@hellolovelyliving at Restoration Hardware Melrose Ave, West Hollywood, CA

If you are looking to create good feng shui in your home, you may be surprised to know that mirrors can actually be quite helpful. Mirrors have the ability to reflect both natural and artificial light, brightening up a space and making it feel more open and welcoming.

Here are 7 ways you can use mirrors to create good feng shui in your home:

01

Hang a Mirror Near the Front Door

One of the best ways to use mirrors for good feng shui is to hang one near the front door of your home. This will help reflect any positive energy that comes into your home, as well as any negative energy that might try to enter.

02

Place a Mirror Opposite a Window

Another great way to use mirrors for good feng shui is to place them opposite windows. This will help reflect both natural and artificial light, brightening up the space and making it feel more open and inviting.

03

Hang a Mirror in Your Dining Room

Hanging a mirror in your dining room is a great way to create good feng shui, as it will help reflect any positive energy that comes into the room while you are eating.

04

Place a Mirror in Your Living Room

Placing a mirror in your living room is another great way to create good feng shui. Mirrors help reflect both natural and artificial light, making the space feel brighter and more welcoming. They can trick your brain into giving you the illusion of more space. Also, a larger mirror fits perfectly in the living room. Installing it should not be a hassle with the help of an expert like Gatsby Glass; they have the right tools and equipment.

05

Hang a Mirror in Your Bedroom 

Hanging a mirror in your bedroom is a great way to create good feng shui, as it will help reflect any positive energy that comes into the room while you are sleeping. Plus, it will also help give the illusion of more space, which can be helpful if your bedroom is on the smaller side.

06

Place a Mirror Near Your Desk 

If you work from home, placing a mirror near your desk is a great way to create good feng shui. Mirrors help reflect both natural and artificial light, making the space feel brighter and more welcoming.

07

Hang a Mirror Outside 

Hanging a mirror outside is also said to be helpful in creating good feng shui. This is because mirrors have the ability to reflect both natural and artificial light, brightening up any space they are placed in. Additionally, hanging a mirror outside can also help protect your home from negative energy coming from outside sources. 

takeaways

As you can see, there are plenty of ways you can use mirrors to create good feng shui in your home. So, if you are looking for ways to bring some positive energy into your space, consider giving some of these tips a try!

@hellolovelyliving enjoying a green lawn at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Chino, Hills, CA

A beautiful, green lawn is the envy of every homeowner. It’s the perfect place for kids to play, dogs to run, and parties to happen. But what do you do when your lawn starts looking less than green?

Here are the top 10 ways to improve your brown lawn:

01

Water regularly and deeply

Brown grass is often the result of drought. Watering deeply and regularly will help to bring your lawn back to life.

02

Aerate your lawn

Aeration helps water and nutrients to reach the roots of your grass. This can be done with a hand aerator or a motorized one.

03

Apply organic matter

Organic matter helps improve drainage and leads to healthier grass growth. You can add organic matter to your lawn by top-dressing with compost or applying mulch.

04

Reseed bare patches

Reseeding bare patches will help fill in any thin or bald spots on your lawn. Be sure to use quality seeds, preferably from a local nursery or garden center.

05

Fertilize properly

Fertilizing helps the grass to grow green and thick. Be sure not to over-fertilize, as this can damage your lawn. If you want proper guidance on your fertilizer needs, you may contact one of the experts in your place like Heroes Lawn Care. Also, apply fertilizer in the spring and fall for the best results.

06

Mow correctly

Mowing correctly is crucial for a healthy lawn. Be sure to mow high (at least three 3 inches) and never remove more than one-third (⅓) of the height of the grass at one time. Also, make sure to sharpen your mower blade regularly for a clean cut.

07

Water in the morning

Watering in the morning allows the sun to evaporate any water that may have been left on the leaves overnight, which can lead to disease.

08

Avoid chemicals

Chemicals such as herbicides and pesticides can harm your grass and lead to long-term problems. If you must use them, be sure to use them sparingly and according to the directions on the label.

09

Cut down on traffic 

Grass does not do well when it is constantly being walked on or driven over. If you have high-traffic areas on your lawn, consider planting something else there that is more resistant to foot traffic.

10

Get professional help 

Sometimes no matter how much you try, you just can not get your lawn to look green again. In these cases, it may be best to seek professional help from a landscaping company that specializes in lawn care. By following these tips, you will be well on your way to having a lush, green lawn that will be the envy of all your neighbors!

Takeaways

Having a green lawn is not only about appearances—it’s about pride, too! Luckily, with a little know-how and elbow grease, you can turn that brown patch back into a thing of beauty in no time at all!

@hellolovelyliving agrees that switching to smart bulbs is a quick way to reduce energy consumption in the home

It is an unavoidable fact that we all depend on a constant supply of energy to live successfully in this world. No one is exempt from their reliance on energy, which fuels our most basic needs. From our dependence on energy to power our homes and offices to our most basic needs of growing the food that we eat, our reliance on energy consumes every facet of life. Learning how to apply new behaviors to how we interact with our world and our energy consumption is at the forefront of effective environmental change.

With an ongoing push toward reducing our reliance upon environmentally degrading fossil fuels, companies are rising to meet the needs of their consumers. From eco-friendly appliances to insulating door and window treatments, smart power strips, and other energy-saving measures enable us to save on electricity costs while enabling us to do our part within our reach—our homes.

In this article, we will discuss a few cost-saving tips to consider when cutting down on your energy usage at home.

Keep an eye peeled on energy-draining devices and turn them off if not in use

Naturally, if your home appliances are switched on unnecessarily, there will be higher electricity consumption. To combat this, turning off air conditioners, fans, lights, and other devices and appliances when not in use or before leaving a room is advisable to save power and conserve energy.

To many, the energy they are consuming on their own may seem limited, but it all adds up to the overall household energy usage at a daily, monthly, and annual rate. Learning to apply simple habits that go a long way can make huge contributions to your energy-saving goals. Maintaining healthy energy usage behaviors can save you money in areas that you would have otherwise overlooked. Remember to practice these daily habits regularly until it becomes second nature to you.

Use curtains and window blinds to reduce energy usage

Keep the temperature in your home at a comfortable and temperate level so as not to overcompensate for cooling or heating the home when it is not necessary to do so. Thermal curtains and insulating blinds make it easier for you to keep the temperature in your home consistent and manageable throughout the seasons. Simply install them in just a few steps, and you are good to go. The best part is that these work well in both summer and winter climates. 

For colder seasons, these window treatments reduce air filtration and keep cold air from entering and warm heat from escaping the room. In the summer, thermal curtains block out as much as 33% of solar radiation through thermally reflective backings. This solution is budget and eco-friendly, and with little to no maintenance, you will also effectively reduce your dependence on traditional heating (furnace) and cooling (air conditioner) costs as well.

Get your home insulation done properly

If you have ever taken a cold shower due to a downed water heater, you were unwittingly confronted with the cold hard truth that hot water is a necessity that many of us will not choose to ever live without. Being as it may, a water heater is one of those appliances that stay on 24-7, so off-setting the cost is something that we could all benefit from.

Typically, water heaters lose heat through their pipes, so insulating your hot water pipes will go a long way in improving efficiency and raising the hot water temperature by 2°F–4°F hotter than uninsulated pipes. This will allow you to reduce your hot water temperature setting and allows the water to be heated at a faster rate, thereby reducing unwanted water loss caused by over-running the water when it is warming up.

In addition, insulating your electric hot water tank with insulating blankets could reduce standby heat losses by 25%–45% and save you about 7%–16% in water heating costs—and should pay for itself in about a year. You can find pre-cut jackets or blankets available for around $20. The result—your water will retain heat more effectively, consequently saving energy.

If you live in a cold climate, you must upgrade the insulation by sealing cracks and windows that are continuously circulating air. This will ensure that cold air does not get in and warm air stays inside, reducing the output of your heater. The same goes in summer when you are trying to keep the cool air indoors while keeping the hot air outdoors.

Takeaways

Every small change counts toward reducing energy consumption and, most importantly, your electricity bills. The tips mentioned in this article are simple, yet so effective. All it takes is some forethought and implementation, and you will be enjoying the compounded cost savings throughout your home.

To take it a bit further, try these other energy and cost-saving practices:

• Use smart bulbs instead of LED bulbs

• Dim the lights to lessen wattage and output

• Turn off stove burners promptly

• Opt for smart plugs and schedule when they will turn on and off

• Have appliances that are not regularly in use on standby

@unsplash

For optimal living and a sustainable existence for all people on earth, protecting the environment is essential. These practices first start in the home, so we can not simply rely on regulators or the government to push us toward implementing them.

By introducing energy-efficient and eco-friendly appliances into your home, you can do your part to contribute in a positive way and create change that is within your reach. These habits also reduce electricity bills and in some appliances, 10 to 20% of energy consumption.

With all of the economic, environmental, and societal changes happening worldwide, we are confronted daily with the responsibility to do what is required of us individually. We spend most of our time at home, so upgrading to eco-friendly appliances is a great place to start.

Undoubtedly, with so many options available, buying appliances for a sustainable home becomes overwhelming. So, today, we compiled a list to help you identify five appliances to focus on first in this process.

01

Refrigerator

Standard refrigerators with low and no energy star ratings are inefficient. In addition, when considering reducing our impact on the environment, inefficient appliances are simply no longer acceptable.

Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in the refrigerant coolant fluid are what deplete the ozone layer. Therefore, it is advisable to choose advanced refrigerators that do not use toxic coolants.

Fortunately, modern and advanced refrigerators are built with efficient cooling systems and compressors that evenly distribute cold air. There is a considerable amount of options available for you to choose from. Take your time to explore the different technologies that are built in before you commit to purchasing a new refrigerator.

02

Air Conditioner

Air conditioners are among the highest energy-consuming appliances. In homes and offices, these appliances are often kept running throughout the day. This leads to high energy bills, particularly in the warmer months when the need for cooling the home is unquestionable.

Let's say a home has AC in all rooms and the residents are sitting in another room; the wifi window air conditioner can sense if there are no people in the room and will turn off. Furthermore, such small and advanced technologies allow for optimal power usage so that energy is not wasted and ensure functionality only when cooling is needed.

The best part is that you can easily manage the AC without leaving your couch. Advanced models allow you to adjust settings on your phone. Most air conditioners also have a pre-assembled kit that keeps their installation easy and manageable. 

03

Dishwasher

Dishwashers are another appliance that significantly contributes to high energy consumption and therefore must be addressed when looking for environmentally friendly appliances.

Generally, dishwashers have a huge impact on the environment because they require large amounts of electricity and water to operate. The energy consumption includes heating the water, loading the water, and circulating the detergents for dish cleaning, rinsing, and drying. 

Advanced dishwashers uphold stringent water-saving and energy-efficient standards. Energy-efficient dishwashers are designed with new technologies such as soil sensors, better water filtration, and high-efficiency jets. This leads to less water and energy consumption, which results in annual cost savings.

04

Washing Machine

Like dishwashers, washing machines can also become eco-friendly appliances. They are both similar in that they both require high water and energy consumption. To save a considerable amount of money on electricity bills and reduce your environmental impact, switch out this appliance as well for an energy and water-efficient model.

Energy-efficient washer machines have more options than standard models, increasing efficiency and offering alternatives that substantially save energy and water with each load. For example, many models now have a steam option, which substantially reduces the amount of water to clean soils as well as the energy needed to heat water.

05

Convection Oven

Convection ovens are highly effective and consume only 20 percent of energy than conventional ovens. With a conventional oven, the heat rises to the top, whereas with a convection oven, the heat is circulated with a fan that allows food to be evenly cooked. This is similar to an air fryer, which cuts down on cooking time as well and heats quicker and more efficiently. We like the Cosori Pro Smart air fryer because not only is it compact, but it has a modern design that looks nice in the kitchen.

Takeaways

Integrating eco-friendly home appliances into the home is a proactive step toward reducing energy consumption and water usage. Above all else is the fact that you will also be reducing your environmental impact and the costs associated with running appliances daily. If we all do our part, we can impact the environment around us in ways that are more monumental than we think. It all starts with adjusting our energy consumption behaviors and building responsible habits. We are all responsible for caring for the world we live in and taking active measures to create change.

Are you already playing your part? What practices are you following?

We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

Sustainability is a pretty big topic right now, and for a good reason: the effects of climate change significantly threatens our environment, which is why we must apply ways to minimize our environmental impact. Living an eco-friendly lifestyle is one of the best ways to make that happen since individual effort can make a big difference in the long run. If you want to live a more sustainable lifestyle, here are a few ways that will help jump-start your journey.

Don't throw everything away

We live in a society that promotes endless consumption, and it is well-known that such behavior is extremely harmful to the environment. Therefore, learning how to reduce, reuse, and recycle can be of immediate impact. The easiest way to start is to adopt certain zero-waste principles. Now, that does not mean you should keep everything you use, but finding creative ways to reuse certain items, especially single-use plastics, can be very beneficial. Also, do not worry about being perfect in the process, instead find eco-conscious practices that work best for you.

Walk more, drive less

Vehicles are responsible for a vast amount of CO2 emissions, thus being one of the top sources of global pollution. That is why it is advisable to drive less and walk more. If you still must use a vehicle, it is best to opt for cycling, ride-sharing, or even better, public transportation. You might even combine cycling and public transportation, mainly if the place you live in has a functional subway system. 

Be an eco-conscious traveler

It is certainly possible to be a mindful traveler with a few simple changes. Flying less and selecting alternative transportation options is a significant help, along with choosing green hotels and other accommodation types that care for the environment. Also, if you are a fan of seaside activities, find the best sustainable swimwear next time you decide to go to the beach. Aside from these, travel as lightly as possible and treat the environment with respect and consideration, no matter where your travels take you.

Make your home more energy-efficient

This one is crucial as it saves you a lot of energy (and money) in the long run. Insulating your home is the first step, especially if you live in an area with cold and harsh winters. Once you insulate your home, you will notice more warmth and less energy consumption during the heating season. Also, opt for more long-lasting and durable products, which means more successful energy conservation.

Thrift-shopping is for everyone

Sure, buying new clothes is one of the best ways to lift yourself out of a bad mood. But, the fast-fashion industry is also responsible for enormous waste and pollution in landfills. Thrift shopping is a perfect solution: it promotes a circular economy while reducing waste. If you are new to thrifting, you may find it confusing at first; Feel free to start slow until you get more comfortable with it. Selecting used items over new items is one of the best eco-friendly decisions that you can make. It reduces consumption and makes use of already available resources.

Takeaways

These tips will surely help you become more eco-conscious. Producing less waste, shopping second-hand, and being a sustainable traveler are all intentional practices that can help you start your eco-friendly journey. Additionally, eating less meat and dairy, using public transportation, and making your home more energy-efficient are items worth your effort as they are effective ways to reduce our environmental impact.