Category Archives: FOR THE GUYS

Tips for the guys, from beards to cars, that help reduce stress and make everyday life a bit simpler.

FOR THE GUYS, ORGANIC HEALTH & HOME

Damage Control: Simple Maintenance Tasks For A Trouble-Free Home

Damage Control: Simple Maintenance Tasks For A Trouble-Free Home

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We all strive for a happy and healthy home for our families. However, a home is a bit like an engine. It requires regular care and maintenance to ensure it functions at an optimum level. Without this, damage can occur which puts both the house itself and your family’s health at risk. Follow these simple maintenance tips to enjoy a trouble-free home.

  1. Prevent Water Damage

Water can have a disastrous effect on your home. Even the smallest persistent leak can lead to a buildup of mold, mildew, and rot, eating away at the foundations. It can also attract termites, which love damp atmospheres. Call 1-800 Water Damage or local restoration if you find excessive water. But, be sure to take the following steps to prevent water from causing long-term damage:

  • Don’t clutter the space under your sink with cleaning products, etc. This is a place where leaks can occur, and too much clutter will make them less visible.
  • Check for dark spots under your sink, under pipes, on the ceiling, in the basement and on external walls. If you notice a dark spot, call a plumber immediately.
  • Check your roof at least once or twice a year. Look for chinks of light in your loft space to indicate missing tiles, etc. Use binoculars to check for roof or chimney damage. The presence of vegetation in your chimney may indicate the presence of water.

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  1. Prevent Mold And Mildew

A buildup of mold and mildew in your home can have a negative effect on the occupants’ health. It causes blocked sinuses, sore throat, coughing and wheezing, eye and skin irritation and allergies. In some cases, it can also lead to chronic lung disease.

Mold and mildew are caused by humidity in the home. You may notice a warm, sticky atmosphere or your closets may smell.

Open windows and doors as often as possible to let fresh air circulate. Your best defense against humidity is to invest in a dehumidifier. This will filter out the humidity, creating a fresher and drier environment. Finding the right unit is important, so check out review sites such as DehumidifierWeb.

  1. Prevent Blocked Drains

Blocked drains are more than an irritation. They can cause leaks, structural damage, and flooding. To prevent your drains from blocking, take the following steps.

  • Blockages are frequently caused by coffee grounds, soap scum, hair, and grease. Avoid putting these into the drains wherever possible.
  • Collect cooking fats and oils in a container and dispose of them separately, rather than pouring them down the sink.
  • Run the hot water tap after using the sink to clear the pipes.
  • Install a drain cover to protect the drain’s opening and avoid clogging
  • Keep your garbage disposal unit in good working order by running ice through the mechanism on a regular basis.
  • Use baking soda and vinegar to clean the drain and keep it smelling fresh.

If warning signs are left or ignored, they can quickly escalate causing thousands of pounds worth of damage. When damage occurs, it can have a negative impact on your home, your health and your finances. It’s much quicker and cheaper to prevent problems from occurring. For the sake of an hour or so a month, you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes from running a well-maintained and efficient 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, TikTok, or Instagram. 

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.

FOR THE GUYS, SEX & LIFE

You Are The One And Only: How To Know You’ve Met The One

You Are The One And Only: How To Know You’ve Met The One

Relationships are a complex thing, don’t you think? First, there is the whole saga of actually meeting someone and then comes the dating game which can be extremely confusing. But once you go over those initial hurdles you can find yourself in full-on love with somebody and it can be all consuming. Those first few weeks and months of a relationship can be some of the best you’ll ever experience. Getting to know one another, spending every possible moment in each other’s company, but then you start to wonder whether this is it? Is this the one?

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I think if truth be told you just know when you have found your soulmate. But of course, in any scenario, you can always question yourself whether this is the real deal. After all, you want to ensure that you are going to marry the right person and put all your eggs in the one basket. I don’t think anyone sets out for a marriage to fail or end in divorce, do you? So I thought I’d share some telltale signs that you have found the one. Maybe 2017 looks promising for you on the relationship front.

You’re not hoping the relationship will change

Sometimes any relationship you find yourself in can be a good one. But there is always that lingering thought in the back of your mind that if that one thing could change it would be perfect, am I right? It could be an annoying ex, a stressful job, their cat allergies even. It could literally be anything that just bothers you. The thing is if you start wishing that if that one thing could change then this relationship is it, then you are definitely in the wrong relationship. They just don’t work like that. Meeting the one means that everything falls into place, annoying cat allergies, exes and all. They don’t bother you.

You’re good enough

We spend a lot of our time thinking we aren’t good enough in every aspect of our lives. It could be our careers, our home life, and in general. But your relationship is something you should feel yourself in and content that who you are is good enough. If you have that feeling, that then you are on the right track.

You can work things out

Conflict in relationships is going to happen. From bickering to full blown arguments it’s impossible to have a smooth sailing relationship every single day. But the difference to having arguments with that true partner is that you resolve them well. If you can admit your mistakes or forgive, then this relationship is promising. Conflict and compromise go hand in hand.

You have respect for one another

I think respect in relationships is of the utmost importance. Respecting life choices, careers, decisions, everything, should come easy in a lasting relationship because you respect the person and have trust in them and their judgment. Respect should also be reciprocated, so you should feel supported in your life choices and not be made to think anything otherwise.

I hope this has highlighted some of the signs that you are in a lasting relationship.

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.

FOR THE GUYS, SEX & LIFE

Dating Tips: When To Turn A First Date Into A Second

Dating Tips: When To Turn A First Date Into A Second

When you’re dating, it can be hard to know when things are going well. There’s not always a lightning bolt, and for many, love at first sight is a concept found only in the movies. So how do you know if it’s worth progressing to a second date? Here are some positive signs to look out for.

Instant attraction

Most of us claim that personality is more important than looks. But that doesn’t mean that you want to be with somebody you don’t find physically attractive. For most of us, there has to be a level of attraction. This is what separates a partner from a friend. If there’s no attraction there, your date is likely to end up in friendship rather than a relationship. For some people, that instant feeling isn’t there. It grows with time. If you really like somebody, but you’re not quite sure if it will develop into anything more than a friendship, give it another go. It’s always worth organizing a second date if the first one showed signs of potential.

Portrait of a beautiful young couple sitting together on couch at home - Indoor
Portrait of a beautiful young couple sitting together on couch at home – Indoor

Image sourced from https://www.flickr.com/photos/93963757@N05/8551939166

Chemistry

Chemistry is a bit of an unknown quantity. It’s hard to put into words the reactions that happen when you meet somebody that you click with. It’s a mixture of physical and psychological responses that are triggered when you meet certain people. Chemistry is not about having a type. You may be surprised at who you develop this connection with. Perhaps it’s something to do with the laws of attraction or it’s a mysterious entity none of us will ever quite understand.

Common ground

Have you ever been on a date where you disagree with everything the other person says, or you come from completely different worlds? Sometimes, opposites attract. But often, stable relationships are built on having things in common and seeing the world in similar ways. If you have common ground, this facilitates conversation. You find that you bounce off each other, and there’s less room for awkward silences.

Intrigue

When you’re on a date, and you’re chatting away, you’ll find that some people fascinate you while others leave you feeling flat. It’s not necessarily that they’re a boring person. They may be incredibly interesting to others. But you often find some people a lot more intriguing than others. If this happens, you’re more likely to want to see them again, and learn more about them.

Laughter

For many of us, being funny is one of the most attractive traits in a potential partner. Laughing makes you feel good. It breaks the ice on a first date, and it can instantly boost your mood. If you spend hours laughing together, and you’ve also got a connection on a physical and intellectual level, the signs are good.

couple-1838940__340Image via https://pixabay.com/en/photos/laugh/

Do you find it impossible to read what other people are thinking or feeling? In today’s world, when dating is very common, it can be tough to decipher what’s going on and work out if there is a potential for a blossoming romance. Hopefully, these tips will enable you to spot the signs of success, and ultimately, find true love.

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.

FOR THE GUYS, ORGANIC HEALTH & HOME

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.

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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.

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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.