Author Archives: paulaspring

How to Start a Home From Scratch, Stylishly!

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We have either seen it, lived it or living it. We have found a place to live, but we have little to no furniture. We want it all now, but our budgets will only pay for a little at a time.

Do not despair! You can make it a home, now. No matter if your home is large or small; apartment or house. Your home can feel like home while you gradually build your dream. Plus, remember. You can make anywhere a dream!

If your style is contemporary or something else, it only matters to one thing. Your style counts as elemental. Your style matters. It is the key ingredient in the total expression of you. That may mean combining your style with a minimalist perspective.

What you must do first is start with what pieces of furniture you truthfully need, now! Do you have a place to sit? Do you have a bed or something soft to sleep upon? These are the types of questions you should ask yourself. Then make a list based upon your greatest need and start from there. However, be warned! You may have to mix it up a little in order to make it feel like home…now.

For example: You want a couch, but need a bed. Do you buy a couch and use it to sleep on; or do you buy a bed and use it for a couch? Either way you choose; you can style it home. Just think about the minimalist perspective. A minimalist lives buy need only basis. This should not imply that all minimalist are bland. This is also, not a convert you to minimalist. It is, however, a means of making more out of less.

The view of this gray couch with a plant and gallery wall is a good example of applying minimalist ingenuity. As you may see, part of this room’s style is it’s architecture. The room itself has only a couch, planter with plant, a rug and a few pictures clustered on a wall. Try using the architecture of where you live. Perhaps a window, as this room has done. Combine with some other character building properties. Such as a rug, family photos or throw pillows for color. Small additives will bring character to your space.

As it has been stated before, “It is not how much you have, but how you use it.” Your style and “character” are one and the same. Use what you have to present your style. Adding a little cleverness to what you have already will get you a long way.

See, how these pallets combined with the crisp, white of these sheets and the potted plants beside portray a natural, calming atmosphere. Allow your senses to help you define your character. It is a great aspect of decorating.

Utilize the feature wall technique. Make the main area, of whatever room you are working on, be where your eyes go first. Select that space, for your main area. This is for the time you have to live with less than what you want. It will automatically draw your eyes, away from the emptiness, of the rest of the room. Allow that area, to be your warm and cozy spot.

Utilize savvy. Place things on the wall that will add interest. Whether it is something that already goes on a wall; or something that can go on a wall. Utilize it, for interest sake and you have created a feature wall or focal point. Remember. You are creating an area for your eyes to see immediately, as well as, to stay focused on. In doing that, the rest will only seem “in the making“. It will not appear to be only empty. It is a pallet for the future!

Lean it! Mount it! Love it! Placing wall art on a wall in your blank space areas will also, remove eyes away from remaining emptiness. You may not be on that area of the room, just yet, but your eyes will draw to the picture or sculpture. Not the empty space.

Store it on the outside. Things that normally would be put in a closet can serve as room decor. If at all possible, store it outside of the closet. Just make sure it is neat and well organized. Once again, use savvy to bring out a more decorative side than just outside storage. Doing this will provide time and space to think storage within the closet, while temporarily filling the empty space outside of the closet. It will provide the opportunity to begin within- closet-organization from the beginning. Don’t store in until it can be done with permanent organization. Kill two birds with one stone!

How to Truthfully Manage Toothache Pain!

Toothache pain can be an excruciating experience. It can also be quite debilitating. Almost, everything under the sun has been tried to relieve toothache pain. After all, we can’t always just run to the dentist. As much as we should and would like to, even the dentist can’t always be available.

There is also the cost. This cost is not in reference to seeing the dentist. After all, that is inevitable. It is in reference to money spent on home remedies that don’t work. Speaking of work, the time spent at home, in pain missing work!

What can we do in-between making a much needed dental appointment and the time it might take to actually get in to see the dentist? This may come as a surprise to you, but there is a solution to the mean time and still live our (overly) active lives.

Go to any pharmacy and pickup…
- Triple antibiotic ointment
- Peroxide
- Echinacea
- Anti-inflammatory pain reliever
- Dandelion daily detox tea (must be daily detox).
- An electric heating pad.
Brush your teeth well or as best as you can. Start by rinsing first with water, then follow with peroxide. Do not dilute. Rinse 2-3 times with peroxide. then brush.
After brushing, rinse again with peroxide followed by water.
As you would apply Orajel, apply the triple antibiotic ointment onto the affected area. That is, the gum line. Not the tooth! Look for a polyp or blister. This is the source of pain. Infection!
Allow the triple antibiotic ointment to sit for about 30 minutes before eating or drinking.
After about 30 minutes, make yourself a hot, warm or cold cup of the dandelion detox tea (use twice daily). While drinking this tea, take an anti-inflammatory pain reliever. Such as, ibuprofen and according to the directions on the label. Remember. You should, also, not take any anti-inflammatory on an empty stomach. Nor should you take more than the directions call for. However, take every 4 hours as directed on the label.
After eating and taking your anti-inflammatory, repeat the rinse process and reapply the triple antibiotic ointment. Sit and relax with the heating pad applied to your soar cheek. Repeat after eating or drinking and before bed.

Important Reasons for this Process!

Triple antibiotic ointment, is not truthfully antibiotic, but fights infection in much the same manner. A plus is that it does not become ineffective, as would regular antibiotics.

Using triple antibiotic ointment will not harm you to apply to the gums of your mouth. In fact, because of your mouths ease of absorption, your gums will absorb it’s properties and thus, fight the infection. Fighting the infection will promote pain relief. You should start feeling results within about 1-4 hours. Depending on how severe the infection.

Peroxide deep cleanses within the mouth. It will work more rapidly and effectively and also, helping fight infection. It’s effectiveness is greater than regular mouthwash.

Echinacea helps fight infection by promoting your bodies able to cleanse. You should buy a good strong bottle (about 1,000 mg) and take as directed. Cleansing must work from inside out. Trust me. You will be happy you used it.

Anti-inflammatories reduce swelling, as well as, numb some of the pain.

Dandelion daily detox tea is almost instantaneous as to removing toxin, in this case infection. It works fast and rapidly. That is why it is important to use daily detox. Daily is mild, but works fast. Stronger than daily could cause adverse reactions. Especially, if you’ll need it about twice daily.

The heating pad soothes pain.

Important! You will also, need to drink plenty of water. Water will help remove toxins, as well and will prevent dehydration. Dehydration could occur from the usage of the dandelion detox tea. It is diuretic! Drink plenty of water!

This procedure should take effect within 1-4 hours. Take all pills and capsules as directed on their labels. The directed amount will, truthfully, be all you’ll need. That includes discontinuing use. Such as, within 24 hours, as according to the anti-inflammatory label.

The rinsing, the twice daily brushing and the triple antibiotic should continue on until you can see a dentist; or when all signs of infection are truthfully gone.

How to Add Greater Realism to Your Electric Fireplace!

There is nothing like coming in from the cold and warming up in a nice, cozy home. We’ve all done things to make home cozy and warm. We’ve added blanket throws and pillows. We’ve bought cocoa and added the marshmallows. We’ve even provided a fireplace. Yet, what can we do to make that electric, light show fireplace become more real? Here’s how!

In pictures, the flame of an electric fireplace can draw our attention and money. Some of us, “that own one, still like it. Others are disappointed. “It just isn’t real enough.” Well, here are some tips to make realism come to life.

Treat your electric fireplace as you would a real fireplace.

With a real fireplace, decorating around it makes it a centerpiece or focal point. Although, a fireplace is generally a focal point of its own. Not leaving it too bland and blank, as a surround, brings out beauty and enjoyment to any fireplace. Even when it sits unused. It stands a well decorated focal point that brings enjoyment to the eye.

Increase the ambiance effect.

Ambiance is the total reason why people buy electric fireplaces. For some, the results of an electric fireplace can be dissatisfying. Usually, due to the lack of realism in the flame effect, itself. Don’t despair! Candles, faux or real add a fantastic realism to any electric fireplace.

Using faux flame fire effect candles are next to impossible from telling the difference between real and not real. That same effect latches on to the the faux fireplaces effect by causing a blending of all of the flame effects into one big, beautiful fiery effect. A bonus, is when your electric fireplace is particularly small, the addition of candles broadens the flame. It gives the effect of a larger flame than what is actually there.

Use all of your senses.

There is more to a fireplace than meets the eye. Your nose and ears play a very important role in the total ambiance effect. Burning incense conveys the effect of burning wood. It also, leaves behind that smokey smolder, of lingering in the air, a wood fires smell.

Sound effect boxes made for adding greater ambiance to an electric fireplace sell for very little. You can find them online easily. Just search for fireplace sound effect boxes and they should pop right up. They make the relaxing crackling sound that mesmerizes our ears.

Don’t forget your taste buds! Enjoy your favorite drink or treat directly by the fire. The sight, sound and smell of that great fireplace experience is waiting for you. Your taste buds will enjoy the same!

Be Home Alone for Christmas and Still Have Fun!

Christmas seems to always be a time for being around others. When Christmas turns into a day when alone is all there is to be. Think again! This might be the one day out of the entire year when you’ve finally gotten blessed with some serious “me time!” Top Hat Tips wants to inspire you to take Christmas alone and turn it into a self rewarding day. After all, you deserve it!

First- prepare ahead for your Christmas “me time.” Decide what you are going to eat. Make a list of what good foods your going to eat for the day. Plan your snacks, your drinks and even your dinner. This prep could help you spend more time on yourself, having this part done.

Plan your day. Get that music playlist together. Have it ready. So, you can just turn it on. Relaxation is merely waiting for you. Turn it on and let those cares fade away.

Have a spa day! Whether you are male or female, you can have a spa day. From a long hot shower to a nice relaxing soak in the tub. Get out your herbals or favorite after shave. Groom those hands and feet and take advantage of the free day and finally, have the time to pamper yourself.

Get on line and plan next years look. How do you want your hair? What unique style are you going to wear? A fun and easy way to picture yourself for next year is by getting online and hitting the Google Play Store. Download free apps that will help you style yourself by utilizing one or more photos of you. There are apps for fashion and hair. You can see yourself with a whole new look without paying a penny. Don’t forget to save your changed photos. You’ll want to refer to them when you start shopping for your new image.

Send the ones you love electronic greeting cards. The Google Play Store has all the tools you’ll need to design your own personal graphic images. You can edit pictures of yourself, your friends and family. You could edit pictures of your pet. Also, available are free images from sites like Pixaby and Pexels.

If all else fails… Elf Yourself!!!

Top Hat Tips Brings to You…

“A Very Micro Christmas!”

T’was weeks before Christmas and all through the apartment. Not a Christmas was stirring, not even on my parchment. There was no room. No room for a tree. Only because my home was too tiny. There was furniture and things that could not be removed. The corners were all filled and I was behooved! I shut my eyes in sad dismay. Then chirping noise seemed to gather my way.

I looked out my window to see the sound and found tiny redbirds fluttering around. I was amazed to see so many. Usually one or two, but not that many!

I reached for my phone to snap a shot. Then one of them said, “Hey, guess what we’ve got?” I looked all around, ’cause I was in shock. “We’ve got good tips for you; You’ll like them a lot.”

My eyes grew big as I spoke my wonder. “Was that you little redbird? I truly ponder.” All the redbirds fluttered with wings a span. “Yes! We have spoken; We are your biggest fans!” Then with a hop and a sweet chirping sound. The leader ( I guess he was) waived his wing around. “You have a catalog called “limited Commodities” that just came in; don’t throw it away! Upon this, you must depend!” I said, “I cannot afford such things of delight.” Another bird answered, “You can on this night; look inside you’ll see, you’ll see; the one thing affordable will make you so happy!”

My package arrived very fast and swift. There was a larger box with a smaller one inside of it. Pictures I took for you to see. The box sent to me from “Limited Commodities!” There are a few more places on-line that sell these trees, too. I just wanted to relay were I bought this to you. Here are the pictures of the tree and inner box.

The tree hangs from the hook and requires three AA batteries for its lights. The hook and the star are one piece. The back of the star has a nail eyelet. It is exactly like hanging a picture.

Once the tree is unrolled, it can re-roll for storage. It refits back into its box that is only about two feet long and twelve inches wide.

The branches can bend. Out stretching them, like most false Christmas trees makes the tree look fuller.

Back again, the birds flew in; bringing to me another suggestion. “Go, again to the store you love; the Dollar Tree has gifts from above.”

Off to the Dollar Tree I went. My heart full of excitement. I didn’t expect to find much there, but what I found made me stair. I reflected back to the tree I bought. My mind finally caught– the tree had little redbirds on it. The Dollar Tree had them, too! Little redbirds to place here and there. How amazing! I do swear! This was most definitely a blessing from above. Little redbirds I do love.

Rushing straight home, I hoped to find the little redbirds still chirping their chime. I opened the door in haste to see. They were all there waiting for me.

I told the little redbirds my design. Hearing every word, the leader gave a sign. Up in the air flew up my bags, little redbird beaks removing the tags. Carefully they began to hang, every ribbon and bell. I photographed it all. So, to you I could tell.

First, there was the wrapping paper. Then the tree. The wrapping paper in the back; as you can see. Followed by the ribbon on all four sides. No blank spaces here. They cannot hide.

The two antique style signs to hang left and right. Don’t forget the presents. They’ll suit just right. They are card boxes all ready to see. They’ll cling perfectly beside the tree.

The star on top was a perfect match. A better star, I couldn’t attach!

I put the tins on the counter above, an arrangement of holly, some candles and a garland of love. Faux little redbirds positioned with care. To remind me of the real ones there.

A long story short. So, you can view. “A Very Micro Christmas” is what you can do. A flat wall tree and merely pennies, brings you elegance and Christmas glories!

So here is the view, come one, come all. My tale is the truth it is never tall! See what the little redbirds and I have done. In a tiny apartment, room for just one. Just down below, the pictures will show, a miracle had happened! I need you to know!

Merry Christmas to all with Blessings, plenty! A wonderful Christmas and barely a penny!

Enjoy the slideshow!

Season’s Greetings!

A Cleaning Conundrum?!?

Steam Cleaning

VS. Traditional Cleaning

A lot of people are making the decision to leave harsh chemicals for cleaning behind. They have found that steam cleaning kills germs and cleans messes without the suspected risks of harm from traditional cleaning products. However, Top Hat Tips would like for you to know what might be needed to prevent illness from germs and bacteria that steam cleaning cannot provide. Plus, alternative solutions less fearful than utilizing traditional cleaners.

There was a time, when it was recommended, that a soapy residue should be left behind on all surfaces. The left behind residue would continue to kill germs in-between cleaning. My mother was adamant about it. My grandmother, as well. Modernly, scientists have determined that the leaving behind of residue isn’t necessary. Let’s revue this finding.

The Minnesota Department of Health published in their Evaluation of Cleaners, Sanitizers and Disinfectants for Surfaces , “ Pathogen resistance to antibiotics and antimicrobials is a concern that has prompted an interest in developing new technologies to sanitize and disinfect surfaces. At the same time, there is interest in using products that will have less impact on the environment, and lower likelihood of development of new strains of resistant pathogens.”

On June 7, 2017 Coco Ballantyne published an article in the Scientific American which discusses how some types of cleaning products may cause superbacteria. Superbacteria developes from cleaning product residue left behind on surfaces. This residue, scientists claim, causes bacteria or even viruses to become immune to that which was intended to kill it. Also, causing the bacteria or virus to become stronger. Coco Ballantyne states, “… antibacterial products leave surface residues, creating conditions that may foster the development of resistant bacteria …”

Another health concern regarding traditional cleaning products is allergic reaction. This includes skin reactions, as well as, lung irritation. We know that some cleaning products, such as, bleach can be harmful to everyone when utilized too strongly. However, these cleaning products are still highly recommended for the killing of germs, bacteria and viruses including HIV.

Steam cleaning, as stated in Better Homes and Gardens in their article Steam Cleaning 101 by Berit Thorkelkson, ” The beauty of steam cleaning is that it effectively trades heat for chemicals without sacrificing strength. In fact, when used correctly, steam can quickly kill 99.99% of germs and bacteria, making it a safe, healthy, eco-friendly, all-natural way to clean your home from top to bottom.

In my research for this post, I have found multiple answers to the question, “How hot does steam have to be in order to kill germs, bacteria and viruses?” I have read 175 degrees to 212 degrees. There is also the conundrum of truth in product. Is it really getting the steam that hot? However, truth be told. Steam cleaning is quite effective. Especially, When there is a huge difference in the overall appearance of an area/surface after it has been steam cleaned.

Although, steam cleaning has effective and fast bacteria killing capabilities. Once the surface is cleaned, it is immediately prepared for the laying down of germs, bacteria and viruses that might would all be killed by clean residue left behind. Besides, there is only one sure way to beat the super-bacteria. Clean more frequently!

Non-the-less, I love my traditional cleaning. I believe in it. It has sustained me well throughout my 49 years of life. Like all other cleaning decisions, “I’ll use this cleaner because it gets up grease better than my other cleaner.” The same goes for when I use steam. It’s a happy addition to the family and I will always follow up with disinfectant!

Super Simple Cleaner Recipe

We have all fallen in love with the quick-grab-access to the swipes for quick clean-ups. They come in different brands, generic forms and different types of cleaner solutions. There are swipes for even cleaning mirrors! Wow! Fortunately for me, I have a slight issue with swipes. The size does not cut it for me, and they do not hold dirt. I am always left thinking, “I wish these were bigger,” or “I wish these stayed wetter longer.”

I came up with a solution to my problem. Make my own!

Step 1. Buy a pack of inexpensive dry floor clothes. I got mine at the Dollar Tree.

Step 2. Buy a bottle of rubbing alcohol. Your preferred strength.

Step 3. Buy or utilize dish detergent you already have. It can be echo friendly!

Step 4. Buy an airtight container. A plastic food container would suffice.

Step 5. Pour dish detergent into the alcohol, the same as making soapy water.

Step 6. Shake well.

Step 7. Open pack of dry floor clothes. Place them into plastic container.

Step 8. Pour the alcohol and soap solution over the dry floor clothes.

You can go as light or heavy as you desire. You can use premixed solutions. You can also, use any brand or any generic form. You are custom making your most preferred cleaning swipes. Remember!!! Keep the lid on when not in use. Use them and enjoy!

Welcome to Top Hat Tips!

E-cig Fire Prevention

In view of the horror stories that have been reoccurring in media regarding e-cig explosions and fires. Top Hat Tips wanted to bring to mind, for those of our readers who vape, a few safety tips. These tips are simple and easy to follow, just as Top Hat Tips strives to be.

Most everyone already knows that vapes are fueled by a lithium battery. Lithium batteries have two electrodes. One electrode is positive, the other is negative. A single piece of plastic separates the two electrodes. If damage where to occur to the plastic dividing the two electrodes, the two electrodes would touch. Thus, a fire or explosion happens.

The causes of damage to the plastic divider within a lithium battery vary from instance to instance. Some of these causes are:

Dropping a lithium battery device, whether one good time or multiple.
Keeping near a heat source including, a car on a hot summer day can melt the plastic divider.
Factory flaws that are not your fault, but already present within the battery.
Using an unofficial charger (that is, not specific for the device).
Devices that operate by trigger mechanism. For example, the button on an e-cig.
1. Basically, damage to the plastic divider within your lithium battery.

So, why is the button for triggering a vape, to make vapors, dangerous? Sometimes, when a vape is carried, it is accidentally carried in a manner that keeps the button constantly triggering. That causes over heating of the vape. Over heating of the vape (lithium battery) damages (melts) the plastic divider. The two electrodes touch. Suddenly, there is a fire.

For safety’s sake. Do not treat your vape or any portable lithium battery operated device carelessly. Avoid dropping, keeping near a heat source, charging with any charger that is not made for that device. Do not be careless with how you carry it. Make certain that you are not putting repeated pressure on any trigger mechanism while it is not in use.

Keep yourself and others around you safe by taking a little more precaution when utilizing or not utilizing your vape. You can also apply these safety rules to, not only your vape, but to other lithium battery devices.

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Important Reasons for this Process!

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Steam Cleaning

VS. Traditional Cleaning

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E-cig Fire Prevention

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