All posts by Tia

Tips on How to Fight the Plights of Old Age

Tips on How to Fight the Plights of Old Age

If you don’t want to ‘grow old gracefully’, and you want to fight the impact aging has on you, then you have every right to do so. If you want to fight the plights induced by old age, then you do so. Whether this means doing all you can to fight the appearance of aging. Or whether it means doing all you can to fight the ailments of aging. You do it. And if you choose to do it, make sure to check out some tips on how to do so below.

Grandmother Women Old Age
Grandmother Women Old Age

Image source

First of all you should know that you can be as beautiful as you are wise when you grow old, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with doing this. You can fight the impact aging has on your skin in the form of wrinkles, and there are now more ways to do this than ever before. You can do so by making changes to your lifestyle. And one change you can make is to simply ensure that you always get a healthy amount of sleep and that you always sleep on your back. This is because sleeping on your front or your side can etch lines into your face, and when these lines get etched in enough, they will be tough to get rid of.

Read: 4 WAYS TO BEAT THE PAIN OF AGING

Another change you can make to your lifestyle in order to fight the plight of wrinkles is to stop smoking. But you don’t just have to make changes to your lifestyle as you take this venture. No, you could seek a BOTOX injection in order to fight wrinkles too. Whichever route you choose, just be sure that there is nothing wrong with wanting to tackle wrinkles, and there’s nothing wrong with actively tackling them. They are one of the biggest tell-tale signs of aging, so there is nothing wrong with them being the first plight of old age that you seek to fight.

But it’s not just about fight the appearance of aging. It’s also about fighting the plights of old age that physically hold you back from living. And one thing that can hold you back during your twilight years is bad eye health. Aging can have a detrimental impact on eyesight, and you shouldn’t allow for your eyesight to be changed in this way. A way to do this is to make changes to your diet.

By opting for cereals that are ravished in whole grain. By choosing foods that are a good source of protein. And by cooking in a way that makes any fats you consume as healthy as can be. By implementing these three aspects into your diet, you will be doing all you can to fight the plight of old age, which is bad eye health.

Another key to staving off the feeling of aging is to stay social. You don’t have to retreat into your own home, avoiding contact with others. (Well, at least after the pandemic is over.) Instead of introverting, try to stay as social as possible. Laughing with your friends brings youth. Community and group spirit can work wonders for the soul! This is evident right into the depths of old age – groups such as Seniors Helping Seniors go to show just how positive bonding with others and helping others where you can is for your health, happiness, and wellbeing.

Read: 5 ESSENTIAL OILS FOR AGING SKIN AND HOW TO USE THEM

Now, this is not to say that you have to fight these plights of old age. It’s just to say that you should fight them if they ever make you feel uncomfortable. Neither is it a case of ‘growing old disgracefully’. It’s a case of wanting to look and feel as great as you can for as long as you can.

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

Could Your Moldy Home Be Making You Feel Sick?

Could Your Moldy Home Be Making You Feel Sick?

Have you ever noticed a few black spots appearing on the walls in your home? You may not have paid much attention to them, but if they seem to grow in vast numbers, it’s likely you’ve got a mold problem. Few people do much about mold as they feel the problem will go away if they just open the windows a few times each week.

The trouble with mold is that once it appears in your home, it can be quite hard to eradicate it for good. You see, mold is something that occurs in virtually any building around the world. Mold is a type of fungus that grows on damp surfaces or in areas of a property prone to condensation. The bathroom in your home is one prime example of an often wet location!

You might assume that mold is completely harmless and little more than a blight on your otherwise pristine walls and ceilings. However, mold can have some serious health consequences. For instance, did you know that black mold is a leading cause of asthma in people? It can also cause other respiratory problems, and even symptoms such as fatigue and “brain fogâ€!

Having mold in the home is no joke. If you spot mold, it’s time to kill it. Small areas of mold might be conquered on your own with the right products. However, larger areas will need professional Mold Remediation services to come in and eradicate the area.

Mold is tricky to kill completely, so continue reading to learn how prevention is key to eliminating mold issues.

1200px-dublinstreetmoldceilingPhoto Obtained From Wikimedia Commons

Where can mold grow?

Mold has a habit of showing up in places that are damp or prone to condensation. It can affect organic and porous materials like drywall, wood, and plaster. It can even form on metal in some cases.

The typical “breeding grounds†for mold in any home are:

  • Exterior walls and ceilings;
  • Bathrooms;
  • Kitchens;
  • Toilets.

In essence, anywhere that might be exposed to water is a likely source for mold in your home. It also tends to grow in temperatures around 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit (15-26 degrees Celsius).

Is there any way of stopping mold forever?

In a word, no. At least, not in a practical way! To live in a mold-free home, you’d have to live somewhere that isn’t exposed to any exterior weather and is outside of temperatures that you’d be comfortable being in.

black_mold_in_a_buildingPhoto Obtained From Wikimedia Commons

Mold is something that occurs naturally and is an unfortunate nuisance that we all have to deal and live with. The good news is that you can take steps to lessen the risk of mold cultures growing in random parts of your property. Here is what you need to do:

Read: WHY DO WATER LEAKS IN THE HOME HAPPEN?

Repair any water-damaged areas in your home

Floods are a common cause of significant black mold outbreaks in a property. If your home is near a river or the ocean, for example, it might have been flooded at some point before you moved in. For most people, water damage usually occurs from leaking and broken pipes and taps, especially those hidden inside walls or underneath floors.

As you can appreciate, the priority is to find the source of that flood damage or leaks. You’ll then need to identify the best way of fixing the problem. Often, the easy solution is to hire a water and flood damage restoration company. Take a look at Restorationeze.com to see what those firms can do to help.

If you’d prefer to DIY approach, there are a few processes that you need to go through before you end up with a “dry†home. For a start, you’ll need to repair any leaking pipes or taps. When it comes to flood damage, it’s essential to hack away at your drywall, floors, and ceilings.

fema_-_31850_-_man_cleans_up_flooded_house_with_high_water_markPhoto Obtained From Wikimedia Commons

Doing so will expose your home’s bare brickwork and floor so that you can begin the drying-out process. To do that, you’ll need to invest in some industrial water extraction machines. To all intents and purposes, they are like dehumidifiers but much more powerful!

You’ll need to take some moisture readings to determine how much water has been removed from the water-damaged rooms in your home. Once you can confirm the property is now fully dry, you can start to renovate the damaged rooms with new drywall, plaster, and flooring.

Note that if water has damaged your floor, you’ll need to replace your carpets, underlay, and floorboards. The latter is critical as the water may have rotted out the wood.

If you have an insurance policy for your home that covers water damage and flooding, you should check if you’re eligible to make a claim on it. That way, you won’t need to bear the cost of restoring your home.

cati-aktarma-onarimiPhoto Obtained From Wikimedia Commons

Plug any leaks

If your mold problem isn’t as severe as a major flood or burst mains pipe in your home, you might find the issue is down to localized leaks. These can typically occur in the following places:

  • Worn water valves on taps;
  • Fractures to water waste or supply pipes;
  • Missing or damaged roof tiles;
  • Exposed brickwork with missing rendering.

Assuming you know where the mold is in your home, you need to find out what’s going on “behind it†as it were.

That means removing any wallpaper, plaster, and drywall to expose the brickwork. Should the mold occur on an external-facing wall or ceiling, go outside and see if you can spot any obvious reasons such as those listed above. The aim is to stop water and moisture from coming into your home from any holes.

Read: HOME SWEET (AND SAFE) HOME

Allow your home to breathe

It’s vital that you allow air to circulate in all rooms of your home each day. That way, any “stale†condensated air can go outside, and fresh air can enter the inside!

When you have a bath or shower, be sure to leave the window open for the condensated air to escape. During the winter months, putting your heating system on can help to dry out your bathroom quicker if you don’t want to open your windows.

shutters-780043_960_720Photo Obtained From Pixabay

Treat your walls with anti-mold paint

One final strategy to follow is to create a barrier between the air in your home and surfaces like walls and ceilings. Did you know that you can buy anti-mold paint to help achieve that goal? Check out caliwel.com to see an example of anti-mold paint products that you can buy.

Good luck!

​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.

Making Your Living Space Wow!

Making Your Living Space Wow!

It’s pretty important that our homes are pleasant environments to be in, as this helps us relax and decompress from the stresses of the outside world. But how well does your home do this? Is it as pleasant as it could be, or does it need a little extra something to get there? If so, keep reading for some tips that can help you raise the level of your living environment from OK to Wow!

Light

First of all, one way that you can raise the standard for your living environment is to look at the lighting situation. Most people don’t put too much thought into the light in their homes. Apart from turning the one’s that are already there on and off and opening and shutting the curtains. But this is a big mistake because, with a little extra thought and care, the light in your home can make a massive difference.

ceiling-lamp-335975_960_720Image

For example, are you just going with the light fixtures and fitting that we were in the house when you moved in? Or have you considered replacing them with one that you have chosen yourself?

You can get all sorts of lights these days, and they can be used to create specific moods in a room. You can use long pendant lights to add interest to a boring dark corner. Or you can use smart lights with colors to have the flexibility of changing the lighting along with your mood.

Read: TRANSFORM YOUR HOUSE INTO AN OASIS OF LUXURY AND COZINESS

Cleanliness

Another important aspect of raising the standard of your living accommodation is keeping it clean and tidy. You can live in a palace, but if it is a mess, then you’re not going to enjoy it very much.

Different people have different ways of dealing with keeping their homes clean and tidy. Some folk uses the KonMari method. Others have a cleaning schedule that shows them what to clean every day, week, and month. Still, others use cleaning services like Domestic One to help them out.

cleaning-268126_960_720Picture link

Think carefully before you make a choice on how you will keep your home clean. Remember, if you are working full time, having a system or someone to help you can make all the difference.

Heat

Another aspect of having a pleasant home is that you are able to keep your living area at the right temperature. Of course, this has a lot to do with how old the house is, how it was built, and whereabouts in the world you live.

lapland-1938563_960_720Picture source

Homes in colder countries like Sweden are built and designed to retain the maximum amount of heat, even when the snow is falling outside. Although a lot more new homes around the world are being built to a more energy efficient standard. But if you want some extra flexibility in heating and cooling your place, you might choose to use underfloor heating.

This is when pipes are installed under the flooring. They heat the room from the bottom up and provide a wonderful ambient heat in the floor.  Perfect for when you wander into the kitchen barefooted in the middle of the night to make a snack or get a glass of water.

Read: WHOLE-BODY WELLNESS THROUGH SELF-IMPROVEMENT

​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.

Pimp Up My Couch: 8 Brilliant Ideas To Make Your Living Room Stand Out

Pimp Up My Couch: 8 Brilliant Ideas To Make Your Living Room Stand Out

Even old houses that are normally full of charm and personality hit that low point sometimes when the homeowner doesn’t identify with the house anymore. It can happen for many reasons, but, in essence, it means that your own home interior is boring to you. It doesn’t excite you anymore; worst, it doesn’t look like you anymore. This calls for the intervention of a MacGyver of home décor, who can bless the house with a renewal wind.

Make It Smell Nice

One of the more notable areas people overlook when making their living room nicer is how it smells. Sometimes, this makes much more of an impression than you’d expect. You could’ve gotten used to the smell, no matter whether it’s a good one or a bad one. It’s worth switching things up a bit. Even a Bolivian rock could be enough to add a bit of a nice smell to your living room while giving it some added aesthetic appeal.

You need to make your house more homely, starting by styling up your living room. Your living room is where you will be receiving your guests and relaxing in your spare time. It’s a welcoming room that reflects your interests and your tastes. It probably sounds like an overwhelming project but don’t worry: There are plenty of sources of inspiration around that will suit all personalities.

#1 Stylish And Fit For A King Or A Queen

living-room-victorian-historic-vintage-40504Photo

Living rooms in old houses often come with an elegant fireplace from a previous period. When they have been well maintained, those fireplaces are not only extremely attractive but also add a certain touch of ancient grandeur to the room. They remind of a time when kings and emperors still ruled their realms and when wealth was displayed in gold. If you have one of those fireplaces, you can use it as the heart of your décor by taking the room into a distant past.

Revive the kings and queens of the past with a playful use of gold paints and extravagant furniture in black, silver, and rich red and blue colors. If you are feeling up for it, you can even add a beautiful display of leaves and cherubs to call the richness of the Renaissance back to life. However, do not attempt this style if your living room doesn’t have large windows that let plenty of natural light in, as it will make everything appear dark and crowded.

#2 Natural Textures For Nature Lovers

Many homeowners will keep a potted plant on the window ledge; some will keep more than one. If you are the type of homeowner who has an entire wall covered in green leaves and who keeps notes on when to prune each plant, it is a pity not to exploit your love for nature in your living room. Plants are a gift from Mother Nature, and they can be just as good for your health as they are decorative. The best way to make the most of your little garden in the house is to combine the colorful flowers and leaves with neutral furniture and decoration. Blend that royal lifestyle by going onto Kouboo.com to grab a Rattan throne. By adding a peacock chair or two to the room, you make the room warm and inviting.

9459180427_65222bdb13_zA green view by Flickr

Using natural wood, osier willow carpet and seats, and whitewash paint will place emphasis on the natural life in the room: Your plants. This is a very relaxing environment, in which you will soon find yourself enjoying so much the peace of your surroundings that you might even decide to switch off the tv to clear out your mind!

#3 Modern And Playful Open Space

The main problem that young homeowners have with changing their living room style is the fear that the room might look old and too grown-up for their liking. A leather sofa and picture frames on the wall start looking too much like the house of their own parents and it’s the last thing they want to find in their style. Thankfully, there are modern approaches to living rooms that combine high-tech gadgets and playful furniture set, such as high quality bean bags to lounge comfortably on while you’re watching the latest episodes of your favorite show on a tablet. If you like modern décors, you will find great inspiration in checking the official office of leading tech companies such as Airbnb or Google for example. They mix shapes and colors in an open space to create a feeling of fun and exchange that brings a lot of positivity. Your living room may not be the headquarters of Google, but there’s nothing stopping you from pinching a few smart styling ideas from them!

5239952176_0d54bef5b5_zOne of Google offices

#4 A Bold Explosion Of Patterns

They are people who prefer to wear gray and black suits to work, and they are the exuberant individuals who love colors and shapes and are more likely to buy a fantastic orange or green suit to illuminate the workplace. If you are one for the colorful approach, it would be too sad to sit down in a neutral living room that says nothing about you. Take a bold step and let your inner creativity inspire your décor. It is an art to mix elegantly a spotted rug with a tartan sofa, but nothing is impossible for the careful creator who can identify patterns of colors that will build a harmonious and bold marriage of styles in the room. When you pick your patterns and colors, make sure though that the living room is big enough to welcome this lively décor. If the room is too small, it will feel crowded and aggressive instead of bringing the touch of originality that you are looking for. Also, it is highly recommended to build a palette of colors to choose from at the start, as this is a reference you can use to pick the right material and furniture. This will avoid any spontaneous purchase that might ruin the room.

#5 A Giant Persian Rug

Leave the flying carpet to Aladdin, a Persian rug is the closest you will ever get to traveling from the comfort of your house. Persian rugs are real works of art, and, instead of using them as the finishing touch in a large room, they can be the heart of the décor. You will find rugs in shades of burgundy, blue, and white for the most common patterns. Often, by selecting a few touches of color in the living room, such as cushions, or the frames on a wall, you can place the emphasis on the rug while spreading its main color across the room. Persian rugs are very elegant and extremely high-quality material Consequently, the acquisition of such a rug implies that it can be seen without being covered by the furniture which could damage its surface.

6715373883_273809bcb3_zPicture source

#6 Velour And Dark Walls

This style is not for everybody as this is a reminder of the rich materials used by merchants at the time of Shakespeare. A velour-covered couch gives a welcoming feeling of warmth and wealth, but requires a lot of care so be careful if you have young children or exuberant pets! The play around the warmth shades of velour, such as red, maroon, or even bottle green needs to be toned down with plain cushion and curtains. Ideally, painting the walls in a faux finish style in dark natural colors will bring your couch to stand out more. This beautiful and elegant style is best used in roomy living room with plenty of natural light. In a small house, a dark living room will immediately look like you are trying to launch a gothic trend and will be claustrophobic for guests.

#7 A Leather Sofa And Nothing Else

A leather sofa is a long-term investment, so if you have a big living room, you can make the most of it by finding a very large high-quality leather sofa. Although colors are not important in the choice, as the sofa will define the style of the décor, it is best to keep to standard leather shades for couches such as brown, black and cream. It is important in this style to put the accent on the sofa by playing it down on the walls with a natural color, and by using the boldest and wildest cushions that you can find. The rest of the furniture will have to remain neutral, in natural wood for example, so that all eyes can be on the sofa. This décor works fine in smaller rooms too and is a good reminder of what the living room is for: For sitting and being together.

#8 The Elemental Living Room

15810445425_1becd938c8_zThe perfect elemental table

Whether you like hiking in the mountains or swimming in the waves, an elemental décor sets the focus on the natural elements that you love. This style is generally for craft enthusiasts who love to bring to their surroundings the creative universe they have in mind. You will generally find pieces of decoration or furniture made with recuperated shells, or forest wood for example, as a way of bringing into the home your favorite natural landscape. You can also ask a qualified carpenter to help you with the creation of your dream stump table for instance, if DIY is out of your range. What is key to remember with this style is that the rest of the décor needs to serve to set the scene. So, if you are a sailor at heart, shades of gray, blue and white will bring a piece of furniture made out of a boat carcass to life. You get the picture so get your planning cap on and let the fun begin!

​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..

What’s Your Style? The Pros And Cons Of New Builds And Doer-Uppers

What’s Your Style? The Pros And Cons Of New Builds And Doer-Uppers

We’re all different, and that’s what makes the world such an exciting place. When it comes to buying a new home, many of us have a preference. Some people prefer the charm and character of old homes while others love the crisp, clean feel of a new build.

It doesn’t matter if you are looking at new homes in Delaware or a doer-upper across the ocean, if you’re weighing up your options on which way to go, here are some pros and cons to consider.

3921086059_d97ac472dd_zImage sourced from https://www.flickr.com/photos/imuttoo/3921086059

New homes

The pros

If you buy a property from a new home builder, there’s a very low risk of building defects and structural issues. You’re unlikely to find problems like damp and leaking roofs in brand new homes. This saves you a lot of hassle, and also a lot of money. There’s also the advantage that you can move straight in. You don’t have to worry about where you’re going to live while you have work done. Your expenditure after the acquisition will also be minimal. You may want to make changes, but it’s likely these will be purely cosmetic. New homes may also offer you more space than older properties, and they may be a more practical solution for family life.

The cons

Many people love the design features of new homes, but for some, they lack personality. It’s also difficult to add value to a new build. There’s limited scope to make changes that will earn you money in the long-run.

new-home-for-sale-1403442095dqnImage from http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/view-image.php?image=89247&picture=new-home-for-sale

Read: THE EIGHT BEST ADVANTAGES OF BUYING A NEW BUILD HOME

Doer-uppers

The pros

Buying a home that needs some TLC can pay dividends when it comes to unlocking potential and adding value. Sometimes, projects represent excellent value for money because asking prices are lower than market value to secure a quick sale. If you’re willing to oversee the work and be patient, you could add significant value. There’s also the opportunity to make your mark. When you’re in charge of the project, you can customise the design to suit your tastes. Older homes also tend to boast more character, and they often offer quirky features you don’t find in brand new properties.

The cons

Taking on major renovation work is not for the faint-hearted. It can be very stressful, especially if you run behind or hit hurdles along the way. You may have to wait months, even years until you can move in and start enjoying your new home. There’s also the issue of cost. You can save money by doing up an old or run down property. But you’ll need to keep a close eye on building costs. Make sure you get a number of quotes before you decide which firm to go with, and set aside a contingency budget.

17316606304_86e07a726f_z-1Image via https://www.flickr.com/photos/99781513@N04/17316606304

Read: 5 WAYS YOU CAN IMPROVE YOUR HOME’S LIGHTING

If you’re looking to get on the property ladder or make a move, you may be considering your options. There are lots of different types of properties out there, and it’s a good idea to have a good look around before you make a decision. You may think that you’re 100 percent sure that you want an old home but be swayed by the convenience of a modern house. You may struggle to find your dream house and find that a project gives you the freedom to create a unique home you love. Weigh up the pros and cons, and hopefully, you’ll make the right decision.

​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.