As the world gradually starts to reopen and parents and children are able to visit playgrounds once again, it’s the perfect time to take a look at some of the playground features that children have missed during the lengthy lockdowns. In a recent campaign, children were asked to draw their perfect playground using their imaginations. To discover what the ideal playground or outdoor green space looks like for children, simply continue reading.

Swimming pools:

Children have definitely missed getting to splash around in outdoor swimming pools. Numerous children drew swimming pools as part of their entries. Which proves that no matter how much time passes, children of every generation love swimming pools, especially during the summer months. One young entrant, Tobias even drew a hot tub next to his pool, which kids can relax in after playing a game of soccer on the adjacent soccer pitch.

Soccer pitches:

Speaking of soccer pitches, a long list of entrants choose to draw soccer or football pitches as part of their dream green spaces. One entrant who listed his name as E chose to go with a fold out, five side pitch that wouldn’t take up too much space and could fit in smaller parks.

Slides:

Children still love slides, usually the steeper the better. While countless entrants featured slides, one of the most unique slides that was entered in the competition was a huge snake inspired tunnel slide. It features plenty of hair raising, turns and would appeal to adventure-seeking children who love thrill rides.

A zip-line:

While many parks boast flying foxes, Jack’s entry featured a zip-line which makes its way through the tree canopies and the park and will give kids an unbeatable view of their park.

Climbing features:

Another playground feature which kids love are climbing features. One entrant named Paris who is 8 years old, had the awesome idea of including balance beams and a wooden gym horse to play on. While traditional climbing features were also included.

Safe trampolines:

Kids love getting to jump on trampolines and perform tricks. Paris also included multiple trampolines in her competition space for her outdoor area. Parents will love the fact that her trampolines were fully enclosed by netting, so that they won’t have to worry about their kids getting injured while they’re jumping to their hearts’ content.

A roller-coaster:

One of the most creative ideas that featured in the competition was the idea of having a roller-coaster in a kids playground. Which is a great idea as what kid wouldn’t want to be able to ride a roller-coaster with their friends at their local park?

In conclusion, if you’re a parent who can’t wait to be able to take your kid or kids back to playgrounds and parks as restrictions start to ease, hopefully you have a clear idea of some of the attractions that your kids will love. Such as outdoor pools and zip-lines. Both of them actually exist in some outdoor spaces!

Many of us would love to have a full night of quality sleep every night. Unfortunately, plenty of people struggle to get enough sleep. In fact, over a third of all adults in the USA are sleeping less than seven hours a night.

One of the big reasons for sleep difficulties is a subpar mattress. If yours is old, lumpy and/or unsupportive, it should come as no surprise that you are struggling to sleep. Thankfully, this problem can be solved by simply getting a new mattress.

But with so many options, it can be difficult to know where to start. With that in mind, this blog post is going to go over some tips for how to choose a new mattress and get a better sleep.

Think of Your Sleeping Position

When you get a mattress, you want to ensure it is the right type for you. There are several different types of mattresses, that range from memory foam mattresses online, to innerspring, to latex foam and many others. Oftentimes, the best way to know what type of mattress for you is to think about your sleeping position and style.

Some people may need more support from their mattress, while others will need more comfort. Those who sleep on their backs will generally need more support, and those who sleep on their sides may need more comfort and softness.

If you’re not sure which mattress is right for you, the internet is a wealth of different resources that can help. For example, Real Simple writes about some of the best mattresses for side sleepers, which can help make your decision a little bit easier.

Consider the Cost

Next, you need to think about the cost of the mattress. They can often range anywhere from a couple hundred dollars, up to multiple thousand dollars. The costs can depend on the size of the mattress, what it is made of, and any unique features or inclusions that it might have.

While you don’t want to go into debt to buy a mattress, you also don’t want to buy the cheapest one possible. You spend 7-9 hours on it every night, and it should last you many years. As a result, don’t be afraid to spend a little more if the quality of the mattress warrants it. Always budget accordingly, and be aware of what you can comfortably spend.

Choose the Right Size

You also need to consider the size of the mattress, as well. They range from one that can barely fit a single person, up to ones that will fit an entire family to sleep. Be sure to choose a side that will allow you (and your partner) to sleep comfortably. Each person needs their own space in the bed, so don’t go a size too small if you want your best sleep.

In addition to what works for you, be sure that the bed will fit in your space. There are few things worse than buying a king mattress only to discover that your bedroom only fits a queen. Always take actual measurements and try to imagine the bed in the space before going and making a purchase.

In conclusion, the aforementioned tips should be able to help you choose a mattress that is right for you and can help you get a great sleep.

 

In the wake of the pandemic, many people across the country and around the world have rushed to sell their property and move home. The US housing market has been chaotic as a result. But moving is not necessary. There are so many ways to give your home a new look and to give it an upgrade.

Think Big About A Redesign

Ask yourself what you would do with your property if time and money were no object. Calculate the amount of money that buying a new home in today’s market would cost and how much you could save with a redesign. Approach each room with a fresh eye to think about what changes you would like to make. Factor in your exterior by thinking about new windows, doors or additions.

Talk To The Experts

Ask your friends and family to recommend contractors to undertake work on your home. Find an interior designer that you can work with to bring your vision to life. Plan for your first meeting by making a budget, a timetable and some initial thoughts. Prepare for a conversation that goes into your personality and the kind of look you want. Remember that a good residential interior design expert will have a style of their own but will want direction. Give them as much information as you can beforehand to keep things on the right track.

Get Ready For The Weather

Look at your property and think carefully about the kind of extreme weather that the country has faced over the last twelve months. Identify areas that need work and talk to contractors about what can be done. Shore up your roof with new tiling and replace any old guttering to account for heavy rainfall. Insulate your pipes to prepare for sudden freezes as we saw in Texas in February. Replace any single-glazing windows with double glazing. Look for parts of your home that could benefit from an insulation upgrade: attics, basements and exterior-facing walls.

Don’t Forget Your Green Space

Look at how you are currently using your yard and outdoor area and identify wasted or unused space. Add a deck area to give you more relaxation space as well as somewhere you could entertain guests. Plant seasonal wildlife to ensure that your garden has a fresh look all year round. Ask yourself what kind of vegetables and fruit you enjoy and plant up a bed with seeds. Involve your children by adding a bird table or water feature to attract local wildlife.

 

The peace and beauty of the Mediterranean landscape brings visitors from all around the planet. Countries along this stunning body of water have a captivated the world with exquisite cultures, cuisines, and ancient history. Travelling to this area of the world isn’t the easiest option right now, but why not bring a hint of the Med into your own garden? Whilst you can’t change the weather, you can replicate the breathtaking décor of the Croatian or Greek coasts. Read on for some ideas on how to accomplish this look.

Plants
Picking the right flowers and plants for a Mediterranean garden is important. A fir or conifer just isn’t going to look right in this scenario. If you’re living somewhere that can get quite warm, pick plants that are resistant to low rainfall and place them in areas that get almost constant sunlight. Rock roses and fig trees are fantastic choices. A fig will also present your garden with that iconic scent, reminiscent of warm evenings in the south of Spain. Speaking of smells, plant a selection of herbs such as oregano and thyme, especially nearby seating areas. You might end up making your guests hungry though, so be prepared with some Mediterranean recipes!

Suitable Seating Area
Creating an area that not only looks authentic but is also usable no matter the weather is very important. There’s not much point in creating a nice garden if you’re going to be unable to sit out and enjoy it whenever you want to. It’s important to find a good balance between being sheltered and being outside though. Consider a bespoke veranda from Nationwide LTD. These glass-roofed structures help you to retain the feel of being outside in the fresh air, whilst providing cover from the rain, without obscuring natural light. To see if one of these beautiful structures will suit your garden, you can learn more here.

Basic Furniture
Go for the simple look for your tables and chairs with older, weathered materials. Shiny “new” furniture just isn’t going to suit your stony, rustic surroundings. Of course, it’s your choice, and plenty of Mediterranean homeowners buy brand new furniture, but if you want to go for a truly authentic feel, find some reclaimed wood and metal seating.

Make Use Of Water
A pond or water feature is a great idea too. Running water from a small waterfall, or the splash of a fountain will add the feel of a Moroccan bazaar. You can incorporate a small fountain or water feature into stone slab floors and if you’re feeling adventurous, add a tiled mosaic feature wall to draw the eye.

No Lawns
Grass isn’t overly common in the Mediterranean. It tends to be far too warm for a healthy green lawn to thrive, so stick to gravel pathways and stone patios for that genuine look. Your plant life will compensate for the lack of green grass, and you’ll have even more options for laying out a pathway around your exotic plant beds. As well as stone paths and depending on the verticality of your garden, look at adding some rustic stone walls and steps to mirror the appearance of the Italian Riviera.

 

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Most people work on a budget when decorating their homes, as it can easily become a very expensive affair. However, homeowners need to keep in mind that they will most likely spend years in their homes, and the decor needs to last. Buying something of poor quality just because it’s cheaper might be costlier in the long run as you might have to replace it. Here are some home essentials that you should be open to purchasing in order to get the best quality in the long term.

Kitchen utensils and appliances

The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in a house. Investing in high quality appliances and utensils is important for a smooth-running kitchen. Some of the essentials you should stock your kitchen with are pots and pans, a good set of knives, dinnerware and glassware, and baking essentials. Along with the bigger appliances, you should also get smaller ones such as a toaster, microwave, and coffee maker once you settle in. A blender and food processor will be helpful if you enjoy making smoothies.

A good bed and mattress

Everyone will tell you that a good bed and mattress make a big difference in the comfort home provides. At the end of the day, you should be able to relax and get a good night’s sleep. Ensure that you go to a reputable brand or store like DreamSleep Mattress Center and try out the mattresses and beds to get the one best suited to you.

Laundry essentials

If you have the budget, equip your home with a washer and dryer. Whether you have to go to the laundromat or not, there are some laundry essentials every home should have. A laundry basket and hamper will give you a dedicated place to put your dirty clothing. If you live with other people, a large basket or a number of baskets will be helpful. An ironing board and iron can also come in handy.

Storage

Storage is an important aspect of designing a home that should be at the top of everyone’s lists. Many homeowners constantly face storage issues due to storage not being integrated into the design right from the beginning. The kitchen should have ample storage to store cutlery, utensils and food. Cupboards, shelves, dressers and walk-in closets are some of the ways to add storage in bedrooms. Bathrooms should also have enough storage to be able to store toiletries, cleaning and laundry supplies, medicines, makeup and more easily.

Even small things such as hangers or baskets and boxes can help in keeping your home organised, especially if you do not have enough space to have dedicated areas for different products. Storage will help you maintain a clutter-free home.

If a home is decorated with the right aspects prioritized, it can lead to the home being comfortable, relaxing and easy to maintain. It will also help you avoid expenses of replacing easily broken items or the stress of making space and adding features that were not originally factored in.

Every home construction whether this is a new project or a remodeling begins with the blueprint of the structure. This is otherwise called a house plan. These are the set of drawings that construction workers and builders use as a guide in constructing a house.

House plans reveal all the various sections of the proposed building and how they must be constructed. It shows the location of its various features and their different dimensions. It includes plans for the foundation, roof, as well as floors. Additionally, you will find drawings that show the cross-sectional areas of the house including its front and back perspectives.

Generally, house plans make it easy, faster and prudent to construct a home. It also in many ways make the structure functional, comfortable and efficient. Without one, you will make a lot of mistakes in construction and also run into trouble in several ways. It ultimately helps to eliminate confusion and uncertainty during the construction of a building.

Where to Get A House Plan

There are two options available when it comes to getting your home blueprint. You can purchase a pre-drawn plan off the internet or you can choose to have yours designed from scratch. House designers and architects are people who handle the designs of a building.

Buying a pre-drawn one like TRUOBA house floor plans is faster and affordable but a customized one takes more time. This is because you have to start from scratch and tell the architect what you want. There will be a lot of back and forth and several corrections which can take many months. It may even reach a year or more.

Customizing is also more expensive but rewarding as you can directly be a part of the process. If you prefer a faster and affordable option, then buying online is a good option.

Regardless, both options are good and you can rest assured that you will get the best even with an online house plan. Most online plans are equally modern and functional. Besides, you can always alter them to fit into your lifestyle and tastes.

Hiring A Home Designer

Whether you are buying your plan or customizing yours, you need a house designer to work with one way or another. Home designers and architects are key to your building construction. They are experts who draw out house plans that in due course becomes a physical structure.

Depending on your agreement, they ensure that your project goes smoothly from the beginning to its completion. Without them, you are highly likely to have issues in construction and will have to do things over and over again. This amounts to a waste of resources. To avoid this, here are some reasons you need to hire a home designer.

You Get Their Expertise

Your home must be the best version that it can be. What better way to achieve this than engaging a professional. Their job is to interpret your needs and come up with a functional and effective plan. Additionally, they will provide you with add-on services that you do not have to pay extra for.

You Have Access to Different Skillful Professionals

Due to their experience and line of work, designers will have a range of professionals that they work with. These include but are not limited to engineers, builders, masons, carpenters, painters, plumbers and electricians. You will eventually need all these people. Having them readily available is bliss instead of going through the stress of searching for them.

They Will Stand As Your Advocate

Building a home can be exhilarating and at the same time stressful. As the homeowner, you are not likely experienced in this so you need someone to ensure that things go according to plan. Depending on your agreement or contract, an architect can help you supervise your construction work. They will ensure things go on smoothly.

Conclusion

A key step in your home construction is getting a good house plan and engaging a professional home designer. You can either buy a plan off the internet or let an architect design one for you from scratch.

There are many benefits of engaging a designer for your home construction. Ultimately, you will save time and money and get a functional house. You will also avoid unnecessary stress.

 

With most energy companies placing such a positive emphasis on electric power, more of the general public are now opting for electric kitchen appliances over gas. However, can we really be sure that electric options are much better for the environment?

Considering that such a large proportion of the British population is dependent on electricity and the national usage is increasing day by day, are there any extreme consequences of using too much electricity that we need to be aware of?

If these questions are on your mind, or maybe you’re considering making the jump from gas-operated appliances to electric-operated appliances, then keep reading for more information on whether an electric household really is better for the environment.

Gas radiators versus electric radiators

Especially in the UK, all homes require at least some form of heating. Whether the home’s heaters are gas or electric usually depends on the preferences of the contractors and builders involved in the planning of the property.

But are electric radiators better for the environment than gas radiators? Research from Evergreen Energy, suggests that there isn’t really a cleaner form of safe household energy than electricity. Not only does it emit practically no greenhouse gases upon creation, but it also doesn’t produce any byproducts through use.

Additionally, using an electric radiator creates a process of energy transferral that is actually 100% efficient! Due to the fact that the only byproduct electricity gives off is heat, an electric radiator’s purpose is to produce heat anyway; so both products contribute to the initial purpose of the machine.

 

As a result, electric radiators are much more efficient at using energy and save power overall in a much more environmentally-friendly way.

Gas heaters, on the other hand, give off excessive amounts of methane, which is indeed classified as a greenhouse gas. Not only does this cause harm to the environment in the form of global warming, but it also is much less efficient at transferring energy than electricity is.

If you’re thinking of switching from your gas heater, you can look at electric radiators at Trade Radiators, a great supplier of radiators both standard and designer.

How can you reduce the environmental impact of your home?

You can reduce the overall environmental impact of your home by making small changes around the house.

Especially if the majority of your energy usage is electric, little switches in your household like low energy usage lightbulbs, timers for washing machines and dryers, as well as turning all the switches off before you go to bed, can really add up over time.

As much as electricity is indeed one of the cleanest forms of energy out there for households, there is still a large amount of excess energy used in the harvesting of electricity and in the development and construction of power plants.

If you’re struggling to think of ways that your home can be improved in terms of its energy consumption, you can speak to your landlord about getting an updated Energy Performance Certificate (more commonly known as an EPC). This is a document that shows you both the current energy efficiency of your home and the potential efficiency too.

The document also shows you some changes that you could make around the house to achieve your potential energy efficiency rating, should you be confused.

However, if you’re thinking of making any larger changes such as installing insulation, changing the wiring, or removing any appliances that were there when you moved in whilst renting, make sure you consult your landlord and ask for permission beforehand.

The summer season is the best time to do some fun activities with your families and friends. Many people are going out on a road trip, hiking, or having a simple backyard cookout at home. While we are having fun and keeping ourselves busy during the summer season, it is also best that we perform the necessary cleaning tasks to keep our home in good condition. Our responsibility is to keep our surroundings clean to prevent health problems, appliance breakdowns, or disasters like floods or fires. Here are some essential cleaning tasks that you should do.

Refrigerator

Cleaning your refrigerator is an important task to do regularly, and especially during the summer. Keeping your refrigerator clean will help it to work effectively and maintain the right temperature to preserve your food. You should also remember to clean its dusty condenser coils to prevent your fridge from working harder and make it energy-efficient. It is best to clean your fridge twice a year, or more often if there are pets inside your home.

You can locate the condenser coils at the bottom front or the back of a freestanding fridge. For built-in types, the condenser coils are usually located at the top. Make sure that you turn off the power and unplug the refrigerator before you perform the cleaning.

Dishwasher Filter

Most dishwashers have filters that you can manually clean. Neglecting this task will result in odors or food particles on your already cleaned dishes. You need to clean your dishwasher at least once a month. Dishwasher filters are usually located at the bottom, with some having two removal parts like a flat mesh screen and a cylinder. Use an old toothbrush and hot water to clean the filter.

HVAC System

Your HVAC system needs regular maintenance and cleaning. Its motors and other parts are always in use to help regulate the temperature of your home in any given season. This means that the system accumulates dust and dirt and through the air ducts to distribute cold air, which you will need during summer. Cleaning the air ducts can be challenging, which is why you need professional cleaners like Bridge City Duct Cleaning to do the job. Your air ducts must be free from any dirt buildup that can cause rust and corrosion. If you see any moist buildup in your air ducts, there could be holes already which you need to fix immediately.

Dryer Duct

Ensure that you consistently clean the lint trap before doing your laundry. Leaving this unattended may lead to wasting energy and an increase for the risk of fire. You may also install a rigid metal duct that can prevent the trapping of lint by routing it directly to the outside.

It is ideal for cleaning your dryer duct at least once a year. Remember to pull the plug before cleaning or shut off the gas if it’s a gas model. You need to disconnect the duct from the unit then remove the lint using a drill-powered cleaning apparatus or a long-handled brush. A vacuum with a crevice tool attachment will be able to suck up the lint from the dryer and the wall. While you are cleaning the duct, you might as well brush and vacuum the exterior vents.

Final Thoughts

The summer season is an ideal time to conduct some cleaning on the critical components of a house. This season provides clear weather but can cause the accumulation of dust and dirt. You must perform regular maintenance and keep your home clean at all times.

When you decide to invest in a property with the view of letting it out to tenants, you have to consider whether it will be for short or long term lets. There are plenty of advantages and disadvantages to both, so you might even decide on a property-by-property basis as you build your portfolio. Here are some of the things to consider when buying a property to let.

Town and Neighbourhood

Where are you buying the property? This might have a big impact on the types of tenants you could attract to the place that you decide to purchase. If you buy a rumah sewa Penang, this would maybe be more suited to a long-term tenant. You could attract a young professional or maybe even a family depending on the size of the apartment, and this would give them a comfortable place to live.

If you are thinking about buying somewhere that could be a bit more compact, and located near major tourist attractions or nightlife, this might be better for short term lets. Long term tenants might not enjoy this type of home, but there could be many who enjoy visiting for a short period of time.

If you are searching for something in the middle and the town that you are buying in has an excellent university, why not consider purchasing student accommodation? You have the potential for long term letting here if the same students return to you year after year to make their home, but you also have a guaranteed pool of tenants to draw from if there are going to be frequent changeovers. Though not everyone wants to rent to students, there is no denying that they represent a fantastic market that can offer a great potential for yield.

Hands-On

What type of landlord do you want to be? If you pride yourself on being very hands-on and ready to help out at a moment’s notice, you should think about long term lets. Having a tenant in place for a long period of time gives you the chance to build an amicable rapport with them. There should be an element of professionalism here, as having a friendship with a tenant can make things slightly difficult if you need to chase them up about an issue. However, being friendly and ensuring that a good rapport is maintained will only be beneficial for you.

However, you might prefer to simply buy the property and then let another company manage it for you. Many letting agencies nowadays do come with some form of property management, and this can be very beneficial if you are located in a different city from your property. They can handle anything from finding people to book your property to scheduling repairs that need to be made. If you want to sit back and let someone else manage your property, either as a long or short-term landlord, you need to make sure that you find a trustworthy company to handle the property in your stead.

Your Use

Do you want to get any use out of the property at all? If you do, you need to make sure that you are marketing it for short-term use, so you are able to occupy it for parts of the year. For example, you might buy an apartment in a popular beach town. While you might not live here all year round, there could be a couple of weeks in the spring and summer when you want to swing by for a little holiday. You can’t do this if the property is occupied by a long-term tenant.

Most short-term rental companies will let you mark off parts of the calendar for your own personal use. This means that you can begin to plan your year and your holidays at the start of each new calendar. While you might not be able to swing by your property whenever you feel like it, you will be able to visit it and get some use out of it each year.

Short or Long, What is Right for You?

It can be difficult to determine whether long or short-term rentals are better for you in terms of yield, because it all depends on the market situation and whether or not you can attract the right tenants. Instead, much of it can come down to the type of property that you own.

If you are wanting something that you can make us of yourself, short-term will always be better. Likewise, if you would rather just add to your portfolio and let someone else call it home, long-term will be for you. Work out what your needs and wants as a landlord will be, and then head out and find the ideal property to meet them.

 

It’s been a long time since we have felt comfortable leaving our home, let alone allowing anyone else inside it. But now that things are looking a lot brighter outside and we are welcoming our friends and family back into our homes (while following the government COVID-19 guidelines, of course), we are all having to make that shift from “this is fine, it’s only us seeing it” to “this place really needs to be tidier.” We can all be guilty of letting things slide, and that’s definitely been true over the course of the pandemic. But part of getting back into the swing of things is getting back on top of our home management, and that is why a lot of us are thinking about getting a professional cleaner in to help.

Of course, we all know that good professional cleaners are like gold dust, and there are a lot of bad ones out there. Hiring someone to clean your home isn’t just a business decision, it’s a personal one too. You are placing a huge amount of trust in someone to be in your personal space and to get the job done to the highest professional standard. That’s why it is so important that you do the proper research, and you hire the right person for the job.

If you’re looking for a professional cleaner for your home and you’re not sure where to start, here are a few things that you should be looking out for.

Look For A Good Reputation

If you want to find a good professional cleaner for your home, one of the best places to start is by talking to your friends and family for recommendations. You might not find the perfect company or person on the first day, but at the very least you may be pointed in the right direction or steered away from a big mistake. If you are looking at going through a firm, then be sure to check for reviews on their website. If you are talking to an individual directly, it is really important that you ask for multiple recommendations.

It is worth noting that people who are happy with their cleaners tend to stay with them for a long time, so don’t be afraid to ask potential cleaners about the typical length of contract that they have had with their clients.

Look For Responsibility

This one is a little harder to ascertain, but you are going to want to be reassured that the person cleaning your home isn’t just doing a good job but is thinking carefully about responsibility while doing so. We’re not just talking about potential breakages or damage in your home. What happens if they hurt themselves while performing a strenuous task, or if they slip on a wet floor? A good cleaning company or a responsible professional cleaner will have cleaning business insurance to make sure they’re covered in case of any kind of injury or damage. To learn more about how insurance for professional cleaners works and why it’s so important, visit Next. They offer a range of different policies, and they can offer an instant quote.

Look For Clear Information About Their Services

It’s always a red flag if a professional cleaner says that they can do everything without much information about what “everything” actually entails. We all know that different parts of the home require different approaches, and that a city center apartment is going to be a very different proposition to an expansive property out in the countryside.

It goes without saying that you will clarify with your professional cleaner exactly what they will be expected to do when you have agreed to work with them, but it is very important that you know that they can handle the job before you agree to anything. A good cleaning company or professional will have the details of what kind of work they offer on their website. If you notice that they seem to be a little rigid about what they can or can’t do, this may actually be a good sign. It may show that they have strict professional standards and pride in the work that they do. We have all got a lot more anxious about germs and uncleanliness during the pandemic and cleaning companies have stepped up. They will want to reassure you that they know what they’re doing.