Smart Living

Get practical advice and inspiration on organizing, home décor, lifestyle and personal finance for everyday living.

Modern spacious kitchen

The Kitchen Work Triangle: Everything You Need To Know

Kitchen design can incorporate many differing perspectives, and ultimately it comes down to personal preference. That said, when it comes to the functionality of the space, it can help to consider some tried-and-tested theories to create the ideal layout — which is where the kitchen work triangle theory comes in.

Top 10 Best Event Planners In San Diego

Event planning is a thriving industry – and one that’s probably going to be a lot busier in the near future, as many events postponed due to public health concerns will soon be on the calendar again. As one of the country’s biggest urban hotspots, San Diego has its fair share of events – and, obviously, of event planners.

Yardi’s Homeowner Assistance Fund Software Helps Mortgagees Affected By COVID-19 Get ARP Funds

The American Rescue Plan (ARP) has assisted renters impacted financially by the COVID-19 pandemic, and now it is also helping mortgagees with its Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF). HAF software can make the whole process easier for both agencies and mortgagees, and Yardi’s integrated Mortgage Relief platform provides just that: a secure, incorruptible solution to check applicant eligibility, view financial data and pay out money efficiently.

women running in sunny CA

Best Cities for Active Lifestyles Ranking Led By CA’s Irvine With Seattle Shaping Up To Be The Most Physically Active City

Key takeaways:

San Francisco urban homes

How To Find The Perfect Fixer-Upper in San Francisco In 10 Steps

Whenever you’re looking to buy a house, you have a list of criteria you would like. You could be looking for a ready-to-move-in situation, or you could be on the lookout for a fixer-upper that you can sell later at a better price. Fixer-uppers are typically homes in disarray that are popular as they can typically be bought at a lower price. If you’re looking for one in the Bay Area, rest assured you stand good chances of finding one.

Young woman at laptop with cat at window

What Are the Pros and Cons of Having Pets?

The benefits of having a dog or a cat are many — they truly enhance your life, including your mental and physical wellbeing. However, a pet is a big responsibility, so you must weigh the pros and cons to know whether or not you’re ready for one. Unfortunately, many people get so excited about the prospect of being a pet parent that they forget to consider many important factors. If you’re considering having a four-legged friend, check out our list of pros and cons to see if now is a good time or if you should wait a little longer.

How To Make Your Kitchen Smarter: From Smart Appliances To Smart Organizing Tips

Smart technologies became an integral part of all aspects of our lives, helping us with everything, from working and entertainment to the more mundane tasks of cleaning and cooking. Smart kitchen appliances save us a lot of time and effort – your food cooks itself while you’re working, relaxing or even away from home, and your fridge makes shopping lists and places orders online.

Top 10 Local Resources For Interior Design In Jacksonville

With its year-round perfect weather, the over 20 miles of beaches, solid job market,  a flourishing music and arts scene and access plenty of family-oriented activities, Jacksonville, Florida, is definitely a great place to live. If you’re one of the city’s lucky residents – or if you’re planning to move to the area – you might need help to remodel and decorate your dream home here.

man installing roof insulation

5 Home Improvement Upgrades To Save Energy

A homeowner should get home improvements that save the most money on energy costs. Home improvements can also increase the value of a home with the right upgrades. Here are some of the home upgrades every homeowner should consider.

gardening tools

How To Organize Your Lawn Tools In Time For Summer

Maintaining your lawn helps to increase your home’s curb appeal. This project comes with lots of different tools. In the winter, you may want to store them away, and keeping them organized can make landscaping easier. Here are some tips for sorting out your tools in time for summer.

How To Find A Fixer Upper In Austin And Make The Most Of It

Austin’s real estate market is on an upward trend, fueled by economic growth and low interest rates. Big corporations like Google, Tesla and Oracle are moving operations to the city, creating a steady influx of high paying jobs. This, in return, leads to numerous corporate relocations, on one hand, and to an increased inbound migration from professionals looking for better job. Mortgage interest rates are also at historic lows: the 30-year fixed rate is around 3%, while the 15-year rate is slightly above 2%. Thus, it’s not surprising that home sales are booming in Austin: the median sales price rose almost 42% year-over-year this April, to an all-time high of $460.000.

Bedroom Décor Ideas: How To Add The Wow Factor Without Hurting Coziness

The bedroom is the space in your home where you spend most of your time–granted, a lot of that time is spent sleeping, but also relaxing, reading, and preparing for your day. Your bedroom needs to be airy and uncluttered, well organized, but also cozy, to facilitate all these different needs: relaxation, a good night’s sleep and getting ready in the morning.