Home Improvement Month Project: Replace Your Stairway’s Balusters

During Home Improvement Month in May, experts at L.J. Smith encourage homeowners to change the look of their boring interior stairways. The easy-to-install IronPro^TM system allows even the least-skilled do-it-yourselfer to transform a staircase with decorative iron balusters.

            “Homeowners are not ‘stuck’ with a dated stairway that was built decades ago or one they ‘inherited’ when they purchased an older home,” says Craig Kurtz, president ofL.J. Smith Stair Systems. “If you can use a tape measure, a drill and a few other common tools, you can swap out dated wooden balusters for trendy iron balusters in just an afternoon.”

Upgrading to Iron Balusters

            The IronPro system allows homeowners to keep existing wooden handrails and newels, and simply “swap out” the wooden balusters for designer iron balusters. After older wooden balusters are carefully removed, IronPro pivoting fasteners are attached to the handrail. Iron balusters are then inserted, pivoted and swung into the vertical position. Alignment is completed and screws are tightened to secure the baluster.

            “These balusters were easy to install and greatly contribute to the appearance of my home interior,” says Jeff Collins, a homeowner in Charlotte, N.C. “My home was built in 1998. I believe the IronPro balusters are the most attractive wrought iron balusters available on the market. The combination of the socket and ball adapters used at the top of the balusters and the threaded disk and base collars used at the bottom made this such a fast, easy project.

            “I had no experience doing a project like this. It turned out great. No messy glues to deal with, just an overall easy installation. Plus, this was a way more affordable option than replacing the entire stairway system!”

Kits for Open Tread and Kneewall Stairways         

           Two different IronPro kits are available from L.J. Smith, both featuring products in Satin Black. For an open tread stairway, the IronPro Level Kit includes a ball adaptor, round and rectangular sockets, a base collar, a threaded disk and centering plugs. For a kneewall stairway, the IronPro Kneewall Kit includes a ball adaptor, threaded ball adaptor, round and rectangular sockets and centering plugs.

            One IronPro kit is needed for each baluster replacement in a stairway system. L.J. Smith offers 35 different ½” solid and hollow iron baluster styles as replacement options when using the IronPro kit.

            “Replacing balusters is an easy DIY project that can have a positive impact on a home interior,” says Kurtz. “This is an affordable option to replacing an entire stair system. And, one of the hottest trends in design styling today is the mixture of wood and iron in the home. This project allows homeowners to keep their wood handrails and newel posts while adding in elegant iron balusters.”

            The perfect Home Improvement Month project, IronPro kitsare available at a variety of Lowe’s stores across the country. For more information visit www.ljsmith.com.

            L.J. Smith products --- including wooden and ornamental iron balusters, stainless steel cable and tube infills, metal panels, newel posts, hand rails and accessories --- are all defined by their unique designs, uncompromised durability and good looks. Owned by NOVO Building Products, the industry’s leading manufacturer and distributor of mouldings, stair parts, doors and specialty millwork, L.J. Smith is based in Bowerston, Ohio. For more information, visithttp://www.ljsmith.com or call 740-269-2221.

How To Search for an Affordable Apartment in New York City

New York City is notorious for having one of the most expensive real estate markets in the world. The median price for a home in the Big Apple is estimated at around $700,000, which is quite expensive considering that the median income in the United States is only at $60,000. Many people are having issues whenever they are trying to search for an affordable place to stay in the Big Apple, but there are applications and websites that they can use to help them find the most affordable home in the heart of the city.

Loftey is an online portal that locates the most affordable homes for those who wanted to live in New York City. Chelsea apartments and residential areas are the most expensive in New York City, and Chelsea apartments for rent has an average price of about $7,000 per month. It can be extremely difficult to find affordable housing. Loftey works perfectly for those who are trying to save a lot of money because the online company does not charge any additional fees for the services that they provide. The company is also providing rent reduction for those who will be using their online portal to find an apartment to rent. Some of the perks working with Loftey would be the access to thousands of websites that offer rent in the New York City area, and they are also the ones who would contact landlords and brokers for the apartment that you wanted to rent. The company would also remind you of the contracts that you need to lease, and they are the ones who would guide you on how you could enjoy your stay in the city’s prime residential units.

Most of the users of Loftey are saying that the company helped them look for the most affordable units in New York City without being ripped off. There are instances wherein rents are not updated, and some have excessive hidden charges. There are also fake listings that await victims who could be scammed. Loftey prevents these unfortunate events from happening, and they are also minimizing the stress felt by their clients for moving into a new property. There are also clients who are experiencing difficulties in making their own decisions, and the company helps them weigh in the pros and cons of living in a particular unit. As a result, Loftey received a high rating from third-party review websites like Yelp.

When using the online portal for the first time, the property applicants will be asked by the system if they wanted to move into a studio or an apartment with 1 to 4 and above bedrooms. The system will check all of the available units around the city, and they will provide the results that the client is looking for. The price range for the unit can also be selected, and one can personalize their choices by adding the facilities that they wanted to see inside the new building. The date when they wanted to move can also be selected with the help from the calendars built into the system.

Homeowners Gravitating to Bathroom Renovation Projects

“We just can’t stand our old bathroom anymore!” According to the 2018 U.S. Houzz Bathroom Trends Study, the most common reason homeowner undertake a bathroom remodeling project is they want more style, space, lighting and resale value from the most used room in the home.

            The study* finds that 37 percent simply couldn’t stand their old bathrooms any longer. The second most common reason for remodeling the master bathroom (30 percent of respondents) is that people have been saving up to do the project and finally have the funds to accomplish the task.

Falling in Love with a New Bathroom

            The Brandt family exemplifies the study’s findings. Their in-progress bathroom renovation includes installing a free-standing tub with a waterfall faucet in the front, plus an operable Hy-Lite^®acrylic block window.

            “The decision to add this window went from something we weren’t even considering to a focal point of our upgrade plans,” says Mike Brandt in Brandon, Fla. “It’s the only completed portion of the renovation so far and we really feel positive about our choice.”

            In Eden Prairie, Minn., the Arnold-Fair family also added two acrylic block windows as part of their master bathroom renovation. “We installed one of these windows into our walk-in shower to provide light in a trapped space,” says Randy Arnold-Fair. “Then we added one off to the side in a corner of the room near the new vanity.

           “The acrylic block windows allow for a maximum amount of light to enter the rooms without the need for any sort of curtains or blinds to assure privacy from the outside.

           “Installation couldn’t have been easier. These acrylic block windows are much lighter than a real glass window, so it was easy to handle. For my next remodel I’m tackling the master closet and I plan to include two more Hy-Lite windows in that room.”

Goal: Style and Light

           The Houzz survey results, which came from more than 1,100 registered users of Houzz who had completed a master bathroom remodel in the previous 12 months, were working on one or were planning to start one in the next three months, also reports on design goals from homeowners. Making the master bathroom stylish and beautiful was the top design priority report, cited by 79 percent of remodeling homeowners. As for functionality, the top priority, cited by 47 percent of respondents, was to add good lighting to the master bathroom.

           Homeowners installing acrylic block windows have found they can achieve both these top priorities with a single window.

           “We wanted the glass block ‘look’ for style along with ventilation and light in our shower setting,” says homeowner Erin Borofka of Bloomer, Wisc. “The operable acrylic block window was the ideal solution for architectural charm and maintenance-free living.”

           Available in many sizes, acrylic block privacy windows can be ordered in fixed or operable styles, to open up and allow in breezes when wanted. Hy-Lite, which has been in business for more than 30 years, also offers long, thin transom privacy windows, geometric and oval shaped windows.

           Located in Florida, Hy-Lite manufactures approximately 500,000 acrylic blocks each year to include in their privacy windows. The blocks are created with acrylic resin materials and then framed in either vinyl or aluminum. Skilled employees use silicone for sealing and glazing the windows.

            Hy-Lite, a U.S. Block Windows Company, is the leading manufacturer of acrylic block, glass block and decorative glass windows. The company's privacy product options include acrylic block shutters, accent panels, radius walls, partition walls and door inserts. Since 1988, the Pensacola, Florida-based company has been committed to providing residential and commercial construction professionals and homeowners with elegant, affordable privacy window designs. For more information, visit www.hy-lite.com.                

*The 2018 U.S. Houzz Bathroom Trends Study gathered information from 2,237 registered users of Houzz and included a final sample of 1,144 respondents with a master bathroom project, 580 with a full non-master bathroom project and 120 with a partial bathroom project. It was fielded between June 30 and Oct. 17, 2018.

#AD LG Matte Black Kitchen Only at Best Buy! @BestBuy @LGUS

Looking to upgrade your kitchen appliances?  LG Matte Black Kitchen is the smart way to make your kitchen stand out. This exclusive Matte Black stainless steel set includes a stunning refrigerator, oven, microwave, and dishwasher.  The set combines the timeless look of stainless steel with a luxe & low-gloss matte finish that compliments any kitchen décor.

In addition to the sleek and trendy design, this kitchen set also offers some of the latest smart technology. LG smart kitchen appliances are wi-fi and voice-enabled, allowing you to control your kitchen appliances remotely. You can change settings, check the status, or turn them on or off without lifting a finger.

Not only will these beautiful appliances make your home feel like a castle, smart appliances also make life easier! You won't have to worry about burning your Thanksgiving turkey!  If you want to make the switch, now would be a great time. You can save up to $350 on these LG kitchen appliances at Best Buy! You won't find a better deal anywhere else!

Valentine's Day Gift Guide - 3D Bedding from Fhoom

Your bedroom should be your sanctuary, and your bed is the center of that sanctuary. It's where you snuggle up with a  good book, where you relax after a hard day, and where you finally get to shut your eyes and sleep at the end of the night. To fully appreciate these moments, you need the right bedding.  While it needs to be warm and comfortable, your bedding should also match your personality. It sets the tone for the whole room, so you want to make the right choice. Personally, I get a new set of bedding at least once a year, but it has to be just right. I like my bedding to be unique, because it makes the whole room my own. When it comes to unique bedding,  look no further than Fhoom. Their 3D bedding and linens are some of the most original designs on the market. Here are a few of my favorite styles. 

My son wants to be an astronaut, so the 3D Galaxy Bedding is a great choice for him. This bedding makes you feel like you're staring at the sky and fills your nights with magic.

Grrrr! Take a nap on the wild side with these savage 3D Tiger Sheets. They will definitely put you in touch with nature. 

If you prefer something a little more domestic, the 3D Cat Sheets might be perfect for you. They would certainly make a great gift for this crazy lady lady.

Last but not least, why bother spreading rose petals on the bed when you can have the whole rose? The 3D Rose Red Bedding is the perfect way to set the mood for romance this Valentine's Day.


With Valentine's Day just around the corner, these stunning linens would make an excellent gift for any of the special people in your life. They'll also a great way to upgrade your bedroom to keep your special sanctuary a place you can look forward to coming home too every night. To see all the beautiful designs Fhoom has to offer, be sure to visit their website. Upgrade to 3D sheets today and make your bedroom the coolest room in the house.

***DISCOUNT CODE***

Get 15% off your order and free shipping using code TDDX18!  

Get Ready for Winter with Mean Green

Summer is officially over. It's time to start preparing for the colder weather. Before you pack things up, you need to make sure they're properly cleaned. Here in my hometown at the Jersey Shore, tons of people are taking their boats out of the water. Mean Green Boat & Vehicle has just what they need to guarantee that their boats will be ready for storage. Just load this powerful formula into your power washer, and even the toughest grime will disappear.  Next year, she'll look like new when you drop her off at the dock.

Speaking of power washing, the fall is also a great time to take care of your home. Here at the shore, vinyl siding can get a icky green mold build-up due to the salt in the air.   The white fences can look even worse. Luckily, Mean Green for House, Deck, and Fence is the perfect way to remove dirt and and mold from your home.  Before long, we'll all be hanging up the Christmas lights. You don't want ugly build up to distract your guests from the holiday glow.

Finally, don't let oil stains make your garage look like a crime scene. Even old oil stains on the concrete in the garage come up with ease after scrubbing with Mean Green. In just one afternoon, you can get your home, auto, and boats ready for the winter. Then you can sit back and enjoy your pumpkin latte, at least until it's time to rake up the leaves!

If you want to learn more about Mean Green and all the products they offer, check them out on their website or their social media.  Look for all these amazing products on shelves at your local stores today. Remember, there's nothing wrong with getting "mean" when it comes grease and grime.

Connect with Mean Green

Website    Face Book     Twitter       You Tube

Cache’ District Queen Duvet Set #Giveaway @cache_district, @Giveaways4Mom #SMGurusNetwork

  WELCOME TO THE CACHE’ DISTRICT QUEEN DUVET SET GIVEAWAY! 1 Lucky Winner will receive a Queen Duvet Set (sponsors choice) This contest is hosted by the Social Media Gurus Network! Below is a list of all the bloggers involved in the Falling into Autumn Gift Guide

Adventures of Frugal Mom Bargnhtress Basically Speaking Deliciously Savvy Easter Babe’s Theory Everyday Gizmos Sweeps & Views Giveaways 4 Mom Heartbeats ~ Soul Stains Here We Go Again Ready Jerri1962sBlog Lisa-Queen of Random Living Simply Michigan Saving and More Missy’s Views and Savings Clues mom are we there yet My Silly Little Gang MyStyleSpot Peyton’s Momma RedHeaded Patti Rzashida Reviews SaraLee’s Deals Steals & Giveaways Tales From A Southern Mom The Frugal Navy Wife Tricias-List

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Now let’s get to the sponsor!

Cache District

 Cache District is a Richmond, Virginia based startup that has a mission to bring customers an exclusive collection of pure, organic luxurious cotton linens that are reasonably priced to fit the needs of today’s family. They are family owned, community focused and came up with this idea because of the lack of home décor options available to allow consumers to live a reduced chemical lifestyle that fits both their style and budget. Be sure to check out their Indiegogo Campaign! SEE THE REVIEW HERE This giveaway is in no way endorsed, affiliated, or associated with Facebook, Twitter or any other Social Media Networking Site. This Giveaway is valid in the United States Only and Entrants must be 18+ years of age to enter. This giveaway event will end at 9/28/2017 at 11:00 am EST. The winners will have 48 hours to email their information back or a new winner will be drawn. The sponsors are each responsible for shipping of the above prizes. No blog associated with this contest is responsible for prize fulfillment. If you take an entry you must stay following for the entire contest or you will be disqualified. 

Entry-Form

Get a Good Night's Sleep with Snuggle-Pedic

The older I get, the harder it is to get a good night's sleep. Sometimes I wake up sweating (probably the beginnings of Peri-menopause), and I often wake up with a stiff neck or sore back, making it impossible to sleep-in no matter how much I might like to. Thankfully, the Snuggle-Pedic changed all that. This amazing pillow combines memory foam and Kool-Flow to ensure the best night's sleep ever.

The Snuggle-Pedic Pillow is stuffed with shredded memory foam to provide superior comfort. You can remove some to contour the pillow to your unique needs. As you sleep, your neck and head are completely supported. It almost feels like the pillow is molding to your body,  allowing your muscles to fully relax. Snuggle-Pedic pillows are never too firm or too soft, and they keep their shape no matter how much you toss and turn. The pillow is also encased in a premium bamboo cover, which is gentle against your skin. These are a high quality, luxurious memory foam pillows, and they are available for an affordable price! 

A Snuggle-Pedic pillow makes you feel like you are sleeping on a cloud, but there's still more that makes it unique. It's also very refreshing to feel the Kool-Flow technology go to work, especially in the warm summer months. For anyone suffering from hot flashes, this pillow would be indispensable. It feels so much cooler then my other pillows.  It's as though it senses when you start to overheat, and cools down accordingly. The pillow also provides excellent head and neck support which will definitely help anyone with back problems. With a pillow from Snuggle-Pedic, you are guaranteed a perfect night's sleep.

Ever since I starting using this pillow, I have been getting a lot more rest, which makes for a more productive day and a more patient mama. I'm very happy with it. If you'd like to learn more about the Snuggle-Pedic Pillow and all the products available from this cutting-edge company, be sure to visit their website or follow them via their social media.

Novel Gift Ideas from GettysGear.com Make Father’s Day Truly Memorable

The Solution for the Tough Buy—GettysGear.com Hand-Made and Historical-Themed Gifts

Make every occasion memorable by starting out with a great cup of joe and unique, novel gifts from GettysGear.com.

A favorite of Civil War and history buffs as well as individuals across the nation looking for unique gift items or just a really good cup of coffee, GettysGear.com is highlighted by apparel, accessories, home décor, and custom products produced and packaged right in Gettysburg. This includes:

• Connoisseur coffee blends and mugs –coffee made from the finest high mountain, shade-grown beans. Choose from the Guardian, a dark roast with a bittersweet, full-bodied taste; the President, a medium roast that ensures a rich taste, medium acidity, and smooth flavor; and the Quartermaster, a splendid, aromatic blend of cinnamon, pecan, chestnut and rum
• 12" Hand Cast Aluminum Eagles made in the traditional sand cast method and meticulously hand-painted in a four-step process
• Guardians of Gettysburg® Statuary 5 1/2" tall statues hand-cast and finished right in Gettysburg and available in antique blue, bronze, pewter and silver
• Original Gettysburg Cigars® hand-crafted by the Great Gettysburg Tobacco Company® and offering a variety of tobacco blends and sizes made with Pennsylvania leaf wrappers
• Civil War Field Bags, Replica Revolvers and Rifles hand-cast or finished with commemorative etchings and art

When looking for your next novel gift idea, take a step back in time and a step up in quality by visitinghttp://www.GettysGear.com. Additional details are also available by emailing info@gettysgear.com.

Rejuvenate Your Stone Surfaces in Three Easy Steps With Granite Gold

Over time, your granite can lose it's shine. Its not surprising.  Life happens, and your stone surfaces can really take a beating. Everyday cleaners may actually do more harm than good. Luckily, Granite Gold in here to help. They have a full line of products that will restore the luster to granite counter tops and showers.These products are designed specifically for granite, marble, and natural stone and will help return these surfaces back to their original grander. 

Creating your stone counters was quite an interesting process. First, the stone was quarried from the earth’s surface. These stone blocks can weigh as much as 40,000 tons. They are taken to a factory for processing, where a giant gang saw using diamond blades slices the blocks into a calibrated thickness. Next, they're sent over to a polishing line. They pass under diamond polishing heads that apply thousands of pounds of pressure per square inch. Here, finer and finer grits bring out the natural polish of the stone and slabs. They are then bundled and shipped to  local stone manufacturers and installers to be further cut to meet the homeowner’s needs. Its this factory finish that enhances their inherent characteristics. like veins, swirls, and crystals, prior to installations.

As you can see, it takes a lot of time and effort to create the perfect stone surfaces. It also costs a pretty penny to have one installed in your home. The bright side is, with the right care, you counter-tops can last for decades. All it takes is the right products and three quick and easy steps.

The first step is to keep your stone services clean. This is always important, especially in the kitchen where you are preparing food. However, with stone surfaces, you have to be especially careful. The Granite Gold Daily Cleaner is a streak free formula that kills bacteria, but won't damage surfaces like other cleaning products. It even has a fresh citrus scent.

The second step in the process is using a sealer on your stone surfaces. The Granite Gold Sealer comes in a simple spray bottle. Just spritz and wipe away to maintain a barrier on natural stone. This sealant will protect against stains, etching, and soil build up.

The final step, and possibly the most important, is polishing. Granite Gold offers a polish that will restore the luster and shine to any counter-top.  When you use the polish after cleaning, it brings out the stone's natural attributes. It also provides ongoing protection against water spots and fingerprints It works wonders on quartz surfaces such as Silestone, Corian and Cambria.

If you're kitchen or bathroom is looking dull, Granite Gold® may be just what you need to bring some life back into your granite, stone, or marble surfaces. These fantastic products are available nationwide at Walmart, Lowe’s, Home Depot, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Amazon.com. To find a retailer near you, be sure to check out their convenient store locator. Granite Gold is a third generation, family-owned company with a long history of bringing out the best in stone. Invite them into your home today, and polish things to perfection.

Restoring Harmony in Your Home After a Fire

Many people don't want to think of what would happen if their home was struck by a fire. When it happens, you have damage from the fire itself, along with soot, odors, water damage from the fire being put out, structural damage, smoke damage, and possibly even damage to the contents of the home. You want high quality reputable help, and you want it quickly.

This is when you'll wish you had the phone number of a qualified and highly rated fire damage restoration company at your fingertips. You don't want to be struggling with an Internet search after a fire. You want to simply be able to pick up the phone and get help quickly. You also want to know that the company you're trusting with your most valuable possession, your home, will treat it as they would treat their own home.


Qualities to Look for in a Fire Restoration Company


One of the first things to consider in a restoration company is how fast they respond. A company with a reputation of coming out fast, ideally within a few hours of your phone call, is the one to choose. When you search, be sure to read reviews from others who used the company successfully. If the company was super responsive and a great help in restoring them to a more peaceful place, you'll want to consider that company. Here are other positive qualities to look for:


 - Passion for Success - A company with a passion for helping people is the ideal ally to have in times like these

 - Reliability - You'll discover whether the company you're considering is reliable through reviews left by satisfied clients

 - Ethics - You want a company that will deal with you honestly and be up front about services they provide and about their fees

 - Getting Results - You'll also find this out through reviews left by others who have gone through the same experience

 - Following Through - Find out if the restoration company has a policy of following through with their clients after the disaster is cleaned up


The peace of mind you'll experience once you've found a great fire restoration company is worth the effort it took to find them. You'll be glad that you planned ahead in case something like this ever happened. Your foresight will be rewarded!