Category Archives: HOME

We Tried The Aromatherapy Showerhead You Always Wanted

May 12, 2021

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For years we have been craving to try the Moen® Aromatherapy Handshower In Chrome With INLY™ Shower Capsules – Alas, with Mother’s Day approaching, we decided it was for the plunge. Our only question is, why did we wait so long?

I think I had a block about changing out a showerhead for some reason. I thought I would need to hire a Task Rabbit. Alas, all it took was wrench and two minutes.  The whole deal took five minutes to install. Easy peasy.

The little aromatherapy pods are adjustable in strength – though I like it all the way turned up. Even then it’s totally subtle. My kids are really loving the different level changes and pressing the little button, lol.

Buy it on Amazon here!

Five Sun-Loving Houseplants We Actually Kept Alive

May 6, 2021

Like any other plant, houseplants have their specific needs; soil, nutrition, water, and sunlight, etc. Everything must come in a balanced amount and correct appropriation according to the plant’s need. Some plants need less water, and others don’t. Some also grow in slightly acidic soil, while some on basic or sweet soil. Others also thrive on peat soil while some on lime.

Sunlight is also one of the essential needs of the plant for its survival. Every species needs sunlight for the manufacture of their food, the process known as photosynthesis. Without sunlight, they can not produce their food, and therefore, they starve and die.

Depending on their needs, different kinds of plants need varying amounts of sunlight. Some need partial sun, while others need direct sun exposure. To know more about their needs, read this list below to guide which flower in your garden needs much sunlight and which is not.

Marigold

This flower enjoys the crisp rays of the sun. The flower thrives well and blooms in summer even more in direct sunlight, such that if deprived of sunlight, it is prone to powdery mildew and won’t give its bloom.

The flower is not very sensitive to any kind of soil, but it does best in moderately fertile, and well drained soil. Learn More about its care tips and propagation if you want to grow a lush and healthy Marigold in your garden.

Sunflower

Sunflower is an ornamental plant. The plant gives spectacular flower heads, which bloom up to 15 centimeters wide. The plant stands from 3 feet up to 25 feet tall. It has a rough hairy stem and rough leaves in spirals arrangement. Sunflower is heliotropic because of its love of the sun, where the flower turns to follow from east to west from sunrise to sundown.

Aside from its ornamental beauty, you can benefit from the flower’s edible seeds. Likewise, you can use the leaves as fodder, and also, the yellow flower will yield a yellow dye for art use. Also, the seeds give a yellow oil which has various uses in cooking, baking, paints, lubricants, and soap manufacture.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is a species of succulents that comes from the genus Aloe. It is an evergreen perennial plant that grows wild from the Arabian Peninsula. The plant grows in tropical and semi-tropical climates and is widely known for its medicinal use.

Aloe vera has plenty of scientific studies because of its therapeutic properties and use in the cosmetics industry. The plant has a jelly-like substance that is best to fight teeth cavities. It is also suitable for the treatment of constipation, foot ulcers, and protection from ultraviolet radiation.

The plant thrives well in dry and fast-draining soil. It cannot tolerate moist or long-standing water wherein long exposure to moist soil will cause root rot. And thus, because of its intolerance to water, aloe vera needs much sunlight to have its optimum growth and fast reproduction.

 

Burro’s Tail

Burro’s Tail, also known as Donkey’s Tail, is a succulent plant that originated from South Mexico. The plant loves exposure to a good amount of direct sunlight. But despite its heat resistance, the plant has a fragile stem that is prone to dropping. Likewise, its small green leaves that resemble a jellybean, are as fragile as its stem.

Because of its drought-resistant characteristics, the plant grows in well-draining soil, with its roots well aerated. Even at the early stage of propagation, Burro’s Tail needed not much watering, but beware,  if you see browning leaves, you may have deprived it of so much water, and it signals underwatering.

Likewise, when you see them wilting and have soft leaves, it signals that you have overwatered them. Under enough appropriation of the plant’s needs, it gives attraction to your windowsill in a hanging planter because of its beautiful trailing stem where a rose-color flower will develop.

 

Ti Plant

Known as luck plant, this is commonly planted outside of homes believed to ward off evil and bring good fortune. The plant was original from Southeast Asia and Western Pacific Ocean areas. The plant is trendy in Hawaii because Hawaiians make it into hula dance skirts and surfboard covers.

Ti plant is commonly grown as garden ornaments because of its attractive evergreen foliage. The plant grows up to about a meter tall when fully mature. Its foliage comes in many colors and variations, such as glossy green, deep red, green, orange, pink, and yellow shades. In bright sunlight, the plant gives its immense vibrant colors. Avoid direct afternoon sun because it will result in scorching leaves.

Plants need sunlight for their food production but in varying amounts. Thus, in your garden, it is essential to know the specific sunlight needs of each plant. Knowing each requirement will prevent you from mistakes and frustrations in propagating them. And most importantly, giving the plant the appropriate sunlight makes them grow healthy, beautiful, and lush.

5 Thing To Know Before You Move In Los Angeles

April 2, 2021

Moving can be a daunting and tiring process. I did it in 2019 and it was a big big deal. The stress and anxiety that it produces can be so overwhelming that most people hate even hearing about it. However, if moving, in general, is tricky, moving in LA is a whole new level of tough. Whether you are just moving a few blocks down or changing neighborhoods completely, moving in the City of Angels is truly something else.

Read on to find out what makes LA so unique regarding moving and make your move as seamless as possible.

LA Is Crazy Expensive

Everyone knows that moving takes a significant amount of money. However, many people don’t realize how expensive moving in Los Angeles actually is. The cost depends on many things: moving supplies, hiring a moving company, the cost of fixing up your old place, and so on.

The Cost of Moving and Moving Supplies Can Wipe You

The cost of moving mainly depends on how big your current place is. Moving out of a studio apartment costs around $395+. Then the prices rise steadily depending on how many rooms your home has, and they reach $1595+ for three-bedroom houses or apartments.

You also need to think about moving supplies. You will need to buy boxes, packing paper, bubble wrap, tape, and so on. Though these expenses might seem insignificant, they will take a lot out of your budget without you even noticing.

Fixing Up Your Old Place So You Can Get Your Deposit Back!

Besides thinking about your new apartment, you also need to take care of the place you are leaving behind. That includes cleaning it, fixing anything you might have broken that was your responsibility, and so on.

You Need to Hire a Mover Which Is A Thing In Itself

According to Oz Moving who have been in the business for a long time, moving on your own in LA is close to impossible. That is especially the case if you are moving from one part of the town to the other.

In such cases, you will need a way to drive all your belongings to your new address safely. You will also need help carrying everything up the stairs and into your new place. Though it might seem like your family and friends can help you out with this, having a professional team might be a safer plan.

You Need to Clear Your Move-In Ahead of Time

It is essential that you tell your landlord when you plan to move in. Doing so will allow you to book the elevator on time, as it is usually in high demand in big buildings.

Telling the building management about your move on time is vital even if your building does not have an elevator. It will ensure you don’t move in at the same time as someone else, which would be messy.

You Need to Plan and Pack On Time

No matter how boring it might seem, making a detailed plan is essential to moving in LA without losing your mind. Before you start doing anything, you need to sit down, get a notebook, and write down everything you need to do and buy. That way, you will make sure you stay on top of everything and don’t forget anything.

The same goes for packing. You need to start well ahead of time, and you need to do it methodically. Donate anything you don’t need, organize your boxes logically, and you should be fine. Additionally, use colorful markers or post-its to make everything a bit more fun and to remember where everything is better.

You Need to Get Insurance

Moving insurance or valuation is a good thing, no matter where you are moving. However, it is a must in LA. Make sure you discuss your plan with the moving company you hire, so you know where you stand in case your belongings get damaged.

Even if you have to pay a little extra cash to get it, we recommend that you do. That way, you’ll be at peace, no matter what happens during the move.

As you have read, moving to LA indeed is special in comparison to moving in any other city. Hopefully our little guide helps you understand just how much. If you use all our suggestions and tips, moving might go from stressful and tiring to exciting and fun. Good luck, and happy moving.

Your Holiday Tree, Only This Time Have It Delivered And Keep It Forever

December 6, 2020

With a new puppy, who is legit eating everything on the floor, there was no way we could handle a real tree this season. The thought of micro-managing pine needles and wrestling them from her mouth made me even more anxious than I already am. And I’m pretty much a mess right now.

I always get my trees at Home Depot, so I mosided over to their (online) selection of artificial trees and it was love at first sight. There are some real beauties that look anything but cheesy or fake.

I was deadset on a white tree, if I was going to go fake – just really amp up the decor vibe. Alas, the kids wanted this stunner and now she’s ours.

Prelit with little warm colored lights, berried and pine cones – she is true perfection. Took all of ten minutes to get her up.

Pro tip: SAVE THE BOX for storage (but you knew this).

Here she is – but we are still pimping her out and going to break out our ornaments.

I also think this little chart is totally brilliant to make your online tree shopping as well-informed as possible.

There’s still time to fill your home with warmth and cheer during this miserable time – and there is nothing like a tree that will last forever to make this happen. Merry holidays!

Better Rhodes, The first premium AF Marketplace (That’s Alcohol Free!)

November 29, 2020

It is a truth universally acknowledged that drinks bring people together, so this holiday season why not give the gift of indulgence without a hangover?

Meet Better Rhodes, the first alcohol-free marketplace that is on a mission to highlight the exciting world of zero booze beverages. Its website features over 125 varieties of “dry” beer, wine and spirits which makes it a one-stop shop to explore, sample and enjoy alcohol-free drinks.

Alcohol Free Cocktails Through its holiday assortment of gift boxes and curated collections, Better Rhodes showcases the best of alcohol-free beverages that will have you ready for your holiday toasts, festive mocktails, not to mention something special for the ‘Nice’ people on your list.

Better Rhodes has created seasonal mocktail kits along with some curated collections that will make the 2020 holiday season your most festive and flavourful yet!  Whether you are looking for something for the mocktail fanatic or the novice, these offerings are sure to delight friends and family:

For the Ultimate Mocktail Enthusiast-Master Class Hosting.  There is a mocktail for every occasion and this kit contains everything you need to create magical mocktails. It includes 2 IPAS, 2 Ales, Ritual Whiskey, 2 Dry Soda Ginger, Nosecco Brut, Vin (zero) Merlot, Bin, Fruit, Fruit-small, 2 Mason jar glasses and some recipes so one can become a master of their own mixes.   $99.99 + shipping.

Set up a Picture-Perfect Mocktail Station with the Holiday Hosting 101 Box. A good host/hostess knows that a guest needs something to sip on – have a variety of options, mixers and AF beverages, which are a must-have on any holiday hosting checklist, that way there is something for everyone. With an Ariel Cab Sauv, an Ariel Chardonay, stemless wine glasses, fruit, 2 IPAs, 2 Ales and 2 Stouts, this gift contains all the essentials you will need to create mocktails at home.  $49.99 + shipping.

The Brunch and Bubbly Collection. Bring on the Bubbles and celebrate with friends and family with this delicious Mimosa Collection, zero alcohol and zero compromises. Make this an alcohol-free treat for a friend or for yourself. It includes a Brut Blanc, Brut Rosé, 2 mixers and recipe cards. $35.00 + shipping.

The Baby Bump Boxtail Kit.  This kit features a variety of bump-friendly beverages, mixers, snacks and accessories that have been carefully curated for maximum flavor and fun. The box is ideal for new moms or moms simply wanting to explore the exciting world of alcohol-free refreshments. It retails for $94.99 + shipping.

The Perfect Hostess Gift. Impress your hostess with a party in a bottle such as AF alternative, Hill Street Vin (Zero) Brut Rosé. Retails at $12.99 + shipping.

Lean in on the zero booze trend this holiday season and give a gift that will let one clink glasses and sip some goodness while embarking on a healthier lifestyle without cutting back on fun.  At Better Rhodes one can learn how simple it is to have a good time without alcohol, make authentic connections while sober and spread some holiday cheer! For more information on how to elevate your gift-giving and enhance one’s wellness long after the holidays, please visit BETTER RHODES!