Signs you Need a New Boat

Ah boating, nothing beats the sensation of going out in the vast ocean and be welcome with unwavering power of the waves. If you love the open seas, chances are you are also in love with your boat. We know you love your boat as much (or more than some) of your friends. You love to read about the latest trend and lifesaving hacks in boating. And when it comes to searching for this info, you may come across several top boats of the year. We don’t blame you if you compulsively compare these new boats to your old one. 

If you’ve been searching for a new boat, chances are, your well paid for boat outlived its usefulness and you are thinking (hard) of replacing it. Well, if you are reading this, there’s a big chance you want to replace it sooner. You’ve reached what most boaters consider a love and hate situation for their boat. It’s when they know they need to sell, replace their boat soon but don’t want to let it go. Don’t worry we understand you, it’s not just about being cheap or whatever but your boat has grown on you and you’ve been with the greatest adventure of all time. 

So, we list down the signs you may need to buy a new boat because there will come a time when it becomes more trouble than it’s worth. 

1. It’s been a long time since you’ve been boating 

When you first buy a boat, you want the whole world to know you have one. And you hit the water in every opportunity you have; sharing your new water toy with family and friends. But after a while, life will come knocking on your door, and you spend less and less time boating. Then, your boat got stuck somewhere waiting for overdue and expensive maintenance. 

2. Steering Problems 

Then when you find the time and able to hit the waters, you have steering problems. If your boat isn’t steering properly, then you need major repairs for it. This is an opportunity that it may well be out of your hands than do all these expensive repairs. A new boat won’t have this and you have less hassle going to the repair shop. 

3. You bring more tools than ever 

Okay, so you can once sail again and deal with steering problems, but you’ve noticed that you are bringing more tools than ever. Why? Because you are afraid of getting stuck in the middle of nowhere. So why gamble on this problem if you can just have a new boat? You don’t need to compromise safety over your love for your boat. We are sure that your new boat will bring in the same feeling like the old one.

Simple Ways to Make your Bedroom Look Cozy

Your bedroom should be your silent sanctuary after your daily grind. We spend much of our day in our bedrooms so it's worth putting extra effort into making it a warm place to retreat. Whether you are dressing a tiny apartment or a country-style room, there are simple ways of sprucing up the look of your bedroom and making it the coziest place in your home.

1. Clear out the clutter 

You may not notice is, but there is one general rule that every designer and stylist follows – clear out the clutter. It’s like the holy grail of interior designers and it applies to all. Nothing is more frustrating than setting your sight in a messy room at the end of a long and tiring day. Keeping a laundry basket near your bedroom can help a lot in making it look clutter-free. It’s also a better chance that these dirty clothes will make it to the washers. 

Also, make it a habit to fix your bed right after you got out of bed. There’s a reason why the military does this all the time; they make sure to get the right things done first in the morning and everything will just follow. Your future self will thank you every night upon seeing a beautiful bed, perfect for a snuggle.

2. Add plants 

Indoor plants are a great addition to your home, as it filters out toxins in the air and giving out the much-needed oxygen you needed for breathing. Research even backed up this idea, indoor plants can calm your heart, lower your blood pressure, and even reduce muscle tension. Apart from having it aesthetically, plants can also help you overcome stress, feel positive and complete the cozy vibe of your home.

3. Dress up your windows 

Curtains can do so much more than block sunlight from your room. Windows are a key part of any room and is an element of interest. So dressing them up can add drama and elegance to your room. Try hanging your curtain a little higher than usual, even if you have a short window as it will look more interesting.

4. Add some wallpaper accents in your home 

Corners are one of the most overlooked parts of your room. Make a huge impact without having too much of a commitment by adding removable wallpaper. It’s a nice surprise looking at them and it breaks the monotonous of your bedroom. One advantage of buying wallpaper is that if the look gets outdated or you’re just tired of the look, you can easily replace it.

5. Hang an art piece and reveal your side

Your bedroom isn’t just a place of sleep, it should also reflect your personality. It's not just about the design principles, your room should at least show your interest and hobbies. Feel free to express yourself and what a great way to do it than having an art piece. Carved Lake art makes the best wood art pieces in Michigan, check out some of our art pieces here.

Boating Must-haves You Don’t want to Skip

It’s very intimidating to sail in the wide-open seas especially if you are a first-time boater. There are strict guidelines to follow as well as other multitudes of things to bring. Boating accessories are an integral part of boating life. It’s like dressing up for the big game and wearing all the proper attire. But there are several things that you should not in anyway forgo when sailing. 

Whether you are a seasonal sailor, a boating enthusiast, or a new boater, you need to fill your boat with the most essential boating accessories list. Boats have a rather small room for storage so its important that you are creative on how to store these essential accessories with ease of access. Even if you are only gone for a few hours, you need to check on these three things constantly. 

You might be surprised at how small or big the list is but here are some of the top three things you shouldn’t forget- since your safety and for some situations, your life depends on it. 

1. Basic First Aid Kit 

No one knows how to stock on their first aid kit until the situation calls for it. And its really important to be vigilant and prepared in case of emergency. So you need to think thoroughly about what you ‘might’ need in your first aid kit. You should at least think of every possible emergency scenario there is including a stalled boat in the middle of nowhere and at night. Also, you need to know how to apply first aid, even the most basic ones. Help may take at least a couple of hours before it reaches you and your crew, so you need to be prepared beforehand. As any emergency is a matter of life and death, its important to keep your first aid kit in a handy place that is waterproof and with clear markings. 

2. Have A Working Phone Or Marine Radio With You at All Times 

Nature has its temper and weather is all unknowing even for the seasonal boater. You may leave the dock with a clear sky but you might be greeted with thunderstorms and violent winds in the middle of the lake. With the Great Lakes weather, accidents can happen instantaneously or you might need to call for help from local authorities – you never know. Having a working phone or radio is always a must-have for every boater. 

It’s also very helpful to stay tuned in to a marine VHF radio signal just in case to hear in any event of a storm. While every local maritime frequency has its own distress, safety, and calling, you can contact the nearest coast guard using an international 156.800 MHz frequency. 

3. Floating Device 

Any kind of buoyant aid that will help you float like a life jacket, life vest, and throw-able floating equipment can save a life in the vast ocean. It is not just a safety precaution but one that is required by law. And the law requires at least two kinds of floating device on a boat. Having a floating device is all self-explanatory from here.

Making Your Home Cozy

Patio 

Make your outdoor a hangout spot 

An outdoor hangout spot would be an amazing addition to your home. Additions such as chairs and a firepit outside would amp up the feel, atmosphere, and overall look of your home. 

Unique Mirrors 

Hanging up or just simply placing mirrors with cool designs on any plain part of your home, such as above your dresser, can really change up the look of your house. Furthermore, mirrors can give an illusion of more space because of the light it reflects. 

Comfortable Pillows 

We all use pillows for comfort, so why not use it for style as well? Putting pillows that are cool and comfortable will quickly and effortlessly add accents to your home. 

Throw Blankets 

Going with the theme of comfort, adding throw blankets will also add comfort and style to your home. Not only can you put it on your couch for warmth, but you can also stack your coolest blankets on a ladder or a nice woven basket for display and invite your guests to grab one. 

Bedroom

Neat up your bedding 

Ensure that you choose the right bedding to match your whole bedroom. If needed, invest in some expensive sheets for style, coziness, and luxury. 

Hang up unique mirrors 

Placing mirrors on or above any empty space can really give your room personality and style. Additionally, mirrors can give your room an illusion that it is bigger than it actually is. 

Comfortable Pillows 

Cool pillows can give comfort and a great accent to any space. The style of your home can be taken to a new level with comfortable and stylish pillows. 

Large Area Rug 

If your home does not have carpet and has hardwood floors instead, a large area rug will effortlessly and instantly give style and warmth to any area. You can even make the rug your focal point and invest in matching pillows, paint color, and accessories that have the same color or pattern of the rug. 

Themed Photo Collages 

Any home you enter will at least have one or a few pictures portraying memories of themselves or their loved ones. Creating themed photo collages will let you and other people that enter your home who or what is important to you—it also adds a personal and aww-able touch to your home. Make a collage, frame it, and add it to any empty space in your room; whether it be on top of a cabinet, T.V stand or hanging. Add photos from any vacation, family event, or even just selfies. 

3 Areas To Improve to Make Your Home More Inviting

Part I: Living Room 

Living Room 

As their main purpose, living rooms are basically an area used to entertain and accommodate visitors. As these room act as the forefront of your home, it’s really important to make it comfortable as much as possible. Living rooms is also one of the focal point in houses, it deserves all the attention it can get. Setting the tone and vibe of your home usually starts with your living room. There are three main aspects in what makes living room special – these are sofa, chairs, and coffee table. But living room isn’t complete without some accessories and your very own personal touches. Don’t go overload as there is a clear difference between upscale styling to just pure clatter. Here are some of the best things you do for your living room. 

Get a Comfy Couch 

Nothing says more inviting than having a nice and comfy couch to sit in the moment you enter a house. The couch is perhaps the important aspect of a living room. Choosing the right one for your home will definitely have a big impact on the overall look of your home. 

Make Your Fireplace Stands Out 

If your home has a fireplace, even its an ugly one, don’t try to hide its unique beauty. Instead, highlight its features and decorate the mantle area with candles or decorative pieces. As tempting as it can be, don’t try to copy mantle decorations from magazines or try too hard. Finding art pieces that work with your style is important in making your fireplace stands out. 

Utilize Natural Lighting 

What make a well-lit room so inviting? It’s not just the lightning, but letting natural light in. Living room will come alive with the right lightning. Maximize that ray of sunshine by using light and vibrant paint colors as it can reflect the light and make any room a lot bigger and more inviting. Also, with having fewer curtains and opening the windows, fresh air will blow inside your home, removing any stingy smell swirling around your living room. Thus, making your living not only well-lit but also smelling great! 

Go Green 

Whether you have a green thumb or not, make sure you can get indoor plants into your home. Indoor plants make great accessories in your home and make your home smelling fresh all day. These plants are known to emit well needed oxygen into your homes. They can also remove toxins and need little attention. 

Another great idea to make your home more inviting is to find art pieces that reflects your personality. Hand made wood art is one of the many art works you can purchase, check out some our woodworks here. 

2020 Home Interior Trends

It’s that time of the year when both interior designers and homeowners are clamoring to know all incoming trends for the year 2020. Whether you are looking for inspiration or just want an upgraded look of your home. Scouting for these trends is a must. When it comes to staying on top of the hottest trend next year, it's important to know what’s in, what’s staying and what’s ‘out’. If you are wondering what’s going to be a hit in 2020, then read on and make that change you are wanting to have. 

The minimalist living is on the rise in the past few years, and its showing to chance of slowing down. Influencers and interior designers alike are very much into the idea, now that rents are still going sky high and urban living is part of the essential lifestyle, every space count. What makes minimalism so attractive lies in its very core principle – fewer things means less clean up and more space.

Steer Away from Pink Hues 

As 2019 was all about Indigo hues, 2020 is more like terracotta and brown hues. Hues that mostly resembles earth colors are a big factor in designing homes as people find their way to connect more to nature. Choose earth colors or warmer tones as they embody coziness and warmth. This also includes grays and a limited neutral palette, so choose among warmer, richer browns hues rather than pinks and indigos. These colors can greatly complement timeless hues of whites and grays. 

All About Vintage Pieces 

Modern things can be great, but more people are starting to appreciate the beauty of vintage furniture. There had been a big shift in homeowners wanting more of vintage pieces as it reduces carbon footprint which is great for the planet. Also, these vintage pieces are more valuable as most of them are already considered as antiques. You don’t have to spend that much when buying vintage pieces. All you need is a great eye and an even greater flee market. 

Textures all the way 

Influencers and interior designers cannot stretch more on the greatness of having textures incorporated into your homes. Textures not only break that even and boring design element but they are great in giving depths to your otherwise simple homes. Having textures are not just about getting different kinds of fabric but they also include having accent pillows and walls. 

Having one Great Art Work 

A home won’t be complete without having one focal point in your home. Whether it’s your kitchen, dining, or living room, you need to have at least one great piece of artwork. Artworks are not just only for display but it also says a lot about your personality and your passion in life. How do you call it home if it doesn’t reflect your personality? A great artwork can also add value to your home and can save you an awkward moment just in case someone visited your home for the very first time. It’s the ideal icebreaker and show-stealer. 

Best Tips for New Boaters

Thinking about getting a boat? Chances are you are among the many who loves the great vast ocean and boating. As its starting to get warmer again, summer has officially begun. It’s that time of the year to unlatch your boat and search for the best fishing spot in town. Before you cast your line you need to launch your boat. That pretty easy to say when you are already an experienced boater, but it’s different for first-time boaters. 

Modern-day technology can make any first-time boaters' life easier, as tips and practical advice comes as easy as a touch of a button. One can find tips from buying, boat handling, equipping, to maintaining boats. But behold, even with this gift, it’s hard to discern the truths from hearsay; and that exactly where the problem lies for first-time boaters. There are way too many tips to comprehend at once. 

While most boating magazines and blogs post practical tips, it’s still a lot to read. We understand the struggle, so we come up and summarize some of the simplest yet most practical boating tips out there. Here they are: 

Always check the weather 

Every boater, even experience ones, check the weather on a daily basis, because of climate change, Mother Nature makes it harder for anyone to know her temper. That being said, don’t be afraid to cancel or change your plans. A simple rain pour can drastically change into a dangerous thunderstorm in under a minute, and it’s always safe to stay ashore when the weatherman advises you to do so. Ask any boaters and they will all agree how open waters are very dangerous to traverse. Also, it would help if you know the times of high and low tides before you head out. These include waterways, ocean inlet, and tributaries, to avoid any grounding during low tides in certain areas, especially unmarked areas. 

Always bring your life essentials 

No one leaves their house without their cellphones and wallets, so why should you? Even if your boat is built with the state of the art telecommunication devices, always bring your fully charged cell phones, keys, and wallet in a waterproof bag. You’ll never know what will happen next or when your boat is going to lose power and it’s easier to contact emergency hotlines in a cell phone. No matter how busy you make sure another person knows where you are going. 

Dress to impress 

No, it doesn’t only apply for dates, but boaters as well. Always overdress as you can always take your clothes off when it gets too hot. But it’s difficult to find additional clothing when the weather gets too chilly and you got stuck out of nowhere. Depending on where you are heading, always apply tons of sunscreen, you would want to ruin a great adventure by getting a bad sunburn. 

Go Slow! 

Not everything that runs fast is good, here in the open waters, slow is good. Go slow particularly when docking. Sailings slow even if there are no geographical landmarks that are key to keeping everyone safe. 

Make sure to have fun. You are going boating and that means you are going to a great adventure ahead of you. Don’t forget to bring lots of snacks and water.