Everyone knows that an area rug can be used to add warmth and texture to a room. More recently there has been an increased use of multiple rugs in one space. Layering rugs is a great way to elevate the style of a space, bring added comfort, and save you money! Check out our tips on how to incorporate this design trend into your home.

Start with a Neutral Base

If you want to try out the layered rug look, it is best to start with a neutral base. Jute, and sisal rugs are great options for a neutral base. These rugs are environmentally friendly and relatively inexpensive. These rugs are very sturdy as well, making them great for high traffic areas and homes with young children. Jute and sisal rugs also typically come in neutral tones. This makes them a great base for layered rugs. Jutes and sisals are some of the most popular rugs used in layering. If you have neutral wall-to-wall carpeting try adding a small area rug to define spaces throughout the room. If you have a large bedroom with  a sitting area, use an area rug to anchor that sitting area on top of your wall-to-wall carpeting. It will add interest to your space and make the floor even more comfortable. The average homeowner does not think to add an area rug on top of their wall-to-wall carpeting. But typically, wall-to-wall carpeting provides the perfect neutral base for a brightly colored/patterned rug.

Keep a Similar Color Scheme or Pattern

If you want to get adventurous with the layering effect you can layer rugs with multiple colors and patterns. It is important to understand that while mixing colors and patterns for added interest to a space, it can also create a chaotic look. When choosing rugs with multiple colors it is important to choose rugs within a similar color family. It is also important for layered rugs to have similar patterns as well. A chevron pattern with a circular pattern rug will create a disorganized look. So if you do try layering with multiple colors, try one solid rug underneath a patterned rug in a similar color scheme. The one exception to this rule is oriental rugs, oriental rugs tend to have a similar color palette and similar themes within their patterns, making them easier to mix and match than most patterned rugs.

Layer Smaller Rugs

Using multiple smaller rugs in a space is a perfect way to cover your floor and spend less money. Larger room-sized rugs can be costly. By pairing multiple smaller rugs you can get the coverage you need at a fraction of the price. Using a small plush rug is also a great way to get extra comfort and add dimension to a room with wall-to-wall carpet. Consider adding a plush rug next to your bed or in a nursery to create added padding.

Choose the Right Room

You do not have to add the layered look to every room; that might be excessive. Rather, start with a larger room. The living room is the perfect space to use a neutral base with a patterned design. This brings texture and depth to the room and makes the patterned rug stand out. It also creates a more welcoming environment if people ever need to sit on the floor. Bedrooms and nurseries are other spaces that are perfect for incorporating the layered look. This creates added comfort and prevents your feet from being cold when you step out of bed and onto the floor.

Choose the Right Rug Pad

Now that you have your layered rugs on your floors make sure they stay put! Area rugs have a tendency to wrinkle and buckle even when placed on top of another rug. While your rug will not move around too much on top of another rug, prevent any hazardous buckling with the proper rug pad. Our No-Muv rug pad is specifically designed for rug on top of carpet. No-Muv will keep your layered rugs in place and prevent any hazard to you and your family. If you are laying an area rug on top of carpet, simply lay No-Muv down first and place the area rug on top. It is that easy! Try out the layered look in your home today and don’t forget to use your No-Muv rug pad!

 

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While our felt rug pads are manufactured to be safe for use on all types of floors, our two felt pads also have the benefit of being used effectively on heated floors. Fortunately, the R-Value, or thermal resistance level, is very favorable among our Ultra Premium and Superior felt rug pads. This allows for heat transfer from the floor to the room.

In the construction industry, R-Value plays an important role within various levels of the building process. Various elements and products are chosen based on R-Values. Insulation, types of flooring and types of siding, as examples, are rated by R-Values and can determine the integrity of the final building project. When it comes to the interior of the home, there are some items that can be used based on R-Values and this can contribute to a more comfortable and efficient home.

We hear a lot of requests for our rug pads from homeowners who have radiant heat flooring. These floors can be wood, tile or stone with heat under them. The most important aspect of this type of floor heat is that it is able to escape into the room and home. Generally, area rugs allow for transfer of heat, yet since every area rug should have a rug pad under it, the rug pad must be suitable for radiant heat floors. The pad should allow for heat transfer and it should not be harmful to the floor. There are many types of rug pads containing adhesives that are known to stick to and damage the floor, so it’s important that our rug pads remain free of these agents that can damage the floor.

When we manufacture our felt rug pads, we maintain their use on heated floors in two ways; They allow for heat transfer with low R-Values and they are safe for heated floors because they do not contain the sticky adhesive or chemicals of others that can actually cause damage to the floor.

Felt Rug Pads and Low R-Value

Ultra Premium is a felt and natural rubber rug pad and Superior is all felt. Since it has rubber in it, Ultra Premium possesses a slightly higher R-Value than Superior, yet both rug pads effectively allow for heat transfer from heated floors. Our felt is porous and the R-Values are s such; Ultra Premium is rated with an R-Value of 2.25 and Superior with an R-Value of 1.09. The lower the R-Value, the less resistant the product is as it allows full transfer of heat. Comparing our felt rug pads, while they both allow for heat transfer, Ultra Premium contains rubber and allows for slower transfer.

Safe for all Heated Floors

So, there’e the fact that felt rug pads for radiant heated floors allow for heat transfer and then there’s the fact of whether or not the rug pads will be safe for the floor. Fortunately, when we manufacture our rug pads, we do not include any additives, chemicals or adhesives. Instead, we use pure recycled felt and 100% natural rubber, materials that are known to be safe for all floors, even heated ones. Many people ask whether or not the rubber in Ultra Premium will actually stick to and stain the floor and our answer is no – We need to remember that we only use a layer of natural rubber that is not treated with any sticky adhesive. It is the adhesive within a rug pad, whether it is a all felt or felt and rubber rug pad, that can cause damage to the heated floor. The interaction of the adhesive with the heat can cause significant sticking and staining of the floor. Our all natural felt rug pads are completely safe for all floors, heated as well.

If you have the luxury of living with heated floors, there’s no need to compromise on your floor coverings. Fortunately, there are area rugs and rug pads that are rated for use on radiant heat floors and allow for efficient heat transfer from the floor to the rest of the home. Take care to steer away from those rug pads that are made of plastic, nylon or PVC and are covered in adhesives – These will easily and quickly have a negative reaction with the heated floor to cause significant damage to the floor. In regards to their effectiveness on heated floors, make sure the rug pads possess a low R-Value to allow for easy heat transfer.

Shop Rug Pads for Radiant Heat Floors

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Moving into college is a huge step for most teens that are leaving home for the first time. It is hard for any parent to watch their kid leave home but it is even more difficult to make a “home away from home.” Not sure how to make the perfect home away from home? Check out some of our tips on how to make a drab dorm room a cozy space your child can call their own.

Maximize Your Space

Unfortunately you cannot choose the size of your child’s first dorm room. Most freshman year dorms are quite small and almost always are shared by one roommate. Because of this, space and storage becomes the most essential element of making any dorm feel like home. My freshman year, my roommate and I made the mistake of not having enough storage from the beginning so we were constantly trying to corral our collective clutter. Try to find a way to create storage where there is none. Storage bins should become your child’s new best friend. Try to find bins that can fit underneath the bed and in the closet. No room under the bed? Consider lofting it! Most college dorm beds can be adjusted to any height. If your student is ok with a bit of climb, lofting is a great way to add some extra floor space.

If you are looking for any additional furniture pieces try to search for multifunctional pieces. Storage ottomans are excellent for this because they provide additional seating if your student has multiple people in their room. Storage trunks with a flat top can easily double as a table. Use a filing cabinet as their side table to hold important papers and supplies. If there is no more space on their floor, try going vertical. Setup removable wall hooks to hang bulky clothes and scarves so they don’t take up valuable closet space. Also, look for an over the door or hanging shoe rack to free up more floor space for any extra storage they might need. Try stacking their bookcase on top of their dresser or desk, store the stuff your student uses the least at the top and free up even more space on their floor!

Style Your Space

Every incoming student should try to find a way to merge styles with their roommate. This does not mean that your student and their roommate need to match exactly. Instead with such a small space try to find a style that they can both be comfortable with. Similar color palettes, complementary accent colors, even similar patterned bedding can be a great way to merge styles without having to sacrifice your student’s own personal style. Have your child plan out with their roommate before they arrive to be sure they aren’t purchasing items that will clash. My college roommate really didn’t have a preference for colors so it was easy to find something we both loved that worked well together. If your student is having trouble finding a style that will merge with their roommate don’t worry about it. Have your student get something they love, not something that is a compromise.

Create a Home Away from Home

When your child is away from home for long periods of time they will want a dorm room that is comforting to come back to. Buy fabrics that are comfortable and have patterns and colors that soothe them or remind them of their bed at home. Keep in mind that mattresses aren’t replaced too often at colleges, so it might be good to invest in a mattress topper or mattress pad. Customize their bed as much as possible with throw blankets and pillows. Try to personalize stark dorm room walls with wall decals or artwork. Wall decals are great because they add style to your student’s space, are customizable, and don’t damage dorm walls. Most dorm rooms are outfitted with cold linoleum or old carpet. To add some warmth to these cold floors purchase a vibrant area rug. Consider adding a rug pad as well, it makes the rug extra comfortable for your feet and for hanging out on! Ultra-Premium is great to prevent slipping on linoleum floors, so your student won’t have to worry about readjusting their rug every time a friend comes to visit. Trying to cover up gross dorm room carpeting with a new area rug? Try using our No-Muv pad to prevent that rug from moving all year round! Don’t forget to add pieces from your home to make your child feel even more comfortable. Bring a throw blanket from their room at home or even add a photo collage of your family and their friends and place it near their desk or bed so they always feel close to them.

Simple changes to your student’s dorm room can make a cold dorm room feel warm and inviting. Try some of our changes when when you move your student in this year!

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Even though the Summer is winding down, you can still make the most of it by updating your porch to embrace Summer living. Small updates to your porch or deck can make your home feel more inviting and relaxed. Try a couple of these simple updates to create an oasis that you and your family can enjoy even into the start of the school year.

Set Up an Outdoor Dining Space

The summertime is the perfect time to enjoy outdoor eating so try to set up an outdoor dining space for you, your family, and any guests you may have. Fit the largest table you possibly can while still leaving room to move around. Consider getting a table with a removable leaf so you can adjust the size based on how many diners you have. Providing ample room at the table creates a leisurely setting that everyone can enjoy. Removable outdoor cushions, lanterns or string lights can create a comfortable setting.

Beat the Heat and the Bugs

The summer is known for heat and bugs. If you live in a particularly warm place consider ways to cool down your porch. Try adding outdoor drapes that can block the mid-afternoon sun. If that is not enough, consider adding an outdoor ceiling or standalone fan. A fan is a great way to beat the heat and discourage mosquitoes. If you live in a particularly buggy area consider adding screens to your porch to keep the bugs away. Birds are also great for catching bugs, so consider adding a bird feeder near your porch to help fight off the bugs. Try out various citronella candles or mosquito traps to naturally repel mosquitoes.

Channel the Beach

Nothing really says summer quite like the beach. If you are like me, the beach is a bit of  drive away but you can try bringing the beach to you. Look for natural wood outdoor furniture. Unfinished teak is a classic outdoor furniture option because of its’ durability and beautiful natural color. Incorporate other beach tones like sandy beige and blue in your accent pieces to really get the complete look.

Repurpose and Refresh

Take advantage of a free weekend by doing some weekend projects. Fashion an old stump into a side table, update your porch floor, or even make some outdoor pillows using vintage fabric or cheap burlap. Have old deck chairs that have seen better days? Simply sand them down and repaint them! A fresh coat of paint can give new life to your old deck chairs. Any one of these projects are easy to do and will not take up your whole weekend so try one out today!

Hang a Porch Swing

Porch swings just invite relaxation. If you have an empty corner on your porch that has no use, try adding a relaxing porch swing. It is a beautiful addition to any porch and can be a great spot to just sit and relax. Contact a professional to ensure that you follow proper safety regulations. You don’t want to cause any unnecessary accidents. If your porch cannot support a swing, try creating a cozy reading area to relax in. Find a comfortable rocking chair or two and a side table to fill the space. Just because your porch can’t support a swing doesn’t mean you can’t chill out!

Bring Color To Your Porch

Fresh cut flowers are a great way to bring natural color to your porch. Consider adding a potted hydrangea or two for a fresh pop of summer color. Hydrangeas are beautiful summer flowers that can bloom for multiple months and are even beautiful when they dry. Also pick up fresh seasonal flowers at the local market. Right now sunflowers and gladiolas are quite inexpensive and will brighten your home. Nothing like fresh cut flowers to brighten your day.

These simple updates to your porch can make a world of difference. Try any one of these this week to get the most out of your summer porch while you still can! Also take advantage of all the fabulous sales that are going on right now on seasonal products. You will be glad you did!

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Summertime is the perfect time to throw laid-back parties. The weather in the summer provides the perfect outdoor atmosphere to create a low-key, budget-friendly affair. Check out our advice on how to throw an easy-going summer party this season that you and your guests will love!

Dress Up Your Candles

Candles are a great way to provide soft light for your outdoor table as the sun goes down. Get creative with your candle holders by adding woodsy or beachy details. Curl a wide green leaf (for example, the leaves of a fern) and place it inside a mason jar. Once the leaf has lined the inside of the mason jar, fill the jar with water and float a tealight in it. If you want to go for a more beachy look, fill your mason jars partway with sand and place a decorative shell on top next to your tealight. It is an easy and chic way to light your party.

Make Your Own Table

If you are planning on having a large get together and don’t have enough space to fit everyone at one table, try fashioning one of your own. Purchasing a new outdoor table for one party is a waste of money, instead make one with two sawhorses and a board. If you don’t have a sawhorse, ask around to your neighbors or fellow guests to see if they have any they are not using. You only need two sawhorses, unless you want to create a larger table to fit all the guests together. Find a board that can be used as the table top and simply place it on top of the two sawhorses with a tablecloth. If you have an old piece of plywood or an old door, these should work perfectly as a makeshift table top.

Keep the Bugs at Bay

One of the biggest problems with an outdoor party are the bugs. Try keeping the bugs at bay by purchasing citronella tealights and torches. While these don’t repel all bugs they can help to reduce the amount of bugs that will bother you and your guests. There are now organic sprays you can use in area of party right before it begins! We love those! If you have some kind of water feature at your home, or flower pots or basins not daring, be sure to dump water and skim or treat features throughout the summer to keep mosquitoes from breeding there. If bugs are really bad in your area, look into getting a natural lawn treatment or plan your party in a screened in porch if you can.

Get Creative With Ice Chests

While ice chests are very convenient for keeping drinks cold, they often can look a little tacky. Instead of using a store bought ice chest, set up one of your own using found materials around your house. If you have a wood crate, wheelbarrow, garden cart, even a large unused flower pot, simply line the container with plastic and fill with ice. The ice will not last as long as it would in an ice chest but it should at least last for the whole party. Plus it will add flair to the celebration!

Have your Guests Pitch In

While parties are meant to be a time for everyone to get together and enjoy each other’s company, that does not mean your guests can not help out during the party. Giving your guests one or two tasks is a great way to reduce your stress and prevent any awkward inactive moments. Have one guest prepare the garnishes for the drinks while another guest prepares the drinks themselves. If you have a friend that loves to garden, send them out to collect flowers for a bouquet for the dinner table.

Set-Up Activity Zones

Another way to prevent any awkward moments during your party is by setting up activity zones. Activity zones are perfect for larger parties so guests are not crowded together in one area. Create the zones with various seating arrangements. Set up a bar area with seating close-by, a general dining area, a lounge area with more comfortable seating, and a seating around a fire pit. To keep your outdoor furniture in place throughout the party, try using our DURA-GRIP furniture grippers. These grippers will keep your furniture in place no matter how rowdy your guests get! To make your lounge area extra cozy, add an indoor/outdoor rug. Indoor/Outdoor rugs are great at making an outdoor space feel like home! An area rug can also help to distinguish between activity zones. Be sure to keep your floor safe by adding a non slip pad under any rugs you use. By setting up distinct areas, larger gatherings can feel more manageable.

Make this Summer one to remember by throwing an easy summer party that you and your friends will love!

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People produce large amounts of waste every year. Whether it be from food, cleaning supplies, or beauty products, we cannot avoid producing waste. While eliminating all waste is impossible, even adopting a couple of sustainable ideas can help to reduce waste significantly in your home. We have outlined some of the easiest ways to reduce waste in your home. Help improve your environment and your home by adopting some of these practices!

Buy In Bulk

Buying in bulk is a great way to reduce container waste. Most of the waste we produce comes from the non-recyclable plastic containers that food and beauty supplies come in. By buying in bulk you can reduce your the amount of plastic containers that you and your family go through. When buying food in bulk, be sure to invest in airtight containers so your food will not spoil. By combining bulk food items with fresh ingredients like fruits and vegetables you can significantly reduce your waste and your exposure to preservatives. Buying food in bulk also incentivises you to cook at home more, reducing carryout container waste. Summertime is the perfect time to start this practice. With the abundance of fresh produce that is available during the season, you can buy what you need fresh, and buy everyday essentials in bulk. Also look into buying your beauty supplies in bulk. Many beauty supplies brands sell their products in bulk. If you have a family, figure out what shampoos, conditioners, soaps, and lotions you can share and buy them in large amounts. This will reduce plastic waste significantly. If you are feeling motivated, try making your own lotions and soaps. Making your own moisturizers can reduce costs and ultimately be healthier for your skin but reducing the need for processed products.

Simplify Cleaning Supplies

Much like beauty supplies, cleaning supplies can be easily made at home with a small number of ingredients that you can purchase in bulk. By making your own cleaning supplies you can reduce your use of disposable plastic spray bottles and other non-recyclable materials. Most cleaning supplies on the market today are toxic and can be harmful to young children if ingested. By making your own cleaning supplies you can monitor what exactly is going into them and that will ultimately make you more knowledgeable about what is harmful for your family. Most cleaning supplies can be made with Castile soap, vinegar, and baking soda. Vinegar is a great all purpose cleaner that is non-toxic. Castile soap can be used as a laundry detergent, mopping solution, dish soap, and a carpet cleaner. Combining castile soap, water, and baking soda makes a super easy scrub for wash tubs and sinks. Once you buy ingredients in bulk, the options are almost limitless!

Use Less Gas

A majority of our waste also comes from the gas we release into the air everytime we drive. If you live in an area where you have to drive to work everyday this cannot necessarily be avoided. But if you live close enough to your work to bike or walk consider switching. Plan out any car-essential errands and group them on a single day. Try to manage it so you reduce your shopping trips to once a week. If you are able to, try to set up a carpool system with you and your local co-workers so that you can all reduce your fuel consumption. On days off, instead of driving, try doing outdoor activities that are nearby so you can walk or bike to them. By adopting even a couple of these, you can reduce your fuel consumption and reduce the amount you spend on gas from week to week.

Invest in Natural Fibers

Buying natural fibers for your household can ensure that your fabrics are recyclable and can eventually go back to the earth. Look for linens and clothing that are 100% cotton, wool, hemp, or bamboo. When purchasing rugs for your home, look into natural fiber rugs such as; wool, seagrass, jute, and sisal. If you want a colorful rug, make sure the dyes used are all natural and non-toxic. These products are typically biodegradable and will reduce waste. Here at Rug Pad Corner we make sure that every product we sell is 100% natural and healthy for your home. Our Super Hold Rug Pad is made of 100% rubber and the color is derived from completely natural dyes. Our Superior Rug Pad is 100% natural recycled felt. We even use our patented Heat Press technology to avoid any need for harmful adhesives. By staying completely natural with our products, we can ensure that everything we sell is environmentally sustainable and completely safe for your home.

Reduce Surfaces for Junk

Last but certainly not least, be sure to reduce the amount of surfaces in your house that collect dust and junk. By reducing the amount of surfaces in your home you incentivise yourself and your family to reduce the amount of junk your family collects. Reducing surfaces also reduces the need dusting and upkeep of these surfaces. This does not mean your house needs to feel empty. But rather, fill your home with the necessities and eliminate clutter.

These tips are meant to help you reduce waste in your daily life. Adopt one or go big and try them all out. Either way reducing waste can help you live a healthier life in the long run. Spread these tips to your family and friends to make our community more conscious of the waste we produce!

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If you are a pet owner you know that your animal is just another member of your family. Sometimes, even though they don’t mean to, pets can have accidents and make mistakes. While you can always come around and forgive them, sometimes your floors can’t! Check out some of the important tips we offer on how to protect your floors and rugs from some of the destruction pets can cause!

Start With the Rug

Ike from Decor and the Dog seems to the love the difference our rug pads make and Michelle loves that our rug pads can handle this active pup!

If you have hardwood floors in your home, the best protection you can provide is a rug and rug pad. Before you purchase the perfect rug pad, you must find the perfect rug to fit your needs! If you are in the market for a new rug and you have an active pet, consider using an indoor/outdoor rug. These types of rugs are becoming increasingly popular for people with active lifestyles. They are super durable, stain resistant, and fade resistant so they can handle lots of cleanings! Most of these rugs are made from a combination of natural and man made-materials. Some of these rugs are even made with recycled plastic, making them great for the environment as well!

If you aren’t into the feel of an indoor/outdoor rug, get a rug that is easier to clean. A natural fiber rug and most flatweave rugs are a breeze to clean and are a great addition to any room! Be sure to shop around and get a rug that suits your personal style. If you have a pet that has a tendency to shed, get a rug that has smaller patterns or a more natural fiber. The smaller patterns help to hide any pet hair and stains that accrue between cleanings. To help prevent pet stains from reaching your floors, don’t forget to use a rug pad!

Harry-Beast from MBZ Interiors doesn’t care if he can’t see the rug pad. As long as it’s comfy!

Don’t Forget the Rug Pad!

Rug pads are a great addition to any home, but they are especially great for homes with pets. When a rug pad is placed under a rug it can help keep your rug in place and prevent any pet “accidents” from reaching your floor. As a pet owner myself, I don’t know how often I had to fix my entryway rug every time my dog came running inside. With our Super Hold rug pad, my entry rug no longer moves, no matter how often my dog runs in and out the house!

Our Ultra Premium rug pad is also great for people with young pets. The solid rubber backing that lays on the floor will prevent any pet accident from reaching your floor long enough for you to clean up! Ultra Premium is also an excellent non-slip pad, so it is perfect for any pets that love to play indoors. For people who don’t need a non-slip pad but still want some added comfort for your pets, try our Superior rug pad! This rug pad makes flatweave and indoor/outdoor rugs super comfortable; letting you keep the style you love and still provides the protection your floor needs from the furrier members of your family.

We all know how much your pet means to you and your family. Protect your pets and your floors with our rug pads and be sure to post a photo of your pets on Instagram with #RPCpets for your chance to win a $150 gift card!

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Now is the perfect time to start planting a garden that you can enjoy throughout the next couple months. Fresh vegetables and herbs are a great addition to any garden. Even if you are new to gardening, the addition of edibles is a great way to reap the fruits of your labor from late spring to early fall! No garden space? No problem! I have compiled a list of easy edible plants that can be grown in containers.

Small Container Edibles

If you have very limited gardening space, small container herbs and greens might be the best choice for you. These edibles thrive in smaller containers that are typically 6 to 10 inches deep and 12 inches wide. To increase times between watering try adding our Superior rug pad to the bottom of your container before adding your soil. The dense felt rug pad will absorb the excess moisture that would usually drain out of your container and help keep the soil moist for longer.

Herbs

Herbs are some of the easiest edibles to grow in general and are especially suited for growing in containers. Members of the mint family are actually an invasive herb so growing them in containers will prevent them from taking over your garden. Most herbs thrive in smaller containers but a couple will need to be grown in larger containers (16 to 18 inches deep). Chives, cilantro, marjoram, oregano, parsley, sage, savory, tarragon, thyme, and chervil can all be grown in smaller containers. Basil, lavender, rosemary, dill, and lemongrass should be grown in larger containers. Most herbs thrive in full sun and little to regular watering so they are by far some of the easiest edibles to grow and are perfect for first-time gardeners!

Salad Greens

Salad greens are another super easy edible to grow in containers. Romaine, mesclun, spinach, arugula and microgreens are the most common salad greens and can all be grown in smaller containers. One of the best things about salad greens is they thrive in partial shade. This means they can easily be grown on a windowsill or balcony.Another great thing is they absolutely love cold weather! They are cole groups! Plant them outdoors now and you will amazed at how quickly they grow! If you don’t have any gardening experience, start with lettuce and work your way up from there.

Large Container Edibles

If you have the space, try a large container vegetable. Large container vegetables have the most bang for their buck and provide a bit of color to your edible garden! Typically a larger container vegetable thrives in a container that is 12 to 18 inches deep and 16 to 18 inches wide.

Tomatoes

Many people are afraid of planting tomatoes because of their reputation for soil borne diseases. Growing tomatoes in a container with fresh soil is the easiest way to avoid this problem. If you are still worried, there are plenty of disease-resistant hybrid seeds and starter plants that are on the market nowadays. If you are growing them in a container make sure to include stakes because tomato plants like to grow upwards. As they grow, tie the stem to the stake so the plant does not get weighed down by the fruit. Be sure to water your tomato plant regularly. If you find your tomatoes are developing cracked skins, this is a sign that you are over-watering.

Strawberries

Strawberries are an excellent fruit to grow in any garden because you can easily find a variety that works in almost any climate. Strawberries do have a short-lived fruiting cycle but are perennials so you do not have to worry about replanting them every year. Strawberries thrive in a variety of container sizes. If you are planting on a balcony, try a hanging container. A hanging container looks great and helps to avoid snails and slugs that like to eat fresh strawberries.

Summer Squash/Eggplants

I chose to combine these plants simply because they thrive in very similar environments. If you are growing in a container, make sure that the container is wide. You typically want a container that is around 18 inches wide. Eggplants do prefer deeper containers than squash varieties but both should thrive in 12-inch deep containers. Both of these vegetables produce beautiful flowers before they fruit. The flowers themselves are edible too. The most popular variety of edible blossom is from the zucchini plant. If you are growing in a container, be sure to look for bush varieties. The great thing about these edibles is once they start producing they will just keep on producing well into the early fall!

Bush Beans

Bush Beans are some of the easiest vegetables to grow in a container. Make sure when buying bean seeds to select the bush variety and not vine, because the vine variety will climb up literally anything. Bush beans produce an earlier crop and grow throughout the summer and early fall. But be aware, you will produce quite a lot of beans during their growing cycle and this can become quite overwhelming. My family grows one row of beans every year and we end up giving half of our crop away and freezing the other half to use for the rest of the year.

Edibles are a great addition to any garden and these are especially easy for use in containers. Try a couple out this spring, you will be happy you did!

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The warm weather always inspires people to clear their home of all clutter and start the season out fresh, but then somewhere along the way we often get overwhelmed and almost nothing gets done. This year, rather than making a long list of projects that will never get completed, try starting with small projects that will help you get organized and stay organized. If you’re worried about where to start simply follow our advice for achieving organization in your home.

Assess Your Abilities

Part of the reason our spring cleaning never seems to get finished is because we set unrealistic goals. We always aim too big. We decide to reorganize our entire house or life rather than focusing on what can actually be done. Before setting your goal for spring cleanup, think about your ability to complete that goal. Assess how much free time you currently have, how much work you are doing, how willing you are to commit to the task. Once you have assessed these things, then you can start working on getting organized. Much like working out, organization must be done at your own pace. Do not strain yourself too early because that is how spring cleaning gets abandoned.

Target One Area

Don’t look at the problems throughout your entire home. If you do that your task will seem overwhelming. Instead focus on one room or one aspect of every room. For example, one week focus on just your floors. Our floors probably suffer the most during the winter with all the snow and dirt collecting over the season so they are a great place to start. If you want to focus on one room of your house at a time, select the room that needs the most work in your home. Once you have chosen the room you want to work on choose a space within that room. For example, if you have chosen to start in your bedroom, focus on your closet first.

Choose a task

Once you have picked out your target area choose a task you want completed. This is a task that should be able to be repeated daily. Look at your target space to assess what needs to be done, then make a plan of action. For example, if you selected to focus on your floors, each day choose a new room and focus on cleaning just the floor. If you have area rugs and rug pads throughout your home try removing them and shaking them outside and then vacuum. While your area rugs are removed, mop your floors and let them dry before adding your area rugs back. If your area rugs and rug pads are too large to remove, try simply running a vacuum over them and cleaning around them. Look for an area that might need extra attention, and then spot clean those areas with soap and water. These task are meant to be smaller so they do not seem as daunting.

Make it a Habit

Once you have selected a task repeat it daily. Because you chose a small task it should be relatively easy to complete everyday. If you find yourself struggling to complete the task then dial it back a little or make adjustments that would make it easier. If we use the example of your floors again, try to set up a shoe removal station at the front of your door to make keeping your floors clean that much easier. For example, set up an entryway mat with cubbies to keep your shoes. I have made a habit of leaving indoor shoes by my front door as a reminder to remove any dirty shoes as soon as I walk in.

Select your next target

Only when your task has become habitual can you move onto a new task and goal. If you add a new goal too soon you might become overwhelmed and give up altogether. When you are ready for a new task, don’t move far from your original target area. If you are already working in one space of your room it will be easier to move onto another space in the same room rather than trying to cover two completely different spaces. Also, don’t forget to celebrate your accomplishments! Even small steps towards organization should be acknowledged and celebrated.

If you take our advice you will be well on your way to a happy, more organized Spring!

The post The Key to Spring Cleaning appeared first on Rug Pads & Area Rug Padding For All Floor Types | RugPadCorner.com.

With temperatures already below freezing in most of the parts of the country it is time to start prepping your home for the winter months to come. One of the most cost effective ways to keep warm during the winter months is make sure your windows and floors are properly insulated. I have several fireplaces I keep active throughout the winter season, so I know the importance of keeping seasoned firewood dry and ready to burn during the winter months ahead. I found several creative ways to take scrap from the office and winterize my home!

Prepping Your Firewood Rack for Snow

Supplies:

• Outdoor Firewood Rack
• 2 Ultra Premium Rug Pads Cut to the Size of Your Rack
• Firewood

If you have a fireplace in your home, you understand the importance of having seasoned, dry wood all winter long. While it easy to purchase or chop your own firewood for use at home, it is often difficult to find a dry space to store the wood once it has been chopped. While certain outdoor log racks come with covers, these covers can sometimes be insufficient. I noticed with my outdoor log rack, that my cover was not doing enough to protect the wood from the elements. Every time it rained, water seemed to go right through the cover, leaving my perfectly seasoned wood soaked through.

Working for Rug Pad Corner, I always have rug pads on my mind! I came up with the idea to use our Ultra Premium rug pads to protect my wood from the elements. I simply measured the area of the base of my log rack and cut two Ultra Premium rug pads to fit the area. For the bottom of the log rack I rolled out one of the Ultra Premium rug pads with the purple side facing down. Next, I stacked my firewood on top of the rug pad. The Ultra Premium was perfect because the felt side secured the firewood in place and will absorb any moisture. Once I was done stacking my firewood, I rolled out the second Ultra Premium rug pad on top of the stacked wood with the purple side facing up. The purple side is great for deflecting water and will help to keep any snow or rain from soaking my wood. Next I placed my existing log rack cover back over the wood. The Ultra Premium pad is great for keeping my existing cover in place and providing added protection from inclement weather. Since I winterized my firewood rack, it’s been put to the test with several rainstorms and a snow storm; my firewood has been completely protected from the elements, ready to keep me warm all winter long!

Winterizing Your Windows With Rug Pad Scrap

Supplies:

• Mounting Tape
• Ruler
• Superior Rug Pad Scrap
• Scissors

One of the biggest areas where homes lose heat in the winter is through the windows. While some newer homes come with storm windows or energy efficient windows, most windows will not protect from dropping temperatures. I live in a home that was built in the 1700’s so insulation is lacking in many parts of my house, especially the windows. Unfortunately, because of the unique size and set up of our windows, it is extremely expensive to order custom storm windows. I started looking for other options that might be less expensive. One common option is to use insulating plastic. I didn’t want to cover my rustic, quaint windows with plastic!  That is when I started to experiment with rug pad scrap to see if I could find a subtle way to insulate my windows without taking away from the overall look of my house. I realized by using our Superior rug pads to seal the seams of our windows, I could reduce the amount of heat that escaped through the windows and ultimately save a lot on my heating bill.

I started off by measuring my windows to determine the amount of rug pad scrap I would need. I have french casement windows that open inwards, so there is one long seal in the middle of my windows that is always letting out heat, so I had to be sure to measure a piece that would cover that seal. I measured the length and width of my windows, along with the seals between the windows. For a demonstration of how to properly measure your windows check out the video above. Next, I measured and cut my Superior rug pad to fit along the seams of my windows. I cut a piece that covered the length of my window and about 2.5 inches in width. That way, the strip I cut could hang slightly over the seam of my window and prevent cold air from coming in. What I ended up with were thin strips of rug pad that would cover up the cracks in my windows without being visible from the inside. Once you have cut your Superior rug pad, apply mounting tape to the felt side of each rug pad strip. The felt side should face in when attached to your window and the smooth side should face towards the outdoors. Next, adhere the rug pad strip to the part of your window that faces outside. If you have windows like mine, be sure to attach your strip to the window that closes first! It will create a seal that traps the heat in and keeps the cold out! Repeat this process for all the windows in your home and you will immediately notice a difference!

Using Rug Pads To Insulate Your Floors

The most common way to use rug pads for insulation is by adding them to existing area rugs. I placed our thickest rug pad under the area rug in front of one of my fireplaces. I used our Superior rug pad, they are excellent for insulation purposes. These 100% felt rug pads come in two different thickness ¼” and ⅜” and are extremely dense, making them perfect for trapping the heat in! Placing the rug pad underneath the area rug in my living room helped to trap the heat from the fireplace, I immediately noticed the difference.

To prepare my home for a family that I know will be tracking snow in all winter long, I placed an Ultra Premium rug pad in front of my basement door with no area rug on top. I did not want a nice rug in my basement entryway because my family is always tracking in dirt and snow in the winter and I wanted something that could scrape the dirt of their shoes.  The grey surface on our Ultra Premium was perfect for my basement, and the rubber bottom prevents the moisture of melting snow from damaging my floor. Now I don’t have to worry about my family tracking in dirt and snow through the basement and the thickness of the ultra premium prevents the cold air from leaking under my door! It is a perfect solution for garages and basements where you wouldn’t want to damage a rug, but want to prevent snow and mud from messing up your home.

The post Creative Ways to Winterize Your Home! appeared first on Rug Pads & Area Rug Padding For All Floor Types | RugPadCorner.com.