Home Decor, Home Improvement, DIY

How to Invest in Solar Power for Your Home

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Most people don’t view solar energy as an investment due to its high installation costs and the fact that it doesn’t run like a business. However, if you consider the massive savings on your energy costs and the overall improvement on your home’s valuation, then solar energy is a great investment in the future of your home. With an installation cost as high as $45000 to $100000, solar energy will give you freedom on your energy needs and also give you a chance to redesign your home’s energy needs. This article will guide you on how to make the most of your solar energy investment. 

Why Solar Is a Great Alternative

Grid energy has been around for long and even though it has continued to serve a great purpose of powering our homes, the rising energy costs and the toll on the environment is too great a cost to bear. Most energy companies use fossil fuels to generate electricity and this is negatively affecting the environment. Global warming is therefore a reality we cannot ignore and solar energy offers the next best alternative due to its availability, simplicity, ease of use and longevity. 

Extra Advantages of Solar Energy

Another advantage of solar energy is that you can rely on its availability so long as there is sunlight. Advanced solar panels don’t require intense or direct sunlight throughout the day. They can easily convert daylight into electricity and with even more advanced batteries, you can store this energy for much longer than before. Certain battery packs can serve you for 2 days without any solar energy. You simply need to adjust your energy needs so that the output from your solar panels can meet your daily needs. 

Steps to Finding a Great Installer

For a good installation you need professionals to handle every aspect of the installation process. The best solar companies retain several professionals to help you in assessing your property and measure the possible energy output. California solar panels companies rarely offer such services since their main business is in selling solar panels and solar panel accessories. A solar company should have the right permits, licenses and professionals to handle the work.

Ensure you check on the installer’s credentials since this will ultimately affect the quality of the solar system you install. A good installer will take their time to assess and give you the cost implications of the installation. They will also let you know whether there are incentives and discounts on offer to help you reduce the overall spend. Most solar companies will have affiliate networks with solar components manufacturers and this is good for you since any component will have a quality assurance from the manufacturer and you can expect the best solar companies to always have most components on time as soon as they order. 

Conclusion

Investing in solar energy for your home should be a positive step. Ensure you properly maintain the solar panels and other components so that they can outlive their warranty period of 25 years. Also ensure you routinely check on the system to see whether it is working optimally.

General

Important Do’s and Don’ts When Using Pest Control in Your Home

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Have you grown sick and tired of pests bothering you and your family? The first move to make is to have proper pest control to deal with these bugs completely. Whether a pest infestation is just getting started or already at its worst, there’s always a pest control solution guaranteed to get the job done. 

However, you have to understand that there are a lot of rules to this guaranteed solution. Making pest control mistakes can at best, result in damage to your environment, while at worst, present a risk to your health. 

To ensure you properly use your pest control products, here are basic pest control dos and don’ts to follow: 

Do’s

  • Do identify your problem properly

There are as many extermination products and methods as there are types of pests. No miracle solution works for all pests. 

So, to ensure that your pest control process succeeds, you have to identify the pest you are dealing with first. In fact, you have to do this before you begin asking yourself; “what are the reliable pest control solutions near me?” 

  • Do ensure that your home is well-maintained and clean

Nothing attracts insects and pests like unwashed dishes, overly filled trash cans, standing rainwater, and poorly maintained lawns and gardens. These are things you have to keep in check if you don’t wish to share your home with different kinds of pests. 

Therefore, it’s also an important step to take in pest control because it keeps these irritating creatures from ever returning. 

  • Do notify your neighbors of the infestation

Whenever you identify a pest infestation in your home — whether it’s rodents, cockroaches, termites, or even bed bugs — your duty as a homeowner is to alert your neighbors of this problem. Speed is essential to pest control. 

Once pest problems begin, they can spread quite easily like wildfire and affect the entire neighborhood. If it gets to this point, it will become more difficult to get rid of this problem and you wouldn’t want fingers to be pointed at you for not properly dealing with the problem. 

  • Do get expert help

If you are facing a persistent pest problem, you might have to consider calling in the pros. DIY solutions might be effective for minor pest issues, but nests and infestations need a more professional and permanent solution. 

A pest control expert is way more experienced than a common homeowner and will have access to better pest control products and methods. For pest-prone environments, it’s worth scheduling monthly checks. 

  • Do dispose of leftovers properly

Many pest control products are considered hazardous wastes, and therefore, must be safely disposed of. Check the product’s label for the safest and best way to dispose of any containers or leftovers. 

Furthermore, you can also find out if your neighborhood has a hazardous waste disposal system that takes proper care of leftover pesticides. 

Don’ts

  • Don’t mix pest control products up

Think your pesticide needs a bit more kick? Well, don’t try mixing up numerous chemicals in an attempt to make it a more effective and powerful solution. It will never work and can be extremely detrimental to your health. Twice as much doesn’t translate to twice as effective. 

Likewise, avoid putting pest control chemicals in canisters other than their original, which have all the important information on them. Doing so will result in accidents, which can be quite fatal. 

  • Don’t utilize outdoor chemicals indoors 

You might be feeling indifferent about purchasing separate chemicals for both outdoors and indoors, especially if you are battling the same pests inside and out. However, outdoor and indoor chemicals are produced differently to be as effective as possible in their respective environments. 

Outdoor chemicals are much stronger than indoor ones and are designed to remain toxic for longer. This can be quite dangerous to you, your kids, and any pets, so it’s advised you use indoor chemicals, which break down faster. 

  • Don’t leave chemicals and traps in children’s reach 

Leaving insecticides, pesticides, and traps out is a major hazard, especially if you have kids in the house. The little ones will always be curious and they will touch, use, and even taste anything they can. 

Regardless of how carefully you monitor them, you can never be too sure of what will happen immediately after you turn your back for even a minute. So, to completely avoid any accident, simply ensure that these harmful chemicals are out of their reach. 

Key Takeaway

There you have it. Those are the dos that you have to adhere to, and the don’ts you must avoid to guarantee your family’s safety, as well as to ensure that the issue is resolved permanently. 

Family & Love

7 Tips to Get Your Teenager Ready for a Trip

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Children are often creatures of habit. And this is particularly true for children who think and learn differently. They frequently enjoy following a regimen. They might not appreciate sudden or last-minute plans. 

So, whether you’ve planned the trip of a lifetime or are simply going to Grandma’s for a long weekend, it is crucial to give your child the additional time and space to get ready for a journey. As a bonus, this preparation period can also help your youngster feel less stressed about the entire schedule and encourage positive excitement for a holiday. Here are seven ways you can prepare your teenager. 

  • Discuss the Details of Your Trip

By describing where you’re going and why, you can help your child feel less anxious. Clearly state your destination and the mode of transportation you’ll be using to get there, such as your own car or rideshare vehicles. Include information like the time you’ll leave home and what you’ll see when you get there. Describe sensory elements like sand beaches, loud amusement parks, or chilly ski slopes. Talk to your youngster about the weather forecast and any anticipated visitors, such as familiar relatives or theme park characters.

  • Help them Envision the Journey 

It works wonders to give them a few flyers, webpages, or images to help them picture the vacation. If your child is capable of reading, check out some instruction manuals from the library. Make a schedule of your daily activities using a calendar. Create a pictorial schedule for the trip if your child uses one at home.

Showing your youngster YouTube videos can be beneficial for new experiences like the first time on a roller coaster or a boat. This will educate them about different activities and reduce your anxiety. 

  • Prepare them for Emergencies 

Preparing your kids for different sorts of emergencies is important before taking them on a trip. From teaching them to behave decently during traveling and throughout the trip to guiding them about possible unseen dangers – prepare them beforehand. Moreover, tell them why it is important to stay vigilant during traveling as chances of accidents are very common. 

And if you’re traveling in a rideshare vehicle like Uber or Lyft and get into an accident due to the driver’s fault, tell them there are attorneys for rideshare accidents who can help you claim compensation. Educating them about these rights will not only enhance their knowledge but will also teach them how to handle such situations. 

  • Make a List 

Kids may find it challenging to foresee their needs in an unfamiliar environment. You may obtain printable packing lists for many destinations and age ranges by searching online. Together, you and your child should create a list of things you absolutely must bring and things you should consider bringing. 

Encourage your kid to take charge of packing and marking off everything on the list. You may verify that everything has been included by checking. Then, pack the list itself so you may refer to it while you’re packing again after your vacation.

  • Pack Snacks 

Whatever your mode of transportation, pack some snacks. Invite your child to assist you in choosing and packing up some of their favorites. Tell them that the purpose of these is to prevent anyone from becoming hungry while on the trip and that you won’t be bringing much food.

It’s crucial to pack food that you know your child will eat if they have sensory processing disorders that restrict their diet. This is especially true if you anticipate having trouble locating certain foods once you get there.

  • Don’t Forget Toiletries and Medication

Bringing the same toiletries that you use at home, whether in full size or travel version, can make some kids feel more at ease. Don’t forget to bring first aid supplies, sunscreen, and bug repellent. 

Carry-on liquids for flights must adhere to Transportation Security Administration requirements. Medication should always be kept in carry-on luggage. Medication doses may be missed if checked luggage is lost or delayed.

  • Make them feel Comfortable 

Keep an eye out for any indications of nervousness in your youngster in the days before departure. Do you have any more items to bring or information to offer that might help your youngster feel better? Keep in mind that your child will probably notice if you become anxious, so try to maintain your composure and go with the flow. They might feel anxious to share their feelings, make sure you give them a comfortable space to speak up. 

The Bottom Line 

Taking your teenager on a trip can be an exciting experience for them and a little bit worrisome for you. After all, they are still adolescents and aren’t mature enough to handle unforeseen circumstances, which can be a possibility during long trips. Teaching them these things can help them envision the trip beforehand and become mentally prepared for a lot of things. 

Home Decor, Home Improvement, DIY

Tips for Keeping Your Home Healthy and Comfortable in Winter

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When winter comes, you must ensure your home is ready and comfortable for the cold weather. That means making all the necessary adjustments to keep it safe and ensure the cold season will not affect you. It means checking the heating system to ensure it is in good working condition, sealing cracks and spaces on windows and doors, cleaning gutters, etc. you also need to supervise the areas around your house to ensure no trees will be falling on the roof. Not doing all these things could put you in danger and make your home uncomfortable. So, confirm you and your property will be safe by being cautious and preparing for winter. Here is what you need to do.

Check the Heating System

The heating system is a vital piece of equipment in the house. Usually, it is possible to ignore it during the warm seasons until winter comes and you need something to heat your home. It is advisable to maintain the unit even during the hot season to ensure it will serve you well when the cold season comes. If you have a faulty system, it means you cannot warm up the house. You may also be risking your home to a fire. Therefore, before the season starts, call a professional to inspect the heating system and ensure it is in top-notch condition and ready for winter.

Check the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Sensors

You will use the furnace and heating system most of the season. Therefore, it means you may have instances of fire. It is vital to ensure the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working. Carbon monoxide has been for a long time the leading cause of house fires. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure you can detect the presence of dangerous gas before it causes an issue. So, inspect the detectors, and if they are faulty, consider replacing them with new ones.

Repair Cracks

Another crucial thing you will do is repair cracks to prevent warm air from escaping from the house. Open spaces on windows and doors could be the escape route for warm air. Cold air could also be seeping in therefore, ensure you seal all the cracks to prevent air from escaping.

Mow the Lawn

Winter may be the best time to trim your grass and apply fertilizer for the grass to sprout well. The first thing you need to know when you have a lawn is how to take care of your grass. Know the best months to fertilize, overseed and aerate. Cutting the grass during winter is the best option. Apart from keeping your lawn healthy, it also prevents creating harboring grounds for pesky insects and pests like mosquitoes and rodents. It may be an excellent idea to look for the best lawn care services in the area. Professionals will help you take care of the lawn to keep it and your home healthy for winter.

Collect Firewood

It is good to ensure you have collected enough firewood if you have a chimney. Please keep it away from water and in an accessible place. It may also be good to clean the chimney. You can DIY chimney cleaning or call a chimney sweep. Ensure the wood is stored in a safe and dry place so you will not need to walk outside the house.

Clean Gutters

The gutters may have accumulated debris during summer when trees are shedding leaves. So, before the cold season, clean the gutters to ensure water will flow smoothly away from the house. This eliminates the problem of having water accumulating in the basement and doorway. Water could seep through the roof without proper flow, causing structural damage. So, clean the gutters and repair any issues to ensure water flows well.

Inspect Your Compound

Winter comes with wind, rain, and sometimes heavy storms. If you have trees hanging too close to the house or power line, you may risk ruining the roof, inviting pests, or losing power. So, remove all broken, bending, and shaking branches hanging from the tree. Inspecting the areas around the house will ensure you will not have any issues when the season begins.

Conclusion

These are simple ways to keep your home comfortable and healthy during winter. The cold season requires you to stay warm. That means you need to make several changes to achieve that. Try the above tips to ensure you are ready for winter. Making these adjustments early before the season starts is advisable to ensure everything is in a good state.

Bridal

How To Throw An Unforgettable Bridal Shower

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Planning a bridal shower can be stressful. Many people say that the bride should plan her shower, but I disagree. Yes, you want it to be personal and special for your friend, but if she’s busy planning her wedding and doesn’t have time to attend every bridal shower in town then let your friends help out! I’m going over some tips on throwing an unforgettable bridal shower. Here are some of my favourite memories from my showers:

Find out what the bride wants 

First and foremost, it’s important to find out what the bride wants. If you are planning to get in one of that maid of honor dresses, you can’t mess up this party. If she doesn’t have a specific color scheme or theme in mind, you may want to check with her best friends or bridesmaids to see if they have any ideas that they’d like incorporated into the shower. It’s always better to ask than assume!

Only invite people you know the bride likes 

Your bridal shower is a celebration of the bride, but it should be fun for everyone involved. If you invite people who aren’t friends with the bride, or who are not part of her family, then those guests will likely not have much in common with the other guests. They’ll be standing off to the side awkwardly during most activities and could even hurt the overall mood if they don’t know how to handle themselves in social situations.

Don’t make it all about the gifts

When you’re having a bridal shower, it’s easy to get caught up in all the gifts and flowers, but don’t let them distract you from what’s important: The bride. If you have a bridal shower, your job as a bridesmaid is not just to plan the party, but also to make sure that everything runs smoothly and everyone has fun. Above all else, keep in mind that this party should be about celebrating your friend’s happiness!

If there are any rules about “gift etiquette,” they should focus on limiting the money each giver spends—not whether or not she gives at all. After all, no matter how much money people spend on their presents), nothing says “I love my friend” more than putting together an unforgettable event. If someone can’t afford anything for their gift list (or doesn’t want to go overboard), that’s fine too! You can always give her something special later when life settles down again after the wedding day madness passes by.

Ask a few guests to assist you

The first thing to do is ask a few guests to assist you. These volunteers should be people who are good at planning, cooking, decorating and entertaining. They should also be able to clean up afterwards. Once you’ve chosen these helpers it’s time to move on to step two: planning the menu!

Activities aren’t required, but they can be fun

Activities are a great way to break up the day and keep guests engaged. You can choose activities that are educational, competitive, relaxing or silly. As long as it’s something everyone will enjoy—and you have the time for it!

Decorate, but don’t go overboard

Don’t go overboard with decorations. You can do something simple and charming like hang up some paper lanterns or put up some streamers. The most important thing is to ensure you have enough space for the food—if there is nowhere to sit down and enjoy dinner, that’s not going to be fun!

The Food

The menu depends on the time of day you’re throwing the shower. You can go for these options:

Breakfast: Omelets, fruit and yogurt parfaits, French toast casserole and sausage patties.

Lunch: Chicken salad wraps or tuna sandwiches with potato salad, deviled eggs and summer rolls.

Dinner: Shrimp scampi with pasta or chicken piccata over linguine with roasted vegetables.

Snacks: Guacamole, hummus with sliced vegetables for dipping and chocolate ganache truffles at the end of the shower send-off brunch (it’s traditional to serve this type of food after the bride has left).

Conclusion

A bridal shower is a great opportunity to show your appreciation for the bride-to-be. It’s also a chance to get together with friends, which means you should take advantage of it by making sure everyone has something in their hands at all times. 

There you have it! Some of these tips were easier to follow than others, but they all boil down to the same thing: make sure you’re thinking about the bride. It’s her special day, and she deserves it. You can throw an unforgettable bridal shower if you put in some effort and listen carefully to what she wants out of this event.

Beauty with an attitude