Tuesday 30 November 2021

Peppermint Bark is the nation’s favorite holiday treat!



Move over Pumpkin Spice – it’s time for Peppermint Bark season!

Wednesday, December 1, has officially been declared National Peppermint Bark Day by National Today  marking the kickoff of the holiday season and the official start time for Americans to enjoy their preferred holiday treat.

To explore consumer interest in the popular holiday confection, National Today recently conducted a nation-wide survey that revealed that Peppermint Bark is the nation’s favorite holiday treat capturing 34% of consumer votes and beating out both gingerbread at 16% and candy canes which were preferred by only 21% of consumers surveyed.

National Today’s Peppermint Bark Survey also revealed that: 

  • Peppermint Bark is the preferred holiday treat to consume while decorating a Christmas tree 
    • 39% of those surveyed cited Peppermint Bark as the preferred treat while gingerbread cookies and candy canes only represented 30% of the market share combined. 
  • Williams Sonoma Peppermint Bark tops the consumer charts as the ‘most wanted’ foodie gift this year
    • 42% of those surveyed put Williams Sonoma Peppermint Bark at the top of their foodie wish list this year, as the most ‘desired’ foodie gift. Trailing behind at 26% was a box of holiday chocolates and decorated sugar cookies – a notoriously beloved holiday treat, fell by the wayside with only 15% of people adding them to their wish list.


So why do consumers love Peppermint Bark so much? Of those questioned, 83% love the flavor, 66% love the crunch and 48% love the seasonality of it. All together that makes for the perfect combination and the ultimate holiday confection.

To help celebrate National Peppermint Bark Day, National Today has teamed up with Williams Sonoma, the original creators of Peppermint Bark.

The Original Peppermint Bark, made its debut in Williams Sonoma stores in 1998 after more than twenty rounds of testing in the Williams Sonoma Test Kitchen to develop the now coveted, top-secret recipe. From start to finish, each small batch of Williams Sonoma Peppermint Bark takes more than 24 hours to make, and each year, 12 weeks are spent preparing the bark to accommodate the demand for it during the holidays and the limited Peppermint Bark selling season. Every holiday season, over 1 million pounds of Guittard chocolate and 65,000 pounds of peppermint candy pieces are used to create Williams Sonoma’s iconic Peppermint Bark.

The adoration of Williams Sonoma’s Peppermint Bark has led to the confection becoming a cultural phenomenon celebrated and replicated by retailers and consumers all over the world. The popularity of the product even led to Williams Sonoma developing over 18 different Peppermint Bark flavored productsfrom coffee capsules to cookies.

 
Full WS Collection of Peppermint Bark Products and Links:


Easy ways to make money from decluttering


Whether you’re moving, renovating, or you want some more space in your home – decluttering is the best way to start. Every household includes a number of items the family does not use anymore, as well as damaged or expired pieces. These take up a lot of space, so there must be a way to put them to better use. This guide will help you not only make your home more spacious but also earn something. Here are the easy ways to make money from decluttering. 

Why is decluttering so important?

Decluttering should be part of your regular cleaning routine. However, even if you try to keep everything tidy, certain items seem to linger in your home more than they should. Removing clutter is particularly important in situations when you need to relocate or renovate your home. The main benefits of doing so are:

  • You’ll make more space and have the home organized and tidy;

  • You’ll have fewer boxes to pack when moving house;

  • Your living space will be more pleasant and comfortable

  • A neat, clutter-free environment will help you stay focused and productive if you work from home

  • Finally, you can make money from decluttering – so let’s find out how. 

A tidy home is a happy and healthy home.

Have a plan first 

If you randomly start packing items to sell or donate, you can get lost in the process and give up very quickly. Make a plan of your decluttering project, and do the house room by room. Also, make sure you have realistic expectations about the time and space you need to do it, especially if you're busy with work or have a handful of kids to take care of. Any pace is good as long as you're making progress!

Organize the whole process, so it doesn't take away a lot of energy and time.

Organizing a garage sale

Before you go online to sell your items, you can try organizing a garage sale in front of your home. If you think your neighborhood is suitable for that kind of event, use the chance to sell the things you no longer need. However, don’t forget to get a permit if necessary. Also, make sure you promote the sale on your social media, talk to the neighbors, and hang some prints around the neighborhood. 

Selling kids’ clothes and toys online

Parents know how fast their kids overgrow their clothes. They also have too many toys they have stopped playing with. It’s the reality of parenthood so try to make the best of it. You can quickly sell clothes online – just be sure to take good pictures of them and show the actual condition. However, maybe the best way is to use consignment services – you can make more money that way. Also, you’ll save time taking pictures and preparing items for sale. 

The internet helps you make money from decluttering – the easy way.

Selling furniture 

If you don't' sell large pieces in the garage sale, you can put the items online. Use Craigslist, eBay, Amazon, and similar websites to promote your items and sell them much faster. You can sell baby furniture and equipment you no longer need, leftover renovation supplies, etc. You can make a decent amount of money and make a lot of space in your home. 

Should you sell old pieces?

Sometimes, people underestimate the value of old furniture or décor pieces. Buyers who love DIY projects or need old-style furniture for decorating a studio, café, etc., will undoubtedly love those pieces. So, it doesn't matter if something is old. If it's in good condition, put it up for sale. 

Old electronics or phones 

You can't make big money from an old PC or phone, but you can find stores that offer store credit for recycled pieces if you do some research. Find out where you can get that kind of offer; maybe this is a great time to get a new phone!

Selling old books 

After you’ve read them once or even a couple of times, old books may take up the space in your home. And if you’re an e-reader lover, selling the old books makes even more sense. That’s why selling old books is one of the great ways to make some money. Try some of the book buyback sites, or sell the books on Amazon. 

Decluttering for the move

As mentioned previously, moving house is the perfect opportunity to clean up and declutter your home. Experts from zippyshelllouisiana.com tell that families that didn’t skip this step ended up having a faster and cheaper move. 


Check if your items fit the new home

Decluttering will help you stay organized during the relocation. But, you also have to make sure that items you decide to keep fit in your new home. Be sure to measure all the bulkier pieces, as they might not fit your new home. It’s crucial to compare old and new floor plans, take measures and see if some of your current furniture needs replacement. 

Storing the things you don’t want to give up on

Some pieces hold sentimental value, or we need them seasonally, so you don’t want to sell them. However, you might still need more space in your home. In this case, renting a storage unit is the perfect solution. However, to ensure that this is not a waste of space and money, do your best to choose the option that fits your needs. Take storage that provides just the right amount of space you need, so you don’t end up overspending. 

Decluttering as a mental preparation

The feeling you can't let go of certain items is a sign of other issues, even depression. Decluttering is also a mental exercise of focusing on what’s important – being healthy and feeling good when spending time in your home. And the fact that you can make money from decluttering your home only makes it better!

https://www.pexels.com/photo/concentrated-woman-carrying-stack-of-cardboard-boxes-for-relocation-3791617/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/young-woman-using-laptop-for-online-shopping-3794178/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/baskets-clean-color-cotton-271711/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-putting-t-shirts-into-box-7310094/




Thursday 25 November 2021

The Cost of Living in New York City

 

NYC is known to be one of the most expensive cities in the world. At the same time, it's one of the most desirable locations on the planet. For that reason, people who want to move struggle between the wish to live in this miraculous cultural pot and worries about whether they will be able to make ends meet. The cost of living in New York City depends on several different factors. In this article, we're going to break it down for you. You're going to find out the real cost of living in NYC and find some tips on how to reduce them. 

Housing

The most considerable item on your budget list will be the cost of renting a place. Rents in NYC are one of the highest in the state, with the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment about $2,800. However, this price can vary a lot as you move around different neighborhoods. There are pricey locations that offer the same-sized apartments for about $4,000.  The most expensive borough is Manhattan, whereas you can find more affordable homes in Staten Island and the Bronx.  The prices have dropped during the pandemic, but as people come back to more pricey neighborhoods, they are starting to go up again. 

When it comes to purchasing a home, the situation is not that different.  The median price for a single-family home is almost $600,000. However, you should know that this is the average number affected by a small number of expensive homes in Manhattan. There are far more affordable properties to find – primarily co-ops and condos. However, be sure to contact a knowledgeable agent who can guide you through the process and help you pick a home according to your budget. 

Pick a more affordable home to reduce the cost of living in New York City.

Are utilities expensive?

Well, it depends – you can spend less if your utilities are included in the cost of the rent. This is often the case in NYC, so you might not have to worry about it. On the other hand, paying for everything on your own can cost you more, especially electricity bills. Electricity is more expensive than in most cities in the country, whereas other utilities come at an average price. Either way, you can expect to pay about $250 for your utility bills. However, you can negotiate with your landlord and make sure these costs are included in the rent. Do everything you can to spend less on the monthly bills, so you can use that money to enjoy your time in one of the best cities in the world.

Public transport 

Having a car in NYC is often not worth it. The biggest problems for car owners are vacant parking spots, expensive maintenance, and traffic jams. Having a car can cost a lot, as garage parking in Manhattan can cost up to 900$ per month, and the car insurance is about $2,000. Surely, prices in other boroughs are more affordable, but still, it’s a big part of your monthly costs. That’s why most locals get around by using public transportation – subway, bus, and commuter rail. You can also use the NYC ferry if it makes it easier to reach your home. Either way, you can save a lot by using monthly passes and spend only about $120 per month on transport. 

Living outside of Manhattan can mean lower living costs.

Food

When it comes to food, NYC offers so many different options and price ranges. However, basic groceries are still more expensive than in other cities in the country, making New Yorkers spend about $500 on food each month. Also, a significant financial challenge when living in NYC is trying to save on eating out. The city offers a plethora of restaurants and takeaways of various price ranges, so it's difficult not to try out different international food here. 

How to save when moving to NYC?

Finally, the moving process is the last thing you need to consider when calculating the cost of living in New York City. Relocation expenses can get pricey, so it's best to be ready for what's coming. 

Know the moving budget

The first step would be estimating the budget of your move. Experienced pros from Ben Hur Moving and Storage suggest you should get more than one estimate. Contact a couple of reliable teams and ask for an estimate so that you can get a rough idea of the average cost. This way, you’ll avoid paying too much for the move but also being attracted to suspicious, too affordable offers. 

Plan your budget well and control the cost of living in NYC as well as moving there.

Pack smart

The way you pack can significantly affect your moving budget. Firstly, if you miss decluttering your home before moving, you can end up paying more than you should. Remove all the items you don't use, things that no longer work or have passed their expiration date. Also, try finding some packing supplies for free or using the items you already have as packing containers. These little steps will reduce the moving costs step by step and help you not break a bank when coming to NYC.

Find an appropriate storage space

Lack of space is a common problem for many New Yorkers. Luckily, storage units are easy to find and can help with seasonal items, hobby supplies, old furniture, etc. However, you need to make sure to find the right one, as units can get unnecessarily expensive. Pick a unit according to your needs, location, and budget so it doesn't become a financial burden over time. 

Be flexible 

If you are not strict with your moving date, you can save a lot when relocating to the Big Apple. Pick a less busy moving season, and avoid weekends for lower rates. In general, being flexible can help you live more comfortably in NYC, too. 

The cost of living in New York City is generally high, but it doesn't need to be troublesome if you're careful enough. Make sure you know your priorities and adapt your lifestyle to your budget, so you can truly enjoy life in NYC.


https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-counting-cash-money-4475523/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-toronto-cityscape-at-night-2478248/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-on-rock-platform-viewing-city-196667/

https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-in-black-suit-jacket-and-blue-dress-pants-sitting-on-gray-rock-7415119/ 



Wednesday 24 November 2021

4 Easy Ways to Save Money on Plumbing Repairs

Ignoring plumbing issues is not an option, especially if the issue is serious. This is because the damage can worsen, leading to more repair costs. Although you may have money set aside for plumbing emergencies, a single issue can put a hefty dent in that money. The following are ways to spend less on plumbing repairs.

Undertake Adequate Preparation for the Repairs

Generally, plumbers usually charge their services based on the damage levels and the time spent. A plumber usually needs to do extra things apart from their main plumbing work during a repair. Therefore, conducting some preparations before contacting a plumber can reduce the time needed to repair by eliminating unnecessary activities. This may entail ensuring the source of the problem is easily accessible.

If you want to save time, you should ensure the plumber doesn't have to spend their time moving out of your possession to create an enabling working environment. It is also essential to personally clear excess water in case of a flood. Notably, over one out of five homes in the U.S. depend on individual onsite or small community septic systems for their wastewater treatment. Providing sufficient lighting is also a perfect method for creating a favorable working setting. Creating an enabling working environment reduces the time spent on a particular repair, leading to lesser charges. This can also improve the quality level of the plumbing repair.

Prevent Buildups in Drains

Some homeowners overlook the condition of their drains unless they experience damage or become clogged. One method of keeping drains in a perfect working condition and avoiding buildups is pouring a cup of vinegar and baking soda inside them at least once monthly. It is also essential to avoid using drain cleaners with abrasive chemicals since they can damage the pipes and destroy the environment. It is also effective to put strainers over the sink, bathtub, and shower drains to prevent hair and soap from getting into the pipes. According to research, about one out of 10 homeowners often face clogged sink issues.

Moreover, you should also avoid pouring cooking grease down the drains. This is because the grease may stick on the interior of the pipes and eventually build up when it solidifies, resulting in a clogged drain. Rather than pouring it down the drain, one should consider pouring it on a metal can and then dispose of it later when it cools and solidifies.

Do Not Allow the Pipes to Freeze

As the cold season approaches, it is essential to note that water pipes usually burst when they burst. Despite the huge mess caused, this can cause you to spend a significant amount of money. Freezing of water can result in bursting due to the transformation of molecules. An easy method of averting this is by insulating all external pipes in your office or home. You can also ensure the cabinet doors beneath the sink remain open if the pipes are not insulated.

Turn Off the Taps Appropriately

When you have a dripping faucet, you may think the quantity of water wasted is negligible. Furthermore, about a trillion gallons of water worth approximately $6 billion is wasted due to leaking faucets, running toilets, and other leaks. A faucet can drip at a rate of 15 gallons per day. Making deliberate efforts to turn off the taps properly can reduce water wasted in a home. If a faucet keeps leaking despite being correctly closed, replace or repair it. This can save you a lot of money and help in supporting your frugal living nature.

Plumbing repairs can be costly, based on the extension of the damages and the amount of work required. Fortunately, you can avert this by undertaking effective methods of saving money during plumbing repairs.

Tuesday 23 November 2021

Want to Save Money on RV Repairs? Use These Tips


Owning an RV is a large investment. They offer the convenience of a hotel room on wheels, and many people can afford to take one on vacation. But, like any other type of vehicle, you need to take care of it and maintain it to get the most out of your frugal living. RV repairs can cost a lot of money and time, which is why you want to avoid them as much as possible. Here are some tips and tricks for saving money on RV repairs.

Comparison Shop

The first place to start when it comes to saving money on RV repairs is to compare costs. In addition to the cost of a specific model of RV, maintenance costs, insurance, and others are also important. You should check with other RV owners who use the same model to get the best price on repairs. There are also RV Swap Forums where RV owners sell their used RVs for a fraction of the price.

To avoid paying high repair bills on RVs, do not hesitate to find a few different models to test drive before you commit to buying one. It's no secret that the roadside vehicle assistance market is growing at a steady pace. In just four years from 2020, it's projected that this market will be worth more than $1.75 billion. At a CAGR of 2%, that's a lot of potential for new business growth.

Before you make your next RV repair call, compare quotes. It is impressive how many RV parts and repairs you can buy from physical or vendors online and save yourself a good deal of money. You can save on RV parts by doing some online comparison shopping.

Negotiate the Price

Most RV service providers will offer the original cost to repair your RV. The amount you're quoted is the total price, including parts and labor. It's up to you to decide how much you're willing to pay to keep the repair costs low. Of course, you can always negotiate with the shop you're buying from. If you find the initial quote too high, be sure to request a second quote before committing to the repair. The average RV repair can cost http://www.norepaircost.com/faq/
$300 per hour when the vehicle is in service!

There are a lot of RV repair shops that will not give you a lower price for work. And while RV's are expensive, they are often more costly to repair than the average automobile. If you can have the RV repair company lower the price on repairs, you could save a lot of money in the long run. They have more business, and you are more likely to make them a good deal if they make an offer.

Inspect Regularly

Like a car, a lot of maintenance is required on an RV to keep it running smoothly and make sure everything functions properly. This includes checking fluids, checking brakes, tires, and keeping things in good shape. All of these things are easy to overlook if you don't look at them regularly.

Suppose you can spend a few minutes each year inspecting the RV for things like cracked seals and leaking hoses. You can save money in the long run. Before you do an RV repair, ask if they offer a service like this.

Buy Parts from the Right Source

You can't just buy anything off the shelf to fix an RV or boat. Depending on the issue, you may need to have certain parts. It's up to you to check with the manufacturer to see if they have it in stock. You can also try some repair shops that sell RV parts on the side. Many have specials on certain parts to get them more cheaply, but that can be hit or miss. If you're in a bind, it's best to buy the available parts and make the repairs you can when they're needed. You can now unlock your car with AAA Insurance, which helps more than 4 million people every year. They'll help with everything from lockouts to roadside assistance and more!

It's easy to let this particular aspect of RV ownership be a blind spot, which can be expensive in the long run. Once you've made sure everything is working correctly, you can save some money on repairs in the future.

Monday 22 November 2021

THE OFFICIAL UNICORN SPiT® USER’S HANDBOOK Giveaway!

 Create Colorful Masterpieces with The One and Only The Official Unicorn Spit® User’s Handbook!




Unicorn SPiT is a paint, gel stain, and glaze concentrate — all in one bottle! It creates a sparkling, 3-dimensional effect on wood, glass, metal, fabric, pottery, wicker, concrete, laminate and more. Fans love that it’s non-toxic and comes in a variety of outrageous colors.

Now, for the first time, Unicorn SPiT inventor Michelle Nicole spills the secrets about the best tips and tricks for using the paint to create vibrant works of art in The Official Unicorn SPiT® User’s Handbook: Let Your Creative Juices Flow With Over 50 Colorful Projects for Home Decor, Apparel, Artwork, and Much More!

This official guidebook details everything you need to know, including more than 50 projects for artwork, glassware, clothing, and more; mixing color to create unique new shades; easy techniques for applying paint like a pro; tips and tricks on giving new life to old furniture; and much, much more!

Unicorn SPiT can be anything the artist would like it to be: paint, wood stain, wood dye, fabric dye, fabric paint/ink, glass colorant, faux finish, or watercolor. It can even be used in place of oil and acrylic paints. These vibrant, non-toxic, low-VOC products are also aromatherapy-infused.
“One of my favorite aspects of SPiT is that it can be applied with a brush, foam pad, spray bottle, airbrush, cloth, paper towel, or even your gloved hands,” she said. “Because the product doesn’t contain microplastics or harsh chemicals, you can allow Unicorn SPiT to dry on your brushes, paint palettes, and stencils without damaging them. And it’s easy to correct mistakes by simply wiping them away with a damp cloth. Even after it’s dry!”

HOW IT STARTED
The Official Unicorn SPiT® User’s Handbook also tells the inspiring story behind its creation. When she was 21, Nicole started an arts and crafts program at a senior daycare center, but she noticed the men weren’t partaking in projects, like macaroni pictures and hook rugs. When she spotted an old piece of furniture off the side of the road, she brought it in for the men to work on. In no time at all, many of the participants transformed pieces of furniture, and the art therapy was energizing the senior citizens.

“Realizing that some of the residents were going to use their hands to color the furniture, I decided to develop a non-toxic product that didn’t emit harmful fumes or irritate the skin. After much trial and error, I developed a vibrantly colorful stain that worked, was safe to use, and smelled like jasmine,” she said.

This stain eventually became known as Unicorn SPiT. “It’s a concentrated gel pigment that I often refer to as a shapeshifter. I created a groundbreaking formula to help people create art despite any physical, mental, or financial limitations.With Unicorn SPiT, you can dabble with many varieties of art without going broke buying endless amounts of supplies,” she said. 
                                                                                                                                 
Back in 2015, Nicole never imagined her colorful concoction would go from being created in a spaghetti pot in her kitchen to being sold at major art and hobby stores around the world. “When I created Unicorn SPiT, I was skeptical of how it would be received,” she said. “But after seeing the art created by thousands of people using the product, its powers have proved to be real. Follow along with me and let’s create art pieces out of everyday objects that are also beautiful, touchable, shareable, and joyful reflections of ourselves. Let those creative juices flow!”

About the Author

Michelle Nicole is the inventor of Unicorn SPiT and an avid artist and crafter. She’s a self-taught artist with a passion for color, design, and art therapy. Whether she’s transforming an outdated piece of furniture into a sleek, stylish piece, or formulating new colors to add to her popular line of Unicorn SPiT products, her creative mind is always in motion.
In addition to discovering new ways to use her ingenious product, Michelle enjoys teaching others how to “let your creative juices flow.” The videos she posts online for tens of thousands of followers are informative and entertaining.
No item, surface, or piece of clothing is off limits. As Michelle says, “You can SPiT that!” She lives in Shawnee, KS.

About Rocky Nook
Named one of Publishers Weekly’s “fastest-growing small publishers,” Rocky Nook is an independent publishing company known for creating the industry’s best books for helping photographers of all levels improve their skills in capturing those moments that matter. We are a small (but mighty!) seven-person team that loves creating beautiful books that help you master the technology, find inspiration, and hone your craft in order to create better pictures. Recently we have taken our passion for creativity and making finely crafted books and started applying it to other topic areas including drawing, painting, graphic design, crafts, and much more.

About Pacific & Court

Pacific & Court is a Brooklyn-based boutique publicity and digital marketing company specializing in promoting independent authors and book publishers. Together, the P&C team has over 30 years of experience publishing, promoting, and marketing bestselling books.





What you’ll need.

• SPARKLiNG Unicorn SPiT colors: Violet Vulture, Sapphire Swift, and Lavish Lovebirds
• Concept color: Zeus • Stripping agent
• Artist brushes
• High-gloss topcoat • Shop cloth
• Painter’s tape
• Small, size-appropriate screwdriver

 Galaxy Canvas Shoes
What you’ll need
• Unicorn SPiT colors: White Ning and Midnight’s Blackness
• Unicorn SPiT SPARKLiNG: Violet
Vulture, Sapphire Swift, and Golden Gosling
• Pair of white canvas shoes
• Medium artist’s brush
• Liner brush
• Silicone waterproofing spray for
exterior fabrics
• Painter’s tape
• Hair dryer
• Cotton makeup remover pad
 92



Trendy footwear is something I really love. I have a ton
of shoes, which is crazy because most of the time I’m barefoot. I work out, run around the house, and garden in bare feet. But when I wear shoes, I like them to be ones that express my feelings, mood, and the occasion. I am fascinated with images of outer space, so I took an old pair of white canvas shoes and gave them an out-of-this- world makeover. Don’t be afraid to wear these shoes everywhere you go because the way you’re going to seal them, they’ll be ready to accompany you on your greatest adventures.




  Tie-Dyed Organizer

What you’ll need

• Unicorn SPiT colors: White Ning, Zia, Lemon Kiss, Phoenix Fire, Pixie Punk Pink, Purple Hill Majesty, Navajo Jewel, and Blue Thunder
• E6000 Spray Adhesive
• Water
• Syringe
• Wax paper
• Resealable containers
• Rubber gloves
• Clear cling wrap
• Iron
• Finishing wax
 204

Sometimes you just need to put all your stuff away in something small and compact that can fit pretty much anywhere. That’s why this piece found a home with me.
I needed a spot to stow my scarves, gloves, and winter hats. I knew this piece was the one because it was a blank slate. I was able to create an exciting piece by combining different techniques, from tie-dye to whitewashing to Sunset Press. It reminds me of the beautiful colors of the sunset, no matter what time of day it is. I found this little unfinished storage cart that I had to assemble. It made it easy to add color in a lot of different ways.

a Rafflecopter giveaway