Friday Favorites Linky Party – Week 450

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Kelly at Under a Texas SkyTwitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst | BL

Lauren at All About That Mommy LifePin | Inst

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You can show your love for this week’s favorites by going over and commenting on the posts and by pinning or sharing!

And if you love all of this week’s favorites, please pin, share, and invite your friends to this week’s linky party! [Read more…]

Thinking Of Replacing Freon In Your Central AC System?

R22 – Freon – is a common refrigerant used in a majority of HVAC-R systems in the past. The substance comes with many advantages to your HVAC systems. In fact, Freon is energy efficient, compatible with most of the HVAC-R systems out there, and cheap compared to most of the other refrigerants on the market. But things began to change when R22 was found to be damaging to the ozone layer of the planet. In fact, Freon depletes the ozone layer and allows the UV rays to seep into the atmosphere. UV rays cause many damages to life on the planet. In fact, it increases the risk of various cancers and negatively affects the marine life on the planet. The dangers of Freon were discovered in the early 1980s. The Montreal Protocol decided to phase out the substance on a step by step basis. This article provides information on what you should consider when replacing freon in your central AC system.

The production of freon was severely restricted in the past few years. In fact, new AC systems stopped using freon as their refrigerant since 2010. Freon is now manufactured only to service the existing HVAC-R units in the country. In case, you have an old central AC system, you may have to face problems when replacing freon it in. A pound of R22 is priced at around $100 today. On the other hand, a pound of an alternative refrigerant could be bought for less than $20. Hence, you have a few options in case you need to replace freon in your central AC system.

If you have an AC system that operates on Freon, you should ensure that the system is maintained properly so that it doesn’t experience a freon leak over time. If you implement an effective preventive maintenance schedule, you can safeguard the system so that it doesn’t experience a refrigerant leak in the near future. That way you won’t have any problem with the system for some time to come. But if your central AC system experiences a refrigerant leak due to whatever reason, you may have to spend a fortune to replace freon in the system. Just consider the price of a pound of freon on the market today. Suppliers who have stocked up the refrigerant seem to charge exorbitant prices for a pound of freon – taking into consideration the current supply and demand situation in the market.

R22 will become illegal in the United States on January 1, 2020. After this phase-out date, the refrigerant will no longer be manufactured or imported into the United States. After the 1st, the systems that use freon may become obsolete since there isn’t any freon to replace a refrigerant leak in your central AC system. You have two options to consider when this happens. First, you can replace your old HVAC systems that use R22 with the latest and energy efficient systems that use an alternative refrigerant. This is a great option if your current central AC system is really old. What if the central AC systems isn’t that old? In fact, you can prolong the lifespan of such a system with the right preventive maintenance schedule. Preventive maintenance will help you to use the central AC system for many more years without any problems. The second option is to replace Freon in your system without replacing the entire HVAC-R system. There are many alternative refrigerants that are compatible with the existing R22 units. These units could easily operate on a new refrigerant that is energy efficient and eco-friendly. This method will help you to save a lot of money in the process.

You should choose the best alternative refrigerant when replacing freon in your central AC system. A qualified and experienced HVAC-R technician is the best person to help you in this regard. Make sure that you work with such a professional who has an in-depth knowledge about the various alternative refrigerants on the market today. That is the best way to replace freon in your central AC system.

TdX 20 from www.bluonenergy.com is one of the best alternative refrigerants on the market today. It is the best replacement for freon in your HVAC-R system. Your system will become energy efficient and prolong its lifespan thanks to TdX 20. There are numerous advantages of TdX 20 for your HVAC-R systems. Here are some of the many benefits of replacing freon in your central AC system with TdX 20.

Any HVAC-R system that runs on TdX 20 tends to use 20-25% less energy compared to any other alternative refrigerant on the market today. That means your system uses less electricity. In fact, electricity is one of the main contributors to global warming and greenhouse effects of the planet. You will be saving the planet when you shift to TdX 20 from R22 in your central air conditioner system.

  • TdX 20 will increase the lifespan of your HVAC-R system. It does this by lowering the operating pressure of your HVAC-R system. The parts of the central AC system such as the compressor will work for a much longer period of time when it uses TdX 20 instead of R22. That is why you should make the shift in your central AC system from R22 to TdX 20 without any delay. You will save a lot of money in the long run when you make this shift right now.

  • TdX 20 is an eco-friendly substance compared to freon or R22. It doesn’t deplete the ozone layer of the planet. Hence, you will be doing your part towards the environment when you decide to replace freon in your central AC system with an alternative refrigerant such as TdX 20. TdX 20 is much cheaper than R22. That way you will be saving a lot of money in the process.

In case you are planning to replace freon or R22 in your central AC system, you have come to the right place. Replacing freon with TdX 20 is the best thing you could do for your central AC system.

Yes, There’s Hope For Your Agony: The 10 Best Remedies For Back Pain That Don’t Involve Drugs

A staggering 80 percent of Americans experience lower back pain at some point in their lives and if you’re one of them, you know how debilitating it can be. Back pain makes it tough to work, drive, relax and even sleep at night. The trouble with most medicinal remedies is that they come with a long list of unfortunate side-effects, such as drowsiness, moodiness, nausea and the most challenging, possible addiction. Just because you don’t want the heavy drugs, though, doesn’t mean you don’t need relief:

  1. Rest In A Stress-Free Position For Your Back

When you are able to get off of your feet, do so in such a manner as to take the stress completely off your back. When lying down, for example, rest on your side and when seated, situate your feet on an ottoman and bend at the knees. Your mattress and favorite chair should be of higher quality and orthopedic, to support your back and protect your joints. Pillows that prop alleviate stress, too, and some are designed in peculiar shapes to aid specific parts of your body, like your neck and shoulders. If you suffer with any degenerative condition, such as Facet Syndrome, where the cartilage in your vertebrae are worn away, you may need extra support in other areas, due to favoring a certain position for back comfort. No matter what’s causing your problem, though, when you can rest, be sure and get the most of that time.

 

  1. Invest In Practical Footwear

Especially if your back is throbbing, don’t go out in shoes that will contribute to the problem. Heels, loafers, flip-flops and other non-supportive footwear don’t provide arch comfort and that can actually alter your gait. The way you walk impacts your lower back and the wrong type of shoes may even cause back issues; thus, it’s imperative that your footwear are practical and supportive.

 

  1. Learn How To Lift Properly

One of the more common causes of pain like yours is improper lifting. Most people don’t really think about how their body is affected by the bending and strain, but the brunt of that force is absorbed by lower back muscles. Lifting with knees bent, head forward and the use of your arm strength should eliminate lifting-related back problems; however, if you’re already hurt, further treatment, such as a heating pad and rest, may be in order before you resume a normal workload.

 

  1. Wear A Back Brace Whenever Needed

Back braces are specially designed devices that support bones and muscles, preventing injury and often successfully healing it. A corset brace eliminates a lot of free motion, especially leaning forwards and backwards, which gives you time to heal. A rigid brace, usually doctor-recommended, is more cumbersome; however, it may restrict movement by as much as 50 percent and that could be a real help for you. Back braces offer lumbar support, which is particularly useful if you do a lot of bending and lifting on the job. If you opt to wear one, be sure to follow the instructions of the manufacturer or call your physician’s office for advice.

 

  1. Get Help With 2-Person Lifting Jobs

Most especially if you’re currently having back problems, do not lift anything on your own, even if it seems light enough that it won’t bother you. Ask for help or leave the lifting and moving to someone else or for a later date, or you could just cause yourself permanent harm. Worldwide, back pain is the leading reason for people going on disability; thus, it’s important to nurse an injury as much as circumstances allow.

 

  1. Talk To A Chiropractor

Spinal adjustments may be in order, depending on what’s happened to cause you so much pain in your back. Chiropractors treat both disorders and injuries of the spine, so no matter what brought you to your current state, they should be able to offer some reprieve. Tell them in detail the circumstances surrounding your symptoms, including what you do that causes more pain and what provides you any relief. A chiropractor can also help you improve your posture, which will work to aid you in the long-term.

 

  1. Consider A Weekly Massage

A weekly massage may be just what you need to undo the tension accumulating in your muscles, and it won’t come with any unpleasant side-effects. Muscle tension leads to agonizing spasms and without some intervention, you’ll likely be forced onto heavy-duty medication sooner or later.

 

  1. Take Up (Physician-Approved) Yoga

If your doctor thinks your back won’t be adversely affected, a few yoga positions could ease your body into feeling a lot less pain. Downward Facing Dog and Thread The Needle Poses, for example, stretch vital muscle groups gently and done with regularity, could eliminate your discomfort all together. Tell the yoga instructor where you’re hurting and ask them to exclude you from any pose that could strain your sensitive back, at least in the beginning. If you’re not into the public yoga scene, partake of the poses in the comfort of your own home, only don’t do anything too strenuous, such as The Supine Twist, lest you aggravate your muscles even more.

 

  1. Apply A Soothing Back Patch

For quick and temporary relief, non-medicated back pain patches from Stamina Pro can be very effective. Different brands employ different methods of numbing pain and undoing all those knots in your muscles and they should be of some help to you, especially first thing in the morning.

 

  1. Replace Your Salt With Healing Spices

You may have inflammation in your back and that’s what’s causing you so much pain; nature provides many harmless means of reducing inflammation and a few of them happen to be delicious. Salt tends to aggravate inflammation as blood vessels expand (due to the excess accumulation of sodium), along with contributing to high-blood pressure and other ailments. Try anti-inflammatory spices like Turmeric, Ginger, Sage and Rosemary to sweeten and spice your foods, instead of salt.

 

You don’t have to take prescription narcotics or even over-the-counter drugs to find relief for your back pain. Be sure and check with your physician, to ensure you don’t have a serious injury or other complication, but don’t automatically rely on potentially addictive drugs for your discomfort. Treat your back with the TLC it needs and even when you’re feeling fine, don’t over do it. You should return to your normal, pain-free state and be able to get back to living your life.

 

Featuring Pets on Instagram

I’m currently working on strategies for my social media profiles for next year. On my social media, I share everything from family photos to stuff I’m blogging about; this includes projects I’m working on and products I’m reviewing.  (I’m a bit of an online shopaholic.  Check out HiHouse for everything you need for you household.

One platform I’ve spent a lot more time on this year is Instagram.  I’m always amazed to see other people’s profiles on this platform.  I follow everyone from homeschool moms, to cooking and home decor blogs, and a lot pet accounts!  I am always amazed to see how other’s have made their pets an Instragram star, and it gives me a lot of inspiration as I put together my pet-related campaigns.  Here are a few ideas for how you can make your pet the star of your Instagram profile.

Costumes

There is just something about cats and dogs in clothes and costumes.  We’ve only dressed up Shadow a couple of times, but these are some of my favorite pictures of her.  And if your dog (or cat) doesn’t have a problem being dressed up, you will definitely get some great photos, and you should get a lot of engagement!

Product Placement

If you are a review bloggers, photos make a world of difference in your post, and sponsors love them!  Any time I do a sponsored I like to get great photos, and when I’m doing a pet related product I HAVE to get at least one of my fur babies in the shot.  My cats don’t exactly pose for pictures, but they are always interested in anything new that comes in to the house, so I usually find it easy to snap a few photos of them next to a product.

Effects

You can use effects to make a picture stand out.  With a click of the mouse you can make a photo black and white or another color for dramatic or bold effects.  Or you can use a whole host of tools to make your photos more attractive or to add colors and make your photos pop. Or you can add funny quote bubbles and captions to help tell your pet’s story.

Get In Front of The Camera

Every once in a while come out from behind the camera and pose with your pet.  This shows the bond and closeness between you and your pet, and it further personalizes your photos and your story.

Lifestyle Photos

My favorite photos of my pets are those which capture them naturally.  These are photos where you just happen to see your pet doing something funny or cute and you snap a photo.  Most of the time when I snap a photo of my pets, they are simply lounging around.  Other times I’m able to snap action photos of them playing with toys or even each other.  These photos are usually funny or cute.  They show your pet’s true personality without any posing or pretense.

 

Friday Favorites Linky Party Week 449

Please support and follow our lovely blog party hostesses:

Jerri at Simply Sweet HomeTwitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst

Lisa at Condo BluesTwitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst

Amy at A Day of Small ThingsPin

Penny at Penny’s PassionTwitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst

Kelly at Under a Texas SkyTwitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst | BL

Lauren at All About That Mommy LifePin | Inst

Jennifer at Busy Being JenniferTwitter | FB | Pin | Inst

|

If you are featured this week, be sure and grab a featured button for your blog!

You can show your love for this week’s favorites by going over and commenting on the posts and by pinning or sharing!

And if you love all of this week’s favorites, please pin, share, and invite your friends to this week’s linky party! [Read more…]

5 Ways to Go Green in Your Bathroom

Your bathroom may only take up a fraction of space in your home, but in terms of consumables, water and energy, it is one of the most wasteful areas of the house.

Not only does this unnecessary waste have a harmful effect on our environment, it is also costing you money. Thankfully there are plenty of ways, both big and small, to cut down on consumption, curb waste and give Mother Nature a helping hand.

Here are five ways you can make your bathroom a little more environmentally-friendly.

1. Reduce Waste at the Sink

One of the simplest ways to reduce water wastage in the bathroom is to modify your habits. Don’t let the water run while you’re brushing your teeth or shaving – use water mindfully and only as required.

Installing a low-flow faucet aerator reduces the flow of water without a reduction in pressure and is an easy and inexpensive way to cut back on the amount of water going down your sink.

It’s also important to fix leaky taps as soon as possible. A single dripping tap can waste a surprisingly large amount of water over the span of a year, for what is usually a quick and inexpensive repair.

2. Get Eco-Friendly with Your Toilet

An easy way to go green in the bathroom is to choose toilet paper made from recycled sources. Not only is it a better option for preserving trees and saving energy, but it also helps keep recyclable paper out of landfill.

If your toilet is getting a bit long in the tooth, it may be time to look at upgrading to a newer, water-friendly model. A dual flush toilet has two buttons allowing for two separate water settings – a larger and smaller flush – which gives greater control over the amount of water being used.

Modern low-flow toilets are designed to use a fraction of the water that older models use, but if you want to take it to the next level, there are also options utilising tank water or even compostable toilets.

3. Conserve Your Shower Water

The easiest way to minimise water wastage in the shower is to use a timer – those leisurely 20-minute showers are just wasting water and adding to your bill.

If your shower takes some time to warm up, you can put a bucket down to collect the initial water that would otherwise be wasted and use it on the garden. Your plants and veggies will thank you!

Replacing your old showerhead for a low-flow or water-saving showerhead is an easy and inexpensive DIY job that will not only reduce your water consumption but also the energy used to heat your water. Renovation companies such as My Bathroom can assist with this during a bathroom remodel.

4. Modify Your Hot Water System

Check the temperature on your hot water system and turn it down to 120 degrees if it hasn’t already been done. Anything hotter is burning energy unnecessarily and puts you at risk of scalding when using hot water inside the house.

If your hot water system has seen better days or doesn’t perform as it used to, it may be time to upgrade. Heating the water to your house uses up a large portion of your home energy costs, so getting a more efficient heater may save you money in the long run if you have the budget for the upfront costs.

If you’re serious about going green with your hot water, you may want to consider a solar system. These environmentally friendly water heaters are being installed in many 6-star energy rated homes (like the ones from these home builders in Melbourne) and while they are more expensive to buy and fit, can greatly reduce your ongoing running costs.

5. Go Naturally Clean

Last but not least, make the switch from chemical cleaners to environmentally friendly alternatives. There are now many green cleaning products on the market that are made using sustainable manufacturing practices and utilise non-toxic and biodegradable ingredients.

Better yet, make your own cleaning products! A quick search on the internet is all it takes for numerous methods and ideas for keeping your bathroom sparkling clean using little more than white vinegar and bicarb soda. Not only will you be doing your bit for the environment, but you’ll also be saving money by avoiding harsh, packaged cleaners.

You don’t have to take drastic measures to go green in your bathroom; even small changes to your daily habits can help minimise consumption and wastage, and you might even save yourself some money while you’re at it!

How to choose the right mattress for your needs?

Some people perceive mattress purchase as buying a new washing machine or TV: it needs to be good and to last for a long time. But the issue is much more complex than we like to think. The mattress is responsible for our long-term health and if we make a mistake, it is something that might come back to haunt us.

However, buying a proper product is no easy task. Certain types of mattresses are good for our back, some of them conform to our body type, while others are great for their anti-allergic and cooling properties. All of that has to be taken into consideration and we have to make a decision based on what we expect from a product.

Here are some of the things you have to consider when buying a mattress.

When do you need to change your mattress?

Before anything else, you need to consider whether or not you actually need a change.

A mattress is a long-term investment, some of them can be rather expensive so you have to make sure your timing is right.

The first indication that you need a change is the wear and tear. If your old mattress started looking shabby, this is a good sign you need something new. Still, that doesn’t mean that a product is performing poorly; it only means that it is rather old.

Given that we always have to focus on the functional side of a mattress, a much better way to determine whether or not we need is change is based on how our body feels. If you feel pain after waking up, or if you simply cannot sleep well, this is a good indication that your mattress is too old to perform its function.

Mattresses usually last from 10 to 15 years. In some cases, you might use a product for 20 years without noticing any issues. However, some people like to change them more often. There are those who are considering a change after 8 years so this is something you might also take into regard.

Types of mattresses

Now we get to the tricky part. There are lots of online mattress review sites, like Our Sleep Guide for example, that can help you make the right decision when it comes to product type. Still, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do any research prior to that.

Mattresses can be created from various materials and can serve different functions. Here are some of the most popular product types you can find on the market.

Springs

Springs or coils are the traditional material still being used worldwide. The mattress is made from numerous springs and as their number increases, they provide more support. Items with fewer springs may be problematic. However, those with more springs are pretty good items providing more support over a bigger surface. They are pretty stiff, cheap and are good if you need something stronger for your back.

Latex

Latex beds are pretty popular nowadays as they provide solid support and are great for dissipating heat. They are not that great when it comes to life expectancy but are still cheaper than some other models. There are also some latex mattresses which are great for allergies.

Memory foam

These mattresses are among the most expensive products on the market. They provide amazing support to the back and conform to your body type. They are especially great for people who tend to change their sleeping position overnight. Still, they have 2 drawbacks: memory foam is rather pricey and it accumulates heat.

Hybrids

If you like certain advantages of a mattress but hate its drawbacks, perhaps the best choice for you is a hybrid one. These items are made so they retain the best qualities of a material while also downplaying or eliminating its issues. They can be made from various items and their price can also vary significantly.

Airbeds and waterbeds

These mattresses are more of a novelty. They are great for adapting to your body features and can provide decent support. Still, they are not that durable and can easily be punctured.

With these tips, you can finally decide which product is right for you. Choose carefully and consult the online mattress shop before making a decision.

Friday Favorites Linky Party 448

Please support and follow our lovely blog party hostesses:

Jerri at Simply Sweet HomeTwitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst

Lisa at Condo BluesTwitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst

Amy at A Day of Small ThingsPin

Penny at Penny’s PassionTwitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst

Kelly at Under a Texas SkyTwitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst | BL

Lauren at All About That Mommy LifePin | Inst

Jennifer at Busy Being JenniferTwitter | FB | Pin | Inst

|

If you are featured this week, be sure and grab a featured button for your blog!

You can show your love for this week’s favorites by going over and commenting on the posts and by pinning or sharing!

And if you love all of this week’s favorites, please pin, share, and invite your friends to this week’s linky party! [Read more…]

4 Ways to Find the Perfect Gift for Your Husband

You don’t need a reason to give your husband a gift—he’s your everything. But finding the perfect gift can be tricky, especially if he doesn’t drop any hints as to what he might like. No matter if it’s his birthday or just a “because I love you” gift, following these four tips will help you wow your husband with the perfect present.

Something He Needs

The best presents of all are those we genuinely need, but didn’t even know we needed. Making his daily activities more exciting is a gift that keeps on giving. If he spends a lot of time in the garden or the kitchen, go have a look and see what items he might be missing. Some exotic ingredients like spices or herbs could inspire his creative genius if he likes to cook. A mechanics enthusiast would do well with a new set of tools. If he’s passionate about robotics, consider buying him a robot vacuum. Kills two birds with one stone: the house will be spotless and he’ll be thrilled with his new toy!

No one knows your husband and his needs better than you do. Pay attention to what he talks about and how he likes to spend his time. Think about what items would make those hobbies more enjoyable for him.

Shop Around and Compare

With so many options to choose from, how do you pick out the best option? It’s possible that you may even have an idea of what you want to give your husband, but it can be hard to pick

exactly which product is best. If you are not sure what style or brand to get, your best option is to compare products.

The internet is the best place to shop around as you’ll have the world at your fingertips. You want to be especially careful when you’re buying him something he knows a lot about so you end up with a quality gift that he’ll cherish for years to come. For example, if he loves watches, browse for online recommendations like this MVMT review. A good review should give you a summary of the product and the honest opinion of the reviewer so you can get a better grasp on what you’d be buying. Do your research before heading out to the mall so you don’t have to waste time returning a bad product.

Personalized Gift

There’s nothing more special than a gift you’ve made yourself. If crafting isn’t your thing, getting something custom-made is a great option. If you man likes the finer things in life, snag a pair of engraved wine glasses so he can sip his favorite Merlot with dinner. The personalized touch will show you went the extra mile to take something he truly loves and turn it into a one-of-a-kind gift he’ll never forget. For something bigger, a framed picture of the two of you would be a great addition to his office at work. You can get the frame timestamped to commemorate a date like your wedding anniversary or the day you met. Every time he’ll see it, he’ll be reminded of both the special memory in the photo and the day you gave him the wonderful gift.

A Unique Experience

It’s not unusual for the gift of a special moment to last longer in your memory than that of a physical object. Sending your husband on an adventure with friends or going on one with him will definitely make for an amazing present. Get tickets for his favorite band when they come to town and make it a date by getting dinner or drinks beforehand. If you want to perform a grand gesture, you could book a romantic weekend away somewhere, like a cruise to Mexico. The adventures you have together will last a lifetime and you’ll always be able to look back on the times you shared together.

If you follow these tips, you should have no trouble coming up with a present as unique as your husband. As long as you show you’ve put thought into it, he’s bound to love anything you give him. Not to mention, you’re already the greatest gift you could ever give him.

Fall Cleaning in My Kitchen

Disclosure: This most contains affiliate links. The opinions are my own.

Since the baby was born last fall, I’ve struggled to catch up and keep up with everything, especially the housekeeping, but the fall season always tends to jumpstart my cleaning habits.  The last couple of months I’ve really been focusing on fall cleaning in my kitchen.  Here are a few areas and items I like to focus on when I’m doing a deep clean in my kitchen.

Decluttering and Organizing Your Cabinets.

My cabinets were getting a little out of hand.  I managed to throw away a few items and rearrange some things.  Now they are looking a lot better and my stuff is way more accessible.  (And I don’t have pots and pans falling out when I open the door!)

Items to consider decluttering – Lids without containers, containers without lids.  Gadgets, appliances, and dishes you never use. [Read more…]