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Category: General

How To Properly Maintain Your Home

Taking care of your house may seem like a big job, but the most important thing is that you do it consistently. As long as you remember to do basic maintenance tasks like changing the furnace filter and cleaning out the gutters every two weeks, nothing bad should happen to your property because you forgot to do them. The tips below will help you take care of your home properly and avoid trouble.

Photo by Antonio Friedemann

Get Insurance 

You should always make sure your house is insured. You won’t have to worry about losing money if disaster strikes or if your belongings are stolen. It can also be useful if accidents on the premises lead to legal action. It’s important to make sure that all of the people who will be living in the home are included in the policy, as well as any other insurance coverage they may need.

Because of the unpredictability of some natural catastrophes, such as earthquakes and floods, it is important to ensure that your property is adequately insured. Although you may not give it much thought if nothing has happened in years, having adequate coverage could be a lifesaver in the event of a disaster.

Don’t Forget Your Landscaping

In the warmer months, you should make it part of your house maintenance routine to tend to your flower beds at least once a month, in addition to your weekly lawn care. Allowing weeds, dead leaves, and trash to accumulate in certain areas of your home, such as flower beds, can be dangerous since it invites pests and poses a fire risk. If you want to keep your yard looking nice and ward off pests, you should prune and otherwise manage it at least once a month.

Check Your Roof And Gutters

Buying a new roof is sometimes necessary, but no one wants to deal with the hassle, and most of the time, it can be avoided. Not only is it a pain to replace your whole roof, but it also costs a lot of money. By checking your roof and gutters once a year, or, even better, having experts such as Primo Roofers check it for you, you can keep your home from being damaged by erosion. In the long run, this will keep you from having to get a new roof. And when you really do need one, you’ll already have roofers in mind to help you out. 

Look At The Plumbing 

Plumbing can be a major hassle if it goes wrong. You’ll be out of water, so you won’t be able to bathe, brush your teeth, wash your hands, or even use water from the kitchen tap. This is why it’s important to pay attention to your plumbing. If there is a leak or something doesn’t seem to be working properly, call the experts to check things out. 

Do Regular Inspections 

It’s a good idea to take a walk around your entire property, inside and out, once a month or so. If you do this, you’ll soon notice if anything is amiss, and you’ll be able to fix the problem sooner rather than later, which could save a lot of money and inconvenience later on. Make sure you don’t forget to check those areas you don’t often visit, such as the basement or attic, as there could be problems there that you’ll never otherwise see, even if you check the rest of the house.

Gift Guide For Him

Here is the most requested of all the gift guides. The gift guide for him. I do not know why men are so hard to shop for. Here are some great picks for the men in your life. So many I have added to my own cart. Click on the descriptions below for more information or to shop!!!

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From Left to Right:

This therapeutic handheld massager is perfect for the sportsman and it gets rave reviews to boot!!

Ok, my son and a few friends are going to go CRAZY for this hot sauce kit.

This game looks like so much fun!

I also ordered this…..a popcorn seasoning kit!!!

I have heard so many good things about this reading light/sound machine/clock. I want it for myself!!!!!

You can never go wrong with a good quality cashmere crew sweater.

Everyone I know is crazed for their Hydro Flask….#1 gift for sure!!!

Cloud 9 sneakers are voted the best time and time again!!

These North Face shoes are winners for sure..I love the grey/black combo.

Also, these Birkenstocks are chic…Did I actually say that out loud!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!???????!!!!

This sleep mask is incredible….I have seen it on many wish lists….

I am putting Bala Weights on here because they are awesome overall.

2023’s Most Festive Cities

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Sleigh bells are ringing, snow is glistening, while Mariah Carey serenades shoppers at every department store — it’s the most wonderful time of the year.

Which of the 200 biggest U.S. cities most resemble a scene out of a Hallmark movie?

LawnStarter made a list of 2022’s Most Festive Cities and checked it twice. We looked for cities with bags of fun, like holiday festivals and European-style Christmas markets serving delicious goodies.

Of course, no winter wonderland is complete without snow, so we also measured the average snowfall in each city to find the most Instagram-worthy backdrops. 

Check out the 10 most festive cities — and the 10 most bah humbug — below, followed by highlights and lowlights from our report. (See where your city ranks here.)
Most Festive CitiesRankCity
1 New York, NY
2 Las Vegas, NV
3 Los Angeles, CA
4 Chicago, IL
5 Denver, CO
6 Houston, TX
7 San Antonio, TX
8 San Diego, CA
9 Charlotte, NC
10 Philadelphia, PA
Highlights:
Christmas in New York: Kids from 1 to 92 will find it hard to sleep in The City That Never Sleeps. New York is our No. 1 most festive city for the second year in a row, dominating four out of five categories. 

Even though New York placed eighth in “Frolicking,” no other city holds a fir-scented candle to America’s most popular tourist destination. It would take a miracle on 34th Street to beat the city with the most holiday festivals, attractions, music venues, gift shops — you name it.

To rub icy elbows with your pal Jack Frost, head to Upstate New York. Syracuse, Buffalo, and Rochester are true winter wanderlands, boasting excellent walk scores and the highest average snowfalls among all 200 cities. The region already hit an icy milestone, a historic 4 feet of snow in a single day, back in November.
Where the Grinch Stole Christmas: Crowd-averse residents of several California, Florida, and Texas cities can enjoy more than one silent night this holiday season. Three cities from each of these states make up most of our bottom 10.

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Tips You Need To Know To Find The Perfect Apartment

Finding the perfect apartment is not an easy task. You need to consider your budget, the location, and what amenities are important to you. There are many things to think about when looking for a new place to live. So here are a few tips to help you find the perfect apartment for your needs.

#1 Create A Budget And Stick To It

Before you start looking for an apartment, it’s essential to create a budget that is realistic for your lifestyle and make sure you stick to it! This will prevent you from overspending on a place that is out of your price range or having to settle for something too small or not as nice as you wanted. When creating a budget, make sure to factor in the monthly rent and the additional costs associated with living in an apartment, such as utilities, parking, and pet fees.

Photo by George Becker

#2 Research The Area

Location is one of the most important factors when it comes to choosing an apartment. You should ensure that it’s close to where you work, school, or other important places you need to access often. If you have found an apartment in a specific area like mason avenue apartments, do some research online and visit the neighborhood to get a feel for what it’s like. Additionally, research the surrounding areas to ensure it is safe and has all the necessary amenities that you need.

#3 Inspect The Property In Person

Once you’ve narrowed down some potential apartments, taking a closer look at the property in person is essential. Ensure thorough inspection of the unit for any signs of damage or deferred maintenance. For example, check for any leaks, mold, or faulty wiring. Additionally, assess how much natural light there is as well as what views are visible from the windows. This will help you evaluate how comfortable the apartment would be for you to live in.

#4 Read The Lease Carefully

Before signing a lease, carefully read through it and make sure you understand all the terms. Pay attention to the length of the lease, any fees associated with breaking the lease, pet policies, and other essential details. Additionally, contact your landlord or building manager if there are any clauses in the agreement that you don’t understand so they can explain them to you.

#5 Don’t Sign Anything Until You Have All The Documentation

Once you’ve inspected the property, check to ensure the landlord has provided everything they said they would. This includes a copy of your application form, security deposit paperwork, any guarantees or warranties, and more. Take some time to read through all of these documents before signing anything!

Finding the perfect apartment takes time, effort, and research. Make sure to take advantage of all the resources available, like online resources, local newspaper classifieds, asking friends or family if they know of any openings and more. But by following these tips, you will be well on your way to finding the right place for you to call home.

Kick-Start Your Fitness Journey with Safety in Mind

Safety should be your first priority if you are interested in beginning a fitness journey. Getting fit is an amazing way to improve your quality of life, but it can also become dangerous if done incorrectly. To ensure that you stay safe and healthy while achieving your fitness goals, there are a few simple steps you can take that will help keep you on track.  

Via Pexels

Preparation 

Before starting any kind of exercise program, it’s essential to check with your doctor to make sure that it is safe for you to do so. Your doctor knows best when it comes to your individual health needs and whether or not particular exercises or activities might be off-limits for you due to any existing conditions. You may also want to consider seeing a physical therapist or personal trainer to help guide you in your fitness journey and ensure correct form.

Gear 

It’s important to ensure you have the proper gear for whatever activity you choose. 

For example, if you are running, be sure to wear supportive shoes that are designed for running. Proper shoes will not only keep your feet safe from injury, but they can also provide support and cushioning as well. 

For weight training, make sure that you have appropriate clothing and safety gear, such as gloves and belts, if necessary. Additionally, it’s important to always use mats or other protective surfaces when doing exercises on hard floors to avoid slips or falls.  

Sevenish Law bicycle accident lawyer advises investing in a helmet, knee pads, and elbow pads for added protection if you start bicycling. The company also advises that it is also essential to make sure your bike is in working order by having it inspected and repaired, if necessary, before hitting the road.  

Nutrition 

Just as important as the physical aspect of getting fit is proper nutrition. In order to achieve your goals, it’s important to fuel your body with the right nutrients in the right amounts. Eating a balanced diet that includes lean proteins, healthy fats, carbohydrates, and plenty of fruits and vegetables will help you get the vitamins and minerals needed for energy. Additionally, staying hydrated is essential for keeping muscles and joints limber during exercise.  

You can ensure that you’re getting the hydration you need while also keeping up vital supplies of minerals with the right water. Alkaline water contains amounts of minerals like calcium, potassium, magnesium, and more, all of which can become depleted as you work out. This can improve not just hydration, but things like digestion, immune system support, and even weight loss.

Rest 

It’s essential to give your body time to rest after each workout session. Overtraining can lead to fatigue or even injury if not managed properly. Make sure you allow yourself enough recovery time between workouts so that your muscles can rebuild themselves before working out again. 

Goals 

When setting goals for yourself, make sure that they are achievable within a reasonable amount of time. Starting out with unrealistic expectations can lead to disappointment and could even cause you to give up on your journey altogether. Aiming for incremental progress is better in the long run than trying to do too much too quickly. 

By following these simple steps and taking proper precautions, you can ensure that your fitness journey is safe and successful. Prioritizing safety will help you get the most out of your workouts and avoid any undue stress or injury along the way. With dedication and perseverance, you can achieve your fitness goals in a healthy, enjoyable, and safe way.

Gift Guide For Teens

I found some great gifts for teenage/college and post-college girls and boys. I am buying so many of these for my own kids. I am so excited. It is a great round-up that covers many age groups!!! Click the descriptions below to purchase or for more information….

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From Left To Right:

These Bala Weights were on both of my girls’ wish lists.

They say this game is addictive and engineered for maximum fun. Bring it on!!!

This is the Rolls Royce of toothbrushes and I’m dying for it!!!!!!!!!!

You can never go wrong with Ray Bans.

Jack Black products are a must-have for any guy in your life.

Everyone loves Patagonia…this is a great style.

Gift the gift of gorgeous waves this holiday. I love this unique hair curler…You have to see it in action.

This is a strategic family-fun game. That is said to be packed with nostalgia!!!

You also can never go wrong with Nikes.

Get the newest Sony headphones with a wireless mic. These are so great…

This has been on the list for so many years and still is the number 1 present in my book. Give yourself an at-home professional-looking blowout with this great dryer.

Lulu Lemon leggings are always high on everyone’s list…try this newer style.