Lilac City Momma

Lynn

A Complete Guide To Surviving Winter

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Winter is now just around the corner, which means that now is an excellent time to start preparing for this time of year. Winter can be a lovely season, and it is particularly special around Christmas, but it can also be one of the most challenging, uncomfortable and even unsafe seasons if you are not careful. The harsh conditions that arrive at this time of the year can create a host of issues to deal with so it is important that you are well-prepared and know how to stay safe so that you can enjoy everything that is so special about this season.

Clothing Tips

First, you need to make sure that you have suitable clothing for the winter months so that you can stay warm, dry, and comfortable throughout the season. The essential items to invest in for winter are:

  • Sturdy boots
  • A waterproof jacket
  • A large winter coat
  • Knitwear
  • Gloves
  • Scarf
  • Beanie

Driving Advice

The biggest concern that people have when winter arrives is driving because the conditions can make this much more dangerous. There are many more accidents and breakdowns in winter compared to the rest of the year, which means that you need to be careful and only drive when necessary.

  • Car Maintenance: It is a good idea to get the vehicle serviced when the weather starts to turn to make sure that it is in good working condition. You then need to carry out maintenance tasks like topping up the tire pressure, replacing the oil and changing the windscreen wipers.
  • Keeping the car running: Although you should avoid driving when the conditions are poor, you shouldn’t let the car sit idle for too long, so it is worth taking it round the block or changing its parking position if it has been left for a few days and the temperature has dropped. You should also keep the vehicle parked under cover or purchase a cover for the car to protect it from the elements and falling debris.
  • Emergency kit: It is a smart idea to have an emergency kit in the car in case you have an accident or if the vehicle breaks down. This needs to include items like a flashlight, first-aid kit, high-visibility jacket, phone charger, food and water, blankets and a spare change of clothes.
  • Driving in hazardous conditions: If you do have to drive when the conditions are hazardous, you must be careful. You need to maintain a sensible speed, keep your distance from vehicles ahead, avoid sharp turns and gently accelerate and brake.

Property Tips

The weather can also take its toll on your property, so you need to know how to maintain your home during winter so that it remains a warm, comfortable, and safe refuge.

  • Roof & gutters: Check the roof for any signs of damage and call out an experienced roofer if there is any work that needs doing. You also need to get up on a ladder and clean your gutters out, which can become filled with debris after autumn.
  • Boiler: You will be relying heavily on your boiler during winter so you should get this serviced before the weather turns so that you know that it will work as it should throughout the coldest months of the year.
  • Pipes: Pipes can often burst or leak during this time of the year, so you need to know how to shut off the main water valve. You will also need the number of a good plumber who you can call out in an emergency. You can go online and search for “plumbing companies near me” if you have not got one already.
  • Chimney: If you are fortunate enough to have a fireplace, then you should always hire a chimney sweep before starting a fire. This is to avoid carbon monoxide coming back into the home and to make sure that the chimney works as it should.
  • Insulation: Insulation is important because it can help to keep the warmth inside the house and the cold out. In addition to making the property a comfortable temperature, this is also a great way to reduce your energy bills, which can be much higher during winter.
  • Drafts: Drafts are frustrating because they can let the cold in even if you have insulation. You need to find these drafts and fix them so that you can keep the cold out and maintain a comfortable temperature inside the home.

Winter can be a tricky time of year as the weather and conditions can interfere with your daily life. These are the main areas that you will need to consider so that you can enjoy all the positives that this season can bring.

 

How Anti-Fogging Helmets Work

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When you are flying down the road on your motorcycle, the very most important thing is safety. It is impossible to be safe if your vision is impaired, which is why having some kind of anti-fogging strategy is so vital. The lens on your helmet can fog up for many different reason, but essentially it is always because of water droplets forming on the glass. There are just as many ways to prevent or remove fogging as there are ways the fog can form in the first place. Learn how your motorcycle riding gear fogs up in the first place, and what you can do about it.

How Anti-Fogging Works

There are essentially two ways for motorcycle helmets to deal with fogging. The most common option is ventilation. It is most effective to heat a surface to remove the fog, but this is not easy to achieve in a motorcycle helmet. Allowing air to pass over the visor has a very similar effect, even if it is not quite as good as heat. Any motorcycle helmet that is worth using will have vents built in, which helps you stay cool and comfortable while riding. In many helmets, the vents can be opened and closed. If your visor is fogging up, check if your vents are closed. It can be inconvenient in the winter to open them up and let the warm air out, but it is much better than not being able to see. Another option is to crack open the visor a tiny amount to get better ventilation. Keep in mind that this method will only work for fogging on the inside of the helmet, although this is by far the most common kind. If the outside of your visor fogs up, it is probably because you are riding in the rain or a very humid environment. You can find anti-fog motorcycle helmets online. Aside from ventilation, another method of anti-fogging is to prevent water droplets from forming in the first place. There are actually many different options that employ this strategy.

Other Options

  • Face Mask – Most of the time, the inside of the visor fogs up due to your breath. Wearing a face mask under your helmet can direct your breath away from the visor, which prevents fogging altogether. Make sure you are comfortable with your mask and that it does not accidentally direct your breath toward the visor.
  • Inserts – Some helmet inserts can block the water vapor entirely. Not all helmets have the pinholes needed to attach an insert, however. If this is the strategy you hope for, look for a helmet that is marked as “Pinlock-ready.”
  • External Products – Did you ever do the science experiment of putting soap on your mirror before taking a shower? The soap keeps water droplets from grouping together and the mirror does not fog up. The same principle can be used with your helmet. There are products you can spray or rub on your visor to keep it clear.

Before you start riding, make sure you have all the dual sport riding gear and accessories you need to stay safe.

To read more on topics like this, check out the DIY category.

Filed Under: DIY

How to Make the Most Out of a Florida Family Holiday

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When travelling to Florida for a family holiday, you want to make the most of the limited time you have in the Sunshine State. You may be on holiday for a week or a month, but when the trip is finite, you want to get as much in as possible without breaking the bank. Here are some ideas you may want to explore.

Book Your Travel Plans Early

One thing you should really know before planning a family holiday to the State of Florida is that rates are seasonal. Not only are flights in and out of the state cheaper off-season, but so is just about everything else. From accommodation to attractions, there are peak-season and off-season rates, so if your budget is as finite as your stay, you will want to book everything as early as possible, and off-season travel is the best deal you’ll get.

Get Advance Tickets for Florida Parks

Even off-season, some of the theme parks are quite expensive, so it pays to get advance tickets on a site like American Attractions in the UK, where you can choose between every major attraction in the Orlando area. This way, choosing Florida park tickets is a matter of browsing the theme parks available (and finding the best deals!). Be forewarned, though, that there are lots to choose from, so have the family there to get input as to what everyone would like to see and do!

Spend Time at the Many Beaches in the Sunshine State

Stepping away from those attractions for just a moment, you wouldn’t want to visit the Sunshine State without taking in some of that glorious sunshine, would you? There are many beaches both on the Atlantic Coast as well as on the Gulf side and most are open 12 months of the year. Actually, they are always ‘open’, but some amenities may be closed, and lifeguards may not be on duty. Even so, if it’s sun you’re after, Florida beaches are a must!

Odd Things You Won’t See at Home in the UK

No matter where you go in the world, there are going to be theme parks – that’s a given. However, Florida does have some amazing attractions you simply won’t find elsewhere. Take, for example, Gatorland, which is located quite close to Walt Disney World. Here, you will be able to see gators up close and personal, but don’t get too close, because they are still alligators after all! You will see live shows, watch gators eating out of the hands of their keepers, and enjoy the themed rides all inside this one attraction. Now, that’s something you wouldn’t see at home!

Even on a budget, you can enjoy much of what Florida has to offer on your family holiday, because there is plenty to do at no cost, such as visiting those glorious beaches, as well as the availability of advance ticketing and off-season pricing. Take the time to plan well, and this will be the best family holiday ever.

 

Party Ideas Kids (and Parents) Are Sure to Enjoy

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If there’s one thing both kids and adults expect from a party, it’s a fun time. Be it a birthday or a seasonal holiday party, people expect food, drinks, and fun. But planning a party takes a bit of effort, and unless you want your kid’s party coming off as mundane and uneventful, you’ll have to be creative.

Unfortunately, parents have a million things going on, and while you want to give your kids the best, there are important factors to consider like time, effort and (of course) money. Luckily, throwing an awesome birthday party that’ll make your kid the coolest in class without breaking the bank, or your back, is what this article is about. So check out some of these great party ideas.

A dance party

Turn on some music and you’d be amazed by your kid’s dancing skills. And guess what? Parents like dancing too, even though this may involve simply swaying their bodies from side to side in a rhythmless fashion. All you need is a dance hall — your living room should work — and a sound system.

And because it’s a dance party, snacks or finger food and soda should suffice. You can jazz it up by getting neon bangles and accessories. Note that this may be more for the older kids, since managing a bunch of toddlers in the dark could prove cumbersome.

An aqua-explosion party

Okay, you don’t have to call it an “aqua explosion”, but the theme behind it is a great one: create a watery adventure for both your kids and their friends. Now, you may be thinking, “Is a party like this going to send me into bankruptcy?”

The good news is: it won’t, if you know the right people. You can rent affordable water slides like a Blue Crush water slide. It is completely safe with trained specialists ready to install and operate it. You don’t have to do anything except make sure your kid is having fun.

You can also pull of a water party if you own a pool, whether it’s inflatable or permanent. You can throw a luau-themed party complete with tropical drinks, coconuts, barbeque, tiki torches (if you have them) and cute luau outfits.

A movie-themed party

From Star Wars to The Avengers to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, kids have their favorite cartoon and movie characters, and organizing their birthday party around these characters will get them fired-up. You may have to spend a bit on character-themed decorations but it’s nothing that breaks the bank.

A magic show/party

Some kids may not like clowns, but nearly all kids love magic. You can plan a magic-themed party or add a magic show to your regular party, and you don’t have to perform over-the-top magic acts.

If hiring a magician is within your budget, you can certainly do that. But if it isn’t, you can learn a few card and hat tricks and even ask the kids for magic tricks they know — you’d be surprised what some can do. Food can include regular snacks and candy, and the party can be indoors or outdoors.

An outdoorsy party

If you live near the great outdoors and have a lot of space, or your child loves adventure, you could throw an outdoor-themed party with a treasure hunt. You could serve food that kids would generally eat outdoors like burgers, chips, etc. And because the party is being hosted outdoors, you can save by using minimal decorations, like paper lanterns, streamers, and the like.

With an outdoor setting, you have a lot of options. Your party can be a treasure hunt. It can be barbeque-themed or a picnic. The possibilities are endless. With just a little imagination, you can turn your home into an adventure wonderland for your child. At the end of it all, you may be tired, but the smile on your child’s face will be worth it.

 

How To Improve Your Family Life

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Having a family is rewarding but is also a lot of work on a daily basis. The upside is that there are ways to improve your situation so you can be even happier overall.

What’s most important is that you take care of yourself and find ways to manage your stress levels. This way, you can be the best parent possible for your little ones and attentive to your spouse. You want to avoid small mishaps getting in your way of living a more fulfilling life and existence. Stay focused on the fact that you love your family and be willing to change your approach a bit so you can all get on the same page and enjoy each other’s company.

Make Wise Financial Decisions

You can improve your family life by committing to making wise financial decisions. You’ll be a lot more content overall when you follow a strict budget and know how much money you have going out and coming in each month. Keep in mind you always have options such as Personal loans should you find yourself in a bind and need money fast. Unfortunately, some events are out of your control, and there will be times when you might need a little extra cash on hand.

Spend Quality Time Together

It’s likely you’re busy and have a lot to juggle between your work schedule and taking care of your family. However, it’s a good idea not to let yourself get too wrapped up in your responsibilities and to carve out some time for your loved ones. Get in the habit of getting together consistently to participate in fun activities so you can relax, laugh, and have fun as a group. This is your chance to create long-lasting memories that you can look back on and cherish forever. Give everyone a chance to contribute ideas so that you and your family members all feel a part of and involved in the discussion.

Practice Open & Honest Communication

In addition, you can improve your family life by making sure you’re all good about practicing open and honest communication regularly. For example, it may help to host family meetings frequently so you can all get on the same page. This is a good opportunity to discuss chores and any other pressing matters that may be relevant at the time. Try your best to address any issues that do arise head-on so that small disagreements don’t become larger arguments that end up getting out of control. When you’re all consistent about communicating openly and clearly you’ll find there’s less friction and tension in your household.

Conclusion

Taking care of yourself and your family is challenging at times, but at the end of the day, you do it because you love them. The upside is that you can always be making improvements to how you all operate and function. This way, you can each experience brighter days ahead and build stronger bonds as a family unit.