Category: Home & Garden

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Kinds of Toilets

The Different Kinds of Toilets

One of the efficient and convenient offerings of civilization is having the convenience to simply sit down or squat and answer the call of nature without worrying about modesty or potentially dangerous creatures slithering on the ground. The invention of the toilet was a mark of progress for mankind. Some may think that there is only one kind of toilet. But the market has an abundance of toilets in any shape and form that it can be a headache to choose which one will suit one’s needs best. Technology makes it possible to equip something as simple as a toilet with innovative functions like automatic flushing and bidets—a fascinating change from what humans were used to centuries ago. For families and homeowners who are planning to do a bathroom upgrade or thinking of one to add to their new homes, picking the most suitable toilet for their needs is not only a priority but also a sensible step before going through with the installation. Here are the different toilets one can choose from. Different Kinds of Toilets: 1. The Two-Piece Toilet: The toilet and the ceramic tank are created separately and only connected with bolts during installation. It is mounted on the floor, making it ideal for adults because of its suitable height. It can also be easily transported because the tank and the bowl are separate. The two-piece toilet is probably the most commonly used type of toilet in US households. 2. The One-Piece Toilet: Unlike the former, one-piece toilets have an integrated tank and bowl, giving it a seamless, functional look. It is also slightly heavier; thus, it is not advisable if one is looking for a wall-hung model. Because of the absence of a gap between the tank and the body, the one-piece toilet is more manageable to clean and maintain. 3. Eco-Friendly Toilet: For those are who are concerned about the environment, eco-friendly toilets are the trend. There are toilets that minimize the use of water for flushing. One example is the Sanicompact toilet, a self-contained system that includes a china toilet bowl and macerator pump built into one compact unit. It can save water since it only requires a smaller amount than most toilets do in order to function. Others, like the composting toilets, break down waste into nutrient-rich soil. It is powered by electricity or batteries. 4. The Smart Toilet: Some toilets are made for comfort but without compromising their functionality. Intelligent upgrades include heated seats, automatic flushers, self-cleaning wands, and deodorizing seats. Some are equipped with sensors that automatically open the toilet seat when someone approaches. This type of toilet allows homeowners to keep up with the trend while attending to their needs. 5. The Squat Toilet: Prevalent in the Middle East, this toilet type is made of a pan on the floor level that requires one to squat when doing the business. It may be equipped with a water cistern for flushing, or it can also make use of a bucket of water. There Are Lots Out There: There are many more toilet types that can fascinate and expand one’s knowledge of toilet evolution. Some have intriguing histories, like the portable toilet developed during World War II by shipbuilders who wanted to make the most of their employees’ services by cutting down their need for toilet trek from the ships to the docks. Others are a reflection of the culture where they were birthed. People can learn a lot just by following the evolution of toilets. There are many more toilet types that can fascinate and expand one’s knowledge of toilet evolution. Some have intriguing histories, like the portable toilet for construction sites developed during World War II by shipbuilders who wanted to make the most of their employees’ services by cutting down their need for toilet trek from the ships to the docks. Others are a reflection of the culture where they were birthed. People can learn a lot just by following the evolution of toilets. Read More : 1. Pack And Move Without The Hassle 2. Using Feng Shui In Your Bathroom Design 3. Home Hacks: Stuff You Can Clean In One Hour Or Less

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Make Most Out Of Your Outdoor Space

Ten Tips to Make Most Out Of Your Outdoor Space

Bored of seeing the old patio and cringe every time your friends come home for a barbecue backyard? Not anymore! Give your boring living space a beautiful makeover. Whether you have small outdoor or a big yard, you don’t need to juggle a lot to make a big statement to your outdoors. Just some tips and bang on! From the most beautiful designs to the personalized touch, get the most out of your outdoors with these ten practical tips: Seating: A perfect seating as per the ambiance is the one everybody wants to relax on. While the right seating can enhance the look, inappropriate arrangements can ruin the whole look. For big spaces, add farmhouse table or a custom-built bench, or perhaps an artistic sofa. However, for small spaces, try bold colors or make use of wicker chairs. Lighting: One of the essential elements in outdoors is the lighting. Perfect lighting can uplift the mood as well as can change the ambiance of the place to dress up your place, use chandeliers or small lamps. String lights can also work for small patios to make a significant impact. Read More: Create A Stunning Outdoor Space With These Residential Landscape Lighting Tips Bar/ Kitchen: A bar at the outdoors is a must! Turn your patio into an outdoor kitchen space or a customized bar with all the liquor to make your weekend party a bang! Rug area: Dress-up your outdoors with the beautiful rugs of different patterns and shapes. Try primary colors, or a plane stencil pattern would work in that green lushes. Storage seats: Storage is another essential thing for outdoors. Use a multifunctional box or perhaps a functional couch to place drinks, cushions or eatables in it. Adorn the storage box by painting on it or make them look like extra seating for your guest or friends. DIY planters: Plants at outdoor are no exception, but plants in quirky things can be. Don’t settle for pots or hanging pots, instead make use of every other waste thing lying around to bring greenery to your outdoors. Grab a tin or maybe an old bottle or perhaps tire, spray paint on it and done! Flower boxes: Flower boxes are also a beautiful way to enhance the look of outdoors. Use shutters or wall hangings of a different color to get the most out of your living space. Give it a curb appeal by planting colorful flowers in it. Fire Pits: If your outdoors has a fireplace, you know it’s the place to cuddle on beautiful nights. The source of fire at outdoor draw people, so if you have one makes the seating around it and get set party! But if you don’t have any fireplace, DIY one by making small pits. Fire pit cover: Put your fire pit to double duty by popping a lid on it making it a unique tabletop. For daylight gathering or day parties, coving a fire pit will add more space to the outdoor to place things. Add a sporty look: Fashion and sport can go hand-in-hand. And with greenery, it looks the best. Use some of your favorite outdoor games to decorate the space. Make use of walls, install shelves on the railings or look for the places where you can hang on things. So those were some of the most favorite home builder tips that you can use to remodel your outdoors.  Want to go a step ahead? Build a swimming pool in the space and enjoy outdoor bathing or how about a pool party! Insert these ideas and make outdoor living beautiful. Read More: 3 Amazing Flower Street Garden – How To Design Does Organic Gardening Improve Soil Quality? How To Choose The Right Containers For Your Container Garden Grow These Flowering Plants In Your Home Garden To Remove Vastu Related Problems

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Ways to Make a Big Statement in Small Bedroom

5 Ways to Make a Big Statement in Small Bedroom

No matter how you want to redecorate your room, making a big statement in a small bedroom room is what you will find this post. And of course this article includes some ideas which can have an enormous effect and all the difference you would like to have in your bedroom by small changes. Despite the fact that it might appear to be anything but difficult to top off a little space with a negligible measure of furniture; yet, it is an fatiguing task for when one plans on putting forth a style expression. So, let’s see how it can be done. Idea # 1: A Nice Looking Bed Set Buying a nice bed set is never difficult and it’s so easy to change the look of your bed room with bright bed sheet, bed covers and pillows. It’s nothing like you need a big financial plan for it. Nice theme of a bed set can smoothly give your room an engaging look. You can try some hardwood bed set to make a statement in your room as well. Hardwood being utilized may turn out to be generally on an expensive side considering the two its sheer toughness and additionally high feel. However, it is justified regardless of each penny spent. Idea #2: Buy Some Gorgeous Looking Wallpaper A darker shade of wallpaper on one wall gives the room a bigger and better look. You can choose wall paper designs according to the overall theme of your room. You can use printed wall paper on one wall and keep the other walls plane. Idea #3: Have a Nice Bookshelf No room can turn out badly with a bookshelf joined inside. It isn't important to have a big book shelf in your room but including a small bookshelf inside will look great and noticeable. For rooms with a smaller size beautiful bookshelves can be fixed with traditional hardwood boards upon the divider. In a few cases, where the bed may comprise of a nice headboard, the book shelf can be made near the bed for best use of free space. Close by conventional sweet-smelling candles. Idea # 4: Get a Full Length or Big Sized Mirror Keep a full-sized mirror upon a whole divider or your preferred space. It is the most generally used secret and in addition the most seasoned trend to not just influencing the space to appear more outwardly engaging but also  influencing the space to seem bigger than it at first is. The impression of the room itself makes the ideal fantasy and also get intensifies, mirrors are best for adding more space to the premises of the little room. Idea #5: Lights/Chandeliers Lights, especially traditional chandeliers or side table lamps can change the look of your room. Lights help in making a comfortable atmosphere in your room. Mostly the essential lights may appear to be excessively cruel or too brilliant; some additional small lights like fairy lights, lamps or light chandeliers can really give your room a subtle look. Hanging up light fixtures of little to medium sizes upon the divider can help with better use of divider spaces. And additionally make a more traditional appeal in your room. It's not the size of your room you claim which matters. It is the manner by which you design it and also how you use free space in an imaginative way, which helps influence a room to appear sufficiently lavish. I hope you liked reading these bedroom decorating ideas. If you have some interesting tips to add, do let us know in comment section. Read More: Home Decor Is An Art Itself – Things To Know Mirror Decorating Ideas To Style Your Bathroom Top Expert Tips For A Stunning Condo Interior! 5 Essential Tips To Designing A Beautiful Front Yard Garden

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flowering plants

Grow these flowering plants in your home garden

Plants have a significant role in our day-to-day life and affect the various activities of life in a big manner. Besides, enhancing the beauty of the place, it can also play a positive role in improving the internal aura and vibes inside your home. If you want to attain positivity and a good internal environment in your home, here are some of the amazing flowering plants and herbs that are recommended by the Vastu Shastra experts. Planting flowering plants might not be the easiest thing to do. Caring for them through regular maintenance, use of fertilizers, trimming and pruning might require you to call in an expert. You can call Tree Service Pearland for advice on flowering plants as they are one of the leading experts in this field. They can advise you on different watering routines and make you understand the individual needs and requirements of the different plants. Read More: 3 Amazing Flower Street Garden – How To Design Jasmine- Plants with sweet swelling flowers such as jasmine, red lotus, blue lotus, and others are perfect to be grown in the house compounds as they emit a pleasant fragrance. You can also use these lovely flowers in daily worshipping activities. These wonderful flowers are further available around the year and can be used as a hair decoration item. Thorny plants- Although, thorny plants should be avoided in the house but beautiful roses are an exception to this rule. This is because rose plants don’t have many prickly thorns like their counterpart cactus plants. Besides this, roses symbolize auspiciousness and can be grown in your home without any restriction from Vastu experts. The important reason for disallowing thorny plants in the house is that they bring a lot of negative energy and can cause kidney and lungs related health issues. Apart from the roses, you can also grow citrus fruits such as lemon and Bel tree that are considered lucky in spite of having thorns. Basil- One of the popular indoor flowering plants that can be easily found in various Indian households is Basil or Tulsi. It is a wonderful auspicious plant that is described in various scriptures and cultures. Tulsi is regarded sacred by people and is believed to bring prosperity and good luck to your home. The amazing plant is known to have extraordinary medicinal properties that make it truly effective against blood and digestive system problems along with its extraordinary use in Ayurvedic medicines. However, this exceptional plant needs to be placed in the north, north-east or eastern part of the house. Creepers- Ensure that the creepers and other plants are not growing by using your building or compound wall as the support system as these clingers can easily creep inside the tiny cracks and holes in the walls. According to the Vastu experts, creepers should be allowed to grow outside the house but the creeper-like money plant needs to be grown inside the house only. Lilies- This extraordinary flowering plant is known to radiate happiness and harmony in the home of any owner. It is also effective in bringing calmness and serenity to the internal home environment. This amazing plant is recommended to be placed in the living room, bedroom or any other room where meditation is performed. It is highly advised by Vastu experts for a peaceful environment and aura. It is high time to buy flowering plants online for your home in India or abroad in order to channelize the positive energy and aura in your home for achieving prosperity, good luck, and health. Read More: How To Choose The Right Containers For Your Container Garden Does Organic Gardening Improve Soil Quality? 5 Essential Tips To Designing A Beautiful Front Yard Garden

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Pack And Move Without The Hassle

Pack And Move Without The Hassle

Moving can be a stressful time for some families. With so much to organise and a whole house to pack up into boxes, the process can feel overwhelming at times. With the right organisational strategy and a clear plan in place, you can move house without encountering a stressful experience. Use these packing and moving tips to reduce the hassle. 1. Prioritise safety Many people worry about the safety of their possessions when moving house, particularly when moving fragile objects, valuable furniture, family heirlooms, or antiques. It’s important to have the right supplies available to pack your things safely so all of your treasured possessions get over to your new property in one piece. Invest in plenty of bubble wrap roll to make sure your boxes are securely padded, and use a moving company you know and trust so you can move without any worries. 2. Make a massive to do list There’s so much to do when you move house, so it’s important to have a clear list to help you stay on track. Sit down with the whole family and craft a thorough to do list. Divide the list into categories for each family member to tackle, and make sure everyone ticks off their achievements once they’re completed. Include even seemingly minor details – every little task counts when you’re moving out. 3. Make sure your boxes are sturdy The packing process will be much easier with the right supplies. If you’ve used the same old cardboard boxes for every move since university, it may be time for a change. Your possessions will be safest tucked away and wrapped up in strong, sturdy boxes. If you don’t have any of your own, ask around amongst family and friends to borrow some better boxes or to get recommendations for a supplier. 4. Plan ahead Leaving packing until the last minute is a recipe for a crisis. Make sure things stay calm by scheduling your packing and moving plans well in advance so you know what the plan is for each day ahead of time. This includes enlisting family or friends for help or babysitting, booking the moving van, and arranging cancellations or transfers with your utility companies in advance. 5. Label everything Your unpacking process will be a whole lot easier if you label everything clearly during the move. Use a thick pen and tape to mark down the contents of each box on the side and top of the box. Write down what’s in the box and what room it belongs in so you can bring it straight to its intended location when you move into your new house. 6. Pack essentials separately There are certain items that you’re probably going to need to unpack immediately when you move into your new space. This may include toothbrushes, toiletries, a change of clothes, and bedding. Make sure you pack these essential must-haves in their own box that’s clearly marked to be unpacked first. 7. Ask for help You don’t have to tackle the task of packing and moving all alone. Get the whole family on board to help out, and call in extra help if you need it. There’s no shame in needing a little extra support, and the help could reduce the stress of the move. Read More:  Are You Planning To Relocate To Canada? 5 Factors To Consider When Buying A New Garage Door Influencer Marketing Tool To Move From Local To Global Market

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Salvage Your Furniture after a Flood

How to Salvage Your Furniture after a Flood

There are many reasons why flooding occurs, and it also comes in different shape, form and amount. It might be due to severe weather conditions or a leak in the plumbing. What you need to think about following a flood is how to salvage anything that wasn’t damaged beyond repair, primarily your furniture. As water damage can wreak severe havoc on your home, you are likely going to have to call in a restoration contractor like KIC Restoration to take care of your home’s infrastructure. But salvaging your furniture can be a less complicated process you can deal with on your own. If flooding is a consequence of a storm or hurricane you would probably get a notification in advance to prepare and avoid as much destruction as possible. Get all the furniture to a safe space in your home like the upper floors or cover them to protect them from the water as much as possible. After the flood is finally over, the first thing you need to do is check is if it is safe to return. While you’re at it, make sure to wear proper clothing. Another useful piece of advice is to bring a camera with you and take pictures of all the furniture because you will need to do a report for your insurance company. When you’ve made sure that it is safe to enter and you’ve put on protective gear, you can start inspecting the furniture and roughly separate them into salvageable and unsalvageable. Next, you can focus on the salvageable pieces of furniture and inspect if repairs would cost more than just replacing the items. Sentimental value also comes into play as you would want to save all the pieces that have been in your family for long, no matter the extent of the damage. But this is up to you. Upholstered Furniture Some types of furniture like upholstered furniture might be difficult to save especially if it has been in the water for too long. Chances are these items have already developed bacteria, fungi, mold, mildew, etc. This might have severe consequences to your health later on. You should move the furniture to someplace to dry. If it’s too heavy to move you can place aluminum foil or a similar material underneath it, just to keep it away from wet floors. As mentioned above, upholstered furniture might cause problems because it is a great absorbent. It is particularly dangerous if it has been sitting for too long in contaminated water. If the flood wasn’t too big, you might still have a good chance of salvaging it. You should then remove the upholstery fabrics from the wood or any other colored parts to prevent color bleed. Then you need to dry it to the fullest to prevent mildew and mold from developing, which is likely to happen if the piece of furniture is more than 20% wet. It is worth noting that this kind of furniture is very hard to salvage and the best and easiest thing to do is just to throw it all away unless of course it is antique or has a high value. Then it is best to hire a professional to do the job, as it would probably be necessary to completely strip it down and replace some parts. Mattresses Mattresses are also very difficult to handle. If the flooding wasn’t too severe, if the mattress hasn’t been soaked in water for too long, and if the water was clean it is possible to salvage it. The best thing to do is take it out and let the sun dry it naturally. You can use blocks to keep it above ground and a fan to speed up drying. If you sense a musty odor then mattress probably has mildew growing inside, in which case you’ll need the help of a professional to restore it. If your mattress has been underwater for too long mold has likely already spread, and it is probably contaminated beyond salvation. The only thing you can do here is to replace it. Wooden Furniture Wooden furniture might have the best chance to get salvaged especially if it wasn’t in the water for too long. It is possible to restore if the damage was not too big. It is crucial to clean it and dry it as much as possible to prevent mold and fungi development. Wiping and blotting can do the trick here, but only for furniture that was not in the water too long or was lightly damaged. You can clean white mildew spots by using turpentine or a mix of water and ammonia. The sooner you start drying the furniture, the higher the chance of salvaging it. Heavily Damaged Furniture Heavily damaged furniture which was in the water for too long is a different story. The best plan is to separate all easily removable parts like drawers and doors. Avoid forcing them if they are stuck. Just let them dry out and you will be able to pull them out later on when bloating is reduced. You can clean mud and dirt with a hose and then dry it in a room or other area with good ventilation. You should definitely avoid exposing it directly to the sun as it might cause it to deform. The process of drying takes several weeks or months. Only after it is completely dry can you start restoring the furniture. Contact KIC Restoration Inc of San Diego at 12170 Tech Center Dr, Poway, CA 92064, USA; 858-859-1998 or visit kicrestoration to learn more. Read More: 3 Tips On How To Plan The Best Cheap And Fabulous DIY Bedroom Makeover Top Expert Tips For A Stunning Condo Interior! 5 Innovative Ideas To Lend Your Bedroom With More Space Home Decor Is An Art Itself – Things To Know

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Neighborhood

9 Things need to Know When Moving to a New Neighborhood

Moving to a new neighborhood can be daunting. Just because a neighborhood looks inviting does not necessarily mean peace of mind. Ever gone phone shopping without knowing the specifications and how it will meet your needs? Shopping blind means you may go home with something less than ideal for your needs. The same goes for looking for a new neighborhood to move in. You can’t call your agent after moving in a couple of days to say you do not like the place. Before you sign a lease or mortgage do your homework first. Thanks to the internet, you don’t have to worry about how to find a job based on your geolocation. I mean, online Ghanaian job postings for employers have facilitated the search for jobs. Nevertheless, searching for the neighborhood of your dreams means you have to consider a lot of other things. For instance, you might want to consider safety, amenities, architectural style, just to name a few. These are some questions to ask yourself before moving to a new neighborhood. These questions will help you to streamline your search in finding the perfect neighborhood with your specifications. Read More: Are You Planning To Relocate To Canada? Question 1 Does the neighborhood have sidewalks? Reason A lot of people do not think of sidewalks when searching for a new neighborhood. Sidewalks actually say a lot about the neighborhood. Sidewalks suggest an active presence of your neighbors. It means amenities are easily accessible either by walking or jogging. Sidewalks also mean the neighborhood is safer. This is because you are less likely to get hit by a car when taking a stroll. The safety of sidewalks makes it extremely desirable especially if you have children and pets. Question 2 Do you have to take care of taxes and other expenses? Reason Most often than not, we focus on buying a home but forget additional expenses. These costs should be an important factor in your decision to move to a new neighborhood. For instance, you may be responsible for your pricey home owner's association fees when moving to a condo or country club. Some of these fees come with rules so you need to understand these before making a decision. If the association forbids parking of motorcycles in driveways and you happen to own one, it is time to consider. Property taxes are another important cost people overlook particularly if you escrow and pay as part of your mortgage payment. Property taxes are taxed based on the value of your home. Therefore, they can increase if you escrow which changes your monthly payment. Prepare yourself to make sure your budget can handle such increment. On the other hand, if you decide to move to a declining housing market, your taxes may decrease. It has its own perks as well. Moving to such a neighborhood means less access to good public services. Question 3 Does the neighborhood have amenities for you and/or your family to indulge in activities? Reason This is a pretty obvious question. Whether you’re single, have a family with children or is retired with your spouse pretty much sums up what you should look out for in a neighborhood. You will want a new neighborhood that has everything to suit your lifestyle. For families with children, they might be interested in communities with parks, a swimming pool, libraries, and others. A young single person with a dog might want a neighborhood with a dog park or bike trails. If you enjoy a good movie at the cinema and you have to drive a long distance to access one from the new neighborhood you might want to reconsider. On the other hand, a new neighborhood may not have some amenities. You will have to compromise in some situations. Make sure the necessary basic amenities are within your reach. Question 4 Does the neighborhood provide you with convenience? Reason Convenience is walking to a shopping center nearby and accomplishing several errands within a very short period. Convenience is getting easy access to stores you frequently visit. The biggest convenience is the ease to commute to work daily. In other words, the more convenient your neighborhood is, the more it affects your happiness. Moving to a neighborhood that has your favorite stores within reach is a plus. Not only do you save money on gas, but you also get to patronize these services at your own time. Ask yourself this, do I have to double my commute trip to work or to school if I move to this neighborhood? Is it really worth that trouble? Question 5 What are your plans for the future? Reason The neighborhood may look great in the present but may be liable to change in the future. In a neighborhood you move into, living in the here and now may be a good outlook on life. However, it does not necessarily mean a good neighbourhood. Check with your local planning office about future developments in your area. It is because you may not want to purchase a new home only to find out it’s in the middle of a new community college. Visiting the planning office and inform you of any future construction project that will affect the neighborhood. So you like the quiet private nature of the neighborhood with mature trees lined up along each side. Probably in the future, these trees will be cut down to build another subdivision. So even if your lot is not directly affected, it may impact the serene environment you’ve come to love. All this may affect your decision of moving to the neighborhood. Question 6 Is the neighborhood situated in a noisy place or has a bad smell? Reason Your well being and health is one important factor when choosing a neighborhood to move into. Visiting the neighborhood several times during the day is extremely important. On paper, the place might be a perfect fit for you, but visiting the place will reveal its secrets. The perfectly lined trees behind the house may be hiding a major road. Train tracks, restaurants, clubs and all that create noise that may be a menace. These bothersome noises will never go away. So while you may get used to them is a gamble. In addition, in the eventuality that you want to move from the place, it is usually harder to sell a place with so much noise. While you are listening, you may want to get a good whiff of the air in the neighborhood. A stagnant lake, sewage problems, and even a corner BBQ joint can create some odors that do not go away. Question 7 What is the crime rate in the neighborhood? Reason This is for your own sake and safety. You do not want your new home to feel like you are trapped in a war zone. It is also easier to know the crime rate of the neighborhood as they are many websites available for that. This makes it especially easier for you to decide if you are stuck between two neighborhood choices. If you find a neighborhood you love and to your dismay, you find it has a questionable crime rat, you should speak to your local police office for more details. It could be just a small area away from your new home acting as a crime magnet. Question 8 Are they good schools? Reason This is a very important question to ask if you have children. The presence of public and private schools from kindergarten to high schools affect the value of a home. If you do not have children, it is very important to understand that the quality of the school system in that area will affect the resale of your home. Also, good schools may add unnecessary costs to your rent if you do not have children. If you do have children, research about the school by seeking advice from fellow parents in the neighborliness. Most schools give tours as well, so might want to take advantage of this. Also, inquire about school activities and extra-curricular activities the school permits. Question 9 What is the neighborhood culture? Reason So you’ve found a neighborhood that fits your budget, has low crime rates, great reviews and all that, what of the culture? Your dream neighbourhood isn’t about statistics and information, is about how the place makes you feel. If you are used to a hip urban neighborhood, you may not be happy in a quiet, family-oriented neighborhood. Doing so means you have to compromise on some things if that’s your wish. The bottom line is, you won’t be happy moving to a neighborhood that does not fit your lifestyle. Make sure the neighborhood you choose has the right culture, then other pieces may fall into place. Read More: Dalhousie, A Perfect Place To Unplug The Anxiety Of Rat Race Of Modern Cities Create A Stunning Outdoor Space With These Residential Landscape Lighting Tips 5 Essential Tips To Designing A Beautiful Front Yard Garden List Of Most Durable Kitchen Flooring

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home cleaning

Home Hacks: Stuff You Can Clean in One Hour or Less

When push comes to a shove and you have guests arriving in an hour, you better believe that you will turn into a superhuman and manage to clean your apartment in less than sixty minutes. Even if you won’t have the time to do a proper thorough cleanup, you can do a lot in an hour to make your home presentable, but you have to be efficient and light on your feet. Let’s get to it. Spotless Living Room You will need 10-15 minutes to get this area tidy and you should be as meticulous as possible without getting stuck on details. The first thing to do is to de-clutter quickly – clothing, trash, cosmetics, books, get it out of the way and into their rightful place. You don’t have to go back and forth, but organize stuff into different piles and then get them to their designated places as you move through the house. After that, straighten everything as much as possible, fluff the pillows, do a super quick round of dusting and use wet wipes to wipe your coffee table clean. Finally, get your vacuum cleaner out and run through the room, but do it for five minutes tops, you’ve still got other matters to attend to. Next up – The Dining Room If you plan on making dinner for your guest or just serving snacks, don’t neglect the dining room in your cleaning spree. If you’ve got a mountain of stuff on your dining table, the first priority is to remove it stat (this is also the time to throw away all the trash from the living room). Whip out a new tablecloth and make sure that chairs are straightened and free from any bags and clothes hanging from them (nobody is impressed by chairdrobes). Scan for dust and get it out of the way, vacuum the area super quickly and if you’ve got windows, wipe them clean with a coffee filter (just give it a try, it works). Get the glasses and plates, snacks, and drinks on the table and the dining room is prepped and guest-ready. Now to the Kitchen Chances are you’ve moved all the dirty dishes from the dining room and living room into the kitchen and now it’s time to pop them in the dishwasher. You don’t have to get them clean and arranged right away, though it might be a good idea to let the dishwasher do its magic while you’re cleaning around, that way, you’ll have more clean dishes at the ready. Stovetop and countertops should be in your focus – clean them as efficiently as possible without losing too much time. Then move to the sink, wipe it clean and you can also put a few slices of lemon into the garbage disposal, it will make the entire kitchen smell fresh and clean. Sweep the floors and if your trash can is full, take it outside, so that it doesn’t stink up your work. Then We Have the Bathroom This is one step you shouldn’t overlook since your guests will definitely need to use your bathroom eventually. Get to the toilet, spray it with a cleaner and let it sit while you’re busy with other things. Make your mirror spotless and do the same with any shelves you’ve got around it – wet wipes will do the trick here nicely. Tidy the shower curtain, wash the bathtub with hot water and rearrange the toiletries to look neat. If you’ve got a shower, wipe it clean with a rag or microfiber cloth. After that, get back to your toilet, scrub it quickly, flush, and voila, you’re done. Take the trash out too, get out clean hand towels and for a final touch, light an incense stick to make everything smell better. Yes, you can clean your home in under an hour, and now you’ve got a system to work by. Honestly, sometimes it’s easier to hire a part-time cleaning lady than to scramble and clean when you’ve got someone coming over. There’s nothing wrong with getting some help when you’ve got a packed schedule and if you’re thinking about it, you can browse through your options at helpling.com.sg/maids to see if you find a suitable match. If not, we suggest finding time to clean a bit every day, it will be much easier to tackle chores one day at a time. Read More: Installation Of Kitchen Cabinets: Best Way To Give Your Home A Perfect Facelift Pressure Washing- Why It Is Necessarily Important For Your Home? Hardwood Timber Flooring: Gives A Classic Look To Your Home

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Landscape Lighting Tips

Create A Stunning Outdoor Space With These Residential Landscape Lighting Tips

When you think about landscaping, you probably think about visiting a nursery to pick out plants or planting flowers to create a beautiful accent garden. Flowers, plants, and trees are only one part of the equation, however. You also need to think about how your landscape will look after the sun goes down. Residential landscape lighting can enhance the look of your home after dark, drawing attention to key architectural details of your house and highlighting the beautiful plants that surround it. Use these tips to boost your home's curb appeal today. Understand that landscape lighting goes beyond solar path lights Lighting up your landscape involves far more than just sticking a few solar lights along the edge of your sidewalk and calling it good. Instead, it is about creating a specific feeling in your yard after the sun goes down. When done correctly, landscape lighting can transform your outdoor space, turning it into a beautiful accent for your home. This type of lighting is not only meant to be functional but also to enhance the look and feel of your home. Decide what you hope to achieve Before you start picking out lights and deciding where to place them, come up with an overall plan for what you hope to achieve. Are you trying to make your yard safer by lighting up your sidewalk or patio area? Do you want to create a well-lit area where you can entertain? Do you want to draw attention to certain areas of your home, highlighting its unique architecture? Are you trying to improve the security of your property? By identifying your objectives before you begin, you can do a much better job of designing a lighting setup that will help you achieve your goals. Take care of an essential lighting first There are certain parts of your yard that should definitely be lit. Here are some of the key components that you should include in your overall design: Pathway lights. Any sidewalks, pathways, or entrances should be well lit to make it easy for people to see. Driveway lighting. You should incorporate plenty of light in your driveway area so that you can get to and from your car with ease. Stairs. If you have stairs leading up to your home, make sure that they are well illuminated so that people don't trip and fall. Patios or decks. Any outdoor gathering area should incorporate lighting so that it can be used after dark. Trees. If you have any trees that you want to highlight, you can easily do it with lighting. Key architectural features. You can use lighting to enhance the architecture of your home. If you have any water features on your property, you should also consider lighting them.  Choose LED lights Rather than going with halogen bulbs, opt for LED lighting. Not only do these bulbs last a long time but they are extremely energy-efficient. A single bulb can last as long as 100,000 hours. That means that you won't have to replace them often - an important consideration since outdoor lighting fixtures are not always easily accessible. LED lights can also stand up to the elements, making them perfect for use outdoors. No matter how bad the weather gets, you shouldn't have to worry about your lighting. Another advantage of LED lights is that they are extremely versatile. You can change everything from the color of the light to its intensity. This can allow you to create a completely customized look for your outdoor space. Read More : Secrets To The Perfect Bedroom Light Incorporate multiple types of lighting to create an interesting design Your residential landscape lighting design should include ambient lighting, which is lighting that shines over the entire space. It should also incorporate task lighting, which is used to provide illumination for tasks like cooking. Finally, it should also include accent lighting, which is used to draw attention to certain features of your yard. For instance, you could put a spotlight on a tree to draw attention to it. Incorporating all three types of lighting will help create a balanced, professional look that will set your yard apart from others in your neighborhood. Read More: Give Amazing Look Using Balloon Centerpieces In Wedding Smart Fun Gardening: How To Take Care Of A Money Tree Seven Simple Ways For Achieving Cozy Bedroom Environment: For Perfectly Night Sleep Using Feng Shui In Your Bathroom Design Experts Recommend: Top Interior Design Trends For 2017 Mirror Decorating Ideas To Style Your Bathroom  

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window panel color

Tips for Selecting a Window Frame Color

When you are renovating your home or building a new one, it’s easy to visualize the big details, like the color of the roof and the walls. Something you may not necessarily be thinking of immediately is the color of your window frames, and yet this is such an important color to consider. It may help to think of them as something similar to the frame on a painting — it adds a finishing touch to the artwork, or in this case, the house. If you are not sure how to choose a color, here are some tips that may help you in your choice. Choose a color palette: It helps to include the color of your window frames in the complete color palette you choose for your home. If the amount of color choices is overwhelming, keep it simple by choosing either a warm or a cool palette. Pick a color that highlights or hides: If you are repainting your home, you can highlight your beautiful window frames by painting them a color that makes them stand out. Conversely, if they are ugly as sin, paint them a boring white, or any color that makes them blend in with the walls. Select a color that complements your home’s exterior: Your walls should have a big say in what color you paint your window frames. If you have exposed brick walls, you should choose a bright contrasting color, and avoid warm browns and dark colors. For painted wood siding, it could work well to pick a darker accent color that complements the rest of the color palette of your home. Read More : Essential Things To Consider Before Hiring A Window Tinting Expert Consider neutral colors: Neutral colors are trendy again. The current variety is a far cry from boring beige, so you don’t have to fear to have a sterile hospital look. The new generation of beiges and grays are soulful and colorful, and they will prove to be timeless at the same time. No need to be embarrassed about bright lime or electric pink, or any such garish eyesores in a few years from now. Choose a color that fits the style of your home: It is very important to choose a color that is appropriate to the style of your house. Certain colors go well with certain types of architecture. A red brick building already imposes a limit on the color palette due to the characteristic hue of the walls. A historic manor would benefit from modest colors that fit in with the time period in which the house was built. If the architecture is more modern, choose colors that enhance that particular style. But if it’s just your typical family home without any noteworthy architectural provenance, you are free to choose colors that match your personality and sense of style. It should be something that you like, and feel comfortable looking at every day. Read More : Before You Forget : Things You Need To Consider Before Windows Replacement Use bold colors wisely: For most people who doubt their stylishness, it would be best to stick to neutral colors. But if you are brave and daring, and you are sure you can pull it off, bold colors can add an unexpected twist to your decor. Apex Window Werks is home and Commercial Window Repair Company with the headquarters in Chicago, IL. If you are looking for a reliable and experienced contractor to get the fog out of your windows, replace broken glass or repair rotten wood window frames, then AWW is your expedient choice. Feel free to give them a call to leave a message.

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3 Reasons Why Business Organizations Need To Get The Drains Cleaned Regularly

If you run a business establishment, then you need to think about properly maintaining the drains. People can flush down any number of things down the drain. And without a routine checkup, these things can clog the drains and cause you many problems, costing you money and giving you a stressful time. 3 Reasons Why Business Organizations Need To Get The Drains Cleaned Regularly Below, we highlight three reasons why your business needs to get the drains regularly cleaned and keep them well maintained. Avoid Emergencies With a scheduled maintenance, the technician will check the drains thoroughly and ensure that there are no blockages in them. They will also identify potential problems early on and will take steps to ensure that these little issues don’t blow up to disastrous emergencies. Imagine having to face a sewage flooding in the middle of business hours when your customers are visiting your office. Is that something you can really risk? Any person with sufficient business sense knows that it will definitely be a bad situation. And you will have to through all the trouble and anxiety of waiting for the service guys to arrive and resolve the issues. Save Money Not only do scheduled drain cleaning help you avoid most emergencies, but they can also actually be cost-effective and end up saving your business some money. Emergency repairs will cost you a lot since the service people are essentially coming on short notice. And not only do you have to pay a higher fee, but there are costs associated with loss of business or damage to equipment. If you end up shutting shop for the day because of an emergency, you are essentially losing the revenues for the day. Add to it, if there is sewage flooding, then you may have to replace some of the mats and other ground equipment that can get affected by it. An easy way to avoid such headaches is to get in touch with a good nationwide drain unblocking service and arrange for scheduled maintenance. Protect Health Of Employees You may not notice it at first, but the slight unpleasant smells that the employees complain about, and which you rubbish away as a non-issue can actually be the blocked drains. When the drains are not cleaned for a long period, many things accumulate inside them, promoting the growth of bacteria and other microbes. And if there are leaks, then they pose a serious health hazard to your employees. What do you think will happen if some employee gets seriously sick as a result of breathing the bacteria-infested foul smell of the drains and files a lawsuit against you? The court may judge you as having neglected your duty as an employer by not providing a healthy working environment, making you pay a hefty compensation. Conclusion So, if you care for your employees (and your business), then do remember to get the drains checked regularly.  Not only will you ensure a healthy working condition for your employees, but you can be at peace, assured of the fact that you are less likely to face sudden, unpleasant emergencies. Feature Image Source: jbirrigation.com

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Installing A Kitchen Tile Splashback – The Basics

Adding wall tiles to a backsplash can be a really simple and effective way to spruce up your kitchen sink area, as well as protecting the surface as well. Here we look at the basics. Home improvements needn't be expensive, all it takes is a little research and time and you can make a significant difference to the house you live in. Choosing tiles for a kitchen splashback can be a really simple and effective way to spruce up your kitchen sink area, as well as protecting the surface as well. For a project like this, you are likely to need little more than a couple of days to complete it, and a minimal amount of money to achieve a great result, depending on the equipment you already have. Before You Start Prepare The Wall Before you start, clear everything out of the way that may obstruct the job and/ or get broken or damaged while you work. You should also check that the wall is good for tiling as well – chances are you will choose porcelain tiles, which are heavier than more traditional ceramic tiles so the walls need to be up to support their weight. If there is any level of condensation you must wait for the wall to completely naturally dry out before you begin tiling. If the drywall you're working with isn't sound, you must repair it before you do any tiling. Plan The Design You'll need to plan your design before you can purchase your equipment or begin the project. Measure how high you want the backsplash to be from the countertop and consider the type of tiles you would like to use. If you are unsure, take a look at sites like Pinterest for inspiration. Get Your Equipment When buying your equipment, especially your wall tiles, try to start with more than you need. With porcelain floor tiles or wall tiles, it is always good to have extras in case some get damaged during the job or even years after and you need a replacement tile that matches. In order to determine how much tile requires you need to measure the length and width of the area, you are putting a backsplash on. Simply multiply the length by the width to get your desired wall tile amount. If you don't know what type of equipment you need for the job, speak to an advisor at the shop or warehouse and they will be able to advise you on the best tools for the job. Read also: Close Look At Top 5 Roofing Materials – Pros And Cons Install Once you have done all the correct preparation, it's time for you to install your backsplash. Safety First The first thing you need to do is make the area you are working in safe. All electrical appliances nearby should be either turned off if they are permanent fixtures, or moved away if they are temporary. Read also: Making Your Office Safer For Workers Clean The Area Using a clean cloth, gently wipe the area with warm water and let it dry naturally. Apply The Adhesive Using the manufacturer's instructions, apply your tile adhesive using a tile trowel. Make sure the adhesive is spread thinly and only apply enough adhesive for the area you are tiling, or it will dry before you have applied all the tiles. Lay The Tiles Place the first tile at the bottom of the backsplash in the middle. Firmly push the tile on to encourage it to settle into the adhesive and use a level to make sure it isn't wonky. Use a spacer or piece of cardboard on each corner of the tile and push them into the adhesive well. Continue to lay the tile's row by row, taking care to remove any adhesive that pushes up through the tile gaps. Ensure you are leaving enough room for grout and checking constantly that the tiles are level. Cut Tiles Away In A Separate Area Depending on the equipment you are using, you need to ensure you follow all safety procedures to ensure you are working safely. Ensure you only score tiles where the scored section won't be showing, and only score tiles when you need to, as the measurements needed may change as the job progresses. Wipe Once all the tiles have been laid you can wipe away any adhesive that has seeped out using a clean, damp cloth. Leave The Tiles To Dry You must leave the tiles to dry according to the time stated by the adhesive manufacturer. Trying to skip this process will result in an uneven backsplash and tiles that will not remain stable. Grout When mixing grout you should be wearing appropriate safety equipment such as gloves, goggles and a mouth mark. Grout the tiles precisely and carefully, taking care to wipe away any excess once it becomes firm. Once the grout has dried, you can then wipe the tiles off completely. Well Done! You should now have a fancy new backsplash to enjoy in your kitchen! Remember, if you take the time to do the job right, you should end up with a well-done backsplash that will look fantastic and last for years to come.

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