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I’m a Mom With ADHD: Here is How I Manage

July 12, 2022 by

  

Growing up in the 1990s, you probably heard about ADHD in passing. It was a diagnosis almost always assigned to boys, treated with stimulants and surrounded by a negative stigma as with most mental health conditions. For a long time, it was thought to be a condition of childhood that we would outgrow as we reached adulthood. An expanded understanding of ADHD teaches us that it couldn’t be further from the truth. 

New studies have found that if one or more children are diagnosed with ADHD, it’s highly likely that at least one parent also lives with the condition. Contrary to popular belief, Dad does not always carry those genetics. I’m a mom with ADHD. If you’re in the same boat, here’s how I manage. 

ADHD Looks Different in Girls

We tend to picture an ADHD diagnosis as a young child who can’t sit still in class and who struggles with focus and might not do well in school because of it. These symptoms might be typical of ADHD in boys, but in girls, they can present entirely differently. Rather than being hyperactive like their male counterparts, ADHD presents as being inattentive. We spend time daydreaming and might have trouble paying attention, but since we lack the titular hyperactivity often used to diagnose ADHD, we are often overlooked as children. 

Girls with ADHD are also more likely to be diagnosed with anxiety or depression. They may struggle with self-esteem and have a higher chance of turning to self-harm. 

How I Manage With My ADHD

Managing as an adult with ADHD isn’t easy, but once you know what you’re up against, it’s easier to craft a plan of attack. Here are a few things that have worked well to help me manage my ADHD. 

Building a Routine

I get it — life can be downright chaotic at times. When you’re managing calendars for multiple people and may need to develop the ability to teleport to make sure everyone makes it to school, work, appointments, rehearsals and practices on time, setting up a routine might seem like an impossible task. In reality, having my routine in place has been a lifesaver for managing my ADHD. 

I have a list of things I need to accomplish to start my day correctly. They might not have to happen in the same order or at the same time, but I need to complete all these tasks before I can jump into any other tasks. The same goes for my evening routine. I must complete these tasks before I can wind down for the night. If you don’t already have a routine in place, start by taking small steps. Adopt one new task at a time. Trying to change too much about your routine could be overwhelming. 

Break Down Tasks Into Manageable Bites

How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. If you’re trying to tackle a huge job, start by breaking it down into more manageable steps. For example, let’s say that Sunday is your chore day. You’ve got a list of things you need to do on Sunday because you work the rest of the week and it’s your only day off. Trying to take on the entire list can be incredibly overwhelming. For someone with ADHD, getting overwhelmed can lead to shutting down. You’ve got so much to do that you don’t know where to start, so you give up, and nothing gets done. 

Back to your chore list, start by breaking it down by room. Then, look at the tasks for each room and break them down into even smaller tasks. The bathroom chore list for a neurotypical person might look something like this: 

  • Clean sink
  • Scrub toilet. 
  • Scrub shower
  • Hang fresh towels

It seems pretty straightforward until you sit down and think of all the steps that go into each task. For me, the bathroom chore list looks something like this.

  • Clean counter
  • Move toothbrushes
  • Spray sink with cleaner
  • Scrub sink
  • Rinse
  • Put toothbrushes back.
  • Spray toilet with cleaner
  • Scrub toilet
  • Flush. 
  • Spray shower with cleaner.
  • Scrub shower
  • Rinse.
  • Move dirty towels to the laundry
  • Hang fresh towels
  • Empty trash. 

It seems like a lot, but each of these tasks is small and easy to complete, so the entirety of the chore list doesn’t seem so overwhelming. Yes, my Sunday chores might have dozens of to-dos, but each is small enough that I can manage them without too much trouble.

Recognizing My Limits

This challenge might not have much to do with my ADHD diagnosis, but I tend to be a perpetual people pleaser. I say yes when I should say no and take on more tasks than I have the energy to handle because I don’t want to be a disappointment. Instead of recognizing my limits and sticking to my boundaries, I would blow right past them and push myself into burnout. 

Learn how to recognize your limits. Know when you need to step away, even if it’s just for a few minutes to recharge. Don’t let people stomp on your boundaries. 

Staying Organized

One of the most challenging things to manage with ADHD is our problems with object permanence. Out of sight, out of mind takes on a literal meaning for us. If we put something away in a drawer, box or safe place to ensure that we don’t lose it, you can almost guarantee that we’ll never find it or think about it again. We also have a habit of creating ‘doomboxes’ — repositories for everything we have no other place. These boxes, drawers or cubbies will accumulate items that we’ll forget about, again due to that issue with object permanence.

Staying organized is one of the biggest challenges for people with ADHD. You don’t need to spend much money on coordinated storage boxes or other supplies. Sometimes, something as simple as taking the doors off your cabinets so you can see what you have can help make organization a little easier. 

You’re Not Alone

Living as an adult with ADHD might seem impossible. We’re in a world built for and by neurotypicals. We must mask our symptoms to fit in; even then, we tend to stand out. If you take nothing else away from this article, remember this — you are not alone. There are others out there that share your struggles. 

 




Keeps These Tips in Mind Before You Clean Your House Again

July 12, 2022 by


Cleaning your home makes you more relaxed and impresses your guests. Having an efficient cleaning routine is essential. So, here are some tips to keep in mind before you start. 

Work Smarter Cleaning can sometimes feel like a hassle. Instead of working harder, find ways to make things easier. For example, use a cordless electric scrubber. This tool can help you clean the bathroom with minimal effort. 

You can use the extendable feature to prevent reaching over large tubs. Also, look for multipurpose cleaning supplies, such as all-purpose products. 

1. Use the Total Method

This is where you do the same task, such as dusting, for every room. It can make the cleaning process more efficient. The total method prevents you from repeating the same task, saving you time. It also reduced the need to switch cleaning tools constantly.

Make sure to tidy up the entire house at once, not just a few rooms. This saves time and energy in the long run. Pick a day you don’t have much going on so you can devote plenty of time to the job.

2. Dust With the Right Tools

Dusting is essential to improve your indoor air quality-especially for those with allergies. Dust particles collect over time and can irritate your throat and eyes. They also give germs and bacteria more places to hide. Dust your floors, furniture, mattress and surfaces. 

Use a microfiber cloth to wipe down tabletops, counters and bookshelves. Find dusters with ridged edges to trap tiny dust bunnies. When cleaning, work from the top down.

3. Use the Power of Scrubbing 

Use cleaning solutions and some elbow grease to clean bathroom or kitchen tile. This scrubbing method can remove dirt and grime. You may need to do a bit of extra work for stubborn grout found between tiles.

 First, buy a product specifically designed to remove grout. You could also check online reviews to ensure it’s a quality cleaner. Then purchase a drill bit for motorized scrubbing. You’ll want to attach the scrubber to your drill and wash away grime. This trick can save you time and effort, making the task less like a chore. 

4. Keep Your Toilet Clean

Cleaning your toilet prevents bacteria build-up and unpleasant odors. Mix baking soda with essential oils and let it sit in the bowl for a little. Then you can scrub using a bowl brush before flushing. 

Natural ingredients are also better for the environment. Store-bought cleaning supplies can have toxic chemicals. Make sure to clean the outside of the toilet with disinfectant products, such as wipes. Wipe down the tank, handle, lid and seat sides.

 

5. Remember to Clean Your Dishwasher

Many people may forget this spot. It may seem like the dishwasher just cleans itself, but it could lead to potential mold growth. The damp environment and food particles help mold spores thrive. To clean it, run an empty cycle on dry-heat to wash out the interior. 

You can also use bleach any especially dirty areas. Suppose you notice mold in the silverware basket. Let it soak in the sink with warm water and bleach and rinse thoroughly. 

6. Make Sure to Clean Your Drains 

Cleaning your drains can save you from costly repairs in the future. In fact, a clogged drain can cost around $150 to fix. To keep your drains protected, pour baking soda and vinegar down the drain. Then let it fizzle before flushing it down with hot water. This method will remove grime, which could prevent clogs. 

Also, use drain enzyme cleaners that are good for the environment. They have chemicals that reduce particle build-up and protect your entire plumbing system. 

7. Wash Your Cleaning Tools 

Remember, your cleaning tools can get dirty too. So, clean these before getting started. Use warm water and soap to remove dirt and dust from scrapers and brushes. For tougher stains, you can add chlorine bleach. 

Make sure you store your supplies properly after cleaning. For example, keep your broom with the bristles to maintain their proper shape. You could spend more time cleaning if you don’t do this step. Plus, you could be adding more grime to your surfaces unintentionally. 

8. Tidy Up Your Bed

A messy bed can make the whole space seem messy. So, try tucking the sheets and making the bed. It’s also an excellent time to wash your sheets to remove germs. Consider washing your sheets at least once per week. You could also switch to a removable cover for less hassle.

Making your bed can also impress your guests when you give them a house tour. Plus, who doesn’t love sinking into freshly cleaned sheets at the end of the day?

9. Empty Your Dishwasher Each Morning 

Emptying your dishwasher each morning can save you the hassle of unloading a larger load. It also ensures dirty dishes don’t pile up in your sink or counter. The leftover food can attract bacteria and create unpleasant odors.

Empty your dishwasher while your coffee is brewing or you’re waiting for your kids to get dressed for school.  

Cleaning Tips

Cleaning is part of maintaining a home. Using the right tools and methods, you can make the process more efficient. Keep these tips in mind before your next spring cleaning day.

The many benefits of having a professional clean your home are far-reaching and diverse. Professional house cleaning services can provide a clean, organized and inviting living space with precious time saved. From dust free furniture to spotless window sills and baseboards, professional cleaning companies can provide deep top-to-bottom cleaning services as well as other specialized surface cleaner solutions that may be necessary to keep your home looking neat throughout the year. Shine Bright MV House Cleaning, tisbury ma is an award-winning, family-owned and -operated business providing top quality residential and commercial cleaning services in Tisbury, MA, and the surrounding areas.

 




How to Make the Right Choice: PODS vs. Moving Company

July 11, 2022 by

Sooner or later, all of us have to deal with relocation, be it a job offer, downsizing, or getting a better home in a new city or state, and get confused with various moving services available in the market. PODS vs. movers – what is the best solution for you? Probably, you’ve heard from friends or colleagues how much they paid to a full-service moving company and the amount impressed you, so you give a thought to a DIY move. Often recommended online portable containers seem a budget-friendly variant but there are some pitfalls though.

To make up your mind, scrutinize advantages and disadvantages of two methods: moving yourself or hiring movers.

PODS vs Movers

Having decided to move, you face multiple tasks and choices. You need to sort out when and how to move. As of now, moving containers (i.e., PODS or similar options) are popular and often asked-for. They are pretty affordable and offer maximum versatility in terms of a moving schedule. Yet still, lower pricing includes higher involvement and heavier workload in comparison to specialized full-service companies that promise clients seamless and stress-free experience.

Renting a Moving Container

PODS offers its customers 8-, 12-, or 16-foot portable units to choose from. You select a required size, next – a container is delivered to the specified place (your current address), then you fill it; later, the company will redeliver the unit to your new location or keep it for a specified time (short- or long-term storage). PODS containers are suitable for both residential and office moves.

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PODS units represent an affordable variant for small-size local moves. As a case in point, moving a 1-bedroom apartment 500 miles will cost between $1,500 and $1,700.

Unfortunately, for longer distances, PODS do not seem inexpensive. Let’s say, to move 1,500 miles a 2-bedroom home for a family of three will cost around $8,300. The price is comparable to moving companies’ rates. Add here amounts you have to outlay on packing materials and efforts on packing the stuff, carrying and loading/unloading a portable container. If you don’t feel like doing the hard work, it’s more than likely that you will need moving assistants. As a result, total costs may exceed the flat rate of full-service movers.

The good thing is that you can cancel service anytime (a day before the scheduled unit delivery) and receive a full refund.

Pros:

  • PODS containers provide freedom for planning and organizing a move
  • PODS units are often used for storage
  • Inexpensive option for a DIY move or storage
  • NO-fee cancellation

Cons:

  • There is no mobile app to reserve a PODS container
  • You should have enough space in front of the home (along with the building or homeowners association permission) for a container
  • It is complicated to choose the right volume of a container
  • PODS might be a costly option if you travel long-distance
  • Moving to a new home might take far more time

How Do Moving PODS Work?

The company delivers a movable container so that you can use the unit for storage or relocation. Later, you can schedule a pickup time and specify the re-delivery date to a new place. Once you’ve finished unloading the portable container, the service provider picks up the unit. This way you have much greater freedom within the frame of the moving timeline.

PODS, a transportation and storage business, is headquartered in Florida but operates in 46 states as well as in Australia, the UK, and Canada. Actually, moving containers are used for DIY moves but PODS has a large network of moving partners (third-party service providers) so that customers can hire packing or loading assistants. The target customers are those who need to cut moving costs and can pack and load their stuff.

Note: If you live in a compound or apartment building, make sure that building rules allow using portable containers. The same applies if you have shared driveways — homeowners associations sometimes restrict placing portable containers next to your home.

The company charges for storage units on a monthly basis. If you need PODS for moving, you will also be charged shipping fees, unit delivery and redelivery fees. The rates of renting a movable unit-container start from $149/h, and delivery fees depend on the total distance and start from $75. In case of short-distance moves, the company bills a day before the unit delivery, and redelivery dates. In case of long-distance relocation, billing is divided into three parts with each one charged a week before the service. You can use the PODS online calculator to estimate moving or storage fees for your unique situation.

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Another challenge is choosing the right size of a PODS unit. No one wants to get frustrated in the middle of the loading realizing that the chosen container isn’t large enough to fit all your stuff. On the contrary, competent moving companies provide pre-move estimation and select the right size of a truck. Besides, an experienced crew can use the space efficiently, and you don’t pay for air (empty space) transportation.

Hiring Movers

A trustworthy full-service moving company takes care of all aspects of your planned relocation, from A to Z. Signing a contract with professional movers is the most efficient and least stressful way to move your house or apartment. Qualified and experienced staff will save your time and effort during the entire moving process. Moving companies perform an estimation of your move size, select the right size of the truck, and decide on how many movers are required in your unique situation. Additionally, all packing supplies are delivered to your place, and pros will pack all your belongings much faster than when you would do it on your own. Reputable companies are fully equipped for the job and use special pods to protect floors and dollies for loading/unloading the truck.

Full-service movers provide the following services:

– Free in-person or virtual estimation

– Packing supplies and tools

– Packing and unpacking services

– Disassembling and reassembling furniture

– Loading and unloading a truck

– Discarding used materials after your stuff is unpacked

– Basic insurance coverage

Pros:

· Movers execute all the physical work

· Full-service moving companies provide all required packing materials and tools

· Relocation takes less time

· Fragile items receive special packing and attention

· Relocation to a new home with full-service movers is less stressful than a DIY move.

Cons:

· Moving services can be quite costly.

· You need to arrange and schedule all stages of your move with a selected moving company

· Potential hidden costs and all sorts of moving scams. As in any industry, you should be aware of scams and dishonest movers who announce rates without virtual or in-person estimation and require an upfront payment. Professional movers offer a free estimation of your move-size and provide their licenses and certificates upon your request.

How to Hire Movers

First of all, plan your move, including minor details, in advance. Once you have decided to relocate, take your time, make a cup of coffee, and do thorough research. Based on available customer reviews, recommendations, and rates, select two or three moving companies. Nowadays, most professional movers have online calculators and offer free in-person estimation of your move. Customer service plays a vital role in making your move stress-free. Discuss the details of the move, such as schedule, special requirements, moving size, and costs, with a company’s representative.

Note that the moving industry has high and low seasons. In summer moving services are in high demand; hence, rates are typically higher (peak dates are usually at the end of every month and on weekends), and reputable movers can be fully booked. If possible, plan your move for the winter or spring months — rates are usually lower.

Final thoughts

Ok, the decision is up to you. Let’s reason: moving containers usually save you money in case of short-distance and local moves, but you should be ready for the hard work that awaits you in this case. Besides additional expenses on all packing supplies, including various types of boxes, pads, tape, labels, wrapping materials, blankets, etc., you are responsible to pack everything, then load and unload the storage unit, and later again unpack all things which you have carefully packed.

Obviously, a full-service moving company frees you from the headache and hard work associated with moving to a new place. Surely, pros save your precious energy and time, which you can dedicate to more pleasant and useful activities. As in any industry, professional services cost more than a DIY move.

Take time to weigh all the variants and get free online quotes from reputable moving companies prior to making the final decision.

FAQ

What is a moving pod?

PODS stands for Portable On Demand Storage. In other words, it is a movable container. Initially, PODS was founded in 1998 by Peter Warhurst as a part of a family storage business. Peter invented PODS containers and a hydraulic system for fast delivery and transportation of units.

Is it cheaper to use pods or a moving company?

PODS containers will be a cheaper option for short-distance local moves. However, PODS costs for long-distance, particularly interstate moves, are almost equal to full-service movers’ rates. Add here that with PODS you will be responsible (or have to hire an additional crew) for packing and loading/unloading.

Are pods good for moving?

PODS containers are versatile: you are more flexible with the timeline because you can load them and use containers for moving to your new home or keep them as storage for your belongings. Sometimes people use PODS containers for storing things during a home renovation.

Are pods safe for moving?

PODS units are equipped with locking latches, built-in tie-downs, and locks with keys to ensure the safety and security of the stored items. As PODS states, units are manufactured from durable materials (steel and aluminum) and can withstand winds up to 110 mph. Clients also can follow the status of their orders via online accounts.




Tips & Tricks For A Spotless Home

July 9, 2022 by

Do you feel like you’re constantly cleaning, but your house never seems to be clean enough? Are you struggling to keep up with the constant messes? If so, read on for some helpful tips and tricks! By following these simple steps, you can achieve a spotless home in no time. Happy cleaning!

Reasons Our Homes Get Dirty Or Disorganized

There are many reasons why our homes can start to feel dirty or disorganized. It could be anything from too much clutter to not having enough storage space. Whatever the reason, it’s important to identify the problem so that you can find a solution.

Why Is cleaning Stressful? 

For many people, cleaning is a stressful and dreaded task. There are a few reasons why this may be the case. Maybe you don’t have the right tools or maybe you’re not sure where to start. Whatever the reason, Homeowners in Oak Park can now enjoy House Keep-Up Co professional cleaning services. From small apartments to large condominiums, they always provide outstanding cleaning results and take the stress away from you doing the cleaning by yourself.

Helpful Habits That Will Keep Things Tidy

1. Don’t wait until things are dirty to clean them.

This is a mistake that many people make. They think that as long as something looks clean, it must be clean. However, this is not the case! If you wait until something is actually dirty to clean it, you’re just doing more work for yourself. Instead, try to clean things on a regular basis before they have a chance to get too dirty. This will save you time and effort in the long run.

2. Invest in the right tools for the job.

Another common mistake people make is using the wrong tools for their cleaning tasks. For example, using a harsh chemical cleaner on delicate surfaces will only damage them further. Similarly, using a paper towel to wipe up a spill will just end up making a mess. Investing in the right cleaning supplies will make your life much easier and help you achieve better results.

3. Put things back in their proper place.

One of the quickest ways to create a cluttered and messy home is to leave things out of their proper place. Whenever you’re finished using something, put it back where it belongs. This will help to keep your home organized and tidy.

4. Don’t wait until tomorrow to do something that can be done today.

This is another common mistake people make. They think that they’ll have more time tomorrow to do a certain task, so they put it off. However, tomorrow always seems to be just as busy as today. So instead of putting things off, try to do them today. This will help you stay on top of your cleaning and prevent a messy home.

5 Start Small

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the thought of cleaning your entire home, don’t worry! You don’t have to do it all at once. Start small by tackling one room or one task at a time. This will help you stay focused and avoid getting overwhelmed.

6 Declutter Regularly

One of the best ways to keep your home clean and tidy is to declutter on a regular basis. Get rid of any items that you no longer need or use. This will help to free up space and make cleaning much easier. The less stuff you have, the easier it is to keep things tidy.

7 Develop a Cleaning Schedule

One of the best ways to keep your home clean is to develop a cleaning schedule. This will help you to stay on top of your cleaning and make sure that nothing is ever neglected. Make sure to include all of the different areas of your home in your schedule.

8 Hire Help When Needed

There will be times when you just can’t keep up with the cleaning on your own. If this is the case, don’t hesitate to hire some help. There’s no shame in admitting that you need a little assistance. A professional cleaner can come in and do a thorough job, leaving your home spotless.

Unrealistic Expectations

It’s important to have realistic expectations when it comes to cleaning your home. You’re not going to be able to achieve a spotless home overnight. It takes time, effort, and consistency to achieve and maintain a clean home. So don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately. Just keep at it, and eventually, you will achieve the level of cleanliness you desire.

The Right Tools For The Job

As we mentioned before, having the right tools for the job is essential for effective cleaning. Without the proper supplies, you’ll just be doing more work for yourself. So be sure to invest in high-quality house cleaning supplies that will make your life easier.

 

When is it time to hire help?

There’s no shame in admitting that you need help with your cleaning. If you’re struggling to keep up with the mess, it might be time to hire some professional help. Don’t wait until your home is a disaster before you take action. A little bit of help can go a long way in keeping your home clean and tidy. Remember, the professionals have better tools than you do and can take specialized care to restore things to their original shine. Bring in a carpet cleaner once every few years, or hire an A/C company to come to clean out your vents, it’s worth paying a few dollars to get things like this done the right way.

 

It’s important to have realistic expectations when it comes to cleaning your home. You’re not going to be able to achieve a spotless home overnight. It takes time, effort, and consistency to achieve and maintain a clean home. So don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately. Just keep at it, and eventually, you will achieve the level of cleanliness you desire.

 




Calm Kids’ Fears About Going to the Doctor

July 6, 2022 by

As most children become anxious about going to the doctor, parents worry. The kindergarten checkup is when they begin to have their initial diagnostic screenings making it difficult for them to enjoy their visit. 

Some might have to see a children’s ADHD specialist in St. Lucie, for example. However, there are a handful of ways parents can help calm their children down before heading into this new situation. 

You could sit with your child and show them pictures of you as a young child and your parents. You could then explain that when you were young, your mother and father had to take you to the doctor when you weren’t well or needed an exam. Tell them how important it was then and how it is crucial for them now.

6 Good Ways to Help Your Child Overcome Fears of the Doctor

1. Enrol your child in a child-friendly pediatrician

The more children associate the pediatrician with a fun experience (playing video games, watching cartoons, playing cards and games), the less on edge they may be when they enter their office. Unfortunately, it can take up to a year for children’s fears to subside. Pre-reviewing the checklist and acting as a parent advocate will help your child get the best treatment possible.

2. Seek an alternative medicine perspective

Pediatricians are very well educated regarding alternative medicine, so they can offer common-sense health advice to parents and their children and provide them with information regarding what treatments are available in that particular area of medicine. It is essential to keep this in mind. However, that alternative medicine is not an all-knowing panacea.

3. Create a positive environment

The pediatrician’s office is very stressful for children and adults alike. The environment can be made more comfortable by providing a calming greeting for your child when they enter their office (perhaps a song or funny anecdote). You could offer comfort afterward by playing cards and other games, such as computer games, or even playing video games on the television screen.

4. Make transparent appointments with your child’s pediatrician

Some children also believe that they have to go to the doctor every time they have a minor complaint, which can be very draining for you and them. You must talk to your child about why it is best to wait until you have had a chance to speak with your pediatrician about specific ailments.

5. Find a good paediatrician with a comfortable office

This is an important step in helping your child overcome their fear of the doctor, especially if they are already afraid or do not usually enjoy medical facilities. Stress to your child that the doctor is there to make them feel better when they are sick or have a problem.

Pediatricians are very well educated regarding alternative medicine, which is why they can offer common-sense health advice to parents and their children and provide them with information regarding what treatments are available in that particular area of medicine. It is essential to keep this in mind. 

It would be helpful if the doctor could explain some of the instruments they use to check the eyes or the nose so the child understands what the instruments are used for. They won’t be as frightened of them if they know how they work.

 

6. Go in and see the office before the actual visit

If time permits, it might be a good idea to take your child to the doctor’s office and let them see what it looks like. There is probably an area where there are toys or books for children and you can explain to them that they can touch those things when they come in.

Though probably not possible, if you can, meet the doctor so your child can see who they are. You could meet the office staff also. Maybe one of the staff could show your child around the office and make them feel at home so when they have their real appointment, the child will feel comfortable because they have done it before.

 

Going to the doctor for the first time is a little nerve-wracking, but with the right amount of preparation, it can be a great experience for a child.

 




The Benefits of Solar Panels

July 5, 2022 by

Even on the gloomiest, murkiest, cloud-filled day, somewhere in the sky above us is the sun.

A free source of energy that all life on this planet depends upon.

 

In terms of power production, it is a free resource that heats our homes naturally, encouraging most homes and buildings to be designed with larger windows on the side of the building that faces the sun. This is done to capture more of the heat from the sun.

But for many years now, there has been the ability for homeowners to gain even more benefits from the power of the sun by installing solar panels. The solar panels create electricity which can be used to not only heat the home, but to power every electrical item on the homeowners property.

The disadvantages of solar panels are few, but include:

  • The high upfront cost of installation
  • Power can’t be produced at night-time
  • Some would say they make a house appear less attractive
  • Most homes are still unable to use solar power for 100% of their power needs.
  • Some homes have a roof design that cannot fit solar panels
  • Some roofs are unsuited to fitting solar panels or will not hold their weight, while other roofs may need repairs which are preferable to do before installing solar panels.

When it comes to the advantages of Solar Power systems on your home, there are many convincing reasons why you should seriously consider going solar.

Reduce your electricity bill

How much you will save will depend on a number of factors including:

  • How much electricity you consume?
  • The size of your solar energy system
  • Whether you buy or lease your system
  • How many hours of daily sunlight your home receives?
  • The size and angle of roof
  • Your local electricity rates.

Most solar panels are guaranteed to last for 25 years so you can expect them to keep functioning beyond that, although they may gradually become degraded and produce less electricity towards the end of their life.

Still if your solar system managed to reduce your monthly electricity bill by $150/month, after 25 years that is a saving of $45,000. Electricity costs will almost certainly increase regularly over the next 25 years, so in fact your saving could be significantly more.

Your solar panel power suppliers should have tools available to help you calculate how much electricity you are likely to save based on your electricity usage and the size of the solar system you intend to install. 

These tools can calculate how many years it will take for your savings to match the installation cost, plus any interest if you have borrowed to buy the system.

Increases the value of your home

Because of how much cheaper it will cost to run your home; you immediately get an increase in the value of your home.

Studies have proven that houses with solar sell at higher prices than houses without solar.

How much your home increases will depend upon the monthly power savings, the increased value of other nearby homes with solar, and the state of the local property market at the time you get a valuation.

Although you will only really know how much extra the solar panels have added to the value of your home when you sell, this is a positive.

Some people decide against installing solar because they don’t intend to stay at the same address for 25 years and therefore will not fully benefit from the power savings available.

But this is offset by the increased value of your home.

Unless you are planning to shift in the next couple of years, the increase in the value of your home because of solar should be another incentive to install solar.

Solar power works everywhere

The sun rises everyday everywhere in the world.

Sure, some places get more sunshine hours than others, and some have better weather and more cloudless days which maximizes the benefits of solar. But even homes in colder and cloudier climates can still receive help from solar.

Even on days when the weather is poor, your home will still be producing solar power.

You may be able to earn money off your solar panels

More than 40 states have electricity suppliers that offer net metering. Where you produce more electricity than you use, the power company effectively buys that surplus electricity off you and pays you for it.

Be cautious about this though. In Australia, some power companies ran into financial problems because they ended up buying so much power off homeowners, they didn’t need to produce any themselves and the financial model failed.

Many homeowners had borrowed to put additional solar panels on their property, using them solely as a passive income source, then the power companies stopped buying the surplus power. This made the extra solar panels redundant, but they still had to pay back their loans on solar panels that were no longer of any use to them.

In the same way, there is no guarantee that the amount of money the power company will pay you for surplus power will remain the same. In other countries there have been power companies that have lowered their rates.

Therefore, you are best to get enough panels to suit your home power use and not be encouraged to buy more panels just because you have the space and because you might get offered net metering.

Available tax credit

For 2022 there is a 26% federal tax credit available, which reduces to 22% for 2023, then ends.

There are also some state-level tax credits and rebates available. Solar panel providers will know all the details because these incentives are a major selling point for them.

While the tax credits seem like a great deal, if you can’t afford to buy solar panels now, delaying a few years until you can buy them outright, or with much lower borrowings, may actually be a better financial decision.

Protects against rising power costs

The more power you can produce from your solar panels, the less the impact of any future electricity power increases.

Can supply energy independence.

For many people, the ideal is to be totally dependent on their solar system to provide all of their power and go off-grid. Usually, this will require the added cost of batteries to store your power for use at night and on days with less sunlight.

If you are building in a remote location, the cost of getting a power supplier to bring an electricity line to you may be more than the cost of a solar system and batteries.

A system with batteries is also handy if there are any electricity cuts. Your stored power will keep your lights on, and your heating etc.

But you do need to be confident that your system will always supply all the power you need, because if you run out of power and the batteries have used up all their stored power, then being off grid means you will have no source of power until the sun reappears.

You are protecting the environment

Every kilowatt of power your solar system produces will reduce greenhouse gas emissions like CO2 and other pollutants. 

The more people creating their own power through solar will end the need for governments to build new power plants, all of which have negative environmental impacts because they are powered by coal, natural gas, hydro, or nuclear plants.

Coal plants are a huge pollutant, while gas, hydro-electric and nuclear plants all have an impact either because of what it takes to build the plant, or what can happen if something goes wrong, e.g., Chernobyl and Three Mile Island nuclear plants.

Solar Panels provide a clean, green power source that most homeowners can take advantage of to reduce their power costs, and do their bit to improve the state of the environment.


By HomeLight Homes

 




Thinking of Converting Your Loft? – The Most Popular Loft Ladders

July 5, 2022 by

A lot of people in the world now turn their lofts into living areas or bedrooms. As time goes on or as families grow, space becomes a precious commodity; for example, you might need an extra bedroom for a baby, or maybe you need another storage room for all your keepsakes. Whatever the cause may be for transforming the loft, it is a lot less disruptive, and it’s a great cost-effective way to get more space. How does that work? Because converting your loft is far cheaper than having to build an extension or even having to look for and then move to a new house. The beauty of a loft is that more houses have them, and it’s a spare room waiting to be used. The most popular use of lofts these days is transforming them into bedrooms. Some maybe might transform them into two bedrooms because a lot of people these days give their children their own bedrooms.

Although it does save money, you still need to think about a number of things; here are a few examples: Where is the entrance for the loft going to be? What is the best loft ladder? What type of insulation should I use? What kind of flooring do I want?

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One of the big questions is should I go for traditional stairs or for a loft ladder? Well, for a lot of people, it’s easier to use a loft ladder, not to mention it saves a load of space, opening up a world of loft conversion possibilities. In order to put in a staircase, you usually end up converting a room just to accommodate them, which makes building it to give you more space pointless. Add on the fact that loft ladders are far cheaper and easier to install; it makes it a sensible choice for most.

Although a problem that people might have in their minds about loft ladders is that they are difficult to pull down or put back, that’s just not the case anymore. Now a lot of loft ladder kits include a slow-release loft ladder mechanism that isn’t too quick and isn’t too slow. This makes putting them up or getting them down easy, but even if that is too much for you, another option is to get an electric ladder.

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Transforming your loft can seem like an impossible job, but with the right help and preparation, you can actually enjoy the task of giving your unutilized room a purpose. An added benefit to doing a loft conversion is you will add a lot of value to your property if you choose to sell it in the future. So what are you waiting for?




What You Should Be Expecting From Plastic Surgeons In Chicago

July 5, 2022 by

There are a number of Plastic Surgeons In Chicago that can perform a wide range of plastic surgeries; they will each have studied in specific areas within the plastic surgery field. This means that you would more than likely visit a different surgeon if you require different surgeries, or it may be that there is a surgeon that is qualified in many areas of plastic surgery, and they are your chosen surgeon for receiving all your plastic surgery needs.

It may be, though, that you have never actually had any kind of surgery, and you are looking to try and find a plastic surgeon that can help to further your knowledge of what you can expect from plastic surgery and the steps that you should really be taking before your surgery takes place, during your surgery and also as you recover from having your surgery.

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When you have decided on the type of plastic surgery that you want to undergo, then it would be beneficial to reach out to a surgeon that is highly skilled and qualified in that particular area. Ultimately, they are the ones with the highest knowledge, and they will be able to answer any questions that you may have. They will be able to direct you in the best way to move forward with your surgery as well as the way in which they could expect your surgery to look after its completion.

The more understanding that you have about the plastic surgery that you are going to receive, the more comfortable and confident you will feel as you move through the steps and stages of the procedure. Having a lengthy discussion with your plastic surgeon is more commonly known as a consultation, and this is where you really need to be open and honest about what you would really like to achieve from the surgery, and in turn, your surgeon will be open and honest with you in regard to what they deem to be possible and how they may adapt the surgery for better results rather than what you personally desire.

Trust them, though, as they are professionals, and they will have carried out similar surgeries numerous times before you have yours.

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Consultations are a great place to start, and after you have completed your consultation meetings, you will know exactly what lies ahead in terms of surgery and procedure. There will be nothing that comes as a surprise to you, and with the right surgeon, everything will go just as they said it would.

Recovery is also really important too; listening to your surgeon on how long they would expect you to rest and how long you will need to keep your bandages on may only seem like simple things, but if you follow them to every detail, you can ensure a safe and steady recovery, and once you are fully recovered then you can enjoy the results of your plastic surgery procedure to the full.




Gambling addiction Japan: How to recognize symptoms and treat

July 5, 2022 by

Online gambling addiction is not just a problem affecting Japan. Many people in the world are increasingly struggling with the consequences of problem gambling. Addicts either do not want or are not sufficiently informed about the possibilities of treatment. Sometimes they simply do not have the support of friends, family, spouses, colleagues, or other close people. That is why we want to deal more extensively with the issue of gambling addiction in Japan.

What is gambling addiction and which are the main consequences?

Pathological gambling, i.e. gambling addiction, represents the impossibility of controlling the impulse for placing bets. Compulsive gambling or disorder related to online casino services can have many negative consequences both for the addicts themselves and those around them. First, an addict has no control over spending money, which can lead to financial disaster. A person with pathological gambling problems is very often inclined to borrow money from others to continue financing further casino activities.

In addition to the consequences for the bank account, compulsive placing bets can damage mental and physical health. Psychological consequences are anxiety, depression, the feeling of helplessness, and others. Some of the consequences for physical health are migraines, intestinal disorders, etc. To emphasize how significant the consequences of casino gambling addiction are, we must note that certain categories of addicts are also prone to suicide. That is why a timely reaction is very important.

Myths and facts related to gambling disorder

Now we’re going to introduce you to some of the gambling addiction facts that refute some of the famous myths.

Myth: People with gambling disorders are easy to spot.

Fact: Pathological gambling is a “hidden addiction”, and people who have these problems deliberately hide them. The symptoms of gambling addiction are not easy to recognize, which is not the case with recognizing drug or alcohol disorders.

Myth: To be considered an addict, a person must place bets every day.

Fact: A person does not have to participate in gambling activities every day to develop an addiction. Frequency is not as significant as bad impact and consequences. If someone’s spending in a casino causes financial, psychological, health, or other difficulties then he/she is considered a problem gambler.

Myth: Japanese problem gamblers are included in all casino services.

Fact: Most problem gamblers have a favorite casino game that makes them addicted. In addition, some are involved in secondary casino activities that are not so problematic for them. For example, a player can be addicted to roulette, but occasionally play poker that does not cause excessive spending.

Myth: Financial problems are the main reason why someone’s love, family, or other relationships are destroyed.

Fact: If the addict supports the family, uncontrolled spending will certainly play a huge role in damaging the relationship. However, mistrust and constant lying is the main reason for the breakdown of relationships with family, friends, or spouses.

Mayor signs of gambling addiction 

There are several signs and symptoms of online gambling disorder. If the addict’s environment recognizes them in time, treatment could very quickly lead to positive results. Main signs of gambling addiction may include:

  1. Preoccupation and constant thinking and planning of future casino activities
  2. A person tends to increase the amount of money they enter into bets
  3. Increasing the investment of money leads to feelings of excitement and satisfaction
  4. Chasing what was previously lost – constant investment to reduce previously incurred costs
  5. Inability to control spending, reduce or stop gambling
  6. Irritability, discomfort, or nervousness when a person tries to resist the urge to place a bet
  7. A person resorts to gambling when she/he feels dissatisfied, depressed, and anxious
  8. Covering up gambling and lying to family, friends, work colleagues, and others
  9. Making loans that the person knows will not be able to be repaid

Treatments that have proven to be successful

There are several treatments for gambling addiction help that have proven successful so far. The first treatment is psychotherapy. As the main therapy with the greatest success, we will emphasize behavioral therapy. Behavioral therapy affects the addict’s skills to reduce the urge to gamble. Another type of this therapy is cognitive-behavioral therapy. It implies the identification of negative beliefs and their replacement with positive ones. Family therapy stands out as another successful therapy for helping problem casino participants.

Self-help groups are also a way for gamblers in Japan to deal with their disorder by talking to others. The experiences of others can help a person understand problems and decide to deal with them. A healthcare professional can refer an addict to self-help groups, such as Gamblers Anonymous and others. Finally, we will mention medicines that cannot be taken without a prescription. Medications include antidepressants and mood stabilizers that can help treat disorders associated with problem gambling, like depression or anxiety. Before taking any drug, a person should consult a doctor or psychologist.

Gambling addiction help and recovery

If a person undergoes some type of treatment, it is necessary to persevere in it. Patience is the key to success in solving addiction problems as well as other life difficulties. Therefore, it is not only significant to react promptly but also to persevere in preventing the addict from recidivism. But what to do with those who simply do not want help and recovery? Is it possible to persuade a person to recover? The answer is no.

According to statistics, it is estimated that more than 80% of people suffering from online gambling addiction simply do not want to undergo any kind of treatment. They don’t ask for help, no matter how difficult their problem is. However, there is another side of the coin. These are the people who underwent treatment, but it turned out to be unsuccessful. Gambling addiction recovery statistics reveal that 70% of addicts eventually return to gambling activities after receiving help.

Tips for family, spouses, and friends

Friends, family, colleagues, and others close to the person with problematic behavior play a big role to resolving casino gambling addiction problems. So, we have prepared some tips for them:

  • Realize that the treatment can take a long time and be patient until the first results appear. Do not give up after the first unsuccessful attempt.
  • Do not avoid conversations and include all family members and other close people in solving the problem. If necessary, children should be included in family therapy.
  • When discussing gambling problems, try to remain calm and without aggressive and angry performances.
  • Feel free to seek the help of a psychologist for professional advice or to include the addict in a self-help group where he can share experiences with others who have similar problems.
  • Set boundaries regarding family finances. Do not allow the addict to use money freely and always have it at his disposal. 

 




Ten Benefits of Reusable Coffee Cups for Business Owners

June 30, 2022 by

Having coffee or tea with customers or staff is essential to many businesses. Still, if you’re environmentally conscious, you might want to switch to reusable coffee cups as much as possible. Reusable coffee cups come in three types: disposable, shatterproof ceramic, and plastic which can be used repeatedly.

Reusable Coffee Cup Australia is great for business owners because they help reduce waste, which produces extra garbage. In addition, they save you money since the cups can be used hundreds of times instead of being thrown away daily. Learn more about how reusable coffee cups can benefit your business and some tips to get you started below!

Reduce Cost

Not only do reusable coffee cups save you money, but they can also save your business thousands. From a financial perspective, it’s common sense: if you buy a cup every day and get rid of it after one use, that can add up to hundreds of dollars annually. However, not only does buying a reusable coffee cup save you money over time, but it also reduces your company’s carbon footprint.

For example, if everyone in Sydney switched to reusable cups instead of single-use plastic ones, there would be an annual reduction in CO2 emissions equivalent to taking 31 million cars off Australia’s roads!

Increase Image & Credibility

You’ve probably heard that it’s essential to be closing permanently. That idea from Glengarry Glen Ross comes from a real-estate perspective. The premise is that when you interact with a potential customer or client, you should always try to secure something more valuable than what you initially started with.

So, for example, if your initial starting point is no money down, try to get some money upfront; if it’s on equal footing, try to get them to give you exclusivity, and so on. But Reusable Coffee Cup Australia provides any business an additional opportunity for increasing image and credibility: A reusable cup can be used in place of other forms of advertisement.

Benefit From Giving Back

A single reusable coffee cup can be reused up to 400 times. That’s a lot of time to save on your daily coffee run! Many cafes offer discounts or freebies if you bring in a reusable cup.

As a business owner considering the benefits of reusable coffee cups, you’re clearly focused on sustainability and customer value. However, ensuring the legal foundation of your enterprise is just as crucial. Reading an incfile review can provide valuable insights into one of the leading LLC formation services, helping you ensure your business is built on a solid, compliant foundation.

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Depending on where you go, this could mean an extra shot, flavor, or another perk. You may not get anything from every cafe you visit, but even a small discount is better than spending the total price each time and getting nothing in return!

Promote Sustainability in the Office

Adopting a company-wide reusable coffee cup program is an affordable and easy way to reduce your carbon footprint. Studies show that if you switch from disposable cups to a reusable option, you can save more than 500 pounds of CO2 annually. Not only does that benefit your bottom line and promote sustainability, but it also signals that you’re ready to take environmental stewardship seriously.

In addition, it’s a great way to raise awareness about reducing waste in your office and encourage other employees to make eco-friendly changes in their daily lives. You might even be able to get a tax credit! Reusable cups have been known to save companies millions in costs when they switch from disposables, making them a solid investment and an environmentally-friendly choice.

Raise Awareness About The Environment

There are several benefits to using reusable coffee cups over single-use cupsThey’re better for the environment than buying new single-use cups daily. They help reduce plastic waste, a big problem in today’s world.

So by purchasing reusable coffee cups, you will make a slight difference towards saving our beautiful world from pollution and destruction. The more people buy reusable coffee cups, the more people will start doing it too! It all starts with one person.

Decrease Waste Around the Office

Let’s face it: throwing out paper cups full of coffee or tea is an environmentally unfriendly practice. Instead, using reusable coffee cups decreases your company’s overall waste output and makes life a little easier for your employees. They’ll never have to worry about not having a coffee cup while they get work done, and if you choose to invest in stainless steel reusable coffee cups, you won’t have to worry about cleanup time and money, either.

Start a Corporate Responsibility Program

Corporate responsibility (CR) is a corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative. Companies have an obligation to stakeholders other than shareholders, such as customers, employees, and local community members. CR initiatives go beyond profit-motivated activities and include investments in initiatives that positively impact society. These are often interrelated with more comprehensive strategies such as sustainable development or triple bottom line business models.

They go beyond what is required by law or expected by stakeholders and seek to increase long-term profits through a positive impact on society via non-financial metrics, for example, by reducing pollution levels, improving workplace health and safety practices, encouraging employees to volunteer for charitable causes during work hours, etc.

Encourage employees to bring their cups.

Saving money is why business owners choose to offer reusable coffee cups. But you may consider ways to benefit employees by bringing their cups. For example, maybe they’ll avoid spending time making trips to your office kitchen or break room, or perhaps they’ll be inclined to be more productive if they don’t have to take time out during a busy workday so that they can grab a cup of joe.

Another possibility: You could help employees save on taxes by subsidizing their purchase of reusable coffee cups or rewarding them with a cash bonus if they continue using them long after you’ve implemented your sustainability program.

Create More Eco-Friendly Events

Thinking green doesn’t have to stop with your office; you can bring eco-friendly practices and think into other areas of your life. For example, hold events that don’t require guests to use single-use plates, cups, utensils, and water bottles (you could even provide reusable versions).

You can also reduce waste by offering online registration rather than printing a paper invitation. By making these small changes in how you run your business events, you’ll create an environmentally conscious culture that is great for employees, suitable for guests (they won’t fill up their homes with unused plastic items), and fantastic for Mother Earth.

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Add a little extra something to each cup.

It’s hard to resist a taste test when you’re out with friends at your favorite coffee shop. After all, when everyone else is having a taste, why shouldn’t you? The trouble is that every time you do (just once or twice a day), it adds up and makes it easier to bust your daily calorie budget.

So to combat sneaky extras, carry your reusable cup and take sips from that instead. Not only will you save money (and most likely lose weight), but avoiding temptation will also help ensure your diet stays on track.

Conclusion

As small business owners, our success hinges on being able to make quick decisions and implement changes quickly, too. We are always looking for ways to do more with less, but with reusable coffee cups, we can save time while reducing our carbon footprint in a meaningful way. So if you’re looking to save money while doing your part for the environment, consider Reusable Coffee Cup Australia.




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