Allergens in the Backyard: How Can You Eliminate Them?

It's not something people casually think of, but there are more allergens around them than they know. You may be the lucky one for not having experienced an allergic reaction yet. But it can be you or your loved one the next time you spend leisurely time in your yard.

You don't have to wait for that to happen, though. Find out what allergens are in your yard and what you can do to eliminate them and protect your family in the process.

Image credit

What are allergens commonly found in a yard?

The most common allergen found in the yard is pollen. This is a yellow powder contained by plants transferred to other plants by the wind or by pollinators or other animals. Although pollen promotes plant fertilization, it causes distress for pollen-allergic individuals, especially during spring and even stretches to summer.

Because they're almost microscopic, pollen is hard to evade once they're in the air. They can scatter on lawn grass, bushes, pathways, and porches. In case you skip cleaning your yard, they can even make their way inside your home. Minimum levels of pollen may keep an allergic person from reacting. But if there's an overwhelming amount all around them, they might exhibit multiple symptoms, including a runny nose, itchy eyes, and congestion in the nasal passages.

Being stung by an insect also causes allergies. While you can seek ways to exterminate them from the vicinity, sometimes a random stinger can lurk in the area and bite you if they perceive you as a threat. Allergic reactions may range from a simple rash to more life-threatening symptoms like breathing difficulty, nausea, and fainting.

Mold spores are likely to thrive in your yard as in the moist areas in your home. They can typically be found on decomposing plants, compost piles, and even grass. They are more active during summer. You can keep them from disrupting your daily life by keeping your compost bin at a remote location away from where you usually spend your time.

What should you do if you have allergies?

Allergic people know well that they have to keep their epinephrine shot pens in handy during allergy seasons. There are also over-the-counter allergy cures like Claritin and Zyrtec. Still, it's best to prevent being exposed to these allergens rather than cure the effects of exposure.

One way is by dressing properly when going to your yard. Wear long-sleeve shirts, pants, closed shoes, and sunglasses that cover your eyes well. Immediately shower when going back in, making sure to leave your outdoor clothes by the entrance.

Also, be cautious when dining with the family in your yard. You can take your allergy medicine ahead and keep a bottle of saline eyewash in your pocket for when you need to relieve your itchy eyes. Also, if you'd had an allergic reaction to food before, you should avoid them. Oranges, bananas, strawberries, cherries, and almonds are some things people have allergic reactions to.

How do you get rid of yard allergens?

People share the notion of preparing for the spring by doing some yard work during autumn. While this is sensible, it is important to take caution when cleaning as pollen may be lying around even when flowers are off-season. One sure way is by wearing a mask and other protective gear. Avoid doing yard work any time between mid-day and the afternoon because it's when pollen levels are the highest.

The worst tree to keep in your yard is birch trees and ragweed plants for the plant category. They can produce millions of pollen spores and. These lightweight allergens could travel as far as 100 yards to hundreds of miles from the source, so it would be best to get rid of the said plants if there are any in your yard.

If cleaning your yard proves to be extremely difficult because of your allergies, you can always call lawn and landscaping services to do the job for you. You can also plant more allergen-averse plants like apple, pear, plum trees, lilac, rose, sunflower, and daffodil for flowers.

Also, remember that pollen can stick to the exterior of your house. And so, as soon as spring starts, regularly sweep your porches and spray off excess pollen using a high-pressure hose. Do the same for pathways. Furniture can likewise be doused with hose water and rid of excess pollen using a cloth with some detergent.

The body develops immune responses to any perceived threat. Unfortunately, some people react worse to something as natural as pollen. The advice mentioned is practical, but it wouldn't hurt to go out of your way to get tested by an allergist for anything you might be allergic to. 

Will Driving To Work Be A Thing Of The Past?

 

Pixabay

As you may have noticed, we have been working from home for a few months now. This has led people to ask, what things about their work lifestyle could they change forever, since they have managed to continue being productive and effective in their roles at home? Lots of industries are in the firing line. Chief among them is the commercial real estate industry, but so too is the car industry. Driving to work might be a thing of the past, if you can work from home for 2-3-4 days of the week. Does this mean, public transport will get a boost in funding? Maybe it means that more eco-friendly personal transport will become popular. Here are the many reasons why taking a car to work is perhaps a soon to become a pastime.

Not as much stress

As the population of human beings on earth punches through 8 billion people, more and more people are on the roads. This has led to massive and common traffic jams around the world. As millions have been without the need to drive to work for so long, the stress of driving has been replaced with the calm of a morning stroll. 

Not to mention, you won’t be risking your life to some degree if you’re not on the road. If you have ever been in a car accident and have suffered a life-changing injury, you probably don’t see commuting to work by car the same anymore. But top car accident lawyers are still going to be needed for this reason. They'll still be needed to fight for compensation, so you can pay for medical bills and time taken off work.

A new wave of tech

It's not just cars, but every form of ‘old’ commuting type that is under attack from new technology and new lifestyles. For instance, if the hyperloop is successful, it could mean, you could hurtle from city to city, at around 300-400mph. This cuts every single train journey you can think of, (including the Japanese trains), in half. So you can get from Pittsburgh to Chicago, in about 41 minutes compared to 67 minutes by plane, and 125 minutes by train. 

Not to mention, this is also a safer form of transport as it will not be open air like trains are. Trains are subject to the weather, such as wind, rain, hail and snow. But, since the hyperloop is encapsulated, it can continue to function through heavy snowfall, monsoon season and more. Another reason why driving just seems old-fashioned. 

Great personal transport

Personal transport has made leaps and bounds in technology. Electric bikes can reach 20-30mph, allowing for riders to really make time if they are getting to work using their own steam. This is brilliant for those that live in the city and even for those that live in rural areas close to towns and cities. The ranges are generally about 10-20 miles, depending on the internal or attachable external battery packs. 

Rutland bicycles have made some great designs, such as the Levo and Creo. The batteries are situated in the front support bar, so it's out of the way and doesn’t upset the balance of the bike. With a 320Wh battery, you have lots of power and range. 

Not to mention you have electric scooters, skateboards, monoboard, and even electric roller skates. There really is no shortage of electric personal transport vehicles you can choose to help you get to work. And with ranges and power set to only improve as battery technology and efficiency motors are designed, commuting to work by car in a city or town, could be a thing of the distant past.

Love of driving

Some people just love to drive and they don’t want to give up the joy that it gives them. So perhaps, there will always be people who want to drive a car to work and back. For them, smart highways will be the future, as technology is integrated into the highways to make them more informative, more friendly to self-driving cars, as well as monitoring road conditions, vision distances, and traffic updates. This will all be displayed into your car’s computer console, so you can get seamless updates using the voice alert options. 

The Pros and Cons of a Long Commute to Work

Image from Pexels - CC0 License

For many people, commuting is merely a fact of life. You can't always live within a 5-minute walk to your work, and you have to be able to get there somehow. But while a commute of 20 to 30 minutes might seem reasonable, you might understandably be a bit wary if you're facing a commute of 40 minutes or more. A longer commute, which in some cases can be an hour or two, is harder to handle. It takes up a lot of your time and can be pretty exhausting. But there are pros and cons to a longer commute, which are worth weighing up if you're trying to decide if it's worth it.

Pro: Find the Right Job (or Home)

One of the major pros of a longer commute is that it allows you to be more flexible about the job you choose or about the home that you choose to live in. You're less constrained by a small geographic area, so you can be a little less picky about where you decide to live or work. So if you've found a job that's perfect for you but it's a bit further away than your current job, the commute doesn't have to stop you from taking it. Similarly, if you're moving home, you might find the perfect home a little further out. Plus, you always have the opportunity to change jobs or move home again in the future.

Con: Commuting Can Be Tiring

Whether your commute is a long drive, you use public transport or you even cycle into work, it can be exhausting. The longer your commute is, the more it can drain the energy from you. It takes up a lot of your time, and it can almost feel like a second job. You have a huge task to complete before you even get to work, then you have to do it all again when the day is over. A long commute might be novel at first, but after a while, it can really start to become tiring.

Pro: Time to Yourself

The thing that many people enjoy about a long commute is that they get time on their own. No matter how you get to work, you have time to spend with your thoughts to both prepare for the start of a new day and decompress at the end of the day. It's the perfect time to catch up on podcasts or listen to audiobooks, or you could put on some music. If you're taking public transport, you might get out a book or something else to read, or maybe you could even write or draw. You can check the news for the day or do anything else you don't have time for at any other point in the day.

Image from Pexels - CC0 License

Con: Increased Chance of an Accident

Driving to work might be necessary for many, but spending longer on the road could mean that you have an increased chance of getting into an accident. While you might think of driving as a relatively safe form of transport, you're much more likely to have something happen on the road compared to taking a train. If you don't want to have to look for legal representation for car accident matters, you need to be careful on your commute. Whether you're stuck in traffic for much of it or your commute is mostly smooth-sailing, drive safely.

Pro: Time to Nap (On Public Transport)

If you take public transport instead of driving, it can give you more freedom during your commute. You don't need to concentrate on the road, which means you can do what you want. As well as entertaining yourself with various things (or even getting some work done), you might have time to take a nap. Of course, you do have to be careful that you don't sleep for too long and miss your stop.

Con: Less Time at Home

Getting less time at home is a big drawback of having a long commute. Less time at home means less time to get housework done, less time to spend with your family and pets, and less time to relax in the place where you feel safe. This can make a big difference when you're trying to decide if a long commute is right for you. If you need to have your time at home, it might be better to avoid longer commuting times.

A long commute might seem like a nightmare to some, but others will definitely feel like it's worth it.

What Does It Take to Win in Hollywood? These Child Stars Prove Their Mettle

You’d think that the life of a child actor is all glitz and glamour. It is a lot of hard work, especially on the child’s part. Between work and all their other responsibilities as a normal growing child, it can be too much even for a grown-up to take on. 

On top of their work, these kids need to make sure they’re performing well in school (most of them either have private tutors or are home schooled). They also need to make sure they take good care of their health and appearance. Many of them developed their careers into adulthood, which meant a life full of trainers, teachers and frequent visits to a doctor. Most of these regular trips are mainly for maintenance and checkups, such as checking in with a dentist in their area to ensure they would still have a smile worthy of a Hollywood star when they grow up.

And growing up in the limelight is tough! But this is what makes these kids all the more adorable and lovable because you realize they are extraordinary people that come in small packages. Here are some of child actors who succeeded despite living in the limelight.

1. Shirley Temple

Famous for: The Little Princess; Bright Eyes

America’s biggest little star, the dimpled pretty little girl, Shirley Temple, started her career in 1932 at the very young age of three. She starred in a slew of box office hits between 1934 and 1938 as America’s most popular and most famous child star.

She was a legitimate triple threat who can act, sing, and dance really well. This endeared her to American audiences and won their hearts over and over as she took on different roles throughout her career as a child star.

2. Dakota Fanning

Famous for: I am Sam

Hannah Dakota Fanning is an American actress and model whose performance in the movie I am Sam earned her recognition as one of Hollywood’s brightest young stars of her time. She was nominated for a Screen Actors Guild Award for her part, and being only eight years old at that time, it was no mean feat. This makes her the youngest nominee for the award to date.

3. Macaulay Culkin

Famous for: Home Alone 1 and 2

Perhaps one of the most unexpected child stars to break out in the 80s was Macaulay Culkin, who was famous for his uncannily natural and endearingly hilarious portrayal of Kevin McCallister in the first two Home Alone movies. He went on to do a few more movies but none come close to the success of his initial outing.

4. Emma Watson

Famous for: Harry Potter movie series

Paris-born British actress Emma Charlotte Duerre Watson stole our hearts as Hermione Granger in the hit Harry Potter movie series. She has proven to be an exceptional actress who can hold her own as a female lead, most notably in Disney’s live adaptation of Beauty and the Beast.

5. Daniel Radcliffe

Famous for: Harry Potter movie series

Just like Emma Watson, Daniel Radcliffe broke into the scene as the titular character in the Harry Potter series of movies. He owned and became Harry Potter that he became one of those actors who will forever be irreplaceable in the eyes and hearts of fans worldwide.

6. Drew Barrymore

Famous for: E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial

Way before she became the queen of romantic comedies, Drew Barrymore made us giggle with delight in one of her biggest roles ever as Gertie in 1982’s sci-fi movie E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial. She has since made a stellar Hollywood career and carved a name for herself as a legitimate movie star.

7. Gary Coleman

Famous for: Different Strokes

From the ‘70s to the mid-’80s, perhaps no other child star was as big as little Gary Coleman. The late actor gave us some pretty good laughs in the hit sitcom and left us in stitches. The memory of Arnold Jackson will forever be etched in our memories.

8. Haley Joel Osment

Famous for: The Sixth Sense; Pay It Forward

“I see dead people.”

This line became one of the most famous one-liners ever in Hollywood history. And it made Haley Joel Osment famous. Osment may have made his film debut in Forrest Gump and appeared in several other movies but his role as Cole Sear in the M. Night Shyamalan classic The Sixth Sense is what he will be fondly remembered for always.

9. Fred Savage

Famous for: The Wonder Years

Young Fred Savage took on the role of Kevin Arnold in The Wonder Years and showed us what it was like as a young boy growing up in the ‘60s and ‘70s. When the show ended in 1993, Savage took on several other roles in Hollywood and kept himself busy with projects here and there until today.

There are tons more highly-talented and adorable child stars that deserve to be on this list. Who are some of your all-time favorite child stars?

Practical Ways to Road Trip On a Budget

Image credit

Road trips have immense benefits that you want to leverage. Not only does it allow you to self-reflect, but it also broadens your knowledge about other areas, people, and cultures. Besides, it helps you bond with your family and friends while refreshing your mind and body for maximum productivity. Thankfully, you can enjoy an ideal road trip with little resources should you know the proper steps to take. That said, here are some possible ways to road trip on a budget. 

Skip the holiday season 

It's prudent to avoid peak seasons if you want to spend less on your trip. Not only will you spend less on shelter, attraction sites, and food, but you'll also enjoy better security and service. What's more, you'll get more lovely photos for your social media accounts. Therefore, it's imperative to determine the low-season months in every destination you wish to visit. For instance, Florida's beaches are ideal for avoiding crowds and enjoying quality time alone or with loved ones, making it an ideal place to leverage. 

Prepare a road trip budget 

You can quickly spend more if you don't track your expenses. Therefore, it's essential to create a budget to avoid financial strain. You'll want to factor in gas, food, and accommodation costs when preparing a feasible budget. Recreation activities, tolls, and parking space are also necessary expenses that you shouldn't lose sight of. You can record your budget on paper and allocate the necessary funds to each expense for the best result. You may also include miscellaneous costs and emergencies to prepare you for unexpected situations. 

Ensure that your car is travel-worthy

You want your car to be in perfect condition before you prepare for your road trip. Not only will you avoid additional costs, but you'll enjoy the complete travel experience without stress. Therefore, you can check your tire pressure and condition to avoid a flat or burst tire on the road and listen to your brakes for any changes. You also want to change your oils to prevent engine damage and inspect your batteries to ensure their top-notch condition. You'd also want to replace your radiator hose and drive belts if they are leaking to prevent any car problems along the way. You can also research to discover more ways to prepare your car for the road.  

Find Affordable Hotels to stay in

There are a few things you can do to find affordable hotels when you’re road-tripping. The first is to look for affordable Hotels. An affordable hotel is a great place to stay when you’re on a budget.

The Chicago Loop is a great destination to visit on a road trip. The area is full of things to do and see, and there are plenty of affordable hotels in the area. If you’re looking for a place to stay in the Chicago Loop, Find Hotels in Chicago Loop!

Pack adequately 

It would suck to forget your towels or umbrella if you planned a road trip to the beach. Therefore, it's imperative to pack adequately ahead of your trip to enhance your travel experience. For instance, if you'll be traveling from the mountains to the desert, you'd want to get appropriate clothing to cater to these destinations. By doing this, you'll avoid the extra costs of buying new clothing. You also want to buy the necessary items off-season for lower prices. By all means, include your chargers and body care essentials to avoid spending more than intended. 

You can enjoy a fantastic road trip without spending much, should you know the proper steps to take. Hopefully, you'll consider these ways for a memorable travel experience. 

Why Should You Install an Aluminum Pool Enclosure?

Enjoying a dip in your pool on a humid or hot day entails having the appropriate protection. The best Florida Pool enclosures are made of aluminum to reduce the medical risk that may lead to health issues and other problematic situations. In addition, the installation of quality aluminum framed pool enclosures makes spending time in your backyard pool fun and comfortable. Below are some advantages of using the aluminum pool enclosure on your property:

Increased comfort

Aluminum pool enclosures are made to the maximum relaxation and enjoyment in both the designs and purpose. The pool enclosure makes it easy to enjoy the natural sunshine on your property. You can also decompress in a shady area that brings comfort to your pool area. Furthermore, aluminum can be customized to suit your taste and preferences. As a result, a day under the aluminum pool enclosure gives the chance to enjoy a memorable and good time with family and loved ones.

Better security and safety

The sun in Florida is the main reason most homeowners love the region. UV rays can, however, be harmful, hence the need to protect your loved ones while having fun in the outdoor space. Aluminum pool enclosures shield you naturally and keep each person comfortable and cool inside. The enclosures also provide security by keeping children and pets in the space defined by the enclosure. In addition, the use of an aluminum frame withstands winds to a maximum speed of 130 miles per hour. This is vital in protecting you and your loved ones from harsh weather conditions. 

Invest in an aluminum pool enclosure to enjoy a good time in your pool area at any time of the year. The pool frames are an ideal option for your home improvement ideas if you have not installed a pool enclosure for your pool area.

Top Reasons Why You Should Own a Motorcycle

Photo by Javier Aguilera from Pexels

Have you been thinking about owning a motorcycle?  

Motorcycles are fun. However, many people do not buy a motorcycle or even ride one because they are afraid or they feel it's irresponsible.

If you have been seriously toying with the idea of buying a motorcycle but are not sure whether or not you should go ahead with it, here are some reasons why you should own a motorcycle at least once in your lifetime.

Embrace Your Free Spirit

There's something wild and free about riding a motorcycle. Motorcycles have long been held up as a symbol of freedom. Riding a motorcycle is a great way to relieve stress.

When you get on a motorcycle and start riding you feel the wind blowing against your skin and your hair. It is very freeing. 

When you're on the motorcycle you will be able to see the details of the road all around you. Your interaction with the environment is more concrete and intense. This is why riding on a motorcycle is so exciting.

They are Economical

Motorcycles are one of the most economical types of transportation that you can ride. They are almost always cheaper than a car or SUV.  If you buy one second-hand you will get an even better deal. 

Fuel will cost a lot less than it would if you drive a car. It will cost you less to fill up a motorcycle and it will still be able to cover as much mileage as a car would.

They are Versatile

You can modify, swap, or remove different sections of your motorcycle. This means you can totally customize it to make it suit your needs and your personality. You will also have the chance to wear some cool motorcycle gear.

Riding a motorcycle is often seen as something that people do in their spare time, this is not always the case. Depending on the type of work you do, you can ride your motorcycle to work as well.

 A motorcycle can be a mode of transportation that takes you anywhere you want to go. 

Get a Workout

When you ride a motorcycle you are more involved in the process than when you drive a car. As you turn and navigate your motorcycle you're actually moving your body as well. This means that your body is getting a good workout while you are enjoying your ride.

The more intense and longer the ride the better the cardio workout you will get from riding your motorcycle. 

Buy Your First Motorcycle

As you can see you riding a motorcycle comes with many benefits. Not the least of which is the fact that you will have fun and get a workout at the same time.

Riding a motorcycle will be a lot cheaper than driving a car, and you can take your motorcycle to the same destinations that you would take a car while saving money on fuel.

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Family Dog

Are you looking to adopt a dog for your family? Choosing the right dog for your family can be challenging. What you need is a dog that suits your lifestyle and your family’s interests. This is because once you bring the dog home, it becomes a life companion. 

Pixabay – CC0 License 

You have to take time to make an informed decision about the right dog for you and your family. You do not want to bring a dog home only to surrender it to the nearest shelter after a few months of realizing he is not suited for you. You can avoid this mistake by considering various factors. 

How to Find the Perfect Family Dog

Here are questions you need to ask yourself when looking to adopt the perfect family dog. 

What size is suitable for your family?

The first thing you need to think about is the size. Are you looking to adopt a small or large family dog? The size matters for many reasons. For instance, do you want a dog that fits your laps for cuddles? The size of your dog will determine the kind of activities you can expect. If you have a large compound, a large dog will be the perfect choice since you have plenty of play space. On the contrary, if you live in a small apartment, you may want a small dog due to limited space. Moreover, if you want a dog that will accompany you to various outdoor activities such as hiking and hunting, you may want to consider adopting a larger dog. 

How is your home environment?

The dog you adopt is going to live with you. Therefore, you need to determine if the home environment suits the dog. For instance, if you live in a place that does not allow dogs, you will want to let the idea of adopting a dog pass. In addition, some breeds are usually very active and require lots of space to live peacefully. If your home does not allow roaming, then check if there is a park nearby where you can take the dog for frequent walks. 

Which dog is suitable for your lifestyle?

The dog you choose to adopt or rescue should fit into your lifestyle. If your family is very active, you should opt for breeds like the German shepherd or Collies. Additionally, some dogs prefer specific diets. That is why you need to determine if your lifestyle will allow you to offer that kind of food. It would be best to consider your schedule because some dog breeds like socializing and get bored quickly when left alone. 

What kind of maintenance does the dog need?

A dog’s appearance and health have more to do with maintenance. As much as all dogs need basic grooming and food, some breeds need extra care. For instance, if you get a dog with a thicker coat, you will need frequent trimming and washing. This may require more resources. Moreover, dogs with floppy ears are often more susceptible to ear infections and may require frequent ear treatment. Other dog breeds eat a particular type of food, and you can get more info here. 

What age is suitable for a family dog?

You need to determine if you want to adopt a puppy or a senior dog. In this case, you should know that puppies require a lot of care and training than older dogs. The first six months may mean investing in dog training if you opt for a puppy. Accordingly, you will have to be patient with the dog. On the other hand, senior dogs can be an excellent choice if you do not want to invest in training. However, you have to understand that just because the dog is an adult does not mean they are trained. 

Should you go for mixed breed dogs or purebreds?

There are two categories of dogs you can adopt, a mixed breed or a pure breed. There is always a debate about the most intelligent and healthier of the two. In this aspect, you have to know that a mutt is prone to illnesses. However, the decision should be yours to make. Whether you want a purebred or mixed-breed dog is up to you. Still, you will need to look into other aspects that make the two categories different. 

The Bottom Line 

Before you adopt a furry friend, you have to determine if your family is ready for a pet. This will help you know what they want. If your family is ready for an additional member, you can use these tips to find the right family dog for you. 

5 Reasons Your Next Ride Should Be a Yacht

You're thinking of buying a new ride. The obvious considerations are what brand, what model, or what type.

Are you looking to get yourself a sports car or a camper van? Do you want a literal daily driver or something for off-roading? Are you looking to go electric or hybrid?

What if you aren't even looking for a car? Perhaps you're on the hunt for a different kind of ride. Could you be looking for a Harley? Or maybe, just maybe, the road is leading you to somewhere beyond docks and out into the sea?

Yes, that's right. Maybe it's time to get yourself a boat.

Image credit

If the sea is calling you, then you're not alone. The global yacht market has been at its strongest in years. Getting yourself a dinghy is cool if you love sailing, but if you have the means and are looking to do something bold, then there's nothing like sailing away as captain of your very own yacht.

#1: The sea can heal your soul.

There's something about the sea that just really poetic. The sea breeze. The saltwater. The lapping of the waves. The deep blue depths that conceal magic and secrets. It's an experience that really speaks to the soul.

Human beings may be land-dwelling mammals, but it is almost essential that we meet the ocean at some point in our lives. Sure, going to the beach is one way to do that, but sailing away in your own yacht is another experience altogether.

The sea has long been known to be therapeutic for humans. Apart from the health benefits of the sea and sun, and there is also something spiritual about the ocean waters--how they remind us of how small we really are and how the seas make us reflect on our small place on this earth.

#2: You can yourself "captain."

If it's your yacht, then you follow your rules, right? Maritime regulations aside, you call the shots, so if you want to be called while onboard, why not, right?

Owning a yacht gives you the right to fully embrace the nautical life, even while ashore. You can wear Sperry Top-Siders without fear of retribution. You can sport a Greek Fisherman Hat because, well, you are a person of the sea now. And those striped Breton shirts can now be a logical part of your wardrobe.

Kidding aside, being closer to the sea should also ignite love and respect for marine life, so hopefully, your boat becomes a means to protect, not harm the underwater ecosystem.

#3: Avoid the crowds like a boss.

Traveling has been tough, if not impossible, during this pandemic. It's hard to get around when you're supposed to avoid crowds and enclosed spaces.

Going out to sea on your boat is probably the coolest way to socially distance. You're literally out in the open seas, with miles of water between you and the next person. And yachts, save for the lower cabins, are essentially open air, right?

#4: It's like buying an apartment, too!

With your own boat, you can take the fun with you out to sea. Most yachts have cabins, sleeping quarters, and kitchenettes-allowing you to live in them for periods of time. Docking them in marinas will also give you access to the facilities on land.

If your yacht is big enough, you could hold parties and invite guests just as you would in your landlocked home. You can basically turn your yacht into a houseboat. Think of it as a trailer on water but more scenic and airy.

#5: Sailing is just the beginning

Your yacht, though wonderful in itself, is the just first step in your sea adventure. There are other activities that you could do with a boat. From fishing to scuba diving, owning a yacht is never going to be boring.

As with a car, you're going to need to know how to "drive" it and maintain it. Take sailing lessons to get a basic idea of the principles of how to maneuver a boat. It would also help to have a caretaker or crew member to help you make the most out of your vessel. You should also know the basics of yacht care and have a maintenance provider that you can trust.

Owning a yacht may seem like such a crazy thought, but it might be more realistic than you think. If you're willing to learn and have the means, you might just discover that there's no road quite like the wide-open seas.

4 Steps for Setting Company Goals in the Workplace

 

Are you scratching your head right now trying to figure out if your company is meeting its goals? You are not alone. A big percentage of small business owners have not set their goals clearly. Sure, they have a vision of where they want to be in the future, but they haven’t laid out the plans on how to get there. Goal setting is the most important thing in achieving success in business.

Not only will setting goals provide direction for the company, but it will also keep your employees engaged. When they know the company is focused on achieving these goals, they are more likely to be more productive in the workplace. You should keep them informed about the metrics you follow, too, so they will understand the impact of their work on the company goals.

Identify Long-term and Short-term Goals

What are your long-term and short-term goals? For example, the short-term goal is to get 50 more followers to your social media pages in three months. You want these followers to be highly engaged with your brand. Choose quality over quantity always, but numbers will be a great measure of how successful you are in your short-term goal.

Commit to Your Goals

Show devotion to your goals. Seah Moon Ming wanted to change the culture in the company from a blame-seeking one into a problem-solving one. But to do that, the SMRT Chairman had to resign from his day job, which he did to spend more time focusing on the goals of the company. This is one example of how leaders and business owners sacrifice their own conveniences (and even money) to achieve the company’s goals.

Once you have set the plan, commit to it. Don’t second-guess yourself and don’t procrastinate. This will only delay the progress of reaching your goals. Staying focused on the goals of the company is the single most important thing that you can do to achieve the short- and long-term goals.

Make Your Goals Public

The most effective way of staying committed to your goals is by sharing them with others. Bring the goals to everyone’s consciousness. Share the list in an email or a company memo. This will make you accountable for your goals. The people who know about them will push you to work harder. It also works to make your employees look forward to fulfilling these goals. The demands of their everyday work will be more acceptable because they know these are in preparation to meet the goals you set.

Make them physically visible, too. You know what they say, right? Out of sight, out of mind? Print them and put the list on your wall, so everyone remembers it (even you). Aside from physically posting the list in your office, create an office document that will keep track of the goals, too. Share this document with your employees, so they can understand the importance and impact of the work they do.

Create Milestones and Connect Them With the Goals

You cannot have one lofty goal and try to reach only that. Create instead small milestones that are achievable in the short term. This will give you an excuse to celebrate these little wins. It’s a morale booster. Plus, it also keeps employees engaged in their work.

But more than creating milestones, you should also connect these milestones with your long-term big goals. The employees have to know that whenever you hit these milestones, you are getting closer and closer to your goals. It will benefit your company not only in terms of productivity but also in terms of retaining highly skilled workers. Engaged employees are more likely to stay at a company, becoming productive contributors and effective brand ambassadors.

The goals of the company are your destination. This is where you are headed. Every time you make decisions for the company, you have to consider where these decisions are going to take you. But more than just creating goals and tracking them, you need your employees to be in the same boat as you. This is truly the mark of how successful your company can become in the future.

Aesthetics and Your Home: How You Can Make It Work

First impressions count, even for your home. From time to time, you welcome guests who can appreciate the aesthetics of your humble abode. Plus, your neighbors can judge you base on the appearance of your home. Also, if you're planning to sell your home, making upgrades to your residential property can increase its value.

Image credit

Even if you're not too ambitious with your home improvement dreams, it's always a good idea to mind your home's aesthetics. Whether you want to change the paint of your California home or change the timber floors of your Melbourne house, there are many ways to improve your house's aesthetics.

Revamp Your Windows

Putting up stylish curtains isn't the only way to revamp your windows. Expert window installers can refresh the space amazingly well by switching out the old frames and panes for something more modern. Of course, you don't have to buy new windows every time you need to change up the look of your property but you can change the shutters. Shutters are extremely effective yet affordable options. Apart from giving your home a luxurious look, it can also protect your furniture and decor from the harsh UV rays that enter through your window. Also, quality window shutters regulate indoor temperatures and insulate your home.

Paint Your House

Painting your home makes a big difference in the aesthetic of your house, especially if you choose neutral colors. Fortunately, many neutral shades can make your home look stylish, gorgeous and cozy.

With a myriad of beiges and lofty grays, choosing the right color can be challenging. If you're having a difficult time choosing colors, seek a professional's help. A residential painter can help narrow down your choices, as well as help you achieve your desired result.

A general rule of thumb is to take advantage of the color wheel to avoid dull shades or contrasting colors. You can either settle with neutrals or go crazy with Willy Wonka "Good Morning Starshine" bright shades.

Install More Mirrors Into Your Houses

If you have a small home and you want it to look more spacious, mirrors can help you out. Mirrors create the illusion of a bigger space, which is a big plus for small apartments. But be careful with where you place them. Don't place them at places where you sleep or sit. Also, avoid hanging them too high to avoid accidents.

Install Seamless Gutters

One of the best investments you can make as a homeowner is to install gutters. During the rainy season, the drainage system prevents rainwater from damaging your home. So, when you install them seamlessly in your house, they prevent clogs. Clogged drains burden you with rubbish, twigs and other debris. On the contrary, seamless gutters improve your home's aesthetics and function while blending perfectly with your house.

Give Your Windows and Doors a Major Upgrade

Most people don't pay attention to their windows and doors but these are the primary components of your home. Replacing or refurbishing your windows and doors can significantly increase the aesthetics of your residential property. Even if you don't add more items to your house or redecorate your furniture, changing the doors and windows gives your home a fresh new look.

Plant a Small Garden

The beauty of Mother Nature need not stay outside of your home. You can bring them to the exterior of your house. Turn the outside area of your home into a small and lavish garden. Drastically change the look of your home by planting colorful flowers in your front yard. If you don't have enough space outside, you can plant small plants within your balcony area.

Don't Forget to Add Plants Inside Your Home

You can also bring a touch of Mother Nature inside of your home by adding interior plants. Depending on your plant maintenance skills, go with plants that match your skills. From cactuses to flowers, all plants can improve the aesthetics of your home - as long as you take care of them.

Before you add plants to your home, take into consideration the kind of conditions the plants need. Some plants need humid and hot weather or plenty of sunshine. With that in mind, you may have to put some plants in darker rooms.

Why Bother With Improving Your Home?

Are you still on the fence about improving the aesthetics of your home? If you need more signs to get going with your project, here are some of the benefits to consider:

• Your home is a sanctuary and you should feel safe and comfortable within your four walls. Changing things up can make your house a blissful paradise.
• Add more space. If your home feels too cramped, room additions or expansions can give you more space to roam in your home.

First impressions count, especially for your home. Strike the most positive one for your home by investing in its aesthetics.

Want a Cooler Summer at Home? Here's What You Can Do

There are things in life that you don't want but can't escape from. Summer is an example. You might resent the heat, but no matter how much you complain, you'll have to endure it - not unless you decide to live on another planet.

Image credit

Let's face it. Summer is the season when days are hot and long, while nights being the shortest. But before you paint a frown all over your face, know that the bright shine of the sun on you means tons of adventure outdoors (e.g., beach, mountain climbing, etc.). Add the Fourth of July celebrations in the mix, and there may not be a better time to spend quality time with your family or even do picnics than these days.

But watch out; that blistering heat can be a killer. At the top of your list are dehydration, summer stings, skin rashes, and increased house temperature. Indeed, this season also hosts illnesses. CDC data shows 2,917 Americans have perished during summer due to heat exposure. 

The good news is you can tone down the heat and make the most of summer in several ways. Take a look at these steps to keep you and your house cool against the scorching heat of summer. These steps are cost-efficient, too.

Cover Your Windows

In the heat of summer, you may have a traditional solution: cranking up machines such as your air conditioner so that you'll stay cool. The problem is this option is one expensive proposition. In the long run, it will wreak havoc on your monthly power bills.

Instead, why not have a look at the sunshine portals of your home? You should focus on your windows. Consider methods to cover them. No doubt, window treatments that include blinds and curtains are a great help. Sun-blocking binds can keep the heat of the sun out. Keeping sunshine out can lower your electricity bill. Plus, there are plenty of window treatments to consider: plantation shutters, blinds, lined drapes, shades.

Top Up Your Insulation

Another best solution to block the heat that goes inside your home is by topping up your ceiling insulation. It's a tall order, but installing insulation on your ceiling means cool air won't be going out of your abode. Think about it. If your ceiling insulation is more than 15 years old, chances are drafts and gaps multiply like crazy. So make sure to check on the insulation.

Moreover, you may want to take a closer look at your roofing material if you're serious about keeping things cool. For one, a solid polycarbonate roof is sturdier than most traditional roofing (G.I. sheets), and they're more heat-resistant. So you can rest assured you're not letting the sun's heat fry you from within.

Doors Closed, Gaps Sealed

Closing doors to your rooms and sealing gaps around your doors or windows to keep cool air is another great hack. Moreover, try using draught excluders to ensure cool air will not escape. These are some basic solutions to having a cool temperature inside your home.

Go All Out During the Evening

Try having a recreational solution for your summer-heat problems, such as going out during the evenings. It is ideal for closing your windows and staying inside during daylight. But it gets cooler during the evenings. This is why opening your house up should be your interest to make your home cool.

Get Creative

Do you have a broken AC? No worries. All you have to do is to be clever and use some hacks to beat the summer heat. One way to do this is by positioning a pan or bowl of ice in front of your fan. Now, you have a cold mist machine real quick. However, take note that this can only be a temporary solution.

Decide What to Wear

Indeed, what you wear can have a huge role in how you feel. Clothes trap heat, so in summer, nix the satin and the silk. Instead, don cotton fabrics. Such clothing should be light and loose. Being super breathable, this will help your body feel cool.

Check Your Light Bulbs

Try checking possible sources of heat inside your home, such as incandescent light bulbs. This light source also is a heat source. You can switch to energy-saving light bulbs such as LEDs to get rid of potential heat sources inside your home.

With these ideas, you don't have to worry about overheating even inside your home. Plus, not only do you cool your home, but you also give Mother Earth a protecting hand. So take the necessary steps to ensure that your home is ready for the summer heat.

Want to Become More Financially Disciplined? Here is What You Need To Do

Image from Alexander Mils via Pexels

Being financially disciplined can be a tall order. Many people find it hard to be thoughtful with their expenditure and direct their finances to the things that truly matter.

If you can identify with the struggles of being more disciplined with your finances, you are hardly alone in your battle. Well, here are a few practical steps you can take to change your financial situation today.

Set a Goal

Having a reason to change your financial habits makes the process much easier. So, before you embark on reforming your financial practices, take some time to consider why you want to change in the first place.

Do you want to create a nest egg that you can fall back on when things get rough? Are you saving towards your kid’s college education? Would you like to afford the house of your dreams? By setting the goal, you will provide yourself with immense motivation to stick to your resolution. 

You can also create reminders of your dream on sticky notes and put them around the house and in your car. Every time you look at them, you will feel encouraged to continue in your quest for developing better financial habits. 

Make the Most of Automation

If you often struggle with personal finance management, consider using financial automation services. Automation ensures that as soon as the money hits your bank account, it is deflected to predetermined purposes.

For instance, you can have the bank automatically deposit money to your savings account before you even touch it. This gives you no chance to conceptualize the cash as yours, making it much easier to dedicate it to serve the goal you had set.

Rethink Your Financial Choices

Sometimes, the things that hold you back the most from achieving your financial goals are your choices. For example, if you often buy things on impulse, you probably waste a lot of money and jeopardize your chances of attaining your goals.

Start by replacing your credit cards with your debit cards. With a virtual debit card, you will not incur any debt or have to pay high interest rates. Additionally, seeing your bank balance diminish every day is enough motivation to rethink your purchases.

Consider also implementing the 24-hour rule before buying an expensive item. You could also commit to eating out less and buying fewer clothes. All of these changes can go a long way in making you more disciplined. 

Find Support

If financial discipline seems too taxing for you, consider leaning into your support system. You can ask a spouse or sibling to help you become more disciplined.

Your partner can hold you accountable to ensure that you are always on track to achieve your goals. Additionally, they can help you stay focused when you are about to make a poor financial decision. With their help, you will be better able to clear any obstacles on your path to financial success.

No doubt, becoming financially disciplined takes a lot of determination and self-control. However, you can use a few tools to make the task more manageable.

For instance, you can start by determining why you want to become more financially responsible. Secondly, you can use automation tools to help you manage your finances better. Finally, your support system can help you attain your goals. 

Follow these tips, and you will see a considerable change in your financial life. 

 

Physical Changes That Come with Age: Changes for Men and Women

Image credit

Your Body and Time

As you grow older, you will notice a lot of physical changes that come with age. Eventually, you will notice that your body is not as strong and supple as it once was when you were still in your teenage years or your 20s. No matter how attentive you are to your body and no matter how much you care for it, aging is a natural process that we can never stop from happening. The only thing we can do is to accept the physical changes that come with time.

As we grow older, our bodies undergo a lot of changes that alter our capacity to perform tasks and our capacity to think and to solve problems. One of the first things that people notice when they grow older is the fact that their outer appearance changes. The next thing that people notice is the fact that they are no longer as capable of fulfilling physical activities as they used to be. A lot of people strive to be as healthy as they can be despite the influence of time and aging. However, aging will always render people dependent on others the older they get.

Aside from physical changes, time brings changes to the way your mind works. You will start noticing that the older you get, the more difficult it becomes for you to remember things. Your problem-solving skills become compromised, and you find yourself struggling to make decisions for yourself and other people. Therefore, aging brings the need for you to be more dependent on other people. Even though you may not like it, aging will slowly make you need other people for assistance and support more as each year passes. However, this should not stop you from living your best life.

Highlighted below are the things that you can expect will change as you grow older each year. These changes will eventually manifest, which is why you should make the most out of your life while you still can. Read on to learn more about the physical changes that come with aging.

Your Body's Cells

As you age, your body's cells age, too. This means that your cells function less effectively than they used to when you were young. Old cells die, and this is something that happens as a normal part of your body's functioning. When your cells no longer function optimally because of old age, you will start noticing that your body does not respond the way it used to when you were still young. However, this is an expected effect of aging. The best way to look after your cells is to avoid too much sunlight, radiation, and chemotherapy medication.

Your Body's Organs

As you grow older, your body's organs become less efficient. This means that your organs will eventually fail to function optimally because of old age. Most cells in your organs will die and not be replaced with new ones in old age. Therefore, your organs will strain to fulfill the functions that they are supposed to fulfill as you grow older. The older your organs get, the less functional they become. In addition to this, older organs are at greater risk of failing. Therefore, you need to pay attention to the health of your organs to keep them from failing and being compromised.

Your Joints and Bones

As people age, their bones become less dense, and their joints become less capable of allowing mobility. As a result, older people find it very difficult to move around comfortably. When your movement becomes impaired, you will find that you are not that keen on moving around anymore. Health complications like osteoarthritis might also become a problem for you. Therefore, you need to drink milk regularly and engage in exercise more often to help keep your bones strong for as long as possible.

Changes in Physical Appearance

As you grow older, you will start noticing that your skin will sag and that your hair will become thinner. These are just some of the most common physical changes for aging people. Most people who suffer from hair loss because of old age prefer to undergo treatments for hair loss. There are so many procedures to prevent the physical changes brought by old age from manifesting. However, the body will eventually catch up with time, and physical changes can no longer be prevented. 

Dealing with an Aging Body

Dealing with an aging body is challenging especially if it compromises your independence. The best thing that you can do is to take care of your body properly to help slow down the manifestations of aging.

How To Bond Better With Your Teenage Daughter

https://unsplash.com/photos/a-_1PPjnbUg

 

When you’re a mother, you’re always going to want to make sure that you’re able to bond well with your children. It’s one thing to have a child and a whole other thing entirely for you to build a healthy, lasting relationship with them. But if this is something that you’d really love to do, you can totally make it happen. And as a mother to a daughter, or daughters, you may especially want to make sure that you can bond with them well.

The mother-daughter dynamic can be a tricky one. You may find that it’s hard to navigate or that there seems to be a lot of friction. Or maybe you’re just worried about this happening and you want your relationship to be stellar? When that’s the case, you’ll want to work on your relationship proactively and intentionally. Even though parenthood can be stressful at times, it needn’t be hard work for you to make this work. Let’s take a look at how.

Be Calm

For starters, you have to stay calm. This is so important. Even though you might think that there’s friction between you or you’re easily stressed out, a good relationship starts with you being welcoming, open, and calm. If you’re worried about things, then find a company that offers options to help you reassure yourself. Then you can just focus on the relationship building at hand with other things off of your mind.

Want It

Next you’re going to want to make sure that you actually want it. Don’t force it or show stress. Instead, building a great relationship comes from you trying. You giving yourself and you looking to grow and compromise and learn. Even though “you’re the parent” this is important to know.

Find Common Ground

The next thing that you will need to do is try to understand her. Know what she’s going through and support her – but also find common interests. Know what you can do together and enjoy different things together. It can be a way to help you make sure that you bond.

Make It Your Priority

Finally, you’re going to just want to make this a priority. Don’t just assume that it’ll happen or worry if it’s harder than you thought. You know that parenting is a constant cycle of growth and it’s also very proactive. So to have a better relationship with your daughter, it has to be a priority. Make it something that you’re always working on. Make time for her or them and do things together. Make sure that she or they know that nothing is more important than them. It’ll allow you to make things happen.

Having a daughter is such a beautiful blessing. One that you’re definitely going to want to enjoy and make better. Bonding with daughters can be so much easier than you think when you approach things in the right way. So try these tips out and see how you get on.

Keeping The Inside Of Your Car Cool Throughout Summer

Have you been thinking about how hot your car gets when it’s warm out recently? This is because the rays of the sun hit directly through your window, ensuring that the whole car heats up. This can be extremely annoying, and can be awful to try and drive in until your air conditioning kicks in. As such, we’re going to be taking a look at some of the ways that you can keep the inside of your car cool through the summer. Keep reading down below if you would like to find out more.

Picture Location - CC0 License

 

Keep The Window Open

The first high that we recommend that you do is to keep your window open. The reason for this is that it allows the air to circulate, and doesn’t keep it trapped in the same place at a high temperature. Sure, it might be hot outside, but the air can still escape, and mix with the cooler air from outside. It is actually a very welcome relief, even if it is still a little warm when you first get in. This only usually happens when the weather is super hot though, so don’t leave your car window open unless it is in a safe place. 

Window Tinting

Another thing that you should think about is window tinting. A company like https://bravoprotectionmn.com/ will be able to provide you with the services that you need here, ensuring that your car is kept as cool as possible. The tint on the windows helps to reduce the amount of heat that gets into the car by 60% so it’s certainly something to consider. This is going to be really important because the heat can make someone completely detached from driving without even realizing it, which can cause an accident. We know you don’t want this, so looking into window tinting might be the right option for you.

Park In The Shade

Finally, when you park, make sure that you park in the shade. You don’t want to be in the direct line of the sun, as this will increase the temperature in your car. Even if you take all of the precautions that we just talked about and then some more, if you park directly in the sun it can still cause an unbearable amount of heat in the car. As such, parking it in the shade where the sun rays can’t get it is your best option. If you would like to know what some of the other ideas are, check out https://newyork.cbslocal.com/ to find out more. Once you find the method that works best for you, stick with that so that your car stays as cool as possible.

We hope that you have found this article helpful, and now see some of the things that you should be doing if you want to keep the inside of your car cool throughout the summer. There really is nothing worse than sitting in your car and feeling like you are cooking simply because you didn’t take these steps. We wish you the very best of luck.