8 Fashion Hacks to Instantly Look More Chic
With fashion changing every season, it can be challenging to stay trendy. But some dressing-up hacks will never go out of style and help you stay the diva you are! These tips will give you a great understanding of how to pull off a look precisely. Besides, staying trendy does not mean buying expensive clothes; it only means knowing how to pair your clothes properly and look chic. Let’s check out some hacks.
Layering
This is a versatile styling technique that can elevate your look. You can lay out different kinds of clothes like jackets, t-shirts, and dresses of different textures and lengths. Skim through to see how you can layer them up. For example, you can layer a sleeveless dress with a lightweight plain t-shirt in white or the base color of the dress. You can also mix and match some patterns, but be mindful of the color palette and maintain that throughout your look.
Furthermore, layering makes the outfit look thought-driven and stylish, so consider some options. Also, if you stay in a region with a lot of sun, layer your clothing in a way that acts as sun-safe. Long sleeves with a high neck and breathable material are all good options.
Statement accessory
Accessorizing is another way to layer up, except with jewelry and other clothing accessories, that adds style and personality to your look. For example, choose chunky jewelry like a necklace or bracelet, a colorful bag to go with the outfit, or even oversized sunglasses to get the classic look. Don’t worry about using only high-end accessories with your clothing; think of other affordable options to help elevate your clothing: a belt, clutch, anklets, or rings.
Play with proportions
This is an easy way to feel comfortable and stylish. Playing with proportions entails wearing extra baggy and skin-tight clothing, like baggy pants with a crop top. Wearing a funky sweater with leggings, like the Michigan State sweatshirts and t-shirts available for ladies, and wide-legged pants with spaghetti add a balanced silhouette to the look. The New York Jets Women’s apparel also has some nice options if you’re looking for sporty options. Other examples can include tailored blazers with a mini skirt that adds a modern look to the whole outfit.
Statement outerwear
One can consider statement outerwear as it elevates your regular style by a notch. It can be creative and experimentative, so experiment with some looks. For example, if you’re going for a late-night, post-dinner get-together, think of bold outfits, like a tailored suit in a unique pattern or a vibrant color. It’s a night of celebration, and wearing the proper outfit counts. Also, add more variety to your closet, like vegan leather coats, trench coats, and faux-fur coats that are bold and can be used to layer when heading out. Besides, these coats work incredibly well in places that experience intense winter months.
Mix and match prints
Easy and convenient, the mix-and-match print styling idea can easily be executed. Make sure you don’t match big prints with similar prints—for example, a striped top to go with a floral skirt. Ensure there’s a balance between the two attires. If you wear animal print, ensure the top or bottoms are of geometric print. These are minor details and basics to remember, and then you’re good to go! Also, remember that when pairing up prints, ensure you don’t accessorize too much or shift focus to other elements.
Belt it up
A belt works for slim and curvy waists and raises the style quotient effortlessly. Choosing the right kind of belt, however, makes all the difference. Adding belts to dresses, oversized tops, and even long cardigans is acceptable and encouraged. Just make sure you choose a belt that contrasts with the color of your dress, so while it clinches the waist, it also draws sophisticated attention to the waistline. For example, if you’re wearing a cream-colored cardigan, you can easily pull off a tan brown colored belt. It can be thick or thin according to your style.
Monochromatic looks
A classic styling hack that can never go wrong and looks sophisticated, chic, and put-together. As the hack suggests, it’s a monochromatic look, so you have to select one color and choose outfits of that color. You can occasionally move a shade or two but keep the palette as monochrome as possible. The visual looks cohesive and streamlined, very organized. You can try out tailored blush pants, for example, with a pink blouse made of silk. The textures complement each other, and it looks like an elegant fit. This can be for formal events, brunches, evenings, or a casual summer lunch. Also, somehow monochromatic looks make one look taller and slimmer, so that’s another plus.
Playful footwear
Pairing your outfit with proper footwear is a game-changer in styling! You may have picked out a great outfit, but if the footwear looks out of place, the whole outfit is a letdown. So invest in good footwear for parties, dinners, and offices. These can include heels, platform shoes, boots, loafers, or any other style of footwear you’re comfortable with. Also, remember not to just go for safe colors. Instead, look for vibrant pairs that can be paired with your favorite looks to stand out.

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Avoid these 5 foods for a healthy skin
Eating right and exercising regularly are well-known contributors to a healthy body. However, you must realize that food choices are essential to get the healthy skin they desire. Do you know that certain food items that appear healthy can cause long-term damage to your skin? Consuming sugary treats and fatty oils can significantly impact your skin. Discover which food items from your meal plan need to be replaced with healthy alternatives.
Five foods to avoid for healthier skin
Excessively sugary drinks and snacks
Excessive sugar intake can trigger inflammation, drying the skin and making it dull and wrinkled. The sugar molecules get attached to collagen and elastin fibers of the skin, breaking them down and decreasing elasticity. As a result, the skin no longer looks smooth or feels healthy.
Not only does excessive sugar consumption cause premature skin aging, but it also results in skin diseases or conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis. The body’s insulin levels increase the growth of bacteria when it digests excess sugars. It, in turn, can cause flare-ups of skin conditions and further damage the skin (dryness, itchiness, and darkening).
Moreover, consuming large amounts of sweets (or overeating) leads to an unhealthy BMI, resulting in more wrinkles and saggy skin. You can keep your skin youthful by swapping sugary snacks with healthier binging alternatives, such as nuts, fruits, and seeds (quinoa or legumes).
Refined oils (especially canola oil)
The primary reason to avoid canola oil (or any refined oil) is excessive trans fats. Trans fats can cause inflammation and weaken your skin, affecting its structural integrity through loss of muscle tone, sagging skin, or causing aging signs (wrinkles, fine lines, etc.)
Refined oils like canola oil are easily oxidized due to their high polyunsaturated fatty acid content. When fats are oxidized (due to exposure to heat, light, and oxygen), they form toxic compounds like aldehydes that can accumulate in the body, leading to inflammation and skin diseases like psoriasis.
Like all refined oils, canola oil contains harmful free radicals (highly reactive and unstable molecules or fragments of molecules with an unpaired electron). These can damage our cells’ DNA and lead to various skin conditions, including premature aging, wrinkles, and certain types of skin cancer, such as cell and basal cell carcinoma.
Instead of refined oils, opt for organic, cold-pressed oils rich in nutrients like healthy fats and Vitamin E for healthier skin.
Processed meats
Processed meats are usually high in salt, fat, and calories which can contribute to skin diseases and conditions like acne, inflammation, and premature aging. Excessive salt and fat intake strip the skin of its oil, making it feel dry and scaly. The fat content in processed meats can also increase sebum production, clogging your pores and causing breakouts. Sebum is the oily, waxy substance of fatty acids aiding in temperature regulation and preventing the skin from becoming too dry.
Processed meats are also high in certain preservatives linked to skin diseases such as allergies and irritations. Nitrates, for example, are often added to processed meats as a preservative and are associated with skin rashes, eye problems, and blurred vision. Processed meats contain artificial colorings and flavors, which can irritate the skin and worsen existing skin conditions.
So, next time you experience extreme hunger pangs, try swapping burgers and sausages for lean protein and healthy fats such as fatty fish, nuts, and seeds. A balanced meal plan is the most effective way to ensure beautiful, healthy skin.
Processed dairy products
Eating food with a large amount of saturated fat develops skin irritation in the form of acne/spots. Notably, processed dairy products often have more saturated fat compared to their fresh counterparts (with concentrations of 60-70%). The fat content in these products can clog the skin’s pores and cause outbursts. Long-term exposure to preservatives like hydrogen peroxide in processed foods can result in the appearance of wrinkles, age spots, and reduced skin elasticity.
Processed dairy products may contain synthetic hormones (rbGH) and antibiotics (sulfonamides, tetracyclines). These hormones can affect the balance of hormones in your body and cause several skin diseases and issues, such as acne and premature aging.
Opting for unprocessed dairy products in your meals will likely result in healthier skin. Processed dairy products often contain added hormones like prolactin and somatin, which may cause breakouts and disrupt the balance of hormones. This may lead to acne or skin diseases and conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
Fast food
Eating deep-fried foods such as potato fries and chicken nuggets will immediately increase your daily intake of unhealthy fats and potentially cause inflammation.
French fries, in particular, can be classified as a food with a high glycemic index. This means the carbohydrate breaks down quickly and spikes blood sugar levels in the body. When eaten on an empty stomach, the sudden rise in your blood sugar and insulin levels can cause skin diseases because of hormone fluctuations.
Saturated fats are commonly found in fried foods and processed meats. These can clog the pores and lead to blemishes. However, unhealthy eating habits can lead to deficiencies in vitamins A, C, E, and B-complex, which are vital for skin health. When these nutritional requirements are low, collagen production slows down, and skin elasticity is lost, resulting in dull, saggy skin, fine lines, and wrinkles.
You have determined that most unhealthy skin disease-causing food items share something in common– they are all high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats. These nutrients are not only bad for your skin but also your overall health. Therefore, focus on green, leafy vegetables and unprocessed lean meats like chicken, turkey, and fish for better skin.
Wrapping up
Finally, selecting dietary choices beneficial for maintaining skin health and preventing skin diseases is a practical approach to sustaining healthy skin. You may consume more fiber, water, proteins, vitamins, and healthy fats in vegetables, fruits, whole-grain foods, quinoa, brown rice, and peanut butter. Consuming nutritious meals with loads of fresh fruits and vegetables and complex carbohydrates can help you maintain healthy skin and avoid skin diseases.

Avoid these 11 rookie mistakes while driving a truck
Trucks play an indispensable role in the supply chain, transporting heavyweight goods across long distances. Statistical data derived in 2020 suggests that the value of the trucking industry is $732.3 billion in the country. Unfortunately, truck accidents are prevalent nationwide, often proving fatal to truck drivers and other vehicles on the roads and causing colossal property damage. So, here are some mistakes that truckers should avoid to ensure safety in their journeys:
Not keeping a check on the speed
Driving long distances can be excruciating, especially for drivers of heavy vehicles like trucks. Hence, truck drivers often exceed the prescribed speed limits to finish their journeys as quickly as possible. In the bargain, they end up risking their lives and those of others. Before embarking on a journey, it is important to understand the speed limits on the roads one would be passing by. One should also actively look for speed-limit indicators while driving and ensure staying within these limits, regardless of the distance between the source and destination.
Not being careful while reversing
Reversing is often a challenge for truck drivers, as the vehicle is heavy. And gauging blind spots can be tricky. Hence, truckers should be extremely cautious while reversing their vehicles, examining the area carefully and looking for any obstructions before reversing. Moreover, it is best to avoid reversing over long distances – spending a few minutes more to take a U-turn is a safer option than risking an accident and reversing an entire stretch.
Not reading through the company’s safety policies
Typically, a company’s occupational health and safety (OHS) department, which deals with workplace safety, accident prevention, and the imparting of safety training to employees, is also responsible for enforcing safety protocols for employees. It is imperative for truck drivers to read through these safety policies to ensure their well-being. They must also promptly troubleshoot any questions with the concerned authorities.
Not checking the trailer’s position while driving
An effective way to determine one’s safety on the road while driving a truck is to check the trailer’s position frequently. If the trailer moves outside the road or deviates from the line, it indicates a safety threat to truck drivers. Being constantly aware of the trailer’s position can prevent fatal road accidents.
Skipping pre-inspection
Pre-inspections are essential procedures to facilitate truck safety. All truck drivers, regardless of their expertise and experience levels, should engage in pre-inspection of the vehicle before every journey. Pre-inspection essentially involves checking various truck components, including the steering wheel, brakes, tires, wheels, lights and reflectors, and seatbelts, to ensure that none of these aspects threaten one’s safety. Any issues in these parts should be promptly addressed before the journey begins. Truckers may even create pre-inspection checklists to follow the procedure meticulously.
Not being aware of the different blind spots
In general, a trucker should be aware of four different blind spots while navigating a truck. The first blind spot is situated directly behind the vehicle, the second and third on either side and the fourth in front of the truck. Understanding these blind spots can help truckers gauge the distance between their trucks and other vehicles more accurately. Maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles is particularly important for heavy vehicles, as they require more time to come to a complete halt.
Not sleeping adequately before the journey
Approximately 18% of truckers admitted having fallen asleep while driving their trucks. Such sleep deprivation can cause serious injuries and fatalities to truck drivers. A trucker’s job can be extremely tedious, demanding their absolute attention and long periods away from their homes. Hence, individuals with such demanding jobs must ensure adequate sleep and rest. Restful sleep of 7-8 hours during one’s off-shift time is essential to stay alert while driving a truck.
Not checking the mirrors frequently
Checking the mirrors frequently helps truckers maintain a safe distance from other vehicles and determine blind spots to avoid accidents. Truckers should constantly check the front-view and rear-view mirrors to look for vehicles approaching from all directions.
Using mobile phones while driving
According to reports by the National Safety Council, using mobile phones while driving causes 1.6 million crashes yearly. Being away from their loved ones for long periods can cause truck drivers to use their phones frequently while driving. However, while driving, it is essential to avoid all such distractions and focus only on the task at hand. It is a good idea to devote a fixed time to connect with loved ones during one’s off-shift time.
Not taking breaks during the journey
Driving a truck is a tedious job that involves being sedentary for extended periods. Such long periods of inactivity can increase one’s susceptibility to health conditions like cholesterol and cardiovascular diseases. Hence, truck drivers should take regular breaks in the course of their journeys, alighting their trucks to move about for a while. Moreover, one may perform basic stretches and exercises during such breaks to stay fit. Planning one’s breaks and stops beforehand ensures that this break time is not postponed during the journey.
Not loading the truck properly
Not using the right technique and equipment to load and unload goods can cause the cargo to skid, leading to severe accidents and fatalities on the road. Truck drivers should actively seek assistance loading and unloading their vehicles if required and master the techniques before carrying out these tasks independently.
Besides avoiding such rookie mistakes, it is also important to test-drive trucks and shortlist only reputed truck brands and dealers while purchasing a truck. For example, while purchasing Dodge pick-up trucks from local Dodge dealers, one should check for various key aspects, such as the price of the vehicle, the Ram model to opt for, and the reliability of the dealer. Checking online reviews and seeking feedback from local Ram owners is an excellent idea to ensure the dealer’s credibility.

Managing diabetes – 7 foods to avoid
Diabetes is a chronic health condition characterized by excessive levels of blood sugar. It is a severe condition that has to be treated properly to avoid future complications. Making nutritional changes can prove effective to a great extent in managing diabetes. Avoiding certain food items in your daily meal plan can help your body regulate high blood sugar better and stay healthy. Below are some food items that are best avoided for people with diabetes.
How do nutritional habits impact diabetes?
A healthy, balanced meal plan comprising nutrient-rich foods low in sugars, saturated fats, and processed foods helps you manage diabetes better. People with diabetes must focus on eating whole grains, fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, legumes, and healthy fats like olive oil rather than processed snacks or red meats.
Sugar levels in the blood are sourced from carbohydrates taken in by a person. The more carbs eaten, the higher the blood glucose level will be, leading to conditions like diabetes. It necessitates cutting down on certain foods and drinks to keep your sugar in check. However, one must not avoid eating carbs altogether, as they are the body’s primary source of glucose and energy. Instead, eating controlled portions of carbs may help you approach diabetes management healthily.
Foods to avoid to manage diabetes
Here is a list of food items that are best avoided to keep blood sugar levels in check and keep conditions like diabetes at bay.
Dried fruits
While whole fruits can be a nutritious addition to your meal, intake of dried fruits can spike your blood sugar levels. These fruits are dried and processed with sugar content to eliminate the bitter taste. For instance, raisins have three times more carbs when compared to grapes. Even if the package mentions the words “no-sugar-added” or “low-sugar,” it is advised to monitor the portion sizes you eat. For people with diabetes, it is better to stick with low-sugar-containing fruits such as fresh berries and watermelon.
Dairy products
Dairy products provide the body with the necessary vitamins, proteins, and calcium. However, they also contain a naturally-occurring sugar called lactose that spikes blood sugar levels. Full-fat dairy products such as sweetened yogurts are high in saturated fat, which can be hard on your blood sugar level and circulatory system. On the other hand, eating dairy-free alternatives such as coconut milk, nut butter, avocado, soy milk, or almond milk may help a person meet their nutritional needs.
Trans fats
Trans fats are a significant source of calories but lack essential vitamins and minerals. Trans fats are available in peanut butter, creamers, margarine, frozen dinners, packaged and other baked goods, added to extend their shelf period. Even though trans fats don’t affect blood sugar directly, research indicates that they might cause decreased levels of good cholesterol, unhealthy body mass, insulin resistance, and impaired circulatory system functions. As a result, eating trans-fat-containing food may lead to high blood sugar levels. Furthermore, a meal plan rich in trans fats, such as processed pastries and deep-fried foods, can put a person at risk for stroke and heart disease. So switch to healthier alternatives like canola oil and vegetable oils.
Breakfast cereals
While easy-to-prepare cereal like cornflakes or chocolate-filled cereals may be comforting and convenient, many are full of refined carbs and sugars. Combining added sugars with refined carbs will increase the food’s glycemic index, implying that it will cause an uncontrollable spike in blood sugar levels. They are quickly digested, resulting in an increase in glucose levels in the bloodstream. Hence, opt for whole grains like oatmeal or whole wheat toast paired with protein sources like eggs or nuts. These alternatives may provide sustained energy throughout the morning while providing essential nutrients.
Flavored coffee drinks
Research indicates that drinking plain black coffee has certain health benefits, including its significant role in reducing the risk of diabetes. However, flavored coffee is no better than liquid desserts, like milkshakes and custard, with a high concentration of carbs and sweeteners. Thus, it may lead to high blood glucose and unhealthy BMI. Moreover, your brain doesn’t consider flavored coffee a fulfilling nutrient source. It may not change your appetite, increasing your cravings for unhealthy food choices. Hence, it is better to choose espresso or plain unsweetened coffee to prevent high blood sugar levels.
Refined grains
Refined-grain foods may increase your blood sugar levels, including white rice, white bread, white pasta, and other bakery items made from white flour. One should reduce their intake of refined sugars and starches that can lead to high blood sugar by avoiding these heavily processed grains. Opt for nutrient-rich whole grains like barley, quinoa, oats, and millet. Not only are they higher in fiber, but they also take longer for your body to break down. It also reduces the amount of insulin (thus, glucose) needed to process them.
Fruit juices
Although fruit juices seem like a healthy alternative to soda, they often contain added sugars and sweeteners that can cause blood sugar to spike fast. So choose fresh fruits like apples and oranges instead of juices whenever possible. Moreover, the high fiber content of fruits will be lost in the juice form, reducing its impact on better management of sugar and cholesterol levels. Like other artificially sweetened beverages, fruit juices lead to heart ailments, insulin resistance, and unhealthy body mass. Instead of fruit juices, drink plenty of water for hydration and drink lime water as a refreshing dessert to control excessive blood sugar levels.
Eating less-sugary foods is the most effective way of lowering high blood sugar levels. Besides avoiding the food mentioned above, it is essential to maintain a balanced nutritional regime with plenty of fruits and vegetables. A healthy nutritional plan should include nutritious food groups, be low in calories and fat while high in fiber and protein, and effectively prevent or manage diabetes. Moreover, it is advised to monitor your glucose level often and regularly consult a nutritional expert to manage diabetes better.

Atopic dermatitis – Causes, symptoms, and more
Atopic dermatitis (eczema) is a disorder that results in dry, irritable, and inflammatory skin. Though it can affect anyone, young children are more vulnerable to this disorder. The symptoms include recurring (chronic) and sporadic flare-ups, though it is not contagious. Atopic dermatitis patients risk contracting asthma and seasonal and food allergies. Regular moisturizing and skin disease condition-related treatments help alleviate itching and prevent further outbreaks. Using medicated lotions or ointments during treatment is also helpful.
Symptoms
Depending on an individual’s age, the severity of the condition, and other circumstances, symptoms of atopic dermatitis may vary. Those who have the condition typically experience phases of worsening symptoms, followed by times of improvement or even complete disappearance. The following sections will cover some likely variances in symptoms in more detail.
General eczema symptoms
Eczema symptoms are usually not severe. The most common signs and symptoms of atopic dermatitis include dry, itchy skin, skin flushing, or weeping sores.
Individuals with severe eczema skin disease may need more intensive care to eliminate their problems. Infections of the skin can also result from persistent touching and scratching.
The appearance of the skin area afflicted by atopic dermatitis will vary depending on the frequency of itching and infection. Itching, redness, and irritation can all worsen by rubbing and scratching the skin.
What causes eczema skin disease?
The underlying etiology of eczema still has to be thoroughly comprehended. The cause, according to scientists, is an overactive immune system. When allergens from the outside come in contact with the skin, the immune system reacts, causing eczema to flare up. A collection of typical flare-up triggers is provided below. Additionally, researchers have shown that the bodies of some people with eczema do not produce enough of the protein filaggrin. This protein is essential for keeping skin healthy and nourished.
Certain environmental variables may also aggravate the signs of eczema. These are:
Irritants : These comprise fresh fruit juices or meat, soaps, cleansers, conditioners, and disinfectants.
Allergens : Pet dander, pollen, mold, dust mites—all of these can cause eczema. This condition is called allergic eczema.
Virus : Microbes include pathogens, some fungi, and bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus.
Temperature : Extreme heat, cold, humidity, and sweat from physical activity can aggravate eczema.
Foods : Wheat, soy, almonds, seeds, milk products, and eggs can aggravate eczema.
Stress : Although stress is not the leading cause of eczema, it can exacerbate the symptoms.
Hormones : A woman may experience worsening eczema symptoms when her hormonal changes fluctuate, such as during pregnancy or at particular points throughout her menstrual cycle.
How can one avoid getting eczema?
Keep the skin hydrated
To prevent eczema, the skin has to be hydrated even if a person is not experiencing irritation. But first, let’s look at the distinction between dryness and skin that is dehydrated (lacking in water). The substances we use to tackle dry skin issues differ from those we use to address dehydrated skin.
Remember that to distinguish between the two situations, dry skin lacks facial oil, whereas dehydrated skin exhibits desquamation or a tight, uncomfortable feeling. Consider adopting the following habits to avoid eczema skin disease and maintain the moisture of the skin:
Drink a lot of water
Apply a gentle cleanser
After a shower or bath, hydrate the skin with a moisturizing product
Determine and prevent potential triggers
Pollen, pet dander, mildew, and poor eating habits can cause or worsen an eczema flare-up. Recognizing the eczema triggers will help a person avoid them as much as possible. The pharmacist can also be of great help.
Take brief, warm showers
Taking a warm bath at the end of a chilly winter day can be incredibly rejuvenating, but it is not a good idea if one is making efforts to avoid or treat eczema. It is clear why this is the case. The lipid layer, or the upper surface of the epidermis that keeps the skin moisturized, can get destroyed by bathing in too-warm water. Experts advise using the following procedures in addition to lowering water temperature:
Restrict baths to 10 minutes each
Remove any irritants, sediments, or allergens from the skin
Choose hypoallergenic, odorless soap
Use a humidifier
Winter brings dry weather, and the dry season frequently causes eczema flare-ups. Low humidity dehydrates the skin, which can result in eczema. If the apartment that one lives in is too dry, consider installing a humidifier in the room and any other space where one’s family devotes a lot of time.
Above all, refrain from scratching
We are all aware of this. Eczema or atopic dermatitis builds up a burning desire to scratch. But pay heed—the impulse to itch must be resisted, even if it temporarily improves one’s mood. Scratching is counterproductive and exacerbates any problems one may already have, worsening the situation. In actuality, it will only serve to aggravate the itching. Itching and rashes are all caused by scratching eczema. A person scratches because one is irritated and momentarily feels better, but the rashes worsen. Scratching does the exact opposite of what it is expected to do.
Choose apparel made only of cotton
If a person frequently experiences eczema flare-ups, cotton is a comfortable material that allows the skin to relax and helps prevent itching. In general, and especially when jogging or participating in sports, always select light, flexible materials that do not rub against or scrape the skin.
Remain calm
Excessive heating reduces humidity, dehydrating the epidermis and triggering eczema flare-ups. Sweating from overheating can aggravate skin disease even more. As a result, one should refrain from setting the home’s thermostat too high throughout the winter. Instead, choose light bedding, especially cotton, and keep the bedroom chilly at night.
Conclusion
Atopic dermatitis or eczema is a long lasting condition that can be uncomfortable and range in intensity. Based on a person’s age, it may manifest itself in various ways. The signs could be more challenging for those with darker skin tones. Though there is no cure, eczema flare-ups can be treated and avoided with over-the-counter products, moisturizers, and lifestyle modifications.

Home Improvement – Tips and Common Mistakes
After a season of cold, wet winters, you can look forward to spring and, along with it, a much-needed spring cleaning. Would you like to simplify the process with easy hacks to make your home look cleaner? Here is what you can do and avoid to make your home look clean, shiny, and brand new. From the attic to the yard, a few quick changes and fixes can make all the difference.
Home improvement tips
Choose maintenance over repairs
When you own a home, you have a lot more responsibility to keep its systems up and running. In most cases, maintenance costs are much lower than repair expenses. Create and manage a maintenance schedule for cleaning, roofing, landscaping, HVAC, and plumbing. Instead of reaching out to a foundation repair expert when the wall cracks become a structural foundation issue, keep your home in great condition all the time.
Try DIY projects
DIY home improvement projects can transform your living space. If you think tiny home improvement tasks require you to hire one expert after another, you might want to reconsider. You can find several online resources on converting one type of furniture into another (a dresser into a kitchen counter, for instance) or updating the look of cabinets or fans. Such DIYs help you reduce the cost of home improvements, and you can also make a day of it and involve your family to transform the space.
Upgrade to energy-efficient home systems
If you are looking to improve your home, start by creating a space that is energy- and cost-efficient. Energy-saving appliances may cost a little extra initially, but they will reduce electricity costs in the long run. Many brands offer a wide range of energy-saving devices that utilize energy and use renewable energy sources to power home systems, like lighting and kitchen appliances. Such devices are also easier to maintain in the long run, preventing the need for repairs in the future.
Fix gutters
Rain gutters are crucial for keeping the foundation free from excess water that can weaken the structure. Dirty, clogged gutters make it more likely for water to seep into the foundation and affect the landscaping around the house, making it crucial then to contact foundation repair experts like AFS or Olshan. So, you should invest in a leaf filter or gutter guard to keep gutters clog-free. GutterBrush offers guards that filter debris and twigs to let the water flow with ease.
Focus on landscaping
If you have a garden and a plethora of trees, shrubs, and herbs, you should try to keep the space healthy and clean. When the roots of trees are too close to the foundation, they can cause issues in the home’s footing. Keep large plants away from boundaries and schedule regular landscaping to ensure your garden remains tidy, lush, and vibrant.
Maintain emergency funds
Home improvements will cost money, so do not skimp on the fixes and upgrade. Your home improvement costs might be dipping into cash that you saved for something else. To avoid your home improvement costs being covered by the money you saved for something else, maintain an emergency fund for repairs. You do not need to splurge a lot on improvements, but when sudden repairs or new appliances are required, ensure that you do not break the bank to make it happen.
Mistakes that result in messy homes
No junk drawer
At the end of every day, there are just a few miscellaneous items that you need to put somewhere. So, if you do not have a communal junk drawer, these items end up in open spaces. A great home improvement and cleanup tip is to find a spot for hiding your knick-knacks until you find the right place for them or the time to put them in their places. Even if you put things back, remember not to stuff them tightly. Leave a little room so that your home does not become messy.
Open storage spaces
While open shelves displaying books and collectibles look great, it could be a reason your home looks messier than it is. Overcrowding is easier in open spaces because there is no limit. Try to edit your collection occasionally or use built-in shelves for a neater look. You can also invest in baskets or boxes for a uniform look and an organized home.
Not putting dishes away
Even if your kitchen is clean and neatly organized, it can look messy if you do not put away dishes fast enough. The mere presence of dirty dishes can make the entire kitchen seem untidy. It is best to make a habit of going to bed after the dishes are cleared. You only need to put them in the dishwasher before bed and wait till the morning to put them away. That way, your counter is clean, and your kitchen will look neater.
Too much stuff
One problem with home decor is that you can end up putting too much on the counters. A few appliances, some decorative pieces, or a couple of DIY artworks would add character to your space, but too much of it can make surfaces seem cluttered. Stick to the gadgets you use most often and place minimal decorative items so you do not have too much going on.
Excessive use of pictures
You can design your Louvre at home, but make sure your pieces are artistically chosen. Artwork on walls gives an opulent feeling. While a family picture can vitalize your living space, a set of images in every room can be too much. Instead, have a group of pictures or artwork arranged in one spot to create a curated and visually pleasing look.
Wrong color combinations
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but using more than two colors or sets of shades in a room can overcomplicate things. Have a color scheme for each room, and do not rely solely on contrast. Have curtains and pillow covers in a similar hue, and ensure your decor matches the theme to avoid making the space seem cluttered.
