Memorial Day Weekend Ideas

By Beds for less

Watching city parades, visiting military cemeteries and memorials, commemorating the fallen with the US flag … there are so many ways to pay tribute and honor to the soldiers who fought in the war. How about you make some slight changes to your Memorial weekend routine and spend it differently for once?

Memorial Day weekend is a great time to remember our US soldiers, but also to spend time with family and friends. As Memorial Day also marks the beginning of summer and all outdoor events:

- many people go away for a short vacation or visit family and friends,

- others plan outdoor sport events

- visit a national museum of American history

All these outdoor activities can be so inspirational and influence your home style too!  The cottage style is the latest trend. Here are a few creative ideas on how to change your home and adopt the cottage style at least for this coming season:

Start by picking the right pastel colors- green, yellow, pink, cream or white! Now, you can play with your available home square footage. In doing so, you will make your home more inviting and optimize your home living space, while creating comfort at the same time!

Then get the right materials- wood, stone and all natural materials that will bring texture and emphasize your home coziness!

  

From the dining room to the bedroom ….it looks easy to set the perfect cottage tone and enjoy all the unique lived-in comfort a home can offer.

If the weather permits, then you should definitely set foot outside. Picnicking can be great during this season: all you need is a throw and to decide where to place it - in a park or in your backyard. You could also take your dinette furniture outside on your patio for a unique friends and family gathering!

Ensure that you make the most of your long weekend! Happy Memorial Day!

                                                   Content provided by: @tailbase

                                                           www.tailbase.com

Show Your Love on Valentine’s Day!

By Beds for less

Valentine’s Day is coming… This could be the worst day if you are one of those who have been desperately looking for a soulmate or can’t stand to be alone. Well, if you haven’t found a soulmate to take you out for a romantic dinner and don’t know how to spend it, here are some great suggestions! In a couple or as a single, it’s doesn’t matter; Valentine’s Day should be the day to show the most of your love. We can start by showing love to someone around us (family, friends, pets…). This year, Valentine’s Day falls on a weekend, so you shouldn’t run out of time and wind up organizing something at the last minute. Here are some original ideas to show your love:

Host a brunch! Invite all your beloved ones- family and/or friends to share the first meal of the day. It is always easier to organize a last-minute brunch- no need to cook a huge variety of dishes, that way you save time on grocery shopping. Besides, most of the time you already have the majority of the ingredients at hand in your home (coffee, tea, eggs, flour, tomato, bacon and bread!)

Our special, for ladies ….Take time to pamper the ones that carried you before you were walking- your Feet! Organize a pedicure or spa afternoon with your friends. On the agenda, you can expect: a relaxing moment, some pedicure/foot massage with almond oil and lots of laughs.

  

Activities with Kids. Bake cookies that they can share with their friends. Kids would love to decorate their cookies; a funny moment guaranteed!

End your day festively! Host a cocktail party at home with some friends. While drinking alcohol, don’t forget that you will be working the day after so drink moderately!

There are plenty other ways to celebrate love on Valentine’s Day…yet, you should try to extend them to the rest of year not only on the 14^th. Happy Valentine’s Day! 

Content provided by: @tailbase

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Scoring at Home for Super Bowl

By Beds for less

America’s most watched sporting event is just around the corner. Right about now, fans are planning their menu for the game. Buffalo wings? Beer? Pizza? Check! Hang on a second… something is still missing. Recliners! Football fans, watching the game without one is just not the same! Hurry and do your homework in time for kickoff!

Manual vs. Power reclining:

As we know, power and manual recliners both have advantages and disadvantages to them. Either type comes in a variety of shapes, sizes, colors and fabrics. However, the main differences lie in the price and longevity of the product. Let’s take a look at how they differ:

Manual Reclining	Power Reclining
Lower initial cost.	More expensive due to electrical components.
Mechanics go through more wear and tear.	Proven to last longer.
Good buy if you don’t expect it to last forever or don’t mind finding a cheap replacement.	Pricey, but worth the investment in the long run.

             

  

Fabric vs. Leather:

Of course, this is largely debated. Depending on your lifestyle and your needs, your choice should cater to these factors. If you have children and pets, perhaps it would be best to lean toward “forgiving” fabrics for all the spills and sticky hands they are subjected to. If you’re looking to purchase a fabric recliner, choose fabrics such as ultra-suede, twill, denim, velvet and wool. Ideally, choosing a natural fiber with a touch of synthetic will ensure durability. As for leather, it wipes clean, looks great and doesn’t sag. It seems to be a favorite among the gentlemen!

Now that you have the information you need on practicality and durability, you can make your choice according to your lifestyle and budget. Whatever your choice, make sure you have everything settled in time for the game, so you can kick back and enjoy the show!

Content provided by: @tailbase

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How to Relax In Different Parts of The World

By Beds for less

Suppose you are tired of the weather or overloaded with work and you can’t afford to travel this winter. Then, you will certainly enjoy reading about different ways to relax around the world. This is definitely a great escape for those of you with a chilly weather forecast - where snow has reaches the knees. On the other hand, there are others that are subjected to an overpowering heat- they too can grow tired of hot temperatures!

Relaxing implies multiple possible activities from spending time resting or doing something enjoyable with friends and family; enjoy the scenery, have a drink, meditate outdoors, or simply get cozy at home!  

Let’s go around the globe from the Americas to Europe, stopping by in Asia for a relaxing discovery tour.

Chill out in the Americas. If you were to choose rain or snow which one would you go for? In Canada, there is anything from rainy weather in Vancouver to snowstorms in Quebec.  Most Canadians try to get away to warmer places right next door like Florida! You will definitely get there faster by plane, but some would prefer driving! The route is longer on the road, but at least you can see the country.

The classic move…going to the Caribbean! Grab a novel, put enough sunscreen for a day and take a bottle of water. You’re all set for a beach day; it’s a common option, but still enjoyable in winter time!

Heading towards Europe…

There are nice destinations where you will relish the mild weather if you remain in the western part. Going up north to countries like Sweden would give you the opportunity to relax in a cottage and enjoy the Nordic spa lifestyle! You could also simply stay in a cabin and sit next to a fireplace with a hot drink in your hands!

Fly away to South Africa or Down Under – This is the perfect time to enjoy the scenery and have dinners outside! Sometimes, one forgets that winter in America does not fall at the same time in other parts of the world. January could be the coldest month for Canadians, but the hottest for Australians! So if you need Vitamin D and some lay back moments. then it is time for you to getaway.

Low -Budget Relax for free… as quoted by Jane Austen: “Ah! There is nothing like staying at home, for real comfort! ”. Whether you live in the northern or southern hemisphere, you have to best place to relax: YOUR HOME! Such a nice reminder to help us relax comfortably!

  

Now that you have a myriad of information on how to getaway, for all types of budgets, you can now make an educated decision. Remember, there are many places you can escape to for relaxation – it depends on your definition of what that means. 

Content provided by: @tailbase

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New Year’s Eve

By Beds For Less

Don’t drop the ball just yet! New Year’s Eve has a way of sneaking up on people, and if you haven’t had the chance to plan anything other than your guest list to a tentative party, here are some great last-minute ideas that will delude your guests into thinking you planned ahead! Of course, there are countless ways to spend the night, but here are a few ideas that serve as an alternative to the over-hyped and expensive ways to spend New Year’s Eve.

1)      Dress your best

Whether you are celebrating the New Year with that special someone or you plan to fill your home with your friends and family, this is the perfect occasion not to hold back.  Host an elegant soiree by encouraging your guests to wear their party clothes. You may want to throw in some fun props such as boas, tiaras, hats, noisemakers and horns for good measure. The extra amusement will not only accessorize apparel, but it will set the party atmosphere.

2)      Party Food Ideas

Make it a BYOA (bring your own appetizer) event. Ask your guests to bring some easy finger foods that require little preparation such as raw vegetables, fruit, nuts and cheese with crackers. This will keep you and your guests till you have dinner. As for dinner, opt for a romantic candlelit dinner following midnight. After the countdown and noisy fun, have your guests gather around the table to share a meal and their hopes for the New Year.

3)      A night for toasting

In order to be a thoughtful and gracious host, make sure to provide your guests with both alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, so that your guests who do not drink will not feel pressured. There is no need to be a mixologist to pull off impressive drinks. You can find a myriad of festive drinks online to cater to groups. Along with your drinks, be prepared to share a toast or two throughout the evening, so you can kick off things for your guests and have them participate.

Have a great New Year’s party! Remember to drink responsibly and to take it upon yourself as a host not to allow any of your guests drive home intoxicated. Happy New Year!

Content provided by: @tailbase

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5 Ways to Pet Proof Your Home

By Beds For Less

You love how the right furnishings turn a house into a home. Yet it just doesn’t feel like home without the company of four-legged friends. Seems like you’re being forced to choose? With a bit of pet proofing, you, your pets and your style can cohabit beautifully under one roof.

Tips for Pet Proofing Your Home

 #1 Take a hard look at your floors.

Polyurethane-finished wood, vinyl/laminate, stone, tiles and concrete all make for easy cleanup  of hair, hairballs and pretty much anything else your pet can dish out. Be proactive. To prevent scratching, keep your pet’s nails trim. Vinyl/laminate floors don’t scratch easily but many pets find them uncomfortable and slippery. Maximize your style and your pet’s comfort with area rugs.

 #2 Choose easy-care materials.

Fido or Fifi love to join you in bed? Rest easier with a machine washable duvet cover, rather than a comforter. Or, put down a blanket or throw to give your pet a designated place to crash, be it on the bed, sofa, chair or elsewhere.

Say No to…

Anything delicate (e.g., silk or linen)

Velvet — It’s a pet hair magnet.

Button tufting — Pets might be tempted to pull on the buttons, and the deep crevices can trap fur.

Wicker — It’s the ultimate cat scratching post.

Loop pile — Though a very tight woven loop might work fine.

Say Yes to…

Leather/faux leather — It’s tough and resilient (any scratches you might encounter can add to the distressed look).

Like colors — If you have chocolate lab, for example, a brown sofa can make fur a lot less visual.

Synthetics — Opt for synthetics that are easily cleaned with a damp sponge and touch of soap. Faux suede is especially popular for this reason, whereas wool will attract and grab pet fur, making for stubborn cleanup.

Slipcovers — A chic slipcover that’s easy to get on and off can save the day. Blankets and throws also do the trick.

ScotchGuard® — Before you settle in, give your furniture investment that added layer of stain protection.

#3 Groom your pet regularly.

Combing and brushing your pets, especially during shedding season, is good for them and your furniture. Regular doggie baths and nail trims for cats and dogs help keep fabrics fresh and free of snags.

#4 Spoil with toys.

Without toys to play with, pets might look to your furniture as the next best thing. For those with an itch to scratch, a heavy piece of leather or jute slung over furniture might well suffice.

#5 Splurge on your vacuum.

Good vacuums don’t come cheap but they pay for themselves over time. One with strong suction and a pet tool pack can really cut down on your cleanup time.

Have any pet-proofing tips to share? Let us know in the comments section below.

Content provided by: +Tailbase & Ashley Furniture

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Oktoberfest Is Right On The Corner!

By Beds For Less

Oktoberfest is right around the corner and guest what? You don’t need to go to Germany or speak German to celebrate! Whether you are a beer drinker, a sauerkraut lover or a sausage eater, this fest is a great opportunity to gather with friends or simply to meet new people.

Originally held in Munich, Germany as it is a Bavarian festival, Oktoberfest has become one of the world’s largest folk festivals, where everybody is welcome to join and celebrate. But what if you plan to have yours at home? It’s not that complicated! Here are a few things you should do to host a great one.

To create the authentic Oktoberfest atmosphere, you do not need to set up a tent in your garden, decorate your place like a Bavarian traditional house or wear traditional outfits. All you need to have is beer!!! German ones are as good as any other.  Let the beer flow so you can fill up your guests’ beer stein!

Along with beer, serve sausages, pretzels, and sauerkraut…Oktoberfest is well known by food lovers, since they enjoy eating great traditional German food.

Ideally, put some traditional music to set the mood; make some space in your home, as some people love singing and dancing while drinking.

Now you are ready to host an Oktoberfest at home. Time to celebrate and bring German tradition to your home for hours or the day!

Content provided by: +Tailbase  

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3S Tips Space, Size and Shape For Choosing Your Dining Table

By Beds For Less

The dining room is a great and memorable place in one’s home. No one can deny that the dining table is a meeting point, where friends and family come together over a bountiful meal to catch up, share stories and even jokes. So everyone needs a dining table in their house!

There are countless styles of dining tables; they come in many different shapes and sizes.  How do you choose the right one? Here are some tips to help you select the right one:

Space

You should choose a table that will fit your space and give you enough seating when hosting. Here are a few measurements guidelines to keep in mind before getting your table:

Allow 24″ between the table and the wall to let people easily sit down and get up from the table. Also, allocate 38″ if people are going to walk behind the table. 

When setting the table, outline 24″ for each place setting to let people sit comfortably without hitting elbows.

Size

Think about your crowd. You should consider with whom you will be using the table: small family or/and large guest groups. Although a small table saves some space, the larger it gets, the harder it becomes to reach for platters.  If you choose to go big on the table, then go small on the seating!

Most tables come with additional leaves that you add or take off as you wish. Therefore, you can even choose a small table and accommodate a larger group whenever you have guests coming.

When looking to take up less room in your dining space, a bench on one side of your table is also a great option, because you can place it under the table until the next time you entertain. 

Shape

Go Rectangular! Since most dining rooms are rectangular, there is no doubt that rectangular –shaped tables are the most common. It is also a great shape for big gatherings, as you can seat at least six people. 

The square table is useful in a small or medium room that enables you to sit 4 people. When it comes to special occasions with a bigger crowd, you can always place two tables together to make a rectangular one! 

Consider a round table for a small and cozy room. It is the best shape for a small group of 3-4 people or more.  Since it has no corners, you can usually fit more people around it, especially if it is a pedestal table which allows for more legroom.

An oval table is similar to a rectangular-shaped table in terms of seating arrangements. Yet, it takes less space visually because of the rounded corners. 

Remember the “3S” tips Space, Size and Shape when choosing your dining table!

Content provided by: +Tailbase  

www.tailbase.com