How To Keep Your Home Pest-Free

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We've had a pesky, yet albeit inconsistent, ant problem for years. They pop up when we least expect them and during times of the year when ants generally shouldn't be invading our home. We've found them everywhere from the kitchen to the bathroom to the master bedroom and places in between.

We've sprayed, placed traps, sprinkled Borax, and tried every other trick in the book. But time and time again, the ants return and are worse than they were before. If you've ever had an ant issue, you know that they are persistent. They don't tire or surrender easily, and often "over the counter" tactics just aren't effective. We had finally had enough when I was in bed reading to find one crawling across my hand. Yuck! Time to call in the pros!

We finally gave up trying to rectify the problem on our own and went in search of a professional pest control service that could help us with this problem once and for all. After much research online and chatting with friends and neighbors in search of recommendations, we discovered that Surf Termite & Pest Control, a local, Jersey-shore based service in Neptune, NJ would be our best bet for successfully helping rid us of our irksome little ant friends.

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5 Fab Finds Under $50

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espadrille wedge | striped boatneck top | baseball cap | tote bag | masks

This week's fab finds under $50 are a sort of celebration of summer. Each item has a nautical touch that fits right in with boats and the beach. So, whether you plan to spend time on a boat, at the beach, or anywhere you might find yourself basking in the beauty of summer, grab one or all of these fab finds to help you celebrate an endless summer.

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Tips For Managing Your Time And Your Family

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During this unprecedented time of COVID-19, we are all being pulled in many directions while trying to balance work, family, and self while being at home. Busy is not the word to describe the sensation of sheer mental overload that many of us are experiencing. The only way to make things work is by learning some helpful tips and tricks that can turn you into a time management ninja. You'll be amazed by what you can achieve in a few minutes with some practice. Here are a few of the tips I've learned over the past several months that have helped me maintain balance and keep me from feeling completely overwhelmed.

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The Books I Read In June

June was a really good month for books. I read 4 books in total, and all of them were top notch. It's amazing how fast I read when I really enjoy a book. I'm struggling a bit right now since I just finished Elin Hilderbrand's latest release, 28 Summers, and OMG! It was sooooo good that any book I pick up just doesn't compare. So I am in a bit of a reading rut right now. I have about 4 books going, and I just can't keep on task with any one of them. I've been switching back and forth and that is not conducive to reading retention or to finishing a book. I am still ahead of schedule to finish 40 books this year, so at least theres' that.

Here are the books I read in June.

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5 Fab Finds Under $50

featured:

shell bracelets | circle straw tote | insulated tumbler | tie-waist pants | journal

There's certainly no shortage of fab finds under $50, and this week, I accidentally happened upon five with a beachy kind of theme. So many retailers slashing prices on summer clothes to make room for fall inventory, so there are lots of deals to be had online and in stores. I've handpicked five favorites this week that scream summer!

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Weekend Dispatch

It's something like week 1,647 of quarantine, and it's really starting to suck all my mojo out of me. Today was one of those days where I just couldn't seem to get and stay on track. I felt off all day long, and eventually just gave in to the feeling and went with it. I was dressed to work out but that never happened. I didn't feel like making decisions about food, so I barely ate all day. I didn't drink enough water and decided to try to play catch up a few hours before going to bed (not one of my better decisions). But tomorrow is another day and hopefully a better one.

Here's what I've been up to lately and what I have planned for the weekend:

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How To Create The Perfect Outdoor Living Space This Summer

Summer is here and for most of us that means we'll be enjoying more time outdoors in our yards, on our patios, or on our decks. No matter where you live, you can enjoy a beautiful outdoor space all year round with a few well-placed plants, ambient lighting, comfortable furniture, and miscellaneous outdoor items. Creating the perfect outdoor living area not only gives you a place to retire to after an exhausting day, it also expands your overall living space, even if only for a few months of the year.

From plants to heating elements to lighting to furniture, you want to be sure every detail is considered. This is a place you'll be spending time in as well as entertaining in. So, you'll want it to reflect your personal style as well as be inviting and comfortable for you and your guests. The smallest details from pillows to plants shouldn't be overlooked.

Here are several ideas on how to spice up your yard into a place you will love spending time.

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5 Fab Finds Under $50

featured:
striped boatneck top | pajama set | earrings | block heel slides | canvas tote

There's certainly no shortage of fab finds under $50. With so many retailers slashing prices on summer clothes and accessories, there are lots of deals to be had online and in stores if they are open in your area. I've handpicked five favorites this week that you can wear now and well into fall to get the most bang for your buck.

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Red, White, and Blue Desserts

I love the Fourth of July holiday. There's just something about it. A palpable feeling in the air that summer has officially arrived and is here to stay, at least for a little while. This year out July 4th festivities will look a little differently than they have in the past, but they will definitely be about great food, including festive desserts.

Today, I'm sharing a few of my favorite (and easy) red, white, and blue desserts to celebrate the holiday.

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