Home Blog Page 462

I Can See Clearly Now! How to Choose the Best Windows for Your Home

By
Elizabeth Williams

Are you planning a home renovation and need guidance when it comes to buying the best windows possible? Click here for a handy guide that should help.

Windows dominate the appearance of the house because of its structure, form, and placement. When decorating your home, the first place to start is with the windows. Most people underestimate the power of good windows on the general aesthetics of the home.

Whether you are thinking of replacing or buying new windows, you need to get the best for your home.

Take time to make the decision, and consult your contractor or an interior designer on the best windows to choose. If you do not, you risk losing a lot of time and money. There is also a chance that the windows may be a healthy and safety hazard.

Choosing the Best Windows

Windows are a big investment for any home. You, therefore, need to consider quality, budget, style, ROI and energy efficiency when buying. Here are some of the most critical things to look at when buying to ensure you get the best windows.

Security

Think about it, a home without windows is a doomsday bunker. This does not mean you necessarily need bulletproof windows. Whether you have a security system or not, good windows and doors offer your home security.

It is also true that windows are a home’s weak point. Therefore, you need to factor in security in your choice. Some of the things to consider are the strength of the glass, the quality of security screens, and the locks.

You also need to think about the distance of your windows from the ground. Most owners go shopping for windows based on their aesthetic goals and personal styles. Unfortunately, these objectives often leave you vulnerable to attacks.

One of the biggest issues is the visibilities that you grant burglars- whether the crime has been meticulously planned or are just crimes of opportunity.

The easiest way to get access to an individual’s home is by looking through the windows. If you live in areas that are particularly risky, choose windows that are not visible.

While still looking at the security aspect of the windows, you must consider the locks or lack of. When buying, think of the type of lock that will be placed on installment. If the type of window does not support a locking mechanism, you probably need to think twice.

Window locks are a necessity regardless of how high the window is from the ground.

The Type of Material

There are several types of materials to choose from when selecting the best windows. The choice is easier when you consider your location and application.

As a rule of thumb, windows that have greater insulating properties are more expensive. When considering materials, you must consider the material for the window frame and the type of glass you want.

Single Pane Glass

This is one of the old fashioned styles. However, it still works perfectly for locations with mild climates and outbuildings. It can also be aligned with the exterior designs you are going with.

Double Pane Glass

This is the most commonly used today. They have a seals air space that is between layers of glass. This helps reduce heat loss. They are available in different variations of insulation abilities including the low-E glass.

Low-E glass has an invisible coat of metal on the surface and has inert gas that is added therein for better insulation.

These are great because they reduce the cost of heat during the cold months. Remember that cost does not affect performance.

Triple Pane

If you are living in cold climate areas, this is the type you should consider. They are sealed with a mix of gases like krypton and argon, which provide added layers of insulation.
Statistics have shown that they can save up to 3% of the heating bill when compared with double pane windows.

However, they are also 15% more expensive so they may not be for homeowners who do not plan to stay in their homes for a long time.

The better the insulation on windows, the less you have to worry about condensation issues. The interior of the window maintains a temperature that is as close as possible to the room’s temperature. This prevents foggy windows when the cold weather outside meets the warm air inside the home.

Frames

When making the decision on windows, frames are an important consideration. They determine the sturdiness of the window aesthetic appeal and the fit of the window.

The frames are also of different types:

Vinyl

This is the least expensive choice and is easier to maintain. However, they do expand when exposed to heat and this reduces their ability to seal. If your area receives very hot sunlight, avoid it because it warps. The pain will need replacement every few months.

Wood

Wood is much more expensive than vinyl and needs to be repainted frequently to avoid sun damage and rotting. Most are made with stain-quality wood. It, therefore, looks better with age.

Aluminum

This is strong, affordable and requires little to no maintenance. It is also a big conductor of heat and cold. You, therefore, have to make energy considerations when making this choice.

Energy Efficiency Is Paramount

Heat loss and heat gain through windows are responsible for 25-30% of the heating and cooling energy uses in a home. It is therefore critical that you buy windows that are great for the climate in your area. The windows and frames should work together to save your energy bills.

You definitely need windows that will help you save money and keep your home at the right temperatures. The thinnest point of windows is often at the point where the exterior and interior meet.

You, therefore, need to make sure that you get the best quality to save time and protect your home. When it comes to heat loss and energy efficiency, there is a lot of lingoes. The terms you will hear repeatedly are R-value and U-value.

R-value measure how well the window resists heat flow. The higher the R-value, the more heat efficient it is. U-value, on the other hand, tells you just how well the window will keep heat from escaping the home.

The lower this number is, the more efficient the window is. Keep these numbers in mind when you are determining the products that are best for your home.

The Color of the Windows

The color of the windows will vary from one home to another. Choosing the exterior color is a huge factor when considering the curb appeal of the home. While there are numerous options available.

Always make sure that the color complements the rest of the house and enhances its overall look. The color in the interior is something that should seamlessly blend into the overall look of the home. You can also choose neutral colors like white that will go well with any type of décor.

Window Styles

The next step is to choose the type and style of windows that will complement your home. This will determine the aesthetic appeal of your home and the way it ties altogether. There are four basic types:

Single or Double Hung Windows

These are the most common windows that are found in most homes. They have two separate sashes that close and open by sliding up and down.

The sash is the actual pane of the inner frame of the glass. With a single hung window, it opens from the bottom by sliding up. Double hung windows, on the other hand, can either be opened from the top or below.

For areas like the basement and kitchens that need constant air flow, double hung windows are the best especially when you lower the bottom sash. There are also great for areas where there are small children since they eliminate the risk of children climbing out of the window.

Casement Windows

These types of windows have one large sash. The sash is vertically hinged and that swings out to open. Often, a lever is used to open it.

Awning Windows

These are hinged at the top and open by tilting them from the bottom. As their name suggests, they create an awning appearance when they open. They are most popularly used in the coastal areas and in bathrooms.

Sliders

These types of windows open by sliding from one side to the other. They are perfect for homes with limited space to place windows that open from outside. They fit perfectly on the walls since they do not take up much space.

Impact Resistance

The last thing you want is to install windows that are a danger to your family. You need to look for impact-resistant windows. This does not mean that it will not break when whacked by a baseball bat or a stone.

However, it will not shutter and spread the glass all over the place. The best part is that it will hold up even under extreme weather. The occasional stray baseball will not leave you with a dangerous mess to deal with.

Warranty

Carefully read the manufacturers’ paperwork on what the warranties cover concerning the glass. Good window companies will cover you for most issues including fogging between the windows. The better the services of the company, the longer, and better the warranty will be.

Like With All the Items You Will Purchase In Your Home, You Must Make Decisions That Will Get You the Best Windows

Do not settle for the first one. Take your time when looking for the best windows. Find time to look through the different options available before you make your choice. Also, keep in mind the ROI. Some costly windows will have a higher impact on the sale value of your home than cheaper alternatives.

Read more on our blog for more life hacks, tips, and tricks.

10 Great Websites to Buy Designer Clothing Online

By
Elizabeth Williams

Thanks to the internet, designer clothing is available to anyone anywhere! Check out these great websites to buy designer clothing online

About 96 percent of people in the United States shop online.

Online shopping has become popular since we can buy designer clothing online directly through our phones. It’s no longer necessary to visit stores to get the items we want.

We all fancy the finer products in life. However, we don’t want to spend much on designer clothes, bags, shoes, and accessories. Thus, we prefer shopping in stores that provide discounted items.

Below are 10 great websites to buy designer clothing online.

  1. The Outnet

This online retail site sells designer clothes at a discounted price. Various designer apparel such as jewelry, handbags, and shoes are sold here.

Up-to-date collections are available on the retail site. The site also offers free shipping services.

  1. RueLala

RueLala is among the best places to buy designer clothing online. It offers a variety of ways to shop. You can opt to shop for specific products from their ever-changing items. You can also shop from their flash sales, which are available to fashion designers.

To receive alerts on the available flash sales, you need to sign up through email. For your first 30 days, RueLala offers you free shipping.

  1. SSENSE

SSENSE is an e-commerce retailer that sells streetwear, luxury clothes, and shoes. It sells products such as Balenciaga, trench coats, hoodies, and t-shirts.

  1. Saks Off 5th Ave

The outlet store sells both luxury designer products and everyday affordable clothes. Also, it’s quite easy to navigate the website.

  1. 6PM

The website provides a whole section with designer accessories, bags, shoes, and clothes. Here, you shop by brand and sort the products easily by price. The kind of lines and brands offered by 6PM are hard to find on other sites that offer designer products.

Although they don’t offer curated collections, their styles come in a wide variety.

  1. Bag Borrow or Steal

The online retailer sells both second-hand and new accessories and bags. You can also rent or borrow their bags for a short time. They offer new designs of bags for borrowing.

Besides, you can choose to either buy or rent some amazing vintage bags offered by the store. To add icing on the cake, they offer free shipping services.

  1. Century 21

Sometimes you may think ‘where can I buy designer clothing at an affordable price?’ Century 21 provides designer products at a discounted price of up to 80 percent or more. The retailer also offers non-designer items.

They offer all kinds of clothes from high-end to the every-day wearable ones.

  1. Gilt

Here, they offer both casual and designer sales at affordable sales. Aside from the usual products such as shoes, accessories, and bags, Gilt also offers sections for home accessories.

The store caters for those looking for good products but at low prices.

  1. Overstock

Overstock is well known for their affordable home goods section. They also have amazing offers on designer accessories, bags, and shoes.

  1. Luxury Garage Sale

The online retail site offers a subscription retail box for designer outfits. You fill out a form about your desired clothing then a box is created for you. You pay and keep for what you need and send back the rest in a prepaid box. 

Buy Designer Clothing Online In the Best Websites

If you’re looking to buy affordable designer and non-designer clothes online, then you should visit the above websites. They not only provide the best products but also have free shipping services.

Luxury is expensive. However, the above retail stores will help you buy designer clothing online.

 

Luxury Fashion for Kids Is on the Rise

By
Elizabeth Williams

Adults aren’t the only ones interested in designer fashion. Top brands are targeting a whole new “little” market with luxury fashion for kids.

Children’s clothing has become a $1.4 billion market, according to Euromonitor. 

But why? How did childrenswear shift from mud-stained hand-me-downs to streetwear and high-dollar accessories? 

The answer: millennials. In fact, 40 percent of them are parents. But what’s driving their sudden interest in fashion for kids? 

Well, many things. 

The Evolution of Fashion for Kids

The 2010s have ushered in a new era of fashion for kids, with name brands like Givenchy, Balenciaga, and Marc Jacobs introducing their own products specifically for the demographic. Some retailers like Nickis have even started compiling their own databases of collections for them.

Here are a few reasons why.

Selfie Culture

With Instagram’s explosion in popularity also came the rise of selfie culture. Users would flaunt their daily looks in mirror pics tagged #OOTD to show all of their followers how put-together and “in style” they were.

While Instagram filters and hashtagged selfies might be becoming a thing of the past, their influence continues to thrive in today’s internet culture. Targeted social media ads have become more profitable than newspaper or magazine ads, according to Hootsuite. 

And now, that influence is extending beyond the limits of age. As more parents are waiting until later in life to have children — and having fewer children, too — they’re also amassing more disposable income than generations before them. 

The result? Children under nine, dressed to the nines. Kids are becoming miniatures of their parents’ own self-expression. After all, what’s more on-brand than matching Gucci handbags with your tot? 

‘Influencers’

While social media continues to factor into the rising popularity of kids couture clothing, there has to be a driving force behind it: influencers. 

You see them all over your feed and discovery pages — celebrities with millions of followers flaunting their envious lifestyles through selfies, videos, and story highlights. They promote cars, makeup, clothing brands, health products, and even events because they know that imitation is the highest form of flattery. 

Take Kylie Jenner for example. She used the power of social media to build a successful cosmetic empire. And now that she’s a mother, she’s capitalizing off that, too. 

Her daughter, Stormi, is often featured on her Instagram in designer threads from head to toe, whether for photoshoots or days out on the town with mommy.

And she’s not the only one. One could argue that Jenner is following in the footsteps of Kim Kardashian-West, who regularly features her children, North and Saint, in similar attire. The West family has even launched their own clothing line for kids.

Essentially, social media has become a powerful tool for keeping up with the hottest trends. But the users of social media are the ones who curate those trends and make them, well, trends in the first place. 

Children Grow… Fast

Men’s and women’s clothing lines remain relatively static in the sense that their consumers tend to shop the same sizes once they’ve reached their growth spurt. 

But children are a whole other market of undiscovered potential, creativity, and profitability.

It seems that every month, your child outgrows that treasured pair of pants or that reliable winter coat. So why not use that to your advantage as a designer?

The need for new childrenswear is almost constant, lending itself to opportunities for exploration and risk-taking that just can’t be done with more traditional lines. If a children’s design flops, not all is lost. Soon it’ll be outgrown anyway, and then it’ll be time for the parents to accommodate the child’s next stage of life. 

Like Mother Like Daughter

Just as “everyday people” use social media to learn what’s hot, children learn how to dress from their parents. While some might see luxury children’s clothes as a way for parents to exercise their own freedom of expression, they’re forgetting a critical part of the equation: the children themselves. 

Luxury fashion has opened up a whole other avenue for children to explore. Maybe your son just isn’t into dinosaurs and dump trucks, or your daughter isn’t drawn to bows or the color pink.

Designer fashions let children speak for themselves in ways they never could before. Sure, they might not know the worth of what they’re wearing, but is that really the point? What more could you ask for than letting your child point at an outfit with sparkling eyes and say, “That one”? 

Not for Everyone

If you’re looking to join the ranks of some of the most successful childrenswear designers in the world, you have to stay up-to-date on relevant legislation pertaining to child safety. The industry comes with its own set of risks that might not apply to industries for men’s or women’s wear. 

Is the fabric safe for kids? Breathable? Are there any small accessories that might present a choking hazard? Are the shoes slip-resistant for even the most accident-prone child? These are just some of the things you’ll have to consider that you might not have had to in another industry. 

Overall, fashion for kids has allowed both parents and their offspring to bond over a common interest in ways they never have before. It’s promoted impressive economic growth, creativity, and competition among brands worldwide. 

Most importantly, it has allowed children the same freedom of expression afforded to their parents. No longer are they limited to the stereotypes and gender norms of generations before them. Now, they are in control of their own closets, starting from a much younger age.

Wondering about the stories behind other recent fads? Visit our contact page to see your questions answered on our blog.

 

5 Warning Signs of Pest Infestation at Home

By
Elizabeth Williams

Do you hear noises in the walls? See pest droppings? These things and more? Here are five warning signs that you’ve got a pest infestation!

Do you have a pest infestation in your home?

These pesky creatures are not only annoying but also a health risk. According to EPA, indoor pests such as cockroaches are responsible for respiratory conditions such as asthma and allergies.

In addition to risking your health, pests also cause massive property damage. Termites damage property worth $5 million every year. Thus, the sooner you identify the infestation, the faster you can control it before it wreaks havoc in your home.

With this in mind, here are five telltale signs you have a pest infestation in your home.

Unusual Noises in Your Home

Pests such as rodents are certainly everything but not silent. During the night, when your home is quiet, they will run around making noises as they look for food. This is the best time to spot them.

Listen out for unusual noises in areas such as the garage, kitchen, crawl spaces, attic, and storage spaces during the night. If you have rodents, you’ll certainly hear them make a pitter-patter sound of their small feet as they dominate your home.

Unpleasant Odors

One telltale sign of a pest infestation is the presence of unexplainable odors in your home. Pests, especially rats, leave behind musky odors of urine and droppings. If you catch a whiff of an unexplained smell in your kitchen, garage, or pantry, it’s time to investigate.

Pest urine leaves behind an ammonia-like smell that’s almost choking. If you notice this, take immediate action before the pesky creatures contaminate your food and cause health risks.

Droppings and Carcasses

Have you recently seen dark, cylindrical droppings that resemble ground coffee or black pepper? Or have you noticed shiny, black droppings in your cabinets and storage units? Have you seen abandoned wings or carcasses of dead cockroaches in your home?

If so, you have a pest infestation. As with other animals, pests leave behind droppings in the places they frequent. What’s more, those with wings also tend to shed them in your home.

If you notice droppings and carcasses, you have a pest infestation in your home.

Pest Nestings

Pests such as rodents will build nests in the dark and unused parts of your home such as the crawl spaces, attic, and in old, unused furniture. Be on the lookout for such nestings as they are an indication you have unwanted guests.

Most pests won’t be in their nests when you come looking. However, you can use subtle treatments to eliminate them when they do come “home.” One of such options is the in-wall pest control system.

Tubes filled with pesticide are installed in the walls in your home. They slowly release chemicals and exterminate pests.

Only a small amount of the chemical is released in your home. Thus, you don’t have to worry about heavy pesticide use and its effect on the health of the home’s occupants.

Damaged Fixtures and Wiring

The final but most destructive sign is damaged fixtures and wiring. Rodents and termites are notorious creatures that can cause massive property damage in your home.

Rodents chew on electrical wiring and can expose your home to electrical risks such as fires and electrocution. Termites eat at wooden furniture and cause irreversible damage.

If you suspect an infestation, inspect your furniture and wiring for physical damage and contact a pest control expert immediately.

Do You Have a Pest Infestation?

Pest extermination can be costly, but even more expensive is the process of restoring your home and valuables after a pest infestation. Take charge today and contact the experts for professional pest control services.

 

20-Year-Old Student Defers His Studies To Take Care Of His Mother Suffering From Cancer

By
Riley Cooper

This man’s story proves that there’s nothing more important than family.

Liu Xinhong is a 20-year-old student whose life unexpectedly took a different turn. One year ago, he’d just started his first year of university in Yulin County in Taiwan.

However, when Liu found out that his mother’s cancer had spread to other parts of her body last year, he made a decision which he thought was the best at the time.

Liu decided to defer his studies in order to take care of his mother suffering from cancer. Thus, being just another freshman at the university last year, he’s now more like a nurse taking care of his mother at the hospital.

Facebook

Liu knows that education is important, but he also understands that family matters the most. He said: “I only have one mother, but with my studies, I can go back to them later.”

While some people think that Liu’s decision to drop out of college is wrong since education is vital, he doesn’t share the same opinion, and he has a good, strong reason for that.

Liu said: “Mom has put a lot of time and effort into raising me. She’s helped me with homework and lots of other things, but I haven’t spent much time with her.”

Facebook

In a Facebook post, Liu thanked his mother for all the love she’s given him. He added that as she now needs to be taken care of, he has the full responsibility to take on that role. He also wrote:

“I think companionship is very important during a person’s last days. Facing the inevitable result, I would like to learn to discard regret and say goodbye to my loved ones and bless them; isn’t it better than just being sad?”

Fortunately, this devoted son has other family members who support him during these difficult times for him. His brother joins him in the hospital every day. And his father, who can’t spend that much time in the hospital with them as he’s busy running their family shop, is proud of his devoted, selfless, caring son.

Facebook

Facebook

Remember Steve Irwin? His Son Is Now An Award-Winning Photographer And These Are Some Of His Best Photographs

By
Stephanie Reeds

People say the apple doesn’t fall far from the apple tree. And the Irwin family is certainly proof of that saying.

Remember Steve Irwin? The Australian zookeeper, also known as the Crocodile Hunter, who dedicated his life to exploring the wilderness and helped with the conservation and protection of many animals?

Instagram

Well, his son Robert Irwin certainly inherited the best side of his genes. Why? Well, this 15-year-old boy is an award-winning photographer and a real nature enthusiast. He has a truly sharp eye for aesthetics and a genuine love for the animal world, just like his father.

Instagram

Robert has already been a part of a few conservation initiatives alongside his family where they worked hard to spread the message of conservation. But another thing that Robert takes interest in is photography. 

Instagram

According to his website, Robert has always been fascinated with the natural world. That, as well as his parent’s genes, were his inspiration to keep thriving in this field. As a result of his hard work and passion, Robert’s photographs have been featured in many photography galleries around Australia and worldwide.

And the photographs that he has taken will definitely blow your mind.

Instagram

He is also the leading photography contributor to the Australia Zoo Crikey magazine. Moreover,  he has also judged the National Geographic Kids Photo Contest and been recognized in many photography competitions. 

Instagram

Way to go Robert! As a passionate nature lover, myself, I am genuinely speechless. All I have to say is… Keep scrolling down, because the photographs that you are about to see are absolutely breathtaking!

Cuteness Overload: IKEA Donated Doll-Sized Beds To A Cat Rescue Center And The Felines Love Them

By
Stephanie Reeds

Have you seen cats sleeping on tiny beds?

I am sure you’ve all scrolled through Instagram and liked those cute videos of kittens sleeping on tiny pillow snuggled in small, warm blankets. But now you have the opportunity to go and visit them. Oh, and of course you can also adopt one if you like.

The place is called The Etobicoke Humane Society. It is a cat rescue center and it has been around for more than 25 years. Their main goal is to protect, shelter and take care of stray animals.

But the thing that makes this whole experience even more interesting and cuter is the fact that recently IKEA donated tiny, doll-sized beds to this cat shelter. Thanks to them, their furry friends no longer have to sleep on the floor.

Our floors are easy to clean but not terribly comfortable to lay on,” the Etobicoke Humane Society wrote on their Facebook page.

And, trust me, I cannot even find the words to describe to you how cute these fluffy babies look in their new bedrooms. I can’t get enough of seeing them sleeping so peacefully in their new cozy corners!

Luckily, we have photos for all of you cat lovers out there.

The funny things are, IKEA doesn’t sell pet furniture. So, these tiny beds are actually made for dolls.


They decided to donate 10 Duktig Doll beds to the cat shelter in Ontario, Canada.

And the felines immediately fell in love with them. Now they no longer need to sleep on the floor.

The beds are made of pine wood and there is a linen set on top of it.

Just look at this fluffy baby enjoying its naps. Snug as a bug in a rug.

Here’s an unboxing video of the Duktig Doll Beds. If you are interested in purchasing one for your furry friend, don’t hesitate to visit your local IKEA and surprise them.

15 Things I Am Supposed To Do, But I Don’t, Since I’m Always Procrastinating

By
Riley Cooper

We are all guilty of procrastinating from time to time. Whether we’re avoiding doing a certain task because we find it unpleasant, difficult, or just boring, we somehow always manage to come up with tons of reasons as to why not do the task today.

By postponing fulfilling a task until later, i.e. tomorrow, next week, or next month, we always drive ourselves crazy as we end up having to do a bunch of things all in one day.

If you’re like me, i.e. you have a habit of procrastinating, then you understand well how irritating and stressful this can sometimes be.

I don’t know what kind of things you usually postpone doing, but I’m perfectly well aware of the things I’m supposed to do, but I don’t, since I’m always procrastinating.

Here they are:

1. I have tons of clothes that are waiting for me to iron, but as you can guess, I’m always busy doing other “more important” things than that.

2. A couple of weeks ago, I found an interesting recipe in a cookbook, and I’ve been desperately wanting to make it, but, you know, why bother trying it today – I can do that next week.

3. My watch hasn’t been working for a while now, but I’m always “forgetting” to take it to a watch repair shop to have it fixed.

4. A couple of letters have been sitting on my desk for a week, ready to be sent, and I really can’t tell for how long they’ll still have to sit there.

5. I started going to the gym last week, and I’m supposed to go there 4 times a week. But, hey, it’s not a big deal if I only visit it twice a week, right?

6. Every time I watch TV and have to go out with my friends or go shopping, I always choose to stay at home and watch a little bit more TV, and, after an hour – there I am – fast asleep. And as for my friends or the shopping – well, they can wait.

7. My laptop has been making strange noise for 2 weeks now, but as it still works – I haven’t checked it yet.

8. Sometimes I get so lazy that when I have to attend a wedding or another important celebration, I even postpone doing my make-up or buying a gift, and, of course, I always get there late.

9. For a long time, I’ve been thinking about taking a German course, and I’ve even started putting money aside, but “I simply can’t find the time.”

10. One of the things that I really need to focus on in my life now is my master thesis. But, you know – “I can’t find the time to do that either.”

11. Sometimes I find myself thinking whether I’ve left a dress or a coat at the dry cleaner since perhaps I’ve forgotten to pick it up.

12. And when it comes to my dishes, well, I don’t want to talk about that at all.

13. I need to make a dentist appointment, but I simply can’t find the time to squeeze this into my hectic schedule.

14. You have no idea how much I want to start jogging. But, sleeping until noon always appears like a more important priority for me.

15. It’s not easy to admit this, but sometimes I’m so lazy to prepare my own dinner that I immediately convince myself that this is the most effective way to lose weight, am I right?

Hilarious Moment: Man Wakes Up To Find His Dog Wearing His Dentures

By
Riley Cooper

Dogs are man’s best friend isn’t just an adage. It is the real truth. Besides always being loyal to you, they bring joy and happiness into your life. Whether they are warmly and innocently looking at you while you eat so as to give them a piece of your food, chewing your slippers, hiding your TV remote, or just greeting you by wagging their tail excitedly when you get home, these 4-legged adorable creatures do all of the little things which put a smile on your face.

Indeed, when you have a cute, playful dog roaming about the house, you simply never get bored. And Eunice, a woman from Long Island, New York, knows this the best. On her Twitter account, she decided to share a funny story about her cute little Shih Tzu dog called Maggie that played a really funny trick on her elderly father.

This mischievous deed was done one afternoon while Eunice’s father was taking a nap. But as his gums had been hurting him, he took the dentures out and put them aside before he took his afternoon nap.

However, when he woke up later, he was surprised to find that his dentures were gone. He immediately thought that perhaps he had absentmindedly left them in a different place. But, he was wrong.

While he was searching for his dentures, he found Maggie hiding under his living room table with a hilarious grin spread across her face.

Yes, the dog’s mouth was full of  Eunice’s father’s teeth. And, of course, he couldn’t help but take pictures of this little thief’s hilarious grin. When Eunice posted them on Twitter, they went viral in no time. And it’s no wonder since the photos are adorable.

 

Solar Panel Return on Investment: 7 Benefits of Using Solar Energy

By
Elizabeth Williams

When looking at the return on investment for solar panels, one may want to invest in using solar energy for their home. Click here to learn more!

The energy generated by solar panels in the United States has now reached the capacity needed to power 5.7 million homes. Not only that, installations have increased seventeen-fold since 2008.

Besides environmental benefits, the main reason for this is that the average solar panel return on investment is impressive. Keep reading to learn more about the financial advantages that are available.

  1. Much Lower Electric Bill

The average lifetime of a solar panel system is 25 years. Most systems get paid off within eight years, leaving 17 years to benefit from free electricity.

Dividing your saved energy costs by the initial investment in the system results in an average ROI of 10 to 30 percent. That kind of return on investment rivals stocks and bonds.

The higher your electric costs, the more you’ll save with solar energy. Even if your solar system doesn’t generate enough power to eliminate your bill in full, the reduction will still save you a ton of money.

Use solar energy panels by Solar Energy Systems and reduce your Florida electricity costs.
  1. Security From Energy Rate Hikes

Electric energy is a volatile market. Residential energy rates go up an average of three percent each year. The continued surges are due to the scarcity of non-renewable resources like oil, gas, and coal. These are the three main fossil fuels used in electricity generation. With a home solar power installation, you’ll enjoy self-sufficiency in clean energy and become independent from traditional electrical providers. The switch to solar will protect your pocketbook from the increases.

  1. Energy Tax Credits

The federal government offers a tax credit to homeowners that install solar energy. This tax credit applies to the entire cost of your system:

  • Equipment
  • Installation
  • Shipping
  • Permit Fees
  • Other Miscellaneous Fees

Keep in mind that this solar tax credit expires in 2022.

  1. Rebates

Some states or counties have rebate and grant programs for solar panel investment and use. Check with your local and state governments to find out what’s available in your area.

  1. Net Metering

This is a program that allows you to sell solar power to utility companies for use in the grid. Check with your local utility company to find out if this option is available to you. Not every utility offers it and rules vary from company to company.

  1. Solar Renewable Energy Credits

If you live in one of the 30 states that take part in renewable portfolio standards (RPS) you can sell the solar renewable energy certificates that you earn for a financial return.

  1. Property Value Increase

If you’re wondering, “Do solar panels increase home value?” the answer is yes. Installing solar energy tends to increase property value because it’s considered an upgrade. Not only that, on average, they also sell faster.

The demand for homes equipped with solar energy will continue to increase as more and more buyers learn the benefits of it. Real estate agents selling such homes will help spread the word.

Solar Panel Return on Investment in a Nutshell

The total solar panel return on investment will vary depending on the location that you live in. There are many different types of programs available to help with installing one. Beyond these, you’ll increase the value of your home and save money on electricity when you switch to solar.

Make the next move in deciding if a solar panel investment is right for you by investigating which programs are available in your area.

1...461462463...697Page 462 of 697

Follow us on Instagram @curiousmindmagazine

© Curiousmindmagazine 2015