Jerri at Simply Sweet Home

Scooting Towards Independence

March 25, 2019 Leave a Comment

Just because you’re a little less mobile than you used to be, there’s no need to think that you can’t get around and enjoy an active, full and independent lifestyle.

If you use an electric wheelchair at home, you already know how useful they are to get around your house and local vicinity, plus the convenience of having in-home power wheelchair repair at your fingertips. But if you’re looking to go further afield and cover more of a variety of terrains you might be looking to transfer to a power scooter for longer distances.

We take a look at some of the best mobility scooters on the market to help you get the very best value for money and stay on the go.

Must Haves

Before you get stuck in to the task of picking your scooter, it’s worth spending some time deciding on which features are going to be must-haves and which you could do without.

Do you need it to be lightweight and foldable, have a lighter steering mechanism or have a lot of room to store groceries and carrier bags?

Make a list of everything you’re looking for and a budget that you’d like to stay within before you start your search, to help narrow down your search parameters.

The Buzzaround Ex

This is a tough cookie and can get across even rough terrain on its heavy-duty tyres. With great suspension, a roomy basket and the ability to be disassembled and reassembled with no tools, this scooter is a great option for packing on holiday if you’re planning on doing a lot of sightseeing.

The Travel Pro Premium by Pride

This three-wheeler is mid-price in the range and is lightweight and easy to steer. It’s perfect for shorter distances over more even terrain and features great manoeuvrability in tight spaces.

It can be easily disassembled and even features a drinks holder for your coffee on the go.

Shoprider Echo 3 Wheeler

This extremely light scooter is perfect for taking with you in the car. It’s quick connect battery means it can be put together very easily and is super light to transport. At the lower end of the price range, it’s a great standby to have.

There are plenty of options out there for all manner of styles and budgets. It’s just a case of finding the scooter that gives you exactly what you need. Whether you’re planning on taking a holiday and need some mobility options or just need a little more power to get to the shops and back, just a little research will help you find exactly the model you need.

There’s no need to give up your independence just because you need a bit of extra support. Treat yourself to a device that gives you the freedom to roam and explore, whether that’s a lightweight three-wheeler or a heavy-duty all terrain scooter, get your scoot on and look forward to staying independent and free for many more years to come.

Filed Under: Home/Garden

Useful Makeup Tips

March 23, 2019 Leave a Comment

Makeup choices vary on many levels, from different shades to various textures. The type of makeup you’re looking for as a customer is unique to you. This can make shopping online for cosmetics such as blush frustrating, especially if you can’t afford to pay the top prices that the high street demands for top brands.

Buying makeup online is unique to you, whether it’s blush, eyeliner, or lip colour you’re searching for. When it comes to blush, your skin tone is the prime consideration. You’ll know that if you have fair skin, it brings with it a host of unique problems such as freckles or swift tanning on the beach. You’ll need the lightest blush shade, highlighting with something like champagne, and don’t apply too heavily.

Most women fall into the medium skin tone category, and this can be tricky to get right with blush products. You don’t want to look too pale, but you don’t want to look like a clown either. Choose rosy pink colours or perhaps deep peaches to make the most of your natural skin blend. Similarly, darker skin is a beautiful opportunity for blush so go with deep oranges or rose colours to enhance your natural skin shade. Of course, adding blush is one of the final touches, and so it is a good idea to read this contour and highlight guide by Avon if you need some assistance with the steps that come before the finishing, blush touch.

What about eyeliner? There are no “one shade fits all” solutions when it comes to eyeliner. Cosmetics have evolved over the years to better suit the individual face. In just the same way as we all wear different bronzers and lip glosses to accentuate the contours and unique features of our faces, eyeliner can be used to similar effect. If you want your eyes to stand out, you need to find the best eyeliner for your eye colour. For instance, contrasting shades are great for bringing out the natural colour of the eye and making the most of your natural beauty. So, if you have blue eyes, why not try copper shades or even gold to bring out the blue that little bit more? Similarly, using touches of blue to highlight brown eyes is an effective way of drawing attention.

The best part of it is that you have complete control over your eyeliner. If you only want to delicately enhance your lids, you can line only the water lines, or you can rim the eyes entirely with colour if you want something more striking. The choice is yours. You’ll find many top eyeliner brands when you shop for cheap makeup online from one of the reputable suppliers of big brand names.

Hopefully, you now feel more prepared next time you go makeup shopping.

Filed Under: Beauty

Friday Favorites Linky Party – Week 469

March 21, 2019 Leave a Comment

Please support and follow our lovely blog party hostesses:

Jerri at Simply Sweet Home – Twitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst

Lisa at Condo Blues – Twitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst

Amy at A Day of Small Things – Pin

Penny at Penny’s Passion – Twitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst

Kelly at Under a Texas Sky – Twitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst | BL

Jennifer at Busy Being Jennifer – Twitter | 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…]

Filed Under: Friday Favorites

Are There Hidden Hazards Lurking In Your Home?

March 19, 2019 Leave a Comment

Whilst there are some obvious hazards in the home, others can go undetected. Knowing how to spot these hazards is important if you want to keep your home a safe environment. Generally speaking, modern homes tend to be free of most of the hazards listed below – it’s older homes that can often contain the most hidden hazards due to wear and tear and old construction methods which may now be deemed dangerous. Here are some of the biggest hidden hazards that could be lurking in your home as well as how to detect them and how to eradicate them.

Carbon monoxide

Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless, highly toxic gas that claims 170 lives every year! This gas commonly escapes through vents in heating systems – usually as the result of a heating system being incorrectly fitted. Older homes that haven’t had their heating updated for a while may be more prone to carbon monoxide leaks (especially if you suspect it may have been DIYed by previous owner).

Humans cannot detect carbon monoxide with any of their senses – it’s called the ‘silent killer’ for a reason. Headaches, unusual drowsiness and nausea can be signs that your home may be poisoned. Your best defence is to get a carbon monoxide monitor fitted that can beep when a leak is detected. Most rented properties have to have these by law, whilst homeowners must take care of this responsibility themselves.

If your monitor starts beeping, you should open all the windows and leave the home immediately. You should then call an emergency gas engineer to take a look. If you can turn the gas off at the mains before leaving your home this could prevent the leak getting worse.

Radon

Radon is another invisible gas to watch out for in your home. It’s the number one cause of lung cancer in the world for non-smokers, often as the result of prolonged years of exposure. Radon is a naturally occurring gas that seeps up through the earth, usually entering homes through damaged foundations. Certain areas are more prone to radon – you can find maps online to determine if your live in a high risk area.

You can buy a radon test kit to check for this gas in your home – like carbon monoxide it cannot be detected by the human senses. If radon is detected in your home, you should take steps to install a radon reduction system in your home with the help of radon mitigation experts. Keeping your home well ventilated until this system is installed could help to lower radon levels by letting some of the gas escape.

Mold is a fungus that grows in wet and damp conditions. Many people assume that it is harmless, however breathing in spores has been linked to the development of asthma as well as more serious respiratory problems such as legionnaires disease. It’s common in older homes that may be less watertight or have less ventilation. Mold has a mossy appearance that makes it easy to detect. Whilst it can be easily cleaned off with a dry sponge, it will reappear unless measures taken to remove the cause.

Keeping your home well ventilated is the best defense against mold. This could include fitting extractor fans in rooms prone to build-ups of steam such as the kitchen and bathroom to help improve ventilation. If you have any leaks, repairing these could also help to reduce mold. A mold remediation contractor may be worth hiring for serious cases. Always wear gloves and be careful of breathing in spores when removing mold yourself.

Poor electrical wiring

In many parts of the world, certain electrical work in the home is banned unless you are licensed electrician. This is due to the many deaths caused by faulty DIY electrical wiring in homes. Just as dangerous is old wiring such as traditional knob and tube wiring, which can degrade over time. The main danger is exposed wires which can lead to fires and electrical shocks.

There are lots of danger signs of wiring problems to look out for including recurring circuit breaker trips, flickering lights, unusual buzzing sounds, burning smells from outlets and hot outlets. If you suspect any of these problems, turn off your home’s electricity at the mains and call a professional electrician. If you suspect any of these problems, turn off your home’s electricity at the mains and call and emergency electrician.

54313023 – close up of professional workman hand holding dirty paintroller

Lead paint

Lead was commonly used as an ingredient in old paint. It has long been banned in most parts of the world, however many older homes still have walls containing lead paint. Lead paint itself is not dangerous unless it starts to peel, at which point it’s possible that flecks could be breathed in or ingested (if you have pets or children it can be a serious concern). Lead is very poisonous and can lead to intellectual disability and even death.

You can buy lead test swabs to check if your walls contain lead paint. If you discover lead paint in your home, you’re best off hiring a professional to remove it.

Asbestos

Asbestos is another material that has been banned in construction due to its potential health dangers. At the time of its invention, it was heralded as a miracle material that was fire-proof, insulating and durable. Exposure to asbestos has since been linked to a deadly cancer known as mesothelioma. Asbestos generally isn’t dangerous unless disturbed – like lead paint, breathing in particles will cause poisoning, which may be the result of drilling a hole in a wall containing asbestos.

You can usually spot asbestos by its distinct fur-like appearance – it can come in many colours but is usually grey. If you suspect your home contains asbestos, you should hire an asbestos removal company to get rid of it. Never attempt to remove asbestos yourself.

However, if you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma because of asbestos in your home, it would be prudent to contact a legal expert in the area, such as a Nashville mesothelioma lawyer, who will be able to guide you through the legal process if necessary.

Sewer gas

Blockages in sewer pipes can sometimes lead to sewer gas. This is largely made of methane and has a pungent smell that you’ll recognise instantly. Breathing in sewer gas generally won’t harm you unless it’s very concentrated levels (at which point you’re unlikely to be able to stand the smell). The main danger of sewer gas is its high flammability, which could lead to a fire.

Removing sewer gas from your home involves unblocking your sewerage pipe. There are DIY remedies to this, however you may prefer to hire a plumber or home sewerage specialist that can do this for you.

Filed Under: Home/Garden

Taking Care of a Family Member at Home

March 17, 2019 Leave a Comment

The family is the basic unit of society, and it is important for each member of the family to take care of one another. For most people, their world revolves around their family, and they are giving everything to make sure that everyone would have a wonderful life. Sacrifices are also involved when it comes to the decision making that would affect everyone within a family. Whenever a family member gets sick, each member would have a special role in making sure that their sick family member would recover in a short span of time. It is also important to provide care to any family member who will be requiring special medical attention.

However, what should be done to ensure that everyone in the family would receive proper care? Here are some of the tips that the family should consider when they are providing home care for a sick family member.

1. Create a list of the things that need to be accomplished. Assign tasks to everyone, especially when it comes to providing care for a sick family member. Each family member should take a task, which might include feeding, bathing, and looking after a sick family member. Oral hygiene is also important, so be sure to consider it as well. Giving credit for those who finish their task successfully would also help encourage other family members to perform their jobs better. If you can afford it, provide rewards for those who are doing a good job.

2. Monitor your emotion and keep track of it. Try to hide your emotions and feelings to other family members to avoid discouraging them. If you wanted to release your emotions, try to lock yourself inside a room. Make it private, and try not to be seen or heard by others. It is normal to release extreme emotions during these hard times because taking care of a sick family member can be stressful.

3. If there are other family members who can look after the sick, try to provide yourself with alone time. You may need professional help and looking for a caregiver may be the perfect solution.Do not forget to tell other family members that you would like to be alone for a moment, and they will be giving you permission. Try to go outside or visit other places, and take a short break from giving care to a family member to recharge yourself. Provide this same luxury to other family members who are feeling burned out so that they could continue providing care to their loved ones.

4. While providing care to a sick family member, do not stop yourself from doing the things you like. You can actually play video games or read a book while looking after a sick family member.

5. A fast recovery requires a healthy diet. Make sure that everyone in the family is eating healthy foods, and taking their vitamins and mineral. If you are having a hard time feeding your sick family member, try using medical products like Joey Kangaroo which will make it easier to feed them. Avoid alcohol, smoking, and drugs at all cost, because it would produce negative effects and can worsen the condition of a sick family member.

6. Ask for help if you could no longer do the things alone. Everyone in the family will be more than happy to help out if someone needs assistance. Remember that tasks can be completed easier when everyone is helping one another.

7. Remember to take a rest. Sleep if you are feeling tired. You should also consider your health because it might deteriorate over time.

8. You also need to consider your limitations. If you cannot do something, try asking other family members to help you out. Balance and distribute the work that will be performed by each family member to help you accomplish more things.

9. Do everything that you can, and hope for the best. A sick family member can still recover, and everyone should not lose hope easily.

10. If you are the only one providing home care for a sick family member, try to reach out to other people who have experienced the same thing and ask for guidance. They will be more than happy to help you out, especially if you are already feeling down about the things that have happened inside your home. There are organizations that have a special team who could visit your home to help you out with your problems It might be a great opportunity for you to grab.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Dishing The Dirt On Why Your Laundry Is Never As Clean As You’d Like It

March 16, 2019 Leave a Comment

Nothing’s more frustrating than doing a load of laundry, only to find that it’s still dirty when you hang it out to dry. At the very least, this can stop you from wearing your favorite items. It can also cause issues from a health perspective if left unchecked. Not to mention that it means more work for you down the line. Putting a wash straight back in won’t even necessarily solve anything. The chances are that you’ll still see soiled clothes at the end of things. Keep on going, and you’re sure to waste endless water and detergent supplies.

If you start to notice that your washing isn’t as clean as you’d like it, then, it’s vital that you take action straight away. In reality, there are usually some pretty obvious reasons for this happening. If your fabrics have got you fed up right now, keep reading to find out what you can do about it.

Clean your washing machine

Your machine should always be your first port of call when washing goes wrong. Believe it or not, washing machines need regular washing. We aren’t just talking about when they do their thing, either. While a regular wash will clean your machine to some extent, you should dedicate yourself to this task at least once a month. The majority of modern washing machines have a setting devoted to cleaning. If yours doesn’t, merely set it on a medium wash with no clothes. By including a cup of white vinegar into the machine each time, you can keep things clean for a long time to come. Neglect this aspect of care, and it’s no wonder your clothes smell a bit funny when they come out of the thing. [Read more…]

Filed Under: cleaning

3 Benefits to Drinking Tonic Water Cocktails

March 16, 2019 Leave a Comment

Tonic water, also known as Indian water is a carbonated soft drink containing dissolved quinine, sugar along with some flavors. Quinine comes from the bark of the cinchona tree native to central and South America, some parts of the Caribbean island as well as Western Africa. The quinine present in the drink normally gives the water a slightly bitter taste. Because of the presence of quinine in the drink, it is believed to have several benefits to the body. With tonic having such an acquired taste, a fantastic great alternative is sparkling water. You may be thinking ‘are there benefits of sparkling water?’ the answer is yes, it helps Improve Digestion and your swallowing ability. But if you’re a fan of tonic, the following are 3 benefits to drinking tonic water. [Read more…]

Filed Under: drinks

Friday Favorites Linky Party – Week 468

March 14, 2019 Leave a Comment

Please support and follow our lovely blog party hostesses:

Jerri at Simply Sweet Home – Twitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst

Lisa at Condo Blues – Twitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst

Amy at A Day of Small Things – Pin

Penny at Penny’s Passion – Twitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst

Kelly at Under a Texas Sky – Twitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst | BL

Jennifer at Busy Being Jennifer – Twitter | 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…]

Filed Under: Friday Favorites

How to Apply for a Bike Loan with Zero Down Payment?

March 14, 2019 Leave a Comment

Two-wheelers are one of the most preferred vehicle choices, regardless of age or gender. While cars are also a sound investment, it is not the ideal choice for areas with high traffic like metropolitan cities. Two wheelers have the advantage of skipping this traffic and ensuring comparatively lower commute times. Moreover, a two-wheeler loan vehicle is relatively low maintenance. Here is a guide that dictates how you can apply for a zero down payment bike loan. But, before you decide to opt for a loan, make sure you meet these criteria:

The Eligibility Criteria

The minimum age to avail this type of loan can vary depending upon the type of creditor and the type of loan. If you are seeking a zero down payment loan, the minimum age requirement is 23 and a salary of above INR 20,000 per month. The loan amount secured can be anywhere between INR 3000 and INR 5 lakh.

Calculate the EMI Online Some of the best creditors will have an EMI calculator to help borrowers understand their loan amount, monthly EMI, total amount payable and tenure period in more detail. You can plan your expenses well in advance and moreover, decide whether a particular loan is feasible for your budget or not.

Application Procedure for the Loan

There are no provisions for a zero down payment bike loan. However, you can get one using funds from a personal loan.

The Personal Loan

A personal loan is a type of loan, which requires zero down payments and no collateral. However, personal loans have certain parameters that need to be approved of. They are level of income, your credit score, and credit history. If you have a great credit score, you can get instant loan approvals at the best interest rates. One of the biggest advantages of a personal

loan is that the creditor has no control over how you spend those funds. Hence, you can finance your bike using personal loans.

How to Apply for a Personal Loan?

Applying for a personal loan is very easy. You can follow these steps:

Step 1: You need to first fill the eligibility form that is available on the website of the creditor. Your eligibility will be automatically checked by the online tool.

Step 2: You must now look for various offers that are available on personal loans offered by different creditors and check whether you meet their eligibility criteria. Further, narrow down the list of options and then choose the best one based on requirement.

Step 3: You will receive an instant e-approval from the creditor.

This application is received electronically and representatives from the concerned department would get in touch with you. The status of your loan application can be further checked online or via SMS and emails.

Unfortunately, there is no zero down payment loan that you can avail directly. Hence, the best route to take is to be eligible for a personal loan first.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Tips for Good Daily Oral Hygiene

March 12, 2019 Leave a Comment

Disclosure: This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #DoMoreForYourWholeMouth #ColgatePartner #CollectiveBias ad

As a teenager I didn’t always take care of my teeth, and it resulted in cavities, pain, and a lot of extra dental work (not to mention, some high dental bills). Like a lot of people, once I became an adult dental hygiene became a priority to me, and now I’m a mom this is even more true! Not only do I want to work harder to avoid those extra dental procedure, but I wish to set a good example for my son. Today I’m going to share some tips for a good daily oral hygiene routine, which includes using Colgate Total^SF Advanced Whitening Toothpaste.

Hover over the above image to shop for great products for your oral health.

Brushing Properly

Obviously it is very important to brush your teeth twice a day. I generally brush my teeth in the morning and right before bedtime, but if you can brush immediately after meals or after eating sweet or acidic foods that is a good idea.

You should also be sure you are brushing all areas of your mouth, including the front and back of teeth, along your gum line, the inside of your cheeks, and tongue.

It is also important that you brush for 2 minutes each time you brush. Try looking at the clock when you start or finish.

Other Brushing Tips

You can also hum a tune or sing a song in your head to keep time and to help the time pass as you brush. I do this a lot! And it is very helpful. I also sing when I’m brushing my son’s teeth; it entertains him and ensures that I brush his teeth for a proper amount of time. (For him, we usually sing, “This is the way we brush our teeth.” But for myself any tune will do.)

Speaking of kids, I also make it a point to brush once a day with an “audience.” My son is like my shadow, and he thinks it is funny to see Mommy brush her teeth, so in the mornings he’s usually there to watch. It is a great way for me to set a good example and it keeps me on task.

Choosing the Right Toothpaste

I’ve always loved the Colgate brand, and I am very excited about new Colgate Total^SF. It contains stannous fluoride as a new ingredient for a whole mouth clean, protecting your teeth, tongue, cheeks, and gums. The formula helps prevent plaque, gingivitis, bad breath and tartar build-up, and it has several important benefits that I look for in a toothpaste:

Sensitivity relief
Enamel protection
Breath freshening
Whitening
Fights Tartar
Cavity prevention
Helps Prevent Plaque
Protection against Gingivitis

I’m especially happy about the benefits for sensitivity, enamel and breath. I deal with teeth sensitivity on an almost daily basis, so this is a MUST HAVE feature. Since I’m concerned with cavities and tooth loss, enamel protection is also very important. And who doesn’t want to have fresh breath?

Colgate Total^SF is a great product, and I’d definitely recommend it to you.

You can pick up Colgate Total^SF in the dental hygiene aisle at your local Walmart. Right now there’s also a great Ibotta offer for the product.

Choosing the Right Toothbrush

Every dentist I have ever had has recommended a soft bristle toothbrush. I personally love Colgate soft bristle toothbrushes. I’ve bought them for years, usually in a pack of 4. They have a sleek and simple design. They have bright colors. And most importantly, I love the style and feel of the bristles.

Flossing

Flossing is also extremely important. Tooth sensitivity often kept me from flossing properly, but now I use easy-glide or easy-slide floss, and that makes flossing way less painful! I also have a water flosser, which is a great thing and something I recommend.

Mouthwash

Rinsing with a good mouthwash after brushing is also important for getting that “whole mouth clean.” My own dentist has also recommended that I dip my toothbrush in mouthwash and brush it along my gum line for extra protection against gingivitis.

Drink Water

Drinking water is also important to your dental and overall health. I don’t drink very fast, so I like to buy the little 10 ounce bottles. I can grab one of these and drink them relatively quickly, whereas I tend to sip on the bigger bottles longer and end up not drinking as much. (I guess it’s a mental thing for me. I just have more success when drinking out of the smaller bottles.)

Our baby’s doctor also recommended to me that we drink more tap water, as it contains fluoride, another great thing for teeth. I like to throw ice into a pretty straw cup and fill that with water. Something about having a nice looking cup just makes it more enjoyable, I think.

As always I welcome your thoughts. If you have any great oral hygiene tips, I’d love for you to share them in the comments.

I also invite you to check out Colgate Total^SF Advanced Whitening Toothpaste for yourself.

Filed Under: health Tagged With: colgate, oral hygiene, teeth