Renting an Apartment vs. Buying an Apartment

It is a major decision whether to rent or buy the place in which you live. It does not just affect how much money you have left at the end of the month; thus it also affects your lifestyle and the size of the savings you accumulate over the years. Every day people buy homes when financially they would be better off renting, because it is also important to them to have a place to put down roots and because they see buying a home as an investment that can grow in the long run. Similarly, people rent all the time for the flexibility and minimal responsibility it offers, even though they would amass a larger net worth over time if they bought a place.

Among the two options, there are also pros and cons to renting a property, just as there to owning a home. Both options have advantages and disadvantages. For example, renting allows you more expendable money in the short term, while owning a house gives one the sense of security as it is considered a long-term investment. Let us discuss the pros and cons of renting an apartment vs. buying an apartment.

Advantages of Renting an Apartment

-          One of the benefits of renting a house is it is low maintenance. Depending on your rental agreement, renting a house may also mean taking on shoveling the walkway, mowing the lawn, maintaining the garden and general upkeep of the house. In an apartment, the grounds and outdoor maintenance are all taken care of for you.

-          You will also have the freedom to choose the location. If you're looking for a prime location right in the downtown are, in the heart of the city, you're most likely going to be looking at an apartment. Single-family dwellings are usually found in more suburban or outer-city regions.

-          Renting a property allows more flexibility than owning a home. This is ideal for those who could be faced with sudden changes such as a job relocation. Renting requires no long-term commitment from a Tenant, and is the best option if you don’t intend on staying in one place for a long time.

-          Moving out is easier for a tenant than a homeowner as there is no stress of finding someone to take over the lease, or finding a Buyer to purchase the property as this is the responsibility of the Homeowner or landlord.

-          After paying rent, a Tenant may have additional money which they can use to invest elsewhere, whether it is saving towards buying a house or investing in the stock market, and need not worry about putting additional funds into a home loan.

-          The only insurance required by a Tenant will be to cover the contents of the home, while all maintenance work on the property is for the Homeowner’s account, as is homeowners insurance.

-          As a tenant, there is the possibility of living in an area in which you could not afford to buy.

Disadvantages of Renting an Apartment

-          You might have a problem with your neighbors. If you're a loud person or someone who needs a quiet environment, apartment living may not be for you. Remember, in many apartments, there are people and families living on all sides of you.

-          From available closets to cramped storage units, apartments don't usually offer a lot of storage space.

-          You might also encounter issues with infestation. The case with neighbors in an apartment complex. If, for example, others in the complex have roaches or ants invading their abode, those same pests are likely to eventually find their way into your home as well.

-          You cannot make changes to a rented property without the consent of the homeowner.

-          A tenant is bound by the rules of the lease agreement, which can impact the freedom to use or renovate the property.

Advantages of Buying an Apartment

-          The value of a home will appreciate over time and in case you decide to sell, you can earn a profit off the sale

-          When you buy a house, it becomes your legal property which allows you greater freedom in its use without restrictions often enforced by a landlord.

-          Owning a home offers the long-term benefits of security, equity, and potential growth in personal wealth

-          Being a homeowner allows you creative control of your property, including décor changes, landscaping and renovations, to suit your needs and your style.

-          Being a homeowner who ensures repayments are made on time can improve your credit profile. Not only will you have a large investment to your name, but paying your monthly bond repayments on time increases your credit score.

-          You have the option of buying to rent which enables a homeowner to generate income from renting out the property. You can have your house registered in AirBnb or websites for leasing. This income can be put towards the home loan.

-          You have the option to refinance your bond amount should you wish to withdraw a large amount of money to pay for major purchases.

-          There is an opportunity to save money in the long term as there are possible tax deductions related to income-generating properties.

Disadvantages of Buying an Apartment

-          Home prices are well off their recent ridiculous highs and mortgages rates also continue to break new record lows, which is surely making many renters salivate at the notion of homeownership.

-          There are additional costs to homeownership and these usually include rates, taxes, insurance, and maintenance for which the homeowner is responsible.

-          Being a homeowner comes with huge financial responsibility including bond repayments and regular house maintenance.

-          There are additional costs to homeownership and these usually include rates, taxes, insurance, and maintenance for which the Homeowner is responsible.

-          A homeowner has less mobility when it comes to being able to move home than a Tenant who rents on a short-term basis. A tenant can leave a property after fulfilling the notice period, which is usually one month. However, a Homeowner is likely to be dependent on selling their home before being able to buy a new one, and therefore it might take longer to be able to move homes once the decision has been made to do so.

To learn more about the pros and cons of renting vs. owning a home click here.

Whether you decide to rent or buy Divine Maids is here to help.

Things In The Kitchen That Can Be A Good Cleaning Agent

When it comes to home cleaning, most of us reach for expensive, often harsh products. Did you know that there are things in your kitchen that can be a good cleaning solution?

Non-toxic homemade cleaning products aren’t just better for us; they can also help save us money and protect the environment.

You may have heard that you can replace many commercial cleaning products with inexpensive items you've already got in your kitchen pantry.

Onion

Give your grill a rubdown with an onion and you’ll watch the caked-on grease and grime vanish from your grill grates. Turn your grill’s heat up super high, and with a long grill fork, stab an onion, and with the flat side down, rub along the grill grates.

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Tea

More than a favorite beverage, brewed tea can be used to clean windows, mirrors and countertops. Spray on your bathroom surfaces just as you would any typical window or surface cleaner. Then, keep your bags to hide in the back of the fridge. They will actually work to deodorize it. And if you need to remove the scent of onion, garlic or fish from your hands, cut a bag open, and wash your hands with the leaves to remove the odor

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Lemons

You don’t need lemon-scented cleaners to clean your house — you just need lemons! With their mildly acidic properties, lemons can be used to cut through grease and grime on your stove and appliances. They can also shine up brass objects so long as they are made of actual brass and not just brass plated.

Citrus can zap grime from your microwave, remove stains from linens, and shine brass.

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Rice

Swish a scoop of uncooked grains (with warm water and a little dish detergent) around the inside of a vase to scrub hard-to-reach spots.

Having a hard time fitting your hands while cleaning a narrow vase? Just pour two tablespoons of dry rice and half a cup of warm water inside the vase. Shake the vase vigorously while covering it with your hands. Drain the vase afterwards.

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Ketchup

This french fry sidekick can shine copper and get your car gleaming again.

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Table salt

The course texture of this cooking staple can erase stains from butcher block countertop, and helps release stuck-on food from your cast-iron skillet.

Remember that miracle lemon that cleaned the tub? If your dirt stains are particularly stubborn, add some salt to the lemon, and scrub the surface of your bathtub, sink or toilet. Once your salt solution has done the trick, just rinse off any pulp and leftover residue, leaving your bathroom perfectly clean with a lemon-fresh scent!

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Walnuts

Got a scuff or a scratch on your wood furniture? Rub it with a walnut (shell removed) to mask the damage.

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Powdered lemon or orange drink

The citric acid in your favorite drink powder can help banish rust and stains from your dishwasher.

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Cream of tartar

This common baking ingredient can remove the grayish residue that shows up on aluminum utensils after you run them through the dishwasher.

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Baking soda

This stuff deserves a star spot in your cleaning cabinet. Mixed with warm water, it's an effective all-purpose cleanser — it can even shine jewelry.

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Vinegar

Like baking soda, white vinegar is a powerful cleaning tool. It can freshen laundry, lift stains from carpet, brighten windows, and so much more. Just don't use it in these spots — you might do more harm than good.

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Vodka

Grab the bottle from leftover from your last big party to deodorize clothes and shine chrome and porcelain fixtures.

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Cucumber

Use slices of cucumber to polish any stainless steel products for a flawless shine!

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Mayo

If your coffee table has water ring damage, a spoonful of mayo will help take it away. Spoon a glob of it on the stain and let it set for a few minutes. Take a damp cloth and gently rub the mayo in. Allow it to sit, and then with a wet cloth wipe excess mayo away, followed up by a soft buffing cloth.

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Ice Cubes

Every few weeks, toss in a handful of cubes in your sink. Add some orange, or lemon to ward off some stenchy odor.

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Coffee Filters

Use Coffee Filters On Glass

Clean your mirrors and windows with coffee filters instead of rags or paper that wells for a streak and lint free shine.

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Baby Oil

Baby oil helps the dirty water bead roll down the drain faster. Use this to clean your sink, toilet bowl, or tub.

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Potatoes

Did you just went on a camping trip? To remove hardened mud on your clothes, especially comforter or blankets, slice a potato in half and gently rub the cut end on to it. Soak the fabric in cool water after before tossing them into the laundry.

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Wax Paper

Wax Paper for Faucets

Wiping faucets with wax paper prevents water spots and finger prints.

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White bread

Get rid of greasy fingerprints from walls with white bread

It sounds weird, but rubbing finger marks with a slice of white bread will give your walls a new lease of life! We're not sure how someone discovered this, but we're grateful they did...

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Salt and foil

Clean your iron with salt and foil.

If you’ve got a dirty iron, remove built-up dirt from the bottom with salt and tin foil. Turn on the iron, and run it over a piece of aluminum foil sprinkled with salt.

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Grapefruit

Get rid of water marks or stains in your bathtub by cutting a grapefruit in half, sprinkling on some rock salt and giving it a good scrub. Have the other half for a nutritious breakfast!

If you are a person that have a hectic schedule, You might prefer getting a cleaning service.Great thing there is Seattle Green Cleaning Fairy. They make your lives easier by doing the cleaning job for you.

Seattle Green Cleaning Fairy are also using Eco-friendly cleaning products, meaning our home is free from toxic cleaning supplies. Call them now and schedule an appointment!

How to Hire the Right Cleaning Company

Cleaning your house has no season. Whether you want to hire a cleaning service to help you with a one-off task, an annual spring clean, or something on a more regular basis, there are a few things you need to inquire about before you make a decision. You would always want your home sparkling clean and fresh. I am pretty sure you do not want a dirty home, right? When it comes to cleaning the house, it is a very daunting task and it takes a lot of time as well. Those people who have big houses or apartments, will find cleaning very difficult. Working professionals would not have time squeeze in cleaning their houses into their schedule that is why sometimes they seek help from cleaning companies. Some people would look for cleaning services because of an upcoming event at home or sometimes relatives would come over the house.

The question here is how do we hire the right cleaning service company? We do not want to settle for just anyone. Some would say, “it is cheaper to hire an under-the-table cleaning lady for cash!”, you have to know that you are putting a potential risk on your property and your belongings. We would want to hire a cleaning company with a good reputation. If your main concern is if it is worth your money, then you have to consider choosing professional cleaners. You have to make sure that you choose wisely, and according to your needs and requirements.

Of Course as a cleaning company ourselves we strongly recommend Divine Maids Seattle 😉

Here is a list of tips that may help you in order to hire the right kind of home cleaning service. Let’s get started!

Get Referral From Family and Friends

You can start with asking your family members or friends if they have tried hiring cleaning professionals to take care of their home. It would be easy for you to choose a cleaning company if your family members or friends have a good experience first hand. Referrals also give you an inside look about what a cleaning service company is about and not just with what they say on their website. Companies can make themselves sound amazing, credible, and experienced, but a referral from a friend or family can paint a different picture and carries more weight.

Take Online Reviews With a Grain of Salt

Satisfied customers would not tend to write as many reviews as unsatisfied customers who feel compelled to shower the world with their terrible experiences. Remember, oftentimes, those reviews are people using it as an opportunity to vent out, blow a story out of proportion, or try to damage the reputation of the company. If a company has all terrible reviews, that is definitely a red flag, but if they have mostly good reviews and a few bad ones, that is pretty average. No one is perfect.

The other thing that you also have to watch out for is a cleaning company with a perfect score. I know companies who pay clients to write good reviews for them, so of course, they would really get 100% perfect score. Regardless, a good rule of thumb is to avoid a company with all perfect scores, avoid a company with all terrible scores, and find the ones with really consistent high scores.

Bonding, Insurance and Worker’s Compensation

As mentioned earlier, some customers are concerned if the price of the service is worth their money. You also have to take into consideration the company’s ability to cover costs of any damage done to your home, any theft, or if an accident occurs on your property. If they do not have this coverage, you could be on the hook for money, items stolen, property damaged, or an injured worker. A company must be willing to tell you if they have this coverage and provide copies of their policies upon your request.

Take note! Be aware that this adds to the cost of operating a service company, which is why the rates are higher per hour or per job. However, this level of assurance is valuable, especially when you are letting someone into your home, and could ultimately be on the hook for something that goes wrong. Remember, we live in a litigious world.

Affiliations, Accreditations and Experience

You would have to do your assignment in knowing how long have they been in business for? Does this company have any recognitions, accreditations, or affiliations with professional organizations? You have to look out for this as this will make you feel assured that a company is trustworthy and concerned with their reputation. These acknowledgements, recognitions, and certifications are something that that company must have worked hard for to obtain a good reputation. With this, it would also show the staff, clients, and potential clients, that the company has done everything they can to offer an exceptional service. So, checking in to these affiliations lends to credibility to a company’s desire to remain in good standing with their customers.

Service Offerings

Does the company take requests or offer a fixed service? How detailed will they get? It is also important to choose a company who can accept requests depending on what you want to be done. You have to inquire as to what level of service is offered. If you can customize it, and hire someone to come and tick a bunch of things off your to-do list, or if you just get the same service each visit irrespective of what you want to be done, or if you can do a combination. Companies offer a variety of options; none are right and wrong, you just need to find out what suits your needs and your lifestyle.

Satisfaction Guaranteed

Make sure to ask about breakage, damage, and satisfaction guarantees. A good company should stand behind its work and its workers. If you are not happy as a client, what are they prepared to do for you? How will they make it right? It is a fact that sometimes, things will break. The way that a company should always handle this is to be highly responsive, sincerely apologetic, and fix anything at any cost. I know this might sound crazy, but other companies do not really do this. They tell the client to claim it under their own homeowner’s insurance policy, or chalk it up to an unavoidable mistake.

If you are not satisfied with the cleaning, a company should have something to offer you. A touch-up? A free cleaning? Companies have different policies about this so find out what recourse you have if you are not happy with the level of service you received.

Removing Stains on Your Carpet

Carpets can be easy to maintain on a weekly basis, but stains and deep cleanings can often present a challenge. The best time to treat a stain is as soon as possible before it has a chance to soak into the carpet. Of course, sometimes this isn't possible—perhaps you arrive home and find that your pet had an accident while you were out, or you discover a spill long after the party guests have left. Don't be dismayed; while it may be a bit more difficult to treat a stain that is not fresh, it is still possible to remove it.

So what should you do if you have a spill or stain on your carpets?

Red wine

You may not think of your red wine as a dye, but it’s full of anthocyanins, which are common natural dyes for textiles. Even worse, when you find them in wine, they’re dissolved in alcohol and water, making your glass’s contents the perfect cocktail to ruin any cloth they touch.

When possible, use a surfactant to remove the stain on the surface. That may not be enough, so also apply an oxidizer to knock out the chromophores. For example, you might start with dish soap and follow it up with hydrogen peroxide.

Honey and other sweeteners

Syrups like these mostly consist of sugars, which love water. A little H2O should pull them out. In most cases, you can just scrape off the goo and then dab at the stain with cold water. If a mark remains, try a light surfactant as well.

Coffee

Just as coffee left to cool will change in taste and consistency, so will a coffee stain. If you get a drop of coffee on your shirt, then blot it up, turn the cloth around, and run cold water through the back of the stain. This turns your clothes into a sort of reverse filter, pulling the coffee out of the material.

If the stain has dried, at this point, all you’re really dealing with is the chromophores. So do what the coffee professionals do: Grab some sodium percarbonate. At high concentrations, this substance cleans out industrial-grade coffee machines, so a solution of ¼ cup sodium percarbonate to 2 cups water should easily destroy your stain.

Tomato sauce and ketchup

With tomato stains, time is of the essence. Ripe tomatoes get their red color from tannins, which are also used as dyes. They have enough sticking power to stain plastic. So the second the sauce hits the linen, rug, or other material, apply cold water. If you didn’t notice that stray ketchup squirt right away, older stains can still benefit from treatment with warm water and an enzymatic cleaner.

Blood and other biological materials

Anybody who lives with a baby animal (including baby humans) quickly becomes familiar with the many fluids and semi-solids that escape our bodies—and the seemingly-permanent marks they leave on everything. The good news is, if the stain is fresh, water will likely erase most of it, once you clear away the offending matter. Any leftover traces should quickly yield to enzymes.

You may want to use the enzymes a few times, and then use a solvent like rubbing alcohol to clean whatever’s left. If you’re concerned about applying a solvent to a delicate item, use a weaker solution available at drugstores, or dilute your rubbing alcohol with one part water to one part alcohol.

Chocolate

Chocolate is a one-two punch. It’s both oily, so you’ll need a surfactant, and organic, since the sweet treat includes vegetable oil (such as cocoa butter) and various cocoa solids.

That means for best results, start with soap and then follow up with an enzymatic cleaner. Use plenty of cold water. Once you’ve pretreated a chocolate stain, this is one of the rare occasions where you should rub the mark to loosen it.

Grease

To capture this hydrophobic substance, you’ll need a surfactant like dish soap. Apply a small dab to the area, wet it, gently rub it in, and wash it out.

For really tough grease stains, look for industrial soaps. They use the same action, but have stronger pull. However, for delicate garments that aren’t colorfast—that is, where the dye hasn’t fully permeated the fibers—industrial soap may strip dye as well as grease out of your carpet.

Grass

Grass is a bit tougher than other biological stains, because, much like red wine, it’s a fairly effective dye—especially on light-colored carpet. Start with an enzymatic cleaner, preferably one specifically designed to tackle these kinds of stains. If there’s some stain left over, or enzymatic cleaners don’t meet the bill, try an acid, such as diluted vinegar, to pull the stain out of the fabric.

However, before you apply any vinegar, put a small amount on a clean area of the garment that people won’t see, wait for a few minutes, and then wash it out. This will tell you whether the vinegar reacts. If it damages the material, then you may want to consult with a carpet cleaner instead of tackling the stain on your own.

Mud

Mud will require everything in your toolkit, because dirt contains a mix of everything. First, dry out the mud completely and brush off as much as you can. Then hit it with a surfactant and some cold water. After that, if the fabric can take vinegar, apply some of the acid to eat away at other parts of the mud. Anything left will succumb to enzymes. We also recommend using psychology: Make whoever is responsible for the mud stains do all this; it’s a superb way to stop those stains before they start.

These are just the most common stains, of course, but what’s most important is the toolkit. Once you understand both how the stain works, and how different cleaners clear it away, the battle against contaminants is (almost) won.

Toner and ink

Since ink is supposed to be permanent, you need to resort to solvents for this type of stain. (This is why your parents run for the hairspray; it used to be loaded with alcohol, although you won’t find that solvent in most modern formulas.) To lift it out, you need to bust out a rag and some alcohol. Soak a sturdy cloth rag that you won’t mind ruining in the solvent; as the ink dissolves, it’ll transfer to the rag. After you’ve dabbed the stain a few times, try applying an oxidizer to take the color out of what’s left.

If you need a professional help in getting you carpet clean, Karen's Green Cleaning can help you out with that. They are one of the most reputable cleaning companies that make your home absolutely clean.

Seattle’s Best Coffee Places

The world is full of incredible coffee and one of the best coffees can be found in Seattle. Did you know that Seattle is known because of their great reputation for coffee? That is correct! Seattle is home to several coffee roasters. If you’re a visitor in Seattle, you might wonder why there are coffee shops wherever you go. You will pass three or maybe four Starbucks on the way to work and at least as many independent coffee shops.

Here’s a fact, people in Seattle consume more coffee than in any other American city. A study has been conducted and it stated that there are 35 coffee shops per 100,000 residents. The people in Seattle spend an average of $36.00 a month on coffee. It is also nearly impossible to walk past a single block in a commercial area in Seattle. Coffee drinkers can get coffee at a local sidewalk stand, parking lot, tiny coffee houses, big coffee house, drive-through, and even delivery.

The world famous Starbucks coffee was founded in Seattle. Starbucks is considered the main representative of “second wave coffee”, initially distinguishing itself from other coffee-serving venues in the United States by taste, quality, and customer service experience while popularizing darkly roast coffee. If you are not familiar with the meaning of “second wave coffee”, it means the defining and the enjoyment of specialty coffee. Consumers expressed a desire to know the origin of their coffee and understand the unique roasting styles of what will now be called “specialty coffee” beans. This knowledge added to the enjoyment of coffee as an experience, rather than just a beverage.

To learn more about second wave coffee click here.

This city has the perfect coffee for you! So, here’s a list of Seattle’s best coffee places that Divine Maids wholly recommends

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Starbucks

Of course, first on the list is Starbucks. Starbucks is Seattle’s largest coffee retailer. It was founded in 1971 in Pike Place Market as a roaster, but only later became an espresso bar. In 1984 ownership of the company changed and that change led to a massive international expansion of the company. This company is also known not just for their great coffee but also for their excellent customer service. The ambiance of this coffee place is also good for some quiet time, catch up with friends, and even a perfect venue for meetings.

Elm Coffee Roasters

You'll first spot it by a couple of blue outdoor cafe tables. It's a lovely bright space that feels bigger than it is because of the high industrial ceilings and bank of windows across the front. Try the espresso tonic, fizzy and slightly sweet. Their coffee here is best partnered with croissant.

Little Oddfellows

It's a good place to work, journal, or finish your novel—or procrastinate by taking pictures of your avocado toast—and that's mostly what people are doing. There's a little of everything: Caffe Vita coffee, Rainier beer, house-scratch sodas, and wine on tap.

Peloton Bicycke Shop & Café

Bike shop cafes are a thing in Seattle, and it's pretty much what you'd expect: repairs on one side, coffee and food on the other, and some tables to chill at. You'll spot the little shop by the world champion stripes painted across the front. It's worth going for the free coffee refills and breakfast sandwiches, even if you don't own a bike.

Mistlead & Co.

This place is a pilgrimage site for coffee nerds, with its rotation of coffee from a dozen local roasteries (the flavors lean bright, fruity, and tart) brewed by Aeropress or V60, and La Marzocco espresso machine. No decaf, but they'll make you a spicy golden milk latte, hot or cold.

Vif

This shell of a former drive-up burger joint has been transformed into bright and airy cafe and natural wine bar. The breakfast sandwich is on a homemade sweet roll, with hot pink pickled radish. Lunch and bites to go with wine later in the day are thoughtfully composed, fresh, and healthy-ish.

Tougo Coffee Co.

The long, narrow space is quiet and warm, with wood-paneled ceilings and a long share table (as well as plenty of individual seats) and a kids play area off to the side in the back. The mix of customers reflects the makeup of this historically black and brown neighborhood that's gradually becoming whiter.

Analog Coffee

Hip and perfect, photogenic and famous, it still looks unassuming as you approach its quiet corner of Capitol Hill. The warm sound of music played from a record pours into the bright little space, and they have real newspapers (on paper!) for you to read. Beautiful people work quietly on their laptops or read in the window.

Victrola Coffee Roasters

The 15th Ave location is a longtime favorite of locals, though more of them have their face in a laptop than a book these days (plenty of outlets). The staff are coffee professionals, and the lemon lavender cake goes perfectly with a short Americano.

Navy Strength

If you like to drink your coffee out of a tiki mug, this is your spot. Pops of turquoise and orange and palm-leaf lamps make you feel like you've stepped out of the Seattle rain into a 70s inflected tropical daydream.

Espresso Vivace

Not much has changed since this place opened in 1988, going on to popularize latte art. It starts trends, but doesn't bend to them. A sip of a Cafe Nico, a double espresso with shots of vanilla and orange and steamed half and half, served with an orange twist, is like a time machine back to the late '90s—in a good way.

Ways to Always Keep Your House Guest-Ready

When you need to keep your home nice and tidy, Divine Maids is always at your service!

One of the things that will surely make you panic is the thought of having some friends come over. This is most especially true if you do not clean your house in a regular basis. Before you panic, keep calm and find out the ways on how you can make your home guest ready in just a few minute

Focus on the three T’s.

If you wish to make your house look clean in an instant, then it is recommended that you clean the three T’s. These are your tabletop, TV and toilet. You may think why would in the earth will you clean your television. Well, this is because your television room is the center of your living room and a dirty television is easily noticeable for guests. To make your living room look guest-ready and inviting, it is recommended that you remove the DVD’s on top of your television and clear the space around it. Additionally, wipe off any dust that you can find in the surfaces of your home.Case in point: your table top and countertops. The toilet is a bit self explanatory.

Hide the dirty dishes.

In the event that you have no time to wash the dirty dishes, the best thing that you can do is hide it! No matter how well you cleaned your kitchen counters, your home will never look welcoming when there are dishes in the sink. As a simple and fast solution for this, it is recommended that you hide the dishes in your oven and pray that someone won’t catch you doing it!

Stash your items.

For the quickest clean up step, grab your laundry basket and go around each and every area of your home. Gather all items that doesn’t belong to that certain area and place it in the laundry basket. Keep the basket in a private room that your guests will not visit.

Get rid of dust.

Instead of getting your cleaning tools out of your storage, it is best that you slip a piece of sock over your hands and run your hands on all the dusty surfaces of your home. This is one great way to get rid of dust fast.

Turn on the oil burner.

If you really wish to make your house ready for guests, then you have to make sure that it smells good. If you have an oil burner, then pour in your favorite scent and turn the burner on. If you have none, then we recommend that you light up some scented candles. A great smell is surely a nice touch to your clean looking house for rent.

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Here are some Tips to Keep Your Home Visitor Ready.

TIP #1: CREATE A DESIGNATED PLACE FOR HOUSEHOLD ITEMS, AND KEEP THEM THERE.

It’s so much easier to get rid of the clutter around your house when you know where it should go. Resist the temptation to throw everything in one basket or drawer or leave them sitting out. Instead, clearly label storage areas and always put items where they belong. Not only will your home appear more organized, but you’ll be able to find items them later when you need them!

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TIP #2: PURGE YOUR HOME OF ITEMS YOU DO NOT NEED.

Everyone has items they don’t use. Why not donate those items to charity and let someone else benefit from their use? If you’re a family of 2, do you really need 18 plates in your cupboard? Do you really wear all 15 sweaters in your closet? Seriously, are you really going to read those books on your bookshelf again? Even though I’m personally guilty of holding onto books, I’ve become more of a minimalist the past year. And I have to tell you…if feels good. Your home will look less cluttered without the extra items, and that means less dusting and cleaning for you!

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TIP #3: KEEP THE SURFACES IN YOUR HOME CLEAR.

OK, this one is the hard one. I know the neatly stacked books and various knick-knacks may look chic on your coffee table, but it’s time to let them go. Trust me, your home will look so much cleaner and decluttered without them. I took someone’s advice a year ago and decided to give this a try for a month, and I loved it so much I never looked back! My living room looks so much more open without items stacked on every table in sight. You don’t have to keep your tables completely clear if you don’t want to. Just one basket or tray to hold necessary items will get you on your way to a clearer space.

This doesn’t stop in the living room, though. Do you have kitchen appliances sitting on your counter that you use once every blue moon? Find a convenient place to store them until you need to use them again. 20 bottles of hair products on your bathroom counter? Use baskets to organize them in the cabinets under your sink. Maybe you should go back to Tip #2 and get rid of the stuff you don’t use? Any time you can remove clutter from open surfaces in your home gets you one step closer to an organized home.

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TIP #4: LIGHTEN UP YOUR HOME.

It’s amazing how much different a room can look when you open the windows and let the light in! Consider trading dark drapery for simple, sheer fabric curtains that let light filter into the room. Dark, wooden blinds? Maybe it’s time to switch to white? Or maybe it’s time to give your walls a fresh coat of paint to brighten the room? Choose a color scheme of light hues to make the room appear not only lighter, but larger, too. Use mirrors to reflect the light around the room and give the appearance of a larger space. These tips will make your home look more spacious and inviting instead of dark and cluttered.

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TIP #5: DO NOT FALL BEHIND ON HOUSEHOLD CLEANING TASKS.

It’s easy to fall behind on your household cleaning tasks when life gets in the way. Letting things go makes it that much harder to catch up later. Why not use a weekly cleaning schedule to keep you on task? You can use my weekly cleaning schedule, or learn how to create your own here. Also, commit to cleaning during your most productive time of day. You’ll get more work done in less time, freeing your time up for the important things, like enjoying your home with family.

One good way to maintain your house guest ready is to hire a house cleaner.If you're too busy and doesn't have enough time to prepare for your guest, Divine Maids is here to help.

Emerald City’s 3 Best Neighborhood

Almost every country, town, state, or city has a nickname and has a very interesting back story for each. Some nicknames are popular while others don’t even seem like they have nicknames. Some names are uncomplicated and easy to understand while others are difficult to comprehend. Rest assured that while Seattle neighborhoods are far and wide in diversity and demographics, Divine Maids is happy to clean for all of Seattle.

Have you ever wondered why Seattle is called the Emerald City? Some people don’t even know that Seattle is Emerald City. Some people may even think that Emerald City is a fiction land in L. Frank Baum's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, but actually the city has nothing to do with it. Some people may think that Seattle is rich of emeralds, but no the nickname of the city is not because of emeralds or any other gemstones.

Seattle is named as Emerald City because the city is filled with green all year around, and when you visit the city you will notice the green grass covered parks. The name Emerald City portrays the color of the environment. As the years went by, the city has also rebuilt itself to a more contemporary style with skyscrapers, Seattle has also managed to still keep the city stunning as it has always been. Emerald City is also known as the fastest-growing cities in the United States of America. You probably have heard famous names of coffee shops like Seattle’s Best and Starbucks. That’s right! Emerald City is also known for its great reputation for coffee. The city has also developed not just on a tourism scale, but also on an economic level. Emerald City became famous for being the home of major company establishments, such as Microsoft, Amazon, and Boeing.

Emerald City makes a perfect getaway! With the city’s breathtaking skyline and distinctive attractions, you will surely enjoy this beautiful city. Each neighborhood in this city has a distinctive vibe and just in case you’re considering to tour around, here are the top 3 best neighborhoods in Emerald City.

To learn more about the coolest neighborhoods in Emerald City click here.

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Downtown

Downtown is not just another neighborhood. After centuries of settlement by Indians, the first Europeans to call Seattle home established farms and a steam-powered sawmill in the area of Pioneer Square. As downtown grew, it spread north, becoming the financial and retail center of Washington's largest city and of the region.

Are you anxious or wondering what to do in town? Do not worry! Downtown is the real heart of Seattle, this cool place provides a bustling amount of fun activity and work. A famous landmark in Downtown is Columbia Center where it has 76 floors, which is a greater number than any other building west of the Mississippi River. Downtown also has a very stunning view at night. This neighborhood is known for its famous spots like Pike Place Market where you will see an overlooking view of the Elliott Bay waterfront, it is also the oldest continuously operated public farmers’ market in the United States. The market is home to hundreds of farmers, small businesses, craftspeople and even residents, who make up the special character of this 17-acre historic district. Although it is named for one single street within the area, Pike Place Market is actually made up of several levels set against the edge of a steep hill, each one featuring a mélange of shops, restaurants, fresh product stands, crafts stalls and collectible stands. It is not for nothing that this market is officially the city’s most popular tourist destination. Plan your visit to Pike Place Market so that you have enough time to stop off at the Farmers Market, the Crafts Market and the Specialty Foods areas.

No itinerary yet? Click here to check the things you can do in Seattle.

Capitol Hill

Back in the old days of Seattle, Capitol Hill is already known as a vibrant community with a thriving business district. In circa 1990, Capitol Hill was known as “Broadway Hill” because of its vibrant community along Broadway Avenue. This neighborhood of Seattle is part of a long ridge that overlooks downtown. It is home to Volunteer Park and the Seattle Asian Art Museum, St. Mark's Episcopal Cathedral as well as other churches, Seattle Central Community College, Cornish College for the Arts, Richard Hugo House (a center for writers), as well as many shops, restaurants, and coffeehouses. Capitol Hill is the site of Seattle’s annual celebration for Gay Pride week.

Capitol Hill is the LGBTQ center of Seattle. This neighborhood encourages the community about individuality and counterculture community. Some would say that this place is a densely populated residential district in Seattle, but it is also one of the city’s most prominent nightlife and entertainment district. Global flavors rule this eclectic neighborhood. Capitol Hill is packed with hip bars, eateries, and gay clubs, plus laid-back coffee shops and indie stores. You have to try it yourself!

Waterfront

Waterfront is one of the most inevitable spots in Seattle. Thanks to the likes of Big Bertha, and the city’s mission to revitalize the waterfront, this area is currently experiencing an incredible renaissance! If you are wondering what Big Bertha is, it is a 57-foot diameter tunnel machine built specifically for the Washington State Department of Transportations. Some of the city’s finest institutions are located here, it is home to some of the most iconic Seattle experiences and imagery, and it’s the center point of much of Seattle’s rich history. It’s impossible to talk about the history of Seattle without mentioning the role the Waterfront has played in the city’s development.

Tourists would always visit this area as they will surely enjoy Elliott Bay, the perfect place for taking a stroll and visiting iconic destinations such as the Seattle Aquarium, the Seattle Great Wheel, and Ye Olde Curiosity Shop. Some tourists would also prefer to explore the nearby islands or snap a spectacular view of the city from the water, just head on to the Washington State Ferries. Since we are already talking about islands, the shore is also home to incredible seafood restaurants, including Ivar’s Pier 54 Fish Bar.

DIY Interior Bedroom Designing

Even if no one ever sees it, your bedroom should still represent your style and feel like a place you want to unwind in. It's your private space to recharge, relax, or just escape from everyone entirely, so make sure it's a place you actually look forward to spending time in. No matter how bold you want to go, how large your space is, or what your design preference is, we've got plenty of bedroom ideas to inspire you.

Even if you’re not currently designing your bedroom, this practice can help you purchase a private and colorful collection of items you can use once the makeover moment emerges.

CREATIVE HEADBOARDS

In choosing a headboard, always match it to the theme or style of your room. Imagine how your bed will look like of you are going to choose this color, texture and style. You also need to consider the size, the function and the creativity.

ECLECTIC ELEMENTS

A bedroom is the most personal space in your house, which makes it perfect for expressing seemingly disparate facets of your own unique sensibility.

WORKHORSE NIGHTSTANDS

It might seem counterintuitive, but in a bedroom with relatively small square footage, sizing up the bedside tables can make the most of every inch. In this apartment, a dresser is repurposed as a roomy nightstand to house bouquets, books, and beauty products.

DRAMATIC CURTAINS

A room is never completely finished until you address your window dressing situation. In the guest bedroom of a Paris apartment, the custom forged-iron bed frame is finished in gold leaf and stands out against the curtains made from a Pierre Frey chintz and Dedar fabric.

A STATEMENT ART PIECE

Less can be more when designing around a statement art piece. In minimal apartment, the a wall sculpture stands out beautifully against walls sheathed.

MONOCHROMATIC LOOK

Sticking to one light color is an easy way to make a small bedroom feel less claustrophobic. In a young couple's monochromatic Swedish home, the master bedroom blends white and cool brown for a color scheme that makes the petite space feel more open and airy.

LAYERED BEDDING

Layering is key to a beautiful bed. It gives your space an instantly glamorous upgrade, plus you'll be beyond cozy in the wintertime.

Lighting

A good lighting will add a good vibes in your room. It will help the room to show the warm and cozy feeling that it offers. Choose a light that has a dimmer, it will help you to feel more relax and comfortable.

ARTWORK YOU ADORE

There's no need to go overboard with the art in your bedroom: pick one piece that speaks to you and also makes a statement.

A COMFORTING COLOR PALETTE

You want everything in your bedroom to exude comfort, and the color palette is no exception. Whether you're a fan of warm or cool shades, pick colors that you naturally gravitate toward and give you a sense of calm.

PHOTOGRAPHS...BUT NOT OF FAMILY

You should have as many family photos as you wish in other rooms in the house, but it's best to keep the bedroom's artwork less emotionally loaded. Elegant photographs add some character to your space without reminding you of specific people while you're trying to fall asleep.

A TOUCH OF DRAMA

Even the brightest, most cheerful bedrooms need an element of dark, sexy glamour. Balance is key. Stick with a few dramatic pieces.

A VARIETY OF TEXTURES

Of course your bedding is plush as could be, but don't forget texture throughout the rest of your room. The guest bedroom of a glamorous Illinois home plays with texture by incorporating a black channel-quilted leather headboard and a Moroccan wedding blanket covered in sequins.

FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS

Whether they're on your nightstand, vanity, or windowsill, flower arrangements are a lovely thing to wake up to. Especially in the winter when you need a dose of greenery. Take inspiration from the fresh flowers that flank the bed.

CREATIVE STORAGE

The end of your bed is a perfect and unsuspecting spot to fit in more storage. In the bedroom of a Los Angeles country house, a vintage clothing trunk steals the decor spotlight while also giving you much-needed space.

A DESIGNATED WORK AREA

Although most designers would advise against working in your bedroom, that's not always a reality. Designate a specific work area in your room, preferably as far from your bed as possible, so that you don't feel guilty for finishing up paperwork.

A GOOD MIRROR

Mirrors are a pretty magical design element. They make any space feel larger, brighter, and more unique, whether you decide to hang them or simply prop one up against the wall. A rustic-style mirror perfectly complements the antique bed frame and Swedish chest.

A STATEMENT BED FRAME

Give your personal space some glamour with a statement bed frame. From four-posts to platforms, the options for a chic piece of furniture are endless.

A COMFORTABLE RUG

Nothing ruins a happy morning (or makes a gloomy one worse) than stepping out of the bed onto a cold, hard floor. Do yourself a favor and make sure your feet are greeted with a beautiful cushy rug. Opt for something soft, stylish, and timeless, and you'll be destined to keep it (and love it!) forever.

A THEME

It's the first thing a child will consider when putting together their bedroom, but adults tend to shy away from decorative themes. A theme can be a powerful unifying device, not to mention calming. In this Netherlands bedroom, the wall-covering, curtains and bedcover are all a classic toile de Jouy. The headboard is custom-made, and the side table is vintage.

THE RIGHT NUMBER OF THROW PILLOWS

How to figure out this number: It should be enough pillows so that your bed looks sumptuous and inviting when properly made, yet not so many that getting in bed requires 10 minutes of excavating. The sweet spot is usually between two to six, depending on the size of your bed. The bedroom of this country home makes a solid argument for four being the perfect number!

A SEATING AREA

This room, has more than one area to unwind. A good spot to sit down will serve you well when you're reading or need to have a conversation with your partner. It's also great for putting on shoes or checking email so you can leave tech out of your bed.

Keeping your bedroom cozy is really hard because you are too excited to decorate it, there will be a lot of ideas.

Always consider your feelings in choosing color, furniture and style. Your bedroom will also reflect on what type of personality you have.

Struggle is real in keeping your bedroom clean and cozy. Sparkly Maid is here to help you in maintaining that coziness and freshness. You will get 100% cleaning satisfaction, unparalleled work ethic and pet-friendly house cleaners.

Where to Dine in Seattle

Among Seattle’s shiny new restaurants opening their doors each day and the old-school local classics that have been turning out the same great food for half a century lurk a few special gems: the places to eat that welcome children and even appeal to their wide eyes and sometimes wild ways. Some serve cuisines from around the world, catering to a natural curiosity. But the one thing that unites all of the restaurants on this list: All of them offers the great food!

Tipsy Cow Burger Bar

This Eastside burger joint features over a dozen tasty burgers to tease your taste buds. Stick with the traditional Tipsy Burger or if you’re feeling a little on the wild side, go Beast Mode or check out The Rockstar. Tipsy Cow supports local ranchers, farmers, brewers, distillers and winemakers, so all food and drink are fresh and local. Not feelin’ like a burger? Check out their awesome salads or snacks. Burger-lovin’ babes will flip for the extensive children’s menu, featuring kid favorites like house-dipped corn dogs, burgers, grilled cheese and chicken strips served with housemade ranch. And don’t forget to round out your meal with a milkshake.

Anthony's Beach Cafe

Fresh Northwest seafood and incredible water views? Yes, please! Anthony’s Beach Café is a casual neighborhood restaurant serving lunch and dinner daily. The menu features fresh seafood (think: fish, oysters, shrimp, chowder…you get the picture) in original, inventive dishes. Kids can indulge in fish and chips, prawns and chips, grilled cheese or pasta. Visit in the spring and summer months and request outdoor seating. While you wait, your kids can play in the giant sandbox, complete with toys to entertain the little ones.

Vios Cafe

Vios Café’s Capitol Hill location oozes kid-friendliness with its huge kiddie corner play area (separated by a glass window) and delicious family-style Mediterranean menu. Try the fan favorite chicken or lamb souvlaki or choose from a wide array of soups and salads. Kids can indulge in mac and cheese, spaghetti and meatballs or the hummus, pita and fruit plate. Gather around the table with friends and family and fill your bellies with delicious, traditional food.

Tutta Bella Neapolitan Pizzeria

With multiple locations around Seattle, there is bound to be a Tutta Bella Neapolitan Pizzeria near your neighborhood. And not only do their authentic, wood-fired pizza pies taste like a slice of Italian heaven, but Tutta Bella is just as kid-friendly as it is delicious. As soon as you’re seated, kids get Wikki Stix to keep their little hands busy while their food is cooking and the open kitchens, that allow kids to watch as their pizzas are being made, are another great distraction. If your little diners aren’t feelin’ pizza, there is an extensive kid’s menu with favorites like pasta al burro or the Neapolitan meatball.

Beecher's Handmade Cheese

It's no secret that mac 'n' cheese is one of the main food groups for kids. If you’re in the city, hit up this Pike Place Market favorite that serves up the best mac ‘n’ cheese in the Seattle area (or arguably, in the world!). Young and old(er) cheese heads go nuts for the ooey, gooey, cheddary goodness at Beecher’s, who make their flagship cheese on premise—while you watch! Order cheese curds, paninis or soup, but save room for a steamy cup of mac. Psst...stop by the cheese counter on your way out and take home one of Beecher’s award-winning cheeses.

Uneeda Burger

If burgers are your thing, Uneeda Burger. See how we did that?! The self-described "casual, roadside style burger shack,” is the perfect place for grown-ups and kids to get their burger fix. The all-weather patio blends seamlessly into the dining room; both provide picnic table seating to enjoy hefty locally sourced burgers and delicious tater tots (and onion rings and fried mushrooms and…). Choose from locally sourced beef, chicken and veggie options. Our favorite specialty burgers include the Sonora (roasted chili relish, jack cheese and cilantro) and the Monsieur (black forest ham, gruyere, Dijon-mayo, and truffled shoestring potatoes). They don’t have a kid’s menu, but Uneeda’s classic no-frills burger is just $5, and kids can also order soup, hot dogs or a grilled cheese. And make sure everyone saves room for dessert: All shakes are hand dipped and made with Snoqualmie Ice Cream in flavors like salted caramel, blackberry, strawberry and blackberry. A wide variety of microbrews, artisan sodas and wines are also on tap.

Cafe Flora

Cafe Flora is Seattle’s go-to spot for inspired vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free cuisine. Café Flora uses locally sourced ingredients and periodically reinvents their menu to feature seasonal items. Kids go wild for Cafe Flora's classic children’s menu which includes pita pizzas and if you’re enjoying brunch, don’t miss the animal-shaped pancakes and fresh fruit. Grown-up favorites include Oaxaca tacos and portobello Wellington. There’s also a centrally located play area, crayon cups, and even step stools in the bathrooms to help the Littles wash their hands and everyone can appreciate the pretty indoor fountain and the lovely, leafy, sunlight-filled space in general.

Lola

Who says pint-sized foodies can’t enjoy fine dining? Iconic Seattle chef and author Tom Douglas’ popular Mediterranean-inspired eatery features breakfast, lunch, and dinner cuisine for the whole family. In the morning, kids can order cheesy eggs and bacon or silver dollar pancakes. For later in the day, hungry tots can choose classic buttery noodles and grilled cheese or step it up a notch with chicken or salmon kebabs with fries. Is there anything better than food on a stick? The sweet treats menu features a variety of frozen goodies in innovative flavors—try the pistachio ice cream, pear sorbet or chocolate peanut butter gelato.

Portage Bay Cafe

Weekend brunch at this family favorite used to mean planning on an hour-plus wait for a table, but now all four Portage Bay locations take reservations. Score! You’ll find a menu full of unique twists on classic favorites. Order any of their pancakes or French toast options and you’ve earned yourself a trip to the breakfast bar: a buffet of seasonal fruits, nuts and all the whipped cream you can eat. Portions are big enough you could likely share with tinier appetites, but the kid’s menu of scrambled eggs, French toast, pancakes and grilled cheese is so good they’ll want their own. Psst...it’s gonna be crowded on weekends in particular, but brunch is served all day at the Roosevelt and Ballard locations, which means diners can go later in the day without needing reservations.