Summer is when the highest power bills are usually seen due to the increasing heat. For some reason, it doesn't seem to take as much energy to stay warm as it does to remain cool in the increasing heat. With power costs rising and the economy taking a downward turn there are some tips for lowering your power bill during the summer that can be rather useful when they are put into practice.

The air conditioning is the first of the summer electricity consumers that can be reduced to lower the amount of the power bill. Making sure that the unit is in proper working order at the beginning of the summer is the first thing that has to be done. This will aid in assuring that the unit is cooling properly and not wasting electricity. The filter should be changed on a regular basis to ensure that the unit does not become clogged. The vents should be free of items that can block the airflow in rooms that you are using, close the vents in rooms that you do not use to redirect the air flow.

The thermostat of the unit should be set around 78 degrees or higher if you can stand it. The auto function on the thermostat will ensure that the temperature remains the same in the home without running all day long. If you still have individual room air conditioners you can use them only in the rooms that are occupied. At night or when you are going to be gone for an extended period of time the thermostat on the air conditioner can be turned up a little higher to keep from cooling the home instead of the occupants.

Dressing for the weather and incorporating fans to circulate the air will help you to resist the urge to turn the thermostat down as low as it will go. Blocking the heat from entering the home through the windows will help to keep the temperature consistent. You can purchase window film covering rather inexpensively; if you don't have the money for it you can use blankets to black out the windows in the rooms of the home that don't often have guests in them. Making sure that all doors and windows are free of leaks will go a long way to keeping hot air out and cold air in.



Using electricity providers that offer competitive rates can also make a big difference. Check what your rates are at the company you’re currently using and also those of the competitors, chances are you’re paying more than you ought to. Some companies who specialize in solar- and wind energy production even offer special rates for green energy that can potentially take a big chunk out of your electricity bill at the end of the month. Also, look at providers that offer exceptional customer service and professional advice on how to cut costs and what would work best for your home and lifestyle.

Leading a healthy, balanced lifestyle when you have a job and a family to think about can seem tricky at the best of times. Busy parents often put their own needs after everything else, and can find it difficult to make themselves a priority. If you relate to this - do not fret. It’s in human nature as a species to make caring for children a priority over any other task, so it’s fairly natural for you to be left behind somewhat. However, it is not acceptable for you to stop considering your must basic needs, and forfeit your wellbeing as a result. Taking small steps to improve your health and take a bit of time for you as a busy working parent will prove so many different aspects of your life, and really couldn’t be any more simple to start. If you’re feeling a little run down and in need of a bit of TLC, read these tips and tricks to stay on top form through whatever life throws at you.



You Are What You Eat!
The food that you eat is the fuel that your body uses to give you the energy that you need to make it through the day, whilst repairing and growing new cells; essentially putting some truth into the phrase ‘you are what you eat’. Ease and convenience are often the two main contributing factors that are considered when preparing a meal for yourself, so fast food and ready meals often take your pick over home cooked nutritious dishes. The damage that this will do to your body is extreme, and the health implications for your heart and other organs of failing to provide yourself with the vitamins and minerals you need to function and thrive can be serious in the long run. When it comes to preparing a meal for yourself healthy doesn’t necessarily mean time consuming, as there are many quick nourishing dishes you can cook in less time than it might take to drive to the local junk food outlet to order something more dangerous. Your children will also pick up on every choice you make, and base their own habits on the way that you act as you are their main role model from a very early age. If that thought worries you, then this most likely means that your diet probably isn’t up to scratch. Eating healthily needn’t be so hard; start off small by replacing your usual snacks with raw fruit and vegetables to instantly upgrade your vitamin intake. Cut bad carbohydrates from your plate, replacing them with a complex alternative such as brown rice or sweet potatoes, and opt for lean meats like chicken, or oily fish for beneficial protein.

When Did You Last Work Out?
If you can’t remember the last time that you went to the gym or dug your yoga mat out of the garage, its probably time for you to put your trainers on and do something about it. Exercise is so important to both your mental and physical well being, and it’s recommended that you get up to at least 30 minutes of sport or activity 5 times a week in order to feel the full benefits. Finding time to workout as a busy working parent may seem difficult on the surface, but its vital that you make an effort to try nonetheless. Even by taking your lunch outside to accompany a brisk walk on your lunch break at work, you will be able to take the first step to improving your health. Anything is better than just sitting down on the sofa to watch TV for the rest of the night when you get home, so instead of doing this just switch on the music channel and have a dance party in the living room with your kids, Making your heart race and burning up a sweat doesn’t have to be done in a conventional way, even putting a bit more effort and vigour into the housework can blitz a surprising amount of calories. Encouraging your children to (literally) follow in your footsteps is important for their development too, as kids are often very active and have a lot of energy to burn. Helping to create an initial positive perception of exercise for your little ones will be so valuable for their long term health and vitality, so set the right example and show them how it’s done.

...And If The Worst Were To Happen
Though its terrible to think about, the effect that your unhealthy habits might have on your life could be colossal. The implications of a bad diet can impact upon the way you exist and survive each day, and can increase the likelihood of you being subject to damage. Various risks and dangers arise from an unhealthy lifestyle, and even when seeking treatment for these you could encounter further issues. Top personal injury lawyers can help you with the financial side of things if you’re faced with an immediate troubling situation, but you have to take your own steps to get your health checked out regularly to reduce the likelihood of suffering long term from underlying issues. If you have developed diabetes from your bad food habits, ensure that you keep the necessary medication and equipment with you at all times, and make your colleagues aware of your issue and what to do in a crisis. Take responsibility for the cause, but establish the importance of following the right steps if the worst were to happen.

Hopefully, this guide can help you to discover some easy tips on how you can keep your health in check whilst having the responsibilities that come with being a busy working parent. Do not overlook any aspect of your lifestyle, as this could be having a harmful effect on your body and mind without you knowing. Eat a nutritious diet, exercise regularly, and keep control of your health issues in order to live your daily life with vigour and vitality.

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Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, children of all ages, are you ready to celebrate? A Disney Legend for a New Generation Comes Home On Digital,4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and Movies Anywhere June 25!


Disney’s fantasy live-action adventure directed by Tim Burton, the story follows circus owner Max Medici (Danny DeVito), who enlists former circus star Holt Farrier (Colin Farrell) and his children Milly (Nico Parker) and Joe (Finley Hobbins) to care for a newborn elephant whose oversized ears make him a laughingstock in an already struggling circus.

But when they discover that Dumbo can fly, the circus makes an incredible comeback, attracting persuasive entrepreneur V.A. Vandevere (Michael Keaton), who recruits the peculiar pachyderm for his newest, larger-than-life entertainment venture, Dreamland. Dumbo soars to new heights alongside a charming and spectacular aerial artist, Colette Marchant (Eva Green), until Holt learns that beneath its shiny veneer, Dreamland is full of dark secrets.

Not all workplace dangers are obvious. Some can cause more gradual, long-term damage rather than causing immediate injury. Guarding yourself against these hidden health hazards could be just as important as guarding yourself against more obvious dangers. Here are just a few hidden health dangers to look out for in the workplace.

Stress
Stress is often said to be the biggest killer. This is because it can increase the risk of fatal conditions like cancer and heart disease. It’s also linked to non-fatal but still serious conditions like hypertension, IBS and migraines.

Almost all jobs have their brief moments of stress. The danger arises when a job causes chronic stress – this put a greater toll on the body, increasing blood pressure for longer periods and preventing the mind and muscles from relaxing. Chronic stress can also affect your mental health, bringing on feelings of anxiety and depression.

You may be able to beat stress by engaging in destressing activities. This could include listening to music, taking a hot bath, meditating or exercising. You should also give yourself enough breaks from work – be careful of working too many hours and allow yourself holidays.

On top of this you should consider the things that are triggering stress, whether it’s having to meet deadlines or deal with difficult colleagues. There may be ways of relieving responsibility or diffusing tensions with people in order to reduce stress. If this isn’t possible and the stress is getting you down, your best option may be to quit your job and find something less strenuous.

Sitting down too long
Sitting down all day behind a desk or behind a steering wheel could also be causing damage to your health. A sedentary lifestyle can lead to weight gain, which can lead to a myriad of health problems on its own from diabetes to arthritis. Physical inactivity is also not good for your heart and could increase the risk of heart disease or a stroke.

Making an effort to be more active is the simple solution to this health danger – although this can be easier said than done. Whilst you may be able to get up from your desk every few minutes to walk around, you may not be able to do this with a driving job. In such cases, doing more exercise out of work hours could help you to keep your health in check.

Poor posture
It’s important to consider your posture when performing certain tasks – specifically repetitive ones. Poor posture often leads to RSIs (repetitive strain injuries), caused by positioning the body in a way that isn’t comfortable for too long a period of time.

Employers are more often being encouraged to promote good posture in the workplace. This could include crouching instead of bending when picking up a heavy object (this can reduce the risk of long-term back injuries).

In other cases, correct posture may be something you need to learn yourself. For instance, when typing on a keyboard, you can often avoid wrist issues by having your elbows horizontal to the keyboard. Meanwhile, having the monitor directly in front of you can prevent strain to your neck. You can learn more posture tips at sites like Posturite.


Noise exposure
Exposure to loud noise over a sustained period can lead to hearing loss. Work environments where this is the case may include factories, construction sites, airports and nightclubs.

Employers are now required by law in many places around the world to provide earplugs, which can muffle the sound and prevent damage to the ears. However, whilst employers may be legally required to supply earplugs, it may not be mandatory for employees to wear them. If this is the case in your workplace, make sure that you are wearing them – earplugs may not be cool, but they could save your hearing.

Poor lighting
Working in insufficient light can cause eye strain. This could include working on a computer with too dim a screen, or trying to do detailed craft work in low lighting. Whilst there is nothing to suggest that low lighting can cause permanent eye damage, it could cause temporary discomfort and lead to headaches.

Light that is too bright can also be harmful. Such light could in fact cause more permanent damage to the eye – certain equipment such as lasers should only be operated with safety glasses as a result.

Poor air quality
A lot of health problems can also be caused by poor air quality. These tend to be largely respiratory problems. Too much dust has been linked to asthma, whilst substances such as mold and asbestos in the air can lead to more serious conditions like legionnaires and mesothelioma.

A good workplace should be well ventilated to keep the air clean from any dust or pollutants. Air conditioning units meanwhile should be regularly serviced to prevent build-ups of dust and mold. There may also be jobs in which you may be legally entitled to be supplied with a mask. This could prevent you breathing in harmful chemicals.

Each month you will receive three cookie and candy crafts with almost everything you need for a fun activity for kids of all ages. All boxes include homemade cookies, frosting, and sprinkles as well as candy activities such as marshmallow pops, chocolate dipped pretzels and more. Enough for 15 to 20 finished cookie/candy treats each month. Most boxes have a holiday theme and the candy and cookie projects will reflect that theme.


The first project for the month was these super cute Emoji Pops! My kids loved these so and have already asked to make these again! Who wouldn't love a soft pillowy marshmallow covered in sweet candy melts with crunchy decorations!


The second project was Minion Bites! A fun easy treat...ummm I might have enjoyed each of these myself....DON'T JUDGE!


The 3rd project is always yummy sugar cookies. Who doesn't like to frost cookies? I know my kids do and they had a blast with these!

The Gramma in a Box subscription cookie craft boxes is so much fun. The price of the subscription boxes are amazing and you can try out one box before committing to a monthly subscription. Use the special coupon code 10off you can save $10 off your first box. That makes your first box only $10.00!

Unfortunately, injuries are a part of life. Our bodies aren’t perfect. They certainly aren’t infallible. We get injured pushing ourselves too hard in the gym or playing team sports. You might even get hurt tripping up a pavement slab or by slipping on a wet day walking around the park. Some injuries are sustained during a serious accident, perhaps on the roads or at work. You might even find yourself struggling with a severe back injury after picking up your child or doing work in your garden. Even the fittest and healthiest of people that always warm up before working out and look after their bodies the best that they can, can’t avoid all injuries and most of us sustain at least a minor injury at some point in our lifetimes.

Here are is five secrets to help you save money on the cost of chemicals for your swimming pool this season.

1. Instead of the pool store outlets that are in your area that sell only pool supplies, try department stores like Kmart and Wal-Mart. Pool chemicals are just that, and you don’t need to go to a specialty store to find them. Also, home improvement stores like Lowe’s and Home Depot carry them. Look for chemicals at these places this season and you will save money.

2. Most pool chemicals have a shelf life. Products like soda ash and muriatic acid will store until next season as long as you keep them in a cool dry place and out of the weather, but for the most part, buy chemicals in season. Chlorine has the shortest shelf life and should always be bought right before the season starts. Reagents for test kits also should be bought yearly. They go bad, so don't rely on them

3. All brands have different strength. Products like chlorine have an active ingredient that is listed on the label. The active ingredient is the chemical that performs the work. In chlorine, it is calcium hypochlorite. Check the labels on any chlorine products, especially shock and you will see the difference. Do this and you will save money. Buy chlorine with a stabilizer in it. The sun won't have an effect on it.



4. Now you have the chemicals, it’s time to balance the water’s chemistry in your pool. It’s easy and the most important thing for you to do to save money. First, you need to bring the alkalinity up to (80-120 ppm). Then raise the ph to (7.2-7.6). Always operate your pool at these levels. This will create the perfect environment for the chlorine to do its job. Shock the pool with chlorine every week for the rest of the season. Then add an algaecide solution that prevents algae blooms from developing every week or so. Chlorine is not enough. Anti-algae chemicals are inexpensive and last a couple of weeks used in conjunction with chlorine will save a lot of money. Look at this example. You come home from vacation and your pools went south and is green. Here is what you’re going to need. Ph adjustment chemicals, then super shock. After that, an algaecide (the kind that kills blooms that are already developed) this kind is very expensive. Do not confuse the two. After this, you will have cloudy condition and need a clarifier or settling agent to settle out the millions of dead algae organisms and particle involved with the bloom. By the time you are able to vacuum the mess out of the pool and then stabilize the water, depending on the size, you’re looking at two-three days downtime and a cost of around $100.00 that’s a conservative estimate. In an unbalanced pool, this could happen more than a few times. Pool stores make most of their money after the pools are up and running and problems start occurring. That why they test the water, they are the doctor and they sell the prescription. Be smart, and save money. This brings us to the fifth way to save money on chemicals for your pool.

5. Develop a maintenance plan that includes testing, chemical adjustment, and cleaning. A routine that fits your schedule and gives your pool the attention it needs. You will catch any problems that are coming long before they do, that will save yourself from a trip back up to the pool store and a bunch of money too.