Do You Need 300 Pieces of China in Your Victorian Parlor? Spoiler Alert: Yes, Obviously

Let’s get something straight: If you’re decorating a Victorian parlor, one teapot isn’t. going. to. cut. it. You’re going to need a lot more than that—at least 300 pieces of china, minimum. Why? Because the Victorians knew that more is more, and if you could still see any surface of your parlor, you clearly weren't putting in enough effort.

In the 1800s, parlors meant more than just a room, they made a statement. They showed off that you had enough time, money, and sheer willpower to accumulate as many fragile, delicate, and completely impractical as you could. China topped this list. Porcelain, ceramic, gilded—if it was breakable, it belonged in the parlor.

Every Available Surface Should Be Covered—Preferably Twice

Victorian parlors had no space for minimalism. Empty surfaces meant you were failing at life. Mantels, side tables, windowsills—every inch of your parlor needed to be occupied by something adorned and unnecessary. Your china collection serves as a good example, artfully (and I use that term loosely) displayed over every available inch.

Teacups, plates, saucers—these weren’t just for tea time. They were for every time. Especially if that time involved someone coming over to marvel at your good taste. Victorian interior decorating was about making sure every visitor knew that you owned at least three times the amount of tableware necessary to feed a small army.

But Is It Hand-Painted? If Not, Please Leave Immediately

Anyone can buy a teapot. But is it painted by hand? Does it have tiny detailed floral patterns that will never see the light of day because no one dares actually use it? If the answer is no, I’m afraid you’re simply not cut out for the parlor life.

During the china-painting craze, entire magazines were dedicated to helping genteel women paint intricate designs on their ceramics making sure each piece was as unique (and as unused) as possible.

More Is More: The 300 Rule

In a Victorian parlor, a few items was a starting point. Two or three pieces of china? Please. Come back when you have at least 300. Your collection should be sprawling enough to require its own cabinet, perhaps even its own room. If you haven’t had to install extra shelving to hold your burgeoning horde of teacups, you’re simply not doing it right.

People expected the abundance of decorations. A well decorated room had walls, surfaces, and maybe even the air packed with items, all vying for attention. After all, why have one vase when you could have 17? And if those vases happen to be fragile, expensive, and completely impractical, pshhh even better.

Matching Sets Are For Amateurs

Victorians didn’t care about matching. In fact the more mismatched your collection the better. Each piece of china should have its own story. You might have bought it at a high end auction or found it in a dusty corner of a secondhand shop. What matters is that you own it now, and it’s going on display.

Victorians loved to mix and match creating a chaotic, over-the-top look that felt deliberate (even if it looked like a ceramics factory exploded in your sitting room). Patterns clashed, colors popped and your guests were left wondering if they’d walked into a museum—or maybe a flea market.

Good Luck Dusting

Of course, there’s a tiny drawback to cramming your parlor with china: the maintenance. All those fragile items need attention, which means dusting. A whole lot of dusting. But then again, no one ever said being a Victorian was easy.

So while you might spend your afternoons cleaning 300 teacups just keep in mind—you’re doing it for the look. The beauty. The sheer satisfaction of knowing that no one absolutely no one will ever be able to out-decorate you.

And that, my friends, is the true spirit of Victorian interior decorating.

How to Start a Healthy Weight Loss Diet Plan

Are you overweight and looking to want to know how to start a healthy weight loss diet plan that works? Obesity is a challenge that you can conquer. It is more beneficial when you follow guidelines that will help you to lose weight.

It is common knowledge that excessive consumption of the wrong foods such as sugary drinks, white bread, pastries, cookies, and cakes in your diet will cause you to gain unwanted weight. One of the main causes of weight gain is the consumption of too many calories. Eating unhealthy junk foods on a daily basis will eventually interfere with your general health.

Some key steps toward your healthy weight loss diet plan is a focus on caloric reduction, avoiding junk foods, and burning more calories than you consume.

Read on to learn more tips that will make it easier for you to achieve the weight loss you desire.

How to Start a Healthy Weight Loss Diet Plan

Hire A Personal Fitness Trainer

Dieting is a difficult experience for most people. The stress of dieting can become a physical burden, especially if you don’t have someone to give you the encouragement and motivation you need. Hiring a personal fitness trainer is an option you can take if you become too overwhelmed with your weight loss regime.

A fitness trainer can give you all the motivation you need to help you to lose weight. Since the lack of exercise is a reason why most people gain weight, incorporating a fitness workout regime into your schedule is an excellent strategy to help you burn and shed pounds. Once you become familiar with the rigors of your workouts, you will have an easier time reaching your acquired weight.

Drink Herbal Diet Teas

Drinking herbal diet tea is an additional aid that you can use in the fat reduction process. Chickweed is a herb recommended to obese people. This tea works wonders because it detoxifies the system and removes excess body fat. If you are taking medications, consult with your doctor to avoid health complications

5 Budgeting Tips for First-Time Homeowners

Purchasing a home means taking on a large financial responsibility. Any first-time homeowner should have made good use of a house payment calculator to determine what they can afford.

Budgeting is key when it comes to owning a house, and there are many ways to do it that will make the process feel like less of a burden.

1. Monitor utility bills and usage

As a homeowner, you will most likely be taking on new utility bills, or seeing a drastic change in utility bills you’re used to paying, especially if you’re moving to a larger space.

Be conscious of your utility usage throughout the month, and make adjustments where needed. Make sure all windows and doors are sealed properly to help with the heat in the winter, fix any leaky faucets, and be aware of how many lights you have on at any given time.

2. Build up an emergency fund

You never know what might come up in terms of costs having to do with your home. Having a nest egg to pull from means you can address a problem without taking on debt or stealing the funds from another priority, like retirement.

A broken appliance or leak in the basement will feel much less stressful knowing the monetary aspect of it is taken care of.

3. Determine disposable income

Extra and hidden costs that come with homeownership can affect how much money is left over each month after all bills are paid.

This may mean having less disposable income. Be sure to assess and differentiate your wants and needs on a monthly basis so you can adjust your overall spending plan accordingly.

If, however, you find you have more disposable income, think of reallocating some of it towards that emergency fund or putting it towards home maintenance savings.

4. Regularly check in

You can spend a lot of time setting forth a budget, but if you aren’t actually sticking to it what’s the point?

Review your home’s budget and expenses at least four times a year. This can bring to light how utility costs are affected seasonally, where you may have unnecessary spending, or where you might be able to consolidate payments.

This will also help monitor your savings accrual. Regular reviews will aid in avoiding overspending and taking on debt.

5. Don’t throw it all away on housewares

Buying a new home is exciting. It’s a fresh start and a clean slate – and this includes décor, both in and outside of the home.

New homeowners may feel inclined to purchase things like furniture, decorations, and other housewares as a way to further personalize their new abode.

They may have also just discarded a lot of items in the packing process, trying to streamline what needed to be boxed up and oved.

While there’s nothing wrong with wanting new things for your new digs, be aware that these costs can add up quickly. You don’t have to buy all items brand new. Check out thrift shops, sales, and even free items friends offer up to furnish your new place.

Here's Why you Need Audiobooks for your Child’s Healthy Intellectual Development

While they are growing up, kids should be exposed to a variety of educational materials to improve their intellect. Parents who have a difficult time getting a child to read should take advantage of the many benefits of audio books. Below are some of the skills that a child will obtain from listening to an audio book.

Parents with busy schedules may not always have the time to read to their child at bedtime. An audio book is a great alternative that fills a child with enthusiasm while he or she falls asleep. The voice of the audio is soft, smooth, and increases the listening and imagination skills of a child.

Children who listen to audio books will also be more interested in reading. Since children love to watch television, listening to audio books with their favorite cartoon characters is a good technique that will inspire them to pick up a book. Kids with difficulty understanding or pronouncing words will learn new vocabulary. As they develop listening skills with their audio books, their vocabulary will also improve.

Entertaining audio books are narrated by professional actors that hold the attention of children. In addition to buying educational toys, audio books are also an excellent choice.

How to Save on Your Fourth of July BBQ

Would you like to learn how to save on your Fourth of July BBQ holiday? Are you planning a large, enticing cookout? The Fourth of July provides a great opportunity for you to spend quality time with your friends and family members and be outdoors enjoying the warm weather for hours. You could be in the process of planning a backyard BBQ, watching exciting fireworks, and other special activities that your loved ones enjoy each year. You must also make sure that you have budget-friendly holiday activities. Here's how you can avoid overspending on your Fourth of July BBQ.

To start your barbeque on a budget, consider your meat selection. This may consist of hotdogs, veggie burgers, chicken thighs, steak, and other delicious meats you want to cook on the grill. To make sure you save the most money, be sure to compare the prices of the foods you want to buy on your grocery list. You will need to shop around at different supermarkets to learn about discount prices. On the days leading up to the Fourth of July holiday, you will be sure to discover deals on certain food items. If you hate the idea of barbequing this year, you can also invite your loved ones to July fourth restaurant specials and deals for this year.

Next step, barbeque on a budget by finding deals on your barbeque equipment. Save money and time buying a grill by making a list of the features, sizes, and preferred prices you’re looking for. You can research online to learn about the various types of grills that fit your budget. Some of these options may include electric, natural gas, smokers, and charcoal grills. You must also consider buying a grill according to your cooking style, personal needs, and backyard space. Don’t forget to read online grill reviews and ratings to make it easier for you to determine the grill that’s right for you. It is also helpful for you to save money by buying a used, quality grill.

Finally, use cost-effective techniques to decorate your backyard for your Fourth of July BBQ. You don’t have to use expensive decor to make your outdoors look fancy for your guests. You can buy cheap decorations from your local dollar store and thrift store and perform DIY projects. Decorate your outdoors with red, white, and blue by incorporating stylish outdoor pillows on your seating furniture, adding pops of red to your porch, and hanging patriotic flags on your doors or windows to make your home stand out.

Where is the Safest Place to Be During a Hurricane?

Do you know where the safest place in your home is during a hurricane? This is a question that might never cross your mind until you're faced with an emergency and need the safest place to hide. You don't have to live in fear worrying when a natural disaster is going to strike where you live. Natural disasters are quite common and can occur when you're the least prepared. There are tons of mistakes that you can make if you don't know what to do when a hurricane strikes.

Your life is precious and it is beneficial for you to have a couple of ideas of what you should do in the event of a natural calamity. In this post, we will discuss the safest place you should be in your home during a hurricane.

Lowest Floor

According to experts, the best place for you to be in your house during a hurricane is on the first floor or the lowest floor. Make a note of the various rooms on the first floor where you can hide. Consider hiding in a closet, bathroom, storm shelter, small storage room, and other areas in your home with no windows. Choose safe rooms or interior rooms in your home that don't have sliding glass doors, skylights, or flooding issues.

Basement

The basement is another safe place where you can hide in your home during a hurricane event. If you don't have an issue with flooding, the basement is a good place for you to hide. Your basement is underground and may provide you with the best protection from a natural disaster. Remember to stay away from windows in your basement. Always remain inside your home until you're certain the hurricane has passed.

Keep these tips in mind if you find it necessary to ride out a storm. Be sure to have this discussion with your adult family members and kids to stay safe during a hurricane. Read more survival tips here.

What Are We Really Eating?

The old saying goes; you are what you eat, and nothing could be more true. Last night while talking with a few friends I came to the realization that American Cheese isn’t actually cheese. I discovered this because I brought up the fact that I am lactose intolerant but I am perfectly fine eating certain cheeses such as American. I was then informed that American cheese is actually a manufactured “cheese” consisting of milk protein concentrate, whey protein concentrate, and salt; which is pretty much just a nice way of saying dyed fat and salt.

In fact, in America it is illegal for companies to label American cheeses as cheese and they must be labeled things such as “American slices” (kraft) or "Pasteurized Prepared Cheese Product," (Velveeta). In disbelief, I looked this information up myself and of course everything checked out to be true. Then I got to thinking… Sure I go running and on the occasional bike ride, but is that really enough? I have come to realize that I really need to take a closer look into my everyday diet to maintain at least a somewhat healthy lifestyle.

I love food as much as the next person, but the quality of the food we eat is critical to our livelihood. Sometimes fast food is much more convenient than cooking dinner or going out to eat at a restaurant, but the truth of the matter is that we should always make time for our health no matter how busy we may be. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle will certainly pay off in the long run, especially when we are older. I’ve often heard people complain about how expensive it is to eat healthy, which is true. Between gas, bills, and just life in general, it does seem more convenient at times just to pick up a cheeseburger on the way home rather than stopping somewhere to grab something nice to eat. After weighing the options, I don’t know about you, but I see it much more beneficial to invest in buying healthy food now rather than have to take prescription medication for the rest of my life because I made some poor eating decisions. Eating healthy makes much more sense if you see it as a long term investment rather than a chore. A key part to this is also seeing what is in our food, which is something I failed to when it came to the American cheese situation. Misinformation can sometimes be our greatest enemy, and therefore it is our job to ensure that we take the time to seek answers. In most cases, nutrition facts for the things we eat are posted either on the internet or packaging of the things we eat. To maintain a healthy lifestyle, it’s important to research what ingredients are in the food we eat and avoid anything with a lot of chemicals or that has been processed.

Being healthy goes beyond just eating right. Exercise and avoiding stress are great ways to ensure a long and healthy life. Along with running and bike riding, I love going on vacation. I am able to fully enjoy my vacations because San Marcos home security has my home protected and taken care of. With companies like Smith Monitoring, I don't have to worry if my home is safe while I am away; because if your home takes care of you, you should be willing to return the thanks to your home.

About The Author:Stephen Hamilton is a writer for Smith Monitoring. He is an avid gamer, movie buff, musician, and comic collector.