Calling A Plumber To Fix Bathroom Leaks

The bathroom in the house, from time to time, can cause problems. When taps fail or pipes become clogged, leaks, bad odors, and many other problems appear. A visit from the plumber is then required. But how much is it reasonable for them to charge for the most common fixes? It all depends on the nature or extent of the problem.

Leaks

A leak is a silent enemy that attacks your floors, ceilings, and walls. Generally, we do not realize the water leakage until it has already wreaked havoc in our home, premises, or office. These situations need to be dealt with promptly since they can cause millions in losses by deteriorating the structure of the building. The security of your home is not a game. It should be left in the expert hands like https://www.ntxcp.com/.

Running Toilet

A running toilet is a problem that sooner or later can catch up with any of us. The constant running of the toilet flush very often indicates that, for example, it is leaking. If you do notice this, it would be an advantage to get rid of this problem as soon as possible. Otherwise, there is very often unnecessarily high water consumption, which is associated with high costs. You can very often repair your toilet yourself, as the problems are mostly minor.

What To Do?

Carefully remove the pusher plate from your cistern. You should pay close attention to how the pusher plate is attached as this varies greatly from model to model. You will now see the built-in parts of your toilet flush, including float, lifter, bell, and basin. The first step here is to check whether one or more of these parts are heavily calcified. Then shake it gently and make sure that these parts go back to their original position. If you still have a problem with the running toilet, it is advisable to completely decalcify the cistern. You can easily do this yourself with a trusted decalcifying home remedy. However, it is best to solicit the help of a plumber. If you still have problems, a plumber will visit your home and do the following things:

• Adjust and replace the float when the water is running
• Remove blockages when water does not runoff
• Replace seals in your cistern
• Renovate or refurbish your toilet

In Summary

That is why you should call a plumber before you get your hands into things that you are not an expert in. It is recommended that you have a plumber on hand to call and not just any plumber off the streets. If you notice a defect, act immediately, because the water consumption is neither environmentally friendly nor cost-saving. In most cases, the repair is quite straightforward, as the cause is often due to old seals, but this is something that a plumber would know right away. In the event of major problems or if the cause cannot be identified, you should always contact your local plumber.

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Secure Yourself and Your Family with Insurances

Insurance - this is important to secure your and your family's future. There are a number of insurances out there that I find important, especially for those who have little children and those who own property. We never know what will happen in the future so securing the family financially with insurances is one of the smatest things one can do. Of course there are lots of insurances out there so informing yourself about them is key so that you don't give away your hard earned money for nothing.

Health insurance: this is also mandatory in most countries. And it is usually deducted already from your monthly salary so you need not worry about paying separately. This is important even if you are not sick because a visit to the doctor without a health insurance is very expensive. There are also supplementary health insurances that will cover for conditions not covered by the standard insurance like supplementary dental insurance but you can decide whether to get one or not.

Pension insurance: Like the health insurance, this one is also mandatory and automatically deducted from your salary. This is important so that you will get your pension payment when you retire. Those who are not working may also pay for a voluntary pension insurance so that they too will have a secure future when they get older.

Life insurance: I find this important because you never know when and how you will die. Getting this will ensure that your beneficiaries will be left with monetary support, and they can use the money to pay off, for example, bank loans or mortgage, if there are any.

Third party liability insurance: let's face it, accidents can happen and if you have little children, they might ruin the sofa or break an expensive item while playing at the neighbor's or friend's house. This is where third party liability insurance comes in. Instead of you shouldering the entire amount to replace these items, the insurance will pay it for you.

Fire / Building insurance: this is to protect your home should fire, natural disasters, water leaks, accidents happen. Your home is your safe haven so you might as well insure that which keeps your family warm and dry and comfortable.

Car insurance: while you do not want accidents to happen, getting a car insurance is mandatory these days. There are options for a partial or full coverage of auto parts so depending on your driving behavior, it would also be wise to get one so that you have coverage for automobile parts should there be a need replace them.

These are just some of the insurances that I find important and one should consider getting. Which insurance is important for you?

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Why Do People Need Insurance?

Insurance companies aim to provide their clients with personal and business insurance at the best insurance rates possible. Given the uncertainties that people face every day, every person must ensure that they have insured their lives and properties. http://www.mountaininsurance.com/ provides people with both personal and property. As a result, people get the necessary compensation once the insured loss occurs. There are plenty of insurance cover policies from which an individual can choose from.

Below are some of the top reasons why people need insurance.

Insurance guarantees people security and safety. In the case of life insurance, the amount is paid once the party has died, or the term of the cover has expired. Life insurance covers are made to compensate people in the event of death or old age. Therefore, insurance offers an individual's security against the suffering of old age or premature death.

The insurance covers help in the reduction of dependency. In the case where a business has been destroyed, or a loved one died; the economic independence of the family is reduced. However, through the insurance company's compensation to cover the loss, the affected parties can gain independence. Given that some uncertainties are unavoidable, people must be prepared for the outcome. Such preparation requires individuals to insure their lives and property.

Insurance policies such as life cover encourage people to save for the future. The clients must pay the premiums. Failure to pay could result in a lapse of the policy. In such a case, the client is paid a little percentage of the amount they had contributed over the years. Therefore, an individual has to work hard to ensure that they pay their premiums on time. Such is unlike other saving money methods whereby an individual can default and ask for the full amount they had contributed. Through life insurance, a person ends up saving a lot.

Insurance makes it easy for employers to observe the welfare of their employees. Depending on an employee's line of work, they can be subjected to various risks. When such risks occur, the employees need to be assured of compensation. For instance, there is a risk of injury or death. When such happens, the employer needs to compensate the victim for the loss incurred. Insurance companies have developed policies that cover employees on behalf of the employer. An employer can also use the insurance company's policies to offer retirement benefits to their employees.

Getting the right policies to cover a person's variables can be challenging. Once an individual has obtained the right coverage, they should not be worried about any uncertainties. As soon as the loss occurs, the insurance company is always ready to compensate the client. Therefore, people must insure their lives and property. There are plenty of policies that they can choose from. The choice of a policy depends on an individual's budget. Given the benefits that individuals can get from insurance, it is essential for everyone to get an insurance cover.

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A Piece of Autumn

The days till Christmas are numbered. The year 2020 seems to pass us by so uneventfully fast with the highlight being the Corona virus pandemic. Despite this, our lives must go on. The sun still continues to shine and the seasons still change. We may not notice it that much but autumn this year is very beautiful. I have never seen such golden yellow trees while driving along the tree-lined streets of Mönchfeld. I am even tempted to stop and take a photo but doing this is not allowed and will put my life and the lives of the other motorists in jeopardy. We don't really go out that much you see, we try to stay at home as much as we can and we only go out when needed: do groceries, go to the doctor for an appointment, buy medicine at the pharmacy. We try to decline invitations to meet unless really necessary. 

Good thing there is a piece of autumn in our home. There is this japanese maple tree in front of our house and it has really turned into beautiful hues of orange, ocre, and red. When I look out my kitchen window, I can also see its splendid colors. The last few days was rainy and windy so the leaves have already fallen to the ground. Good thing I was able to capture a few shots before it became bare.

Ain't she a beauty? Even on a cold, gloomy and foggy morning, its fiery color stands out, a beautiful reminder to all of us that even on the gloomiest of days, there will always be something beautiful that comes out of it. Hopefully next fall, our tree will be as vibrant as this year's or even better.

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What To Do When You Are Ready to Buy Your First Home

If you and your family are getting ready to buy your first home, this can be an exhilarating time in your life. While this is a time of excitement and new opportunity, buying a home is a complicated process that will require a strategic and careful plan. If you looking to buy your first home, here are a few tips on how to navigate the process.

Find a Good Real Estate Agent

Finding a good real estate agent Lake County IL is a key step. This person will be your partner and resource throughout the process which is why you find someone that you get along with and who you can trust.

Determine Your Financial Situation

Finances will be a significant part of the home buying process; however, there is much more to the process than just your down payment. You will need to understand the steps to prepare to buy a home, including your credit score, your debt and your savings to just name a few, as all of these will impact the buying process.

Location, Location, Location

While knowing what your home must-haves are, your location is one of the most important details. Whether you are looking for a location that will offer a reasonable commute, a good school district or a particular neighborhood, where you are will make a big difference. Location is also key because this can also affect its resale value.

Invest in an Inspection

One absolutely essential piece of the home buying process is the home inspection. You should never skip this, as this can give you a full understanding of the state of the home and unearth any major issues that may impact the price. If you find major issues that you need to remedy, you may want to reevaluate the home’s value or your offer.

Buying a home is a complex process; however, if you navigate it carefully and set up a well thought out plan, you can enjoy being a homeowner before you know it.

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Creating Your Summer Oasis

A slight winter chill enters the air, and you're already longing for those lazy summer days spent lounging by the pool with a pina colada in hand. The best way to shoo away the winter blues? Start creating the perfect summer oasis right in your backyard. When summer rolls around again, your tropic wonderland will be complete, and you'll be ready for fun in the sun. Here are a few necessities that every summer backyard oasis needs.

1. Pool

Installing a pool should be the first step in creating your summer paradise. This dream can easily become a reality with Pittsburgh pool installers who will be able to bring your vision to life. With a myriad of aboveground and inground pool designs, you'll be able to float on waves of relaxation all summer long. 

2. Outdoor Dining

To spend more time enjoying that luxurious summer breeze, move dinner outdoors with some well placed outdoor furniture. From tables to couches, there are whole lines of furniture meant to live in the great outdoors. 

3. Movie Screen

Nothing screams summer like outdoor movies. Luckily you can bring this experience to your backyard with a projector, screen and some fun decor. Grab the popcorn, curl up on the poolside loungers, and get ready to see your favorite flick in a whole new light. 

4. Reading Nook

There's nothing quite like curling up outside with a good book. Take this experience to the next level by building a reading nook. With a combination of weather-proof blankets, pillows and hammocks, you can build a nook you'll never want to leave. 

As the swimsuit lines that begin appearing in department stores in December show, it's never too early to start getting ready for summer. So the next time you have a winter chill, keep your head in the clouds with these summer oasis ideas that are guaranteed to transform your backyard into your own personal paradise. 

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Slowly Settling In

It has been three weeks now since we moved into our new home. Well, it is not really new because it was built in 1976 but you know what I mean. :) There is still a lot of work yet to be done but we are slowly settling down and settling in. 

And here is our Suki, doing her sunbathing in the morning in the living room:

Yes, we get a lot of sunshine in this part of the house and the floor-length glass windows allows natural light to flood the room. To soften the sun's glare, I put up sheer curtains. Then we will not be seen by the neighbors when they look out their windows while allowing for the light to come in. Notice the wallpaper? That still needs to be taken down as it is too vintage for my taste. I prefer white walls you see, and it will make the room look brighter and bigger especially with a wooden ceiling. And that will be another project on our list.

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3 Things To Think About Before Moving

People move for many reasons. Some people are looking to upgrade or downsize while others just want to pay less for rent or mortgage. Others want to move to a new school district and some people move for a new job. Regardless of why you plan on moving, here are three questions you should ask yourself before looking for new housing,

Which Type of Housing Are You Interested In?

There are several types of housing and various options work better for different families. Some people prefer the independence of owning a house, while others prefer to rent their home. Townhouses are preferable for many people. If you don’t want a lot of space or maintenance responsibilities, an apartment building Oakland CA could be the best option for you.

Which Area Do You Want To Move To?

Whether you are moving across town or to a different state, the area you choose to relocate to is important. Do some research to make sure the area meets your needs. If you have kids, choose an area in a good school district. If you want to be active and social, choose a neighborhood with plenty of entertainment and recreational activities. Choosing the right neighborhood will ensure you are satisfied with your decision to move.

What Is Your Budget?

Your budget determines how much house you can afford. Before you decide to move, make sure you can afford the significant expenses of relocating. Track your expenses for a few months to determine ways you can save money so you know what you can afford in terms of a house or rent payment.

Asking yourself these three questions will help you identify to right neighborhood for you to move to. If you are happy with the place you relocate to, it will significantly reduce the stress associated with moving.

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Say It With Flowers

Running out of ideas on what to give someone? On those special occassions or just random days when you want to surprise someone or just simply want to express your feelings, a bouquet of flowers always does the trick. Indeed, flowers can say a lot about your feelings. Depending on what message you want to convey to the recipient, the type of flower, the color and the way they are arranged have a meaning to them. 

"This colorful bunch was a congratulatory bouquet sent by my colleague from work after I got home from giving birth to my second born. I love the vibrant orange and purples of this bunch. Smelled very pleasant too! It was indeed a very lovely surprise from her!"

I have looked up some common flowers that are used as gifts and what they mean so that the next time you want to say it with flowers, you will know what to get. Here are 50 flowers with their etymology and symbolism, a great list I found at Kremp Florist webpage.

Which one is your favorite flower? I love tulips, roses, lilies, gerbera dasies and peonies and I always purchase them whenever I get the chance.

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How Your Supply Chain Works

Maintaining a successful business depends on many factors, and one of the most important is the supply chain. Here’s what you need to know about the supply chain that will sustain your company.

Manufacturing

The manufacturing process is where every supply chain begins, because it’s where parts and products are created. Manufacturing is typically done in an industrial setting such as a factory, and this kind of mass production depends on equipment such as an industrial mixer. However, factory workers operating an assembly line are often part of the process, as well. Manufacturing companies may sell their products directly to retailers, but they typically sell to distributors.

Distribution

Distributors and wholesalers are the convenient “middleman” between manufacturers and retailers. While retailers can buy directly from manufacturers, distribution services provide incentives not to do so. This is typically done by adding value to products before reselling them, but that added value translates to a price markup. Distributors are also responsible for shipping products to retailers, while buying from manufacturers would entail arranging shipment on your own. Wholesalers tend to accrue products in bulk from a variety of manufacturers and are therefore a good option for businesses who need products en masse.

Retail

Retail is often the end of a supply chain, because it is the stage during which products are sold to consumers. Retailers depend heavily on manufacturers and distributors, because producing their own goods would require an untenable amount of additional space and equipment. By arranging a B2B infrastructure, a business can sell infinitely more than they could produce, and this is the bedrock of modern commerce. However, a retailer is ultimately responsible for partnering with the right distributors in order to keep things running smoothly.

Keeping your business supplied is crucial for keeping products in the hands of customers and making you money. This breakdown of the supply chain is sure to help you do just that.

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Budget DIY: Decorating the Guest Toilet

If you love having friends over at home, chances are they would be frequenting the toilet. With that in mind, the guest toilet must also be a pleasant place to be in. Yes, guest toilets are often small, like a coat closet, but it doesn't mean that it should be taken forgranted as it will be one of the rooms that your guests will most likely first enter when they arrive especially on cold winter days. So it goes without saying that the guest toilet should also be a comfortable place to be for your guests.

Our guest toilet is also rather small, with a stand WC and a small sink to wash your hands. To make it a little bit more presentable, I placed a wall shelf on top of the WC where toilet supplies like toilet paper and hand towels are just within reach when you run out of it. I also added some greens to give it a bit of color and life. Because it has a small window, you get natural light during the day. There is also a mirror and light fixture above the sink so guests can have a look if their face needs some touching up. :)

The walls are painted white, and the ceiling is of wood planks in white color. The floor is tiled with a light beige color. There are lots of ideas of my mind (and on Pinterest!) on how I envisioned the guest toilet to be like. But for now, this simple and minimal decoration will have to do. What do you think?

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How To Get More Organized at Home

Getting organized is a task that so many adults put on their to-do lists, but find themselves putting off. If you are consistently struggling to find the things you need or if you are just tired of living amongst clutter, here are a few tips to help you live a more organized life.

Get a System for Smaller Items

You may have noticed that small items have a way of getting lost forever in the mounds of disorganization. You don’t have to spend countless hours searching for earrings or trying to untangle necklaces anymore if you use jewelry drawer organizers. Think about how much time and energy you could save by using organizational tools for smaller items.

Contain Your Urge to Buy More Containers

While containers for items can be useful, not everything needs to be contained. Select your organizational systems carefully and don’t go overboard with it so that you can avoid being overcome with containers.

Rid Yourself of Duplicates

Many adults have the difficulty of having duplicates of items. Most commonly, this occurs in the kitchen with multiple of the same kitchen utensil. If you get rid of unnecessary duplicates, you may be surprised at how much space you clear up.

Sort Your Mail

If you struggle more with papers and mail, consider setting up a mail system for yourself. Having a filing system for incoming, outgoing, bills, important, etc. mail and papers can help you stay organized and ensure that you never miss a bill.

Get Creative With Your Organization

While there are plenty of tips and tricks out there to help you get organized, you can also get creative in your effort to stay tidy. Don’t let yourself be restricted to the tips out there, and find the system that works for you.

Getting organized can be easier said than done; however, with a few quick steps and comprehensive systems, you can rethink your whole life. Let yourself live a life that is free of clutter and you’ll be grateful you did.

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Officially Winter Time

On the night of Saturday to Sunday, the 24th of October, summer time officially ended and we are time fell back an hour. That means that the time difference between where are now and our relatives back home is an hour more. It actually felt like you have an hour more or sleep and it is also an adjustment you have to make because that would also mean it is already an hour too late for bed time. 

And this time adjustment, does it really make sense? I remember they tried implementing this in my country when I was still small. I never really understood why they had to do it but it didn't work for us and so they had to revert to what has been. Here in Europe there have also been debates about whether this daylight saving time makes sense or not. For some European countries, it does not make sense but for the Scandinavian countries especially, the daylight saving time does. 

But I heard that this bi-annual, seasonal clock change will soon be stopped. In 2019 the European Commission carried out a public consultation and a whopping 84% of the 4.6 million replies called out for the discontinuation of the seasonal clock change. The proposal is to put a stop to the seasonal clock change by 2021 but the Council still has to finalize its position. 

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What Happens When You Chose to Give Your Child Up for Adoption

Choosing to give up your child for adoption is never an easy decision to make. The aftermath of this decision will follow you throughout the rest of your life, so you should very carefully consider all your options before making the choice that's best for you and your child. 

Once you've made the decision to go through the adoption process, you should reach out to an adoption specialist or facilitator. They will likely be connected to the best adoption agencies for birth mothers and will be able to answers any questions about the process. 

The specialist or facilitator will help you choose the perfect adoptive family for your child. You will have complete control in choosing your child's future home. All the potential families are vetted by the adoption agency and have passed a home study and additional background texts. You can even chose to meet the family. 

In some cases, the decision to give the child up for adoption is not made until after the birth. This is quite common and adoption agencies have protocols in place should this occur. If the decision is made while in the hospital, the agency will still allow you to choose the family and can even let you communicate with them as they head to the hospital to receive their new family member. Agencies will also accept infants weeks or even months after they came home from the hospital.

It's understandable that the decision takes a while to make and you'll still have control over the family choice. No matter when you go through the adoption process, you will always have the option to meet the family and even chose to conduct an open adoption. This will allow you to have regular contact with your child after the adoption is completed. 

Once you decide to go through with an adoption, you can be rest assured that a large group of people will work alongside you tirelessly to ensure that your child is loved. 

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Essential Guitar Equipment for Beginners

Even though it’s been around for four centuries, the guitar is one of the most modern and fun instruments to play in the 21st century. For beginners of all ages, it’s important to have a few crucial pieces of equipment to learn and play. Luckily, these can be procured on almost any budget.

A Dependable Guitar

Obviously, the guitar is the cornerstone of your gear. Whether you’re asking “Where can I find high-end guitars online,” or looking for a bargain on a budget, the reality is this: you won’t be happy with a cheap, poorly constructed guitar. The difference in quality between even a $90 and $350 model is massive, and of course, you can always scale up from there.

 

Picks, Strings, and a Strap

Whatever style of guitar you’re planning to play, it’s good to learn how to finger-pick and strum with a guitar pick. Guitar picks are usually made of plastic, and while they come in different thicknesses, they are very affordable: well under a dollar apiece and available in boxes. You should also have an extra set of strings on hand. Even though it won’t be one of the first things you learn, being able to restring a guitar is an essential skill. You could easily break a string while practicing, so it’s good practice to have a backup set.

A Solid Amplifier

Whether you’re playing electric or acoustic guitar, if you’re ever planning on performing live outside of your basement, you’ll need an amplifier. You don’t want to skimp on this either, but the size (and cost) will depend greatly on the sort of venue you plan on playing in.

Good Cables

Finally, it’s important to realize that most issues with amplified sound come from faulty or old ¼” cables. Spend a few extra bucks on good ones and replace them often.

These essential tools will set you up for success as you begin your guitar journey.

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Two Months Into Breastfeeding

My breastfeeding journey wasn't easy at first. But I am determined to breastfeed my baby however it takes... And just like that, my baby is already two months old. And I am happy to say that she is exclusively breastfeeding. Yay!!! The days seem to fly by in a flash. The sleepless nights I can still count, and they are worth it... every second, every minute of it. Thanks to the encouragement and advice of friends, I was able to pull it through. So what did I learn in those two months of breastfeeding?

That your breastmilk does not come automatically at first. So you will have to nurse your baby as often as you can to stimulate your breasts to produce more milk. Never skip a meal. It is important to eat properly so you will have your strength and eating a well-balanced food ensures that you get the nutrients your body needs to remain healthy. Drinking plenty of water and nursing tea keeps you hydrated and ensures that you don't dry out. It is also important to get enough rest. There is always the temptation of doing house chores or other things when your baby is asleep, but trust me, you need as much sleep so you have the strength to feed especially in the wee hours of the morning. For newborns, they feed like every two hours so you need to be awake too when you baby needs to nurse. Support of your family is also very important. When they can look after your baby for a couple of hours so you can have some time for yourself  or you can get some restful sleep, that is really great. I am luck and grateful to have such a good team behind my back: a husband and a daughter who have been very understading of me and all my craziness.

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Saving Time In A Busy World

If it were possible to double the amount of time in each day, you still probably wouldn’t get everything done. There are a few ways to save time, though, that might be worth investigating if your to-do list never gets any shorter.

Personal Shopping

Personal shopping may seem like the domain of the rich, but many reasonably priced stores like J Crew and Macy’s also offer this service. Even if a store doesn’t have a specific personal shopper program, don’t be afraid to befriend a salesperson who seems to get your style. A clerk who works at least partially on commission will no doubt be very interested in keeping an eye out for clothes on your need-to-purchase list. The same idea works for household items as well. Finding someone to help you with personal furniture shopping La Plata MD is less time spent wandering around stores looking at items you’re not interested in.

Food Delivery

Having every meal delivered may not be an option for your family’s budget, but a food subscription box may be just the answer. Each box is packed with a recipe card and all the ingredients needed to make a healthy meal. The meals themselves might cost a bit more than if you purchased each ingredient separately, but you will more than make up for it in the time you save not having to go to the grocery store or deciding what to make.

Turn It Off

It seems counter-intuitive but turning off your phone for an hour here and there actually saves you time because you’re able to concentrate on the project at hand. It may seem like glancing at your screen every few minutes takes just a fraction of a second, but those seconds add up. You continually must pull your mind back into the project wasting valuable time over the course of the day.

Saving time is really about time management. We all get the same number of minutes in a day. Some people are just more adept at getting the most out of theirs.

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Time to Heat Up But...

I have always been advocating for a greener earth, for environmentally friendly options and renewable energy. Please do not judge me when I say that our heating system at our current house (we just moved in!) is still using fossil fuel, i.e. heating oil, to heat up our house and our water. You see, the heating system is already there when we bought the house. The heater in itself is well maintained and still has a good efficiency to it so it would be a shame to replace it immediately.  Plus we don't have a budget just yet to change into a more environmentally friendly heating system (although replacing it is very tempting and attractive at the moment because of the partial subsidies by the government). Then you also have the oil tank, which needs to be properly disposed of at a special treatment facility. And the cost of such service? We didn't ask yet but as with other waste treatment costs, we can expect it to be expensive. 

So today we got our oil tank partially filled since it is almost empty and we require more fuel now that it is getting colder since we also need to heat up not just the water, but the entire house as well. Fuel cost us €55/100 liters, which is relatively cheap. Oil prices have really gone down these past few months, which is savings on our part.

We know that we will eventually be replacing our oil-fired heating system and that it is the right thing to do to reduce our carbon footprint among others. Here in Germany, we are given until 2026 to replace oil-fired boilers with the greener and more efficient options like heat pumps, pellets or natural gas. The initial investment would be expensive but hopefully by then, we would have saved enough and subsidies and fundings from the government is still available. 

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4 Benefits of a Clean Home

A clean home is something most of us desire to come back to each day. Walking in after a hard day at work only to find a mess left to deal with isn’t good for your mental well-being. There are many benefits to a clean home that make it worthwhile to keep up with the best you can.

Less Stress

A cluttered house can quickly have you feeling stressed. It can be a challenge to find things, hard to move around freely, and make your mind wander from other important tasks. Getting things clean can help you feel far less stressed. That is, of course, unless you’re a busy person with no spare time to clean in your schedule. 

You don’t have to do all the work. For many people, it’s not so much the feeling of clutter that stresses them out but the known fact that they simply have no time to take care of it as they want. A service like Fresh Air Cleaning provides house cleaning services so you can have a professional do the work. You’ll still get all the benefits of a clean and organized home without the stress of finding time to get it accomplished.

Improved Breathing

Dust is a major breathing concern. Pet dander tends to be as well. Continually breathing in either of these things can lead to respiratory problems that may leave you coughing, wheezing, itching your eyes, and having the feeling of a forever stuffy nose. Vacuuming and dusting should be done frequently to avoid these symptoms. 

Illness Protection

Picking up the clutter isn’t enough. You need to disinfect surfaces regularly and use the right cleaning products to really protect against illness. Too many people use vinegar as a cleaning agent. It may get something looking and smelling clean, but it isn’t proven to reduce your chance of catching a serious virus, such as COVID-19. To fully protect yourself and your family, use bleach wipes, antibacterial cleaner, or disinfectant spray for your best chances of killing germs.

Keeps Pests Away

Insects and other critters love a dirty house. If you have clutter that makes it easy for them to hide and food crumbs left on the floor often, it’s a haven for these creatures. Keeping your home clean will help to keep pests away. They can be both dangerous to your health if they carry disease and a nuisance, chewing through wires and other important things. 

A clean and clutter-free home is important for both mental and physical health. You’ll be breathing freely and have less stress to consider when your house is well-maintained. Clean it yourself or hire a professional service that can take just one more thing off your plate. Either way, you get a clean house that you can look forward to coming back to each da

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3 Great Tips to Add Interest to Your Large Yard

All homeowners know that large yards come with special challenges. In addition to increased maintenance, it can be challenging to improve the landscaping strategy of a large yard. If you’ve been having trouble adding some visual appeal to your yard, here are three tips that will help.

1. Add a Quality Fence

If you want to manage the area of a large yard, the quickest way to do so is by enclosing the space. Every yard needs a quality fence, and a classic wrought iron fence is a design element that will never go out of style. Pair your fence with handcrafted Corten steel gates for a unique look. Not only will you manage the scale of your yard by installing a new fence and gate system, you’ll also enhance the security of your property.

2. Plant Floral Borders

When paired with a fence, floral borders can be quite an attractive element on any property, large or small. Floral borders can hide the area of where your fence meets the ground, which can be unsightly if not attended to. Floral borders look best when they are dense. To create the look of density, plant greenery such as shrubs and tall grasses at the center of the flowerbed and low-growing annuals and perennials along the edges.

3. Create Island Planting Beds

Your lawn likely takes up most of the surface area of your yard. It may be a good idea to plant a few island flowerbeds to break up the expanse of lawn. These flowerbeds serve as colorful focal points in any yard. Plant them up with herbaceous plants or shrubs and bulbs so that the beds look good in all seasons.

Follow these tips and you’ll create a carefully curated yard that makes the most of the space you have on your property.

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DIY Home Project: Attic Room Renovation

So I mentioned that we will be moving to a new neighborhood soon in the beautiful city of Ludwigsburg. We are kind of excited, there are so many things happening all at once. Well, not really many but with the birth of our 2nd child and then moving into a new home almost at the same time is a lot, right?

Anyway, the official move will be in less then two weeks. The house is in order and one can already move in, but there are some renovations that need to be done to make it look better. One that needed the immediate attention is the attic room that is to become our first child's room. It is a large room, with two large roof windows but the wallpaper is yellowed and outdated, and the carpet flooring is so worn out we just had to do replace them before the daughter moves in.

BEFORE: This was how it looked before the house was turned over to us.

So we started off with peeling the wallpaper. It was quite easy since the adhesive has already dried out and we did a mechanical pre-treatment: we rolled the entire wallpapered areas with a spiked roller to loosen the contact between the wall and the wallpaper. When it wouldn't peel off after this, we used a steam wallpaper remover. It was quick and easy and chemical free and we were able to peel off the wallpapers in just a few hours. Then we filled out small holes with putty and smoothened the uneven surfaces with sand paper. To make the new wallpaper adhere better to the walls, we primed the walls first. 

Peeling off the wallpaper was "easy peasy".

Then we went down to the main business of putting on the wallpaper. We had to be careful when pre-cutting the wallpaper on the areas with sloping roof as it could be too short and all. The wallpaper we used is Vlies-Raufaser (wood chip fleece) from Erfurt. After the wallpaper was installed, we painted it over with white wall paint. Since the room's deck is made of wood, painting the walls white would make the room brighter and airier. We are planning to paint the wood deck white later on but that will be another project. :)

The first daughter putting on adhesive on the walls. 

It is her room after all so she has to help. ;)

The carpet floor has a gray color. It was a challenge looking for a good and reasonably priced carpet floor in the hardware shops but luckily, someone recommended a shop that has a good and affordable selection of carpet floorings among others. 

It was a lot of hardwork, most especially for our handyman (I am not yet allowed to carry out heavy work due to my C-section) and I can say he did a really good job considering that he has no prior training to do such work. I still have to make the AFTER photo though. Will update this post once I get down to it. 

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