Selling your home can be a daunting task, especially when you have children. It is not easy to make sure your home is ready at all times for potential buyers. Here are a few suggestions to make it easier on yourself and your children.

Make it a Family Affair

Moving can be difficult for children. They might not want to leave their friends and can be anxious about getting used to a new school.

Talk to them about the move and help them work through their fears and concerns. Enlist their help in preparing for the move, including keeping the house neat and clean. They will find some comfort when you make them feel like they are part of a family decision and planning for a significant event like moving.

How much understanding and help much you can expect from your children will depend upon their age. If your children are very young, you are going to have to deal with the messes they create such as:

• Crayons or paint on the walls
• Dirt and mud from their shoes on your floors and carpeting
• Chocolate and other food stains on counters, furniture, and walls

If you explain to them the importance of trying to keep the house as clean as possible, you might have less cleaning up to do on a daily basis.

Get Rid of Clutter

Nothing makes a house look worse than clutter. This mean all the extra stuff you have hanging around your home. The last thing you want to do is drag your junk from one house to another. If it is broken, you don’t use it, or you don’t need it, get rid of it.

When you have children, you are going to have a lot more stuff lying around the house including their toys, bicycles, and other play things.

Your children’s fun things are the last items you want to store away because you don’t want them to feel like they are being deprived. However, it is perfectly reasonable to put away or store things they might not be using.

If your house is on the market during the winter, their bikes, pails, shovels, and baby pools won’t be missed until the weather gets warm again. They also won’t miss their sleds and ice skates during the summer if that is when you are selling your house.

Out of season items are not just for your children. Think about all those bulky winter clothes, boots, holiday decorations, skis, snowboards, skates, hockey gear, and snow tires that are taking up space in your closets, basement, and garage.

A helpful option is to rent a full-service storage unit where you can store some of these things. As this full storage provider, an alternative to the typical self-storage, operating out of Seattle says:

“If winter is your favorite season and storing away all these items is a sad move for you, don’t worry, they will only be away till the next year! For now, they are getting in the way of your clutter-free living”.

By storing these winter items in a safe place and out of the home you are trying to sell, you will be amazed at how much neater and less cluttered your home will look and feel to potential buyers.

Restrict Visiting Hours

Most realtors will tell you that you have to be available any time a potential buyer wants to view your home. For the most part, this is a true statement.

However, some people have found that it is much less stressful to ask for 24 hours-notice before a showing. They have also found that it is less disruptive to their children’s lives and schedules if they have a cut-off time such as when it is time for their children to go to sleep.

This is a decision you will have to make with your realtor or on your own if you are not using a realtor. It might extend the length of time your house is on the market if you limit when you will show your home. Look at the pros and cons and make the best decision for your specific situation.

Hire a Professional Cleaner

No matter how you try to keep your house clean, it will benefit you to hire a professional to do a deep cleaning.

There will always be dust build-up in hard to reach places and corners you might not be getting to on a regular basis. Even though it costs more money to hire someone to do the cleaning than if you were to do it yourself, it is a wise decision when you have children.

You will be giving yourself less stress and more quality time to spend with your children instead of wasting your valuable time cleaning and picking up after them.

There is no getting away from the fact that selling your home will be stressful. You can only do your best to make it easier by following some of the above suggestions. Remember that your children’s well-being is more important than a few toys or a little dirt on the floor.

Try not to get stressed over the little things and enjoy your children while they are young. You and your children will be better for it when you finally do move into your new home.

For all the moms who have getting rid of that old mattress at the bottom of their priority list….

Find the next destination of the old mattress sitting in the basement collecting dust. Based on the condition of your mattress, we will help you decide if it should be recycled or donated – never dumped.

For all the moms out there itching to do some spring cleaning, you’re going to want to read this.

Have you ever wondered what to do with your old mattress? Maybe your kid’s old twin beds have been sitting in the basement for the last five years. Or perhaps, you’ve had a teenager leaving for college and you are stuck with their old furniture. How inconvenient.

Getting rid of a mattress is probably at the bottom of your priority list. Why? Because it’s a hassle. Who wants to lug an 80 lb bed through the house? You have more important things to think about.

For an item purchased every 7 to 10 years, it’s not surprising people have no clue how to get rid of it when it reaches the end of its life. The general assumption is to leave it on the curb for your city’s bulk waste pickup to deal with. Unfortunately, that’s illegal in most places.

That’s why we are giving you two easy steps for moving that old, lumpy mattress out of your house and onto bigger and better things (than rotting in the basement).

Step 1: Assess the condition of your mattress

If the mattress you are getting rid of belonging to a child, chances are it has a few rips or stains. If that’s the case, you’ll want to recycle your mattress. There are laws against donating mattresses in poor condition. This is for the health and safety of the next owners of your old bed.

However, if the mattress is stain free and appears to have no major rips or tears, that’s great! Consider donating your mattress to a family in need. You might even consider your own family member or friend that needs a new bed.

Step 2: Identify a charity or organization in your area that will take your mattress

Here’s the thing. Mattresses are 85% recyclable. That’s why you should avoid sending your mattress to the dump at all costs.

Thirty-three million mattresses are manufactured every year in the United States and 20 million are dumped. That’s a lot of mattresses to go in a landfill.

Based on the condition of the mattress, you should either find locations to recycle near you or call the local charity in your area to see if they accept mattress donations. It’s important to note, laws regarding reselling mattresses vary from county to county. While one branch of a charity may accept your mattress, another may not. All you have to do is make a few calls.

Regardless of whether you donate or recycle, the good news is most organizations will come to pick up your mattress for you! All you have to do is open the door.

Both of these options are just as simple as taking your old, lumpy mattress to the dump – not to mention, it’s better for the planet. And if you’re not in love with either, yard sale season is in full swing!

Once your old mattress is gone, find the next best mattress to replace it!

Happy cleaning.

“If mama ain’t happy…”

We all know the rest.

Sometimes visitors to the blog are looking to purchase a bicycle for their wife or mother. Sometimes it is the wife or mother who is looking to buy a bike for themselves.

Either way, shopping for a lady’s bicycle presents a unique set of challenges.

Women are poorly represented in the sport of cycling. Cycling is heavily dominated by men both at the professional level and recreationally.

Unlike the local running store, which is likely to have near-equal numbers of female and male employees, your local bike shop will commonly have an all-male staff and be more heavily stocked with men’s apparel.

Most bike shops have made a conscious effort to create a more female-friendly feel in their stores over the past few years, but it doesn’t make the shopping process any less intimidating.

For many of these ladies, it has been decades since they rode a bicycle. Kids and career have dominated every waking moment. It is only now that the children are teenagers, that biking can be a consideration. Often, she is shopping for a bicycle with the specific goal of riding with her family. Or she’s dating someone who is into the cycling lifestyle.

And so, mom bravely marches into the local bicycle store or cautiously shops online for a bicycle that will be comfortable, lightweight, durable and — hopefully — not too complicated.

This guide is going simplify that process for you. We’ll cover the most important elements so that you can purchase your next bike with confidence. There is also a helpful guide over at http://www.davescheapbikes.com/best-hybrid-bikes/ for more details on hybrid bicycles.

1. Sizing is important

Bicycles come in a wide array of sizes. The bike size is measured in inches from the top of the seat tube, down to where the pedal cranks enter the bike.

Here is a handy sizing chart:

5’0″ or shorter = XX-Small = 13″ Frame Size
5’0″-5’4″ = X-Small = 13-14″ Frame Size
5’4″-5’9″ = Small = 14-16″ Frame Size
5’10”-6’1″ = Medium = 16-18″ Frame Size
6’0″-6’4″ = Large = 19-21″Frame Size

Cheaper brands take a one-size-fits-all approach which means that shorter women are forced to ride uncomfortably tall bikes.

Ideally, you should adjust the seat so that when you sit on it and place your heel on the pedal, your leg should be fully extended. That way when you pedal with the ball of your foot, your knee has a healthy, 20-degree bend in it.

This position will feel unnaturally tall but is designed to prevent knee stress. Try it out for 5 minutes. It becomes very natural, very quickly.

2. Buy a hybrid

There are many types of bikes you can buy. Mountain bikes are great for riding off the road, and you can find great mountain bikes under $500 these days. Road bikes are dedicated to road riding.

A hybrid bike, specifically one that is called a “comfort bike,” is going to be your best bet for maximizing your comfort.

These bicycles tend to have a more upright position, which is noticeably more pleasant on the arms, shoulders and lower back.

They also have tires that are designed for both pavement and light gravel, giving you the best of both worlds.

3. Get a better seat

The seat is the number one cause of complaint. The trick is to choose a saddle that is not overly wide, but that still has adequate padding.

Most of the time, you will need to invest in a better seat than what comes standard on the bike.

The best seats come with a 60 day (or better) “comfort guarantee” that lets you return the saddle if you don’t find it comfortable.  If you find that the standard seat is not comfortable, you can try upgrading to one of these aftermarket seats.

4. Shocks are nice but add weight

When you think “comfort,” what do you envision? A Beach bicycle? (I know I do!).

You might remember the large spring shocks on the early banana cruisers. Shocks have come a long way since then.

If you get a bicycle with shocks, it can add outstanding comfort. However, these shocks do add a couple of extra pounds of weight. If you are buying a bike for fitness reasons and hope to ride long distances (regularly riding longer than 10 miles) than skip the shocks and go for speed.

Otherwise, the shocks make a big enough difference, which it makes sense to invest in a bike with them.

5. Don’t worry about the gears

The idea of “shifting” a bicycle is intimidating for many customers. Unfortunately, it is difficult to find a single-speed bike that is also comfortable. Most of them tend to be rather cumbersome.

Shifting becomes quite intuitive. Here’s the best way to get comfortable with shifting in the shortest amount of time.

The first thing is to set the bike in a “medium” gear. You can do this by setting the left shifter on “2” and the right shifter somewhere around “4”.

With this gear selection, you can ride the bicycle as a single-speed and never shift it.

However, you can also leave the left shifter in “2”, and experiment with the right shifter. This setting will give you a feel for how it works, and let you experiment with a broader range of gears.

Then, if you get to the point where you need it, you can begin using the left shifter to select which gear range — low, medium or high — you need to be in.

But only worry about this last step if you are riding hilly terrain that requires it. You might be surprised how much you appreciate the low gears on even small inclines.

6. You Don’t have to buy a “Women’s” Bike.

Most bikes are fairly unisex. It is still possible to buy a “Women’s specific” model with the step-through frame. These frames are handy for women under 5′ 2″ as it allows easier mounting and dismounting and can make the bike much less intimidating to ride.

However, no one will think any more or less of you choosing a bike based purely on comfort and not on aesthetics. If you are willing to focus on comfort, durability, and price over anything else, it is often possible to save a significant amount on your next bike purchase.

Whether it’s wall colors, accents or what-have-you, the right color choices make statements about your style, your influence – basically, your personality.

One way to make a strong statement is to use trendy colors. They’re not for everyone, but if you’re brave enough, you can turn some heads – maybe even your own.

So now, let’s take a look at 2018’s trendy colors. The headings may identify a specific color or a range of colors. Brace yourself!

Caviar Black

Black, in general, is a color you have to use carefully. It usually works better as an accent color, especially when using accessories.

With caviar black, accenting doesn’t seem too bold. It’s quite close to charcoal, which is a good fit if you’re using gray in your décor. If any of your other furniture pieces are dark, caviar black will not contrast too much.

Statement Turquoise

If you’re looking for bold, statement turquoise is this year’s ticket. A combination of blue and green, it will definitely blend well with many shades of each. And the beauty is that you can use it for an accent wall, or the entire room.

Nothing says “Forward” like the color “statement turquoise.”

Put Some Sunshine In Your Rooms

This is not the name of the color. The phrase covers several shades of goldenrod. If you plan to decorate a room mood that is happy and comfy, any of the rich yellows that bring warmth would be the ones to consider. Golden Ochre is one of such colors.

If you use accents like blue or cream, goldenrod colors will complement these very well.

Sophisticated Blush

Sophisticated blush combines light beige with a warmer pink, making it an ideal neutral color. A piece of furniture in this color makes a great accent piece.

Grounded Charcoal Brown

As to earth tones, the basic brown can serve as a go-to color. But the grounded charcoal brown is a warm blend of black and brown shades. It could be said that it resembles the soil, not necessarily in color, but symbolically. The daylight warms the color, while less light in the evening cools it.

Fiery Colors

This year’s pick is “Caliente” which in Spanish means “hot.” The suggested use of this color is on an accent wall. However, if you have a room exclusively for entertaining, or maybe you’re in your office, you might consider “energizing” the entire room in Caliente.

Ultra Violet

As purple shades go, Ultra Violet was named the color of the year. It will add richness as an accent color, and for the brave, a load of depth as an all-wall option.

Black

Most of the time, all-black rooms are just not appealing. However, if done right, especially if used to complement other color schemes, it can pop without bringing thoughts of gothic décor. This year, black is the new “neutral.”

Pastels

For charging the batteries, decompressing or just creating general harmony in a room, pastels will fit the bill. This year, one such tranquil combination of pastels includes Sandy Pink and Mint Green.

Summary

Even as generous as this list is, there’s a multitude of trendy shades and colors, even for this year. If you didn’t find a trendy color to your liking, keep looking. You may still have the opportunity to include a trendy color in your home décor.

Walking down the aisle of your local Home Depot or Lowes looking for a sink for your kitchen can seem like such an exhausting task. There are so many different styles, textures, finishes to choose from.

Not to mention, you need a faucet to go with your new sink, and that’s not always an easy item to pick out either.

If you are in search of a new kitchen sink for your home, here are some easy ways to narrow down your options.

What kitchen sink options exist?

Some of the most popular kinds of sinks are stainless steel. However, there is also enamel-coated cast iron, composites, and other solid surfaces.

If you have a granite or engineered stone countertop, it’s best to go with a stainless steel sink because it has the capability of an undermount. If you are tough on your washbasin, try to with stainless steel for its durability.

However, there are some folks who think that stainless steel is a tad noisy, but it’s a problem that can be fixed with some sound-absorption technology.

Enamel-coated cast iron is one of the most beautiful sinks on the market today. However, it is prone to scratches, and the enamel can wear out over time, making it not the best choice for those who are tough on sinks.

If the ease of cleanup is important to you, consider a solid surface sink that is part of the countertop. With undermount sinks, there is a joint between the countertop and the underside.

Those with a solid surface are easier to clean up. Minor scratches can easily be buffed out of a solid surface, but there’s still that risk of chipping. Not to mention, the transfer of hot pots and pans that are placed directly in the sink can damage solid surfaces.

The newer kind of sink that seems to be popular are composite sinks which are either made from polyester/acrylic or another material. These are generally lower in price and come in a lot of different colors.

However, these sinks aren’t as durable as drop-in sinks.

Bowls & compartments: How many do you need?

How many sink bowls do you need? Most homes have a double bowl sink, but there are still some homes that have a single container. Double basins make it simpler to do dishes.

If you’re looking for something bigger than a double bowl sink, consider looking at a commercial sink.

These generally have three bowls, and some can even have four. These sink types are perfect for homeowners who have the room for it and need extra bowls for washing pots and pans.

Unfortunately, they are more expensive than other kinds of sinks and do take up a lot of space. However, they are easy to clean and give you more room for washing dishes, prepping veggies and other foods.

You can check out some commercial three compartment sinks at Elli Bistro.

A quick word on faucets

Since there are tons of different faucet designs on the market, it’s easy to find a style that fits your specific needs and wants. Most faucets will use a cartridge, ceramic disc valve, or a ball.

Faucets with ceramic disks valves and solid brass base materials are the most durable. A lot of homeowners prefer taps with spray arms for filling pots and pans with water or rinsing the sink.

There you have it! Now you know a lot more about kitchen sinks and the different types available than the average homeowner.

Guys, if you want a second date with a woman you need to make sure you have a great first date.

In this article, we’ll show you 7 things you can do on your first date to give you 7 ways to improve your chances for a second date. You’ll find that it’s all about details.

1. Punctual

Picking her up or meeting her on time is a great start to a successful first date. You show her that you value her time as much as you do yours.

2. Be a gentleman

Open doors for her, even the car door if she’s receptive. Allow her to order first. Even if she looks hot, control your expressions. Try not to stare at her. It could make her uncomfortable.

3. Table Manners

Some guys forget that they’re not at home. Don’t just woof down your food, and try not to make a mess. Part of enjoying your dinner is about leaving out the sideshow.

4. Enjoyable and Tasteful conversation

You probably know enough about your date to make small talk. Find some common interests that you have with her. It could be work, hobbies, favorite music or TV shows. There’s bound to be something you can talk about, maybe for quite a while. The best way to start a conversation is by asking open-ended questions, so don’t just drone on about yourself!

Whatever you do, keep sex out of this conversation. It could be a real turn off.

5. Personal interest

Basically, you want to treat her like a friend. If you end up marrying this lady one day, you and she are going to be each other’s best friend.

If she has something stressful going on, and she feels comfortable, draw her out and really listen. Yep, we said it – listen. Resist the temptation to solve her problem. She may just need to unload. Let her.

6. Let your yes mean yes

If you tell her you’re going to do something, keep your promise. For example, like many women, if she wants to be brought straight home, bring her straight home. Period.

If you have another stop to make afterward, tell her before the date. Who knows? Maybe she’ll go along, but don’t surprise her.

Any deviation could chuck your second date chances out the window.

7. Respectful goodnight

Remember, the woman you marry one day is going to be your friend for life. Treat her like one. Don’t be too anxious to get a goodnight kiss. If she asks you to, don’t throw the gentleman out of the way. Keep it short, sweet and respectful.

As far as second dates go, it could be as simple as asking, even at the end of your first date. If it hasn’t come by now, maybe this is your chance to find out.

In Closing

So it really isn’t so tough. Don’t make it any tougher. Just follow these tips, have a great first date, and we’re sure you will get a second date.