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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.
ORGANIC HEALTH & HOME

Using A Dehumidifier To Prevent Mold Growth In Your Home

By Guest Blogger, David

Using A Dehumidifier To Prevent Mold Growth In Your Home

 

Mold and mildew are two things you do not want growing inside your home. However, the conditions that can lead to their development are easy to control – if you know how.

In this article we will go over all you need to know to combat mold and mildew growth in your home.

What Causes Mold and Mildew?

Moisture is the main culprit. When the moisture content or humidity in your home is high, it can lead to condensation. Condensation often forms on interior walls and windows. It is a good idea to try to minimize condensation in your home; otherwise, if left untreated, it can develop into mold and mildew.

The conditions have to be right in order for mold and mildew to form. Without high humidity, condensation cannot develop. This means that if you control the moist air within your living space, you can control the buildup of mold and mildew.

What Problems Can Be Caused By Mold And Mildew?

There are two main categories of damage that can result from mold and mildew. They can have an impact on the health of those breathing the air, and too much moisture can also result in damage to a home. This is why it is important to have proper humidity levels indoors.

Because mold spores are so small and that they travel through the air, they pose a health threat. Breathing in these tiny airborne particles can irritate respiratory systems. In other words, problems with eyes, nose, throat and lungscan result from breathing mold spores.

Too much moisture is damaging to the structural integrity of a home. The condensation that forms on walls and windows can weaken drywall, cause wallpaper to peel and create stains that are hard to remove. Wood furniture and framing can warp out of shape, and corrosion can form on metal in humid conditions.

What Are The Ways To Prevent Mold And Mildew?

There are several ways to control the humidity conditions inside your home. All of them are simple to do and require just slight adjustments to how we are already doing things in the home. For more details, we will break it down by room to make it easier to understand.

1.  Around Your Home

  • In hot, humid climates use dehumidifiers and air conditioners to reduce air moisture
  • Use a hygrometer to monitor humidity which should be below 60% indoors
  • Add insulation to cold surfaces to reduce condensation build up
  • If you find a wet area, dry it for up to 48 hours to eliminate mold growth
  • Waterproof your home to keep extra moisture from entering
  • Have your heating/cooling system inspected to ensure it is operating properly
  • Use fans and open doors to increase air circulation and move furniture away from walls.

2.  In The Kitchen

  • Remove moisture when cooking or washing dishes by using exhaust fans
  • Monitor all sources of water for leaks and repair when required
  • Keep refrigerator drip pans empty at all times to remove excess moisture.

3.  In The Basement

  • Cover dirt floors in crawlspaces with plastic to form a moisture barrier
  • Use fans and vents to the outside to keep air circulating
  • Use a dehumidifier to control the moisture level at all times
  • Inspect your basement floor for leaks and repair if required
  • Monitor that landscaping outside does not channel water towards your home, but rather directs it away.

4.  In The Laundry Room

  • Have washing machines/clothes dryers vented to the outside
  • Always keep the vent clear of lint or other debris to ensure it operates properly
  • Do not leave damp clothing in a laundry basket or in the dryer.

5.  In The Bathroom

  • Use exhaust fans to move moist air out of the room following showers or baths
  • Refrain from using wall-to-wall carpeting and opt for matts or rugs instead
  • Monitor tubs, basins and showers for leaks and have them repaired when necessary
  • Move moist air out of the room by opening a window during a shower
  • Do not leave damp towels on the floor.

What Are The Different Types of Dehumidifiers?

There are three main types of dehumidifiers grouped according to the technology used to regulate humidity. It is important to understand each in order to choose the best type for use in your home.

Here is a review of the different dehumidifier technologies available.

1.  Compressor

A compressor dehumidifier uses technology that is similar to that of an air conditioner. The main difference is that air from the room is blown over a cold coil by a fan. The water in the air condenses on the coil and drips into a collection container that can be removed and emptied.

This allows for humidity to be removed from the room air and then disposed of. It is a very effective way to pull high volumes of moisture from the air but compressor units use more energy than the other styles of dehumidifiers. Some older units can also be noisy when in operation.

2.  Desiccant and Salt Based

A desiccant is a substance that can easily absorb water. Salt and silica gel are commonly used in dehumidifiers to absorb air moisture. The difference between salt and silica gel units is that the silica gel can be ‘recharged’ by heating it. It can be reused as a result.

The salt units require regular refills of salt as it will slowly dissolve in water. This type of dehumidifier is completely silent when being used. However, they will require attention for ‘recharging’ or refilling and are not suitable for use in large rooms.

3.  Electronic

This type of dehumidifier tends to be smaller in size with several models specifically designed to be portable. They use a fan to draw air in and a Peltier element to create the cold surface that the water condenses on. The condensed water drips into a removable collection container.

These models are quieter as they do not contain a condenser so near silent operation is possible with just the fan noticeable during operation. Electronic dehumidifiers use energy in order to function and are most effective in smaller areas such as a room, crawlspace or attic.

How To Choose The Correct Size Dehumidifier

Storage Spaces

Dampness is damaging in places where clothing and books can be stored. The most effective type of dehumidifier for wardrobes, drawers and cupboards is a desiccant style. These are small so they can fit into tiny locations and can be recharged frequently when needed.

Small Rooms

A compact or small dehumidifier style is effective in removing small amounts of moisture. These can pull out between approximately 1 to 30 pints of moisture per day. There are also styles specifically designed for garage or shed use and come equipped with defrost settings.

Whole Home

For complete home humidity control there are whole home dehumidifier designs that can remove between 70 to 100 pints of water per day from the air. These are the most powerful and largest of the dehumidifiers available. A whole home unit will also consume higher amounts of energy.

In Conclusion

The conditions that promote mold and mildew development and growth can be controlled. If you have health concerns or live in a humid climate that is conducive to mold growth, it is wise to take control of the humidity by using one or many of the methods described above.

Try to keep the humidity level below 60% indoors and it will be better for you and your home.

 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

Is That A Bed Or A Cloud You’re Sleeping On?

Is That A Bed Or A Cloud You’re Sleeping On?

We’ve all imagined what it would be like to sleep on a cloud at some point. You have, don’t deny it! What would it be like? Fluffy, soft, caressing the pressure points in all of the right places…and that’s just for starters. The only problem is, we can’t hop on a cloud for a kip. A cloud is nothing more than water particles that look pretty. The next best thing is making sure your bed is as close to a cloud as possible. You don’t necessarily need to go all out and buy fluffy white bedding, but you can do the following things to make it feel like the real thing:

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Invest In The Essentials

The first thing you need to be prepared to do is invest in the essentials. The essentials are your mattress, pillows, mattress toppers, duvet, and even your bed frame. You need all of these things to be just right for you. You may need to compromise if you have a partner, however, so bear that in mind.

Finding the right mattress should be your first point of call. Memory foam is extremely popular at the moment, however, you will want to use a site like mattress.review so you can compare and contrast the different types and get a good idea of the right type for you. Everybody is unique, and you may need something firmer, softer, or in between. You should never buy something based on a cheap price; the best mattress for you is the one that gives you support and comfort. It’s always worth spending a little more!

If you can’t invest in a new mattress just yet, a mattress topper could do the trick. Then you need to make sure you have the pillows that offer you the right level of support, helping you to keep your spine and neck in alignment. If you wake up in the morning with a sore neck, back, and shoulders, chances are you don’t have enough support.

Your duvet should be chosen based on comfort and temperature. You want a comfortable mattress but you need to choose the thickness based on the temperature of where you live. Some people have multiple duvets for different climates. It’s worth noting that the ideal temperature to sleep in is between 60 and 67 degrees fahrenheit!

Decorate Your Bed Properly

Once you have the essentials in place, you can set out to decorate your bed. This is going to make it look more appealing before you get in it. That’s right; simply knowing that it’s cozy isn’t enough. You need to make it look irresistible!

Buying a nice bedspread is important. You need one that looks good and feels nice on your skin. If you have sensitive skin, make sure you get the appropriate material. Then, you can begin layering your bed with things like pillows and throws. The more you layer your bed, the cozier it will look (you don’t need to keep these things on when you sleep, however).

How will you make your bed more comfortable?

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

Everything You Need To Know About Calcium

Everything You Need To Know About Calcium

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For most of us, taking daily vitamin and mineral supplements is part of a healthy lifestyle. There are even some people who need to do this rather than chose to as they might be suffering from a deficiency.

One of the most popular supplements is calcium. This healthy mineral is found in high levels in our bones and teeth, and, therefore, many people think it is critical for helping us keep these body parts in top health. And that is totally true, but there is also so much more you need to know about this mineral. Read on for my ultimate guide to calcium!

What Else Is Calcium Good For?

I’ve already mentioned that calcium is necessary for bone and teeth health. But that isn’t where its benefits end. It can help the body prevent bone diseases like osteoporosis, but it has also been linked to easing the menopause for middle-aged women. It can also help the body to absorb some other important vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin D.

Are There Any Side Effects?

As with most medication, supplements can come with side effects. Thankfully, the side effects that people experience after taking daily supplements aren’t often as bad as those that come with stronger medicines. Thankfully, common calcium side effects are quite easy to overcome. Some people feel nauseous after taking their supplement, but this will soon pass. If you experience bloating or constipation, then there are medicines that can soothe these. However, if you experience strong side effects after taking calcium, you should see your doctor about them as soon as possible.

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What Are The Best Natural Sources Of Calcium?

Ask anyone what the best source of calcium is, and they will tell you dairy products. But that isn’t the only place you can get it from. In fact, you might be better off trying to get most of your calcium from leafy greens, seeds, and beans. Compared to dairy products, these greens often have much higher levels of the mineral. There are lots of other sources too, including figs, hazelnuts, and tofu.

Should You Take A Supplement?

As there are many different sources of calcium that are easy to incorporate into our diets, some people think that they will get enough of the mineral without needing to rely on supplements. But that isn’t always the case. It is incredibly important that young adults under the age of 25 get their full recommended daily allowance as their bones are still growing. So, taking a supplement can help alongside a healthy diet. Elderly people who are at risk of osteoporosis will also be much better off when they take a regular supplement. However, as with any supplement, it is a good idea to double check with your doctor before you start to take one.

Hopefully, this quick guide has really helped to improve your overall knowledge of calcium. We all need it, so it really is worth trying to source plenty in your diet. Don’t worry if you have trouble doing that – there are plenty of great supplements out there.

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

Beauty Hacks: Stay Younger For Longer

Beauty Hacks: Stay Younger For Longer

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Aging is one of those bitter sweet moments in our lives. We’re growing and gaining even more experience and creating even more memories, but we’re also getting wrinkles… Now, although aging is natural, a quite beautiful in fact, it’s understandable if you’d like to push the years back a little. So don’t surrender yourself yet – you’ve still got a few more years in you.

Here are some tricks to keep you looking younger for longer.

Skin care

There are plenty of skin care products and moisturizers that claim to replenish the skin, giving the appearance of a younger look, and although they may make a slight difference, what you really need is the best antioxidant cream. This is a super charged moisturizer that is packed full of antioxidants and nutrients to fight all the free radicals while protecting your skin from aging. Not only will this prevent any future damage, but it will also reverse what has already been done.

Cheeks

Over time your cheeks decrease in volume, giving your face a thinner look which can sometimes make you appear older than you actually are. One trick to solve this problem is blusher. Dusting a bit on the apples of your cheeks (or lack of) will brighten up your look completely, making you look revitalized and youthful. Just make sure you choose the right shade. The trick here is that you don’t want it to look like you’re wearing blusher at all. For lighter skin tones, a peach works well. And for darker tones, a bronze.

Eyes

As you get older your eyes can sometimes sink in a little – it’s your job to make them stand out again. This is where the power or makeup really helps. If you feel as though your eyes have become quite hooded over time, apply a brown shade two tones darker than your own skin to your eyelid, and create the impression of a shadow where they used to be. Then all you need is a coat or two of mascara. This is what will make your eyes pop. If you have fair or light colored hair, black mascara may be a little too much, so instead invest in a brown shade. It’ll still do the job, but make you look a lot more natural.

Lips

As you get older, your lips can start to thin, leaving you with quite a miserable looking appearance. If this is the case, invest in some lip plumping glosses that will not only stimulate the natural collagen in your lips, but they will look juicy too. You should also make sure that you always have a good lip balm with you at all times. Who knows when your lips will decide to dry out and crack, so you should be prepared. Just like our skin needs a moisturizer to keep us hydrated, our lips need something too.

So now you have the tricks, put them to the test and see what works best for you. Just remember, you should never be embarrassed about getting older. You’re still living! Just with more experience.

 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

Moving Into Your First Apartment? The Guide For Millennials

Moving Into Your First Apartment? The Guide For Millennials

At some stage of our lives, we all have to fly the nest and spread our wings in our own place. While it may be comfortable and cheap to live with mum and dad, we do need to start standing on our own two feet at some point. Which means that for many of us, we need to start making some very big life decisions. This could mean managing your finances a little better and be making some important decisions about how you spend your money. It might mean taking more interest in the long-term of your career and what the future might hold for you. Or simply it could mean that you start to live on your own.

There are many stages of our lives that this sort of change could start to dominate. You may be on your way to study at a university where you live in a different town or part of the country. You may have been promoted with work and your career so re-location could be on the cards. Or perhaps you feel that the time is right to live on your own and be independent. Whatever has brought you to this decision, apartment living could be the answer. Which is why I thought I would share with you some of the steps you can take to moving into your first apartment.

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Don’t neglect the boring stuff

Signing a lease or getting a mortgage proposal are two of the things we can all be eager to rush into, depending on what you want to do. But it is important to make sure you do some life admin before taking such a big step. This helps you to avoid any issues in the future in regards to debt, finances or your lifestyle.

Have enough money to do it

It may be something you are desperate to do, but before taking that big leap of faith, you need to take a step back and really ensure you have enough money to do it. What are your current outgoings like? Can you afford the extra expenditure? What about the state of your savings? Do you even have any? All of these things are important to consider as renting or buying a place is a big financial responsibility.

Emptied cardboard box with the flaps open standing on a wooden parquet floor conceptual of packaging, mail, storage, or removals

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Finding the right place

Once you have really sweated over the financials and the logistics side of things, now can come part of the fun. Deciding and finding the right place to settle and put down your own roots.

The location

First up, look into the location of where you may want to live. You need to consider a few different things before settling on the right place. Start off with considering your commute to your workplace. Are there any decent public transport links? Can you make it into work in good time? Then you may want to think about how you spend your spare time. Do you like heading into your local town for nights out? Are bars and restaurants and a social scene important to you? Working all of this out will help you to determine the very best location to spend your days.

The style of property

One of the things you need to consider is the type of property you want to be living in. Apartments come in many different shapes, sizes and styles. You could be finding a shophouse for rent or looking buy an apartment in a big tall building. It will all depend on where you look to buy or rent, the location, and the type of properties that are readily available to you. The style of property can be determined by your budget. You may not be able to afford a penthouse with dramatic views, but perhaps something similar a little further out will fit in the budget. Try and be open-minded and look at all sorts of options.

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Whether to rent or whether to buy?

One of the biggest decisions you might want to make is to whether you rent or buy. Of course, your budget may be determining the answer to this dilemma already but here’s what to think about. Firstly, you may want to think about a trial basis for a certain location and type of place, which means renting could be the ideal opportunity. You may want to think about trying it out in regards to the expenditure, and leasing for a short-term could give you the taste of independent living you crave. If in doubt, speak to a financial advisor who can advise how your financial situation could be affected or what you may be able to afford.

How are you planning on furnishing the apartment?

You need to be considering exactly how you plan on furnishing the apartment. There are plenty of options that you could be considering. What you have to remember is that you don’t need to be investing in expensive or state of the art things. Start off with the basics. A chair or sofa to sit on, a bed and some storage for clothing. The essential kitchen items you need such as a kettle and toaster. Then all the smaller items that get you by such as plates, cups, glasses and cutlery will need to be bought and paid for.

Furnished or unfurnished?

However, you might want to think about whether you choose an unfurnished or furnished apartment. This tends to be a choice if you are deciding to choose a rental option, and could save you a fortune of outgoings for your first place. Furnished properties vary in regards to what they have in them. You may find that some are fully kitted out with everything you could possibly need, but bare in mind you could be paying for the privilege in your monthly rent. Others are more basic with just offering the larger and more expensive purchases you would have to make. Which ever you decide, make sure you think about what option would be best for your right now. Renting especially may not be your long-term position with a property. But the things you own and put in the place, are yours to keep.

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The type of furniture you may need to think about

When you first start looking, and you find a suitable place that isn’t furnished, now comes the time to consider furnishing it with furniture. You don’t need to be going out and buying expensive things, especially as your first place. Things like beds and sofas are investment pieces so you will need to build up to it and buy things as and when you can afford them. You could be really frugal and choose to look in charity shops or online on websites like eBay. Buying second-hand furniture could be a great way to save money on what can already be an expensive move.

What other things do you need to think about?

Finally, you need to start thinking about the other expenses you will have to protect not only yourself but also your property. For example, when you rent a property the building isn’t necessarily your responsibility, so people think that insurance isn’t relevant, but you still need to think about your contents and items. Other things to think about would be to be a little more savvy with your outgoings. Meal planning and filling up the fridge rather than eating out or take a-ways could be the way forward once you are in your own place. It may save you a hefty amount each week.

I hope these steps help you when moving into your first apartment.

 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.