Sensible Guides

Mothers Day is a special day honoring motherhood and the women who have played an important role in raising our children.

When it comes to gift giving for the Mom’s in our lives, it’s all about gifts from the heart. These specially thought out, hand crafted gifts of love are guaranteed to bring joy to one of the most special people in our lives.

Here are a few unique ideas to help light up Mom’s eyes and show her what she means to you. Continue »

You have decided to sell your home. With the markets today it’s important to put your best foot forward when it comes to sprucing up your home before putting it on the market.

You could potentially gain up to 20% more on the sale simply by taking the time to improve what you have and maximizing the benefits that buyers are looking for when purchasing a new home.

The easiest and the most effective solution is a good coat of paint. A good paint job can turn an otherwise drab, tired looking home into a bright and airy new space that will appeal to those looking for a fresh start. Continue »

If you are one of the many home owners who would like to overhaul your bathroom but your finances just can’t make that dream a reality, there is good news. You can remodel your bathroom while remaining on a budget giving you a fresh new space without breaking the bank.

All it takes is a little bit of imagination, plenty of planning and some good old fashion sweat equity. Here are a few ideas to help you get started on a new look. Continue »

When it comes to the holidays there are a number of traditions that hold a place of honor in family gatherings. Gift giving is no exception.

There was a time when gift giving rules were loosely woven into the holiday magic however times have changed, rules have been revamped and new traditions have been born.

With budgets in mind and extended families growing, the idea of a present for everyone has become less of an option and the refocusing on family has taken on a new meaning. Choosing wisely, with care and with fun has become a new way to enjoy the holiday season. Continue »

When it comes to cleaning our clothing and our homes, we have come a long way with detergents, softeners and all manner of stain removal agents. In fact many are quite effective but can be hard on the environment and even harder on the budget.

But there is a growing trend of getting back to basics and using time worn, tried and true methods to keeping our clothing in good condition without any harmful residue. Using common, easy to find ingredients we can remove most stains safely and effectively and for very little cost. Continue »

If your kitchen is in dire need of an update yet you are unsure of just how much money you want to invest, it’s a good idea to look at the bigger picture and ask yourself some clear questions to help you make the right decision.

There are several major changes we can tackle such as replacing old floors, adding sleek new appliances, and slick new counter-tops for an immediate impact. However if the kitchen has a good design and the cabinetry shows solid workmanship, the decision to reface or replace becomes a question of which one is right for you . Continue »

There are many ways to improve the look of your home and increase its value without breaking the bank. Whether it’s in need of freshening up or you have decided to put it on the market, a little bit of work can make a big difference for very little cost.

If you have decided to sell, a few minor home repairs can increase the value by as much as 20% in today’s market. By talking an objective walk through your home, you can note the areas that need some minor repairs and develop a completion plan while keeping your budget in control. Continue »

Keeping our homes clean has become easier and less time consuming with the plethora of products on the market today. With the variety of sprays, jets, foams and wipes, we are now beginning to question just how harmful these products can be to our overall health and the health of our families.

With the rise in respiratory illness and allergies, we need to be cautious of what we bring into our homes.  Highly caustic cleaners may be effective but at what price? But there is another way.

By taking a page from our parents and grandparents, we can prepare homemade cleaning products that are relatively easy, effective and most importantly are safe for every member of the family. For the price of just one store bought cleaner, we can clean our entire home in environmentally friendly way for a fraction of the cost. Continue »

You and your family have decided to take that long awaited vacation and now it’s time for the planning. In the past this was an exciting time however with today’s economy, many families have had to cut back and this can present a challenge.

The new buzz word of the day is a Stay-cation, where you can get your down time right in your own back yard. If you are looking for a change of scenery, there are still many ways that with a little careful planning, you can create an affordable family vacation where everyone can enjoy themselves and still maintain your budget. Continue »

House Renovations can enhance the beauty and value of your home if done properly. Kitchen, bathroom and basement are the most popular home renovations done today and can substantially increase the selling price of your home.

Doing renovations can also be a very dirty and unsettling business that can carry on for weeks depending on the job. It disrupts normal routines and can create stressful situations, especially if you have children. Proper planning is very important in order to minimize anxiety for your family and all the workers involved. But before you bring a contractor into your home you need to decide which is best suited to your requirements. Continue »