Tag Archives: safety

Weekend Of Lounge

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Weekend Of Lounge

Hello!! Johnny and I literally don’t do anything during the work week so we are legit always working for the weekend lol. Our work schedules really don’t allow for many extracurriculars and we try to squeeze in as much fun as we can once the weekend rolls around. This past weekend, however, there were no plans. Well, there was one – to do nothing. On Friday, I got my Covid and flu shot and it was strategically scheduled. I have not had the best reactions to the Covid shots and knew that I would need a weekend of recuperation to be okay for work on Monday. Needless to say, I will most definitely be looking forward to some actual enjoyment after this week is out!

I got my shots mid afternoon on Friday and I was still feeling fine until late evening rolled around. Then, my arm started to ache with the force of one thousand suns and I got so very, very tired. That night, I must have slept for at least twelve hours and I know for a fact I was running a fever the entire time because I woke up covered in sweat and damp clothes. Not cute. Apparently, I also had some crazy dreams that night because Johnny claimed I did a lot of talking in my sleep lol – unknown side effect of the shot, perhaps? Or perhaps NOT because I supposedly talk in my sleep really frequently.

Once I got over the grossness of my sweatiness, I was jolted awake by how achey I felt. Everything was stiff and every once in a while it felt like a jolt of electricity going through my arm or to make a consistently pounding headache interesting. I think I got up from the couch on Saturday like six times and I would return back to my nest feeling like I had just run a marathon. Other than watching So. Much. Degrassi. the major high point of that miserable day was talking to my blogging bestie, Kate, of Live In The Nautical on FaceTime. The two or so hour chat paled in comparison to our previous personal best of seven hours but your girl was dying over here!

On Saturday night I think I slept twelve hours again, had a fever the whole time, and spent a majority of the day sore and fatigued. Then, around late evening I started perking up and was good as new – or as good as I can be on a Monday morning. It was annoying to spend the weekend laid up but this was actually the mildest reaction I’ve had yet so great success and glad to have an extra layer of protection this winter! 😀

How was your weekend? What makes you feel better when you’re not feeling well? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Summer Safety Pro Tips

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Summer Safety Pro Tips

Hello!! I am one of those people who don’t do well in the heat at all. Part of it is definitely a low tolerance and some of it has to do with the fact that literally each medication I’m on makes me more susceptible to heat related illnesses. As someone who is constantly on the go, I oftentimes forget to not push myself so hard on extra hot days. Then, by the time I realize I should take a breather the damage is already done and a strong case of the woozies comes on. This is not a good thing because it’s something that can be completely prevented and I know I, for one, need to do a better job of listening to my body. If you struggle with the heat too, please make sure you are doing the following to keep yourself safe:

Eat Up:

My appetite decreases during the hot weather and it’s easy to feel like you’re full if you are hydrating consistently throughout the day. However, your body needs food for fuel so bypassing meals even if you don’t feel hungry is a huge no no. If you are feeling full, you should still try and have a snack if you haven’t ate in several hours. It doesn’t have to be a full on meal, but you could have veggies and hummus, yogurt, a bowl of cereal – whatever you’d like. Of course, it is against everything we learn as a kid to stop eating if you are full. But if it has been a minute and it’s really hot out, you’ll be thanking yourself for having a snack when you avoid getting lightheaded or fainting. (This happened to me a few days ago and it was SO scary!) 

Water, Water, Water:

I consider myself to be the Caffeine Queen and am always sipping on coffee or pop throughout the morning. This is fine, but you will be doing yourself no favors if you aren’t replenishing yourself with plenty of water after each cup of go go juice. If you love your morning caffeine bursts too, take your time with each coffee or soda drink rather than throwing it back. Nurse it, balance it out with sips of water, and monitor yourself during your daily caffeine intake. Too much too suddenly can give you the jitters, make you nauseous, or feel faint. Not the best way to start the day.

R&R:

It’s always important to allow yourself time for a break each day, but even more so during the summer. It’s hot AF, you’re sweating, and it can make you feel depleted quickly. If you are outside, go in every hour or so to hydrate and cool off. If you are going nonstop for work, be sure to take a few minutes to slow down and relax. More often than not, that exhaustion is going to hit you out of nowhere and that’s not a good place to be during your commute, job, or out and about. Pencil in designated break times per day and if you need a moment, take it immediately instead of holding off.

Enjoy Responsibly:

Like caffeine, alcohol and cannabis hits way differently when it’s hot out and can increase your chances of dehydration or even heat stroke. If you are going to partake in a more recreational pastime, do so responsibly. Take the time to get yourself out of the heat, hydrate, and sip or smoke at a slow pace. Your “I’m good” amount is subject to change when it’s hot as the dickens so stay in tune to how you are feeling to prevent any problems!

Summer is not over yet even though I am totally over it lol. Keep yourself safe and healthy with these tips!

What are your summer safety pro tips? How do you like to cool off? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Why You Need The Right Equipment For Your Business

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Why You Need The Right Equipment For Your Business

Equipment, whether it’s tools, machinery, software, or anything else, is vital for every business. Even those businesses that are solely online and sell digital downloads to customers will need computing equipment or, at the very least, some kind of mobile device to run properly, so it really doesn’t – or shouldn’t – make a difference as to what kind of business you run; the information in this post is going to be useful to you.

The fact is, it’s not just a matter of getting some equipment – it’s a matter of getting the right equipment, and that’s what makes the difference. With that in mind, here are some of the reasons why you need the right equipment for your business:

Better Productivity:

Having the right equipment means that it’s far easier for you or your team to do the work that needs to be done efficiently and to be as productive as possible. Having equipment that isn’t quite right but that you think will do and still get the job done might do that, but it won’t do it well, and it won’t do it quickly or accurately.

When you invest in the right equipment, like pharmacy fridges, for example, you can rest assured that the software or machinery will be able to do precisely what you need it to do without any delays or issues. Your business will be a lot more productive, and you and your team will feel much happier – your customers will be happier, too, and that’s definitely something you’ll want to achieve.

Proper and modern equipment from fork lifts to cotton candy vending machines for sale isn’t just for safety and efficiency. New machinery can prove to be a cost effective solution in the long run as it has less of a tendency to malfunction. You can also explore warranty options to assist in future repairs needed down the road.

In the same breath, improving productivity can also come in the form of what software and programs you are using. Older versions will not have the same bells and whistles as modern ones do which can decrease the efficiency of your workers. Take the time to learn how a CMMS streamlines equipment change orders or ways that a central hub for documentation can be more secure. There are always better ways and products to complete tasks and technology upgrades can be most beneficial.

It’s Safer:

Making do with tools that might work reasonably well but that aren’t the right ones for the job is always a gamble when it comes to your business’s productivity, but it’s a gamble when it comes to safety as well. The tools that are specifically designed for the job you need to do are designed with safety relating to that job and how it’s performed in mind. There will be special safeguards in place, and the instructions will give you a good understanding of how to use the tools. If they’re used for anything else other than their main function, they could make the entire task unsafe, which would cause the risk of injury and disruption to your business, not to mention potentially damaging your reputation.

No matter what your business specializes in, proper equipment to do your job well and safely should be prioritized. If your business is a retail store, this could be as simple as having a first aid kit and lifting equipment for shipment. However, jobs like commercial diving operations can prove to be a life or death situation if you and your employees don’t have the best gear such as silent generators for diving. Equipment like this should be tested regularly so no problems arise when you are working. You should also continue to keep up with the latest technology for your career so safety is always at the forefront.

Cost Savings:

Buying equipment that isn’t quite right but that’s cheaper than what you really need might seem like a good idea, especially if you’re on a budget for your business. After all, if it does the job well enough, what’s the harm? You’re saving money, and you’re still doing what needs to be done.

That might seem like a reasonable assumption, but it’s not actually the case. The reality is that you’ll probably need to buy new equipment sooner rather than later. You’ll either upgrade to the correct equipment, or you’ll have to replace what you’re using because it got damaged through misuse. Plus, if you’re less productive, as we’ve already seen you will be, you won’t make as much money. In the long run, spending more on the right equipment is a good way to save money.

The proper equipment for your business will save you time, hassle, and money too. It’s a necessary step and a huge win!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Get Ready For Renovation With These Smart Tips

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Get Ready For Renovation With These Smart Tips

A home renovation is an excellent way to add value, both in monetary terms and how you feel about your home. Whether it’s a partial renovation or a full remodel, you can get the home you’ve always wanted. Before your renovation project can get underway, you need to prepare for it. Renovations can be noisy, messy, and often take a long time too. You will want your home set up and ready for work to begin so everything can go as smoothly as possible. There are a few steps to take to get it all in order:

Before You Begin:

Home renovations can prove to be a dangerous feat if you do not have the proper skills to do it yourself. As you establish your budget, are you leaving room for hiring the best contractors? Using a team that is budget friendly but may cut corners can end up costing you more time and money in the long run. It can be helpful to schedule consultations and get quotes from several different companies for plumbers, electricians, and construction teams to determine the best fit for your needs. To get started, simply enter a search for “electrician sanford nc” (or your local area) and be sure to ask your friends and family for advice if they have used any of your options before. If they had a great experience, the chances are high that you will too.

Clear Out The Space:

One thing you definitely don’t want to happen is for anything valuable to be damaged during your renovations. Some valuable items could be permanent fixtures and fittings, which can’t be removed. However, there are often things that can be removed so that they’re out of the way. A storage service such as Ranchers Mobile Storage could be your best option for removing anything you don’t want to keep in your home. Put everything in storage temporarily and get it back when the renovation is finished. If you don’t have much, it could be moved to a spare room or garage too.

As you prepare for your renovations, you might also want to declutter the space to offer a blank canvas to the workers. This could be as simple as donating unwanted items or throwing away things that are no longer working properly. However, if you are planning to completely refurnish your space, you might want to look into getting a few roll-off containers for home renovations to make the task easier on yourself. Then, your home will be all ready for fresh new furniture when the project is completed.

Cover Up:

Not everything can be moved out of your home. You might not want to move everything if it’s going to take too much time and effort. Instead, it can be better to cover some things during the renovation to protect them from any mess. This could include covering up furniture or even covering floors and other surfaces. You want to make sure any covers you use, such as sheets or tarps, are secured in place. Think about the best ways to protect everything from dust, paint, or anything else that could damage your possessions.

This might seem like a menial task but you have to remember that time is money when you are working with renovation experts like Amplified Renovations (or a similar company in your local area). Doing what you can in terms of prep work before the renovation begins will allow the team you have selected to dive right into the project without wasting time on things that you are capable to do DIY style. This can also include having old appliances hauled away, having a dumpster available for debris, and making the space free of clutter.

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^^^ Pixabay Image

Set Things Up for Contractors:

You will likely have contractors coming and going while your renovations are taking place. If you’re not going to be living in the property during this time, installing a lock box for keys is a good idea. It will allow your contractors to let themselves in and out without you having to get up early to travel over and let them in. There are other things you might want to do for your contractors too. For example, make it clear that they can use your bathroom, or perhaps even set up a temporary toilet in the yard if there isn’t a functioning bathroom.

Find Somewhere to Stay:

You can remain in your home while you’re having it renovated. However, this isn’t always the smartest choice. There can be a lot of noise and mess, and being around all of the work can be stressful. Plus, if you have pets or children, it could be dangerous. Moving out temporarily might be the best thing to do if you would rather avoid being around all of the work before it’s finished.

Be prepared for your renovation before it begins and you will help everything go smoother while keeping your home as neat as possible!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

COVID Chronicles

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COVID Chronicles

Hello!! This past week has been a real doozy for Lil Red and Johnny because, unfortunately, we got COVID. We both tested positive and we can only assume that it came from Johnny’s place of work where everyone has been lax on pandemic safety from the jump. It has been AWFUL, especially because we were both very symptomatic and the last time we had the virus over two years ago, we experienced no symptoms at all. All I have to say is, thank god we are vaccinated and boosted because I truly couldn’t imagine our experience being any worse than it already was.

Johnny started out our COVID journey with aches all over – headache, body aches, and was very stuffy and fatigued. Naturally, all of this transferred to me and a day later, I was prepped to have all of the same. My Day One wasn’t so bad, but it was weird. I was really tired and I could just feel like I was about to be sick as a dog. I still rallied enough to make a big pot of spaghetti which was a saving grace during our sickness staycation so #blessup for that lol. By Day Two, the struggle bus hit and it hit like a Mack Truck.

My Day Two was the sickest I have felt in I don’t know how long. I had a fever and chills, I was stuffed up beyond belief, my head pounded, and the body aches were unmatched. I kid you not, I felt better after a car accident that left me hospitalized than I did that day. No exaggeration. It hurt to do anything but lay in my misery and reminisce on all of the good times I had before catching the Vid. On the bright side, I did have a Saw movie marathon to get hyped for the latest installment, but that did little to boost my mood. All it did was provide a slight distraction to being sick AF.

While sleep would have been a welcome reprieve after long days of being a bio hazard, it wasn’t. I was waking up constantly either too hot or too cold and would finally emerge from my slumber with my clothes completely soaked to my skin. It was gross lol and my Day Three was only slightly better than Day Two. After another seemingly endless day of ouch, ugh, and blegh, things took a somewhat turn the following day.

On Day Four, I was still feeling sick, but it was a different kind of sick. What felt like the worst flu ever shifted into a cold from hell. I felt pressure beyond belief in my head and mouth breathed my day away like Napoleon Dynamite. My body still ached and I was feverish throughout the day and night. I was so weak because I was running on a diet of Gatorade, crackers, and the occasional plate of spaghetti. I’d be a liar if I said I didn’t cry multiple times during my COVID tenure. I just couldn’t help it – it was that bad.

As I write this, I am feeling crappy but it’s the least crappy I have felt in days. Johnny also seems to be doing much better so I like to think we are on the upswing. I urge all of you if you are feeling sick to test yourself. After dealing with the pandemic for so long, it’s easy to want to dismiss COVID now, but you can’t. It is still a very real thing and Johnny and I know firsthand because we have been a complete and utter mess. My running joke has been that I wish this happened during the summer because my bikini body would have been off the charts. Ba dum chhhhhhh.

With gatherings moving indoors as the weather shifts, please be sure you monitor your symptoms and stay home if you are feeling unwell. You never know who you are infecting and it’s a dangerous game to play. Stay safe, everyone!

Have you had COVID before? What was it like for you? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Making Good Decisions For Your Pet

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Making Good Decisions For Your Pet

Everyone is (hopefully) aware that having a pet in the household is an investment. It’s an investment of your time, energy, financial backing, and of course, love. Thankfully, that last part, love, is paid back to us in spades, so there’s no need to worry about a “return on investment” when bringing a beloved pet home. While it’s true that you’re likely ready for all of the responsibilities involved with owning a pet, you also have a life to lead.

In this light, anything that makes pet ownership a little easier without having to dismiss or neglect them even slightly is helpful. Of course, this might sound like you’re outsourcing the responsibility of pet ownership to others, but that doesn’t have to be the case. After all, no one considers convenience like safety gates to be neglectful, it just means you don’t have to keep teaching your puppy not to claw at the sofa until they’re old enough to adopt that lesson properly. In this post, we’ll discuss how to improve the convenience of pet ownership one step at a time:

Walking & Sitting Services:

Not everyone has time to walk their dog daily, nor can they look after their pets if they’re heading on vacation for a little while. That’s where walking and sitting services come in. Dog walking is a great task for teenagers so paying your neighbor’s child to walk your dog once every other day could be ideal, just as you would hire a babysitter.

Using the same logic, sitting services can be helpful too. If you’re going away for the weekend, you might ask a trusted friend or neighbor to spend time at your house. Prepare some food and fill the fridge with groceries, give them access to your streaming services, and let them feed and play with your pets, reporting any issues to you immediately. It’s a little effort but it does make a big difference.

Great Medical Care:

Before you bring a pet into the household, it’s always wise to see if there’s a local veterinarian with good reviews and dependable service. There’s usually a great vet in every town, but just make sure you understand what the service is, if they offer any membership or enrollment programs, and the general cost of each checkup. You can also bind this to medicine deliveries when needed, as you might do with a local pharmacy, to ensure you have everything you may need ahead of time.

Doggy & Kitty Doors:

Once you’ve trained your little furry friend and you trust them to head out into the garden, installing a doggy or kitty door that allows them to go out and come back in whenever they need (and then locking this at night) can save you having to check the door all day. Little habits like this will also help you avoid accidents on your carpet, which are never enjoyable to find!

Strong Fences & Gates:

If you have to worry about your dog bounding out every time you open the door with a leash or finding a way out when in the garden, installing gates and privacy fences with strong foundations can ensure there’s no way out of your property for your dog. Cats can climb and will find some way out, but will generally come home when they feel like it. Dogs can struggle with this and will bound out even if they love living at home. That’s why it’s good to have zones prepared so that even if they try to book it, they can’t get past a certain point without your approval.

With this advice, you’re sure to improve the convenience of pet ownership, one good decision at a time!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Creating A Home That Fosters Healthy Habits

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Creating A Home That Fosters Healthy Habits

Your home is a sanctuary. It is meant to be your retreat from the world, the perfect space to just really let go and be yourself. It’s almost enchanting in a way. Having a space to call your own, a space that will forever be comfortable. But with that said, have you ever considered the health aspects of your home?

It’s so important to have a home that helps you foster healthy habits. Sure, while even when you’re outside of your home, you should be embracing a healthy lifestyle, it should be especially pushed at home. It’s really about making your home work for you. How can you do this? Keep reading to find out more:

It’s All About Creating a Healthy Environment:

This goes for physically and mentally, and if you’d like, spiritually too. Creating an environment that supports healthy living is a multifaceted undertaking that includes consideration of various aspects of one’s physical, emotional, and mental health. Just think about it, a healthy home includes a safe and clean physical environment, as well as good nutrition and regular exercise.

A healthy environment also includes positive noise, such as calming music or natural sounds that can help alleviate negative stress and anxiety. In addition, keeping one’s space uncluttered can reduce stress and promote focus by eliminating the visual reminders of unfinished tasks that tend to linger in our minds. But it’s the whole dynamic too. Such as the house being safe, the house having few distractions, and the relationships that everyone has under this roof. A healthy environment is more than the food that’s in your home; it’s more than the best lead water filter; it’s about having peace. It’s about peace within the home and everyone is happy, safe, and nurtured together under this roof.

Consider Your Lifestyle:

In order to create a home that fosters healthy habits, you need to keep in mind what type of lifestyle you have. Do you have a lifestyle that is healthy overall? Or do you think that once your home is on the healthier side, it could change you? At the end of the day, it’s going to be about your state of mind and how you perceive health. While your home will help create a healthy lifestyle, it’s mostly going to be about how you’re already living your life and the current health-related choices you’re currently making. A change in your home isn’t going to change your lifestyle; it essentially needs to be the other way around.

Focus on Creating a Beautiful Yet Comfortable Space:

When most people think of healthy habits, they think about going to the gym and eating healthier foods. While these are great and important, home design can also play a role in well-being. Beautiful spaces can help to elicit positive emotions and reduce stress levels. They also promote productivity and encourage relaxation and a feeling of accomplishment. To create a beautiful space, you can use art, plants, shelves, rugs, and more. You can even turn a corner of the room into a personal nook by adding a chair, some knick-knacks, and a plant.

The general comfort of the space is going to play a big role in all of this too. One of the most effective ways to create a cozy space is to surround yourself with the things you love. This can include things like books, photographs, or even sports trading cards. In addition, displaying your favorite art pieces in your home can act as an inspiration and help you stay connected to your passions.

Don’t Forget Healthy Eating:

This is simple but, at the same time, fairly difficult. In order to focus on healthy habits, it’s best to cut out junk food and snacks. Take a look at your pantry, your freezer, and the fridge. Is it chaotic? Is it filled with sugary foods? If you can, try to focus on slowly removing the junk and replace it with healthier foods.

Healthier living starts with you and your first steps can be in your own home!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Smart & Safe Ways To Supercharge Your Weight Loss

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Smart & Safe Ways To Supercharge Your Weight Loss

All of us need to shift a few pounds now and again, but weight loss can be tricky. After all, it’s hard to make the right diet and exercise choices day after day, especially if you are confronted with temptation all of the time. The good news, is that you can find some of the smartest ways to supercharge your weight loss that are safe too. Read on to find out more:

Up your exercise:  

One way to supercharge your weight loss is to up the amount of exercise you do. This is because weight loss is caused by taking in fewer calories than you are expending. By doing more exercise, you will expend more calories, so if you continue eating the same your weight loss should speed up.

Of course, there are some factors to be mindful of here. First of all, you will need to track your calories to make sure that the equation works and that you are using more than you eat. Secondly, it’s worth noting that many people can find that the scale reads an increase when they first begin exercising. This is because the body sends lots of fluid to the joints to make sure they are as well lubricated as possible. Don’t get discouraged if you are doing all of the right things and are still not getting the results you want.

Try a new way of eating:

Another way to boost your weight loss is to try a new way of eating. According to research, one of the most effective of these is the keto diet. This way of eating is all about cutting carbs and eating macros that lean more towards fat and protein. The thinking behind the keto diet is that it helps the body become adapted to burning fat for fuel rather than carbohydrates, which means it can more easily use the fat stored in the body. However, because the keto diet can be quite extreme, special precautions such as sipping on electrolytes throughout the day should be taken. It’s a good idea to get the okay from your doctors before you begin. 

Get some medical help:

Sometimes we can struggle to lose weight on our own, which is why there are medical professionals to turn to. With the care from sources such as a reputable medical weight loss clinic, losing weight and embracing a healthier lifestyle is within everyone’s reach. Including those of us that have struggled alone in the past. Please remember that it is very important to consult your doctor before purchasing compounded tirzepatide online or any other weight loss supplements. They can be an excellent tool but only if they are used properly.

When you are trying new medical regimes for weight loss, it is crucial to heed your doctor’s advice as well as look up reviews for different treatments or programs. Some medications might have side effects that can be rather unpleasant and you might want to avoid those. You can look at these magnolia pharmacy reviews to start exploring their weight loss programs and it is recommended to do the same with similar practices in your local area.

Consider your psychological triggers: 

Last of all, if you want to improve your weight loss it can be very helpful to consider whether you have any psychological triggers. These can cause you to overeat, binge, or choose food that you know is not fully nourishing your body. To do this, you may want to work with a licensed mental health professional as they can help you identify your triggers, and put healthy ways of coping with them in place.

A weight loss journey is exiting and it’s important to not get discouraged. There are so many resources available to help!

Better Design Your Family Home With These Tips

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Better Design Your Family Home With These Tips

When it comes to designing a family home, you want to get it just right! There will be many different things that you need to take into consideration, one of them being the safety of your kids. You might have a plan in mind or you might need some inspiration. As you think about designing your home, it can help to look at others! You can check out Prince Edward Island family Homes or listings in your local area to get the designing wheels turning. For more on designing the perfect home for your family, this post will help get you started:

Add Plenty Of Textiles:

A family home won’t feel like home unless you add in some textiles. You should think about including curtains, cushions, and throws in most rooms in a range of materials so you can create a warm and inviting space. Steer clear of natural materials as these can soak up stains and that’s not what you want with children in the house. Try not to add expensive rugs or sentimental soft furnishing in the main rooms where the kids are because no matter how hard you try, something will always get spilled!

Think About The Maintenance:

One of the best ways you can look after your family home is to think about the maintenance that will be needed when you are designing it. For example, if you are adding an AC system, you need to remember that you will need to add AC maintenance to your yearly list of tasks to get done in order to look after your home. The same applies to things such as your outdoor space. Always think about what it will take to look after the features you are adding to your home before you commit to them.

The Ideal Furniture:

Finding furniture for your family home can be difficult. You want it to look great, however, you don’t really want to spend too much on it. As your family gets older, you will be able to upgrade and buy more expensive pieces, but there is no point while the kids are young. The same applies if you also have pets. Try to avoid any jagged edges and lighter colors. Young children are prone to walking into sharp edges and making a mess on light-colored furniture.

Using Non-Slip Mats:

If you have hard floors around your home, then you should really think about adding some non-slip mats. They will help to prevent slipping from your children. They run around a lot so you need to make sure you add some protection for them. If not, hard floors can spell disaster and they could seriously injure themselves. Make sure to try to cover as much of the floor as possible, non-slip mats aren’t overly expensive and they will make sure your kids are kept safe.

Bring In The Sunlight:

You really want to bring in as much sunlight as possible to your home. If you blackout your windows or dress them wrong you could be creating a dark home. Ideally, you want to create a bright and airy space to enjoy. It will not only create a more positive environment but will boost everyone’s moods. With energy prices continuously going up at the moment, letting in natural sunlight will also help to heat up your home. If you struggle to get more light into your home, think about adding blinds where you can control both the privacy and the light coming in. You could also think about changing the type of bulbs you are using so you can get the vitamin D that you need.

Creating More Privacy:

Your home is supposed to be the most private place that you can be. This means that you definitely don’t want anyone to be able to walk past and see inside. Think about adding some trees to your front garden, or even a fence or trellis. You are only going to feel comfortable in your home if it is private so make sure you put the steps in place to ensure that you get the privacy that you and your family need. If you are thinking about planting trees, make sure you use semi-mature trees so you don’t have to wait years for them to give you the privacy that you are looking for. Consider the point above, about letting in more sunlight to your home. You need to ensure that the trees or fences that you are putting in aren’t preventing the natural light from entering your home. It’s about the right balance.

When designing a family home, it is all about the steps you can take to keep your kids safe, cut costs, and keep upkeep and maintenance low key. These tips will all help steer you in the right direction!

Featured Image By: Paige Cody on Unsplash

Better Protect Your Home With These Tips

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Better Protect Your Home With These Tips

With many people still working from home, we can all become blind to the fact that our home has a number of problems. A very good example is how safe our home is. Our home can be an easy target for burglars, which is why we need to make sure we are not unwittingly displaying red flags as an open invite. Here are a few things to bear in mind and what you can do to better protect your home:

Not changing the locks since you have moved in:

If you’ve been in the home for a number of years but you’ve never changed the locks, you don’t know who has access to that property. Having a local locksmith change the locks is such a simple thing, but they can also advise you on the best ways to reinforce your door. They may recommend that you use keyless entry points, which can provide extra peace of mind if you are going on vacation.

Things to look out for:

Some people’s homes can be watched by burglars over a long period of time. Here are a few things that you may wish to keep an eye out for:

  • Calls from unknown numbers: Look out for unknown callers and never give away any personal information. If you have children, talk to them about phone safety so they can alert you if any odd calls come in.
  • Flyers, stickers, and ads: If you notice marketing and advertising flyers in the door or mailboxes, this could be a sign that burglars are using these as marks. Any stickers on your mailbox should be removed immediately. Additionally, if you find any unusual markings, such as a little bit of paint on your fence, a rope tied around your lamp post, or any other symbol this should be a sign that you need to remove the markings but also step up your security.
  • More door-to-door activity: Burglars will sense their opportunity by casing up the home, as well as the individuals within. They can target properties by pretending to be someone taking a survey, salespeople, or other non-threatening individuals.

What you can do:

If you notice any signs that burglars are targeting your home you need to:

  • Record observations, including dates and times of questionable activity, like a vehicle patrolling the area.
  • Notify neighbors so they can be more vigilant in the community.
  • Find ways to prevent break-ins, which can include installing a security system, but also illuminating dark corners outside of your property by installing a light sensor.
  • Inform the police. Informing the police and ramping up your neighborhood watch initiatives ensure you are informing the people who can best deal with this while also making sure the neighborhood is more vigilant than ever.

It can be incredibly stressful to find out your home is being targeted by burglars. Some of these components can make a massive difference. It is always about making sure you are in a prevention mindset, while also noticing these tell-tale signs.

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