Freshman College Dorm Room Essentials Checklists

College Dorm Room Essentials

As space is at premium at college dorm rooms, resist the urge to carry all your favorite clothes. Few pairs of bottoms, twice the number of tops, a jacket or a sweatshirt and few pairs of shoes should be enough. In order to carry weather appropriate clothes, it’s wise to find out the average climate for each season and pack accordingly. You will also have limited desk and counter space, so make sure to limit items like picture frames and anything else that requires a place to sit. Most likely you will be going back home during the holidays or your parents will pay you a visit, so you will have an opportunity to exchange items for the changing season.

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Comfort items

Comfort items make you feel like at home. While it’s advised to carry such items, you must limit them to the ones you use most often. Share the responsibility with your roommate of bringing stuff like television, fridge, dvd player, stereo and more. Before packing any item, think twice if you really need it. For instance, if you can set an alarm on your mobile, perhaps you don’t need an alarm clock.

College Checklist items:

Bedding

Mattress Pad – Twin XL for College Dorm Rooms

Laundry Bag

Shower Caddy

Desk lamp

Flash drive

Headphones can be a great help when studying and writing papers.

Moreover, if possible try getting a look at your dorm room or call the college authorities to find how big the room is and what all comes with it.

Ultimate College Checklist

When preparing for a life’s new journey, it’s highly possible to forget stuff like medications, first aid box, and important documents and papers. If you are planning to take your car along, do remember to carry your driving license, car insurance, and auto registration.

While you should try to create a comfortable living space, unnecessary items will only clutter your room and will eventually lead to a stressful environment. So, instead of trying to replicate your room at home, pack light and smart.

For more college dorm room ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

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4 Essential Home Maintenance Projects for Fall

Image via: New Mexico Homes

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1. Have a Roof Checkup

Before you start decorating your interiors with acorns, leaves, candles, and autumn flavored drapes, take a look at your roof to make sure that it is well enough to handle the heavy rain and snow. With your roof fending against the scorching summer sunlight and undergoing the dramatic temperature fluctuation, your shingles may suffer unhealthy expansion and contraction that inadvertently expose your roof deck. When that happens, you can expect some moisture penetration and even leakage in your home. As your ceiling drip water or develop those nasty-looking molds, your living environment will suddenly lose its autumn charisma. So climb the roof before you light those cinnamon-scented candles. You want the house to look great and smell nice!

2. Clean Gutter and Downspouts

Since the chance of you climbing the roof during the dog days of summer is relatively small, we bet that you’ll not want to visit the roof when the weather turns nasty either. Like spring, fall is also a perfect season for a roof and gutter checkup because the weather is more amiable and predictable. While we don’t know what critters may have visited your gutter in summer, we certainly don’t want twigs, leaves, and other debris to affect the performance of your gutter. To have a gutter that can efficiently redirect incoming precipitation, you’ll need to take a shovel and carefully remove the accumulated elements. Finish the task off with a hose to fully flush out the smaller debris that may have escaped your “scoop.”

Image via: Southern Home Ideas

3. Cover the Air Conditioner Unit

As the temperature begins to drop, it’s also time to prepare your AC unit for hibernation. Start off by cleaning your AC unit, changing out the filters, and inspecting the system for cleanness and performance. If you have a portable unit, all you need to do is detach and store it in a safe place. If your unit is outside, you may want to wash it and cover the pipes with foam to protect them from freezing and cracking. Finally, cover your AC with a vinyl and waterproof blanket so it can sleep through winter without feeling any of its wetness and chill.

4. Tidy Up Your Garden

With leaves falling down faster than you can collect them, we recommend homeowners to remove any outdoor furniture ASAP. While summer may offer you the luxury of snoozing off on your patio chaise lounge, you are doomed to catch a cold if you are hoping for the same treat from Mr. Winter. Go ahead and move your furniture indoor and store away any unnecessary garden tools. Get out your rake to ready yourself for the falling leaves. Let’s see who can keep a neater backyard!

Image via: Outdoor Ideas

Guest Post By Paul Kazlov is a “green” home remodeling enthusiast and an industry pioneer for innovation in home renovation. Paul writes for the Global Home Improvement blog and strives to educate people about “green” products such as metal roofing and solar. Follow him on Twitter @PaulKazlov

Over the past 18 months I have had the pleasure of traveling A LOT for Stagetecture. From international travel (Spain, Italy, and Germany) to Las Vegas, Miami, Atlanta, NYC and other US cities – I feel I have perfected my travel carry-on toiletry bag! As we all know the 3 ounce rule for all of your carry-on toiletries can often be a challenge, and squeezing in just enough to keep yourself clean while traveling for 20 hours is definitely not the highlight of traveling.

I’m excited to pair up with Clarisonic today in their #ClearlyClarisonic program showing how your skin, body, and travel lifestyle will be improved with their SMART Profile System.  Take a look at my checklist to pack in your carry-on bag that don’t take a lot of room, and can help your skin stay clean while globe trotting!

My #ClearlyClarisonic Travel Bag Essentials Checklist

The essentials to pack in your toiletry carry-on bag:

• Clarisonic SMART Profile System* with Dynamic Facial Brush Head, Turbo Massage Body Brush Head, Refining Skin Polish, Refreshing Gel
• Nail Kit
• Dental Floss
• Toothpaste/Toothbrush
• Sewing Kit
• Q-Tips (Cotton Swabs)
• Lotion

Benefits of Clarisonic SMART  Profile System:

Over the years I remember my mother using Clarisonic and she had given me one years ago and I never  kept up with changing the batteries.  So I was excited to see the SMART Profile model features a USB charger plug-in adapter! Love it. Take a look at this video to see how the Clarisonic SMART head technology works:

Clarisonic Videos can be seen here:

Traveling and the importance of taking care of your skin:

Between the constant temperature, environmental, and air quality changes your skin go through while traveling, having the Clarisonic SMART Profile System can help get your skin cleaner, and keep it staying cleaner longer. Here’s some handy facts on why Clarisonic has sold more than 10 million devices and is recommended by US dermatologists.

Clarisonic is safe, gentle & effective

• Clarisonic devices cleanse 6x better than hands alone
• Smart Profile, our top-of-the-line device, cleanses 11x better than hands alone and can also be used with body and pedi brush heads for a head-to-toe sonic cleanse
• Safe to use twice daily
• Only takes 60 seconds to cleanse (who has time for more?
• Clarisonic helps to improve skin conditions like acne and rosacea, plus reduces signs of aging.

Clarisonic is patented & recommended

• Clarisonic has over 40 patents protecting our unique technology, which includes:
  • Oscillation: the back-and-forth movement of the brush head over 300 times per second – perfected speed for skin elasticity and cleansing effectiveness
  • Fluid forces: through oscillation, water is pushed from the brush head into your pores washing them clean
• Clarisonic is the #1 most recommended skin cleansing device by US dermatologists
• Clarisonic is used by spas, estheticians and make-up artists around the world.

Clarisonic Love

• There have been over 10 million devices sold around the world, reflecting happy customers who love to share their secret for transformed skin!
• All of us at Clarisonic celebrate that beauty is more than skin deep – and that when you have clean, clear, soft skin, your confidence shines through.
• Clarisonic is designed, innovated and assembled in the USA.

Want to try Clarisonic SMART Profile System?

Here’s a 20% off Code for Stagetecture Readers!

Clarisonic would love to have you try the system, or upgrade your old one. Follow the Clarisonic Stagetecture link here and type in “STAGETECTURE20” at the Promo Code area upon checkout to receive your 20% off discount. Hurry this offer Expires Nov. 15, 2015.

Clarisonic Community:

Are you a long time user or want to give it a try? We’d love for you to tell us your past experiences or what you’re looking forward to with the SMART Profile. Follow Clarisonic on Facebook, Twitter, You Tube, Pinterest, Instagram and use the hashtag #ClearlyClarisonic to share with other users around the world.

In a few weeks I will show you how Clarisonic works great for teenagers and men too!

When it comes to honeymoon packing, you can never be too prepared. But, irrespective of your destination, knowing what to pack can be very handy, while making your once in a lifetime gateway, enjoyable and relaxing. Before taking off on your romantic adventure, make sure to pop these essentials in your ‘just married’ travel bag.

Image via: Fancy Frugal Life

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Travel documents

We too hate to state the obvious, but things like passport, air tickets, and credit cards can be so easily left behind in the wedding mayhem. And without these there will be no honeymoon. So, don’t forget to keep the originals along with copies of travel insurance, passport, itinerary, and other essential forms.

Medical essentials

Certainly not the most exciting thing for your honeymoon, but it’s always wise to be prepared for the’ just in case’ illness, as the last thing you would want on your romantic escape is to fall sick. So make sure to be armed with a medical kit that includes headache tablets, stomach settlers, and other medication that you know works best for you. Additionally, don’t forget to pack your usual contraception method, as it can be difficult to replace it in foreign countries.

Image via: Que Bueno Es Vivir

Clothing for every occasion

While at most times, the weather may be idyllic for your honeymoon, keep the odds in your favor and pack for all contingencies. Consider keeping a jacket or a sweatshirt, so that you can layer up to adjust the temperature if needed. Your favorite pair of jeans and comfortable shoes is essential for any climatic conditions. If you are planning a tropical or a beach side honeymoon, swimsuit and beachwear should top your packing list.

A good camera and charging cords

Your honeymoon is your first trip together and is sure to be one of the most precious experiences of your life. So, to capture your best moments, don’t forget to pack a camera and make sure it’s charged and working. Carrying a spare charger or batteries should be a safe bet. If you are an adventurous couple and planning for water activities, it might be worth investing in an underwater camera.

It’s not uncommon for people to partly overlook their honeymoon preparation in the run up to the big day. But, as it’s once in a lifetime opportunity, keep this list handy and start off your journey on a good note by being prepared.

For more wedding & travel ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Hosting a party can be tedious yet exciting. Whether you have the luxury of time or not, part of it is a thorough planning. We just can’t help but be thrilled and energized with expectations. This summer get your party mind going and anticipate a wonderful event. Before you get too excited, you first will need to plan.

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If you want your party to run smoothly and make it fun and exciting, here’s a checklist for party hosts:

Get ready with your invitations or Evites

When you have set the date and venue for your upcoming party, be ready to send your invitations. This is not only for formal parties but also for casual get togethers. It may serve as your sincere intention to invite a person, family or group. Some people keep it as a token or remembrance of your party.  Keep in mind to send your invitations at least three weeks in advance. Also, add RSVP to your invitation for confirmation. Nowadays, you can have virtual invitations if you want to reach out to distant guests. Getting the number of guests who confirmed would greatly help you in setting up a successful party. Consider sending electronic invitations to online friends or for convenience of your guests.

Have a complete guest list.

Depending on the party you are planning, you can make out the guest list ahead. You can start jotting down those people you are certain of their attendance like family members, relatives, neighbor or someone you know. The list will provide you with the appropriate venue to accommodate the number of expected guests. This will also help you decide on the choice of food you intend to serve for guests who have allergies or preferences.

Choose the right venue.

In choosing the venue, you should be a critic. Evaluate the space thoroughly like the equipment and furniture to be used and the relevance of the event. If it’s more of a casual party, you can have it in your backyard or patio. If it requires a larger space, you may start looking for a convention center, hotel or garden space. Remember that the location can set the tone of your party – so it’s worth your time and effort.

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Pump up with your decorations.

Needless to say, your decorations will give life to the party. It provides the general mood and the reason for the celebration. For instance, a barbeque party for the 4^th of July can be geared up with red, white and blue ribbons, table clothes and banners. Choose a theme, choose festive colors and party favors to emphasize your wonderful event, and so guests can take home mementos!

Avoid the hustle and bustle of worrying on the day of the party. Ensure that everything is done and ready so you will just think of having fun and be entertained.

For more holiday & party ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

You may or may not be aware that the master bathroom can require a pretty large budget when it comes to an overhaul, but it can also deliver a decent return on investments when you opt to sell your property down the road. However, if you don’t have a large budget to work with and you’d rather not accommodate a contractor and his crew for weeks on end, there are several upgrades you can do on your own at a lot less expense. While this strategy may not get a new whirlpool tub installed in your bathroom, it can definitely allow you to do away with the outdated wallpaper and tile that make your bathroom look like it belongs in the home of Mike and Carol Brady. So here are just a few tips to create an updated look in your master bath with a limited budget and a DIY attitude.

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1. Paint

The absolute easiest area to address is going to be the wall color. Even if you’re dealing with wallpaper, you’ll be surprised at how easy the removal process can be when you use the right tools. The best option is generally to steam off old wallpaper with a simple and inexpensive hand steamer. From there you may have to do a bit of scraping or sanding, but a belt sander (and a light touch) can make the work go a little more quickly so that you can get to the painting. As for covering existing paint, consider using a paint and primer in one so that fewer coats are needed, and always use a satin or gloss finish that is moisture-resistant and easy to clean.

2. Tile

You might be a bit worried about the ease of removing and installing new tile, but the process will probably be a lot easier than you anticipate. Removing old tile is simple enough if you’re not trying to save it; a hammer and crow bar should do the trick. Then you’ll have to scrape the old grout and concrete away to create a clean, smooth surface. From there it’s just a matter of marking your layout, mixing up your concrete, and securing the tiles. If you’re unsure about the steps involved simply pop by your local Home Depot or other hardware store to inquire about lessons. Many offer a variety of workshops for free as a way to drum up business.

3. Lighting

Replacing light fixtures doesn’t have to cost a lot if you frequent Craigslist, hit up garage sales to find steals, or opt for reclaimed furniture and fixture outlets instead of buying brand new. From there it’s just a matter of turning off the proper breakers and installing your new lights.

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4. Cabinets and counters

You don’t need the expertise of master builders in order to address this area of the bathroom. The truth is that you can easily demo existing cabinets and counters and replace them on your own. Generally, you will want to buy pre-built cabinetry, and you can either find it reclaimed or check out discount stores like IKEA (or even Overstock.com) for affordable options. Then it’s just a matter of measuring for the countertop surface so that you can order it cut, finished, and ready to install (the cost depends on materials).

5. Accessories

Mirrors, towel racks, shelving, and other bathroom accessories may be the last items on your list, but you can find second-hand options in abundance at a greatly reduced cost. And with a little TLC these accessories can make for a fun family project that adds character and appeal to your master bath.

For more kitchen & bath ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

One of the best areas of your home is the bathroom and ultimately relaxing in the bathtub. It is amazing how the water in a bathtub can naturally relax and rejuvenate your body.  Adding to its comfort is the fragrance of bath soaps and bubble bath solutions. Before you can get to relax in a tub, how do you go about deciding what is best bathtub material to choose?

Having your own bathtub can be a necessity and not a luxury. With all the stress and fatigue that you have all day, it is definitely a must to find a place at home to revitalize your body. A cool and refreshing plunge in a bathtub is something your body deserves. One of the things to consider in buying a bathtub is the type of material it is made of.

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To give you some of the best bathtub materials, you can choose from the following:

Fiberglass

This one is lightweight but sturdy. A gel-coated fiberglass bathtub is best for people who are on a tight budget since it is less expensive compared with other bathtub materials. Fiberglass bathtub can be fabricated according to how you want it to look like. It also comes in different colors as preferred. It is easy to maintain and naturally glossy.

Acrylic

An acrylic bathtub is naturally shiny like a glass. It has similar characteristics with a fiberglass like it does not fade and stain resistant. This material provides natural warmth and typically lightweight. It is easy to fabricate and can last a long time. Acrylic is one of the most popular bathtub materials in the market today.

Porcelain

Porcelain-made bathtub is quite expensive. This type of bathtub requires a sturdy base because of its substantial weight. Unlike acrylic, a porcelain bathtub is naturally cold. It is scratch-free and highly durable. A porcelain bathtub is noticeably elegant and stylish. It comes in different shapes, curves and colors.

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Marble

This type of material for your bathtub is more expensive than acrylic but lesser than porcelain. You can find several designs for this type but customizing one will be very costly. Marble bathtub requires more maintenance.

Whether you are getting ready for a bathroom remodel or you are looking at moving soon, choosing the right bathroom material for your budget and lifestyle is essential. Use these tips to make choosing the perfect bathtub material easier!

For more kitchen & bath ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Not all of us have the luxury of space in our living room. You often find it very difficult to accommodate the furniture you have so as not to create an impression of getting your living room too crowded. Having a limited space will restrict you from choosing the furniture you like; hence, you will be bound to its dimension or size.

But having a limited living room space does not mean you cannot have a comfortable living space. You only have to be creative in furniture arrangement to embrace the little space you have. There are several things you can do in order to achieve a cozy and inviting space for entertainment and relaxation.

Here are a few tips to arrange your furniture in a small living room:

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Choose neutral colors for all your furniture.

Having a neutral color of furniture all over your living room provides an illusion of having an extended space. This tends to push back the walls and your living room will look more spacious in the eyes. You may have a combination of light brown and beige color tone on your furniture and walls. It also helps when the floor complements the shade of neutral colors you choose.

Use small and sleek furniture that is appropriate to the scale of the room.

There are several small scale furniture designs that are suitable to your need. Make sure that it is not too small that it will take away the comfort and convenience you get from bigger furniture. For instance, you can opt to get an armless chair as it is more hefty and boundless. You can also take on tulip chair and parson table for your living room. Also, custom-made furniture can be a great option.

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Add a window seat.

This is a great idea to maximize the area of your living room. A window seat will not only provide addition accommodation but an extra relaxing place in your living room. It offers an excellent view outside your home and can be a picturesque area for your guests.

These are some of the things you can do to arrange your furniture and make the best of your living room. While you may not have the largest living room, using these tips will make your small room feel welcoming and comfortable for all.

For more summer home decor ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

]]> https://stagetecture.com/how-to-arrange-your-furniture-to-make-your-room-look-larger/feed/ 2 27644 https://stagetecture.com/stagetecture-to-launch-ebook-111-simple-tips-for-your-everyday-home/ https://stagetecture.com/stagetecture-to-launch-ebook-111-simple-tips-for-your-everyday-home/#respond Sun, 03 Jun 2012 18:11:31 +0000 https://stagetecture.com/?p=27654 Entry #1248, June 3, 2012

I’ve have exciting news that I have been trying to keep secret for months now! If you subscribe to the Stagetecture – Everything Home Newsletter – you already know the exciting news! For my subscribers get daily updates and monthly features that is exclusive to them. Well without keeping the rest of you in suspense any longer…

Stagetecture is launching an ebook

111 Simple Tips for your Everyday Home

in late June 2012!

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To most of my readers, followers and friends you are yelling at your screen, “It’s about time Ronique!!!”.. ha! Well… I’m here to say, yes it is time. Stagetecture has reached many milestones in it’s 3 years of existence including: Over 1200 blog posts, over 500 guest blogs and over 4,000 gorgeous images to give you home inspiration daily. While the idea of an ebook has always been an idea of mine, I really didn’t know how to compile the essence of Stagetecture into a source that would be helpful, beautiful, and inspiring for every room in your home.

After many sleepless nights and talking with many of you, I realized that all of the information that is contained on Stagetecture is what readers already love, so compile the best tips in short snippets with beautiful images and create a room-by-room decorating and organizing ebook for everyone to enjoy!

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So why did I pick 111? Whether you believe in numerology or not, I have learned that 111 means:

“Whenever you see the sequence 111 or 1111 show up, it is a great sign of a golden opportunity. Both sequences mean that a “doorway” has opened up in which your intentions and goals will manifest extremely quickly. The Angels have taught me to focus my thoughts and intentions whenever I see 111 or 1111, almost like making a wish when a cake with candles is presented to you.“… Angel Scribe

While I was compiling my tips and ideas for this book I daily would look at the clock at 11:11, or I would have 111 views on Facebook at a particular time, or I would have 111 emails waiting to be read! After further research I realized my door of opportunity to share my ‘home love’ with the world was now.

Thus the naming of

111 Simple Tips for your Everyday Home

All the details aren’t finalized, but I can give you a sneak peek of the rooms covered in the ebook:

Front Entry

Hallways

Kitchens

Bathrooms

Kids’ Rooms

Home Offices

Small Interiors

Outdoor Home

& more!

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While I love to peruse through interior design magazines and online design blogs, isn’t there times you want to know how to make your small living room look larger now? Or your hallway seems long and boring and you want to add visual interest without taking 2 hours searching design magazines before getting the answer?

I made the ‘111 Simple Tips for your Everyday Home‘ just that, SIMPLE. You can ‘flip’ right to the room of choice and find instant tips to add color, space, save money, get organized, in your everyday home.

I can’t wait to tell you more details as we get closer to the launch date. As we get closer I will have more surprises in store!

Thanks everyone and stay close!!

-Ronique

Note: All images in this post do not relate to the ‘111 Simple Tips for your Everyday Home’ ebook, they are strictly used for inspiration and are not related to promotion of the ebook.

Another scenario is when the summer camp is the first time for your kids to experience being away from the family and at home. They could definitely get excited but there is still a feeling of anxiousness, by just a thought of being away from home and being in a new environment. Homesickness could be the prevailing feeling at that time. But as parents, it is our act of love of helping them prepare for this first time experience.

Preparing Your Kids to Go Away for Summer Camp

Image via: Etsy

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Here are some tips in preparing your kids for a sleep-away camp:

Prepare them emotionally

• Firstly, let your kid get exposed to away-from-home trips like sleeping over at a friend’s or relative’s house. Through this, they can visualize on what to expect during the actual summer camp.
• Help them familiarize the venue of the camp by taking a tour around the camp, or researching on the internet. Familiarity will decrease anxiety.
• Have them think about the good things they can get out of the camp like meeting new friends, swimming and bonfires.

What to bring and pack

• Make sure that your kids have all the necessary materials that are important in their new environment.  It could lessen homesickness and also prepare them for a new environment without parents!
• Avoid packing expensive items. Children might not be able to take care of all these things. Then don’t forget to label everything.  Ask for a checklist from the camp to ensure you bring do and don’t items.
• In packing the clothes, bring only that is enough for your kid. Take note on the activities so you can bring the appropriate clothes like swimwear. Also, plan for varied weather.
• Pack toiletries carefully because they may spill when inside traveling.

Image via: Kids Room.Pinterest

Pack a little bit of home

• You can let your kids bring a small family photo and their favorites like a pillow or toy, as this would help them feel at home in a new environment.

Take time to talk with your kids for about what to expect based on what you experienced during your time. It helps them prepare for the incoming summer camp. Your kids will enjoy knowing that summer camp can be fun for all. Making new friends, learning new activities, and no parents can be fun for a little while… tell them how much fun you once had at summer camp!

For more summer ideas on Stagetecture, click here.