3 Kids and Us

Riding Mower vs Residential Mower

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When the weather warms up and the grass starts growing you may find yourself working on your yard several times a week. Choosing the right lawn mower for your yard will help you mow your grass with ease as well as make the experience more pleasurable. If you are in the market for a new lawn mower there are many things to consider before selecting one. One of the first decisions to make is deciding whether you need a riding lawn mower or a residential walk-behind mower. Below are some of the benefits of both to help make the decision process a bit easier.

Benefits of a Riding lawn Mower

If you have ever owned a residential walk-behind mower you know that a riding lawn mower is a huge upgrade. The first obvious benefit is that you get to relax and go for a ride while cutting your grass rather than having to walk and push a mower. Not only are they convenient and comfortable, they are efficient in helping you get the job down quickly. A large yard may take hours to complete with a residential walk-behind mower while with a riding lawn mower you will get the job done in half the amount of time. Riding mowers offer many different features. Some have more horsepower than others making them faster while others have a better turn radius which helps with efficiency. Most durable zero turn lawn mowers have the option of different attachments and accessories for year-round needs. These attachments can assist with spreading grass seed and fertilizer, tilling soil, and even blowing leaves or snow. There is also the option of an electric powered riding mower versus a gas operated mower. The electric mower will be less noisy and eliminate the added expense of having to purchase gas. If your age, health, or mobility is a factor then a riding mower is the best option as you do not have to exert much energy to operate it. It’s much like driving a car.

Benefits of a Walk-Behind Mower

There are several benefits of a walk-behind mower. If you are in good health, have a manageable sized yard, and don’t want to spend a small fortune than a walk-behind residential mower is perfect for you! One of the main draws of a residential walk-behind mower verses a riding mower is the price. It’s much more cost efficient than a riding mower. As with a riding mower there are many different types of walk-behind residential mowers. A self-propelled mower will basically pull itself forward as you walk behind it as you hold the handle down. So essentially you are just walking behind it and guiding it, as it cuts your grass. This helps get the job down at a faster pace than a standard walk-behind mower and with much less effort on your part. A standard walk-behind mower will require you to push it and guide it as you walk behind it. Gas mowers, electric mowers, or cordless electric mowers are some of the many options offered. Rear tire size is also important as larger tires tend to help with navigating through uneven ground more easily. Other beneficial features of walk-behind residential mowers are attached grass bags, collapsible handles for easier storage, wide area walk-behind mowers for larger yards that allow you to mow up to 2 acres.

Choosing the right lawn mower can make a world of difference. Riding mowers and residential mowers each have their own benefits, it’s important to find the one that suits you and your yard best.

Making the Most Out of Your Trash: Re-purposing Old Junk

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We will inevitably produce waste living our everyday lives. But we can do something that will help us reduce the waste that we put in landfills. One of the ways that we can reduce our waste is by recycling. It is a process where waste materials such as wood, metal, plastic, and fabric become new items that are new and useful. Let’s say you are renovating your house and there are several items that you no longer need, so you call a junk removal Orlando company to pick them up from your house. Before you do that, take another look through your junk, and see what else you can salvage and take to a recycling center.

We get to conserve our natural resources

There is a reduced need for natural resources to produce things because the recycled materials become the raw ingredients. This leaves the natural resources for future generations to enjoy. Humans are not the only ones benefiting from these resources, but animals and plants as well. Some of the natural resources are homes to many animals and plants, so preserving them means that these living creatures enjoy their homes for a long time.

We conserve energy

Manufacturing products using raw materials requires a lot of energy. Using recycled materials requires considerably less energy. Energy is another resource that we must conserve for future generations, as it uses mainly fossil fuels. If fossil fuels run out, there will be a significant impact on how we use energy.

We help protect the environment

Recycled materials will not end up in landfills, but rather in recycling centers and eventually in factories, where they will become new useful items. A lot of garbage doesn’t even end up in landfills; it ends up in oceans and other places where it does not belong, polluting the environment. If we can take a few plastic bottles to a recycling center, we are reducing the possibility of them ending up in oceans.

We help reduce greenhouse gas emissions

Garbage in landfills emits methane, a very powerful and harmful greenhouse gas. If there is less waste that ends up in landfills, there will also be less methane emitted into the atmosphere.

It leads to job creation

If more and more people make recycling a habit, there will be a need for more recycling centers. Creating more recycling centers will mean more jobs for the community.

The future will be more sustainable

The earth does not have unlimited resources. Everything will eventually run out if we are reckless. Recycling will ensure that the future generations will have what they need from the planet.

Teaching children the importance of recycling and upcycling is a crucial part of their growing up. They must know that it is imperative that they reduce the waste that they put out into the environment. Training them while young to care for the environment will undoubtedly make them grow up appreciating the planet they live on, and they will do things that will reduce their carbon footprint.

Simple Home Improvements That Make a Huge Difference

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Source: Unsplash | Sven Brandsma

Even after living in the same place for years, you can still create the feeling of transformation and renewal in your own home. Not everyone can afford to spend loads of money on redecorating their house with the help of professional interior designers and expensive, high-end furniture.

That doesn’t mean however that only a select few people can enjoy the process of transforming their living space. With a clear vision, a distinct style, and plenty of patience, anyone can turn their home into their own personal paradise. Here are a few simple yet hugely effective home improvement ideas to inspire you.

Walls

Everything about the walls in your home will add to the overall feeling that each room evokes. Texture, color and layout all play a huge part in how you interact with your surroundings, even on a deeply subconscious level. This is why it’s so important to choose the appearance of your walls carefully. If you want to feel cozy and safe, opt for warm tones and more pronounced textures such as exposed red brick or patterned wallpaper. For a bright, fresher and more energizing feel, choose light colors and smooth textures.

Fewer walls throughout the floor plan of your home will create a more open and easy flow, whereas having many rooms will add to the sensation of mystery and coziness. Make sure that if you want to combine two or more rooms that you consult a professional who can advise whether or not the walls are load-bearing.

Floors

Similar to the subconscious effect that different looking walls can have on your overall mood and impression of a room, your choice of flooring will also impact you and your home in subtle yet significant ways. Soft, thick carpet turns your home into a designated relaxation zone, while bare wooden boards create a more rustic, practical effect.

Even the difference between small and large tiles can change the way you perceive a room and its purpose, so take care before deciding what to put on your floors.

Windows

Only once you’ve experienced the oppressive mood that comes with sitting in a windowless room, do you appreciate how valuable good windows are for any home. The right windows can make a room brighter, happier and improve the overall insulation of the house. It might seem overly simplistic, but just by conducting a search for “window companies near me”, you will be able to turn your home into a fresher, more invigorating space.

Furniture

One of the most fun parts of improving your home is the opportunity to treat yourself to new furniture. Small pieces such as end tables and mirrors can make just as much of a difference as larger items, such as sofas and bookshelves. Take this as an opportunity to explore new styles and push your imagination. You can take inspiration from interior designers or design your home around your own unique tastes.

Clutter

A comfortable, lived-in home is bound to have its fair share of clutter. Toys, books and other miscellany aren’t inherently bad, but when it distracts from the purpose and enjoyment of your home, it’s then time to have a clear out. There are many tidying gurus out there with varying techniques on how to declutter your home. Here are a few suggestions to help get you started:

  • Focus on one room at a time so as not to become overwhelmed
  • Donate clothes and items that no longer serve a purpose to you
  • Allocate a cupboard or drawer in your home for unwanted objects and allow guests to choose and keep anything from this area
  • For every new object you purchase, get rid of an old, unwanted one (give to charity)

Nature

Invite the outside in, and welcome nature back into your home with potted plants and flowers. If you feel like taking on an exciting project, try creating your own moss wall or indoor vegetable garden.

Spending more time with nature is proven to improve mental health and, if brought inside, also serves to clean the air in your home. Make sure any greenery you purchase is safe as children and pets can sometimes become sick if they ingest certain plants.

Life

Home improvement doesn’t mean changing your home into something sterile and overly designed. A beautiful home is one that invites you to enjoy it and get comfortable in it. While it’s good to declutter every now and then, don’t remove the life and vibrancy from your home.

Die grinder vs air Dremel: Which should you buy?

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Source: Wikipedia

Die grinders and air Dremels are both rotary tools that are used to do many different tasks at home. If you are an artist and are looking to complete tasks that involve sanding, polishing, grinding, carving and sharpening; both of these tools are going to serve you best.  However, there are still some diffferences and it is important to consider which the best tool amongst the two is. The choice of the right tool depends on both the size and type of projects that you want to complete. For you to decide between die grinder vs air dremel, you need to consider the following.  

Power types

Both Dremel and die grinders use different sources of power. However, it is important to note that the die grinder is more powerful than the Dremel. Therefore, if you are having heavy projects, you are good to go with the die grinder but if you have small projects, you can just do with the Dremel. In the beginning, Dremels were considered as rotary tools but die grinders as other types of tools. However, this came to change as both tools are now rotary tools. 

Size differences

Both air Dremels and die grinders come in different sizes. However, it is imperative to note that die grinders are much larger than air Dremels. Therefore, if you are looking to operate in tight corners, you should opt for air Dremels as they take a more compact size and design. This means that they can fit in small spaces such as shelves, ceiling, cupboards and the area behind the sink. On the other hand, if you will be handling tasks that do not involve tight spaces, you are free to go with a die grinder.   

The different speeds

Another difference between the two tools is the speed of the motor. The Dremel is considered as the faster tool among the two as it comes with a speed that tops 35000 rpm. This provides a broad range that can enable you to work on different types of materials and projects. On the other hand, die grinders have a maximum speed of 25000 rpm. If you are looking for a broad range, you should choose the Dremel. 

How they dissipate heat

Heat is a major challenge when it comes to rotary tools. If it accumulates, it can cause the motor to go bad. Therefore, the best rotary tool should be able to dissipate heat with ease. When considering the best tool between the Dremel and the die grinder, it is important to consider this feature. This is especially when you will be using the product for a long time. Therefore, for long and heavy projects, the die grinder is the best option as it has better heat removal methods.  

Conclusion:

From the above review, we have seen that both the die grinder and Dremel have many differences. But generally, die grinders are seen as perfect for big projects while Dremels are fine for smaller jobs.

How to Make Your Home more Environmentally Friendly

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Being more energy-efficient is a fabulous thing, and knowing that you’re reducing your carbon footprint is even better. Mother Nature is a beautiful force, and if you can make any change – no matter how small – to preserve her, then you should probably do it.

It doesn’t just have to mean spending money on new fixes; sometimes, it can just be small changes. Here are just a few ways you can help make your home greener.

Install Solar Panels

Solar power is one of the best sources of clean and renewable energy and is also one of the most reliable. Having solar panels on your roof means you are not only helping the environment, but you’re creating a more consistent energy bill for yourself and even helping to create jobs in the solar panel industry.

It’s also possible to save a whole load of money by switching to solar power. Depending on the state you live in, there are varying tax incentives and cost savings to be had by having home solar systems installed. Companies like goingsolar.com explain exactly what you need to know in terms of where you live, along with an estimator to give you an idea of exactly how much you can save by switching.

Use Your Water Sparingly

Being eco-friendly doesn’t just mean your energy consumption and how you approach it. Water is also a valuable asset, and you can make simple changes to help the planet. Try not to leave your tap running when you are brushing your teeth or shaving. If you don’t need the water during that time, why waste it?

Try to spend a shorter time in the shower if you’re prone to spending half of the time in there singing into the shower head. If you can be in and out in less time, try to do so. You can also even consider installing a lower-flow shower head if you have a large family who spends a lot of time in the bathroom.

Install Energy Efficient Light Bulbs

You don’t want to get to the point where you’re worrying about switching on lights in case it harms the environment – it’s unrealistic to think you can get away with never using electricity or turning on the main lights.

If you elect to switch to energy saving bulbs instead of regular bulbs, you’re not only using less electricity, but you’re prolonging the life of the bulb (energy efficient ones last longer) meaning you’ll save money having to replace them all the time.

Use a Smart Meter for Your Heating

You’ve probably already fallen victim to the trap of leaving your heating on longer than necessary in the colder months, maybe even when you’re out of the house to ensure it’s all warmed up ready for you when you get home. If you use a smart meter programmed to come on and turn off exactly when you need it to, you’ll save money on energy bills and help to reduce your carbon footprint.

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We left our home in Sydney, Australia many moons ago in May 2012 and, other than a brief stint back in Perth for Christmas and a wedding in early 2014, we have been travelling the world nomadically ever since, running a business from our laptops and we’re here to show you how to do it!