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How to remove sticker residue

30/12/2016

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It will soon be time to put Christmas away for another year. It may only be days since Boxing Day but Christmas will already be dusted away from some homes.

It's usually as you begin the post-Christmas clear up that you wish you had given more thought to sticking Christmas cards on glass and cute looking santas on walls.

After you have taken the Christmas cards and decorations, or birthday day cards down, you may find remnants linger on -- in the form of sticker residue.

There are many tried and tested ways to remove sticker residue but caution needs to be exercised. You will need to bear in mind a few simple rules before you begin the job in hand.

Some stickers are fairly easy to remove whilst others seem to have far too much adhesive applied to them. The ease of removal will also depend upon the item that the sticker was attached to. Obviously some surfaces will offer better adhesion than others.

Getting started

Let’s start with the actual item. The method of removal of any residue will depend on the material that the item is made out of.

​For example, soft scouring pads are fine for some surfaces but may scratch others. A sponge, with a liberal amount of warm soapy water, can, alternatively, treat some surfaces. Read any manufacturer’s instructions before you begin as these may offer advice and warnings.

Methods to remove sticker or label residue

It is best to start with the least destructive and intrusive method initially. For many items, this may be as simple as using an eraser. If the residue is on glass, an eraser may do the trick first time. Work on a small corner of the residue at first, so that you can check the results.

The next option to try should be sticky tape

This may sound silly but using a heavy duty sticky tape and applying just a little pressure, could remove any sticky residue from clothing, curtains and other such material items. Take care when choosing the tape, so that you do not leave any additional residue on the surface. Duct tape will often be the best option.

It may be possible to remove the residue if you first freeze the item. This will only be suitable for small items. It works on the same principle as freezing chewing gum, so that it can be easily removed from items.

Art Galleries often use a tiny amount of methylated or surgical spirits to remove sticky residues. You could also try a surgical hand wash, alcohol gel or even alcohol. Again it is vital that you have assessed the material first. Obviously such products should be fine of glass and some plastics.

Various oil based products that you may have around your home, could help remove sticker residue from furniture. Oil based furniture polish and cooking oil are good examples. Take care however.

There are many branded sticker residue removing products on the market. These can be expensive and usually unnecessary. Most of us can find what we need in our homes already. However, if you have any concerns invest in one of these branded products.

Remember, if your attempts at sticker residue removal fail, it could cost you lots of money in the long run.

Next Christmas will you think before you 'stick'?

​
http://www.earlybirdmom.com/blog/homemade-goo-gone/
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How to conserve water in the home

30/12/2016

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Water a precious commodity
These days we are all more conscious of the need to protect the environment and to use our valuable resources wisely. Water is one of the most precious commodities that we have. It is needed for life itself and is not the limitless resource that we once thought it to be.

Modern life has created many labour saving devices but some of these can waste water, if not used thoughtfully. Making a conscious effort to utilise your water supply effectively makes sense. If your water supply is metered it could also save you money. There are many ways to save water and most of them require little work on your part.

How to conserve water in the bathroom
There are many ways that you can save water in the bathroom, such as:
  • Take a shower instead of a bath.
  • Place a water saving device in the cistern of your toilet. Some people simply place a small brick into the cistern, which decreases the amount of water used for each flush. You can, however, buy an appropriate water saving device for your cistern.
  • Always turn the tap or faucet off when you are cleaning your teeth and bathing. For example, turn the shower off whilst you lather your hair with shampoo and soap your body. Turn the water back on to rinse, instead of leaving it to flow and you will save a great deal of water. Similarly turn the water off whilst you brush your teeth.
  • Do not get washed under a running faucet or tap. It would be better to put the plug into the basin plughole.
  • Invest in one of the latest condensing boilers. These will save you money, energy and water in the long run. The water should be instantly warm and not need to be run for a while to warm up.
  • If you have to run the shower water, whilst it heats up, catch this water in a bucket or bowl. This can be used to flush down the toilet or water the garden.
  • Buy one of the latest toilets, and showers, that are so water efficient.

How to conserve water in the garden or yard
  • Plants often need watering which means that investing in a rainwater butt can save you valuable water.
  • Do not use water to clean your windows. Use a proprietary cleaner.
  • Do not clean the car, or any other vehicles, more often than is necessary.
  • Put your car in the garage at night and when it is not in use. It will keep cleaner this way.
  • Conserve rainwater when it is abundant and you will have plenty to see you through the drier spells.
  • When you are designing your garden try to make it water friendly. Not all plants, trees and shrubs require bucket loads of water. Some only need a sprinkling in the hottest summer weather.
  • Think also about plants that survive well in the shade. Sunny spots will be forever needing watering.
  • Buy a greenhouse or lean to, however small it may be. The steamy atmosphere of a well managed greenhouse can minimise the watering needed.
  • Even dirty water may be suitable for watering your garden. I do not mean filthy, foul smelling water but simply water from your washing or pots.
  • Use discarded water from, for example, changing the filter in your water jug, to water plants in your garden.
  • Never use a hose or sprinkler to clean paths or water gardens. A bucket and a watering can will be better options.
  • Consider replacing your lawn with gravel. It will be low maintenance and never need watering.
  • Alternatively look at replacing the grass with an artificial lawn. The initial outlay may not be cheap but an artificial lawn has longevity, looks good and is almost maintenance free.
  • If you have to water your plants in the garden make sure that you do so at the coolest times of the day. Preferably early in the morning and late at night. The water will be fully utilised.

How to conserve water in the kitchen and utility area of your home

This is perhaps where the most water can be saved or wasted. Dishwashers and automatic washing machines are brilliant labour saving devices but they can waste water unless used efficiently. Consider:
  • Next time you need to replace any of your white goods, such as washing machines and dishwashers, ensure that the replacement is the most energy and water efficient model available.
  • Never run your washing machine or dishwasher without a full load. If you just have a few pots try using the traditional method and hand washing your pots.
  • If you do hand wash your dishes make sure that you always use a bowl to minimise water waste.
  • If you have one of those kitchen sinks with two bowls try using one for washing dishes and fill the other with clear water for rinsing.
  • Check the manufacturer's instructions for your dishwasher and washing machine so that you are familiar with their economy settings. These will help you to save water, energy and money.
  • If you run your tap or faucet a little before filling a glass with drinking water make sure that a bowl is catching the running water. This can be used to swill paths and water plants.
  • Old freezers and refrigerators can waste water. Upgrade to a more energy and water efficient model as soon as possible.
  • Use the water drained from cooking vegetables to make a stock or gravy.

You will need
  • Imagination
  • Thought
  • The whole household to be involved
  • A small expenditure
  • Ideally the whole community, workplace, school and, or, population to join in.
  • More research into water conservation.

Additional advice
  • Never compromise you and your family's health and safety.
  • Ensure that taps and faucets have aerators fitted which lessen the flow of water. Make sure that there are no water leaks in and around your home.
  • Check faucets or taps, pipes, boilers and appliances. Insulate pipes to prevent bursts in winter and to retain heat.
  • Never throw water away.
  • If the pet's water needs changing use the discarded water for something such as watering a plant.
  • Be vigilant outside of the home.
  • Ensuring that you do not waste water when you are on vacation, or at your place of work, is vitally important.
  • If there are obvious water wasting practices in your workplace see if you can encourage a re-think.
  • Lobby your local and national political representative about water conservation in your community, city and country.
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How to prevent a fire in the home

27/12/2016

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A fire in the home is most people’s worst nightmare. A fire breaking out when the family are asleep is an even more frightening thought. After all, it could prove to be lethal. There are many products on the market these days, that will help prevent fire in your home but there are quite a few ways that you can prevent a fire happening in the first place.

• Get a routine

Each time you go out or go to bed, you should have a routine that you can rely on. It may be as simple as checking the electric sockets in each room have been turned off, ovens switched off, that cigarettes have been properly extinguished and all doors are closed. It could also include hanging your outside door keys in a place of easy access. If a fire were to break out when you were asleep, time would be of the essence. You would need to evacuate your home quickly. Fumbling for the right key could mean the difference between life and death.

• Fire prevention

Make sure that your home has fully working fire alarms installed. Check them regularly and replace batteries as soon as necessary. Too many people install a fire alarm and then forget to check that it is working. Some people remove the battery when it needs replacing to quiet the warning beep. It is all too easy then to forget to replace it.

Consider investing in a small basic fire extinguisher and perhaps a fire blanket. It is never advisable to tackle a blaze yourself but it could be that you have no alternative. A fire blanket could help you leave a fire filled building safely. Overall though it is better to prevent a fire in your home, than have to tackle one.

• Checking your home and goods for faults, safety and potential fire hazards

Maybe the electrics of your home are old and no longer safe. Conduct a full safety test around your home. Make a list of what needs to be done. If there are appliance plugs with incorrect fuses or loose wires put them right.
​
​If necessary, contact an appropriate professional to make your home safe.


• Consult your local fire officers

Your local fire officers will be happy to offer fire safety advice. It will save them time and money in the end.

• Good working practices in the home

Have a family get together, or meeting, to discuss good fire safety practices around the home. Many fires occur when a person is cooking, has been smoking or an appliance, such as a hairdryer, is not turned off and stored properly.

If a smoker cannot quit smoking try to make sure that they at least smoke outdoors. This will help improve the air quality in your home and prevent a cigarette fire from occurring. Having a family meeting can make sure that everyone understands the danger of fire and how he or she can prevent it. Assess your cooking skills to ensure that you do not leave tea towels near to cooker flames and the like. Always use a fireguard and never dry clothes near a naked flame.

• Plan your escape

All households should have some idea of how they would evacuate their home if they needed to. With the best will in the world, you can never say that you will not have a fire in your home. An electrical fire could start and take hold quickly. Check what windows could be opened wide enough for you to escape. If none is available, have some windows changed. If windows have locks, the keys must be within easy reach.

• Overall

Fire safety in the home is mainly common sense. Start as you mean to go on. This means putting fire safety measures in place and continuing to follow them. Once you have an evacuation plan you may need to update it from time to time. Keep on top of fire safety, as you know it makes sense.

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How to prepare for winter

25/12/2016

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Are you prepared for winter? Does winter catch you out each year?

Winter could still be some way off but before you know it we will be trudging around during damp, dark days. Christmas Day 2016 mild weather has blown into parts of the UK but sooner or later winter weather is bound to set in.


So many things in this life are more manageable if we are prepared. Winter is no different. If for instance you buy salt for outside paths in summer it will be dirt cheap and in ready supply when and if you need it. Wait until the weather is already bad and salt for paths will already be pricey and in short supply.

Your Home
OK so firstly why not take a good look around your home. Use a critical eye. Look at it as if it was someone else’s property and you were a would-be buyer. Check roofs, downpipes, guttering and brick work. If there are holes that need attention get them fixed before they need major work on them. It could pay you to seek professional help before the weather deteriorates.

Call in a registered gas engineer to service gas appliances such as boilers and fires. If necessary replace. Install a fire and gas alarm system. This will protect you from any potential harm from a house fire or poisonous gas fumes.

​Check windows and doors for drafts. You can buy cheap draught-excluders which are easy to fit. Make sure your home is weather proof inside and out. Fix loose fence panels and posts.

Make sure that you can easily locate items such as snow shovels if and when they are needed.

If necessary buy these items and store together. Items that could be cheaper to buy in advance are:
  • Salt, sand or grit to keep paths snow and ice free.
  • Wellington boots. Do not wait until heavy snow falls buy now.
  • Gloves, hats and scarves.
  • Snow shovels.
  • Torches, batteries and candles in case of power cuts.
  • Shoe tracks for outer soles of shoes to provide grip in poor conditions.
  • Stock up on long lasting food items. Having a few extra items at home could be useful if we have heavy snowfalls.

Make sure that your home insurance if paid up and offers you the cover you need. It is worth knowing exactly where your policies are in case of an emergency.

In light of the possibility of price increases for energy consider swapping your gas and electricity supplier.

Your vehicle
Whether your vehicle is a car, van, motorbike or cycle it will need to be in good shape to cope with the challenges of winter. Make sure your means of transport is roadworthy and safe.

Overall
The above is not an exhaustive list. Now that we have your attention though consider what winter preparations you should make.

​
http://www.europeanrailwayreview.com/30858/rail-industry-news/winter-preparations-keeping-things-track/
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How to prevent and treat dry skin

24/12/2016

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Our skin is under constant attack. What with ageing, harsh weather, work, home cleaning substances, tanning, make-up and neglect, is there any wonder that your skin is not always looking its best?

And as winter winds blow and temperatures drop skin dries out further.

Although some people suffer from overly oily skin the most common problem that day to day life can cause is dry skin. As Autumn and Winter approach your skin will face a different set of challenges. The Sun in Summer may dry your skin but the cold sharp weather of Winter will do it more damage.


In the past men tended to neglect their skin but now both men and women have realised the importance of skin care. If skin becomes extremely dry open wounds and cracks can occur. This can lead to infections and be painful. Your skin does not have to be dry though. Consider a few simple ways to keep your skin looking and feeling healthy.

Prevention is always better than having to look for a cure
When we are young our skin tends to repair itself quickly. With age the signs of skin damage are often permanent. This means that it is better to:
  • Start a good skin care regime from a young age.
  • Protect your skin from the sun by wearing a good sunscreen on a daily basis.
  • Cleanse and moisturise your facial skin regularly.
  • Apply extra rich cream to your knees, feet, hands and elbows.
  • Protect your skin from the harsh weather in winter also.
Assess your skin
Take a good look at your skin, in order to assess its present condition. Some people have a combination skin which means that the skin can be oily but have dry patches in places. Take a shower, dry yourself and have a good look at yourself in a full length mirror, if possible. Hold a smaller mirror in your hand so that you can look at your back in the full length mirror. If there are any problem areas of your skin begin a skin repair regime.


Underlying health problems
Occasionally dry skin will be the result of an underlying health condition such as dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, or seborrhea. If you have a thyroid condition this may also affect the condition of your skin. If you suspect any such health problems consult your medical practitioner.

Knowing the possible causes of dry skin may help you to prevent it
There are many possible causes of dry skin such as:
  • Showering or bathing in water that is too hot. Turn the thermostat down a little.
  • Showering and bathing too often. We all love to be clean these days but if you bathe and shower too often your skin may dry out. Remember also, to chose shower creams, gels and soaps that will not dry your skin out.
  • Having a poor diet. Make sure that your diet includes plenty of water, fresh fruit, nuts and vegetables and is rich in vitamin A and C. Limit the amount of alcohol, confectionery, caffeine, processed and junk foods that you consume.
  • Sun damage can cause many problems for your skin. Overall sun damage can leave your skin very dry. Although sun screens and a good sun block will help they will not entirely prevent any problems. It is far better to avoid long periods in the sun or sit in the shade.
  • Your work environment. Depending upon where you work your skin can suffer. If the atmosphere at work is very dry your skin will be affected. Contact your human resources or occupational health department if necessary. Hopefully they will be able to address any such problems.
  • The climate and weather. Dry skin problems can occur in hot and dry climates as well as cold and chilly ones. In the winter months the air quality in our homes may not be conducive to healthy looking skin. Skin needs a good level of moisture to prevent it from drying out.
  • The cosmetics and creams that you already use. Ensure that you use the correct creams on your skin. For example, do not buy and use creams that are designed for use on oily skin, unless that is what you have. Avoid perfumed creams that may be pleasant to use but have little real benefits for your skin. Read the label on cosmetics and buy the best quality that you can afford. This will help to prevent skin damage from your cosmetics.
You will need
  • To always be conscious and aware that your skin should not be neglected or maltreated.
  • A good skin care attitude.
  • A healthy diet rich in foods such as fruit, nuts, vitamins and essential fats.
  • To protect your skin when necessary and possible.

Tips & Warnings
  • Avoid consuming too much caffeine, alcohol, junk foods and sugary treats.
  • Avoid consuming foods that contain hydrogenated fats or trans fatty acids.
  • Do not sit or lay in the sun for long periods of time.
  • Always wear protective sun creams.
  • A sun hat or sunshade will help
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How to transform your garden

24/12/2016

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If you are considering re-designing your garden you need to have a good look at its current state. Whether it is a small or large garden re-designing will offer a great opportunity to maximise this outdoor space and ensure that your garden works for you.

In these dire economic times many people are starting to grow some produce at home. Even if space is at a premium you may be able to incorporate:-
  • A vegetable patch
  • A few fruit trees
  • A herb garden
  • Potatoes
  • A strawberry patch

Planning is essential to make the effort of re-designing worth while.Measure the space that you have and see if you can get everything you need or want from your garden. Draft a basic design adding as much or as little information as necessary. These days there are plenty of software packages available that will help you design the perfect garden for you. Free software is available with a little research.

Decide on a budget and aim to stick to it.Shop around for items needed. See if you can find any special offers. If you want to buy a greenhouse, for example, the autumn is often the best time. In early autumn or late summer you can usually buy a greenhouse relatively cheaply.

Many people in the UK are moving away from traditional gardens. Some are simply block paving the outdoor space in order to provide off road parking. However, this can be done sympathetically, if it is deemed necessary. Chippings, for example, will be more Eco-friendly than concrete or block paving. A willow screen can hide unsightly views and the like. A wealth of plants can be displayed in pots or hanging baskets. All of this will help soften a harsh looking exterior and will offer kerb appeal to potential buyers.

It may be that you want to lose your lawn and make a garden that is easy to maintain due to time constraints, health issues, pets or age. Whatever the reason there are plenty of alternatives these days.

Most DIY stores and garden centres have a ready supply of:-
  • Paving Stones
  • Gravel
  • Stones
  • Wooden sleepers
  • Rocks
  • Fences
  • Screens
  • Decking
  • Greenhouses
  • Water features and so much more.
Make a list of what you love about your garden and what you hate. From this list, work out what could replace the features that you hate. Would you like a Hot Tub, a wildlife garden pond, a seating area, a privet hedge to add some privacy, a bird haven or a rose garden? The choice is yours and there are so many alternatives.

This article may spur you on to make the changes you want to your garden.

If your budget is small consider transforming a section of your garden this year with further work to be carried out for the next few years. If you love your home and plan to stay there, plans which will take a few years to complete, should not be a problem.

Finally. So have we whet your garden design appetite? If so now could be the perfect time to start the preparations for your re-design and to begin work. Remember to:-
  • Be realistic about what you can achieve with the space provided.
  • Make sure that you can afford the changes.
  • Decide if you will be able to carry out all the works yourselves or will need to hire in at least some help. This will need budgeting for.
  • Set aims and goals.
  • Check out if you will need any planning or building permission.
  • If the work will ultimately have a negative impact on your neighbours find out their opinion. This will be the sensible option and perhaps a compromise will be possible.
  • Research which plants will thrive in your garden, for example, some need acidic soils and some need full sun. Amend your design to take such needs into account.
  • Use reclaimed items when possible. This can be cheaper and is less harmful to the environment.
  • Do not rush the work or do too much heavy lifting suddenly. If you put your back out you could be laid up all summer.
  • Decide if you want to incorporate any structures, such as a summer house, a garage, a conservatory, a water feature, a large pond or a pagoda.
With the help of garden design software try to envisage what all of these changes will look like when completed. This means thinking about the size of shrubs and trees in a few years time. Incorporate plants and flowers that will offer maximum show for each of the seasons, this can mean that your garden looks great all year round. Either go for a completely random colour scheme or plant so that blocks of colour will compliment each other.
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How to freeze strawberries

22/12/2016

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Strawberries these days can be bought and consumed all year around. The trouble with strawberries bought out of season though is that they often taste woody and have very little strawberry flavour.

Freezing strawberries in season for use later in the year is quite easy.

There are two main ways to freeze strawberries.

One uses a dry sugar pack and one uses a syrup pack.

Obviously better quality and really fresh strawberries will freeze much better than cheaper out of date stocks and give great results.

It's no good buying cheap or tasteless strawberries. To make the effort of freezing strawberries fully worthwhile pick good, healthy, fresh and tasty fruit.

So having bought or picked the most plumptious strawberries here is what to do:

TO DRY-SUGAR PACK
Cut your strawberries in half, quarters or just slice them. Wash them and place into a bowl or shallow pan. If you prefer the strawberries can be crushed rather than sliced.

Sprinkle between a third and a quarter of a cup of sugar over your strawberries. You need to use this amount for every quart of fruit. Just keep turning the strawberries over, as gently as you can, in the sugar until the sweetener is all dissolved.

Once the sugar has completely dissolved pack your strawberries into a suitable container and freeze as quickly as possible.

TO SYRUP PACK


To one cup of sugar add one and a half cups of either hot or cold water. If you use hot water you will need to let it cool before use or alternatively chill it.

Pack the whole, or sliced, washed strawberries into a suitable container and pour about a half a cup of the prepared syrup, to one pint of strawberries, over the packed fruit.

When you have done this, seal the container and freeze as soon as possible.

There is a third, less popular, option which does not have such good results and this is Freezing unsweetened Strawberries.

FREEZING UNSWEETENED STRAWBERRIES
This one appeals to me as I never add sugar to fresh strawberries. To my mind they are sweet enough and the flavour is better if no sugar is added.

Prepare the strawberries as before.

What you are going to do this time is cover the berries with water or some sort of berry juice. If you have crushed the strawberries you can cover them with their own juice. If possible add ascorbic acid to the liquid which will cover the strawberries, or to the strawberries themselves. This will help the strawberries keep their fresh red colour.

Ascorbic acid can be bought in some supermarkets but more easily from a Chemist or Pharmacist.

CONCLUSION
The syrup pack or dry sugar pack will give your strawberries the best results as far as colour and taste go. However the result will obviously be sweet and I would think too sweet for me. The choice of how to freeze really depends on what you want to use the strawberries for.

Strawberry recipes here
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