Tuesday, December 29, 2015

New Year’s Eve

By Beds For Less




Don’t drop the ball just yet! New Year’s Eve has a way of sneaking up on people, and if you haven’t had the chance to plan anything other than your guest list to a tentative party, here are some great last-minute ideas that will delude your guests into thinking you planned ahead! Of course, there are countless ways to spend the night, but here are a few ideas that serve as an alternative to the over-hyped and expensive ways to spend New Year’s Eve.

1)      Dress your best

Whether you are celebrating the New Year with that special someone or you plan to fill your home with your friends and family, this is the perfect occasion not to hold back.  Host an elegant soiree by encouraging your guests to wear their party clothes. You may want to throw in some fun props such as boas, tiaras, hats, noisemakers and horns for good measure. The extra amusement will not only accessorize apparel, but it will set the party atmosphere.


2)      Party Food Ideas

Make it a BYOA (bring your own appetizer) event. Ask your guests to bring some easy finger foods that require little preparation such as raw vegetables, fruit, nuts and cheese with crackers. This will keep you and your guests till you have dinner. As for dinner, opt for a romantic candlelit dinner following midnight. After the countdown and noisy fun, have your guests gather around the table to share a meal and their hopes for the New Year.





3)      A night for toasting

In order to be a thoughtful and gracious host, make sure to provide your guests with both alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages, so that your guests who do not drink will not feel pressured. There is no need to be a mixologist to pull off impressive drinks. You can find a myriad of festive drinks online to cater to groups. Along with your drinks, be prepared to share a toast or two throughout the evening, so you can kick off things for your guests and have them participate.





Have a great New Year’s party! Remember to drink responsibly and to take it upon yourself as a host not to allow any of your guests drive home intoxicated. Happy New Year!




Content provided by: @tailbase

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Watching Christmas Movies

By Beds For Less




Christmas time – the one holiday where nostalgia is encouraged. Many of us enjoy taking a trip down memory lane, while watching some classic Christmas movies that will forever remind us of our childhood. Bring back the magic this holiday season by cuddling up with your loved ones and watching your favorite movies in a cozy atmosphere. How might one set the right atmosphere to make their viewing enjoyable? Let’s take a look at the key furniture to aid with this matter:





The right seating:

First, you need to get your seating arrangements down pat. The sectional is the family-friendly alternative to its counterpart, the sofa. There are a variety of configurations, making it easier to fit the intended space. Families often seek comfort and practicality, which are both found in sectionals. Besides, a sectional is perfect for snuggling under a blanket with a hot cup of cocoa, while you watch a Christmas movie. However, if you’re not the snuggling type and you need your own space, consider kicking back on a recliner to personalize your comfort and viewing experience.






Helpful sidekicks – your home accents:

Now that you have your seating nipped in the bud, you are on your way to making your viewing experience quite magical. Apart from your seating, you may want to rest your feet. If resting your feet beside you is not an option, why not mull over a pouf or an ottoman. Not only are they currently very trendy, but they can solve a seating problem (as additional seating) and are great to rest tired feet upon. In addition, for those with a sweet tooth, you can always use your pouf/ottoman to support a tray full of tasty treats.






Watching Christmas movies with your family in the right atmosphere is the perfect way to usher in the season. Happy Holidays!                                       



Content provided by: @tailbase

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Hosting For Christmas

By Beds For Less




Are you hosting for the holidays this year? As you know, hosts have a lot on their plates. This implies that your work will be cut out for you long before your guests arrive. In order to pull off an elegant get-together, whether it is a sit-down dinner or a cocktail party, you need to consider whether you will be in a position to accommodate your guests. The question remains, do you have the appropriate furniture for hosting this season? Here are some smart buys that have multifunctional use.


The sleeper sofa:


Are you looking to replace your sofa? Or are you having difficulty coming up with sleeping arrangements for guests that are coming from out of town? Then why not consider purchasing a stylish sofa that transform into a queen-size bed? Not only will you wind up with a beautiful sofa to seat your guests and that meshes perfectly with your home décor, but it would provide the perfect retreat for overnight guests. It’s a win-win situation.



Dining room hacks:


There are a few dining room hacks that can help you execute a successful dinner party. Ideally, the most accommodating dining table would have a leaf extension. That way, seating your guests will be a breeze. If you do not have such a table or cannot attempt to purchase one, contemplate buying a bench, especially since current trends favor mixing styles. This gives you freedom to purchase a bench that doesn’t necessarily match! By using a bench, you can maximize the seating around your table, as the other chairs being replaced by the bench will be additional seating. However, if you plan to host a self-serve meal to avoid the fuss of figuring seating arrangements, you may want to look at the practical “Trishelle” dining set. This set has shelving below the table, which can be convenient to pile plates, cups and cutlery below the food you want to display. There you have it, your perfect buffet sidekick! 



Multifunctional living room pieces:


The dining room is not the only room you should examine when thinking about serving your guests. Your living room can feature convenient pieces such as an ottoman, which can serve as a foot rest for your guests would like to enjoy some television or as a tray to serve your perfect Christmas cocktail drink. The ottoman is not the largest purchase you can make, but it is quite nifty. Next is the famous coffee table that meets storage. The “Vennilux” coffee table is a masterful blend between style and practicality. 




 




This storage crate allows you to store pillows, throws and even poufs you may want to pull out for additional seating!




Happy hosting and more importantly, happy holidays!


Content provided by: @tailbase

Friday, December 4, 2015

Holiday Online Shopping Guide- Part 2

By Beds For Less

In our last video, we covered how to evaluate your needs when shopping for online furniture. Now that this part is ironed out, you are ready to proceed with purchasing online. Watch this video to learn about secure websites and best practices. Happy shopping!





Content provided by: @tailbase

Friday, November 27, 2015

Holiday Online Shopping Guide- Part 1

By Beds For Less

Online shopping has become a multibillion-dollar revenue stream. The modern day shopper looks for attractive online offers. Find out how to go about evaluating your needs when shopping for furniture online. Watch this video to find out! Stay tuned for our second video that will identify secure websites and best practices.




Content provided by: @tailbase

Friday, November 20, 2015

Activities For Thanksgiving










Are you tired of gorging on Thanksgiving and feeling like you’re about to burst? Then why not organize activities to get you and your guests to stop focusing on the stuffed bird that you just ingested! Here are some ideas to keep you busy while you burn off the massive feast you just had:


  •      Play Touch Football


If the majority of your family/guests are sports fans, then suggesting a touch football game might be a hit! Besides, seeing as they are sports fans, it might be a good way to pry their eyes away from the television.




  •     Play Board Games

Who said a little healthy competition never helped families bond on Thanksgiving? Pick a board game that everyone agrees upon and play multiple rounds to crown this year’s Thanksgiving board-game champion. Remember to be a good sport!




  • Watch the Parade

Since 1948, families have enjoyed watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Watching floats, giant balloons and marching bands roam down the streets of New York is a magical and fun way to spend the holiday with children. 





  • Give Thanks

This is what the holiday is really about: giving thanks. Have your guests give thanks and take the time to write down something they are thankful for. Showing gratitude will help the children learn about the true meaning of Thanksgiving.






  • Volunteer at a Soup Kitchen

Perhaps one of the most admirable ways to spend part of Thanksgiving is to serve food to the less fortunate. Whether it is at a soup kitchen, in a church or at a community center, this is surely a rewarding way to spend the holiday. If you cannot be present to serve the meal, you can pitch in by collecting and sorting donated food.


The purpose of this holiday is to express gratitude. It should inspire you to spend some quality time with your friends and family. Have fun while creating fond memories! Gratitude also helps you to connect with other people. Another way to harness your appreciation is to bless others.  If you are not spending Thanksgiving with friend and family this year, why not help out those in need. Happy Thanksgiving!





Content provided by: @tailbase


Friday, November 13, 2015

Dining Room Styles

By Beds For Less



Dining room is not an ordinary room where we eat and that’s it. It is more than that. It is also a party room, a conference room, a playroom, an office, a craft and creation studio, and much more than that! That is why we want it to be so special and in our image. Every home has its style; which style is yours?


Contemporary:

Prisms, modern materials, natural colors and classic look combined to give a casual ambiance with a punch of fresh-looking.




Traditional:

Woodcut, brown-beige color scheme, textile with fine designs and candles for a warm ambiance and timeless design.





Urbanology:
Metallic materials, dark and clear colors combined, mix of textures and rustic punch of wood to give an industrial loft-style without despising the comfort.




Vintage Casual:
A punch of old-style mix with a modern-style resulting of classical old fashion décor and furniture. Add to this wood, grey-beige color scheme and inspiration of yours and you obtain the vintage casual style than you will love forever.





Content provided by: @tailbase

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

On November 11th, Pay Tribute to Veterans

By Beds For Less


Tomorrow is Veterans Day! Let’s take some time on this national holiday to honor the service of all our U.S. military veterans who have served their country during times of war, conflict and peace.


Veterans Day ceremonies will be held at war memorials throughout the country. Parades, church services will be on the program in some cities, where the community will pay tribute to their country heroes!



What will you do at the 11th hour of on the 11th day of the 11th month to celebrate that day? 
Why not start simply! Salute a veteran around you; thank him for serving and protecting the country!




Content provided by: +Tailbase 

Friday, November 6, 2015

How To Add Decorative Accent To Your Living Room

By Beds For Less


There is a list of a few questions you must ask yourself when looking to add decorative accents to your living room. Don’t worry, no need to ask a designer to do it. Here are 5 simple questions you might ask yourself before adding decorations to your living room:
  1. Which color scheme are you using in your living room?
  2. What kind of ambiance do you want to make?
  3. Is there a common theme in your living room (florals, vintage, monochrome)? Do you want to keep this theme or change it?
  4. Where do you want to add decorations?
  5. Why do you want to add decorations?


Based on these questions, you should be able to make a good choice. 



Now, little tips and advice to help you make a better choice:
  • First of all, if you have kids, it is not recommended to choose fragile decorations like a glass vase or pottery for places they can reach. Adding some decorative candles and/or printed pillows can be a good alternative.
  • Make sure that you find the same color at least in 3 items and not more than 5 colors (different tones don’t count as a different color if they are similar). Too many different colors in the same room make it hard to match them.
  • Don’t be afraid to use textures and patterns, but not more than 3 (you don’t want your living room decor to be inconsistent). Choosing a theme helps to choose the textures and patterns.
  • Keep in mind the size of the room while you’re shopping; too much decoration rarely gives good results and make the small rooms seem smaller.
  • Adding decorative pillows can make all the difference, you might try this before adding anything else.


Content provided by: +Tailbase 

Tuesday, November 3, 2015

Movember :“Changing The Face Of Men’s Health”

By Beds For Less


Movember, which initially began in 2003 as a running gag involving the disappearance of a fashion trend, triggered an idea with a deeper sense of purpose. This charity is committed to creating awareness about some of the biggest health issues that men face worldwide. In particular, they focus on prostate cancer, testicular cancer, poor mental health and physical inactivity. Since 2003, millions have joined this movement and their efforts culminated to funding over 1000 programs and raising approximately $677 million. Let’s take a look at some statistics that drive these initiatives:

  • Prostate cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in men globally, with over 1.1 million recorded cases in 2012
  • Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in young men, but is often forgotten due to early detection
  • One man dies every minute from suicide around the world – a result of poor mental health
  • Physical inactivity is the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality in men



So how exactly does a somewhat comical, yet memorable notion like growing and grooming a moustache for a month inspire change? In the words of Adam Garone, the CEO & co-founder of the Movember Foundation, their vision is “Changing the face of men’s health”. How do they intend to change the face of men’s health one might ask? The aim is to educate the population, as well as raise funds to increase early detection, diagnosis and effective treatments. If this is a cause that you would like to support, then jump on the bandwagon! First, sign up and begin with a clean shaven face on November 1st. Then, for 30 days, grow and groom a moustache that will turn you into a living billboard for men’s health. Finally, raise funds and educate people about what you’ve learned. So grow your mo, bro.



Content provided by: +Tailbase 

Friday, October 30, 2015

5 Ways to Pet Proof Your Home

By Beds For Less



You love how the right furnishings turn a house into a home. Yet it just doesn’t feel like home without the company of four-legged friends. Seems like you’re being forced to choose? With a bit of pet proofing, you, your pets and your style can cohabit beautifully under one roof.




Tips for Pet Proofing Your Home


 #1 Take a hard look at your floors.
Polyurethane-finished wood, vinyl/laminate, stone, tiles and concrete all make for easy cleanup  of hair, hairballs and pretty much anything else your pet can dish out. Be proactive. To prevent scratching, keep your pet’s nails trim. Vinyl/laminate floors don’t scratch easily but many pets find them uncomfortable and slippery. Maximize your style and your pet’s comfort with area rugs.



 #2 Choose easy-care materials.
Fido or Fifi love to join you in bed? Rest easier with a machine washable duvet cover, rather than a comforter. Or, put down a blanket or throw to give your pet a designated place to crash, be it on the bed, sofa, chair or elsewhere.




Say No to…
Anything delicate (e.g., silk or linen)
Velvet — It’s a pet hair magnet.
Button tufting — Pets might be tempted to pull on the buttons, and the deep crevices can trap fur.
Wicker — It’s the ultimate cat scratching post.
Loop pile — Though a very tight woven loop might work fine.




Say Yes to…
Leather/faux leather — It’s tough and resilient (any scratches you might encounter can add to the distressed look).
Like colors — If you have chocolate lab, for example, a brown sofa can make fur a lot less visual.
Synthetics — Opt for synthetics that are easily cleaned with a damp sponge and touch of soap. Faux suede is especially popular for this reason, whereas wool will attract and grab pet fur, making for stubborn cleanup.
Slipcovers — A chic slipcover that’s easy to get on and off can save the day. Blankets and throws also do the trick.
ScotchGuard® — Before you settle in, give your furniture investment that added layer of stain protection.



#3 Groom your pet regularly.
Combing and brushing your pets, especially during shedding season, is good for them and your furniture. Regular doggie baths and nail trims for cats and dogs help keep fabrics fresh and free of snags.



#4 Spoil with toys.
Without toys to play with, pets might look to your furniture as the next best thing. For those with an itch to scratch, a heavy piece of leather or jute slung over furniture might well suffice.

#5 Splurge on your vacuum.
Good vacuums don’t come cheap but they pay for themselves over time. One with strong suction and a pet tool pack can really cut down on your cleanup time.
Have any pet-proofing tips to share? Let us know in the comments section below.

Content provided by: +Tailbase & Ashley Furniture

Tuesday, October 27, 2015

How to Throw A Last-Minute Halloween Party

By Beds For Less


Halloween is just around the corner. Are you a busy bee who can barely find the time to brush your hair, let alone plan a Halloween party? Then you`ve fallen on the golden goose of party ideas for the procrastinator.  So feast your eyes on these 3 simple steps!

Step 1: Set a date
First and foremost, set a date, compile a list of guests and give them a call. Make sure you nip this in the bud right away! In order to entice your guests to come to your spooktacular party, mention there will be fun games, special treats and a costume contest! Keep in mind that not everyone is comfortable with dressing up. Word to the wise; add that this is optional.

Step 2 – Decorate your home inside & out
Get ready to have a frightfully good time by prepping your home inside and out to celebrate in style! Here`s a list of thrilling decoration ideas to inspire you:

Outside:
1)      Transform the front yard into a graveyard.

2)      Board the windows

3)      Put a condemned notice on your front door. Try to make it look aged (you can do this by sponging a bit or tea or coffee onto the paper).

4)      Go crazy with some caution tape – this will give your guests the impression that your home is abandoned and unsafe… maybe even haunted.

Inside:
1)      Add as many candles as possible, especially if you have a visible staircase. To avoid a fire hazard, you can purchase battery operated candles at the dollar store. You can always use real candles in jars for extra precaution.

2)      Cover your furniture with drop-cloths or sheets. Nothing says condemned like a house full of covered furniture!

3)      Change the light bulbs for some vintage colored ones, to create a dim atmosphere.

4)      Spider webs – if your house is going to look condemned, don`t forget spider webs!
  




Step 3 – Entertainment
Entertainment, entertainment, entertainment!  A successful party has great entertainment and treats to go along with it. I mean, let`s face it. No one wants to see their guests yawning and looking at their watches. Here are some great ideas to keep the party going:

1)      Halloween charades.  You can find free printables on Pinterest.

2)     Murder Mystery Game. Good news – you have access to free murder mystery games online, complete with character descriptions and scripts, so your guests will dive into the game.

3)      Halloween movie trivia. If you`re a horror movie buff, and so is your circle of friends, then this is the game for you. Again, this is another frugal game idea. Yes, horror movie trivia quizzes can also be found online.

4)      Last, but not least, the costumes contest. The pinnacle of your party is the contest. Make sure to take the time to vote on whose costume won the challenge. To add a little excitement, throw in a prize. It doesn`t have to be anything pricy. A candy loot bag can do the trick!





Content provided by: +Tailbase