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Simple Home Tips and Solutions

Organic Raised Garden Box: How I Did It

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How I made a 3 x 5 foot garden box so that I could grow a small raised organic garden.

I’ve been envisioning this project for some time now, and finally put things into motion last month. The soil on my property isn’t the best, and I’ve sprayed it with Ground Clear on several occasions in the past, so I knew that if I decided to start a garden it would have to be in a raised box with new, fresh soil added in. I decided to fill the box with half regular soil, half organic soil to keep the cost reasonable. I would say this entire project cost me about $125. Before I get into my steps, this is what it looks like now:

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US Women’s Soccer Team Makes History Again – Winning, Inspiring Young Women and Girls

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Megan Rapinoe, Alex Morgan, Crystal Dunn, Ali Krieger and team fall on the right side of history while winning the 2019 World Cup in women’s soccer.

It’s been a while since I watched any sports game with as much enthusiasm as I watched the 2019 Women’s World Cup final game on Sunday, July 7, 2019. It was one of the most thrilling games I’ve seen in a long time.

Megan Rapinoe recently made news for her public, political stands on issues of social justice. Her teammate Alex Morgan backed her up (as teammates should). Then they all went out on the field on Sunday and backed up their words with action. They won the game against the Netherlands 2-0, snatching the World Cup for the fourth time (second time in a row). And let’s be clear — the Netherlands had a great defensive squad, including one of the top goal keepers in the league.

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When a Cat Can’t Pee: My Experience with Urinary Blockage in a Beloved Cat

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My stressful and unfortunate experience trying to save my beloved male cat who had a urinary blockage.
 
I guess I’m writing this post for four main reasons:

  • To comfort anyone who’s going through a similar issue with a beloved pet, and maybe help you make a difficult decision without exhausting your resources.
  • To warn pet owners about the tactics of vets who stay in business by taking advantage of pet owners who are in a vulnerable position (guilt tactics).
  • Because I need to tell someone (still grieving).
  • To pay homage to one of the most well behaved and loving cats I’ve ever known.

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    How to Make Gel Press On Nails Last Longer

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    Pretty Metallic Nails

    I used to spend upwards of $50 per appointment to have my nails done with damaging acrylics. More for a gel nail treatment. An expensive but necessary step if I wanted to have pretty, strong, painted nails that lasted for at least a few weeks. A couple of years ago, I started to use gel press on nail kits as an alternative. They only cost about $10 per box, they’re easy to install (just add adhesive, press, and file), and they look almost exactly like a gel treatment at the nail salon. Here’s a recent installation of gel press on nails that I did:

     

    I got compliments on my nails from everyone who saw them. They couldn’t believe that they weren’t done at the salon (you don’t have to tell them!). The only problem with gel press on nails is that they don’t last very long. You’re lucky to get the nails to stay on for a weekend. Here are a few tips I used to extend the wear to two weeks.

    Apply Both the Glue and the Adhesive Strip

    This is the exact gel nail kit that I used (you might be able to find it in stores). Kiss has a lot of very attractive styles (see more here). The directions tell you to choose between using the glue provided and the adhesive strips. I decided to use both and it made all the difference. I placed the adhesive on the inside of the nail, then placed glue on my nail. I pressed them together and waited about five seconds. The whole installation took about 15 minutes. FYI, I tried putting just the adhesive strip on one nail and it popped off after just a few hours. So use both the glue and the adhesive strip.

    Cover Your Hands with Gloves When Washing Dishes

    When you’re wearing gel press on nails, they come loose fast because of constant contact with water. The more your hands come into contact with water, the more the glue loses its grip. So when you do everyday tasks at home you have to try to protect the nails from water. One tip is to wear rubber gloves when you wash your dishes or clean up around the house. In fact, you might even want to wear those gloves when you’re showering to limit contact with water.

    Use Hand Sanitizer Instead of Hand Washing

    Of course you can’t go throughout the day without washing your hands for sanitary reasons. And if you’re like me, you wash your hands pretty frequently. Keep a bottle of hand sanitizer near the sink and on your person to keep your hands clean. Even if you do wash your hands a few times during the day, which I do, the hand sanitizer will reduce your contact with water.

    Avoid Opening Cans With These Nails

    Gel press on nails are not strong enough to use to open cans of soda or similar items. Use the side of your finger or a fork instead. Avoid using your nails for anything besides looking good.

    These tips should allow you to enjoy your pretty gel press on nails for up to two weeks–maybe longer. One or two might come off during that time, but you can just add a bit more glue and reattach. Get ready for a lot of compliments while you’re wearing them!

     

    Posted by Kristina
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    Things That Are Making Your Home Look Dated (And How to Update Them)

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    When you move into a home that has been around for over 30 years, it’s normal for it to have some features that look dated. If you take a closer look, you’ll find that there are probably a few specific things around the house that are making the home look old-fashioned. Here are a few things to look out for if you want to modernize your home. You can overcome some of these issues yourself—just add them to your do-it-yourself project list.

     

    Old-School Kitchen Cabinets

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    10 Things Every Single Lady Should Have in Her Home or Apartment

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    It ain’t easy being a single woman who lives by herself. You have to take the garbage out, get rid of bugs, and look out for yourself. You have to be a maverick of sorts—resourceful and resilient.

    But living on your own can also be very peaceful and relaxing. I mean, for one, there’s no need to argue with a crazy roommate or boyfriend who leaves their stuff around the house and piles up dirty dishes. You can dress however you want when you’re cooking eggs in the morning. You have privacy, and your home stays exactly the way you want it to be every day.

    I’ve enjoyed this way of living for years now, and I wouldn’t have it any other way (unless an ideal soulmate were to float from the heavens maybe?). I still enjoy spending time with people and socializing, but when I come home I like being in my own private “queendom.”

    So here are 10 items every single lady should ideally have in her home or apartment. They’ll help you feel more comfortable, protected, relaxed, and contented.

    Door Stopper or Jammer

    Get a door stopper for all of the doors on your first floor. They come in several designs—one fits inside of the door jamb and another adjustable version reaches from the door knob to the floor. You’ll feel more secure in the evenings knowing that there’s no way for the doors to be opened from the outside (it’s scientifically impossible). It’s also a really good idea if you have a pesky ex-boyfriend who disappeared with a set of keys to your apartment.

     

    A Canopy Over Your Bed

    Your bed becomes an oasis of sorts when you’re single. You can spread out over the whole thing, stretch out and enjoy every inch of it. You’ll feel like a princess when you go to sleep at night under a bed canopy. What is that? It’s an elegant covering that is usually made of chiffon, linen, or some similar lightweight fabric. It’s easy to hang from the ceiling above your bed. Another benefit is that it keeps pesky mosquitoes away, so you can open your window at night in the summer and feel the gentle breeze.

    A Good Pot and Pan Set That Will Encourage You to Cook More

    A lot of single people order takeout or eat out almost every day, which can wreak havoc on their budgets. Sometimes all you need is a nice pot and pan set to get motivated to cook more at home. Invest in a non-stick frying pan and a set of cooking pots (small, medium, large). Use the frying pan for breakfast and frying meats. Use the small pot for rice and oodles of noodles. With time, you’ll find a use for the medium and large pots. I use them for making stews and steaming veggies.

    * While you’re at it, head to your local Dollar Tree and pick up small rectangular aluminum cooking pans. They’re perfect for roasting veggies just for you, and baking chicken or steak with onions and potatoes.

     

    A Wireless Monitoring System

    You will have more peace of mind when you’re away with a wireless video monitoring system in your home. As long as you have Wifi running in your house at all times, you can set up a system in minutes. Some wireless monitoring devices allow you to check an app at any moment of the day to see what’s going on at home. It can be particularly useful if you have pets you want to look after.

     

    A Reliable Bug and Pest Repellent

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