Practical Nursery Ideas

Are you ready to design your nursery but don’t know where to start? We understand how complicated it is to get a nursery together because of the various designs and ideas there are. We picked our favorite nursery designs to give you a little extra help on why we picked these nurseries. While everyone wants a super cute nursery, you have to remember how practical everything is in the room. If it doesn’t serve any purpose, leave some space! You’ll end up getting stuff overtime, and if you just shove everything in the nursery, you’ll have no room.

We love this layout of the nursery. It is simple, yet looks so adorable. We especially love how the bed is free of extra stuffed animals and blankets. That is great to reduce SIDS or the baby suffocating. We love how there is a chair for nursing and a changing table, and a plant for decor. This is a perfect example of everything practical.

This is a great idea to incorporate by your changing table if the changing table does not have efficient drawers. This is laying out everything you would need to change the baby and easily accessible for you to just grab right there instead of having to move all around the room to gather everything you would need.

We love this one because they were able to decorate the walls and use a rug to bring the vibes of the room together. We love how everything in here is practical for mom and baby, such as the side table in case mom needs to set things on it. This is a great way to make the room themed but leave open space for the future.

Another perfect example of utilizing wall space to make a statement and theme of the room. We love it!

We love this because it looks comforting for both baby and parents. The bed matches with the wall and brings in that rustic aesthetic and the books and toys are mounted on the wall for open floor space since baby won’t be able to use it for a long time. It also gives easy access in case the parent needs to quickly grab a book or a pacifier.

This is a great layout for the changing table and the dresser to be so close to each other. It makes it easy for changing into clothes after a diaper change.

We love how everything matches in this room. We don’t agree on the objects in the bed, but we love how the bedding and changing table match each other and it really brings the room together with a matching set.

We love how there are clothes on the wall right next to the crib for easy access to always have something readily available to put the baby in. It’s definitely practical and matches the rooms theme and looks adorable.

We love how everything accents the wall. This is a great way to make a very feminine nursery.

Guest Contributor: Tiffany Powell

What You Need To Know About Central Air Conditioning

Almost everyone wants to have central air conditioning in their households. It is a very sought-after asset when turning a house into a home. 

But how to identify it? Central air conditioners chill or heat the air that flows throughout a house. They must first draw in cold or hot air from outside before distributing it around the house.

People choose central air conditioning over individual window units or portable air conditioners because it is more energy-efficient. Do you intend to install central air conditioning? Here are some points to consider.

1. What is central air conditioning, and how does it work?

What is central air conditioning in terms of heating and cooling? Cooling your home using chilled refrigerant is central air conditioning. Then, the cooled air is spread throughout your home through your ductwork. Central air conditioning isn't only for huge houses or companies; it can be used in smaller spaces! 

No matter your home's size, you may benefit from central air conditioning this summer. The cold and dehumidified air is circulated through the ventilation system to keep the area's atmosphere comfortable. As a result, the cooled and dehumidified air is circulated back into the room. 

Indoor and outdoor compressor/condenser units are typical, as are refrigerant pipelines and controls for central air conditioning units. While many central air conditioning systems are on the market today, they all work similarly.

2. Advantages of central air conditioning

This time of year brings scorching weather and high humidity. It's been a challenging year without central air conditioning. Installing central air conditioning is a great way to keep your home cool and relaxing in the summer. Installing central air conditioning in your home provides the following benefits:

 ●      On those hot summer days, air conditioning is a welcome relief.

●      Maintaining a healthy interior environment is made easier by using an AC system.

●      We save money on energy costs since central air conditioning is energy efficient.

●      Living in warm areas is now possible because of air conditioning.

●      Due to air conditioning, which allows us to stay comfortable, we can work or study inside on hot days.

3. How to Select the Best Central A/C System for Your Home 

A heat wave without air conditioning is something no one wants to experience. Suppose your present air conditioner is nearing the end of its useful life. In that case, it may be time to begin looking for a replacement. How do you choose the best central air conditioning system for your house when so many options are available? 

●      First, consider how big your house is. A unit that's too small won't be able to cool your entire home, while a unit that's too big will waste energy and money.

●      Decide on the size of the air conditioner you need to install.

●      Select the type of central air conditioning system you desire.

●      Opt for a rating based on energy efficiency.

●      Identify a service provider. When you hire an air conditioning contractor, you want them to know the product and have experience with HVAC systems.

4. The price of putting in a new central air conditioning system.

According to HomeAdvisor, as of December 2021, central air conditioning costs an average of $5,637 to install, with more extensive or more updated systems costing $7,500 or more. An expensive purchase, but one that is necessary to enjoy a calm and pleasant home throughout the hot summer months. 

Before you buy a new system, you should do some research to make sure you get the best one for your house and your wallet. Size, type, and brand are essential factors to consider when purchasing a new air conditioner.

5. How to Take Care of Your Central A/C System

Like any other piece of equipment in your house, annual maintenance of your air conditioner is essential. This guarantees that it operates correctly and keeps you comfortable during the summer. Some pointers on properly maintaining your air conditioning machine are provided below.

●      Replace or clean your air filter at least once a month, or more frequently if necessary. A clogged filter will impede airflow and lower the efficiency of the device. 

●      Maintaining the evaporator coils is also essential; dust and grime may accumulate on them over time, reducing the system's cooling capability. 

●      Finally, schedule frequent tune-ups with a certified HVAC professional to ensure that your air conditioning system continues to operate at optimal performance levels. 

We're excited to be able to assist you in staying cool this summer!

Aquaflame Heating & Cooling Ltd. is here to help you keep your home comfortable all year round. Our experienced technicians are available for air conditioning service, central air installation, and ac repair in Surrey. We can also help you choose the best system for your requirements and budget. Request an estimate online or book a consultation now!

Guest Contributor: Michael Angelo

What should you know before hiring a carpet cleaner?

Carpets are sufficient to add a royal and classy look to the home. But, it can be damaged and dirty if the homeowners do not focus on its maintenance. There are DIY methods, too, for removing food spills or stains. In these methods, maybe you do not get the quality of results like professional carpet cleaning San Diego service provides. 

Before hiring professional carpet cleaning services San Diego, make sure you invest money on best and get accurate outcomes. Consider the below-mentioned information to hire the best carpet cleaners for cleaning the lavishing and expensive carpets. 

Tips for finding the best carpet cleaners: 

Here is the list of a few essential tips that help you in choosing the exemplary service for carpet cleaning. 

1.Types of services they provide

The essential thing you need to figure out is what types of services they provide to clean the carpet. Are their services accurate for you? Do you want stain cleaning, or do you need carpet restoration?  

If the company offers the services per requirements, you can search more about the providers. Otherwise, you need to continue your research until you get the best cleaning service that resolves all your carpet cleaning requirements. 

2.Experience they have 

The next thing to look for is their experience in this specific industry. Ensure that professional carpet cleaning San Diego service has experience of a couple of years. A company with great experience knows how to deal with different carpet-related problems. 

Experience of numerous years means they can quickly answer all of your questions that their clients have regarding the services. Due to all these reasons, it is required to check the experience. 

3.Recommendations and Reviews 

When the carpet cleaning service provides supreme quality of work, they get positive reviews and great recognition from their clients. Hence, you can ask the questions from your friends and consider their recommendations. 

To enhance the business, most carpet cleaning providers promote their services on social platforms. You can read their reviews and check their comment section. The customer’s reviews enhance the credibility of the service. 

4.Prices

The cost of carpet cleaning relies on different aspects. The homeowners can ask for their price range before hiring them. If it comes in your budget, you can re-think their services. Before that, you can measure the square foot of carpet to get an estimated idea about the cost. 

Not all the time, choosing a cheap option works best for you. The quality of service also relies on the price they charge. Cheap pricing means you may get the average cleaning service. Additionally, you can gather the knowledge whether their charges include moving fees or not. 

5.Cleaning Methods 

The homeowners must pay attention to the cleaning methods they implement. In this case, they give preference to harmful chemicals your carpet may have deteriorated. Additionally, it can also have adverse effects on health. Here is the list of some steps that cleaning services consider: 

Vacuum to clean debris or dirt 

Use special chemicals to wipe out the solid dirt 

Again they do vacuum 

Dry the carpets

Aside from that, each company has different criteria for cleaning. So, look for what sort of cleaning method they use. 

6.License and Insurance 

The professional carpet cleaning provider you should consider possessing a license to operate an insurance policy. Consider whether their professionals get the training or not. Additionally, ensure that their technicians have professional carpet cleaning certification. 

7.Use the green cleaners. 

The professional and reputable carpet cleaning service gives preference to green cleaners. These kinds of cleaners are safe for family members as pets. Additionally, before hiring, check what chemicals they use, either environmentally friendly or not. These kinds of chemicals will accurately clean the carpet. 

So, these are essential things you must consider while selecting the best Carpet Cleaning Companies San Diego . Additionally, there are several other ways to maintain the beauty of the carpet. 

How to maintain the shine of carpet

Purchasing the carpet is a considerable investment for homeowners. Additionally, replacing them also costs you a lot. Hence, keeping your carpet clean and free from stains, debris, and dust is essential. By cleaning them frequently, you can enhance your carpet's life. The below-mentioned information helps you in maintaining the shine of the carpet: 

1.Stop dirt at the door 

A great way to enhance the beauty of carpet is keeping the dirt away. You can use doormats at the door, and Additionally ask your relatives to wipe the shoes before entering the house. 

2.Vacuum Regularly

Vacuuming is the easiest and most effective way to clean the carpet. With this method, you can enhance your carpet's life. You can fix the schedule of cleaning the carpet with a vacuum-like once a week. After that, check the vacuum bag and clean it if it is full. Otherwise, the vacuum will lose the suction. 

3.Treat Stains quickly 

Delay in cleaning the stain means it is harder to remove. Instead of using a white paper towel, you can blot the stain. Additionally, do not use colored cloth for cleaning the carpet, and there are chances that dye will be transferred to the clothes. 

4.Take professional help. 

Along with vacuuming, help from professional Carpet Cleaning San Diego, CA is equally essential. The professional cleaner uses different chemicals to clean the carpet. Hence, you can choose the best and most experienced professional service to enhance the lifespan of your carpet. 

5.Stop wearing the shoes in the house.

To maintain the carpet's shine, you need to ditch the shoes inside the house. Dirty shoes are the house of dirt and bacteria on the carpet. So, before entering the house, remove the shoes. You can also use the sign for the individuals to take off the shoes outside the home. 

Final Verdicts 

So, with the guidelines mentioned above, you can select the professional service. Right from prices to cleaning methods, each thing matters a lot. Gather the information and then make the decision based upon the reviews, services, and recommendations.   

5 Ideas to Include in Your Bathroom Remodeling Process

Bathrooms, perhaps more than kitchens, are the most popular remodeling projects among homeowners. Because bathrooms are smaller than kitchens, the work is easier and quicker. In addition, the smaller area equals lower costs, less carpeting, and paint a smaller countertop and fewer cabinets. A remodeled bathroom increases the value of your property, modernizes its appearance, and improves its suitability for your requirements. While remodeling, it is also an excellent opportunity to make upgrades that can benefit you and your family for many years. If you're redesigning your bathroom, consider adding one or more of these crucial improvements to improve the space's practicality, storage, and comfort.

1.   Enhance the Lighting

Consider modifying or adding to your present lighting as you plan your bathroom makeover to improve the space's utility and ambiance. A dimmer for the leading lights is an effective lighting upgrade. If you enjoy taking long baths, you know how unpleasant they are under whole artificial light. A dimmer allows you to create the perfect atmosphere. Also, install recessed lighting around the mirror to provide the most outstanding possible illumination for fixing your hair, applying cosmetics, shaving, or any other job that necessitates a lot of light. Furthermore, instead of placing lights around the shower, consider putting them inside it. When your batteries are adequately lit, you may discover that they are more enjoyable and safer.

2.   Go for Heated Flooring 

Think about installing heated flooring to your bathroom makeover if you're replacing the floors. Heated flooring is inexpensive to install and will increase the value of your property. Furthermore, because they heat an area more efficiently than a central heating system, they can save you money in energy expenditures in the long run. Additionally, heated floors will improve your comfort significantly, especially if you live in a cold environment. The majority of bathroom floor tiles are frigid by nature. However, even if the floor heating is turned on for a short period, the tiles will keep the heat for an extended period.

3.   Modernize the Toilet

Most individuals are so focused on the bathroom's décor that they forget about the toilet. Upgrading the toilet is also another bathroom remodeling idea, and if you are using an old toilet, it might be time to update it. Upgrading to a modern model might help you save money on your water bill in the long run. You should consider installing a toilet and sink combo or installing a bidet in your bathroom to save money on toilet paper and assist the environment. Another factor to consider while selecting a toilet is the type of toilet. If you don't go for a bidet in your makeover, toilet seats with a bidet function are also available and affordable. Soft-closing toilet seats and heated toilet seats are also other alternatives.

4.   Create Ample Storage

While your bathroom redesign may be aimed at creating a clean and sleek spa-like atmosphere, don't forget to incorporate enough storage. You'll need enough drawers, cabinets, and shelves to comfortably store all your bathroom things and leave enough room for future purchases. Ensure that the storage will fit into your daily routine. For example, choose a cabinet with adequate storage space to keep goods you frequently use close at hand since they may end up cluttering your counters and detracting from the overall appearance of your lovely new bathroom.

5.   Select Your Accessories Carefully

When choosing the final touches for your new bathroom, ensure they blend to create a unified look. Choose towel bars with metallic finishes that complement your faucets, for example. Also, instead of an old plastic soap dispenser that would appear dingy against your new stone countertop, consider spending on a little more costly soap dispenser. Additionally, don't overcrowd your new bathroom with items at once. Try living with only the necessities to understand what you truly need in the room. Afterward, you may choose goods that suit both your design tastes and your way of living.

Since you can't relocate many things, remodeling a bathroom might be a challenging undertaking. You'll need the appropriate bathroom renovation provider with a strategy and approach to accomplish it correctly. Most people are unaware of the many stages that their bathroom will go through from start to finish. However, the wait is worth it, and decent renovation work will give your bathroom a new stylish look.

Guest Contributor: Maggie Bloom

What You Need to Know Before Buying an Old House

May 18th, 2021

Max Anderson

Photo Credit: Alamy Stock Photo

With their aesthetic character and distinctive charm, old houses are staples on the real estate market. In fact, many buyers aren’t interested in new constructions at all and prefer the qualities of homes built in certain styles or eras. However, an older home isn’t right for every sort of buyer. Notorious for their maintenance needs, old houses may also pose a good deal of expense for homeowners. If you’re getting ready to shop for a home, you’ll want to consider the pros and cons of buying an old house and whether or not this purchase is truly right for you.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Old Houses?

Photo Credit: Alamy Stock Photo

Every real estate purchase will have its upside and downside. However, there are some unique pros and cons associated with older houses that you should consider before you buy one. In fact, many older homeowners often say that they wish they knew more about what they were getting into before they signed the purchase contract. Even so, it’s important to remember that every house is different, and one person’s experience with an older house is going to be different, for better or worse, than someone else’s. The trick is to know everything you can before you buy so that you can weigh the pros and cons of your decision carefully. 

Pros of Older Houses

Generally speaking, there are many benefits to owning an older house. Let’s explore:

Charm and Character

People who love older homes are typically attracted to their charming old aesthetic or historic character. Today, home builders tend to be more rushed to create functional houses that satisfy the demands of their investors. These constructions often can’t boast the craftsmanship and attention to design details that older homes are famous for.

Price Tag

People who love older homes are typically attracted to their charming old aesthetic or historic character. Today, home builders tend to be more rushed to create functional houses that satisfy the demands of their investors. These constructions often can’t boast the craftsmanship and attention to design details that older homes are famous for.

Investment Opportunity

Some buyers prefer older homes that need updating. Making these renovations can help them to substantially boost the value of the house,allowing them to make a profit should they decide to resell the home. 

What about the Cons of Buying an Old House?

Of course, old homes aren’t all rainbows and roses. It’s important to understand what you may be getting into when you purchase that quaint old construction:

Maintenance and Expense

While many buyers enjoy getting a bargain price for their old house, they may find that what they saved at closing time will be spent tenfold to update and repair the house. Unless essential home features have already been updated at the time of purchase, elements like the roof, HVAC system, insulation, or siding may need replacing or considerable repair. 

Outdated Building Codes

Many older homes need updates to bring them up to code. Plumbing and electrical systems in old houses are often in need of attention, and making the updates can be expensive. 

Roots

Tree roots can plague older homes. Once these roots get into the seams of old sewer lines, they can block them and cause major clogs. Homeowners who have to replace these lines because the roots have caused them to collapse could be looking at major repairs—and replacement costs in the thousands. 

Buying Old vs Buying New

Photo Credit: Alamy Stock Photo

Now that you know the general pros and cons associated with an older home purchase, you can forge ahead if you’re still inclined. Once you start visiting homes, take time to compare the older houses versus the new ones. Be sure to visit both so that you can more easily compare and contrast them. Once you’re certain you’re up for the maintenance and repair required for an old home, it’s time to start looking. Use the following tips to help find and purchase your new older home.

What Are Your Must-Have Features?

When house hunting, carefully list your must-have features in a home. What do you absolutely want to have? The lack of these features could be your deal breakers. List out these must-haves and be sure to share them with your real estate agent. Some common must-have house features include:

• Master bedroom suite (with master bathroom)

• Walk-in closets

• Basement

• Attached garage

• Mud room

• Walk-in pantry

• One level

• Updated kitchen

When you know your must-haves, you’ll have an easier time ruling out unsatisfactory houses.

Set Your Budget

When you go into the purchase of any home, be sure you know your budget—and be prepared to stick to it. In the case of an old house, however, your budget should include a detailed plan of the home’s suspected maintenance and repair costs. You need to be prepared to manage these expenses that sometimes come due sooner than you may have planned for, like a furnace replacement or new roof.

Get Ready to Negotiate

Once you have your inspection in hand, you may choose to negotiate. Negotiation is commonplace when buying an old house. Your inspection may uncover problems that don’t necessarily deter you from a purchase, but do deter you from paying the seller’s current asking price. Knowing that you need to perform updates or repairs that were unknown prior to the inspection can impact what you may be willing to pay. 

When negotiating, remember that your argument for a price reduction will be stronger if you can present the cost estimates for the work needed. On the other hand, you may also request that the seller complete the updates or repairs as part of your negotiation. Often, sellers are willing to make the necessary fixes, especially if they’re relatively minor, in order to secure the deal.

Get Lots of Quotes

The trick to developing an accurate home update and maintenance budget is to get lots of quotes for the work that may need to be done. This way, you can walk into your purchase wide-eyed, understanding the expense ahead of you. Armed with your inspection, you’ll have a good understanding of what needs to be updated or repaired within the first 1-5 years of moving in. Be sure to include labor costs for any updates that will require the help of professional contractors.

The Importance of Home Inspections

Photo Credit: Alamy Stock Photo

No matter what type of house you’re looking for, you should never forgo the home inspection. These are particularly important when buying an old house. You should know exactly what condition the house and its essential components are in. Sellers and their real estate agents are going to highlight all the benefits of the house while attempting to minimize any of its problems. Their goal, after all, is to sell the property.

A home inspector provides an unbiased examination of the house and all of its major features, from the foundation to the roof. Problems with the electrical system or plumbing, for instance, may cause you to reconsider your purchase. 

Always hire an experienced home inspector to perform your old house inspection. In fact, you might even want to ask if they perform more inspections in older homes rather than newer ones. The inspection is crucial to your serious consideration of a home. When the inspection is complete, be sure to scour the report, and focus particularly on these elements:

Hazardous materials

The presence of hazardous materials such as asbestos, which may be present in flooring tiles or the other features of the house, or lead paint will demand attention. In fact, any house built before 1978 could very well contain hazardous materials that buyers need to know about. Although these may not be deal breakers, you need to be aware of how to manage them should you move into the home. 

Foundation Concerns

Foundation or structural problems could cost upwards of $10,000 to repair. In fact, these issues are so serious that some lenders may refuse to approve a mortgage for homes with structural problems, at least until the problems are repaired or the bank and buyer come to an agreement about when the repair work will be completed. 

Other Concerns

Check the inspection report to ascertain the home’s radon levels. When radon gas becomes trapped in a home—often older homes with poorer ventilation—it can become hazardous to humans. Also, spend time pursuing the inspection’s sections on the electrical and plumbing systems. Electrical systems that aren’t up to code can be fire risks. Plumbing systems with leaks can be costly to repair and may leave the home vulnerable to moisture and water damage.

Is an Old Home Worth It?

For many people who love the idea of renovating or maintaining a beautiful older home, the work and expense is well worth it. However, it always depends on the individuals in question and the house in particular. If you’re a do-it-yourselfer or your budget allows for your home’s maintenance and needed repair work, you may find that an old house is the perfect home for you.

Orignial Post on: ISN

Everything You Need To Know About BPA Free Spring Water

BPA free has been quite the buzzword for the past few years since the FDA banned its use in a few product segments back in 2012. A very thin BPA (bisphenol A) liner was and is used in food and beverage containers to prevent the contents from coming into contact with the container. Sounds great and safe, right? I mean why would you actively want your bottled water coming into contact with plastic until you drink it or your canned vegetable sitting on a shelf coming into direct contact with a steel can? Insert science and we figured out that the idea of a liner is great, just not one that contains BPA since the BPA liner can actually leech into your products. Having high levels of BPA in your body can lead to some health risks like high blood pressure, heart issues, and diabetes. The FDA has actually only limited the use of BPA liners in consumer-packaged goods designed for infants and young children, not the general public. 

So the simple solution is - don’t use BPA liners anymore, and most companies do not. However, studies have shown that about 10% of consumer packaged goods still use a BPA liner.         

Let’s get back to water - how can we make sure that you are buying BPA free water bottles? Most companies like to mention somewhere on their packaging that they are “BPA Free Spring Water” or that they are a “Bottled Water BPA Free Brand” to let consumers easily identify that they have BPA free water, so that’s easy enough. Surprisingly enough there are no regulations that require a company to list if the product contains BPA or if it is BPA free, so you might want to air on the side of caution and choose a water brand that proudly states they don’t use BPA water bottles and actually put some thought into their product. However, it is worth mentioning that even BPA free plastic (PET) bottled waters still have chemicals like phthalates that have been shown to seep into the water they hold, especially when they’re exposed to extreme temperatures or stored for a long time (maybe rotate out that case of water that’s been in the back of the pantry for a while or the bottle rolling around the floor of your car). It’s almost liked these companies decided to take a step in the right direction and use BPA free water bottles only to take two steps back and use a PET product that leeches other chemicals into our drinking water. So, beware of plastic bottled waters that proudly carry the “BPA Free Water” statement because you might not be drinking BPA but you might be drinking other chemicals instead. I won’t even go into how little these PET bottles are recycled or how they can only be down cycled when and if they are actually recycled. 

So, you have to be thinking - is any bottled water actually good for me (and also the planet if you try to be green)? I think we can all agree that you should start with BPA free spring water since it’s natural and doesn’t have things removed/added in like purified, reverse osmosis, or municipal waters and you’re checking the box of BPA free. Next, we should think about the packaging holding our water and how it affects our water (can’t forget the PET stuff and all the phthalate problems), and here’s where we choose BPA free aluminum water bottles. Aluminum is now and always will be the simplest answer to our plastic dependence as well as the growing problem of plastic leaching into our drinking water. BPA free spring water brands are everywhere, but how many bottles in aluminum? Not many. As consumers, we are shifting our purchasing habits toward more sustainable and healthy choices every day so it is only a matter of time before we see more planet friendly choices on the shelves. Choose the best option for you and your family, simply because BPA free spring water makes the most sense: water that is natural and planet-friendly and when you accompany it with an aluminum bottle, you’ve got a winner. 

RAIN prides itself on being a BPA free spring water brand that bottles natural spring water right at the source. We’re committed to sustainability from the water source deep in the Appalachian Mountains, to the 100% recyclable aluminum bottles that we fill. RAIN uses a thin non-BPA acrylic liner to keep your natural spring water from coming into contact with the aluminum bottle - making sure that there is nothing harmful in any bottle you open. Unlike our PET counterparts, we make sure that the water you’re drinking is just that - water. There are a lot of BPA free aluminum bottled water companies out there so next time you are in the store, pick one up and make sure the company lives up to its promises. If they say they’re sustainable then check behind them; if they say they’re natural spring water, look and see where the source is. Do a little homework to make sure you’re making the best and most sustainable choice, and when in doubt - reach out. Most companies will be happy to answer any questions on their products and what goes into each. 

Now that we have all learned a little bit more about what bisphenol A is and what it means when a product is not “BPA Free” we can apply that logic to more of our consumer packaged goods choices across the board. When it comes to our water, BPA free does not always mean nothing is getting into your water, as noted with traditional plastic (PET) where microplastics can seep in, even with a BPA free liner. I know the next time I am in the store looking for a cold bottle of water I’m going to run through my checklist and make sure that I’m picking a BPA free natural spring water in a planet friendly aluminum bottle. 

Guest Contributor: William Ethan            

7 Tips for Decorating a Combined Living and Dining Room

We all spend a lot of time in our living and dining rooms. The biggest challenge people face when decorating these rooms is how to make them attractive yet usable. So how can you create a cohesive space that is not looking overburdening? 

Consider the function

Start by studying the space and examining your habits. If you love to watch your favorite TV show while eating at the living room table, focus more on the living room of your dreams and equip the dining room with a smaller table. On the other hand, if you have a habit of enjoying meals with your family and friends, a bigger dining table with plenty of seating will be necessary for your needs. 

Define traffic flow

If you have to swerve around furniture and storage to get from your living room to your dining space, you need to rethink your design. In most cases, the sofa is placed against the wall, leaving the center of the room empty. This allows good traffic, but it also looks boring. Another option is to place the sofa in the center of the living room with the dining table behind it. With this layout, you still have enough floor space to move around, but you don’t have to stare at the dining table and kitchen all the time. 

Connect the space with color

Unless you thrive in Bohemian and eclectic spaces, it’s best to keep your color palette simple and neutral in an open floor apartment with combined living rooms and dining rooms. Select your base color and use its varying shades to create coherent space. For instance, white can be your dominant color used to bring together all design elements. To break the monotony, you can use bright warm colors in details and accessories like art, pillows, dining plates and even chairs. 

Match bigger pieces of furniture

To create an even more coherent look in your small space, use bigger pieces of furniture that match. No matter the style you’re going for, timeless Amish dining furniture has a recognizable look and exceptional quality that can perfectly connect the space together and stay with you for a long time. For instance, you can grab a dining room set and combine it with a beautiful Amish hutch or a buffet. Since these bigger pieces attract the most attention, their matching nature will tie everything together even if you include some details that will separate the dining room from the living quarters. 

Separate the space with furniture

If you’re trying to divide your shared living room and dining room into two distinct spaces, the easiest way to achieve that is by using large furniture pieces to draw the visual line. After you place your sofa in a way that cuts the space in two, you can also reach for a heavy kitchen island that will keep the kitchen and dining room separated from the rest of the house. If your space is too small to create a full dining room, you can grab a smaller desk and place it directly against the back of your sofa. 

When you have friends over, just slide the bench tucked underneath and you can enjoy a nice dinner without a huge dining table overburdening the space. But if you have enough room, make sure to nicely define your dining room with a dining room set with chairs or benches and a proper table. 

Boost storage with smart solutions

One of the biggest issues in small spaces with shared living rooms and dining rooms is storage. But with built-in shelves and double-duty pieces you can neatly store your book collection, seasonal decoration and all other knick-knacks. Think an ottoman with under-the-seat storage, couch with draws, coffee table with shelves underneath and cabinet base tables. 

Anchor the space with lighting

As a rule, every functional area should have independent lighting, so think two ceiling fixtures for general lighting, separate task lighting and separate ambient lighting (under the dining room island or around art). Don’t forget to illuminate even the dark corners to make the space look larger. 

We would all love to have huge homes but more times than not, all we can afford are small apartments with shared living and dining rooms. Luckily, now you know many ways you can make these shared spaces work together and provide you with all the functionality and comfort you need. As long as you’re happy and healthy in your small space, a few of these aforementioned design tricks is all you need in your small apartment. 

Written by Mike Johnston

Why is personal and workplace hygiene very important in 2022?

Proper hygiene in the workplace has been a priority since a long time ago. Simply put, all parts of a workplace need to be clean and hygienic both for employees and visitors’ sake. And this goes for all industries, not only certain ones such as food preparation industries. Lack of hygiene in the workplace can lead to unsanitary working conditions, which can cause diseases. Some of these diseases can spread pretty quickly, endangering the lives of your employees as well as your business. In addition, some of these illnesses can even be life-threatening. For all these reasons, we must be mindful of workplace hygiene practices. We’ve always known this, but the recent, still ongoing, seemingly neverending coronavirus outbreak, has reminded us of the importance of maintaining hygiene in the workplace. 

So, in order to know how to maintain hygiene in the workplace, we must first be aware of the concept of basic hygiene. Basic hygiene in the workplace includes personal hygiene, workplace bathroom hygiene and office kitchen hygiene. Workplace hygiene is quintessential for several plausible reasons - more on that a bit later. In order to protect our workplace from bacteria and viruses thriving, we need to employ several practices. These practices encompass regular cleaning of the premises, washing hands and sanitising regularly as well as maintaining personal hygiene.

Basic hygiene in the workplace

Let's start with the notion of basic hygiene in the workplace. What does basic hygiene actually mean? It includes a few essential aspects: personal hygiene, workplace bathroom hygiene and office kitchen hygiene. All of these combined make a workplace clean, safe and hygienic. 

Personal hygiene

Personal hygiene is every individual’s obligation. All the employees need to maintain their personal hygiene at high levels in order to ensure a healthy workforce. A healthy workforce takes less sick leave, which is an advantage for you as an employer. This is in your interest as an employer as a healthy workplace is a happy workplace. And a happy workplace leads to a more productive workplace. 

Workplace bathroom hygiene

One of your obligations as an employer includes providing a functional bathroom. Such a bathroom provides employees with toilet paper, hand soap and towels or dryers. You should encourage your employees to wash their hands thoroughly after using the facilities. Many companies use motivational posters for that purpose. Another thing to keep in mind is that you should hire commercial cleaning services to clean the bathroom(s) regularly, every day. If it’s a huge company with many employees, cleaning should even be done a few times a day. It’s essential to keep these facilities spotless as unhygienic bathrooms provide a perfect spot for thriving germs. 

Office kitchen hygiene

Another room in the company that is used by all employees and that requires special care is the office kitchen. It is the place where employees eat and make coffee. The surfaces need to be cleaned and sanitised whenever used in order to ensure top cleanliness. If the surfaces or the sink are dirty, bacteria thrive easily and can get into your food by air, thus transmitting the bacteria to your body. Depending on the bacteria, it can cause certain illnesses.

The importance of workplace hygiene

Workplace hygiene is important for many reasons. It starts with the employers as it is their duty to provide their employees with a healthy working environment. It includes keeping up with the standards of cleanliness as well as providing their staff as well as customers with safe premises. Not only that but these standards refer to products and services being sold. These hygiene requirements differ from industry to industry. Some are more susceptible than others, so they might require some special measures as there is a risk of some dangerous bacteria thriving. By maintaining proper hygiene in the workplace, we can prevent these bacteria from harming us. 

How to protect your workplace from bacteria and viruses thriving

There are certain measures that both employers and employees can take to ensure a safe and healthy workplace. The first step is up to employers, providing the basics and following rules set by the law. The second step refers to employees following their duties and employers making sure that the employees are conducting according to the set rules. In order to keep your workplace clean, you need to promote good hygiene standards, thus reducing the risk of bacteria and viruses emerging and spreading. There are certain things you can do to protect your workplace. These include cleaning regularly, washing hands and sanitising regularly as well as maintaining personal hygiene. 

Clean regularly

We’ll start with overall workplace cleanliness. In order to provide your staff and customers with a clean and safe working environment, you need to keep it clean. The frequency of cleaning will depend on the size of the company and the traffic. By cleaning your company regularly, you can prevent viruses, such as the coronavirus from spreading.  Proper cleaning practices include cleaning the bathrooms and the kitchen thoroughly, as already mentioned. It also implies deep and periodic cleaning of all the premises, including the surfaces and floors. Disinfecting surfaces and hotspots in high traffic areas is also crucial for maintaining optimal levels of hygiene. 

Wash hands and sanitise regularly

Another hygienic practice that is highly encouraged, especially when it comes to preventing the spread of coronavirus is washing hands frequently. You should provide your staff with clear guidelines on how and when to wash hands. The technique is essential for properly removing germs from hands. You can put up some posters, illustrating your point. Placing sanitisers all over your company and keeping them full also helps in preventing the disease from spreading. 

Maintain personal hygiene

You should encourage your employees strongly to wash their hands regularly and keep them sanitised. That means disinfecting hands before touching shared equipment, for example. Employees should be advised not to touch their faces as well as to use a tissue when coughing or sneezing. 

Workplace hygiene should be at high levels, regardless of the industry. If it involves people working and people using services or buying products, there is a danger of bacteria and virus spread caused by disregarding hygienic practices, which is something we want to avoid at all costs. 

 Guest Contributor: Frank Robertson

5 Tips to Effectively Take Care of Your Backyard Trees

Trees are the most important part of our landscape. Apart from having a relaxing effect, trees are a great way to add some much-needed lushness to your backyard. However, some people forget that they truly need our full attention in order to grow their lovely green crowns. Your backyard trees’ long-term development and health depend on regular upkeep. Here are some ways to maintain your trees in good health.

Take care of the weeds and grass

Controlling the root zone is an important consideration when starting a new tree planting project. Keeping weeds out of your yard is clearly important, but so is ensuring that the roots of your trees have enough room to enable them to flourish. To ensure that your tree has enough space to develop, it is important to keep an eye out for any grass that may be competing with its roots. When you start pruning around your tree, be very careful not to damage its root system.

Plant the right tree species

Let’s go back to the basics! If you want to have trees thriving in your backyard, it’s highly important to have the right species planted. To ensure a full and healthy life for your plant, choose one that is well-suited to the soil, light, and space conditions of your Australian yard. The finest trees for the Australian climate are the Japanese maple, magnolia, and red silky oak, among many others. If you’re still having troubles with picking out the right tree and maintaining it, call your local tree surgeon. A professional arborist in Northern Beaches will know this area and soil best and give you the right recommendation and treatment for your backyard babies.

Be effective when watering

Water is essential for all life and the same goes for your plants and trees. Therefore, watering them correctly is key to their health and well-being. You'll need to water your trees often throughout the warmer months to keep them from drying out. As opposed to a constant sprinkling of water, an occasional soak is much more beneficial. Also, you don't need to water your trees throughout the winter, unless they were just planted. Of course, it’s important to keep in mind that not every tree species has the same watering requirements, so doing some research is crucial. Too much water can be as detrimental to the tree’s health as underwatering.

Pruning and trimming is key

Keeping an eye on your trees as they mature is a necessary part of their growing process. Pruning and trimming of damaged or dead wood will be required in order to restore the proper balance between the canopy and the root system. You should keep an eye out for any wood that may pose a threat in the future as trees mature. Branches that appear like they could rub together or intertwine should be observed for any codominant growth that might lead to future weaknesses. If you notice that you can’t help the tree from developing in the wrong manner, consider removing it from your backyard.

Don’t forget to mulch

Mulch is a tree's greatest companion since it insulates the soil and helps protect it from the extremes of both heat and cold. As a result, the tree does not have to compete with weeds and water for nutrients. Soil compaction is prevented and lawnmower damage is reduced by mulching. These are all the reasons to keep mulching at the top of your tree-care priority list!

Having a healthy backyard is not something you should take lightly. However, if you follow the aforementioned tips, you should have no issues having thriving and luscious backyard greenery. Being smart when watering, pruning, and mulching your trees are all great ways to care for them, provided you’ve planted the adequate species for your climate.

Guest Contributor: Diana Smith

10 Tips to Helping Couples Survive a Home Renovation Project

Home renovations can be fun and exciting when it’s all said and done but the time between initial planning and full completion can be, well, disruptive to say the least. Not only is your home flipped upside down during the project, but your relationship may be strained as you and your partner make big decisions on lasting details. 

Before beginning a major home remodeling project, there are many things every homeowner must consider: the budget, a realistic timeline, dueling design aesthetics, your ability to do the work yourself vs. hiring professionals, the mess and dust in your home, packing away items for months, planning for water and electric shutoffs, protecting kids and pets, and the disruption to your family routine. The one item most people do not consider — and the one that has the potential to do the most damage — is the impact that home renovation can have on a couple’s relationship.  

While it may look easy on television, home renovation is among the most stressful projects a couple can undertake. Over time, the project can expose or even cause serious relationship issues. You should be aware that most couples who renovate a home together do not agree on every last detail. Whether their relationship survives or falls victim to the wrecking ball has far more to do with the way they communicate than the colors they choose for their new space. 

For tips on how to protect your relationship during these trying times, check out the guide below!

Renovating Your Home? 10 Tips To Protecting Your Relationship from The Wellness Counseling Center

Guest Contributor: Grant Kamperschroer