5 Decor Items That Will Give Your Home a Nostalgic Feel

 

When it comes to interior design, there’s nothing wrong with living in the past. Creating a nostalgic feel is the perfect way to recall a bygone era and can be done in practically any room in the house. Here are a few iconic items from past eras that have become popular display pieces for those who like to get creative with their home decor.

Juke Box
Sure, you may have wireless, voice-controlled speakers hidden in the walls, but a mint-condition juke box is a statement piece that will never go out of style. Reminiscent of yesteryear, they can look great in a casual entertaining area or billiard room and will bring everyone back to the past with hits from the ’60s and ‘70s.

Vintage Cameras
Whether you’re a passionate shutterbug or simply have an old Polaroid stored away in the attic, you can try using a vintage camera as a display piece that lends an artsy aesthetic. Arranging a few cameras from different eras on a shelf is likely going to evoke a response from visitors young and old.

Arcade Games
Kids are playing virtual reality video games these days, but even they can appreciate the irony of decorating the rec room with old arcade games like Pacman and pinball. You can create a fun vibe with these collector’s items, while also introducing your kids to a game that you can actually beat them in.

Record Players
The Walkman and CD player have both come and gone, but the record player has proven to be irreplaceable thanks to its distinctly rich sound. If you want to incorporate one into your interior design, a mid-century modern record console that can hold your collection is the ultimate combination of form and function.

Vintage Refrigerators
Whether you put it in your kitchen, game room or garage, a vintage refrigerator lends an old-timey feel to any setting. You can usually find them in vibrant colors that will make a room pop with visual appeal and are sure to be a conversation starter.

3 Easy Sheet Pan Ideas for Weeknight Dinners

 

Sheet pan dinners are a weeknight lifesaver and can be the perfect solution for anyone who is hoping to eat healthier without spending hours in the kitchen. If you’re hoping to avoid excess dishes and limit your need to slave over a stovetop, popping in one of these sheet pan recipes could be just what you need tonight.

Italian Chicken Breast and Parmesan Asparagus
Chicken breast and asparagus both can be cooked at 400 degrees F for 22-26 minutes until your chicken has reached 165 degrees and your asparagus is tender; this makes them a perfect sheet pan combo. Coat your chicken breasts in a mixture of avocado or olive oil and Italian seasoning. Then, place your chicken breasts and spread your asparagus out on your baking sheet in the remaining space. Season everything with salt and pepper to taste, drizzle oil over your asparagus and let it bake! 5-10 minutes before your dish is finished, sprinkle shredded aged parmesan on your asparagus and let it bake for the remaining time. Serve this dish with a fresh salad and your favorite dinner rolls.

Peppers and Smoked Sausage Link Medley
Sliced bell peppers of every color and your favorite smoked turkey sausage are the stars in this unbelievably easy dinner. The prep is minimal; simply slice your bell peppers into strips, cut your turkey sausage lengthwise and cut it into 2-3 inch strips. Toss your peppers with olive or avocado oil and place your ingredients on an oiled sheet pan. Bake it as-is or brush your sausages with BBQ sauce for extra flavor. Bake at 425 degrees F for 25-30 minutes (or until your bell peppers are soft and charred in spots, and the sausage is completely cooked through). Serve on its own for a BBQ veggie medley or place over a bed of rice or on a hoagie for a BBQ sandwich.

Pesto Salmon and Rainbow Cauliflower Bake
This indulgent dish couldn’t be more simple. The trick to this dish is to “cheat” a little. Since raw cauliflower would require more cook time than your salmon, start with your favorite frozen cauliflower (tip: rainbow cauliflower provides visual depth to your dish). On a lined and oiled baking pan*, add your salmon fillet skin-side down. Cover the top of your salmon in a generous helping of your favorite pesto. In the remaining space, spread out your frozen cauliflower and sprinkle salt and pepper to taste. Bake your dish at 400 degrees F for 15 minutes until your salmon easily flakes with a fork. As your dish bakes, the pesto will spread, seasoning your cauliflower as well. For added flavor indulgence, sprinkle grated parmesan cheese onto your cauliflower five minutes before your recipe is finished baking.

*Special Note: this dish works best in a roasting pan or a sheet pan with larger ledges to prevent any pooling pesto from spilling onto the bottom of your oven.

The Best Smart Home Tech for the Outdoors

 

Over the last few years, technology has increasingly found its way into our homes. One area that often gets overlooked, however, is technology for outside the house. As we move into the warmer months, it’s time to take a look at some of the best devices and systems to equip your outdoor living area. 

Robotic Lawn Mower
A well-kept lawn is essential to maintaining curb appeal, but you might not always have time to get out there and push the mower around. With a cutting-edge robotic lawn mower, you can schedule the machine to regularly cut your grass, rain or shine, and ensure that the yard is always looking its best. 

Smart Grill
If it’s time to upgrade your barbecue area, then a state-of-the-art smart grill can make the perfect addition this spring. Today’s intelligent grills can be programmed to prepare food just the way you like it, each and every time, so you’ll never have to worry about over or undercooking again. You’ll receive notifications when it’s ready to be flipped or taken off the grill. With one less thing to worry about, you can spend more time relaxing in the backyard.   

Speakers and Lights
For avid entertainers, you can extend the conveniences of your smart home to the outdoors with lights and speakers that are controlled via your smartphone or virtual assistant. All it takes is a quick voice command and you’ll have the perfect ambience with mood lighting and your favorite tunes playing on the terrace.

Smart Sprinklers
Automatic irrigation systems are nothing new, but these days a smart sprinkler system can adjust your lawn’s watering schedule based on local weather data. If a heavy rain storm will be coming down later in the day, for example, it will know to skip that morning’s irrigation so you’ll never have an over-watered lawn again. Additionally, soil-moisture sensors are utilized to ensure that just the right amount of water is provided for a healthy yard.