ORGANIC HEALTH & HOME

What Better Not to DIY In Your Home

By Guest Blogger, Patrick A.

What Better Not to DIY In Your Home

Somehow we started believing that DIY stands for Do Everything Yourself. This usually happens when the weather outside is colder and we are more focused on the interior. After all, summer is for having fun and taking a vacation from any kind of work.

But before you start DIY issues in your home, make sure you really know what you’re doing. It’s better to have bruised ego, then destroy your home or get injured, after all. However, to make it all easier for you, here is the list of things better left to the professionals.

Don’t Mess with Electricity

Electricity is no joke and it can cause serious injuries and even death if you don’t know what you are doing. Furthermore, you can endanger the lives of your loved ones and other people who are near you when you meddle with electricity. Just because you flipped a fuse switch doesn’t mean you can fix the whole electrical grid in your home. 

DIY Roof Repairs Can Cause More Damage

There are various roof problems, but most commonly you will have to deal with leaks. They are caused by broken tiles, bad insulation, rodents, and cracks, to name a few. And while some repairs may sound easy, they can be dangerous like slipping and falling off the roof.

Besides this being a risky job, you can do the repairs wrong and create more problems in the end. Cleaning gutters regularly and checking the roof for damages can prevent further damage. But waterproofing is a complex job that requires expertise and equipment, so hire professionals for that. 

Stay Away from Asbestos

Asbestos is renovation doomsday. Once it is airborne you can inhale it in your lungs and get sick from it. Professionals who deal with asbestos wear protective masks and suits and also use special measures to get rid of it.

Since this is a serious issue which can significantly impair the health of everyone in the house, you should definitely leave it to the experts. If you discover it in your home, call help immediately and leave the room.

Leave Home Appliances to Professionals

Every home appliance repair is different and there are so many things that may be wrong with a device. First of all, parts may need replacing, wiring might not be right and electronics needs assessment via special equipment. And that is not a job for someone with limited resources and knowledge.

In the end, you may cause more damage to your appliance or electrical grid during a short circuit. And in worst case scenario, you could injure yourself. So, do something fun instead and leave appliance repair to professionals.

Plumbing Is Not Fun, but Serious Business

There is not “only a small leak”, but every drop should be taken seriously immediately. While leaking faucet or shower may not be cause for immediate attention, other things are. That includes leaking pipes which if not taken care of properly can cause structural damage to the house.

If you want to try your plumbing skills, stick simple things like fixing a drain. Imagine not doing something right and overflowing a toilet or causing a flood with an unstoppable burst in a pipe. It all sounds like more work after the repair than before, so if unsure, better call a plumber to deal with the issues.

Lastly

No matter how tempted you are to show off your repair skills, some things are better left to professionals. It’s hard to resist numerous video tutorials available online, but in the end, DIY is not always a great solution. After all, it’s better to pay an expert then remedy the damage created by your amateur repairs.

Tia, and TipsfromTia.com  is trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good, from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on Twitter or Instagram. 

Bio: Patrick Adams is a freelance writer and rock-blues fan. When he is not writing about home improvement, he loves to play chess, watch basketball, and play his guitar. More than anything, he loves to spend his time in his garage, repairing appliances and creating stuff from wood.

 

SEX & LIFE

Online Dating and Sexual Health: What You Need to Know

By Guest Blogger, Caitlin E.

Online Dating and Sexual Health: What You Need to Know

Source: unsplash.com

 

Millions of people use online dating websites and apps to meet new people and engage in different levels of intimacy – from just chatting to casual sex to romantic relationships. With the rising popularity of various platforms such as Match.com, EHarmony, Tinder, and numerous others, the stigma that once existed around online dating has been greatly diminished. Even statistics show that the majority of Americans claim online dating is a good way to meet people.

But it’s still a relatively new landscape, where it’s crucial that we’re all well-informed and understanding of how we can navigate it responsibly. Here’s what you need to keep in mind regarding sexual health when meeting new people on dating platforms.

 

Sexual health is about psychological well-being too

 

The concept of sexual health is often mistaken for only the physical aspect of health in regards to sexuality, such as the absence of an STI.

But the World Health Organization reminds us that sexual health goes much further than that, implying psychological wellbeing, freedom of choice, and the ability to have a satisfying and responsible sex life.

In the online dating culture, you have all the freedom you need to engage with whomever you want and however you want. And when you have this kind of freedom, it’s especially important to listen to your gut instinct and to be cautious when meeting new people online.

It’s easy to get caught up in all of it, which makes it even more important that you fully acknowledge what you want and what you don’t want – regardless of how the person you’ve met will react. Listen to your innate needs, take care of yourself, and don’t let yourself feel pressured at any point.

Online dating is there to make things easier and more enjoyable for you, not to become a burden on your well-being.

 

Always use protection. Always.

Source: unsplash.com

A lot of people are hooking up through dating platforms, as the medium makes meeting new people much faster and more convenient. The math is quite simple – the more casual sex there is, the more STIs are likely to be circulating.

This is nothing new, as STIs are more widespread than you might expect. There’s just too much stigma around them so you can be sure that nobody is going to explicitly tell you they have an infection when they meet you.

Not only that, but your partner may have no idea he or she has an STI.

The only way to stay safe from STIs and maintain your sexual health responsibly is by using condoms – every time, no matter what.

This is especially important to take note of among the older demographic, where there’s still a common misconception that there’s no need for condoms if you can no longer have children. Regardless of fertility or other forms of contraception you might be using, condoms serve to protect you from STIs, and both sides of the relationship should have them around.

 

Maintain your good judgement

 

A lot of people rely on drugs or alcohol to ease into the situation and “loosen up” when meeting someone new. Again, you have the freedom to do whatever you wish – just make sure that you own it, that you have the confidence and your best interests in mind.

Overdoing it with either of those two will definitely cloud your judgement – and that’s where it will be difficult for you to keep your best interests in mind. Whether it’s engaging with someone you don’t actually feel that comfortable with or forgetting to use a condom during sex, clouded judgement increases the chances of turning an otherwise pleasant experience into a sour one.

Source: unsplash.com

 

The rising popularity of online dating is no coincidence. People feel comfortable with these platforms, and they present a convenient and exciting way to meet potential partners and like-minded people. But as more and more people use online dating apps, there’s a whole new dialogue opening up around sexual health and safety. Whether you’re entirely new to online dating or have an established profile, keep these points in mind to make sure that you navigate the landscape to your best interest.

Tia, and TipsfromTia.com  is trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good, from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on Twitter or Instagram.

ORGANIC HEALTH & HOME

How To Love Your Home Again (And Not Get Mad At It)

How To Love Your Home Again (And Not Get Mad At It)

(credit)        Woman

 

Here’s the home ideal

 

You come home from work and open your front door. Happy to be home again, you kick off your shoes and start to relax in the warm confines of your living room. Sitting down on your sofa with a glass of wine and your favourite magazine, you sit back and let the cares of the day fade away. You’re home, everything is fine, and you enjoy your downtime in your domestic surroundings.

 

But the reality…

 

You come home from work and open your front door. With a creak and a jolt, it eventually opens, and you step inside. You kick off your shoes and add them to the rest of the clutter that is littering your hallway. You slump into your sofa hoping to relax, but that spring in the back of the chair isn’t doing your back any good. You shiver, not only because of the draft coming through the crack in the window but because your body is filled with stressed out tensions. You’re home, everything is not fine, and you fail to enjoy your downtime in your hellhole of a house. Bah!

 

The end. Thanks for reading.

 

Okay, it’s not the end, it would be a pretty depressing article if it was. But if you have lost the love for your home, there are a few things you need to do. It is your right to enjoy your living space after all!

 

Get on top of any repairs

Your home isn’t going to fix itself. There’s no DIY fairy fluttering around with a hammer and nail. If something is getting on top of you, be that a creaking front door or a crack in the wall, then you need to do something about them. They will only hinder your relaxation time otherwise. There are some repair jobs you can do yourself. You can add oil to the hinges on your doors, and you can seal any gaps in your home with caulk. But if there any household repairs you can’t do yourself, such as an issue with your electrics or a complicated plumbing issue, then you need to call in the professionals to restore your safe haven.

 

Give your home a makeover

If you’re bored with the same old surroundings, then it’s time to change things up a little. You need to relax, but if you are stuck in a place that uninspires you, then you won’t make the most of your downtime. One way to do this is to add colour to your home. Using the ideas in the linked article, brighten up your surroundings, be that with a splash of paint or some new additions. It might be time to replace the sofa too, especially if you do get that annoying spring in your back every time you sit down. If your curtains are tattered and worn, or ill-fitting at your windows, then swap them for something new. Deconovo has a nice range, as well as a helpful guide in how to measure for curtains. If your carpeting is looking shabby, give it a deep clean or replace it with something new. Do anything, other than suffer your usual drab surroundings.

 

Get rid of your clutter

 

(credit)

 

We have a tendency to move clutter from one room to the next. If things are in your way in the living room, we stuff them into the hallway. If we can’t manage the mess in the bedroom, we pile it into a spare room or overfill an already bulging storage cupboard. If you have clutter in your life, then you need to do one of two things. The first is to get rid of it! Seriously, if you don’t need something, stick it in the bin, sell it, or give it to charity. Secondly, create new storage space. Either buy something new, or use these insanely clever storage hacks to deal with your stuff. After sorting out your mess/important items/old rubbish, you will have more space in your house again, you won’t trip over anything as you’re moving from room to room, and you can relax without something distracting you when you see it in the corner of your eye.

 

And so…

 

It doesn’t take a lot to fall in love with your home again. With a few basic repairs, a tidy-up, and a few home upgrades, you can finally come home, kick off your shoes, sit down with a glass of wine and your favourite magazine and relax. Job done, order is restored, and your downtime is secure. Well, that’s the ideal, but we hope this article has spurred you on into making any changes that need to take place where you are.

 

The end. Thanks for reading. (Don’t scroll down because it really is the end, we promise).

Tia, and TipsfromTia.com  is trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good, from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on Twitter or Instagram.

ORGANIC HEALTH & HOME

Feeling Knotted? Here’s Why You Need A Massage

Feeling Knotted? Here’s Why You Need A Massage

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If you are always feeling like your muscles and joints are too tight this can put a downer on your day and it can also affect your ability to do simple tasks like everyone else.

Constant aches and stiffness could have you searching high and low for a Professional Massage near me on your device. Some people feel a massage is just a luxury or a special occasion type of treatment, but there is a whole lot more to the benefits of regular massages when it comes to your self-care regimen.

When it comes to being healthy and looking after your body a massage might be a great idea for you, and here’s why.

Relaxes the body

The main thing a massage can do for you is relaxing your body and making sure that you feel rested and refreshed. The job of massage therapists is to make you as comfortable as possible and this will help your muscles and joints to relieve their knots and feel flexible once again ready for exercise. Your whole body will feel amazing after a massage and it can be just what you need to hit thang reset button and feel great again.

Promotes sleep

Sleep is a huge part of life and unfortunately, many of us struggle with sleep and this can be detrimental to our health both physically and mentally. To make sure that we are healthy and happy we need sleep, and a massage can relax the body so much that you fall asleep on the table! Make sure you get a massage before bed and this will help you get a good night’s rest.

Improves mental health

Mental health is something which affects a lot of people around the world in different ways and with many, it is linked to stress. Stress on the body and the mind can take a toll on us and it can increase feelings of anxiety and depression in many people. However, when you have a massage the tension in your body will slip away and your stress levels will come right down. You can come out of there feeling calmer and happier as a person overall.

Keeps muscles healthy

Our muscles are constantly working for us every single day and they are what help us to stay fit and healthy throughout our lives. Our muscles are a big part of us and they need some TLC sometimes too. A massage promotes blood flow and healing of our muscles and it can make them stronger and healthier overall. Our muscles spend their life supporting us, so we should give back and support them once in a while.

Increase circulation

If you are the kind of person who is always boiling hot but you also always have cold feet and hands, you have poor circulation. Good circulation is crucial for our body because as blood pumps around our body oxygen is distributed to every single cell allowing it to live and thrive. A massage is a good way to increase circulation and blood flow around the body by hitting certain pressure points and pushing the blood around. It can be a huge help for circulation and keep you feeling healthy. It will also mean that you are less likely to walk around with freezing cold hands and feet all of the time which is a big win!

​Tia and TipsfromTia.com are trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip, email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on Twitter, TikTok, or Instagram.

ORGANIC HEALTH & HOME

Prepping for hurricane and cyclone season

Prepping for hurricane and cyclone season

Every year thousands of dollars worth of damage is done to homes and properties across the country as hurricanes and cyclones hit. The worst ones are those that result in the loss of human life, but all can bring devastation and the trauma of having to rebuild.

That’s why it’s so important to prepare for hurricane and cyclone season before it arrives.

Check Your Building

It is important to understand the difference that regular maintenance can make to your property. Simple measures like installing a sub floor ventilation system from Extract Air can prevent damp from getting into your building.

Moisture is a key ingredient in weakening the structure of a building; making it more vulnerable to hurricanes and cyclones. Something as simple as a pump can actually improve the chances of your building surviving.

Assess The Risk

It’s a good idea to check how likely your area is to suffer from hurricanes and cyclones. If you’ve lived there for several years you’ll already have an idea regarding this.

While anywhere can be hit it is worth knowing whether you’re a high risk area or not.

Emergency Supplies

If you’re in an area which is prone to hurricanes and cyclones it’s worth getting some emergency supplies together. This should include food and water to keep your family going for at least a few days. You also need to have a light source, the ability to stay warm and a grab bag which will enable you to escape the area quickly if you need to.

Insurance

It is always worth checking what your current insurance covers you for. If you haven’t got full coverage you may be surprised to learn that it can take up to 30 days for new cover to take effect. Get it sorted before you actually need it.

Check Your Yard

If you have trees and other items in your yard which are likely to become an issue in high winds then you need to look at having them trimmed or even removed now.

It is also important to look at what your risk of flood is and prepare your barriers now.

Alongside this it is a good idea to chat with your neighbors and get an idea regarding what plans they have and how you can work together if the worst happens. This is a great back-up and a way to help ensure you and your family get out if you need to.

Keep A File

You need a plan for your escape route; preferably at least two options. You also need a plan regarding what supplies should be in your home to help you survive the aftermath if the power is out but your house is still standing.

Once you’ve designed your plan it’s a good idea to write it down and keep it somewhere that is safe but easy to access. This will help to ensure everyone knows what they have to do and how to do it.

There’s no harm in practicing what to do; it will make it easier if the worst does happen.

 Tia, and TipsfromTia.com  is trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good, from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on Twitter or Instagram.

 

Everyday Tips from Tia