All posts by TipsfromTia

Prevention, Tips and Remedy is what you find when you read Tips from Tia. Tia is Radio personality, with tons of answers and tips on Organic Beauty, Health, Life, Home and Sex. TipsfromTia.com; a place where you can trust the tip you're given, and not rely on a dozen different answers. Some Tips are decades old, and all I can say is it may be your grandmother's tip,but with more appeal! Tipsfromtia.com a source you can trust. Remember, looking good; feeling good.
FOR THE GUYS, ORGANIC HEALTH & HOME

Don’t Let The Elements Take Control Of Your Home

Don’t Let The Elements Take Control Of Your Home

We’re in the midst of winter and some places are getting hit hard, so we’re all thinking a bit more about how the element can affect our home. But it’s not just the winter we should be getting prepared for. Every season brings with it its challenges, so we’re going to look at how to protect your home the whole year round, not just for one season.

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Get yourself sealed up

Weatherization begins with how well you can stop the outdoors getting inside your home. The less sealed up your home is, the harder it is to control temperature as well as stop the advance of moisture and pests alike. Sealing your home is going to take steps all over it. You need to go about detecting air leaks, whether they’re in windows, under doors, and around water faucets. When you have them detected, it’s as simple as caulking them up. Draft excluders are less permanent solutions for the doors, but they can work just as well.

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Take care of the exterior

You should also be concerned with how safe the home is outside the house itself. Particularly in any driveways and walkways. Snow can be a major hassle in the winter, so you should consider tools like Snow Shifts that can make it a lot quicker to maintain your driveway. For surfaces that ice over, you should be able to source grit and rock salt easily to reduce the chances of painful and dangerous slips outside the home. If you have any trees, consider using a contracted arborist. Otherwise, bad weather and storms can increase the risk of branches falling and doing damage. Or your tree might grow into power lines, which is bad for the whole neighborhood.

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The dangers of water

Water damage in the home can cost you thousands upon thousands of dollars. Sealing up the home can help you battle the risk of damp and mold. You need to take special care of the roof. Some of the most sudden danger comes from freezing and burst pipes, however. Consider getting your pipes insulated so they’re at much less risk of flooding the home.

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Take care of your HVAC

How well you can manage the temperature and airflow in the home depends as much on your fixtures as blocking the outside weather. A lot of people find their energy bills climbing because they’re using old heating systems and air conditioning. Make sure that regular maintenance is done on them, including clearing the dust that can gather. Same for any ventilation between rooms. If you’re not careful with dust build-ups, it can exacerbate or even cause respiratory conditions like asthma. For HVAC systems that lead outdoors, make sure they’re kept clear of pollen, leaves, and debris. It’s especially important to check them after storms or windy weather.

Protecting your home from the elements isn’t just about keeping the cold out. It’s about navigating the challenges of temperature, whatever the weather, as well addressing serious safety concerns inside and outside your front door. The tips above should make it easier to manage all those risks.

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.

BEAUTY

Lipstick Craze in 2017

By Guest Blogger Diana S.

Lipstick Craze in 2017

 

The star of every lady’s makeup routine, its majesty the lipstick, is looking to become a staple on a whole another level in 2017. In recent years, the popular shades have become significantly bolder, but it seems that soon there won’t be any limit to what color you can wear in order to make your pout pop. So, let’s check out the hottest lipstick shades for 2017. You never know, but you might already be a trend setter.

Ombre lips

ombre-lipsFirst it was ombre hair but now we have ombre lips. For some people, this trend is nothing new, but there is a little twist coming in the following year. Usually, ombre lips are done with similar shades, ranging from the darkest to lightest. 2017 promises to change all that. Basically, whatever two, three and even four colors you want on your lips in order to make a gradient, you can use them. As long as these are at least a little bit complimentary, and you know how to apply them correctly, you’re good to go. Therefore, expect the burst of wild ombre lips such as black fading into blue, blue fading into green until you add a final touch of gray or silver to the inner lip.

Electric vibe

So far, all makeup lovers have had the opportunity to enjoy so called neon lipstick shades, but in 2017, electric shades are going to be all the rage. Basically, electric vibrant shades such as really bright blues, greens, purples and pinks reminiscent of the galaxy artworks will be a sure trend to rock with confidence and attractive attitude. These shades might not be for everyone, but there’s no doubt that they’re beautiful and that they will take over the runway in no time.

Really dark shades

dark-lipsAs many girls already know, fall and winter months are usually reserved for bolder and darker lip colors such as burgundy or mocha. There’s no way that these shades could ever be replaced but they will get new trendy additions to the bold family. In that respect, really dark blacks, grays and purples have found a sure way to the 2017 colder weather craze.

Metallic is the new matte

metallic-is-the-new-matteWe all know how popular matte lipstick formulas have been recently and the formula that’s transfer-proof and long-lasting still stands its ground. However, makeup companies have introduced a new concept when it comes to the selection of shades. Not only mattes, but metallic lipsticks as well are slowly making their way to the top. There’s no shade limit with these, so basically anyone can find their perfect color with that cool-looking cast of sheen.

Pastel trend is here to stay

Similarly to ombre hair, pastel hair trend started seeping into other forms of fashion and beauty. It definitely looks like the pastel lip is going to be a new big hit in 2017 as well. Still, pastel shades that decorate your pout are pretty pale and in that regard, they can bring out the yellow in your teeth. So, if you want to be part of pastel trend in 2017, make sure to have regular checkups with your orthodontist and be very meticulous with your dental hygiene.

Like clothes and hair, makeup is one extra way to express your creativity and individuality to the world. Eye shadow is still pretty big in this area, but lipsticks are the hot trend that’s even taking over the boldness and uniqueness of the eye shadow. So, make sure that your lips are nurtured and your smile bright, so that you can enjoy every lip trend that you find fun and interesting in 2017.

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

Should You Take Out A Secured Loan To Improve Your Home?

Should You Take Out A Secured Loan To Improve Your Home?

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One of the quickest ways to get money for home improvements such as an extension, new conservatory or new roof is to take out a loan. Providing your finances are in a healthy state, you have a good credit score, and the project isn’t too big there shouldn’t be a problem. However, if you don’t want to increase the amount on your mortgage, not every lender will pay out, is it worth looking at a secured loan in order to get that dream family kitchen, extra bedroom or a new bathroom?

Will It Increase The Property’s Value?

This will be the number one question on a lender’s lips as depending on how much money you put into the property; you could increase the value of your house by a good few thousand dollars. Many buyers prefer to put their own stamp on a new home but if you choose to build an outdoor patio, infinity pool or even a wet room they’ll jump at the chance of owning something with a unique, modern feature. However, if you’re only looking to update the décor, it may be worth finding the money from elsewhere as it’ll be ripped down to make way for the new owner’s tastes, style, and ideas when they move in. Before you begin to make changes, or indeed before you apply for a secured loan itself it may be worth having a local real estate agent come to the property to value it in its current state.

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Do You Need The Money ASAP?

If you’re eligible for a secured loan the lender will release the funds, per the usual checks, in a timely manner which leaves you free to get on with your project. Some second charged secured loans have fees attached which are payable from the moment you take one out while other fees are simply added to your monthly payments. Make sure you carefully check the terms and conditions of your loan as a secured loan uses your home as collateral, and you’ll want to ensure that the money is always available for payments. Secured personal loans are seen as the better option, especially for home improvements, as it means that the lender sees the loan as a low-risk option because of the property, or another significant asset that’s been used against it.

7610230676_7ab8b53a75_zFlickr At: Granit Chartered Architects

Are You Looking To Sell Soon?

Some people like to do their home up when they are trying to sell the property which can either help or hinder when looking for offers. Consider undertaking only superficial decorating projects, unless you plan on living in the property for a long time to come. Decide how much money you want to spend on indoor and outdoor projects or if it’s a building project look over the budget before you start. Costs can spiral quickly, and the last thing you want is to run out of money early, or have to return to the lender and ask for a larger amount. This could delay the entire build as well change the terms and conditions of the new loan, not too mention push the monthly repayments even higher.

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, SEX & LIFE

Must-Know Tips For A Fantastic Dinner Party

Must-Know Tips For A Fantastic Dinner Party

Ah, the art of the dinner party. It’s something that has been around for centuries and is also something that we have seen a bit of resurgence of recently. The cost of going out for the evening, especially to eat, is rising, and therefore more and more of us are now choosing to entertain at home instead. During the winter months especially, at-home entertaining is very popular. After all, who wants to trek into the town center when it’s cold, wet and icy? It is much nicer to cozy up around at someone’s house and enjoy a home-cooked meal away from all the business of local restaurants and bars. But it can also be great to host a dinner party in the summer too, especially if you can have it al-fresco. If you have decided to host one of your own in the near future, good for you! But there are some things you should know before you do so, so you can pull off the perfect dinner party.

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Don’t be overly ambitious

When planning a dinner party, the temptation to pull something really crazy and avant-garde out of the bag can be overwhelming. Or maybe you want to challenge yourself with a complex type of cuisine you’ve never attempted before. Whilst you would definitely get points for trying, a dinner party isn’t really the most appropriate occasion to make sushi for the first time. It is better to stick to a recipe you know or at least a cuisine you are familiar with. That doesn’t mean you can’t jazz it up a bit, but make sure you, for the most part, know what you are doing. The last thing you want is for it all to go wrong and you all end up ordering pizza instead! Also bear in mind that if your kitchen and dining area is open-plan, you may be cooking at the same time as chatting to your guests. This can be very distracting if you are having to follow a very precise recipe, so if you do plan to do something new, at least practice it a couple of times first.

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Prepare ahead

Think you have all the time in the world to cook your dinner party meal as and when it’s required? Unfortunately, in most cases, you will probably find that this doesn’t actually work out for you. Three courses plus appetizers and a cheeseboard, if that’s what you are doing, will be difficult for you to achieve in front of your guests. In order to be a good host, as well, it’s important that you remain relatively unflappable. A stressed-out atmosphere isn’t really going to set the tone for the evening and could potentially make your guests feel uncomfortable. By preparing some of your dishes ahead, you will save yourself time and potentially a lot of stress too. Before you do so, consider which dishes you will actually be able to do this with. Some certain types of food don’t do well if they are left for a long period before consumption. Equally, some food can be ruined if it is microwaved, so think about what you will need to serve fresh. Generally speaking, you can make most desserts in advance, especially if they are cold ones like mousse. Some need time to set in the fridge or freezer as well, so you may actually be required to make them the day before. Canapes are also something else you should consider making the night before, especially as they tend to be so fiddly. That way, you can greet your guests on arrival and serve up some appetizers straight away.

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Dress the table

No self-respecting host would expect their guests to eat off their laps on the couch at a dinner party. Whilst this is more than acceptable for takeout night, dinner parties are generally a bit more formal – meaning that if you don’t currently have a dining table, you might want to get one before your guests arrive! An easy way to make your home a bit more dinner party ready is by dressing the table appropriately. Adding restaurant quality tablecloths to your home is a perfect way to make your setup look a little more professional and impressive. It also stops the risk of any spillages or scrapes from cutlery damaging the surface of your dining table. Next, check that you have all the necessary cutlery and glassware that will enable you to host. After all, there’s nothing worse than one of your guests having to eat their soup with a ladle because you didn’t realize you were a spoon short! Take a look at table setups online for tips on how to arrange said cutlery and glassware if you’re not entirely sure where everything should go. Finally, you may want to consider getting a decorative centerpiece for your table, or at the very least adding some candles to help set the mood.

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Add the finishing touches

Strictly speaking, just about anyone can host a dinner party. But it’s the attention to detail that can make or break it and can cement you in people’s memories as a great host. As well as your table candles, pay attention to the other lighting in the room you are going to eat in. Anything too bright looks too harsh, but anything too dark and your guests may not be able to see the food they are eating! You should aim for a happy medium, if you can, as this helps to create an ambiance. Another factor that can help to create an atmosphere is having some music on in the background. If you have an extreme music taste, it’s usually best to avoid this kind of genre (despite the temptation to play your favourite songs) in favour of something that everyone will like. Remember, the music shouldn’t distract from the conversation, so don’t have it too loud. Ideally, it should be something without lyrics, or at least something relaxed and low-key. There are plenty of great Spotify playlists that you can simply put on in the background whilst you eat and socialize. Every dinner party is different, and you’ll probably want to add your own twist to it. But follow these tips and you can at least be sure that everything will run smoothly.

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

Storage Solutions for Home & Commercial Offices

By, Adam R

Storage Solutions for Home & Commercial Offices

Photo Provided by guest Blogger
Photo Provided by guest Blogger

Whether you work in a commercial space or from a home office, finding the right sort of storage to meet your needs is essential. Storage helps to keep your documents or possessions neat, tidy safe, and secure. Storage needs can also include storing furniture or goods. You might even need an airtight storage solution like bunded storage with STOREMASTA if you are storing chemicals of any kind.

Good storage also helps your team to work more productively. Here are some things you should take into consideration when buying storage for your commercial or home office.

What Do You Need to Store?

Photo Provided by guest Blogger
Photo Provided by guest Blogger

Thinking about what it is you intend to store is important in making the right choices as not all types of storage are suitable or practical for everything. If you have files to store in alphabetical, numerical or chronological order, then a filing cabinet is designed to specifically suit this purpose. On the other hand, if you need to store boxes or large times, then you may need office cabinets with shelves set wide enough apart to neatly store these items.

How Much Storage Do You Need?

Obvious though it may seem, you need to buy enough storage furniture for the number of things you need to store. You need to check the capacity of any office cabinets and then buy enough to accommodate your files, documents, packages or products.

It is also worth thinking about your future storage needs, especially if you want your office furniture to match. If you regularly discard files that are no longer in use or only keep a set amount of stock on your premises, then your storage needs may remain the same.

However, if you are planning on expanding or need to keep paper documents on file for a set number of years, then you may find yourself in the situation of needing additional storage in the future. Unfortunately, matching office cabinets may no longer be available. It is sometimes worth buying extra in anticipation of your future needs.

Security

Buying storage furniture is often not just about putting things away neatly and keeping the office space clear of clutter, it can also be about keeping documents safe and secure. For example, your documents may hold personal or financial details of clients or sensitive and confidential information that you need to keep under lock and key. If this is the case, then you need to look for storage that you can lock securely until you need to access the documents within.

Space Available

The space you have available will also influence your choice of furniture. If you have limited floor space but need a large amount of storage, you need to think upwards. Tall cupboards can provide the same amount of storage space as a shorter but wider cupboard. Similarly, you could consider shelving or over the door storage to make the most of the wall space available.

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Another alternative is to buy multipurpose office furniture. For example, opt for desks that also have inbuilt storage areas. These are ideal for each employee to store their individual work and tidy away any documents or stationery.

Choosing Home Office Furniture

Buying furniture for your home office is different to buying storage for a commercial office and there are other things you may wish to take into consideration. Firstly, your home office is likely to be significantly smaller than a commercial office space. Before looking for storage furniture, you should measure the space you have available. Corner units are often a great solution as they use less floor and wall space than other storage options.

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Aesthetics may be something you are more concerned about when choosing furniture for your home office. You may want it to coordinate with the theme or general style that runs through the rest of your house. There is a wide selection of furniture styles available that are suitable for the office that may reflect your style or personal taste; from sleek yet functional pieces to practical units that are funky and eye-catching.

Using these tips will help you to find the right storage solutions to meet your needs, regardless of whether your purchases are intended for a commercial or home office. Making the right storage choices can make a significant difference to the day-to-day functions of your work and may contribute to the effective running and overall success of your business.

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, TikTok, or Instagram. 

Adam Robertson is a professional in the office furnishings industry. He works for Allard Office Furniture, an office furniture company which has 18 years of shared experience in office desks, chairs, supplies and accessories.