Category Archives: ORGANIC HEALTH & HOME

ORGANIC HEALTH & HOME

Throwing Shade: Easy Ways to Shade Your Patio or Deck

By Guest Blogger, Diana S.

Throwing Shade: Easy Ways to Shade Your Patio or Deck

 

If you’re one of those people who love to spend time outside, getting some fresh air and enjoying the sound of nature, then you must create a practical deck or patio to quench your thirst for the outdoors. However, no matter how much you love nature and all things natural, the sun can be quite nasty in the summer and even chase you inside where it’s cool and air-conditioned. But if you install the right type of shading for your outdoor space, there’s nothing to be afraid of, not even the sun!

Colorful umbrellas

Sometimes, the oldest and least expensive way is the best way to do things and the same goes for shade! Patio or deck umbrellas are definitely the most popular and a completely foolproof way to add some sun protection to your outdoor area. These decorative umbrellas come in all sizes, shapes, colors and materials, so no matter the style you’re trying to achieve, you’ll make it! Plus, once the outdoor season is over, you can just close your umbrella, store it in the garage and wait for the next spring! Just make sure to secure your umbrella tightly, especially if you live in a windy area—you don’t want to be seen chasing one of these down the street!

Draw the curtains

If you want to add some shade AND some movement and softness to your deck or patio, you might want to add curtains to your outdoor structures. Outdoor curtains also offer some light sun protection and are quite inexpensive and easy to install. You can even DIY these curtains with some canvas and grommets! Just imagine airy curtains flowing in the gentle summer breeze while you sip a cocktail on your deck—it’s a really magical sight!

Set sail!

Another practical and affordable way to provide your outdoor space with some shelter is to invest in shade sails. These sails act as a light canopy that can cover your seating or dining area, deck hot tub or even your outdoor kitchen! They are quite easy and fast to install and they take up very little space which makes them perfect for tiny decks or patios. Shade sails also come in various sizes, colors and shapes and can look very futuristic in any space.

Build a lush pergola

If you really want to go big with shade and privacy, you should opt for a beautiful pergola. This freestanding feature will not only provide your patio or deck with all the shade that you need but also help define the space and add a dose of flair to it! You can go very old-fashioned with a wooden pergola with all sorts of ornaments or opt for something very modern and high-tech. Today, there are light aluminum pergolas with practical retractable roof systems that allow you to let the sunshine in or provide shade with the touch of a button! No matter where you are, you can control your roof with your smartphone. The weather will never surprise you again!

Let nature take care of you

If you’re not in a hurry to give your space a lot of shade, just plant some greenery, have patience and watch as nature takes care of your shade needs! Plant a fast-growing tree next to your patio or deck and in a few years, you’ll not only have a bit of shade, but also a priceless addition to your outdoor space. If you’re patient enough, your tree will live to see your grandkids playing underneath it and serve as a home to many little birds, insects and critters! Just make sure to plant your trees strategically, because they can also reduce your home’s cooling bill in the summer and heating bill in the winter!

These practical shades will not only make your patio or deck more comfortable but also add interest to your outdoor space! So, don’t be afraid to throw some shade! 

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

5 Great Reasons Why You Should Spend More Time Outdoors

By Guest Blogger, Cloe M.

5 Great Reasons Why You Should Spend More Time Outdoors

 

Image Source: Unsplash

Fresh Air

Surprisingly, many common household materials are toxic, and your home could be full of pollutants.  Many household and office products contain formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds. Furnishings that are treated with a flame retardant constantly emit dangerous chemicals into the air you breathe in your home or workplace.

In addition, dirt, dust, mould and pet dander are all common indoor pollutants that can seriously affect your health. Of course, keeping your home clean and having good ventilation will help. However, to enjoy the highest amount of clean, invigorating, unpolluted fresh air, get yourself outside.

Lower Stress Levels

Many studies prove that time spent in natural surroundings really is good for you. In some countries, such as Japan, ‘Forest Bathing’ or ‘Green Therapy’ is an accepted and prescribed remedy for many ailments. A stroll through your local park or a visit to a spectacular beauty spot can reduce stress and depression, improve our attention span, inspire our creativity, and make our brain healthier.

Being in a forest can also lower blood pressure, pulse rate, and cortisol levels. Also, our short-term memory can be improved by as much as 20-percent after interacting with nature. We can feel less tired and more likely to get a good night’s sleep. Not only that – just being outdoors and immersed in nature undeniably just makes you feel good!

 

Image Source: Unsplash

 

Encourages Physical Activity

Just being outside inspires you to move about. Walking is an excellent exercise that requires no equipment – and while you can increase their walking on a treadmill, you can gain even more benefits by getting outside and enjoying a stroll through a park, along a river, or on the beach.

When you spend time outside, surrounded by beautiful scenery, you will often feel inspired to keep walking to see more. A great way to get more physical activity outside is to get a dog – all the inspiration you will need to get yourself outside on a more regular basis. Dogs are great jogging companions – their enthusiastic running will inspire you! Also, stick and ball throwing are great dog-motivated physical activities.

Another new trend that is taking off, is jogging while collecting litter. Studies have revealed that you can burn almost double the calories by incorporating bending and stretching between short bursts of running. You will also be helping to keep the planet cleaner for yourself and future generations to enjoy.

Get More Vitamin D

Many people do not get enough Vitamin D from the foods they eat or from sufficient time outside in the sunshine, meaning that Vitamin D deficiency is a fairly common condition.  Low levels of this vitamin are linked to an increased risk of developing cancer, cardiovascular diseases, Alzheimer’s, depression, complications during pregnancy, and osteoporosis. Even just fifteen minutes of direct sun exposure on your skin, preferably in the morning or late afternoon, is the best way to boost your Vitamin D levels.

 

 

Image Source: Unsplash

Improves Eye and Body Health

Our eyes suffer from constantly focusing on things that are close by, such as computer screens. Allowing our eyes to look off into the distance allows them to relax and recuperate. Also, studies have revealed that children who spend more time outdoors are notably less likely to develop nearsightedness.

Finally, remember kick off your shoes and feel the grass beneath your toes, or the sand under your feet. Going barefoot increases our contact with nature and enhances the benefits. Furthermore, children who roam without shoes can develop a better sense of balance, as well as healthier feet and stronger immune systems.

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.

Cloe Matheson is a freelance writer from Dunedin, New Zealand who loves taking long outdoor walks to boost her creativity and lift her spirits. What better way to end a working day than to hear rustling leaves and to feel the gentle breeze brushing against your face? Check out more of Cloe’s work on her Tumblr page.

 

 

 

ORGANIC HEALTH & HOME

The Art of Turning Your Backyard into an Outdoor Living Space

By Guest Blogger, Kevin J.

The Art of Turning Your Backyard into an Outdoor Living Space

How many times do you look out at the sunny day and wish you had an outdoor space that was more usable? Whether you have a large backyard or one that is simple, small and enclosed, we’re willing to bet that it is under-used, so what can be done to make it more usable?

We have taken a look at three excellent ideas that will encourage you to make more use of the outdoors, and what could be better than enjoying the sun in your own personal outdoor living space? So, here are our ideas – start with these, and you’ll soon have a great outdoor living space that you can enjoy to the fullest.

Lay a Deck

All the rage at the moment – and with good reason – decking should be the first thing you consider if you want to transform your outdoor space into a viable living area. You might think it expensive, but in fact it is one of the most cost-effective methods of bringing alive an outdoor area. Whether you have a simple courtyard-type space or a larger garden area, a decking space either attached to the house or in a separate part of the yard has many advantages: it is easy to keep clean, rainwater drains from it, and will be a great place with heaters installed for use in even the winter evenings.

You can install decking yourself – there are many videos online that tell you how – but we strongly recommend that you check out local providers as a professional job will give you better results, and you may be surprised how affordable it will be.

Add a Gazebo

The sun is beautiful, warm – and dangerous! Even with ultra-levels of sun screen on your skin, it’s still possible to get too much sun, and if you’re one of those people who suffer from the heat, some shade is always welcome. So, in addition to your beautiful new deck, why not add a gazebo?

These affordable and very practical items take the form of an open-sided tent – although there are many you can buy with optional side screens for protection against the wind – and are easy to set up and take down. So, you can choose whether you want to have a permanent gazebo or one that can be used only when necessary, and there are some surprisingly attractive models on the market, too. It’s worth having a look around at the different sizes, and perhaps picking one that covers a portion of your deck and leaves the rest open to the sun.

Build a Fire Pit

Great for those evenings in the fall when the nights become a little cooler, a fire pit is an excellent addition to your back yard. It’s one for the adults, of course, but keep the kids at a safe distance and they can enjoy it too. It’s easy to do: clear a nice flat area – preferably close to your decking so you get the full effect – and build a circular wall with bricks. It’s best to cement them in place if you want it to be a decent one.

Leave a few holes in the wall for the air to get through and build it to a sensible height so that you can drop wood in – and you have a great fire pit for added warmth on cooler nights, meaning your outdoor space is more usable than ever!

These are just a few of the ideas we came up with for making your outdoor space more usable, and we reckon there are many more, so make up a list and you’ll soon enjoy the backyard more than you ever thought you could.

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.

 

Author

Kevin has gone through an extensive home renovation with his son, which he has both thoroughly enjoyed, and dreaded every morning. He is now the proud owner of half his dream house (the other half has been waiting for spring). You can read more of Kevin’s work at PlainHelp.

BEAUTY, ORGANIC HEALTH & HOME, SEX & LIFE

What is acne and how is it formed?

By Guest Blogger Erick B.

What is acne and how is it formed?

 

Acne is a common problem among teenagers and many adults. Acne is primarily caused due to inflammation where build-up of sebum or oil on our skin occurs. Sebum is produced by the sebaceous glands that are located at the hair follicles. When there is a collection of sebum on the face, it attracts dirt and grime. If the hair follicles are closed, it leads to a whitehead. And if the hair follicles are open, oxidation occurs and it results in forming a blackhead. When bacteria enters these follicles and cause inflammation, it causes acne.

 

Who gets acne and why?

 

Our skin produces more sebum when the body has more testosterone. This happens when we hit puberty and therefore, acne occurs more during puberty. However, some factors such as stress, a high-carb diet, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a very dry skin and pollution can also cause acne in adults.

 

How can you control acne at home?

 

Acne can be treated and controlled by simple home remedies such as applying white toothpaste on the breakouts, applying tea tree oil or frankincense oil, using aloe vera gel, application of ice pack and consuming a healthy, well-balanced diet.

 

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

Does Organic Pest Control Work?

Does Organic Pest Control Work?

Your first instinct when you discover you have a pest problem is probably to grab the chemical spray and start spraying.

Pests can make you feel itchy and uncomfortable in your home; an instant spray makes you feel more in control. This is an acceptable reaction. Pests carry hundreds of different diseases which have the potential to seriously damage your health.

However, it is also possible to utilize organic pest control methods. But, you’ll need to know your enemy and be able to identify the best solution that will take care of the pests for you. You can find out more by talking to a professional pest control expert.

What Is Organic Pest Control?

Pest control generally spraying chemicals into your walls and where you believe the nest is. These are generally very powerful and should kill the issue with just one or two applications.

However, these chemicals can also have side effects for humans; they are, after all, poisons.

This is why you may prefer to consider the organic methods. This type of pest control treatment uses products naturally available which work in nature to kill various animals.

A great example is your cat catching a mouse; that’s natural but not necessarily a practical solution.

Other examples include using mint leaves or cloves to deter ants; it’s surprisingly effective. You can also use slices of cucumber at entry points or even just spray the ants with soapy water.

Another effective and organic method for ants is diatomaceous Earth; just sprinkle a little wherever you see them. It won’t kill them but it will persuade them to leave the area.

Tannic acid is excellent at neutralizing the allergens in dust mites and even animal dander; allowing you to organically enjoy your own home.

 You may even be surprised to find that catnip is effective at deterring cockroaches. Either leave the sachets round the house or make a catnip tea and add it to a spray bottle for use as and when needed.

Does It Work?

The short answer is yes. These are all products which occur naturally in nature. As the Earth has a multitude of systems in place to ensure animal numbers stay under control you’re simply tapping into the Earth’s natural resources.

If you’re not confident implementing these techniques yourself or you need the reassurance of a professional pest control expert then you can click here to find out more about the services on offer.

Even the professionals will use organic solutions if you request it.

These are products that have been tried and tested to eliminate the issue without killing the pests. However, it is important to note that should you decide to take this route it will be extremely important that you tidy your space inside and out, keep it clean and ensure that potential entrances for pests are blocked.

If you don’t new pests will simply arrive.

You should always consider using a professional as they will be able to locate and target the nest, making sure the problem has been dealt with effectively.

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.