How to Conserve Water when Living in a Drought

CalTrout.orgAs drought conditions continue in California and other western states, here are some helpful tips that can help you conserve water.

Take Shorter or Fewer Showers

Did you know that on average 2.5 gallons of water are used every minute when taking a shower. If you take a 10 minute shower that is 12.5 gallons of water.  Add that up with all the family members and were are talking gallons of water being used on showers.  In order to conserve some of this water, try taking a 5-7 minute shower reducing gallons of water being used daily.  Another option Read More

How Gutter Guards Work and How They Protect Your Home

MastershieldGutterGuardsVAMDGuest Blogger: Tom Kahn

Gutters are an often overlooked aspect of how the exterior of your home functions. Gutters protect your asphalt, cement, and (most importantly) your foundation from water damage and deterioration. Gutters also whisk water away from your property, protecting your landscape from water erosion and other types of damage. Gutters are an essential aspect of your exterior, yet in all likelihood, you neglect maintaining your gutters.

Gutters should be cleaned out at least once each year (typically in the spring) in order to get rid of leaves, tree branches, and other debris that may be lodged in your Read More

Decorating Ideas for Your First Home as a Couple

Decorating IdeasGuest Blogger: Heather Roberts

Moving in together with your loved one as a couple can be a really exciting time. But it also carries a good amount of trouble you can get in when it comes to decorations and the need thereof. Where some may imagine a simple solution in terms of decoration such as antique furniture. Others may see a green solution or something else that fits the individual needs and vision of the person in question. Couples may have differing opinions on what is acceptable or desirable for decorations. So you would do well to find ways to work together to find a suitable middle ground. Compromises are key in any relationship, be it friendly or romantic. So you need to consider that ahead of time. The following tips will give you more information you can work with so you can achieve that balance: Read More

What Every Mom Needs a Great Organized Command Center

Command Center

Being a mom can be one of the most challenging career choices. Keeping track of where your children are, what activities are happening for every family member, scheduling meals and keeping up with school work. Wow, we’re tired already!  Not to mention, volunteer programs, piano lessons, math tutors, doctors appointments, and having some precious vacation time. Having multiple children that have different activities and schedules can also add to the logistics. Managing the family activities can be a full time job; then you add in grocery shopping, taking care of the home, scheduling service providers to help with tasks, and the list goes on an on. Life brings us so much joy, but most moms need time to manage life’s necessities. As well as, tips and tools be be organized so they can ensure all the activities get done.

As a parent, having a command Read More

How Long Certain Home Improvements will Take to Pay for Themselves

Photo Courtesy of The Trusted ToolboxGuest Blogger: Gunner Kenyon

For homeowners, it’s an endless struggle: You know that you could save money on monthly expenses if you were to renovate your home, but those renovations cost money. So, the obvious problem is trying to determine which renovations are going to be worth the cost, and how long it will take for those renovations to pay for themselves. Of course, given that no two homes are the same, it’s impossible to say matter-of-factly which home improvements will pay off and when, yet that’s exactly what we’re about to do! Here are five home enhancements that will save you more than you spend to install them… eventually. Read More