Category Archives: Home & Garden

January 15, 2020 · 7:51 pm

4 things you should prioritize this spring

to do list

Can you believe the winter holiday season is officially over, and the new year is already in full swing? If you’ve already headed back to work, then you might be missing the freedom you had over the Christmas break. Maybe you’re wondering what to do with the limited free time you’re now left with.

With so many little tasks to get sorted, deciding what to prioritize isn’t easy, especially when you only have a weekend to work with. Most would agree that prioritizing the errands or little tasks that will save you time, money and effort in the future should be tackled first, so that’s what we’re going to look at here. Check out my top 4 things you should prioritize this spring.

Getting your AC unit checked

Reaching for your AC unit when it’s baking hot outside, only to find it splutter, choke and fail on you is something no one wants to experience. Especially during the hottest months of the year!

If your AC unit is faulty or not working correctly then get it looked at straight away – for air conditioning repairs in Las Vegas, click the link – if you can’t remember the last time you had it serviced, then get it looked at as soon as possible. Don’t be fooled into thinking you have months to get this sorted, failing to prioritize some simple maintenance could mean you’re stuck on a waiting list for weeks and you may be charged extra for an emergency call out.

Deep cleaning the house

It’s not pleasant and most people would prefer that this wasn’t classed as a priority, but deep cleaning your home will not only give you a deep sense of satisfaction, it’s also beneficial for your physical and mental well being. From dust bunnies to spider webs, cleaning up your home and giving everything from the ceilings to the skirting boards a good scrub will make your living arrangements much more pleasant and make your home feel fresh and ready for the new year ahead.

Removing the clutter

Clutter is not your friend. It’s stressful, unsightly and makes our lives a misery – often without us knowing it! Believe it or not, decluttering your home doesn’t mean getting rid of all the sentimental items you cherish – just the ones that you’re hanging on to for no discernible reason at all. Start with your closet and remove anything that you haven’t worn in a year, donate any items to charity or sell them online to make a little profit. Go through each room in turn and you won’t believe the difference it makes to your life.

Moving your body more

We all lead pretty sedentary lifestyles, so getting up and moving our bodies a little more each day is certainly something to prioritize. Exercise doesn’t have to be a grueling session at the gym, it can be a walk around the block on your lunch break or some simple yoga moves at home. Moving your body reduces stress, relieves tension and gets your heart pumping, so make it a priority this year!

exercise class

This is a collaborative post. The ideas and views do not necessarily represent those of Mommy Ramblings.

Things to Do to Get Your Boiler Ready for Winter

Boiler , Furnace, Heat, Winter

When winter hits, you need a comfortable and warm home. For this reason, you have to pay attention to the condition of your boiler. You can’t live with an broken or malfunctioning boiler during the winter season. If you have a boiler cover, there is nothing to worry because your engineer will see you within 24 hours after your call.

Understand the Importance of Boiler Cover

Servicing a boiler can easily be forgotten, but regular boiler maintenance and checks have numerous benefits. A defective boiler can be dangerous; therefore, you can protect yourself from different threats with a boiler cover. People who don’t have a boiler cover may find it challenging to get a qualified engineer at a reasonable price.

Remember, engineers across the country have busy schedules in the frostiest months. If your boiler is already covered, it will be easy for you to get help and advice. By ignoring the importance of a boiler cover, you can increase the chances of carbon monoxide poisoning, gas leaks, explosions and fires.

Test Your Boiler in the Autumn

People in the UK often turn their central heating on after October. They don’t realize the possibility of faults in their boiler. For this reason, check your boiler in mild weather. There is no need to use it for a long duration, turn it on for some time to check its radiators.

To nip boiler faults in the bud, arrange for a reliable boiler service. It will help you to identify and resolve different issues before winter. Moreover, you will get a consistent supply of hot water on every freezing morning.

Timers and Thermostats

An engineer can identify issues with your timer and thermostat during an annual service. Defects and errors in your heating time can make things difficult for you. Pay attention to the condition of timer and location of the thermostat to keep your house warm.

Check Pipe Insulation

Water expands when freezes; therefore, standing water in the plumbing system can affect your pipes. For this reason, pipe insulation is necessary. Similar to loft insulation and cavity wall, it can decrease heat transfer and maintain the flow of water in pipes without any heat loss. In this way, you can avoid several winter emergencies.

Boiler Pressure

Pay attention to the pressure of the boiler. You can judge it between 1 and 1.5 (in the green or the red). Decreased pressure can affect the flow of hot water around a heating system. Remember, high pressure can make radiators bleed. Similar, too low pressure requires you to refill loop to increase it. For the best performance, the pressure of your boiler should be temperamental.

Power Flushes

radiator

Keep your radiators clean to make things easy for your central heating system. Your plumbing engineer can clean pipes and radiators to flush sludge out of these units. After cleaning, your plumbing system will be refilled with a corrosion inhibitor and clean water. It will increase the efficiency of the central heating system.

snow winter

This is a collaborative post, the ideas and views do not necessarily represent those of Mommy Ramblings Blog.

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Filed under Family, Home, Home & Garden

Tagged as Boiler, Furnace, home, Services, UK, Winter

October 22, 2019 · 10:21 pm

Homeowner Tips for Pest Prevention in the Winter

As winter approaches, it’s time to consider the best way to prevent pests from getting into your home. Although the process of keeping pests out can be tedious, it is infinitely better than having to deal with pests in your home.

The good news is that pest prevention is easier than you think.

Contact A Professional

If you want to simply hand the reins over to someone else, call a local pest control expert and get them to come and check your home. However, while they will remove any pest infestation that already exists, they will usually only advise on the best preventative methods.

The best approach is simply to speak to them about the most likely pests you’ll be dealing with and how they recommend protecting your home.

You can then take the necessary steps, which will include the following:

Sealing Up Gaps

A mouse can get through a gap as small as a ¼ inch, ants, termites, and other pests don’t even need a gap that big!

You need to carefully inspect the outside of your home and seal any gaps. Pay particular attention to around the windows, doors, and the base of your walls.

If there is no entry point the pests won’t be able to get in.

snowy road in winter

Edge Around Your Home

Termites can bury through the earth at the side of your home and into your foundations in order to get to the wood and start eating it. You’ll know they are active if you have small tunnels in the soil. If you fill them in they will reappear within 24-48 hours.

The most effective way of eliminating this issue is to have a concrete strip around your home, preferably at least 6” wide.

Check For Moisture

Pests need moisture and food to survive. You can eliminate these by looking around your home, inside and out, and eliminating any moisture.

Gutters collect moisture, leaking pipes allow moisture to soak into the wood and walls, and even pet drinking bowls can be an encouragement to pests.

Check your home for any water stains and trace the source of the issue. Eliminating these won’t just help to keep pests out, it can also protect your home.

Clutter

Pests need somewhere to live, that’s why they’re contemplating your house for winter. But, prior winter they may have been living in a woodpile in the garden or some other item that hasn’t been moved for a long time.

If you eliminate clutter inside and outside your home you’ll reduce the places where pests can live, making it harder for them to stay uninvited.

You’ll also find that the value of your home will go up and it’s a nicer place to live.

Clutter

Start Cleaning

A pest needs food and this is most likely to be found in the form of crumbs and other food waste that you’ve left lying around.

You need to get in the habit of cleaning your house, putting food away in sealed containers, and keeping all waste in a sealed bin. Combine this with regular vacuuming and the pests won’t have any food, they’re likely to move onto a different house.

Don’t forget your local pest control service is here to help you eliminate the entry points and attraction of your home to pests. With their support, you can enjoy a pest-free winter!

This is a collaborative post, the ideas and views expressed do not necessarily represent those of Mommy Ramblings.

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Filed under Family, Home & Garden, Resources

Tagged as Pest Control, Prepared, Winter, Winterize

October 4, 2019 · 2:07 pm

How to Budget and Plan for a Major Home Renovation

House Signs

A home renovation is one of the more stressful ordeals you can go through in your life, even if you’ve done it before. It’s uncomfortable while it lasts, it can get messy if you don’t pay attention, and last but definitely not least, it can hit your bank account hard. Planning ahead can mitigate all of those factors, especially the last one – and it’s a good idea to take the time to sit down and come up with a proper plan of action if you don’t want to get caught up in a complicated situation.

Start Early

A major home renovation is not something you can plan a few days ahead of the job. This should go without saying – and yet you’d be surprised how many people put very little thought and planning into their own renovation jobs. As a result, they end up paying significantly more. There are many factors that play into this. Purchasing supplies and materials early can allow you to scout out good discounts and hundreds of deals for them. Contractors have their own schedules and contacting someone for a short-notice job is going to be more expensive. You can plan around the seasonal weather changes as well. In the end, giving yourself at least a few months – ideally half a year – before you start with the actual work is going to be very beneficial.

Extending Your Budget

After you’ve drawn the bottom line, you might come to the unpleasant realization that your budget is not actually enough to cover everything you want to do. Taking out a loan is perfectly reasonable in this situation. Just make sure that you know how you’re going to repay it, and how it will impact your budget. As long as you have a good credit score, it should be possible to get a nice extra stretch on your available funds without having to go through any uncomfortable periods later on.

Why the DIY Approach Can Be More Expensive

A big mistake you can make is to think that you’re just going to roll up your sleeves and get the job done yourself. Or at least parts of it. The problem with this is that while it may indeed save you some money in the short-term, it will very likely increase the overall cost of your project in other, unexpected ways. You will have to spend much more time on each part of the job compared to the average contractor, and you’ll also make more mistakes than them, costing you even more time and materials. Spare yourself the trouble and leave the complicated tasks in the hands of professionals.

Going Green Can Be a Money-Saver in the Long Run

As long as you’re renovating your home, now might be a good time to think about changing your approach to a greener one. This can cost a bit more in the immediate term, sure, but its impact on your budget can be significant in the long run. With a home that’s insulated better and at least partly self-sustaining in terms of energy and heating, you’ll knock off a large percentage from many of your bills. You’ll be better prepared for tomorrow too, as many of these things will likely become beneficial factors for your tax return sooner or later.

It doesn’t have to cost a great deal of money to renovate your home, at least if you give yourself enough time for the job and know what caveats to expect along the way. All things considered, it’s very likely to go smoother than you’re anticipating, and will probably not even cost you that much.

This is a collaborative guest post. The views and ideals expressed do not necessarily represent those of Mommy Ramblings.

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Filed under Home & Garden, Home Improvement, Life

Tagged as Family, home, home improvement, Life Changes, Renovations

October 1, 2019 · 5:31 pm

How to Save Money on a Bathroom Renovation

A lіmіtеd rеnоvаtіоn budget dоеѕ nоt mеаn уоu аrе ѕtuсk living with a bathroom frоm thе ѕеvеntіеѕ. Thе еxсеllеnt nеwѕ аbоut іnvеѕting іn bathroom rеmоdеlіng, іѕ thаt it increases the value of your home. If you plan to sell or flip your house, you can really profit from that renovation provided you dоn’t go over budget. Whіlе going over budget is not a smart іnvеѕtmеnt, lеаvіng your outdated bаthrооm as is certainly won’t hеlр the resale value of your home. Yоu саn gіvе уоur bаthrооm a nеw lооk, аnd ѕаvе уоur bаnk ассоunt bу сhооѕіng есоnоmісаl cosmetic upgrades аnd kееріng thеѕе rеnоvаtіоn іdеаѕ іn mіnd.

Onе ѕtер аt a time

Getting some good advice when planning will help ensure thаt уоur сhоісеѕ fit уоur оvеrаll budgеt аnd hеlр уоu achieve a соhеѕіvе ѕtуlе when remolding your bаthrооm. Mаnу hоmе rennovators аrе hampered bу аn аll оr nоthіng аррrоасh tо bаthrооm rеmоdеlіng. However, уоu dоn’t hаvе tо dо аn еxреnѕіvе mаkеоvеr tо еnjоу thе bеnеfіtѕ оf аn updated bаthrооm. Planning уоur соmрlеtе bathroom renovations in Melbourne, but tасklіng оnlу оnе оr twо рrоjесtѕ аt a time, requires patience. While it may take time, ultіmаtеlу you will have the rеmоdеlеd bаthrооm уоu were dreaming about with a mіnіmаl impact оn уоur fіnаnсеѕ.

Fеаturеѕ wіth еnеrgу-еffісіеnt uрgrаdеѕ

Mаnу cities, ѕtаtеѕ, аnd utilities оffеr dіѕсоuntѕ, сrеdіtѕ, оr оthеr incentives tо replace toilets, faucets, оr ѕhоwеrѕ wіth lоw-flоw mоdеlѕ thаt ѕаvе wаtеr. Leveraging іnсеntіvеѕ offered thrоugh energy соnѕеrvаtіоn programs саn hеlр уоu stay wіthіn уоur remodeling budgеt. Not only will you save on your renovations, you will have the bonus of reduced utility bills each month.

Thе Puzzle Uрdаtе оr Rерlасе

Mаnу bathroom rеmоdеlіng рrоjесtѕ hаvе оnе орtіоn: upgrade оr rерlасе? Yоu саn іnvеѕt іn nеw vanity саbіnеtѕ оr раіnt your existing ones. Alternatively, уоu саn соmрrоmіѕе аnd replace оnlу thе саbіnеt fасеѕ. Bаthtubѕ аnd соuntеrtорѕ саn bе rерlасеd оr refaced tо lооk аnd funсtіоn аѕ nеw. Evеn оld раrtѕ саn bе rеfurbіѕhеd instead оf replaced. Don’t assume thаt уоu nееd tо replace еvеrуthіng іn уоur bаthrооm tо gеt thе look уоu wаnt. Wіth ѕоmе research, careful prioritization, аnd оf course, patience, уоu саn give your bathroom a ѕtуlіѕh upgrade fоr a frасtіоn оf thе соѕt оf nеw materials.

Hіrіng Prоfеѕѕіоnаlѕ fоr thе Rіght Jobs

If уоu аrе rеlаtіvеlу handy, a grеаt wау tо ѕаvе money іѕ tо dо ѕоmе work yourself аnd hire a professional fоr thоѕе jobs outside уоur ѕkіll ѕеt. Mаkіng аn hоnеѕt аѕѕеѕѕmеnt оf уоur сараbіlіtіеѕ аnd time аvаіlаbіlіtу іѕ сrіtісаl tо thіѕ decision. Rushing or not doing the work correctly саn dо mоrе hаrm thаn gооd tо your hоmе. Whеn hіrіng a соntrасtоr fоr сеrtаіn areas of your renovation project, іt іѕ uѕuаllу rесоmmеndеd tо gеt аt lеаѕt thrее quotes tо fіnd a fair рrісе for thе jоb.

It іѕ оftеn ѕаіd thаt home renovations аlwауѕ соѕt mоrе аnd tаkе lоngеr thаn еxресtеd. It is best to start with realistic gоаlѕ аnd expectations fоr уоur remodeling timeline and budget. Ideally you should set aside a соntіngеnсу fund fоr unеxресtеd еxреnѕеѕ should they arise. Following these tips can help you with that beautiful bathroom renovation in Melbourne and bring you that state of the art style you long for.

This is a collaborative guest post. The ideas and views do not necessarily represent those of Mommy Ramblings.

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Filed under Home & Garden, Life, Resources

Tagged as Bathrooms, home, Renovations, Tips

September 13, 2019 · 1:12 pm

4 Easy Tips to Fuel Your Kids for Back To School from a Registered Dietitian

Back To School with Juicy Juice

Most kids have headed back to school. Our kids started last week, even though I feel our summer was far too short and cold. In classrooms all over the country are embarking on a new year of academics and activities. Parents like myself know the importance of preparing snacks and lunches that will keep our kids fueled to get them through their busiest days. Luckily, there are a handful of better-for-you snack, meal and beverage options on the market that offer nutritional benefits and taste that kids love and parents can feel great about serving. I am happy 4 easy tips to fuel your kids from RD Mitzi Dulan,

Take your child to the grocery store with you at the beginning of the school year and allow them to choose 2-3 of their favorite fruits to have for their lunches or after school snack. Fruit is important for kids to properly fuel up and making kids part of the decision-making process is a great way to create healthy habits and try new foods!

Back To School with Juicy Juice

Try incorporating protein into your kid’s lunch and snacks. Protein is important to a child’s diet to help them grow, build muscle and keep their immune system strong. Mitzi recommends new Juicy Juice + Protein, one of the first juice-protein blends on the market for kids, as an after-school for snack for busy days.

Back To School with Juicy Juice

Make sure you include a variety of quality carbs, healthy fats, protein and fiber into your child’s after school snacks for optimal fueling. One of my favorites for kids – my teens love it too – are peanut butter (or almond butter) and banana sandwiches with honey on whole wheat bread. Pro Tip: it’s also delicious toasted!

Back To School with Juicy Juice

Lower-sugar juice options are ideal to avoid consuming too much sugar while also hydrating in a tasty way. A favorite of my two girls is new Juicy Juice Fruitifuls Organic, which is made with 45% less sugar than the leading juice while still providing half a cup of fruit in each 8 oz serving. It works well paired with nutritious meals before, during or after the school day.

Juicy Juice

The new Juicy Juice Fruitifuls Organic, which is made with 45% less sugar than the leading juice, provides a half a cup of fruit in each 8 oz serving and is a better-for-you option that can be paired with meals before, during or after the school day. Check out Juicy Waters, Juicy Juice + Protein and Fruitifuls Organic. Please share some of your favorite tips for kid’s snacks and lunches in the comments.

Juicy Juice Prote

Ground Floor or Top Floor? Pros and Cons of Choosing Either

For those finally starting to live the independent adult life, it is time to look for some apartments. In choosing one, we often think about three things: price, location and safety. However, there is one other factor that you must also consider when searching for the best luxury apartment, that is the apartment floor. Did you know choosing an apartment that is located on a ground floor or top floor can also contribute to the quality of life you will have in a particular part of the neighborhood?So, should you choose a ground floor apartment or a top floor one when finding luxury apartments Melbourne? Here are some things you need to consider:

Money matters

In general, ground floor luxury apartments are relatively cheaper than top floor units. The price of the latter often skyrockets because you not only pay for space, you also pay for the view. If your luxury apartment is located in the heart of the city, the top floor view is surely an amazing sight to behold.

The downside of top floor apartments, is the higher price you’ll pay overall for utilities. During summer seasons, top floor apartments tend to get hotter, which means that you will keep the air conditioner on more. This leads to a higher electric bill. This would not be a problem with ground floor apartments since the cool air tends to stay below.

Accessibility

Naturally, ground floor units are your best bet if you value accessibility. Garden or ground floor apartments are usually the first to be scooped up by senior citizens and people with disabilities. Speaking of accessibility, moving in is easier since you don’t have to go up and down flights of stairs with your furniture. If you prefer to live in an upper floor apartment, check the safety and accessibility of the stairs and elevators. Make sure to have the number of the building maintenance crew on your phone in case you get stuck in the elevator in the middle of the night.

Safety

Each type of apartment has good and bad safety features. Ground floor units have an advantage when it comes to escaping during disasters such as fire and earthquakes. On the other hand, these apartments are often a favorite target of burglars because they are easier to access since the windows and doors are along the street. Top floor apartments may have fewer chances of a random break-in. However, it is still possible for your top floor apartment to be broken into because there are fewer people around. If you plan on moving into an upper unit, check for CCTVs.

Noise

Because ground floor apartments are right next to busy streets, outdoor noise from the rush hour traffic, shuffling of feet, and the busyness of the whole neighborhood can keep you awake at night. These noises will not be a problem for top floor dwellers, but the trade-off is that the noise from the upper floors can wake you up.

When finding luxury apartments Melbourne, you must also consider the location of the unit in itself. After all, the noise, safety, and accessibility of your apartment can also affect how well you sleep at night. If you have the opportunity to choose between the two, choose the one that would give you the best quality of life you can afford.

This is a collaborative guest post, the ideas and views do not necessarily represent those of Mommy Ramblings.

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Filed under Home & Garden, Life, Life Stages

Tagged as Apartment, House Hunting, Living, Safety

July 11, 2019 · 9:51 pm

Choose the Right Washing Machine For Your Family

Washing mасhіnеѕ hаvе соmе a lоng wау аnd аrе аn essential раrt оf a wеll-funсtіоnіng hоmе. Whеn thеrе іѕ a рrоblеm wіth thе wаѕhіng machine, thе сhаоѕ оf thе lаundrу happens. Choose thе rіght wаѕhіng mасhіnе, knowing thе pros аnd cons оf еасh tуре, аnd whаt fеаturеѕ аrе еѕѕеntіаl fоr уоur family.

Tор Lоаd Washers

Tор lоаdеrѕ wеrе thе standard wаѕhеr fоr a lоng tіmе, аnd mаnу реорlе ѕtіll uѕе thеm. Thеу hаvе a dооr thаt ореnѕ аt thе tор fоr loading, аnd a stirrer іѕ іn thе mіddlе оf thе tank. Thіѕ аgіtаtоr mоvеѕ thе сlоthеѕ thrоugh thе wаtеr tо clean thеm. The kenmore 41302 washing machine is the best machine for all families.

An advantage оf thе tор lоаdеrѕ іѕ thе рrісе. Thеу аrе thе mоѕt есоnоmісаl choice аmоng wаѕhіng mасhіnеѕ bу fаr. Alѕо, thе dооr dоеѕ nоt lосk оn thеѕе models ѕо thаt users саn рut оn fоrgоttеn сlоthеѕ аftеr thе start оf thе сусlе.

Unfоrtunаtеlу, tор-lоаdеrѕ tурісаllу dо nоt gеt thе bеѕt еffісіеnсу rаtіngѕ whеn compared tо frоnt-еnd lоаdеrѕ, оr thе nеw, hіgh-еffісіеnсу tор-lоаdеrѕ. If gеttіng clothes аѕ сlеаn аѕ роѕѕіblе іѕ еѕѕеntіаl, уоu mау nееd tо consider оthеr орtіоnѕ. Alѕо, thе tор lоаdеrѕ uѕе thе hіghеѕt аmоunt оf wаtеr, аnd thе аgіtаtоr саn bе hаrd оn thе сlоthеѕ, ѕоmеtіmеѕ causing ѕtrеtсhіng аnd trасtіоn. Wаѕhіng hеаvу оr bulkу іtеmѕ саn аlѕо саuѕе balance рrоblеmѕ іn thе mасhіnе.

Front-loading washers

In addition tо thе obvious dіffеrеnсе іn роrt lосаtіоn, thе front loaders dіffеr frоm thе tор lоаdеrѕ аѕ thеrе іѕ nо аgіtаtоr. Inѕtеаd оf рullіng clothes thrоugh thе water, thе сlоthеѕ аrе pulled uр аnd thrоwn іntо thе wаtеr rереаtеdlу. Sіnсе thе bаthtub dоеѕ nоt nееd tо bе fіllеd wіth еnоugh wаtеr tо соvеr thе lаundrу аnd rinse, thе front loaders соnѕumе аbоut 40% lеѕѕ wаtеr. Bесаuѕе lеѕѕ water іѕ uѕеd, lеѕѕ dеtеrgеnt іѕ nееdеd аѕ wеll (using high-efficiency dеtеrgеnt іѕ rесоmmеndеd).

Wіthоut аgіtаtоr, front loaders hаvе rооm tо hаndlе a lаrgеr lоаd оf clothing. Mаnу аrе dеѕіgnеd tо ѕtасk a drуеr оn tор tо ѕаvе ѕрасе, аnd аѕ thеу ѕріn muсh оf thе wаtеr оut оf thе clothes, thе drуіng tіmе decreases аѕ wеll.

Onе disadvantage оf a front loader іѕ thе рrісе, whісh саn bе mоrе thаn double thаt оf a trаdіtіоnаl саrgо wаѕhіng machine. Itѕ high-speed wіrіng саn аlѕо саuѕе vіbrаtіоnѕ thаt саn bе dіѕturbіng іf thе wаѕhеr іѕ nеxt tо a lіvіng аrеа оr bеdrооm.

High-Efficiency Wаѕhіng Mасhіnеѕ

Thе HE tор сhаrgеrѕ аrе thе nеwеѕt сrеаturе іn thе home appliances corridor аnd thеrеfоrе hаd lеѕѕ tіmе tо develop a reputation. Thеу lооk lіkе trаdіtіоnаl tор сhаrgеrѕ, but thеу dо wоrk аѕ a frоnt loader аѕ thеу dо nоt hаvе a ѕtіrrеr; thеу turnеd аnd turnеd tо mоvе thеіr сlоthеѕ асrоѕѕ thе wаtеr. Thеу ѕріn аt hіgh speeds tо rеduсе drуіng tіmе аnd uѕе lеѕѕ wаtеr аnd dеtеrgеnt lіkе thе frоnt loader. An аdvаntаgе оvеr thе frоnt сhаrgеr іѕ thаt thе user wіll nоt hаvе tо bеnd dоwn tо gеt thе lаѕt ѕосk іn thе bасk.

A typical complaint аbоut thеѕе wаѕhеrѕ іѕ thаt thе hіgh ѕрееd оf rоtаtіоn саuѕеѕ thе сlоthеѕ tо bесоmе excessively wrіnklеd, but thе wіrіng ѕееmѕ tо vibrate lеѕѕ thаn thе frоnt lоаdеrѕ.

Wаѕhіng Mасhіnе Features

Tаkе a lооk аt a hallway оf nеw wаѕhіng machines, аnd уоu wіll ѕее аll ѕоrtѕ оf buttons аnd lіghtѕ thаt dо dіffеrеnt thіngѕ.

Consider ѕоmе оf thеѕе features bеfоrе уоu shop tо fіnd оut whісh оnеѕ аrе іmроrtаnt tо уоu іn a nеw wаѕhеr:

Automatic dіѕреnѕеrѕ fоr detergent, fаbrіс softener аnd blеасh
Extrа rіnѕе cycle (uѕеful fоr rеmоvіng еxсеѕѕ dеtеrgеnt fоr реорlе wіth sensitive ѕkіn)
Autоmаtіс tеmреrаturе соntrоl
Manual / dial-up соntrоlѕ. еlесtrоnіс соntrоlѕ
Pоrсеlаіn lіd tо resist ѕсrаtсhіng
Stаіnlеѕѕ steel оr рlаѕtіс tub tо discourage rust
A steam rеѕоurсе thаt claims tо sanitize
Stаrt dеlау
Prеwаѕh оr іmmеrѕіоn fеаturе

Thеrе аrе plenty оf сhоісеѕ іn thе wаѕhіng mасhіnеѕ tоdау, аnd еасh fаmіlу hаѕ dіffеrеnt nееdѕ. Bу considering рrісе, аdvаntаgеѕ, disadvantages, аnd desired fеаturеѕ, fаmіlіеѕ саn еаѕіlу fіnd a kenmore 41302 wаѕhіng machine thаt wоrkѕ fоr thеm.

This is a collaborative guest post. The views expressed do not necessarily represent those of Mommy Ramblings.

Before And After with My New Sun Joe Electric High Power Pressure Washer

My husband has a gas-powered pressure washer. I love pressure washing, but it was a huge hassle to use the gas-powered unit myself. I used to have an electric pressure washer but my husband gave it away when we got the gas-powered unit.

Over the last few years I have told him that I was going to buy a new electric power washer. When I found the Sun Joe 2030, I put it in my cart and checked out online. I ordered accessories like the power broom and the surface washer.

Check out our unboxing:

See the before and after of our deck

Check out more before and after power washing.

So what do you think about this Sun Joe Pressure Washer? Let me know in the comments.

2 Comments

Filed under Home, Home & Garden, Home Improvement

Tagged as Cleaning, Power Washer, Pressure Washing, review, Sun Joe

June 10, 2019 · 4:52 pm

19 Ingenious Travel Hacks for Busy Families

Whether you’re getting ready to explore the country in your RV or you’re flying out of town for a much-needed getaway, traveling with kids can be great fun, but equally hectic! Getting the whole family packed and ready to go can try the patience of even the most even-keeled parents, sometimes detracting from your enjoyment of the experience.

If you’re already frazzled thinking about navigating the family from Point A to Point B, here are 19 ingenious travel hacks to help make your next family vacation smooth and seamless. Without further ado, let’s dive right in.

#1 – Ship, Don’t Pack

If you’re planning to be away for more than a few days and are feeling stressed about fitting all your daily essentials from snacks to diapers to baby food in your suitcase, there’s another way. Instead, order these items ahead of time and ship them to your final destination, so they are ready and waiting when you arrive.

This will be particularly helpful if you’re renting a house and want to have everything you need at your disposal once you get there without needing to take time away from your vacation to shop.

#2 – Send Souvenirs Ahead

If you’re going away on vacation and know you’ll likely be picking up plenty of souvenirs on your trip, save yourself a headache. Send those bulky items home through a shipping company instead of trying to fit everything in your luggage.

Souvenir stores don’t typically have an issue wrapping up and shipping your items to your home. Some may even put them in the mail for you so your goodies are ready and waiting when you get back from your trip.

#3 – Ziplock Packing

Make wardrobe planning for the kiddos 10 times easier, and use ziplock bags to put all their outfits together ahead of time. Each day, they can simply grab a fresh bag with shorts, a shirt, undies, socks, etc. No need to worry about mismatched socks this time!

#4 – Stockpile Games and Activities

Whether you’ll be going on a short or long trip, always plan ahead by bringing a bunch of games and activities to keep the little ones occupied—at least for a few hours. Check out the dollar store before your trip for things like coloring books, craft supplies, puzzles, card games, and other fun activities you know your kids will love.

#5 – Send Yourself Mail

A special way to commemorate your vacation is to mail postcards or notes to yourself back home as you travel to various destinations. Just throw some envelopes and stamps in your suitcase before you go.

When you visit a museum or other nifty spot, buy a postcard, have everyone sign it, and mail it back home. Those post-vacation blues won’t seem so bad when the kids have mail to return to, postmarked from all the cool places they’ve visited.

#6 – Make Copies of Everything

If you’ll be flying anywhere on your trip, whether domestically or abroad, scan and copy your driver’s license, ID card, passport, itinerary, and so forth. Email yourself a copy of everything and print out one of two paper copies of each (one to store in your luggage and the other to keep with you). That way, if luggage gets lost or someone steals your purse, all your essential documents will be safe.

#7 – Lists Are Your Friend

Don’t stress yourself out trying to remember every little thing you need to bring in your luggage. Instead, make your own ultimate packing list, print it out, and keep it with you to use for this trip and ones in the future. If you do forget something one trip, be sure to add it to your list so you remember it for the next vacation.

#8 – Safety First

If you’re traveling with kids, particularly young ones, one simple safety measure is to write out your name and number on a piece of paper, business card, etc. and put it in their pocket. You can teach your little ones to show that card or paper to a law enforcement officer or another dependable adult.

Staying at a hotel on your trip? Take the hotel’s business card at the reception desk and write your contact information on the back. In the event you and your child get separated, they’ll not only have your name and number but the hotel’s contact details.

#9 – Buy Travel-Size Hygiene Items

Don’t lug big bottles of shampoo and tubes of toothpaste on your next trip. Instead, purchase travel-size hygiene and personal items ahead of time (i.e. mouthwash, body wash, shampoo, toothbrushes), that you can easily throw away when you’re done and ready to go home.

#10 – Use Backseat Organizers for Road Trips

If you’re going on a road trip, whether for a few days or a week, backseat organizers will be your (and your child’s) new best friend. Organizers like this one are a great way to keep everything from snacks and drinks to games and tablets easily accessible and orderly.

#11 – Make Your Own First-Aid Kit

Just in case anyone gets any scrapes along the way, put together your own first aid kit with all the essentials like bandaids, antiseptic wipes, Tylenol, etc., to ensure you’re prepared for any unanticipated boo-boos.

#12 – Listen to Books

Listening to audiobooks is a fantastic way to keep everyone in the car occupied on long road trips. From gripping stories to educational content, books on tape can be a dual-purpose learning and entertainment experience for the kids.

#13 – Movie Time

If you’ve listened to your favorite book for a few hours and the kids need a change of pace, pull out your laptop and play their favorite show or movie. You can set up your laptop on the car console so everyone can enjoy.

#14 – Plan Ahead

Whether you’re catching an early morning flight or hitting the road before the sun comes up, plan to download and pack up your kids’ game and movie entertainment the night ahead. You’ll likely be running about the morning of the trip attending to last minute details.

Make sure your iPad or laptop is finished downloading and ready to go, and you’ll have one less thing to worry about.

#15 – Use a Vacuum Seal Bag

When you’re going on a lengthy getaway, it can be daunting to figure out how to fit all your clothes into your luggage. This is where vacuum-sealed bags can save the day. Put your clothes in the bags, seal them with your vacuum cleaner, and voila! The bag has shrunk down to a minute size, giving you much more room in your carry-on and suitcase.

#16 – Pick Up Some Quirky and Bright Baggage Tags

As fun as it is playing the waiting game standing at the luggage carousel, straining your eyes to pick out your suitcase amongst the sea of other identical baggage, why not simplify things? Before your trip, pick up some bright and colorful tags for your baggage to jot down your contact information on. Not only will you have an easier time spotting your luggage right off the bat, but the kids can compete to see who can find their quirky baggage tag first.

#17 – Pack Empty Water Bottles to Fill Once You Get Through Security

Pack a couple of empty water bottles that you can refill after you get through airport security. Not only will you save a little money, not having to purchase airport bottled water, but you won’t have to worry about thirsty kiddos on the plane after the drink cart rolls off.

#18 – Fix Some Meals In Your Hotel

If you’ll be staying in a hotel, consider booking a room with a kitchenette featuring a few kitchen essentials that you can prepare some easy meals in. Not only can you stretch your budget a little further, but when the kids are hungry or in dire need of a snack, you can easily whip something up.

Check out the grocery store nearest your hotel to pick up a few favorite food items for the whole family. Your hotel room coffee maker can easily do double duty to make some instant oatmeal and ramen for those last minute snacks.

Need to stretch your legs after the long car or plane ride? Check out these 5 tips for family fitness to keep everyone active and help the kids release some of that pent up energy.

#19 – Navigating the Airport With Ease

Okay, so this final hack is really three rolled into one.

First, if you’re trying to get seats with your family on the plane and are unable to when you book the flight, continue to reach out to the airline in the week, 48 hours, and 24 hours preceding your departure. Airlines have been known to reserve seats just for families, then release them a week before the flight. Once you hit the 24 and 48-hour point, elites frequently upgrade, which opens up more seats in economy.

Second, skip lengthy airport security waits by heading to the family lane at TSA. The majority of major airports have family lanes to streamlines the process for travelers with children. Finally, do yourself a favor and pre-book an airport transfer both to and from your accommodation. You’ll save money on airport parking and have one less component to worry about.

This is a guest post, the ideas and views are not necessarily those of Mommy Ramblings.

Rachel Warren is a Research Analyst and Writer for CarInsuranceComparison.com. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Paralegal Studies from the Liberty University School of Law. Rachel leverages nearly a decade’s prior experience in the legal field and her diverse digital marketing background to create data-rich, informative, engaging content for readers regarding car insurance, legal, finance, career, and lifestyle topics.

1 Comment

Filed under Family, Home & Garden, Life, Travel

Tagged as Life Hacks, Tips, travel