Smart Living
Get practical advice and inspiration on organizing, home décor, lifestyle and personal finance for everyday living.
Halloween Decorating on a Budget: DIY Hacks & Cheap Storage
Halloween has crept a long way from its eerie origins. While All Hallows’ Eve has transformed through the centuries, it wasn’t until the 1930s that trick-or-treating became a tradition in the U.S. and businesses began conjuring up mass-produced Halloween costumes. Now, Halloween is a monster-sized, billion-dollar industry, with a cauldron full of costumes and decorations ranging from the mainstream to the macabre.
A Spooktacular Roundup: The Top 10 U.S. Metros For Halloween Fun And Thrills
When it comes to celebrating Halloween, Americans go all in. This year alone, Halloween spending is projected to reach a staggering $11.6 billion on candy, costumes, and decorations, as reported by the National Retail Federation. But Halloween isn’t just about dollars and cents—it’s about creating the right atmosphere. From extravagant haunted houses and festive parades to an abundance of candy and eerie decorations, certain U.S. cities truly embody the Halloween spirit.
How Much Does Halloween Really Cost? Plan Wisely To Avoid The Scare Of Hidden Costs
Americans’ love for Halloween is almost frightening — this year alone, we are on our way to spending $11.6 billion, according to data from the National Retail Federation. That breaks down to about $104 Halloween costs per person, a whopping 49% more than 10 years ago.
9 Non-Spooky Ways To Help You Celebrate Halloween
As soon as October starts, it’s the official Halloween month. And while for many people it means it’s open season to get the scare of a lifetime, others might prefer to celebrate in a tamer way that’s both kid- and adult-friendly. While you’re likely to find more events where the spook factor is high, you can still find various ways to have some season-themed fun in a not-so-scary way. Here are some suggestions we’ve come up with to help you do that:
5 Spooktacular DIY Decorating Ideas For Halloween
Halloween is almost upon us. If you’re looking to bring that spooky season spark to your home at the last minute, you might be in need of some suggestions to help you quickly adorn your house and garden with decorations that scream Halloween. We’ve put together a short list of ideas for you to try out before All Hallows’ Eve strikes:
Moving With Pets: A Comprehensive Guide
Pets have a special way of making a house feel like a home. They become familiar with every corner, watch over the place and always greet you with excitement, as if anywhere would feel right as long as you’re there. But when it comes to moving with pets, how can you ensure your furry friend feels just as comfortable in your new space?
From Stage To Storage – The Ultimate Guide To Storing Your Cosplays
If the perfect weekend activity for you entails finding new ways to precisely replicate Gimli’s armor from Lord of the Rings out of Worbla, lots of hot glue, and altogether too much foam dust, then you’re probably a cosplayer. With a growing assortment of costumes and props, finding adequate storage for your cosplay becomes essential, whether it’s at home or through self storage solutions.
How To Store DVDs Like A True Film Buff
As a famous author once said, “Collectors are happy people.” DVD collectors are no different. Think of the gorgeous artwork of Criterion Collection DVDs or the Dolby sound on Blu-rays. You won’t get that with streaming platforms. So, what are the best ways to store DVDs in a way that truly does them credit, both aesthetically and practically? To answer this question, we’ve prepared a quick and breezy guide through the essentials of DVD storage for dedicated collectors.
Top 10 Things To Do In Cincinnati
From lush parks and cheering on local sports teams to enjoying the thriving arts scene and savoring unique culinary delights, Cincy is brimming with things to do. Choosing a hobby is a great way to unwind after a long day at work, but with so many options, it can be overwhelming to pick the right one.
From Clutter To Comfort: 5 Ideas To Remodel Your Basement
Is a basement remodel worth it? Depending on your time and willingness to roll up your sleeves, investing in a basement upgrade can be a highly rewarding project. Not only can it boost your home’s value, but it also provides extra living space that can make your life more enjoyable. Think about the possibilities: a cozy guest room, a home office, an entertainment hub or even a personal gym. With some planning and budgeting, you can turn that unused space into something truly special.
Digital Nomading As A Family: Essential Tips For Parents Who Plan To Make The Most Of Remote Working Trends
The remote work trend has created amazing opportunities for those who want to combine work and travel. While digital nomading is more popular for singles and young couples, families can also take advantage of the flexibility that the current working environment offers – with some careful planning.
Space-Saving Tips In Boston: How To Maximize Your Home’s Potential
If you live in Boston, then you’re most likely familiar with its vibrant culture, prestigious educational institutions and historic architecture. You are also probably familiar with its compact living spaces and rising home prices that are double the national average. As space has become not just a mere preference but a necessity, making every square foot count is now on everyone’s to-do list.