5 Reasons to Hire a Professional Office Cleaner

March 26, 2019 by 3 Comments

Regardless of whether you have a small office with few employees or a large office with a large building, it is important that the location be clean and tidy.  The appearance of your office plays a crucial role in the positive impact on potential customers and employees. Cleaning is one of the best ways to leave your work space in a professional atmosphere daily. So, here’s a few tips on why you should hire professional office cleaners.

In addition, an environmentally friendly, dust-free environment ensures your employees stay healthy.  In return they will be more productive.  Of course, cleaning the entire office by yourself is a rather difficult task.  As a result, try to hire a cleaning company.  For example, Sydney Office Cleaning will meet your cleaning needs and preserve your unique work atmosphere.

 

professional office clearners

 

 

Increases the curb appeal

Most people judge a book by its cover, right? The same applies to an organization.  If your office has a dirty appearance or dirty environment, your employees won’t want to work under those conditions.  Employees who spend 8 to 10 hours a day in your office are   concerned about the air quality.   So, make sure that your customers and employees are in a hygienic environment during working hours.

Builds client’s trust

Potential clients may want to meet in your work environment so they can understand how the organization works.  They want to assess the commitment, consistency, planning and business practices of your company.  If your office appearance is below their standards, the customer may think that you will treat their business the same way.  Therefore, it is important to create a sense of security, trustworthiness, and professionalism when it comes to your office.

 

Creates a safe and accountable team

In addition to the professional office cleaning service, enlist employees to help keep the office clean.  For example, have employees clean their cubicles or office area.   At this stage, they learn to continually clean certain areas of the building.   They should be expected to place trash in the appropriate containers.  They should use the same care in common areas after use and remember to be considerate of others in the restrooms.

 

 

professional cleaning service

 

 

Excellent results

Expert cleaners not only save time and money but, also ensure proper cleaning. This means that approved cleaning products by leading manufacturers are used to ensure cleanliness.  The products will also disinfect offices, kitchen areas and rest rooms.  Using appropriate cleaning products is important because employers must fully comply with all applicable hygiene regulations.  Professional cleaning devices are powerful and remove dirt, dust, and grime quickly and efficiently.

 

Cost-effectiveness

It makes sense to hire a professional office cleaner who will do the work effectively and efficiently for you. By hiring professional office cleaner, they work after hours and have the office space cleaned when the staff returns the following day.  They may come before you open or close depending on the contract.   Take advantage of any beneficial offers and discounts.

 

Professional office cleaners office services for daily cleaning entire buildings, alternating days, weekly, bi-weekly, and even monthly. You can choose the option according to your preferences and comfort.  Make sure your wishes are clearly stated in a contract.

 

 

Filed Under: Cleaning Tips Tagged With: , ,

ISEE Tips That Will Help Students Ace the Test

March 25, 2019 by Leave a Comment

If you have a children interested in going to a private institution of higher learning we have a few parenting tips on helping them ace the Independent School Entrance Examine (ISEE).  This is a great standard assessment of skills and knowledge.  Every student looking to go into a independent post-secondary education needs to take this test.  It is a single, fair, and standardized test that all students take.  It is a way for universities and colleges to judge who the best, top, and brightest applicants are.  With our ISEE tips, your child will ace the test.

So, one of the things you will need to begin with is the best ISEE prep test book.  A prep test book can help because it allows students to familiarize themselves with the content as well as the format of the ISEE test.   So, let’s go over them:

 

 

ISEE Tips

 

 

  1.  Know Each Section of the Test

As is the case with every test, including this ISEE test, there are going to be standard sections and topics.  It is recommended that your child become familiar with them.  There are 5 main sections that will appear on every ISEE test. These sections include verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, reading comprehension, mathematics achievement, and the essay section.  We suggest that you child take sample tests so they are familiar with these particular sections, and what to expect from them.

Additionally, these sections always come in the same order as we have just listed.  Your child will need to score in the top 50th percentile to get into any school of their choice.  Elite schools often only accept students in the top 85th percentile.

 

  1. Answer All Questions

People who do not score well on the ISEE test, or even fail it, often make one big mistake.  Students think that if they don’t know the answer to a question, or are not totally sure of the answer, that they should just skip the question.  This is detrimental to the test score.

There are no deductions made for wrong answers. As a result, losing points shouldn’t be a concern.  However, if your child does not answer a question that they are unsure of,  they will not get points if their answer turns out to be correct. Simply put, encourage your child to throw a Hail Mary, rather than not answering the question at all.

 

ISEE Tips

 

 

  1. Be Prepared For Test Day

Another reason students do not fare well on the ISEE is a lack of preparation for test day. Yes, this includes many variables.  However, your child needs to be prepared for all of them.  One of the biggest ISEE tips is to start studying early.  But, not the day before.  Allow your child to take the day off  before the ISEE to let their brain rest.   Encourage your child to get a good night’s rest, so their brain will be in top condition the day of the test.

Additionally, wear a watch to help manage time, and bring enough writing utensils  in the event that one breaks or stops working. Also, leave your phone at home, eat a good breakfast, and wear comfy clothes.  You child will better prepared to ace the test if they are comfortable and rested.

 

  1. Practice, Practice, Practice

As we mentioned in the introduction, one of the absolute best ways to ensure that you ace your ISEE test is to practice. Yes, studying, reading, and being familiar with the test helps a lot. However, there is really nothing better than an ISEE prep test or multiple ones.  The more test preps you complete, the more familiar you will be with what is expected of you.  And, this counts for your allotted test time,  materials, and the format of the test as well. Get some practice books immediately!

 

  1. Time Management

Yet another big tip you need to adhere to in order to ensure success on your ISEE test is to engage in effective time management. There are too many test takers that will stress out over single questions, or a few of them.

This is bad because you will end up spending way too much time on one section of the ISEE test, while potentially neglecting others.  This could result in the last several pages of the test being unanswered due to a lack of time.  Know how much time you have for each section, and if you run out of time, move on to the next one.

 

  1. Read & Build Vocabulary

The last of our ISEE tips is to read as much as you can in the months leading up to the ISEE test. We are talking about high quality books, intellectual books, and any other kind of reading material that will both further your knowledge of the world and build your vocabulary. Simply put, the more vocabulary you know, and the more information you have in your arsenal, the better your chances of succeeding on the ISEE test.

 

Conclusion

So, we hope that you find the ISEE tips helpful.  Make no mistake about it, this test is not for the faint of heart. However, it will determine your child’s future.  So, you should do everything in your power to ensure they are adequately prepared for it!

 

 

Filed Under: Education Tagged With: , , ,

Sunday’s Best Linkup – #219

March 23, 2019 by 13 Comments

Welcome to Week 219 of Sunday’s Best. We’re continuing our Spring Is Here theme. So we’re looking for all things relating to spring. This can include tablescapes, party ideas, decorating ideas, activities for kids, recipes, crafts, outdoor spaces, flower arrangements, and more. So, blow the dust off those old posts and share them.  

 

 

 
Sunday's Best Linkup

 

Additionally, we also welcome other recipes, crafts, DIY, home makeover, gardening tips, SEO & blogging information, sewing projects, patio and deck makeovers, front porch makeover ideas, organization tips, ideas for backyard hot dog roasts, and more.

Anything goes, as long as it’s family friendly and you may linkup as many posts as you would like. Be sure to tell your friends, they will want to join the party too.

So, each week your hosts will select their favorite post. The posts will be featured the following week. Also, an image from your post will be used on our linkup the following week along with a link back to your blog. As a result, be sure to check back to see if you’re a Sunday’s Best Featured Blogger. All Featured Bloggers will have their posts pinned to Rhonda’s Sunday’s Best Pinterest Board and Kim M. pins the weekly featured bloggers to her Sunday’s Best Pinterest Board too!

The post with the most clicks will be the Reader’s Choice post(s). We will be adding the winner to our Sunday’s Best Linkup featured bloggers.

All posts linking to Sunday’s Best Linkup will be promoted on Twitter. The Post With the Most Clicks will be selected. Additionally, a post for our Monthly Themes will be selected and featured each week as well.

Contact rhonda@mother2motherblog.com or email one of our other hosts if you are interested in co-hosting.

 

Your Sunday’s Best Linkup Hosts Are:

Rhonda at Mother 2 Mother Kim at Life in a House of Testosterone Brittany at A Mama Tale

 

Here are the rules, please connect with us on social media before you leave or subscribe to/follow our blogs:

Mother 2 Mother: Please like Rhonda’s Facebook Page, follow her on Twitter;, Google+, Pinterest, BlogLovin, or subscribe/join her blog on the right sidebar before you leave.

Kim from Life In A House: Please like Kim’s Facebook Page, follow her on Twitter;, Google+;, Pinterest;, Bloglovin;, or Instagram; before you leave.

Brittany from A Mama’s Tale: Please like Brittany’s Facebook Page, follow her on Twitter, or Pinterest before you leave. Snag a Button!

Last, please help us grow by placing our button on your sidebar. Please let your readers and followers know by placing the Featured Blogger banner on your site.

 
 
 
Your readers may want to join the party too! For those who have a Link Party list/directory, please add us. We appreciate your help in promoting the linkup with Re-tweets and shares. Now, let’s party!
 
 
 
Rhonda selected How to Makeover a Curbside Mirror from The Boons Docks Blog  
 
 
 
 
mirror makeovers  

 

 

Kim selected Tips for Creating a Home Office  from The Dedicated House  

 
 
home offices

 
 
 
 
 
 
Brittany selected Craft Ideas for Kids  from DIY Adulation  
 
 
 
kids crafts
 

 

The Post with the Most Clicks

Mickey Mouse Autograph Book  from The Scrap Shoppe Blog 

 
 
 
 
Disney Tips
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Favorite Theme Post(s) – Spring is Here

 

Spring Garden Trellis  from Across the Blvd.  

 
 
 
Spring decor

 

 

and

 
 
How to Paint a Faux Chocolate Bunny  from Fresh Vintage by Lisa  
 
 
 
 
Spring crafts
 
 
 
 
and
 
 
 
Spring Dining Room Décor  from Clean and Scentsible  
 
 
 
Spring decor
 
 
 
 
 
Last, congratulations to our featured bloggers! All of the posts were great, and we deeply appreciate each of you participating on Sunday’s Best Linkup. We have so many great posts that it gets difficult to choose a featured blogger. Finally, your hosts would like to invite all of you back to link up your post(s) again. We could select your post next week! Finally, while you’re here take a minute to visit these great blogs. It’s a great way to meet and connect with new bloggers. Be sure to PIN or share any posts that you like, we all appreciate a little love and be sure to connect with others on social media.

 

Filed Under: Sunday's Best Linkup Tagged With: , , , ,

Educating Children about Safety

March 23, 2019 by Leave a Comment

Some time back, there was a bizarre story of relatives who wanted to teach their son about safety. The six-year-old boy’s aunt, grandmother, and a co-worker plotted a kidnap. The co-worker kidnapped the child, locked him up and showed him a shotgun to silence him. He tied up the boy’s hands in a basement using plastic bags. With a threat of never seeing his mother, the child had to comply with the orders. Eventually, he was released, and every adult that was involved in the “lesson” was charged and arrested. Today, we’re going to give you parenting tips on educating children about safety.  

 

 

educating children about safetyHere’s our parenting tips:

 

1.     Start early

Teaching your children about safety practices is something you should start when the child is about four years. At first, you will use simple explanations to explain this concept, but advance it over time. Begin by explaining the idea of crossing the road and move onto training them on how to behave when you are away. Safety training is not an event that you do at once, but rather a process that you follow over a period.

 

2.     Talk about uncomfortable situations

Keep it low-key, but be clear on cases that you know would make your little one uncomfortable. Ask them whether they have been in such a circumstance and seek to understand how it made them feel. You may have plans to protect your kids, but working through such situations will help them to remain safe for a lifetime. 

 

3.     Avoid scaring your child

Just like in the case of the boy where the relatives decided to use scare tactics, sometimes parents feel that the only way to make their children safety conscious is by scaring them. That should not be the case because it will only freak them out and they will have a hard time managing when faced by such circumstances. When educating children about safety, explain safety concepts to kids the same way you would talk about fire safety or wearing a helmet on a bicycle.

 

4.     Be specific

Explain some of the uncomfortable things that unsafe people may do. For instance, somebody with ill motives might want to give presents to your child. They might even want to be physical with the kids even when they request them not to. Unsafe people might also give inappropriate words to compliment on how a child looks. They can even ask them for directions or invite the child to help them look for a lost item such as a lost dog.

 

educating children about safety

 

 

5.     Move past the ‘stranger danger’

Most parents focus on strangers when they explain safety tips to their children, which is not always the case. Strangers are not the only people who can harm a kid. Even people who are known to your little one might have anterior motives. Let your child understand the importance of trusting their instincts and reporting anybody who forces them to do something that seems wrong to them.

 

6.     Make your child the ‘boss’ of his or her body

There is nothing that is as important as your child knowing that they are in charge of their body. Make sure that he is aware that nobody is allowed to touch his body uncomfortably. If your little one has to go for a doctor’s appointment that involves physical examination, accompany them and ask the physician to explain what he or she is doing.

 

7.     Make sure they know the vital information

Every child should know their parents’ names and contact information. Knowing their home address is also an important aspect. It is crucial for your little one to have an idea of a safe place to hide when faced with a dangerous situation.

 

safety tips

 

8.     Practice when you can

Play what-if scenarios with your child. For instance, you can ask them, “What if you coming home from school and a stranger asks for directions?” “What if someone invited to your home?”  Asking such questions gives you an opportunity to empower your child to handle tough and risky situations.

 

Every responsible parent should be educating children about safety.  Allow your kids to socialize from a young age so that they have a level of freedom and independence. But, it is all about finding a healthy balance and empowering your child.  

 

 

Filed Under: Safety Tagged With: , ,

Tips for When a Family Crisis Strikes

March 22, 2019 by Leave a Comment

A family crisis is by far one of the most stressful situations that you can find yourself in. Today, we’re sharing parenting tips on resolving a family crisis.  As you know, one minute everything is fine and the next minute something smacks you in your face.

Unfortunately, your entire life can be turned around.  Even the smallest issues can send your mind racing.  Especially, when it involves your family.

 

family crisis

 

A crisis can either be something completely expected, or something totally unexpected.  If the crisis is expected you can plan or at least think about the situation.  But, an unexpected crisis can make dealing with things ten times harder. So, these tips will help you coup when a family crisis strikes.  Furthermore, you’re going to need all of the support and knowledge you can get.  Even though some of the situations we mention may not happen to you, the may affect another family.  As a result, our tips for when a family crisis strikes are for many.

 

family crisis

 

 

Check out our tips on resolving a family crisis:

 

Thinking Logically

First, if there’s one thing that we’re all really bad at handling is being in a panic.  We can feel like the whole world is crashing down, and our rational thinking just flies out of the window.  Panic really can lead you to make silly mistakes.  So, you must think about the problem at hand, and how you can deal with it. Once you eliminate the initial shock, your logical thinking should come into play.  It should become much easier to deal with the issue once you begin to think logically.

If you’re the type of person who gets overwhelmed by stress, rely on the family to help come up with the best solution possible.  Bottling up all of your feelings and trying to deal with it yourself is not wise.  If you feel like you can’t lean on your family during the crisis, consider your close friends to help you.

Furthermore, if you feel like you’re having a hard time mentally, it might be worth visiting your doctor for some form of counselling.  Sometimes talking to someone that you don’t know is better than talking to people who you do know!

 

The Biggest Crisis

So, if we’re going to go on about a crisis, we might as well give you a scenario that you might face once in your life, and you really should be prepared to deal for. Many people feel like the biggest crisis that they could endure is when a family member or yourself becomes ill or injured.  When a serious incident or illness occurs, it can cause the whole family to panic.   For example, a car accident.  A serious or long term injury from a car accident can quickly become a family crisis.

You will need a considerate car accident attorney who outworks their opponents.  Especially, if the accident is the other driver’s fault.  You will need to pay for doctor, hospital, rehabilitation, and possibly long term care.  The money you could get from it could sustain your life and household expenses while you’re re-cooperating.  Obtain relevant professionals who have your best interest at heart while you are going through the crisis.

 

Uniting As A Team

As a final note, you really need to make sure your family is united as a team through the crisis.  It should help to bring you closer, and to appreciate what you have as a family. When a family crisis strikes, you can’t appreciate your family enough. So, pull each other through, and come out the other side stronger than ever!

We hope you don’t have to go through a family crisis, but if you do we hope it is over in a flash.  Being prepared is much better than facing a family crisis in the dark.  We hope our tips will in resolving a family crisis.

 

Filed Under: Family Time, Parenting Tips Tagged With: , ,

Tips for Teaching Children to be Assertive

March 18, 2019 by Leave a Comment

Parenting is a monumental  job.   It requires teaching our children to be assertive, how to deal with their emotions, and dealing with positive and negative feelings.  Even when they don’t know what they’re feeling or why.  This parenting skill requires communication skills, empathy, and understanding.  Remember your childhood and teen years.  Today, we’re giving you a few parenting tips on teaching children to be assertive.    

 

 

parenting tips

 

Teaching your kids to be assertive

Children are not the best at articulating their thoughts and feelings.  Furthermore, they lack the experience in articulating many aspects of their human experience.  The responsibility of teaching children to be articulate, honest and respectful is a major responsibility.  While we want our children to express themselves, and ask questions like an HST lawyer,  they don’t always have the skills.

We must remember, teaching children to be assertive is vital to them being able to create boundaries.  Furthermore, it helps them improve their self-esteem and confidence.  As adults, we have seen the issues that come with not being assertive.  It can range from saying yes to things we don’t want to do to being burned out because we can’t say no. To avoid creating a similar future for your child, teach them assertiveness early.  They will know to stand up for themselves in an amicable manner and thus develop stronger relationships.

 

Helping children navigate their emotions

The initial stages of teaching a child to be assertive can be difficult.  Children will follow your example.  If you have issues with assertiveness, now would be an excellent time to practice what you will be preaching.  For example, if you always clean up after dinner  make it clear that others must help.  You will likely be emotionally charged, but remember to remain calm as your children will be watching and listening.

As you master assertiveness in your life, encourage your children to do the same.  Temperament plays a role in how your child conveys their message. Those with stronger personalities can come across as aggressive.  If so, gently point it out to your child how others may perceive them.  Remind them that the point of getting their message across is to create understanding.   It is not to offend others. It is vital that they learn to respect others even while disagreeing.

Your child might initially have a hard time because they are still learning about their emotions and how to communicate them. Be patient and ask them to extend the same for themselves.  Teaching assertiveness creates an opportunity to have conversations about the importance of self-awareness and boundaries.   Additionally, you can discuss what they can do when someone is unkind or dismissive after they assert themselves.  Equally, praise them for the times they are confident and encourage them to express their feelings too.

 

Remaining positive through the teaching process

No parent gets everything right, so remember that it takes practice. When you feel the message is not getting home take a different tactic.  Most importantly, remember there are factors we have to contend with that are out of our control, including their social circles.  Be diligent, and do your best.

 

 

 

Filed Under: Character Building, Parenting Tips Tagged With: , , ,

The Aloe Vera Plant is the Remedy for Sun Burn

March 18, 2019 by Leave a Comment

Summer brings lot of fun in the sun and the backyard garden.  Unfortunately, it also brings sunburn if your skin is not protected.  In the summer we spend hours on the beach or at the pool.  Fortunately, Aloe Vera plants hold the perfect remedies for sunburned skin.   Today, we’re sharing parenting tips how to use the Gel from the Aloe Vera plant.

 

aloe vera plant

 

 

 

 

The Aloe Vera Plant below was growing on the Chenay Bay Beach in St. Croix, Virgin Island.  It’s the biggest Aloe plant that I’ve ever seen in my travels.  They doted the island in all sizes.

 

 

 

aloe vera plant

 

 

The gel inside the plant cools sunburn on contact.  And, it has been found to penetrate the skin 500% better than water.  The steps to applying the Aloe Vera is simple:

 

  • Applying the gel is easy, just break off a stalk
  • Squeeze the gel directly onto the burn.

 

 


 

 

I’ve been growing Aloe Vera plants at home for years. I use it for burns when I’m working in the kitchen.  The best thing about Aloe Vera plants is that the stalks will heal and grow back.  So, don’t be afraid of destroying the plant if you break off a piece.

Furthermore, if you’re heading to the beach for a week and take a piece of the plant with you.  I break off a few stalks or a stalk depending on how small or large the plant is.  Simply, wrap them in a wet paper towel.   Make sure the stalks stay moist by placing the stalk in a wet paper towel.  Place the wrapped stalks into a plastic bag and keep them moist during my stay.

An Aloe Vera plant is easy to grow.  So, purchase a small plant and place it in your kitchen window.  Stick them in a sunny spot and water it once a week. They’re very forgiving, there are times when I forget to water mine for weeks at a time. They look great outside in the summer too, just remember to bring it in once winter sets in.

The best way to prevent sunburn is to use plenty of sunblock and to wear a hat while relaxing on the beach or at the pool. Playing in the sun can be fun, but it can also be dangerous if we don’t protect ourselves.  If all else fails, put your Aloe Vera plant to use.

 

 

Filed Under: Health Tagged With: ,

Sunday’s Best Linkup – #218

March 16, 2019 by 7 Comments

Welcome to Week 218 of Sunday’s Best. We’re continuing our Spring Is Here theme.  So we’re looking for all things relating to spring. This can include tablescapes, party ideas, decorating ideas, activities for kids, recipes, crafts,  outdoor spaces, flower arrangements, and more.  So, blow the dust off those old posts and share them.

 

 
Sunday's Best Linkup

 

Additionally, we also welcome other recipes, crafts, DIY, home makeover, gardening tips, SEO & blogging information, sewing projects, patio and deck makeovers, front porch makeover ideas, organization tips, ideas for backyard hot dog roasts, and more.

Anything goes, as long as it’s family friendly and you may linkup as many posts as you would like. Be sure to tell your friends, they will want to join the party too.

So, each week your hosts will select their favorite post. The posts will be featured the following week. Also, an image from your post will be used on our linkup the following week along with a link back to your blog. As a result, be sure to check back to see if you’re a Sunday’s Best Featured Blogger. All Featured Bloggers will have their posts pinned to Rhonda’s Sunday’s Best Pinterest Board and Kim M. pins the weekly featured bloggers to her Sunday’s Best Pinterest Board too!

The post with the most clicks will be the Reader’s Choice post(s). We will be adding the winner to our Sunday’s Best Linkup featured bloggers.

All posts linking to Sunday’s Best Linkup will be promoted on Twitter. The Post With the Most Clicks will be selected. Additionally, a post for our Monthly Themes will be selected and featured each week as well.

Contact rhonda@mother2motherblog.com or email one of our other hosts if you are interested in co-hosting.

 

Your Sunday’s Best Linkup Hosts Are:

Rhonda at Mother 2 Mother Kim at Life in a House of Testosterone Brittany at A Mama Tale

 

Here are the rules, please connect with us on social media before you leave or subscribe to/follow our blogs:

Mother 2 Mother: Please like Rhonda’s Facebook Page, follow her on Twitter;, Google+, Pinterest, BlogLovin, or subscribe/join her blog on the right sidebar before you leave.

Kim from Life In A House: Please like Kim’s Facebook Page, follow her on Twitter;, Google+;, Pinterest;, Bloglovin;, or Instagram; before you leave.

Brittany from A Mama’s Tale: Please like Brittany’s Facebook Page, follow her on Twitter, or Pinterest before you leave. Snag a Button!

Last, please help us grow by placing our button on your sidebar. Please let your readers and followers know by placing the Featured Blogger banner on your site.

 
Your readers may want to join the party too! For those who have a Link Party list/directory, please add us. We appreciate your help in promoting the linkup with Re-tweets and shares. Now, let’s party!
 
 
 
Rhonda selected How to Start Sewing  from The Style Safari  
 
 
sewing tips
 
 

 

Kim selected Pina Colada Champagne Punch  from Delightful Made  

 
 
 
 
champagne cocktails
 
 
 
 
Brittany selected Lighter Baked Macaroni and Cheese  from This Happy Mommy  
 
 
 
 
mac and cheese recipes

 

The Post with the Most Clicks

Teapot Centerpiece and Hand Painted Sign  from Kippi at Home  

 
 
centerpiece ideas
 
 
 
and
 
 
 
                                                                                
                                                                                 Matcha Banana Breakfast Smoothie from Pots and Planes 
 
 
banana smoothie
 
 
 

Favorite Theme Post(s) – Spring is Here  

 

Simply Bunny Vases for Easter  from Rain on a Tin Roof  

 
 
Easter decorating ideas
 
 

and

 
 
Bunny Craft  from What Happens at Grandmas  
 
 
 
Easter crafts
 
 
and
 
 
 
Sweet Bunny Tablescape  from Penny’s Treasures  
 
 
 
spring decor
 
 
 
 
 
Last, congratulations to our featured bloggers! All of the posts were great, and we deeply appreciate each of you participating on Sunday’s Best Linkup. We have so many great posts that it gets difficult to choose a featured blogger. Finally, your hosts would like to invite all of you back to link up your post(s) again. We could select your post next week! Finally, while you’re here take a minute to visit these great blogs. It’s a great way to meet and connect with new bloggers. Be sure to PIN or share any posts that you like, we all appreciate a little love and be sure to connect with others on social media.

 

Filed Under: Sunday's Best Linkup Tagged With: , , ,

Understanding Gardening Basics For Beginners

March 13, 2019 by Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing gardening tips on understanding gardening basics.  Your vegetable and flower gardens should be just as cozy and relaxing as your indoor space.  Sometimes a little know how, flower pots, a can of paint and a little creativity is all that is needed to bring your garden to life.

If you’ve left your garden space to the elements and it has been become battered, bruised, and weather worn all is not lost.  Check out my tips on backyard gardening basics and you will be on your way to creating beautiful outdoor spaces.

 

 

backyard gardening

 

 

Understanding Gardening Basics for Beginners:

 

Look at your weaknesses

If you want to maximize your space, you’ve got to put in the effort. So, even if you don’t have the time to look after a garden space, that doesn’t mean that you should let it go.  The best place to start is with the grass. Restart this by layering, which involves smothering the grass.  This this is a common method used when people want to start a garden. Killing the grass that remains by layering or polarization, gives you that blank canvas in which to start again. Take note, this can result in a lot of hard work.  But, you can always hire a professional to do this for you. But if you want to do-it-yourself, you’re off to a good start as a gardener.

 

Preventing the enemies from rising up

Weeds constantly sprout up.  However, if you want to ensure that your gardening area looks pristine use landscape fabrics.  It’s a synthetic textile that can be placed on planting areas to block weeds from coming up. This works by blocking the sunlight, which is the way weeds germinate. You can speak to a landscaping company to help you with the selection of fabric and installation.  Or, you can purchase the material yourself.  The fabric is porous, but you can cut holes into it so your plants can be placed and the water can drain into the ground.

 

 

 

understanding gardening basics

 

 

Understanding garden soil

It’s important that you have a basic understanding of backyard gardening so you can properly maintain your garden. The soil is the foundation of your garden.  So, the numerous problems that affect soil can result in various issues with your plants. Soil can suffer from three common issues:

  • The soil pH: If your soil is too alkaline or too acidic, plants won’t thrive. Be sure that you test the soil so you know the garden’s pH level and you can make the necessary alterations.
  • The type of soil: The composition of the soil and its texture can cause problems with drainage. If the soil contains too much clay, this will stop the water draining properly.  Sandy soil won’t retain water.  It drains through before the plants can absorb it.
  • Nutritional issues: This is something that can be remedied with a soil test. Because, much like us, we need specific nutrients, the soil requires specific resources in which to grow plants and vegetables. A soil test will let you know of any deficiencies before you start planting.  Fix any problems before you continue your garden.  Remember, the soil is the foundation.

 

 

understanding gardening basics

 

Using the right spots for the right plants

A garden is a blank canvas, but you have to be aware of certain limitations. While you may want certain plants in the garden, you’ve got to be aware of the specific limitations for each planet.  Plants need to be in the right conditions in order to thrive.  First, find out what your planting zone is.  For example, I live and garden in zone 6B.  Furthermore, you also need to know how much sun and shade you get in your garden area.  Choose the type of plants that will survive in your garden area.

Once you understand the basics, you can turn your garden into an area that suits your lifestyle. You can turn your battered, bruised, and weather worn garden space into a space that will thrive.  A garden is a lovely thing, but if we want it to flourish we have to be aware of it’s limitations and yours.  Having an understanding of gardening basics, doing a little planning and putting in some effort will have your garden area a beautiful space that you desire and deserve.

 

Filed Under: Flower Gardens, Vegetable Garden Tagged With: , ,

How to Maintain Smoke Alarms in Your Home

March 11, 2019 by 2 Comments

Do you have knowledge on how to maintain smoke alarms in your home?  Are your home smoke alarms in proper working order?  I had a spill in my oven while I was cooking the other day, and I was so grateful that my smoke alarms were working.  I stuck a dish of scalloped potatoes in the oven, and decided to go take a shower since it takes at least an hour for them to cook.  While I was in the shower, the potatoes bubbled over and spilled onto the bottom of the oven.

 

 

 

smoke alarm maintenance

 

 

 

From there the oven started smoking and set off the smoke alarm outside the kitchen.  I ran to the kitchen and noticed the smoke coming from the oven.  I quickly opened the kitchen door to let out the smoke.  Unfortunately, it was not the first that I had a spill in the oven.  Opening the kitchen door to let out the smoke is a great way to get the alarm to subside too.  Thankfully, it was a cold winter day and the smoke cleared out quickly.  But, it did nothing for the smell.  My oven was definitely going to require a cleaning.  Self cleaning ovens are like sliced bread, they are the best.

The potatoes were done, but the smell in the house was another story.  Sadly, the smoke in the kitchen reminded me of an incident in my home several years ago.  Instead of using the bottle warmer, my son-in-law fell asleep with a baby bottle in pan of water on the stove.  The pan boiled dry and filled the house with smoke.  You can read about the incident here.  Once again, I was grateful that the alarms were working in my house.  Are yours in working order?

Did you know The National Fire Protection Association recommends that a smoke alarm be installed outside of the sleeping area as well as installing one inside of each bedroom.  A smoke alarm should be installed on each level of the house including the basement.

I have a brother that was a volunteer fireman for 30 years.  So safety and smoke detector maintenance is important in my family. The fire department that he volunteered for gives away hundreds of free smoke detectors each year.  So, if you or a family member are unable to purchase a detector, go to your local fire department and they will be glad to assist.  Many of the volunteer firemen will help install them if anyone needs assistance.

 

 


 

 

Here are the steps on how to maintain smoke alarms in your home:

  • Replace the batteries regularly
  • Vacuum all of your smoke alarms annually to remove dust.
  • Replace your detectors every 10 years.
  • Test them regularly to ensure they are working properly.
  • Have a mix of ionization and photoelectric alarms in your home.  The ionization activates quicker, which is what I have in my home.  It doesn’t take much to set my alarms off, and I am thankful.  The photoelectric reacts slower.

I was thankful that my dinner was salvageable.  But, the smell in the kitchen, dining and great rooms was strong.  I needed to remove it quickly.  Dinner guests would be arriving soon.  I remembered that I had a can of Ozium Air Sanitizer to remove strong smells from my kitchen and bathrooms.  I’d gotten it after seeing good feedback in a review article, and thankfully it says it removes smoke.  I pulled out the can and gave my kitchen and living areas a generous spray.  I am happy to say, dinner was delicious and the guests were breathing fresh air without a hint of smoke.  So, I’ll be keeping a can under my kitchen sink for future use.

Finally, be sure to maintain smoke alarms in your house per the steps above.  They could end up being a life saver in more ways than one.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: Life-Thoughts Tagged With: , ,