First Time Mover? Here's What You Need

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First Time Mover? Here's What You Need

Moving into your first apartment can be a very exciting experience. Your number one priority should be to figure out the average monthly cost of renters insurance in your new area, and purchase a policy that’s within your budget. You’ll want to cover your valuables and protect against any mishaps that might happen to the apartment or surrounding buildings. Unfortunately, if you don’t prepare for your move beforehand, it can be very overwhelming.

These tips will help you avoid any dilemmas. You’re going to need certain items right away when you first move into a new space. Refer to this checklist before your move to keep the entire experience as stress-free as possible.

Daily Essentials

There are some items you never want to be without on your first day in a new apartment. They include toilet paper, a toothbrush, toothpaste, a shower curtain, and any other toiletries you use on a daily basis. You also want to make sure you purchase a bed and all bedding you need. Sleeping on the floor is not fun for anyone!

Purchase certain kitchen essentials as well. Spending money on takeout can be a lot more expensive than you think. Although you might convince yourself you can justify ordering food for the first few days in your new place, that can turn into the first few weeks if you don’t prepare beforehand. At the very least make sure you have enough kitchenware to prepare basic meals right away.

Necessary Kits

You don’t need to purchase every single item on this list individually. There are couple kits you should buy that will include several necessities all in one convenient package.

The most important one is a first-aid kit. If an emergency strikes, you want to be prepared.

You should also purchase a basic tool kit. This doesn’t need to include much equipment. For a renter, starting out with a kit that includes a hammer, tape measure, screwdriver, and needle-nose pliers should suffice.

Landlords are typically responsible for addressing any major repairs or improvements that need to be made to an apartment. However, for smaller jobs, such as hanging up posters or curtains, you’re on your own. A beginner tool kit will help you perform these tasks.

Cleaning Supplies

You want your new place to be as neat and comfortable as possible. Of course, it’s a lot easier to be proactive about cleaning when you have the supplies you need immediately on hand. When you move in, make sure you bring a vacuum, something for mopping and sweeping up floors, multi-purpose cleaning sprays, a toilet scrubber, toilet cleaning solution, cleaning wipes, dish detergent, and laundry detergent. You might also need to pack stainless steel cleaner if your new apartment has any stainless steel surfaces.

Furnishings

You might assume you can put off buying some of these items. However, if you don’t make a point of buying them ahead of time, you might not get around to it right away. Your apartment won’t feel like home until you do.

That’s why you should also invest in furnishings now. If you’re on a budget, search for them at secondhand stores and Craigslist. As long as you thoroughly check for signs of bed bugs and wear and tear, this is an easy way to save money.

Having these items before you move is key to enjoying your first day at your first apartment. Remember, you could be relaxing, or you could be spending that time worrying because you forgot to bring certain essentials along. That’s a lot less likely to happen if you stick to this list.

Announcing my online shop: Cym Heart Nature

Cym Heart Nature Store

Human Nature products I usually buy

I have been using Human Nature products for many years now. I still support this brand and some of its products, especially the feminine wash. 

Eight years ago, I reviewed it on this blog, link below. It looks different now, the packaging, but I still love it. It really prevents itchy discharge for me. (Sorry, TMI!)

Human Nature Feminine Wash

My hubby and I liked the smell of the Citrus Burst Sanitizer. I use it whenever we change our bedding, like a linen spray. I also carry a small version in my bag to clean my hands and the toilet seats in public restrooms.

The kids use the children's toothpaste in raspberry mint. This is a staple for us. Ever since I joined Human Nature as a dealer, I have always wanted them to make natural kids' toothpaste because I was worried my young ones would ingest chemical-laden teeth gels. My wish came true!

For our fur babies, a gentle shampoo made with coconut-derived cleansers and nutrient-rich plant extracts.

Recently, I opened my Online Dealer Shop, it's called Cym Heart Nature. If you wish to buy Human Nature products, kindly buy via my online store to support me. Click on my link, sign up/sign in and then shop. 

I would really appreciate it! 😍

It's good to have the UV Care Family Toothbrush Sterilizer.

One of my hubby's generous friends gave us this UV Care Family Toothbrush Sterilizer last Christmas. 

Honestly, I never thought of sterilizing toothbrushes. When sterilization comes to mind, I only thought of baby bottles. Now, there are sterilizers for almost everything: toys, furniture, mattress, and shoes.

Well, I am glad we have this toothbrush sterilizer. Do you notice that toothbrushes that are made from rubber sprout black spots that are almost impossible to remove? This also happens to the rubber that prevents spills in water bottles. 

I don't know what those are; but are probably some kind of mold because of the trapped moisture in the toothbrushes and the bathroom. 

This device prevents the black spots from forming. That is what I want to share the most.

This device also holds four toothbrushes. We are a family of five. That's why I sterilize our brushes in two batches. 

It is a great device to have. I also have peace of mind that those black spots won't appear anytime soon.

I still change our toothbrushes every three months, though.

3 Ways to Work Your Ideas Into The Construction of Your Home

The process of getting your home built can take months. And, in that time, you have every right to change your mind on unbuilt aspects. However, there are right and wrong ways to work your ideas into the construction of your home. And this article details each one of them.

Photo by - More rustic exterior home photos

Go Directly to the Crew Foreman

A construction crew foreman oversees the entirety of work from their contractors and construction workers. Therefore, they would be the head honcho; the one in charge of everything. To ensure your ideas are heard and implemented, go directly to the crew foreman. In some cases, a foreman would be your head architect. These bosses would be happy to hear your suggestions. But make sure it’s off hours, when they have time to listen and respond without being rushed. Never wander onto a construction site to talk to the foreman. You might find yourself kicked off really quick.

Host Brainstorm Sessions with Your Architect

When your architect has some free time to talk and brainstorm, ask them for a session to express your ideas and possibly work those ideas into the main design of your home. Sure, it is your house, but they are in charge. Therefore, they would know the best ideas based on realistic specifications and safety measures. It might be hard to let someone else take control of where you live, but you need to remember that architects and contractors are there to help you accomplish your dream home. Let them work. They know exactly what they are doing.

Go a Little DIY with Interior and Exterior Designs

If you have a difficult time handing over the design reins to someone else, do a bit of DIY interior and exterior designs after your home is done. No need to hire professionals when you can do it yourself, right? Or, if you still want to DIY your design projects, simply ask an interior designer for advice. You can pay by the hour, gather a few tips, and implement some of their ideas into the final designs of your home décor.

If you are the type of person who expects every hired professional to cater to your whims, then hiring someone to build your home might be a bad idea. However, if you are open minded to others working their magic with your construction projects, then by all means, hire awesome, reliable professionals and collaborate over the creation of your dream home.

The Importance of Removing Mold From Your Crawl Space

Mold is devastating to your home and health. However, many homeowners don’t know where to look for mold, so they don’t know if they need mold removal services. One of the most common areas of the home where mold grows is the crawl space. Below is more information about why removing mold from your crawl space is so important.

Why Does Mold Form in Crawl Spaces?

Out of all of the places in your home for mold to form, why does it grow so often in crawl spaces? One of the main reasons is because of water buildup or dampness. Mold thrives in damp areas, and many crawl spaces provide the perfect breeding ground. Also, mold growth here often goes unchecked because many homeowners don’t treat their crawl spaces as part of their actual homes. As a result, they never check it for mold growth.

Health Hazard

Another big reason to remove mold from your crawl space is because it’s a health hazard. When mold grows in here, it starts to contaminate the air. This air can travel upward and infect the air that you breath every day.

In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency says that nearly 50 percent of the air inside of your home comes from the crawl space or basement. This is because warm air rises and escapes via the roof. Then it’s replaced with the cool air from the crawl space or basement. As the air circulates into the house, it brings mold spores with it.

Structural Damage

Besides causing you harm, mold also causes damage to the structure of your house. Mold can destroy the wood studs that act as the foundation for your home. Once the wood suffers damage, it puts the entire integrity of your home at risk. In some cases, the home becomes unlivable, so the wood studs have to be replaced.

Mold is a silent killer. To make matters worse, most homeowners aren’t even aware of the mold in their crawl spaces. Consider having a professional check your crawl space for mold growth. You may find that it needs waterproofing to prevent future mold growth.

4 Ways Your Family Benefits From Radon Mitigation

There are many different hazards that you need to watch out for when it comes to your home and one of them is radon. If you are not familiar with radon then do not feel out of place as it is not a common topic among many people. By visiting the websites of companies such as SWAT Environmental and following the prompt to click here, you can get more information on radon mitigation and find out the many ways your family can benefit from the mitigation process.

Increase The Value Of Your Home

Many states are starting to require radon testing prior to the approval of any mortgage, which means that your home's value on the market could be affected if radon mitigation has not already been done. You can get more for your home and sell your home faster when you take the proactive steps to get radon testing and mitigation done by a professional organization.

Protect Your Family's Health

Radon is a serious issue that can lead to health problems if it is not contained. The process for detecting and taking care of any radon problems is very simple, which means that you can protect your family from harm by taking the simple step of bringing in a professional radon mitigation organization.

Protect Your Guests

Any family member and friend who regularly visit or stay at your house are subject to your home's environment. A responsible homeowner recognizes the need to protect friends and loved ones by getting some simple radon testing done to see if there is a radon problem in the home. The solution to the problem is equally as simple when you trust a professional mitigation organization.

Clean Your Drinking Water

Radon is an intrusive substance that can even get into your drinking water if it is not checked. A thorough investigation by a professional radon mitigation company will determine if there is an issue with your drinking water, and then the issue can be dealt with immediately.

You put up a smoke detector to protect your family from fire and a CO2 detector to protect your family from harmful fumes. Now you can complete the protection process by bringing in a professional radon mitigation company to test your home for radon and take the necessary steps to mitigate the problem if necessary.

Being Prepared for Excellence

Although construction jobs can vary over time, there will always been a need for professionals to provide excellence for home and business owners. After all, buildings need to be enhanced, and new housing needs to occur in growing communities. The result is that professionals need to be prepared for the work they are called to do.

Solid Tools

There are plenty of tools on the market today. Some people prefer to find their tools at a garage sale. These individuals may believe that the best tools are ones that have been used from the past and are durable. Although used tools can be effective, they tend to break down easily and quickly. Other individuals believe that tools can be purchased at a low price and still expect great results. However, these types of tools may not do well when serious work is to be done. The fact of the matter is that solid and dependable tools are costly. Contractors can save time and money when they have equipment that is solid and dependable. With the right tools, such as a hammer iron scaling chisel, professionals can do the work that is expected of them.

Open Communication

Communicating is not a high priority with some professionals. However, communicating can immensely help a situation. Home and business owners like to know how work is progressing. While daily and hourly updates are unrealistic, professionals who keep their clients updated with information will discover that their clients appreciate that they took time to listen and respond to their needs. Furthermore, professionals who communicate may discover that their services are being recommended to friends and neighbors of past clients. Communicating may seem like a nuisance when there is work to be done, but professionals are rewarded when they take time to visit with their clients.

Solid equipment and open communication are ways that have enabled many to thrive in construction. Whether a home is being remodeled or a new business is being constructed, workers can be ready to provide excellence. The results of their achievements can be priceless to their clients.

Tips For Protecting The Home During Vacation

Crimes against the home are among the most common crimes that occur in the United States. In fact, one home robbery occurs every 14.6 seconds according to statistics listed by the Washington Post. Thieves gain entry for burglary by going through the garage, windows and the front door. Many accidents occur while the family of victims is on vacation. Burglars find out that the family is away using a number strategies, and then they hit while the homeowners are out of the area. The following are some tips that homeowners can use to avoid a burglary or robbery while they are away on vacation:

Alert the Neighbors

One thing that homeowners can do to provide themselves with additional protection is notify the neighbor that they will be going on vacation. A trusted neighbor can keep an eye out for the home and report any suspicious activity to the authorities. Most burglaries are successful because members of the neighborhood are unaware that the family is away.

Leave the Light and Television On

Leaving the lights and the television on is a trick that may help deter criminals. A would-be burglar will most likely not try his or her luck entering a home that has the television or lights on. Instead, the burglar will search for a property that looks less challenging. The electric bill may jump for the week of the vacation, but the home may be safe because of it.

Hire a House Sitter

Professional house sitters are people who make a living watching other people’s homes when they are on vacation. They usually have reasonable rates. A house sitter may be willing to perform a background check so that potential clients will not feel nervous about leaving their homes open to someone new.

Invest in Home Monitoring

Finally, a family can invest in home alarm monitoring. Sometimes, a reliable security system is the only option that makes sense. A homeowner can invest less than $10 a month and secure a reliable security system that keeps the home protected at all times. Many companies offer five-star service with a contract, but some companies provide the same quality without asking the consumer to sign a contract. Alarm Relay is an example of a company that provides home security services at an affordable price.

Families no longer have to worry about getting robbed while they are trying to enjoy themselves. Any of the aforementioned actions will help.

Beating the Heat During the Summer

Heat can be very problematic aside from the discomfort you'll feel. It can prevent you from having a good night's rest, increase your stress levels and even affect your career. To beat the heat, you need to keep your AC running in prime condition. What can you do to make sure it's operating as efficient as possible?

Filtration

Filters are one of the most important aspects of the cooling system. If this is clogged, the AC unit will not be able to pull air in. Whether you have central air or a window-based unit, this filter needs to be regularly maintained. Depending on the system you have, it may be a matter of washing it off. However, most systems use a disposable filter that is very easy to replace.

Proper Maintenance

Keeping your AC clean of debris can prevent it from having problems. Should something happen, it may be more cost efficient to find a Pittsburgh AC repair specialist in order to keep the unit operational. There are many components within this appliance, and you should never try to fix it yourself without proper training.

Thermal Barrier Paint Additives

By painting your home with thermal barrier paint additives, you can maximize the effect of your AC unit. This compound is designed to reflect heat keeping the temperature of your home lower. It also doubles as insulation during the winter by keeping the heat inside the house.

Don't underestimate how much of an impact your comfort can make on family and professional lifestyles. Without proper sleep, your capacity to make rational decisions could be affected. Do what you can to keep your air conditioning in prime condition, and contact a professional today.

Hi-Home Magic Showerhead

Do you watch shows like Home TV shopping? Have you bought the very thing you saw on your TV? While it's flashing a price reduction plus freebies if you call "right now"?

I haven't, but it's super tempting! But, I was scared that the company would record my phone number and would always call me to offer other products. How annoying, right? Well, that's what others said!

I didn't have such problem with the latest shopping channel called Oshopping. This  Hi-Home Magic Showerhead was our first purchase.

 

The reason we bought this was because of the promise of increase in water pressure. And, yes, the water came out stronger. That means, we can save on water because of shorter rinse times.

I like that it has red bands to indicate water temperature, but there's something weird about the actual temperature of the water coming out as felt by the hands. If we turn on the water heater, the water coming out of the middle holes will be hot, yet the water coming out of the surrounding holes will still be cool. 

I also like that it could filter the water. The transparency of the shower head allows us to see what's happening inside and if the filter needed to be cleaned.

If you don't understand what was written on the box, read more info from this Oshopping product page.

Would you consider buying this Hi-Home Magic Showerhead?

Energy Efficient Heat

Given the harsh winter most of us have experienced, comfort in the home has become a high priority. In many states, the temperature has dropped to zero level or below.

In ice-cold weather, home furnaces are running at maximum output. While the warmth they provide is pleasant, the dry air that comes with it is not. Many homeowners experience dry skin, nosebleeds and other maladies in the winter in their own homes.

Because of the push towards energy efficiency, a new type of furnace, called the two-stage furnace, is available that alleviates some of these problems. It has the added benefit of significantly reducing heating bills for homeowners who live in colder climates. Many HVAC manufacturers are now offering this type of furnace, including the Trane comfort specialist.

How And Why The Two-Stage Furnace Works

An ordinary furnace heats up to the heat level set on the thermostat, and then cycles off until the air cools down to a set level. The furnace runs up to a single heat setting all day long, unless the thermostat is adjusted.

The two-stage furnace provides two stages of heat instead of one. When temperatures are lower, the burner runs at high capacity to warm up the home quickly. As the temperature in the home climbs gradually in the daytime, the burner responds by running at a lower capacity. This lower setting tends to alleviate the problems of dry air and discomfort that are usually associated with the ordinary furnace in the wintertime.

The two stage furnace can provide heat that is both warm and comfortable for today's homeowners.

A Little Care Will Make Your Carpets Last Longer

Wall to wall carpets are cozy and attractive, but they are also dirt collectors. Even if you vacuum regularly, the dirt and dust works its way down to the pad and can cause odors, stains and premature wear. You can prevent this with regular maintenance and professional service by Green Choice Carpet Cleaning NYC cleaning once a year. To avoid bringing toxic fumes into your home, it is recommended to use a company such as Green Choice Carpet that uses organic cleaning products.

Tips for Keeping Wall to Wall Carpet Clean

Once you have your carpet professionally cleaned, you want to keep it as clean as possible throughout the year. There are some simple things you can do that will help reduce the amount of dirt, dust and allergens that settle in your carpet.

• Vacuum the whole carpet every week and more often in high-traffic areas. It takes about five minutes for the vacuum cleaner to remove the optimum amount of dust and dirt, so you should go over each area several times.

• Use an attachment to vacuum around heavy furniture and move light-weight furniture to vacuum beneath it.

• The vacuum bag or canister should be emptied when it is half-full of dirt because if it is too full, you won’t get enough suction. There may be a full-line on the bag or canister.

• Use furniture leg coasters under the legs on heavy furniture. These will prevent deep, permanent dents from forming on the carpet and pad.

• Clean spills immediately if possible. The longer the spilled substance is on the carpet, the deeper it will go in and be harder to remove. Soak up as much of the substance by pressing it with an absorbent towel. Don't rub the spill because this will push it into the carpet. If there is any remaining stain, you can blot it with a solution of one cup water and one quarter cup mild detergent. Rinse the soap out with clear water and blot dry. When it is completely dry, vacuum the area.

• You can deodorize you carpet once a month by sprinkling baking soda on it in a thin layer and leaving it overnight. The next day vacuum it completely. Just as it does in your refrigerator, baking soda will absorb the pet and other odors in your carpet.

You can keep your wall to wall carpet looking and smelling fresh between its annual professional cleanings.

Ultimate Elegance: Fleur de Lis Online Collections

Franco lovers many times have a hard time finding a one-stop shopping center for fine decor and quality curios symbolic of France. And what better symbol of the French than the Fleur de Lis? Today, thanks in part to the dynamics of the Internet, buyers can conveniently visit several online outlets to help satisfy the yearning for all things Fleur de Lis.

To help make sure your shopping experience is a quick, convenient and complete one, here are just a few of the things you can anticipate finding in your browsing visits. When looking for specialty items in the realm of the beautifully classic Fleur de Lis, quality online stores, such as Fleurdelisvalueplus.com, should have any one of the following to offer their online visitors...

Fleur de Lis Design Jewelry

Shiny, sculpted pieces of earrings, bracelets and classical brooches can accomplish much when bought at the proper online store. Coming in various materials and colors such as copper, bronze and brushed variations, you'll be the talk of the bridge club gathering with your elegant Fleur de Lis design jewelry.

Fleur de Lis Home Decor

Lamps, ceiling designs, fine China and glassware will add not only personal satisfaction to yourself, but such a collection also adds extra value to your home. As you incorporate the various specialty items found at online centers for Fleur de Lis home decor, you'll be sure to come back soon and tell others about your online shopping experience.

Adding a touch of class to your home just became simpler when you accent with a piece or accessory embossed with the magnificently elegant Fleur de Lis.

Lysol Antibacterial Hand Soap In Pink

I have been using Lysol air freshener and surface cleaner for quite sometime now. Just a little of the products goes a long way, therefore, points for cost efficiency.

My Mommyology had a Lysol giveaway and I won a paper bag containing its products. I am now using the Lysol antibacterial skincare hand soap in the bathroom.

It is packaged in a 225 ml bottle with an attractive, feminine design. It smells of flowers. I think the floral scent is a tad strong, though. The liquid is quite thick, so, a drop of the hand soap is already sudsy. I usually use half a pump. There are also other scents that I would like to try.

I like that it doesn't make the hands dry no matter how often I wash my hands. This encourages hand washing as it's an effective way to prevent spread of germs.

Have you tried this brand of liquid hand soap? What did you think?

HVAC Services In Virginia

The commonwealth of Virginia experiences relatively extreme seasons. This means that homeowners can expect cold winters with freezing temperatures and hot summers with heat waves. Virginia residents need to have functional climate control systems all year long. HVAC companies are available to provide the necessary service for all types of heating and cooling systems in homes.

Old homes might be equipped with hot water heating systems featuring radiators. These systems are actually very hazardous because the iron radiators might get overheated and blow off some steam. There is always a risk of the supply pipes bursting during the winter as a result of stagnant water that freezes and expands. Modern heating systems use forced air designs that consist of a furnace and blower. Additionally, air filters are also installed in forced air heating systems. A network of ducts is used to deliver warm air into each room that is equipped with a vent opening on the floor, wall or ceiling.

Central air climate control systems also have AC systems that share ducts with the furnace. During the summer, the air conditioner needs to be turned on properly. An outdoor unit is installed in order to complete important cycles via coolants, evaporator coils, compressors and condensers. A site like EasternTechAirVA.com and other websites are examples of online resources featuring HVAC services in the state of Virginia. Homeowners can actually contact some local HVAC technicians if any emergency situations arise such as a leak in the water heater or the AC condenser.

Decorative Statement Pieces For The Home

Current decorating trends focus on minimalist furnishings and restraint in the number of decorative accessories you include in your decor. This trend has many advantages. If a room is filled with an assortment of decorative items, it can look cluttered and chaotic. Some of the items become unnoticeable as they get pushed aside or hidden by larger items. Having an assortment of numerous items on display means that you will have to include an extensive amount of time in your house- cleaning schedule, just to keep everything looking good.

When you limit your decorative accessories, each item you display can receive proper recognition and appreciation. Buying fewer accessories, means you can focus on purchasing high-end decor that will add elegance, sophistication and artistic beauty to your home. When you shop for Lalique crystal and discover its beauty, you will have a clear understanding of how much difference a magnificent vase or bowl can make when displayed as a solitary item on a table. A stunning, eye-catching figurine can become a decorative statement piece that guests will be in awe of and you will feel privileged to enjoy as part of your decor.

Shopping at one location for the decorative accessories you plan to include in a room makes it easy to achieve unity among the few items you select. Keep in mind that the size of an item is not always an accurate indicator of how impressive it will be once it is put on display.

Asbestos Awareness To Save Lives

Home Renovations and Asbestos: What You Should Know

While remodeling, renovating, or improving your home’s energy efficiency, you should always

take steps to reduce and eliminate pollution as much as possible and protect yourself from

dangerous fumes, materials, and chemicals in the air. Removing asbestos from your home,

however, requires the services of a state-certified professional who is trained to detect, abate,

and remove it. If you live in an older home built prior to the 1980s, before you begin any home

renovation projects, be certain to get your home thoroughly checked for asbestos.

Asbestos Use in Residential Homes

Although products made from asbestos have been phased out since the 1980s, many older

homes in the United States may still contain insulation, vinyl flooring, siding, roofing materials,

appliances, certain types of plaster, and cement which contain asbestos. For many years,

asbestos was used to insulate buildings from temperature and sound. Asbestos was also a

cheap and effective material that could resist fire, chemical reactions, and electrical discharges.

Many home appliances, including water heaters and furnaces, contained asbestos.

Even though asbestos was a reliable way to prevent fires and protect homes, it also has been

linked to harmful diseases, including asbestosis, and the terminal disease, mesothelioma. When

asbestos fibers become airborne, they are easily swallowed. Since these are fibers are so thin

and light, inhalation goes undetected. Once asbestos fibers are ingested, while some may

dispel naturally, it’s impossible to remove them all. Asbestos fibers create havoc on the body’s

organs over time, leading to arrays of health issues.

Detecting Asbestos in Your Home

If you’re unsure if your home has asbestos, it’s nearly impossible to determine by looking for it.

Some products may be labeled as containing asbestos, but most other products are not labeled.

As mentioned earlier, you’ll need a professional asbestos technician in order to determine how

much asbestos you have and where its located. The only exception is vermiculite insulation

that contains asbestos. Vermiculite asbestos insulation is grayish brown with a grainy, wormlike

texture. However, although you can identify if your home contains vermiculite insulation, you’ll

still need a professional to thoroughly inspect your insulation for asbestos.

source

Precautions to Take

Per the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), treat your older home as if it contains

asbestos at all times if you are unsure. Until you can get confirmation:

● Don’t do any activities at all around areas that may contain asbestos. As mentioned

earlier, this could be appliances such as furnaces and old stoves, siding, shingles, vinyl

flooring, walls, and attics. Children in particular should never be allowed to play near any

area that may contain asbestos.

● Don’t sweep or clean up in areas you think may contain asbestos.

● Don’t load anything into your attic and keep all traffic into the attic as minimal as

possible.

● Never start any home repairs or renovations, regardless of how minor the task may be.

Unfortunately, millions of people are currently dealing with severe disabilities and health

problems after being exposed to asbestos for prolonged periods of time. Construction workers

who built homes prior to the 1980s were constantly working around asbestos-containing

materials without proper protection. In fact, asbestos attorneys have filed many lawsuits against

asbestos manufacturers after these workers developed illnesses that could have otherwise

been prevented with proper warning. Keep in mind, though, there is no reason to fear your

home or move away. Asbestos is usually not harmful unless its disturbed. So while you want to

be cautious until you can get your home inspected, there is no need for panic.

For More Information

For information on how to locate a state-certified asbestos professional, contact your local

health department, and for more detailed information on the effects of asbestos, contact the

Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry (ATSDR) at 800-CDC-INFO.

Change Up Your Drain Cover!

Are you thinking about removing your drain cover? Perhaps you do not like the way that it looks anymore, or maybe too much material is getting caught up in it and it is stopping the drain from working correctly. This has often been known to happen near a washing machine since lint and other things can get caught when they are expelled with the rinse water.

There are a few problems with taking it out, though. For one thing, the drain cover is supposed to catch all of the lint and other materials. That is its job, and taking it out means that all of that stuff is just going to go right down the pipe, where it can get lodged in the nearest turn or bend. This can cause the drain to stop working entirely and you will have to clear out the trap. That is a far larger job than just cleaning off the top of the drain cover each time that you use the washing machine.

If you do not like the way that the cover looks, you are better off to shop beautiful square drain covers at DesignerDrains.com and get a new one that you do like. This can change the look of the drain completely, whether it is in the basement, in the shower, or somewhere else in the house. This also ensures that the cover can continue to do the job that it was designed to do when it was first installed at the house.

I'd love to have this for our shower area!

Homeschooling In The Philippines

Many parents in the Philippines are looking into homeschooling nowadays. Are you one of them? If yes, there's a workshop for you. I announced it on cymplified.com here: www.cymplified.com/homeschooling-workshop-cymplified

While you're there, please join my giveaway for a chance to win these prizes:

Pay Attention To Lighting Design

Whether decorating a new home or office or just redecorating an old one, decorators sometimes forget to look up. Decorators are often concentrating on furniture or floors but not thinking about the way that the room is lit. Nothing dates a home or office like old, out-dated light fixtures. That's why trendy restaurants often rely on amazing lighting designs. The goal is to look and feel fresh.

Contemporary light fixtures offer stylish ways to light any room. These fixtures can be abstracts, almost works of arts. They can be contemporary recessed lights or classy chandeliers. Modern fixtures can be employed from pantry to portico. As rooms are updated or designed from scratch, lighting is the key to bringing the entire style together. Websites like http://www.crescentharbormodern.com offer a wide variety of creative lighting styles. Lighting can be timeless in its appeal while still appealing on a specific design level.

Artistically-rendered lights can add elegance in the foyer and hallway. Unique pendants and contemporary chandeliers can add a striking modern pose to dining areas. Elegant wall sconces can change the entire look of a bathroom. Floor lamps and table lamps can strike a pose even as they shed light. Spare, European styles can add style uniformity to modern furnishings. Flowing, artistic lines can provide the perfect accent to a room. For the best results, updating a room should always include updating the light fixtures. Exteriors, too, can take on a whole new look when contemporary lighting is given a chance to glow.