Category Archives: Weather

Jan27

3 Ways To Prepare Your Home For Warm Weather

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3 Ways To Prepare Your Home For Warm Weather

If you are looking forward to spring coming around, you aren’t alone. The past year has been a challenge to say the least, but one thing we can guarantee is that the spring and summer will come around again. These seasons encourage us to get outdoors, enjoy fresh air, and generally have a better outlook on life.

One thing that many people underestimate is how much your household will change as the seasons roll on. Many of us have spent more time than ever at home over the past year due to the coronavirus; although vaccinations are in sight, we can expect to still spend more time indoors in 2021. For this reason, it is crucial to prepare your home for the warm weather so you can stay comfortable and happy while isolating inside!

Here are three ways to prepare your home for warm weather:

Upgrade Your Air Conditioning:

If you live in a location that gets super hot in the summer months, now is the time to act when it comes to getting an air conditioning service. Chances are, the schedules of air conditioning companies are going to fill up quick and you will not want to be left waiting when summer hits. Air conditioning helps you, your pets, kids, and guests to stay cool indoors when the temperatures begin to rise.

How do you upgrade or fix your air conditioning? If you don’t have air conditioning, you should contact a specialist supplier who will give you a quote and install the HVAC in your property. If you have an air conditioner that doesn’t work, or has issues such as the air conditioner not removing humidity, contact your local HVAC specialist for a repair.

As summertime approaches, be sure to monitor your air conditioning unit closely. Any signs you can find that point to it not working properly should be handled immediately to prevent it from getting worse and more expensive. Being prompt will also ensure an appointment will be available before schedules fill up. Take the time to search for “AC repair in Lynnwood” (or your local area) and take note of a few trustworthy companies should you not be able to book an appointment with your first option.

Plant Seeds In The Garden:

If you have a space outdoors to call your own, you should start thinking about how you want it to look and feel in the spring and summer. Planting seeds in your garden as the spring starts to emerge means that they will be in full bloom by summertime.

You could plant a flower bed, a vegetable garden, or even an herb garden! The possibilities are endless when it comes to creating a beautiful green space on your property. Not only does planting seeds create a lovely garden, but it can be highly therapeutic and soothing for a stressed mind. We could all use a little bit of tranquility in our lives, so create it right there in your backyard.

Change Your Thermostat Gradually:

It might seem like a small change, but altering your thermostat gradually can help you create a cool, comfortable atmosphere in the home. Many people forget to do this until they are sweating buckets and opening all of the windows to compensate! In these scenarios, turning the thermostat down multiple degrees all at once can make your home feel drafty and chilly. That’s why a gradual decline is the way to go. Get ahead and gradually change your thermostat as the temperatures outdoors start to rise. Remember that it is a good idea to try this method as early as the weather allows should you need air conditioning repair. These services book up quickly as warmer weather gets nearer and you don’t want to be without cool air on the first sweltering day of the season!

If you are looking for ways to prepare your home for summer, use this helpful guide to achieve a gorgeous springtime feel in your house!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Dec30

Making The Most Out Of Your Time At Home This Winter

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Making The Most Out Of Your Time At Home This Winter

Now that we are in the midst of the cold, dark winter months you are most likely spending the majority of your time cooped up at home since social distanced outdoor hang outs are out of the question. It is probably the longest time a lot of us have spent continuously at home, in the space of just a few months! However, there are ways you can turn this negative into a productive positive with the following ideas:

Learn new skills:

When is the last time that you ever had seemingly unlimited time at home? I can’t remember! Now is the best time to take up new hobbies like cooking, baking, crafting, or photography. It is also ideal for finishing those projects that you have wanted to get around to but never had the time for. Paint the guest room, redecorate the bathroom, or clean out the garage – it feels good to check items off of your to do “eventually” list!

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Keep your home nice and toasty:

At this point in your time at home, you might end up noticing jobs that need to be done around the house like when you spot a hole in the ceiling of your roof as you pack away Christmas decorations in the attic. This is when you need the assistance of Blue Spruce Roofing Company who are professional roofing experts that will be able to inspect and repair any problems you are experiencing. It’s vital to ensure that your cozy nights remain just that, nice and toasty and totally draft free.

You might also want to think about making sure that your heating is in a good state of repair. The best way to make sure of that is to call out an expert HVAC repair and installation team. They will be able to determine if there are any problems with the heating, and take whatever necessary steps to overcome the issue. That will make for a much toastier home this winter.

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Declutter your space:

Now is the ideal time to reorganize, sort through your possessions, and actually drop your bags of used items off at a local charity instead of driving around with them in the trunk of your car for months. These items could also be regifted, sold online via Facebook marketplaces, or apps like Offer Up. Free up that unnecessary clutter in your life and start afresh. If you haven’t made use of whatever you are considering letting go of in the past year then, chances are, you won’t be using it again.

Heading into 2021 gives you the opportunity to enter into a brand new year with a completely clean slate. Leave all negative vibes behind in 2020 and continue to stay safe by making the most out of your time at home. Cheers!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Dec2

Protecting Your Dogs In Winter Weather

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Protecting Your Dogs In Winter Weather

When winter comes around, every good pet owner will want to make sure their pooch is happy and safe. We can put on layers, while they cannot. We can avoid puddles and slippery ice on the sidewalk, just by knowing what would entail if we stood in them. Dogs don’t seem to realize their paws will get stuck to the ice and this can be incredibly dangerous and painful. Not to mention, they tend to bring in half the snowfall, as they come inside our homes from walks. We can help our dogs remain safe, not lose our minds with all of the cleanup duties, and enjoy winter together as good pet owners:

Frostbite danger:

Many people will still try to take their restless dog outside in the cold for his morning and evening walks. However, no matter what kind of dog you have, always make him or her wear some shoes. In the wild, dogs are not just roaming around in the cold. They avoid harsh conditions but we have domesticated dogs that want to stick to a routine and need to be outside at a particular time of day. That’s fine, but dogs will start to shiver and their paws become numb if they have prolonged contact with the frozen pavement. So make sure that they are wearing winter shoes or they might suffer from frostbite which is extremely painful.

 

He wants to snuggle:

If your pup isn’t allowed on the furniture, give him an elevated bed so it’s not touching the cold floor. If your dog’s bed is on tiles or hardwood floors, then it will lose warmth. But if you keep it off the ground this won’t be an issue. Nevertheless, give your dog an extra blanket or a thicker blanket for the winter. It is equally as important to move the dog’s bed away from draft-prone areas such as close to windows and doors.

Messy paw prints:

When your dog has been outside in the garden to do his business, he will have muddy paws. You can bet that during winter, in the rain and melting ice, the garden will become a muddy mess and that mess will be brought inside. Your furry friend doesn’t know any better, but thanks to a good reliable carpet cleaning service you won’t need to stay upset for too long. The paw prints won’t be permanent and your nice area rug won’t be scarred for life. They use a special patented Hot Carbonating Extraction service which does a very hot deep cleansing clean of any carpet. The carbonation doesn’t harm the carpet fibers and they don’t need to use any undue pressure to get the mud and muck out.

A need for more:

Just like you, during the winter your dog is going to want more food. It’s natural, as we need more energy to shiver, keep warm, and regulate our metabolism during winter. However, do not use this as your only method of helping your dog get through winter. Although he might beg for more food, you should be wary of feeding him too much. Instead, you should only add an extra 10-15% calories more than he would normally have. Give him a jumper or inside top to wear and this way he will not need to burn as many calories to stay warm.

Brush his paws:

If you go for walks on the pavement instead of on the grass in the park, then beware of grit salt getting stuck in between his paws. This can lead to the skin splitting and becoming raw if left alone. Just use a simple toothbrush to wipe your dog’s paws clean as he gets inside. It will make sure little pieces of grit do not remain lodged in your dog’s paws. Again, as we have recommended earlier, just buy him some winter shoes and all of this will be avoided.

Your dog is counting on you to stick to his routine so he doesn’t feel anxious and become restless. But he also needs protection from the icy gritty pavement. These are just some of the things you can do to keep your pet safer this winter.

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Nov26

How To Enjoy A Calm Winter

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How To Enjoy A Calm Winter

Winter is well and truly on its way. In fact, it’s pretty much here. And with what’s going on in the world right now, you may find that you really don’t want to be spending too much time on anything that’s strenuous or that takes your energy away. And if that’s the case, you will be reaping as many of the benefits that a winter hibernation can offer you. At this time of the year, we don’t always want to spend too much outside or on hard activities. Instead, we want to be able to slow down and make sure that we can get through to spring feeling fantastic. To help you to do that, you may find that the ideas below will inspire you:

To get started:

Before shifting into hibernation mode, is everything on your winter checklist tended to? Garden furniture put away? Winter tires installed? Has an inspection of your heating system been completed? As the temperatures drop it is so important to get your HVAC or boiler system inspected to ensure it is in working order for the season. A company like https://heatsafeheatingltd.co.uk/ (or something similar in your local area) can inspect your boilers and repair any issues to keep your home warm and cozy all winter long. All that will be left to do is relax!

Switch off more:

To start with, one of the best things that you can do here is to make sure that you’re letting yourself switch off as much as possible. If you’re always on the go or your mind is always racing, your time won’t be calm. So try to switch off from work or the online world for a little bit if you can.

Distance yourself:

From here, you might want to try and think about keeping your distance from negativity. This may seem like a strange thing to add in as a winter practice, however, it can be really beneficial for your mind. If you know that you have a lot of toxic people in your life as you’re choosing to enjoy a few calming months, it’s good to try and keep them at arm’s length. That way, you know that your tranquillity won’t be threatened.

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Make room for calming practices:

The next thing that you might want to do is make sure that you are welcoming more calming practices into your life. You may find that you are able to feel a lot calmer throughout the colder months when you actively look to make this happen. Maybe you want to read instead of watch TV? Turn to something like Bloom Farms CBD instead of alcohol? Or quiet games nights with family rather than something rowdier? It all helps.

Treat yourself better:

Even if you think you already do this, you may not be treating yourself as well as you’d think. Are you resting? Are you looking after your body? Are you prioritizing your needs? If not, then you’re going to want to make sure that you change this. You’ll find it helps you to be a lot calmer and feel much better about yourself.

Enjoy the downtime:

Finally, you may find that it’s actually really nice for you to just enjoy more of the downtime. Winter isn’t always as fun, busy, and outgoing as summer – and it needn’t be. With winter comes the cold and dark and it’s not always the time of year that you want to be active. So just let yourself enjoy the calm and the slower pace. Do less. Relax. Be slow. Lap up all of the things you can do in hibernation before a glorious springtime comes back once again.

Ready, set, relax with the tips above and have a calm and safe winter!

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Nov19

How To Ace Winter At Home

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How To Ace Winter At Home

Winter varies from place to place but unless you’re somewhere on the equator the likelihood is that it’s going to be cold. Sure, some places are worse than others and will need better home preparation but, in most cases, there’s usually a few things needing to be done to ensure the home is a functioning and comfortable place to be during the winter months. Some people love winter. The coziness of it is what attracts people, and Christmas, of course. Others hate it. They don’t do well with the darkness and cold, and that’s fine. Either or, here are some tips to help you succeed over the winter months:

Get your energy solutions sorted:

Energy prices fluctuate year in and out which is why you need to change your provider often. If you want a good winter, you don’t want to pay too much money for your energy, so make sure you consider changing providers. You might also want to look at your insulation. Of course, a heating and cooling company can check this out for you. If you know you don’t have any it could be a worthy investment which could save you a lot of money on energy. In the same vein, you’ll want to get your boiler and other burning devices serviced so that you know they’re safe to operate.

Clean the gutters:

Winter usually brings rain and snow. This will increase water flow and really clog up your gutters, especially if you live somewhere close to trees. The leaves are usually the key culprits of gutter blockage. You can buy the tools for these on amazon but you might just be better off approaching someone to do it for you. If you do it yourself, make sure there’s someone under you holding the ladder so you don’t fall.

If you are having consistent issues with your gutters, you might want to consider a new approach. Aluminum Seamless Gutters provide long lasting and durable protection and can make a huge difference if you live in a rainy climate. A reliable gutter system will better protect your home during inclement weather.

You might also need to clear the drains which the gutters run into. These can be more important because they’ll cause standing water issues around your home, small puddles might be manageable but when you get the bigger ones it’ll be a lot harder to handle in most cases. It’s just a case of lifting the lid with a gloved hand and pulling the leaves out.

Check the alarms:

You’ll be at home more often due to the winter weather and this is even more prevalent this year due to coronavirus. So make sure it’s safe. Check your smoke alarms first, then make sure you’ve got a working carbon monoxide alarm in place around any fossil burning appliance. Then you need to ensure the house alarm is working. If it isn’t, think about upgrading or at least making the current one work properly. If you can’t afford it don’t panic, just make sure your doors and locks are secure and be sure to check the windows too.

Get your home in tip top shape before the winter comes with the tips above!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Nov5

Literally Falling For Fall Update

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Literally Falling For Fall Update

Hello! If you have been following lifewithlilred for a while, then you have been with me through all kinds of ouches like when Johnny and I got in a car accident and I was hospitalized and an oral surgery gone dreadfully wrong. My most recent “whoopsy daisy” of taking a tumble on the wet, leaf strewn wooden walkway to my apartment was nowhere near as severe but, gotDAMN did it hurt and I’ve got a hell of a bruise to prove it. Check it out:

Now, this is not a post to get sympathy for this deep purple monstrosity. Rather, it is a reminder to be careful!! Coincidentally, my Johnny took a spill mere hours before me when he was taking out the trash that day and we have since been taking our time making the walk to our apartment on the wet, rainy fall days that Ohio has been plagued with.

Johnny has actually been so sweet because, most days, he gets home from work before me and he’ll text me to remind me that it’s really slick so I don’t take another spill. Falls, tumbles, accidents, oopsies, boo boos, or whatever you call it can be so painful and even fatal for some so this is just your Lil Red reminder to take your time while walking (And driving!) during this slippery weather so you don’t end up with a major bruise on your side too!

What is the fall weather like in your neck of the woods? What are some of your safety tips for bad weather? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Aug11

How To Protect Your Home From Storm Damage

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How To Protect Your Home From Storm Damage

The impact of severe storms and natural disasters are hard to predict. If caught off guard and not prepared, you could end up dishing out several thousand dollars for repairs. Whether you just moved into an area that experiences frequent storms or you are looking to up your preparedness, these tips will help you better protect your home:

Get Home Insurance Or Update Your Policy:

Having home insurance is crucial to protecting your home. It ensures that if something awful happens, you may not have to pay for the expense solely out of your pocket. When shopping for home insurance or updating your policy, make sure the policy covers the basics of what you need. Look through several different options by entering a search for “independent insurance agency Colorado” (or your local area) and don’t be afraid to call them and ask for quotes. Be forthright with your needs for your policy and remember that better rates can often be achieved by bundling different policies.

If your home is surrounded by trees, it would be a good idea to make sure that your policy covers for that type of damage. Keep in mind it is up to you to find that out before a big storm comes. Read through your policy. Even though it may cover some storm-related damages, it may not cover all. For instance, damage from flooding, hurricanes, and earthquakes requires a special policy. It is always a good idea to shop around until you find the best plan for your home. To get started, simply enter a search for “home insurance jacksonville fl” (or your local area) to get the coverage that your family needs.

Seal Your Doors And Windows:

This is imperative to protecting your home. You do not want to be caught in a storm and your windows are not sealed or boarded up. Make sure that you seal your windows tightly without any breaks. The littlest break can cause a myriad of problems. If you are facing a tornado or hurricane the strong winds can get in, allowing for those storms to travel through while taking your home with it.

Maintenance To The Stormwater Drain: 

If your property has a stormwater drain, it is imperative that you have it serviced routinely by a Stormwater Waste Removal company. Neglecting to do so can cause flooding as well as environmental damage and this can be further exasperated by a heavy storm. Significant rainfall can cause blockages of debris in your drain and can do more damage than you might have thought if it isn’t regularly maintained.

Repair The Roof:

You have been putting it off long enough! Check your roof to make sure there are not any loose or missing shingles. If you find some, replace or fix them as soon as possible. You do not want a strong wind to catch onto a shingle coming loose. Your roof will suffer and so will you when you have to pay storm damage repair. It is also recommended that you seal your chimneys or vents if they are located on the roof. If they are not sealed up properly, you leave your home vulnerable to the elements, putting you in danger.

Repair Loose Siding:

Keep an eye out for loose pieces of siding that may catch a gust of wind. You also want to look for unattached edges. If the siding catches a powerful wind, it can fly off and leave your home exposed to the elements. Flying siding also causes a lot of damage. Attach it back to the frame of the house and check that they are secure often or consider new Siding Installations to avoid further problems in the future.

Repair Your Fences:

Your fences can cause a lot of damage to your home if they are not secured or repaired before a storm. Look for places where the fence is loose and ensure that the gates are tightly secured. It is also a good idea to survey your property, making sure to put away things that could fly around and cause more damage. Any outdoor furniture on your patio, deck, or lawn should be put inside the house. If your fence is in need of repairs, simply enter a search for “Fence contractor in Rockwall, TX” or your local area to prevent future damage.

Have Pros On Standby:

Even if you have prepared your home well for a storm, sometimes damage just happens. In this case, you will want to have a professional team on standby to tend to issues like standing water, loose branches, and repairs. Don’t forget to include your car too! If you don’t have a garage, your car will be left to the elements and this can be particularly bad if there is a hailstorm. Should your car fall victim to golf ball sized hail, a team like those at 888 PDR (or a similar business in your local area) can assist with repairs, rental cars, and even insurance claim assistance. This can help ease a lot of stress in a difficult and inconvenient situation. You will want the best people in your corner if you experience storm damage!

Once the outside of your home is secure, settle in with a good book and enjoy the thunderstorm!

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Mar30

Smile! Spring Flowers Are Blooming

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Smile! Spring Flowers Are Blooming

Hello! Although times are crazy and the norm is now staying hunkered down to help ease the coronavirus, it’s important to find joy in nature more than ever. I, myself, take delight in seeing the blooms of spring flowers poking up from the ground and a few crocuses have made their guest appearance in my parent’s yard. I was so tickled to see the sweet, small flowers in yellow, purple, and white that I just had to snap some pics:

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When I see a tiny flower’s presence among all of the dead leaves and dry grass, it instantly fills me with hope. One little bloom struggled to get enough sunshine, rain, and nutrition to sprout up and say hello but it pulled through and now looks so beautiful. One little pop of colorful flowers makes me instantly feel like spring is here and that makes me happy.

The winter blues have went away and now it’s time for sunshine, rainbows, and all of the glory that comes with spring. Despite the unease that we all feel right now in the midst of the coronavirus, be sure to take notice of all of the exciting things happening in nature the next time you take a walk. I’m sure it will quickly put a fresh spring in your step!

What is your favorite part about spring? What flowers are blooming in your neck of the woods? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar15

Spring Has Sprung Guest Bloggers Wanted

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Spring Has Sprung Guest Bloggers Wanted

Hello everyone! After what felt like a never ending winter, spring is definitely starting to… Well, spring, in my neck of the woods. Finally! An increase in temperature means reading outside, walks in the park with the pups, and day trips to the zoo. Warmer weather also brings us beautiful blooms, floral dresses, and soft, fresh makeup. I don’t know about all of ya’ll, but I am so there for it!

If you are too, then how about guest blogging a spring themed post on lifewithlilred? Your article topic is up to you as long as it has something to do with the new season at hand. Spring cleaning tips, perhaps? Or maybe how to host a flower planting party with your friends? And, let’s not forget about all of the gorgeous spring OOTDs and MOTDs!

If you are interested, please shoot me an email at: sarah.mush6794@gmail.com

Can’t wait to see what you come up with! xx

Feb21

Preparing Your Home For The Seasonal Shift

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Preparing Your Home For The Seasonal Shift

While it seems as though seasonal shifts are less predictable than ever in how weather conditions will be felt, it’s important to recognize that preparing our homes for the seasonal shift is worth thinking about. Of course, this is hardly the only responsibility we have around this time. Outfitting ourselves with some new pieces for our seasonal wardrobe, taking care of our health (and skin!), and coping with renewed driving conditions are a handful enough, let alone careful home maintenance.

Thankfully, you needn’t think of this as some kind of chore, rather a relaxed measure of ensuring that you are protected from the weather, that certain maintenance issues do not grow to be worse than they should be, and that you feel safe and secure within your home. Personal changes, upgrades, or developments of your own volition can be applied outside of the guidance below, but the following advice can serve as a good set of markers if you’re struggling to consider what priorities are most important:

Pest Control Preparations:

The Pest Authority is well known for a range of excellent preventative measures to help protect your property against all manner of pests, which can be essential as the seasons shift, as this usually causes the migration of many small creatures far and wide. Being able to ensure that homes with a crawlspace, garage, basement, or other areas that need attending to is fully protected can be an absolute lifesaver. Deterrents can even protect the outside of your property, if necessary.

Insulation Checks:

Insulation checks can be a great idea to carry out ahead of time, as this gives you the chance to fully ensure the thawing of the outside world does not give rise to property damage or damp. Ensuring your window sealants are still very much in place after a harsh winter, that your roofing felt is still in good condition and able to prevent heat from rising up and out of your property (to a wasteful degree, at least), and preparing for the offset of moisture that always comes in the springtime through clearing gutters (so that insulation is not overworked) can be a worthwhile idea.

Driveway Maintenance:

Not all driveways will encounter issues, but in colder climates (such as in Canada) you’ve likely had to shovel snow and grit your driveway for some intensive amount of time. The freezing and thawing regular effect weather conditions can have on your driveway may cause damage and cracks or may allow for smaller peeling to be felt at the sides where the material connects with the small guidance walls.

This is where having your driveway inspected by experts in Concrete Repair comes in handy. The last thing you need is to deal with a flooded or breakaway driveway due to its inability to handle moisture or thawing correctly, as a flawed installation will often make itself known at this time of year.

Exterior Care:

Caring for the rest of your exterior is often conducted for the same seasonal reasons as your driveway, but it’s important to recognize just how much work you may have to put forth here. For instance, mowing your lawn after the intensive winter period may be tricky, and also require the use of weed-killing formulas in some problem areas.

Removing debris from the garden, filling in molehills, and inspecting the covered garden furniture are good winter lawn care tips to think about before the weather turns cold. This is also a good time to consider shopping around for new furniture if yours has seen better days as you might be able to score a better price for them. Shopping on websites like jbfurniture.co.uk can provide plenty of inspiration for new furnishings to welcome spring with. Power washing the garden path and your decking can also help remove grime that may have built up over the colder months. Simple cleaning habits, such as using disinfectants on your shed or greenhouse windows to prevent molds can be a great idea.

All gardens are different in their own way, and so it may be clearing fallen branches for one person or clearing the gutters out for another. Doing the latter isn’t always a straightforward process – luckily Clean Pro Gutter Cleaning Little Rock and other companies hold lots of information on their websites that should help you tackle it with confidence. This may not always need doing though, based on your surroundings, but if you do have a garden and you have experienced winter, odds are you’re not going to get away with minimal care over your green space. Every effort helps.

With this advice, we hope you can better prepare your home for the seasonal shift!

Featured Image By: Pexels