Category: Around the House


Jun
2022

Meal Planning for Your Family: How to Create a Dinner Routine That Works for You

categories: Around the House

Meal planning is a great way to save time and money while ensuring that your family has healthy, home-cooked meals. But it can be difficult to create a routine that works for everyone’s schedule. In this blog post, we will discuss some tips for creating a meal plan that your whole family will love!

One of the most important things to consider when meal planning is your family’s schedule. If you have young children, you may need to plan for quick and easy meals that can be prepared in a short amount of time. If you have older children or teens, you may want to involve them in the meal planning process so that they can help cook or choose recipes that they will enjoy.

Another important consideration is your budget. If you are on a tight budget, you may want to plan meals that use cheaper ingredients or that can be made in large batches and frozen for later. There are also many ways to save money on groceries, so be sure to do some research before you start planning your meals.

Once you have considered your family’s schedule and budget, it is time to start planning your meals. You may want to start by choosing a few recipes that you know everyone will enjoy. Once you have some recipes in mind, you can begin to create a grocery list and meal plan for the week.

If you are struggling to come up with ideas for meals, there are many resources available online or in cookbooks that can help you plan delicious and healthy meals for your family. With a little planning and effort, you can create a meal routine that works for everyone in your family!

Do you have any tips for creating a successful meal plan? Share them in the comments below!


Jan
2022

5 Tips to Maintain Cleanliness and Health in Your Home

categories: Around the House

Are you one of the many people who are looking for ways to maintain cleanliness and health in your home? Have you been struggling with this problem, but don’t know how to fix it? If so, then keep reading! In this article, we’re going to talk about five tips that will help you stay on top of things. These tips have helped me maintain a healthy environment at home. They also helped my family avoid any illnesses during the last flu season. I hope they work for you too!

Dust your furniture regularly.

One of the best ways to maintain cleanliness and health in your home is by dusting your furniture on a regular basis. This will help remove any dirt, dust, or other allergens that may be lurking on your surfaces. It’s also a good idea to vacuum your furniture every few months. This will get rid of any loose dirt particles that are hiding between the crevices of your couch, chair, or bed. You should also avoid using chemicals when cleaning your furniture. This is because they can irritate people who have allergies. Instead, use a cloth to wipe away any dust and debris from your surfaces.

Eat healthy foods.

Another way to maintain cleanliness and health in your home is by eating healthy foods. This means that you should avoid processed foods as much as possible. These foods are often high in sugar, sodium, and unhealthy fats. Instead, try to eat a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables. These foods are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and nutrients that will help you stay healthy. You should also consider drinking lots of water throughout the day, too!

Pets need to be groomed regularly.

If you have pets, then it’s important to groom them on a regular basis. This will help remove any dirt, fur, or other allergens that they may be carrying around. It’s also a good idea to give your pet a bath once a month. This will help get rid of any bad odors that may be coming from their coat. Just make sure to use shampoo and conditioner made especially for pets. You should also brush or comb your pet’s fur every few weeks, too!

Regular check ups for your family.

One of the best ways to maintain cleanliness and health in your home is by getting regular checkups for your family. This means that you should all go see a doctor or dentist at least once a year. It’s also important to get your home checked for any pests or other environmental hazards. By doing this, you can help prevent any illnesses from occurring in your home.

Not only for the human members are your family, your furry friends should too.

Relaxation breaks.

Another way to maintain cleanliness and health in your home is by taking some time off for yourself. This means that you should schedule “relaxation breaks” throughout the week. Make sure to set aside at least 20 minutes each day, so you can do something fun or relaxing! For example, you could read a good book or magazine, take a hot bath with some lavender Epsom salts , or even watch your favorite TV show. Doing this will help you stay refreshed and energized!


Sep
2020

Why Every Kitchen Should Have A Backup Generator

categories: Around the House

If you want your family to make it through a blackout in comfort then a backup generator for your kitchen is a must. In an area where power outage is common, a backup generator that runs on gas can do wonders. Losing power frequently and for a long duration of time can result in days without cooling or heating system, broken and frozen pipes, and rotting food. Without a backup generator in your kitchen, you will be unable to use everyday kitchen appliances like toaster, coffee machine, garbage disposal, etc. Thus, if you live in a place that is prone to frequent power outages, buying the right backup generator for your kitchen or your home is most certainly the right decision.

PERMANENT OR PORTABLE?

Mainly there is two types of backup generator you can go with: the permanent or standby generator or a portable generator. You have to take into consideration a lot of factors when deciding which one to go for.

If you go for the standby one then it will be installed permanently outside your home. This type of backup generator usually RUNS ON GAS (natural) or propane. The generator will turn on automatically within just seconds when you will lose power. So, within seconds it can supply electricity for your kitchen. The standby generator’s cost is quite significant compared to what it has to offer. For those living in flood-prone or hurricane-prone areas, a standby generator will definitely be a worthwhile investment.

On the other hand, a portable generator happens to run on diesel or gasoline. However, propane and natural gas models are also available. If you need occasional or limited backup power then a portable generator will be the best option for you. They have gained their popularity all thanks to its low cost and easy mobility. However, there is some safety issue that you need to take into consideration as well.

In the end, your buying decision should be based on:

  • The size of your kitchen.
  • The types and number of appliances and equipment you have in your kitchen that will require power, and
  • Your geographical location.

BENEFITS OF STANDBY GENERATOR

  • Besides keeping the light on, one of the main reasons as to why you need to have a backup generator will have to be the fact that it can supply power to essential kitchen appliances without which you and your family members cannot live by. Your cooking appliances, refrigerator, washer, and dryer can run smoothly even in a power outage if you have a standby generator with you.
  • You do not have to throw out food items as nothing will be spoiled.
  • A standby backup generator that runs on gas can be connected to a home’s natural gas line. So, you do not have to deal with fuel tanks with this sort of generator.
  • They are installed outside the home. So, the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning is removed with such a generator.
  • It will most certainly add value to your home especially in areas that experience extreme weather conditions.
  • This type of generator can prevent major damages to your home. It can prevent the bursting of pipes and even reduces the risk of flooding as it can even provide power to a sump pump.
  • You and your family can have peace of mind as all appliances and lights will be working even during a power outage. With it, you can live comfortably even during a trying time.

Installing a standby backup generator that runs on gas needs knowledge of building codes. It also requires you to get permits. Thus, it will be best to leave the installation to the professionals.


Apr
2019

Creative

categories: Around the House

For some reason saunas are simply not as popular as they are in many other countries around the world. People from Finland, Russia, and Estonia more or less have regular sauna visits engrained in their culture. It’s for good reason too, a nice trip to the sauna can leave your body feeling incredibly relaxed, revitalized, and ready to take on the next day.

Choosing Your Sauna

If you’ve put any thought into buying a sauna, you’ll certainly have noted that they come with a hefty price tag. They take a lot of wood to make and the heater draws an awful lot of energy, so it’s important that they are made with quality components.

When you’re buying a sauna there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. The quality of the heater is probably the most important. All too often saunas are sold with undersized heaters that will not only take a really long time to get to temperature, but they also might not even get hot enough to provide the sauna experience you’re looking for.

The other main thing to consider is how large you want your sauna to be. Is this something that your whole family is going to use, or is it more for your use alone? The size of the sauna is going to drastically influence the price. Since they aren’t cheap, you don’t want to plan on upgrading your sauna at a later date if you can avoid it.

A few other large things to consider before you make your purchase. The first is that your sauna will likely require a 240V connection, meaning you’re going to have to consult an electrician to do the installation. If you’re buying an infrared sauna that may not be the case, but it’s almost certainly true with traditional sauna styles. The other thing to consider is the wood that the sauna is made from, but we’ll dig into that a little more in a second.

Consider Going Infrared

If you haven’t heard about them before, infrared saunas are definitely worth checking out. They offer many of the benefits that traditional saunas do, but they are available at a fraction of the cost. Like traditional saunas, they can be found in a range of sizes from a one-person capacity to a four-person capacity and beyond.

They can also be made in a variety of different wood types much like traditional saunas. You can opt for hemlock and cedar if you like, but based on user experience many people find that the odors that these woods create can be offensive and even downright nauseating.

The advantages of woods like cedar and hemlock are obvious – they have superior rot protection and they may even ward off insects. However, the rot protection is probably not even necessary in a sauna, as they should be relatively dry from all of the heat that they put off. If you’re going to be spending a lot of time in your sauna then the wood choice is something you should probably take seriously.

If you’re interested in bringing a sauna into your household an infrared design is worth considering. They may not be a perfect fit for you, but they shouldn’t be disregarded nonetheless.

What Is Best For You?

Truth be told, an traditional sauna is most likely going to be the preferable option for most people. They are the tried-and-true technology that people have been relying on for centuries – especially in the northern countries. That said, there are definitely reasons that you might want to go infrared instead.

First of all, they are much more affordable which puts them within the budget of more people around the country. Secondly, they operate at lower temperatures so they can potentially put less stress on your body. If stress on your body is a concern for you, this may be a better route to go. As always, make sure you talk with a doctor if this is your concern as no one else will know better than them.


Mar
2019

Garage Door Opener Maintenance Made Easy

categories: Around the House

Having a garage with a self-opening garage door opener is a huge luxury that we may take for granted once we get used to it. I don’t know about you, but I can remember the days where I had to park on the street in front of my metropolitan apartment. Especially during the freezing cold winter days, this was such a burden. If it snowed, I’d spend hours digging myself out and I’d be lucky if someone else hadn’t taken my hard-earned spot by the time I got home for the day.

I’ve since evolved, and I’m forever grateful for it. I love the fact that I can just walk out to my car from my house without ever having to go outside. What if all of a sudden that was taken away from me? I’d certainly be disappointed and taken aback. That’s why it’s important to stay on top of some minor maintenance tasks to make sure your garage door is always working at peak performance. This way, you’ll never be left parking out in the elements. Here are some routine garage door opener maintenance precautions I take in my home.

Inspect, Clean, and Lubricate the Chain

At least once a year (usually in the spring) I’ll take it upon myself to inspect the chain that the garage door opener uses to lift the door. If I see any debris caught up in the chain, such as pine needles, balls of hair (gross), or similar, I’ll disconnect the power and make sure to remove them. I wouldn’t want them getting into the gears and causing further issues. Most of the time I can get the chain plenty clean with a vacuum cleaner, but sometimes it will need to be removed more directly with my hands. I’ll put on gloves for this because it’s a bit messy. When that’s all said and done I’ll lubricate the chain to make sure it stays in good working order for the upcoming year. I personally have a LiftMaster opener, and I simply follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Fine Tune The Opener Travel

This one I started paying attention to when I came home for the day and my wife’s side of the garage door was wide open. I thought she must have just forgotten, but when we spoke about it later that night she was certain she had closed the garage door as she always had. Sure enough, as a few days passed the garage door simply wasn’t closing properly. It would get all the way down to the closed position, then turn around and go right back up. It turns out there is a travel setting on garage door openers. If you have the machine set too far, then the garage door will drive into the ground, think it’s hitting a foreign object, and turn around as to prevent hurting the object. This was a simple fix – backing off on the adjustment screw a full turn was sufficient. It made me realize though that the travel should be optimized from time to time. Not closing properly is one problem, but what about not closing completely? If the problem were in the opposite direction there would be a small gap at the bottom of the garage door where rodents can get in. This would be undesirable to say the least!

So, these are two quick and easy ways that I stay on top of my garage door opener’s performance. Am I missing anything? I’d love to hear about your experiences too, if you are interested in sharing please do!


Sep
2018

Choosing The Right Dog Food For Your Family’s Best Friend

categories: Around the House

With its multitude of options, the pet food aisle can be a daunting place. One can of wet dog food might promise a “gourmet beef entrée” while another package of dry food might advertise “all natural ingredients” in big, bright lettering. You want the best for your dog – and some of us even go a little overboard when it comes to treating them like royalty. But when it comes to dog food, where do you start?

The truth is that every dog is unique. Your dog’s breed, age, and personality can all affect his or her nutritional needs. There are some things all good dog foods have in common. However, to make the best dietary choices for your dog, you’ll have to consider your dog’s individual nutritional needs.

General Guidelines

The first thing to keep in mind is that your dog is an omnivore. It doesn’t take a veterinary degree to know that dogs love meat, but they also crave a well-rounded diet with nutrition from grains, fruits, and veggies. A balanced diet is the key to a dog’s health.

To ensure that balance, you’ll want to carefully examine the packaging and the label of your dog’s food. The ingredients list is an obvious place to start, but even the marketing and advertising on the package are worth reading. For example, a package advertised as a “beef dinner” or “beef platter” is only legally required to contain 10% beef, whereas a package advertised as “beef” alone must contain at least 70% beef. The same regulatory standards are applied to other ingredients, too.

Certain kinds of advertising, on the other hand, are basically meaningless. Many popular marketing terms like “gourmet” and “all natural” are unregulated by either The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). That means you can print those labels on just about anything. The next time you pick up after your dog, feel free to slap a sticker reading “all natural gourmet” on the bag!

The last, and best, general guideline is to consult with your veterinarian about your dog’s diet. Your vet is an expert on your dog’s nutritional needs. No matter what you’re considering or questioning, you’ll never go wrong asking a veterinarian for advice.

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/the-best-fresh-dog-food-in-2022-we-reviewed-top-11-brands-in-2022–715931672025323768/

Excess Oil and Fat

A great rule of thumb is to check the first four ingredients listed on your dog food packaging. If you see oil or fat listed as one of those initial four, put the package back on the shelf. Not only are dog foods high in fat generally unhealthy, but they also put your dog at increased risk of bloat, a condition in which your dog’s digestive system fills with gas that has no means of escape. Within a couple of hours, bloat can be lethal for your dog.

Large or Small, Old or Young

Your dog’s size and age are two of the most crucial factors to consider when picking out dog food.

Large breed dogs are at higher risk for orthopedic diseases like arthritis. That means joint health supplements like glucosamine will be especially beneficial for larger dogs. As puppies, larger breeds are also in danger of certain developmental orthopedic diseases (DOD) which are caused by rapid, excessive growth. In these puppies, excess supplements can lead to growth at a rate their bodies can’t handle. The best dog foods for large breed puppies are lower in fat, phosphorus, calcium, and vitamin D to compensate for these risks.

In contrast, the greatest risk for small breed puppies is hypoglycemia. Their tiny bodies have high metabolic rates and fewer reserves of sugar and body fat. A small breed puppy’s meal should be packed with calories and, just like with small breed adults, should not contain chunks large enough to present a choking hazard.

Although the AAFCO and FDA don’t recognize a specific category of dog food for senior dogs, growing consensus suggests that senior dogs have unique dietary needs. Many of these needs will be dictated by health conditions your dog develops over time. Again, the best source of advice is your veterinarian, who already knows which conditions your senior dog is up against and will have the most up-to-date information regarding specialized senior diets.

Wet Versus Dry

Whether or not to feed your dog canned, wet meals or dry kibble is entirely up to you. The need to refrigerate opened cans of dog food and the affordability of kibble make dry meals a common choice for dogs. On the other hand, many dogs find wet meals more palatable. If your dog is a particularly picky eater, or if he or she struggles with a diminished appetite, the flavor boost of wet dog food might be the perfect solution. If you’re still on the fence, there’s no rule against feeding your dog a combination of wet and dry dog food.

Myths, Trends, and Reality Checks

Misinformation about dog food is all too common. It’s important to be thorough in your research to make sure you’re making sound, healthy choices for your dog.

Many dog families are wary of animal byproducts in their dog food, but dog food packed with hooves, hair, and manure is the stuff of urban legends. Today’s regulated animal byproducts include materials like organs and entrails, which are perfectly safe for your dog. If you’re still concerned about just what qualifies as an animal byproduct, call the brand of dog food you’re considering. Any dog food company worth their salt will volunteer that kind of information without any hesitation.

Some human dietary trends are hastily forced onto dogs. Gluten-free diets, for example, are almost always unnecessary for dogs, who very rarely have allergic reactions to wheat gluten. Other trends, like raw diets or home-cooked dog food, pose considerable risks to your dog’s health. Yet again, the best advice on any of these diets will come not from your neighbors or your Facebook friends, but from a trained veterinarian. If you’re absolutely sure about a special diet for your dog, the only responsible way to implement that diet is to consult with your vet first. If you don’t, you could do real harm to your dog, no matter how good your intentions may be.

Ultimately, the best way to know whether your dog’s diet is working as intended is to pay attention to your dog. A dog with healthy body weight will have a visible waist and ribs you can feel with your hand. If your dog is active, happy, and free from the any signs of digestive distress, you’ve probably made the right choice for your family’s best friend.


Aug
2018

Spice Up Your Life With These Potted Plants

categories: Around the House

When it comes to choosing potted plants for your home, you will want to choose plants that are suited for the environment and climate around your home. Some plants require indirect sunlight and lots of shade while other plants require a healthy amount of sunlight every day to remain healthy. Below, you will find four of the most popular potted plants to add color, beauty, and spice to your life as well as their individual care requirements.

Aloe Vera

An aloe vera is a wonderful potted plant for someone who has very little experience caring for potted plants. It is a hardy plant that is very low maintenance. It only needs to be watered when the soil becomes dry. In a humid home, an aloe vera plant can go without being watered up to three weeks. If you live in a dry area, the plant will require water more often. The benefits of having an aloe vera plant in your home are numerous. Aloe vera is a plant that has many medicinal uses including skin relief for minor burns and soothing for cuts.

Busy Lizzies

Busy Lizzies re a popular type of blooming flower that are chosen as decoration for both homes and public areas. They are a perfect addition to any garden or as a companion piece within your home. Small with vivid colors, Busy Lizzies will bloom from May until October. They require a low amount of maintenance and thrive in small containers such as flower pots. They are sensitive to cold and frost, so be sure to bring in your Busy Lizzies at night if a drop in temperature or a frost is in the forecast. They will wither under direct sunlight, so keeping them in your home or in a shady area of your garden will give them the proper amount of care required to bloom to their fullest and most beautiful of colors.

Bromeliads

If you’re looking for a potted plant that’s more exotic than the traditional flower or ivy variety, a bromeliad is a plant that will surprise and amaze your senses. A bromeliad starts out as a plain plant with large green leaves that are flat and wide like a sword blade. In the center of the plant is an odd-looking stem that will grow and blossom throughout the life of the bromeliad. This stem will blossom into a brilliant flower that looks like its been plucked directly from the tropics.

What makes these plants even more astonishing is that near the end of its life cycle, it has the chance to produce a flower that differs from the usual color and shape. Additionally, a bromeliad plant will produce little pups of itself near the end of its life as well. Although this plant only lives for a year or two, you can obtain a healthy bromeliad family from just a single plant if you properly transplant these bromeliad pups into their own pot. From its humble beginnings to its impressive end, a bromeliad plant will add plenty of tropical spice to your life.

Clematis

Clematis vine plants are a striking and vibrant addition to your home or garden. They can be grown in a flower pot with ease. A flower pot is often an ideal place to keep a clematis plant since they have diverse needs in order to grow and bloom. A clematis plant requires at least six hours of direct sunlight a day while requiring its soil to remain cool. This balance of sunlight and cool soil is difficult to attain. In a flower pot, this can be accomplished by adding a cover over the top of the flower pot.

One thing to keep in mind is that a clematis plant is a vine, so it will need something to cling to and climb in order to reach its full beauty and remain healthy. Keeping your clematis flower pot near a lattice inside of your home or near an indoor tree can not only provide the clematis vine somewhere to cling but will also add a charming natural aesthetic to your indoor home decor. Clematis plants can begin blooming in early spring through to late fall, so depending on the type of clematis plants you have, you can enjoy their beauty for most of the year.