10 Home Appliance Hazards To Look Out For

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Today’s home appliances are much safer than appliances that existed 20 or 30 years ago. However, you still need to be careful as to how you use them. There are all kinds of unwanted accidents that can occur if you fail to maintain or operate appliances properly - this includes everything from food contamination to house fires. Below are just some of the biggest home appliance hazards to look out for.

Fridge filth

Failing to keep your fridge clean could lead to you getting very ill. Spillages, leakages and crumbs that aren’t cleaned away can often end up containing bacteria, which can breed over time. This bacteria can then end up contaminating other foods in your fridge. 

To avoid this, make sure to clean any spillages up straight away. On top of this, try to take the time to occasionally deep-clean the shelves of your fridge with a wet cloth. You can also prevent contamination by always sealing opened or unpackaged foods. It could also be worth keeping meats on the bottom shelf to prevent any juices dripping onto foods below. 

Dirty dryer ducts

Does your dryer have a duct vent? If so, when was the last time you cleaned it out? Over time, dryer ducts can collect build-ups of lint. This needs to be cleaned out, otherwise it will eventually cause a blockage. Heat then won’t be able to escape the dryer and this lint will likely catch fire. In fact, there are thousands of house fires every year caused by dirty dryer duct vents. 

You can clean this vent yourself or you can hire a professional company like DUCTZ to clean it out for you. Dirty dryer vents aren’t the only cause of dryer-related fires - make sure to also keep your dryer well-ventilated and don’t place any flammable items too close to it. 

Toaster crumbs

Another appliance that is responsible for many house fires is the toaster. Toasters can accumulate crumbs at the bottom over time. If you don’t clean out these crumbs, they end up being recooked every time you use your toaster. Eventually, they could catch fire, at which point your toaster is likely to go up in flames.

If you use your toaster regularly, make sure to also regularly clean it out. Wait until it's cool, unplug it and then tip out any crumbs before cleaning out the inside with a cloth or a spare toothbrush. 

Stovetop clutter

Unsurprisingly, ovens are a major cause of home fires. One of the biggest dangers is kitchen clutter on or around the stove - items like letters, takeaway menus, recipe books or cereal packets could be at risk of catching alight. Even other countertop appliances can overheat and catch fire if you’re not careful. 

To be safe, keep the area around your oven clear of any items that could potentially be flammable. 

Unsupervised space heaters

Electric space heaters used to be a major source of house fires. This isn’t the case nowadays as fewer people own these appliances, plus many modern space heaters are a lot safer. However, they can still be dangerous if placed too close to a flammable item like a curtain or allowed to fall face-down onto a carpet or wooden floor.

The best way to avoid a space heater fire is to never leave these appliances unattended. You can then pick them up if they fall over and prevent a fire. As mentioned already, many modern space heaters are much safer and some even have automatic off switches that trigger if they fall over. 

Washer leaks

When it comes to washing machines, there are a few dangers to look out for. One of the biggest dangers is a leak. Water from a leaking washing machine can cause electrical fires, electric shocks and slip injuries. Damp caused by a water leak can also encourage mould growth, which could lead to unhealthy air quality. 

Leaks are more common with older washing machines. Once you notice a leak, get it repaired immediately. If leaks keep occurring, it could be time to get a new washing machine. 

Microwaved metals

There are a few things you should never put in your microwave. One material that you should definitely keep out of your microwave is metal. This includes tinfoil, metal bowls or a metal fork left on a plate. 

Metal reflects microwaves, which means that any food placed in a metal bowl will most likely not cook. However, the biggest danger is the risk of ‘arcing’ - jagged and uneven metal surfaces may cause sparks, which could lead to your microwave setting on fire. Try to stick glass or ceramic containers that are labelled as microwave-safe. 

Frayed cables

Over time, cables on appliances may get damaged. This can lead to wires being exposed, which could lead to a risk of electric shock or a fire. 

If appliances have frayed cables, consider getting them repaired or buy a new appliance. Cables are most likely to get damaged on older appliances, however a cable on a newer appliance can still get damaged if pests get hold of it or if it is yanked or bent too hard. 

Odd odours

Are your appliances creating an odd smell? There are a few smells that you should be wary of. Musty smells could be due to the presence of mould, while rotten smells could be due to spoiled food - this could be a sign that your appliances need to be thoroughly cleaned out. Burning smells are meanwhile never good - you should turn off any appliance if it is producing a burning smell, as it could mean it is overheating and a fire may already be imminent. A sweet chemical smell from a refrigerator could meanwhile be a freon leak,  which is toxic and should be repaired immediately. Gas smells from a gas oven meanwhile could be a sign of a gas leak - open the windows, get out of the house as soon as you can and call an emergency plumber to deal with the problem. 

This post at Domex lists a few of the smells to watch out for and how to get rid of them. In most cases, odd odours can be eliminated by simply cleaning your appliances. 

Wet hands

Handling electrical appliances when you have wet hands is an obvious but common mistake that many people make. You could get a nasty electrical shock, which in some cases could even be fatal. 

If you’ve just been doing the washing up or you’ve just cleaned your hands, make sure to dry them off before you start handling plugs and switches. 

Ways Gardening Can Improve Your Mental Health

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We have seen a drastic increase in the number of people who are gardening in their backyard, their garden, or even just on their windowsill. This is because it is easy to maintain, doesn't require too much time and you can grow your own food. With the popularity of community gardening projects, that provide tools and sheds from local companies similar to this shed company to help their community gardens grow. 

According to the National Gardening Association, gardening is growing in popularity because it provides relaxation, exercise, a sense of achievement, and fresh air. If you are an avid gardener or if you are just looking for a new hobby, there are several reasons why gardening might be the perfect activity for you. 

Especially if you are looking for something that can keep you active, get you outside in the sun, and help you relax after a long work week. Here are a few ways that gardening can help to improve your mental health: 

Gardening Makes You Happy by Lowering Stress Levels

Gardening is a great way to reduce stress levels. It can provide a calming effect and help you get your mind off of things. Gardens are also great for getting the brain and body into balance. They provide a sense of peace, relaxation, and calmness that is difficult to find in other activities.

It’s no surprise that many people spend their time gardening or want to start a garden but don’t know where to begin. So it helps if you figure out what it takes to start your own garden so you can enjoy the benefits while reducing stress levels at the same time!

Gardening Helps to Reduce Anxiety and Depression

It has been proven that gardening can reduce anxiety and depression by producing endorphins, which are neurotransmitters that help to regulate mood. It also helps to build self-confidence, improve sleep quality, and increase levels of happiness.

Gardening also improves cognitive function by stimulating the brain with physical activity. It increases the levels of dopamine in the brain, which is a neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of pleasure and reward.

Gardening Help To Reduce Your Blood Pressure 

Gardening may not seem like a major task, but it can provide several benefits that are worth taking the time to do. One of the most significant benefits of gardening is that it helps reduce blood pressure levels in people who are experiencing stress. It also helps people stay healthy by reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.

Gardening Can Aid with Social Bonds 

Gardening is a great way to build social bonds because it requires people to work together. It also provides a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction when the garden is finished. Individuals can do it, or by groups of people who are working in their own gardens at the same time. One example of this would be community gardening, where multiple gardens are worked on at the same time for a common goal.

Some people might not have the time or resources to garden themselves and may need help from others, whether it’s from family members or friends from a local allotment or your local gardening community. 

How to Lose Weight without Eating Less

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When it comes to weight loss, there are a lot of myths and misconceptions out there. One of the most common is that you have to eat less in order to lose weight. Unfortunately, this simply isn't true! In fact, if you try to restrict your food intake too much, you'll likely end up gaining weight instead. This blog post will discuss some tips on how to lose weight without eating less and provide some helpful resources for those who want to learn more about this topic. So read on for information on how to make healthy dietary changes that will help you lose weight without depriving yourself!

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#1 Make sure you're eating enough

It may seem counterintuitive, but one of the best ways to lose weight is to make sure you're eating enough! When you don't consume enough calories, your body goes into "starvation mode" and actually starts to hold onto fat reserves. So make sure you're eating plenty of nutrient-rich foods so that your body has the energy it needs to function properly. In addition, make sure you're getting enough protein. Protein helps to promote satiety and can help prevent overeating. 

Snacking regularly can also help to prevent overeating at meals. If you find yourself getting too hungry between meals, try incorporating some healthy snacks into your diet. This will help to keep your metabolism going and prevent you from overindulging later on. Some good snack options include:

• Fruit or vegetable slices with dip

• A handful of nuts or seeds

• A hard-boiled egg

• A piece of whole-grain toast with peanut butter

#2 Avoid processed and high-sugar foods

Processed and high-sugar foods are some of the worst offenders when it comes to weight gain. These types of foods are typically low in nutrients and can cause spikes in blood sugar levels, leading to cravings and overeating. So, if you're trying to lose weight, it's best to avoid these foods as much as possible. Instead, focus on eating whole, unprocessed foods that are rich in nutrients. These include fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats.

Eating a balanced diet is key to losing weight without feeling deprived. Make sure you include a variety of nutrient-rich foods at each meal and snack so that you feel satisfied and energized.

#3 Drink plenty of water

Water is essential for weight loss. Not only does it help to fill you up, but it also helps to flush out toxins and keep your metabolism going. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water per day and more if you can. You can also try adding some lemon or lime juice to your water for an extra boost of flavor.

In addition to drinking plain water, you can also get your fluid intake from other sources, such as unsweetened tea or coffee, sparkling water, and soups. Just be sure to avoid sugary drinks like soda and fruit juice, which can sabotage your weight loss efforts.

#4 Get moving

Exercise is another important component of weight loss. When you move your body, you burn calories and help to boost your metabolism. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise per day, and be sure to mix up your workouts so that you don't get bored.

There are a variety of ways to get moving, so find something that you enjoy and stick with it. Some great options include walking, biking, swimming, yoga, and strength training. And remember, even just a little bit of movement can go a long way!

#5 Get enough sleep

Sleep is often overlooked when it comes to weight loss, but it's actually a crucial part of the process. When you don't get enough sleep, your body doesn't have time to repair and recover, which can lead to weight gain. Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep per night, and make sure to wind down before bed so that you can get a restful night's sleep. Sleep is also important for regulating hormones and keeping your metabolism going. So, if you're trying to lose weight, be sure to get plenty of rest!

#6 Manage stress

Stress is another factor that can lead to weight gain. When you're stressed, your body produces the hormone cortisol, which can cause cravings and overeating. In addition, stress can lead to unhealthy habits like skipping meals or binge eating. So, it's important to find ways to manage your stress levels.

There are a variety of ways to do this, but some great options include exercise, meditation, and spending time in nature. Find what works for you and make it a priority in your life. Reducing stress will not only help with weight loss, but it will also improve your overall health and wellbeing.

#7 Limit your alcohol intake

Alcohol is another culprit when it comes to weight gain. Not only is it high in calories, but it can also lead to cravings and overeating. So, if you're trying to lose weight, it's best to limit your alcohol intake. Aim for two drinks or less per week. However, if you feel like you’re struggling to kick alcohol to the curb, consider seeking assistance from outpatient alcohol treatment options - this way, you can ensure you stay on the wagon and lose weight at the same time!

#8 Make healthy swaps

If you're used to eating unhealthy foods, it can be hard to break the habit. But if you're trying to lose weight, it's important to make healthier choices. There are a few easy ways to do this. For example, you can swap out white bread for whole-wheat bread, processed meats for lean protein, and sugary drinks for water or unsweetened tea or coffee. Making these simple swaps can help you feel fuller and more satisfied while cutting down on empty calories.

As you can see, there are a variety of ways to lose weight without eating less. By following these tips, you can make healthy changes that will lead to sustainable weight loss. Remember that losing weight is a journey, and it takes time to see results. But if you're patient and consistent, you will eventually reach your goals.

The Astonishing Benefits Of Indoor-Outdoor Living

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Imagine if your home blended naturally into the surrounding environment. Not only would you have more space, but you’d be able to live in a more natural way. You wouldn’t be cooped up indoors all day long. Instead, you’d be out in the open air, catching a few rays and listening to the sound of birds. 

For this reason, indoor-outdoor spaces have become tremendously more popular. These days, hardly a single luxury home neglects them. 

The form they take can be quite different. Some are, for all intents and purposes, outdoor living rooms, equipped with fireplaces, chairs, recliners, sofas and coffee tables. Others are dining rooms, usually under some sort of shade, while the most extravagant attempts to bring the kitchen outside as well. 

If you’re on the fence about indoor-outdoor living, then this post may help to change your mind. We discuss some of the benefits that such arrangements bring and how they can help you live a better, more fulfilling life at home. Here’s what you need to know: 

It Makes It Easier To Have a Staycation

Getting away on vacation is not only expensive, but it can be physically difficult as well, thanks to all the international restrictions in place. For that reason, many people are turning to their own backyard, often quite literally, to make the most of their time off from work. 

There are many ways that you could give your outdoor spaces more of a vacation feel. One obvious idea is to add a pool. Here, you can mimic what it would be like to be sitting around a hotel pool, enjoying the sunshine and warm air. 

Some people turn their outdoor spaces into spas. These are over under cover, just next to their sliding patio doors. 

You could also invest in a sunroom. These allow you to experience the warmth of the sun but, at the same time, protect you against the cool breeze. They’re similar to greenhouses. 

It Gives You More Options When Entertaining Guests

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Standing around with your guests in the kitchen or sitting with them in the living room is okay in the depths of winter. But when the summer arrives, people want to be outside, enjoying themselves in the fresh air.

While a patio will suffice, having a bespoke indoor-outdoor area can make the whole experience so much more enjoyable for your guests. First, you can physically accommodate more people. You might only be able to fit twenty guests into your home itself, but you might have space to entertain fifty outside. 

You can also take advantage of outdoor kitchens. These allow you to prepare food and service drinks to guests outside, without having to run in every five minutes to check on your cooking.

Modern outdoor kitchens actually rival those you find on the inside of your home. These days, they’re much more than just BBQs built into a countertop with a few cabinets. Instead, they come with running water, sink with plumbing, dedicated gas lines, and even pizza ovens. What’s more, they’re all protected by suitable roofing and come with options that let you batten down the hatches when the weather turns bad. 

It Increases The Value Of Your Home

As discussed in the introduction, indoor-outdoor living is in high demand. Everyone wants to experience it. 

Because of this, homes that offer functional exterior spaces are worth more than equivalent properties that don’t. Buyers want opportunities to go outside and enjoy being in nature because they know that it’s good for their health and wellbeing. 

Buyers are also looking for properties that offer space. Therefore, if your home doesn’t have much interior square footage, you can add to it in a practical sense by expanding into your garden. What’s more, creating outdoor space is a significantly less costly way to increase your home’s value than adding a conventional extension. 

Remember, when it comes to buying a new home, buyers want you to wow them. It doesn’t actually matter how you do this, whether with giant interior rooms at your property, or by increasing the space available to you outside. Remember, something as simple as adding a patio or veranda could be the difference between a buyer choosing your property and the next-best alternative. 

It Is Good For Your Health

The average person only spends around 15 minutes per day outside in the open air. Unfortunately, that’s bad for our individual and collective wellbeing. If we’re constantly in built environments, it separates us from nature which is so beneficial.

For instance, NIH studies show that being in nature may help improve your cognition and memory. You may be able to think more clearly and better recall what people have said to you.

Being outside may also reduce stress, something that researchers refer to as “biophilia.” Our natural love of the outdoors appears to have a powerful effect on how our secretory hormones in the brain work, reducing the level of cortisol in the body. It’s one of the reasons why most people feel better after a weekend of camping, even if they’ve been sleeping on the uncomfortable ground. 

It Expands Your Living Space

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We’ve already alluded to this perk above, but it’s worth repeating. Building an indoor-outdoor area expands your living space. It gives your home more square footage and can make even a small chalet feel considerably larger. 

The current trend is towards “multi-use” spaces. Homeowners, for instance, are trying to create “rooms” outdoors that can fulfill all the functions of spaces inside their homes. 

With some clever architectural tricks, outdoor living areas can also blend effortlessly into the rest of the home. Creating a common theme between the indoor and outdoor space creates unity and ensures that everything makes visual sense. 

Some property owners, for instance, keep the indoor and outdoor floor heights the same, eliminating any need to step down. Others use sliding glass panels for doors that make it feel like indoor and outdoor spaces are one and the same. When there are minimal visual boundaries, outdoors areas feel like a natural expansion of your home. 

3 Steps To Take When Your Aging Parents Need Help

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Image Credit: Beejees from Pixabay.

While everyone makes an effort to stay healthy, there comes a point where that’s almost as possible. As people age, their bodies start breaking down.

That can be seen in multiple ways, from cognitive decline to loss of mobility. Many people often see this with their parents. It can be an emotional and heart-wrenching time.

If you’ve found yourself in this position, you mightn’t know what to do when your aging parents need help. There could be much to take care of.

Though you could need to take multiple steps to help your aging parents, a few can be more important than the others.

What To Do When Your Aging Parents Need Help: 3 Top Steps

Figure Out Their Needs

The first thing you’ll need to do before making any decisions is to understand your parents’ needs. For some, it could be as simple as needing to have their meals cooked.

Others could need much more. You’ll need to tailor your decisions based on the help that your parents need. You should focus on multiple areas with this, including:

• Safety

• Medical Needs

• Hygiene

• Social Interaction

• Cognitive Needs

Once you know what your parents’ needs are, you’ll be able to make much better decisions for the help they need.

Understand Care Options

You might assume that the only way that you can help your parents is by putting them in a home. You’ll have multiple care options available, however.

You should keep these in mind when making your decision. When you’re doing so, it’s worth ensuring that the likes of financial elder abuse, among other things, can’t take place.

That means understanding your options in detail and comparing them. The main options you’ll have are:

• In-home help

• Assisted living communities

• Geriatricians

Many of these could be the right option for your parents.

Include Your Parents In Care Decisions

Everyone wants to be in control of their life. While your parents mightn’t have a say in needing help, they’ll still want to exercise some control.

You should do your best to give them this. Letting them have a say in as many of the decisions as possible is recommended.

Though this isn’t always possible, you should do it when you’re able. It could take you a while to get them involved in the discussion, as they could be resistant at first.

Once they’re involved, however, things will get much easier. Remember to ensure they feel comfortable and supported throughout the process.

What To Do When Your Aging Parents Need Help: Wrapping Up

If you don’t know what to do when your aging parents need help, it can be a confusing and emotional time. You’ll want to help but you wouldn’t know what steps to take.

While there’ll be multiple things to look after, some will be more important than others. You’ll need to keep them in mind when you’re helping your parents.

Each of the above steps will be vital during the process. As difficult as it may seem, it can be simpler than you’d think. Though it’ll be an emotional time, it’s something that’ll need to be done.

A Simple Guide to Freshen Your Looks and Boost Your Confidence

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Looking and feeling your best can give you a significant confidence boost. But, unfortunately, many people don't know where to start when it comes to improving their appearance. This blog post will provide you with a simple guide to freshen up your looks and boost your confidence!

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Wear Colors

A pop of color can do wonders for your appearance. Wearing colors that suit you can make you look and feel more vibrant and alive. If you're not sure which colors work best for you, consider consulting a professional for color analysis. They will help you determine which hues complement your natural coloring.

Greet People With a Smile

Smiling is one of the easiest and most effective ways to improve your appearance. Not only does it make you look more approachable and friendly, but it can also make you look younger and more attractive. If you're not used to smiling often, it may take some practice to get into the habit. But once you start greeting people with a smile, you'll likely find that it makes you feel happier and more confident as well.

Get Plenty of Sleep

When you're tired, it's tough to look your best. Lack of sleep can cause dark circles under your eyes, puffy eyes, and a general feeling of fatigue. To ensure that you always look your best, make sure to get plenty of sleep each night. Aim for at least eight hours of sleep per night, if possible. Try ptosis eyedrops to open up tired and sleepy-looking eyes if this is an impossible feat.

Consider A Bold, Modern Haircut

If you're looking for a way to freshen up your look, consider getting a new haircut. A bold, modern haircut can make you look younger and more stylish. Consult with a hairstylist if you're not sure what type of haircut would be best for you. They will recommend styles that will suit your face shape and hair type.

Take Care Of Your Skin

Your skin is one of the first things people notice about you, so it's essential to take care of it. Be sure to cleanse, moisturize, and protect your skin every day. Wearing sunscreen is especially important, as it can help prevent wrinkles and sun damage. If you're not sure how to take care of your specific skin type, consult a dermatologist for advice.

Makeup Tips

Knowing how to apply your makeup correctly can also help you look and feel your best. Be sure to use good quality products and apply them in a flattering way to your features. If you're unsure where to start, consider watching some online tutorials or reading up on makeup application tips.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water is another simple way to look and feel your best. Staying hydrated can help improve your skin complexion, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and give you a general feeling of well-being. Try to drink at least eight glasses of water per day, more if you are active or live in a warm climate.

Stand and Sit Tall

Bad posture can make you look tired, unprofessional, and insecure. To avoid this, try to stand and sit tall with good posture. You can do some exercises to improve your poster, like yoga. It takes a bit of practice to get used to, but once you start standing and sitting tall, you'll look and feel more confident. This will not only make you look more confident, but it will also help improve your overall health.

Be Kind To Yourself And Your Appearance

One of the most important things to remember when improving your appearance is to be kind to yourself. Accepting yourself for who you are is essential to feeling confident and looking your best. If you're not happy with certain aspects of your appearance, make a change if it makes you feel better. But always remember that you are beautiful, just the way you are.

Practice Breathing Exercises

Stress can take a toll on your appearance, making you look tired and stressed out. To combat this, try practicing some breathing exercises. Deep breathing can help relax your body and mind, which will make you look and feel more relaxed and confident. There are many different breathing exercises, so find one that works best for you and practice it regularly. You'll be surprised at how much of a difference deep breathing can make in your appearance and overall well-being.

In conclusion, there are many ways to freshen up your look and boost your confidence. By following these simple tips, you can feel more beautiful and confident every day. Try some of these tips today and see how they work for you!