Holiday Screensavers

The holidays are here! To add some some cheer to your desktop, laptop, cell phones and tablets, I had fun sketching four new holiday themed patterns. Download these screensavers (wallpapers) for free for your personal use!

Winter Berries | Sketched dark and pale blue stems with bright red berries.

 

 

Winter Berries Screensavers

desktop 16:9  |   laptop 16:10 ratio

ipad/tablet 3:4 ratio  |  cell phone 9:16 ratio

 

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Bokeh Trees | Abstract painted evergreen trees with subtle bokeh highlights.

 

Bokeh Trees Screensavers

desktop 16:9  |   laptop 16:10 ratio

ipad/tablet 3:4 ratio  |  cell phone 9:16 ratio

 

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ll is Bright Snowflakes | Playful pastel watercolor snowflakes on a white background

 

ll is Bright Snowflake Screensavers

desktop 16:9  |   laptop 16:10 ratio

ipad/tablet 3:4 ratio |  cell phone 9:16 ratio

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Retro Ornaments | Sketched mid mod ornaments hang from beaded swag

Retro Ornaments

desktop 16:9  |   laptop 16:10 ratio

ipad/tablet 4:3 ratio  |  cell phone 9:16 ratio

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*for personal use only

Did you miss our previous article…
https://distancebetweenplaces.com/?p=232

Tips to Declutter and Organize Before a Kitchen Remodel

A kitchen remodel can significantly disrupt your day-to-day life. So, before you start dreaming about improving your kitchen with the perfect kitchen color palette, it makes sense to declutter and organize before a kitchen remodel. 

Making this kind of effort before the remodel will allow you to approach the renovation in carefully planned out stepsYou will be able to dismantle everything before the construction work starts, but also organize everything perfectly after the kitchen renovation. So, let’s take a look at a few organizational tips to make your kitchen declutter as effective as possible

Remove the kitchen utensils first

A good kitchen declutter may start from the kitchen cabinets and drawers. Interestingly, people usually associate decluttering their home with paring down their clothing or family belongings. As a result, kitchen utensils and appliances tend to pile up without you even noticing. This happens mostly because they seem less expendable than for instance clothes or toys. 

However, just think about the number of old or useless appliances you keep stacking up in your kitchen cabinets. There is really no need to keep holding on to your old bread toaster when you have bought a new one. 

Throw away anything you have not used in a while.

The same goes for kitchen utensils and silverware. Yes, they are an essential part of your household, but you just might have too many to ever find use for. And now is the time to figure out what stays and what goes out. What should you do with those items? Organize a yard sale or a charity giveaway for the items you decide are just superfluous. 

Declutter and organize all kitchen items separately into labeled boxes 

Once you finish the decluttering of the kitchen utensils and appliances, organizing them and packing them into boxes should be a breeze. So, instead of throwing everything into a single box, it makes more sense to have smaller boxes with appropriate labels. 

Hence, designate a single box for pans, another one (with three or four compartments) for utensils, a third one for your mixer. 

At this point this might seem unnecessarily complicated, but you will be thankful to yourself in the end. This kind of organization allows you to find anything you may need while your kitchen is being remodeled. In addition, you will be able to just pull everything out of a box and restore everything to its designated spot after you finish the renovations. Nothing mixed up or lost – less stress for you. 

a woman cooking after a kitchen remodel

With proper organization, you will be able to use your kitchen right after the remodel.

During the home renovations, you may even rent a storage unit if you do not have enough space to keep the boxes in your kitchen or your home. In this case, a short-term solution might be good since you will be able to free up the kitchen and let the workers do their job without any obstructions or distractions.

As for family silverware and other items you might attach certain emotions or memories to, you can pack them securely in an air-sealed box to avoid exposing them to moisture or mold. 

Make categories for similar items

Just as with kitchen utensils and appliances, it helps to have clear-cut categories for other items that you keep in your kitchen. For instance, you may have a cereal box or spices category, or one for canned foods and sauces. 

Of course, you may not have to do this if you have a well-organized pantry or a kitchen island. However, decluttering and recategorizing your foodstuff before a kitchen remodel can be extremely helpful. There are simply no more excuses not to throw away expired food that has been laying in the back of the drawers for ages. 

Also, you may decide to temporarily store your kitchen items in a storage unit. This is something many homeowners make use of when they are remodeling their kitchen. If you decide to do the same, take note that some things shouldn’t stay there for more than a few days or weeks. So, some foods should not be kept in a storage unit since they may rot. Since you surely want to avoid having to clean or pay damages to the storage service provider, make sure you know what you can and cannot store in a storage unit. 

Designate one box for frequently used items

So far we have mainly discussed how to declutter and organize before a kitchen remodel by focusing on the phases before and after the remodel. However, what if you plan to stay in your home during the renovations? 

Essentially, it helps to have a single box for items that you use on a daily basis. Rummaging through boxes to find your vegetable peeler might destroy all of your previous efforts to declutter and organize your kitchen. When you have such a box or cabinet, you will know where to find what you need immediately. This will save you a lot of trouble since it eliminates the need to surround yourself with boxes. 

You will probably need many items from your kitchen, but you might not be able to enter the kitchen while it is being renovated. That is why it makes sense to pull everything out of the cabinets and other storage spaces. 

a newly renovated kitchen

Empty the kitchen cabinets completely to make things easier for you during and after the remodel.

Also keep in mind that your appliances or items might get damaged if they remain in the kitchen during the remodel. So, if you drink coffee on a daily basis, you should place the coffee maker in your living room. 

All in all, we hope this short guide will be helpful when you start to declutter and organize before a kitchen remodel. We strongly suggest you take the time to do so since it will make organizing your newly renovated kitchen much quicker and enjoyable. 

Did you miss our previous article…
https://distancebetweenplaces.com/?p=229

3 Furnace Installation & Repair Tips for More Attractive Home

Every homeowner craves for that beautiful-looking home. And this is why most people undertake home improvement projects. This may involve installing a new furnace, painting, updating lighting fixtures, and more. The furnace is one of the essential accessories for all homeowners and comes in handy in winter. If you’re seeking to repair or install a new furnace, there are various things to know.

 Check out furnace repair and installation tips for a better-looking home:

Prepare adequately

 It’s easy to call a technician when you have issues with your furnace. But, have you ever thought of preparing for repair or installation services? Well, this saves time and may save you a lot of money. For instance, if your furnace runs at the wrong temperatures, you may need to replace the thermostat. 

To understand the cause of the issue, go through the user manual, and acquire the necessary parts. Learn of the essential components of a conventional furnace and, if possible, have some spare parts at home. Once done, contact the Air Makers furnace repair team for a quote.

Your choice of repair company matters!

There are different furnace installation and repair firms. All offer various services, and it’s best to find one that suits your needs. Look for professionals extending a wide range of services and furnaces. If seeking to install a new furnace, engage a company with a wide variety. This makes it to choose what you need and get something to match your budget.

Also, the experience and reputation of the company is of the essence. Hire one that has been in existence for a long duration; this is why most homeowners hire furnace repair Toronto services. The firm has received good reviews from former clients and has a vast team of technicians.

Think of the cost

If installing a new furnace as part of your home improvement project, know that the success of the upgrades relies on your budget. Therefore consider the costs and do your math carefully. There are different units, and it’s best to go for one that you can afford. In case of repairs, acquire high-quality parts to ensure durability and saves on repair costs.

Also, be keen on furnace repair companies that charge hidden costs. Get quotes and compare this among different service providers. Get to know all the pricing details before engaging the team. Additionally, seek a company offering follow-up services; this saves a lot in case things go wrong.

What are the common furnace issues that require fixing?

Multiple signs may indicate a faulty furnace. For instance, there may be low airflow from your systemsignifying issues with your motor or blower. Strange smells are also common. These indicate a dirty filter or a failing burner.

 The burner may also not ignite properly, which may be a sign of a broken thermostat. Other issues include strange noise and the furnace running when it shouldn’t, and all require furnace repair services.

Final thoughts

 Furnaces are great additions to any home. A furnace will not only enhance the look of your home but will also raise its value. To install or repair the old one, only engage professionals and endure that the company is licensed. Also, avoid cheap parts, and purchase superior components to lower t cost of repairs.

Did you miss our previous article…
https://distancebetweenplaces.com/?p=228