Tag Archives: just so you know

May15

The Little Black Book Of Contacts Every Homeowner Should Have

Posted on by
Standard
The Little Black Book Of Contacts Every Homeowner Should Have

When you own your own home, you’re always going to have different roles and responsibilities that you need to stick to. It’s not like renting where you have a landlord to take care of things for you. When things go wrong, you need to know who to call. And not only that, but when you’re renovating or you need some help, it’s good to know what experts and specialists to turn to.

As much as you may think that you can just look for someone at the time or when you need them, in a rushed situation, you may choose the wrong company or person. This is why it’s handy for you to have a list of contacts that you can call when you need the help. Let’s take a look at some you may want to gather:

Handyman:

The first kind of person that you might want to think about getting is a handyman! Do you often have work that needs doing around the home? Do you struggle to do some tasks yourself, like hanging pictures, painting, or repairing things? Then, having a handyman that is skilled at odd jobs is what you need. So do your research and find the best person. Simply entering handyman near me in Screven or whatever city you reside in on a search engine will give you a list of local professionals in your area. It’s also a good idea to ask friends and family for recommendations too!

Gardener:

Next up, you may need to get yourself a gardener. We all know that aiming to take care of your own garden is pretty much a full-time job. And, when you’re busy, you won’t always have the time to mow the lawn or cut hedges. Bringing in a gardener to help you is also a good move when you have no green thumbs!

homee1

Unsplash Image

Tradesmen:

As a step on from that, it’s important for you to know the best tradesmen to have on hand, too. When things go wrong, you’ll want to make sure that you have a list of people that you can call. Here, you’ll want to know the best plumbers, electricians, builders, and any other specialists that you may need.

Housekeeper:

At the same time, if you have a large house and you struggle to get all of the work done, maybe you need a housekeeper or a cleaner to come and help you for an hour or two a week? There’s no shame in that – just make sure you do your research and find someone you like and who you can trust.

Dog Walker:

And, finally, if you have a dog and you work full-time, then having a dog walker might be what you need. Even if you don’t have a full-time job but you have a super busy schedule, finding a great dog walker can feel like such a treat. Then you have one less job to do yourself. Not only that, but you may even want to look for a dog sitter too – or a two in one walker and sitter for when you’re away for the day or a vacation.

Knowing who to call when you need work done is important, so gather recommendations and reviews and assemble your own little black book today!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Apr22

Moving Update

Posted on by
Standard
Moving Update

Hi everyone! I have been super busy with the big move but I just wanted to let all of you know that it’s going swimmingly so far! I cannot wait to give you guys a virtual tour of my apartment once it’s to my liking and show you my new digs. In the meantime while I am unpacking my brains out: What are some of your tips to help a move go smoothly? What was your first apartment like? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Mar11

Before Putting Your House On The Market…

Posted on by
Standard
Before Putting Your House On The Market…

Are you planning on putting your property on the market this year? If so, this blog post is here for you. Read on to discover everything you need to know, including useful tips on preparation, as well as some critical information about property prices:

It’s not as dramatic as it seems!

There is nothing like the news to make you think the world is ending, we are all going to lose our jobs, and our house will never sell. But is it really that dramatic? Take these reports and stories about the housing market with a pinch of salt! Data can be manipulated in so many different ways in order to create a desired story. So, ‘house prices are falling and show no signs of improving’ they say, but on what basis have they come to this conclusion?

You don’t know what data they have analyzed and what they have taken into account. These conflicting news reports can be enough to make anyone worried, but don’t let them concern you and certainly don’t allow them to force you into a knee-jerk reaction, such as altering your asking price. If you have done your research – assessed comparable properties in the nationwide and especially the local market – whilst having your property valued by several estate agents or a property consulting group, you have nothing to be worried about. Confidence is key!

Why you need a Rightmove Comparison Report:

What is a Rightmove Comparison Report? Essentially, this tool helps you to come to a decision regarding what your house is worth. It gathers relevant data regarding the prices achieved for recent sales, as well as the asking prices of properties currently on the market. Rightmove is undoubtedly one of the most trusted companies in the UK. All you need to do is enter your postcode, the radius of which you would like them to search (i.e. within ½ a mile), your property type, and how many bedrooms you have. Once you have done all of this Rightmove will do the hard work for you and provide you with the figures you need.

This comparison report can be a very effective tool. You can use it to make sure your property is not priced too high in relation to similar ones in your area, or on the other hand to make sure it is not priced too cheaply. You can also see whether the sold prices are much different from the current asking prices. Is there a trend for the sort of price that is attracting offers? Not only should you use this report, but you should also make sure you get your property inspected before it goes on the market. A free roof inspection and other services like this will ensure everything is fine so that viewers can’t drum down your asking price.

The value of a good school:

To get your pricing right you need to have a good idea of what drives home values. Let’s take a look at what direct factors influence the price of your home:

  • Community/Neighborhood – Your local area plays a huge role in determining the value of your property. What are services like in the area? Is there a thriving business district? Does the neighborhood have a friendly and safe feel? If you are situated in an area that is well known for crime your property’s value will suffer massively!
  • Transportation – Easy access in and out of the area can affect the value of your property. If you are situated near access to the motorway and there is a good selection of public transport in the area you can be sure this will positively impact the value of your home.
  • Schools – When it comes to family homes, there is a strong relationship between solid property values and good schools.
  • Amenities – Finally, is everything the buyer needs nearby? From schools and parks, to libraries and bike paths – these are all factors that enhance property value, because they enhance what the buyer has by their doorstep should they decide to purchase your home.

How to convince the buyer that your asking price is right:

If your property has been on the market for a while and you are getting the sense that buyers feel it is a bit pricey, you need to prove to them that it is worth the money you are asking for. You are happy with your asking price. Your estate agent is happy with it too. You took advice from several agents and choose your asking price based on what they had to say. So, what’s the problem?

The trouble is, the buyer can prove to be more knowledgeable than you and even the estate agent when it comes to home prices! After all, they are in the business for finding a house, so they are comparing prices and properties all of the time. The solution? You could utilize resources to Sell My House Fast if you are getting impatient with no offers. Or, improvements will have to be made to convince the buyer that your property is certainly worth what you are asking for. This is where your photographs, online listing, and brochure really come into account. Marketing is everything to ensure you sell the house and the lifestyle to the buyer. Also, make sure your home is presented impeccably – presentation and features are so important!

Get your house sold and move onto the new chapter in your life with the tips above!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Feb17

Guest Bloggers Unite!

Posted on by
Standard
Guest Bloggers Unite!

Helloooo! We are more than halfway through with February and, believe it or not, spring will be here before we know it. At least, I have to keep telling myself that! But, there’s no reason why the blogosphere can’t feel as springy as possible. So, if you would like to relay on a spring themed guest post to lifewithlilred, we can spread warm thoughts like wild fire! If you would like to be featured on my page for the day with a springy post, please email me at: sarah.mush6794@gmail.com . 🙂

These posts can be anything from an OOTD and flower planting advice to an MOTD or spring cleaning tips. I can’t wait to hear from all of you! Much love. -Sarah

Dec21

Stress, Coping Mechanisms, & You

Posted on by
Standard
Stress, Coping Mechanisms, & You

Stress has been described as one of the principal threats to human health in the 21st century – and it’s easy to see why. While stress is often described as a psychological issue, it can also cause a myriad of physical health problems, and can even be a significant risk factor for certain serious health conditions.

The reality of stress:

Realistically, the chances of anyone reading the above paragraph and being surprised to learn that stress is a health concern, are slim. Huge awareness campaigns have sought to outline the risks of stress to the general populace, but have had little effect. For most people, stress is something that they know they should avoid, but are mostly unable to actively solve – modern life is tough, and stress seems to a be a natural byproduct of this simple reality.

It would be silly for this post to continue along a vein of “you must fix your stress, it’s a serious problem”. It’s also somewhat unhelpful to suggest that stress can just be fixed as simply as flicking a switch; that a few self-care treats will be enough to overcome a serious, often systemic problem. Instead, we’re going to focus on another aspect of stress that tends to be overlooked: coping mechanisms.

What are coping mechanisms?

Coping mechanisms are behaviors, actions, and thoughts that people turn to when they experience stress. For the most part, these coping mechanisms are a good thing; we turn to them as they help us to feel a sense of release and go about our usual day.

However, not all coping mechanisms are equal – and some are downright dangerous. For example, some people smoke, drink, or burn the candle at both ends to relieve stress. While these behaviors may help to alleviate their anxiety, they have significant downsides that eventually results in a zero-sum game – or worse.

What constitutes a good stress coping mechanism?

Essentially, anything that helps to relieve the burden of stress without causing other lifestyle or health issues. So, you may find it beneficial to rant about the problems you’re experiencing, or you might find it more cathartic to cry on someone’s shoulder. Some people turn to exercise to help manage stress; others find a night in curled up on the sofa is more suitable. It depends on what you personally find beneficial; there’s no cure-all that fits everyone.

What if you only find “bad” coping mechanisms helpful for alleviating stress?

It would be wrong to suggest you should immediately desist, even from “bad” coping mechanisms – we all need ways to get through the day. However, you may want to consider substitutions. So if you tend to smoke when you’re stressed, you could switch to vaping, purchasing the best cheap premium e juice as a treat; if you tend to shop, then you could restrict yourself to low-cost, bargain stores; if you tend to opt for alcohol, then dilute the strength and try to stick within recommended limits. With a few tweaks, you should be able to achieve the same stress-reducing benefits, but without such a significant impact on your health as the truly bad options.

Final thoughts:

It’s important to note that if your issues with stress are chronic, and you are turning to any coping mechanisms – both good and bad – more often than not, it may well be worth discussing the issue with your doctor. Coping mechanisms are there to get you through particularly rough days, but any long-running stress issues can usually benefit from medical intervention.

Featured Image By: Pixabay (CC0 Licence)

Dec17

Be Back Soon!

Posted on by
Standard
Be Back Soon!

Hello everyone! I am just letting you all know that Lil Red will be going on hiatus for the next few days. I, unfortunately, had to go to the ER on Sunday due to complications with my wisdom teeth surgery and am still in a lot of pain. So, now, I must focus on getting back to one hundred percent. Please send me lots of get well wishes, because this friggen sucks and I will be back soon! Much love. -Sarah

Nov20

What You Need To Know About Making A Claim Against Your Boss

Posted on by
Standard
What You Need To Know About Making A Claim Against Your Boss

If you have been involved in a workplace accident and are currently looking for some advice on making a claim, then this post is for you. Read on to discover some top tips that can help to make sure that your claim is successful, as well as some answers to your most pressing questions.

What sort of accidents can you claim for?

There are so many different types of accidents that can happen in the workplace. The following is a mere handful of examples:

  • Falls from a height
  • Slipping on an unmarked object
  • Whiplash from a company vehicle accident
  • Injuries because of poor or no risk assessments
  • Injuries due to faulty machinery
  • Assault
  • Objects falling onto someone
  • Industrial diseases
  • Industrial deafness

Will my employer fire me if I make a claim for an accident that occurred in the workplace?

Your employer will not fire you for making an accident claim because of a workplace incident for an injury that was not your fault. They will have insurance in place to cover them and they know that it is their responsibility to provide a safe working environment. Moreover, if they were to fire you, you would have grounds for unfair dismissal and they would only land themselves in more trouble.

Do you have a claim?

The first thing you need to do is determine whether you have the basis for a claim. To do this, you need to look at three key things. These are as follows:

  1. Who caused the accident?
  2. When did the incident occur?
  3. Did you see a doctor for your injuries?

First, it is vital to show that someone else made an error or acted negligently and that this resulted in your suffering. Second, the date of the accident is important, because there is a three-year time limit on all personal injury cases. Third, you must have seen a doctor because the medical report they provide you with is the most crucial piece of evidence when it comes to any type of claim. If you do have grounds to file a claim, it is best to hire a lawyer as soon as possible. A lawyer will be able to evaluate the specifics of your case, gather necessary evidence, and guide you through the legal process to ensure your claim is as strong as possible. They can also handle negotiations with insurance companies or represent you in court if needed, increasing your chances of receiving fair compensation for your injuries and losses. Simply enter a search for “Edwardsville IL Personal Injury Attorneys” or an expert in your local area, to find a well reviewed and trustworthy team to take on your case.

Finding the best accident lawyers:

Hopefully, you now have a better understanding as to whether you have the basis for a personal injury claim. The next thing you need to do is find a law firm such as Killian, Davis, Richter, & Fredenburg, PC who can provide a reliable solicitor to work on your claim. You need to make sure you have a high quality lawyer fighting in your corner. Here are some top pieces of advice on hiring a solicitor:

  • Look for a solicitor with a considerable degree of experience with your specific claim.
  • Read reviews that have been left by previous customers.
  • Opt for a solicitor that works to a payment agreement you are happy with.

In terms of experience, it is not enough to find a solicitor that has a lot of years in his or her locker. You need to make sure they have worked on cases similar to yours before. After all, lawyers who handle wage theft matters are not going to be the best choice if you have been injured because of a pothole in the company car park and vice versa.

Hire a lawyer quickly:

The sooner you get a lawyer and file your claim, the better. There is a three-year time limit on most personal injury cases so you will want to do your research and find one of these reputable Detroit personal injury law firms (or one of similar caliber in your area) to take on your case ASAP. Three years may seem like a long time, but court proceedings need to be issued within this period. Moreover, the sooner you make your claim the easier the process will be, as the details will be fresh in your mind and you will find it easier to get your hands on witness statements and other crucial pieces of evidence.

Things you can do to help:

Seeking legal assistance when injured at work is often one of the most critical steps you can take to ensure a smooth recovery process. While your lawyer is going to be responsible for ensuring that you get the full amount of compensation you deserve, there are things that you can do to help. For instance, it is a good idea to sit down and make notes of everything that happened as soon as you get the chance. That way, you won’t forget anything important. You should also keep receipts of any costs you have encountered because of your injuries, as you will be able to claim for these. Finally, it may help to take photographs of your injuries.

Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of the different factors to consider when it comes to making a personal injury claim against your boss. There is no need to panic. So long as you handle everything above, it should go smoothly.

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Nov20

Risk Assessments To Consider When Working Outdoors

Posted on by
Standard
Risk Assessments To Consider When Working Outdoors

Working outdoors presents its own unique set of challenges. No matter what type of work is being carried out, appropriate risk assessments are required. Otherwise, not only are you putting the safety of your workers at risk, but you could find yourself facing an unwanted legal battle, too. With that in mind, read on to discover some appropriate risk assessments you should consider when working outdoors:

What is a risk assessment?

A risk assessment is a systematic approach to assessing work activities. Business owners need to look at everything that could go wrong and determine suitable control measures for preventing injury, damage, and loss in the workplace. The assessment should include the controls needed to minimize, reduce, or eradicate the risks.

Working in hot environments:

The weather can be erratic at the best of times; one minute it is raining, the next minute we are welcoming a heat wave. When employees are working outside all day, it is important that they are protected from the weather. There are a number of administrative controls that can be used to protect workers when in hot environments. This includes:

  • Talk to workers about the early symptoms of heat stress.
  • Encourage the removal of personal protective equipment whenever a person is resting to help encourage heat loss.
  • Introduce shaded areas where people are working.
  • Supply free access to cool drinking water.
  • Provide more frequent rest breaks.
  • Reschedule work to cooler periods of the day.

Working in cold environments:

If your employees work outside all of the time, it is likely that they are going to need to work in cold weather. You will need to carry out a risk assessment so that you can reduce the risks associated with cold weather working. Some of the controls you can use to achieve this include:

* Talk to workers about the early symptoms of cold stress.
* Consider delaying the work. Is it possible to reschedule the work to a warmer time of the year that will not compromise safety?
*  Introduce more frequent rest breaks.
*  Encourage the drinking of warm fluids, such as hot drinks or soup.
*  Provide mobile facilities for warming up.
*  Make sure the personal protective equipment issued is suitable.

Working outdoors in specialist environments:

There are also a number of specialist workplace environments that require thorough risk assessments. This includes working outdoors under high air pollution levels. Factors to be considered throughout your risk assessment include workload, work arrangement, general/roadside AQHI category, workers’ health condition, and exposure to other air contaminants. Preventative measures include the likes of reducing the weight of loads being handled at one time, arranging for job rotation between indoor and outdoor work, and minimizing outdoor work in areas with heavy traffic.

When something goes wrong:

If you work outdoors and the correct safety measures are not taken, you could end up being involved in an accident and suffering an injury. If this does occur, it is important to find injury lawyers you can rely on. You should not merely sit back and accept what has happened to you. If it was not your fault because risk assessments were not carried out or the proper provisions were not put in place, you will be entitled to compensation.

There is a lot that needs to be considered when it comes to outdoor work. This is why thorough risk assessments are a necessity. Hopefully, you now feel like you have a better understanding regarding the steps that need to be taken in order to ensure that risks are minimized and workers are protected. If you are worried about the conditions you are working in, speak up!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Nov16

The Wow Factor Of A Frameless, All Glass Shower Door

Posted on by
Standard
The Wow Factor Of A Frameless, All Glass Shower Door

A glass shower door is becoming more and more popular to homeowners due to the fact that it gives a bathroom an elegant and luxurious look. What more, you can take it one step further and opt to use a frameless, all-glass shower door! But setting “aesthetics” aside, below are some more reasons why a frameless, all glass shower door might be perfect for your bathroom:

They Create a More Open, Seamless, and Contemporary Space:

As homeowners, we’re always looking for openness, fluidity, and flow when it comes to our bathrooms. By installing a frameless, all-glass door, you are keeping this openness which helps bring together all the elements such as the decorative tiles, bath fixtures, and all other vanities inside. Traditional shower curtains or doors, on the other hand, work against the open feel since it tends to create a closed, defined space.

If you are daydreaming about giving your bathroom an update, you can get inspiration from Glass ShowerDirect.com for ideas on shapes, styles, and sizes. With an all glass shower door, you can turn every evening into a spa-like experience. Doesn’t that sounds fabulous after a long day?!

showerrr1

They Aren’t Just For Looks:

A door built to last completely sums up the frameless, all-glass shower enclosures. With a standard thickness ranging from ⅜ to ½ inch, frameless doors are sturdy, structurally sound, and safe. All glass shower doors are also made of tempered glass which is very hard to break or shatter, so if going all glass seems a little too risky for you, you haven’t found the right kind of shower door yet.

Most common questions from homeowners when considering frameless, all-glass doors are safety since the edges aren’t protected by frame barriers. While we can understand why it might be a bit concerning, the shower door’s edges are filed down to be soft and smooth, thus removing the danger of being cut or otherwise hurt for anyone going in and out of your shower.

In addition, thanks to the seal-in technology used in all frameless, glass shower doors, they have watertight seals which makes leakage near impossible. These doors are not just stylish, but they’re also very functional. Moreover, since there is little to no metal used in making them, homeowners need not worry about dealing with corroded parts. Win, win, win!!!

showerrr2

Simple Cleaning and Maintenance

Installing a frameless, all-glass shower door in your bathroom isn’t just about appearance, it’s also a practical decision. Since frameless glass enclosures do not have the structural edge of aluminum framing, it is much easier to clean and restore due to its trackless design.

They Can Fit Any Space:

Frameless, all-glass shower doors can be designed to fit any bathroom space, no matter what look you’re going for. If you aren’t a fan of the boxy look, you can opt for circular, triangular, or even oval frameless doors to fit your bathroom space while still creating the same elegant effect.

showerrr3

Increases the Appraisal Value:

Doesn’t stop there, either. These doors can be quite the investment, too. By increasing the appearance of your home including your bathroom, you are creating an impression that the property is well-taken cared of. And, having an elegant looking bathroom and shower door to match is a major turn on to home buyers, making it hard for them to resist a reasonable offer on your home.

showerrr4

Sounds like it’s time to install that frameless, all-glass shower door. One important thing to remember, though, is to only trust a certified glass contractor like Oak Mountain Glass to ensure that you get that glass shower door of yours installed professionally and perfectly the first time around.

Nov12

Preparing For A Long Trip

Posted on by
Standard
Preparing For A Long Trip

It can be a fun and exciting prospect to embark on a long term adventure. But, it can also be a stressful and anxious time in terms of getting yourself prepared before setting off.  The great thing about long term travel, is that it brings so much variety into life, and as they say, variety is the spice of life… but with such variety comes uncertainty, and whilst this level of uncertainty can be part of the fun, it can also be anxiety inducing, which is why it’s important to ensure that you are well prepared before embarking on a long trip. This article looks at a few aspects to take care of prior to departure:

Your Home Life:

Chances are that you’ll be leaving a loving family, comfortable home, and reliable job behind. In terms of your family, it would be nice for them to have some quality time with you in the weeks before your trip. They will appreciate the fact that you’re making an effort to spend time with them rather than just abscond abroad.

With regard to your home, it’s important to leave things in a stable condition, for instance, if you know there might be an issue with pests it would be good to call pest control before you leave to take care of the issue rather than leave it to get out of control. Also, make sure that a family member, friend, or neighbor has a set of keys in order to check up on the house from time to time.

That said, if you have an animal, you might want to consider a house sitting situation where your home and pet are looked after while you are away.

Income:

If you’re traveling long-term, there’s a good chance that you’ll need to top up your income whilst away. Having something in place before leaving can reduce the stress associated with long term travel finances; for instance, you could try to keep your job but work remotely or set yourself up as a freelancer, that means you can work from anywhere in the world with an internet connection.

It’s also a great idea to look into various ways to save money throughout your travels to provide an extra cushion. This could mean purchasing tickets during non peak times or giving yourself a budget to stick to when dining out. If you are renting a car, the company you choose might offer some incentives to lower your bill and that is definitely worth checking out. To get started, simply enter a search for “car rental paros” (or your travel destination) to see how you can save on your transportation. Every little bit helps!

Travel Insurance:

Finally, the other crucial aspect to reduce the anxiety associated with preparing for a long trip is to see that you have adequate travel insurance coverage in place. This can be expensive for long-term trips, particularly if you plan to undertake adventure activities such as mountain climbing, white water rafting, and bungee jumping. But, without it, you could not only find yourself at financial risk, but that your entire life is at risk, too.

Insurance is a prophylactic measure that you can hopefully live without, but if you should get sick or be injured, it’s worth its weight in gold. The option of having to pay for your own treatment is not always financially viable, meaning you will be stuck in a “local hospital” without the ability to get home and receive the care you require.

Long term travel is an exciting adventure, but it can also be anxiety inducing if you leave with loose ends. This is why it’s important to provide as much stability and peace of mind for yourself as possible before you leave.

Featured Image By: Pexels