Author Archives: lifewithlilred

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About lifewithlilred

Just your average gal blogging an average blog!
Mar3

Accessory Story: Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, And Something Blue Edition

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Accessory Story: Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, And Something Blue Edition

Howdy! Does anyone have an accessory that they wear every day? Maybe it’s your favorite bracelet, the earrings that you never take out, or the anklet that’s too difficult to bother taking off. I actually have four bracelets that I wear every day, compliments of my beloved mom and the beautiful Kate of Ankhor You.

Back in October, you might remember that I spent some time in New York City for the first annual Bloggers Conference between me and Kate. Once I was there, it was fabulous. But, I’ll tell ya what, getting there was a bit of a struggle. I had never traveled alone before and, needless to say, I was freaking the fuck out lol. But, in true mom fashion, my darling JANE always knew just what to say and do to calm me down. She let me pick out one of her pieces of jewelry so it was like she was with me on the trip. It was

SO SWEET

And I ended up selecting the following bracelet set from my mom:

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By the time I arrived home from my NYC extravaganza, I was too attached to the bracelets to give them back and asked my mom if I could keep them. Obviously, she said yes, because I have been wearing them every day since my trip. The bracelets are kind of falling apart now and beads are falling off. But, I plan on wearing them until every single bead is gone. ❤

These bracelets are old, blue, and technically borrowed – so what’s the new one? This here Alex and Ani bracelet from the beautiful Kate, of course:

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This gorgeous Harry Potter themed bracelet was a Christmas surprise from Kate, and I have been wearing it every day since it arrived in the mail. This is my first Alex And Ani bracelet and it couldn’t be more perfect. The theme, the sentiment behind it, the element of surprise from a package in the mail from NYC. I get emotional just thinking about it!!! :*)

When these bracelets combine, I have something old, new, borrowed, and blue and my day wouldn’t feel complete without having them on my wrist. So special thanks to my mom and my darling Kate for gifting me with something that makes me smile every day. I LOVE YOU!!! ❤

Do you own anything that fits the old, new, borrowed, and blue guidelines? Do you have a piece of jewelry that you wear daily or don’t take off? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar2

8 Ways To Keep Burglars Away From Your Home

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8 Ways To Keep Burglars Away From Your Home

Burglars choose their victims carefully. Certain features can make your home a difficult target and may be more likely to put off potential home invasions. Here are just a few deterrents to consider:

Add exterior lighting:

A burglar can enter your house relatively undetected if you don’t have exterior lighting. Motion sensing lighting is the best option – it will only turn on when there’s activity below, saving you power and offering you protection from someone sneaking around.

Reinforce windows and doors:

Windows and doors with loose hinges or weak frames could be easy to break through. You should make repairing and replacing these a priority, especially if these weaknesses are visible from the outside. Locks on the inside of your windows and doors can also help.

Install a camera:

Security camera installation is an effective way of scaring off burglars. No burglar wants to be caught on camera, and they may immediately move on to the next property. Make sure that the camera is placed in the best possible location – a burglar may try to exploit a blind spot. If you are interested in installing cameras on your property, it’s a good idea to work with a professional team. Not only will they be able to select the most effective spots for camera placement but they will be able to evaluate the way your electrical system functions so you never have to worry about an overload. To start researching your options, simply enter a search for “Electrical Services in Glendenning” (or your local area) and book an appointment to better protect your home.

Once you have your security cameras selected you might want to consider additional accessories for it. The most important one being a microSD card for security cameras. This will ensure that your cameras are recording continuously as well as providing reliable storage options should the police need access to your footage. Be mindful of checking on your cameras regularly for the peace of mind that they are functioning as they should.

Make fencing less climbable:

A small fence that’s easy to scale could be an excellent entry point for a nimble burglar. Adding latticing to the top of your fence can make it harder to climb. You can also consider anti-climb paint. This is a special type of paint designed to stain the clothes of trespassers and make surfaces more slippery. If your current fence isn’t cutting it, you will want to team up with experts in Fence Installation to get the job done right. From there, you can choose from your options like height, material, and aesthetic for the perfect match for your yard.

Prevent burglars from window shopping:

You should be wary of onlookers being able to see through your window, particularly if you live on a busy street. Burglars may try to take a peek inside your home to see what valuables you may have. You can prevent them from being able to do this by using blinds or net curtains. Bushes outside a window or a high hedge aren’t recommended as these can have the adverse effect of being easy to hide behind, making it easy to break in undetected. If you have high hedges or lots of bushes outside your window, consider trimming these back.

Lock away expensive garden items:

Don’t leave out barbecues and lawnmowers where they can be seen by peeking into your garden. Lock these valuables away in a shed so that burglars don’t know you own them. Make sure your shed door is secure, as this can often be another weakness for burglars to exploit.

Use dummy deterrents:

You can often trick burglars into thinking you’re a difficult target. Dummy CCTV cameras can sometimes be enough to scare off thieves. A ‘beware of the dog’ sign, even if you don’t have a dog, could also make burglars think twice about breaking in. Other deterrents include leaving a light or TV on in your home when you’re not there.

Be careful what you put on social media:

Burglars are now using social media to find their victims. Posting up holiday snaps and updates can be risky as it could show that no one is home. If you are going to post photos and updates, you might be better off posting them once you get back.

Nothing is more important than the safety of the people inside of your house. Scaring away thieves before they even think of doing anything is optimum for your home security.

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Mar2

5 Ways To Defend Your Home Against A Storm

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5 Ways To Defend Your Home Against A Storm

When bad weather strikes, it can cause devastating amounts of damage to a home that hasn’t been suitably storm-proofed. Here are just a few ways that you can defend your home against the elements:

Seal up cracks:

Not only will rain get into a crack and cause water damage, strong winds could also get into the crack and possibly make it worse. Small cracks can be easily sealed up with caulk, whereas larger cracks may need professional intervention. Draft protectors, meanwhile, may be able to stop wind from getting into gaps beneath doors and windows.

Tending to any cracks now can prevent expensive future problems. This is especially important if you live in an area prone to bad weather or natural disasters. If you have extensive problems in your home’s foundation, a professional team like Victor Construction and Engineering (or a similar company in your local area) should come to do an assessment as soon as possible. A major issue in your foundation will only get worse and be hazardous to your family.

Reinforce windows and doors:

Old windows and doors could be ripped off of their hinges in bad weather. It may not necessarily be the door or window that is the problem – most commonly it’s the result of a broken frame or hinges. As for those living in flood-risk areas, it could be worth fitting a flood guard to the bottom of your door. These barriers may look ugly, but they could save you thousands in interior damage.

Get a backup generator installed:

Serious storms can often lead to power cuts. Investing in a backup generator could help provide you with an extra power source in the event of a blackout. There are companies out there that can do generator installations for you. You could alternatively invest in a sustainable backup solution such as solar panels, although these may be costlier to install.

Attend to outside dangers:

There could be many objects outside that pose a danger to your home during a storm. Loose garden items should be locked away in a shed the moment that you get a storm warning – you don’t want a garden table crashing through your patio doors. Trees may also be a danger, especially those that have been partially uprooted by a previous storm or seem to be dying. Investing in Tree Removal may involve getting planning permission and you may want to pay an arborist to do it for you.

In terms of trees, you really have to look at the ones in your yard from all angles. Are there branches hanging onto your neighbor’s property? How about over parked cars or dangerously close to your own roof? All it takes is one strong storm to cause a lot of damage on your own or someone else’s property. Do an inspection and enlist the help of Dunwoody Tree Service (or a similar company in your local area) to safely trim back any problem areas. This will give you peace of mind when a storm hits that you took the precautions to avoid any damage.

Another danger to be aware of is old guttering. This can be particularly dangerous in winter, as water in the gutter can freeze up, effectively turning the whole thing into a giant ice block. If this is loose or broken, a strong wind may have the power to rip it off and cause damage to your home. If you think this could be a problem, consider hiring a professional to see to repairing your guttering.

Get insured:

Getting insured won’t prevent storm damage from occurring, but it could help pay compensation for home repairs. Not all home insurance companies will cover storm damage, especially if you live in an area prone to storms and flooding, in which case you may need to seek out a specialist storm insurance or flood insurance company. Insurance rates vary from each provider, so it’s worth spending some time shopping around for the best deal. To get started, take a look at the websites for insurance providers near you like Caruso Insurance. Take note of the companies with excellent reviews and don’t be afraid to schedule a couple of different consultations for the best coverage and deal for you. Insurance is like an umbrella – you will always be happy you have it when you need it.

Taking measures to make your home safer when inclement weather strikes is important for you and all who live in your home. And, as always, it’s better safe than sorry.

Featured Image By: Maxpixel

Mar2

Hello, Spring!

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Hello, Spring!

Hi everyone!! A few days ago when I was walking my pups, I noticed some lovely little flowers poking out from underneath the layer of leaves that are still damp with melted snow. It was such a sight for sore eyes, especially because the sun was shining and it was FIFTY DEGREES at the end of February. Oh my goodness, guys, it was amazing.

To walk outside with a light jacket on, with my pups keeping up pace beside me and the sun shining on my face was such a treat after a long and grey winter. And, then, to make things even more glorious, I look down and see bright yellow crocuses and another yellow flower that I’m not sure what it is popping out to say hello:

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Of course, it’s not quite lovely spring time yet. But, on that day, it felt that way and I could literally feel the crippling weight of seasonal depression on top of normal old depression being lifted from my shoulders. I was so happy to be breathing in fresh, clean air and looking up to no clouds in the sky. And seeing the first promises of spring flowers in tiny yellow buds peeking out just added to the delight. It was a great day.

Are any flowers popping up in your neck of the woods? What is the weather like in your area? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar1

Versatile Blogger Award #3

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Versatile Blogger Award #3

Oh my goodness, what a wonderful week on lifewithlilred! Yours truly just got nominated for my third Versatile Blogger Award by my sweet friend over at Liss Journal. Thank you SO much for the nomination, darling! Do be sure to peep through the window into this blogger’s world, because her page definitely does not disappoint. Here are the rules for this award:

The Rules:

  • Show the award on my blog.
  • Thank the person who nominated me.
  • Share 7 things about myself.
  • Nominate 10 blogs.

Fun Facts:

  1. My favorite thing in the world is shopping! TJMaxx is my jam, and I feel like I end up there at least every other weekend with my beloved mama. It’s a curse!
  2. I love doing these blogging awards, so many thanks to those who continue to nominate lifewithlilred for them. It means a lot. ❤
  3. I have enjoyed three movies from this year’s Oscar season including I, Tonya, The Shape Of Water, and Three Billboards On The Side Of Ebbing, Missouri. All of them were fantastic and I look forward to seeing some of the other nominees soon.
  4. Speaking of the Oscars – it is my favorite award show to watch. I love movies and getting new ideas for films to watch.
  5. And speaking of movies – I love scary ones. I am hoping to see the remake of The Strangers in theaters when it comes out on March 9th.
  6. I have tons of favorite TV shoes including Seinfeld, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Wentworth, My 600 Lb. Life, Botched, Hoarders, Intervention, and Orange Is The New Black. I could continue naming more, though!
  7. I love, love, love sour candy – Sour Patch Kids, Warheads, Shockers, etc. Sour candy is the best to eat while watching movies and really at any time.

My Nominees (I’m only doing three):

Again, extra special shout out to Liss Journal for the nomination! What are some fun facts about yourself? How important is versatility on a blog? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb28

Feeling Old? Time To Get Rejuvenated!

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Feeling Old? Time To Get Rejuvenated!

People always say that you are only as young as you feel. However, it’s difficult to feel young when you start to notice the signs of age on your body and skin. It might not even be a change to the way you look but, rather, how your body feels. As you age, you’re more likely to experience issues with chronic pain, muscle and joint aches, as well as other problems. Even getting out of a chair can make you groan and grimace once you reach a certain age!

What should you do about this? You can ‘age gracefully’, and in other words accept your fate. Or, you can look into some of the ways people stay young for longer. If you’re leaning towards the latter suggestion, here are a few ideas that may interest you:

Exercise More:

Studies have shown that exercise actually keeps the body younger for longer. That means that you will be able to avoid the aches and pains of old age. As well as this, you might just find that wrinkles develop more slowly on the skin, too. The best exercise to take up is cardio, because this works out every area of your body rather than a few of the places you want to see muscle develop.

So, it might be time to buy a pair of running shoes and get jogging. In no time at all, you could feel a lot younger than you do today. Some people worry that it’s too late to start but it’s never too late, and there’s always a chance to get back on track.

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 Time to hit the gym!

Consider Medical Treatment:

If you are really upset with the effect that the ageing process has on your looks, you might want to consider taking a more drastic measure. Cosmetic procedures can help you take years off your age and could be a fantastic possibility if you are tired of not recognizing the person staring back at you in the mirror. Many people are turned off by the idea of surgery, due to the intensive procedures they think are involved. However, looking at a facelift surgery video, you’ll see that there’s actually nothing to be scared of. Indeed, cosmetic surgery is so advanced these days, that it’s one of the easiest surgeries for doctors to complete.

Any type of surgery is a big decision and you will want to ensure that you are in the most capable, skilled hands. Start researching your options by entering a search for “best plastic surgeon Beverly Hills” (or your local area) and look at reviews carefully. One unsatisfied patient could be a fluke but several is a definite problem, so make sure to avoid clinics with such reviews.

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 And, of course, surgery is something that should be considered deeply.

Go For A Spa Day:

Lastly, you might also want to think about heading out for a spa day. At the spa, you can get the benefits your body needs to stay young and vitalized. To keep your youth, you need to make sure that your body is getting the right nutrients and vitamins. You can do this at a spa with face treatments and you will be able to relax. Stress is one of the main causes of the signs of aging, including wrinkles, after all.

A spa day can truly help you unwind and look your best. It’s the perfect opportunity to relax, recharge, and give yourself some well-deserved care. If this sounds like just what you need, check out spa experiences on sites like https://www.invernesspalacehotel.co.uk/ so you can get some inspiration for the treatments you might like to book. The ultimate pampering and glowing skin is just one spa day away!

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So relaxing!

It’s always good to treat yourself every now and then. With Mother’s Day somewhere on the horizon, this might be the perfect excuse to get pampered and get rid of those signs of age once and for all.

Featured Image By: Pexels

Feb28

Duolingo Obsessed!!

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Duolingo Obsessed!!

Hey everyone and happy Hump Day! Okay, so on a recent post that I made talking about how I enjoy learning new languages, I got so much positive feedback and some great tips. Thanks for that, by the way! Many of you mentioned the Duolingo app in your comments, and I decided to give it a go and I am in LOVE!!

Normally, when I’m learning a new language, I just like doing the tapes in my car and practicing on my own. I had heard of the Duolingo app before but never thought of giving it a try until it got such positive reviews from my readers. I am SO thankful for that, because I am enjoying it so much!! I’m working my way through the French lessons as a fun refresher and then I plan on starting Spanish within the next month.

I just can’t emphasize enough how pleased I am that you guys shared such positivity for the app with me, because I’m bullheaded enough that I would have just kept trudging through doing things my own way without it. Learning a new language is such an amazing workout for your brain and if you are interested in a great mental workout, then Duolingo is the way to go. I can now join the rave reviewers, because within a handful of days, I have become obsessed!!

How do you practice a new language? Are there any other handy language apps that you like to use? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Featured Image By: MUO

Feb27

The Best Gifts For The Traveler In Your Life

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The Best Gifts For The Traveler In Your Life

The best gifts are always those that show how much you know a person. That’s an ironclad rule across the board. A lot of us know a person to whom travel is more than just a yearly vacation, it’s part of their lifestyle. An itch they absolutely have to scratch. If you know someone bit by the travel bug, then a gift that fits that lifestyle can be the most valuable of all:

Their Memories:

Travelers like to do more than roam the world, many of them like to document it in some way. Gifts that can help them do that encourage them not only to do what they love but to keep sharing it. If they’re a photographer, then lenses, cases, tripods, and so on can help them take better pictures. A handmade, leather-bound notebook can encourage them to start keeping travel diaries. Even photo frames containing some of their best snaps can help them look back on their journeys with pride and appreciation. It could even be something as basic as finding Japanese greeting cards, or something from a place they visited that they absolutely loved to help keep it close to them always. Sometimes the simple things are the best, right?

Something To Display:

Often, finding something special from one of the countries that they’ve been to can bring some of their best travel memories flooding back. Souvenirs like collectible coins featured on this website, postcards, or even ordering some food that they tried abroad can help them relive the journey all over. What’s more, it might give them something to display in honor of those past trips.

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 A beautiful globe to display is also a great idea!

The World They Love So Much:

A globe or a world map is always a great gift for a traveler if they don’t have one. It gives them the chance to look back on just how much of the world that they have seen. If it’s an interactive map, like the scratch maps shown at this site, then that’s all the better. It acts as another way for them to record their journey, to fuel a sense of accomplishment, and encourage them to scratch more locations off that map.

Somewhere To Go:

If they love seeing the world so much, why not help them see even more of it? Serious travelers know you don’t always have to fly hundreds of miles away to have a great time. You can find closer travel opportunities by suggesting a road trip, finding a national park near you, or even visiting a museum if they’re also an art or history buff. More than simply giving them something, it shows you’re willing to try that new experience with them.

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 Pixabay Image

A Helping Hand:

Finally, there are all kinds of gifts that can help them better enjoy traveling. Translation earbuds, neck pillows, portable chargers, eBook or audiobook subscriptions for those long travels are all good places to start. You could also consider transportation tickets to further assist during travels. A boarding pass for a train ride, subway card, or even a ticket for a Ferry to France the next time they are abroad will be so appreciated. They might be used to traveling around the world in discomfort but that doesn’t mean that they necessarily want to do it that way. Making their life a little easier is the most one could ask for from a good gift.

Hopefully, the examples above give you some idea of how you can treat the traveler in your life. A little acknowledgement and appreciation of that hobby are sure to make any gift all the better.

Featured Image By: Pexels

Feb27

Beauty Tag #2

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Beauty Tag #2

Helloooo! This weekend, lifewithlilred was nominated for its second Beauty Tag by my sweet friend, Claudia, over at New Life – Fresh You. I love Claudia’s page and I’m sure that all of you will too, so do be sure to check it out! Here we go:

Q & A:

1. Do you remember your first makeup item?

It’s not exactly a makeup but I had hella LipSmackers chapstick in my youth.

2. Describe your perfect mascara. Have you found one that fits your specifications?

I am obsessed with Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara. It’s the jam.

3. What kind of coverage do you prefer from a foundation?

I don’t wear foundation. I never have.

4. Favorite high end brand?

I wouldn’t necessarily say I have a favorite, because I don’t wear a lot of high end products.

5. What cosmetics brands have you always wanted to try but still haven’t?

None that I can think of.

6. Favorite drugstore brand?

NYX!!

7. Do you wear false lashes?

No, I’ve actually never tried them, either. They seem like such a pain to get on!!

8. Is there any kind of makeup you can’t leave the house without?

Nope, I feel pretty okay about leaving the house with a fresh face.

9. What is your most cherished beauty product?

My favorite NYX red lipstick.

10. How often do you shop for makeup? Do you like to pick up an item here and there, or get lots of goodies at once?

I pick up things as I need them, so maybe once every few months.

11. Do you have a “beauty budget” or do you spend freely?

I spend freely. I don’t spend money unless I’m comfortable paying for whatever it is, though.

12. Do you utilize coupons, reward cards, and sales when you shop for cosmetics?

HELL YEAH! I’m all about saving money, so I love utilizing anything that can help me do that.

13. What type of product do you buy the most of?

I feel like I purchase skin care more regularly than makeup, so I’m going to say moisturizer.

14. Is there a brand you absolutely can’t stand?

Not that I can think of.

15. Do you avoid certain ingredients in cosmetics, like parabens or sulfates?

As long as the product is cruelty free, then I’m good.

16. Do you have a favorite place to shop for makeup?

Target, lol.

17. Do you like trying new skin care products or do you keep a certain routine?

I do have my staple skin care products that I will use for all eternity, but that doesn’t mean that I don’t like experimenting if I find a good deal or something new that I’d like to try.

18. Favorite bath and body brand?

The Body Shop.

19. If you could only buy from one brand, which brand would you choose?

The Body Shop, for sure. They’re a one stop shop and I use a lot of their products, anyway.

20. What brand do you think has the best packaging?

Hmm… I really don’t know.

21. Which celebrity always has great makeup?

It’s hard to say, because I don’t really pay attention.

22. Do you belong to any online makeup communities?

No.

23. Favorite beauty gurus:

I deeply admire the makeup skills behind the local drag queens in my neck of the woods.

24. Do you like multi-functional products like lip and cheek stains?

No. I’d prefer separate items.

25. Are you clumsy in putting on makeup?

I used to be, but not too much any more. Only if I’m really tired am I clumsy. Today, for example, I accidentally spilled one of my facial oils in a sleepy stupor. I was so pissed!

26. Do you use makeup base/primer for the eyes?

Nope. The less products that I use, the better.

27. How many hair products do you use on a typical day?

I only wash my hair once a month, when I’m redyeing it. I wouldn’t even call it washing, because I just condition it with the product that comes in the box kit. So I don’t own any shampoo or conditioner. However, when I’m straightening my hair I do use heat protecting spray and styling oil.

28. What do you apply first, concealer or foundation?

Neither, because I don’t use them.

29. Would you ever consider taking makeup classes?

Nah.

30. What do you love about makeup?

I love that it showcases the personality behind the person wearing it.

My Nominees (I’m only doing three):

Thank you so much again to Claudia for my Beauty Tag nomination – this was so fun! How would you answer some of these questions? Which beauty products could you never live without? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb26

Simple Ways To Make The House Safe

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Simple Ways To Make The House Safe

Your home should be a fortress of safety for you and your family. It is the place we keep everything which is important to us and because of this, we should keep it safe and sound. If you are looking to make your home a little safer this year, here are some easy ways to do it.

Secure the front door:

The first way to keep your home safe, is to make sure that the main entrance is totally secure and safe. Your front door is the most crucial door in the home to keep secure, so it is worth investing a little extra money to make sure that you get the best one possible. Instead of looking for a hollow door, go for one that is solid and this will make things much safer for you and help to put your mind at rest.

Secure the windows:

The windows are the main place where burglars will look to enter the home. This is the reason why it is so important to make sure that these parts of the house do not serve as weak spots for them to get inside and harm you. To secure the windows, you will need to invest some time and energy. If you can place a metal rod on the track, you can also prevent them being opened from the outside.

Tidy the garden:

One of the things which people don’t think about is that the appearance of your home from the outside can tell a potential burglar a lot about you. For example, if your garden is overgrown, wild, and messy, this will suggest that no one lives here to look after it and, therefore, it will become an easy target for thieves. Make sure you tidy your garden and keep it trim to prevent this from happening. Another reason to trim the garden is so that there are no hiding places for thieves to wait. This will deter them from coming to your home because they are more likely to be caught.

Know your neighbors:

Not enough of us spend time getting to know our neighbors, which is a crying shame really. The sense of community we once had isn’t quite there any more, and this can be dangerous for your home while you are away on holiday or out of town. By getting to know your neighbors, you build that level of trust needed where you can ask them to watch out for your home when you go away. This is incredibly useful and is something which you want to work for.

Don’t give thieves a chance:

The easiest way to deter would be criminals is to install a security system which they can see from the outside of the home. The first thing to add would be motion sensor lights on the perimeter of the home which light them up if they come near your “fortress”, most of the time this will immediately stop criminals from trying to break in. Extra precautions are security cameras on the outside of the home, an alarm system on the inside, and even a panic button in case thing get nasty.

Everyone deserves the utmost safety in their home, and the above tips can definitely help to achieve that!

Featured Image By: Public Domain Pictures