4 Signs of Quality When Looking for a Mattress

 Studies suggest that on average, a regular human being spends around 1/3 of his life on the bed. What comes as a shock is that little research has been done on what type of mattress is best suited for sleeping purposes. There is also no way to know how a mattress affects a person’s health.

It is very important that no compromise is made on the quality of the mattress, considering the fact that a mattress that is used every day can last for eight to ten years. The better the quality of the mattress is, more comfortable and sound the sleep is. When shopping for a mattress, look for a few things that can help buy the best quality that can come in the allotted budget.

Firmness

It does not matter if one is buying an inner spring, latex or memory foam; the important thing is to buy a mattress that is firm but not hard. The firmness of the mattress determines the amount of support the spine can get throughout the night. It is believed that a mattress that moulds to the shape of the body is the best to sleep on (for example, the memory foam mattress).

Covering

It is said that one should not judge a book by its cover, however, when it comes to mattresses, the cover matters a lot. Check the stitches of the cover; there should be no broken stitches or overlapping stitches for that matter. It is also important that the mattress cover is not too loose or tight.

Cheap mattresses (foam or inner spring) have a vinyl covering that can crack, dry out or tear with the passage of time. With the increase in price, the covering also improves. It gets thicker and becomes more puncture resistant. Heavy mattresses tend to have better quality. That is usually because the foam is denser or the springs have been made with enhanced quality steel and provide a better cushioning.

Reliable Dealer

It is also better to buy a mattress from a reputable and reliable dealer. Why? Because the more value the dealer has in the market, the more important it is for him to maintain good quality. Another important factor is that this dealer would have done more research and testing compared to others and keeps only reputable brands.

Good Foundation

To achieve the best comfort possible it is important to change the foundation of the mattress as often as the mattress. Check the box spring or foundation of the bed when changing the mattress. Start at the head of the bed and come down placing your palms flat on the surface of the box spring. If the foundation or box spring seems to sag, then it is best that you change it.

Allan has been blogging about sleep related issues for the last 3 years. From review the benefits of foam mattresses, to sleep apnea, Allan has written a large amount of articles in various online and offline publications.

3 Steps to Home Safety and Security

For most of us the risks in our household are relatively small, but this does not mean that we can ignore them. Being prepared to act in an emergency could potentially save your life and the lives of others. Factors like installing a fire alarm and regularly checking it should be second nature to any home owner because awareness is everything. People often forget, however, that they need to know what to do and how to escape once they are aware of the emergency. This article will consider some of the ways that you can prepare to protect.

1.   Safety Outside

·         Don’t advertise who you are by putting your name on the letter box. Giving strangers too much information about yourself is never a good idea, particularly if you live alone. It is always important, however, to clearly advertise the house number because this will allow assistance to arrive sooner in an emergency.

·    Replace smooth or slippery pathways with rougher surfaces so they are easier to grip.

·         Garden tools are useful but it is important to keep them locked away when they are not in use. A hose could trip you up but a ladder or an axe could be used to break into your home.

·         Make sure the external lighting is good and preferably automatic so that it lights up if you or anyone else approaches the house.

·         Paint walls along pathways white so that they are both easier to see and less easy to sneak past unseen.

2.   Safety Inside

·      The first step of creating safety inside the home needs to be preventing unwanted visitors from entering. Installing a good home security system will act as a deterrent but it is important to secure windows and doors properly to prevent easy access.

·         Keeping floors clean so they are not slippy is important. A wet surface can quickly become extremely dangerous so seek non-slip surfaces where possible. Remember that soap quickly makes non-slip surfaces very slippy and be sure to rinse floors thoroughly after use.

·       Look out for frayed or damaged carpets. A frayed carpet, particularly in a doorway, can easily trip up the unwary. Get these problems fixed as soon as possible to avoid injury.

·    Install phones in both your bedroom and in the main living area. Your phones should always be accessible and properly charged so they can be used when necessary. It is also sensible to keep a list of emergency numbers by the phone in case you need to call for help.

·    Arrange the furniture so you have easy movement about the house. Creating unnecessary obstacles will merely hinder your ability to escape in an emergency.

·         Avoid using extension cords and replace any frayed wires immediately.

·         When removing plugs from the wall, pull them by the plug not the wire.

3.   Fire Ready

·       Plan your escape routes out of the property. These routes should be clear at all times and any doors should be easy to unlock from the inside.

·       Remember that smoke rises. Get down on your hands and knees to avoid inhaling smoke.

·       Know where you are going once you escape the house. It is important to get to a safe place where there is both warmth and a telephone so that you can contact the fire department.

·        Use the back of your hand to test the heat of doors when leaving. If it is hot then don’t open it because the fire is the other side.

Maintaining safety and security in your home is an ongoing effort. There are steps you can take to increase the safety of your home but it is most important to remain vigilant to dangers and use common sense to prevent accidents.

A Painting of a Golden-Hearted Lady

The Ragunan Zoo (Jakarta, Indonesia) has the world’s largest conservation center of primates, the Schmutzer Primate Center. Schmutzer name taken from the name of the late Mrs. Pauline Antoinette Schmutzer-Versteegh (1924-1998), a Netherlands-blooded painter and animal lover who had golden heart and loved Indonesia. She was pleased to donate all her estate to the establishment of this new primate center.

Previously, she also had donated several times her wealth for the construction of various cages at Ragunan Zoo, such as cages of lions, tigers, bears, etc. Thanks to her  generosity, Jakarta has the largest primate center in the world with ​​13 hectares area.

 

How to Pick the Perfect Blinds

There are so many types of blinds, it can be hard to pick which one ticks all the boxes for what you want. From roller blinds to verticals and venetians, each has their own unique set of benefits and looks. Cost is also an important factor and installation needs to be considered. This guide will help put you on the right path, whether you are looking at blinds for a new home or to replace those you already have.

Different types of blinds

There are many different types of blinds for the inside of your home and it’s important to consider all of their benefits and how they fit your needs. These are the most popular choices today:

·    Venetian and vertical blinds are a highly popular and cost-effective choice. They are widely used in first homes and rental properties. Venetians can be made of timber or aluminium and can be partially or fully opened to let in light. Verticals work in a similar manner but are made of fabric. Both types come in cheaper and more expensive options and a range of colours – as always, you get what you pay for. They are generally not regarded as the best for blocking out the heat.

·         Roller blinds are a popular choice for their simplicity, blockout qualities and wide range of colour and style choices. They are ideal for homes that require privacy but can also be opened up to let in light and air. Their simple roller system makes them easy to use and ensures they last for a long time. They even come in double rollers with one layer of blockout and another that lets in the light while retaining privacy.

·    Roman blinds are similar to roller blinds but fold down in a different manner and come in a different range of styles. They have a classic, contemporary look that is perfect in formal areas and all other parts of the home. They have excellent blockout qualities as well.

Factors to consider

Style and colour are just the starting point when it comes to choosing blinds. A wide range of colours means all types can fit into a home’s existing décor or can be used to help add a real feature to any room. Knowing what you want the blinds to achieve is probably the most important thing you need to consider. While privacy is paramount, letting in the light and breeze also needs to be factored in – some blinds are going to do this better than others. Blocking out the heat and keeping in the warmth are also important to think about – roller blinds and roman blinds are generally going to be the best in this department.

Talk to an expert

Using the services of a blinds expert is of utmost importance. They can help you choose the right type of blind – even down to the colour – once they understand your needs. It’s easy to do most things online, but having a representative visit your home can have added benefits. They can help you take into account sliding doors, security screens, odd-sized windows and whether the blinds should be mounted inside the window frame or outside. Having the windows expertly measured by the people who supply and manufacture the blinds is also a big plus – you will never have to worry about the blinds not fitting properly.

So now you know the basic things to consider when shopping for your blinds. The most important thing is to choose something that’s timeless and above all, have fun with it!

Amaryllis in Black and White

A blooming Amaryllis, right on my late father's birthday

The Weekend in Black and White

An Easy Guide to Handle Residential Relocation Anxiety

Many people feel that relocation is a difficult task and requires extra effort and time. Moving to a new place with all household items is not something that can be done within a day. That is why, it can get you really bored and exhausted. But it is not always like that. Residential relocation can be simplified with the right guidance and organizing skills. Therefore, most people hire professional movers and packers who would carry out the entire process in a less complicated way. Trust me, this process can be made fun only if you know want it.

Professional assistance will take that load of your shoulders!

Expert movers and packers have hands-on experience in the relocation process. They are aware of all the do's and don'ts of home or office relocation. They provide comprehensive solutions to all relocation hassles. I mean, who does not want to make packing a smooth and enjoyable affair? Professional movers and packers offer you a range of solutions, keeping in mind your monetary constraints. Moving companies offer various services like, packing, loading, unpacking, insurance and legal documentation.

Residential relocation with pets:

Relocation can be made challenging when it comes to transporting pets. There is a lot of noise, chaos and confusion in the house which often leaves the pet bewildered. If you are travelling in your personal vehicle, then pets can be taken along. But, if its overseas relocation, pets have to be shipped by air or water. Do not transport pets in removal lorries or goods trucks. Pets often face health problems on long journeys. It is best to make them as comfortable as human beings while relocating. Keep the belongings of your pet in a bag and carry it instead of leaving it in the removal lorry.

Keep the medical records of your pet just in case..........

When it comes to relocation, your pet can get lost if there is no proper care taken. Make sure that you keep the medical records and microchip details of your pet in case it gets lost. All the veterinary reports should be kept and quarantine arrangements ensured as it may be a requirement in the new country.

Residential relocation can be fun!!

If you have a busy life and fail to devote time to family, then this is a great opportunity to spend quality time with family. You can get kids engaged in the task as well. They just need to be encouraged and sometimes you can bribe them with a movie or dinner! Both children and adults have can help each other in cleaning up and arranging duties. With pets, kids or other things residential relocation is always trouble-free with removals London.