What to Know Before Your Next Bathroom Upgrade

 

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Let’s be honest—few things feel better than walking into a bathroom that looks clean, modern, and stylish. Whether you're considering replacing an old tub, installing better lighting, or updating the overall design, upgrading your space is always a good idea. A well-planned remodel improves the room’s appearance and makes it more comfortable and easier to use every day.

But before you jump into shopping for tiles or tearing out fixtures, there are a few key things to know. Planning ahead can save you money, avoid delays, and ensure everything turns out just how you want. Ready to upgrade smart? Here are some simple but important things to keep in mind before you begin.

Set Clear Goals for the Upgrade

Before you call anyone or buy anything, decide what you want to get out of the upgrade. Do you need better storage? Want to make the space feel bigger? Or maybe you just want a fresh, modern look. Having clear goals will help guide every step, from setting a budget to picking the right layout and finishes. Knowing what matters most to you helps avoid wasting time or money on features you don’t really need.

Choosing the Right Contractor Matters

Even the best ideas can go wrong without the right team. A bathroom remodel involves plumbing, electrical work, tile, and more, so choosing someone with the right experience is a must. A reliable contractor will keep the project on schedule, avoid costly mistakes, and make sure everything is done safely. Working with trusted bathroom contractors is the key to a successful upgrade. The right professionals will handle the remodel with care and speed. They use durable, mold-resistant materials and offer customizable styles to match your needs and preferences.

Budget Realistically and Include a Buffer

Setting a budget is one of the most important parts of any remodel. Start by listing everything you want to include, like new flooring, lighting, or fixtures, and then check prices to see what’s realistic. Always add a little extra for unexpected costs. Things like plumbing repairs or delivery delays can add up quickly. A buffer of 10–15% helps keep your project on track, even if surprises come up.

Prioritize Functionality

While focusing only on style is tempting, a bathroom should be easy and comfortable to use. Make sure the layout works for your daily routine. Do you have enough counter space? Is there proper lighting near the mirror? Think about who uses the space and how. A design that looks great but doesn’t function well can end up causing frustration instead of comfort.

Understand Material Choices and Maintenance

While stylish tiles and modern fixtures may grab your attention, it’s important to consider durability and upkeep. Materials like acrylic, porcelain, and quartz are popular because they’re long-lasting, easy to clean, and hold up well in moisture-rich environments. On the other hand, some high-end materials may require frequent care or special cleaning products. Think about your lifestyle and how much maintenance you’re willing to commit to. Making smart material choices from the start helps your bathroom stay functional and attractive with less hassle over time.

Don’t Overlook Ventilation

Ventilation might not be the first thing you think about, but it plays a huge role in keeping your bathroom in good shape. Bathrooms get humid quickly, and moisture can build up without proper airflow, leading to mold, mildew, and even damage to walls or paint. A simple exhaust fan or a window that opens can make a big difference. If your current setup doesn’t handle moisture well, upgrading the ventilation system should be part of your remodeling plan. It’s a small detail that has a big impact on the long-term health of your space.

Know the Best Time to Remodel

Planning when to start your remodel can save you a lot of hassle. Some seasons are busier than others for contractors, which could lead to delays or higher costs. Spring and summer tend to be popular times, so if you’re looking to schedule during those months, make plans early. Also, think about your own schedule. Avoid times when you have major events, holidays, or travel plans. A remodel is exciting, but it can also be disruptive. Picking the right time can help everything go smoothly and reduce unnecessary stress.

Maximize Lighting and Mirror Placement

Lighting is one of the most overlooked features in bathroom design. Good lighting can make the room feel bigger, brighter, and more welcoming. Layered lighting—like a mix of ceiling lights, wall sconces, and mirror lights—helps you see clearly and adds style. Mirrors also play a big role. Placing a mirror across from a window can reflect natural light and open up the space. When combined correctly, lights and mirrors can completely transform the look and feel of your bathroom without needing major changes.

Future-Proof with Universal Design

Even if you’re not planning for it now, it’s smart to think about long-term use. Features like grab bars, walk-in showers, non-slip flooring, and wider doorways can make your space safer and easier to use for everyone, including kids, seniors, or anyone with limited mobility. You don’t have to sacrifice style—many modern options look sleek and blend right in. Planning ahead means you won’t have to do another remodel in a few years when your needs change.

Warranties and Guarantees

Always check what kind of warranty comes with your remodel. Reliable companies usually offer guarantees on both materials and labor. This protects you if something goes wrong after the job is finished. Reliable remodelers offer limited lifetime warranties on their products, giving you peace of mind. A strong warranty shows confidence in the work and helps ensure your investment lasts for years.

A bathroom remodel can be one of the most rewarding upgrades you make. By planning carefully, choosing the right help, and thinking ahead, you can create a space that looks great and works well for years. Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll be ready to make smart decisions every step of the way.

Lovely Lobster Recipes for Summer

Herein lies a curated collection dedicated to the exquisite versatility of lobster. From time-honored classics to innovative culinary explorations, these pages offer a wealth of inspiration for transforming this celebrated crustacean into memorable meals. Prepare to delve into a world of rich flavors and elegant presentations, all centered around the unparalleled taste of the sea. 

Lobster Rolls by This Silly Girl's Kitchen

Get the iconic flavor of lobster rolls from New England in your own home kitchen. This recipe is so easy to recreate with chunks of lobster, plenty of butter and the tastiest blend of garlic, onion and mayo. Serve these with chips, fries or pickle spears on the side for a meal that sends your taste buds off to New England.

Lobster Salad by Bake It With Love

Combine crunchy celery, tender chunks of lobster and creamy dressing to make this amazing salad. It is the definition of delicious, and is sure to be loved by anyone who tries it. Lobster salad offers an elegant taste, but is so fuss free you can make it in minutes. Serve over lettuce leaves for the freshest flavor.

Air Fryer Lobster Tails by Cheerful Cook

Did you know that you can make lobster tails in your air fryer? This recipe is so easy to make at home, even on a busy night for a meal that delivers restaurant quality flavor without any of the fuss. I know you will want to make this for someone special. Don’t forget to offer plenty of melted butter on the side.

Lobster Bisque by Masala Herb

You can make the best lobster bisque from scratch! This recipe uses a thick tomato base with a tasty blend of herbs. Add chunks of lobster in for soul food in a bowl that sticks to your ribs and satisfies your cravings for great homemade food.

Butter Poached Lobster by Britney Breaks Bread

This butter poached lobster recipe makes such a wonderful meal. Serve tasty butter poached tails over a bed of pasta with creamy white wine sauce, and watch yourself fall in love from the first bite. This rivals any restaurant meal in quality, taste and presentation.

Lobster Yee Mein by Oh My Food Recipes

Skip take out and make this mouth watering lobster yee mein instead. It has tender noodles, succulent deep fried bites of lobster and garlic, ginger and green onions for a medley of flavors. You will love how quick this comes together and how delicious these simple ingredients are together.

Connecticut Style Lobster Rolls by Sweet Tea and Thyme

This lobster roll skips the mayo and dresses tender chunks of lobster in butter. You will love the flavor of this simple old school sandwich. Pair with pickles, fries, or some chips for a flavorful and filling seafood meal.

Creamed Lobster by Kelly Neil

Yarmouth style creamed lobster makes the best open faced sandwiches! You are going to love the simplicity of this recipe, and the amazing flavor. Cream, butter and vinegar bring out the best flavor in lobster. Make this for a treat for the taste buds from Nova Scotia to your home kitchen.

Maine Lobster Stew by Fearless Eating

This milky, creamy stew is such a treat. It offers wholesome flavor in comfort food form. You will want to make this on a chilly fall day for stick to your ribs, filling food.

Lobster Oreganata by The Top Meal

This Italian style lobster dish is so delicious. It uses bread crumbs, parmesan cheese and white wine to bake a dish fit for any Italian celebration. You won’t believe how easy this dish is to prepare, but you will be blown away by how it tastes!

Lobster Cobb Salad by Cupcakes and Kale Chips

Everyone loves cobb salad for a light yet satisfying lunch. This recipe elevates the flavor to a whole new height, by adding tender, buttery chunks of lobster. Make this any time you need a special lunch to share.

Lobster Stuffed Crab Imperial by Ask Chef Dennis

Lobster stuffed crab imperial makes for an unforgettable meal. This recipe comes from a chef, so it is restaurant quality, but you can grab the ingredients to make it super affordably for a celebration or special date night, at home.

Lobster Benedict by Chocolates and Chai

Eggs benedict is always a treat for breakfast or brunch but this recipe uses lobster to really elevate the flavor. You will want to make this for brunch with bottomless mimosas for an elegant homemade meal.

Baked Lobster Tails by Sweet and Savory by Shinee

This might be the best baked lobster tail recipe ever. It is so easy to follow and produces gorgeous, succulent results every time. Serve with a salad and a baked potato for a filling and delicious dinner at home.

Lobster Baked Mac and Cheese by Grand Baby Cakes

Mac and cheese is always a delicious addition to a meal. This recipe makes it the main course, and adds plenty of melty cheese, tender noodles and tasty lobster chunks. You won’t be able to stop thinking about this incredible comfort food meal after you make it yourself.

Find more favorite recipes here:

Cheese Stick Crab Cakes

Copycat Chicken Recipes

Foolproof Biscuits

Maple Brown Sugar Cookies

How to Keep Your Dog Happy When You're Not Home

 Dogs like company. They can feel bored, stressed, or even scared when left alone. You may notice barking, chewing, or pacing when you leave the house. This is common, especially in puppies or dogs that are not used to being by themselves for long periods.

Most families have work, errands, or school during the day. You can't be home all the time — and that's okay. The good news is that there are simple ways to help your dog feel better while you're away. With just a few small changes, you can make your pet feel safe, calm, and happy until you return.

Give Them Something to Do While You're Gone

When dogs are left alone with nothing to do, they often find their own ways to pass the time. This might mean chewing on your shoes, scratching at doors, or barking for attention. Instead of trying to stop these habits completely, it helps to guide them in a better direction.

One helpful option is Bully Sticks for Puppies, designed to be gentle, digestible, and long-lasting. They offer a safe chewing experience while keeping young dogs calm and focused. These chews also support healthy teeth and help reduce stress. Adding something like this to your dog's routine gives them a positive way to stay occupied, which can make time alone feel less upsetting for them and more peaceful for you.

Leave Familiar Sounds or Scents

Silence can make a dog feel lonely. Many pets are comforted by sounds that remind them of home and family. Leaving soft music or the sound of a radio playing can help fill the space and ease anxiety. Some streaming services even offer calming playlists made just for dogs.

Scents can also be very comforting. You can leave a T-shirt or blanket that smells like you in your dog's bed or favorite rest area. Your dog connects that smell with safety and calm. These simple tools are free and can be used every day to help your dog stay relaxed while you're away.

Choose Toys That Keep Them Busy

Bored dogs tend to find trouble, but the right toys can make a big difference. Toys that involve problem-solving, like treat puzzles or balls that release snacks, are great for keeping your pet's mind active. They help reduce stress by giving your dog something to focus on instead of your absence.

You don't have to spend a lot. Try freezing a toy filled with peanut butter or rotating toys each day to keep things new. Even simple homemade items like rolled towels or cardboard boxes can work. The goal is to keep your dog thinking and moving in a safe way, even when you're not home to play.

Burn Off Energy Before You Leave

If your dog has too much energy, it can lead to unwanted behavior when left alone. A quick walk with your dog or game before you leave helps release some of that energy. Even 10 to 15 minutes of play in the morning can make a big difference in how your dog feels during the day.

Exercise helps your dog feel tired and relaxed. It also lowers stress and makes alone time easier to handle. You don't need a long hike or special tools. A game of fetch, tug-of-war, or just walking around the block is enough to help your dog settle down when you're away.

Set Up a Safe, Comfortable Space

Having a place to rest makes your dog feel more at ease. Choose a quiet spot in your home and add a soft bed, some toys, and a bowl of fresh water. This area can become your dog's safe zone, where they know they can relax.

Crates can also be helpful if your dog is already crate-trained. When used properly, a crate becomes a cozy space that feels like a den, not a punishment. It helps your dog feel secure and can prevent accidents or damage. The key is making the space feel calm and welcoming so your pet feels safe even when you're not nearby.

Build a Consistent Routine

Dogs do best when they know what to expect. A clear daily routine can help reduce stress and make alone time easier to handle. Try to feed, walk, and leave the house at the same time each day. Routines help dogs understand that you always come back.

Start with short periods away and slowly build up to longer times. If your dog stays calm for 15 minutes, try 30 the next day. Over time, this builds confidence. Having a plan helps your dog adjust and reduces unwanted behavior that comes from confusion or fear.

Final Thoughts 

You don't need fancy tools to help your dog feel better while you're out. A few small changes, like giving a safe chew, setting a routine, and keeping them engaged, can make a big difference. These steps are easy, affordable, and effective. With a little effort, you can keep your dog calm, happy, and safe until you're back home.

How to Travel Full-Time on a Tight Budget (Without Sacrificing Comfort)

 There’s something quietly rebellious about swapping a fixed address for a life on the road. But when your bank balance isn’t bursting, and you still want a little comfort along the way, you’ve got to get clever. Full-time travel doesn’t have to mean shoestring misery or bean cans by a campfire. With the right mindset and some offbeat strategies, you can stretch your money and sleep well while exploring the world.

Via Pixabay

Rethink What “Comfort” Really Means

Let’s get one thing out of the way: comfort doesn’t always mean luxury. It’s about feeling safe, rested, and human. That might mean a thick duvet and hot shower in a rustic cabin instead of a high-rise hotel suite. Maybe it’s a hammock under the stars with a mosquito net and a good podcast. The goal is to feel good, not fancy. And yes—it’s possible to feel good without bleeding your budget dry.

Play the Long Game with Locations

Most people spend money trying to see everything quickly. That’s exhausting and expensive. Instead, pick fewer destinations and stay longer. Monthly rental rates often drop significantly compared to nightly ones. A full month in a cozy apartment in a lesser-known Spanish town can cost less than a weekend in London. Plus, longer stays let you sink into the rhythm of a place—something the rush-hour tourists always miss.

Master the Art of “Off-Peak Everything”

Avoiding crowds isn’t just good for your sanity; it’s great for your wallet. Flights, accommodation, and attractions often slash prices outside the high season. Visit the Greek islands in early spring, or explore Japan’s countryside in autumn—same charm, less chaos. The same goes for weekdays vs. weekends. Plan your transitions during low-demand days, and you’ll find prices drop without warning.

RV Park Hopping (Without the RV)

You don’t need to own a recreational vehicle to enjoy the RV lifestyle. Many RV parks allow tent campers or even offer small cabins or camper rentals at a fraction of the cost of nearby hotels. They often come with unexpected perks: hot showers, communal kitchens, and sometimes even Wi-Fi. These spaces are quiet goldmines for comfort-seeking budget travelers—plus, they often sit right on scenic routes that hotels can’t compete with.

Build Your Toolkit of “Tiny Luxuries”

One of the secrets to staying sane and comfortable on the road is packing your own rituals. A small travel kettle, quality instant coffee, a soft pillowcase, and noise-canceling earbuds—these aren’t luxuries; they’re sanity-savers. When your environment is always changing, the tiniest constants help you stay grounded. It’s about making anywhere feel a little like home.

Trade Skills for Stays

Platforms like Workaway or Worldpackers connect travelers with hosts who need help—be it digital work, dog-watching, or gardening. In exchange, you get accommodation (and often meals). It’s not glamorous, but it can be deeply rewarding. You save money, gain real, local insights, and often make lifelong friends. Just vet the hosts carefully—comfort still matters.

Final Thoughts: Comfort is a State of Mind

Traveling full-time on a tight budget is an art, not a compromise. It’s not about going without; it’s about knowing what truly matters to you. With a bit of intention and creativity, you can live richly—without spending like royalty. And really, isn’t that what travel is all about?

Fresh Ideas For Summer Lunches

 When the temperature rises, the last thing anyone wants to do is stand over a hot stove cooking. The fact is that summer lunches just call for something lighter, brighter, and a little more inspiring that the usual sandwich or quickly thrown-together salad, but just because it’s simple, that doesn’t mean it has to be boring, and when you think about things properly, you’ll be able to turn an everyday summer lunch into something really satisfying. With that in mind, keep reading to find out more. 

Photo by Pixabay

Use Seasonal Ingredients

One of the easiest ways to improve your summer lunches is by choosing ingredients that are actually in season, and when it comes to the warmer months, you’ll want things like tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, and various herbs, for example (like basil and mint) because they’re at their best during summer. 

What’s even better is that when they’re fresh they’re also full of flavour, so in most cases there’s not a lot you really have to do with them - just slice them up, sprinkle with a little bit of sea salt, and enjoy as they are or toss them together into a tasty, healthy dish. 

Make Cold Dishes 

There’s something especially lovely and appealing about cold dishes when the weather is warm, but cold doesn’t have to mean it’s bland or that there’s no excitement to it, and actually, you can have something absolutely stunning without having to switch on the oven at all. 

Some of the best ingredients to use are pasta salads, couscous bowls, or even leftover roasted vegetables - they can all be transformed into something delicious with a bit of dressing or a squeeze of lemon juice. Add some nuts, feta cheese, or herbs, and you’ve got what feels like a proper meal without any heating needed. 

Add A Bit Of Luxury

Lunch can still feel special, even if it only takes a few minutes to put together - a slice of good quality cheese, some olives, or perhaps a small portion of smoked salmon can completely change the tone of the meal. Remember, you don’t have to spend a fortune, and you only have to choose one or two ingredients to take the entire dish to the next level. 

If you then serve whatever you’ve made with some good, fresh bread, chilled cucumber slices, or a few cherry tomatoes, for example, you’ve instantly got something you’ll want to sit and enjoy rather than rush through or maybe even eat at your desk, which is never an ideal way to have lunch. And when it’s nice outside, it seems a shame to stay indoors and not really think about lunch at all. 

Keep It Flexible 

Something else that’s wise to remember (and that could be quite a relief!) is that you don’t have to follow a recipe to the letter unless you happen to be baking something (in which case, it’s actually very important). In the end, one of the best things about summer food is how much you can do with it and how flexible it can be, and that’s quite exciting at the same time. 

Perhaps you’ve got some leftover roast chicken, for example - you could throw it in a wrap with some fresh salad and yogurt. Or maybe there’s some fruit that’s about to turn - that could be blended with some ice for a makeshift smoothie. The point is, when you stop aiming for perfection and start just working with what you’ve got, lunches can be fun to make and delicious to eat, and you might just surprise yourself with your creativity. 

Don’t Forget To Hydrate

While it might not seem like part of the meal, hydration actually plays a massive role in how we feel during summer, especially in the middle of the day, so make sure you’ve got this aspect of things covered as well - and jazz it up if you want to to make sure you enjoy it more (and drink more as a result). 

You might like to have a jug of water in the fridge, ready to go, for example, so why not add some mint and cucumber into it to freshen it up? Or what about making some homemade lemonade or iced tea so you’ve got something refreshing to drink that’s also a little bit different. 

Take Time To Pause 

Perhaps the most important thing about lunch isn’t the ingredients at all - it’s more the chance to take a moment out of your busy day to pause for a bit. Ideally, you’ll want to go outside if the sun’s shining, but if not, try to sit by a window. At the very least, don’t look at your phone while you’re eating. 

This small break in your day can do wonders for your mood, focus, and your overall wellbeing, and when the food is fresh, tasty, and good for you, it’s even better.