Month: August 2016

Even when there’s just the tiniest bundle of baby in your home, you start thinking towards the future. It only takes a few weeks to begin rolling, then that little bundle masters crawling, and then look out! Because that bouncing ball of energy is going to be walking, no, galloping, all over your home. The CDC reports that unintentional injuries are the leading cause of childhood death each year. It sounds like a sobering statistic, but don’t let it alarm you. Most of us are most concerned about a bump on the head or fall. Naturally, you want to protect your baby (and your house) from the tumbles and accidents that happen from these rambunctious babes learning the laws of gravity, and there are some easy steps you can take in your home to ease your worry. (http://www.cdc.gov/safechild/child_injury_data.html)
The first thing to consider is minimalism. Sure, you could hire some fancy baby proofing expert to scour your home for hazards, and there’s no harm in that, but if you’re looking for the fixes you can do yourself, we’ve got your back (and your budget).
Moving objects costs no money at all. You may have an elaborate collection of sentimental trinkets that just make your home, home. But unless you really want to practice picking that battle all day long, it’s best for them to go. You certainly don’t have to get rid of them forever, you don’t even need to put them out of sight. Instead, just place these fragile valuables up high on a decorative shelf. Someday, you’ll bring them back down again, but for now everyone can safely view them from afar. And those beautiful glass coffee tables can also be stored away for a few years to prevent injuries and, of course, the endless round of tiny finger print smudges. Wooden furniture, and fireplaces edges, can simply be covered with an adhesive cushy edging, eliminating sharp edges.
Most of the critical essentials you’ll need can also be remarkably frugal. Baby gates can be found at garage sales (just check them over well). Furthermore, they can be used for more than just staircases. Keep a roaming toddler safe in their room at night, or use a few of them (the attachable kind) to create a barrier around fireplaces – or even the stove when you’re cooking. Drawers and door locks, temperature guards for the tub, and toilet seat locks are fairly inexpensive. They are also simple to install and then remove when you no longer need them.
If you’re a buyer shopping for your next home, most newer homes come equipped with one of the most important safety features: built it outlet covers. Though you can’t actually see the covers, the design of the outlets only unlocks when both prongs enter at once—no more worries about a curious toddler with a butter knife. You can also upgrade your existing outlets with a little help and skill from an electrician.
Safety is the number one priority in babyproofing your home. But, you also want to have a home that’s intact and still beautiful once you’ve graduated from the “little ones” stage. So cover sharp corners on furniture to prevent injuries and scratches, and choose furniture with a beautiful design that can also withstand the curiosity of a toddler in a heated Hot Wheels race. An adorable cloth or placement to protect the wood doesn’t hurt either.

Our pets, fluffy and furry or full of scales, are just as much a part of our family as everyone else. So of course you want to make sure your home accommodates them. You also want to make sure you organize your house in a way that the constant pet cleanup isn’t quite so daunting. Here are some ways to make your home your pets home; cohabiting at its finest.
Mudrooms are a great starting point to keeping filthy paws off your favorite floors. If you can add a utility sink in yours, even better. But not all of us have this coveted room. Instead, consider a pet designated space in the garage where cleanup can occur (and stash some old towels nearby). If your furry loved ones commonly enter through the deck or back door, the same principle applies. Always have rags for wiping paws handy, and you can eliminate the pet food crumbs by keeping food and water bowls out on the deck or patio (an easily installed pet door can aid in this.) A cozy dog bed or old pillow makes it extra homey for your pet, and in the summer months consider adding a kiddy pool for cooling off, particularly if you’ll be gone for quite a bit during the day, and the pet door lets them enjoy the outdoors and the indoor air conditioning as they please.
As much as we love our pets, the dandruff and frequent shedding aren’t as desirable. For furniture, utilize those magical lent rollers. And if your budget can hack it, a robotic vacuum that cycles through your rooms periodically can save you plenty of headaches.
If you’re currently house hunting, keep your pet in mind. An older animal might not appreciate climbing stairs all day long, and a fenced backyard with plenty of shade is the perfect refuge on a hot day. Check fences for possible escape routes, and a DIY dog house will give your pet a loving space of its own.
Lastly, maybe your pets aren’t the furry type. A sunroom makes the perfect habitat for reptiles or even birds. They offer plenty of sunshine, and are often one of the most used rooms in a home—giving those pets plenty of company. Some reptiles, like turtles, can enjoy a summer stay-cation outdoors, so do some research on your particular species and build a sturdy (and predator resistant) home for a nice outdoor summer stay.