great cinematic experience! This item will hold all your drinks and snacks and prevent anything from spilling onto your bed or couch. This holder comes equipped with weights, ensuring it stays upright and stationary. It also has an anti-slip lining to ensure it's secure on any surface. You won’t find a model like this anywhere else, so check it out while you can!

4. 2-Pack Hotel Quality Pillows ($36.22)

Invest in this 2 pack of hotel quality pillows to ensure you are supported and comfortable during the show! These pillows are a dream for any bedroom. They are crafted with cooling gel that is allergy friendly and are available in Queen and King sizes. These pillows are fade and stain resistant and are machine washable to ensure each pillow remains in great condition over the years.

These stylish, ultra-comfortable and cost-efficient pillows are a must-have to keep you comfortable while watching your favorite shows or movies, and also for getting a great night’s rest. 

5. HDMI for Projector ($12.99)

The last item on our list is an HDMI cord. This cord is responsible for connecting your laptop to our first item on the list, the JIMTAB projector. The project comes with an HDMI, but it’s quite short. Investing in a longer cord will make the experience easier because you will have more freedom to move your laptop where you see fit, for example on your nightstand.

This HDMI cord comes in a variety of lengths for a variety of needs. The shortest is 3ft and the longest sizes up at 100ft. A good length for the projector would be the 15 or 25ft options. You can also buy this item in packs.

If you’re ready to revamp your instagram page and attract new followers, you’ll want to take a look at this article! Building a successful social media page can be tricky, but if you understand these 5 fundamentals, you’ll be able to create a successful social media page that’s full of engagement.

1. Understand Your Theme

First things first - understand the theme of your page. Your theme can include the color palette, content and the physical arrangement of posts.

For example, a florist’s Instagram page will be all about the world of flowers. This page would include posts about different types of flowers, ways to care for flowers, signs your plant is thriving, etc. This page is ultimately a great resource for those who love flowers and want to learn more about them. As a realtor, you want to create a great resource for those who want to dive into the world of real estate, which extends into the category of lifestyle that we’ll discuss later.

As mentioned, your theme also includes the color palette and order of posts. You can make your color palette the theme of your company or you can choose what colors you believe compliments each other best for your page. This is creative work, meaning you have more freedom in choosing your preferred aesthetic. Once this is settled, it’s good to decide if you want your posts to be ordered in a way that creates a pattern on your timeline. For example, some accounts like to have quotes on the left column, their main content in the middle and another form of content on the right. This creates a continuous pattern throughout their entire timeline. If you don’t mind not having a pattern, no worries - a lot of accounts prefer not to follow the timeline pattern rule, as they simply find the content itself the most important.

2. Have a Variety of Content to Post

The great thing about real estate is that it fits in the broad range of lifestyle content. With this content, there are various mediums to explore and pieces that almost everyone enjoys on some level. With this, your page has the potential to reach a wide range of followers because the content provided will be universally enjoyed. What kind of content would thrive most on a realtors page? Content such as home DIYs, quality listing photos, info graphics etc are all great things to choose from. Ensure that the images and videos are good quality and write captions that will compliment them well.

You can also make graphics that allow the viewers to choose from A, B, C or D. For example, you can post a graphic that has four different bathrooms. Ask your viewers to comment which bathroom they prefer. Posts like these are engaging and fun for viewers. If you don’t get much feedback on these posts in the beginning, don’t stress. It takes time to build an audience and we will hash on that further down in the article.

3. Interact with Your Followers

Be sure to interact with your followers no matter how small (or high) your follower count may be. People love hearing back from an account they follow. Interacting with them will make them more likely to engage with your content and share it to other pages or social media platforms, which is great for your business.

The comments section also serves as a great way to provide customer service. If you can have healthy dialogue with customers and help alleviate any of their issues related to real estate, you build credibility and create a welcoming environment for others to trust your services. Be sure to help all accounts with related real estate needs, be friendly and handle any ill-comments with composure.

4. Be Patient

Growing a page can take time. Don’t be discouraged if your page experiences slow growth. In order to have a successful social media page you need to be consistent and keep patience at the forefront. It’s an algorithm that takes time to develop.

A successful social media page can be large or small and each has a period of growth that’s unique to that page. You can watch videos or read articles that dive deeper into marketing in order to help the growth process, but even with those resources, being patient is still key. Even bigger companies have little return on their social media posts. Why is this? This is because they also have to play the waiting game with their social media pages. This rule isn’t exempted from any account. Be patient and consistent. Your page will grow with time.

5. Take Inspiration from Other Pages

Lastly, have an inspiration base to serve as a guide for your page. Find various instagram pages that you feel do a great job of presenting their content and interacting with followers. You can find different accounts by searching hashtags with related content or finding accounts through other social media platforms such as Twitter, Pinterest or Youtube.

In our last article “Spring Cleaning Tips”, we stressed the importance of finding inspiration through Youtube channels. Using this method you can find a great outline and template for your Instagram platform. Just as you used Youtube videos for inspiration and guidance, use various Instagram accounts the same way. Take note of the various pieces of content they post, when they post content and how they interact with their followers. You can also check out how well various pieces of content do on that account. For example, quality photos of listings may outshine other pieces of content, meaning they get way more traffic than let's say a video. Check out to see what works for them and find inspiration in their social media structure.

Koichi Torimura

We’re back to bring you more unique homes around the world! From Chile to Japan, we’ve found some homes with designs that are truly out of this world. Keep reading to take a closer look at these incredible homes!

1. The Caterpillar House (Lo Barnechea, Chile)

Sergio Pirrone

Our first home on the list is a sight for eyes! Located in Lo Barnechea, Chile, the Caterpillar House measures in at 350m^2. This unique home was built in 2012 by architect Sebastian Irarrazaval. The home’s unique design was constructed to allow sufficient air flow from the outdoors to filter throughout the home to avoid the need for installing mechanical cooling. The positioning of the home along the mountain also aids in allowing fresh air to move throughout the home. These homes may look small on the outside, but the inside is spacious and absolutely stunning. The home favors a minimalistic, modern and comfortable design. Textures that can be found throughout this space include dark wood and stainless steel. These two textures compliment each other very well and add a lovely touch to the home.

Sergio Pirrone

Sergio Pirrone

Sergio Pirrone

2. Resident Church XL (The Netherlands)

Frank Hanswijk

Our next home is a gothic gem. The once old Catholic St. Jakobus church built in 1870 was transformed into a gorgeously spacious home. After being shut down as a church in 1991, the home was converted into a building used to showcase antique furniture. In 2007, Zec Architects were inspired to convert the home into a dream adobe. The exterior of the once church has remained untouched while the interior has been fully transformed. The home effortlessly captures the beauty of gothic architecture and the stained glass windows allows beautiful light to enter the home. The white paint allows light to bounce off of the walls beautifully, old pews have been reused to create the dining room table and the open concept compliments this unique home beautifully.

Frank Hanswijk

Frank Hanswijk

Frank Hanswijk

3. S-House (Saitama, Japan)

Koichi Torimura

The S-House located in Saitama, Japan favors the Transparent House featured in one of our previous unique home articles. The S-House and the Transparent House share some of the same qualities such as minimalism design, white walls and lots of natural lighting. The home was designed by Yuusuke Karasawa Architects. The home’s layered design is inspired by networks formed in nature and space, the walls, floor and ceiling all intertwined together. The staircase is beautifully staggered at the center of the home. The home sizes up at 1,117 square feet and is two stories high. The home’s design has also been structured to withstand Japan’s earthquake-prone environment.

Koichi Torimura

Koichi Torimura

Koichi Torimura

4. Gue(ho)st House (Delme, France)

Oliver-Henri Dancy

The next home on our list is the Gue(ho)st House. Formerly a prison, school and funeral home, the design of this unique home aims to capture this space’s former lives. How cool is that! The artists who have designed this home are French architects Christophe Berdaguer and Marie Pejus. As just mentioned, this home has lived many lives and these creatives wished to bring it all into one unique design by turning it into a ghost of it’s own past. The word play comes from, A Guest + A Host = A Ghost. This word play was created by French-American painter and sculptor Marcel Duchamp. The home is located in Delme, France and has been coated in a white shell to mimic the look of a ghostly design that extends to the yard.

Oliver-Henri Dancy

Oliver-Henri Dancy

5. The Pole House (Victoria, Australia)

Courtesy of Great Ocean Road Real Estate Holidays

Our last home on the list is a showstopper! The Pole House is located in Victoria, Australia. It holds only one bathroom and one bedroom, but the other features in this space is what proves it to be one unique home! This home is suspended 40 meters above the gorgeous waves of Fairhaven Beach and has been named one of Australia’s most iconic homes. The home was originally designed by Frank Dixon from 1970 - 1978, but has been redesigned by Franco Fiorentini from F2 Architecture from 2013 - 2014. The design of the home is inspired from nature and aims to allow guests to experience nature from the ground up. This space also radidates stunning modern interiors with a row of grand windows wrapped around the home.

Courtesy of Great Ocean Road Real Estate Holidays

Courtesy of Great Ocean Road Real Estate Holidays

Coolstays

In the midst of the pandemic, many of us are experiencing feelings of depression and a lack of connection with loved ones. In this article we’ve created a new list of books that everyone will find value in, especially in these trying times. Be sure to bookmark this article for future reference. If you haven’t checked out our first book list, click here to view that article.

1. “Lost Connections” by Johann Hari  

Depression and anxiety are two invisible foes that many of us have been battling with. Whether you’ve experienced it before and/or during the pandemic, the feeling they generate weighs heavily on our shoulders with each passing day. These feelings have without a doubt been heightened in the midst of the pandemic and many are struggling to find proper ways to cope. Lost Connections by Johann Hari serves as a beacon of hope for those who struggle with depression and anxiety. Hari explains the root cause of depression and how one can become consumed by it over time. He also opens up about his own struggle with depression and anxiety, and explained coping methods that caused more harm than good and vice versa.

This award winning book has been praised by legends such as Oprah,  Elton John and so many more. Hari challenges readers to dive deep into what they know about depression based on what society labels it as. He also challenges the role of antidepressants and offers healthier and more effective options. Taking the time to read this book during the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic can prove to be extremely beneficial for readers across the world. The dramatic changes of everyday life as we know it has shifted in an instant and people are struggling to adapt. Read this book to take control of your mental health and steer it in the right direction using healthy and effective methods.

2. “You Are a Spiritual Being Having a Human Experience” by Bob Frissell

In this book, Bob Frissell challenges readers to take a deeper look into the human experience. You Are a Human Being Having a Spiritual Experience allows readers to dive deep into the human consciousness and the world around them. Oftentimes, too many people allow themselves to be limited by their self-constructed ideas about themselves, people and the world. This limitation cuts deeper than what meets the eye. This mindset hinders growth within ourselves and this effect can ripple into our relationship with those around us and our view of the world. Frissell introduces the concept of creating your own reality through conscious efforts, that will in effect, improve the reality of the real world around us.

The book helps readers connect with their multidimensional selves and explains how to redesign their inner worldview and life. The Bodhi Tree Book Review says, “Frissell shows us how to move consciously through our fears and limitations to the realization that everything we need is within ourselves,”.This book runs for only $15.95 and is a must-have for book collections around the world.

3. “Attached” by Amir Levine M.D & Rachel S.F Heller, M.A

Attached explores the world of attachment theory. In the wake of the pandemic, there have been many reports of divorces throughout the world. According to BBC, “76% of divorces (in lockdown) have come from women,” (Savage, Maddy). Many are finding time with their spouses during quarantine have caused fundamental differences in relationships to float to the surface, resulting in poorer connections or ultimately separation in the end. Attached allows readers to explore the various ways we as human beings form connections with others through various attachment styles. These styles enable us to identify the relationship we have with ourselves, others and the world around us. They challenge us to dive deep into our childhoods to pinpoint how and when we developed the mindset we navigate with during our adult years.

Being able to identify these attachment styles allow us to break free from the chains of trauma and live a life that honors our personal emotions while also being sensitive to the experiences and emotions of others. It’s important to note that emotions themselves are not the issue. The issue is unprocessed emotions. Unprocessed emotions have a way of inviting themselves into delicate spaces, making forming genuine relationships quite difficult. In understanding how you connect with others and events in your life, we will be able to cleanse our lives from negative energy to form strong relationships that can weather any storm or pandemic.

4. “The Power of Positive Thinking” by Dr. Norman Vincent Peale

Having a positive mindset goes further than one may assume. Oftentimes, we believe that honoring our emotions without any sort of boundaries is the best way to be emotionally balanced. Of course, it is crucial that you are honest with yourself and others about how you may be feeling at a particular moment in time, but in the grand scheme of things, it’s important to understand that in life we will be faced with many challenges, and that having boundaries in honoring our emotions is critical. This is so because mindset overcomes emotions.

Take for example generalized anxiety. If we continuously honored our invasive emotions and feelings without restriction, we would drive ourselves mad, staying lost in our minds in an abyss of relentless and not so kind thoughts. The best choice of action we can take in the wake of intrusive thoughts, is to take small steps to help cleanse our minds from being overstimulated. Those baby steps are the foundation of improvement and serve a bigger purpose than we assume. Positive thoughts are the building blocks for future development and improvements. In Dr. Norman Vincent Peale’s book, he dives deep into the power of positivity and how it can drastically change our lives. In the midst of the pandemic, this mindset is crucial for us all. Take control of your thoughts and live a more positive lifestyle.

5. “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up” by Marie Kondo

Our last book on the list is none other than the Life-changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo. In the wake of the pandemic, we are spending more time at home due to quarantining. Like with our spouses as mentioned earlier, this time has allowed the relationship we have with our home to surface. How do you feel in the space you call your home? Does it feel congested, cluttered, or perhaps a bit stale? If you checked off any of those options, chances are the pandemic has heightened those feelings due to the fact that we have been confined to our homes. What can we do to shift the energy that radiates within our home? Marie Kondo teaches her readers to do just that.

Kondo is a renowned Japanese home expert who specializes in organization and the art of minimalism. She has earned a show on Netflix that showcases her skills as she travels around the country to help homeowners with spaces that are in distress. The foundation for her method is that if a particular item doesn’t bring you joy, it is best to discard it. This filtration system allows for only essential items in the home to remain present, turning your home into a space that's filled with only the things that bring you peace and comfort. During COVID- 19 this energy is what we all crave. Check out Marie Kondo’s book to discover how you can transform your home into a space that provides you with the utmost comfort and care during these trying times.

Works Cited

Savage, Maddy. “Why the Pandemic Is Causing Spikes in Break-Ups and Divorces.” BBC Worklife, BBC, 6 Dec. 2020,

www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20201203-why-the-pandemic-is-causing-spikes-in-break-ups-and-divorces.

The snow has come in late, but has arrived in full swing! In this article we are bringing you 5 essential items you’ll need for the home to take on wintertime. Add these items to your cart to be prepared for heavy winter days and to keep warm.

1. Heated and Weighted Blanket ($39.90)

This blanket is sure to keep you warm and comfortable all winter. This blanket is not only heated, but also weighted. You’ll get the best of both worlds with this cost effective blanket. The blanket has been filled with premium glass beads, totaling a weight of 10 lbs. If you need something with a little more weight, you can purchase various versions of this blanket at 15, 18 and 20 lbs. The blankets weighing in over 15 are 60” x 80”. If these are too heavy for your liking, there is also a 8 lbs option available. This blanket comes with a variety of shades to choose from. You can purchase the item in dark grey, purple, blue or any of the other colors available to buyers.

2. Electric Kettle ($29.97)

Electric kettles are a must-have for every kitchen! These kettles heat up faster than traditional kettles so you’re able to enjoy your warm drinks in a flash. This kettle has been crafted from borosilicate glass. This type of glass is heavy duty and extremely durable, ensuring that your kettle is long lasting. This kettle also has an auto timer, shutting off 30 seconds after the water has reached boiling point. The anti-slip grip ensures the kettle won’t slip out of your hands and has been designed to boil water quickly. You can use this item for oatmeal, noodles, hot chocolate, instant coffee, tea and so much more. This european designed kettle is sure to capture the hearts of everyone in the home.

3. Door Draft Stopper ($19.99)

Cold drafts coming in from under the door can prove to be irritating in any home. How can we prevent this? This door draft stopper from Amazon has got you covered! This quality door draft stopper will stop the cold draft of wintertime from sneaking in under your door. It sizes up at 34” and fits under most doors. The hook and loop system allows for the stopper to be securely mounted to the door and snug against the ground to ensure no air is let into the home. Cold door drafts cause your home’s heating system to work harder to keep your space warm, which means a higher bill. Help combat extra heating fees by using this cost efficient door draft stopper. This stopper also has a detachable cloth bag, which means you can throw it into the washer for cleaning.

4. Humidifier ($34.98)

In the wintertime, our homes can still experience the dry air that summertime can bring. Keep the moisture levels in your home balanced with this effective humidifier. This humidifier's sleek and simple design is sure to match any home’s aesthetic. If white isn’t your shade, the brand also offers a beautiful mint colored device. This humidifier is also essential oil compatible. The device comes equipped with auto-shut off and different mist levels. The levels include high mist, low mist and sleep mode. The device sprays evenly at 360 degree angle and is sure to keep the moisture levels throughout your home balanced.

5. GoWISE Air Fryer ($77.09)

When the weather proves too dangerous to drive out for food, this last gadget will prove to be extremely useful in any household. The GoWISE Air Fryer is a must-have for any and every kitchen. Air Fryers have taken the world by storm since late 2019. With an air fryer you are able to cook a wide variety of food without the unhealthy downsides of using cooking oil. Popular foods cooked on this device include fries, chicken wings, vegetables, salmon, steak and more. Air fryers make the cooking process easy, allowing beginner chefs to whip up some amazing meals for themselves and for loved ones. This air fryer comes in a sleek design with an advanced touch screen menu and various sizes to fit any household’s needs. If you live alone (or perhaps with one other person) , a 5 - 5.8 QT air fryer may be the best size for you. If you're a family of 3 or more, a 7 - 11.6 QT air fryer is going to be your best bet to create dishes in bulk.

More than ever, finding comfort in the home is crucial in recent times. With the pandemic still on the rise, finding peace in the home is something we are all searching for. In this article, we are breaking out the art of feng shui and easy ways you can incorporate it into your home. You’ll want to bookmark this one!

1. Identifying What is Feng Shui

First it is important to identify just what exactly Feng Shui is. Feng Shui is the ancient Chinese art of rearranging your environment to encourage harmony and create a balance of energy within the home. How did the idea of feng shui begin and how did it find its way into the home? Chi or energy was the start of it all.

Feng shui unearthed over 3,000 years ago in China. The practice is still popular in spaces all over the modern interior design world. As previously mentioned, the most important concept in Feng Shui is an energy or chi. Like gravity, chi is not something you can see or touch, but you most definitely feel its effects. What determines the amount of chi you can create in your home? It all has to do with symmetry and balance with the items in your space to create or improve the flow of positive energy within various areas of the home.

Like a traditional charge, with chi, there is positive chi and negative chi that can be produced in the home. In order to improve your Feng Shui at home, your objective is to decrease as much negative chi as possible. We will cover how to increase positive chi, therefore decrease negative chi, further into this article. Another important and interesting aspect about chi is that it can be moved. Adding moving elements into the home can actually move chi. By adding various elements such as flowing water, you can adjust the flow of chi, increasing the positive chi in a space.

2. Bringing Light to Various Areas in the Home

In order to achieve proper Feng Shui, all areas of the home need to have access to natural light. In the art of Feng Shui, light is seen as an energy activator. It is also another means to move energy around a space. Candles are another way of adding sources of light into the home. Artificial light can also help increase a positive flow of energy. Be sure to have a light source in various areas of the home.

Reflective elements are also important to incorporate. Why is this? Items such as mirrors, metal, and glass objects reflect light throughout a space. This serves as another way to create flowing energy in the home. However, you can run into the issue of having an excess of these surfaces. This is so because an excess of these objects can prove to be distracting. Material that complement reflective objects include natural textiles such as wood, stone, woven, etc. 

3. Encouraging a Positive Flow of Energy

In order to encourage free flowing energy, it’s important to remove distractions that block the flow. Keeping multiple pathways open is an easy place to start. This includes keeping doors inside the home and windows open. This opens up the home and allows the space to be filled with clean air. Placing mirrors in the home will also reflect and draw energy into other parts of the home.

Chi is personal, meaning it is an experience unique to each of us. Finding balance that is tailored for our needs is crucial in order to achieve a sense of harmony that reflects best in our home. This will encourage balance and a sense of well-being to our lives.

Natural materials complements the art of Feng Shui beautifully. These materials include natural fabrics, stone, wood, and metal. It’s best to stay away from chemically-treated and unnatural products, as they can have a direct and negative impact on health which affects your wellbeing. 

4. Freshen and Clear the Air

Air quality plays a vital role in Feng Shui because it is directly connected to health and wellbeing. The air in the home is connected to chi. Would you feel more comfortable in a space with stuffy air or a space that’s well ventilated with fresh air flowing in from an open window? Be mindful of chemical cleaners or air sprays you bring into the home. These can be harmful for your wellbeing. Substitute these products for products with natural ingredients. Products that are harsh in ingredients can be damaging to energy flow.

Open your windows when possible to bring fresh air into the home and let each room breathe. It’s also a good idea to invest in indoor plants, as they act as natural air purifiers. The combination of these things will leave your home refreshed.

If selling your home has been on your mind, or if you're simply interested in finding the value of your home instantly, you've arrived at the right place. Here are 5 Signs You Are Ready To Sell Your House.

1) You Clicked On This Article

So, this article caught your eye, surely it's a sign. Or, at the very least, it means you are giving some considerable thought to selling your home. This is a good sign, and we're here to help you make the best decision for you.

2) You're Thinking About Your Dream Home

There are some great things about your home, and it has definitely served its purpose, but you know it's not your forever home. With home values continuing to rise in Central Indiana, selling your current home to find your Dream Home

3) You're Waiting Until You Make Some Fixes

Many people believe they still have to fix minor issues in their home. However, painting that wall, fixing that piece of flooring, or changes that light is not necessarily needed in this market.

Yes, you should fix that hole in the wall, but minor fixes no longer need to be a reason to push off selling that home. Consult with a Realtor on what things you should fix, and what things you can get away with leaving as they are.

4) You've Outgrown Your Home

Is your closet creeping into the rest of your bedroom? Are your once spacious areas slowly becoming filled with misplaced items? Basements, extra deep closets, bonus areas; all of these spaces could be just what you and your growing family need.

5) The Area Is No Longer Ideal

Are you driving your kids to school 30 minutes away? Do your friends and family live in the next zip code? It could be time to make convenience a priority. People are more likely to visit their friends, and even go to the gym, if they are within a 5 mile radius. So location and proximity could be even more important than you realize!

Free Custom Market Analysis

If you're thinking about selling your home, and would like a Free Custom Market Analysis to see how your home compares to those around it, and what you can expect from the home selling process, Learn More Here.

Tiny homes are extremely popular in today’s real estate climate. In this article, we are bringing you 4 tiny homes so you can see what all the craze is about. Check out these 4 unique tiny homes from around the world!

1. Manshausen 2.0 Sea Cabins (Steigen, Norway)

Dezeen

Our first tiny home on the list is a stunning sight. This metallic box hangs beautifully over the shallow end of the sea to give residents and guests a cavitivating view of the water. It is an optimal location for bird watching, as many seagulls flock to this area. The home’s shape compliments its rocky surroundings and its reflective metal coating serves as a mirror to the stunning nature it is engulfed in. The home is eco-friendly and like most tiny homes, cost-efficient. This tiny home has been nominated for the 2019 Dezeen Award for its beauty and stunning design. Each cabinet fits two to four people and comes with a master bedroom, library, bathroom and kitchen.  It was once used as an ideal location and home by fishermen in the area.  

Dezeen

2. KODA Walking Concrete (Tallinn, Estonia)

Paul Kuimet

This stylish home sizes up 250 sq ft and is movable-friendly for travelers. This home is completely mobile and can be disassembled and reassembled for homeowners who are constantly on the move to new locations. The two tiered home can be assembled in as little as four hours. The KODA Walking Concrete made the World Architecture Festival's shortlist of the best "Small Projects'' in 2016. This stunning home was designed by Kodasema. The simplistic design allows it to function in a variety of spaces to fit the needs of the homeowners. Unique ways owners convert this tiny home include turning them into cafés or offices.

KODA

3. Muji (Japan)

Muji

This incredibly stunning and stylish tiny home in Japan sizes up at an astonishing 98 square feet! Designed by the world famous design firm Muji, they have taken the tiny home game to the next level with these models. The Muji company traditionally sells minimalist home goods and clothing, but has recently expanded their incredible talents to the interior design world. The stylish tiny home markets in at $27,000. The home’s material is extremely durable and sourced from beautiful materials. The home doesn’t come included with electricity or plumbing because its target market is for those who simply wish to plug from the world for a period of time. Some have adopted the home by placing it in their backyard, giving them a comfortable place to turn to when they want to unplug themselves from the electronically-heavy world around them. 

Muji

4. Flat-pack mirror house, Estonia

This unique tiny home is quite the eye catcher! Although you are unable to purchase the home in its entirety, you can rent the home for yourself or with another person. The accommodation is located at the Riverbed inn mirror house and Iglucraft sauna. The home is by a beautifully flowing river, garden and a terrace in Kanaküla. Guests are gifted with a grill to cook their favorite foods on. Guests are also able to use free WiFi and are given free private parking. Guest rooms come equipped with air conditioning, a microwave, fridge, electric tea pot, shower, free toiletries and a desk. Each room also includes a private bathroom, closet and seating area. These tiny homes are spread thoughout the area, each home having its own perks. Locations include choosing to be by the river or perhaps having a patio equipped with the room. At the accommodation, guests will also have excess to a beautiful sauna. The staff at this location speak English and Estonian and are available 24-hours at the front desk.