In today’s constant contact, cell-phone celebrated, digital world, most people can go days or even weeks without spending any time in natural sunlight. Instead, we eat breakfast inside, or on the go, only to race to an office, filled with artificial light and plastic plants, for 8 to 10 hours a day. It’s no wonder why Americans’ mental health is suffering. Compare that hectic routine to those memorable moments when you’re able to sit quietly, let the sunshine warm your face, hear the birds, and allow nature to envelope you. While everyone longs for less stress, actually relaxing can be dauntingly stressful! However, a new study out of the United Kingdom sheds light on one way people can de-stress: bird watching. The study finds that people who watch birds from their home have lower depression, anxiety, and stress compared to those that live in less leafy areas that have fewer birds. People "felt relaxed and connected to nature when they watched birds in their garden," researchers say. These feelings increased with the level of bird feeding in the yard, they add. Specifically, the number of birds people might see was directly associated with better mental health. "This study starts to unpick the role that some key components of nature play for our mental well-being. Birds around the home and nature in general, show great promise in preventive health care, making cities healthier, happier places to live.," says lead researcher Dr. Daniel Cox from the University of Exeter. Dr. Tina Phillips, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, agrees. "Overwhelmingly, studies show that people feed birds because it makes them feel more relaxed, that it’s something they’re interested in and ultimately something that makes them feel good. "If you want to disconnect from the digital world and relieve some daily stress and anxiety, getting outside, bird watching could be the key to increasing your mindful, mental health. Since studies reveal the more birds you see, the less likely you are to be stressed and anxious, it’s important to attract as many birds as possible. The first step to attracting birds is to use an all-purpose tube feeder, which is the number one feeder choice, allowing birds to feed from multiple ports. Cole’s Wild Bird Products, Co. offers the Terrific Tube feeder, it’s made to last with state-of-the-art materials that prevent warping and discoloration and it features a "Quick Clean" removable base, so cleaning is super simple. Natural grip perch covers mimic the feel of a real branch, which encourages longer feeding times.Once you have the right feeder, you’ll need reliable seed that will bring birds to your backyard to deliver that dose of stress relief we all desire. According to Elaine Cole, President and owner of Cole’s, the quality of birdseed will determine how many feathered friends will flock to your backyard.Unlike other birdseed mixes, which typically contain cheap filler seed like milo and wheat, Cole’s selects only the top 1 to 2 percent of the highest quality seeds birds like to eat. Plus, Cole’s doesn’t add pesticides or chemicals, preferring instead to keep the seed as close to its natural state as possible."If you use inferior seed, you’re not going to like the results. Our seed is specifically formulated to attract the greatest number, variety, and species of birds. Birds are picky and birdseed matters. If you use cheap feed, they won’t hesitate look for something else they prefer. Birds are like people, give them what they like to eat and they’ll come back and bring their friends." Cole said.Since we’ve learned that the more birds we attract, the more stress-free we’ll be, it makes good sense to use the best bird feed you can buy. Cole’s Special Feeder, attracts the greatest number of wild birds than any other mix out there. Add Cole’s Blue Ribbon blend, which attracts the greatest variety of wild birds to the mix, and you’ve got the perfect prescription to help calm your anxiety and stress.At the heart of it, everyone wants less stress and anxiety. Once you start watching birds in action, they’ll engage your attention in a way that keeps you in the moment, a state that provides mental relief. Admiring their beauty, listening to their sweet song and enjoying their antics will calm your overactive mind and bring joy and renewal. For more information on top quality feed and feeders, please visit: Cole’s website. #birds #feeder #stressout #anxious #health #nature #outdoor NewsUSA - copyright free.

Want to improve your home’s value? A kitchen home improvement produces one of the top return on investments. It can add value to your home in the range of 112%. Although, a kitchen renovation can greatly increase your home value, the renovation can be quite costly ranging from $15,000 to $100,000. A good way to manage these costs is to get a good kitchen renovation estimate. When setting out to renovate, there are often hidden costs that can creep up and sink your budget. A wise idea is to create your kitchen renovation cost estimate at 15% of your home value. It can be difficult to stick to your budget and keep it under. Research, planning and a solid kitchen renovation estimate can help you to keep costs down. A good place to start is with a middle of the road estimate at about $45,000 for a $250,000 home. Adding 20% cushion to your kitchen renovation cost estimate will cover you if anything sudden arises. Items like kitchen cabinets, appliances and countertops are the highest priced in a renovation along with flooring, lighting, fixtures and hardware. Electrical, plumbing and gas add to the costs, making the kitchen renovation a much pricier change than any other room in the house. Your kitchen renovation estimate should be your guide. Everything else should be documented and added as things come up. Begin with your absolute necessities and things you cannot live without. Then move to your most desired items such as workflow in your kitchen meals when preparing meals or type of materials used for your countertops, cabinets and flooring. After that you can add in your “wish list” such as a television, computer, kitchen nook, bay window, etc. A kitchen renovation cost estimate can and should include everything at first with your cushion. Keep a separate spreadsheet of items you would like to add and add them if you can. Another thing to take into consideration in your kitchen renovation estimate is your family size, your entertainment style, your frequent guests and your work station for food preparation. If you have a large family you will want to have enough space in the kitchen. If you entertain a lot, a big table with lots of counter space is nice. If you love to cook and cook a lot, design your kitchen with appliances that are strategically placed for optimum production. A refrigerator all the way across the room from the sink or counter tops makes for repeated trips and unnecessary steps. It can be costly when moving appliances adding to plumbing and gas costs plus electricity, but it can be well worth it. The kitchen renovation cost estimate tracks all of this for you and makes it easy to see whether you really want those granite countertops versus stainless steel appliances, whether you want to move the refrigerator closer to the sink and counters, or whether you must have that television and couch in the kitchen. Whatever makes you happy and is cost effective is what you should do. Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com About the author: Pieter West travels the world on a regular basis and have written about numerous subjects. He has an extensive knowledge about, finances, DIY, parenting advice and many more subjects. #kitchen #renovation #cost #estimate

Kitchen Renovation is a valuable and tough project to begin. Kitchen renovation can increase the value of your home. Kitchen renovation also brings freshness into your life. Kitchen is an area where you prepare and serve the meals for your family. You keep many food items in the kitchen so it is better to make it beautiful and hygienic places.Kitchen is hub of your home. Kitchen Renovation is a valuable and tough project to begin. Kitchen renovation can increase the value of your home. Kitchen renovation also brings freshness into your life. Kitchen is an area where you prepare and serve the meals for your family. You keep many food items in the kitchen so it is better to make it beautiful and hygienic places.Kitchen is hub of your home. You can make it more comfortable and up to date by renovate it. If you want to give a stylish and modern look to your kitchen, then it is important to add lights and space. Modern kitchens have light colored cabinetry, stainless steel surfaces and recessed lightning affects and appliances. Proper and bright lightning can give your kitchen a brighter and large look. You can also include beautiful designs on the doors and drawer hardware. Always give your kitchen a smooth look don’t full it with things. Always choose matching color appliance with the rest of your kitchen. Flooring is also an important element. You can use wood flooring, marble flooring to give an elegant look to your kitchen. Wood flooring is more expensive than marble flooring. Before choosing your kitchen style, it is better to take advice from other home owners or industry experts. You can also see the descriptions of many kitchens on the internet. Choose your favorite design of the kitchen and read the facts about it on internet. Always leave the space in kitchen for the working. Most of the time we do cooking or other works in kitchen so we need big space for the cooking purpose. You can also choose different height level counters which suits your family members. It is also important to leave large apace for the storage. The latest kitchens look beautiful and stylish but always choose a top quality material for your kitchen which you often use. If your kitchen has a large space, you can use wall ovens and cook top ranges. It is better for you to design a kitchen with your wants and lifestyle. Kitchens renovations are expensive and unreserved. Kitchen renovation is very time consuming. You need too much time for the kitchen renovation purpose. Always choose branded materials and appliances for your kitchen which are long lasting. There are many countertops available in the markets. Always choose the counter tops which suit your needs and liking. The most widely used counter tops all over the world are granite, marble, concrete and slate. These materials are expensive but highly durable. These counter tops can bear the heavy workload experienced easily in every kitchen. Flooring is an important part of kitchen. Vinyl flooring is very popular kitchen flooring and vinyl flooring is also economical option for you. Expensive and attractive floorings are out of tile, bamboo or cork. There are various kinds of flooring are available in the markets. Before choosing any flooring material, research properly for flooring material which suits your liking and needs. A look of kitchen represents its owner’s taste. Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com #kitchen #renovation #floor #marble #granite #countertop #bamboo #lighting #island

Buying a home in Indiana or Washington can be out of reach for many. The huge down payments and high interests that aspiring home owners would need to pay can easily scare almost anyone. For high-earning families, this wouldn’t be a big hassle, but for the low to medium-earning households, this move is just has too big of. That is why the United States Department of Agriculture introduced USDA Home Loans Washington and in Indiana. These loans have helped thousands of families and millions of individuals buy a home of their own – and that could include you. If you’re interested applying for one, here’s what you need to know about this type of loan. What are USDA Loans? A program signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in April of 1935, establishing the USDA has paved the way for the USDA Home Loans Program to come to fruition. USDA loans are mortgages for people wanting to buy homes in rural areas with absolutely zero down payment required. Rural areas in this loan’s definition is loose and can mean that huge parts of some states can be considered rural. So, if you’re planning to live in the basketball-loving state of Indiana or in “The Evergreen State” anytime soon, then a USDA loan is just right for you. Are you eligible for USDA loans? The USDA has given requirement and eligibility guidelines for everyone that wants to apply for it. The requirements for you to qualify are the following: You must be a U.S. resident, non-citizen national or Qualified Alien. The property financed by this loan must be located in one of the USDA designated areas (within area that is defined as rural by the USDA). Guidelines for more details are put up to determine if the property fits. If you want to know more about it, consult counsellors from the Federal Home Loan Centers. The house bought using this loan must be used as a primary home. No second residences or vacation houses of any kind. Decent credit history, to prove that you can repay the loan conveniently. Your household’s income should not exceed 115% of the AMI (area median income). If you’re self-employed, you’re still approvable by the USDA, given that you should be able to provide the necessary documents for proof. How to do I find these loans? Whether your plan is to take a USDA Home Loans Washington or a USDA Home Loans Indiana, the way to get one is just about the same. Simply search for USDA Home Loans Indiana or Washington online and you’ll be able to directly find a lender that can help you. Talk to them, asses their services, and simply follow through with their instructions on the whole process. When you do so, in a couple years’ time, you’ll be enjoying living in dream home and state. Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com About: To help you with getting USDA Home Loans Washington, visit USDAHomeLoans’ website. Also go to USDAHomeLoans if you’re looking for help with USDA Home Loans Indiana. #home #loan #usda #washington #indiana

Come April, we’re looking at the start of peak home buying season – the four months that generally account for more than 40 percent of annual housing transactions. The reasons are pretty obvious: The weather is (cross your fingers) nicer, the holidays are a distant memory, and families with kids prefer to relocate before the start of a new school year. So if you’re eager to sell – or just want to make some changes to test reactions – now’s the time to save yourself some grief by learning which upgrades increase your house’s value in potential buyers’ eyes and which leave them stone cold. And while you’re at it, never forget the first rule of upgrades, according to Remodeling magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report for 2019: "Think like a real-estate broker." Read on to see why that includes focusing heavily on "curb appeal" and "first impressions." * Worth it: a new garage door. It ranked first on the magazine’s list of projects, with a 97.5 percent return on investment thanks in part to its relatively low cost. And for anyone who ever doubted that everything is pricier in New York City, that same high-tensile-strength steel door with windows costs $426 more there than the national average of $3,611. * Not worth it: upscale bathroom remodeling. Want an easy way to save $60,000 or so? Don’t – repeat, don’t – spend it on installing the whirlpool tub, heated towel bars, and stone countertops of your dreams.Why? Because they’re your dreams. And as Remodeling magazine notes, "Because of the vast differences in aesthetic tastes, one person’s elegant new bath will be viewed by a range of other prospective buyers as "tacky and outdated and in desperate need of a reset." * Worth it: a bigger rug. Going bigger is actually a trick some real estate moguls have been known to use. Since the living room is likely the first interior part of the house buyers will see – and, remember, first impressions matter – bet on them extrapolating from it to guesstimate the entire size of the house.Ergo, since the goal is to make the room seem more spacious …At least some buyers will judge the size of a room based on the size of the rug.A nice Oriental one perhaps? * Not worth it: a midrange backyard patio. It’s in the backyard, right? – emphasis on "back." Which explains why it only garnered a 55.2 percent return on investment. * Worth it: a new roof. "Buyers pay a premium for one already in place," Credit.com has observed.No kidding. In fact, given that it’s such a prominent part of the house, you might call the roof the ultimate curb enhancer: If buyers like what they see, you’re halfway home; if they don’t, they may look for even more things to hate and certainly won’t be quick to open their wallets.Or, as Remodeling magazine says about curb appeal: "The impact these impressions make is critical in setting the stage for what a buyer is willing to pay for a home."If your roof needs replacing, check out the best-selling Timberline roofing shingle line from GAF (gaf.com), North America’s largest roofing manufacturer. The shingles have the look of luxury at a very affordable price.And remember: Don’t be afraid to use a new roof as the "negotiating tool" with buyers that Credit.com says it is. * Not worth it: a major upscale kitchen remodel. Another of those "differences in aesthetic tastes" issues. Better off to stick to repainting the walls or resurfacing cabinets, if need be. NewsUSA – Sponsored by GAF - copyright free.

If you’re able to use a whole room as a workspace, it can be outfitted fully with custom built-ins and decorated in appropriate style. Lisa Michael Interiors juxtaposes crisp white-painted hardwood cabinetry with navy-blue nautically inspired wallpaper and accessories in this shipshape Boca Raton home office. FRESH & MINIMAL Photograph: Rebecca McAlpinIn. A Philadelphia house, designer Mel McDaniel uses three beech desktops, purchased at a local big-box store, to turn an alcove into a simple but effective workspace for two people. Vintage chairs, painted white, and a pair of residential table lamps complete the homey yet professional look. OFFICE IN A CLOSET Photograph: Alan Tansey. For many homeowners, finding sufficient space for a dedicated office is a problem. One solution, even in a small apartment, is to transform a closet with hardwood built-ins. Michael K Chen Architecture shows how it’s done with this admirably compact yet surprisingly roomy example in a New York loft. Photograph: Paul Barnaby. If you live in a multistory house, you may have a dark space under the stairs that could be made to look and function better. In Los Angeles, Hamilton Architects transform one such triangle into a bright home office with a built-in hardwood desk and a strategically placed window. Photograph: Eric Roth. As Hutker Architects and designer Kathleen Walsh demonstrate in this farmhouse on Martha’s Vineyard, the height-challenged space under the eaves in an attic can be the ideal spot for a substantial work surface. Dormer windows bathe the custom oak-and-steel desking with daylight while also providing a view. THE FULLY FITTED OFFICE Photograph: Jessica Glynn (Photography @jessglynnphotoIf). You’re able to use a whole room as a workspace, it can be outfitted fully with custom built-ins and decorated in appropriate style. Lisa Michael Interiors juxtaposes crisp white-painted hardwood cabinetry with navy-blue nautically inspired wallpaper and accessories in this shipshape Boca Raton home office. Source: NewsUSA Visit www.hardwoodinfo.com for more about putting American hardwoods to work in your home.

Awnings, or overhangs, are a class of their own when it comes to providing shade. Designed primarily to shelter windows and sides of buildings from the elements from the heat of the sun, excessive gusts of wind, and torrential downpours-these functional, yet fashionable al fresco accessories come in a variety of shapes and sizes, as well as different material compositions. Whether metal or aluminium, vinyl, or one of the dozen or so fabric types, awnings have acquired a well-deserved niche among the different shades that most of us employ to complement our homes and places of business. Awnings are much more preferable to canopies and tents, for instance, when the area is against a structure or on the side of a building. This is because of two things: first, having an awning is structurally more sound compared to a canopy because it is attached to the wall or a concrete structure; and second, it only requires half the framing of a traditional canopy, which saves space and eases installation. Fabric awnings, in particular, are superior to the other types depending on the environmental conditions in their area of use. Generally, they are the most versatile type and can handle multiple situations. The most noteworthy advantages of fabric awnings include: Easy setup - Metal and aluminium variants are cumbersome to install, and their retractable versions, hard to operate. The setup time is considerably shorter for fabric awnings. Affordability - Because they are made of cost-efficient fabrics, rather than plastic like vinyl or metal like aluminium, fabric awnings have a much higher cost-efficiency ratio than the others. Prettier - Fabric awnings have a much wider design variety than the other types, offering aesthetics that compliment almost any type of home or business. One of the chosen expert installations of fabric awnings can be found by experienced manufacturers and providers, specialize in a number of exterior blinds and awnings, canvas awnings, sail awnings canopies cairns, canvas blinds, and outdoor awnings that can be individually tailored to your specific requirement. With an array of different fabrics available from the traditional canvas look to the more stylish woven mesh or clear PVC shade can create a look in a myriad of colour choices to blend and compliment your house design and colour scheme. Whether you are looking for a geared tracked system on an existing verandah or patio, café style rope and pulley, simple spring loaded pull down or the more traditional awning on arms, find a shade sails provider which can advise you on an awnings solution to satisfy your needs. Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Mae_Cortezano/2462106 #awnings #outdoor #improvement

Fall is the perfect time to clean up the yard and make sure your siding, deck and lawn are ready for the long cold winter months. Have you installed a brand new deck recently? It may look beautiful now, but if it's not maintained properly, it may start to fade over time. Here are some ways to maintain your deck. Autumn is the perfect time for washing and sealing. If you missed this step in the Spring, it's best to do it now before you wait until the new year. You need to do it while the temperature is still warm enough to avoid frost issues. If you have shrubs or greenery growing around your deck, make sure they get a proper trimming. This will ensure no root overgrow will happen and cause damage to your deck. If you are also experiencing foliage falling on your deck, you could even trim some branches away to help reduce the debris piling up in the edges. The standard rule is trim trees and shrubs at least twelve inches away from your deck so that there is no issue of mold or rot. Inspect your deck for any signs of damage. It's always a good idea to repair any damage before the winter months to avoid any further issues or longer term damage. This could lead to an expensive repair in the spring. Take a look at the edges for any signs of discoloration, wet spots or rot. Make sure to pay special attention to the stairs. The wood should never be soft. If you spot any spaces that are experiencing rot, they should be removed and treated accordingly. If you see large areas of rotting spots, it may be time to call in a professional to take a look for you. Don't forget to check underneath the deck as well. If your framing is attached to your house, pay special attention to the ledger to ensure there is no damage. Make sure that it's attached with screws, not nails. The next step would be to check the beams and all the joints and hardware. If anything is rusting away or rotted, they should be replaced. If you are seeing nail pops or extensive damage like sideways screws, it'd be best to contact a professional deck repair company rather than trying to solve this issue yourself. The frame should never be easy to move. It should be stiff and property reinforced. If there is rot or it's wobbly at all, then it needs to be taken care of before winter comes. All the weight of the snow will contribute to further damage. The last steps for fall maintenance checks would be to check for rotten or wobbly boards. They should be reinforced with more screws, or replaced depending on the extent of the damage. In order to maintain and preserve your deck for years to come, make sure you follow these tips. It's better to be preventative than try to fix a larger and more costly mistake down the road. Professional Deck Installation in Calgary: https://www.projectlandscape.ca/residential-services/ Need a New Deck? https://www.projectlandscape.ca/residential-services/decks-fences-wood-structures/ Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Lark_A._Miller/551185 #deck #patio #outdoor #tips

From your hard earned money, you have been saving from the day you started working, you are finally capable of planning the construction of your home. But, as you have a set budget and specific demands, you certainly do not want any builder to play with your time, money and emotion. Therefore, it would be better to walk on the safe side, clarify all the doubts about the local builders. While you plan to hire them, arrange for an interview and ask them about the doubts and concerns you have. Some of those doubts which you must clarify from your builder are mentioned below. 10 doubts to clarify: Check Certificate of Insurance: If he is insured, you will not have to bear the liability and compensation if something happens to him while working on site. Make sure you look for the certificate. How many years he has given to this industry? If you have to choose anyone from the list of recommended builders, make sure you ask them this question. It will reveal how expert your builder would be. More the time, more will be the experience and ultimately, you will get the best work! Does he agree on monthly updates on the completed construction? As you would pay the money, you have the right to be informed about the completion of the construction every month. Therefore, ask your builder beforehand to keep you updated during the construction. Does he agree to show his contracting license? Every city, every county, and every state have a different set of construction parameters to be followed to obtain a license. So, if the builder is a genuine one, he must have the proper license to work in the industry. You must verify the license. Does he provide you a warranty? If the chosen builder did not perform well and shown poor workmanship, then you are liable to get it corrected without paying any extra amount. It is your right and warranty is the term that protects it. Does he provide site clean up after construction? There are many recommended local builders, who have the site clean service in the checklist. Make sure you also clear your doubts before hiring one of them. Does he produce the estimated cost in-written? So, that the builder does not overcharge you in the name of hidden fees, make sure you clear the doubt about the estimated cost. It will safeguard you in future. Does he store the material and equipment in your home? It happens that most of the builders tend to store the materials and tools in your home at the end of each working day. You must clear this with the builder so that no future ruckus is experienced. Does he demand full payment at one time? No one should clear the total amount of construction in one go. You can give him upfront and schedule the payment according to the step by step completion of the construction project. Does he provide any compensation if a delay occurs? If any sort of delay occurs in the completion of the project, would the builder be liable for providing the compensation? If the builder says 'yes,' ask things in writing. You must clear all your doubts regarding these points so that the builder won't deny later. Mark Trescothic is an editor in Content & Communication. He has given his key contribution in construction related topics. He spent years in writing content for construction firms and tradesmen. Post your requirement at Bag a Builder and hire recommended local builders in few clicks. Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Mark_Trescothic/2495368 #builder #contractor #material #equipment #tools #warranty #license #construction

These days, we have been dealing with a new variant of COVID-19 called the Delta variant. Therefore, schools have been looking for new strategies in order to ensure both students and teachers remain protected against the pandemic. Although there are a lot of strategies, the best strategy is to go for good air purifiers and get them installed in each classroom. According to a new study from the CDC, devices that contain HEPA filters are more effective against the transmission of COVID-19. In this article, we can help you go for the best air purifiers for classrooms. 1. Which of the units should you go for? As said above, if you want to opt for the best units for educational institutes, experts recommend that you go for one that features HEPA filters. As a matter of fact, this type of unit is highly effective when it comes to filtering out particles of coronavirus. Therefore, these units are the best choice for classrooms and schools. Besides, exports don't recommend units with additional add-ons like ionizers and UV lights. The problem is that these add-ons make these units more expensive. Therefore, they are not an ideal choice. 2. Are Medical Grade units any good? As for as medical-grade devices are concerned, they are nothing but a marketing gimmick. All you need to do is go for a reliable HEPA filter based units. 3. How to opt for the Best Air Purifier Model? If you want to go for the right size, we suggest that you take a look at the CADR rating of the device. Ideally, the minimum air exchange rate of the unit has to be at least five for classrooms. So, you need to consider this factor when looking for the best unit. For example, you can go for a unit that features a CADR rating of at least 585 cubic m/hour. If you have a standard classroom with 400sqft of floor area and 8ft of ceiling height, you can go for the unit mentioned above. Go for Olansi Air Purifiers If you go for Olansi air purifiers, you can protect your students against the harmful effect of the coronavirus. The good thing about these units is that they don't make a lot of noise and effectively eliminate most of the particles from your indoor air. They contain powerful HEPA filters that can filter out 99.99% of particles. Therefore, they can be a great addition to your domestic air purification systems. The price of these units is also quite fair. Long story short, it is a great idea to install a good air purifier in your classrooms if you want to be on the safe side. These units can help your students stay safe against the new Delta variant of the coronavirus. Hopefully, these tips will help you get your hands on one of the most reliable units for your classrooms. An Olansi air purifier offers extensive protection against the coronavirus. So, you can know more about these units at https://www.olansivn.com/air-purifiers.html. Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/James_Yuan/2905567 #olansi #airpurifier #comfort #air

The bathroom is where we go and clean ourselves and it goes without saying that it should always be kept clean and tidy. But admit it - scrubbing the bathroom isn't exactly a favorite when it comes to house chores. But bathroom cleaning can be done quickly if you follow a few techniques and use the right tools. Follow these simple but effective bathroom cleaning tips and tricks: Clean your shower with vinegar For a cheap yet effective way to keep your shower tiles clean and grime-free, use white vinegar. All you have to do is heat some in the microwave, spray it on the tiles while it's hot then use a scrub brush to remove the dirt. You can add 1 tablespoon of dish soap to mask the smell if it bothers you. Remove mold or mildew with bleach Mildew builds up on bathroom surfaces over time. It's common and can be rid of quickly. To make an effective yet inexpensive mold-busting cleaner, mix together 1/4 cup of bleach with 6 cups of warm water. Use a clean dish brush to scrub the walls and rinse thoroughly with water. Use baking soda to get rid of mold stains Sometimes, even after cleaning your bathroom, some mold stains will remain. Get rid of these stubborn stains by making a baking soda paste. Cover the stains with the paste and let it stay for 3-4 hours and it should be gone! Rinse with water afterwards. Cleanse your drain with baking soda and vinegar That's right, baking soda and vinegar are here to save the day again. If your bathroom drain is emitting an unpleasant smell, get rid of the odor by mixing 1 cup of baking soda and 2 cups of white vinegar. Pour the mixture down the drain and it should break up grease that has congealed. After half an hour, flush it out with hot water. Replace your scrub with a dryer sheet to remove soap scum Soap residue on your tub or shower can be stubborn and hard to remove. Ditch the scrub and go for a dryer sheet. Just add a few drop of water and gently rub the soap scum away. You can also use a dryer sheet to bring back the shine of your faucets and other chrome fixtures in the bathroom! Try these amazing bathroom cleaning tips and tricks and you'll be glad you did! Anthony Hanson is a home and lifestyle blogger from Chicago. He likes to share his take on the latest in home decor, fashion and modern life in general. He recently launched a lifestyle brand he co-owns, The Velvet Nook. Article Source: https://EzineArticles.com/expert/Anthony_Hanson/2882393 #cleaning #tips #vinegar #brush #bathroom #sink #shower

When building a new home, adding on an extension or even just a simple remodel within your home, you should always consider your local environment to maximize the efficiency of every aspect of your project. There are four main areas that need to be focused on when planning your building project. They include: - water - energy - building materials Each of these areas contain specific products and methods that can really benefit your home lifestyle and increase the capital on your house to. The first area to cover is water, which may or may not be relevant to your project. However, where ever there is plumbing or an outside wall where gutters can be fixed the optimal water conservation methods should be utilized where possible. There are many interior products that can really help to reduce water wastage and improve efficiency which include: - water saving taps - water efficient shower heads - composting toilets - water diverters (diverters which hold the water while the hot water reaches your tap to save wasting all that water whilst waiting for the hot water to arrive) Furthermore, by installing a Greywater system you can use all the water that usually runs down your drain, on your garden or lawn. For the exterior, high quality gutters and water storage devices such as water tanks are ideal for harvesting hundreds of litres of water that can be used for a variety of applications. A strong water budget mixed with an overall highly efficient water system can save you heaps of money on water bills and reduce the impact on your local catchment system. The second part of this article focuses on energy. Most people immediately think solar and then think "I can't afford it!" but there is much more that can be done to improve the efficiency of the energy usage in your home. If you are doing large scale renovations, the position of your home / room in regards to sun direction is vitally important. A north-south facing house is much more energy efficient in terms of temperature control as the sun has less direct focus on the rooms. Many different products exist to generate energy or improve the energy usage and overall efficiency of your home. Some of these include: - a solar panel system, either stand alone, grid connect or hybrid with wind turbines to generate electricity - high quality insulation, including batts and foil boards - solar hot water systems - ventilation and extraction fans - energy efficient appliances and white goods - lighting, including CFL's (compact fluorescent lamp) - hydronic heating - air conditioners with inverter technology All of these products will either generate free electricity, use much less energy than other products on the market, or control the temperature of your home to save on running costs to maintain comfort. Building materials is another important consideration when starting your project. Many materials have good qualities, while others can contain harmful chemicals which can be dangerous for your health. Knowing all these risks is almost impossible, but there are certain things to look for when making these decisions. - Use as much untreated materials as possible. Most treated materials use very harsh chemicals which contain volatile organic compounds (VOC's) and formaldehyde. Over time, these compounds break down and become part of your indoor breathing space. - These VOC's can also be found in conventional paints and finishes. Always ask your supplier for brands which use little or no VOC's in their products. - Concrete that contains high levels of flyash are much better for the environment and lower the use of the toxic concrete powder in construction - Conventional termite control utilizes the harshest of all chemicals and can be extremely carcinogenic. However, there are many new products that can remove termite problems without the use of harmful chemicals. Always ask your provider about their environmental policy and research the chemical they use - Many insulation companies still use the resin based fiberglass insulation which contains high levels of formaldehyde and are damaging to your health. Look for insulation that is glass wool or made from cellulose fibre is your best bet for your families health and the environments. - Double glazed windows and the utilization of roller shutters and blinds is the best way to reduce heat build up within your home. - Straw Bale and Compressed earth homes are becoming more and more popular due to their constant interior comfort levels, and no they don't look like "mud huts", in fact, they are fast becoming a distinguished and stylish home design - Finally, cabinets and draws often use the cheap particle board over the solid wood varieties to save money. However, the particle board contains formaldehyde to bind the particles together. Building and home improvement can be very satisfying when the job is complete. However, it becomes even better if taking into consideration these factors mentioned above to make your home comfortable all year round for you and your family. Author Bio Environmental Scientist, Rob Barton author of "The Sustainable Path" showcases sustainable products and services at www.onlife.com.au Article Source: http://www.ArticleGeek.com #green #eco #improvement #energy #building #saving #water #electric #plumbing #comfort #strawbale #environment