Author: Ryan Westberry

How to Create a Backyard Garden for All Seasons

Ryan Westberry

Do you love spending time outdoors in your backyard? If so, why not make it more inviting by creating a garden that is beautiful all year round? A backyard garden can be a great way to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. But no need to worry if you don’t know how to start because we got all the bags of tricks from St. Charles Tree Service that let you know how to create a backyard garden that will look great no matter what season it is. Stick around to find the steps.

Plan Ahead

backyard gardenIf you want to build something from nothing, then you need to formulate a plan beforehand. Decide which type of tree you want to use as the centerpiece of your garden. Once you have chosen the main tree, then you can start to fill in the gaps with other plants and flowers that will complement it. When putting together your plan, be sure to consider how much sunlight each plant needs as well as how big it will get when fully grown.

Create a Focal Point

Every garden needs a focal point. This is usually the largest and most colorful plant in the space. The focal point should be placed in the center of the garden so that it can be seen from all angles. If you are using a tree as your focal point, then make sure to prune it regularly so that it maintains its shape and size throughout the changing seasons. If you believe in Fengshui as the Chinese do, you should also know that the placement of your focal point can also bring good energy into your home.

Fill in the Gaps

gapsOnce you have your focal point in place, it’s time to start filling in the gaps with other plants and flowers. As we mentioned before, be sure to consider how much sunlight each plant needs as well as how big it will get when fully grown. You don’t want your garden to be overcrowded, so be sure to leave enough space between each plant. Also, consider adding some mulch to help retain moisture and keep weeds at bay.

Add Some Finishing Touches

No garden is complete without a few finishing touches. Here are some ideas to get you started:

  • Add a water feature: A small fountain or birdbath is a great way to add some visual interest to your garden.
  • Include some seating: Add a bench or chairs to enjoy your backyard oasis.
  • Hang some lanterns: Lanterns are a great way to add some ambience to your garden.

By following these tips, you’ll be on your way to creating a beautiful backyard garden all year round. So, get started today and enjoy the fruits of your labour for years to come. Thanks for reading…

Some Top Features Most Luxury Homes Have

Ryan Westberry

A luxury home such as The Glass Pavilion is a great investment for those who have a bigger budget. These condos and houses offer a level of comfort and peace that is unmatched by other properties. There are certain qualities and features that you need to look for when searching for luxury property. These features will help you make the most of your budget, and ensure you find a home you love to spend time in.house

Scenic Views

First, a luxury home should have great views. This is non-negotiable. Many homes with regular views will be able to see gardens, parks, or the sea, but many are also able to see neighboring properties, busy roads, and car parks. You should expect a stunning view when you pay a premium for luxury homes. This is something that many property developers will make sure you have.

Every building in your luxury property has extensive views of a variety of scenic areas. If you are considering buying such a home, make sure to speak with the seller or property developer about the fittings that were selected and the reasons for them. Also, ask where they came from. You may be able to choose your finishes for new constructions. This is a great way to get a luxurious finish you love.

High-Tec Security and Surveillance

Your new home should provide you with excellent security. You can have an integrated security system that runs throughout the property or a manned security station in the building to make sure residents feel secure and protected. However, security should not be limited to the house or condo. You should ensure your vehicle is protected by ensuring that you look at luxury homes with secure parking. High levels of security are crucial as luxury properties can be a target for criminals.

Exotic Fittings

High-quality fittings for your home, including triple-glazed windows and high-quality electrics, plumbing, and heating. You don’t want to spend money on heating or wiring problems when you buy a new home. It should not only look great but also be functional. You will enjoy the best comfort and convenience when you move into your new condo or house.

Finally, luxury homes must have exceptional finishes in all areas, including tiling and painting, parquet flooring, kitchen furnishings, light fittings, and bathroom fixtures. Property developers must not compromise on any of these areas to give their property the luxury label. Instead, they should choose only the most beautiful and functional fittings.…

Signs You Need a Water Softener in Your House

Ryan Westberry

Most people take water safety for granted. Water hardness can be caused by high levels of minerals, particularly calcium and magnesium, along with traces of other metals. The many daily activities we do every day, such as washing dishes, laundry, and bathing, can be affected by hard water. According to the best water softener guide, it is possible to make the water better and safer by installing a water softener unit. This will get rid of absorbed minerals by using certain salts instead of calcium and magnesium. These signs indicate to homeowners that their water is too hard.water filter

Stains in Sinks and Washrooms

Hard water can cause obstinate spots in washbasins, showers, and bathtubs. There are also white-scale deposits around faucets. Limescale, or scale, is a mineral deposit that can build up on coffee pots and tea kettles. This leaves a hard, chalky film that is difficult to remove. Scale buildup in water from appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines can lead to costly repairs. You can always call in your local plumber to check if there is any scale build up in your taps and pipes.

High Electricity Bills

If utility bills seem to be unusually high, homeowners might want to inspect their pipes for signs of scale buildup. Scale buildup can cause pipes to clog over time. This makes it harder for hot water to flow through a home’s heating system. Scale buildup can also affect the efficiency and effectiveness of hot water heaters.
Issues with your water heater or showering unit are one of the most costly and irritating signs that a house needs a water filtration unit. Water heaters can be destroyed by hard water, notably electric units, as warming hard water hastens the increase of scale and expensive heating elements.

Dry Hair and Skin

Hard water can make washing detergents and bathroom products less useful. It also leaves behind mucky sediment which causes clothes to stink, fade and become dull. Hard water can also cause clothes to become soiled and prone to fading. Hard water may cause the skin to become dry, flaky, and itchy. Hard water can make soap stick to the skin, making it difficult to dissolve. This film can also make hair dry, dull, and limp. Water safety is very important in households. Installing a quality water softener can help you save a lot on power and water bills.

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Reasons Why You Should Regularly Clean Your Gutters

Ryan Westberry

The gutter is part of a building’s roof structure that collects rainwater and disposes of it in a manner that doesn’t cause damage to the building. Besides, if you have gutters installed you need to ensure you steer clear of the problems listed in this blog post on https://craft-o-maniac.com/2021/06/5-common-gutter-problems-and-how-to-fix-them.html. Buildings without gutters would have a shorter life span as the rainwater that falls on them would sip into the homes, causing them to become weaker over time. Even in areas that don’t get much rain, the results can be disastrous. The result is often called the “rotting of the house” when the gutter on a house is missing. It usually starts out as an aesthetic problem due to the unsightly appearance of rainwater seeping into gutters. If not checked, it can lead to a structural problem that can cause buildings otherwise structurally sound to collapse.house

Causes of Gutter Clogging

However, a gutter placed on a roof of a building is not enough to protect against potential problems caused by the absence of such a rain gutter. It turns out that gutters can get clogged with dirt and rainwater. The gutter can also become clogged by small pieces of cement and sand that have fallen from the structure. To get rid of all this “dirt”, the gutter must be cleaned. A gutter that isn’t clean will not be able to fulfill its primary function, which is to drain rainwater.

Benefits of Gutter Cleaning

It is evident that regular gutter cleaning has many benefits. Regular gutter cleaning is essential to avoid a situation in which rainwater overflows, finding obstacles in its path, and eventually damages the walls of the building. This can lead to structural weakness and initial defacement. This is not to mention the fact that overflowing water from un-cleaned and clogged gutters can cause damage to the walls of the building. This leaking water can make the building extremely cold for its occupants. It could cause damage to property or, worse, lead to short circuits in electrical wiring. This could potentially cause fire accidents.

Bottom Line

In other words, regular gutter cleaning can increase the life span of your building and make it more pleasant to live in or work in. You won’t find gutter cleaning too difficult if you look into the many companies that specialize in gutter cleaning. All they need to do is show you your house and pay a small fee. Then, they will clean your gutters thoroughly.…

Factors to Consider When Buying a Home

Ryan Westberry

Purchasing a house is a lifetime investment, and you want to be somewhat careful to prevent losing money. These days, real estate projects such as Prestige Windsor Park offer various housing plans for buyers. Acquiring a home is a procedure that involves a succession of measures to create the correct decision. Occasionally, if purchasing a home, you want professionals’ support for review to determine that the home is in the ideal condition. Here are things you should consider when buying a house.patio

Analyze the Roofing

The roof of your home plays a vital part in making sure that your precious items and household members are protected. It’s necessary to see that roofs have a lifetime, based upon the materials used and also the kind of roof. As a result, before purchasing a home, be sure that the roof is in the ideal state and that it hasn’t surpassed its lifespan. You may take a roofing contractor review to prevent incurring extra roof repairs or replacement after purchasing the home.

Review the Plumbing System

Your home’s plumbing system must be functioning correctly to prevent extra expenses. Ensure that you assess the drains, water pressure, and taps in the kitchen and bathrooms. Additionally, you have to learn how much time it takes for hot water to get into the shower and a water heater. Most water heaters have a life span between 10 – 15 years based on the version. Therefore, assessing the water heater’s age can allow you to understand when you need to replace it, thus helping you ascertain whether it might be well worth purchasing the home.

Check the Size

If buying a home, you’re considering settling down with your family in addition to your future. The dimensions of the home and the floor plan are a few of the factors you should think about to make the best option. Based on the family that you need, the dimensions of the home will be a determining factor, as a massive house can provide sufficient space to your loved ones and friends whenever they visit. But you’ll need to pay more to get a bigger house – both in mortgage and utility invoices.

Analyze the Location

houseYour neighborhood plays an integral role while purchasing a house since it impacts their home’s value and accessibility of resources and safety. It would be best to collect as many facts regarding the area as possible to ensure it is secure and has all of the amenities you want.

Think about your house’s proximity to your workplace and ease of accessibility as you’ll need that every day. But you should be aware that the place might ascertain the worth of your dwelling. Lastly, assess your residence’s exterior part since it also plays a role when purchasing your property.…

Air Pollution Near Our Homes

Ryan Westberry

Air pollution is not a fairytale or myth that politicians want us to think, and according to the world health organization, air pollution causes death to many people. To be more specific, seven million people die yearly, and most people do not realize the impact of these numbers. To put this in perspective, pollutants, and toxins in the air attack our bodies and cause heart diseases, lung problems, cancer, and strokes. In this article, we discuss what air pollution is and how it can affect our homes.

A Silent Killer

The World Health Organization described air pollution as an invisible and silent killer. This is an accurate term because we cannot hear or see the air, but it causes millions of deaths yearly. According to statistics, it can cause one-third of the deadliest diseases like heart diseases, stroke, and lung cancer. This problem is more persistent in developing countries accounting for 60 percent in Europe with unclean air, while 90 percent worldwide are people living in major cities with unsafe breathing air.

Dirty Air

streetAir is getting more dirty or polluted due to several resources. One of the worst sources is vehicle emissions. Cities account for more than thousands of cars and vehicles every day, so it is considered the main reason for air pollution in many capital cities.On the other hand, dust is a natural pollutant source, and human activities such as mining and deforestation also contribute to producing high levels of dust.

Furthermore, the energy and manufacturing industries are excellent sources of air pollution, and the demand for energy and products increases. The air around us will be dirtier as well.

Air Pollution in Our Homes

We might think that we are safe inside our homes, but the truth is we are not safe from air pollution. We are more at risk if we have poor ventilation inside our homes. Pollution from our homes results in 3.8 million people dying yearly, and most of the air pollution is made from using solid fuel and kerosene while cooking. According to the world health organization, this pollution affects more women and children, and the leading cause of death for children below five years old is pneumonia. Thus, it can be said that air pollution in homes is the main factor in causing pneumonia.

Clean Air Solutions

The solution to combat air pollution is to go green. Going green means reducing waste and energy by using clean technology to reduce air emissions and becoming more famous in developed countries. These countries encourage a change in their transportation methods and cycling networks. This should be the focus of other countries in safe-keeping the health of their citizens.…

Ideas and Landscaping Tips to Implement on Your Garden Area

Ryan Westberry

There are many things you can do with the extra space in your backyard. Rather than heaping all sorts of junk, do something new. Keeping your garden area looking exquisite is a perfect way to relax and calm your nerves. What’s more, you will have a perfect view and spot to watch the sunset. This is where most of us run out of ideas and begin to panic. Read and research widely on some creative garden ideas and landscaping tips. You will feel psyched up to give your garden area a complete
facelift.

Match Up Colors

gardenA neat garden must have an array of neat looking colors. This is a gift that very few have been endowed with. You should never let this get you down as you also have something to contribute to your space. You don’t have to follow everything you see others do.

It only gets better when you throw in a few unique ideas. Colors speak for themselves, especially when exquisitely put together. You can get these ideas from various sources and the results are sure to sweep you off your feet. A tip you should never overlook is to have a theme color that you can change whenever you feel necessary.

Empty Spaces

If you are looking to give life to your garden, tackle the empty spaces. This doesn’t mean that you should have it looking overcrowded. This means you should come up with flowery ideas to give it a welcoming look. At the same time, don’t fill up these spaces with all sorts of unnecessary plants and flowers. Only settle for what is worth it and place them strategically. If you feel you need professional help, go ahead. Take the liberty to seek professional ideas. With time, you will see how fun and involving this whole exercise can be. Pots will definitely come in handy so you better get them at the ready.

A Getaway

Who said a garden is only for the flowers and pots? You can make it your private getaway as well. How about coming up with a theme that will interest both you and the love of your life? This can be a haven or sanctuary that both of you can spend some intimate moments together. Couple this idea with some cozy sofas or seats. You have to be sure that they can withstand the harshness and uncertainty of the weather. Besides, you need something that will make you look forward to home even when you are very far away.

See also: Choosing the Right Mattress

A Water Project

It doesn’t have to be something so extravagant. We all know that water represents life. Enacting a beautiful water project idea such as a mini fountain will ensure your garden area is full of life.

This is not a small thing and needs an expert opinion for it to thrive. The best part about this idea is that there are plenty to choose from. You can fill up your time just studying the ones that will be suitable for your garden area. Watching your handiwork as you read a good book can be pretty therapeutic. Don’t forget some coffee or juice to punctuate your moment.…

General Information About The Edison Awards

Ryan Westberry

The Edison Awards are held in honor of the famous innovator Thomas Alva Edison. The Awards are in recognition of excellence in innovations, new product or service development, and human-centered designs. The awards are held in the United States and were first awarded in 1987. The award evaluation process is tested within four criteria which include; Value, concept, Impact, and Delivery. Previous award winners have been developed game-changing products, service delivery methods and have reflected excellence and leadership in their business undertakings. The Edison Awards exists as an independent organization and is actively involved organizing both Edison Green Awards and Edison Achievement Awards held every year.

Nominations

award

The Edison Awards are held in September with fifteen categories considered for both product and service delivery innovators. The nominations are charge a fee of $1,000 that goes towards vetting of the innovations by the Edison Awards Steering Committee members who then provide a list of the finalists to the Panel of Judges who comprise of over 3,000 renowned business executives and academics drawn from various sectors within the nation. The awards gala is organized as an annual event in April of each year. Interestingly, for each category, the best three participants are awarded Bronze, Silver or Gold.

Various categories

In 2017, the Edison Awards categories are; Applied Technologies, Athletics, Sports & Recreation, Consumer Gods, Consumer Electronics & Information Technology, Energy & Sustainability, Industrial design, Health & Awareness, Innovation Services, Living, Working & Learning Environments, Media, Visual Communications & Entertainment, Medical or Dental Services, Science, Social Innovation , Transport and Logistics.

Impact made

The Edison Achievement Award  is awarded to one or more individuals in recognition of their impact on the society or business through their innovation, excellence, leadership, careers as well as lifetime achievements. The holder of the Achievement Award is credited for their significant contribution towards innovation around the world. Moreover, the nominees for the Achievement Award unlike in Edison Awards are not solicited but selected from the society. The Edison Steering Committee makes the commitment to announce the final results during Fall of each year which is then followed by honoring in April. Between 1991 and 2017 thirty-three winners have been honored with the Edison Achievement Awards.

Conclusion

prize

Additionally, The Edison Awards besides recognition have multiple benefits which include; Individual or Brand visibility, Endorsement, and Validation of innovations and existing products and services, Financial and Mentorship support, Influence, and Impact to the target group or the society at large. Also, finalist gets to network with the key players in their area of interest and specialization and get benefits such as using the Edison Award Nominee Seal alongside media promotions of the nominee.

 

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Choosing The Right Mattress

Ryan Westberry

It might seem easy to choose the best mattress size, ask those who have done it recently and they will tell you it is not that easy. There are some factors to consider when buying a new mattress. Before buying a mattress ask yourself the following questions.

Does mattress size matter?

Space available

mattress with pillowsIt is important to consider where the bed will be positioned. Will it be close to the window? Against the wall? In a nook or corner? Other things to look at is whether the bed will be placed near the door or cupboard. If so, will they be able to open properly? Before buying a mattress always make sure you know the size of your room.

How and who will you be sharing the bed with?

It is very important to be aware of the space you want or need while sleeping. If you are sharing your bed with your spouse, consider if they are the type that sleeps all over. It is crucial to make space for pet or children who love sneaking in your bed. Bed is placed to relax. You do not want to feel uncomfortable, awkward or cramped. It should be a good night sleep.

Sleep habits

You need to buy a large mattress if you are a restless or uneasy sleeper. A large mattress gives all space to sleep comfortably.

Will it be able to get in the bedroom?

This is a mistake made by many people when buying new stuff not only the mattress. Will it be able to fit the door? Be sure of the measurements of your bedroom doors, staircase width, and front door measurements before grabbing your mattress. You do not want to get that mattress home, and all you get is frustrations because it won’t fit in the doors.

Budget

mattress Cost is a factor to consider when buying a mattress. You should be able to get good quality from your budget. Visit the stores and ask the attendants the best mattress as per your budget. Make sure to get a mattress fitting your bed. Many people are not aware of the bed sizes. Talk to the shop attendants about the bed size if you are not sure. Google can be another good source of information about bed sizes.…

Selecting Colors For The Outside Of Your Home

Ryan Westberry

Painters will apply any color you ask them to on your house. It is up to you to make the right decision of the colors you want to be painted on the exterior. Some colors look different in sunlight than they appear with another lighting. The decision should not only be, made on the exterior but also on the trim color. With that, take time to use the samples outdoor and make a decision on which one you want to be painted on your house. Ask the painters to apply the paint on a surface so that you are sure of what it will look like. If it pleases you go ahead, if not, pick a different one.

Factors to consider when choosing paint colors

Samples

painterAsk for samples from your preferred home improvement store. Paint sellers will have so many of the colors. Ask them to select a few for you to review. It is important to involve your family on the colors you want to use. Take the samples home and discuss the matter with your children and spouse. Once you have agreed on the color, choosing the shade will be easy.

Trim

After the color decision is made, talk to your painters about trim. To decide on this, you can walk or drive around and see what other homes have. This is a super way to get ideas on trim. Many homeowners use plain white as trim. The choice brings out a very lovely home. However, this is not the only option to use.

The choices you have

For instance, it is you decide to paint your home light blue, a darker shed of blue will be good for the trim. If you do not use white as the trim, it is advisable to go with a darker shade of the color you have used to paint the house.

Neighborhood

paint brush Yes it is your home and you supposed to paint whatever color you want, but it is good to consider your neighbors. They will not be pleased if you choose a color that makes the whole area look bad. Get a color you like but again let it blend with what the neighbors have. Make others as happy as you are with the color of your paint.

Resell value

You should select a color putting in mind the future of that house. If you decide to sell it after five years, will the paint be accepted by the buyers? For a house to sell, it must be appealing to the buyers. A nice color is a point of attraction.…