Unique Backyard Playgrounds

Are you looking for ways to spice up your backyard for your kids to play that isn’t the standard playground? We gathered our favorite ideas of backyard playground that can mostly be done DIY style.

Have a child who doesn’t like playing in a playground but you’d like for them to have their own space? This cute little treehouse makes it easy for your little ones to escape to their own area to play and can easily be made with basic lumber.

Already have certain materials but want to spice it up still? Adding the rock climbing wall will definitely add a little extra to the slide and make it a bit more difficult to get up to burn some more energy.

We would recommend this for older children, but a DIY wooden playground seems like so much fun. There is a variety of things to do in such a small space but it definitely will burn some energy and create problem solving skills and aid in strength.

For those children who like rock climbing, make your own wall! This one is completely DIY by using blocks of wood instead of the typical rock climbing materials. Either way, your child should enjoy it just as much.

This one looks like loads of fun! If you don’t want to DIY a whole playground, this is definitely a good idea. Build a nice sturdy base for the playground, and then add things that are in a typical playground.

This is a great idea if you have guests over frequently with other little kiddos. A sandbox connected to a slide that comes off of the porch is an easy way to step away from your kids and let them play since the adults will be close by on the deck, able to supervise.

This jungle gym type of playground looks challenging but so much fun! It’s definitely unique and will challenge the kids to use their skills and problem solving skills.

A little play house with a playground attached to it, that’s the real definition of fun! This one looks almost completely all DIY, but like mentioned before, if you build a sturdy base and add pre-bought things, it will be just as fun!

The colored logs are a cute, creative way to lead to a playing area, and perfectly in the shade!

Guest Contributor: Tiffany Powell

Small Bathroom Interior Inspiration

Adding in a new small bathroom or looking to renovate the bathroom you already have? It’s a good idea to look at other bathrooms to get an idea of what you’d like the remodel to look like.

When you add white to the bathroom it surely makes the bathroom way brighter and inviting. Everything looks well lit and everything matches white when it comes to choosing all of the other materials and decorations.

Using tile is a great way of making your bathroom have a theme and match. The tile can be used to tie in the appliances and make the bathroom look more pleasing to the eye.

Sage green is making it’s come back in 2022! Almost everything matches with sage green, and all of those plant lovers out there love to incorporate it because it looks so good with plants.

Adding a pop of color with the cabinets is a great way to make a statement without having multiple colors in your bathroom or having the bathroom any other color than white.

Farmhouse aesthetics are making a come back as well, and this bathroom is definitely inspired by it. The rug is a pop of color but adds so much detail without overwhelming the bathroom.

Blue, white and gold really compliment each other, and compliment even better when it’s in a tight space like a small bathroom. The colors just go so well together.

Need storage space but don’t like the look of cabinets? This small bathroom is the perfect example of adding storage directly on the wall for all of the bathroom necessities.

Do you want to incorporate your washer and dryer into the bathroom but don’t know how? This is a great way of adding them into the corner but still making it look nice and neat.

In really tight spaces, to make a statement in the bathroom it’s always a good idea to do a textured floor to bring some type of pattern.

Adding different textures makes them both stand out better and give more dimension in the room.

Another beautiful option is adding wallpaper into the room to give the room dimension. A cute vanity and nice wallpaper can really bring the bathroom together.

Small pops of black can really compliment the white in the bathroom and make it look even brighter.

Make the bathroom inspirational! Add pops of color on the shower curtain or the carpet.

A minimalist bathroom but still looks so spacious.

Guest Contributor: Tiffany Powell

Bedroom Color Schemes

Are you updating your bedroom and need inspiration for color schemes? Look no further! We gathered our favorite color schemes so you don’t need to search!

Beautiful shades of pink and purple with the 2 dark shades to bring everything together

Sage green is a beautiful color and not often used for a bedroom color scheme. These shades of green match perfectly together and give off a relaxing aesthetic.

Incorporating different textures like the green blanket really ties together all of the color schemes.

Blue and dusty pink are the perfect colors to pair with each other. They match so beautifully.

This color scheme is unique with the amount of different colors, but they all seem to work so well with one another and compliment each other.

Another blue/grey with dusty pink. These compliment so nice!

A darker more elegant looking aesthetic, the blues really pull together and give a “clean, sleek” vibe to the room.

These are popular colors in 2021/2022 when it comes to putting colors together. The green and burnt orange match so well together.

Another dark blue room, except this time it’s brightened up by the choice of the blankets.

A range of different colors that blend so beautifully together!

Guest Contributor: Tiffany Powell

Why is Drano Bad for your Pipes?

It happens to everyone, a clog in one of your drains. Most people panic, and run straight to Google to find DIY solutions on how to unclog the drain. We’ve all heard the phrase, “you can’t trust everything you see on the internet,” and this is one of those times where you can’t trust what the internet says.

The main thing you’ll probably see is the drain cleaner, Drano. We urge you to not use Drano in your pipes for many reasons. Sure, it’ll get rid of the problem. But, it only fixes the problem temporarily, and when it comes to clogs, you want to get to the main issue sooner rather than later. The repairs that it could cause could be very expensive and avoided if Drano is not used.

So, what is Drano? According to Drano.com, “they contain ingredients chemicals that quickly dissolve hair, soap scum and gunk. You can use Drano® Clog Removers to unclog a kitchen sink, bathroom sink, shower or clogged bathtub, but DO NOT use them in toilets.” When pouring Drano in your drains, almost instantly you will see the issue go through a reaction.

That doesn't seem like a problem, right?

Wrong!

Drano has corrosive abilities because of its strong ability to break down even the toughest clogs. Since it is corrosive, it can ruin PVC, eat at pipes or cause toilet bowls to crack (even though Drano has advertised it is NOT meant for toilets).

Since there is a build up of multiple things in your drain causing the clog, you can create a chemical reaction between the gunk in the drain and the chemicals from Drano. This can emit fumes that shouldn’t be inhaled, and if you were using a plunger with the assistance of Drano and it splashes you, it can burn your skin, eyes, or mouth. If you have tried any other remedies that involve chemicals before going to Drano, you can create a toxic chemical fume from combining those products.

Once Drano unclogs your mess, it can still contaminate water and continue to ruin your pipes without you knowing it. Drano is a temporary fix that usually will end up causing other issues in the long run.

Guest Contributor: Tiffany Powell

Six Typical Issues with Your Residential Water Heater

The water heater is one of the most valuable electrical appliances in your home, especially in winters. It is true that it may not be visible to your naked eyes all the time, but the truth is it offers hot water every time you need it. In short, if it causes any of the small issues, it is like a significant disruption. 

Especially in the winter season when all your household work depends on hot water, from washing hands to washing dishes or clothes. That's why it becomes essential to understand some of the common issues of your water heater because it may stop working. 

However, the reason to know about these issues is you can diagnose them correctly and, if not, can take appropriate action by calling the best water heater repair San Diego. So, let's dive deep into the issues of water heaters and what you can do to fix them to get your hot water back: -

1.Not enough hot water is common, that water heater starts producing less hot water as they get older. But if you suddenly notice a significant loss in hot water while using it normally, then it's a matter of concern. The reason for no hot water is a faulty thermostat. 

So, test your thermostat, and after that, adjust the thermostat on the water heater. Now, wait for a few hours and then test the water temperature from any fixtures. If this doesn't work, check for a leak around the water heater, as repairing the water leak can decrease the hot water flow from the faucets. 

Moreover, if this also doesn't work, try flushing the water heater tank because sometimes mineral buildup can prevent flow. At last, if none of the above work it's better to call top water heater repair services near you.

2.Water leaks

Perhaps a water leak is another common problem with water heaters you may face while using them. Any water heaters can start leaking eventually as water corrode the tank and can create microscopic cracks or fractures. But this reason is not always valid as there can be many other reasons for water heater leaks.

If the water is coming from the top of the water heater, then the water connections are loose. So, check cold water inlet pipes and also hot water pipes. Moreover, if the water is coming from the bottom, there can be an issue with condensation, which can be resolved by turning up the thermostat. 

Lastly, suppose you notice that the water is spilling from the overflow pipe or the pressure relief valve. In that case, it is a sign of tank corrosion, and it indicates the replace and fix new water heater as soon as possible.

3.Tank takes more time to heat water.

If you are noticing that your water heater is taking ages to heat water, then there can be many problems with your water heater. First, the water heater thermostat may be set too low, which means your burner is not outputting enough energy to heat water quickly. 

Secondly, there may be a problem with your gas connection like poor gas pressure, dirty vent flue, etc. Cleaning these parts of the water heater can solve the problem. 

However, in many cases, if the water heater is taking enough time to heat water, then it is simply a problem for the water heater as it is not having the capacity to service your home. 

4.Smelly hot water

Before you decide on this issue, make certain only your hot water smells or both cold and hot water is smelly. If only hot water is smelly, then indeed something is not good with your water heater. To resolve this, let the hot water run in a faucet for around 3 minutes; if it still smells, flush your water heater tank. 

Apart from that, if it doesn't resolve, your pilot light may have gone out. For this, turn off your gas valve and wait for a few minutes for the gas to dissipate. If you feel the strong odor of gas, then exit the building and call the professional plumber to do the work.

5.Water is too hot or too cold.

Do you notice inconsistent water temperature in your water heater? Do you feel that sometimes the water gets too hot and is too cold? Well, this is the sign of a faulty thermostat. For this, you have to replace your thermostat and get it cleaned to offer consistent hot water again. 

If you replace the thermostat yourself, it is fine; otherwise, you must call the best water heater repair in San Diego to do the work. 

6.Taps or knocking sounds

If you hear sounds of taps or knocks coming from the water heater, then there are chances of sediment buildup as it creates tiny tears in the metal, which causes leaks. This you can resolve by draining your hot water heater tank. If the problem persists, calling the top water heater repair service near you will be the best option as they know exactly the problem with the water heater. 

Things to consider when replacing your water heater

• Your family's hot water usage in terms of the amount and frequency of baths, dishes, laundry, and showers

• Most essentially, your budget

• Contact your trusted plumbing professional to figure out the best unit according to the needs of your home

• Any of the rebates or incentives you can get from the local power or water utility

• Type of fuel you want in your water heater

• The capacity of the water heater

The bottom line

These are some common issues that any water heater may face while working. These issues can be fixed easily at home, but if not, you are free to contact the best water heater repair in San Diego. But make sure you only call a professional plumber to resolve the water heater issues as they are skilled, experienced, and qualified to determine them accurately.

I hope you liked this post on common issues with your residential water heater!

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15 Backyard Pond Ideas

Are you wanting to spice up your backyard by adding a pond but don’t know where to start or what you would like the pond to look like? We’ve got you covered! We rounded up our favorite ideas to give you inspiration for a pond.

A beautiful touch is adding colorful flowers around the pond to make it even more of an eye catcher.

The pond doesn’t have to be huge, it could be small! Big or small, they’re all beautiful!

Raising the pond with wood makes it a beautiful eye catcher and takes it off of the ground.

Are you wanting to take it a step further and be more unique? Adding a stagger to let the waterfall hit makes a beautiful pond.

Another raised pond idea, these are gorgeous!

Adding a pond near the outdoor seating can add a relaxing vibe to the atmosphere.

A small, staggered waterfall pond. The lighting around it is beautiful and illuminates it perfectly.

Adding different heights around the pond makes it pop out more.

Adding a little bridge over the pond makes it pop and lets animals be able to cross the pond.

Adding the pond near a path is a good way to grab guest’s attention.

The raised wooden ponds are our favorite. They look very clean and definitely an eye-catcher.

This is our personal favorite. The pond in a shape of a boat, and surrounded with flowers. Beautiful!

Guest Contributor: Tiffany Powell

Tool Storage DIY

Looking for a way to be more organized in 2022? There’s no better thing then saving money and becoming more organized. A lot of these DIY projects can be done with materials you possibly have lying around, but if not these are low-cost options to help organize your tools.

Have an old pallet laying around, waiting to get scrapped? Use it for your organization instead! This is a perfect idea to keep all of your brooms, shovels, and rakes all in one spot instead of leaning them on a wall.

Have an extra piece of wood and nails? Hang the wood up and attach nails, and anything with an opening can hang off of the screws.

Have a lot of electrical drills that you don’t want knocked around and falling down? Cut into PVC pipes and make an opening for the drills.

Have hooks instead of a wooden board? Just attach the hooks to a beam and hang your tools!

These files are the easiest thing to lose when you are unorganized. DIY a little wooden block that lets you put them in for organization. It will look a lot neater as well to have them all together!

Another option for organization of your hammers.

This is a great idea to hold screws. Get a jar and attach them to a wooden board with super glue or any glue that will stick. When you need a screw, just unscrew the bottom and take the entire screw container with you so you have the right size you need.

Want your tools on display instead of in a tool box for a satisfying display? This is a nice, neat way to organize your tools for easy access.

Instead of leaving them on the floor, or shelf that takes up room, hang them up!

Do you paint a lot? This is a great way to organize your brushes, and even will help them dry after you’re done using them.

Guest Contributor: Tiffany Powell

Common mistakes when hiring a plumber

Does plumbing in your place require some attention? If so, it might be best to have a professional look at it. There are many things people easily overlook when hiring someone to do some repairs around their home. With that said, today, we'll look at the most common mistakes when hiring a plumber. Stick around for some useful info!

#1 Hiring an unlicensed plumber

Imagine this. You've hired an unlicensed plumber. The price seems just right and fits nicely into your home repair budget. At first, it seems as though everything's working fine. But, after a while, old issues reappear. This time you say to yourself: alright, now I will hire a good, experienced, licensed plumber. 

So, why should you go through with the first part when you're still going to pay for the second option (which alone gets the job done)? There's no reason for that. Many folks think they'll outsmart the system by hiring an unlicensed plumber. Remember, there's a good reason why those licenses exist in the first place. You should always ask your plumbers if they can show you theirs.

Even though it seems you'll spend fewer funds by hiring an unlicensed plumber, the truth's a bit different.

#2 Going for the cheapest option

This is relatable to the previous paragraph. Of course, we don't suggest choosing the most expensive option because the money invested guarantees high-quality service. Still, it's advisable to avoid hiring the cheapest plumber available. You should always check reviews if there's some available on the web. That way, you'll see if the service matches the price or if it's the opposite. At least that's what the guys at Strong-Ass Movers tell us. They surely know the importance of online reviews for any type of service, especially where a person's home is at the center of attention. All in all: try not to think of the price as the most significant factor when choosing the right service provider.

#3 Hiring an inexperienced plumber

Certain plumbers might try to impress you with all the tools they possess or all the knowledge they've got stored in their heads. Still, the thing you're looking for is experience. That's what should impress you most. A certified plumber with years of experience in the field is the best possible option.

#4 Rushing and creating a stressful atmosphere

Don't rush the person who's taking care of your plumbing. Not only will you create an atmosphere that suits no one, but you might cause the plumber to make mistakes which eventually lead to more repairs and more funds you'll have to spend. By providing a stress-free atmosphere, you're ensuring your plumbers will do a great job - at least the best they could've done. Just put yourself in the plumber's shoes, and you'll figure out how to create a positive work atmosphere.

By creating a stress-free working environment, you'll do a great job at ensuring everything goes smoothly.

#5 Communication breakdown

Before you call the plumbing service provider, you should write down everything that needs to be done or the type of issue you're dealing with in your home. That way, you'll avoid some mistakes that can come up due to poor communication. For example, the plumbing work might be more challenging than you think. If you can communicate the issues correctly, you'll make sure you get a fair deal.

#6 The plumbing company doesn't offer insurance?

If so, it might be a simple example of a so-called red flag. Really, what else could it possibly signal? A trustworthy plumbing company or a single plumber should guarantee they'd pay for the damage they might provoke. 

For example, imagine hiring a moving company that doesn't offer insurance (especially during the coronavirus outbreak, when things could easily go wrong). While we're at it, here's how you'll guarantee yourself a safe relocation during the pandemic. All of the tips we've mentioned above should be your little guides. And, of course, all the safety measures proposed by the government don't have an alternative. So, you know what needs to be done.

Always ask for insurance. If a plumber can't provide you with it, avoid hiring them.

#7 Not asking for references

One of the most common mistakes when hiring a plumber is forgetting to ask for references. A quality plumber will undoubtedly be glad to give you some, and you shouldn't be embarrassed to ask. Many homeowners avoid asking for references since they think it might offend the service provider. It's completely normal you ask your plumber for references. They'll give you a list of names and numbers you can call and check if everything's alright. If they hesitate to provide a list of references, it might signal something's not quite right.

Ask your friends, neighbors, and relatives

The easiest path to quality plumbing services is often through your loved ones. You can ask your friends, neighbors or relatives if they've got any suggestions. Since they don't have any motives to give you the wrong kind of information, you'll be just fine hiring the service they recommend. It's the best kind of review you can find.

Final words

Now you see that there are many common mistakes when hiring a plumber. You might've even recognized yourself in some. Anyway, there's a good chance you won't make any of these ever again. After reading this article, that is. By communicating with your plumbing service providers and asking them questions about this or that without feeling embarrassed, you'll guarantee yourself a stress-free journey into the world of household plumbing repairs.

Guest Contributor: Sophia Perry

Use These Tips to Keep Your Carpets Clean from Messy Pets

People love having pets as they are a great stress reliever. Besides that, they make us happy and calm with their big eyes, loving look and cute behaviour. Living with a pet is often a blast - they tend to do many funny things which make us laugh so hard. We simply look at them as being part of the family. And we love taking care of them. However, pets act differently. Some of them are more playful and clingy, like dogs, while some pets, like certain cats, prefer to be alone and not bothered. They allow you to pet them only when they desire it. Also, depending on the pet kind and breed, they tend to make all kinds of messes that you need to clean up. Messes are bound to happen, at least occasionally, even if your pet is well-trained. 

 So, to keep your carpets clean, you need a tidy pet - so be really mindful of that. Then, you should vacuum often - two or three times per week. You should also buy some special cleaning products that will help you in removing different stains. Make your job easier by learning how to treat different messes (urine, vomit, stools) in the right ways. Furthermore, you should also deal with hair and odour specifically. Also, since the holiday season is approaching, your pet can also make a mess with your beautiful Christmas tree - so be careful of where you put it. They love those ornaments, lights and colourful tinsel!

1.  Keep Your Pet Tidy

Let’s start with the basics. A clean carpet implies having a tidy pet. That means that whenever your pet goes outside and comes back in, you should clean its dirty or muddy paws. Also, if it is a sloppy eater, your pet can also make a mess while eating. Some pet owners are practical about these things. What they do to minimize the mess is put a washable rug at the door and at the eating spot. This is a good way to cover high-traffic pet areas. Also, what you can do is keep a spray bottle of soapy water and a soft cloth near the entrance, so you can do a quick paw clean up on the way in. Pet owners in Australia even use a cute little portable paw cleaner for the quickest and most optimal results. 

2.  Vacuum Often

Regardless of whether you own a household with or without a pet, vacuuming often is implied. How many times a week you should vacuum is relative as it depends on a few factors. Often it’s about two to three times a week for some high-traffic areas. For optimal health of your family members as well as your pet, it is essential to be prompt about dealing with pet hair and dirt. It tends to accumulate really quickly. You should also give your vacuum cleaner a decent cleaning every once in a while. An extractor vacuum in combination with an enzymatic cleaner is a good way to get rid of stains and odours on your carpet. However, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to hire professional carpet cleaning in Perth, Sydney or Melbourne at least once a year. These services provide you with deep cleaning of your carpets. 

3.  Buy Some Special Cleaning Products

If you don’t use any special cleaning products related to pets and carpets, we strongly advise you to do so. Next time you visit a pet store, ask about a good enzymatic cleaner and buy a suitable one. You can also read some reviews online. It can really help you in removing stains and odours from your carpets. Just make sure that you follow all the instructions. Also, it would be useful to have a putty knife for removing solids from your carpet. Use the edge side of a small putty knife, slide it under the stain and lift it out of the carpet.

4.  Treat Different Messes in Appropriate Ways

Pets can make all kinds of messes, but the most difficult ones to deal with are stains from urine, stool and vomit. For the urine and vomit stains, you’ll need paper towels, a spray bottle, white distilled vinegar, baking soda and a vacuum. Firstly, you should blot the liquid stain with paper towels. Then, you should spray the spot with white distilled vinegar and let it soak to neutralize the scent. After some time, blot the vinegar. When the stain is damped, sprinkle some baking soda and leave it overnight. Vacuum it the next day. For cleaning up stools, it’s best to use a putty knife and a dustpan. To saturate these stains, you can use a bio-enzymatic carpet cleaner, which proved as the most effective way.

5.  Deal With Hair and Odour Specifically

All the pet owners struggle with pet hair all around the house. And it can be irritating. They tend to get stuck in the carpet. What you can do is use a window squeegee. You need to scrape the carpet where the pet hair is usually trapped. And when the hairs are loose, you can use a vacuum to pick them up. You can remove odour with the already-mentioned enzymatic cleaner

For a healthy and happy family as well as a pet, you need to take good care of your pet’s hygiene. To best way to keep it up is by developing a routine you’ll try to follow. 

Guest Contributor: Frank Robertson