Archives for 2019

Why Is Clean Drinking Water Necessary For Your Health?

The amount of water in the world is decreasing as the explosion in population has caused unbridled use of water, and hence the sources are depleting. However, water is necessary for the survival of humanity because water other than its other applications is needed for drinking. The amount of drinkable water in the world is limited, and its availability per person is reducing day by day. This is the reason that many people are forced to drink water that is unhealthy. At the same time, tap water that is supplied in homes and commercial establishments is often sick due to the disease-causing microbes and other pollutants.

Use RO For Clean Drinking Water

RO is permanently reverse osmosis, and with this process, all of the harmful microbes are removed from the drinking water. This is the reason that you should install a sound RO system like Aquafresh in your home or commercial establishment to ensure the availability of clean and healthy drinking water. The best part is that medical professionals advise drinking a lot of water to keep the body hydrated and also to maintain the overall physical health of a person. The human body is made up of 75% water and to maintain the body, it is necessary to drink at least 5-6 liters of water every day. However, it is essential that the water should be clean so that not just disease-causing microbes, but also other pollutants and toxins are removed from the drinking water.

● Multi-Level Purification Process of RO

RO water purifiers use a multi-level purification system to make the water healthy for drinking purposes. Contaminants and pollutants are removed at different stages so that the water that you get from the RO system is entirely healthy and fit to drink. The RO purifiers can even remove impurities that are dissolved in the water like chlorine, excessive salt, and many other pollutants apart from bacteria and other microbes.

● Removes Disease-Causing Pollutants

According to studies, a child dies of the water-borne disease every 20 seconds. This is why it is necessary that the water you drink should be pure clean and safe so that you can avoid life-threatening water-borne diseases. There is a UV lamp in most RO systems that removes the

bacteria and viruses. Then again, there is the reverse osmosis process mentioned above removes other pollutants. The best part is that the excellent quality RO systems like Aquafresh RO maintain the mineral content in the water. Otherwise, most of the lower quality RO systems remove the necessary minerals from the sea, which makes the water unhealthy in another way. Minerals present in water are essential for the health of the body and drinking water without the essential minerals can be very harmful to health.

● Food Tastes Better

The impurities present in the drinking water can also mar the taste of the food that you cook in it. Using municipal or tap water is not safe and can be bad for the taste of food because it has a high level of chlorine in it. RO water improves the taste of food by removing the chlorine and other chemicals that are usually present in it. This is the reason that you should not only drink RO purified water but also cook food with it.

● Saves Money

Of course, you get bottled water, but that is expensive, and at the same time you cannot be sure of the source of the water. Nowadays, there are many cases of unscrupulous elements who take empty bottles of well-known companies and fill pure tap water in them. At the same time, bottled water is expensive; hence, you will be saving money if you opt for RO water.

● Increased demand

In this pollution ridden and highly toxic environment, water can cause many health problems. This is because the sources of water like rivers, wells, etc. are highly polluted due to the contaminants being dumped in them. Even after the water department has been through the purification process of drinking water. There are many contaminants added to it by the time it reaches your home where you drink the water. These impurities are removed by RO systems, and this is the reason that the demand for RO water purifiers has increased to a great extent.

How To Choose An RO Water Purifier?

As mentioned, the demand for RO purifiers has increased, and this is the reason that many different brands of these have come up in the market. However, as mentioned above, all of them may not

be up to the mark. This is the reason that you need to conduct some research to decide what brand of water purifier you should buy. It is an excellent idea to do some research online because most good RO purifier companies have their websites which publish their specialties. Thorough online research and also asking among your friends and colleagues will give you an idea about the RO system you should opt for.

Friday Favorites Linky Party Week 496

Please support and follow our lovely blog party hostesses:

Jerri at Simply Sweet HomeTwitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst

Lisa at Condo BluesTwitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst

Amy at A Day of Small ThingsPin

Penny at Penny’s PassionTwitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst

Kelly at Under a Texas SkyTwitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst | BL

Jennifer at Busy Being JenniferTwitter | FB | Pin | Inst

If you are featured this week, be sure and grab a featured button for your blog!

You can show your love for this week’s favorites by going over and commenting on the posts and by pinning or sharing!

And if you love all of this week’s favorites, please pin, share, and invite your friends to this week’s linky party! [Read more…]

Family Road Trip To South Carolina

Heading down south, the east coast is by far one of the best places to have a family holiday road trip. South Carolina is a little more exotic than her larger brother to the north. Neighboring Georgia and Tennessee, it’s got a classic southern charm. You can expect plenty of seafood, sunshine, humidity, tropical foliage and amazing music. The Blues of course comes from the south of America, and those that love this genre will be right at home in this amazing state. It’s got everything you would expect in a southern coast state. Palm trees, beaches, rivers and incredible wildlife. There’s also a love for nature, so you’ll find amazing parks, gardens and countryside that is cared for by the locals. Yet it’s large enough that you would want to be in full control of your adventure by driving around by yourself. Thankfully the large open roads and highways allow even a large vehicle to pass through without trouble.

You mode of transport

Family road trips come with the same risks as any other. If you’re trapped in a small space for a lot of the time when you’re traveling, people are bound to get on each other’s nerves. That’s one of the reasons why you need a vehicle that is long and wide. Exactly 24 passengers can fit into a mini bus like this. It has high back reclining seats so passengers can relax and snooze off after a long day. It’s also got a TV and DVD player so the kids can watch their shows while you travel for miles and miles on the road. There’s plenty of room for everyone’s luggage and crucially, there’s air conditioning to keep everyone cool in close quarters. 


The swamps and trees

Congaree National Park is one of the highlights of South Carolina. It’s one of those places that capture a state in every respect. The swamps and the tall trees are a hallmark of this state’s nature and landscape. One of the best reasons for coming to this park is, you can explore it without the need to ‘stay on the path’ like most other national parks demand. You can go for an adventure without being told where not to go. The forest is around 11,000 acres and thankfully most of the forest was saved from the logging explosion that really heated up in the 60s and 70s. In 1976 it was declared a national park so now, there are trees that have stood for hundreds of years, still standing intact.

 

A contemporary Carolina

It’s easy to think of southern states as a bit old fashioned and set in their ways. However the Haley Institute of Contemporary Art shatters this stereotype. Here you’ll find modern cutting edge art that will challenge the galleries in New York City and Los Angeles. A notable figure in the American Art world, Mark Sloan is the director of this amazing gallery so you can expect challenging concepts and abstract art focusing on modern day issues.

South Carolina is far more exotic than North Carolina and the amount of national parks in the state prove this. The beaches and restaurants are amazing but there’s also plenty of culture to absorb too. 

How to choose a good dentist in your area?

Oral health plays an integral role in your entire body’s overall health. Therefore, to ensure your teeth are fresh, clean, and healthy, you should visit your local dentist at least twice annually. However, finding the right dentist is quite challenging and requires a considerable amount of effort and time.  And check out these five things you need to consider when choosing a dentist.

Friendly employees 

Ensure the staff are responsive and helpful, especially if going to the dentist is something that makes you nervous. With a friendly team of employees, your dental experience is enhanced, and this makes you feel more confident to undergo routine checkups to preserve your oral health. Consequently, this improves your dental health for both your gums and teeth. This is also important to consider when you are taking your children to the dentist for the first time as it can sometimes be a scary experience, but you can learn more here about the practice and pediatric dentistry in advance to make sure your child will feel at ease. Furthermore, you should assess the dental service you get over the phone, that is, how efficient the appointment process is, and whether it makes you feel comfortable or not.

State-of-the-art technology 

The use of advanced technology is critical for the overall improvement of your oral health. Therefore, when looking for a potential, dentist, you should opt for one who not only offers you professional services but also makes use of up-to-date technology. These technologies include T-scan, digital X-rays, lasers used for gum therapy, intraoral cameras, Cosmetic Imagining, among others. Whereas these advanced technologies might appear unnecessary, they play a vital role in detecting issues with your oral health, such as gum disease.

Ask for recommendations 

Before you decide on a dentist in your area, first ask for your family, friends, co-workers, and neighbors for recommendations. Moreover, get to know everything they like about the dentist and why as this enables you to determine the ideal dentist for Holistic Dentistry USA. When it comes to dental health, most individuals are precise. Thus, asking people you trust for recommendations is one of the best ways of finding a great dentist in your locality. To maintain excellent dental health, having a good dentist is crucial as they are better placed to detect early symptoms of dental issues.

Clean office 

Before you pick a dentist, first ensure they have a clean office as this is a good indicator of their overall hygiene. Therefore, whenever, you go to the dentist’s office, pay close attention to the cleanliness of the surroundings from magazines to chairs as the same will apply for the dental equipment. If you detect any sign of untidiness, it is best to avoid the dentist as this might signal the overall hygiene is abysmal.

Convenience

You should pick a dentist located near your home or whose offices are on your way to or from work. By doing this, you will never have any issue getting to the dental offices on time either because of traffic or distance. Moreover, convenience should not just be about proximity to your home, but also the dentist’s office hours. This is because scheduling appointments with a dentist who is only available when you are working too becomes quite challenging. Thus, opt for a dentist who works late hours several days a week or during the weekend to cater to your needs. 

4 Home Security Tips for Holiday Entertainers

With the holidays just a few months away, it’s time to start preparing your home for the winter season. While you might be thinking of how you want to decorate for the holidays, you should first take care of making your home as safe as possible — especially if you plan to have holiday gatherings or are expecting family or friends to stay with you.

Here are a few home security and safety considerations to take care of before your favorite entertaining season is in full swing.

Ensure Your Yard Is Well Lit

With guests coming in and out of your home during this busy season, it is all the more important to keep pathways well lit to prevent injury. This is easy to do during the holiday season thanks to the popularity of holiday light displays, which illuminate your yard. It’s also helpful to set up pathway lighting between your street or driveway up to your home’s entrance.

If you live in an area prone to snow and harsh winter weather conditions, be sure to also keep walkways clear of snow and ice, and to have plenty of rock salt on hand to maintain safe walking surfaces.

Keep a Watchful Eye

Lots of holiday entertaining also means attending others’ holiday parties, making for a busy social calendar in December. Since you’ll be home less, and there will be plenty of holiday presents stashed inside, now is a great time to install a security camera system around the perimeter of your home. Make sure cameras are covering all of the common entry points like the front door, back door, garage and first-floor windows. There’s no need to hide them, keep all security cameras in plain sight; often, just seeing that a property is protected is enough to send burglars moving on to find an easier target.

Do Not Keep Gifts in Plain Sight

While it’s undeniably festive to keep wrapped presents under the Christmas tree, it’s best to keep gifts safely stored elsewhere when you are entertaining. While you may find all of your guests to be trustworthy, you just never know who they may bring or if uninvited guests may show up when you are hosting large gatherings.

Even if your gift aren’t stolen from under the tree, accidents happen, especially at parties where alcohol is being served. Someone could spill a drink or accidentally break a gift. Instead, keep the real gifts put away and wrap up empty boxes to place under the tree to achieve the same festive look.

Have Emergency Power Available

If winter brings a deluge of rain and snow where you live, it is prudent to invest in an emergency power source, like a gas-powered generator. The last thing you want when you have house guests is for the power to go out and then heat to go out with it. A generator can help provide a bridge until the power comes back on so that you don’t have to be without the essential creature comforts you need to stay safe inside while you ride out the storm.

Make the most of your time with family and friends this holiday season by taking your home security and safety seriously, and mitigating any risk in advance. By installing landscape lighting, adding a security camera system, keeping gifts hidden out of sight and having a backup power source in case of an emergency, you can help keep you home secure and your guests safe this holiday season.

Veggie vs. Vegan Trends

 

Assets created by: OWYN

As a mom and as someone who loves to cook, I am always interested in food and diet trends.  In the last several years, there has been a trend toward vegetarian and vegan options for our food product choices at restaurants and grocery stores, as well as available recipe content. This trend is likely going to increase as people try to avoid weight gain during lockdown and become more aware of the damage that eating meat does to the environment.  OWYN is a great source of information on diet and exercise. They recently looked at the Google search trends for the last five years on vegetarian vs going vegan.

As we look at the map, there is an apparent growing trend in searches on veganism over vegetarianism.  I think this is not only because of the growing popularity of veganism, but also because many people simply don’t know what “vegan” means.  They don’t know the difference between the two terms. (I, myself, had to look up the word “vegan” in the past, because I heard the word a lot in the media, but I really didn’t the actual meaning of it.)  Vegan has also become a growing trend, as a lot of people have grown more concerned over their health but also over animal cruelty and the environment.

Let’s compare the two. A vegetarian is a person who doesn’t eat meat but WILL eat other animal products like milk and use other products derived from animals.  A vegan, however, should abstain from not only meat, but also animal products like milk, cheese, eggs, and butter.  And a strict vegan should not use other products derived from animals, including any health and beauty products.

I think that my idea that a lot of people simply aren’t familiar with the word “vegan,” shows up in my home state of Alabama.  The upward trend on searches for vegetarian in my state is only 7%, and yet the search for vegan is 500%.  This is interesting since my state is very much a “meat eating” state, and we don’t see a lot of vegan options available here.

Another interesting state to look at is Montana.  The trend on searches for vegetarian is -43%, and the trend on searches for vegan is 180%.

I also looked at Hawaii, (simply because my stepson lives there, and I know it’s very different from the home he has known). Hawaii saw on upward trend in both vegetarian and veganism.  The upward trend for vegetarian was 84% versus 194% for vegan.

Assets created by: OWYN

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this topic.  Do you or anyone in your family eat a vegetarian or vegan diet? Do you see an upward trend toward veganism in your state?

Easy Ways to Maintain Your Swimming Pool

If you have just had a pool built in your yard or just moved and have a pool, you may be the envy of your neighbors. However, you may also be uncertain about the best ways to tend to it if this is a new experience. There are some easy ways you can maintain your swimming pool so you can get the most out of it.

Test the Water

Of course, you want to keep your swimming pool as clean as possible. To do this, you have to regularly test the water. This will keep algae, buildup and corrosion at bay. The best times to test are in the summer and winter. There are testing kits available that allow you to check for the following:

• pH, which measures the acidity and base of the water to ensure that it is just the right balance. You want the pH to be somewhere right in the middle to avoid corrosion of the pool’s surfaces, deposits and murky water. Generally, the best pH for pool water is around 7.5. The chemicals can be increased or decreased to achieve that balanced level.

• Calcium hardness, which is the amount of calcium dissolved in the water. You should aim for around 200 to 250 parts per million for concrete pools and around 175 to 225 parts per million if your pool is vinyl.

• Total alkalinity, which keeps the water’s pH balanced. You should have a total alkalinity of around 120 to 150 parts per million.

• Metals, which can stain the surface of the pool and change the color of the water. Most commonly found metals in pools are copper, iron and manganese. If they are present, you need to use a stain and scale remover to eliminate them.

Add the Right Chemicals

In order to be at its best, your swimming pool requires certain chemicals. You must add the following:

• Chlorine, which breaks down bacteria and keeps the water stabilized. You can get chlorine in various forms, such as through granules, tablets and even skimmer sticks. You should aim for 1 to 3 parts per million in your pool at all times.

• Shock treatments, which can keep the water clean and clear. Anytime someone uses the pool or debris lands in the water, there is a risk of problems like cloudy water or algae development.

• Algaecide, which can help to prevent algae from growing in the pool water. Add this after each shock treatment.

Skimming and Scrubbing the Pool

Skimming must be done regularly to keep debris out of the water. You can do this daily by hand or invest in a special robot vacuum that can do it for you. You should also scrub your pool every other week to eliminate buildup.

Maintain the Filters

Your pool’s filters have a specific purpose: to keep anything impure from the water. You should clean the pipe in the filter system around once a month. Set it to backwash, remove the filter cap and take out the basket to clean it free of debris. Once you have done that, you can turn the pump back on and run it until clear water is emitted from the pipe. Also, avoid turning the filter on and off too frequently. Set it to a timer and let it run for no less than six hours per day.  If all this maintenance seems too hard and you want to remove your swimming pool which Reverse Pools can help with and alleviate the headache of ongoing work.

Water Level

Carefully notice the water level in the pool. It should be around halfway up your skimmer’s opening. You can use your garden hose to add water if necessary. If it’s too high, you can remove excess water by using a pump that can be submerged.

If you need pool supplies to make your pool complete, visit Maple Pools for pool supplies today.

5 Best tips that will help you prepare for an asylum interview

The period prior to an asylum interview can be really stressful and intimidating. Applicants are riding an emotional roller-coaster given the importance of the whole process. Not getting documents can be really devastating both for the applicant and his/her family.

This is why preparation is half of the battle.

Like everything else that goes through people, it is very important to leave a positive impression. While asylum officers are very professional and objective, they are prepared to go an extra mile for people who really need assistance. Doing anything against this rule can only backfire. At the same time, they will also appreciate any extra work you perform that will help them determine what kind of a situation you were in. Here are some professional tips from the immigration lawyer Ruby Powers that will help you prior and during the.

· Make sure you’re honest

No matter what you do, it is very important that you’re honest throughout. Asylum officers can easily sniff a lie: they have a lot of experience in this field and they have encountered various cases. This means they can easily establish if something has gone wrong even without you telling them. In some cases, people will be ashamed of their actions and are prepared to omit information just so they don’t disclose this stuff. But, if it works for you, it is much better to provide the information. Asylum officers are usually sympathetic so they will help you out.

· Provide all information when necessary

The same way you shouldn’t lie, you also shouldn’t omit information. Even if you’re uncertain about something, it is very important to notify officers about it. If you get additional documents during the process, it is very important to hand them over as soon as possible. Officers are assessing your case based on all the data they have received. If you have some additional things that might help your case, it is much better to give them.

· Invest in an  lawyer

A Civil litigation lawyer is a quick and simple solution to your problem. Alas, like with any other profession, there are people who can do a bad job and those who will perform flawlessly. Make sure to asses all the available lawyers prior to making a decision. Check the web but also go for personal recommendations. In the end, if a lawyer helped your friends or family, he or she will also help you. Avoid those who are sitting in front of the asylum office, those who are too cheap or have bad reviews. This is something you want to invest in so make sure to go all in!

· Fill all the forms properly

This is something that shouldn’t be said but it is actually strange how many people mess up their forms. First and foremost, you need to fill all the boxes and give every information possible. As previously mentioned, asylum officers will use all this information to asses your situation and will handle the case according to that. Missing info will only prolong the whole process. If there is something you’re unsure of, ask your lawyer or some of the asylum officers to help you out.

· Get a translator

Getting a free translator is something that all asylum seekers should do. Even if your English is perfect, there are certain situations where people don’t know how to react. There might be some specific term you’re not acquainted with. A translator can also help as they can better explain a sentence. If you don’t get one, you’re fully responsible for your statements and not understanding what was asked.

Ortho-Cerv Headleveler Pillow Review

Disclosure: I received product samples to facilitate this review. The opinions are my own.

I’ve always had difficulty sleeping. It takes me forever to fall asleep. I have to have the “perfect sleep environment” for me, and I still don’t feel like I get the best quality sleep. In recent years I’ve been working on ways to get better sleep, so I was very excited when I had the chance to try the Headleveler® Pillow.

Here are just a few things that set the Headleveler Pillow apart from others:

  • Hypo-allergenic 100%
  • Washable 100%
  • Breatheable 100%
  • Personalized to fit you 100%

Headleveler’s pillows are filled with polyester fibre, commonly found in modern duvets. Each individual fibre has air chambers that are designed to capture and store air, making your pillow more resilient. Their pillows are also hypoallergenic and machine washable.

So how do they personalize the pillow to fit you?  They do it by giving you a simple quiz.  You answer questions, such as your height and weight, the type of mattress you have, type of pillow you prefer, etc.  Then it gives you a score, and that score is your pillow number.

Personally I’ve always had a thin pillow; I’m talking super thin! (I can’t even find pillows as thin as they ones I have used.)  And anytime I’ve tried thicker, fluffy pillows I usually can’t sleep on them, and I end up swapping back to my old pillow midway through the night.

When I took the headleveler quiz, my result was: The Queen Very Soft Pillow (Model #15)

Here’s the description: “For the perfect night’s sleep, based on your height, weight and sleeping preferences, we recommend a very soft pillow. Ideal for both back and side sleepers who prefer a soft, comfy support whether on your back or your side. This pillow is often used by children and those who are petite or small in stature.”

When I received the Headleveler, it looked a little thicker than what I was used to, but upon using it the first night, I was very pleased with how well I slept on it, and I’ve been using it ever since.  I found it to be very comfortable.  It is soft, but not so soft that it sinks in.  And it doesn’t elevate my head too much like a lot of thicker pillows do.  And I’ve found that it is great for both side sleeping and back sleeping.

Overall, I love the pillow. The Headleveler pillow is the first pillow I’ve succesfully been able to “switch” to in a long time without going back to my old pillow.  I love that it’s machine washable and hypo-allergenic, and I feel like a get a pretty good night’s sleep on it.  Most of all, I love how comfortable and soft it is.  I encourage you to go over and learn more about their pillows and take the quiz to find out your which pillow is best for you!

6 Tips to Increase Your Home’s Value

Remodeling because you want to make your home look lovely and feel a lot more comfortable. Find your home remodeling plan as a marketing plan or start fresh as your big project. If you are hiring architecture he is planning for you, but if you want to save cash, the first phase is to take responsibility for the project and do it for yourself. Here are some of the best tips that will help you to increase your home value even if you want to sell it:

Plan the remodeling:

Whether you’re just buying a home or living there for a while, making a plan is the best way to boost the quality of your home. If improvements are done deliberately and not on the urge, you’ll be better off. Begin slowly. It’s not a sprint, it is a marathon. If this is new to your home, get to understand it. If you’ve been there for some time now, get began. Talk about the things that you want to modify and the upgrades that you want to make. Don’t worry about arranging, just write down everything. Begin slowly. It’s not a speed competition. If this is new to your home, get to understand it. If you’ve been there for some time now, get began. Talk about the things that you want to modify and the upgrades that you want to make. Don’t worry about arranging, just write down everything. Do use pesticides to control any kind of pests such as rove pest control.

Tackle one room at a time:

How can you create energy that comes from fresh concepts when you create those changes and still be intelligent? Indulge in tackling one space at a moment. Whether it’s a straightforward paint coat or banging down a wall, you keep initiatives attainable by addressing one space at a moment. Make a list of things you’re dreaming of doing, split your list into cost-based classifications, and write down how long each project can take. What this does is assist you to achieve outcomes. If you set out to decorate a Saturday living room wall and you know what time and cash it’s going to cost, it’s going to be done.

Doors create an initial impression:

The very first impression of your home is your home’s first feeling is your door. If you cannot totally alter the door and your current door is in great condition, you should refurbish the door.

Lighting effects of paint:

In that case, buying separate painted pallets might seem counterintuitive if you are already on a deficit. If you’re on a limited budget then choose a black and white palette, it will give your house a contemporary, polished look and you’ll have the assurance that white or black will never go wrong. If you’re refurbishing to create a tiny house look larger than a cheap and lovely way to achieve that objective is to use mirrors.

Enhance your bathroom:

The bathroom is the workhorse of all the spaces in your home. Go with your wood floors in limestone or marble. If you play with the idea of granite, your bathroom table is probably lower and less costly than your window sill. This is an excellent starting point during your first granite project.

Pay down the principal on your loan:

Do not miss the money as you create all these home renovations. Your economic approach can greatly enhance your home’s value. In order to offer someone a loan that is convenient for them, many distinct credit characteristics can be added together; offer them the chance to make home changes and spend in their future.