Having on-demand hot water is one of the many modern conveniences that make our lives easier and more comfortable. Most of us don’t stop to think about the systems in our homes that make this possible and know very little about the care and maintenance of these complex mechanical necessities. Tell-Tale Signs That Your Water Heater Is About To Fail A majority of the time, you won’t worry about anything being wrong with your hot water heater until you’ve had your first unexpectedly cold shower or notice that it is taking longer than usual to get the expected temperature from…
Tailgating season is the best time of year for sports lovers. If you are like many people, you immediately begin thinking about tailgating parties when football season arrives; it’s one of the best ways to enjoy a game with friends and family. However, improper planning can ruin the party, even if your team wins. Follow these tips to ensure your party doesn’t go foul. Tailgating Policies & Parking Lot Guidelines Before you start planning menus and buying beverages, find out the tailgating policies and all the pertinent facts. If you are planning to grill, see if open flames are permissible.…
Get ready to jump full force into the fall season. Now is the time for colder weather, family gatherings and pumpkin spice everything. Not sure how to cozy up your home for the season? Check out these ideas to create the perfect fall escape. Decorate the Table One of easiest ways to bring the season indoors is to create beautiful tablescape for your dining room. The table is the center of family gatherings, where everyone convenes to eat, talk, and hang out. It is the perfect spot to put just a little decoration or a lot. Get a fall print…
When most people think of Halloween and trick- or-treating, they think of candy. However, many households are swopping out sugary treats for fun alternative goodies. Halloween can also be difficult time for children with food allergies or sensitivities. Here is a list of low-cost and safe alternatives to candy that all kids can enjoy. Pencils Pencils may not seem like an exciting option, but kids use them on a daily basis in school and at home. You can purchase packs of Halloween-themed pencils and pass them out to the kids who come to your door. Erasers Themed erasers can be…
Owning a home is a huge financial responsibility especially if you suspect that your home might have faulty wiring. Many home owners are unsure of how to determine if there is a problem. According to the US Fire Administration, electrical home fires result in approximately 280 deaths and 1125 injuries each year not to mention the loss of property resulting in over 1 billion dollars of damages. Here are some warning signs that this may be the case and you might want to consult an electrician. Check Outlets Depending on the age of the home this could be an expensive…
Every year, the time comes when summer is officially over and so is swimming season. The temperatures are turning cooler and the swimsuits and goggles have been packed away. It’s time to start thinking about closing your pool for the fall and winter. If you’re going through this process for the very first time, rest assured it isn’t complicated. Follow these steps to successfully close your pool before the winter season. Time your closing well If you close your pool too early, you risk an algae and mold problem that you will have to deal with in the spring. You…
How many times have you gone to a Halloween store and found the coolest costume, only to walk away disappointed because it simply cost too much? Believe it or not, there is a way to have the costumes that you want at a price that you can afford. Here are a few ways to save money on Halloween costumes. Buy Used Costumes There are people in this world that are willing to pay lots of money for name brand costumes that you’d find in a Halloween store or costume shop. If those people are willing to purchase an expensive costume…
October evokes images of ghosts, goblins, trick-or-treaters and of course pumpkins. Pumpkins can be carved, displayed and eaten. But how do you know which pumpkin is good for what? Here are some rules on how to select the perfect pumpkin this fall. Choosing a Pumpkin Pick a pumpkin fresh from the farm. Be sure to take gloves and clippers with you (also take a wagon to cart it to the car). If you are going to buy a pumpkin from a supermarket, avoid ones bruised from shipping. Pick a Firm Pumpkin Look for the firmest pumpkins that you can find.…
Autumn is one of the most crucial times for developing a healthy green lawn that lasts all year round. There are things you can do to ensure your lawn still looks good by winter’s end. Aerate Your Lawn A green lawn is a great hangout spot where children play and pets roll around. After, you may notice the ground might feel hard. That’s because the soil is being compacted, pressed down, by the general activity. Compacted soil is less breathable and water retainable, this makes it difficult for roots to absorb the water and nutrients they need, giving them little…
You just got off work, picked the kids up from school, cleaned the house, and want nothing more than to just relax. Suddenly, everyone is expecting dinner and you are exhausted. Don’t slave away in the kitchen after a long hard day; try these quick and easy dinner ideas. Thai-Style Beef Salad Thai style salads are the perfect the harmony of sweet, sour, salty and spicy. The dressing is the star of the show for this dish, use a Thai-style fish sauce combined with fresh ginger, garlic, chilies, lime, and sugar. Slice a seared flank steak and coat with dressing.…