Friday Favorites Linky Party Week 544

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

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…]

How To Look After Your Vulnerable Elderly Relatives

Age is an unfortunate byproduct of life. Although people may enjoy many life experiences and their physical and mental states may be good, they become more vulnerable as they age. Those around them need to look out and care for them.  They may even need to find a good care agency.   You can find home healthcare franchise to suit your needs.  They have nurses and other professionals who will come to yours or your loved one’s home and help with medical needs, physical therapy, daily hygiene, and other needs.

The COVID pandemic has truly reinforced this idea as the virus is so deadly when contracted by the elderly. People have been socially distancing from parents and grandparents in order to protect them. This has made it tough for those who have vulnerable elderly relatives.

As efforts continue worldwide to eradicate the Coronavirus, we are seeing lockdown restrictions eased in most areas. While people are being advised to keep social distance where possible, we are learning to live with the virus. Many are making concerted efforts to find time for the vulnerable people in their lives. 

If you are spending time mixing with people in the current climate, it’s crucial that you keep distance from the elderly. However, if you’ve been quarantining responsibly over the last few months and have a vulnerable relative in need, here are four ways that you can help take care of them. 

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels.

1. Become their carer

At some point, many elderly people require care assistance to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The role of a carer varies depending on the needs of the person they are tending to. It’s common for carers to cook, clean, run errands, housekeep, and provide companionship and support for someone who needs it. 

Who better to look after your loved ones than someone in their family? Organizations such as Freedomcare help you become a paid caregiver for a vulnerable family member. It allows you to devote your time to someone you care about while getting paid. In many instances, it’s just about impossible to be able to give your elderly parents the care they need. However, it may be advisable to find out whether or not your elderly loved one has ALTCS eligibility. If they are eligible, they’ll have access to the support they need for extended periods of time, or as long as they need it.

2. Help them learn about technology

In the technology era, people are becoming more reliant on electronic devices and internet services. Unfortunately, many of the older generation struggle to keep up to date with the latest technology. 

Throughout quarantine, people have been using technology to communicate socially and professionally. It has provided a fantastic outlet for many. 

Ensure that your elderly relatives don’t feel isolated by teaching them how to use computers, tablets, and smartphones. It will enable them to stay in touch with family and friends, and it could come in handy during emergencies.

3. Consider nursing homes

Sometimes older people require full-time care. As people are busy raising their families and managing their careers, it is often impossible for families to provide the diligent care that their elderly loved ones need. 

Although it may be a difficult choice to make, nursing homes are the best option to maintain older adults’ wellbeing. Their professional staff is on hand 24/7 to tend to their needs. 

Consider moving a vulnerable loved one to a nursing home for the best care available.

4. Assist them with regular tasks

Whether it’s basic home repairs or grocery shopping, regular tasks often become difficult for old people. While many elderly people enjoy being able to perform standard daily tasks from an independence point-of-view, it’s important that you know if they’re up to it. 

If your relative struggles to carry out these responsibilities, reach out, and offer to help with them. Even if this means joining them for their grocery shopping, you are offering a social outlet as well as necessary help. 

How Can I Start My Own Line of Protein Supplements? 5 Tips for Becoming a Fitness Influencer

Social media is the home to many fitness influencers. These influencers commonly shift into selling personal brands of products like protein supplements and activewear. If you’re ready to get into this space through a protein supplement brand, you’ll want to keep a few things in mind. Continue reading for five tips to become a fitness influencer and how to sell your potential products.

1. Learn how to use the platform.

If you want to use social media to reach customers, you have to take the necessary steps in understanding how to work your intended social media platform. Many influencers use Instagram. Instagram is one of the fastest-growing social media platforms to date. It has a wide variety of tools you can use, which include posts videos, stories, highlights of stories, and long segment videos called IGTV. You can use all of these features to share your workouts and diet with potential and current followers. You can also use other platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok — all of which offer live stream services to update your followers on your next moves.

2. Grow a large following.

Okay, so now that you’ve got handling your different streams of social media down, you need to start gaining some traction. Traction means gaining followers.  The popularity of Instagram and other social media platforms has made it easier to get followers, because there are now services that help you to buy Instagram followers with instant delivery.

In addition to Instagram, TikTok has emerged as a powerful platform to grow your followers and boost engagement. TikTok’s short, engaging video format allows you to connect with a broad audience quickly. To accelerate your growth on this platform, you can buy TikTok followers with instant confirmation. This can help you gain visibility faster and subsequently attract more organic followers who are interested in your content.

3. Come up with a brand.

Once you have reached your goal following, you want to begin the formulation of a new brand. By switching to another form of income like a protein supplements, you can bring in more revenue other than typical fitness influencer collaborations or ad revenue. You should spend time doing some of your research on the market comparing other proteins so you can go to manufacturers with your wants and needs. Once you’ve decided on logos, type of protein, colors, flavors, and a solid backbone on what you want to provide to customers, you’re ready for the next steps.

4. Reach out to manufacturers.

Protein powder manufacturers can help you produce high-quality protein powder. They are experts in creating a protein powder with necessary amino acids and nutritional value. Since protein powders are such high-demand products, you need to enlist the help of professional manufacturers who can be there every step of the way to create whatever kind of protein you need, like Makers Nutrition.

Some of the most common protein powder types are whey protein powders, vegan protein powders made from soy or peas, and casein protein powders. All of these supplements are widely used by those in the fitness world to get ample amounts of protein efficiently. The experts at Makers Nutrition only source the highest quality ingredients and FDA regulated guidance, so you can avoid potential hiccups along the way. No matter the formulation you desire, their protein manufacturer will get you the best flavor, custom formulation, and quality protein supplement that you’ll be thrilled to introduce to your following.

5. Go market your new product.

Now that you’ve created your protein supplement, you need to share it with the world! Your fitness influencer status will help your brand with its first sales. Dedicated followers will undoubtedly try your protein product, but you’ll also have to expand your market to others. A great way to market your new nutritional supplement is to hire live stream production services.

COLDEA’s live streaming services allow your viewers and followers to see live videos of your products unveiling. You can also use these services for taste tests of your protein, and even to share your journey in making the products. A videographer from their company can show off your new supplement in a way you never dreamed possible by using high-quality video and flawless production. In no time, you’ll have the commercial and live production for your product launch so customers will want to buy your product quickly. Now that you’ve explored some of these tips to live life as a fitness influencer, you can keep working towards your supplement creation dreams. With the help of protein manufacturers and marketing backed by your loyal following, you can continue growing your brand for years to come.

Simply Earth’s Essential Oil Recipe Box for September 2020

Disclosure: I received free products to facilitate this post.  Affiliate links are contained herein. The opinions are my own.

With August quickly drawing to a close (already?!), today I’m giving a preview of the  Simply Earth Essential Oil Recipe Box for September!  The theme for this month’s box is You Stinker!

As someone who loves using essential oils for cleaning and helping my house smell nicer, I immediately got excited for this one!

Before we take a closer look at this month’s box, here are a few quick facts about the Essential Oil Recipe Box subscription:

  • Cost is just $39 / month.
  • Each box has 4 bottles of essential oil, recipe cards to help you use your oils in fun and unique ways, plus other materials you need to make the recipes.
  • Each box is specially curated with a unique theme in mind.
  • Each box is a $150 value!
  • When you subscribe you get a cool BONUS box for FREE!
  • You also get a $40 gift card for FREE when you use my referral link and coupon code:  SSHOMEFREE

[Read more…]

Electrical Work – Why You Shouldn’t Take It On Yourself?

Writer: Alana King

Let’s be honest, how annoyed do you feel when the electricity in your house goes on the fritz? From detecting a short fuse in the fuse box to changing a light bulb that has blown, there are some things with electricity that we take to see being that of a quick fix. 

However, in our modern world, we can often take for granted what electricity can do and forget how it can also be a dangerous thing. 

Therefore, when it comes to managing the balance of this invisible source of power, here are some of the tasks that electricians do and why you should leave the majority of it to the professionals.

Live wires: 

When it comes to tasks that deal with electricity, this is one area that you shouldn’t take on yourself.

There are reasons why electricians are highly trained and also why they receive “danger allowances” for the role they perform. Live wires are, however, among those at the top of the list. 

There are risks involved when doing any means of electrical work. However, live wires are a direct risk to life, mainly depending on the voltage and charge.

It is why it is incredibly crucial that you seek out a trusted, reputable and licensed electrician upon the installation or repair of any electrical wiring. 

Incorrect installation:

While many of us may have changed a single light bulb in our lives, any major installation should be put in by those who know how to do it correctly. 

It is not just because of the wattage of the lights. Those such as downlights in a roof cavity need to be correctly spaced. 

If you or someone else put them in the wrong place, they could be too close to hazards, such as roof insulation.

The excess heat in the roof can cause the flammable material to burn, igniting a fire and causing irreparable damage or risk to life.

Electrical Outlets and Plumbing Don’t Mix:

As many of us know, electrical current and water are a dangerous and often deadly combination.

Water is a great conductor of electricity which is why, as partners, they are so hazardous. If one comes into contact with such, you are an extreme risk of electric shock or worse – electrocution. 

Therefore, even when doing a DIY renovation, you should seek out a qualified expert in each trade, as those placed too close together, especially in wet areas, can be harmful and potentially, unlawful. 

The cost to your wallet:

While I can understand a means of being frugal with home repairs, or even how D-I-Y can save you some money in the long term, electrics is one area where you should undoubtedly use those contingency savings. 

It can be part of why you set up a contingency plan from the beginning. While DIY your electrical work may sound like a money saver, there are risks, including “the risk to your pocket.”

Amateur cabling can often not be up to Australian standard and can cost you more money than the hire in the long term. Not to mention, your safety is something on which you shouldn’t put a price.  

It is best to remember, so don’t try and install the wiring or rewire your house so that you save a bit of money because you could lose it and potentially more than that. 

Conclusion:

Therefore, while you may consider a blown lightbulb or a faulty fuse to be annoying or a bit of a nuisance, it is best to remember that electrical work isn’t one you should attempt unless qualified. 

Take the best advice and use a reputable and licensed electrician every time. May you stay safe dear readers.

 

Everything You Should Know About Hurricane Resistant Glass Before Making A Large Investment On Such Costly Windows

Hurricanes are a regular phenomenon across the southern states of the U.S. and the Gulf Coast. They form in a region of the Atlantic known as Hurricane Alley, and the rising sea temperatures over the last two decades has increased hurricane activity. Most notably, the years 2017 and 2018 saw extensive destruction from hurricanes in areas of Texas, Florida, Louisiana Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. 

Hurricane windows are used extensively in these areas to prevent homes from hurricane damage and are far more effective than boarding up a home. 

Top features of hurricane impact glass that make it a top valued glass

Homes and buildings in hurricane-prone areas must meet safety codes and building specifications. Hurricane impact glass has many features and benefits for every type of glass usage in commercial buildings and homes, even those not in a hurricane zone. One of the most significant benefits is they are an investment worth making because they increase the value and security of any building. 

Even though some people believe that window glass can be made more resistant by adding a surface membrane to it, this is not as aesthetically pleasing. This type of membrane cannot offer the same protections as glass manufactured to be hurricane resistant does.  

1. Protect the interior

Hurricane impact glass can protect a home from far more than just gale-force winds and flying debris – it is resistant to winds of up to 200 mph. Normal glass breaks into shards and can fly around causing injuries, whereas this type of glass is designed to withstand impact and shatters like windshield glass. Burglars are deterred by it because it takes longer to break into a home.  

Since the interior of a home is protected from violent weather conditions and burglars, homeowners usually pay up to 45% less insurance when this type of glass is installed. 

2. Thermal resistant

Impact glass provides improved insulation and is far more energy-efficient than normal glass. It can filter up to 99% of the harmful waves of solar radiation and provides UV ray protection. This protects items from fading in interiors. The temperature within buildings and homes remains more stable, saving money on cooling and heating. 

3. Sound resistant 

Hurricane resistant glass is sound resistant and prevents noises from entering and exiting a home. It is especially popular in built-up areas with high traffic volumes. 

4. Blast resistant

Hurricane impact glass is also blast resistant. In the event of an explosion or fire in the vicinity of a home or building, the glass will not break into shards with a blast or the intense heat of a fire. 

5. Highly Durable and scratch-resistant

The durability of these glass materials makes it ideal for use in high traffic areas and is the preferred type of glass used on glass sliding doors. It is also the most scratch-resistant of all types of glass. 

6. Curbside appeal 

Homes with tempered glass windows have a gorgeous appeal from the outside. Upgrading a home with impact-resistant glass adds to its value. Commercial and residential properties gain a beautiful façade with the use of these windows and their resale value is increased. 

Hurricane glass manufacturing process

Hurricane glass is made from tempered and laminated glass, the same type of glass used for car windshields. However, the layers of glass are much thicker, and two sheets of laminated glass are bonded together using a polyvinyl butyral (PVB) membrane.

Either mechanical or chemical bonding methods can be used, but high temperature and pressure are applied to ensure the complete elimination of air bubbles. This process forms an air-tight seal.  This thin plastic membrane can vary in thickness, depending on the specifications required and the strength required.

 Even if one of the glass layers shatters, the plastic between the glass remains intact because the layer sandwiched between the glass makes it even stronger. 

Type of glass used in impact-resistant windows

Impact-resistant windows are made with two panes of laminated glass with a unique film between them. It is usually the most popular choice for impact protection. 

Insulated laminated glass can also be used to protect homes against hurricanes. The double glass is filled with gas (mostly argon) which makes it more impact resistant. Impact-resistant glass is used on the one side and secure tempered glass on the other. Insulated laminated glass is more expensive, but it is also more energy-efficient. 

The recommended thickness of impact glass window

The standard thickness of glass panes that can resist impact is 5/16 or 7/16 inch. However, the location where the panes will be installed and building specifications will determine which the ideal thickness should be. 

Commercial buildings and homes built on coastal areas, where there is a greater risk of hurricanes or gale-force winds, should consider thicker glass. It is worth noting the thickness of the panes does not always affect the amount of impact that the glass can endure. 

Where to buy the best hurricane impact glass in the U.S.A.? 

Fab Glass and Mirror is one of the top producers and suppliers of glass for hurricanes and other extreme phenomena. Made in the U.S.A., the hurricane impact glass is available in a vast variety of shapes, sizes, and thicknesses. Custom made dimensions are also available. 

For a structurally strong and aesthetically pleasing home, the installation of hurricane glass in buildings and homes offers substantial benefits – these benefits make it more affordable than most people think.

The Best Splat Mats You Can Buy

A floor is a surface, where you have maximum contact when you enter your home. It is required to maintain a clean level, as a healthy floor will help you and your family to keep fit. If you wish to keep the floor clean and healthy, mats are the best option that is to be kept under the furniture. Mats usually come in various sizes and materials. The splat mats are designed in a way to put furniture and are easy to adjust. Some of the rugs are described below.

Splat mat for a high chair furniture

The mat is made up of a qualified polyester. The rug has an anti-slip feature, due to which the furniture does not skid on the carpet. Mats are designed for the smooth texture including, cannot be bunched up plus it is easy to clean. You can easily wipe it with any cloth. The polyester is designed to protect the surface from any bacteria or germs.

Two-in-one baby waterproof mat

The floors can get scratches, once a piece of big or heavy furniture is kept over them. Two-in-one mats are suitable for hard levels, as well as have water absorb reluctantly. For the pets, these types of carpets are adequate to keep as the fur of the animals cannot stick to the mat, and it is easily removable. For an intense clean, you can put the rug in the washing machine, or you can clean it with an unused cloth.

Young ever mat

This mat looks beautiful and is perfect for keeping on the costly tiles and floors. The material is a plastic that won’t get scratched or damaged too quickly. You can cover your wooden floor with this mat, and it will remain as new as it is when made. This mat is perfect for the living room as well as for the kids playing room. You can drag your furniture on this mat in once go and not any scratch marks will remain left.

Paw legend washable mat

This mat has an anti-slid surface; therefore, the texture is perfect for the smooth surface. This mat comes in the market in two different shades. You can remove the dust or dirt with a damp cloth. This mat is also comfortable to carry from one place to the other. You can fold the carpet and can take it to the separate room in an easy go. It will make your room even more attractive.

Silicone high-chair splat mat

The mat is made up of silicone; hence it is more durable. You can use the carpet for any hard and rough surface, and this mat is capable enough to protect your floor. You are free to install it anywhere in your home. The texture of the silicone is easily swipeable. These are available in the market with various colours and patterns.

Bumpkins splat mat

This mat is exceptionally stylish. The massive and specific furniture can be kept on this mat. The beautiful design, along with a subtle texture is available at a reasonable price. The carpet has a waterproof material; hence the water does not stay for longer on the mat. In one go you can make the mat wipe with a damp cloth.

Friday Favorites Linky Party Week 543

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

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…]

7 Secrets To Use To Grow Great Hemp

There are many reasons people cite when asked why anyone would want to become a hemp farmer, but the most common response is that it is a lucrative business. With more than $20 billion sourced from the plants last year, the industry is slated to continue to grow for the foreseeable future. It is surprising to note that hemp is one of the oldest crops cultivated by humankind, it has been used for centuries for many different uses, but in recent times marijuana and hemp products are being manufactured for medicinal purposes. In this case, if you’re wanting to grow hemp for medical reasons, then it’s always a wise choice to talk to your doctor before you start to consume any alternative medications. As for the cultivation of the plant, methods for raising the plant yields have changed little over the past centuries, there are now many new ways you can utilize to improve your results.

1. Know the Laws

There are both state and federal laws that regulate farmers that grow hemp and the type of plant available for cultivation. Make sure your state has a regulatory program under submission to the USDA, or you will be required to apply for hemp farming under a federal program. Federal regulations require that hemp plants contain no more than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. This restriction separates marijuana from hemp and is strictly tested for and the limits enforced. Farmers have seen their fields burned because plants have more than the permitted limit of THC.

2. Begin Small

Growers can plant around 1,500 plants in an acre of land, and that can yield about $30,000 in profits. However, for a first-time farmer, the overhead investment for growing hemp on a larger farm can be staggering. If you want to become a farmer, secure the licenses and permits from the Department of Agriculture in your state and plant a little patch. Starting small can allow you to decide if you enjoy farming without losing a significant investment.

3. Purchase Insurance

All successful farmers find liability insurance to cover possible problems with their crops, workers, and equipment. Policies can cover general liability, crop harvests, workers’ compensation, and product liability. The insurance industry coverage for hemp and related products is relatively new, so make sure you discuss what coverage is available in your state.

4. Process the Soil

Texture, nutrients, and the pH of the soil are all critical to the health of your plants. Rich loam soil is best for promoting growth and limiting disease. Creating a soil that drains well and allows nutrients can keep the seedlings from becoming fragile or succumbing to insect damage. Adding compost and organic matter can loosen clay soil and help build sandy soil. However, beware of adding too much organic material and creating an acidic planting bed. The ideal pH level is around 7.0, but the plants can thrive between 6.0-7.5.

5. Understand the Water

Research shows that hemp plants need about 25 inches of water from seed to harvest. If your area has less rainfall than that, you will need to irrigate the growth areas. For the first six weeks, ample water supplies are required. Then smaller amounts of water are necessary until the first flowering on the plants begins, and more water is required again during the late flowering for seeds. Once the plants have reached about 25 inches in height, the hemp needs less water from then until harvest.

6. Find Seeds

You have two options when it comes to planting your field. You can use seeds or clones. The second flowering of your plants can produce seeds, and those seeds are much more reliable than trying to purchase packets from a store. You can also use clones that are cuttings from the original plants after your first harvest. Once the sections are placed in water and rooted over a period of 2 weeks, they are identical clones of the original plants.

7. Resisting Disease

As with all farm crops, diseases and insects thrive in areas repeatedly planted with the same harvests over many years. Enemies of hemp include grasshoppers, cutworms, aphids, and beetles. Although you can spray with organic preventatives, there is another way to keep the seedlings safe by using companion plants. The best pest deterrent plants are peppermint, garlic, sage, basil, and chrysanthemums. Each of these companion plants have a specific protection for roots or stalks.

Becoming a hemp farmer can be a once-in-a-lifetime roller coaster adventure, but you can succeed. For those people that are willing to work through the possible problems related to growing the plants, the money can be worth all the effort. Understanding what difficulties you may face as a farmer can be the difference between success and failure.

 

Paying for Home Remodeling Projects

If you have a remodeling project that has been on your mind for a while, you may wonder if now is the time to jump in. There are a variety of reasons why you may feel that you need to make some home improvements. Whether you are looking at a huge undertaking, such as an addition, or something more manageable, like adding a deck, upgrades to your home can benefit you both financially and mentally. You spend a great deal of time at your home, it should be a place that you love.

It can be tempting to devote much of your budget to forward-looking goals, such as retirement and college education. While having a healthy savings habit is important, so is creating a living space that meets your needs and provides enjoyment at the end of the day. When your children are ready to go to college, scholarships, grants, and federal loans will be available to help. Regardless of income or intended major, your child can use private student loans to help cover costs.

When it comes time to decide on how you will pay for your home project, you may feel stumped. You have a variety of choices, and with some planning, you will probably find that your dream remodel is not out of reach. Working with a trustworthy, experienced, and affordable contractor is a great way to keep a handle on your costs. Once you have an idea of how much the remodel will cost, you need to determine the best way to pay.

Cash

Paying for work with cash is probably the best choice if it is possible. Of course, depending on the scope of your remodel, this may not be realistic. If your first thought is that it will take too long to save before getting started, there are some things you can do to help save money a little quicker. Take a hard look at your budget. Are there some temporary cuts you can make to quickly boost your savings? No one wants to live on a tight budget indefinitely, however cutting back for a short period, when you know there is an end in sight, can allow you to free up some funds to devote to your project.

Home Equity Line of Credit

If you are ready to get started on your project today and don’t have the money you need, a home equity line of credit, or HELOC, can provide the funds you need. A HELOC allows you to take out a loan against the equity you have in your home. The interest rates are typically very favorable, and it is a quick way to get a substantial amount of money. HELOCs are a great choice for projects such as additions or pools, which are pricey but add to the value of your home.

Lower the Cost of the Remodel

Regardless of how you plan to pay for your project, one way to make it more affordable is by lowering the overall cost. If you can do some of the work on your own, you may be able to make it much more affordable. Whether this means doing some of the demolition, prep work, or finish work, talk to your contractor about ways you could make the project more affordable.