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.

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.

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.

Upgrade the Appeal of Any Room with the Artichoke Lamp

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Lighting is both an art and a science, and the Artichoke Lamp pays tribute to both categories with its unique structural design. Sometimes appreciating the handsomeness of this product is easier than deciding how and where to place it. To assist your designing venture we’ve compiled a few suggestions and ideas that make use of a wide array of themes, colors, rooms, and options to satisfy all kinds of preferences.

1. The perfect chic living room retreat:

Minhacasaminhacara

If you’re looking to cast a halo of inviting glow then the Artichoke Lamp is the choice for you. Available in silver, copper, and white, this signature piece will instantly elevate your living rooms outlook. The entire arrangement featured here is attempting to capture a bright, airy and cheerful room where you can host brunches, tea parties or laze around with family. By surrounding the light with a variety of articles ranging from patterned cushions to pure white couches, dark-colored seating arrangements on and around wooden elements and a wide open bay window, you create a wholly eclectic aura that appeals to modern sensibilities. Placing a large mirror parallel to the lamp and alongside natural lighting plays off well as it systematically enhances the amount of light and open feelings in the room.

2. A glorious dining room:

Ylighting

A transitional hanging fixture like the Artichoke Lamp emphasizes the seating area in the center of the room, granting you the ability to frame a sophisticated communal area. As you can see in the image above, most of the furnishings are following a theme of classic elegance, from the large vintage portraits to the enormous fireplace and exquisite candle ornaments. However, the inclusion of bright carpeting and neon wall colors against the light create an intriguing combination. Furthermore, the chandelier-like appearance of this lamp earns it the title of a regal, state-of-the-art, contemporary lighting tool that adds a dimension of the aristocracy to the layout.

3. A chic and cozy arrangement:

Flickr

The symmetrical grace of the Artichoke Lamp makes it a charming decor piece to add to any residential zone. One might consider it redundant as there are already lamps and natural light from the large European style windows. However, the Artichoke Lamp is an accompanying lighting layer that’ll prevent the formation of unflattering shadows. It is imbued with vibrant properties that bring dynamic energy into the place.

4. Showcase your personality:

Ylighting

Accessories are considered the finishing touches that complete any room and complement the designing scheme of the very same room. The trim design, handcrafted contours and sharp geometrical characteristics of the Artichoke Lamp allow you the chance to experiment. You can fluctuate between vintage, antique, conventional, contemporary or as shown in the illustration above. You can lay down the framework to a creative and unorthodox layout that represents the workings of your inner mind. Its eccentric nature works well in rooms that are host to neutral ceiling and flooring schemes but are littered with quirky and unconventional ornaments. It is a hybrid of a trendy, individualistic and fun gizmo. The only limit to the creative aspect of the layout is your imagination. So you’ll have to think outside of the box when dealing with this unorthodox yet good-looking fixture.

5. Add interest to simpler interior schemes:

Pinterest

Portrayed above is a mundane representation of a decidedly contemporary interior of the living room. It offers an uninterrupted theme of light-colored, wooden furniture articles. The Artichoke Lamp is a mid-century classic that offers an oasis of unfettered tranquility. The effect is enhanced when it is placed amidst similar pastel colored environments. You can create a wonderfully humble setup with warm and inviting tones. You’ll get a charming aura that is almost akin to rustic elements. Because of the embellished natures of the lamp itself, it’s best to minimize the presence of excessive decorations, artwork and additional decor item/ They’ll make the space too claustrophobic.

There are of course an infinite number of layout designs out in the sea of interior designing. But regardless, this detailed guide should be your go-to. It assists experts and novice designers and homemakers alike.

Silent but Deadly: 5 Major Signs Your House Has Plumbing Issues

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Plumbing is one of those things that we often don’t think about because it’s hidden. With the major pipes behind walls, under cabinets, and running across the ceiling of the basement, it’s easy to forget completely about it.

Until, of course, there’s a problem.

That’s when you need to take action. Of course, it’s much better if you can discover a problem before it causes significant damage. Sometimes there’s a drip or knocking pipes to clue you in, but not always.

Here are five silent signs that your home has plumbing issues you should handle as soon as possible.

Discoloured or Rusted Pipes

When you go to your basement, take a moment to look at the water pipes you can see. The next time you need to open your kitchen or bathroom cabinets, do the same. Do you notice any odd coloration? Be sure to check especially around joints.

If you notice an odd colour, rust, or any kind of gunk building up, that’s a sure sign there is a leak. It’s possible the leak is from the supply line, which could cause a huge mess if it bursts. Contact a plumber right away to get help.

Nasty Odor

It may not make noise, but you’ll certainly notice it. If you notice a nasty sewer smell in your home, check and see if it’s coming from outside. If you step out of your home and don’t smell the same thing, you probably have a problem with your plumbing.

Drains and vents are designed to keep sewer gas vented outside of your home, so if you can smell it, there’s something wrong with that system. A vent line may be cracked or a drain may not be working properly. Either way, you’ll want to take action.

No Water in Wintertime

If it’s been quite cold and you notice a drop in water pressure or you simply have no water at all, it’s possible your pipes have frozen. This is a major concern and has to be handled right away.

Unfortunately, thawing the pipes is the least of your concerns. You have the most danger of an incident after the pipes thaw and the water suddenly returns at high pressure. Any splits or leaks that have occurred as a result of the pressure of the freeze will suddenly be very noticeable, and you may even have a pipe burst.

Do your best to keep your pipes from freezing in the first place, but if it happens, you may want a professional to help you fix it safely.

Bubbling Paint on the Wall or Ceiling

If you notice problems with paint bubbling from the inside, it’s a sure sign that there’s moisture behind the wall. Unfortunately, this can lead to a host of problems, from mould and mildew to pests and damage to your home’s structure.

It’s possible there’s a leak from the roof, a nearby window, or even a plumbing pipe that’s nearby. You’ll have to do some investigation to discover what’s wrong, as these kinds of plumbing leaks can be a bit sneaky and hard to find.

Once you do fix the issue, you’ll want to work with a company that provides waterproofing in Toronto so that you can ensure that no moisture will find its way into your walls again.

A Huge Jump in Your Water Bill

You know how much your water bill is most months. If you have a sudden spike, you should immediately look into what’s going on.

Of course, water rates change over time, but they don’t usually cause a huge change from one month to the next. First, consider if you have done anything that would increase your water usage significantly. Did you install irrigation in the yard? Did you fill a pool for the season?

If you haven’t done anything differently, it’s likely there’s a leak or problem in your plumbing system instead. A running toilet, for instance, can cause hundreds of dollars of extra water usage. You should fix your running toilet or address whatever leak is happening right away.

Great Plumbing Supports Great Health

One of the most silent but deadly things about water leaks is that they promote the growth of germs, bacteria, mould, and mildew. These things can significantly impact the health of you and your family. Younger children and older adults are especially at risk.

If you keep an eye on your plumbing issues and help make sure everything is up to date and working well, you’ll be promoting great health in your home. Your air quality and water quality will be better, and you’ll avoid provoking allergies or other illnesses.

Of course, it’s always best to have professional help with your plumbing issues. They know exactly how to identify problems and fix them safely. If you notice a problem, call a plumber right away!

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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!