Maryland has been a state since April 28th, 1788.

And yet, there’s still a lot about it that most people don’t know.

For example—the state nickname is ‘Little America.’

It’s also home to the oldest continuously published newspaper in the United States (the Maryland Gazette, founded in 1772).

And as if that wasn’t cool enough—it’s also the final resting place of the last ship to serve during the American Civil War—the USS Constellation, which was docked at Baltimore.

If you’re thinking of moving to Maryland and/or making your home in this amazing place, then there are definitely a few facts that may be important to pay attention to.

Some of these facts are more common knowledge—but some may surprise you.

Hey, knowing cool things about new places is awesome!

So let’s crack open the vault and talk about the things you need to know if you’re thinking about either moving to Maryland or visiting it for a prolonged period of time.

The Cost Of Living Is ‘Kind Of Alright’

Maryland isn’t necessarily known for having a super low cost of living.

But it also isn’t the most expensive state in the Union, either.

According to statistics, Maryland is a below-average state in the sense that it’s more expensive than the national average where most living expenses are concerned.

Groceries are a bit more expensive, housing is actually quite a bit more expensive, and utilities are also higher than the national average.

This isn’t the best news in the world—but it’s also not nearly as bad as some other places.

One interesting thing to note is that healthcare is actually a bit cheaper than average in Maryland.

That’s pretty cool, right?

You’ll Need A Medical Card To Use Marijuana.

Medical marijuana is legal in Maryland. But recreational marijuana isn’t.

Ten grams or less of cannabis has been ‘decriminalized,’ but you’ll still need to get a doctor’s approval before smoking or using cannabis in the state.

This is bad news for people who want to smoke recreationally!

Thankfully, finding a medical marijuana card in Maryland isn’t too difficult.

You can actually apply and get one online—which is a good idea if you plan to partake of everyone’s favorite green herb after relocating to the state.

Maryland Has ‘Normal’ Weather Patterns

You could think of Maryland as ‘classic American’ where weather is concerned.

It’s characterized by hot, humid summers and cool winters.

The average snowfall every year is just over 20 inches. Of course, the eastern part of the state, which runs along the coast, gets less snowfall than the western part.

So which part of Maryland you live in actually makes a big difference.

Maryland Is A Great Place For Sports

If you love sports, then this may be the perfect state for you.

They have football, baseball, lacrosse, horse racing, and more. There’s literally a sport for every single season!

If you love live sporting events and enjoy always having something to watch on TV that’s actually in season, then you’ll be pleased with the myriad of choices offered by the state.

One interesting thing to note is that even though Maryland has a professional football team and a professional baseball team, their official state team sport is lacrosse! You can find both the U.S. Lacrosse National Headquarters and The Lacrosse Museum and National Hall of Fame in Sparks, Maryland.

But that’s not half as interesting as the official state sport. Their actual official state sport is jousting!

Maryland Is The Home Of The ‘6-Pack.’

If you’ve ever enjoyed a six-pack of brewskies, you should note that the very first time beer was packaged this way was in Maryland.

The Natty Boh brewing company, which literally dates back to prohibition days, felt that a 4-pack wasn’t enough, while an 8-pack was too much. Thus, the famous ‘6-pack’ was born.

Conclusion

There you have it!

Five things to know about Maryland before visiting or relocating.

It’s an amazing state with a lot to offer—so if you’re thinking of paying it a visit, go ahead and book those flights.

You really won’t want to miss out on the opportunity—even if you don’t end up setting up camp in ye old ‘Little America’ for good!

If you’re like most people, you want your home to be a comfortable and inviting place to relax and unwind. But if you’re also like most people, you probably don’t have a lot of money to spare for decorating. Never fear! You can start with a quick repainting job with some pattern or solid colors, a new piece of furniture, wall photos or art, or even curtains or blinds. These five quick and easy hacks will give your home the desired look on your budget.

Hang some artwork or photos on the walls

Artwork on the walls of someone’s home are synonymous to luxury. So it’s hardly surprising that art costs a lot and not everyone can afford it. But there is a much cheaper alternative – customizable wall art that presents your own images as artworks.

An affordable way to decorate your home with visually pleasing décor features is by ordering some framed prints which see your photos presented as gallery exhibits – behind a cover of polished acrylic glass and enhanced by a white cardstock frame mat (what is professionally known as passepartout). Framed photos are a timeless décor solution that looks great in any interior and design scheme. Elegant classic frames provide a perfect background for just about any photo – feel free to frame bold, interesting images, not just studio portraits and formal photos taken at family gatherings.

Apart from framed prints, other wall art formats – think of canvas prints, metal prints, maybe even miniature and lightweight photo tiles – also make a great addition to any home.

Have your walls repainted

Painting the walls is probably the most impactful way to change the room’s ambiance. You can do it yourself or entrust the task to the DIY professionals

 You can find attractive paint jobs with solid patterns and elegant textures in magazines and online designs. Or you can design your less expensive elegant textures and patterns with multiple techniques. For instance, solid colors are great for trending. They are suitable for the living room. And ensure they describe your personality. 

Some people go with stencil designs with intonating patterns which are less expensive. They are affordable and safe to use with paint. You can do a simple pattern, dots, geometric patterns, and trip with paint. Use tape to pattern the wall before painting. Once the walls are dried, you can remove the tape to display the beauty of the paint.

Add some new curtains or blinds

An easy way to decorate a home is by adding curtains or blinds. These fabrics elevate the look of a room effortlessly and are a good sign of a sophisticated design. 

Most people overlook these items when decorating a home, but they are essential for the good look of windows. These draperies can change the look of a room. Instead of using a dark curtain with a random pattern, it is important to research and find a meaningful design to fit your space look. A curtain can be placed above, around, or in front of the window. This fabric provides structure and dimension to space. To find curtains or blinds that work the best for your space, you need to think about the dominant color of the room, the window shape, the level of reflecting light. 

Buy a new rug

Replacing old rugs always has a significant impact on the home. Rugs are textiles that add warmth and coziness to the home. They also add a refining accent to a space. 

And even though rugs are definitely more practical than aesthetical, it doesn’t mean that rugs can’t be beautiful too. You can choose personalized rugs and doormats that will be printed with any image of your choice. Then you can lay the rug diagonally to make your room look more dynamic and unusual. Of course, don’t forget about practical aspects – for example, if you lay the rug next to the home entrance, then better go for dark colors. But if you use the rug in the living room or bedroom, feel free to unleash your creativity!

Get some new furniture

Even the most minimalist homes do have (some) furniture. Though a durable and classic piece of furniture is costly, you can start getting your furniture collection piece by piece by focusing on one room after another. Buy comfortable and functional furniture at affordable prices. You can also find good picks at sales and small boutique shops. 

And don’t overlook smaller items – even a small coffee table can alter the look of a room. Before you choose, consider the room’s color, size, appearance, and décor scheme.

 

A harsh reality is that adopting a kitten is easy to do on impulse, which is why so many families end up regretting the decision, and so many pets are left homeless and uncared for. While cats can be low-maintenance pets, this doesn’t mean that they require no responsibility at all.

If you’re thinking of adopting a kitten, it’s important to remember that they have needs, just as any other member of your family does. Before you make a choice, here are some of the most important things to know.

They’ll Need a Vet Visit

Just like your kids, cats have health needs, will need vet check-ups, and might require medicine or even surgery if they are hurt or sick. In fact, when you first adopt a kitten, they’ll need to see a vet straight away since they’ll need a thorough check as well as vaccinations.

Following this, annual check-ups and, of course, vet visits when your pet isn’t feeling well can grow expensive. Looking into pet insurance for your kitten can be a great financial help and allow you to rest at ease, knowing you can take care of your new baby if anything were to happen.

They Need to Feel Safe

Cats can be skittish, depending on their personality, and are more likely to be a little anxious, especially in new surroundings. When you adopt a cat, you need to make an effort to ensure that they feel safe and secure in their new environment. Be gentle with them, and provide them with a safe space like a bed or a spot on the sofa.

However, if your cat is anxious by nature, this might impact its quality of life. Anxious animals may eat less or feel listless, and this can be addressed. You could talk to your vet about trying CBD oil for your cat or figure out tactics to help them relax.

They Can Be Fussy

Keep in mind that cats can be fussy creatures. They like what they like, and if they don’t… Well, they don’t. This could mean trying out loads of different foods until they’re happy and wasting money on toys that they ignore. Your cat might not even like the new litter box you bought, which will force you to spend money on something they’re willing to use.

Cats can even be fussy about the humans they like, so be prepared to handle it if you’re not the favorite in the family.

They Need to Be Entertained

Finally, cats need stimulation. Many people think that cats are easier pets since they don’t need all the attention dogs to do. While this is true to some extent, you still need to give your cat love and attention each day if you want them to be happy.

However, we can’t all be available for play 24 hours a day, which means you’ll need to invest in some items to keep your cat busy while you’re taking care of other responsibilities.

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.