Tag: Helpful Home Tips

D.I.Y Car Wash

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It’s probably been weeks since you last washed your car, maybe even moved it. And on top of that your go to car wash place may be closed but you now have all the time to do it yourself. Here are some D.I.Y tips on how to get your car sparkly clean as if just came out of the wash tunnel;

  1. Start by cleaning the inside of your car first, vacuuming mats, seats and trunk. To maintain a fresh scent place dryer sheets under each floor mat for a continuous clean smell
  2. Don’t have any Armor-All to wipe the dashboard? No worries, mix equal parts water and baby oil and add a tablespoon of white vinegar. Spray onto paper towels and watch your interior shine
  3. When cleaning your window’s run a piece of lemon across the glass first, it will remove dried tree sap, sticky fingerprints and much more. Then apply your window cleaner and wipe away with newspaper for a streak free shine
  4. Foggy head lights? Squeeze some toothpaste onto a moist rag and rub onto headlight vigorously, then just wash away
  5. Use the same mixture you made for your tires for a nice glossy finish
  6. Try to wash your car in a shaded area and wash it in sections, this will allow you time to wipe it down properly and avoid getting dried water marks from the sun

We hope these tips and tricks help you getting that car looking like new again!

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Weekend Grill Hacks

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A long holiday weekend calls for some good BBQ and tasty grilled food.

The following are some grill hacks for an enjoyable, safe and yummy time:

  1. Forget using expensive cleaners to wash off your grill grate, simply cut an onion and rub across each rung. The acidity will cut though residual grease and actually leave the flavor for whatever your grilling
  2. Use your empty paper egg cartons to place your coals in for a charcoal fire, this will act as your fire starter and allows you to recycle items you would have disposed of anyway
  3. If kebabs are on the menu, soak the skewers in water for at least 15 – 30 minutes before using to avoid them getting burned on the grill and breaking off when you lift them up to eat
  4. Checking propane tank levels has never been easier, heat up some water (not boiling but warm) and run down the side of a cooled tank, then run your hand down that same side…where you feel that the tank goes from warm to cold will show you the level of propane left. Please remember to do this before turning on the tank for grilling.

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Water Safety Guide

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As the days become longer and the temperature’s rise, so will the urge to jump into a pool or the ocean. A quick cool off is all some people need to make it through the hot summer months and we totally get it. Just remember to practice safety in and around the water to avoid any serious injuries.

Some things to always remember;

Practice the buddy system when going to the beach or when you’re out by the pool, this will avoid any unexpected accidents

Always watch over small children and explain the importance of wearing life-saving gear

Protect your skin by wearing bathing suits made of rash guard or apply sunscreen every few hours

Never use glassware to serve food or drinks especially on a pool deck

Check batteries on door alarms that lead out to your pool or the latch to the pool fence to ensure all safety measures are up and running.

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Planning a Successful Week

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It’s Monday and a new week lies ahead with endless opportunities and ample time to begin or complete all those tasks that the weekend disguised as unimportant. Knowing where to start is usually the tricky part, so we’re here to offer you some advice on how to make these next seven days’ worth it.

Begin with making a list of one thing you want to accomplish each day. This can be something as small as vacuuming your living space or as big as rearranging your room.

Next, choose block out times where you allow yourself to rest, eat or do anything other than your goal at hand.

Follow that by removing distractions that enable you from completing the job and think of items that could help you such as a sound speaker or lighting an incense to create the right ambiance.

Lastly, make an effort to begin each task with the mentality that it will get done before you do anything else. This creates a positive determination which will compel you to complete it and in return … a successful week.

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April Showers Bring May Flowers

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Roses are red,

violets are blue,

plant sunflowers and marigolds,

for a pretty Spring view.

As April comes to a close, so do the wet stormy weekends…hopefully.

And with a hotter month ahead of us, why not make it a colorful one?

Plant some May flowers that thrive this time of year and add some color to your garden.

Sunflowers, Marigolds, Zinnia’s and Cosmos are all bright blooms that require a little dirt, a splash of water and lots of sunshine.

Add these to your garden for a beautiful and vibrant yard, happy planting!

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Meet our Sales Agents

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For over 78 years our company has provided exceptional service and has been recognized as one of the top insurance companies time and time again. Western Mutual appreciates the accolades and the opportunity to serve you and your family.

We would like to take this moment and introduce part of our team- our sales agents- who are here to help you acquire a policy and save you money while doing it.

They have been in the insurance industry for over a decade, each capable of assisting our Spanish customers as well.

Give us a call and let us help you 1-877-968-8825

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Preventing Kitchen Fires

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According to the American Red Cross, kitchen fires are the leading cause for structure damage and/or total loss. Research based on property claims show that fires are more likely to start in your kitchen than any other room and 90% of them are preventable.

As a preferred homeowners insurance company we know that dealing with this is not only stressful but tragic. We would like to provide you with some tips on ways to prevent and avoid ever having to deal with this situation:

  • Check your smoke alarms regularly and change batteries every year
  • Never leave your stove top unattended as 40% of all kitchen fires occurred while food was still in the pot/pan
  • Always heat oil, water or any substance slowly and be vigilant of your heat controls
  • Never put hot oil or fatty liquids in water as it will make thick smoke and can cause damage to surrounding areas
  • Keep appliances and flammable products such as lighters, cartons, etc. away from the stove top
  • Always use your air vent to help heat and smoke escape safely
  • Keep a fire extinguisher nearby and check expiration date on it
  • If a grease fire starts, do NOT attempt to put it out with water, this will combust and become a very dangerous situation. Instead, cover the flames with a metal lid or cookie sheet, turn off the heat.  If you can’t cover it, dump a cup or more of baking soda on it.

We hope these tips were useful in helping you prevent such a devastating situation. For more information visit redcross.org/homefires

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Homeschooling 101

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In the midst of the Covid-19 crisis another crisis has arisen for parents who now have children staying home due to school closures.  Many parents are struggling to find ways to keep their children occupied with school work and activities. The following are some tips for parents who are either working from home or the stay – at – home spouses who need to fill in time.

For the stay at home parents that remember having a kid-free morning and afternoon, we present the following advice to help you get through your day;

  • Use their school routine as a framework for the day. Start with breakfast per usual and set aside lunch and snacks so that they’re already done when they come to you saying that they’re hungry
  • Help them in doing their school work in the morning when they have the most energy, remember that they are not being bothered by other students or unnecessary distractions so they can focus and potentially finish assignments faster
  • Do not skip out on recess or breaks (this is when they can use their phones or watch T.V.), for your sake and theirs
  • Break up the monotony of school work and have them help you cook dinner, take this opportunity to show them measurements, heating temperatures for foods and how to operate and clean appliances

For the parents that have to work from home during this time, allow them to treat their school work like a job. When you are working, they work, and when you take your break then so will they. If they need help with their work, have them mark the question and during your next available break you will show them how to solve the problem. For smaller children that do not go to school, educational resources and videos are offered online.

We hope these tips allow you to have a more planned and executed day and remember to practice proper hand washing for a healthy a safe homeschooling.

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Dog Bite Prevention Week

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Today barks the beginning of National Dog Bite Prevention Week in which we aim to educate people with simple ways on avoiding a bad encounter with these furry friends. We all know dogs are loving, loyal, protective animals but they also need to be taken care of and respected. Our main goal is to make sure we can all give some good belly scratches with no rough play necessary.

Here are a few ways to prevent negative encounters:

  • Be respectful of every dog, always ask if you can pet some else’s dog
  • Let a dog sniff you first, it’s their way of ensuring you’re a human who wants to pet them and not a threatening predator
  • Never disturb a dog when they are eating, sleeping, chewing on a toy or nurturing their little ones
  • Keep an eye on small children, teach them proper ways to approach and pet any dog
  • If you notice aggressive behavior, keep your distance
  • Always have your dog on a leash, even if he’s a good boy

If you are the owner, remember to take your furry friend to regular check-ups.

These tips were found on AmericanHumane.org, check them out for more information.

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Spring Cleaning Tips

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As winter comes to an end and we prepare for spring to bloom, many people take this time to do some house cleaning in preparation with a nice little tune.

We would like to give you some tips on making this process a breeze, it’ll make your home look good by getting rid of the dust but it might make you sneeze.

So take on this task and prepare yourself well, here is the list to make this season go swell.

  • Create a list of all the rooms and the items that need to be taken care of in each, regardless of where you start just make sure you finish one room before moving on to the next
  • De-clutter before sanitizing or dusting as an organized room, pantry or closet compels the mind to continue cleaning and eliminates unnecessary stress
  • Always work from top to bottom, especially if removing cobwebs or dusting ceiling fans. And before vacuuming, clean table/counter tops to knock dust off
  • Eliminate the germs that ruled during winter by washing curtains in hot water, replacing shower curtains and sanitizing light switches, sink handles, remote controls and soap pumps as the hand touches that before getting washed!
  • Don’t forget about your air filters and air ducts which build up dust and are the entryway for unwanted outdoor allergies

We hope this makes your spring cleaning a little easier, let us know your tips and tricks.

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