Archives for January 2015

Tips And Tricks For Designing A Luxurious Lounge In Your Home

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When designing a luxurious living room, there are a number of factors one must consider. The size and shape of your space will determine which items you can purchase, and which improvements you can make. There are thousands of design articles you could read for inspiration. However, the page you’ve found today should contain enough information for you to get started. There is no need to spend thousands to get the look and feel you desire. You just need to use your head and shop around. At the end of the day, we all want our friends to pass comment when they come to visit.

Lay real wood flooring

While it might not be as comfortable as carpet, real wood flooring is guaranteed to add an extra element of luxury to your lounge. There are so many different types available on the market today that you will be spoiled for choice. With that in mind, you should visit a number of stores in your local area before making your selection. You could look online, but it’s best to see the product first hand prior to making an investment. When it comes to laying the flooring, you could employ the services of an expert or use the DIY method.

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Purchase some bespoke custom cabinets

Just as some people purchase custom wardrobes for their bedrooms, a custom bespoke cabinet in your living room could provide amazing results. Not only will it look upmarket and classy, but it will help to keep your room clutter-free. There are plenty of specialist cabinet makers in Sydney, Melbourne and all over Australia. You just need to find the best professional in your local area. Most will measure the space you have and create an original design that meets your requirements.

Find some high-end window solutions

Everyone wants to make the most of their home. The products you use to regulate the amount of light in your lounge could make a big difference to the way it appears to guests. Most people have a decent sized window in their living room, and so it makes sense to think long and hard about the products you use. While blinds can make a room look classy, it’s usually wise to purchase some curtains too. You can get some fantastic satin solutions from most home stores. Alternatively, you might like to purchase the material and make some yourself. Not only will that help you to save money, but it will also ensure that you don’t have the same items as anyone else you might know.

Think about lighting options

Most people simply install some dimmer switches and leave it at that. However, your lounge might benefit from some stylish or unusual lamps. While lava lamps may have decreased in popularity over the last few years, you can still get some brilliantly designed products if you look online.

Having learned a little more about ways in which you could create a luxurious lounge design, we hope you are now ready to make a start. Just remember to create a plan on paper before you undertake the job. That way, you can be sure that you won’t overspend.

 

 

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6 Steps To Whiter Teeth

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We all dream of having the perfect white smile. There is nothing better than having the confidence boost of pearly white teeth and knowing that when you smile, you light up the room. Your teeth are important to your health as well as your looks. Keeping them healthy and well cared for is an important part of your daily routine and is not something that should ever be neglected. Here we show you some fantastic ways to achieve whiter teeth and how you can get the best care for your teeth, no matter what your budget or lifestyle.

1. Visit your dentist – visiting your dentist is obviously the best way to take care of your teeth. A reliable Denver dentist or your local dentist surgery will be able to provide you with some in-depth and helpful advice. He will then go on to explain how to care for your teeth, before performing any treatments. You can have teeth whitening at your dentist or perhaps have some cosmetic changes made to the way your teeth look. Dentists will also give your teeth a much better clean and polish that you can do at home by yourself. This is great every few months, to boost the condition of your teeth and to preserve the shine and enamel. Dentists are experienced and know how to deal with patient’s requirements. If you have a fear of the dentist then explain this before you go. They will usually do everything they can in order to ensure that you are calm and comfortable during your experience.  If you have a bad experience with a dentist then it is relatively easy to change to a different practitioner or opt for some private dentistry care.

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2. Try whitening strips. Whitening strips are one of the best-selling tooth and beauty care products available to buy at the moment. You can use them from the comfort of your home and most will work around your schedule. You probably won’t achieve exactly the same results as you would by going to a dentist, but if your teeth need a quick brighten up then this might be an option for you.

3. Whitening toothpaste. There are all kinds of whitening and brightening toothpaste in stores at the moment. Get them from your local beauty store or pick some up at the supermarket. They are everywhere. Brushing your teeth with a whitening toothpaste may have an effect on how clean and white they look but this does usually take a few weeks to see a noticeable difference.

4. Baking soda. Some people swear by using baking soda on their teeth. Ensure that you make it into a paste and rinse it out before spitting into the sink. Household products are sometimes the most effective.

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5. Avoid coffee and alcohol. Coffee and alcohol such as red wine can stain your teeth and cause them damage. Try to avoid these where possible. Brushing your teeth immediately after consuming these drinks will lessen the staining.

6. Changes to dietary and living habits. Changing your diet and becoming more active will also help. Active bodies are more likely to be able to fight infection. Avoiding highly acidic food and drink such as grapefruits and orange juice may also help.

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Should You Pay For Cosmetic Surgery This Year?

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There are lots of factors that might lead to someone wanting plastic surgery over the next twelve months. However, many people will do it for the wrong reasons. With that in mind, we thought you could do with some advice from the professionals. While there is nothing wrong with going under the knife for cosmetic reasons, you need to be 100% certain that you’re making the right decision. These procedures are irreversible, and so the last thing you want is to wake up thinking you made a mistake.

Cosmetic surgery has helped thousands of women to improve their self-image, and it is known to increase confidence levels. So, you don’t need to shy away from it, but it’s still wise to spend a lot of time considering your options.

Cosmetic surgery can be expensive

Most professional clinics that perform cosmetic surgery procedures offer payment plans that help you to spread the cost over a longer period. However, it’s still going to require a lot of investment. For that reason, you need to consider your finances when weighing your options. If you’re not stable at the moment, it might be wise to wait until you are. That said, sometimes people feel that cosmetic surgery is so important that they are willing to get into debt. We’re not trying to sway your decision either way. We just think that you should think about the money first.

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Cosmetic surgery involves certain risks

Success levels are very high within the cosmetic surgery industry these days. So, there is no need to spend too much time worrying about what might go wrong. That said, your surgeon is required to give you all the details of any risks by law. That means you will have time to discuss the matter before you agree to your chosen procedure. Different operations carry varying levels of risk. For instance, there is little to worry about when getting your eyebrows enhanced. On the other hand, people who have breast enlargements will want to look at the statistics. It’s the same as taking medicine; you’ll always read the side effects first, right?

Cosmetic surgery could improve your life

There is no getting away from the fact that cosmetic surgery could improve your life. If you’ve struggled with confidence because of your appearance, the right procedures could help you to move on. Those of you who are feeling a bit older than you once were could find it helps you to start looking young again. While it would be nice if all women realized they were beautiful regardless of appearance, that simply isn’t the case. We live in a world where airbrushed models in celebrity magazines set the standard. If you think your life would be better after having certain procedures, we think you should go for it. Just don’t rush into anything. Take your time.

Thanks for taking the time to read through our advice. Our opinion is that cosmetic surgery does a lot of good things for many people. You just need to make sure you’re not being pressured, and that you’re doing it to please yourself.

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Try the World Subscription Box Review

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Disclosure:  I received the product mentioned below to facilitate my review.  All opinions are 100% my own.

Love foods from around the world but just can’t afford to travel to a new country each month?  If so, you’ll love the Try the World subscription service.  It’s a subscription service which gives you a box of gourmet food from around the world every 2 months. You will received 7-10 gourmet products curated by their chefs in a pretty turquoise box.
veniceThis month’s box was Venice.  It included red pesto and truffles, pastille candy, a large can of Mogi Caffe coffee, a most delicious torroncini candy (nougat with hazelnuts which I cheated on my diet to taste and it was worth every yummy calorie!), Perugina Limoncello chocolate, pasta, a jar of honey, a card describing each full size gourmet product, and a culture guide with music, movies, recipes and more.

Want to feel like you’re submersed in the country of your Try the World box?  Check out the playlist from the different countries.

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If you subscribe to Try the World, you will receive one box from a different city every two months.  PLUS for a limited time if you order through this link you will receive the Venice box PLUS a BONUS FREE PARIS BOX!

try the worldThis subscription would make the perfect gift for the avid traveler in your life. Or maybe your favorite person that is unable to travel. We know that this is a gift for just about everyone.  Missed out on the FREE Paris box?  Use code CORISCOZY30 to get 30% off your first subscription!
*Please note that this code only applies to subscriptions and not to gifts.

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Lush Decor $200 Shopping Spree Giveaway

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Disclosure- I received a gift card to Lush Decor in exchange for hosting this giveaway.  All opinions are 100% my own.

When was the last time you updated the decor and look of your bedroom?  What about your bathrooms or window treatments?  Odds are it’s been a while.  Why not update the look without spending a fortune?  Lush Decor has beautiful bedding, shower curtains, and window treatments that won’t break the bank!  Plus my readers get 10% off their purchase with code LOVELUSH1.

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Lush Décor is all about Inspired Living.  Jenny Zhu, our CEO founded the company because she aspired to create affordable fashion that can be enjoyed through all the phases of your life. We offer a wide range of designs and workmanship to help you create your own “look” and lifestyle.

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Lush Décor is Designed for Life.  At Lush Décor we believe that great designs at terrific values will always trump something that is ordinary and very promotionally priced. For us its all about you enjoying our creations today, tomorrow and for years to come.

Get 10% off your purchase at Lush Decor with code LOVELUSH1.

I’ve been eyeing this beauty:
51m3xS3olOL._SS620_Want to win a $200 Lush Decor gift card?  Enter below:

Here’s what you need to do to ENTER –

First of all – you must follow my blog – The giveaways I host are for my wonderful readers. To be considered a Cori’s Cozy Corner reader, you must receive my once daily email.  This is not considered an entry, but rather a requirement in order to enter any of my giveaways.  🙂 I do verify that you subscribe to my e-mail at the time of the winner drawing.   You can sign up for my once daily email easily by entering your e-mail address right here:

Once you are a Cori’s Cozy Corner reader via email you can continue on to the Entry Form Below. Good luck!

*Winner will receive a one-time use gift card code for $200 at Lush Decor with no balance kept and must be used in one purchase.  Winner can checkout with his/her Amazon.com credentials where Lush Decor is fully integrated for quick and safe check out.

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Celebrate National Reading Day With The Book of Life

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Disclosure- We received The Book of Life storybook kits in exchange for this post as part of Fox Home Entertainment’s blogger program.  All opinions are 100% our own.

Happy National Reading Day!
#BookofLifeReading

book of life reading dayI’m a lucky mom.  Both of my girls love to read.  I think their love of reading started when they were both little and we’d snuggle in bed as I read them their favorite stories.  We were excited to learn about National Reading Day.  National Reading Day (January 23, 2015) encourages children all over the country to read.  In honor of National Reading Day and upcoming release of The Book of Life movie on Blu-ray and DVD we received backpacks with lots of The Book of Life school supplies.
book of life backpack2One of the first things my girls did with the school supply sets was to make lists of the books they would like to read this year.  It is a great way to set reading goals for the year and see how many books they have read by the end of the year.  I love the lists because I can look on their lists and use them as wish lists to know what books they’d like me to purchase or borrow from our local library.  What are some of your children’s favorite books?

FREE Printable Reading List

bookoflife_downloads_2015booklistP1230748They may be 9 and 11 years old but they still love to color so they enjoyed coloring a Book of Life picture, too. P1230753P1230751  And showing their love for The Book of Life with the stencils in the kit.
love book of lifeThe theme of family traditions and family history is important in The Book of Life. In our kits we also received certificates to Pinhole Press to create our own The Book of Life themed family storybooks.  At Pinhole Press you can create high quality, personalized photo gifts such as memory games and storybooks.
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My girls thought they were a little too old to make picture books of our family members but this would be such an amazing book for younger kids, especially to remember relatives that life far away.  Pinhole Press also has other great The Book of Life personalized photo gifts such as a matching game, notebook, and magnetic portrait sheet so my girls decided that they wanted to make some other personalize photo gifts for themselves instead.  They just love that they are The Book of Life themed as it is one of their favorite movies.  They can’t wait for it to come on Blu-ray and DVD on January 27th.

Want to get your own photo gifts from Pinhole Press?  They’d make great Valentine’s Day gifts!

Get 10% off all Pinhole Press products with code BOOKOFLIFE.

(Expires on Valentine’s Day February 14, 2015)

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Save Money With The New Couwalla App

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couwalla app
Last weekend I attended a media event with several other bloggers at the Brio Tuscan Grill in Plantation and the Westfield Broward Mall to learn about the new Couwalla coupon app.  We started our afternoon enjoying on the amazingly delicious appetizers at  Brio Tuscan Grill, a new restaurant in Plantation.  There were 3 types of bruchetta, calamari, and spinach dip.  The Beef Carpaccio was my favorite but I really liked everything I tried.  I ordered a steak for my lunch and it was cooked perfectly and the sauteed veggies and diced sweet potato were a nice accompaniment.
brio tuscan grilleAnd the desserts!  Oh the desserts!  Full disclosure, I’m dieting so I ordered a cup of fruit but my oh my the desserts looked delicious!brio tuscan grille dessertsWhile we ate we had the opportunity to talk with the creators of the Couwalla app as well as coupon guru and Miami Dolphins player, Keith Sims.  Keith gave us some couponing tips and shared with us how he saves money with coupons.  With his money savings skills, Keith is the perfect spokesperson for Couwalla.
couwalla signSo what is Couwalla?

Couwalla App is a free application available for iphones and androids.

Right now Couwalla is only available in South Florida but they are quickly expanding to other markets and will have over 45,000 coupons to save on apparel and restaurants by next month.Screenshot_2015-01-25-00-48-36

Download the Couwalla app to your smartphone.  Open up the Couwalla app on your smartphone and it will show you all the coupons available in your area.

Screenshot_2015-01-25-00-49-16You can also search for coupons by category.  
Screenshot_2015-01-25-00-50-14Add the coupons you like to “My Coupons” and then simply have the cashier scan them when you get to the register.  Nothing to clip.  No searching for coupons online.  Easy peasy!  In just the last week since I stared using Couwalla I found several coupons that I hadn’t seen elsewhere.  Love that!  

Couwalla prides itself on it’s integrity- find a coupon, show it, use it, done!  No need to worry about coupons not working, expired coupons, etc. like with some other coupon apps.  

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With Couwalla the consumer is in control, not the advertiser.  Another great feature of Couwalla is the “Wallet” where you can store all of your store loyalty card numbers.  No more carrying around a keychain full of scan cards.  With Couwalla you can store them all in the app and simple show the app to the cashier to scan your loyalty card.
couwalla walletAnother one of my favorite things about Couwalla is “Couwalla Cares”, a philanthropic program in which Couwalla will donate money to charities per download of Couwalla. Couwalla chooses a different charity each month to give money to.  This month they are donating to the Alzheimer’s Family Center Inc. located in South Florida.  In February Couwalla’s Couwalla Cares charity will be St. Jude.
Couwalla EventHere we are posing with Keith Sims (far right) and several other ex-Miami Dolphins players.  We’re a cute looking bunch, aren’t we?

Text “Couwalla” to 30241 to download the app to your smartphone.

Make sure to check out Couwalla on Facebook.

Disclosure: I was invited to Brio Restaurant in Plantation and the Westfield Broward Mall for a media event.  I received a gift card to faciliate my review but all opinions are 100% my own.  

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Buying A Horse For Your Child: A Guide

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little-girl-102202_1280(Photo source)

If your child is begging for a horse, it can be hard to know what to do. Of course, you want to encourage their passion, but you don’t want to be stuck with a horse your child doesn’t really want.

As well as worrying about whether or not your child really wants a horse, you may also be worrying about the financial aspect of owning a pony. Can you afford to care for it and maintain it? Can you afford the stabling costs? These are all important things to consider before buying your child a horse or pony.

To help you decide what to do, we have put together some simple tips and advice below:

Is it just a passing phase?

Before you can even think about buying your child a horse, it is important to work out whether or not their love of horses is a passing phase. Perhaps they watched a horse movie or read a book and all of a sudden want their very own pony – if this is the case, wait it out. You never know, a new passion may take hold.

Does your child take riding lessons or are they just obsessed with horses? Before you even think about getting your child a horse, make sure that they have been taking riding lessons for at least six months.

Is your family ready for a horse?

Even if your child is old enough to take care of a horse themselves, there will still be times that they rely on you and your partner to help them. For example, if your child is too young to drive, it will probably fall on you or your partner to pick up the hay and food. It may also fall on you to take care of the horse while your child is at school, work or away on a trip.

Whether you child is obsessed with horses or not, you need to take into account whether you are ready for a horse as a family. If the rest of the family rides, then you will probably feel more comfortable with the idea of a horse, but if not, then you may not want the extra responsibility.

Can you afford it?

One of the most important things to consider when buying a horse is whether you can actually afford it. It isn’t just the cost of the horse to think about, but also everything you will need to feed it, care for it and keep it in good health.

If you don’t think you can afford the costs, but your child wants a horse more than anything, think about your options. If your child is old enough, perhaps you could suggest that they fund it themselves by getting a part-time job?

To cut the costs of buying a horse, think about how you can make things less expensive, such as by buying a used saddle. To find out what the difference is between buying a new vs. a used saddle, have a look online and do some research.

As well as buying a used saddle, think about the other things you could buy second hand, such as a riding hat, horse mats, feeding bowls, etc..

How old should your child be?

How old your child should be when they get their own horse depends on your personal opinions.

However, if your child will be looking after the horse mainly themselves, then they need to be old enough to know what they are doing. They also need to have enough knowledge to spot any potential health problems or illnesses in their horse.

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Tips For Creating The Right Atmosphere In Your Home

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We all know how important it can be to create the right atmosphere in our homes. After a long day at work, most people just want to put their feet up and relax. While you could spend hours reading through technical in-depth design articles, we’ve come up with some simple ideas that could make a huge difference. Regardless of the size or shape of your property, you could make improvements without placing too much strain on your finances. It’s all about being sensible with your choices and looking online for the best deals. So long as you have at least a small element of creativity, you should be fine.

Consider your lighting solutions

The way in which your home is illuminated could significantly alter the atmosphere you create. So, it’s worth taking a few moments to decide on the most appropriate lighting solutions. It’s usually a good idea to choose something that allows you more control than standard fittings. Strategically placed lamps and spotlights can work well if you link them up to a dimmer switch. Thankfully, you can get some fantastic deals online at this time of year, so there is no need to break the bank.

Think about your window products

When thinking about the best products to place on your windows, you have two main choices. Most people opt for either curtains or blinds. However, you might like to stick with the times and find something even better. Orange County shutters are renowned for being far superior to those produced in other places around the country. So, maybe you should give those products some thought? They look stylish, and they allow you to control the amount of light in your room.

Paint in deep colors

There are many domestic improvements you could undertake. Most people would agree that painting your walls in deep colors can help to create a relaxed and luxurious atmosphere. At the end of the day, most professional designers will tell you to use light, neutral shades. However, we think that’s only a good idea if you want to make your home seem more appealing to guests. Presuming you’re just thinking about yourself, deep colors will help you to feel warm and content.

Add some artwork

Many people opt to place family photographs on their walls and around their home. While that is a good idea, we think you might benefit from some artwork. You can either create some yourself or buy from a dealer. If you want to save money, you should check some of the websites that list original pieces from up and coming artists. That is because there is every chance the work you purchase could increase in price as the articles becomes more established. So, you should see it as an investment too.

You should now have some fantastic ideas about creating the right atmosphere in your home. No matter what you decide to do over the next few months, we hope you get everything sorted soon. Don’t forget to check out some of the other posts on this blog if you want more info.

 

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5 Home Repairs That You Must Never Ignore

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Everyone loves to have a beautiful home. But, it’s time to look beyond the paint and furniture. When it comes to matters of your property, you need to make sure that your home is fit for purpose. Important home repairs go beyond it looking beautiful. In order for you to maximise your home’s potential, it’s vital that you don’t overlook important structural repairs.

Okay, so you can’t physically see the foundations of your home. But, ignoring them or bypassing them is a great way of discovering more complicated and costly, tasks within your home.

It’s time to get house-savvy.

Here are 5 of the most significant home repairs that you must never ignore.

Rainwater Disaster

Rain, rain go away; the rhyme goes. But, if rainwater is not draining problem, it may be time to check your guttering and pipework. If you are suffering from excessive amounts of rain water collecting in your guttering, it’s time to investigate. What’s more, rainwater may be spraying everywhere, when it is gathered in the guttering.

Take a look at the guttering and fascias and see what issues are apparent. You may just need to clean your gutters from gunk and leaves. But, you will have to check for corrosion and broken connections. If you don’t, you could find that your guttering breaks in its entirety, leaving you with a flooded property.

Check the Roof

The roof is one of the hardest working items in your home. Let’s face it; we haven’t got to stress the importance of a good roof. So, do an annual inspection. Make sure that the roof is not suffering from tears, cracks and missing tiles. If you ignore your roof, you could find that mold and mildew makes its way into your home. Checking the outside of your property results in your having a gorgeous interior.

 

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Foundations

The foundations of a home need to be regularly inspected. If you don’t, cracks and breakages within the foundations can result in the interior of your home suffering. Cracks can appear on interior walls as a result of inferior foundations. Oklahoma City Foundation Repair have pointed out some common household issues that could be a sign of foundation problems.  Bulging floors, doors that won’t shut and uneven surfaces are all signs of foundation distress. Call in an expert and get your property in good standing.

Pests and Other Critters

Termites, ants and rodents can all be a sign that your home is not as it should be. Make sure that you keep debris from leaves, and firewood, away from your property. This will deter the pests from entering your property. Simple garden maintenance is enough to keep these pesky critters at bay.

More on Mold and Mildew…

Mould and mildew can occur for a number of reasons. Usually, carpets and windows are a sign that something is not right. Pull up carpets and check the floorboards in your home. If they look a little shabby, it’s time to start replacing them. Windows can allow condensation and moisture to occur. Try re-sealing the windows as a cost-effective measure. If this doesn’t stop the onset of mould, it may be time to consider replacing your windows too. PVC is generally the most useful kind of windows to invest in.

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