Tag 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

Jan14

Making Your Outdoor Space The Perfect Hang Out

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Making Your Outdoor Space The Perfect Hang Out

Despite the weather being cold and gloomy, it is never too early to think about how to improve your outdoor space this spring and summer. Once the warm weather hits, it will be a lot easier to safely socialize outside which might make you even more motivated to turn your outdoor property into the best on the block. Try out some of these ideas and you will be back to seeing your friends in the warm summer’s breeze before you know it:

Lush greenery:

The first step to turning your yard into the place to be is to get your landscaping just right. Soft green grass, lovely foliage, and bright flowers are a must. It will make your space so inviting and will surely impress your guests when they come to visit. Some people, like my dad, are born with green thumbs. But, if gardening is not your strong suit, then enlist the help of landscaping Toronto for a front and back yard you can be proud of.

Comfortable outdoor furniture:

You will not want your friends to have to sit on the lawn when they stop by, so it’s important to get some nice outdoor furniture to rest on. Outdoor Furniture like wicker chairs with plush cushions, lawn chairs, and benches are a great place to start. As long as you take care of the furniture, that is! Heavy rain and stifling heat can turn that once super comfortable cushion into a moldy disaster.

A fire pit:

There is nothing better than sitting around a bonfire with your friends so maybe this will be the year you invest in a fire pit. It will feel so good to do something “normal” again while being a lot safer outdoors. Can’t you just smell the bonfire and hear the crickets chirping now?

Outdoor activities:

Don’t forget the games! A nice, lush lawn is just begging for some bocce ball, croquet, and cornhole – all of which can be played social distance style. Invite a few friends and have yourselves a garden party. Don’t forget the tiny sandwiches and lemonade!

Made in the shade:

On especially sunny days, it will be crucial to have a spot to cool down in – whether that be a table with a great big umbrella, a Sun Setter, or a kiddie pool to soak your feet in. After all of this time spent indoors, I’m sure many of us will be in our gardens all day come summer time. If you find yourself retreating back inside when it gets too hot, a cool down space to continue to enjoy the great outdoors in will be a must when preparing your space.

In my opinion, winter has been flying by. And, in just a few short months, we will all be able to have the opportunity to socialize a bit more outside so make your outdoor space this summer the best ever!

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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Pexels Image

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

Dec28

Controlling Home Pests In The Winter

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Controlling Home Pests In The Winter

It’s winter now and you might be thinking it’s time to relax your home’s defenses. What creatures and critters could possibly invade your home at this time of year? The answer is plenty. When the cold weather comes, many animals seek shelter and they often find it. Mice and rats burrow into your basement, spiders find tiny access holes, and insects find excellent wall space for new nests. Before we begin, we are here to remind you that it is so important to call a pest control service when you see a sign of infestation. It will only get worse! To find an expert near you, simply enter a search for “PEST CONTROL AT CHERMSIDE” (or your local area) to solve your pest problem.

Below are some of the common culprits and what to do about them:

Winged Carpenter Ants:

Ants don’t always walk along the ground in neat military rows, sometimes they fly. In a colony of Carpenter Ants there will be several that have wings. These winged ants are useful for collecting soft wood material for the nest. It’s common to find some flying ants in your home during the summer, they might have a nest outside somewhere and are looking for soft wood. However, in winter it means something else. The cold weather should have killed them so there must be a nest in your home. You will need to contact an exterminator.

Cluster Flies:

You should be familiar with cluster flies even if you haven’t heard them called that before. These are the most common species of fly, the ones that you find in your fruit bowl or on the window ledge. Cluster flies are common in the summer but in winter, it could be a problem. Cluster flies may have found a warm space in your home and built a nest that will allow them to survive the cold winter months. You need to locate the nest which you can do by watching the fly’s movements, alternatively, you can contact a pest control service to deal with it. To begin exploring your options if you are going the professional route, simply enter a search for “Miami Pest Control” (or your local area). These flies can be very difficult to get rid of so you will want a well received team to take on the task.

Mice:

Everyone loves cartoon mice but not everyone loves the real kind, especially if they’re wild field mice living in your home. During winter you might hear scratching sounds in the walls or catch sight of a small critter dashing across the floor. You may have mice. As the cold weather begins, mice retreat to warmer spaces and often burrow into people’s homes. A sheltered basement, garage, or a loft is the perfect place for them to survive the winter and breed.

A problem like mice must be tended to immediately as they will multiply and it happens quickly. Mice can cause a lot of damage to a property in a short matter of time so it is best to call in the professionals like those at robbins-pest.com or a similar business in your local area. You might also want to consider if there are deals for repeat visits from a pest control company to ensure that the problem has been fully solved or provide another treatment if it continues to persist.

Rats:

Rats are very common in the US but that wasn’t always the case. Prior to the discovery of the New World, rats didn’t exist on the continent. They were brought over in ships from Europe and Scandinavia. Fast forward to modern times and rats, wild rats at least, have become a common home invader. Like mice, rats don’t like the cold and retreat to warmer places as the winter approaches. The best places for them to live and breed through the cold months is often in your basement, loft, or walls. If you hear scratching sounds in the walls or ceiling, enter a search for “las vegas pest control” (or your local area) and contact a professional service immediately.

Spiders:

Spiders come in all different shapes and sizes, there are thousands of species in the world and around 3,400 in the US alone. It’s estimated that around one fourth of the human population is creeped out by spiders in some way. Not only that, but they are unhygienic and lay eggs. In the winter, you may have let your guard down when it comes to home invaders but you still need to look out for spiders. They retreat from your outdoor areas inside to escape the frost and can propagate quickly. If you discover you have a spider problem you can have the area professionally cleaned.

No one wants creepy crawlies and critters in their home! Use the tips above if you are dealing with an infestation.

Featured Image By: Freepik

Dec16

Important Safety Tips When Driving In Ice And Snow

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Important Safety Tips When Driving In Ice And Snow

Regardless of how long you have been driving, you need to consider safety every time you get behind the wheel. Cars are dangerous and there are always hazards that you need to be aware of because any mistakes could potentially be fatal.

There are a number of driving rules that you should follow at all times, but you need to be particularly careful during the winter. When there is ice and snow on the roads, the dangers are amplified and you need to pay extra attention to what you are doing. This is especially the case if you are a nervous driver or you have just passed your driving test after finding a slot available thanks to a site like Driving Test Cancellations and are finally allowed on the road by yourself. If you are concerned about driving in the ice and snow, here are some important tips to help you stay safe:

Check the forecast before you leave:

The weather can change at any moment, and you need to be prepared for whatever may come your way, especially if you are out in the car all day. You don’t want to make the mistake of leaving the house while it’s dry, only to find that you are unprepared when it starts snowing later on in the day. Always check the forecast before you leave the house in the morning so you can allow extra time if it’s likely to be wet or icy. You may also want to change your route and go on safer roads when the weather is particularly bad.

Keep your tires in good condition:

Your tires are among the most important safety features on your car, so it’s vital that you make sure they are in good condition, especially during the winter. Make sure that you check the tread on your tires on a regular basis and replace them when necessary. Even if you have a big 4×4 and you think that you can handle any condition, it’s still vital that you keep the wheels in top shape. Make sure to invest in new 4×4 rims and tires when you need them. When you are buying new tires, look for ones with a high silica content because they provide more grip. You can get specific winter tires, which have a shorter stopping distance, so it may be worth investing in a set.

Check your visibility:

When the weather is cold, your windows will get covered in ice, making it impossible to see. Visibility is vital to your safety on the road, so make sure that your windows are completely clear. Scraping a small gap that you can look out of is not enough so make sure that you clear the windows properly. This means that you will need to leave yourself enough time in the mornings, so plan ahead. You should also check that your window wipers are working correctly so you don’t lose visibility in heavy rain or snow.

If you are driving at night, make sure that you check your lights too. You can’t always tell right away if a light is out while you are driving. It’s best to be safe and quickly check them before you leave the house at night.

Pack a winter breakdown kit:

Breakdowns are never good, but if you get stranded in the middle of winter, you could find yourself in a very difficult situation. That’s why it’s important to bring a winter breakdown kit so you can stay safe and get somebody to help you out. A snow shovel, scraper, and some de-icer will help you stop the car from freezing over or getting stuck in the snow. You should pack a flash light, as well, so you can see what you are doing if you get stranded at night.

Keeping everybody warm while you wait for the breakdown recovery van to show up is important too. It’s worth packing a few blankets in the car and maybe even a thermos with some hot drinks. Make sure that you pack a car charger for your phone so you can still call for help if your battery runs out. But if you get stuck somewhere without a phone signal, you might be forced to walk a while to find help. In this case, it’s a good idea to have some snow boots to change into.

A reflective sign will help other cars spot you if you get stuck at the side of the road. This improves safety and encourages people to stop and give you a hand. This winter breakdown kit can get you out of some sticky situations if you break down in the middle of nowhere while the weather is bad.

Adjust your driving:

You need to adjust the way that you drive to stay safe in the bad weather. Slowing down is the most obvious change to make because your stopping distance will be much greater when roads are wet and icy. It’s also much easier to lose control of the car, so you should always reduce your overall speed when driving in the winter. Using higher gears is important when driving on ice. Setting off in a higher gear will help you to avoid wheel spin and sticking to a higher gear generally will give you more grip. Always accelerate slowly so you maintain control of the car at all times.

When approaching a bend, always brake gently before and take the turn carefully to avoid skidding. If you do feel the car skidding, it’s important that you don’t panic and slam the brakes on. Instead, you need to turn in the direction that the car is skidding and keep off the brakes as much as possible. If you adjust your driving and slow down, you will be much safer. It will take you longer to get places, so leave with plenty of time to avoid rushing and putting yourself in dangerous situations.

The risks are much greater when driving in bad weather, so it’s vital that you change your approach. Make sure that you prepare your car properly and pack a winter breakdown kit. You also need to cut your speed and take your time to keep yourself and those around you safe.

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Dec16

Doing Right By Your Dog This Winter

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Doing Right By Your Dog This Winter

As dog parents, we always want to do the best for our furry friends. The colder months are always a little more challenging than summer. But whether you’ve recently added a puppy to the family household or have been with your pooch for years, this winter could be tougher than most.

The impacts of COVID-19 will limit the possibilities in many aspects of dog care. However, you cannot afford to let it prevent your pup from receiving the love and care they deserve. Here are some tips to keep you on top of the situation throughout the early parts of 2021:

Protection from the cold:

The first job facing all dog owners is to keep them protected from the cold weather in winter. A continued commitment to fighting off frostbite and other dangers with dog shoes and coats can make a big impact. You should also use flea sprays and other protective items.

Prevention is the best form of protection at all times. While veterinary services are still open in most places, appointments may be harder to get. So, if you can avoid them altogether through improved winter care, you must grab that opportunity right away.

Pay extra care to nutrition:

A healthy dog is a happy dog, and nutrition remains the central feature. A balanced diet supported by the best dog treats will ensure that your pooch gets the right nutrients all winter. When combined with any necessary supplements, your dog’s health will soar.

It’s very easy to forget about hydration in the winter, but your dog cannot be left to go thirsty, either. Be sure to check out how much liquid a dog of your breed and size should take on each day. On a side note, brain games for dog treats are great to promote mental stimulation.

Stay active:

It’s inevitable that outdoor activities will suffer a reduction in the winter months. While this is true every year, the fact that some attractions are off-limits due to the pandemic does make it harder. Nonetheless, getting your dog out for regular exercise is as essential as ever.

Walking a combination of their favorite routes and new spots is vital for mental stimulation. Moreover, the activity promotes healthy bones, muscles, and joints. The benefits won’t always be seen right away, but you’ll notice them in the future. It’s good for weight management too.

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Cutie!!!

Create a comfy home environment:

Getting outside on a frequent basis is pivotal for your dog’s health. Nonetheless, they will be spending more time at home. So, you owe it to your pooch to ensure that it is a comfortable environment. A great pet bed and plenty of toys should be at the top of the agenda.

If the dog is a new addition to the family, you’ll also need to think about introducing them to other pets. Even the notoriously challenging dog-cat relationship can be a lot simpler to manage than you might first think. The impact it will have in winter and beyond is huge.

Spend time near other dogs:

First and foremost, you must respect the current social distancing restrictions in your local area. However, if you are able to meet a friend for outside walks, this is a great way for dogs to stay socially active. This is crucial for their mental health and emotional stimulation.

While it’s something that dogs need every year, its benefits will be greater than ever over the coming weeks. It might not be possible to do this every day, but you should aim to do it several times each week. Of course, this will be easier if you have multiple dogs.

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Besties!

Invest in good home grooming:

Some dog grooming companies will continue to offer a COVID-safe service. However, the chances of getting the same level of care that you’d usually receive are quite slim. Therefore, you must try to compensate for this by giving your pup the right home treatments.

Finding the best dog brush, nail clippers, and toothbrushes will serve you well. For the true dog parlor vibe, luxury shampoos and conditioners can be used too. Once you embrace the habit, you may find that your reliance on professionals is reduced after the pandemic too.

Think about the heat:

When at home in the cold weather, we all gravitate towards heat sources. However, this can be a danger for dogs if they get too close to heaters and run the risk of dehydration and skin burns. Therefore, radiator covers and fire guards are vital additions. Do it ASAP.

Good air circulation will certainly help the situation while also reducing the threat of bacteria growth. The potential issues with the heat also provides a reason to ensure that water is readily available for your dog throughout the day.

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Snug as a bug.

Manage the backyard:

The backyard is a spot where your dog will gain regular exercise and stimulation. Sadly, if you do not take winter precautions, there’s a risk that they will escape. For example, snow can quickly build up against fences to create potential escape routes.

Likewise, adverse weather could damage panels to create further escape routes for your pup. So, if you wish to avoid this problem, it’s important to inspect the yard each morning before letting the pup out to play. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Show love:

Perhaps most importantly, your dog needs love and attention at this time. And frankly, given your lack of human interaction, it’s vital for you too. Playing games with your pet will deliver mutual mental health rewards. When your dog is happier, it will show in their behavior.

The key is to avoid long-term spells without seeing the pup. For many people, that will be easier than ever due to working from home. If you are still at the office, though, you must find alternative solutions. A dog sitter may not be possible at this time, though, so it’s important to be as present as you can.

Do right by your pups this winter with the tips above. Stay safe!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

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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Unsplash Image

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!

Featured Image By: Unsplash

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