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Trish

5 Ways to Protect Your Plants

October 22, 2020

Plants are such a lovely little piece of nature that we can control, but pests are not. Unfortunately, these little buggers will eventually find their way into your houseplants. Yes, even plants inside your home can fall victim to unwanted visitors!

However, they can be easily contained and dealt with once they’ve been spotted. The best way to protect your plants from pests is simply by taking care of them! Improper care can weaken your plants, leaving them vulnerable to infestation. Here are five ways you can protect your plants and keep them happy, healthy, and thriving.

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1. Isolate New Plants

It’s so much fun bringing home a new plant. You’ve probably even picked out the perfect spot for it. Won’t your new monstera deliciosa look perfect next to that rubber tree? Before you place your new plant in its new home, it’s safer to keep it away from the other plants in your home. Inspect the underside of the leaves, the stems, the soil, and the roots if possible. A monstera has aerial roots, meaning it has roots above ground that act as support structures, so be sure to check those thoroughly. If you see any signs of pests, identify the type and treat accordingly. It’s recommended to quarantine a new plant for at least two weeks before bringing it near your other houseplants. But don’t worry, your beautiful split leaf philodendron will be much happier because of it!

2. Repel Bugs Naturally

You can keep insects at bay by taking action to prevent them from infesting in the first place. For indoor plants, you can place a clove of garlic just beneath the soil. You can also repel a large variety of bugs with catnip. It’s also important to have good air circulation around your plants. Regularly fertilizing your plants and giving them plant food will keep them strong against insects.

In gardens, you can plant strong-smelling herbs such as peppermint and basil. If you have a problem with mosquitos in your area, there are natural ways to repel them. While most pesticides can contain harmful ingredients, mosquito repellent natural contains natural ingredients such as lemongrass oil and castor oil. This spray that kills mosquitos and ticks quickly and safely.

 

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3. Keep Plants Clean

Neglected plants are very appealing to bugs. Be sure to show your plants some TLC every now and then. This means you should regularly wipe down their leaves. A swiss cheese plant has big beautiful leaves that attract a lot of dust! Wipe them down with a damp cloth so it’s easier for the plant to absorb light. Refresh topsoil by removing a quarter from the top and replacing it with fresh soil. It’s important to regularly prune away any dead leaves or stems, too.

4. Watch the Water

Damp soil is a breeding ground for bugs like fungus gnats. These pesky bugs don’t usually harm a plant, but they can affect new root growth. It’s always best to let the soil of a plant dry out between waterings. When in doubt, stick your finger in the soil. If it’s damp, you can wait another day before watering. If you do find those annoying fungus gnats, get some neem oil and spray the topsoil.

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5. Use New Soil

When you repot a plant, it’s best to use new, sterile soil. There’s no telling what may be in soil that was used for another plant. It’s also important to use soil that is meant for houseplants, as this type has the correct amount of nutrients and drainage additives like pearlite. Avoid using open bags of soil that have sat out in the sun, and make sure to rinse out any pots before putting a new plant in it.

As stated before, the best way to protect your plant is to care for it properly. Follow these steps and your houseplants will be safe and growing beautifully!

Filed Under: Home & Garden

How Often Should You Clean Your Gutters? A Basic Guide

October 22, 2020

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When you think about cleaning your home, the first thing you think of most likely isn’t the gutters. The gutters can easily be forgotten because they’re out of sight and out of mind. It’s crucial, however, that you don’t skip this cleaning task.

Gutters that go for a length of time without being cleaned can cause more damages to your home than you know. Leaks in the roof, mold and mildew, and a pest problem are just a few reasons why you should clean your gutters on a regular basis.

How often should you clean your gutters, though? In the guide below, you’ll discover all the important factors to consider when creating your own gutter-cleaning schedule.

At Least Twice a Year

At the very least, you should clean gutters twice a year. Do keep in mind, however, this is the minimum. It never hurts to conduct gutter cleaning more often, especially if you live in an area with lots of trees overhead or harsh weather.

Other factors, such as the type of trees in your yard, might cause you to clean them more often as they can cause clogging of gutter and downspouts. You can see this to learn how clogged gutters can turn into big trouble.

After Major Storms

Another important time to clean the gutters is after any major storm. When rain or snow falls, so will debris from nearby trees. All of this debris can land in your gutter, even if you don’t have trees in your yard.

The wind can pick up leaves and small twigs and place them right in the gutters! Once the weather clears up, be sure to inspect the gutters for any debris left by the storm. If you see anything in them, then clear them out to prevent clogs.

After Each Season

There are some benefits of cleaning your gutters and inspecting them after each season as well.

Spring and summer both bring showers and can carry debris into your gutters. Fall is the most common time to find an abundance of leaves and other debris in the gutters as the leaves change colors.

Because each season brings its own weather conditions causing a fall of debris, it’s best to inspect the gutters just to be safe. In some cases, they’ll still be clear, and you’ll be free to go!

Regular Maintenance

Although you should know when to clean gutters, you should also know when and how to conduct regular maintenance. Gutters don’t only need cleaning. Sometimes, gutters will need to be adjusted to ensure proper water drainage.

Other times, you’ll need to nail them back up when certain sections begin to fall. This type of maintenance is just as crucial as cleaning the gutters.

How Often Should You Clean Your Gutters as a Homeowner?

Were you once wondering how often should you clean your gutters? As a homeowner, be sure to follow the tips given in this guide below to keep your home’s gutters clean and running properly all year long!

Are you interested in other home and garden topics?

If so, be sure to visit on a regular basis to find new posts and topics!

Filed Under: Home & Garden

Mold Removal Tips: Eliminate Mold for a Clean Home

October 22, 2020

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Have you spotted some signs of mold growth in your home? Did you know mold can affect the health of you and your family? Are you wondering how to remove mold and get your home back to being spot-free?

Here, you can learn everything you need to know about mold removal. These mold removal tips will also help you prevent future mold growth, so you can keep your home clean as a whistle.

Mold Is Hazardous to Your Health

You might think mold isn’t a big problem. It’s common enough that people get used to it and don’t take it seriously. However, you should never underestimate the dangers of mold growth, especially in your home.

Mold thrives in damp indoor environments, but it can also grow inside walls and under floorboards. If you smell something musty but can’t target where it’s coming from, the culprit may be hidden mold. If left unchecked, mold can spread quickly and release mold spores into the air.

The real danger exists in these spores. The spores are a form of air pollutants that can cause a variety of respiratory issues. These issues can include everything from trouble breathing to stuffy noses and wheezing.

If you have asthma or bad allergies, mold can magnify reactions. You may also experience red or itchy eyes and skin if exposed to moldy environments. For these reasons, you don’t want to live with mold in your home, especially if you or your family have respiratory issues.

Aside from health-related issues, mold can also affect the structural integrity of your home. If allowed to grow on wood surfaces, it can rot the wood and put your home at risk of some serious damage. If you ever catch sight of mold, you should do something about it as soon as possible.

How to Get Rid of Mold on Your Own

For small areas, removing mold on your own is doable without too much effort. Wet surfaces attract mold, so if you have a particularly damp area in your home, look for green, yellow, brown, or white specks of mold growth. Before you start cleaning it, make sure you ventilate the area.

Open windows, turn on a fan, and put on a mask to avoid breathing in any harmful pollutants. Soak up any wetness with a towel, and make sure the area is completely dry. You should also wear a pair of gloves and eyewear before you start the removal.

Once you’re ready, you can use a basic solution of soap and water to clean away mold. If you want something heavy-duty, you can use bleach, but soap and water or any type of commercial cleaner should do the job well enough. Never mix any cleaners together.

Then, you can use a brush and start scrubbing away at the mold with the cleaner applied. Don’t let the cleaning solution sit for too long. Dry it up as soon as the mold has loosened.

If you’re worried about staining, you can reapply the cleaning solution after the area has dried. The most important thing is to get the mold gone first.

To remove black mold, you can use the same process. If you’re worried, you can apply a disinfectant after the mold has been scrubbed away.

Hire a Professional Mold Removal Service

Cleaning up mold on your own is simple enough for a small area, but you may need professional mold removal services for larger areas. You may also want to turn to a professional cleaning service if you find mold growing in carpeting. Professionals know how to eliminate mold quickly and easily, and you won’t have to worry about any of the risks of cleaning it yourself.

A professional service will offer you a remediation plan. This plan lays out everything the team will do to remove mold, customized to your exact needs. They may also use air scrubbers to remove mold spores from the air, so you won’t have to worry about any lingering spores after removal.

That said, you should take the time to find the right professional service for you. Look for a licensed team and ask about the extent of their services to understand what they’ll do. Mold can take a long time to remove, so you want a good partner on your side.

How to Prevent Mold Growth

Once you remove mold from your home, you have to stay proactive to keep it from coming back. To do so, you’ll need to monitor the humidity levels within your home. You should also dry any damp or wet areas as soon as you find them.

For help, you should invest in a dehumidifier if you don’t own one. Place the dehumidifier in especially damp areas to help absorb moisture. Doing so will keep the moisture from becoming a breeding ground for mold.

If you need extra help, set up a few fans to get rid of wet areas. Watch out for leaks and spills, and clean or mop them up as soon as possible. You may also want to buy an air purifier and put it in areas where mold has grown recently.

If you notice mold growing, don’t let it sit. Once it starts growing, it can prove difficult to stop it from spreading. Apply the previously mentioned cleaning tips to get rid of mold, and keep the area spotless.

If you follow these tips, you’ll find yourself well on the way to a home free from mold in no time.

Eliminating Mold Is Key to Having a Happy, Healthy Home

With these mold removal tips, you can do your best to eradicate mold and keep it out of the home for good. If you get professional help, they can field any questions you may have and provide additional advice to prevent future mold growth.

Once you’re clear, you can stop worrying about the harmful effects of mold on you and your family and start focusing on enjoying your home life.

Looking for more tips and tricks about taking care of your home? Check out some of our other posts.

Filed Under: Home & Garden

5 Dock Lighting Ideas to Transform Your Boat Dock

October 22, 2020

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Do you like to entertain on your boat? Are you wondering how other boaters are making their docks look festive?

Believe it or not, there’s an art to designing perfect lighting where your boat is docked. They can give you a sparkling ambiance and an amazing send-off. The right dock lighting provides the added safety, ambiance, and class that every top-notch boat deck deserves.

Here are some of our favorite dock lighting ideas.

1. Go Solar

Believe it or not, solar dock lights provide a gorgeous, subtle look for your dock. They’re also easy to install.

Since solar lights use the sun for energy, you’ll end up saving tons on your electrical bills both now and in the future. And as long as you keep them clean, they could last you for years without needing to replace them or their batteries. Solar lighting could be well worth the investment.

Today’s solar lights can be automated, so you won’t need to worry if you don’t go down to the dock every night. And you may even be able to get tax incentives for using an environmentally friendly option!

2. Safety and Visibility

You’ll want to make sure your boat has enough illumination to bring you and your guests safely into shore at night. Dock lights and underwater lights can both help with this.

Dock lights can also keep you and your guests from tripping as you get out of the boat and walk around the dock. Beyond making your deck look attractive, dock lights can end up saving you the time and trouble that could result from an injury on your dock!

3. Wharf Lighting

Wharf lights have a gooseneck shape and give your dock an immediate nautical look. They look great during the day and evening.

If you’re wharf lights, you’ll need to look for a high-quality metal that is strong enough to stand up to marine conditions. Certified marine-grade lights are available, and they’re usually powder-coated.

4. Motion-Activated Lights

Motion-activated lights are a great way to save money because they’ll only be used when you and your guests are boating, and you won’t have to worry about turning them on and off.

You’ll be able to increase the lifespan of your lights if they’re motion-activated. They also provide an extra layer of safety because no one in the vicinity of your dock will be walking around in the dark looking for switches.

5. Go Green

While many folks opt for traditional white lighting on their docks, green is becoming increasingly popular.

Green lights travel through the water better than other colors, so it’s a great way to attract fish if you’re an angling family. It also provides a lovely ambiance that complements your dock. It can be appreciated by boaters from miles away.

Dock Decorating Ideas

Getting creative with lighting is only one way to get your dock sparklin’.

A pier rope, for example, can be used to provide a little nautical elegance to your spot. It can get wrapped around posts or hung from other fixtures.

Dock hammocks are another great way to make your dock look elegant and welcoming. You can purchase or build one, and it’s a fantastic way to make the most out of the space you’re already paying to rent. Dock hammocks invite you to read away for hours on a warm day before taking a little sail.

Dock swings are also a great way to get extra dock use for your money. Your swing could be anything from a traditional two-seater for lovebirds to an adventurous jumping-off point for kids.

Nautical decorations, from fishing nets to boat bells to signs, can all get used for contributing to the nautical ambiance of your deck. Look for photos online and search for deals at local thrifts stores or splurge on some brand new, sturdy dock decor.

Where to Dock Your Boat

If you’re new to boating, get ready for a healthy adventure. Boating promotes exercise, socializing, and stress relief. It can also provide you with a wonderful way to spend quality time with your family and inspire creativity.

If you live in a rural area with a local lake, the decision about where to dock your boat is a no-brainer. Other folks, however, may need to do a little research before deciding where their baby’s new home is going to be.

You won’t be able to park your boat just anywhere the way you can with a car. You can usually rent or buy a slip at a local marina, but you’ll want to make sure these are available and affordable.

If you have friends who boat, ask them for recommendations on where you can rent a boat dock. Or research local marinas online and call them up. Find out how much it costs to dock a boat there year-round, and if there are any other services you’ll be required to pay for.

You won’t want to rent a boat before you’re sure there’s available space in a local marina that you can afford! Make sure you choose a spot to dock your boat before you buy your craft.

The Best Dock Lighting Ideas

Your boat deck is more than just a place to keep your vessel when you’re not using it. A well-appointed deck can welcome your guest and make them feel that they’re resting in your home away from home. With some unique dock lighting ideas, you can entertain at all hours of the day and night.

Don’t stop getting savvy now. For more great ideas on improving your home and lifestyle, read our blog today.

Filed Under: Blog

4 Ways to Use Indoor Plants for Interior Decoration

October 20, 2020

Bulky furniture and fixtures are not the only things that you can use to spruce up your home. You can also use indoor plants for interior decoration. Aside from the aesthetic value that indoor plants bring, they are known to clean up and freshen the air inside your home by releasing oxygen and absorbing carbon dioxide and other air toxins. Indoor plants can also improve your mental health and performance. They can enhance concentration and productivity, reduce stress levels, and uplift your mood. Plus, using indoor plants is cheaper than buying new furniture and installing fixtures to decorate your home.

How can you use indoor plants for interior decoration? Which plants are best for indoor use? How can I properly care for these plants? What if I don’t have a green thumb? Read on to discover the answers to these questions.

Use Indoor Plants to Fill Empty Corners

You know those awkward corners that are too cramped for a table, too roomy for a lamp, too irregularly-shaped for shelves, and so on? A tall indoor plant might just be the answer to that vertical space problem. Pot them in decorative planters like wicker baskets or sleek, ceramic pots and put them in corners where adjoining walls meet. You can also put them near tall windows or behind statement seats.

Indoor plants for interior decoration that can fill empty corners:

  1. Dracaena marginata. Dracaena, or dragon plant, has a palm-tree-like look to it. It has long, slim green leaves with reddish-purple edges and can grow up to 8 feet. Check if the soil is no longer moist before watering it. It also grows well in bright, indirect light.
  2. Fiddle Leaf Fig. The Fiddle Leaf Fig has big, leathery leaves that curl a bit on the edges and thin, woody branches. When planted in a big pot, it can grow up to 10 feet. It’s slightly harder to please than the Dracaena as it needs just the right amount of water (moist soil) and sunlight (very bright, indirect light).
  3. Rubber Plant. The Rubber plant has waxy, oblong, dark green leaves and can grow around 6 to 10 feet. It’s one of the best indoor plants for purifying the air and is reasonably resistant to diseases and pests.

Use Indoor Plants to Add Pops of Fresh Color on Tables and Desks

You can put fresh flowers in vases as centerpieces on tables to give that much-needed pop of color. Or, if you don’t really like replacing those fresh flowers almost weekly, you can go for small, low-maintenance plants that also offer equally bright colors. You can also jazz up that coffee table with a colorful assortment of succulents arranged artfully on a plant dish. If you want a little natural boost in your mood, concentration, and productivity while working or studying, you can put one of these colorful little indoor plants on your desk.

Indoor plants for interior decoration that can add pops of color on tables and desks:

  1. Succulents. There are a lot of succulent species you can choose from and they come in various colors, shapes, and sizes. You can put them in small, individual pots or you can mix and arrange them in a plant dish. Succulents prefer dry soil, so make sure to space waterings well.
  2. Oxalis Triangularis. True to its nickname “purple shamrock,” the Oxalis has purple leaves that resemble shamrocks. It likes a lot of sunlight and light, weekly waterings.
  3. Anthurium. This plant has waxy leaves and bright-colored flowers. It does fine in bright, indirect sunlight and being watered once or twice a week.

Use Indoor Plants to Adorn Blank Walls

If you don’t want to install more framed photos, paintings, or floating shelves to dress up blank wall spaces, then you can try indoor hanging plants to decorate it instead. There are many lovely and creative planters for hanging plants to choose from and you can match these to the interior design of the room. Some of these hanging planters are made of glass or wood, and some come in crochet baskets. These hanging plants themselves also lend a beautiful cascade of natural greens that can easily liven up a room.

Indoor plants for interior decoration that can adorn blank walls:

  1. String of Pearls. This uniquely-shaped hanging plant has long vines with round leaves shaped like peas. Because it is a succulent, it can tolerate drought better than wet soil. It’s recommended to use cactus soil for this and plant in a pot that drains well.
  2. Pothos. The leaves of this hanging plant can come in bright green and variegated white and yellow. As one of the most low-maintenance plants, they thrive in bright, indirect sunlight but can also tolerate low light. Water this plant when the topsoil feels dry.
  3. Boston Fern. This hanging plant looks great if you want bursts of volume, with its frilly green fronds spilling forth gracefully from its pot. This fern likes moist but not wet soil and indirect light.

 

Filed Under: Home & Garden

Finding a Doctor for Your Child in Bangkok

October 20, 2020

There is no doubt that the most precious thing that nature can bestow upon us is the gift of a child. They bring us joy, happiness and pride as we watch them grow and develop healthy and strong. From day one, they are dependent on their parents, as such, we nourish, protect and care for their every need. There are, however, times when parental love and care is not enough.

There will be times when sickness or accident befalls a child. It is at these times that non-parental skills are required, the skills of a trained physician. It is almost instinctive in knowing when a child is in need of professional help from outside the parenting circle. A parent knows when it is time to take their child to a doctor or to call for emergency help.

But where, in a vast metropolis like Bangkok, should a parent go. A parent needs to be sure their child is in the care of fully trained specialist doctors. Doctors that understand the unique circumstances that sickness and injury can present when befallen to a young developing body. A wise parent will already have these eventualities covered, but how do they know where to go and from whom to seek help for their child?

Bangkok is now recognized as one of the world’s leaders in quality medical health care, all across the vast spectrum of disciplines that make for a comprehensive service. The city has some of the most modern hospitals to be found anywhere in the world. All the major hospitals are furnished with state of the art equipment and utilize cutting edge technology and techniques to deliver a world beating service.

What is a Pediatrician?

Pediatricians are doctors that specialize in the health and wellbeing of children up to the age of 18. A pediatrician is specifically trained to assess, diagnose and treat a wide range of childhood illnesses and injuries. This can range from minor health problems to serious multi-faceted diseases with complex and protracted treatment programs.

After graduating as a doctor from medical school, to become a pediatrician, a three-year residency program must be completed in pediatrics. Medical board certification is only given after the passing of extensive and rigorous exams. Once qualified, a pediatrician is required to undertake ongoing, regular education.

Finding Your Pediatrician

Finding a doctor to treat your child will depend on numerous factors and every parent will have their criteria from which they make their choice. A useful tool is the “Thailand Medical News”. On this collaborative platform there is a register of doctors along with their professional credentials and specialist area of medicine. The platform is easy to navigate, informative and invaluable for those who may not be overly familiar with Bangkok’s medical facilities.

It is also important to research the hospital from where a doctor practices. Fortunately, Bangkok has some of the world’s leading hospitals, all of which have qualified Pediatricians. Within the capital there are hospital groups, such as Samitivej, that have designated children’s hospitals and well-baby clinics.

Searching for dedicated facilities such as these is advisable. Being singularly focused on the health and wellbeing of the young ensures that all efforts and resources are channeled in one direction without distraction or deviance. The diagnosis and treatment of our children’s health issues should never be compromised, by choosing a dedicated children’s hospital or clinic, that can be assured.

At these dedicated facilities, there are practicing doctors in all the sub-specialist areas of pediatrics. For example, Dr Parichat Khaosut specializes in allergy immunology at Samitivej Hospital following her residency at Great Ormond Street Hospital, and Associate Prof’ Suroj Supavekin whose specialist area of medicine is that of pediatric nephrology.

Location an Access

Location and access to your chosen pediatrician and the hospital from where they practice may not be the first thing that springs to mind when searching for a pediatric doctor. But it is an important factor to be considered. Is the facility close enough to your own place of residence and accessible to you given your own transport options?

This is a pertinent question, not only for the indigenous resident population, but also for foreigners residing in the kingdom, be it on a short or long term basis. It is also a vital for the growing number of people that recognize Bangkok as now being the first choice for medical tourism.

In recent years, medical tourism has become a realistic choice for more and more people from countries where medical treatment has become excessively expensive, inadequate or unavailable. Bangkok is now looked upon as the primary destination for exemplary care offered with a policy of realistic, affordable pricing.

When all Factors of Choice Come Together

Who, where and what will it cost? These are the pertinent questions is finding a pediatrician to treat your child. Who can I trust with my child’s health and well-being? From where do they practice, can I easily access the location? Will the care be affordable and offer value for money? There is one way in which you can ease you own thinking as you try to make sense of a complicated conundrum.

The Medical Travel Quality Alliance (MTQUA) may hold big sway in your decision making. Choose a hospital group that has consistently been hailed as the best in Asia year on year and is consistently ranked in the world’s top ten. The accolades and accreditations from the MTQUA are not given out lightly. Hospitals are ranked through careful assessment of all factors associated with medical care, from assessment, diagnosis, treatment and cost.

With a city so blessed with fine medical establishments, choosing a doctor for your child may be seen as something of a minefield. So, keep it simple. Check out the individual pediatricians on the platform operated by the Thailand Medical News, their qualifications, residencies and certifications. Research the hospital from which they practice, check out their accreditation, such as from the MTQUA. Also, quite simply, use maps. Look at the facility’s exact location, its accessibility and transport links.

Only when you can tick a positive box against these three sets of criteria, make contact. It should always be borne in mind that, in putting the health welfare of your child in someone else’s hands, is a big step which should seamlessly develop into a journey of trust. With the best pediatricians in Bangkok, you can be assured of a journey of trust, care and respect.

 

Filed Under: Family

In a Flood Plain? 5 Critical Flood Prevention Tips to Protect Your Home

October 19, 2020

With 41 million Americans living in flood zones, the concern about water damage to the home can be high. Every time a storm is rolling through, these people cringe as they imagine the damage that living in a flood plain might do to their home.

If you’re one of them, it’s important to make sure that you’ve done everything you can in terms of flood prevention. You should also know what to do if water does get into your home.

Read on to discover all of the things you can do to prevent the flood, and how to prepare for the worst if it occurs.

1. Make Sure All Basement Walls Are Sealed

Sealing your basement walls with waterproofing compounds is essential in a flood plain, as that’s where the water is likely to seep in. Even a quick bout of heavy rain could cause the water near you to overflow, and it’s going to enter your home from the bottom.

When it comes to knowing how to prevent basement flooding, constructing barriers is also a good idea if possible.

2. Make Sure Your Water Heater and Electric Panel Are Elevated

The last thing you want is for your water heater and electric panel to be damaged. If water gets into the home it might ruin your flooring and any belongings it can reach, but it’s essential that the main components of your house are out of harm’s way!

There may be a time you can’t prevent basement flooding but by ensuring they’re elevated, you’re making the recovery process from flood damage a lot easier.

3. Have an Emergency Kit Ready

Although your flood prevention methods are hopefully foolproof, it’s important to have a kit ready if you do need to evacuate.

Make sure it has water, snack bars, any medication you and your family might need, a flashlight, phone chargers, and any important documents. These are the things you would need at a minimum to survive for a few days after leaving the house.

4. Get Insurance

If you live in a flood plain, you’re going to want insurance. Otherwise, those repairs could get costly if a flood occurs.

When it comes to insurance for anything, you should explore your options. Read carefully about what each policy covers and make sure it’s right for you.

5. Disinfect Anything Flood Water Has Touched

Because flood water can have any amount of dangerous chemicals and unhygienic substances in it, it’s important to be thorough when cleaning up a mess. Disinfect anything that’s been touched by floodwater.

This is especially important to do quickly if you have small children and pets.

Flood Prevention is Essential if You Live in a Flood Plain

Flood prevention can seem like an arduous task but if you live in a flood plain, it’s necessary. Seal up those basement walls, construct barriers, and have your insurance plan in place, and you’ll thank yourself later if the worst ever does occur.

For more tips about the home, check out the rest of our blog!

 

Filed Under: Home & Garden

7 Great Benefits of Adding an in-Law Suite to Your Home

October 19, 2020

A survey by Pew Research Center shows that more than 31 million adults live in a “shared household”. A large percentage of those adults are parents moving in with their children.

If you or your spouse have aging parents, having them move into an in-law suite in your home has many benefits. Let’s look at 7 reasons you should consider adding one of these suites to your home.

What Is an In-Law Suite?

The term in-law suite is a catch-all for a suite in your home where family members live independently from the rest of your household. It could be your in-laws that live there but it could just as easily be your own parents or other family members.

And while these suites are usually within the home, they can also be separate structures. Options like Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) let you add suites that are connected to your home or completely free-standing.

You can read more about ADUs in this post.

Regardless of the format the suite takes, it will offer several benefits.

1. Maintain Their Independence

When you build an in-law suite, it lets the family member maintain their independence. The suite normally contains its own kitchen, bathroom, and living quarters so your in-law can keep as much independence as they wish.

For example, they might cook their own breakfast and lunch but join the rest of the family for dinners.

2. More Comfortable Than Assisted Living

If the choice is between an in-law suite or an assisted living facility, having your family member move into your home can be much more comfortable.

They can bring their own furniture, use familiar housewares, and maintain a connection with their past much more easily than if they move into an assisted living home. They may also have more freedom to maintain connections with friends, community groups, and other activities.

3. More Affordable Care

Assisted living facilities can be quite costly compared to having your family move into a suite in your home. While you may have to pay in-law suite builders to add the suite to your home, once it’s done there’s very little extra cost to have someone living there.

Utility costs will likely increase slightly and your home insurance could also go up but the extra costs will be much lower than paying for assisted living.

And if your in-laws need daily care, you will probably pay less for home care services than you would for the same care in an assisted living home.

4. Nearby for Holidays and Special Occasions

Having your family members living in the same home makes it much easier to celebrate holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving as well as birthdays and other special occasions.

You don’t need to worry about transporting them to and from your home for those occasions and there’s no reason to worry about times. If they’re getting tired and want to turn in, it’s a matter of a few steps rather than a long drive.

5. Help With Children

Having parents or other family members living in a mother-in-law addition within your home adds an “in-house” babysitter when you have younger children. Most grandparents would love to spend time with their grandchildren when they’re young.

If an emergency comes up, you get called into work at the last minute, or you want to have a date night with your spouse, you won’t need to worry about booking (and paying) a babysitter.

And you won’t need to stress about getting home by a certain time. Your in-laws can simply put the kids to bed and turn in themselves – whether you’re home or not.

6. Alternative Uses

An in-law suite has more uses than strictly for family members. At some point, they may not be able to live independently and will need to move into assisted living. And as difficult as it might be to accept, they will eventually pass away.

At that point, you’ll have a suite in your home that you can use for various other things.

  • Your children could move in once they’re old enough to live independently
  • Bring in a renter to help supplement your mortgage payments
  • Open your home to international exchange students
  • Re-purpose the space as a home office, rec room, or various other things

7. Adds Value to Your Home

While an in-law suite, or grandmother suite if you prefer, offers lots of benefits from a lifestyle and family perspective, you can’t ignore the value it adds to your home.

When the time comes to sell your home, having an in-law suite has a couple of potential benefits.

First, it can increase the selling price of your home. It gives the buyer the option of having some of their family move in, with all the benefits we’ve already covered. It also gives them a potential source of income if they choose to rent it.

Second, it can reduce the amount of time it takes for your home to sell. Homes with in-law suites are in higher demand so there’s a strong chance it will sell faster than a home with no secondary suite.

It’s Not Only for In-Laws

Secondary suites might be called an in-law suite but there’s much more to them than that. They could just as easily be called children suites, uncle suites, cousin suites, or close friend suites.

Whoever you choose to invite into your home, most of the benefits we’ve covered in this article still apply.

Was this post helpful? Be sure to check out the Family and Home and Garden sections of our blog for more tips and tricks for getting the most out of your home.

 

Filed Under: Home & Garden

7 Flower Language Meanings You Didn’t Know

October 19, 2020

The US flower industry is worth $7 billion, with approximately 32,370 shops employing 74,787 workers.

Flower arrangements are a popular gift option and a way to add a touch of beauty and elegance to any home. They also carry a great deal of sentimental value based on what each bloom can represent.

Flower language meanings change depending on several factors, including color, number, and type. Not knowing the meaning can put you at risk of sending the wrong message when giving flowers as a gift.

The language of flowers flower meaning lexicon has changed over the years, as has the importance of flower meanings. Ancient cultures cared about their significance, but the enthusiasm has dimmed in modern times.

It’s still important to know what a flower in an arrangement represents. Read on for 7 flower language meanings you may not have known.

1. Sunflowers

Sunflowers are cheerful flowers that rise above others to get as close to the sun as possible. This is why they represent joy and positive future events.

Sunflower meaning in flower language changes depending on how tall the plant is. A tall plant can give off an air of haughtiness, but smaller dwarf varieties convey adoration.

Sunflowers are a beautiful, cheerful addition to any arrangement. They’re a great way to cheer up a friend who’s been going through a difficult time.

2. Amaryllis

Amaryllis is a bright, assertive blossom with strong colors and a large bloom. This appearance has come to make it a symbol of pride.

There are also more meanings this bright bloom can have. Different colors add to the basic amaryllis flower language meaning.

Red is for passion, love, and beauty. Purple is for royalty and spirituality. Pink is for love and friendship. Yellow is for happiness and luck. Orange ushers in health and happiness.

White represents purity and innocence, making it associate with children. The white amaryllis may also resemble a lily, another symbol of mourning.

When given as a gift, amaryllis is also a great way to show that you are proud of the recipient’s achievements. They’ve been traditionally given after overcoming a struggle or to restart an artists’ muse.

3. Roses

Roses are well-known symbols of love, but this isn’t true for all types and varieties. Their color and arrangement affect their meaning.

Red represents love, white represents purity, pink represents appreciation, yellow is for joy, and orange is for desire. The black rose meaning in flower language is a bit more macabre. It represents death and remembrance of the dead.

Combining any of these colors signifies unity and being bound together. The mixing of the two colors represents two hearts joining together.

Roses prove that a lack of knowledge of applicable flower language meanings can lead to improper messages. You certainly don’t want to give a black rose representing death to your true love!

4. Carnations

Carnations as a whole represent women and love, but color is key to determining the correct carnation meaning in flower language.

Red represents a broken heart. Use white for innocence, pure love, and good luck when given as a gift to a woman. Pink is for remembrance or undying love, telling the receiver that you’ll never forget them.

Carnations can also be used to reject unwanted suitors. A striped carnation represents a refusal, and yellow represents disdain, disappointment, and/or rejection. Two colors are a way to say that you can’t be with someone.

If you choose the correct color and type of carnation, they can be a beautiful and affordable addition to any arrangement. They’re a simple way to send love to a romantic partner or friends and family members.

5. Chrysanthemums

Chrysanthemums represent honesty. They withstand cool temperatures and work well in fall or winter bouquets.

Certain cultures only use the chrysanthemum in funerals and memorial ceremonies. In China, they’re instead associated with luck and long life.

It’s also important to consider the color when determining the right flower language meanings for chrysanthemums. Red represents love, yellow represents rejected love, and white represents truth.

Chrysanthemums represent support from family and friends and overcoming trials thanks to their hearty nature. This makes them the perfect gift for anyone who’s been struggling.

6. Lilies

There are hundreds of different types of lilies, including water lilies, peace lilies, lilies of the valley, and more. They all share similar flower language meanings.

Lilies have a regal bearing, allowing them to represent royalty. They also represent purity and youth, as well as motherhood and fertility.

Lilies represent renewal, rebirth, and a return to happiness. They are a hopeful flower that brings a more positive aura to mournful events such as funerals.

Lilies come in several varieties, meaning they also have several colors with different meanings. White is for purity, yellow represents health and healing, and red represents love and passion.

The striped pink Stargazer Lilly is used for encouragement during challenging times. Other specific types of lilies have their own special meanings as well.

7. Dandelions

Most people see dandelions as nothing more than a weed and remove them from their garden as soon as they notice them. This doesn’t mean they’re useless or can’t become part of a gorgeous arrangement.

Dandelions are used in food, drinks, and more. They also have several meaningful associations and meanings to be aware of.

Dandelions represent wishes being granted. Due to their ability to grow in almost any area, they also represent overcoming emotional pain and personal struggles.

Choosing the right flower arrangement is a matter of considering the type, color, arrangement, and situation. Check here for the best sympathy flowers.

Where Can I Learn More Flower Language Meanings?

Flower language meanings differ for each type and color. They represent powerful feelings and send meaningful messages.

Knowing what a flower means helps you send the message you hope to convey when giving a flower arrangement as a gift. It also allows you to personalize it based on your relationship with the receiver.

There are thousands of species of flowers available today with their own meanings, and it takes a great deal of research to learn them all. Check out the rest of our content to find out more about what your favorite flowers mean.

 

Filed Under: Home & Garden

7 Signs You Need to Change Air Filters at Home

October 19, 2020

We breathe over 20,000 times per day. Every time you breathe, you take in the air around you. That being true, how important do you think it is that we breathe in clean air? Air quality has a significant effect on many physical processes in our body.

If you don’t change air filters when needed the resulting poor air quality can cause all sorts of unwanted health issues such as allergies, asthma, headaches, and much more. So how do you know when to change your air filters?

The answer to that may vary depending on many factors like how many people live in the home, are their pets, does anyone suffer from allergies, etc. Let’s keep it simple by identifying 7 signs that indicate its time to change your filters.

1. Gulf Stream Alert

No, we are not talking about warm air from the Gulf of Mexico but we are talking about unwanted warm air coming from your air unit. This is a sure sign something is wrong. If the air filter needs cleaning or replacing it will prevent cool air from passing into your room.

Another side effect of this is that your unit will have to work harder to produce the cool air that you want. That means the unit itself will heat up and give off warmth. The long-term effect of this is that your unit will likely wear out much faster and need more expensive repairs.

2. Dust Makes the Spot

Dust in vents is another indication your air filter needs changing. As air moves through your filter, it will trap dust. Eventually, that will start to block air passing through the filter as fully as it should.

Not only that but some fine dust particles will be blown out into your room. So open up the unit and inspect the level of dust that has accumulated around the air filter. If you can no longer see the fine mesh of the air filter it’s time to replace it.

3. Downing the Antihistamines

Have you noticed that you or someone else in your family at home are showing more signs of an allergy? Runny nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes are indications that your body is reacting to an allergen like dust.

Within dust, there may also be other allergens such as pollen and even pet dander. All of these allergic triggers may leave you reaching for the antihistamines more than usual. If your air filter can no longer trap these tiny particles, it is time to change it.

4. Bigger Hole in Your Pocket

If it’s affecting your pocket, then it is definitely time to do something. Damage to filters occurs as they become blocked with tiny particles and debris that are airborne in your home. As that happens, the unit has to work harder than normal and that means consuming more electricity.

The more electricity you consume the bigger your bill. Depending on the seasons and the way you use your air unit, this may be harder to spot. Once you change the filter you can compare the next bill with the previous as a reference.

5. Looks Dirty – Is Dirty

Keeping things clean is one of the fundamentals of maintenance, that includes your air unit. Open it up and inspect how dirty it is inside. If it looks dirty, you don’t have to wonder whether this is Ok or not.

You should start by changing the filter and giving the unit a good clean. If dirt is gathering in your air unit that dirt has the potential to be gathering in your lungs. So keep your air unit as clean as possible, including the air filter.

6. Can’t Beat a White Sheet

This is a well-known trick in the industry. Attach a white sheet so that it hangs down below the air outlet of your unit. Then run the machine for about half an hour to an hour.

When you stop, inspect what has gathered in your white sheet. If you can see evidence of dust or grey matter and debris, it is definitely time to change the air filter.

7. Last Time – No Idea

This last sign is perhaps the simplest. When was the last time you changed the air filter? If you are struggling to put a date on it then most likely you have already reached the time when you need to replace the filter. Some people routinely replace their filters every so often, which can be a fail-safe option to avoid any problems.

When it comes to the time to change your filter you have an opportunity to think about out what time of filter you want to use. You could consider using pleated air filters because they last longer and more effective than standard filters.

Change Air Filters – Breathe a Sigh of Relief

Now you can breathe a sigh of relief because, in this article, you have read about 7 signs that indicate you need to change air filters at home. With so many indications available, it is easy to see that if you don’t, your health and wallet could suffer.

Once you understand what these signs are and follow them, you and your family will be breathing cleaner air. Improving air quality at home should be a priority because there is enough pollution in the outside world to be concerned about.

Homelife is to be enjoyed to the fullest so check out some more articles on our site that will help you do just that.

 

Filed Under: Home & Garden

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