Step 1: Understand Your Puppy’s Needs

Before diving into potty training, it’s crucial to understand the physiological needs of your Labrador Retriever puppy. Puppies have small bladders and may need to eliminate frequently, especially after eating, drinking, playing, waking up, and before bedtime. Knowing these patterns will help you establish a consistent potty training routine.

Step 2: Designate a Bathroom Area

Choose a specific bathroom area outdoors where you want your puppy to go potty. This area should be easily accessible and away from high-traffic areas. Consistency is key, so always take your puppy to the same spot to eliminate.

Step 3: Establish a Routine

Set a regular schedule for bathroom breaks. Take your puppy to the designated bathroom area:

• Upon waking up in the morning and after naps.
• After meals and drinking water.
• After playing and exercising.
• Before bedtime.

Consistency is crucial in reinforcing good potty habits.

Step 4: Supervise and Guide

Keep a close eye on your puppy, especially during times when they are likely to need to go potty. Watch for signs such as sniffing, circling, or whining, which indicate they may need to eliminate. When you notice these signs, immediately take your puppy to the designated bathroom area.

Step 5: Reward Positive Behavior

When your puppy successfully eliminates in the designated area, praise and reward them immediately. Use verbal praise, treats, or affection to reinforce the desired behavior. Positive reinforcement will help your puppy associate going potty in the right place with rewards.

Step 6: Prevent Accidents

Despite your best efforts, accidents may happen. If your puppy has an accident indoors, avoid punishment, as it can lead to fear and confusion. Instead, clean up the mess thoroughly and neutralize any odors to prevent future accidents in the same spot.

Step 7: Use Training Pads or Attractants

Training pads can be useful, especially during the early stages of potty training or in situations where your puppy can’t go outside immediately. Place training pads in the designated bathroom area to encourage your puppy to use them. You can also use attractant sprays designed to encourage elimination in specific areas.

Step 8: Be Patient and Consistent

Potty training takes time and patience. Be consistent with your training efforts and remain patient, especially during setbacks. With time and repetition, your Labrador Retriever puppy will learn to associate the designated bathroom area with elimination.

Step 9: Avoid Punishment

Avoid scolding or punishing your puppy for accidents. Punishment can create fear and anxiety, making it more challenging to train your puppy effectively. Instead, focus on positive reinforcement and redirecting your puppy to the designated bathroom area.

Step 10: Seek Professional Help if Needed

If you’re struggling with potty training or your puppy isn’t making progress, consider seeking guidance from a professional dog trainer or veterinarian. They can provide personalized advice and strategies to address any issues you may encounter.

By following these steps and staying consistent with your training efforts, you can successfully potty train your Labrador Retriever puppy and foster a clean and hygienic living environment for both you and your pet. Remember, patience and positive reinforcement are key to successful potty training.

Without a doubt, almost 99.9% of the population hates cockroaches apart from the exotic pet owners who need them as food for their chameleons and geckos. And the last place you ever want to see them is inside your house because it could potentially mean there’s more hiding right underneath your nose, and you might have an infestation on your hand. So, to help alleviate this shared issue we have on pests, today, we’ll be learning how you can instantly get rid of cockroaches.

Tip #1 – Monitor And Maintain Every Corner

Before anything else, we always go back to our roots and cover all of our tracks through monitoring and maintaining every corner of the house with a deep clean. If there’s anything you can associate cockroaches with then, it’s an unkempt house with the mess lying around everywhere, and deep cleaning your home will point you right in the direction of where all these little pests are holding up and multiplying.

• Make The House Spotless: While we like to assume that we’ve made the home spotless, the naked eye can be very deceiving, and we are all subject to some lazy episodes where we leave some spots untouched because it would take a lot of effort. However, if you want to get to the bottom of this cockroach issue and get rid of them as soon as possible, then you’ll need to dedicate time and energy to clean every nook and cranny they could be hiding inside.
  
• Get Rid Of Any Damp Areas: Cockroaches love staying around damp areas, and if you’ve noticed one thing about them, it’s that you’ll always track their steps back to a very wet part of the home like a bathroom that’s been left uncleaned or maybe someplace in the basement. As such, it is necessary that you clean and straighten things out to prevent any more from barging into your home and calling it theirs.
  
• Throw Out Food That’s Gone Bad: We all love having a full pantry and a fridge stocked well enough for two to three weeks, but when we overlook food that’s gone bad, this can definitely attract more cockroaches. So, to keep you on the roach-free side of the world, we strongly recommend cleaning out your kitchen and throwing away all the food that’s gone bad.

Tip #2 – Create Anti-Roach Home Remedies

Once you’ve dabbled in your fair share of deep cleaning your home, your next order of business is to create anti-roach home remedies that will keep them from coming back and potentially kick them out of the house. Lucky for us, a lot of readily available home products work wonders against these little pests, which means you won’t have any trouble making them. Plus, on the off-chance that you don’t have these ingredients, one quick stop to the grocery store is no big problem either.

• Use Bay Leaves: Apart from the tremendous benefits of bay leaves as medical treatment or ingredient in your recipes, it’s also an excellent cockroach repellent that will keep them away. Cockroaches hate the smell of essential oils, and crushed bay leaves are no exception, so a couple of them lying around critical areas of your home will keep them roach-free. However, don’t grow too dependent on them because they are only as powerful when you keep the place clean and spotless.
  
• Spray Some Vinegar With Peppermint Oil: Another excellent anti-roach remedy is mixing two parts white vinegar with one part peppermint oil in a bottle and spray generous amounts in trouble areas. The vinegar and peppermint oil mixture will work as an effective cleaning agent while holding essential oil properties that cockroaches find very annoying. So, you end up hitting two birds with one stone because you’re making it clean and ensuring that the cockroaches don’t come back.

Tip #3 – Set DIY Anti-Roach Traps

Although anti-roach remedies can work wonders for your home, we also recommend setting up DIY anti-roach traps if you’re dealing with a special case where you’re not too sure of a growing infestation vs. an existing infestation. Cockroach traps are especially effective against multiple roaches in a room because they’ll just fall right into your hands and won’t have any means of escape. As a result, you can quickly dispose of them in any way you deem appropriate.

• A Duct Tape Trap: Setting up a duct tape trap is pretty simple, and, as the name suggests, all you need is a strip of duct tape and some fatty or sugary food to use as cockroach bait. First, cut the strip of duct tape you’ll use and fold it an inch inward on both sides to make it easy to pick up and throw away. Next, you’ll place the cockroach bait dead-center and wait overnight to check the results. Roaches will be attracted to the food you leave out, but they’ll get stuck onto the duct tape before they get any chance of escape.
  
• A Jar And Petroleum Jelly: Another excellent anti-roach trap is using a jar and some petroleum jelly. Put your cockroach bait inside the jar, leaving the lid open, and smother the inside with petroleum jelly, especially in the mouth area, to make it extra slidey and impossible to grip. When you leave this out overnight, cockroaches will be attracted to the food and will fall right into the jar, and because the walls of the jar are smothered with petroleum jelly, they won’t be able to escape.

Tip #4 – Get Professional Help

Last but not least, if you think you have something much more serious on your hands that simple DIY traps, home remedies, and a good clean won’t be able to solve, then we strongly recommend getting professional help. There’s only so much you can achieve on your own if you’re dealing with a serious roach infestation, and you might have a lot more going on behind the walls that you won’t typically have the tools to reach. So, make the smarter decision of getting professional help and have pest control survey your home thoroughly.

Of Course, Store-Bought Products Also Work

If you want to go the more accessible route to getting rid of all the cockroaches, then the typical insecticide and roach traps that you can buy off the shelves also work just fine. They’re very easy to use and can guarantee a level of success given that they are tested. However, some cockroaches don’t exhibit any negative effects from certain insecticides and end up passing that gene on as you do away with those affected. So, don’t think that you can replace cleaning with a spray of here and there. You still need to abide by the due diligence of keeping your home spotless and in clean conditions.

Prevention Is Always Better Than Cure

Overall, there are many ways to get rid of and instantly kill cockroaches; however, prevention is always better than cure, and we recommend solving the problem before it becomes a bigger issue. Make it a habit to give your home a deep cleaning at least once or twice a month and double-check places that are prone to becoming damp or homes for these little pests. Apart from that, be sure to apply the tips above to keep them away for good.

However, while most people think of dogs and cats when they think about pets, we shouldn’t forget the tiny furballs of fun and happiness like the cute gerbils and hamsters we see every time we pass by the animal shelter and adoption center. These small furballs are some of the most loving and cutest animals you’ll see, and they’re a favorite among a lot of people who can’t afford to have larger pets running around the house. So, today we’ll be comparing gerbils vs. hamsters and seeing which pet fits you best.

Remember, Both Are Equally Great Pets!

Likewise, before we move forward and start comparing the two, we want to emphasize that both gerbils and hamsters are great pets in their own right. So, while reading through this short guide, always keep in mind that whichever one you’re going to adopt, it’s your pet. Therefore, the final say still falls under your jurisdiction, so always consider your own situation and what type of fun and love you would want from a pet.

#1 Understanding Their Sociability

Typically, you would think that since both gerbils and hamsters share the same small stature and just some distinct features, they would reciprocate the same level of temperament and sociability. However, both of these small furballs are actually in stark contrast when it comes to socializing and having other furballs around them. In comparison, the hamsters are like the introverts that prefer the solitary life, and gerbils are the extroverts of the bunch that thrives when they’re around others.

• Hamsters Prefer The Solitary Life: Believe it or not, when thinking about adopting a hamster, your best bet would always be to stick with just one and get to know them because they don’t bode too well with others. In fact, it can get so bad to the point that they might even fight each other to the death just to mark their territory inside the cage. So, to save you from all the trouble, keep in mind that hamsters prefer being alone in their natural habitat.
  
• Gerbils Prefer The Sociable Life: Unlike hamsters, gerbils prefer a very sociable life. In fact, if you’re going to adopt a gerbil, it’s recommended that you adopt them in pairs or groups because they will be too stressed out when left alone in solitary. To care for your gerbil means to have more than one, so be aware that you’re going to take care of more than one of these furballs as opposed to the hamster family.

#2 Knowing Their Sleeping Patterns

Although we’d like to think that our pets just sync up with our everyday routine, even gerbils and hamsters have specific sleeping patterns that they naturally follow. And, if you want to have the opportunity to play with them and care for them, it’s always good to note when they’re more likely to be active and less likely to be irritated by your actions. On the one hand, hamsters are very nocturnal, and it’s best that you feed and play with them during the early morning or late at night. Meanwhile, gerbils love activity and are more inclined to matching up with your schedule of sleeping and waking up.

• Hamsters Are Nocturnal: Hamsters prefer the nighttime, and they are naturally nocturnal animals that are most active during the night. In fact, if you get the opportunity to set up a camera, you might be surprised as to how much stuff your hamster does and gets done overnight. However, if you’re the type of person that loves to coddle their pets and check up on them all throughout the day, a hamster might find it very annoying because you’re getting in the way of their sleep.
  
• Gerbils Always Love Activity: On the other hand, gerbils always love activity and are almost always ready for a fun time, regardless of what time you decide to prod and wake them up. It’s also preferred that you place their cage where most activity happens around the house because they love feeling that energy and vibe. In fact, they read the energy and reciprocate the same level back to their owners. Just remember that because they prefer doing a lot of stuff, they’re not the best pets for people who are always busy.

#3 Careful About Nipping & Biting

You’ve probably heard about stores of hamsters and gerbils nipping and biting their owners, and while they hardly ever do any serious harm, it’s also important to understand that these episodes can happen if you aren’t careful. In this case, both hamsters and gerbils are guilty of biting their owners. The only difference between them is how you avoid the situation from happening to you.

• Hamsters Don’t Like Feeling Threatened: Hamsters are very timid creatures, and because we’re naturally bigger than them, they can feel threatened if they haven’t adjusted quite well to their new home yet. And, if you push your luck too far, you run the risk of getting bitten and them running away to their recently new burrow. So, ease them into things and don’t be too forceful with them because they’ll open up over time. Soon enough, you can take them out of the cage and have them sleep on your tummy!
  
• Train Gerbils At A Young Age: In comparison, gerbils almost always won’t ever bite their owners if you manage to train them and get them used to human touch at a very young age. This is usually between the 2-week to 1-month period, and when they’ve acclimated their temperament to be open and friendly with people, you won’t have to worry about bites. However, gerbils are infamously known to nip and chew through everything, so be wary of all the new toys you put inside their cage.

Professional Tip: Smaller Pets And Children Don’t Mix Very Well

As a last tip, if you’re planning to get a gerbil or hamster for your kid, understand that if they’re pretty much toddlers, then they might not mix very well with smaller pets. Despite being smaller, these tiny furballs are a lot more responsibility-intensive to care for, so you’ll end up doing more of the leg work taking care of them. Unlike dogs and cats that you can monitor and train efficiently, gerbils and hamsters need a more careful approach. So, you be the judge if you think that your kid is responsible and capable enough to handle a smaller pet.

Finding The Perfect Pet

Pets are bundles of happiness that can bring so many smiles, laughter, and good memories to a household. Sure, they can’t talk with you or prepare food as a person can, but a lot of studies have shown that there are many health benefits to owning a pet, like decreased blood pressure, increased opportunities for socialization, and so many more. So, before you head down to the animal shelter and pick between a gerbil or a hamster, remember that all pets are perfect if given enough time, love, and attention. Show them the care that they deserve, and they’ll return the favor a hundredfold!

But, don’t let their cuteness fool you. They usually overstay their welcome when they get too comfortable. Before long, they’ll end up as pests especially if you aren’t careful. Worse, they may even carry diseases that can harm your pets.

In this article, we’ll discuss how you can drive raccoons away from your home as safely and as humanely as possible.

Why are Raccoons in Your Home?

In order to fully understand how to get rid of raccoons, we must first learn what brings them to your property in the first place.

1. Diet

Raccoons are certainly not picky when it comes to food. In fact, they’re omnivores, which means that they eat plants and other animals. Thus, human dwellings definitely give them a plethora of things to munch upon.

Whether you live in an urban or rural area, raccoons will be able to find something that fills their stomachs. In urban properties, trash cans are especially appealing to them, especially if it’s filled with food scraps.

In rural or agricultural settings, they’re more likely to forage for plants or fruits. They also go for mice, squirrels, beetles, frogs, and poultry eggs when they feel like getting that protein fix.

If raccoons can readily have their meals within your property, it’s definitely one of the reasons why they’ll keep on coming back.

2. Habitat

Raccoons aren’t picky with their habitats, either. In natural settings, they love taking shelter in brushy areas, rock crevices, or hollow trees.

In urban areas, you can find them in chimneys. They usually tear through a home’s shingles to stay in the attic. In any case, they’re more likely to set up shop in places near a water source.

Signs That a Raccoon is Visiting Your Property

If you suspect that raccoons are messing with stuff in your property, here are some clues to look for:

• Ransacked garbage bins: If you notice that your garbage bins are opened and the trash is tossed out very often, there’s a huge chance that a raccoon may have done it. Their front paws are very much capable of opening a wide variety of objects.
• Empty pet bowls and bird feeders: Raccoons love an unsupervised food source. If you regularly leave pet food or bird food outside, raccoons will inevitably be drawn to them.
• Entry hole and claw marks: As mentioned in the previous section, raccoons are likely to make a home in your attic if they find it accessible enough. If you think a raccoon is currently residing in your home, you’ll find holes and claw marks where they shouldn’t be.
• Partially eaten crops: Raccoons are more likely to eat certain kinds of crops. “Unfinished meals” can be a sign that a raccoon is in the area.

6 Tips for Making Your Home Raccoon-Proof

Because raccoons are well-adapted to both urban and rural life, they can be a pretty difficult pest to deal with. They’re also very persistent, which means that they don’t easily back off from any deterrents.

Fortunately, there are tried-and-tested ways to outwit them.

Listed below are 6 tips to keep the raccoons out of your home, all while ensuring that they remain safe:

1.  Keep Your Yard Clean

Raccoons love areas where it’s easy to hide their tracks. Hence, make sure that you regularly mow your lawn and prune any overgrown shrubs.

Seal Your Trash

As mentioned earlier, raccoons love scavenging for food in trash bins. One solution to this is to secure lids using cinder blocks or bungee cords.

Additionally, you can try to reduce food odors by using heavy-duty trash bags. If you have meat scraps, it can be helpful to use two plastic bags for them.

If you wish to repel other pests as well, it’s highly recommended to use rodent-repelling trash bags instead. Such products typically use eucalyptus oil, camphor oil, corn mint oil, and methyl salicylate to keep raccoons and other rodents away.

This kind of trash bag is best used for leftovers because it effectively masks food odors. Thankfully, the minty smell is terribly unappealing to raccoons, but at least it makes the trash less smelly to the human nose.

2.  Eliminate All Food Sources

You may have addressed the food sources in the garbage bin, but that’s not the only place where raccoons may find food. If you have fruits, vegetables, and pet food in your area, you should take care of those as well.

Make sure that you clean up all fallen fruits from your trees. You should also harvest your ripe produce in your vegetable garden as soon as possible. As for pet bowls and bird feeders, it’s recommended to bring them in when night comes.

Raccoons typically do their scavenging at night because they are mainly nocturnal. However, it’s also not uncommon to see them out and about during the day.

Thus, it’s better to just eliminate food sources at all times because you can’t exactly tell when they’ll strike.

3.  Use Scare Tactics

Scaring off raccoons can be accomplished in a number of ways. Motion-activated sprinklers and strobe lights generally do the trick.

You can easily adjust these devices’ settings to go off only when raccoons are the most active.

You may also want to invest in noisemakers to switch up your scare strategies. These devices emit pre-recorded predator noises and animal distress calls, making your property a no-go for raccoons.

Because raccoons can adapt pretty well, it’s recommended to use multiple scare tactics so they don’t get used to one method. It’s better to have a slight element of surprise so they can quickly learn that your place isn’t raccoon-friendly.

4.  Seal Off Your Property

Instead of dealing with raccoons after the fact, it’s definitely better to prevent them from getting their paws on your property in the first place.

Since raccoons have a keen sense of smell, make sure that you seal up holes in all parts of your house. This includes the foundation, the sidings, and the roof.

Raccoons are also very persistent creatures. With enough effort, they can keep on scratching small holes until it’s big enough for them to breach your home.

As for keeping your perimeter safe, it’s usually wise to invest in an electric fence. This can be especially helpful if raccoons aren’t the only pests you have to deal with.

If your home has a chimney, you’ll need a barrier screen, a chimney cap, or a spark arrester to ensure that the hole is inaccessible to raccoons.

Before you do this, however, it’s best to make sure that no raccoon family has already resided in your chimney. In the event that there’s indeed raccoons in your chimney, it’s best to seek the help of pest control professionals as they can get aggressive.

5.  Create a DIY Raccoon Repellent

DIY raccoon repellents aren’t meant to be used as standalone solutions for driving raccoons away. However, they can be very effective when you use it together with the other methods that we already discussed.

Listed below are some natural DIY repellents that you can use:

• Ammonia: The scent of ammonia-soaked cotton balls is strong enough to drive raccoons away, especially if you find out that they’ve resided in your attic.
  
  If you decide to use this method, be sure that you won’t be able to breathe it in if you place some in the attic. Keep your pets away from it as well.
• Hot peppers: Some humans may love the smell and taste of hot peppers, but raccoons certainly don’t. Make a hot pepper solution by soaking them in water and spraying them in raccoon-prone areas in your property.
• Spices: Raccoons find some spices repulsive, just like with hot peppers. Good spice solutions include cinnamon, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
• Pet fur and urine: Just like most animals in the wild, raccoons need to steer clear of certain predators. Raccoons typically fight with dogs and cats, so having pets at home can be a deterrent for them.

However, it’s best if you prevent any contact in the first place, as your pets may get hurt in the fight. But if raccoons can detect your pet’s fur and urine in your yard, they may think twice about lingering in your property.

6.  Contact Pest Control

Last but not the least, you can always call the professionals if all else fails. Although hiring pest control experts can be more expensive than the other methods listed here, at least you’re sure that you’ll be driving all of them away safely.

Keep the Raccoons Away in the Safest Way Possible

Raccoons can be one of the most annoying pests in your property, but you don’t have to let them be that way. Try out the strategies listed here consistently. Overtime, you’ll see that raccoons will go away on their own if you’ve polished your methods.

Do you have pets at home? Then you very well know how dogs and cats prefer to stand on hind legs, with their front paws landed on the sill to check out what’s going on outside. What about kids? You know that the door trims and baseboards get bumped every now and then. Thus, the trim and the baseboards are high-impact areas and for this reason, painting them is necessary. If you have no idea what to choose, then this post will help you get the best paint for trim and baseboards so your home won’t look outdated.

What Does Paint Trim Mean?

If you are confused by the term paint trim, it’s because a lot of paint manufacturers categorize paints into different types of paints like ceiling paints and trim paints. This practice is done in order for consumers like you would find it easier to identify which is the best paint for trim and baseboards.

Paints for trim fall under the category of interior paint. And, when it comes to interior paints, the choices are varied. They range from the glossy, semi-gloss, satin finish, egg finish, and stain finish. In the specification of the paint, it is indicated whether it is best used for trim, for baseboards, for doors, for walls, and for the ceiling.

Most of the time, trim paint is pre-tinted in bright white known as the base color. The base color can be tinted according to your specifications or preferred color.

What Should You Look For In The Best Paint For Trim And Baseboards?

The finishing product that is widely used for trim and baseboards is enamel. This is because the enamel has a protective property for wood and at the same time, it is decorative. For the interior of your home, you have the option to choose between colored enamel and transparent enamel.

If you choose the colored enamel, the benefit is that it can slightly cover the wood grains. On the other hand, if what you want is to retain the wood appearance of the trim and baseboards, then the best paint for trim and baseboards to maintain the natural look of wood is the colorless enamel and the stain paints or varnishes.

One of the things to look for in the best paint for trim and baseboards is the enamel gel for better hold and for its anti-mold and anti UV properties.

Here are the other factors you need to consider when looking for trim and baseboard paint:

• Gloss

This is an essential feature when it comes to choosing trim paint. This is because glossier paints contain a tighter structure of molecules, thereby, it is harder for dirt and debris to penetrate the trim and baseboards. You can choose if you want high-gloss, gloss, semi-gloss, and satin trim paint finish.

One of the best paint for trim and baseboards is the Benjamin Moore Regal Select. The other good choice is the INSL-X-CC550109A-01t cabinet coat trim and cabinet enamel.

• Resistance to sagging

Paint sags do not occur as readily if the paint is thinner. The method of painting for the trim and baseboards can directly affect paint sag, meaning, huge globs of paint could develop and may sag even before the paint gets dry. The thicker consistencies of the best paint for trim and baseboards help avoid sagging.

• Non-yellowing

Most of the time, the trim and baseboards are painted white. The problem is indoor sun exposure because this can result in the yellowing of the white paint. This is why one of the factors you have to choose when buying the best paint for trim and baseboards is that it should indicate that it has non-yellowing properties for the pre-tinted white trim paint.

• Fast-Drying paint

You wouldn’t want to wait long before the paint in your home interior gets dry, more so if you have kids and pets at home. This is why it is best to choose a paint that dries up fast quickly.

What Are The Types Of The Best Paint For Trim And Baseboards?

There are three types namely acrylic latex, oil-based latex, and alkyd paint. Let’s now make a distinction between these three:

1. Acrylic latex or enamel

This is the water-based type of the best paint for trim and baseboards. It can produce a nice-looking finish and a lesser appearance of brush marks but it does not have the good qualities of oil-based paint. The painted surface won’t have the appearance of a rock-hard or shell texture compared to oil-based paint. A good one is the Varathane ultimate polyurethane water-based paint. It has superior protective properties for indoor wood surfaces like trim and baseboards.

One advantage of water-based acrylic latex or enamel is the easy clean-up. All you need is soap and water using a natural bristle brush.

2.   Oil-based paint

This type of the best paint for trim and baseboards has been around for many years. In fact, if you are living in an old house, the chance is very high that the paint used was oil-based paint.

This is the better option if you do not want visible brush markings on the trim and on the baseboards. Plus, it has a superior finish compared to water-based paint. But, of course, not everything is as good as it gets because oil-based paint dries slower, and it has requirements for fume and solvent-based cleaning up. Actually, a law was passed around the year 2000 limiting the use of oil-based paints.

Clean-up of the trim and baseboards is not as easy because it requires petroleum-based solvent.

One of the best choices in the market for oil-based is the Sherwin Williams All surface enamel oil base. This paint can be used both on the exterior and interior surfaces. The outstanding durability of this paint makes it perfect for doors, windows, trims, and baseboards.

3.  Alkyd paint

This is the new kid on the block, so to speak. It combines the best of both worlds of the water-based and oil-based paint, meaning, it has the same superior finish as oil-based minus the strong smell. The drying time is faster, too.

Not sure what to choose? Why don’t you check-out C.A.S. Alkyd pro fast-drying oil color paint. It is made with non-yellowing properties and in a matter of 20 hours, the painted trim and baseboards have dried-up already.

What Kind of Best Paint For Trim And Baseboards To Choose?

• Trim paint for primed wood

If you are going to re-paint trim and baseboards made with prime wood, we recommend that you use paint that goes well with the primer used for the treatment of wood. This permits the primer and the paint to bond well together.

For the external prime wood trim, either you choose acrylic/water-based or oil-based gloss paint such as the Rust-oleum mold and mildew proof exterior paint.

• Trim paint for bare wood

If you are painting trim and baseboards made with bare wood, you should choose a paint that has a strong adhesive characteristic, and the one that will also repel dirt, water, and grime. You also need to look for the best paint for trim and baseboards that is easy to clean without chipping or damaging the wood. That said, both the acrylic and the enamel paints are your best options for bare wood.

One of the products we highly recommend is the Sherwin-Williams ProClassic Waterborne Interior Acrylic Enamel Trim Paint.

• Trim paint for fiberboard

Before painting trim and baseboards made with fiberboard, first, you need to apply a primer because a fiberboard is a porous material. That means waiting 24 hours after primer application before you can start applying paint on the trim and baseboards.

Once the primer has dried up, you can use semi-gloss paint such as acrylic, latex, or enamel-like Dutch boy interior acrylic latex paint.

You can use oil-based paint but be sure to mix it with thinner in order to get a perfect consistency. The oil paint must be thick enough to stick on the fiberboard trim and baseboards but at the same time, thin enough to dry without resulting in cracks.

• Trim paint for PVC

When looking for the best paint for trim and baseboards that are made from PVC material, the best one is the 100%acrylic latex. This type of paint has superior adhesive properties. The perfect choice is the Sherwin Williams paints for PVC trim and baseboards like ProClassic waterborne interior acrylic enamel paint .

What About Stain Grade or Varnishes?

Unlike paint grade, the stain grade is the one that allows the natural look of wood to appear, meaning, the wood grains are visible after the painting process.

The stain options are the following:

1. Transparent stains

These are the types of stains that can protect the wood trim and baseboards but only provide minimal pigmentation. This allows the natural wood color to come through with the wood grains enhanced by the transparent stains.

One of our recommendations is the Minwax color wash transparent layering color. This is water-based and dries up fast. It will add special character to bare or previously stained trim and baseboards.

2.   Semi-Transparent stains

This one provides more color but still allows the natural wood grains to be visible. One awesome product that has a five-star rating is the Defy extreme semi-transparent wood stain. It provides maximum UV protection to the trim and baseboards of your home.

3.  Opaque stains

If you prefer a full-color coverage while allowing some of the deeply grained woods to appear, then opaque stains for trim and baseboards are your best bet. You may want to check-out Varathane premium fast dry wood stain. This comes in different colors and it is ideal for doors, trims, and baseboards.

To Sum Up…

As you have seen, there are many options available for you when you are in the process of deciding which paint to use for the trim and baseboards. At the end of the day, it boils down to your personal style. Take your time to review and decide which one works for your home when choosing the best paint for trim and baseboards.

Another issue to consider is how long you will live. What if you’re gifted with long life, say 100 years! That is not impossible considering the advancement in modern science. Yes, long life is a gift from the above, but the longer you live, the longer you have to stretch your retirement money.

The best move you can do is to start saving today. And, when you are close to retirement, there are procedures that you can use to make your money last longer and also to stretch it so that your savings won’t be depleted and you can live a comfortable life, here’s how:

How Long Will My Money Last In Retirement?

As mentioned earlier, there are different factors that will determine how long will your money last. Some of these factors are controllable by you such as the amount of money you will withdraw every year.

The other factors you have no control over are investment returns and inflation/deflation. Learning to understand these factors is of importance because you become aware of how you can improve the issue of how long will my money last. Though you can only get a rough estimate as to how long your money will last at retirement, listed below is a simple calculation so you would more or less calculate how long will my money last:

• Your savings and the income that you plan to have when you are already retired, meaning part-time jobs, plus the annual returns on your investments are labeled as your total retirement income. Apart from that, you add the amount of pension you will get from SSS or other pension plans you are enrolled in.

• The annual expenses should include everything that you would spend on including occasional splurging as a treat for yourself. Ideally, this should only be 4%.

To calculate, divide the total retirement income by the total annual expenses. The answer you will get is the approximation as to how long will you be able to stretch your retirement money. Though this is not a guarantee that your money will last that long, at least, that’s a good way of forecasting the issue of how long will my money last at retirement.

What Is The Four Percent Rule on Retirement Savings?

This means that you use 4% of your retirement money each year on your annual expenses. In short, you will only withdraw a total of 4% of the total retirement money and use that 4% on lifestyle expenses. If you go by this 4% rule, you can have a steady income to up to 30 years after you retired.

You may ask, why 4% only? It is because withdrawing more makes you vulnerable to financial crashes that could deplete your money quicker. Of course, it is not always a guarantee that the 4%  will tide you through, it just that the 4% rule will increase the likelihood that you will have enough until your last breath.

Yes, the 4% rule does not promise that you will never run out of money, its aim though is to provide you with a steady income for about 25 to 30 years.

This 4% rule was created by William Bengen during the early 1990s. He analyzed the historical facts from bond returns and stocks and found out that the 4% rule was a sure bet that accounted for the chance of an unpredictable market.

How Long Will My Money Last If It Is $300,000.00?

Assuming that you have retirement money of $300,000.00 and you will withdraw 4% each year, that should last you for a period of 25 years or thereabouts. What is 4% of $300,000.00? It is $12,000.00 and that figure should be enough to cover your annual expenses.

There’s also the possibility that your funds will last longer, say, you make an investment from which you will get a higher interest rate. But, then, you have to understand that when it comes to investment, no guarantees are given to you because the market is always volatile.

If you invest your money in a portfolio with higher interest rates, naturally, you will get more compared to if you will just leave it in your savings account. Based on facts, you can enjoy an interest rate of about 7% annually. That means you can withdraw $22,800.00 per year. Given that rate, your money could last for 33 years. But, then again, it is not a guarantee that it will be the same. As we said, the market is volatile.

How Long Will My Money Last If It Is $500,000.00?

If you have retirement money of $500,000.00, 4% of that is $20,000.00 or $1,666.00 per month.  That said, it would probably last you for a period of 25 years. Now, if you invest your money, there’s a chance that it will last longer assuming that the interest rate is at 7% annually. Thus, from $1,666.00 per month, you can now withdraw $3,250.00 each month and your invested money should last you longer to up to 30 years.

Tips On How To Stretch Your Retirement Money

1. Keep on earning even if it is not your primary job

Even if you can no longer continue with your current position, think of getting a part-time job that can bring in money to your money nest. You can work as a freelancer or you may also want to consider working as a part-time Uber driver. Do not underestimate the amount of money that you will earn on a part-time basis because this will help you stretch your retirement money.

2.   Plan not to finish your retirement money too easily

One of the determinants as to how long will my money last at retirement or whether your savings will last until old age is how much you spend it. You do not know if you live a long life so you do not want to take out money often.

How long will my money last? Do your best to take out only 4% of your investment annually. So, for example, you have a saving of $100,000.00, it is safe to spend only $4,000.00 each year. In short, be frugal.

3.  Keep your investment portfolio in the market

A lot of retirees make the mistake of being too conservative. There is nothing wrong with that. The issue is if you take out 4% annually from your retirement funds. It is unlikely that a conservative portfolio would produce enough returns that could last you until old age.

The best way to act on how long will my money last at retirement is to invest. Be sure to get sufficient rates so your investment portfolio continues to grow and keep up with issues like inflation and taxes.

4.  Know exactly your day-to-day expenses

As a retired individual, it is important that you learn how to handle your basic necessities versus unnecessary lifestyle expenses such as travel and dining outs. Don’t get us wrong, we are not saying that you totally get rid of simple joys like eating in a nice restaurant. If you are asking how long will my money last at retirement, divide your expenses into two accounts: the house account and the lifestyle account. The house account covers all your monthly expenses like meds, electricity, gas, among others. If you still have extra money, you can apply that to your lifestyle account.

Assuming that you will live longer, your retirement money will definitely get smaller. In that case, the best thing that you can do on how to stretch your retirement money is by cutting down on your lifestyle expenses while you continue to cover your monthly house expenses.

5.  Resist the temptation of helping your family too much

We understand that you want to spoil your grown-up kids and your grandkids. There is nothing wrong with that. But, in order for you to stretch your retirement money, avoid spending on them more than what you could afford. Besides, your kids are already capable of earning for themselves.

A study done by Merrill Lynch found out that 79% of parents in the USA give financial aid to their adult kids, contributing $500 billion spent annually which is bigger or double the amount that they place in their retirement funds.

Yes, living a long life is what everyone hopes for, but if you do not plan well, it can take a toll on your retirement money. Having said that, plan accordingly so you would have an idea as to how long will my money last at retirement. Let us now delve deeper into the subject matter…

Where Can You Invest Your Retirement Money?

Saving money to live comfortably at retirement is the reason why people choose to invest their money. Finding the correct balance between the return of investments and the risks is the key to enjoy a retirement savings plan. Here are some suggestions on where you can place your money and hopefully, stretch it until you reach your old age:

1. Bonds

If you are interested in buying bonds, the idea there is that you are loaning your money to the government, or to the municipality, or to a corporation. The borrower promises to pay you the interest rate when the bond matures and the principal investment or money is given back to you after an agreed timetable. If you are already thinking as to how long will my money last at retirement, then buying bonds is an option for you.

2.   Real estate rentals

If you have enough money, you can opt to buy a real estate property for rentals. Be sure to calculate the possible expenses such as the maintenance cost and the possibility of vacancy issue.

3.   Immediate annuities

Annuities are more like insurance instead of an investment. The idea of an annuity is to produce income which is exactly what you can do to stretch your retirement money.

As an exchange for a lump sum money, the insurance company guarantees you an income for life after an agreed-upon schedule. But, you have to invest in a stable insurance company.

Summary

No one for sure can predict how long they will live. This is the reason why you have to be careful with your money so that it will last you for a long time. How long will my money last depends on variables and how you manage it. With the tips we have shared with you, we hope that you’d be able to manage your retirement money and stretch it until you need it.

We recommend that you perform a slow draining toilet fix to prevent water wastage. Also, if you wait too long, the issue of unclogged toilet will only worsen to the point that it can cause indoor flooding. That’s more expenses!

What Is The Importance Of A Fast Flush?

To understand why you should bother to know if your toilet flushes fast, you must know how a toilet works. Each time you flush your toilet, the flushing action prompts a stream of water from the tank to the toilet bowl before the water travels down to the main waste water line. The rate with which the water travels generate the suction that is required for the flush. The slower the movement of the water is, the less effective the flush is. In time, this problem creates a larger problem in your home.

Slow Flushing Toilet Causes

Before we delve into the issue of slow draining toilet fix, let us first understand why your toilet is draining slow so we can target the exact cure on how to unclog a slow draining toilet. Here are the possible reasons:

1. The water level in the toilet tank is low

When you have a clogged toilet, the first thing you want to do is to inspect the toilet tank. Simply remove the lid and place it in a safe place to avoid damaging it. Then check the water level.

If the water level appears lower than it should be, then the problem is your toilet tank. If there is not enough water in the toilet tank, there is little force during the flushing action. This is the reason for a slow drawing toilet.

2.   Drain blockage or buildup

Studies have shown that every year, one out of five households deals with the problem of a blocked drainage system. For some households, the problem could just be simple but for some, the blockage could be due to a system that is more complicated and harder to fix.

So, how do you determine if the problem is due to a drain buildup? One way to know is by using a gallon of water. Pour one gallon of water into the toilet bowl. If the water rises quickly, the problem is a clogged drain.

But, if the water recedes or stays the same, then the issue of the slow draining toilet could be caused by the toilet tank.

3.   Mineral or sediment buildup

Those households that use hard water are more prone to get this issue. The mineral buildup clogs the jet holes which are responsible for producing a strong flush. Either the mineral or the sediment buildup along the side of the jet holes gradually reduces water pressure each time the toilet is flushed.

4.   Broken flush mechanism

One of the slow flushing toilet causes is a broken flush. It is either the flush handle is broken or too tight. It also possible that the flush handle is too loose that is why you are having an issue with a slow draining toilet.

5.  Broken flapper valve

There is an apparatus called a flapper valve found in the toilet tank. Each time you flush the toilet, the flapper valve opens and stops the flow of water. Over time, the flapper valve may get broken as a result of wear and tear.

6.  Poor venting

Do you see that small and open pipe found on your roof? That is called the vent stack for the sewage. This open pipe allows the air to move through the plumbing so the water can flow downwards.

Gases and smells from your toilet are also released from this vent stack. And, since it is located outside of your home, issues like birds building their nests on the vent happens. This restricts the movement of air. If there is an obstruction in the vent stack like the bird’s nest, it could be one of the slow flushing toilet causes.

Slow Draining Toilet Fix

If you are bent on slow draining toilet fix DIY, these are the things that you need to know in order to be successful in your project of slow flushing toilet fix.

1. To fix broken fill tube

This is a small apparatus but serves a very important role in the interior of your toilet tank. It is usually made of rubber and it is color black. The fill tube leads into a large vertical tube called the overflow tube.

Each time you flush, the fill tube transfers water from the toilet tank to the toilet bowl. Over time, the fill tube becomes damaged and when this happens, the toilet tank gets filled with water that slowly drains.

If you see that the tube is only disconnected and is still in good condition, all you need to do is attach the fill tube to the cylinder. But, if it is damaged, you need to get a replacement like the Fluidmaster 400AH PerforMAX Universal High Performance Toilet Fill Valve.

2.   To fix low water tank level

If the toilet tank does not replenish itself to the correct level, you may want to solve the slow draining toilet issue by changing the float level to allow for a higher water fill.

3.  To fix pipe obstruction

If you experience a slow draining toilet but it is not clogged, the first thing that comes to your mind is to use the plunger. Most of the time, that is correct. If there is an obstruction, it is one of the reasons for slow flushing toilet causes. A plunger can remove the obstruction or you can use a toilet auger snake.

Not sure which to buy? The light duty toilet auger 3 foot length for household toilets is one of our recommendations.

Another way to unclog a toilet bowl is by using dishwashing soap and a drain cleaner. The first step is to pour a gallon of hot water onto the toilet bowl. Wait for a few minutes. Then, apply a small amount of toilet bowl drain clean agent. Depending on the manufacturer’s instruction, either you flush right away or wait for a few minutes.

Then, take off the toilet tank’s lid. Look for the overflow pipe and then apply a tablespoon of the liquid dishwashing detergent and allow to sit for about ten minutes. This process will remove all the deposits that cause slow draining toilet. After ten minutes, you can now flush your toilet.

4.  To fix mineral or sediment buildup

If the buildup is already in its advanced stage, the float will close earlier than it should be. If this is the case, all you have to do is to clean the area to remove all the mineral or sediment buildup.

Apart from cleaning, you may also have to replace some toilet tank parts like the flapper. Good thing, you do not have to spend a fortune for a flapper replacement. One of the reasonably priced yet very effective is the Fluidmaster 400CR Universal toilet flapper repair kit.

5.   To fix the flushing mechanism

Open the toilet bowl and inspect the flapper. If it is not sealing well, or if the chain that is connected to the flapper is damaged, it results to slow draining toilet. If the flapper is not yet broken, all you need to do is to adjust it for a tighter seal. Otherwise, you may have to purchase a new flapper for the flushing action to be more effective. Or, you may also need to replace the flushing mechanism itself. Try the DANCO toilet handle replacement which is made from durable metal and is corrosion resistant.

6.   To fix the blocked sewer vent

To do a slow draining toilet fix regarding this problem, an extra effort is required on your part and that is going on top of your roof. See if there are blockages like bird’s nests and dried leaves. Make sure you have a flashlight with you because if you do not see any blockage, you would have to look deeper into the sewer vent. This is because the blockage could be too far down the pipe. If you can reach it by using a plumber’s snake, well and good. If not, you need a plumber to dislodge it for a slow draining toilet fix.

7.  Time to change a broken toilet bowl

Though this issue is not as common compared to a broken fill tube, but, it happens. You may not notice it but there could already a crack on the lower boil that causes water leakage. You may apply a seal but this is only temporary. The best thing to do is to replace your toilet bowl.

Now, if you are unsuccessful in your DIY slow draining toilet fix, it is time to call your neighborhood emergency plumber.

When To Call An Emergency Plumber for Slow Draining Toilet?

If, after using the plunger or the toilet auger snake, your toilet remains the same, then that is the time to call for help.

You may not be aware but the problem could stem from something deeper. Only a professional plumber has the tools and knowledge that can find the main cause of a clogged toilet. A simple clog may already be a sign of a bigger problem. So, to avoid the problem of indoor flooding and other unsanitary issues, it is best to seek the help of an emergency plumber for a slow flushing toilet fix.

Summary

If you are troubled by a slow draining toilet, the causes can be clogging or it could be that it is time for you to change some of the apparatus in the toilet tank. It is best to look into the slow flushing toilet causes so you can decipher if you can handle a slow draining toilet fix. If not, get that phone of yours ready and call an emergency plumber.

Five Reasons Why Wake Up in The Morning Song Is Good For You

1.  Wake up in the morning song will make you happy

It all boils down to the basic truth that music makes everyone happy, regardless of age, skin color, cultural, and religious beliefs.

Several studies have concluded how music makes us feel better. For this reason, why would you choose a buzzing alarm sound rather than the sound of soothing and calming music, right? How to wake up in the morning easier is by setting the tone of your alarm clock from the beep, beep, beep to a song like ‘you make me feel like a natural woman by Aretha Franklin’.

2.   Wake up in the morning song improves brain functions

Your brain begins to work in the morning as soon as you hear a beautiful song. How to wake up in the morning easier? Try to imagine waking up each morning to the sound of your fave song, isn’t that a wonderful feeling? Singing along with your fave songs helps your brain function better and clearer.

Did you know that singing is beneficial for your mental and cognitive functioning? That said, jump out of the bed, take a shower and start a concert in your bathroom. After all, your health is affected in a positive way if you wake up in the morning song.

3.   Wake up in the morning song lowers your cortisol levels

If you are unfamiliar with the term cortisol, well, it is a stress hormone that works with some parts of your brain to control your emotions like fear and mood. Too much cortisol in your bloodstream will lead to anxiety, increased stress levels which we all know contribute to bad health.

One of the ways to bring down your cortisol level is by listening to the calming sound of music. By this, it means that your choice of song is purely subjective. In fact, even if you are listening to the hard rock songs of Bon Jovi, it is okay for as long as the songs make you feel relaxed upon waking up in the morning.  Thus, it is better for you if you start your mornings by waking up to your favorite music genre and that is a good way on how to wake up in the morning easier.

4.  Wake up in the morning song strengthens your immunity

According to one study conducted by Sussex University, the level of antibodies in the bloodstream of volunteers went up after listening to uplifting dance songs for a period of fifty minutes. This only means that by listening and waking up to your fave morning songs, you can enjoy the same results, that is, increased resistance to sickness.

5.   Wake up in the morning song makes you more creative

It does not matter if you are working for an art gallery or not, each one of us needs to increase our creative juices to be more productive in our respective line of work. But, how can you achieve that goal if you will wake up to the sound of the deafening buzz of your alarm clock? How to wake up in the morning easier and more creative with ideas? By listening to your favorite music upon waking up in the morning.

So, girl, there you go, those are the reasons why you have to update your alarm clock phone settings. Get your day started beautifully and creatively if you will wake up in the morning song.

In this next section, we want to talk to you about how you can sleep better by altering your daily habits that have a direct effect on your sleep cycle.

How To Wake Up In The Morning Easier?

If you are having a hard time waking up in the morning, we’d like to help by giving you tips on how you can have a sound sleep so you can wake up easier. Your sleep difficulty may be caused by any of the following:

• Issues like sleepwalking and night terrors may hinder you from having a good night’s sleep
• Sleep apnea causes stop-gap in breathing while asleep
• Depression
• Stress and anxiety
• Medicines like muscle relaxants and beta-blockers
• Chronic pain
• Circadian rhythm sleep disorders

How to wake up when you are still feeling tired? There are various ways that you can do to make waking up in the morning a breeze like the following:

1.  Establish a sleep schedule

The best way on how to wake up in the morning easier is by having a fixed schedule of sleeping and waking up. Figure out how much sleep your body needs in order for you to function productively the day after. For some, 8 hours of sleep is necessary but it can less for some.

Stick to your sleep schedule, even on weekends so your body is programmed to wake up at a certain time in the morning. So, if you go to bed at 10 in the evening and then wake up at 5 in the morning, make it a habit to be in bed at 10. In that way, you are telling your brain that it’s time for you to sleep so you’d be awake and feel refreshed at 5 in the morning.

2.   Establish a bedtime routine

The best way to improve your bedtime routine is to avoid drinking coffee, tea, and alcohol 6 hours before your scheduled bedtime. Also, avoid using devices like your cellphone because what you want to avoid is the blue light emission from these gadgets.

Instead, indulge in relaxing activities like reading a good book or have a warm bath just before you go to bed.

3.   Exercise

Engaging in physical activities like jogging has been proven effective in battling insomnia.

4.  Sunlight

Having enough sun exposure will help regulate your circadian rhythm and improve the quality of your sleep.

If you wake up in the morning song, make an effort to go outdoors because sunlight is a good mood booster throughout the day. Not only that, sunshine in the morning resets your body clock and maintains your circadian rhythm.

5.  Eat a light dinner

You should only have a light dinner in order to avoid putting pressure on your oesophageal sphincter when you are lying down. This is the body muscle that is located at the end of your esophagus. It is also ideal that you eat dinner 2 hours before your bedtime to ensure that the food you’ve consumed has been properly digested.

Additionally, avoid drinking too much liquid so you won’t be bothered too much by bathroom breaks.

6.  Ideal sleep environment

You can sleep better if your bedroom is dark and quiet, comfy beddings, and by setting the thermostat to an ideal temperature.

With these tips that we’ve shared, we hope that you’d be able to sleep better in the coming days. And, of course, don’t forget to set your alarm to the soothing sound of a wake up in the morning song that you can listen to while you are prepping up for your day-to-day activities.

A List of Wake Up in The Morning Song That Will Perk You Up

1.  Brave-Sara Bareilles

Yes, girl, you’d feel brave and ready to conquer the day by listening to this song in the morning. In fact, this awesome wake up in the morning song was also used by then Presidential candidate Hilary Clinton as her entrance song during one of her campaigns. The message of this song is they we can all try to be stronger and shine a light on some better things ahead.

2.   Lovely Day-Bill Withers

If you are feeling down and discouraged in the morning, why don’t you try singing this uplifting wake up in the morning song and for sure you would face the world in a lovelier way.

3.   Beautiful-Christina Aguilera

How to wake up in the morning easier and with self-confidence? Listen to this song that talks about embracing your weaknesses, flaws, and your insecurities. You are beautiful in spite of your imperfections.

4.   Walking on Sunshine-Katrina & The Waves

A classic wake up in the morning song that will never fail to perk you up and makes you feel good all day long.

5.   Good Morning-Kanye West

What a better way to start your morning than by listening to this confidence-boosting song?

6.  The Cure-Lady Gaga

This pulsating song by Lady Gaga will definitely help you wake up in the morning easier. The message of this wake up in the morning song is that whatever you are going through with your life, it will get cured by your love.

7.  I Smile-Kirk Franklin

A gospel wake up in the morning song that will inspire you to do good to others. The message of this beautiful song is to live your life based on God’s words.

8.  Happy Face-Destiny’s Child

The best way on how to wake up easier is by listening to songs that tap the inner child in you. To appreciate small and seemingly unimportant events in your life. To be always grateful and remain happy.

All of these songs and many more are available at Amazon Music.

Conclusion

Having enough sleep is important for your well-being. You can think clearly and can form a positive interrelationship. But, if you are having a hard time going to bed, follow the tips we shared above. Plus, it helps if you set your alarm tone to wake up in the morning song to help you face your day with enthusiasm and zest.

Oh well, we’ve all been through this heart-racing situation, and despite experiencing these events on multiple occasions every year, you’d think that your brain would finally remember to get her something before it’s D-day! Nevertheless, now’s not the time to be a worrywart, and lucky for you, there are loads of beautiful gifts out there waiting to be bought, prepared, and ready for Valentine’s day if you search hard enough.

So, strap on your thinking hat and get ready to take some notes because we’ll be going through all the quirky and cute valentine’s day gift ideas for her. From the funniest ones to the slightly sexy ones, we’ll be sure to cover a wide range of gift ideas for you to choose from. And remember, time’s ticking, so make every second count!

Of Course, YOU Know Her Best

Before we start listing all the excellent choices, we want to emphasize that youknow her best, and no matter how many lists, guides, and videos your rummage through, your thoughts are still the ultimatum. Every person’s different, so there’s no way a simple guide could perfectly match a gift that your sweetheart might want. So, take all of these suggestions with a grain of salt and be sure to flex and adapt these gifts based on what you know about her.

• Narrow Down Your Choices: Let’s be real, you probably know about things she hates and the stuff she loves, so take out all the things she might not appreciate as much to narrow down your choices. Another great way to reduce the vast selection is removing anything that takes a lengthy shipping process. We can’t afford to way because Valentine’s day is right around the corner!
  
• Don’t Fall Into The “Trending” Trap: While plenty of trending gifts has the potential to make your soulmate happy, nobody likes receiving something that isn’t straight from the heart. Plus, if everyone else is getting the same thing, it kind of loses a personal touch, don’t you think? So, stay away from these trendy traps and give some time to dwell on the best gift. You want something that radiates your love for her.

Some Great Places To Start!

With all those preliminary notes out of the way, let’s head straight into business. We’ll be going through some main categories that fall under the cute and quirky criteria, but feel free to pivot and adjust depending on what your lover likes. We’ve made quite the good list, though, so don’t worry about the choices not being great!

#1 Getting Comfy

If there’s one thing we all love, it’s the act of getting comfy and, lucky for us, it’s also what most of us will be doing at home over Valentine’s day. Since most road trips and going-out plans are out of the picture for health and safety concerns, we can narrow down our gift selection to things that might make getting comfy feel even comfier. Think binge-watching Netflix shows, movie marathons on romcoms, and all the fun stuff the both of you do to cozy up together.

• Wearable Blankets: While the most basic forms of getting comfy come in blankets and oversized hoodies, why not put both together and bring them a wearable blanket? Sure, it’s not the first thing you consider when thinking of a gift, but that’s precisely what makes it quirky and spontaneous! Plus, there’s an absolute guarantee that it feels great to touch, so it checks the comfortable criteria.
  
• Funny Undergarments: Let’s be real, a lot of us are going to be enjoying some fun and intimate loving with our sweethearts under the sheets on Valentine’s day. So, to spice things up and introduce some laughs, we strongly recommend getting her some funny undergarments! While others might think it can kill the mood, we disagree and say that it makes for a marvelous and unforgettable memory. From printing your face to inserting some “funny” jokes, both of you are sure to get a kick out of this one.

#2 Utilize Her Hobbies & Interests

Next on the list are her hobbies & interests, so dig deep and think about all the things she raves about from fandoms, TV shows, cartoons, Anime, and everything else under the spectrum. Everyone’s bound to have something they love, whether that’s music, making inexcusable dad jokes, or spending whole nights just to game. Your job is to pick one of those things and get her something that relates to it!

• Original Merchandise: Many people are guilty of wanting to buy authentic merchandise, but most people can’t psyche themselves up to buy it because they think it’s very selfish of them. Of course, while we believe there’s nothing wrong with getting yourself some merch, this is the perfect chance for you to swoop in and get her some original merchandise. Whether it’s a costume from her favorite animated film or maybe even PewDiePie merch, just go all out!
  
• Get A Stack Of Novels: One of the most significant setbacks people experienced during this pandemic fallout is not keeping up with their reading goals. And, if there’s something that any bookworm is dying to get back on track for, it’s stepping the gas for the love of books! So, if your sweetheart falls under the bookworm archetype, we suggest getting her a stack of novels to binge-read over the entire year. It will be the perfect wake-up call to get back into reading and might just be the little nudge of motivation she needs to turn the first page.

#3 For The Fashionista

With people strapped to their homes and butts glued onto couches, most people haven’t really given a lot of thought about their outfits or staying on the latest fashion trends. However, if you know your sweetheart is a diehard fashionista that can’t get enough of following what’s new or looking her sexiest, then this is the perfect gift opportunity right before your eyes. Clothes, apparel, and accessories have so much to offer, so you’ll have zero difficulties finding something that looks drop-dead gorgeous!

• Extravagant Costume Jewelry: If you’re looking for something inexpensive, looks incredible, has tremendous variability, and you can get plenty of, why not try some extravagant costume jewelry? Unlike your typical gold-plated ones and antiques that tend to come with a hefty price, costume jewelry can look just as sexy at a fraction of the cost. Plus, the crazier the looks you go for, the more fun she’ll have trying to mix and match them with specific outfits!
  
• Matching Outfits: Now, it may sound crazy to get matching outfits, but if you want to see her chuckle and burst out in laughter, then we strongly believe this is the way to go! Of course, you’ll still want something that will look great on her, and whether that’s streetwear or formals is up to you. All you need to do is an order for two, one for her and another one that’s closest to your size.

Think Fast!

In conclusion, there’s a wide variety of cute and quirky gifts out there, so don’t waste your time slouching and think fast! Use this simple guide as the foundation of your checklist and go through some of the most accessible places near you. As a last note, think of your budget as well and try not to empty your pockets too much.

However, while we strongly advocate keeping the house clean and tidying things up on a regular schedule, we also won’t deny that some places are just a headache to handle and never quite seem to get better. Yes, today we’ll be tackling one of the worst housekeeping nightmares, a musty-smelling basement. And we’ll be learning how you can get rid of this musty smell for good.

It Smells Awful, But It’s Not Impossible

To address the elephant in the room, yes, it is possible to resolve this musty-smelling issue, regardless of how awful a stench it may be. However, we also need to understand that simply cleaning and tidying up the basement will do us no good because that musty smell will keep coming back. First, we must find the source of this bad odor and strike it at the roots. So, before we can move any further, we must eliminate the origins behind the foul smell.

1. Check For Water Leaks

Most musty-smelling basements stem from one culprit, wet and humid conditions. And one way to get rid of this foul odor is by tracing back any potential areas that could’ve caused it, one of which is water leaks. So, for our first plan of attack, check around the pipes that could’ve gotten damaged over time. Wear and tear can do a number on these pipelines, so evaluate how bad or tolerable the situation can be handled.

• Do Some DIY: For relatively small problems and small breaks, most people can get away with a bit of DIY and effort. All you have to do is plug the gaps and seal them real-good to prevent any further leaking, and after a couple of minutes, you can get to cleaning. Of course, don’t expect it to look perfect. Whatever gets the job done should work fine.
  
• Call In A Professional: Likewise, if the damage and leakage are far more serious than you anticipated, then we recommend stepping away from any DIY ideas and calling in a professional to do the work. You don’t want to risk missing something crucial and end up overlooking stuff you’ll regret. Remember, severe leakage can compromise the entire structural fidelity of a home, so no funny business. In times like these, it’s much better to leave it to the experts.

2. Air Everything Out

In some cases, a basement might just need some extra love and care, and by extra, we mean really going out of your way, pushing all the stops, and setting aside a good long weekend to clean stuff up. As we’ve mentioned before, moisture and humid environments are the biggest culprits behind a musty-smelling basement, so the direct solution would be to air everything out and get to some serious cleaning.

• Open The Windows: If your basement is equipped with any windows, these can make the job much easier on you and lessen the effort required. Open them up and make sure to dry out the place, using the time to throw away all the trash and give it a good deep cleaning. As a last note, if you’re big on using great-smelling humidifiers, we suggest leaving them out of the basement unless you have other plans for it.
  
• Use A Fan: For the basements that unfortunately don’t have any windows, don’t be too worried because there’s nothing a bit of ingenuity can’t solve. You’ll want to keep the door open and use a fan to help air everything out and get it that drying service it’s been dying to have. However, fair warning about the smell getting everywhere, so keep the windows upstairs open as well.

3. Molds Are Evil

From causing allergies to inflicting someone with serious illness, molds are the bane of any household and are among the significant reasons we do our best to keep our homes clean and tidy. Unlike your regular pile of dirt or the casual dust bunnies underneath the couch, mold can cause respiratory problems, and some types are capable of producing poisonous substances that make you sick. Plus, they are also a leading suspect behind musty-smelling basements, so it’s best to get rid of them.

• A Bit Of Elbow Grease: Lucky for us, there are plenty of common household items and products that can get the job done pretty efficiently. One method uses undiluted white vinegar, which can kill up to 82 percent of all the mold spores. And, for the rest, you can create a mixture of bleach and water to guarantee that all the nooks and crannies are clean. However, be ready to sweat quite a bit because this job will need a bit of elbow grease.
  
• Mold Removal Services: Of course, if you notice any severe collection of molds gathering in specific parts of your basement, we wouldn’t recommend doing all that cleaning yourself. The last thing we want to happen is putting you at any risk of respiratory problems, so it’s much better to leave this to the excerpts. There are plenty of mold removal services available everywhere, so call your local sanitary professional and let them take care of the job.

Next Goal: Keeping It Clean

Lastly, all this work would be for naught if the musty smell and dirt build-up just kept coming back, right? And, none of us would like to go through the same hassle of inspection, evaluation, allocating a weekend, just to do it all over again. So, the sensible next goal would be to keep it clean, and to do that; you have a range of choices to choose from:

Tip #1: Purge Unnecessary Things

Our first recommendation would be to purge unnecessary things from your basement and try to make it as spotless as possible. You see, cramming too much stuff inside your basement is just not good practice, and with the main problem out of the way, you don’t have any excuse to pass either. So, take the time to go through your belongings and declutter to your heart’s content. All that extra space will give a bit more breathing room and help prevent any unwanted musty smell from coming back.

Tip #2: Consider A Good Renovation

Of course, an effective way of dealing with a bad-smelling basement is through a good old-fashioned renovation. Realistically speaking, having all that space downstairs stand idle and go to waste is not doing you or your family any good, so it wouldn’t hurt to get a renovation. And, with all that extra space to work with, you can design extra rooms, maybe a lounge area, or possibly a cozy cinema. Plus, it’s an excellent way of appreciating the home’s value, which makes it a sensible financial decision as well.

Get To Work

In conclusion, a musty-smelling basement may be quite a handful to deal with, not to mention the awful stench, but it’s not something you can’t overcome with a bit of time and effort. Sure, it’ll shave off a good weekend, but investing a bit of hard work will save you any future headaches down the line. Furthermore, getting to work now can open up plenty of opportunities for designing and renovation, which might just be what you need to stay motivated this 2021.