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Health, Beauty, Home & Lifestyle Tips from Tips by Tia
ORGANIC HEALTH & HOME

4 Effective Ways to Lower Your Energy Bills

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4 Effective Ways to Lower Your Energy Bills

Everyone knows that costs are rising — the question is, what can you do about it? 

In some instances, it’s all about being creative; don’t like the cost of eggs? Then use an egg alternative — same result, much cheaper cost. In other instances, it’s about taking temporary measures. With travel more expensive now, it might be wise to postpone your travel plans until you’ve saved up more money/costs have come down.

And what about the rising cost of energy bills? Combating those rising prices involves taking more sweeping, long-term measures. In this post, we’ll run through a few handy strategies that 

should, when all combined, make a big difference. 

Pexels – CC0 Licence

Appliance Upgrades

In most cases, it’s wise to extract as much value from your products as you can. The thinking goes that the longer you have an item, the better the overall cost is. It’s much better to wear your shoes for 5 years, rather than replacing them at 3. 

However, that principle doesn’t apply to your home appliances. If you have an old appliance, then it’s likely using up much more energy than it should, resulting in higher energy bills. Upgrading to one of the latest models will require an investment, but it’ll pay off in savings in the long run. 

HVAC Costs

The cheapest way to reduce your HVAC-related costs is to simply avoid turning it on. But realistically, who’s going to do that? When the temperatures begin to bite or soar, it’s your HVAC system that makes life at home bearable. It’s recommended to have an expert take a look at your HVAC system from time to time to ensure that it’s working correctly. Also, keep in mind that your energy bills will be much higher if the cold/hot air is able to escape through your walls. A company like insulationcommandos.com can provide insulation that will allow you to keep your home at a comfortable temperature without breaking the bank. Beyond that, it’s all about using your HVAC system wisely — the goal should be to be at a comfortable temperature, not the perfect temperature. 

Use Machines Effectively 

Looking for an easy, effective way to keep your energy bills as low as possible? Look at using your appliances effectively. Some people turn on their dishwasher even when it’s only half-loaded. Waiting until it’s fully loaded is the best approach since the dishwasher will use the same amount of energy regardless of how many plates are in there. You can also look at washing your clothes in cold water; unless you’re dealing with difficult dirt, cold water will clean your clothes with no problem, and it’ll use up to 90% less energy. 

Consider Solar Panels

Finally, take a look at adding solar panels to your home. This can be a game-changer for energy bills, reducing them by 50% or more. The technology behind solar energy has increased significantly in recent years, too, so you can have confidence that you’ll have enough energy to run your home even on the cloudiest of days. 

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

Is it Really Worth DIY?

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Is it Really Worth DIY?

Do-it-yourself (DIY), often associated with Pinterest projects and home improvement TV shows, evokes images of creative projects and the allure of saving money while accomplishing something uniquely your own. But for every DIY success story, there is also one which results in something less than professional. So the question remains, should we pick up that toolbox or craft kit or leave the work to professionals? Here is why:

Photo by benjamin lehman on Unsplash

The Appeal of DIY

There is no disputing that DIY brings an incredible sense of satisfaction when completed successfully, whether that means revamping an old piece of furniture or painting an accent wall. That sense of accomplishment when saying, “I made that,” can be immensely fulfilling. Not to mention its potential cost savings. Why pay someone else when you can learn how to do it yourself through YouTube tutorials? Plus DIY allows for creativity. Creating projects tailored specifically to you makes the entire experience unique. Who wouldn’t love creating something so special?

The (Not-So-Glamorous) Reality of DIY

Although DIY enthusiasts may perceive DIY to be exciting and economical, the reality can often differ. First of all, novice DIYers often underestimate their learning curve. Tiling your own bathroom might sound easy at first, until you discover you have created an eye-sore instead of the smooth professional finish you wanted. Online guides or tutorials often don’t take into account individual circumstances or skill levels. Costs may also quickly escalate. Materials, tools (for which your existing toolbox won’t contain), and fixing mistakes can quickly add up, sometimes exceeding the costs of hiring professionals. Plus there’s the added aspect of time. Something which could take one professional a day may end up taking more of your weekend and leave you more frustrated than fulfilled.

Hiring a Handyman

Hiring a professional handyman service is often the best solution to home improvement tasks that seem overwhelming or time-consuming, such as furniture assembly, fixing minor household issues, or larger repair projects. Their expert craftsmanship means the task will be completed correctly and safely, often within much shorter timelines than a DIY attempt could. Plus many services offer flexible scheduling to make meeting your list less of an inconvenience.

When DIY Makes Sense

DIY has its place, whether that means decorating walls, building simple furniture pieces, or making minor repairs. DIY can be fulfilling and cost-effective projects. As long as you already possess the tools, skills, and time required if something goes awry it could be worthwhile if done right. DIY also serves as an opportunity to expand your capabilities. By starting with smaller projects you’re bound to gain useful skills while keeping your expectations reasonable.

Conclusion

DIY can be worth your while, but that depends on the project at hand and your commitment. Small, manageable projects with high passion levels and time commitment are great candidates for DIY. For more complex, high-stakes tasks or time-consuming ones however professional services may make more sense in saving you stress, time and money in the end. But if your attempt at DIY ends with duct tape holding everything together, you could end up regretting it in terms of stress and time savings. Choose wisely so DIY can really pay off (just not always).

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.

FOR THE GUYS, ORGANIC HEALTH & HOME

How Tradespeople Can Look After Their Tools

How Tradespeople Can Look After Their Tools

People in the trades rightly have a strong attachment to their tools. After all, they’re more than just items that you use; they’re a representation of your skill and craft. 

As such, it’s important that workers take care of their tools. There’s no shortage of things that can happen, from theft to damage, and when that happens, the person’s livelihood can be at stake.

Investing in quality tools is essential for doing your work to the highest standards. In this post, we’ll run through some handy tips that will ensure your tools are by your side for as long as possible. 

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Care For Your Tools

Your tools will be strong, yes, but they’re not invincible. They, like any other item, will need a little bit of TLC from time to time. Committing to a regular tool-cleaning schedule will ensure that your tools don’t suffer unnecessary damage. It’s also recommended to periodically lubricate any moving parts, sharpen your blades and bits, and follow the maintenance advice from the manufacturer. Following this practice alone can do wonders for extending the life of your tools, provided you bought quality tools in the first place.

Keep Them Protected

Anyone who’s in the trades will know that tool theft is a real possibility. After all, quality tools are expensive, so you can see why they would be of interest to someone with criminal intentions. While you can’t stop from trying to steal your tools, you can very much ensure that their attempt is unsuccessful. Investing in a secure ute canopy for work will ensure that your tools are sufficiently guarded while they’re in your vehicle. It’s also recommended to only transport the tools that are required for the job, and leave the others at home. 

Get Insurance

Even if you’ve taken steps to protect your tools from thieves, you can never be 100% safe. Your tools could be stolen while you’re briefly talking with someone on the phone. For complete peace of mind, it’s recommended to take out sufficient business insurance. This will ensure that, in the worst-case scenario, you’re not left having to fork out a significant sum of money to replace stolen tools. Good insurance will also protect your tools from accidental damage, too. 

Use Correctly

Using your tools correctly is essential for ensuring that they last for as long as possible. It’s tempting to sometimes use tools in unorthodox ways to get a job done, but doing so will put the tool at risk — and will also likely result in subpar work. There’ll be a right and wrong way to use the tool, so make sure you’re always on the right side of that line. 

Keep Them In Tip-Top Condition 

Finally, look at investing in regular maintenance. Even if you treat them with the utmost care, your tools will face issues from time to time. They’re tools, after all! If you notice that a bit has been damaged, then look at fixing it immediately. Doing so will help prevent further damage that’s most costly to repair. 

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, SEX & LIFE

Destressing For Better Mental Health: Self-Help Hacks

Destressing For Better Mental Health: Self-Help Hacks

A 2023 study revealed that over 50% of American women experience stress daily. Stress is a natural human state. It can have a positive impact, but often, it affects us negatively. Mild stress can spiral into more severe problems. Learning to manage stress is beneficial for mental and physical health. In this guide, we’ll outline some effective self-help hacks to help you de-stress. 

Image credit: https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-woman-listening-to-music-on-earphones-running-down-a-sidewalk-3764537/

Exercise daily

Daily exercise is one of the best ways to prevent and overcome stress. Moving your body not only releases endorphins and causes the levels of dopamine and serotonin in your brain to increase but it also provides a welcome distraction from stressors. Exercise can also help you express yourself and channel emotions, such as anger or frustration, constructively. It’s advantageous to incorporate physical activity into your everyday routine. Even if you only have 15 minutes free, you can make a positive difference to your mental and physical health. Go for a walk, do a quick HIIT workout, take your bike out or practice some yoga or Pilates moves. Ideally, everyone should do at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week. Being more active will also make you feel more energetic and it can reduce the risk of sleep troubles. 

Prioritize sleep

Getting enough rest is crucial if you’re prone to stress or burnout. Your body needs sleep to recover and recharge. While you sleep, your body undergoes critical restorative processes. If you’re tired, even the smallest things can make you feel angry, irritable or uneasy. Prioritizing sleep is an excellent way to combat stress, improve your mood and elevate your energy levels.

Many people who experience sleep troubles have difficulty getting to sleep. If you feel tired but you can’t sleep, adjust your evening routine. Give yourself time to unwind and relax. Read, have a bath, listen to soothing music and avoid anything that stimulates you or makes you feel stressed. If you find it hard to switch off, exploring options like trying CBD gummies may help. CBD products can ease stress, make you feel calmer and improve sleep quality. If you have any questions about what to buy or whether CBD is a good fit for you, speak to a medical professional. Try to avoid taking phones, tablets and laptops to bed with you and set a daily bedtime. Getting into a consistent routine can be incredibly beneficial. Experts recommend 6-8 hours of sleep per night for adults. 

Spend time outside

Spending time outside and being in nature are proven to boost mental well-being. Getting fresh air, exercising and surrounding yourself with trees, plants, and flowers can lift your mood and help you feel less stressed. Try to get outside every day. If you live in a city or the center of a town, walk to a park or plan trips to nature reserves, national parks, forests, lakes or urban green spaces in the region. Make the most of your weekends by exploring natural environments. 

Picture from https://www.pexels.com/photo/two-women-walks-to-open-field-236973/

Stress can impact both your physical and mental health. Learning to manage stress and being proactive in protecting your mental well-being are beneficial. Hacks to try today include exercising daily, establishing a sleep routine, making time for rest and relaxation, finding ways to express and channel your emotions, and spending more time outside. 

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

Tips to Prepare for a Stress-Free Move

Tips to Prepare for a Stress-Free Move

If you know that you are due to move house, then there are a few steps that you need to take to make your move as stress-free as possible. If you need to find out more, then simply take a look below.

Source: Pexels


Create a Folder

If you can, you need to try and create a moving folder. This should ideally contain all the information you need to move house. You can do this digitally, or you can do this on paper if you want. At the end of the day, there is so much for you to keep on top of, from getting emails from estate agents to important dates and more. You have to make sure that everything is in one place so you can access what you need when you need it, so be sure to keep that in mind. If you can also take the time to find out what you need to change over, you can make note of this too, so you can streamline your moving process.

Book Your Movers Early

You also need to try and book your movers early if you can. If you book your movers early, then you can plan for any big furniture you need to move. If you are moving a piano, for example, then you need to make sure that you book a piano service, as this is a specialist piece of furniture that needs additional care and attention. If you need to find out more about that then click here: https://pianomoversoftexas.com/fort-worth-piano-movers/. If you are moving standard things or if you are moving to another city, then you still need to book early, as movers are often busy during busy points of the year, and this can influence how much availability they have.

Take Measurements

You also need to take measurements where possible. You should measure things like the size of the furniture you need to buy as well. If you don’t take measurements when you are viewing the house, then this is fine, but you should at least get an idea from viewing the pictures. If you can do this, then you will find that it is easier for you to not only get the result you want but for you to also make sure that you are confident in your choices. Don’t get too much furniture before you move in either. If you do, then you may find that you end up with far too many things to store, and if your moving date gets set back, then this will lead to additional issues later on, which is the last thing you want.

While you’re ordering new furniture, it doesn’t hurt to declutter what you have. Decluttering can be overwhelming, but if you start now, then you will soon find that it becomes a lot easier and that you can also make it a lot less stressful for the whole family. You probably have too much stuff anyway, so be sure to keep this in mind. 

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.

Everyday Tips from Tia