Keeping your hair on.. 7 ways to protect your hair

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Years of mistreating your hair can cause permanent damage and even hair loss later on in life. By taking steps to protect your hair now you can continue to have a healthy head of hair long into old age. Here are just 7 ways that you can protect your hair from damage.

Don’t wash your hair every day

If you take a daily shower or bath, be careful of washing your hair every day with shampoo. When we wash our hair, we take out not just the dirt but some of our hair’s essential oils too. This can cause hair to become dull and weak over time. You’re better off leaving at least a day between each wash. The only exception may be if you have very oily hair in which case washing every day may not be as damaging.

Use the right shampoo and conditioner

Using shampoos and conditioners suited to your hair type can help to provide the right amount of volume and sheen to your hair. If you’ve got dry and frizzy hair, you may benefit from using more conditioner and less shampoo (there are specialist shampoos out there for curly hair that could also protect your hair more). Meanwhile if you have straight and oily hair, you may benefit from using less conditioner and more shampoo.

Comb wet, brush dry

It’s best to comb your hair when it’s wet. This can make it easier to get rid of knots and tangles. Most people comb from the root to the tip, but it can actually be more beneficial to comb the other way as it minimises tugging and therefore doesn’t damage your roots. As for brushing your hair, this is best done when it is dry. Straight and wavy hair can benefit more from brushing, whilst brushing curly hair can sometimes cause more damage than good.

Clean your brush

Hairbrushes are breeding grounds for bacteria. Every time we brush, hair and dead skin is collected on the bristles. If you never clean your hairbrush, you’re leaving all this hair and dead skin to rot. Unclean hairbrushes have been known to lead to scalp conditions such as dermatitis. Try and clean your brush regularly under a tap or shower so that you’re not putting this bacteria on your head each time you use your brush.

Use a hairdryer with a cool setting

Heat is also bad for our hair and constant exposure can cause it to become dry and brittle. When using a hairdryer, you should always use one with a cool setting and you should hold it a fair distance from your head. Drip-drying is by far the healthiest way of drying your hair, although few of us have the time to do this. Washing your hair before you go to bed could allow it time to dry naturally overnight rather than washing it in the morning.

Avoid straightening your hair too often

Straighteners apply intense heat straight to your hair, which can cause it to become very brittle when done regularly. Try to reduce the amount of times you use a straightener. It could be possible to straighten your hair using only a comb and a hairdryer after you’ve washed it. Alternatively, you could learn to live with your curls. There are lots of cool and creative ways to style curly hair such as these natural hairstyles for medium length hair. Such hairstyles can sometimes requires more maintenance, but they’re likely to be much healthier for your hair by not requiring any heat.

Wear a cap when swimming

If you regularly go swimming in a pool, it could be worth also buying yourself a swimming cap. This is due to chlorine in the water, which can be very harmful to your hair, stripping it of its natural oils and making it fragile. There are lots of other advantages to wearing a swimming cap – it can keep the hair out of your face when swimming, keep your head warm when swimming outdoors and even improve aerodynamics (if you’re interested in swimming fast). They may not be the coolest item of swimming gear, but the benefits are worth it.  

5 Smart Technology Solutions to Boost the Value of Your Home

Whether you’re planning on selling your house in the near future or not, updating it is always a must. Introducing new technologies, applying innovations and maintaining everything you already have are the only ways to ensure the highest possible value for your home. Therefore, if you too are interested in boosting the price of your house by upgrading its technology, but are unsure how to do so, here are a few ideas that might help you achieve your goals instantly.

Temperature regulation

Regulating your temperature and controlling the thermostat seem like the hardest things in the world for someone who has little or no knowledge in this area, but it doesn’t have to be. As long as you’re ready to rely on technology, things can become easier than ever in just a couple of minutes by installing a programmable thermostat.

These things have been around quite a while, but are now going through a renaissance due to the smart technology that enables them to control your indoor temperature all day long. They also adjust it in accordance with the outdoor weather conditions, thus actually saving you a considerable amount of money on a monthly basis.


Smoke detection

This is a good way to boost the value of your home, but also elevate the level of security in your living space at the same time, and that’s something every family needs, especially if they have small children. Again, smoke detectors are neither new nor particularly advanced, but these new models are much more efficient than their predecessors.

Not only do they detect absolutely all problems with smoke and poisonous Carbon monoxide, but they’re also connected to your phone and send a notification if something’s wrong, which is quite useful if you’re not at home. This technology enables you to react swiftly and prevent potential catastrophes, so get one of these detectors as soon as possible.

An all-around system

Getting separate systems that control your air conditioning, lighting, indoor temperature, TV signal and your entertainment center is quite alright, but finding an all-around solution that’s going to combine all of these into one home automation system and synchronize them all is much better. However, not everyone knows how to handle such a project on their own, so contacting someone with experience is a good idea, just to make sure everything runs smoothly.

Opting for reliable CBus installers is also going to provide you with a trustworthy installation and maintenance – getting this part of the process just right is crucial if you wish your home automation system to work properly in the future as well. Moreover, you’ll soon realize that this will help you increase the value of your home more than you’ve ever imagined!

Wireless cameras

When it comes to protecting your home against intruders, home security cameras are quite effective and work fine for a number of years. Nevertheless, you can always go a step further and update your security system by installing wireless cameras.

These are affordable and practical, yet very effective in securing your property. They neither cost too much nor is their installation and maintenance too complicated, so think about getting a set of these immediately.

Automated garage control

Now, this is the way to raise the value of your home and something that’s definitely going attract potential buyers once you start selling it. An automated garage control basically takes care of your garage door more easily and efficiently than you ever could on your own.

After all, you can never be sure whether you closed it properly or not, and since leaving the garage door open is quite dangerous nowadays, you’d better make sure it’s done right. This little device is going to help you do so and even alert you if there’s a chance of potential problems, so you can address them right away.

Of course, these aren’t the only ways to utilize technology in order to raise the price of your home – there are lots of other ideas you could explore, but these five should be your starting points. Once you realize their potential and what these gadgets can do for you, you’ll be ready to accept the power of modern technology and use it to boost your property’s value today!

 

 

 

 

House Maintenace things to do right now

With every passing year, your house will undoubtedly go through the ringer. Harsh winters, long summers with very little rain, or endless downpours. And that is just the outside. The inside of the home deals with all the foot traffic, spilt drinks, squeaking hinges, tiny patches of damp, and peeling wallpaper. There are a few maintenance items that you should take care of regularly to keep your home comfortable and safe.

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Every Spring head out and walk around the exterior of the house.

• Check all the drainages and gutters, clean them out too
• Pay attention to the brickwork are there any cracks?
• Inspect the areas which don’t see any sunlight
• Clean off any mould or mildew with a bleach solution (one-part water and one-part bleach, dampen the wall with plain water first to stop the wall absorbing)
• Check all the window fittings and if needed reseal them
• Pull out all the dead weeds, plants and shrubs out from next to the house

Biannually you should get the following things looked at either by a professional or yourself if you are comfortable to do so.

Water heaters need to have their valves tested often. Getting this checked will prevent any mineral build up or corrosion which will help guard against leaks.

Get your house deep cleaned – you can do this yourself, but a pair of fresh eyes can make it easier. Dirt, grime and dust build up quickly in places that you don’t regularly clean, like under household appliances, corners of bookcases and other large furniture that doesn’t get. This will help fend off any dangerous, or damaging mold, mildews and allergens.

Get your electrics checked. If your electrics aren’t taken care of by a professional like itselectriccharlotte.com, then you are at risk of them blowing, cutting out, and electrical fires. Electricity is a vital part of the home and keeping it well maintained is imperative.

Replace the batteries in all your smoke and carbon dioxide detectors – they don’t always sound an alarm when the battery is running out. Set a reminder to do this.

Run taps and flush toilets in unused spaces, just to keep the water flowing well.

Vacuum your refrigerator coils. Hidden away out of view, they gather dust until the point that they can no longer release heat properly. Keep them clean, and you’ll lower your energy bills and lessen the likelihood you’re going to be facing a nasty repair bill soon.

Get your HVAC seen to. Replace your air filter every 90 days, without fail. In the summer turn off water to the furnace humidifier, in Fall turn the water back on. Ensure there is always 2 feet of space around outdoor AC & heat units. Your AC unit should still be on level ground, as firm as possible, if you are in the market for a new AC as they do wear out, you can get an air conditioning replacement. Be sure to clean out the AC condensate drain with a bleach and water solution every year.

By keeping on top of these jobs, you will save money in the long run and avoid costly repairs, or be having to replace significant items in the home.  

16 years and I'd do it all again

 

 

16 years ago we stood with family and friends, those we love dearly and made vows we promised to keep in sickness ( you are the best Dr)  and in health, for better or for worst ( there have been many "worst" days) Loving you is so easy though, in you I have my heater if I ever get cold, my massager, my personal driver, the best daddy, cook, love of  my life, great provider, and my best friend.

I couldn’t ask for more with you by my side always.
 

You are everything and more then I deserve, but I am so thankful that you choose me to share life with.

 

 

 

 

You never failed to show your love for me. I just want to show you how much I love you.
 I love you.
Happy anniversary…

 

 

 

 

 

 



9 Clever Ways to Revamp Your Bedroom

Bedrooms often pass overlooked and neglected as rooms that are kept out of sight. However, as your personal sanctuary and a relaxing oasis, your bedroom should exude serenity, authenticity and your personality. With these inspiring ideas, you can design a whimsical bedroom that is truly yours.

Bid clutter goodbye

Not only can clutter make your bedroom seem messy and small, but it can disrupt the atmosphere of harmony and balance. A clean, clutter-free bedroom is far more relaxing, inspiring and enjoyable, with a distinct, chic look coming into focus. Thus, decluttering is the first step towards reinventing your bedroom and transforming it into your safe haven. A lovely bedroom design where every item has its place and purpose is the key to creating dreamy harmony.

Get in touch with nature

From fresh, colourful flowers to stunning leafy plants, nature is the most beautiful home accessory and it will truly enrich your bedroom design. It will make it brighter, fresher and more enjoyable, with a recognisable natural energy. Hanging plants are a lovely solution for a tiny bedroom while small, cute succulents can be placed on the nightstands. Dark corners will gain a completely new look when decorated with stunning patterned plants. Such a nature-inspired environment is not only stylish, but also healthy.

Light it properly

Subtle, romantic lighting will help you create a soothing, enticing ambience in your bedroom. However, keep in mind that you’ll need a bright light, too, especially if you’re an avid bedtime reader. Dimmers are a practical solution that will enable you to adjust the light depending on the mood. You should also add lovely bedside lamps, but don’t hesitate to experiment. Chic pendants are a trendy replacement for traditional lamps.

Consider wabi-sabi

If you love all things imperfect and authentic, wabi-sabi is the style for you. By embracing the beauty of imperfection, this stunning style creates a cosy, lived-in look, perfect for a dreamy bedroom. Implementing wabi-sabi in your bedroom means using flawed materials, handcrafted decorations and wrinkled fabrics that will give your bedroom a unique, cosy appeal. 

Use the bed as the focal point

Every room needs a focal point and the bed is the perfect one for your bedroom. It will be the most stunning, impactful detail in your safe haven and an exceptional design statement. To transform your bed into a focal point, you need to accentuate it. You can achieve this by opting for a custom-made bed frame design that will bring your bed into focus and create the wow effect. Combined with a stunning statement headboard and beautiful linen, your bed will exude relaxation and style. Of course, your bed should also be as comfortable as possible, so make sure that you have the best mattress; if you are shopping for a new foam mattress, you may wish to check out this Sleeping Duck vs Koala comparison article to see whether one of these could be a good option for you. 

Paint the walls for peacefulness

Repainting your walls is a simple, but always effective way to create a new enchanting look in your bedroom. A colour scheme of greens, blues and greys is a perfect choice that will create an ambience of serenity and tranquillity. However, you can also use bolder hues for an accent wall or decorative details. Dark, brooding tones, such as emerald green, deep violet and night-sky navy, are mesmerising options that bring relaxation, boldness and authenticity together.

Make it cosy and comfortable

As your relaxing oasis, your bedroom is the one place where you should be able to truly unwind and forget about the rest of the world.  Thus, an atmosphere of cosiness and comfort should dominate your safe haven. And there’s no better way to create such a look than by introducing layers of soft fabrics. Lush bedding, plush pillows, soft blankets and fuzzy area rugs are all emblems of cosiness that you should implement in your bedroom. In addition, they will provide you with a great opportunity to add a pop of colour or introduce mesmerising patterns to a subtle bedroom environment.

Add new artwork

For the finishing touch, inspiring paintings are always the best embellishment. You can use them to set up a specific theme in your bedroom or use colours from the paintings throughout your room for a cohesive look. You can simply add artwork from some other room or buy new pieces. However, if you don’t want to replace your current bedroom paintings, you can just reframe them and give them a new flair.

Reinvent old pieces

Not only is repurposing eco-friendly, but it’s also a perfect way to embrace vintage beauty or transform old pieces. If you’ve always loved a retro look, you can use antique furniture and elements to create a vintage look in your bedroom. Old suitcases can be transformed into stunning nightstands while an antique dresser can be used as a lovely vanity. This way, not only will you give your bedroom authentic character, but you’ll also make a small, but valuable contribution to the environment preservation.

Your bedroom is the one room that should feel truly yours. Thus, you should try some of these inspiring ideas and revamp your bedroom easily and creatively.

Has your family outgrown your home?

If your family has grown a lot in recent times, you might be getting to the point at which you have to accept your home is not really suitable for you anymore. It can be hard to say goodbye to a home that’s been the place where so many important and happy memories were created. But a fear of change is not something that you should ever hold you back. By embracing the new, you might be able to do better by your family and help everyone to achieve more.

Judging whether or not a change is necessary and then possibly approaching that change is tricky. There are many different ways to go about it, and we’re more than happy to help you out with it all if you’re not sure where to begin. If you scroll down and read on, you’ll learn about the signs that show you that your home is no longer adequate for your family. And you’ll also find out what to do next about that fact if you think a change is necessary.

Signs You’re Outgrowing Your Home

Storage Space Has Long Since Been Filled

Storage is a major issue for most families out there. It’s up to you to make sure that you have the storage that your family needs, but if the spaces that you have are all long since full of stuff, you're going to have a problem. That’s when your family’s possessions start spilling out to other areas of the home and making the place look messy.

Sharing is the Norm

Sharing is not a bad thing, but when it becomes the norm simply because the space you have available is not enough to accommodate each person in your family, that’s not a good sign. Your kids probably won’t want to be sharing spaces with their siblings, especially if it means sharing bedrooms and things like that. So a change might be what you all require.

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Even Simple Tasks Feel More Stressful Now

It can sometimes feel like the walls are closing in on you when your home is simply too small for all your family. It gets to the point at which even the relatively small and inconsequential things in your life can start to feel incredibly stressful when that didn’t used to be the case at all. You can’t allow simple things to make your life stressful and difficult, so this is an obvious sign that things do really need to change in your home.

It’s Hard to Find Privacy

When large families are forced to squeeze into small spaces, it can be hard for each person to feel like they have any real privacy in the home, and that’s obviously a problem. And the truth is it’s only going to become more of a problem for your family as your children grow up because they’ll want more and more privacy as they reach their adolescent years. That’s something you have to respect as well.

What to do Next

Discuss Things as a Family

It’s important that any steps you do ultimately decide to take are taken as a family unit. You don’t want to have different people with different wants and desires for your family home. Of course, people will see things differently, so that’s why it’s so important for all of the adults to get around the table and discuss the issues and priorities in a sensible kind of way. That way, you can ensure you’re all roughly on the same page before you start house hunting.

Assess the Market in Your Area

You need to have a clear idea of what the market is currently like before you actually start searching for a new home that offers you more space. This is obviously important because homes that are bigger come at a cost, and you might need to assess various markets before finding the one that offers the space you need at the right price. Resources like https://www.rumah.com/villa/dijual could assist you with all this. Just take your time to assess the market properly.

Formulate a Budget

You definitely need to have a clear budget in place if you’re going to have any chance of getting things done in a careful and prudent manner. Never start looking at houses you might want to buy until you’re 100% sure of how much money you actually have to spend. Your budget should be realistic and on the cautious side because you don’t want to plunge your family into financial difficulties further down the line.

Talk to an Estate Agent

An estate agent could be just what you need if you’re unsure about how to start your house hunt. They’ll be able to teach you more about the shape of the property market in your area and how you can make sure that you get the best deal and the right amount of space with your family. It’s a really good idea to find an agent that you can trust if it’s been a long time since you moved house and aren’t confident in going it alone.

Set Your Goals and Begin the House Hunt

When you’re ready to get started, you should set your goals and list your priorities with your partner before pushing ahead and starting the house hunt. The sooner you get going, the sooner you’ll find the home that might end up being perfect for your family. And when you finally do move in, the relief you’ll feel at not having to worry about overcrowding in your home will be pretty huge. Try to approach it in a sensible way and it’ll be done sooner rather than later.

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If your home is no longer suited to the needs of your expanding family, you need to take the opportunity to move as soon as you can. The longer you put it off, the harder it will be. And it’s more than worth doing because your whole family will eventually benefit from the bigger space you end up having access to.