Notepad Corner

After my youngest son, Yahmir, has been hospitalized due to dengue fever caused by a mosquito bite years ago, I am always on guard against mosquitoes. Dengue and Chikungunya are now an all-year-round mosquito-bite diseases in the country which should not be taken for granted as it comes in different strains that can be fatal. image via en.wikipedia.org To refrain from being the dinner of these blood suckers, as much as possible we mosquito proof our home.   We always check for any stagnant water in and out of the house especially after a rain fall.   Any pool of water like in the saucer of a plant pot or rain water caught inside an old tire, fresh flower vases and even in the base of an air conditioning unit is a good place for them to breed and hang out. In fact, wherever they can find enough water   to lay their eggs, they will be there. There are many ways to keep safe from mosquitoes.  Through researching I have found out that there are plants that repel mosquito.  Unk

Buying a property is a major investment. You need to make sure that you are fully aware of the process that is involved in this decision. For some, it can be an overwhelming experience. The jargon and the financial process can be complicated to understand. What is more, the physical process of house hunting can be less than exciting and more of a chore. Relax . What you need is a handy guide to assist you with your house buying quest. With thanks to Philip Taylor on Flickr -   https://flic.kr/p/bDwfRq Here are the key considerations that you need to make when buying a property: 1.    Working Out a Budget While you may dream of living in a country mansion in the middle of nowhere, you need to be realistic. Working out a budget is important. Are you buying a property alone or is this a joint venture? Typically, you will be loaned money based on your income. As a single person, this is three times your annual salary. As a joint venture, this is worked out at fiv

Being a mom is the busiest job in the world. Most moms need to balance work and home demands. Moms can get caught up in a frenzied juggle of spouse, children, bosses, household chores, projects, errands and even family pets. If it gets too much to take, moms definitely need a breather or a time out to collect themselves and charge out to face all these demands once more. When was the last time you had a date with your spouse without your kids? How long was it when you last bonded or talked with your girlfriends and siblings? It may become difficult to find time for yourself when you have your family and career to think about, but with little changes you can significantly improve how your daily routines and avoid that “burnt out” feeling from doing everything. lunch date, bonding time with my sisters Communicate with your partner what you need so that you will be more connected and in tune. Use technology such as text messaging, email or a post it on places that he or sh

When you’ve got a new puppy to bring home, you might find yourself at lost on how you can puppy proof your home and ensure your new pup’s safety. It is basically like bringing a new baby home, what can harm your baby will surely harm your puppy too. Here’s a few tips to help you start up your puppy proofing project at home. Start with clearing and keeping your household cleaning products including those toxic substances away from your puppy’s reach. Like toddlers, puppies tend to be curious and they want to try, feel and taste anything. Tall cabinets or top shelves are ideal places for keeping toxic items such as insecticides, detergents, rat poison and other cleaning products. Watch out for electrical cords and other choking hazards – keep them out of your chewers, if you can’t raise them, get a rug that you can place over these electrical wires and chords. Also beware of indoor plants. Some plants can be harmful to animals when ingested so find out which should be remo

The carpet is like the middle of the ocean. It may look clean and beautiful on the surface, but deep down lies a village of mysterious creatures named dirt and grime. And when food and drink stains hit the surface? You might as well play the Jaws instrumental while you try to furiously clean and scrub. But over-the-top analogies aside, maintaining and caring for your carpet isn’t a sink or swim situation after all. With most problems, come a series of pretty smart solutions. But what are they? Read on and find out! image credit: kropekk_pl - pixabay.com Preventing Dirty Dramas Averting a potential cleaning dilemma before it occurs will not only save you time, but money. As they say, prevention is the most effective cleaning method. But how can you prevent this? With a dependable vacuum cleaner! While vacuuming, concentrate your time on areas that are close to entryways, outdoor areas and different corners of the room. These regions have high tendencies of accumulating dust, h

The part of the house where we retreat to get relaxation and enough needed rest at the end of the day is the bedroom.  A clean, clutter-free and fully equipped sleeping quarter eases and enhances physical and mental health as well. Investing in quality furniture pieces will not only make your sanctuary look fabulous and functional but it can also have a positive effect on your general health. A well rested body and mind can carry out day to day tasks properly.   Photo credits:  http://flic.kr/p/fh3YsY It is important to select the right bedroom furniture that suits your individual needs and style. The following are suggested essential furniture pieces for your bedroom. A comfortable bed The bed is the main bedroom furniture that needs more focus and attention. The bed frame must be sturdy to last for years. The size also matters; a queen size is good enough for a couple. A good and comfortable memory foam mattress will help you get a comfortable and rejuvenatin

For a lot of students the chance to let off some steam and play as hard as they work is too good to resist. Students may be typecast as party animals, but their studies are a serious investment for their future lives and careers. Whether at their first-year accommodation – catered, self-catered, or otherwise – or in their own rented property students need to stamp their own identity on where they’re currently living to feel at home, work effectively, and host their friends. Student accommodation isn’t cheap , and for the majority of students it’s a cost that they constantly have to keep their eye on to get the most out of not just their studies, but their freedom as a student, too. Furniture can be pricey, especially if the landlord in question expects their student tenants to invest in their own furnishings. Luckily there’s an affordable and creative solution that students from all backgrounds can take advantage of – beanbags. image from greatbeanbags.com Bean