Anne is a 30-something full-time SAHM mom of 5 ranging from 3 to 17 and grandma of 1 who resides in Ashwaubenon (Green Bay) Wisconsin. She started blogging in 2008 as a way to regain her sanity. She enjoys coffee, chocolate, cheeseburgers and vodka along with spending time with her husband and kids.
Since time immemorial, people have used wood to build important structures like their homes and places of work. But as modernization took place, wood has been replaced if not supplemented with synthetic building materials like concrete and steel. However, when it comes to garden sheds, people still prefer the old charm of timber sheds for their homes due to a lot of reasons.
The first and foremost reason people have wooden garden sheds is for storage. People can use sheds to store their garden tools like their lawn mowers or store their bikes and boats in. In farms, sheds are used to store farm equipment like tractors or used to house farm animals like horses and cattle. Buying a shed, or at least thinking of having one, hinges on several factors which need to be considered since it could affect the overall look of your home.
As mentioned, a lot of your stuff and important equipment can be stored in sheds, so the first thing you need to consider is the size of the timber shed you want. People love timber sheds because they can be easily customized as far as design and structure are concerned. Wood is one material that is easily manipulated, and as such, you can easily build one you like according to your specifications. When orderingsheds online, you can research on the different materials available like ecowood, treated pine, Baltic pine or red cedar. You can check the site for timber shed and other types you can order that will suit your needs.
Another reason why people love timber sheds is the fact that it is eco-friendly. It is one material that retains the least amount of carbon which makes it a sustainable and competitive resource. With all the talk about saving the environment from further damage, timber sheds are a great answer because timber it is recyclable, waste-efficient, biodegradable and most importantly, non-toxic. And since it can regenerate, that means we will never run out of timber for our building needs. Timber also has the lowest embodied energy which means it stores less carbon than most building materials, making for structures that are eco-friendly and better not only for the environment but our health as well.
While steel sheds are the least expensive types of sheds, timber sheds are also available in various types that can suit any budget and are easy to maintain as well. Quality timber sheds are made to be resistant to damages from moisture, sun exposure and insect infestations. It is also weatherproof and provides an aesthetically-pleasing backdrop to any garden and blends in seamlessly with most home decors.
Before you decide to purchase a particular shed, check its structure first. Make sure that the boards are straight and don’t have any dark marks or knots since this can indicate a weak structure. The great thing about timber sheds is if it does need repairs, you can just fix single boards over the years without having to deconstruct the whole thing. It is unparalleled as far as cost-effectiveness and durability are concerned and therefore, worth your every penny.
As I’m sure you know, a lot of expectant parents go a little overboard when it comes to buying for their babies. You don’t need a freshly done-up nursery, a massive wardrobe, or enough soft toys to fill a garage. Having said that, there are various necessities that you’ll need to buy and have ready for when your child comes into the world. There are also things you should plan for ahead of baby’s arrival such as who will handle the your newborn photography. If you’re a few months into your first pregnancy, and you’re worried about buying too much or too little, here’s a checklist of baby essentials for any expectant mother.
Jammies
By the time you give birth, you should have around six stretchable sleepers that will cover your baby from their neck to their feet, with snaps around the leg area for easy diaper changing. Sleepers, as the name suggests, are perfect for your baby to sleep in, but they also make great all-round clothes. Just remember that your baby will grow out of these quickly. Try to resist the temptation of buying every cute one you come across! Nightgowns that come with mittens are also a good option for pyjamas, and will keep your baby from scratching him or herself at night. You should also have sleep sacks like the ones from Halo for when the weather gets cold. Just one of these will get you through the first few weeks.
Knit Caps and Winter Wear
If you’re due to have a winter baby, or you happen to live in a particularly cold climate, you should have a knit cap or two along with some general winter wear to keep your baby warm. Knit caps not only look adorable, but will stop too much heat escaping through your baby’s head – where most of our body’s heat is lost. If the winters in your area are very cold, you should also buy a baby snowsuit. Failing this, keeping your baby wrapped in a reasonably thick blanket will do just as well.
Diapers
This is an obvious one, but a lot of new parents grossly underestimate just how many diapers a healthy baby can go through. At any given time, you need to make sure you have at least two packs of disposable diapers, or cloth diapers that will last for two days. Most babies will go through several diapers every day, so keep an eye out for any sales and coupons, and stock up often when using disposable diapers. You also need to make sure you’re buying the right size to avoid the risk of leakage. Having to deal with this in public is unpleasant to say the least! When it’s necessary, use a natural diaper cream, and avoid anything that contains petroleum products. You can find a great recipe for this on Wellness Mama. A good diaper pail can also be handy, just make sure you remember to empty it regularly!
Travel
Naturally, there are going to be times where you need to leave the house with your baby. Get a rear-facing car seat at the very least, as well as some sun-blinds for the windows that will keep the light out of your child’s eyes. You’ll also want a stroller for walking around with your baby. There are a lot of options here, with all kinds of extra features and frills on the market. Don’t be taken in by the marketing hype! All you really need is for the stroller to lie flat to ensure that it’s suitable for a newborn. Having said that, these things aren’t cheap, and you don’t want to buy one that will come apart after just a little use. Start off selecting one through impartial blogs, like these Disney travel system reviews in Babyseats.You’re not going to be using it for that long, but it’s good to make sure you’re getting your money’s worth.
Disposable Wipes, Lots of Them
As cute as they are, babies are extremely messy! Having a stockpile of disposable wipes can be very handy for diaper changes, and for messes away from home. Be sure to keep a decent-sized pack within reach of your changing area, and a second one to keep in your out-and-about diaper bag. Avoid anything fragranced, as this is a waste of money and can be harmful. Remember to only use them after the first week or so as your baby’s skin is very sensitive in this period.
Grooming Things
Keeping your baby’s nails nice and short will prevent him or her from scratching you or themselves. There are many blunt nail clippers that are designed specifically for a newborn’s soft little nails. You should also buy a bottle of baby lotion to rub on your baby’s skin after a bath in order to keep it moist. If you find that your child is prone to eczema or rashes, try switching to an oil containing calendula, or one that’s specifically formulated for these skin conditions.
Medical Tools
Babies are very uncooperative at the doctor’s, and can be hard to deal with when they’re sick at home or they’ve just had some immunizations. However, getting your hands on a few tools can calm any fussy infant. Acetaminophen drops designed for newborns can be great for treating fevers. Just make sure you check with your pediatrician first. A nasal aspirator to help with stuffy noses can also be handy, as it’s hard for babies to breathe through their mouths. Don’t worry about your bundle of joy looking startled when you use it – it doesn’t hurt them at all. A digital baby thermometer can also be helpful.
A Crib and Mattress
You’ll also need to buy a crib and a mattress for your baby, ensuring that it meets all the relevant consumer and safety requirements. There are a lot of different styles available, which can be a little overwhelming. However, a crib on the cheaper end of the spectrum, provided it’s safe for your baby, can be a fine choice, and you’ll be able to fill it with adorable toys and linens.
Baby Blankets
If you’re like most people, baby blankets are going to be the go-to gift from a lot of your friends. With a bit of luck, you’ll never have to spend a penny on one for your own baby! Make sure you have four cushioning blankets to lay your baby on, except for the crib, as this can be a safety hazard. You should also have a few thicker ones to wrap your baby up for outdoor walks or colder weather.
Bottles and Burp Cloths
For the first few weeks of your baby’s life, all they’ll seem to do is sleep and eat. The good news is that they’re not fussy eaters. That comes a bit later, and requires a whole other guide! Keep about four six-ounce and eight-ounce bottles, a bottle brush for cleaning, and just as many bibs. You should also have roughly 12 burp cloths to hand to protect your favorite tops. You can save a little money by using cloth diapers instead. If you’re breastfeeding, you’ll also want to have two nursing bras, a stockpile of pads, as well as a good breast pump so that you can keep some milk in the fridge. If you’re going to be feeding your baby in public, a nursing shawl is also good to have in your bag.
Make sure you have everything on this checklist in time for your baby’s arrival, and you’ll never have to rush out to the store after running into some emergency. While all the gear in the world won’t make parenting a total breeze, these items will certainly make it much easier!
Big life changes usually come with a new house. When you get engaged, you may move in with your new fiancé. When you get married, you move from the cosy, one bedroom apartment to a house with extra space for a growing family. When you get pregnant with another baby, you need more space – thus, anew house!
Moving is one of life’s stressful events, but moving whilst carrying the next addition to the family can be even more stressful. Add in hormones and aching hips to a house move and you’ve got yourself a recipe for tears. There are ways, however, that you can keep your blood pressure levels within normal range and not overly stress yourself out. One of the benefits of moving while pregnant? You get to do all the organising and none of the heavy lifting. Handy, huh?
Get Organized. The last-minute scramble of packing that you did when you moved into your first home together was fine back then, but now you have a toddler and a bump to think about. Baby brain is a very real thing and so being organised is so important. Research your chosenmoving companies thoroughly and get to know the local self-storage centres and their costs. You’ll need them!
Start Early. Okay, so packing the kitchen two months before you go may feel strange, but you’ll be thankful for it later. Keep only the essentials in the cupboards. If you’re not going to be using the panini press or the soup maker, wrap them in bubble wrap and box them away. There’s no reason you can’t start packing the non-essential household items as early as possible to make things easier for you when the day comes. Gradual packing also means that you have less to do on moving day besides being a cruise director.
Break Out The Labels. We mentioned pregnancy brain earlier, and you can read more about the effects of thatonline here, but if you don’t label the boxes appropriately you’re going to forget what’s what. Make concise labels room by room, and add a list on paper in the inside of the box so you can learn what’s in there at a glance.
Think Ahead. You’re pregnant and you’ll be needing a doctor so if you are moving to a place you need to change yours, do this early. The day you move, call in to the new practice and make an appointment. Make the contact with them a few weeks before the move so they can be prepared for a new arrival.
Accept All Help. Don’t try and do things yourself. If you have friends and family offering to help you pack, or want to take your other children off your hands while you do it, then let them help you. call in a cleaning company to do the house clean when you move, so that you’re not on your hands and knees scrubbing floors while heavily pregnant.
All of these tips can make your move smoother for all of you while you’re carrying your own precious cargo. Be smart about things and you’ll be able to enjoy your brand new house – along with all the unpacking!
The month of February saw yet another major storm rip through the South. News reports flashed a familiar sight — homes with damaged roofs, and utter chaos everywhere. When there is harsh weather, it’s important for homeowners to swing into action as soon as it passes. Not only can shingle damage but split seams and broken flashing let in water when fresh rains arrive. These can give the elements a foothold and cause spread before long. If there is damage to your roof, you need to address it as quickly as possible.
Identify the damage
Get specialists like the Wildwood Roofing and Construction to have a look. Leading roofing installation and repair contractors agree that it’s best for those without training or the right safety equipment to visually inspect their roof without actually climbing up. While it’s never safe to get up on a roof, an attempt can be especially risk-prone after a spell of rain when those surfaces are likely to be slippery.
It may be possible to take a look at your roof from across the street, through a pair of binoculars, or even standing up on a ladder. A walk around your attic can help, as well. Damp areas are a good indication of a leak.
While you’re at it, you should look for other areas of damage. Storms can cause damage to everything from doors and windows to siding and fencing. If you can spot breakage, it’s time to swing into action.
File an insurance claim
If you have home insurance, you should call right away to have an adjuster come in for an inspection. While you’re on the line with the company, you should also ask for a list of approved local contractors.
What if the insurance company rejects your claim?
Insurance companies tend to be swamped after storms and can take some time sending an adjuster over. Once one arrives, you may or may not receive approval for repairs. It’s a good idea to contact a contractor and ask for a professional to be present at the same time that the insurance adjuster arrives. If the adjuster dismisses your claim unfairly, the contractor can present a rebuttal, and help you win your claim.
If the adjuster still won’t listen, you have the right to ask the insurance company for two more visits by different adjusters. Each time, you should make sure that you do have a contractor standing by to offer advice and alternative points of view. The contractor should also perform a thorough inspection to see if there is structural damage that isn’t visible on the surface.
Prepare to get work done
Once you receive the approval, payments from the insurance company usually arrive in two installments. The first covers the cost of all the building materials needed for the job. You need to make sure that the contractor buys materials in your name, and asks you to make out checks for payment.
Once the contractor gets to work, there are no payments to make until work completes. Once damage to the roof is fixed and other structural repairs are done, the contractor arranges for an inspection by the city. When the work is signed off, you have the contractor sign a lien waiver, and then contact the insurance company for the second installment.
Remember that you get to claim on indirect damage, as well
Your home insurance policy should cover any indirect damage that occurs as a result of damage to the roof. If the damaged roof lets in water that destroys the insulation in your attic or causes other structural damage, for instance, your policy should pay for it.
Adjusters don’t sign off on such compensation if you can’t prove that the damage wasn’t pre-existing. For this reason, it’s important to periodically document the state of your home with detailed photographs. It can be hard to get coverage for damage if you aren’t able to prove it.
It’s important to keep your house in good repair, as well. If it’s your roof that you’re putting in a claim for, you should be able to show that you have not been neglectful in the area of routine maintenance. You need to be able to demonstrate that loose shingles and rusted flashing installations were regularly replaced. If you can show no proof of routine maintenance, the insurance company may attempt to take the stand that it was such neglect that made the roof vulnerable to damage.
Insurance does help protect your home. Taking advantage of your policy requires that some work is put in, however.
Brooke Flynn keeps the family home maintenance business in order by running the office. She shares her tips for homeowners on a variety of blogs/websites.
Almost 200,000 people visit Cheltenham to enjoy four days of racing with some of the world’s best horses and jockeys. It’s not just the experienced and gamblers who have a great time here. In fact, you can just come along to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy a few drinks whilst trying to spot a celebrity.
If you’re going to this year’s Cheltenham Festival for the first time, here are a few essential do’s and don’ts to make sure you have a great and enjoyable time.
Do Make Sure You Eat a Good Breakfast:
Newbies often forget this with all of the excitement. Veterans always have a hearty breakfast before the race. The food is ridiculously expensive and not exactly the best quality. It’s also a good idea to make sure your stomach is full if you’re planning to enjoy a few drinks.
Don’t Drink too Much:
After Cheltenham, the tabloids are always full of people who were too drunk to stand or passed out on the floor. We’ve all seen them and tutted at their outrageous behaviour. But, it’s easier than you think to fall into this trap if you’re drinking one after another all day.
And always, always, always be careful when you’re on a losing streak with a stomach full of alcohol. You’re more likely to chase losses by making careless bets.
Do Learn How to Make a Bet:
Make sure you know where and how to place a bet. The etiquette on race day is different from what you would imagine. People don’t line up and are shouting back and forth. Be patient with the people who are pushing and in our eyes are being downright rude.
This is especially the case in the most prestigious race, the Gold Cup. Don’t listen to the whispers and tips on race day because they’re just rumours. Check out the Gold Cup best odds at William Hill for up-to-date info and tips.
Don’t Waste All of Your Money:
The rule here is simple. It’s your money and you’re here to have an awesome time. Betting isn’t obligatory. You don’t have to bet on every single race if you don’t want to. Just because the person in front has just placed a large one, it doesn’t mean you should too.
Do Dress for the Occasion:
Cheltenham doesn’t have a strict dress code. So, you can come to the festival wearing whatever you please. At the same time, there’s no harm in trying to make an effort to look smart or elegant.
Don’t Wear Fancy Dress:
You may think that dressing up is hilarious, but the other 199,990 people won’t. Just imagine the poor punter standing behind you whose view you’re blocking with your outfit. Be considerate.
Important Points to Remember:
The most important thing is to enjoy yourself whilst at the same time drinking and betting responsibly. Dress up and look good, but don’t go over the top. Good luck and I hope you have an amazing time at the races!
