Blog Page 62

Kitchen Inspiration for Your Home

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Kitchen with a table an chairs
Image Credit: Buster + Punch

Kitchens really are the heart of every home, providing the perfect entertainment space for your guests if you have the room. Technology advances have given us an entirely different way of life, introducing the kitchen island to gather around, contemporary kitchen designs to create a seamless, minimalistic design in the home, setting the tone throughout your entire living space.

Homeowners are preferring the clean, minimalist space, free from clutter which provides a sense of serenity throughout your home, tidy home, tidy mind. Our lives are fast paced and chaotic by today’s standards therefore we need to reflect a calm environment in the home we live in.

Kitchen with a table an chairs
Image Credit: Buster + Punch

Modern lines are taking the kitchen design trends of 2021 by a storm, looking at clean, sleek finishes, featuring statement metal handles, or going handleless. A sleek cabinet shape provides more availability for storage and shelving space, maxing out abilities to store as much as possible behind the cupboard doors. Designing a kitchen with storage in mind is the only way to achieve a sleek, minimalist living design.

Looking into textures, colours, and complementing furnishings for the rest of the room is key to creating character and definition in your kitchen space. You can quite easily create a flat, stark design by overdoing the minimalist approach. Here you can introduce statement lighting via drop pendants or chandeliers above your kitchen island or dining table. This design is perfect for open plan living which is increasing with every home renovation project across the globe, creating a sense of being and togetherness, whilst having a beautiful entertainment space for you, the family, and your guests.

Kitchen with white kitchen cabinet and flowers on kitchen table
Used with permission of Andrea West Design

Kitchen cabinets in neutral, white, or grey are beautiful and classic, but we are now venturing into a bolder, statement trend of darker colours. Dark grey and navy blue are topping the season’s trends. The timeless shades are a new favourite for kitchen cabinets this year which is strikingly beautiful against a crisp white marble worktop.

Darker tones in a kitchen are incredibly popular, creating a more sophisticated space with a bold choice of colour. Darker means elegance, which creates a luxurious space within the home, setting the tone for the rest of your interior décor. Interior design isn’t about one statement room or focal piece of furniture, it’s about creating rooms that flow between each other beautifully, without overpowering the place.  

Kitchen with bar table
Used with permission of Lisa Furey Interiors

Integrating your kitchen appliances is the obvious way to additionally create a seamless, minimalistic vibe within your kitchen. There is nothing appealing about visibly seeing your washing machine and dishwasher, hiding it away is the ultimate design finesse. If you are creating a stylish and sophisticated space it would be a shame to spoil the room with an unsightly appliance, you want to give the impression of a stylish home without seeing what you use to clean your dishes.

Thanks to busterandpunch.com for consulting on this post.

Using Your Greenhouse in Autumn

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A small greenhouse in the backyard
Image Credit: Two Wests

Even the smaller, unheated greenhouses will allow you to extend your growing season further than the summer. This is the beauty of having a structure in your garden to allow you to get the most out of your outdoor space.

A greenhouse is perfect for:

  • Making use of the autumn sunshine for crops such calabrese, French beans, and salad crops
  • Beginning an early harvest for your French beans
  • Growing crops such as tomatoes, chillies, peppers, cucumbers, and aubergines
  • Giving vegetable plants a good start when they’re first planted away from horrible winter and autumn weather
A small greenhouse in the backyard
Image Credit: Two Wests

What to grow and when?

Autumn:

  • Lettuce
  • Calabrese
  • French Beans
  • Peas
  • Broad Beans
  • Herbs

Winter to Spring:

  • Cabbage
  • Celeriac
  • Brussel Sprouts
  • Lettuce
  • Onions
  • Peas
  • Leeks
  • Tomatoes
  • Peppers
  • Courgette
  • Squash
  • Pumpkins
  • Cucumbers
  • Melons
  • Sweetcorn

Summer to Late Summer:

  • French Bean
  • Melon
  • Spicy Salad
  • Baby Carrots
  • Potatoes
Backyard with lawn and olive tree
Used with permission of Breeze Giannasio

When you’re growing in your greenhouse it’s important to take precautions to reduce the chance of soil borne diseases. You can do this by digging out the soil in your greenhouse borders every few years and replacing it with good quality topsoil. Plants such as the tomato plant are good for problem areas. If you suspect your soil is diminishing, you can introduce grow bags and large pots. Cover your soil with plastic sheeting for additional protection and re-use your grow bags for different crops each year.

It’s so important that you don’t leave your greenhouse empty all autumn, really make the use of the extended growing season, producing some beautiful autumnal plants and vegetables for you to enjoy. Your unheated greenhouse will keep overnight temperatures as much as 5 degrees warmer than the outside temperature, providing a warm, frost-free environments for your plants.  A dry plant is much less likely to freeze than a damp one providing much more protection from the harsh cold weather outside. The fluctuations in dryness and wetness throughout the cooler months are detrimental to your plants health and chance of thriving and surviving, making a greenhouse allow for contributing massively towards a consistent condition to grow in.

Here are some tips and tricks for cold weather growing:

Photo by Rebecca on Unsplash
  • Be patient, you can sow many plants and vegetables in autumn and winter but they are largely slow growing
  • Keep out the frost, Jack frost is not welcome here and will be detrimental to your plant health, consider addition insulation such as bubble wrap on the inside of your greenhouse
  • Choose a variety of plants, by choosing a variety of plants you will be sowing and harvesting all throughout the cooler months, you can have faster growing plants such as salad leaves and herbs
  • Getting ahead, by getting ahead you are preparing your greenhouse for spring and summer blooms, planting bulbs early means you will be graced with beautiful colours for the early spring
  • If you can, buy a greenhouse heater, you will have so many more options to grow throughout the autumn and winter, not to mention a faster growing speed!

Thanks to all companies linked above.

How to Prepare Your Home for a New Year’s Eve Party

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Photo by Caroline Hernandez on Unsplash

New Year’s Eve provides an opportunity to come together with loved ones to toast your many successes throughout the year and express hope for the twelve months ahead.

If you have promised to host the event at your property for your nearest and dearest, you’ll need to perform various actions to ensure they have a night they will never forget. Ring midnight in with style by finding out how to prepare your home for a New Year’s Eve party.

Improve Your Interior

Bright designed living room with firework
Used with permission of Lisa Furey Interiors

As you will want to feel proud of your home when welcoming guests, you might need to give your home a makeover or make various improvements to your interior design. For example, it might be time to fix that broken door handle, give an old wall a fresh lick of paint, or declutter each room to create an airy, spacious environment.

Hang String Lights

String lights will create a celebratory mood for your New Year’s Eve party. Hang the lights around various rooms, cabinets, and plants in the home and, if possible, dim the lighting a little to create a festive backdrop. It is a simple, affordable, and effective way to create an attractive, fun backdrop.

Upgrade Your Speaker

Speaker and the plant on the table
Photo by Caleb Woods on Unsplash

You can guarantee your guests will want to pump up the music at your New Year’s Eve party to celebrate the occasion. As music can determine the atmosphere, you would be wise to update your speaker to ensure guests can hear songs in many rooms across the home. Speakers are available for every need and budget, including wireless speakers, Bluetooth smart speakers, tower speakers, and karaoke machines.

Erect a Gazebo

If your house is on the small side, erect a gazebo in your garden to prevent crowded rooms. It will allow guests to enjoy some fresh air while dancing, laughing, and socializing. If you are worried about disturbing your neighbors, inform them of your plans in advance or invite them along to avoid tension or conflict during or after your party.

Hire a Cleaner Before and After the Party

Photo by Caroline Hernandez on Unsplash

As you will want your home to sparkle once your guests arrive, consider hiring a professional cleaner to spruce up your property. They can deep clean every corner of your home to ensure it looks and smells inviting. Plus, they can remove stubborn stains on your carpet, upholstery, or inside your oven for an extra fee.

Also, hire their services for after the party, which will allow you to have some fun without worrying about cleaning every room the next day. You can then enjoy a clean, fresh environment after a party, which is the perfect way to start a brand-new year.

To feel proud of your home during a New Year’s Eve party and ensure every guest has an enjoyable time, bear the above top tips in mind. They could help you create a clean, stylish, and fun event your guests will remember for many years to come.

Thanks to all companies linked above.

How Do I Choose Someone Trustworthy for My Repairs?

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Living room with sofas and a coffee table
Used with permission of Millhaven Homes

One of the most troublesome parts of choosing a new repair shop is finding a repairperson you can trust. If you need to find a new auto shop or repairperson on short notice but haven’t any idea where to start, we can help. Here are a few tips on how to find the best mechanic to handle your next repair job.

Used with permission of Millhaven Homes

Ask for referrals

Asking friends and acquaintances to refer you to their service people is a great way to get some leads for trustworthy repair service companies. If you’re interested in having your car repaired, for instance, get referrals from friends who have the same car model as yours. Your insurance provider can also help refer you to trustworthy auto repair companies in your area.

Besides offering you a great jump-off point, asking for referrals can also give you a good idea of which mechanics to avoid.

Conduct comprehensive background checks

A great way to ensure that you’re hiring a trustworthy repair person is by conducting a comprehensive background check. These days, with the help of a people search engine, you can get a comprehensive background report on the prospective repair company or repair person. To get the best results and premium data, consider using a reputable person look up a site like GoLookUp.

To perform a background check with GoLookUp’s people search engine, simply visit their website, set up a free account, and begin your search. Through their directory, you can find public records with accurate information on a person’s date of birth, a person’s name, their basic contact informationphone number, current address, ZIP code, email addresses, first name, middle name, last namecriminal record, assumed identities, and more.

Read online reviews

Exterior of the small, white house and garden in front of the house
Used with permission of Lisa Furey Interiors

Reading online customer reviews is another great way to gauge the quality of service that the company offers. They can offer insight into the quality of customer service offered, the amount of time spent at the shop, the expertise of the service people, and more.

Using the Better Business Bureau (BBB) website is the best way to find a repair service company that you can trust. The BBB manages disputes that customers have with certain businesses. Some of the disputes that they handle include questionable ads and fraudulent businesses. Besides this, they also allow customers to leave reviews of businesses whose services they used.

These reviews and customer complaints can be found on their website, and going through them can help you decide on prospective repair companies.

Consider what safety measures they have in place

Hall with staircase and a desk with decorations
Used with permission of Blackband Design

If you’re looking for a lift truck fork replacement or repair service company, ensure that the company is compliant with the safety policies outlined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). When it comes to forklift safety, OSHA regulations require that all forklift operators undergo forklift operator training programs to ensure their safety and the safety of pedestrians and employees who work near forklifts.

These training programs also include OSHA specifications on safe lifting capacities, how to handle forklift attachments, and more. Forklift operators should undergo a forklift operator refresher training program every three years, after which they receive a certificate of completion. Therefore, keep this in mind as you seek out a forklift service person.

Get written estimates to compare prices

As you interview your prospective mechanics, ask for a cost estimate in writing. Besides offering you a great way to compare prices with other mechanics, a written cost estimate will also allow you to get an idea of the market price and find out which mechanic might be overcharging for their services.

Finding a trustworthy repair service can be hard, but by following these tips, you’ll be able to find a reliable mechanic in no time.

Thanks to all companies linked above.

How to go back to work in the office without it being stressful

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Photo by Dane Deaner on Unsplash

The time has come. It’s finally time to say goodbye to those sweatpants and break out the work clothes. After months of delayed openings, return dates are being set for offices across the country, with many companies planning to return at the beginning of 2022. Employees must now reacclimate to office life after over a year of growing accustomed to work-from-home norms.

While many employees are eager to get back to the office, a number also have growing concerns about health protocols, workplace flexibility, and commuting. In a recent study, all of the 4,500 employees surveyed reported some level of anxiety about returning to the office. If you’re feeling stressed, you are not alone.

Here are a few ways you can make the transition back to your company’s office a little less stressful.

Be prepared for change

Photo by Dane Deaner on Unsplash

We are no strangers to change, especially after the past year and a half that we’ve experienced. There has been change in almost every aspect of our daily lives. The return to the workplace is no exception. Once a familiar place, the office of today features new health protocols and distancing regulations which will take some time to get used to.

The return to the office means an opportunity for some good changes from the work from home norms we have grown accustomed to. Fewer distractions, work/home boundaries, and face-to-face interactions are just a few things you can look forward to upon your return. In addition, many aspects of the office are changing for the better. You can expect to see more collaboration areas, flexible furniture, high tech conference rooms and touchless technology.

Anticipating and preparing for these positive changes can help ease your mind and lower your stress levels.

Establish a routine

Designed home office with desk, plant and chair
Used with permission of Breeze Giannasio

Studies have shown that establishing and maintaining a routine during times of unpredictability can help you feel less stressed and more in control. This sense of structure can help improve productivity and focus which will be very beneficial in the return to the office.

Many of us probably had some sort of pre-pandemic morning routine that we said “so long” to when work from home hit. It’s time to get back to it. In the weeks leading up to your office return, start easing back into that routine. Wake up earlier to prepare for your commute, especially if your office is in an area that experiences heavier congestion, such as Atlanta. Get dressed in the morning as if you are going to the office. These little things will help you get back in the swing of things and provide a sense of structure that was lost while working remotely.

This is also a great opportunity to revamp your morning routine by giving up old habits and forming new ones. Integrate a workout or avoid pressing snooze for that second or third time. Healthy morning rituals are a great way to start the workday and can help ease the transition back to the office.

Ask questions

Photo by Copernico on Unsplash

Don’t be afraid to ask your boss or supervisor questions about the company’s plans to return to the office. Express your need for further clarification or more details about any components that may be confusing or vague. Others may have the same questions, and it is a good opportunity for employers to address those concerns for the company as a whole.

Open and honest communication is key when it comes to this transition. Ultimately, having clear expectations about the office reopening plans and procedures can help ease the stress caused by the unknown.

Advocate for what you need

The journey back to the office is going to look different for each person, as everyone’s needs and comfort levels are different. Help your employer understand exactly what kind of support you need in order to perform effectively in the office. Our advice? Don’t wait until you are back in the office to have this conversation. Knowing you have someone in your corner to help you through this transition will keep stress at bay and give you the confidence you need to get back into the office.

Focus on the positive

Home office with black wall and white table
Used with permission of Kira David Design

It’s easy to feel anxious or stressed when you are focusing on the perceived negative aspects of the office reopening. Change the narrative. A focus on the positive will help you cope more easily with your new work environment, and it will be contagious to those around you.

After months of working from home, we have missed out on a lot of the benefits that come with being in the physical office. Here are a few things to look forward to upon your return:

  • A dedicated workspace
  • In-person collaboration with coworkers
  • Team lunches
  • Non-virtual happy hours
  • Water cooler conversations

A shift in mindset and a focus on positive thinking can help you effectively manage any stress that may arise leading up to your return date.

Be patient

It’s going to take time to get used to this new in-office normal, just as it took time to adjust to working from home. It will have its challenges and obstacles, but it will also have its advantages. Be patient with others and yourself. We are all learning to navigate this together and eventually will come out stronger, more resilient, and ready to tackle the new normal. 

Thanks to all companies linked above.

Maintenance basics for outdoor furniture

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House pool and yard
Used with permission of Blackband Design

Getting outdoor furniture for your patio is fun until you realize that they need a lot of maintenance. Without proper care, outdoor furniture can quickly get dirty, dusty, and lose its aesthetic appeal.

Besides ruining the entire visual you’re trying to paint, dusty furniture can also stain your clothes, which is terrible if you’re wearing white pants.

Here are some tips that can help you sidestep all this and keep your furniture in top condition.

Invest in some covers

House pool and yard
Used with permission of Blackband Design

Covers aren’t just for the winter months. In the summer, dust and heat can be just as damaging as moisture and cold in the winter. The dust gets into the corners that are impossible to clean, and the heat can slowly break down the material integrity. If you invest in some waterproof covers, you can use them all year round.

Clean your furniture often

Some people clean their patio furniture every month but that may feel like overkill to you. Instead, aim for cleaning your furniture four to five times per year. A great frequency is once at the beginning of each season, and twice during the summer.

Cleaning the furniture isn’t as difficult as it might first sound because a damp rag will do the trick. Just make sure you get the corners and edges of large pieces like couches because dust likes to gather there.

It’s also a great idea to let the furniture dry before covering them up or lounging them under a shade. This prevents moisture from building up and causing silent damage.

Use cleansers for wood furniture

Backyard with lawn and trees
Used with permission of Breeze Giannasio

Wooden furniture like teak garden benches can be a bit of a challenge especially with their fine finishing and varying texture. It’s common to feel like you can ruin the material if care isn’t taken. But don’t worry because it’s not as difficult as you might think.

Start by dusting with a dry rag. If it’s especially dirty, use a damp cloth but esure that there’s no moisture left on the wood surface. Next, use an oil-based soap, or any variety of wood cleaners.

If you’re cleaning a large wooden furniture piece, break it into smaller sections and apply the product gradually. Ensure you get all the corners and tiny crevices as well. For areas that develop mold, ensure the part dries completely before taking the spot. You might also want to apply similar cleaning methods to your wooden deck. Since wood is porous and can absorb moisture, it can lead to rotting if overlooked. This is something to consider unless you have composite decking materials instead of wooden ones.

Keep metal furniture dry

Table surrounded with chairs, sunflowers in a vase and big doors leading to yard
Used with permission Breeze Giannasio

If you’ve ever owned a piece of metal furniture, you’ll know that rust is the single biggest risk. Oxidation can quickly reduce the aesthetics and even weaken the metal itself. Soon, your beautiful metal chairs look brown and uninviting.

Luckily, you can prevent this by keeping the chairs dry. If you haven’t already, get some waterproof covers that extend all the way to the feet of the chairs or tables to reduce exposure.

If you do get some rust, don’t fret just yet because there are simple solutions. One is to brush the patchy orange spot with some vinegar and water. You can also get some metal cleaning material from your local hardware store.

Finally, if your metal furniture is painted, consider applying another coat to provide even more protection.

Thanks to ottena.co.uk for consulting on this post.

Get Lost in Your Backyard: How to Grow a Wonderland-Like Garden

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Wild garden and a white house in the background
Photo by Chaewon Lee on Unsplash

While perhaps not as immediately eye-catching or as vital to forming impressions as a well-manicured, vibrant front lawn, a picturesque backyard and garden area is an absolute must for homeowners looking to capture the image of idyllic suburbia. Your guests may be impressed by the outward façade of your home but it’s what’s inside that will blow them away and communicate the message you want to communicate: you’ve stepped through the looking glass into my own slice of paradise. Welcome. Make yourself at home.

Wild garden and a white house in the background
Photo by Chaewon Lee on Unsplash

Even if your backyard isn’t populated with talking caterpillars, disappearing cats, or plants that grew directly from Tim Burton’s brainstem, you can still transport your guests to a world of your own. Every aspect of your garden’s appearance is entirely under your control, providing for a multitude of customizable options that will most accurately reflect you and the impression you want to give your guests.

No matter which plants you choose, how you choose to organize them, or what kinds of furniture you populate your backyard with, proper maintenance is the heart of any such garden.

Just starting out and unsure of how to keep up your wannabe Wonderland? Never fear: just follow the basic tips below, and you’ll get to growing beautiful plants in no time.

1. Set Up a Regular Watering Schedule

House garden in the sunrise
Used with permission of Blackband Design

As a general rule, you should expect to give your garden about 2 inches of water once a week. While this may seem too infrequent, especially if you’ve been taught to water your plants more often, watering them often can cause your plants’ roots to grow weaker, needing more resources to remain strong.

That general rule does not account for the size of the plants in your garden or weather conditions, so depending on what you’ve planted and what season you’re in, you should expect to modify your watering schedule accordingly. Larger plants will require more water to stay vibrant, of course, and in the summer, when it’s hot and dry, you can also expect to water more often. Where you’ve placed your plants will also affect how much water they get, as plants in shady areas will typically require less than plants in sunny ones.

2. Keep an Eye Out for Disease

The first and best place to catch a diseased plant is at the supermarket before you purchase it, as planting specimens that already have diseases can spread that contamination to the rest of your garden before you can catch it. Common signs you’ll want to watch for include insect infestations, rotted spots on leaves, and broken/withered stems. You’ll also want to check the overall thickness and healthiness of the roots, making sure they aren’t dark-looking or mushy.

On that note, you’ll also want to adopt some disease mitigation practices to ensure your garden stays healthy. Make sure you consistently prune damaged limbs to avoid infection, use garden-safe repellents to mitigate the threat posed by insects, and try to plant disease-resistant varieties whenever possible.

3. Avoid Using Harmful Chemicals

House garden
Used with permission of Emily Followill

On the note of insect repellants, there are a number of popular brands that do more harm than good, especially those with the ingredient glyphosate. Glyphosate has been used since the ’70s to control weeds, and it works by suppressing the ability of plants to produce amino acids necessary for growth. The downside of this is that glyphosate is a universal plant killer, and in popular brands like Roundup, it has even been known to directly cause cancer.

Do extensive research on the chemicals you use to take care of your lawn. It’s essential to get rid of weeds and stem insect infestations before they get too extensive, but it’s also critical that the tools you use don’t inflict more harm than good.

The Impact of a Beautiful, Healthy Garden

It takes much, much more than what’s listed here to ensure your garden looks happy and healthy, and there will be a lot of trial and error involved depending on what you plant and where. But if you follow these basic suggestions, you’ll have the foundational knowledge and skills you need to take your backyard from depressingly average to perfectly splendid.

Thanks to rosenfeldinjurylawyers.com for consulting.

Common Sense Reasons Why You Should Ditch Cable TV for Streaming TV

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Living room with beige colors, sofas, coffee table and TV
Used with permission of Kira David Design

In the old days, cable TV companies had a stranglehold on viewers who wanted more out of their television programming. Customers were required to connect bulky equipment to their televisions in addition to paying hefty monthly bills. Fortunately, those days are gone. Today’s consumers have a number of choices when it comes to getting quality television programming. This is made possible by the many streaming companies that have appeared in the last several years.

What Is Streaming TV?

Living room with beige colors, sofas, coffee table and TV
Used with permission of Kira David Design

Streaming TV is basically television watched over the internet, so you’ll need a high-speed internet connection before you can take advantage of streaming. Once you’re connected to the internet, you’ll need either a smart TV or an internet streaming device that will allow you to watch programming over the internet.

No More Bulky Equipment

True enough, you now have the option of mounting your TV and eliminating the eyesore of wires and cables, but the equipment necessary for cable TV setup can be annoying. For some, it’s just a clunky cable box and a bunch of wires cluttering up the space around the television. For others, it’s the cable box plus a good-sized satellite dish that’s placed outside the home. Can you remember the days when satellite dishes were bigger than a small tractor? In addition to taking up space, cable boxes and satellite dishes can be eyesores, detracting from a home’s beauty. 

Streaming Is Simply Cheaper

It may surprise you to learn that you can stream hundreds of movies and programming for free. But that’s the beauty of streaming. Once your TV is connected to the internet, a world of programming is available to you. Even some traditional cable companies have jumped on the streaming bandwagon and are giving customers the option of streaming.

You might want to keep in mind that you may be required to pay for premium content, but even those costs can be substantially less than what you’d pay for cable TV. Cable TV bills can amount to hundreds of dollars a month. Free programming is available through streaming devices such as:

  • Roku Express 4K+
  • Amazon Fire TV Stick
  • Chromecast for Google TV
  • Apple TV 4K

Streaming Is the Future, Cable Is the Past

Photo by lasse bergqvist on Unsplash

For those of you still living in the 20th century, you may be surprised to learn that there is a way for you to get more programming than what is available through cable TV and at a cheaper cost. But such is the case with the advent of the internet and streaming TV. According to a recent study, the number of Americans who say they watched TV via cable or satellite dropped from 76 percent in 2015 to 56 percent in 2021.

There’s More Programming Available Through Streaming

As more TV networks and media companies move their programming online, some cable TV networks are finding that they’re struggling to keep up with content demands. This could mean fewer viewers since consumers are always looking for new and fresh content. With streaming media devices, a whole new world of programming becomes available. There are even certain apps that allow you to expand your device’s program options.

You Can Watch TV in Any Room

Another disadvantage of cable or satellite TV is that you can only watch a TV that’s connected to a cable box. Streaming TV allows you to watch TV from anywhere, as long as you have a smart TV or streaming device. You may have heard the term ‘cord-cutting.’ This refers to the idea that streaming TV allows you to get rid of the many wires and limitations you have with cable TV.

You’re Able to Stream Services While Traveling

High-speed internet allows you to connect with streaming providers such as Hulu, SlingTV, and Netflix. Content from these providers is available anywhere, as long as you’re able to gain access to the internet. When traveling, you’re able to enjoy your favorite TV shows on other smart TVs or on your laptop.

Something You May Want to Consider

Living room with couch, table and chairs looking into bedroom with bed
Used with permission of Breeze Giannasio

Although there is a lot of free content available to stream through your television, you may want to consider that you’ll need a high-speed internet connection to take advantage. The cost of high-speed internet may be as much as your cable bill. Still the advantages of having access to the internet amount to much more than just being able to stream television programming.

Of course, you may live in an area where you have no access to high-speed internet. In such cases, cable or satellite TV may be the best option for you.

Wrapping Things Up

There are many advantages that go along with cutting the cord, both financial and practical. Ditching cable or satellite TV for streaming may allow you to save money in the long run. It also gives you access to hundreds of movies and TV shows that you wouldn’t find on cable TV alone. If high-speed internet is available in your area, you may find that streaming TV beats cable TV hands down in every area.

Thanks to troypoint.com for consulting.

7 Best Gift Ideas for Kids

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Kids room with two beds and book shelf
Used with permission of Breeze Giannasio

It is your kid’s birthday or special day. After surprising them with a cake and snacks, you want to make this day memorable. You think of capturing some photos. However, pictures are not enough.

The best way to make your kids a special day a great one is by offering them a gift. As you know, no one forgets a special gift from people they love and value. This aspect is no different for kids.

While gifting a kid is a good idea, picking the best gift can be a challenge. The case is even harder for people with chess-loving kids. So, if you are struggling to choose the best gift for your kids, here are some 7 ideas to consider:

Kids room with two beds and book shelf
Used with permission of Breeze Giannasio

DGT Chess Set

DGT Chess Set is a good idea as a gift for your kids who love playing chess. This puzzle game equips players with essential ideas for making strategic moves in chess. The game comes with cards directing how to set up pieces on the grid and capturing those of the opponent.

It is a perfect way for chess training. So, buying this gift for your kids will be a good idea to grow their chess playing spirit.

No Stress Chess Board Game

Another great gift for your kids is the No Stress Chess Board Game. This game is a good option for you 7+ years’ kids with a desire to become chess champions. The game comes with illustrated cards and a chessboard.

This makes it easy for the kids to play the game with zero stress. Gifting your kids with the game will inspire their dream of becoming the chess grandmaster.

The Chess Book

Children's room with toddlers, couch and toys
Used with permission of Kerry Spears, and photographers Nathan Schroeder and Kelli Boyd Photography

Introduce your kids to the chess world with this amazing book. A chess book is a powerful tool for inspiring and nurturing your kids’ love for chess games. It has illustrations on the chess basics.

Also, it teaches the kids about various pieces and tactics for playing chess. With it, your kid will boost their desire to become chess champs. As such, it is a perfect gift for your kids’ birthday. 

Star Wars Chess Set

Does your kid love Star Wars? No better way to combine their love for Star Wars and chess than buying them this set as a gift. The chess set has a Star Wars theme with unique markings for the Knight, Bishop, Queen, and King. It will keep the spirit of Star Wars and spur up the chess spirit on your kids. Even if your child is not a big fan of chess, there are other games based on the theme of star wars legion that you can try.

Lego Iconic Chess Set

When you hear the name Lego, all that comes to your mind are toy blocks requiring assembling. The concept is no different for this iconic chess set. The set aims at keeping your kids busy as the practice chess game. It comes as blocks where your kids need to reassemble them and play. Though it presents playing difficulties, your kid will enjoy having a chess set as a toy. 

Super Mario Chess

Chess and chess figures and two persons playing
Photo by Wander Fleur on Unsplash

Super Mario-themed chess is another awesome gift that your kids will love. The chess set features Mario pieces that are colorful and attractive to the kids. It combines childhood Super Mario games with chess. So, by offering this gift to your kids, you will offer them an opportunity to be kids and upcoming chess lovers at a go.

Story Time Chess

No one hated story times while a kid. The soothing stories from your mum and dad acted as the powerful lullaby. The Story Time Chess brings chess and that experience on the same board. This chess features storybooks with ideas on how to move different pieces on the board. It will offer the best moment for lovers of chess and stories.

In a word, you should not let your kids’ special day be about photos only. Buying one of these gifts will make them create a special part in their heart and grow their love for chess.  

Signs It’s Time to Call a Furnace Expert

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Living room with dining space
Used with permission of Atelier Noël

Finding out that something is wrong with your home is never a fun experience. However, putting your head in the sand and hoping it goes away is a recipe for disaster. When you notice an issue, especially with your home heating system, it’s better to take action sooner rather than later.

If you’ve never dealt with a furnace issue before, you may not be aware when a problem necessitates an expert opinion. Here are some telling signs that it’s time to call a home heating expert.

You’ve Turned off the Air Conditioning for the Season

Living room with dining space
Used with permission of Atelier Noël

You may be wondering what turning off the air conditioning has to do with calling a furnace expert. Typically, turning the air conditioning off for the season indicates that the days are getting cooler. While you might have a couple of months before you need to turn on the heat, there’s no better time to call for a furnace tune-up.

As you get into the cooler months, furnace experts book up quickly. You’ll want to schedule a furnace tune-up appointment to ensure everything is in good working order before the first cold front hits. Annual tune-ups also help extend your furnace’s lifespan and prevent emergency calls.

You Notice Unusual Smells

If you notice unusual smells coming from your vents, it’s time to call a furnace specialist immediately. A burning smell is normal when you first turn on the heat after a long time, but that only applies to baseboard heaters. If you smell rotten eggs, it indicates a potentially dangerous leak (read more at jenningsheating.com/akron/emergency-furnace-repair/).

If you’re concerned, don’t hesitate to turn the heat off and leave the property until the issue has been addressed.

You Hear Unusual Sounds

Kitchen with dining table
Used with permission of Emily Followill

Furnaces tend to run in the background as a form of ambient noise. You may hear some tinks and clinks as the heater kicks in, or the whirr of the fans. However, these sounds should fade into the background as you get used to them.

If you notice you’re suddenly more aware of your furnace sounds or hear grinding or hissing, there’s an issue. Record the sound, turn off the furnace and call a specialist. The sound could mean something simple like a loose piece getting bumped around or something more serious such as a has leak.

Your Pilot Light Changes Color

If your pilot light changes color from a brilliant blue to the yellow of a candle flame, call a furnace specialist immediately. Typically when this change occurs, it means that the fuel isn’t getting burned off sufficiently. As such, your home could be filled with carbon monoxide — a deadly toxic gas that has no odor, color or taste.

It could also mean that there are fumes in the air that could light and cause a fire or explosion.

Your Furnace Is Short Cycling

Short cycling is when your furnace starts to kick in, then suddenly stops. It’s a sound (or absence of sound) you’ll recognize immediately when it happens. When your furnace short cycles, it’s not completing the heating cycle and burning up a lot of electricity as it tries to kick in again and again.

Your Thermostat Seems Inaccurate

Part of the bright designed living room with chair, table and pillows in the basket below the table, and a mirror on the wall above the table with flowers and books
Used with permission of Lisa Furey Interiors

Finally, if you notice cool air coming from your vents or the thermostat seems incorrect, it’s time to call a furnace specialist to see what’s happening. If you notice this leading to extreme temperatures, call for an emergency appointment.

Your Furnace Is More Than 15 Years Old

If your furnace is more than 15 years old, it’s likely reaching the end of its lifespan. You may not notice an issue with your furnace; it could be working fine. However, it’s around this point that things start to happen. Your furnace may not break, but it could start running more inefficiently.

Regardless of whether you notice a problem or not, this is the time to start thinking about your replacement options. Talk to a local furnace expert to determine what new, energy-efficient options are available and get a quote to start planning.

Learning to recognize these signs and get ahead of any potential issues will save you time and money while protecting your safety and comfort at home.

Thanks to jenningsheating.com for consulting on this post.