TASTY WAYS TO STAY COOL THIS SUMMER

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For most of us summer is the season we spend out and about whether it be at a pool party, on the water, or at a barbecue. But with the temperatures constantly rising, we’re always in need of ways to beat the heat! Did you know there are certain foods that will help keep you as cool as a cucumber?

Cucumbers

By the way…the water and electrolytes found in cucumbers serve to hydrate and replenish your body.

Watermelons

Watermelon is 91% water and a naturally terrific hydration choice.

Peaches

Juicy peaches also supply vitamins A and C.

These three food items are perfect eaten individually or combined into a quick, easy, and heathy salad.

Peach & Cucumber Watermelon Salad
courtesy of Angela Muir

INGREDIENTS:

Watermelon

Peaches

Cucumber

Bleu Cheese crumbles (I prefer gorgonzola)

Fresh Mozzarella slices

Shallots

Balsamic Vinegar (really really good quality)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. To assemble this salad you'll want to cut your watermelon down the center and cut 1" slices.
2. Then take a cookie cutter and cut out rounds. My cookie cutter was 2.5" diameter.
3. Take a slice of mozzarella and place it on top of your watermelon round.
4. Then chop up your peach and cucumber into tiny squares to top the watermelon & mozzarella.
5. Thinly slice your shallot and place a few slices on each round as well as the bleu cheese, I probably put about 1 tablespoon of bleu cheese on each round.
6. The last step is to drizzle with a good quality balsamic vinegar.

Craving something sweeter than a salad?

Grab a Bomb Pop and celebrate National Bomb Pop Day! If you’re up to try something new, here’s a recipe for DIY bomb pops via The Little Kitchen.

RED, WHITE & BLUE BOMB POPS

 INGREDIENTS:

 SUGAR WATER MIXTURE

• 3 cups water
• 1 1/4 cups sugar

(RED) WATERMELON LAYER

• 3/4 cup sugar water
• 1 cup chopped seedless watermelon
• 2 to 4 drops McCormick® Red Food Color (optional)

(WHITE) COCONUT LAYER

• 1 cup sugar water
• 1/4 teaspoon McCormick® Imitation Coconut Extract
• 1 cup coconut milk

(BLUE) RASPBERRY LAYER

• 2 cups sugar water
• 2 teaspoons McCormick® Raspberry Extract
• 5 to 7 drops McCormick® Blue Food Color

SUPPLIES NEEDED

• Freezer Pop Maker
• popsicle sticks (soak the sticks in warm water for at least 30 minutes)
• OXO Mini Measuring Beaker Set
• baking sheet or tray that fits in your freezer

DIRECTIONS:

SUGAR WATER MIXTURE

Bring water and sugar to boil in small saucepan on medium heat, stirring to dissolve sugar.

Remove from heat. Cool to room temperature.

(RED) WATERMELON LAYER

Pour syrup into blender container. Add watermelon and cover.

Blend on high speed until smooth. Using a measuring cup with a spout or the OXO measuring beaker, pour watermelon mixture popsicle molds to fill 1/3 of the way (for my popsicle molds, that means 0.8 ounce). Freeze for 1 1/2 hours or until set.

(WHITE) COCONUT LAYER

In a measuring cup, mix together coconut milk, sugar water and coconut extract. Fill the freezer pop mold until it is 2/3 of the way full.

Add the aluminum top and add the popsicle sticks. Freeze for 2 hours or until set. At about 1 1/2 hours, remove the aluminum top and put popsicle molds back into the freezer.

(BLUE) RASPBERRY LAYER

Add sugar water mixture to another measuring cup. Stir in raspberry extract and add blue food color. Mix well. Pour into the freezer pop mold until full and freeze 4 hours or overnight or until firm. Follow manufacturer instructions on how to remove the popsicles.
After unmolding, popsicles can be stored in zippered plastic bags in the freezer, use wax paper to keep them separated.

If it’s just too hot to handle outside, these tips will help cool you off indoors. 

Step up your fan game. Ceiling fans, floor fans, or even small fans on your nightstand will do the trick. Cotton is king. Another thing to consider to help you sleep like a baby is cotton bedding. Cotton is a lightweight fabric that is perfect for the summer months. Ashley HomeStore has many options available in coverlets and throws.

Aldis Coverlet and Sham Set in soothing cotton sateen with a classic basketweave pattern.

Amare Coverlet and Sham Set is purposefully finessed with a timeworn hem.

Carencro Throw's airy weave caresses with a featherweight touch.

Enjoy these fun tips to help you get through this summer the cool way!

THE GREAT DEBATE: SECTIONAL OR SOFA?

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Like many homeowners before, you might be struggling to choose between purchasing a sectional or a sofa and separate chairs. Well fret no more. We have a few tips that should help reduce the stress and make your decision much easier.

Before committing to a sectional or separate seating, consider your:

• Lifestyle. Is the atmosphere in your space cool and casual or is it formal? Does your family spend the evening lounging together in the living room in front of the television, or are they more reserved and perfer chatting with guests? Consider how your family uses the living room before ultimately making your decision. A sectional is ideal for stretching out and marathon-watching your favorite shows while a sofa and chairs is more conducive to a less leisurely lifestyle.
• Room’s layout. If your space is L-shaped or otherwise oddly laid out, you might think that you have no choice but to go with separate seating options. But, if you’d really prefer a sectional over a sofa, don’t settle for your second choice so quickly. Take careful measurements of the room and make a trip to your local Ashley Furniture HomeStore. An associate might just be able to find the perfect sized sectional for your awkward little space.
• Personality. Many homeowners make a hobby out of changing out their spaces with the seasons. If you find yourself swapping your bedroom’s accent chair with the dining table’s head seat—or making other switcheroos on a whim—you’ll probably be happier with a sofa and separate chairs. If you’d rather design a space once and forget about it, then a sectional might be the ideal fit for your personality.

Above all else, choose what you love.

AROMATHERAPY IDEAS: FALL IS IN THE AIR

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Alll, fall! Who doesn’t love the sound of crisp leaves underfoot and the taste of pumpkin spice everything (especially lattes!)? One of our favorite ways to celebrate the season is by filling our homes with scrumptious scents. There’s just something about a cozy house filled with family, friends and delicious smells that lets us know our favorite season is finally here.

The Nose Knows

Looking for ways to cozy up your home for fall? Try these easy aromatherapy ideas:

Bake goodies. Fill your home with the scent of freshly baked pumpkin pie for an instant autumnal aroma. It doesn’t have to be made from scratch—even frozen pies smell fantastic while they bake. Premade sugar cookie dough also produces a heavenly scent. Nothing says “home” like the smell of vanilla!

Light a candle. Don’t want to go to the trouble of baking? Pick up a pumpkin spice- or sugar cookie-scented candle. Other scents that conjure fall include cranberry, sugar and spice, cinnamon and pear. Try burning different scented candles to create your own signature smell.

Create a stovetop simmer. Combine one sliced orange, a couple of cinnamon sticks and a few dried cloves in a saucepan. Add enough water to cover all ingredients and simmer on the stove. Check on your concoction periodically and add more water as needed. Your whole home will smell heavenly!

What are your favorite scents for fall? If you have any easy aromatherapy tips, share them in the comments below! We’d love to hear your ideas.

Ashley Furniture Coupon Codes 2016: Living Room Designs You’ll Love Living With

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While once formal and reserved for special occasions, living rooms have transformed into more laid back and decluttered spaces, where everyone is welcome to get comfortable. 

Here are just a few living room design trends that will likely be satisfy your longing for comfort for a long time to come: 

• Sectional sofas. Whether they’re two-sided or three-sided, sectional sofascontinue to make their style mark in living rooms round the world. Who can resist the temptation to stretch out and relax? How great that today’s sectionals come in plenty of designs, from modern to Old World, and feature fabrics ranging from natural leather and leather match, to soft chenille and everything in between.
• Entertainment furniture. Comfort is king as we settle in with our flat-screen TVs. Power-operated reclining mechanisms, deeper-seated sofas and affordable home theater setups are all part of today’s functional living rooms.
• Home bars. Whether you like to entertain, or just appreciate a good cocktail, adding a “happy hour” area can make your living room a lot more livable. 
• Vintage-casual looks. Thanks to today’s relaxed design rules, expect things like fewer matched sets, more accent chairs, and linen-like fabrics to be popular choices for living rooms. 
• Accessories. A must for any living room, accessories are an easy way to add personality. Choosing spicier hues, intriguing patterns and more “hand-spun” fabrics will add a splash of color and texture to your space. Themes (e.g., 1960s patterns, exotic Moroccan market finds, distressed Parisian antiques, etc.) are also trendy in the accent arena.

Ashley Furniture coupon: MEET TABLES THAT’LL WORK FOR YOU

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Need a more welcoming feel in your seating area? Occasional tables can do the trick.  Finding the right set, though, can be daunting since there are so many to choose. Below are six features you’ll want to know about when searching for tables. 

1. Lift Top Table

If you and your family enjoy time in front of the television, a lift top coffee table would be perfect. Simply lift the top and move it toward the sofa. This provides a raised surface for informal dinners, working on projects or setting up a laptop.

2. Storage

When you need extra storage or are tight on space, look for tables that have lower shelves, drawers, file cabinet drawers and magazine racks. Shelves are handy for displaying collectibles and holding items like books and magazines. Drawers and cabinets offer hidden storage space. Whether one drawer or multiple drawers like those found in trunk styled tables, it’s easier to keep necessities within reach of the sofa. Look for end tables with hidden file cabinet drawers. These are ideal for keeping papers organized in style. Magazine racks provide the perfect spot to tuck away your favorite reads.

3. Casters

 A coffee table on wheels is a dream come true when you want to easily move the table out of the way or pull it closer.

4. AC Outlets and USB Chargers 

How many times have you sat down and realized you need to charge your electronic device? Now you can simply connect from the comfort of your sofa. Charge your cell phones or laptops by plugging them into built-in AC outlets offered on some end tables. Look for tables that offer USB ports too. These provide easy access for powering cell phones tablets and music players.

5. Pull-Out Beverage Tray 

This feature is super convenient to have, plus you don’t have to rearrange your tabletop. Look for pull-out beverage trays on coffee and end tables alike.

6. Space-Savvy Seating 

Gather around the coffee table seated on stools that tuck under the table when not in use. This helps to free up more space, while providing more seats, especially in small rooms.    

If you have occasional tables that you love, please share what you like most about the tables below.

WELCOME MAT: 3 EASY STEPS FOR A SUMMER MUDROOM REFRESH

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The rainy days of spring have retreated, leaving us to contend with all the fun that comes with summer. Revamp your front and back door areas to make room for summertime essentials. Here are a few tips for transforming your entryway or mudroom into a summery landing pad.

Swimsuits, beach towels, flip flops and sports equipment are just a few pieces of this season’s ever-present clutter. Need a spot to dry off after a run through the sprinkler, a dip in the pool or sweaty yardwork? Why not transform your entryway or mud room into a cooling spot complete with plenty of areas to stow away gear and seats for drying off? Relief is on the way with some helpful tips for repurposing this space and giving it a warm weather vibe.

STEP 1: REFRESH THE ROOM—ADD CHARACTER  

Front door or back door, it’s the first place guests see when they enter your home, so it’s worth the effort to clean it up to make a good first impression. Remove anything that doesn’t serve a purpose or isn’t being used—then donate it or trash it. Once you have decluttered the room, add a fresh coat of paint and if you’re feeling ambitious, come up with a theme for the area. For example, you could transform it into a beachy escape by adding plants, baskets and seashells. Make it cheery and bright, a warm welcome for your family and visitors.

STEP 2: COVER THE FLOOR

Cover the floor as you see fit. This time of year, simple sisal or seagrass woven area rugs are a great choice since they are made for greater durability, come in different sizes and bring warmth and charm.

STEP 3: FURNISH THE ROOM 

Your mission is to make the space more useful by introducing designated storage areas for everyday necessities. By attaching shelves with adjustable hooks, you’ll have spots for hanging keys, jackets and handbags right where you need them. The top wooden shelf provides ample space for sunblock, hats and maybe even a seashell or two.

Below the shelf, place a table with a shelf. Add bins on the lower shelf and presto—you now have the perfect spot to hold beach towels, flip flops, pet toys or anything else that gets dropped off at the front door. A lamp or two will help cast a pretty glow over your neat and tidy “welcome center.”

If you have the room, a bookcase extends your storage and display potential. Find one that fits your space and fill it up with bins or baskets and a knick-knack or two.

A storage bench can serve double duty by giving you a place to take off your shoes and put them away all-in-one.

Add little touches like a cart on casters. These come in handy for wheeling in groceries.

Perhaps a stylish coat rack will fit in the corner—a great idea for hanging up wet items.

With an entryway transformation, odds and ends won’t end up in the rest of your home and you’re sure to make great first impressions when guests admire how you’re keeping it all organized in style. How do you rearrange for summer? We’d love to hear your ideas in the comments section.

10 Rules For Arranging Your Living Room

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Our living rooms are often the center of the party: we entertain, hold meetings, host parties and lounge. Some homes have very formal spaces, others quite casual. Regardless of how you use your living room, follow these rules of thumb to make your furniture placement functional and beautiful.

Find The Focal Point: Is it your fireplace? The view outside? Most homes will have one focal point and this doesn’t mean that all the furniture will face it. The focal point is what you want the eyes to find first upon entering the room; it’s the part of the room you want to show off. If your windows are low, like the photo above, choose furniture that has a low profile so it doesn’t block the view.

Establish The Center Point: This isn’t necessarily the middle of the room but most of the time it will be. Generally, this is where the coffee table, or center table should sit.  If your home has a very long, or very large living room, consider having two center points, one will be larger than the other. In the photo above the first center point is where the glass coffee table is, the second one is near the windows.

Select The Seating: The “correct” furniture is whatever works best for your family. Some people love the idea of sofas so that there is potential for stretching out and lounging. Sofas create a more intimate seating arrangement as it forces people to sit next to each other. It also offers flexible seating so you can squeeze more people into a room. Arm chairs, or side chairs, allow you to better control where individuals will sit and what direction they will face. Chairs, can help break up space without being too large. The key is to find the balance between sofas (you may not have room for more than two) and individual chairs (you don’t want so many as to make your living room look like a hotel lobby). Shopping for furniture and not sure if it will fit in the room? Here’s a great trick: get the dimensions of the furniture and tape newspaper together in the size and shape of the furniture. Lay the newspaper down on your floor and you’ll be able to easily see if you have enough room to walk around the piece (you’ll want about 30″ – 36″ of walkway between pieces).

Add Flat Surfaces: Don’t create a comfortable space and forget the side tables. Whether your living room is for formal occasions or everyday living, you’ll want to provide enough surfaces for people to place their drinks or other items down comfortably. The general rule of thumb is to place the coffee table within about 14″ – 18″ from the sofa; side tables may sit closer to the chair or sofa. How many you have is up to you. Try sitting in each seat and imagine trying to set down your coffee or magazine. If you are short on space, but require lots of tables, try finding nesting tables that can be moved around when you have more people in the room but collapsed into one table when you aren’t entertaining.

Get The Right Size Of Everything: The most important rule to remember when designing your living room is balance. Large rooms can take large pieces, but not every piece should be large. Small rooms can withstand a large sofa however large sofas command large coffee tables, which will quickly fill the room. Use the newspaper trick (noted above) to move “furniture” around – it will help you decide between sizes before purchasing. Once you’ve established your sofa and chair sizes there are good guidelines to follow for “appropriate” table sizes. The coffee table should be about 1/2 – 2/3 the size of the sofa. Sofa tables (the console table that sits behind the sofa) should be no taller than the height of the back of the sofa and can be nearly the length of the sofa (allow at least 6 inches from either end of the sofa). Side tables, or end tables, very often hold table lamps and decor, so their size will depend upon how many items you need to place on the surface plus how much room you actually have in the space. Place them on the ends of a sofa or side chair and allow enough room for pass-through. Their height should be no taller than the height of the arm of the upholstered piece and no lower than the height of the seat; just make sure a person can easily set something down on the end table without it being awkward. Case goods, like armoires or credenzas, serve as storage pieces and also space-fillers. If you need lots of storage in this room, select pieces that have closed doors for a cleaner look. If you want to show off your china, find a case good with glass doors to keep out the dust.

Add An Area Rug: If you need to select an area rug the general rule of thumb is to place the rug over the center of your room (see Select Your Center Point above). Either place all the furniture on the rug or all the furniture off the rug. A larger rug will make the living area look larger, as you’ve visually expanded the center point. Laying down two or more rugs can work, especially if you prefer a more eclectic look, and so can placing the rug at an angle. Generally speaking, area rugs shouldn’t be closer than 6″ from the wall.  If you have a large space and can’t use a standard-sized area rug, consider purchasing a carpet remnant. The supplier can create the exact size you need and bind the edges for a finished look.

Light Your Space: Properly lighting your living room means having light come from various sources and various positions. Directing your light source from the ceiling, table lamps, sconces and floor lamps will not only give you a balance of good lighting, it will allow you to change the feel of the room very quickly. Be sure to address the specific lighting needs of the room as well. If there is a favorite reading spot then make sure a good floor lamp or table lamp is nearby. If you frequently entertain in this room, set your switches on dimmers to create flattering light. If you are having trouble finding the right type of lighting on your own, consider hiring aprofessional lighting specialist. Caution: having many lights may mean having many cords to trip over. Consider using double-sided, removable tape to hide cords behind furniture.

Be Flexible: If you truly have a multi-use living room, find pieces that can work in a variety of ways.  Ottomans can be coffee tables or extra seating. Benches can store extra blankets and seat additional guests. Nesting tables can be spread out throughout the space when more surfaces are required. A sideboard can be an extra serving table or bar during a party.

Add Height With Wall Decor: Decorating the walls is usually left to the end and is nearly always a struggle for homeowners. Should you hang mirrors or artwork? Lots of small pictures or one giant one? Shelves or photos? Decorating the walls is important as it can create a sense of height and force the eye to travel around the room. Generally mirrors, which will reflect light into the room and make the room feel larger, should be used sparingly in the room unless you want to create a statement piece (i.e. a grouping similar mirrors all together or placed symmetrically like the photo above). Remember that framed artwork with a glass front can also help reflect light into the space. Pieces hung on the wall, regardless of what they are, should generally be placed so that the center of the piece is at eye level (which is about 60″ – 65″ from the floor). Allow 6″ – 12″ of space between the edge of the piece and the ceiling or wall edge. Using the newspaper trick, you can create a template of your artwork by hanging newspaper in the same dimension of the art pieces and temporarily hang it on the wall using painter’s tape. Move the newspaper template around until you are happy with the arrangement.

Having multi-functional furniture is the best way to have success in your living room. – Tweet this!