More Uses for a Car Vacuum Cleaner

cleaning hacks

 

Your vehicle is your treasure, right? Why not take good care of it by using the right equipment?  Using a car vacuum cleaner is the best method for removing dust fast and efficiently.  Our friends over at bestvacuumexpert have listed 3 additional uses for a car vacuum cleaner:

  1. Using a car vacuum cleaner as a home cleaner

Did you know you can transform your car vacuum cleaner into a home cleaner?  However, you will be required to change the adapter to a 12 Voltage AC to DC power adapter.  You also acquire a converter to avoid cutting wires leading power to the vacuum. This way you can use the car vacuum as a home cleaner as well.

  1. Using a car vacuum cleaner for seat maintenance

Cleaning indoor seating requires extra suction power at times.  If you have children snacking or doing crafts on your sofa, cleanup can be required.  A car vacuum cleaner is just the right piece of equipment to remove dust and debris from seats. One advantage of the car vacuum is that it provides the mobility need when cleaning seats.  Long cords on a regular vacuum can become tangled or get in the way of moving around when trying to clean seats.  It also good for cleaning up dry dog food spills

  1. Cleaning shelves 

The car vacuum may not be powerful enough to tackle harder tasks.  However, it’s ideal for removing dust on shelves. You can use the car vacuum in any environment, from the office shelves to the workshop.

Last, make your work easy and fast by exploring more uses for this wonderful cleaner. Take advantage of modern technology to make cleaning a piece of cake.

 

Liz Buckley is a part of the Content team at Best Vacuum Expert, sharing expert knowledge and best tips on how to have a clean house.

5 Common Pregnancy Complications

 

pregnancy complications

 

Complications in pregnancy are quite common regardless of age or the stage of the pregnancy.  Some women have healthy and easy pregnancies while others have difficulties from the first trimester.

Here’s five of the most common complications.

  • High Blood Pressure

Also called hypertension.  This condition is common in most women who had issues with their blood pressure before pregnancy.  Narrow arteries increase your blood pressure increases. This can reduce the amount of blood and nutrients reaching the fetus.  If not treated, hypertension can lead to pre-term labor.

If high blood pressure only occurs during the second trimester, it is called gestational hypertension.  Usually, it will go away after childbirth.  Medication can control high blood pressure.  Monitor your high blood pressure regularly.  Relaxing more reduces stress, which makes your blood pressure spike.

  • Gestational Diabetes

Food is turned into glucose.  The pancreas releases a hormone, insulin, to help this process happen.  Hormonal changes could make the insulin either not enough or it is not well utilized by the body.  This could lead to glucose flooding the blood. Gestational diabetes can be controlled by following a specific meal plan.  It should go away after delivery.

  • Low amniotic fluid 

The fluid that protects your baby during your pregnancy should be enough to absorb any shock, and keep them safe for the nine months.  Oligohydramnios develops if their is not enough fluid.  This complication can occur if the mom to be is a GST Lawyer, stay at home mom or a secretary.  However, the solution to Oligohydramnios is to monitor things closely to ensure the baby continues to grow normally.  If the situation is dire and the mother is close to her due date, then labor can be induced.

  • Ectopic pregnancy

A fertilized egg should transplant inside the uterus, not attach on the wall or the fallopian tube.  Transplants outside the uterus are ectopic.  There is no way to transplant the egg inside the uterus after this happens.  So, the only solution is usually to end the pregnancy.  If left to develop, the growing embryo could rupture the fallopian tube and cause internal bleeding which could be fatal.

Miscarriage

This is certainly the most difficult complication as the mother-to-be loses a baby in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy.  A majority of miscarriages happen before the 12th week.  Chromosomal abnormalities cause miscarriages.  These abnormalities prevent the baby from developing.  The first signs of a miscarriage are vaginal spotting or bleeding.  If these symptoms occur, seek medical attention immediately.

How to Live the Life of a Snowbird

 

life of a snowbird

 

It’s a common dream among retirees: living the life of a “snowbird.”  Living the life of a snowbird is when you have another home in a place that’s warmer than where they are now.  For example, maybe in Florida, Arizona, or California where they escape the winter and enjoy a few months in the sun.  However, as David Hughes states in U.S. News & World Report, having a vacation home is more than an extended vacation.  You need to consider whether you want to buy a place or rent one.  Furthermore, determine who is going to maintain it while you’re away.  Also, plan how and when the utilities will be turned on and off, and more.

Keep in mind that this is different from buying or building a place where you will move to after you retire. Your vacation home is a temporary residence that you buy or rent.  You look after it as if it is a normal house. That means finding a place and getting it inspected.  If you’re renting you can check it out yourself.  However, if you’re purchasing find out what needs to be fixed.  After closing, you can have fun decorating and furnishing it.

If you want the life of a snowbird, take a look at these three tips.

Make Sure You Can Afford It

Certified Financial Planner Dana Sippel states you do not want to move into a place you can’t afford. Do some research on available properties in the areas where you want to have a vacation home. Figure out how much it would cost per month to have it. You should factor in all utilities (including Internet, cable, or satellite costs), neighborhood or condominium association fees, property taxes, estimated repair costs for any ongoing maintenance, and property management fees.

Keep in mind that taxes and services as well as the cost of living may be more expensive in the area where you want to move.  Also, figure out where you can save money.  Bundling insurance with your current homeowners policy may help reduce expenses.  All in all, make sure you can afford this second home before make an offer.

Make Sure You Can Get To It

Before you enter the life of a snowbird, consider whether you’re purchasing or renting the property.  According to Money, the typical vacation home is about 180 miles from the primary residence.  Unless you plan to cut yourself off from everyone, you’ll want your family to be able to join you.  So, follow this rule: if it takes two hours to get to it, yes.  If it takes two days and several plane changes, no.

Make Sure It Fits Your Lifestyle

It is essential to consider whether it actually fits into your lifestyle.  If you’re used to an active social scene with a diverse group of people, will you find something like that around your vacation home?  Likewise, if you actively volunteer for social agencies, a church, or events around your home, will you find the same opportunities at your second residence?  According to Mike Lewis of Forbes, the average person has about 20 years of life remaining after retirement. Are you positive you’ll enjoy spending half the year in a different location? If you’re unsure, it might be best to rent a vacation home at first to see if you’ll actually like spending time there.

If you decide that a vacation home comfortably fits into your finances get your wings as a snowbird.

Unique and Thoughtful House Warming Gift Ideas

 

 

house warming gift ideas

 

When your friends or relatives move into home, it is always nice to present them with a housewarming gift.  Especially, a gift that will show that you have put a lot of thought into it.  Unless they have specifically requested a gift card, giving one may show last minute shopping or little thought. So, make sure that your gift shows how much you care.  Here are a few house warming gift ideas:

 

 Inscribed Decanter

 For those homeowners who enjoy relaxing with a nice drink, a beautiful decanter with a personal inscription would be a good gift idea. You could write a message like ‘Good luck in your new home’ and the date below it so that they can always remember the date that they moved into their home.

Shot glasses are great warming gift ideas.  Furthermore, a set of nice shot glasses, along with an LSA shot glasses warmer is perfect.  If your friend is a tequila fan then this could be the perfect gift.

 

Cutlery Set

Determine if they have replaced their cutlery set recently.  If possible, find out the style and colors of their new dining room.  Try to select a cutlery set that will go nicely in the new place. You can even get a black cutlery that looks sleek or a mirror-finish copper set.  These sets make great house warming gifts. Matching tableware is a great option too.

 

Luxury Food Hamper/Basket 

Moving can be a very stressful time.  Doing the usual tasks like grocery shopping are going to be difficult while moving from one place to the other.  As a result, give a hamper/basket filled with some nice food and drinks.  A nice bottle of wine with two glasses will also go over well.

Buying their favorite foods will also show that you have put thought into making a personalized basket.  A luxury hamper from a store will make a perfect house warming gift.

 

Personalized Bathrobes

Buy a personalised bathrobe with their name stitched across the front.  If possible, purchase matching personalized robes for the entire family.  A fluffy bathrobe is the ideal house warming gift.

 

Candles and Infusers

Help make their new home feel familiar with scented candles.  Either candles or infusers help make the home smell heavenly,

 

Alexa (Amazon Echo)

For the homeowners that enjoy technology, give them an Amazon Echo.  If the house is fitted with smart appliances then this will be a particularly useful gift.  They can control their appliances through voice control.  Furthermore, they can ask Alexa to play some music while they’re unpacking boxes or enjoying a glass of wine.

 

 

10 Money Gift Ideas for Graduates

 

gift ideas for graduations

High school and college graduations are around the corner.   There will be BBQs, parties and family gatherings to celebrate the milestone.  So, we have rounded up unique money gift ideas for the graduates.  Personally, I’m beyond the card idea.  I like to give unique gifts for weddings, birthdays, graduations and Christmas.  As a result,  I’ve rounded up a few ideas to inspire you too:

 

money for graduates

 

Graduation Money Cake – This gift will make a statement.  It is no longer available on Etsy, but no worries.  Click on the link and you will find the instructions to make you own.  Get creative.  You can find the craft items at any Dollar Store.

 

gift money for graduates

 

 

 

Box of Chocolates –  Being deceptive is not something that I would normally recommend, but hiding money in this chocolate box is a brilliant idea.  Purchase a box of sampler 50% off after Valentines Day.  You can freeze the chocolates and treat yourself when you need a chocolate fix.  If you want to give a surprise gift, this is an excellent idea.

 

 

 

 

 

Liter Bottle Bank –  Start saving months before the graduation.  Cut a slot in the back of the bottle.  Once you have filled it with money cover the opening with scrapbook paper.  Better yet, get creative and decorate the bottle in the graduates school colors.  The will love the idea and the money stash.

 

 

graduation money gift ideas

 

 

Money Tie  – This would be great placed in a shirt gift box with a dress shirt.  The shirt can always be used for job interviews, church or another occasion.

 

graduation gift ideas

 

 

Money Fries –  Kids love McDonalds French fries.  They are so good.  Big kids love them too, however, I’m sure they will love these  money fries too.  Simply slip into McDonalds and ask for a medium fry container and a bag.  Tell them that you want to use them for a graduation gift.  Roll different dollar amounts and place them into the fry container.  The McDonald’s bag can hold a few gift cards.

 

graduation money gift ideas

 

 

Graduation Wreath –  Head to the craft store and buy a wreath form, glue dots, Baker’s Twine, which can also be purchased at the Dollar Tree, and than start rolling those bills.  The printable can be downloaded for free.

 

Graduation Money Ideas

 

 

Money Flower – This idea can be used for Mother’s Day, birthdays and more.  You will need dollar bills, double sided tape and a few embellishments.  Place it in a gift box!

 

 

 

Graduation Cap Gift Box – Fill the box with rolled money embellished with a ribbon.  You can find the gift box here.

 

graduation gift ideas

 

 

Mixed Greens – I was unable to locate the link to this post.  However, I did find instructions on how to make the dollar flowers.  You can find the instructions here.  Find a fun bowl, wrap it with saran wrap, and finish it with  bows and tongs.

 

graduation money gift ideas

 

Money Pizza –  One of the best money gift ideas for graduates is a money pizza.  There wasn’t a link for this post.  I found it on Pinterest.  Score a pizza box and practice shaping dollar bills into slices.  Glue coins on for pepperoni and finish it with a bow.

 

We hope that you enjoyed our money gift ideas for graduates.  They are unique gifts that any graduate would love, and so much better than money in a card.

 

3 Ways To Earn Extra Income By Utilizing Your Home

 

ways to earn extra income

 

Gone are the days where a property was just a home. According to Trading Economics, during the first quarter of 2018, the number of Americans who owned their own home was 64.20%.  An increasing number of the country’s homeowners are maximizing their home’s potential.  As a result, they are earning a sizeable side income.  So, if you’re children have flown the nest and you’re left with a large empty house or just interested in ways to earn extra income, here’s how you can do just that:


Rent Out Unused Space

Additional ways to earn extra income is utilizing the space in your home. Many American families struggle with lack of space in their home.  If you’re lucky enough to have a spare room, empty garage,  or free cupboard space rent out those areas. You could even make some cash by letting others use your attic or basement.  Alternatively, you can transform your garage into an additional bedroom.  When you complete your renovation, rent it out to students, commuters who work away from home or foreign exchange students.  There are plenty of people in those categories in need of a temporary place to stay.

ways to earn extra money

 

Special Events

If you have a large, well-kept garden or an indoor or outdoor pool, rent them out to individuals looking to celebrate a special occasion.  With so many American homes small on space, people will gladly pay to use your home to hold an event. To maximize your potential income, you’ll really need to advertise and show off your home.  Additionally, put flyers made up and hand them out in your local area.  Furthemore, use social media to spread the word.  Also, advertise in shop windows, coffee shops, community boards, online and in local papers.

 

Utilize Your Existing Mortgage

Last, one of the biggest ways to earn extra money is to utilize your money wisely.  Speak to your financial advisor, so you can ensure you’re getting the best deal on your monthly repayments. Should you discover that you’re not, refinancing is typically easy and will ensure your bank balance is better off each month.  Alternatively, consider generating cash from your home by releasing equity.  By doing this, you can finance the overhaul of your spare room or garage.

In conclusion, ways to make earn extra money from your home has never been easier.  Utilize any free space you have in return for a rental income.  Holding paid events at your home is a great way to up your cash flow.  Ensuring you’re getting the most out of your current mortgage and releasing equity is a quick way of getting your hands on some cash.

How to Get the Most Out of Professional House Cleaning Services

professional house cleaning services

 

When employing a professional cleaning service to help make your home sparkly clean, it’s only natural to want to get the most out of it. After all, you paid a good amount of cash to get rid of dirt and dust.

As the homeowner, you need to know that you’re getting nothing less than what you pay for.   A cleaner’s quality of work must reflect good results.  When you hire professional house cleaning services, make sure that your home gets the thorough and effective cleaning.

1. Choose the right cleaning service

Picking the right cleaner for the job plays a huge role in making sure that you get your money’s worth. When searching for professional house cleaning services, ask the following questions:

 

  • Do you have a bond and insurance?
  • Are your cleaners trained well?
  • Who manages your cleaners?
  • Do you provide your own cleaning products?
  • Do you have a system for quality control?
  • What services does your company cover?
  • What cleaning equipment and products do you use?

2. Create a to-do list

Walk around your house and look for areas that need cleaning.  Write down cleaning tasks and arrange them according to priority.  Most house-cleaners work in a specific time frame.  So, it will be helpful to let them know what they can do around the house in the amount of time that they have.

3. Request that any issues be reported to you immediately

To reduce the cost of maintenance and repairs, you can let your cleaning service assist you. Ask your cleaner to report potentially serious problems in your home to you as soon as possible to prevent minor issues from turning into a disaster.  This can help prevent any unsafe conditions from causing harm to you and your family.

4. Have a cleaning schedule

If you want to maintain a clean home at all times, having a strict cleaning schedule will make it possible. Determine how often an area in your home needs cleaning.  Doing so will help you lower your costs, especially on areas that only need cleaning on a weekly or monthly basis rather than daily.

5. Clear a path

To help housekeepers focus on the areas that need deep cleaning, clear a path so they can maximize their cleaning time. Remove clutter such as books, clothes and shoes that can slow down the work.  This allows the cleaners to concentrate on difficult areas where their work can have a bigger impact.

6. Rotate rooms

If your cleaning service comes often, chances are, not every room of your home will need a deep cleaning every time.  As a result, ask your cleaner to rotate working on sections of your house. This can help reduce the areas that require cleaning and eventually reducing your cost.

7. Calm down and relax

Now that you’ve decided to hire a cleaning service, you can focus on more important things to do.  Don’t waste your free time micromanaging each facet of the cleaning process. They’re professionals, so relax and let them do what they do best.

8. Avoid expensive add-ons

It’s great to have clean windows, but deep cleaning them is only necessary at least once or twice every year.  The same goes for your fridge and oven.  So avoid expensive cleaning add-ons when you hire professional house cleaning services by cleaning these areas on your own.

9. Give feedback

Did you love your cleaners’ work?  If so, be sure to let them know.  They will take note of your positive feedback and make sure that you get the same cleaning treatment the next time.

If your cleaners happen to miss something, tell them about that as well.  They will remember to include it in future cleanings so they successfully meet all your cleaning needs.

Hiring a cleaning service shouldn’t be difficult and stressful.  The main reason you hire them is to help you, and not to create further stress.

Communication is key to getting the most out of your professional house cleaning services. Know what you want and don’t want, and make sure to relay this clearly to the cleaners to get good results.

 

AUTHOR BIO

Mohamed Samad is the Founder & CEO of Matic Services. He started the company in 2016 after a series of small start-ups within the home services sector. Prior to that, Mohamed was Vice President at Greenstone Equity Partners, where he spent 24 months building the UAE business from 2011-2013 with its founder.

Unique Interior Design Features For Your Home

 

unique interior design features

 

Any parent knows keeping the interior of your home spic and span is difficult.  It’s almost impossible when you have little ones running around.  However, that hasn’t stopped the population from adding uniquedoing home improvements.  The nation spent $152 billion last year remodeling their living areas.  More and more families are installing fun and unique features to provide entertainment.  Furthermore, they’re looking for a calming ambience and much needed storage space.  So, whether you’re looking to update your property on a budget or go all out, there’s a family friendly feature that’s perfect for you.

 

Indoor water features

Indoor water features for the home are a great way of creating a tranquil and peaceful environment.  It’s a perfect way for tired kids and tantrum throwing toddlers to relax and calm down.  Another option is to install a indoor water table for your offspring to play in. Water games and activities are particularly beneficial for a child’s development and can improve their gross motor skills.  Additionally, it helps with hand and eye coordination. It’s also an effective way for youngsters to get creative and have fun.

 Interior Design tips

Unique bookcase and storage 

Lack of storage is a problem in many households.  Children usually have toys, games, books and knick knacks which all need a home.  Installing clever storage options are the perfect solution.  Chairs and seating areas can be cleverly designed to incorporate storage within them.  Storage can installed in the arms and underneath the cushion.  Alternatively, the area beneath your staircase could be converted into a bookshelf.  Everyone can quickly and easily access a book when they wish.  Unique interior design features can be created for individual homes.

 

Fun & games 

Your home is where you and your family spend time together.  So, why not make it as fun and family friendly.   A useful feature to also add is a chalkboard wall.  Grown ups will find it useful to keep shopping lists and memos.  The little ones will love creating their own designs with chalk.  If you have room, an indoor slide and or swings are another option.  The swing and slide will keep the kids busy during bad weather.

It’s important to get the interior design of your home right.  Unique interior design features like water fountains, clever bookcases, and storage units are great for families.  Additionally, fun indoor items like slides are an excellent way to bring the whole family together as well.

Tips for Creating a Kid’s Bathroom

tips for creating a kid's bathroom

Kids are in the bathroom forever, and they don’t have good bathroom etiquette. For some people, this is handled by giving children their own bathroom.  Additionally, children having their own bathroom gives parents a break.  So, if you’re considering creating a bathroom for your kids, here are a few things to consider when creating their space.


Make smart remodeling decisions

Sometimes creating a kids’ bathroom means remodeling your house.  Sometimes it simply means adding some kid’s décor and calling it a day. If you’re in the first category, it’s important to make smart remodeling decisions. For instance, remember that your child isn’t going to be young forever.  As a result, creating a kid’s bathroom that’s equipped with cartoon tiles and a small vanity means you’ll have to remodel that same bathrooms a few years later. So, select tile, vanities, and other permanent items that are neutral.

 

Get professional help.

If your kid’s bathroom makeover requires any type of plumbing projects, consider a professional plumber to do the job.   According to Fix It Right Plumbing, even the smallest plumbing task could put your home at risk of mold, which has a very negative impact on your health.  Not only your health, but the structure of your house.  Using a professional can help eliminate unnecessary costs and fixes in the future.  Installing a faucet or putting in new pipes for the shower should be done by a professional as well.

 

Use technology to your advantage.

Kids are messy and they don’t pay attention.  This means you could end up with running water or bodily fluids sitting unflushed in the toilet.  Use technology to your advantage.  For instance, a touchless toilet will allow your child’s toilet to flush with just the wave of a hand.  Kids will have more fun saying goodbye to their waste. In addition, smart faucets turn on and off automatically with sensors.  You can be assured that your child isn’t wasting water while brushing their teeth or washing their hands.

 

Make it organized.

Bathrooms need organization.  Opt for towel racks or hooks that ensure each child has his/her own space.  Buy toothbrush holders or find other vanity organization options so your children know where things go.  If you have under-vanity storage, use it. If not, consider a small standalone bookshelf or behind-the-door organizer.

 

Make clean-up easy.

Kids aren’t going to clean up after themselves if you don’t teach them.  Invest in sanitizing wipes and keep them under the vanity.   Teach your child how to use the wipes to clean up excess toothpaste, water, soap, or whatever may have spilled.  Teach them to clean their space every day.

 

Use easy-to-clean options.

Last, when it comes to picking out the tile, vanity top, paint, and anything else that goes in your child’s bathroom, pick options that are easy to clean. For instance, a semi-gloss or high-gloss paint will allow you to easily wipe down walls. You will be able to remove leftover toothpaste, soap, or whatever your child manages to get on the wall. Bigger tiles with less grout will give you less grout to clean.  Also, vanities that wipe down easily and don’t react negatively to water marks (like marble) are always the best option.

Finally, giving your child his/her own bathroom is a great way to have a relaxing place for yourself. If you’re going to make this move, be sure to use these tips.

How to Care for Indoor Fountains

how to care for indoor fountains

 

Indoor fountains are a great addition to any home.  They are a great conversation piece during parties or gatherings.  Furthermore, they enhance the interior design of any living space.  The sound of flowing water also helps soothe the mind.  It creates an atmosphere that is more conducive to rest and relaxation.  Flowing water is even considered good luck in Eastern cultures.

There are many indoor fountain designs to choose from.  There are tabletop fountains that are ideal not just for the home, but for offices as well. Wall fountains are a nice alternative to hanging a painting on a blank wall.  Floor fountains are freestanding and look best in idle corners.

To keep an indoor fountain looking its best, you need to give it a little care.  And it doesn’t have to be complicated or costly.  Here are a few tips on how to care for an indoor fountain:

Check the structural integrity of the fountain –  Indoor fountains can be made of materials such as glass, metal, and concrete.  As a result, examine the basin and other parts for any cracks and extreme wear and tear.  Any signs of compromised integrity should be taken care of immediately.  Also, it is important to make sure that the indoor fountain is strong and sturdy.  Check hoses for blocked debris or build-up.  Chemicals such as calcium and magnesium can also contribute to blocked hoses.

Also, make sure that the fountain is installed or positioned securely.  If not placed properly, they may fall or cause injuries. Similarly, ensure that wall fountains are securely installed.  As for tabletop fountains, avoid placing them on wobbly or uneven surfaces.

Check the mechanical and electrical components – Make sure that the motor is in proper working condition.  Check electrical parts such as wires and plugs too.  The submerged motor also tends to collect moss, grime, and mineral deposits.  So, make sure that it is also cleaned periodically. When unsure have a professional carry out the cleaning or motor maintenance process.  Most importantly, always unplug the fountain before cleaning it.

Clean and sanitize the external surfaces too –  Once the electrical and motor components are working properly, the fountain exterior can be cleaned.  Drain the old water and disassemble the fountain if needed to clean hard to reach areas. Use the recommended soap or detergent to clean.  Delicate materials or surfaces like ceramic or glass should be cleaned with a mild detergent. Clean fountains made of concrete with a stronger cleaner. Dishwashing liquid and a good scrub is great for cleaning natural stone surfaces.

Indoor fountains are an investment.  Water features in a property increase its market and resale value. When homeowners flip properties and make a handsome profit, they usually enhance their homes with a water feature.

Therefore it is important to spend time maintaining your indoor water fountain.  Buying a high-quality indoor water fountain ensures that it lasts and will require little to no repairs.  However, inspecting and cleaning your indoor water fountain every month can guarantee years of enjoyment.