Tips for a Cheaper, Cooler Home

If you are wasting money by cooling your home with your air conditioner, there are ways to make it more economical. To start with, you need to check your air conditioner to make sure it is working efficiently. Also think about when you actually run the air conditioner, as well as that more than just the security doors are shut.

There are a few main issues that cause you to spend too much to cool your home:
● The condition of your air-conditioning system.
● The timing of your air-conditioning system.
● Keeping out the heat.
● Airing your home at night.

Cleaning Your Air Conditioner
The condition of your air conditioner will not only affect how cold the air is in your home but also the quality of that air. An unclean filter can not only make the air smell musty but can also carry bacteria that cause illness. Make sure you clean out the filter regularly as this will also allow easier airflow.

The next thing you really need to do is get your air-conditioning system serviced. While this will cost you some money, it will also save you some in the long run. A proper technician can help sort out re-gassing your system as well as fixing any small or major problems.

Running Your Cooling System Earlier
If you want to have a nice cool house without the massive costs, it pays to start your air-conditioning earlier. You see, if you cool your house down in the morning (when it is already cool) then the air-conditioning does not have to work too hard to keep it at that temperature. But if you only turn your air conditioner on when it gets really hot, you will end up paying more because your system then has to work overtime to bring the temperature down. Make sure you set your air conditioner to cool to a certain temperature – setting it to just two degrees higher than usual can save you a lot of money.

Closing Blinds and ShuttersShutters and blinds are the best way to keep heat out of your home in warm weather. Keeping a dark house in summer is the best way to keep it cool although you will be sacrificing some breezes. If you have the air conditioner on it won’t really matter too much anyway.

While outdoor shutters are great at blocking the sun and heat, their metal construction can sometimes be a bit warm. This is where a double-insulating effect of some heavy curtains will help you a lot. Make sure the curtains are nice and dark so they can block light getting through and heating your home.

Airing Your Home
It is also important if you are running the air conditioner all day to air your home when you get the chance. Do this during cooler periods, such as at night, and this will get your home ready for any hot weather the next day.

10 Extra Safety Features for Your Home

We all want to live in a safe home, and it is surprising how a few small changes can help your sense of security. Not all of the security changes listed below cost a fortune and, in fact, quite a few are very affordable. Here are 10 simple safety features to add to your home:

1. Roller Blinds
This addition to your home not only keeps it secure from break-ins, but can also keep your house cool and dark. Most roller blinds these days are controlled either by remote or by a simple switch. This is not a small investment, but it is certainly one of the nicer ways to secure your windows.

2. Security Fencing
Security fencing doesn’t need to be ugly. Getting a good solid Colorbond fence will quickly improve your security. Don’t forget that you can also improve the safety of your home with additions like new pool fencing. Pools cost a lot to maintain, when you consider all of the extra maintenance costs, like pool cleaners, but you should never skimp on safety!

3. Motion Sensor Lighting
This is one of the cheapest ways to increase the security of your home. A motion-activated light is enough to deter many night-time criminals looking for a quiet place to break in to.

4. Window Locks
Yes, your window probably has a simple latch to keep it closed. However, to make your home really secure, you need to add inexpensive key locks to your windows as well.

5. Security Doors
Standard screen doors are not enough to keep people out of your home. A security door should be able to withstand some impact and not be pulled off the door frame very easily.

6. Security Window Screens
As with security doors, you need security screens for your windows. If you have standard fly-screens, it is simple for a criminal to pull them off and get into your house. They also act as a visual deterrent.

7. Monitored Alarm Systems
If you are not happy with a basic alarm and other visual deterrents around your home then a monitored alarm system may be for you. These systems are monitored closely by a professional security team, which means that either security guards or the police will be called to the scene if the alarm is activated.

8. Fire Alarm Systems
While we all think of home security as being about stopping break-ins, we also need to improve the fire safety of a home. While a standard smoke alarm is better than nothing, you really need more than one, in different locations around the house. Why not install a proper fire alarm system with a wider array of monitoring points around your home?

9. Fire Control Systems
To further improve the fire safety of your home, you can install fire control systems. These could be something as simple as a set of extinguishers or as comprehensive as a proper indoor fire sprinkler system. It all depends on how much you are willing to pay and how extensive you wish your fire control system to be.

10. Video Surveillance
If you wish to feel extra secure, video surveillance is the answer. The beauty of surveillance in the modern age is that you can go with something as simple as a webcam right through to multiple camera security systems. A video system monitoring your home would also provide you with evidence if someone were to break-in, or make an attempt to do so.

Organising a Family Reunion

There is no better way to catch up with relatives and strengthen the branches on your family tree quite like a family reunion. Planning the reunion, however, is no small task. Organising a time when all of your family members are going to be available, finding a place that everyone can get to, and providing the kind of entertainment that will please all ages, can be extremely difficult. When it’s all said and done, having put on a successful family reunion is a very rewarding experience. Here are some tips to make it a party that your family will talk about for years.

Garner Support

Before you start the planning process, contact all your relatives to get a clear sense of popular opinion. Do your family members want a reunion? Is there anyone willing to help you plan? Does anyone want to host it at their house? Opening a dialogue with family members will also give you a sense of when people can attend, how many will attend, where people are willing to travel to and what kinds of activities people like. Once you have established initial contact, it will be easier for you to maintain the interest of family members throughout the planning process.

Selecting the Type of Reunion

Most reunions can be broken down into two basic types: one-day events such as a picnic or barbeque, and multi-day events that last for a weekend or more. If most of your relatives reside in the same general area, then more frequent one-day events will be easier for you to plan. If you are going to have relatives travelling from far-away places to attend the reunion, however, plan something more elaborate to make the trip worthwhile for them.

Choosing a Time and Location

Where and when you decide to hold the family reunion will depend on the opinions you collected earlier. The location and date you choose should be the ones that work for the majority of relatives. Popular locations include where largest number family members reside, the original family hometown, or simply the location that will be easiest for you to work with.

Make It Official

Once you have selected the time and place, make it official by sending out invitations, emails or even making a group on Facebook. The earlier you do this, the better, as your family members can get the necessary time off work and start making their travel plans.

Plan Away!

Now you have your guest list as well as an official date and time for your family reunion, it’s time to get started on the details. Make a list of all the things you will need to take care of in the lead-up to the big day, such as contacting the caterer and hiring all the necessary party supplies. Start thinking about what activities and games will be fun for people, and get to work planning the fine details. Consider what extras you will need such as streamers, flowers or specially made t-shirts for everyone who attends.

Family reunions are a really fun way to catch up with family members that you don’t see very often, so even though organising one is very time-consuming, it will be worth it to see your whole family together again. 

Butterfly Boudoir

The latest trend is butterflies and it’s not just about the odd picture here and there, it is embracing the winged beauty and there is no better place than in the bedroom. The gorgeous colours and the designs on fabrics and wallpaper are hitting the stores and there is something for everybody, providing you like butterflies.

If you are unsure of how to use this trend in the bedroom, you’ll soon find inspiration all around now spring is upon us. A feature wall in the bedroom with butterfly motifs is an easy way to incorporate the trend, or you could simply update bedroom wardrobes with a few easy peel butterfly stickers, not the children’s stickers though. Grown-up stickers are bold, bright and classy; these would look great on white bedroom furniture.

Your tastes maybe less is more, you’ll find cushions adorned with majestic butterflies, ideal to sit upon the bed and they add a touch of glamour with up to the minute interior design. There are rugs with a simple motif or rugs with a flurry of colour to bring your bedroom into the season. However there is one bedroom you can go overboard on, a little girl’s bedroom.

You can use stencils and ask your child to help decorate their room, using colours of their choice to paint the butterflies. The stencils could be used on the walls or wardrobes or you could buy some fabric paint and plain bed linen and give a totally individual look to your child’s room. The possibilities are endless, even wall art can add an impact to a room and give the appearance of a total revamp. Simply using an old picture frame or buying one for the purpose, you can cut out images of butterflies from magazines and create a collage or ask your child to paint a piece of art to go in the frame. Make sure they sign it; it may be valuable one day.

The butterfly trend is fun and creates the image of spring and summer all rolled into one, what better way to wake up in the morning when your bedroom and bedroom furniture make you smile.

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Finding Accommodation for Overseas Visitors

Having guests come to visit from overseas can be a lot of fun, though it can prove to be a stress, if it means having a house full of people for too long. That’s why getting your guests their own digs can be the best idea – apart from making it a more manageable visit for you, it will allow them the freedom to have a bit of time alone as well. The following are some suggestions for accommodating your visiting overseas guests:
Serviced ApartmentIf your guests will be staying for more than a couple of days, they may want a way to be able to do their own cooking and so on. If this is the case, serviced apartments would be the way to go. Your guests will still be able to spend lots of time hanging out with you, and they will be able to retreat to their own pad to relax and have some time alone.

HostelThis can be a fantastic option, as younger guests are likely to be happy staying in the dorms, while you can also book a private room for older guests or those who would prefer the privacy. The hostel will provide any and all of the information your guest may need for their time in the city, and they are sure to make a few friends while they are moving through the hostel.

B&BIf your guests like a little more luxury and comfort in their accommodation, check them into a local bed and breakfast. This will provide them with all of the comforts of a regular house, without them feeling like they are imposing on your home and personal space.

House SittingKeep an ear out for other friends who may be going away on holiday around the time that your guest arrives – if you are lucky, you may be able to line your guest up with a house sit through your friends. This is the best scenario for anyone trying to house guests, as there is nothing better than having your own home for your stay. It will also help the absent homeowners, as they won’t have to worry about their home sitting empty and vulnerable while they are away.

Granny FlatsIf you are lucky enough to have a granny flat on your property, this is an amazing convenience for when you have visitors. Your guests won’t feel like they are imposing if they aren’t even in your house. You will all have your much needed space, but you will still be close.

Don’t stress out too much over your guest’s accommodation, as they are here to see you, and will be more than happy with whatever accommodation you are able to provide for them. A place that is safe and comfortable is the main thing, and the closer it is to your place, the better!

Free Dating Websites

In these troubled financial times, you’d have to be a few raisins short of a fruitcake to pay good money for something you can get for free. Yet sadly when it comes to online dating there are thousands of people forking out large sums of their hard earned cash each month because some dating website has told them that it’s developed some clever algorithm that practically guarantees they’ll find love.

Unfortunately what these poor love seekers often don’t realise is that it’s in the interest of subscription dating sites to actually prevent their users from finding the partner of their dreams – after all, happy couples don’t tend to spend large sums of money on dating sites each month (and if they do then they’ve obviously got a pretty unconventional relationship).

The simple fact that subscription based dating companies don’t want you to know is that there’s now a large selection of free dating websites that offer pretty much all the features and benefits of subscription dating services for none of the cost.

The great advantage of free dating sites is that there really is nothing to lose – even if you pick one of the lesser free sites on the market and you fail to meet anyone even vaguely close to your image of the perfect partner, the only thing you will have lost will be a bit of time. But choose the right free dating website and you’ll quickly find yourself reaping the benefits with no disadvantages.

One of the better free dating website out there is Mamboo.com, because it offers a wide range of functions and features that allow you to use it in a flexible manner that suits you. When you sign up to Mamboo you won’t be asked to fill in endless questionnaires or undergo any matching procedures, because the site operates on the idea that you know what you’re looking for in a partner much better than it does. Instead, Mamboo users can search through the half a million plus user profiles on the site and use filters such as location, age and appearance to find people in their area with similar interests.

Signing up initially is easy, especially if you’ve got a Facebook account, and the site only asks for a few details such as date of birth and location before you log in. That’s not to say that your profile on Mamboo needs to be limited, indeed the site offers one of the most feature rich interfaces on the market – you can add pictures to your profile, write a blog or online diary that other users can read or join one of the many groups the website offers for people with specific interests. The site also offers users the ability to text and video chat with other users, a facility that not only makes meeting for that first date a little less daunting, but also lets you know that the user you’re talking to is real and active, not some computer generated or dormant account.

The range of features and numbers of people using free dating websites now means that there’s simply no need to pay to find love anymore, but if you are one of those people who still insist on paying to use a dating service, you might also be interested to know that I’ve got a friend in Nigeria who’s recently won the lottery and needs someone to help him claim the money.…

About the Author:
The above article is composed and edited by Shirley Jones. She is associated with many dating online communities including Online Dating services as their freelance writer and adviser. In her free time she writes articles related to free dating websites, online dating etc.
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