Home lighting plays a crucial role in making a space inviting and comfortable and helps enhance its overall aesthetic. Lighting can either make or break the mood and feel of a home – it sets the tone, adds a finishing touch, and makes the space appealing. Homeowners unintentionally make a few lighting mistakes that can be easily addressed with proper planning. Continue reading to find out some common home lighting mistakes and how to fix them. Not considering the size of the lighting fixture Large and magnificent chandeliers or pendant lights are highly desirable but may not suit every home space. Therefore, consider the size of the lighting fixture and choose the ones that complement the space. Adding an oversized light in a small living room will eat up the whole space. Similarly, a tiny fixture will not provide adequate lighting to a large room. So, it is best to measure the size of the space when picking the lighting fixture for the room. One can also consider the furniture and wall colors to pick the most appropriate fixture that helps accentuate the whole area. Adding too many recessed lights Recessed lighting is the fixtures installed in the wall or ceiling. These lights are undoubtedly used to light up the entire space, but it’s better not to get too enthusiastic when adding these. Too many recessed lights can make the living room too bright, or too little can make the room dim. The best way to avoid this mistake is by creating a lighting plan to see how many recessed lights need to go into the hallway, bedroom, or kitchen. Ignoring dimmers Many homeowners may ignore the advantages of adding dimmers to their lighting setup. When it comes to flexibility, dimmers can be the saviors! Dimmers provide the option to adjust the brightness levels according to the mood or time of the day, making them a versatile option in modern lighting solutions.

Safety and security are the topmost priorities for every homeowner. Today, technology has considerably transformed the functioning of security systems; however, effectively utilizing such technology is essential for enhanced security and vigilance. Security cameras play a crucial role in ensuring safety and security by recording the occurrences on the premises. Installing security cameras at the right places allows one to identify such activities efficiently. Here are some of the worst places to install security cameras: Behind camera obstructions Sometimes, certain obstructions to the security camera may not be very evident until the cameras are installed. However, it is essential to thoroughly examine the space to ensure that there are no obstructions that may block the camera’s lens. Any object may pose as an obstruction to the camera’s range of view, from barks of trees in the garden to furniture indoors. Inside private spaces While security cameras are intended to ensure safety, installing cameras in private spaces actually implies violating the safety of inhabitants and visitors. Such private spaces include washrooms, changing rooms, and bedrooms. A better idea to ensure safety is to place security cameras in all the common areas leading to these spaces, so that the occupants’ privacy is not compromised even while their safety is ensured. Pointed at neighbors While one can place security cameras anywhere inside their premises, cameras faced at one’s neighbor’s homes or gardens can infringe upon their privacy. It is important to place security cameras such that they record only the activities taking place within one’s home or premises. Pointed at unlikely entrances and spots The fact is that most burglars enter homes and other private areas through regular front and back entrances, as opposed to unlikely spots. Studies have shown that 34% of burglars sneak into homes through front doors, while 22% enter through the first-floor window.

Light-filtering shades allow you to control or reduce the amount of sunlight entering your living space and enhances the room’s look due to the soft, muted light seeping through. Light-filtering shades are available in different sizes and levels of filtering and are considered an ideal choice for bedrooms and media rooms. This article highlights some of the best deals on light-filtering shades. Bali Light Filtering Cellular Shade These custom light filtering shades are available at Home Depot. The aluminum headrail and bottom rail on the shades provide them with sturdiness. They are made from quality cellular fabric and honeycomb line, guaranteeing soft light and privacy. These shades are available in a variety of colors and come preinstalled with Z-Wave motor™ for easy drawing and lifting of shades. The 24” by 36” shades, especially, are being sold at a 25% discount and are priced at $64. Coolaroo Outback Light Filtering Shades The cordless light filtering shade at Cowelles lets you raise and draw them with their hand crank mechanism. The breathable knitted fabric blocks heat and excess light from the sun. It can block up to 90% of UV rays and also allows smooth airflow. The light filtering shades are moisture-resistant and available in mocha color. The 72” by 72” shade is available for approximately $62. Paxton Basketweave Cordless Roman Light Filtering Shade The fabric of this light filtering shade is made of 100% polyester and has a basketweave texture, giving it a natural look. It is equipped with foam back thermal technology for efficient light filtering and enhanced privacy. The shade fabric is not completely removable but is detachable for easy dusting and cleaning. It comes with a cordless retraction and is available in blue, gray, ivory, taupe, and white. The 36” by 64” shade is available for roughly $70.

Hemophilia is a rare disorder wherein the blood doesn’t clot as it should due to the lack of sufficient blood-clotting proteins. So a person affected by the condition will experience bleeds for longer spans before clotting occurs. Hemophilia can also trigger internal bleeding, especially bleeding inside the knees, elbows, and ankles that might be life-threatening. Though treatments cannot cure hemophilia, here are five tips to stay healthy when dealing with hemophilia. Eating specific foods The food we eat plays a vital role in providing the necessary nutrition to the body. It also improves one’s overall well-being. As for hemophilia, people affected by the condition must eat foods like oats, whole wheat, barley, brown rice, broccoli, spinach, and dried beans. These foods are abundant in protein, iron, vitamin C, vitamin B12, copper, vitamin B6, and folic acid, which are involved in red blood cell production. Maintaining oral hygiene Brushing teeth is essential for healthy living in patients with hemophilia. Those with the blood disorder can bleed heavily from injuries sustained to their teeth or gums. Therefore, brushing helps stay away from visits to the dentist that may result in gum bleeding. Maintaining oral hygiene also helps eliminate germs from the teeth and gums. Exercising regularly Simple exercises, such as swimming, walking, and cycling, are beneficial to improving a patient’s condition. These exercises promote muscle and bone strength and help maintain healthy BMI. However, contact sports, including football and basketball, are more likely to cause injuries and trigger excessive bleeding. Securing a child from hazards Most children love to play. Therefore, proper care is required when kids go out to play. Parents must ensure their kids wear safety equipment when they go cycling. Kids must also wear a seatbelt whenever they sit in the car. As for the home, avoid sharp corners on furniture or other hazards that may cause them to sustain injuries.

When people think of cleaning tools, certain images may pop into their heads; a brush, a suction cup, a cleaning cloth, a vacuum cleaner, a mop, a scrubber, and so on. However, besides these, there are a host of unconventional tools and solutions that be just as effective in cleaning surfaces and items. Most people may not know about these and, therefore, will never have experienced their effectiveness. Here are some such cleaning tools: Advanced baking soda spray Many people know about baking soda’s underrated cleansing properties, but not many may try baking soda spray to clean furniture upholstery. All one needs to do is take warm water and mix about three tablespoons of baking soda. People can add a few drops of scented oil into the mix for fragrant results. This spray is useful for cleaning fabrics. Before using a baking soda spray, all one needs to do is mix just the right amount of baking soda and sweet-smelling oils so that the odor never becomes overwhelming and the soda’s residue does not stay behind on materials. Sliding door track cleaning brush A sliding door track is incredibly useful to clear dirt and dust from the track of a sliding door. As one knows, cleaning those tracks is a difficult task, so having a flexible tool that enables people to do so without breaking into a sweat can be a blessing in disguise. Barbed drain snaking device A snaking device is not exactly a novelty, but most people may not use it to cleanse their clogged drainage systems. In that sense, this tool falls perfectly into this list of unusual or weird cleaning tools out there. One really needs to try this tool out before believing its sheer effectiveness in yanking out clogged trash, dirt particles, hair, paper, and other items that may choke the drainage system.

A vacation home, if rented out when not in use, can be a great source of income for homeowners. It can help them pay the mortgage with the rental money, and they can share the experience of their relaxing home with others. Renting out a vacation home comes with many challenges and can cost owners money if certain legalities and processes are improperly handled. So, here are a few mistakes to avoid when renting out a vacation home: 1. Poor communication A mistake that all vacation homeowners must avoid is not communicating properly with potential guests. Discussing expectations regarding living arrangements with the guests and managing their expectations with an open communication line or by ensuring a message flow becomes easier. It can be frustrating for guests if a vacation or rental property owner is not readily available to sort out their issues regarding their stay. This can increase the property owner’s chances of being left with negative reviews. 2. Lack of maintenance When property owners ignore the importance of regular maintenance, they add to the long-term consequences they might have to deal with. It is important to take care of any repairs and maintenance needs promptly, as leaving them unattended can call for bigger repair bills. Lack of maintenance can also cause the property to decrease in value and increase the number of guests who leave with unsatisfactory experiences. 3. Lack of detailed rules When guests come in to use the property, one of the crucial things is to lay down a set of clear house rules. In fact, it is imperative for homeowners to have an iron-clad rental agreement in place. Putting forth detailed rules and comprehensive guidelines can bring about a better experience for both the guests and the owner. The lack of guidelines can leave space for conflicts and misunderstandings and even cause potential damage to the property.

Every aspect of a home requires attention and care from time to time. This involves not just keeping the home and its fixtures and furniture clean but also ensuring that no issues affect the home’s functionality. For instance, doors and windows are used extensively and can undergo considerable wear and tear. If one notices any issues in their functionality, one should see if they can be fixed with repairs. If not, one should consider replacement. Warning signs 1. Jammed hinges When the doors and windows take on excessive wear and tear, the hinges may get rusty, and the frames can be hard to move. So, whenever one goes to open or close doors and windows, they may have to use a lot of strength to make them move. While this could be fixed with repairs and maintenance, sometimes, the hardware can be beyond repair and needs to be replaced. 2. Draft If the door or window can no longer keep cold air out, then it could be a sign it needs some repairs. While it may not seem like an urgent problem, drafty homes can mean higher energy bills. Good windows and doors ensure energy efficiency by keeping harsh weather at bay and regulating indoor temperature. 3. Excessive outdoor noise If the noise outside the home keeps getting in and disturbing one, the doors and windows should be checked to see if any gaps or cracks are responsible for the issue. If the door or window cannot be locked or sealed correctly, all kinds of sounds outside the home, like traffic, conversations, garbage trucks, and pets, can enter the house. Here, getting windows and doors made of thick materials can keep the noise at bay. 4. Damage This sign is easy to spot, of course. If the windows show signs of damage, like broken glass, hinges, or frames, they are not functional anymore and must be fixed or replaced.

From carpets and drapes to upholstered furniture and air ducts, everything in your home attracts dust and various other contaminants. Perhaps the best way to get rid of these contaminants is to call a professional cleaning service. If you’re looking for a reliable service provider, SERVPRO is an excellent option. With over 50 years of experience, they are the country’s leading residential and commercial restoration and cleaning service. This article looks at the various residential cleanup services offered by SERVPRO. Air ducts and HVAC Routine inspection and cleaning of the HVAC (heating, ventilating, and air conditioning) units in your home can extend the equipment life and improve the quality of indoor air. Biohazard SERVPRO professionals are equipped with the necessary safety apparatus and cleaning products to clean, remove biohazards and dispose them of properly. Carpet and upholstery cleaning They offer various specialized regular and deep cleaning methods for all types of carpets in homes. Ceiling, floors, and walls Ceilings and walls accumulate cooking oils and grease, cigarette smoke, and other contaminants over time. Getting them cleaned by professionals occasionally is a great idea. Drapes and blinds SERVPRO specializes in cleaning fine fabrics and intricate pieces. They offer five different cleaning methods for drapes and blinds. You can consult with their professional to select the most appropriate method. Odor removal Persistent odors within the indoor environment can damage your health. Professionals at SERVPRO can identify and eliminate odors using specialized equipment and techniques. Sewage and toilet overflow Toilet overflow or sewer backups should be considered an emergency. These waters are usually contaminated with harmful viruses, bacteria, and other microbes. Trauma and crime scene SERVPRO professionals follow OSHA and EPA to get rid of biohazard contaminants from blood, chemicals, or tear-gas residues following crime or accident scenes. Vandalism and graffiti It’s usually difficult to remove graffiti paint without expert help.

People who have eosinophilic asthma usually exhibit high levels of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell that helps build a strong immune system. However, when abnormally high levels of eosinophils come in contact with the cells present in the airways, they can cause inflammation. Eosinophilic asthma can also cause type-2 inflammation, resulting in decreased lung function. The following article specifically focuses on allergens like smells that trigger the symptoms of asthma. Symptoms of asthma A person who has inhaled asthma-triggering odors may exhibit symptoms like shortness of breath, wheezing when exhaling, and frequent coughing. Shortness of breath may be caused due to decreased lung function or inflamed air passages in the case of eosinophilic asthma type-2 inflammation. Odors that trigger the symptoms of asthma The symptoms may be caused due to a variety of allergens, including dust, dander, or pollen. While these allergens can be avoided to a certain extent, allergens like gases and aerosols can be a challenge to avoid. Statistics suggest that more than 40 percent of people with asthma report health problems due to odors. The odors that trigger asthma symptoms include: Household smells These include air fresheners, chlorine and bleach (present in cleaning products), colognes and perfumes, deodorants, furniture polish (wood varnish), nail polish remover, fireplaces, and wood-burning stoves. Workplace smells Workplace smells include adhesives, carpet and flooring materials, gasoline, paint and paint thinner, and pesticides, among others. Here is how different smells trigger asthma symptoms The mechanism of adverse response to smells may be varied due to physiological and psychological processes. Odors usually activate the olfactory and trigeminal systems, which are associated with cranial nerves. The trigeminal nerve is an unmyelinated nerve distributed throughout the nasal passage. This nerve responds to the irritant vapors, leading to sensations like burning, tickling, and itching. The sensations give rise to neuropeptides, which potentially trigger asthma symptoms.

When it comes to home improvement, many find the task challenging. But there are several ways one can cut down on the extra effort. There is a wide range of tips and tricks that can make things easier for you to carry out your remodeling projects without hassle. Check out a few home improvement hacks that will save you time and money without causing any mess around your home space. Stretch a rubber band over a paint container When you take up a painting project for your home, you may not think about the extra paint spillage that can happen from your brush. It can make the painting uneven when applied over any surface, such as walls, floors, or furniture. To tackle this, pop an elastic band over the paint can. After each dip of the brush, just gently glide it over the band to remove any extra paint and reduce wastage. Use a balloon to remove stripped screws It is tough to remove screws with heads worn out since a drill cannot reach them. An incredible hack that you can use to remove such stripped screws is by using a balloon. You should place the balloon right on top of the stripped screw. Now drill into the screw through the balloon. The friction caused by the balloon will help you pull the screw out successfully. Fix a pencil to your tape measure If you are doing a job alone, it can be hard to measure and mark simultaneously. You can make things easier by attaching a pencil using a binder clip to your tape measure. This quick hack will help you measure and make markings without any hassles. Moreover, your hammering and drilling will now be more precise. Create a DIY squeegee instantly You don’t have to rush to the hardware store when you need a squeegee urgently while working on a home improvement project.

Renovating a garden is a time-consuming yet rewarding task. Planning the task and timeline and researching are important to ensure the space looks beautiful. A DIY garden renovation project can be fun; however, being aware of all the limitations or rookie mistakes that can be avoided is necessary since certain factors can seem minor but significantly affect the look and feel of the garden. So, here are some garden renovation mistakes to avoid. Using complicated patterns while planting the garden Planting plants and flowers in an intricate pattern and shapes is a mistake that can easily be avoided. While these shapes may look aesthetically pleasing, it may get challenging to maintain these patterns over time. In fact, when not maintained properly, the plants will look messy and haphazard, which will become an eyesore over time. Using only small solar-powered lights While it may seem eco-friendly to highlight the trees and the garden in the evening using solar-powered lights, there may be better options. In most cases, these small lights are not powerful enough to light up the area, and one may have to use extra lights to achieve the desired look. If the lights don’t function properly, they will eventually end up in the landfill, which negates their whole purpose of being environmentally friendly. Paving the front garden space Paving the front of the garden can provide a convenient parking spot for your vehicle. While this could mean not crowding the street with your car, it requires special permission from the authorities and is not an environmentally friendly choice. Instead, you can design a combination of paving and planting for the space. Keeping a mix of paving and planting means that any excess rainwater goes directly into the ground, helping prevent any local flooding. Neglecting practical and decorative elements A garden full of greenery and blooming flowers looks stunning, but you can enjoy it more if you use the space.

With the holiday season right around the corner, it is time to gear up for one of the most anticipated shopping events of the year—Black Friday. The day after Thanksgiving marks the start of the holiday shopping season that sees massive sales in both online and physical stores. This annual retail extravaganza, known for unbelievable discounts and deals, is a shopper’s paradise. So, here are 50 Black Friday deals to expect in 2023 across categories: Gadgets The sale season usually comes with exciting discounts on gadgets. Here’s what one can expect this season: Smartphones : Apple does not typically offer discounts on iPhones directly, but retailers and carriers often offer gift cards or trade-in deals on the purchase of the latest iPhone models. Meanwhile, Best Buy, Amazon, Walmart, and AT&T frequently offer great deals on Android smartphones. For example, last year, shoppers got a $400 reduction on the price of the Google Pixel 7 Pro, making it one of the standout deals. Televisions : Previous years’ trends indicate significant price drops on a variety of TV models. Brands like Samsung, LG, and Sony are known to offer impressive deals here. Shoppers can expect to find smart TVs, 4K displays, Fire TV Stick, OLED panels, streaming devices, and remote controls on sale. Laptops and tablets : Brands like Dell, Acer, HP, ASUS, and Microsoft Surface are likely to provide discounts on laptops, desktops, ultrabooks, and tablets, making it a perfect time to upgrade one’s tech. Speakers : Last year’s deals included an impressive discount of up to 45% on Bluetooth speakers, soundbars, and Echo speakers from brands like Sonos, Roku, Sony, and Amazon. Headphones : Bose, JBL, HyperX, and Sony often offer deals on noise-canceling headphones, gaming headsets, and earbuds during the shopping season. Smartwatches and wearables : Brands like Fitbit and Garmin may present deals on fitness trackers and smartwatches, helping one stay healthy and connected.