Archive for the ‘Lifestyle and Living’ Category
Unclutter Your Home In 10 Easy Steps
Clutter, which is defined as things that lie about untidily, is often linked to creativity. So, just how much imagination will it take to tidy up your space? To be exact, you can make it happen in 10 easy steps.
Step # 1: Set A Schedule
You are much more likely to stick to a routine, whatever it may be, if you work on a schedule. In addition, this allows you to clean when you can minimize interruptions and maximize your time.
Step # 2: Set A Goal For Each Room
If you can visualize what you want, you will be better able to achieve it. By setting goals for each room, you can note the things that need changing and work toward that goal one day at a time.
Step # 3: Create A Timeline
When do you hope to have your home completely free of clutter? One week, two weeks or even a month? Depending on your schedule and the amount of clutter that you have, it may take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks before you can kick back and relax again.
Step # 4: Start Small
The clutter in your home didn’t appear overnight, and it won’t disappear overnight either. If you start small, you will be less likely to get frustrated and give up midway through your cleanup.
Step # 5: Categorize Your Clutter
When cleaning, it’s important to categorize your items into groups. By separating the items that you want to keep, toss and donate, you will be able to move through your clutter quickly and efficiently.
Step # 6: Letting Go
A good rule of thumb for uncluttering your home is to get rid of anything that you haven’t used within the past year. If it’s still useful, consider donating it to a good cause. Otherwise, toss it.
Step # 7: Storing Your Seasonal Apparel
When storing seasonal clothing, purchase a sturdy plastic storage bin with a lid and roll your clothes instead of folding them in an effort to maximize storage capability. When full, snap the lid on and slide the unit into your closet.
Step # 8: Closet Organization
Did you know that your choice of clothes hangers can greatly impact the storage capacity of your closet? Wire hangers take up less space and can save your shirts from getting that annoying shoulder bump that often arises from the use of plastic hangers.
Step # 9: Shoes Blues
When it comes to storing shoes, many homeowners are fighting a losing battle with clutter. How many pairs of shoes do you own? How neatly are they stored? If your shoe storage has you down, try purchasing clear lidded shoe boxes. These handy creations can house each pair of shoes and can be stacked neatly in your closet. And best of all, you can see your shoe collection without having to sift through a sea of sandals.
Step # 10: Read The Labels
If you have medicine, food or anything else with an expiration date in the home, check to make sure that the items are still good. If the expiration date has already come and gone, throw them away.
Swimming Pool Safety Tips
Summer is a special time for having fun in the backyard pool, yet drowning is a leading cause of accidental death. Drowning is many times called the “silent killer” as you might not hear a cry for help or the sound of a splash to alert you that a child is in trouble. To keep your summer fun and tragedy free, follow these safety tips:
Don’t Get In Over Your Head
Regardless of whether you are a beginner or seasoned swimmer, always make sure to swim in a water depth that is most comfortable for you. You should never swim in water that’s deeper than you are used to or that makes you feel intimidated.
Child Safety Tips
If children are present, make sure that they are never left unattended near the pool area. If they are in the water, an adult should be nearby at all times in case help is needed. It’s also important that children be equipped with the proper flotation aid to help them remain above water.
Watch Your Step
If your pool has steps leading down into the water, make sure that there is a sturdy handrail to hold onto. This will not only help as you enter the water, but will also help to prevent slipping when you emerge from it as well.
Fenced Area
Make sure that your pool is situated in a fenced area that remains locked when not in use. This will prevent small children from wandering into the area and being in danger of falling into the pool. This is especially important if you have young children in the home, but is also important if you live in a family-friendly neighborhood where children live.
In addition to these safety tips, make sure to keep your pool covered when it’s not in use and/or when you are away from home. It’s also a good idea to have your pool area well lit so that you can see what’s going on after the sun goes down.
Maintenance Matters
One of the most important aspects of a swimming pool is cleanliness. If you have a pool, make sure that you clean it regularly or hire a professional pool service to handle the work for you. Anytime someone swims, water can get into their eyes and mouth, which is why keeping your pool clean is a must.
Pool Permission
If you are hosting a pool party or your children are inviting friends over for an afternoon swim, make sure that you check with the parent(s) of every child present to confirm permission for their child to swim in your pool.

