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Easy and Effective Techniques for Pest Control

Julie | February 2, 2022March 12, 2022

Pests can make the surroundings unhygienic and pose a severe threat to the health of every being living there. When one says pets, it is not just rodents and cockroaches; the list also consists of fleas, mosquitoes, termites, bed bugs, and even fungus. They can infect the food supplies, and upon consumption of the same, it may cause health issues.

It is always right to contact the Pest Control Near Me at the first sighting of any colony formed by pests to avoid such consequences.

Reasons for pest infestation

Some of the common causes of pest infestation are:

– Dirty and unclean surroundings, especially food cupboards and any place where food is kept.

– Not using a trash bin with a lid

– Throwing trash anywhere other than the bin.

– Not cleaning stagnant water in pools, buckets, tanks, roads, or any water-holding container.

– Not cleaning the kitchen at night and leaving unwashed dishes in the sink.

Few insects around the house are not a cause of concern, but the problem arises when one cannot remove them even after constant efforts. This means that they have created a colony somewhere near. Such situations require immediate attention, and one must either try home remedies or call a professional to get the pest infestation under control.

Standard techniques used for pest control

Below are four techniques listed that can be used to get rid of the pests:

Organic Method

This is one of the best ways because, in this method, the elements used would not harm the surrounding plants and animals. Predator traps and baits are a sort-after solution under the organic process. Biodegradable poisons like Sodium fluoroacetate are often mixed with the bait to exterminate the pests.

Chemical Pesticides

Chemical pesticides are available in aerosol and liquid form. It is used to eradicate pests and is quite the foolproof method, but at the same time, it is also not safe for the people using them and the living creatures around them. Insecticides are for insects, herbicides for plants, and bactericides for bacteria. If one is not confident in using the pesticides themselves, they can call for pest control services.

Biological Control

This is an environmentally safe method and is mainly used in greenhouses but, if required, can be practiced outdoors too. In this method, the natural predators of the pests like parasites and pathogens are introduced in the ecosystem of the problems. The predators will either infect the pests with deadly diseases or feed on their larvae. This way, the population of pests will be controlled, and the environment is also not harmed.

Hygiene control

It is commonly seen that no or very few pests are found in clean surroundings. So one of the best DIY pest control is to keep the house and the surroundings clean. Refrain from leaving food unattended for too long. Clean the leftovers and cover them before storing them in the refrigerator. Also, clean the garden and clear the weed growth. With proper hygiene control, one may need pest control.

If one decides to hire pest control professionals, check their supplies to ensure they are safe and verified chemicals. Usually, after deep cleaning, for the next 4-6 months, one can rest assured that there will not be any pest problems during that time.

6 Benefits of Hiring An Interior Designer To Make Your Dream House

Julie | August 25, 2022August 28, 2022

Having a house you can call your own has always been every family’s dream. Unlike other dreams, though, this is turned into reality only once for most people. This is because of the sheer effort and substantial financial resources required to buy a house.

As soon as you have that bundle of papers giving you the right to call yourself a homeowner, there is one major step that is still pending – converting those four walls into your dream house.

In the earlier days, people did everything on their own – from purchasing the cement to hiring workers. While the fruit of your own labor is always sweet, one needs to change with the times. Today, most people hire an interior designer so that they have professional help in this momentous occasion of their life.

In this post, we take a look at 6 benefits of hiring an interior designer to make your dream house. Let’s get started.

Saves Money

There is a misconception that hiring an interior designer only increases your costs. Sure, you will have to bear their professional fees. But they also bring in a lot of cost benefits.

For instance, if you decide to do it all alone, you will have to spend a lot of extra time bargaining with contractors and suppliers. Even then, you can never be sure that you have received a decent price. On the other hand, interior designer helps you save money because of their connections with the people that they deal with daily.

Expert Opinion

You may have lots of plans and ideas for your perfect home but have you ever thought about their viability (both aesthetically and functionally). Interior designers by virtue of their training and experience can tell you what works and what doesn’t.

Many interior designers, like De Panache in Bangalore, have a process of meet and greet where they understand what you have in mind so that they can help you translate it into reality through their expertise. Since the professionals do this day in and day out, they can point out suggestions in a fraction of a second.

Meticulous Planning

Designing your house from scratch is a task that should not be taken for granted. From internal wiring to washroom fittings to kitchen cabinets to wooden flooring, the list is endless. All of this is new to you but everyday work for interior designers and hence, they can assist you ably. Contrary to what some detractors say, interior designing is more than just developing a portfolio of designs through research. It involves having a basic understanding of other disciplines too like finance and budgeting, architecture, and so on.

Apart from discussing the feasibility of your ideas, interior designers also provide you with a foolproof plan to execute the same along with a cost breakup for each of the items that make up the plan. For example, if you wish to have storage under the sink in your bathroom, you will be able to know the exact cost of such storage so as to take a final call on its requirement.

Excellent Blend of Aesthetics and Functionality

Too often, when planning the design of a new house, we get too lost in how it will look rather than how we will use it. Fancy chandeliers are always on the list of every homemaker. You will need an interior designer to tell you whether it is practical to have it in your living room or not.

Any house needs a perfect mix of aesthetics and functionality. When we say that interior designers will help you with this, we mean that they will ensure that your house has that perfect balance. Otherwise, if you go the whole hog, either way, you will regret your decisions as soon as you start living in the house.

Wider Range of Products

Let’s get the facts straight. As much time you may have on your hands to go out there and get the best products for your new home, there will come a time when you will have to hurry and make the decision of either ordering online or going to the nearest furniture market.

With a professional interior designer, you not only get their expert opinion but also the benefit of access to their wide range of network stores and their products. From lighting to furniture, from bedding to decor, they have multiple options for each and can certainly lighten your load.

Helpful in Technical Decisions

The single biggest advantage of hiring an interior designer is that you do not make reckless mistakes. There are tons of technical decisions that you need to make. Something as simple as how many electrical points do you need in a room can be a tricky question unless you have been involved in similar decision-making before.

A knowledgeable interior designer will first list out all the options in front of you – for instance, tiles or wooden flooring in the bedroom. Then, she will lay down the features, pros, and cons of both of them so that you can make the right call.

There are numerous other benefits of hiring an interior designer like being rest assured that your dream house will be built as per the latest trends. Moreover, the time and money saved is itself enough motivation to look for an interior designer.

All about Tiny Homes: The Pros and Cons of Living in Tiny Home

Julie | August 21, 2022August 23, 2022

Tiny houses are popping up in cities all over the country, and for a good reason. They’re not just a fun way to get into the tiny house movement – they’re also an excellent way to save money on your housing expenses, which is especially important if you’re having a hard time making ends meet.

That said, tiny houses aren’t for everyone, though. If you want privacy and space (or both), then a tiny house may not be the best option for you. Tiny houses aren’t always built with bedrooms – they can be either open-concept spaces or small rooms with walls that match their size.

To help you figure out whether buying a tiny house will be the best decision for you, we have listed the key pros and cons of living in a tiny house to consider before putting down your deposit.

But before we get to that, let’s talk about what a tiny house exactly is and why it’s getting so popular around the globe.

The Story Behind the Not-so-tiny Popularity of Tiny Houses

Tiny houses, also known as micro-apartments or mansions on wheels, are homes that are at least 100ft² in size. They’re famous for living on the road and traveling.

Their popularity has been increasing rapidly in recent years, thanks to the growing recognition of their many advantages over conventional living arrangements.

When you look at what tiny houses can do for you financially, it’s easy to see why they’re so popular. Did you know that 68% of tiny house owners are mortgage-free, and 89% have less credit card debt than average Americans?

Still, some people aren’t so keen on living in these microstructures because of their size and lack of creature comforts.

Pros of Living in a Tiny House

Wondering about the simplicity and fun of owning a tiny house? Visit RidingTiny and see what these houses are all about and what they offer. Let’s look at some of the benefits that these houses offer:

It’s Cheaper

Tiny houses are much cheaper than traditional homes, so if you want to live off-grid, on a budget, or just save money, you might want to look into one of these dwellings. They’re also customizable, so you can make them as small or large as you like!

Easy to Build and Portable

Tiny houses are easy to build, especially if you have access to a do-it-yourself workshop. They’re also easy to transport since they can be built with wheels.

If you need to relocate, or if your current living situation isn’t working out, a tiny home fits in most cars without taking up much room—and it doesn’t require an expensive move-in expense.

Good for the Environment

They’re also known for being eco-friendly and sustainable. Tiny houses are built with renewable energy sources like solar panels and wood stoves, which means they use less energy than traditional homes.

And since they’re often built on solar-powered sites, they don’t require external power sources like generators or electric lines.

Instead, they rely on their power sources (like wind turbines). This helps protect the environment by reducing carbon dioxide emissions and other pollutants that contribute to climate change.

The Freedom!

You can live in a tiny house and still have enough space to cultivate your garden, grow food, and have pets. You also don’t need to worry about installing a septic system. Instead, you can choose composite toilets to minimize water wastage.

Cons of Living in a Tiny House

So far, everything sounded great, didn’t it? But sadly, there are certain downsides to owning and living in a tiny house. Here are some negative aspects you should know about before going tiny house crazy:

Limited Space

Tiny houses don’t have much space inside or outside—just small rooms with windows or doors (and maybe a loft). It’s not uncommon for people to add windows later on. But this isn’t necessarily the best option since it will cost more than buying pre-made materials and then adding onto them later.

Moreover, tiny houses aren’t practical for larger families or couples who want their own space. If you live in a city where there aren’t many places to park a tiny house legally, it can be challenging to find parking spots close enough to walk or bike home every day.

And even if you find somewhere safe and legal, you may still need to carry everything inside because there’s no room inside your house for anything else!

Living Cost May Be High

Tiny houses are expensive! You’ll have to pay for the materials used to build it, and even if you can find these things locally, shipping costs could consume a big chunk of your savings. You might consider building your own instead if it’s possible, but that can be very time-consuming.

Lack of Privacy

It’s hard to have private conversations when there are no walls around you! One solution is to have one open room so that everyone can hear what’s being said around.

Harsh Weather Can Be Extra Challenging

Tiny houses can be a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and save money on utilities, but on the downside, they don’t allow for much storage space and aren’t easy to heat in the wintertime. They also aren’t easy to insulate and won’t protect you from serious weather emergencies like hurricanes.

Key Takeaway

Tiny houses are enjoying a moment in the spotlight, and they’re not just for hippie-types anymore. They’re being built by people who want to live more lightly and focus on their passions—and they’re getting more popular every day.

While you might think that renting an apartment is cheaper than buying or building a house, studies show that it’s not true for many people—with all the costs associated with homeownership, e.g., utility bills, maintenance, plumbing, and heating systems.

HOW TO BE ORGANIZED WHEN YOU LIVE IN A SMALL HOME

Julie | August 18, 2022August 23, 2022

By this stage in your life, you would have thought that you would be living in a mansion. But 3 kids later you and your husband may still be living in your first home. We understand that at this time the house would have started to get claustrophobic.

That is because kids tend to take up a considerable amount of space. But this reason alone should not be enough for you to give up and move. That is because there are numerous ways to thrive in a small home. All you have to do is look for these ways.

De-clutter Regularly

You may have looked at a hdb hub showflat before you purchased your home. But when you did you would not have seen this space looking so small. One of the main reasons for this would be the fact that this show flat would not have been cluttered. We know that every home tends to accumulate various items over the years. But you should not let this happen. The only way to stop this would be by de-cluttering on a regular basis. This can be at least once a month or once in a couple of months. Then you can assess every corner of your house and throw out the items that you need. This includes everything from the clothes you have to the food you purchased. If you have no plans of wearing something then it should be donated. We understand that you purchase various grocery items and end up forgetting about them. Well, in that case, a regular de-cluttering session would be crucial for you.

Separate Rooms Into Zones

If you are living in a small home you would obviously not have many rooms. But that does not mean you can recreate these rooms in some way. One of the best ways to do this is by separating rooms into zones. For instance, if you take the living room we know that you ideally have the television in here. But why don’t you also create a play area for your children? We know that you won’t have a separate room to convert to this purpose. Thus, that is why zones would become extremely useful to you. Furthermore, the best part is that this way you can all spend time together. We know that you would be engaged in different activities. But you would at least still be in the same room.

You should never think badly about living in a small home. Instead what you should try to do is make this space homey and cosy.

ENERGY SAVING MORE THAN JUST A BUZZ WORD

Julie | August 10, 2022August 23, 2022

Every third product you see on the shelf has got a little leaf or lightbulb or sunshine symbol claiming that it’s ‘green’, that it will save you money on your energy bill, that it’s good for the environment. So how do we sift through the items that truly are using the phrase only to sell themselves, the items for which the only true ‘green’ aspect is the color of the packaging, and reach the items that truly are beneficial for the environment, that truly will save you money each month, that you really can feel good about buying?

The thing to understand is that no product is a magical fix. There are pros and cons to everything, and it is up to you to decide whether that product is right (and SAFE) for you, for your lifestyle, and for your family.

CFLs (Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs)

You may have seen us mention CFLs in past energy-saving posts. So what is all the hullabaloo about? Are they really the key to saving money on your energy bill and thus helping the environment? The truth is a bit more complicated than that. CFLs can last a great deal longer than incandescent bulbs (thus reducing waste), but this assumes that the lightbulb will be turned on once and left on for most of the day. CFLs take longer and use more energy to start up than regular incandescents, so if you continuously turn them off and on throughout the day (often the case in different rooms of our homes), then CFLs are not any more energy-efficient (perhaps even less) than an incandescent lightbulb. They may be a better option for an office or other place where the lights will only be turned on once throughout the day.

CFLs are not compatible with ordinary dimmers. A dimmer is a nice energy-saving solution for evenings, mornings, and other times when you just need a little lighting. Use less light = use less energy! But in order to use a dimmer with CFLs you need to buy a special dimmer and special dimmer-rated CFLs. Taking into account the carbon footprint associated with transportation of all the separate components, it may be a better option to stick with incandescents until you can’t buy them anymore (2014).

The last issue with CFLs is the fact that they do contain mercury. You must take extra care when getting rid of used CFLs, and breaking one in your home is an entirely different can of worms. There are recycling centers available, but again the issue of an extended carbon footprint due to separate transportation may outweigh the energy saved by the lightbulb.

This isn’t to say that compact fluorescent lightbulbs have no positive attributes- many homeowners see a yearly energy savings of over $100-$200 simply from switching to CFLs, but it is up to each individual to decide how often they turn off/on their lightbulbs, if they are willing to put in the effort to recycle them, and if they are comfortable with the mercury inside the bulb. Used correctly and safely and combined with other truly energy-saving practices, CFLs can help you save quite a bit of energy and money each year.

Energy Star Products

In the past, and particularly associated with food service industry products, there have been issues with fraudulent Energy Star ratings. However, a product with a false Energy Star rating is still a functioning product, which somewhat sets it apart from the previous category (CFLs) in that the difference between products is not potentially dangerous, just potentially less energy-saving. Since numerous studies have come out pinpointing the potential for fraud and abuse, Energy Star has made efforts to improve its approval system, introducing a third-party-approval requirement to reduce the number of fraudulent certifications.

Because Energy Star is a government-backed program, there are government incentives for purchasing Energy Star appliances. It is still essentially a win-win for the consumer when you remember that no product is a perfect, magical, 100% clean product that uses zero energy and costs next to nothing. What you end up with is a product that has gone through a screening process and as likely as not is going to save energy, and with possible monetary incentives to boot.

“May or may not” is not ideal, but until a better method is adopted, Energy Star is better than nothing.

Solar Power

The good news about solar power is that it IS effective and not dangerous if you have a professional install it and you use it correctly. The issues that come into play are the efficiency of the panels (some currently only harness as little as 40% of sunlight, but technology is getting better all the time!), the upfront costs, and the fact that not every home can use solar power efficiently. Maybe you flipped for the home nestled in a grove of oak trees, but now that luscious shade makes it impossible for you to use solar power. The roofs of some homes do not point in the right direction (true South is best) or they are not new enough to install a complex system atop.

Provided you shell out the cash for a top-of-the-line solar system to power your home, you could be harnessing as much as 80% of sunlight. With such a situation, the return on investment is swift and apparent. Even those who can’t afford the most technologically advances systems will see instant savings on their bill. Solar panels pay for themselves over time. Provided your home is positioned correctly, your roof is new enough, and you are not directly in the shade, solar power is one of the best options currently available for saving energy, saving money, and helping the environment through the use of clean, renewable energy. Just make sure to keep your solar panels clean!

If your home doesn’t meet those standards, the best you can really do is wait.

The lesson to take away is to do your research before making any changes in the name of saving energy. Certain companies and organizations may try to guilt you into purchasing their products, but if they are unsafe or not truly energy-efficient then you have been duped and potentially put in danger. No product is magical- they’ve all got positive and negative attributes, and it is your responsibility (and your right!) to choose what is right for you. Good luck

STRAWBERRY CULTIVARS

Julie | July 29, 2022August 23, 2022

Strawberries have been around for thousands of years. Two ancient species of strawberries are still know to exist. The woodland strawberry(Fragaria vesca) which is characterized by small, aromatic berries and the alpine strawberries(Fragaria montana fraga) with it small very tasty yellow or red berries. Alpine strawberries are a day neutral strawberry that can be grown in full sun or partial shade. They are also long lived and will continue to produce fruit all summer if well watered.

The modern strawberry(Fragaria x ananassa) is a cross between the Virginia starwberry(Fragaria virginiana) and the Chilean strawberry(Fragaria chiloensis). The modern strawberry has large, sweet berries. The choose of the cultivar will depend upon several factors including climate, flavor, firminess, disease resistance, and ripening times. Climate is very important because productivity, frost tolerance, and ripening times varied from cultivar to cultivar depending upon the climatic conditions. Strawberries vary in taste from tart to very sweet. While a tart strawberry may be fine in pies or jams it will not be as tasty if fresh eaten. Firminess besides affecting how the strawberry is used, also affects how long the strawberry will last or if it can be shipped to distance markets.

Disease tolerance varies from cultivar to cultivar and a choice of a cultivar will depend upon if that disease is a problem in your area. Ripening times affect when the fruit will be available for picking. This will vary from cultivar to cultivar and also whether the strawberries are June bearers, Day neutral bearers, or Everbearers. The June bearers will produce one large crop in the summer. Day neutral strawberries will produce strawberries throughout the summer months though they normally have a large crop in the spring.

Production is lower during the hottest months of the summer with a somewhat larger crop in the fall. Everbearers produce two crops, one in June and another in the fall. In determing what varieties to grow, it is a good idea to check with your local extension office or mursery. Below is a list of some cultivars based upon what region they will grow in. Cardinal-June Bearer-large firm average tasting strawberry-Midseason-Susceptible to red stele and verticillium wilt but resistant to leaf spot and leaf scorch.

Sequoia-June Bearer-Very large soft very sweet berry-Early season-Susceptible to both red stele and verticillium wilt but resistant to viruses. Oso Grande-June Bearer-Very large firm berry with a good taste-Early midseason- suseptible to red stele and verticillium wilt but virus tolerant. Dover-June Bearer-large medium firm berry with a good taste-early season-susceptible to red stele but resistant to leaf scorch and verticillium wilt.

Allstar-June Bearer-large firm not very tasty berry-late midseason berry- resistant to leaf scorch and red stele. Atlas-June Bearer-Very large firm berry with a good taste-Early season-susceptible to red stele, intermediate resistant to verticillium wilt, resistant to leaf spot, and very resistant to leaf scorch.

Redchief-June bearer-large firm sweet berry-early midseason-intermediate resistant to verticillium wilt and resistant to leaf spot, leaf scorch, and red stele. Surecrop-June Bearer-large firm sweet berry-early midseason-resistant to very resistant for most diseases.

Fern-Day neutral-large firm sweet berry- suseptible to red stele with intermediate resistance to verticillium wilt. Tribute-Day neutral-medium to large size firm somewhat tart berry-resistant to red stele and verticillium wilt.

Tristar-Day neutral-small to medium sized firm berry with an excellent sweet flavor-resistant to red stele an verticllium wilt. Badgerbelle-June Bearer-large soft fair tasting strawberry-late season-Susceptible to red stele and leaf scorch but resistant to leaf spot.

Guardian-June Bearer-medium sized medium firm good tasting berry-midseason-resistant to very resistant for most diseases. Honoeye-June Bearer-large firm good tasting berry-Early midseason-Susceptible to red stele but resistant to leaf scorch, leaf spot, and verticillim wilt. Midway-June bearer-large firm good tasting berry.-Late midseason-Very susceptible to leaf spot, susceptible to leaf scorch, intermediate resistance to verticillium wilt but resistance to red stele.

Redcoat-June Bearer-medium sized, medium firminess with only a fair taste-Early midseason-Susceptible to red stele and verticillium wilt but resistant to leaf spot. Sparkle-June Bearer-small soft berry with a very good taste-Late Midseason-Susceptible to to leaf spot, viruses, and verticillium wilt, intermediate resistance to leaf scorch and resistant to red stele.

Veestar-June bearer-medium sized soft berry with a very good taste-Early season- Susceptible to red stele and leaf scorch but resistant to verticllium wilt and leaf spot. Ozark Beauty-Ever bearer-large, medium firm berry with a sweet taste-Susceptible to red stele and verticillium wilt.

Quinault-Ever Bearer-Large medium firm sweet berry-Intermediate resistance to verticillium wilt and resistant to red stele. Lester-June Bearer-medium large firm good tasting berry-Early midaseason-Susceptible to verticllium wilt but resistant to red stele and scorch. Lateglow-June Bearer-large mediumly firm good tasting berry-late season-tolerant to leaf spot and leaf scorch and resistant to red stele and verticillium wilt.

Totem-June Bearer-Large firm good tsting berry-late season-Intermediate resistance to leaf scorch, resistant to leaf spot, red stele, verticillium wilt and tolerant to viruses. Benton-June Bearer-Large soft very good tasting berry-late season-resistant to red stele and tolerant to viruses.

Hood-June Bearer-large medium firm very good tasting berry-Early midseason-Resistant to most diseases. Shuksan-June Bearer-Large firm sweet berry- Midseason-Intermediate resistant to viruses and resitant to red stele and verticillium wilt.

Rainer-June Bearer-large mediumly firm berry with a very good taste-Late midseason- resistant to red stele and verticllium wilt and tolerant of viruses. Tillikum-Day Neutral-small to medium sized firm berry with a slightly tart taste- Susceptible to verticllium wilt and intermediate tolerant to red stele.

Pajaro-June Bearer-large very firm berry with a good taste-midseason-Susceptible to red stele and verticllium wilt, resistant to leaf scorch and tolerant of viruses.

SLEEP TO IMPROVE YOUR GAME

Julie | July 22, 2022August 23, 2022

Most of us have given up on childhood aspirations to become the next legendary quarterback or star point guard for our favorite team. You may, however, have children of your own still in pursuit of such dreams. Or maybe you are an avid runner, biker, or other sportsman looking to improve your skills. A study completed last year by Stanford’s Sleep Disorders Clinic and Research Laboratory shows that sleep can give added advantage to an athlete’s performance.

The study focused on elite basketball players who were able to improve their on-court performance by extending their usual sleep time. The study completed by Cheri Mah and her colleagues suggest that “athletes may be able to optimize training and competition outcomes by identifying strategies to maximize the benefits of sleep.”

We all know the negative effects that come with a lack of a good night sleep. The dragging feeling, inability to focus, and lack of healing rest can hinder anyone’s ability to function at full capacity. This is especially true in the case of an athlete who has added stress of competition and physical exertion to cope with. It’s easy to see that sleep is definitely important to an athlete’s capability on the field, court, etc. This study, however, takes it a step further to say that an optimized sleep regimen combined with typical physical training and diet can actually make you play better.

“Intuitively many players and coaches know that rest and sleep are important, but it is often the first to be sacrificed,” Mah states in her article in the July 2011 issue of SLEEP. “Healthy and adequate sleep hasn’t had the same focus as other areas of training for peak performance.”

Researchers used the men’s basketball team to study preliminary findings that extended sleep improved performance with members of the swim team. Basketball players were asked to sleep a normal six to nine hour night for the first two to four weeks. Then the players were asked to sleep 10 hours every night for five to seven weeks.

By the end of the sleep extension phase of the study, players ran faster 282-foot sprints (16.2 seconds versus 15.5 seconds). Shooting accuracy during practice improved: Free throw and 3-point accuracy increased by 9 percent. Fatigue levels decreased following sleep extension, and athletes reported improved practices and games. Mah stated that one of the surprising facts found in the study was that most players kept a sleep debt from persistent sleep-loss. Questionnaires given to the athletes pointed to the athlete’s high-levels of daytime sleepiness resulting from such sleep debt. In the end, players admitted that a focus on sleep as a part of training was helpful to their performance on the court.

Mah suggests that optimized sleep is an “unrecognized, but likely critical factor in reaching peak performance.” The findings may also be applicable to recreational athletes and those at the high school, college, or higher levels. Of course, this study points to the benefits of long term sleep optimization. Sleeping late on Game Day, alone, will likely have no positive effects on performance.

So maybe you are thinking twice about letting your teenage athlete sleep in on occasion. We suggest going to bed early to get a head start on the next day. However you choose to improve your sleep, make up for your sleep debt, and improve your or your child’s athletic performance, make sure you start with a great mattress. Ten hours of sleep on an old, lumpy mattress isn’t going to improve your game anymore than ten hours of hard-core training. At Mattress Overstocked we know that great sleep starts with a great mattress. Browse through our collection on the website or come into the store find the best mattress to improve your game on the field, at work, and at life in general.

SOIL TEXTURE

Julie | July 10, 2022August 23, 2022

Soil Texture is the relative proportions of sand, silt, and clay in a soil. Organic Matter and particles greater in size than 2 mm are not include in the definition even though can effect the soil properties, greatly.

Sand are the particles which range in size from 2.0 mm to 0.05 mm in size. The sand size particles are often quartz. Quartz is relatively resistant to weathering. Minerals such as feldspar and micas may also be present in this size classification. Quartz is relatively inert while the other minerals contain nutrients which are essential for plant growth. The net effect is that sandy soils due to the significant amounts of quartz are well drained but also do not retain water or nutrients, very well.

Silt size particles range in size from 0.05 mm to .002 mm. Minerals such as feldspar and micas dominate this fraction. The greater surface area, the greater nutrient content of the minerals, and rapid rate these minerals decompose make silty soils more fertile and better able to hold water than sandy soils.

Clay are those particles with a size below .002 mm in diameter. The clay fraction due to greater surface area is better able to hold nutrients and water. Micas and Feldspars are also present in this size fraction but chemical weathering also leads to the formation of secondary minerals such as illite, kaolinite, smectites, and vermiculite. The secondary minerals are also characterized by having a negative charge due to dissociation of the hydroxyl groups on the clay surface or isomorphic substitution within the clay mineral. This enables the clay fraction to adsorb nutrients which are in the form of a cation such as Calcium, Iron, and Magnesium.

Clay soils have a tendency to hold water and nutrients well but drain poorly. The soil textural triangle at the top page divides soils into different classes. The names of the soil textural classes are based upon which fraction of the soil dominates the soil properties. A loam soil is a soil in which all of the particles contribute equally to the soil properties. It does not mean that an equal percentage of each size fraction is present. Clay due to it chemical and physical properties can have a large effect on how a soil acts even if it is present as a relatively low percentage compared to the sand fraction.

Different plants do better on different type of soil textures, watermelons and red pines grow well in sandy loam soil while corn does best in a loam types soil. Maples and beech are often found growing on loams and clay loams.

If a soil has a large fraction of particles larger than 2mm size even if clay may dominate the soil size fractions it’s physical properties will be different than a soil composed completely clay. The addition of organic matter to a soil will also affect the properties of a specific soil texture.

Organic matter will increase the ability of a sandy soil to hold nutrients and water due to the organic matter’s high exchange capacity. Addition of organic matter to a clay soil will improve the drainage capability of the soil because it helps bind the clay minerals together to form a larger structural unit.

BEST SLEEP POSITIONS BODY

Julie | July 9, 2022August 23, 2022

If you aren’t sleeping well, your sleeping position might be to blame. You may be a devoted side, back, or stomach sleeper, utilizing the wrong mattress, or failing to support your body with pillows which may trigger a little unneeded tossing and turning. Here are some practical pointers to help you making every position simple on your body, so that you can sleep comfortably each night.

For Back Sleepers

Research has revealed that sleeping on your back can help to lower facial wrinkles; back sleeping can trigger issues with sleep apnea and even back discomfort. Unless your mattress is encouraging enough to prop up your spinal column, sleeping flat on your back might trigger your muscles to strain throughout the night, triggering tightness or discomfort.

To decrease backpressure, ensure that your mattress is comfy and helpful. If you observe that your mattress has pressure divots or unsupportive springs, check out a mattress store, such as Best Mattress, to see about buying a new variation. More recent mattresses with memory foam innovation provide a soft, flexible surface while underlying layers of encouraging foam supply the support you have to keep your back healthy and strong.

If your mattress remains in good shape, but you experience pain during the night, you need to also attempt propping up your knees with a sleeping wedge or a couple of pillows while you sleep. Sleeping wedges are developed to fit easily below your knees, and they generally include a detachable cover that you can clean when you have to. If you use pillows to support your legs, ensure to select ranges that are firm enough that they will not slowly deflate overnight. Down pillows work well, because the product compresses, but will not flatten totally. If your mattress isn’t in good shape, check out Sleep Junkie’s article about finding a great mattress for your needs.

For Side Sleepers

The majority of chiropractic doctors and family practitioner advises side sleeping because it enables the body to extend easily throughout the night. Because side sleeping motivates circulation as well as takes pressure off the back for individuals with bigger mid-sections, side sleeping is normally recommended to pregnant women or individuals who deal with back injuries.

If you sleep on your side, place a pillow in between your knees to keep your back comfy. Without the pillow, the weight of your upper leg can strain your back and trigger discomfort the next day. Because sleeping on the exact same side night after night can really put pressure on your organs, attempt to alternate sides. Never ever place your arm straight under your pillow, because it can limit blood circulation and result in nerve damage.

Use a pillow that is encouraging enough to keep your head and spinal column in a straight line, and do not hesitate to switch sides of the bed so that you alternate your sleeping side.

Stomach Sleepers

Because stomach sleepers face down sleep, they have the tendency to have fewer issues with sleep apnea, which can happen when the tongue falls in reverse into the throat. Stomach sleeping can be difficult on your back and neck, which is why you require making sure to use the ideal pillow.

Always use an exceptionally soft, flat pillow if you sleep on your stomach. Utilizing pillows that are too perky might trigger your neck to stick out upwards as you sleep, which can strain your back. If you experience lower pain in the back when you sleep on your stomach, attempt putting a pillow below your hips to prop up the area.

EXTRA HELP TO KEEP YOU GREEN

Julie | June 25, 2022August 23, 2022

There are a number of federal and state based incentives in place to assist you in taking steps towards energy efficiency and play your part in hitting our target together:

Solar power

The Federal Government offers rebates of up to $8000 for households, schools and community organisations that use their own solar power to generate electricity (photovoltaic panels) through the photovoltaic rebate program (PVRP).

Full details are available from the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts website or by phoning 1800 808 571.

You might also qualify for money back from the Federal Government Mandatory Renewable Energy Target (MRET) scheme by selling Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs). The number of RECs you can sell will depend on the size and efficiency of the system you install. Visit the Office of the Renewable Energy Regulator (ORER) for details of how the scheme works or phone (02) 6274 2192.

Solar hot water

The Federal Government offers rebates up to $1600 for eligible households who upgrade to a solar or heat pump hot water system.

Visit the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts website for full eligibility details and application forms or phone 1800 808 571.

You might also qualify for money back from the Federal Government MRET scheme by selling RECS. Visit the Office of the Renewable Energy Regulator (ORER) for details of how the scheme works or phone (02) 6274 2192.

Insulation

The Federal Government offers rebates of $1000 for landlords with tenants to install insulation in their rental properties.

Visit the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts website for full eligibility details and application forms or phone 1800 808 571.

All states are eligible for the Federal Government rebates and may also qualify for the Renewable Energy Credits program (detailed above). Some states have additional energy rebates.

New South Wales

Hot water system rebates of up to $300 for gas hot water systems 5 star or higher and up to $1200 for solar and heat pump systems. It is possible that applicants may be eligible for rebates under both the Federal and the State Government schemes.

Ceiling insulation rebates of up to $300 are available.

Victoria

Solar hot water rebates of up to $1500 are available for systems that are not covered by the Federal Government scheme.

Gas hot water systems of up to $700 are available for households that currently use a peak (day-rate) electric water heater or a water heater fuelled by wood. The rebate is also available on instantaneous and storage gas water heaters that have a 5 star rating (4 star internal systems only).

Ceiling insulation rebates of up to $500 are available.

Renewable Remote Power Generation Program (RRPGP) provides rebates for households, communities, not-for-profit, business, government and other organisations in off the grid areas to support the installation of renewable generation systems. This program is administered by Sustainability Victoria , phone 1300 137 880.

South Australia

The Renewable Remote Power Generation Program (RRPGP) provides rebates for households, communities, not-for-profit, business, government and other organisations in off the grid areas to support the installation of renewable generation systems.

Solar hot water rebates are provided by the SA Government: $700 for a new two-panel system; $500 for a new one-panel system; $700 for a heat pump system; $500 for any solar retro-fit or pre-heating system.

Applicants may be eligible for rebates under both the Federal and the State Government schemes.

Solar Feed-In Scheme is a tariff to pay householders and other small electricity consumers 44 cent per kilowatt hour (kWh) of electricity fed into the electricity grid.

Tasmania

The Renewable Remote Power Generation Program (RRPGP) provides financial support for the installation of renewable energy generation systems in areas of Tasmania that otherwise rely solely on fossil fuel for electricity supply.

Western Australia

The Remote Area Power Supply (RAPS) Program provides rebates for the installation of renewable energy power systems used instead of fossil fuel generation in off-grid areas (anything that is not connected to the south west network or the Pilbara region) of WA.

The Rural Renewable Energy Program provides rebates for grid-connect renewable energy power systems in specific ‘fringe of grid’ areas of the South West electricity grid.

The Renewable Remote Power Generation Program (RRPGP) is available in WA and provides rebates for large scale renewable energy systems in off-grid areas.

A Solar Water Heater Subsidy is available: $500 for natural gas-boosted solar water heaters and $700 for bottled LP gas-boosted solar water heaters used in areas without reticulated gas. The Sustainability Energy Development Office (SEDO) also has a directory of eligible solar water heater suppliers.

The Regional Energy Efficiency Program provides energy reduction rebates for households, businesses and other organisations in ‘off-grid’ areas. The program provides free light globes to households and rebates for ceiling insulation and energy efficient (high energy star rating) models of air conditioners, fridges, freezers and controllers. Energy audits are also available to some businesses and organisations.

Queensland

The Renewable Remote Power Generation Program provides rebates for households, communities, not-for-profit, business, government and other organisations that install renewable energy systems in ‘off-grid’ areas, phone 1300 369 388.

Solar Bonus Scheme is a tariff to pay domestic and small energy customers for the surplus electricity generated from solar systems that is fed back into the electricity grid. Customers signed-up to the scheme will be paid 44 cents per kilowatt hour (kWh) of electricity fed into the grid

Northern Territory

The Renewable Remote Power Generation Program provides rebates for households, communities, not-for-profit, business, government and other organizations that install renewable energy systems in ‘off-grid’ areas, phone (08) 8999 5194.

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