Pixabay CCO License

A Pool 

If you have a large enough garden and the budget available then you may have your eye on your dream pool. Everyone wishes they had the means to put a pool in their back garden, if you do then weigh up the options for what is best. Don’t forget, it isn’t just the initial cost of the pool installation. You also have to factor in the running and maintenance costs that will build up. 

If you are dead set on getting a pool then this can include a jacuzzi or hot tub section. These are wonderful for creating an amazing relaxing atmosphere for your backyard. Find a company that has a good reputation and is known for their pool installations. 

Trees & Plants

If you want to create the ultimate relaxing vibe in your back garden and think that you are in tropical climes everytime you venture out there, think about the trees and plants. Have you ever been to the caribbean? If so, you will know how the palm trees make you feel relaxed and rejuvenated. You can get these for your backyard, believe it or not. Take a look at palm trees landscaping in backyards for more inspiration. 

Furniture 

You might also want to consider using furniture to ensure that you have a relaxing space in your garden. The right furniture will be comfortable, cosy and provide plenty of back support, ensuring that it’s the perfect way to lie back and enjoy the sun, or even a cool spring evening. 

Lighting 

Shelter

Finally, you might want to consider creating a sheltered space around your home. The right sheltered space will mean that you can use your garden throughout the year and that you won’t have to worry about abandoning this space with the changes of the seasons. Just imagine sitting outside under a shelter as the rain falls inches away. Watching the water cascade down can provide a wonderful sense of tranquility. 

We hope this helps you understand some of the best ways that you can create a relaxing atmosphere in your home. In doing so, you can guarantee that your home looks incredible and does provide real, unique benefits for your mental health. 

*contributed post*

Pixabay

Minimalism

Sometimes you need to change the way you look at your home. Going for the minimalistic approach can be a great way to use your home to enhance your sense of well-being. It will also improve the look and feel of your home too. The minimalistic approach is about removing everything that no longer has any value in your life. That means you need to declutter. Clutter can have a hugely negative impact on your mental health as well as make the home look dirty and untidy. Clutter allows lots of nasties, like dirt, chrome, mold, and animal feces, to collect and gather, and this can actually contaminate the air and make you and your family ill. Decluttering can make the space appear so much larger and nicer, as well as reducing your stress and anxiety levels. It also makes it a lot easier to clean too, which will definitely improve the feel of your home. Minimalism is about creating space to breathe, creating something far more valuable than objects can give you.

Flooring

Changing the floor can make a massive difference. It can instantly upgrade the look and feel. If you have wooden floors and the tread of a thousand feet have made it look worn and tired, you could sand down the floor and get rid of all the nicks and dents. Then you can either varnish, stain, or paint it. Carpets can easily be replaced. Thicker piles give that more luxurious feel. You can even go for something completely different, like using a mexican saltillo tile floor. If your home is very warm in the summer, tiling is a great way to reduce the heat, not to mention it looks fantastic.

Paneling

Paneling is another great way to instantly improve any room. It is also a way to create a clear divide om multi-purpose rooms such as a living room/ dining room. Paneling is a wall covering that is made from rigid or somewhat rigid parts. It is a way to create a brickwork finish that appears and feels genuine. It can add depth and class to a wall and works great in a dining room. You can give a bathroom a greater stonework feel. Paneling is also pretty easy to install yourself. So the next time you are decorating, consider this as a great alternative to painting or wallpaper.  

*contributed post*

Image credit

Home is where the heart is—but it's also where the toxins often lurk. The average household contains hundreds of chemical VOCs (volatile organic compounds), which are released into the air by everyday objects like paints, glues, and cleaning sprays. This is on top of environmental pollutants such as dirt, dust, pollen, etc. Unfortunately, all of these can harm your health. Unless you live in a hyper-hygienic glass tower, your home likely has some hidden dirt that could be unhealthy for you. So what can you do to make your abode safer and healthier? Read on to learn about 5 ways to make your home safer and healthier.

Use an air filter

According to a report published in 2016, indoor air pollution can cause as many as 1 in 5 deaths each year globally. This is because indoor air pollution can affect anyone, regardless of age, sex, or socioeconomic status. The report also showed that indoor air pollution is associated with increased risks for respiratory infections, asthma, allergies, impaired immune function, and increased mortality. Thus, air filters are a great and affordable way to protect you and your family from indoor air pollution. Hepa filters can remove up to 99.97% of pollutants from the air in your home, including dirt, dust, pollen, mold, bacteria, and other airborne particles, such as the common cold and flu.

Have your HVAC cleaned regularly

HVAC systems are often overlooked when it comes to cleaning, but they can be a source of pollution and allergens in the home. Most HVAC filters are paper or fiberglass, which can trap dust, microbes, and allergens. If not cleaned regularly, they can also become a source of indoor pollution. Fiber filters, in particular, trap a large amount of dust and allergens. They are also more challenging to clean than paper filters. Another potential source of pollution in the HVAC system is bacteria that can grow in the condensate pan. When not cleaned regularly, the bacteria that thrive in this water can be released into the air you breathe. HVAC cleaning is among the most effective ways to remove pollutants from indoor air, such as dust, mold, pollen, and bacteria. Always use a professional service when cleaning any internal parts of your HVAC system, such as https://www.jcs-homeservices.com/air-duct-cleaning-fairfax-va/, as this will help you to avoid any excess damage to the system and yourself.

Use natural cleaning products.

There are a few ways to determine if your cleaning products are organic. One is the label, which will include the word "organic" and a logo or certification mark. Another is to check the list of ingredients. If there are a few words you don't recognize, likely, the product isn't organic. If you're in doubt, look for a cleaning product with the seal of approval from the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI). OMRI-approved products are verified as compliant with federal organic regulations. If you've tried to go the organic route before and found it too inconvenient or expensive, there are now more affordable and convenient options. Many of these products are concentrated, so you don't have to use them as much as you would with regular detergents. As with anything, it pays to do a bit of research before committing to a product.

Vacuum regularly

We've all heard the saying, "Cleanliness is next to godliness." That's because a clean home is a healthy home! Although vacuuming is not as effective as other cleaning methods in reducing indoor pollution, it remains an integral part of any cleaning routine. This is because a vacuum can trap particles like dust and allergens in the air. A vacuum with a high-efficiency filter can trap more of these pollutants than a low-end model with a standard filter. For best results, vacuum more frequently at the places where pollution is likely to collect, such as near the furnace, vents, and air conditioner. You can also use a HEPA filter, which traps small particles such as mold spores, pollen, and pet dander. Clean your filter regularly, and replace it when it becomes too clogged to be effective.

Conclusion

Many people often overlook home safety and health. Although these issues may not be as apparent as other health concerns, they are no less important. If you need help, be sure to get a same day air conditioner repair quotation as there is no quick fix when it comes to making your home safer and healthier. It takes time to make these changes, but they are worth the effort. This is especially true when you consider how much money you can save by implementing these changes in your home.

Image Source

As we approach December, many of us are planning out how we’re going to spend this year’s holidays. If you’re traditional and have firm family traditions, chances are, you already know exactly what you’ll be doing. However, if you like to mix things up a bit, you may be looking for some inspiration. If you fall into this second category, why not consider a Christmas break in Oregon? Here’s some information to help you determine if this is a good decision for you!

Weather

If you’re looking for a winter wonderland, Oregon State is the place to go. The weather in December is mainly influenced by the region’s Pacific North-west climate, which means that the coast has colder temperatures in winter and you are likely to find heavy rainfall in the west. On rainy days, it can be very humid towards the mainland with regular winds near the coastline. In short, this is going to be a cold, festive stay with high chances of snow between December and February.

Accommodation

It’s important to book your accommodation as far in advance as possible if you’re planning on visiting Oregon in the festive season. Demand is high and leaving things last minute could see you miss out. The good news is that there’s plenty of quality accommodation to choose from, each offering a holly jolly spirit as we approach Christmas day! Options like ​​Bend Oregon Resorts provide everything you need. You’ll be able to find an atmosphere of modern sophistication and world-class amenities amidst this undeniably relaxing location, nestled in Oregon’s natural beauty and untamed wilderness.

Getting There

Of course, getting to Oregon is simple, but the best option for you will depend on where you’re starting out. If you’re already in state or live in a neighbouring state, you may find that driving is completely fine. If you’re further away or would rather avoid long drives in winter conditions, you can fly into one of the state’s impressive 98 public use airports! The main is Portland International (PDX), but there are others ranging from Salem (SLE) to Klamath Falls (LMT), North Bend (OTH), Medford (MFR) and beyond!

Things to Do

There’s a lot to do in Oregon when you get there. Here are some of the top activities that people like to get involved in!

• Portland Japanese Garden - by far one of the most talked about attractions in Oregon, the Japanese Garden is often considered the most authentic Japanese Garden outside of Japan. It features a cultural Village, complete with new garden spaces, classrooms, exhibition and gallery space.

• Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area - located between the states of Oregon and Washington, this area features a 1243-mile-long river with 80 miles of canyons.

• High Desert Museum - a truly one-of-a kind museum, the High Desert Museum has a host of stunning exhibits, helping you to familiarise yourself with the region, its history and culture.

Oregon really could prove to be a great shout for your Christmas festivities this year! Hopefully, some of the advice above will help you to decide whether it ticks your boxes!

*contributed post*

There are things you can do to start feeling like yourself again. Don't be afraid to ask for help because there are undoubted people around you willing to help. And focus on taking care of yourself – eat healthy, exercise, get enough sleep, and make time for things that make you happy.

If you're going through a tough time, know that it's not forever – and with some effort, you'll start feeling like yourself again. We’re going to talk about that in much more depth today, so if you want to make a change and turn things around, read on and find out more.

Difficult times don't have to define you

When you go through tough times, it's normal to feel like you've lost your way. It can be difficult to see yourself in the same way as you did before. You may feel unsure about who you are and what you want in life. This is perfectly natural – difficult experiences can change our perspectives and the way we see ourselves.

The good news is that there are things you can do to start feeling like yourself again. Here are some suggestions that might help you:

• Talk to someone who can help – a therapist, counselor, or trusted friend or family member. Talking about what you're going through can be very helpful in managing your feelings and beginning to process your experience.

• Get involved in activities that make you feel good – whether it's spending time outdoors, taking up a new hobby, or volunteering for a cause you care about. Doing things that make you happy will help you start to feel like yourself again.

• Be patient with yourself – it takes time to heal from difficult experiences. Give yourself time to grieve, process what happened, and adjust to any changes in your life before expecting to feel "normal" again. There’s no prize to be gained from rushing this whole process.

Image Source - CC0 License

Don't be afraid to ask for help

It can be difficult to reach out and ask for help when you're feeling lost and uncertain, but it's important to remember that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. There are people who want to support you – reach out to them.

There are people who care about you and want to help you get through tough times – don't be afraid to reach out to them. Whether it's a friend, family member, therapist, or hotline, there are people who want to support you and can help you start feeling like yourself again.

Focus on taking care of yourself

It's important to take care of your physical health when you're going through tough times. Eating healthy foods, exercising, and getting enough sleep will help you feel stronger and more capable of dealing with difficult situations.

Find Support and Treatment That Helps

If you’ve been feeling stressed out a lot and you want to take control again, there are lots of things out there that can help you to do that. It might be therapy as we discussed earlier, or it could be a supplement, a new diet, a focus on exercise or some form of medication or treatment. When it comes to dealing with feelings of stress and anxiety better, lots of people find cannabis products can help a lot. You can head to The Standard if you want to try some of those products yourself.

Get Legal Assistance

If you're having legal troubles, hiring an attorney might seem daunting but doesn't need to be. There are attorneys out there who specialize in different areas of the law and they can help guide your way through the legal system and get you the result that suits you best. In particular, malpractice during delivery could result in litigation, so check out infant injury law firms if this applies. For added financial convenience many law firms provide payment plans or free consultations.

Make time for things that make you happy

It's also important to make time for things that make you happy. Doing things that make you feel good – whether it's spending time with friends or family, listening to music, or reading a favorite book – can help lift your spirits and give you the strength to keep going. We all need to have time for the things that we love and give us that lift in life that’s so often needed.

If you've been through some tough times, it's normal to feel lost and uncertain. But there are things you can do to start feeling like yourself again. Don't be afraid to ask for help – there are people who want to support you. And focus on taking care of yourself – eat healthy, exercise, get enough sleep, and make time for things that make you happy. By taking these steps, you'll begin to feel like yourself again – and you'll be stronger for having gone through the tough times.

*contributed post*