Published on: 21 February 2018
Last Updated on: 17 January 2020
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.
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A burglary occurs every 18 seconds in the United States. These statistics are scary! Even safe neighborhoods experience crime from time to time, so you need to be prepared. The good news is that there are several ways you can go about making your home safe. Some may require that you purchase equipment while others may not. The more you can thwart a burglar's plans the safer your home will be.
Tips that will Help you to Keep your >H>ome >Safe</span>
When thinking about improving overall safety, do not forget to follow the following tips.
1. Change Your Locks:
Did you just buy a new home?
Don’t be so excited to get the keys that you forget to change all the locks. No matter how wholesome the previous homeowners may seem, you never know who is unscrupulous and who isn’t.
You also never know who they may have given a key to in the past. It could have been a distant relative, a nanny, a house cleaner, or a handyman, to name a few.
The point is, you don’t know if a shady character doesn’t have a copy of the keys to your new home. The best thing to do is to hire a locksmith to change the locks.
2. Get An Alarm System:
Sure, you may not want your home to feel like a high-security vault, but it is never a bad idea to be prepared for the worst.
There are literally dozens of safety systems you can choose from. This makes it more likely that you will find something that is within your budget.
There are also some security systems that you can install yourself. However, if you do get a high-tech security system the security company will have to install it for you.
Once you have installed your security system, put a security sign in your front yard or place security signs on your windows to deter criminals.
If you think that an advanced security system is something you will not be able to afford, you can always go for robust roller shutters.
Roller Shutter People are leading installers in Sydney that states that installing these on windows and doors can be a simple, yet time-tested and effective way to keep burglars out of your house and maintain safety.
3. Vacation Wisely:
Criminals like to target homes when people go on vacation. Protect your home when you are away by setting timers on your television and your lights.
These timers make it easy for you to have your lights and your television on at specific times. When criminals think someone is home, they are deterred from committing crimes.
4. Get Smart:
These days you can monitor your home from anywhere using smart security cameras. Some of these cameras are so tiny the average person might miss them, and you can control them from your smartphone or tablet.
Smart lights should also be a major part of your security plan because you can turn them on or off whether you are just down the road or in another country.
5. Exercise Mail Control To Keep Your Home Safe:</strong>
If you are going to be away for a while, then it is usually a good idea to get a friend or neighbor to take your mail and any delivered packages off your front porch at least once per day.
If your front porch or doorway is flooded with mail, it is a dead giveaway to criminals that no one is home.
You can also go to your local post office in Gainesville FL and explain that you will be away for a while and ask them to hold all your mail.
6. Rethink Your Landscape :
Did you know that the landscape edging of your home can either deter or attract criminals?
Overgrown bushes and untrimmed hedges can provide places for thieves to hide so that neighbors and passersby cannot spot them.
Trim bushes and hedges to at least three feet in height. Plant thorny bushes near your windows with gravel nearby so that it is easier to hear footsteps.
The more you can make it difficult for criminals to gain entry, the more secure your home will be.
7. Motion Detector Lighting:
Motion detector lighting shines the spotlight brightly on anyone who may try to get onto your premises. As soon as an intruder moves so does the light.
You should install motion detector lights at the back and the front of your home, for added protection you can add them to the sides as well.
One of the many benefits of this kind of lighting is that it saves energy since it is only activated when it detects motion.
8. Get A Video Doorbell:
You can get a video doorbell to keep your home secure. A video doorbell will let you see who is at your door before you open it.
Astonishingly enough, many thieves ring your doorbell to get a feel for who is home or not before attempting a burglary. A doorbell camera will give you the upper hand should a thief decide to rob you.
Installing Rodann door chimes is also another security feature you can use. The chimes will alert you when anyone is within a certain distance from your door.
9. Get A Dog:
With all the high-tech security systems mentioned so far, getting a dog may seem like a low-tech way to safeguard your home from intruders. However, if you can get a dog then do so, since burglars tend to avoid homes with dogs.
When a thief wants to rob a home, they want to be in and out as quickly as possible, and a barking dog attracts too much attention and is an unnecessary complication.
10. Watch What You Post On Social Media:
Social media has become a place where you can share the daily happenings of your life with family, friends, and neighbors.
However, if you go on vacation or are away for a weekend, it is not a good idea to announce your absence from home on social media.
This is especially true if you don’t know everyone in your network. Announcing you are away and posting pictures of your getaway is an announcement for anyone with bad intentions.
Literally telling them that you will be far away , and they should break into your home.
Top Safety Measures in a Rented Place
New job, and new rented house!
Everything is exciting about such a prospect, but how to ensure the utmost safety in a new place & home.
Moving into a new rented apartment can be an exciting time with new opportunities and a fresh start in life.
While you are excitedly packing and planning, taking stock of your security is essential when moving into another person’s property.
Here are seven safety tips to keep you safe during this transition.
Locks
Don’t forget to lock all the doors on your first day of entering your new home or apartment. Additionally, never assume that previous tenants have returned all sets of keys.
So, if needed, get the locks changed upon consulting with your landlord.
Smoke Detectors
Next, test the smoke detectors. You might assume they work, but never leave this to chance.
Press the test button on each detector to ensure they function properly. If you don’t hear a sound, replace the batteries or request your landlord to do so. Safety from fire hazards is non-negotiable.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors
While you’re at it, check for carbon monoxide detectors, too. Not all places have them installed, but they’re lifesavers—literally.
Carbon monoxide is a silent killer, and having a detector can alert you to any dangerous leaks. Consider purchasing a portable unit if your new home doesn’t have one.
Check Windows
Another important thing to do is to check the windows. They should open and close easily. You will also want to ensure that they have locks on them as well.
In case of an emergency, such as a fire, you will need a quick and easy way out of your apartment. If you live on the ground floor, being able to lock your windows is important for safety reasons.
Lighting your Outside
You should also make sure that everything outside the apartment is well-lit. If something seems too dim or amiss, then tell your landlord about this right away.
If there are any lights outside, ask your landlord to replace them or put in some more lights. These include spotlights upon entrances or even motion sensor lights around corners.
Know your Area
Finally, get to know your surroundings. Spend some time walking around, getting acclimated with the neighborhood, and pinpointing any places that might not seem safe, specifically at night.
Get to know your neighbors, as they can give you the lowdown on both the area and potential safety issues.
By doing these in the process of moving, your new rental will truly be a sweet home right off the bat. So you’ll feel better about unpacking those piles of boxes.
Hopefully these tips will help you feel more secure in your new place!
If you would like more lifestyle tips, please visit our website. You are sure to find helpful tips for making your life better.
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Relax In Style In The Comfort Of Your Homes
Kitchens are an emotion. If we see every room of our home and pick our favorite, most of us will pick the kitchen above any other room. The reason being straightforward, that is food. The kitchen is where we get to see the love of our mind, stomach, and the gateway to most of our happiness, that is food. It is a place where food is prepared and we love it unconditionally.
Spacing In Making Kitchen And Type Of Kitchens According To Size
Talking about kitchens, in that domain also, there are various sizes of kitchens. As we are living in the modern world, DIY kitchens are one of the most trendy things that people use to opt for, when it comes to interior designs or renovations.
Make sure to check out DIY Kitchens with Kaboodle Australia, if you are looking for DIY Kitchens. Let us now discuss the various types of kitchens.
Consider Reading: 5 Types Of Kitchen Cabinets
Big Kitchens – Good Mood And Aesthetics:
When a person who does not have any financial problems or limitations builds a home, he or she does not have to be very careful about the kitchen’s spacings.
Most of the time he or she would prefer to have a full-sized and widely spread kitchen. The simple reason for it is that the mobility of the cook would not be sacrificed thus it would be comfortable for the cook to roam around. Hence these kitchens are expensive to make but still, they are the best to look at.
Small Kitchens – Little Clumsy But Essential:
If a person does not have a lot of money to spend while building a home, he or she will not be able to build a big kitchen with a lot of spacing. They have to settle for a not-so-big kitchen because of limited space, a limited amount of resources, and a limited amount of money.
Hence these kitchens require a little more attention to detail while making them dig out the best possible aesthetics in the least space.
Kitchens Attached To The Dining Area:
While we talked about big kitchens and small kitchens in the previous sections, it is really important to shed light on the modern designs of kitchens too. Many kitchens nowadays are directly attached to the dining room of the home.
This provides a lot of visibility, friendliness, and character to the kitchen’s aesthetics. These trends are great and modern designs are more practical than showing royalty.
Double Floored Kitchens In Big Houses:
While we have seen the type of kitchens that are directly attached to the dining room of the house, there is a new type of modern design of the kitchen too. There are kitchens which are dual storied and are big. These types of kitchens can also be built in small houses with little space.
Usage of space can be optimal when this kind of dual stories kitchens are made or even planned before making. New designs are indeed very practical and a lifesaver for less budget too.
The Final Thoughts
So, different kinds of kitchens are available to get inspiration from depending upon how much money you have in your pocket to spend. Moreover, if come across any issues, mention them in the comment section below.
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How to Choose the Right Kitchen Cabinet Materials for Your Project
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Being a gardener, I know Spinach is one of the most popular and versatile leafy greens you can grow in your garden. It's rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber and can be used in salads, soups, smoothies, and more. But how do you harvest spinach the right way so that you can enjoy it fresh and crisp and make it last longer?
In this article, I will show you how to harvest spinach, so it keeps growing. I will also explain how to harvest spinach seeds, how to store and freeze spinach, and the health benefits of spinach. Additionally, I will also share some tips and tricks on how to grow spinach successfully and how to use it in delicious recipes.
Whether you're a beginner or an expert gardener, this guide will help you make the most of your spinach harvest. So, keep on reading till the end to learn more, and thank me later!
Driven by Benefits: Why are People Growing Spinach?
Spinach is not only tasty but also healthy. It's low in calories and high in fiber, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals. It can help improve various aspects of health, such as:
Eye Health
Spinach is rich in lutein and zeaxanthin. These are carotenoids that protect the eyes from age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, and glaucoma. Spinach also contains vitamin A, which is essential for vision and eye health.
Blood Pressure
Spinach is high in potassium, magnesium, and nitrates, which are compounds that help lower blood pressure and relax the blood vessels. Spinach also contains folate. This helps prevent homocysteine, an amino acid that can damage the blood vessels and increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Bone Health
Spinach is a good source of calcium, magnesium, and vitamin K, which are important for bone health and density. Spinach also contains vitamin C, which helps the body absorb calcium and produce collagen, a protein that strengthens the bones and connective tissues.
Immune System
Spinach is loaded with vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant that boosts the immune system and fights off infections and inflammation. Spinach also contains vitamin E, which enhances the immune response and protects the cells from oxidative stress.
Digestion
Spinach is high in fiber, which helps regulate digestion and prevent constipation, diarrhea, and bloating. Fiber also feeds the beneficial bacteria in the gut. This improves the digestion and absorption of nutrients. It also supports the immune system.
Skin And Hair
Spinach is rich in vitamins A, C, E, and iron, which are essential for healthy skin and hair. Vitamin A helps maintain the moisture and elasticity of the skin and prevents acne and wrinkles. Vitamin C helps produce collagen, which keeps the skin firm and smooth.
On the other hand, vitamin E helps protect the skin from sun damage and aging. Iron helps deliver oxygen to the skin and hair cells and prevents anemia, which can cause hair loss and pale skin.
How To Harvest Spinach So It Keeps Growing
One of the best things about spinach is that it's a cut-and-come-again crop. This means you can harvest it multiple times throughout the season if you do it correctly. Here are the steps to follow to harvest spinach so it keeps growing:
Choose the right time to harvest
The best time to harvest spinach is when the leaves are young and tender. This is usually about 40 to 50 days after planting. You can also harvest baby spinach leaves earlier, about 25 to 30 days after planting.
You should harvest spinach before it starts to bolt. This is when it produces flowers and seeds and becomes bitter and tough. Spinach usually bolts when the days get longer and warmer. So, you should harvest it more frequently in the spring and summer.
Use a sharp knife or scissors to cut the leaves
You can either cut the whole plant at the base, leaving about an inch of stem, or cut individual leaves from the outer part of the plant, leaving the inner leaves to grow.
You should cut the leaves about an inch above the soil, to avoid damaging the crown and the roots. Moreover, you should also avoid cutting too many leaves from one plant, as this will weaken the plant and reduce the yield. A good rule of thumb is to leave at least half of the leaves on each plant.
Wash and dry the leaves
You should wash the spinach leaves as soon as possible after harvesting, to remove any dirt, bugs, or pesticides. You can use a colander or a salad spinner to rinse the leaves under cold water. After this, pat them dry with a paper towel or a cloth. Additionally, you should remove any damaged or yellow leaves, and trim any tough stems.
Enjoy or store the leaves
You can eat the spinach leaves fresh, or store them in the refrigerator or freezer for later use. We'll explain how to store and freeze spinach in the next sections.
How to Harvest Spinach Seeds?
If you want to save some spinach seeds for the next season or share them with your friends and family, you must let some spinach plants bolt and produce flowers and seeds. Here are the steps to follow to harvest spinach seeds:
Select the best plants to save seeds from
It would be best if you chose healthy, vigorous, and productive plants with the desired characteristics. Some of these are the flavor, size, color, and disease resistance.
Apart from these, you should also avoid saving seeds from hybrid varieties, as they will not produce true-to-type plants. You should look for open-pollinated or heirloom varieties, which will produce plants that are similar to the parent plants.
Isolate the plants to prevent cross-pollination
Spinach is a wind-pollinated crop, which means that it can cross-pollinate with other spinach plants or related plants, such as beets, chard, or quinoa, within a distance of up to a mile. This can result in seeds that have different traits than the parent plants. To prevent cross-pollination, you should isolate the plants you want to save seeds from, by either planting them far away from other spinach plants or related plants, or covering them with a mesh bag or a cage.
Let the plants flower and set seeds
You should let the plants bolt and produce flowers, which are small and yellow, and then wait for the seeds to form and mature. The seeds are round and black, and they are enclosed in a spiny husk. The seeds are ready to harvest when they are dry and hard, and the husks are brown and brittle, usually about four to six weeks after flowering.
Harvest and clean the seeds
You should cut the seed stalks and place them in a paper bag or a bucket, and then shake or rub them to release the seeds from the husks.
Furthermore, you should then winnow the seeds, which separates the seeds from the chaff or the husks and other debris. You can do this by blowing or fanning the seeds or using a screen or a sieve. You should end up with clean and shiny seeds.
Store the seeds
It would be best if you stored the spinach seeds in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a jar, a tin, or a plastic bag. You should also label the seeds with the variety name and the date of harvest. Besides, you can store the spinach seeds for up to five years, but they will germinate better if you use them within two to three years.
How to Store and Freeze Spinach?
Spinach is best eaten fresh, as it loses its flavor and texture quickly. However, if you have a large harvest, or you want to preserve spinach for later use, you can store or freeze it. Here are the best ways to store and freeze spinach:
Store spinach in the refrigerator
You can store fresh spinach in the refrigerator for up to a week if you keep it in a perforated plastic bag or a container with a lid. However, you should avoid washing the spinach before storing it, as this will make it wilt faster. You should wash the spinach just before using it.
Freeze spinach raw
You can freeze raw spinach without blanching it, which is a process of briefly cooking and cooling the vegetables to stop the enzyme activity that causes them to spoil. However, freezing raw spinach will result in a mushy and watery texture and a loss of flavor and nutrients. To freeze raw spinach, you should wash and dry the leaves, and then pack them in freezer bags or containers, leaving some space for expansion. You can freeze raw spinach for up to six months, and use it in smoothies, soups, or casseroles.
Freeze spinach blanched
You can freeze blanched spinach, which will retain its color, texture, flavor, and nutrients better than raw spinach. To freeze blanched spinach, you should wash and trim the leaves, and then blanch them in boiling water for one to two minutes, depending on the size of the leaves.
You should then drain and cool the leaves, and squeeze out the excess water. You can then pack the leaves in freezer bags or containers, leaving some space for expansion. Furthermore, you can freeze blanched spinach for up to a year, and use it in salads, sandwiches, or quiches.
Things to Keep in Mind: How to Grow Spinach Successfully?
Spinach is a cool-season crop that grows best in the spring and fall, when the temperatures are between 40°F and 75°F. It can tolerate light frost but not heat or drought. Spinach also prefers moist, fertile, and well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Here are some tips and tricks on how to grow spinach successfully:
Choose the right variety
There are many types of spinach, but the most common varieties are savoy, semi-savoy, and flat-leafed. Savoy spinach has dark green, crinkly leaves that are great for salads and wraps. Semi-savoy spinach has slightly curled leaves that are more resistant to diseases and bolting. Flat-leafed spinach has smooth, broad leaves that are easy to clean and process. You can also choose spinach varieties based on their maturity time, bolt resistance, flavor, and color. Bloomsdale, Tyee, Space, Melody, and Red Kitten are popular spinach varieties.
Sow the seeds
You can sow spinach seeds directly in the garden, or start them indoors and transplant them later. The best time to sow spinach seeds is in early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked, or in late summer or early fall, for a winter harvest. You can also sow spinach seeds every two to three weeks, for a continuous harvest.
Besides this, you should sow the seeds about half an inch deep, and one to two inches apart, in rows that are 12 to 18 inches apart. You should water the seeds well, and keep the soil moist until they germinate, which usually takes seven to 14 days.
Thin the seedlings
When the spinach seedlings have two to four true leaves, you should thin them to avoid overcrowding and competition. You should leave about four to six inches of space between each plant, and eat or transplant the thinned seedlings. You should also weed the area around the spinach plants regularly, to prevent pests and diseases.
Harvest the leaves
Depending on the variety, you can start harvesting spinach leaves when they are big enough to eat, usually about 25 to 50 days after sowing. You can either harvest the whole plant or pick individual leaves from the outer part of the plant, leaving the inner leaves to grow.
Additionally, you should harvest spinach in the morning, when the leaves are crisp and fresh, and before the sun gets too hot. You should also harvest spinach before it starts to bolt, which is when it produces flowers and seeds, and becomes bitter and tough.
How to Use Spinach in Different Cuisines and Recipes?
Spinach is a versatile vegetable that can be used in many different cuisines and recipes. Whether you want to make a salad, a soup, a pasta, a pie, or a smoothie, spinach can add flavor, color, and nutrition to your dish. Here are some examples of how to use spinach in different cuisines and recipes:
Mediterranean cuisine
Spinach is a staple ingredient in many Mediterranean dishes, such as spanakopita, a Greek pie made with spinach and feta cheese wrapped in phyllo dough, or spinach and chickpea stew, a Moroccan dish flavored with cumin, paprika, and lemon juice. You can also make a simple spinach salad with tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese, dressed with olive oil and vinegar.
Asian cuisine
Spinach is widely used in Asian cuisine, especially in Chinese, Japanese, and Indian dishes. You can make a Chinese spinach and tofu stir-fry with garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil, or a Japanese spinach and sesame salad with rice vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce. You can also make an Indian spinach and potato curry with onion, garlic, ginger, turmeric, and garam masala, or a spinach and paneer cheese dish with cream, tomato, and fenugreek.
Italian cuisine
Spinach is a common ingredient in Italian cuisine, especially in pasta, pizza, and lasagna. You can make a spinach and ricotta ravioli with butter and sage sauce, or a spinach and mushroom pizza with mozzarella and parmesan cheese. You can also make a spinach and cheese lasagna with béchamel sauce, or a spinach and artichoke dip with cream cheese and sour cream.
American cuisine
Spinach is also popular in American cuisine, especially salads, sandwiches, and casseroles. You can make a spinach and strawberry salad with almonds and poppy seed dressing or a spinach and bacon sandwich with mayonnaise and mustard. You can also make a spinach and cheese casserole with eggs, milk, and breadcrumbs, or a spinach and artichoke quiche with pie crust and cheddar cheese.
Wrapping It Up!
Spinach is a wonderful vegetable that you can harvest, store, and use in various ways. It's easy to grow, harvest, and store spinach, as long as you follow some simple steps and tips. It's also healthy, delicious, and versatile, as you can use it in many different cuisines and recipes. Spinach is a green treasure that you don't want to miss.
If you want to know about how to harvest spinach, I hope that this blog has been of help to you. If there are any other queries related to the same, please feel free to let me know. All that you need to do is scroll down till you reach the bottom of the page. Then, leave your comments and suggestions in the box below. And I will be ether to answer them all for you.
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