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The Guilt Factor when it Comes to Our Elderly Parents
Both my husband and I have been dealing with issues surrounding our elderly parents. Maybe by expressing our experiences, it will help other people to sort out their feelings and choices and maybe lessen the guilt factor a bit.
My family’s situation was very different than my husband’s. My father died at a young age, so my mother lived alone and independently for many years. When she was in her late seventies, we noticed a decline in her mental state. Yes, it was the beginning of Alzheimer’s. My siblings and I did all that we could to help our mother remain independent, but eventually, it was impossible to do so. We looked into assisted living facilities, all the while worrying about our mother becoming too incapacitated to be living alone. She eventually had a health problem that put her into a rehab facility for a short period of time. We then realized, with the guidance and opinions of health professionals along with toilet aids for elderly Australia, that it was time for our mother to have 24/7 care.
It still was a difficult decision. We were not a wealthy family, so the sale of my mother’s home was the only money we had to pay a nursing home to care for our mother. We went through the agony of clearing out her possessions and going through with the sale of her house. One slight humorous note was that while going through her belongings, we realized that our mother saved thousands of plastic bags and kept them in every nook and cranny of her house. None of us knew that. When we visited Mom, everything looked tidy, but beneath the surface were these plastic bags that I guess she felt might be needed someday. We had a good laugh over that.
I believe we made the right decision. Our mother ended up in a very nice facility that tended to her every need. Not only did they take care of her health needs, but they had a spot in the facility that did her hair and put nail polish on her nails. When we visited our mother, we felt she was well cared for. It took a lot of burden off of us. My siblings and I are all in our forties and fifties and had jobs and families and obligations that made it difficult to tend to the many needs of an elderly Alzheimer’s patient.
Just this past year, our mother passed away. Yes, sometimes I have pangs of guilt thinking that maybe I should have quit my job and taken care of my mother full time. But I know it would have taken its toll on me, and would not have been a good decision for me or for my mother. I and my siblings I feel we did the best we could, and that our father who died many years ago would be proud of how we took care of our mother. I hope so anyway.
Now my husband’s situation is very different. His father passed away this past year as well. That leaves his mother who is in her eighties and mentally she’s sharp as a tack. No Alzheimer’s there. However, she does have some health issues that require someone available to help her pretty much around the clock. A big concern is that the mother is adamantly opposed to the whole idea of going to any sort of an assisted living or nursing facility. My husband’s older sister volunteered to take her mother in and tend to her care. That is a very generous and monumental decision to be sure.
She and her husband are both retired and much more financially well off than the rest of the family. Therefore, they like to travel and want to do that as much as possible while they’re still in relatively good health. We believe though they may have some resentment that the other siblings are not stepping up to the plate to help out in the way they expected. To be fair, the other siblings are not as well equipped to take care of an elderly parent due to smaller homes, limited finances, and many are not home during the day because of work responsibilities. It’s not a lack of love or of uncaring that more assistance is not provided. But we do feel bad that we can’t offer more help than we do. What we do is stay in touch with their mother, as well as visiting and taking her out to dinner now and then.
Bottom line is that mother’s care should probably be done by a facility, even if it’s just for an occasional stay called “respite care” while her caregivers are traveling. There is enough money to provide that for her, but the logistics of accomplishing that may be difficult. No one wants the mother to feel abandoned or unloved, but she seems to feel that way even if we’re just discussing temporary stays. Her children are all still living their lives and have many responsibilities. We also have our own health issues as well. We think the mother is expecting her children to take up the role that her late husband provided, but that is unrealistic. Since we are right in the midst of this family crisis, I’m not sure how this is going to pan out.
Knowing how to handle our parents’ declining years is fraught with worry and guilt and indecision. We do love and want to honor our mother and father, however, we can’t always measure up to their high expectations. Their generation seems to believe that it is our responsibility to become 24/7 caregivers, no matter what the consequences are to our own responsibilities and ongoing lives. And I don’t believe putting that kind of burden on all of us is the right thing to do. On the other hand, we know we are next in line to be in their shoes, but we do not want to put those same feelings of guilt on our own grownup children. Since the baby boomer generation is slowly becoming our senior citizens, I do wish our government was helping out more with the high costs of taking care of our older generation.
Issues such as these are the things that have the potential to tear family members apart. That is why it is so important for cooler heads to prevail and to keep the lines of communication open. No one, no matter how close, really knows the private battles each of us faces every day within our own lives. So we should not judge and put expectations on one another that may be unrealistic. Our elder generation deserves to be treated with dignity and to have their needs taken care of. There is nothing wrong with families using some of the services available out there to help us take care of our parents. There are many wonderful facilities that provide assistance and good nursing care, as well as in-home care and programs such as Meals On Wheels.
It may take a while to determine what the right thing is to do as we see our parents slowly losing their independence and watching their health decline. But with patience and understanding, we can be a team with our siblings and other family members to figure out the best options for all concerned. But since we’re caring human beings, I guess we will always have that little bit of guilt that we’re not doing enough. But we know we’re doing the best we can.
Choosing The Best Fire Safety Supplier
It is really important that you pay attention as you choose a fire safety company for your business. Besides their gear, you should know that their [google_bot_show][/google_bot_show]wildland fire boots must be nfpa-approved. Just like this, there are several different things that you need to keep in your mind as you hire a Fire Safety Supplier for your business.In this article, we are going to take a look at the different factors that you need to keep in mind as you choose a credible and reliable Fire Safety Supplier for your safety needs.
- The first and most important thing is to check the fire equipment and see for yourself if those equipment complies with the government standards or not. This will tell you about the awareness and the credibility of your supplier.
- Thereafter, you can look at the certification and license of your supplier as it is really important that your supplier is affiliated with a credible and well-reputed institution. This way you can learn more about the experience of your service provider as well. Here. you will find BAFE, CHAS & SafeContraco, British Fire Consortium, and Fire Protection Association to be the best authorities when it comes to certifications and licenses.
- Once you are ready with your service provider, it is really important that you clear all your doubts and questions as well. This way you can learn more about the reliability of your service provider and how effective they are with their services as well. Moreover, you can also check out their online reviews and ratings so that you can learn more about the track record of your service provider.
- You can even make this research more extensive by getting in touch with their previous clients as well. This is the best way through which you will be able to see how effective their services are and if the service provider can be trusted or not.
- Another important factor that you need to keep in mind is the experience of your service provider. For that, you can look at the time you can take a look at the time of your service provider in this space. If a company is new in this space, you might want to check out its stability in this industry. If you are looking for long term service provider then it is recommended that you go for an experienced one that is stable as well.
- Your service provider should also be capable of providing you with all the fire safety equipment that you need. This way you would not have to look for different suppliers for your requirements. This will save you a lot of time and effort.
- Customer service is quite important as well, it is really important that you choose a service provider with excellent customer service so that you don’t have to worry about anything. Moreover, with the help of efficient customer service it would be really easier for you to resolve your issues.
- Lastly, while choosing your service provider make sure that you compare the different options that you have, and based on their experience, services, prices, and other vital factors you can choose one.
These are things that you need to keep in mind as you choose a Fire Safety Supplier.
Hemp Oil vs Cbd Oil For Anxiety: What You Should Know
Anxiety is our body’s response to a stressful situation. It is a feeling of tension, nervousness, worried thoughts that may interfere with your daily activities.
There are those who wonder how to ease stress and anxiety without relying on prescriptive drugs or going to see the doctor, such ways are the use of either Hemp Oil or CBD oil.
Both oils have a fair share of benefits as well as the plant where they are both extracted from. Hemp Oil and CBD Oil are made from opposite parts of Cannabis Sativa, an extraordinary plant that carries many useful components including therapeutic value.
Fortunately, we are here to further tell you what you should know about these essential oils.
Hemp Oil
Hemp Oil is extracted from Cannabis Sativa’s seeds which contains a healthy balance of fatty acids and mineral content. It is obtained by cold-pressing hemp seeds until refined leaving it clear, colorless, and with a little nutty-like flavor.
Benefits
About 49% of the hempseed is considered edible and since Hemp Oil is rich in fatty acids, like linoleic acid (Omega-6) and alpha-linolenic acid (Omega-3) which provides promising health benefits to its users.
Hemp Oil is also an excellent source for health-enhancing minerals such as potassium, sodium, calcium sulfur, iron, zinc, and more.
Studies also show that the use of Hemp oil can save you from skin disorders such as eczema given that it is rich in Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids.
Uses
Hemp oils can be used in the production of beauty products like soaps, lotions, hair care just to mention a few. Because of health benefits being brought by Omega-6 and Omega-3, hemp oil can also be used in cooking.
CBD Oil
CBD Oil is made from the flowers, leaves, and stalks of the same plant as Hemp Oil. It is known to sustain a range of health benefits.
Benefits
CBD Oil can be used as a reliever of pain, inflammation, insomnia, and other medical assistance.
Study shows that patients with arthritis, multiple sclerosis have used CBD oil and experienced improvement in pain tolerance, muscles spasms, inflammation, and stiffness. CBD can also help you fight insomnia and sleep better.
Lastly, CBD oil can also help people suffering from anxiety and depression, and research conducted was able to support this claim with the conclusion that CBD Oil help treat people with conditions of being in pain, anxiety, and depression.
Uses
CBD Oil can be infused in cream which can be used as an anti-inflammatory that can soothe pain and irritation.
It does not stop there as CBD Oil can also be used as skincare, capsule supplements, gummies, and even pet treats. Furthermore, you may make use of CBD Oil and take your coffee recipe to the next level!
Best Essential Oil to Fight Off Anxiety
CBD Oil helps activate dopamine and serotonin neurotransmitters that allows your body to be at its best state all throughout. As per clinical researches, CBD Oil will help you with your anxiety depression, pain, and more.
However, consult with a healthcare professional if you are uncertain whether which of the oils can help you get the maximum benefit your body will be needing. With all that being said, green the vote ok!
The Perfect Haircut- Ultimate Way To Enter Another’s Heart
The current generation aspires to have too many things at the same time and wants to achieve it all in one go as a result of each they end up biting off more than they can chew, which is why their ilk is advised not to do anything brash and tread the path with care and caution.
It’s a known fact that youngsters are obsessed with looks as they feel that it is what makes other people, especially the opposite sex, notice them and they are put in the spotlight but what is interesting is that both boys and girls want to live that way where the latter has overtaken the former in terms of modern and straightforward thinking.
Compared to today, there weren’t enough facilities in ancient times to give your face a makeover baring a few exceptions and we are going to talk about one of them in this article simply because it is still practiced to this day.
Haircutting Technique
Haircut is the topic chosen for today and why it is so important in our lives is difficult to explain but of course its main objective is to get rid of those extra locks and make oneself look good.
There are many fashion icons among males who love keeping long and unruly mops and flowing to such an extent that they can easily pass of as females in first glance and this trend has become a fashion statement ever since the advent of the 21st century.
Nevertheless, it is still important that you cannot have large quantities of hair for long, not even females and especially in the peak summer months of May and June when you start perspiring the moment you step out of the house and those extra locks will make things cruelly intolerable.
Therefore, it is important for both sexes to have a haircut every once in a while and it won’t do you any harm as you can grow back hair within a matter of months but the trend that began in the early 2000s persists to this day.
The haircutting technique is something that the barbers are experts at, which is why many of them are working at Porsche saloons and beauty parlors and have a nice livelihood to boast about.
Flawless Cut
It has been explained above why hair cut for men is necessary and so let us look at some of the important ways to get the perfect haircut to make yourself the cynosure of all eyes and something that would have the gals eating out of your hand.
They are as follows:
- The most important step is to conduct extensive research if you are new to the place as you just can walk into a random shop without knowing the skills of the barber so look up for such hotspots online and choose the best option based on ratings and reviews
- Start a conversation with the barber to build a connection and inform him everything about what kind of a cut you want because if you don’t do so, the barber might give you any cut of your choice and you may not like it
- If you are not able to convey it properly, show him a picture of the hairstyle that you want so that both of you are clear in mind
- Instead of choosing a hairstyle of your favorite celebrity, go with a cut that would suit the shape of your face otherwise it would look extremely awkward and this incongruity is what would the girls off and they will be forced to keep their distance from you as in their eyes, you have no fashion sense
Wake Up, Florence!
My favorite time to get acquainted with a city is early in the morning when the weather is at its best and the air is fresh. The few precious hours following the dawn offer the best photo opportunities, before the tourists and street-ramblers flood the city and spoil the scenery for a good picture of a fountain, bridge, cathedral, or the duomo. More importantly, there is also just something amazing about watching a city awaken, observing the lifeless streets as they gradually come alive and burst with activity.
The sun rose over Florence, Italy, at 6:38 a.m., slowly illuminating the classic edifices that cast their shadows on the almost-too-narrow cobblestone streets. I wanted to be outside in the cool morning air before the heat came. The river shimmered as it flowed under numerous arches, including the Ponte Veccio, boasted as one of the oldest medieval bridges in Italy. Large wooden boxes with giant chains and padlocks occupied much of the bridge’s interior walls. As the shopkeepers slowly appeared, they swung open the lids of these ugly boxes and transformed them into quaint, yet attractive, tourist shops. These shops hung out over the water, slanting and sagging. Gondolas passed by on the river every once in a while, with a faint splash of the oars.
As the sun shone more brightly, eliminating the shadows on the buildings and revealing their true color; black gave way to chocolate brown, as the drab gray turned bluish. A distant tower materialized across the bridge, a brown stone structure, resembling a castle monolith. I continued walking down the sidewalks, capturing everything on film. Some of my best pictures are created in the soft rays of the morning light.
One restaurant worker, equipped with a green apron, wiped the outside tables with cherry-red cloths and swept underneath the tables. A typical breakfast in Europe consists of fruit, pastries, bread, and spread (usually chocolate). Florence was no different. Driven by hunger, the sweet smells lured me into the eatery.
Once inside I met one of the few other people who were awake at such an early hour without the reason of needing to go to work. The waiter led me over to a blue and green swirled table, where I dined beside an Italian-speaking man. This man, whose name was Carmello, did not view the language barrier as a problem. He continued to chatter in his beautiful Italian to me, even though most of the time I could offer only a smile and a blank gaze in return. Still, he didn’t give up trying to converse with me, offering me biscotti and pointing out city sights on my tourist map.
Outside the restaurant, the hubbub was reaching its peak. Honking horns and other traffic sounds came infrequently from those brave enough to make an attempt at maneuvering their vehicles through the hustle and bustle. Except for one section of town by the library where motorcyclists kept driving in, parking, and then dashing off to their desired destinations and except for the few Peugot drivers, everyone else walked or traveled by bike. Professional-looking women dressed in short skirts and tan suit jackets and men in darker suits rode their bikes as if they were wearing casual clothing.
Soon the early morning aroma of baking bread was lost, snatched away by a breeze from the river, and replaced by the stench of tobacco and cigarette smoke. The sidewalks filled up with the loud noises of chattering Italians, a cell phone in one hand and a cigarette in the other. Many of these Firenzians were always smiling and laughing, and like Carmello, they seemed ready to make conversation with anyone, especially foreigners.
Florence was fully awake, and after my breakfast, so was I. I was ready to start the day, content in knowing that I had beaten the tourists and had already seen Florence the way it really is.
Understanding the “L.A. Noire” Interrogation System
The game, “L.A. Noire,” developed by Team Bondi and published by Rockstar, puts players in the role of fast-rising detective, Cole Phelps. Although gamers may associate the name, “Rockstar” with violent titles centered around murderous sociopaths, Phelps is a peace officer. His role, as a member of the LAPD, is to investigate crime scenes for clues and interrogate suspects and witnesses to obtain new leads and information.
Searching for evidence is easy. Players are guided through the process with the help of a variety of sound cues that are impossible to miss.
On the other hand, the L.A. Noire interrogation system may seem simple, but in reality, it can prove to be confusing and frustrating for new players. An interrogation will usually play out as follows:
Phelps asks the Person of Interest (P.O.I.) a question. Questions are chosen by the player from a list in the detective’s notebook.
The person being interrogated replies with a a concise answer. It is important to note any peculiarities in the Person of Interest’s facial expressions – both during and after their response. If the individual appears to be uncomfortable after their statement, they are likely hiding something important.
Phelps must then respond in an attempt to get the Person of Interest to further divulge information. The player is given three options: Truth, Doubt, and Lie. Choose wisely; there is only one correct answer.
It’s all too easy to botch an investigation if the player isn’t aware of what each response truly entails. Poor communication can lead to a witness or suspect refusing to talk further with Phelps, resulting in the loss of vital information.
Listed below is a breakdown of each interrogation response:
Truth
Choose “Truth” when the P.O.I. doesn’t appear to behave suspiciously during or after their response. Continual eye contact and a serious demeanor are the usual signs that the person being interviewed is telling Phelps the truth.
Doubt
A person behaves suspiciously while answering a question. The P.O.I. smirks, their eyes shift about, and they seemingly cannot maintain eye contact with Phelps to save their life. It is obvious that the person isn’t being honest, but there isn’t any sort of evidence to prove it. Choose “Doubt” to pressure a dishonest person into telling Phelps the full story.
Lie
A Person of Interest’s statement is directly contradicted by a previously-discovered clue. Challenge the deceiver and bring truth to light by presenting them with the indisputable piece of evidence. Only choose “Lie” when concrete evidence exists that conflicts with a given statement.
The game allows some leeway by offering “intuition points.” These bonuses reward correct responses and allow players to eliminate incorrect responses in future interrogations. These freebies are scarce and should be used sparingly. Players should instead rely on their understanding of the interrogation system to solve cases.
Turbo Jam Vs. Taebo
Turbo Jam has often been compared to Taebo by many of customers who bought both of these videos. Comparing Taebo to Turbo Jam is a pretty easy conclusion because the very nature of these two popular weight loss exercise videos follow similar plans, routines, and music.
Here is a look at Turbo Jam versus Taebo from the perspective of someone trying to loose 20 pounds.
Cost
Cost is always a deciding factor with me, so I usually will start here when comparing two products. Basically, there is a clear winner here and that is Taebo.
You can buy Taebo DVDs and videos for less than $20 a pop to get you started. If you want to do Turbo Jam to loose weight, then you are looking at a minimum investment of about $50 to get started.
You will really need to spend about $80 with Turbo Jam if you want to get weights and the videos. This is a package though, which is why it costs more. The weights are huge part of this workout program though.
Taebo is the winner because you can also find them easily at your local super center, which is probably why they cost so much less. Turbo Jam is only available online or over the phone.
Routines
So, the routines are sort of similar, which is what led to the comparison of these two work out videos in the first place. You are standing, punching, and moving about on the floor. Ok, that is a little generalized.
Basically, Taebo makes me feel like I am doing a lot of standing, squeezing, and punching in controlled movements. I do feel like I get more of a touch of aerobics with the Turbo Jam.
Neither work out video requires a step stool to get started, like traditional aerobics, so they have less impact on the old knees.
You can choose timed routines with both systems. Beginners usually begin at intervals of less than 30 minutes and work their way up, adding more with and time as they progress.
I honestly have to say it is something of a tie here. The routines really are similar!
Music
Both use music to get you going, get your energized, and keep you motivated. The music is similar on some level. Lots of beat, few words, and tons of techno sounds. Personally, I don’t love the music in either Turbo Jam or Taebo, but I do find the music less annoying from Taebo.
Neither type of music is something I would listen to at nay other point in the day, unless maybe I was a teenager going to a Rave….
Results
You really can get results with both of the work out systems. This is why they are so popular. I recommend renting a Taebo DVD from Netflix or buying one used on the web. Try is out. If you like it stick with it. If you are not motivated enough, then try this same idea with Turbo Jam.
You can find either one for sale for less on Ebay, and you will loose weight if you follow their routines.
Trendy Things You Can Do for Your Home This Summer
This summer will have many people rediscovering their need for home improvements now that the economy is improving. While some tax benefits have ended for buying homes there is always a place for writing off the interest on home improvement loans and benefits to improving the value of your home and making it more to your liking. The tax credit for consumer energy efficiency runs out in December so take advantage of that now. Here’s what many people will be doing this summer and what you can expect to find in home improvement stores this spring.
Green
The movement to be green, as in better for the environment and not the color, has certainly gained popularity in all segments of contemporary American society. Whether you insulate your house or simply replace your incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent ones, green is certainly a way to go.
Green doesn’t just mean doing things with energy. It can also mean buying locally grown produce for your kitchen, making woodworking projects out of scrap wood, or buying furniture that has been made from some recycled materials.
Energy
Energy costs have been a huge topic over the past two years when gas prices soared and we realized our dependence upon foreign sources of energy. This year the focus has been squarely on the electrical grid and spewing carbon into the air with coal.
To reduce your own costs on energy this summer is perfect to insulate your house, seal the cracks in your windows, and get an energy evaluation. Even something as simple as an electronic thermostat can help reduce your cooling costs this summer.
Space
Making space is always a priority in your home, from the basement to the attic. Do some space saving measures this year by doing two simple things. First, have a summer garage sale. Weekends in June are nice in that there may not be as much rain and it’s not unbearably hot yet.
The second thing to do is evaluate your closets. What can be done to make things smaller so you have more space? Whether you get fancy space bags or hangers that fold down and save room, getting your space in shape for summer can be a small project with big dividends.
Furniture
Instead of getting an entirely new furniture regimen for your living room go with a few accents here and there to spruce up the place. Your small addition can be a corner shelf to a new television that will make your space more updated.
Make your space more relaxed and cozier this summer by adding one or two things that will break up the space. A bean bag chair here or a foot rest there can break up the pattern of your living room nicely without having to do much.
Walls
Improving your walls may not have anything do with drywall or adding insulation. A wall hanging, no matter the type, is a great way to improve the look of your home. Whether you get a reproduction of a Renoir or the deer you bagged last November, just about anything will do as long as it fits your tastes.
If you want to do something slightly more drastic you can add a new light switch or electrical outlet to make your room do a bit more than it used to. The outlet can be used to plug in that new lamp you’ve always wanted.
Top 5 Things to Do on Ilsamorado Key, Florida
Get away from the mundane world or work or the cold temperatures of northern America at Ilsamorado, Florida. A string of Florida Keys island stretch from the Everglades National Park and the Florida Straits. Six separate island comprise the municipality of Ilsamorado; Upper Matecumbe Key, Plantation Key, Lignumvitae Key, Lower Matecumbe Key, Indian Key and Windley Key. Ilsamorado is known as the “Sport Fishing Capital of the World.”
History of Diving Museum
Take a tour and gain a better understanding of man’s quest to investigate the deepest depths of the sea. Browse display which exhibit the invention and progress of diving and snorkeling gear over the past 100 years. Learn what living and working underwater is like with the Aquarius Team research laboratory interactive program. Artifacts and photographs from more than 30 countries are on display at the museum.
Founder’s Park
The outdoor recreational area features 40 acres of green space and hundreds of free activities year around. Plantation Harbor Marina is located inside the park’s boundaries and offers water sports and sightseeing charters. A white sandy beach and swimming area offers a family friendly environment with water shallow enough for young children to play safely in the waves. Founders Park Watersports Area features a picnic area with charcoal grills as well as pedal boat and kayak rentals. Additional park amenities include an outdoor swimming pool., sports courts and fields, dog park and a fishing jetty. Once a month movies are shown at night from a screen hoisted above the swimming pool. You can float around on a raft with the kids and catch a Disney or Pixar flick. Watch local and regional performers at the Amphitheater each weekend.
Diving and Snorkeling Locations
Secure a private boat charter or join in a public tour of the natural and man-madeunderwater reefs which border the islands of Ilsamorado. The Eagle reef surrounds a nearly 300 foot long ship which was sunk in 110 feet below the surface. School of tarpon and grunt swim around the wreckage. Alligator Reef is located next to a historic lighthouse. After the USS Alligator sunk in 1822, the boat’s remains were claimed by underwater flora and sea creatures. Snorkel around Davis Reef and mingle with green morays and schools of snapper. Cast a line along the 450 foot long Crocker Wall and try your luck at snagging tournament size yellowtail and grouper.
Windley Key Fossil Reef Geological State Park
The park was created by fossilized coral and limestone. The land once belonged to the Florida East Coast Railroad. A keystone quarry produced rocks which were shipped around the world to adorn yards and businesses. Strap on your hiking boots and traverse the rugged trail around the rim of the quarry walls and view antique machines once used to remove and transport massive rocks from the back country. The visitor’s center showcases educational exhibits and artifacts from the areas early history. Additional recreational opportunities include guided tours, picnic area and wildlife viewing areas.
Theater of the Sea Marine Mammal Park
The park offers so many things to do, you may have to plan a second visit just to get to all of them. Choose your favorite marina animal and get in line to play with them in the water. The mammal park is home to dolphins, sting rays and sea lions. Take a dip in the salt water lagoon and communicate with dolphins before receiving a dorsal fin tow back to shore. All of the interactive animal encounters take place in no more than 15 feet of water. If getting into a swimsuit in public isn’t on the top of your “to do” list, opt for a glass bottom boat tour of the waterway instead. Four hour snorkeling cruises include a tour of Lignumvitae Key Botanical Park and Indian Key Historic State Park. Don’t forget to save time for the parrot show and a visit to the gift shop before departing.
Top 10 DIY Home Improvement Blogs
As an independent lady with limited funds, I became tired of calling the local handy man to solve my to-do list around the house and decided to start conquering the home improvement projects myself. After countless hours of research, I compiled a list of the Top 10 DIY Home Improvement blog sites to tackle almost any project. These websites can help you wield that hammer in your hand with more confidence and mark off that to-do list.
Written by two couples in Baltimore, Maryland, www.oneprojectcloser.com is a gem. In addition to traditional how-to articles, this blog also offers a forum for users to post questions for experts (or people who just know more than us) to answer.
This blog has an extensive archive of articles that covers topics from the roof to the basement and everything in between. www.homeconstructionimprovement.com.
Why read a how-to article when you can watch a video blog? www.askthebuilder.com has a library of how-to videos that walk the inexperienced DIYer through projects, such as laying tile and grouting. Sign up for the newsletter and have tips and tricks delivered to your email weekly.
www.pioneerthinking.com is a general lifestyle site, but it has a great DIY section with thoughtful tips for those of us who don’t know anything about projects, such as repairing drywall or fixing a dishwasher. Click on Easy Home Repairs under the Home and Family Section.
Home and Garden Magazine has a fantastic home improvement website, www.homeandfamilynetwork.com/homeimprovement/index.html. This site is very helpful for a novice in home improvement and provides information on budgeting and planning a remodel and a first timer’s guide to operating power tools.
Home builder Mark J. Donovan shares his passion for home building and improvement on his blog, www.homeaddition.blogspot.com. He offers his experience in home construction with easy to read articles and hints and tips to make a potentially stressful remodel experience smoother.
Who in the world of home improvement doesn’t know the iconic name Bob Vila? Bob has brought his expertise to the web in his blog ‘On the Level.’ New technology in home improvement is one of the many topics covered.