3 Tips to Conserve Energy and Reduce Costs

Many people area stuck paying high utility bills due to outdated appliances, poorly insulated walls or inefficient electrical installation. According to genxfinance.com, the average American household spends close to $200 every month on utility costs. Sadly, the list of potential energy-sucking problems many residents experience is too long to list. However, if you’re tired of paying hefty monthly sums to your utility company, here are three ways you can potentially reduce expenses and save money. 

Install Weatherstripping

One way to cut monthly utility costs includes installing weatherstripping along the edges of the doors in your home. If you can feel either cold or hot air seeping through, then the current weatherstripping is outdated, or may not even be installed. Simply updating the area around your doors will drastically reduce lost energy and potentially decrease your monthly heating or cooling bill.

Use Smart Outlets and Plugs

Smart outlets or plugs allow you to turn off unused appliances and reduce electrical costs incurred by power-sucking devices. Smart outlets can control almost any device using electricity. Generally, you can purchase or install most smart plugs and outlets using any energy saving company Melbourne FL.

Update Old Appliances

Outdated appliances will quickly increase your monthly utility bill. Purchasing new energy-efficient appliances may require more upfront costs, but will save you money in the long run, especially if you plan on staying put for a while. According to Energy Star, the average American can save up to $200 in energy costs over your refrigerator’s 12-year life span. 

With an ever-fluctuating economy, cost savings anywhere you can find them are essential. Don’t become a victim of high monthly utility bills because of inefficient appliances or doors. You can decrease costs by installing weatherstripping or smart outlets. Purchasing more energy-efficient appliances will also help you save money in the long run.  

On Vehicle Maintenance


Various countries across the globe is being hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. As the number of affected individuals continue to rise, countries need to implement certain rules to curb the spread of virus.   One of the things that is affected by this alarming health issue is the limited access of people to public transportation.  As businesses and offices gradually open, people need vehicles in order to go work.  Mass transport like MRT or trains are available but they operate in a limited capacity to practice essential health protocols like physical distancing. That is why more and more people are using private cars, while opted to motorcycles and bicycles. 

Owning a car requires a lot of effort to ensure safely and efficiency during when travelling.  Therefore, it is important for car owners to subject their vehicle into regular preventive maintenance. Similarly, it is necessary to ensure to bring their cars to a reputable car repair shop.  Choose a shop that uses quality machine that maximize the time and do the job safely and efficiently. They should be using a reliable 2 post lifts like that of the known brand – Best Buy Auto Equipment.  Be sure to make a smart choice in selecting car service centers in your area. 



Dear motorists, be safe and be careful always.

 

Bring the Whole Family Together With These Activities

It can be difficult to spend time with your entire family due to work, school and other distractions and commitments. Sometimes it takes a large event to bring everyone close and interact with each other. Talk to everyone in your household to clear some time and organize the following activities. 

Learn a New Hobby 

You are never too old to learn new skills or develop new interests. Learning a hobby not only boosts self-development, but it can also be a great way to spend time with loved ones. There are many new activities you can learn alongside your spouse, children or siblings.

  • Drawing and painting 
  • Juggling 
  • Gardening
  • Knitting 
  • Woodworking 
  • Photographing 

Hobbies benefit the relationships between you and your loved ones as you work towards a constructive goal. They also hold the strongest benefits for the children in the house. 

Play Games at Home 

Games are always fun to play, especially when other people participate. You do not have to leave home to play games with the family. If you want to keep it simple, everyone can work together to solve a jigsaw puzzle. Do you have board games? Open them up and collaborate or play against the others. For households that love technology, there are multiplayer family-friendly games you can set up in the living room. Some of them even use dance mats and peripherals to enhance the fun. 

Eat a Meal Together 

Breakfast, lunch or dinner are some of the few times where you can guarantee everyone gets together to eat. You can increase the bonding time by having the family cook together. It encourages teamwork and makes the meal feel more rewarding. Alternatively, invite everyone to eat at a family restaurant newburyport ma to allow everyone to relax and socialize without worrying about cooking. 

Family time can get difficult to arrange due to numerous obstacles. These activities can make it easier to gather everyone into doing something entertaining and fulfilling. 

Why Your HVAC Units Need Regular Maintenance

Many may not think about their HVAC units until they run into issues with them, but the reality is that there can be many benefits to getting regular, preventative maintenance for your HVAC system. If you think you may need commercial HVAC Minneapolis MN here are a few things to keep in mind. 

Prevent Major Breakdowns Before They Happen

One of the top benefits of getting regular maintenance is that it can help prevent major break downs, and could even help to lengthen the life of your units, too. When a technician checks your units, they will not only perform general maintenance, like changing the air filter, that can reduce stress on the motor, but they can also find small issues and address them before they turn into large ones. In the long run, this can help prevent you from dealing with the stress of unexpected breakdowns, or of having to replace a unit prematurely. 

Keep Your Employees Comfortable

Another benefit of regular maintenance is that you can help ensure that you have the best air quality possible in your work place. Even if your air seems clean, there is still a possibility that unseen allergens and bacteria could be circulating through your air. With regular maintenance checks, you can help make sure that the air in your place of work is clean, and that you and your employees are comfortable. 

Save Money Over Time

Although it may not seem like it at first, getting regular maintenance can actually save you money over time. When your units are properly maintained, they usually don’t have to work as hard to heat or cool your space, which can ultimately lead to lower energy bills, and can add up in the long run.

The Bottom Line

Even though you may not think about your HVAC units much until something goes wrong with them. However, from preventing breakdowns to saving money, there can be many benefits to getting regular maintenance. 

My Thoughts About the President’s Announcement re: Classes will Remain Suspended until Vaccine against COVID-19 is Available

Source: GMANews on Twitter
That is the latest news  about the opening of School Year 2020-2021 amidst the country’s battles against COVID-19. President Duterte announced that he will not allow the opening of classes (as opposed to prior declaration by the Department of Education that classes will start on August 24) unless the vaccine against COVID-19 is made available. 
Now, as a parent what is my opinion about that. I definitely agree on the suspension, for I will not allow my children to go to school unless it is really safe.  During the time of uncertainty, the concerned agencies should evaluation and study the safest way to handle the issues regarding the academic well-being of the younger generation. I am sure there are ways available which in one way or another be helpful to every student and his or her family in this time of crisis. So that, no child is left behind. Learning is not confined in the four corners of the classroom. 
Currently, I am doing my own research about online/virtual learning and homeschooling. While doing that, I am teaching my youngest who is an incoming Grade 4 student.  We are practicing reading. He’s also into arts, so I let him do that. His big sister on the other hand, is more relaxed. She helps me in some household chores. I am preparing a learning plan for both of them – with a daily schedule  to established a routine. We are slowly improving our house to create a more learning-friendly environment for them. I am taking advantage of my current work from home arrangement to make things easier for us, to lessen anxiety and boredom. 
We really hope and pray for the flattening of the curve of this global pandemic. Let us all stay safe and healthy. God bless. 
 

Quick Update while still on Quarantine

It’s more than 2 months since the PH Government declared a National State of Emergency due to coronavirus outbreak. We suddenly shifted into work from home arrangements as our region was put under Enhanced Community Quarantine. Schools year ended a month earlier. 

I can say that this worldwide pandemic brought fear and anxiety, sadness, and depression as the number of affected continue to increase. In the Philippines alone, cases as of latest update from the health department spiked to more than 12,000. 
On a positive note, families became closer and had the chance to spend more quality time together. Compassion, unity  and the “bayanihan” spirit became more evident. 
Let’s continue to pray and have a strong faith…This, too shall pass. As much as possible, let us stay at home, and practice hygiene and sanitation.  
That’s all for now, just a quick update (to inform you that this blog is still alive, lol).

Three Straightforward Steps Could Help Reduce the Hassle and Stress of a Criminal Arrest

Being arrested is a surefire way to disrupt a person’s life. Nevertheless, this is the situation individuals from all walks of life can find themselves in regardless of any other factors. Whether innocent or not, defendants are best served by understanding the gravity of the situation and moving toward finding the best resolution possible. The steps outlined below are among the most important things anyone facing a criminal prosecution can do as soon as possible.

Think About Your Release on Bond

In many jurisdictions across the United States, judges have the ability to grant bail or bond to those suspected of various types of illegal activity. While awaiting a trial or preparing for a plea agreement with prosecutors in the case, it can be helpful to take advantage of this right by finding Delaware County bail bonds you can trust. Getting the right agent to supply the needed money will be the first step toward figuring out how best to move forward.

Think About the Nature of the Charges

Depending on what type of criminal prosecution is expected, some attorneys are probably more capable and competent than others. For those with the financial capability of hiring an outside legal counsel instead of opting for a court-appointed lawyer, pay special attention to the history of all law firms being considered.

Think About Getting Past This Chapter

The mere fact of a brush with the law does not mean a person will have his or her life forever ruined. While it is true that a conviction can haunt someone for years, there are ways to lessen the long-term consequences. Start off by staying out of further trouble and fully complying with any restrictions the judge in the case hands down.
Are you among those currently facing such criminal trouble? Pay special attention to the concepts in this article to face the case with as much poise as you can.

Post Title Is Chapter 13 Bankruptcy Right for You?

Did you know that you can declare bankruptcy without losing assets? It’s not something individuals are often aware of unless they’ve had some interaction with the system before, but Chapter 13 bankruptcy provides options for mitigated payment plans and debt relief that preserves your assets. The best part is, it is often an option for those who would be told they do not qualify under other bankruptcy provisions. That means you can use it to get the relief you need even if you don’t think you would qualify for a bankruptcy of the kind you are more familiar with.

When To File

The best way to determine whether it’s time to file is to consult a Chapter 13 lawyer Orlando FL who can talk to you about the local judicial temperament, your options, and what a Chapter 13 settlement would do for your finances over the next few years. You should file whenever you are ready, but the sooner the better if you are missing payments and unable to catch up. If you’re not sure whether you are at that point, it’s time to talk to a professional who can help you sort it out.

Bounce Back Quickly

One reason many people put off bankruptcy when it would actually make their situation better is because they are worried about the consequences. Horror stories of decade-long financial problems are mostly urban legends. The fact is, not only can you work to rehab your credit faster than the worst case scenarios predict, those scenarios do not predict you will file for Chapter 13 protection. Most Chapter 13 bankruptcies can be recovered from in three to five years with the right plan of action and follow-through for rehabbing your credit. That’s just one of the many reasons this option is better for you and your creditors both if you can manage it.

Title The Value of a Good Criminal Attorney

If you are arrested, the process is just beginning, not just ending. Getting the right legal help can make the difference between a hiccup in your routine and a major life change, and the public defender system is typically strained when it comes to lawyers that are available for those who can not afford one. Whenever possible, an attorney who has the private practice experience in criminal law related to your case is the best bet. At the very least, a general defense attorney you hire will have a lower case load, and since you can shop around, there’s really no reason you shouldn’t be able to find the one with the most relevant experience in your area.

Understand Options and Negotiate

One of the biggest reasons that experienced defense attorneys are so valuable is their connections. Criminal attorneys in Columbia MD know the judges and attorneys in the prosecutor’s office, so they know what negotiating tactics work and how to find the point where they can make the best deal or the strongest argument in your favor. They’ve also got the eyes-on experience to have a good understanding of the different ways a trial could go based on local laws and the judge’s history. There are no certainties in a courtroom, but experience gives your attorney the benefit of knowing the statistical likelihoods.

Find the Best Resolution Available

Prosecutors don’t like to lose or to dismiss charges, but they really don’t like to sink resources into a case they can’t win. Often, finding the resolution that works for you and them is a matter of making the case that excessive charges will involve sinking resources into the case that they could put toward other, more pressing issues. It’s not always how things break, but in many situations, an experienced attorney can tell exactly how far to push before the other side decides they are in it for the long haul, as well as how to get them to back down when they’re only going to drag out the process of losing.

Original Cake

We’ve been talking about sweets and cakes a while ago since a bakeshop known for their mouth-watering Mango Bravo is opening soon in the mall near my workplace.  Then, my friend mentioned about Original Cake.  This store is from Taiwan and I’ve learned that their cakes  are quite famous there. I want to try…


Golden Cheese Cake

Chocolate Cake

***photos from https://originalcake.ph/fresh-baked-series/