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No Air Conditioner?: Ideas for Staying Cool this Summer without A/C

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Also included: tips for keeping your cat or dog extra cool during the summer.

Not everyone has access to an air conditioner, whether it’s because of having windows that aren’t large enough to hold an A/C unit or because the bills will be out of budget. Or maybe you just don’t have the funds to invest at the moment in a good energy efficient air conditioner.

I think this goes without saying, but nothing will cool you quite like an air conditioning unit, BUT there are ways that you can manage 80 to 100-degree (or warmer) summer weather in the absence of one. You just have to get a little creative. If you don’t have an air conditioner, you might want to consider these ideas for keeping cool this summer.

Get a Mini Portable Ice Machine for Your Bedroom or Living Room

Portable Ice Maker Machine

Do you know how good it feels to crunch on fresh cold ice cubelets when it’s a hot, summer day? It’s a bit of heaven. You also have a cold cup to hold onto, or you can use the ice to fill up a plastic baggie and press against your skin. Instead of running to the freezer in your kitchen every 15 minutes, get a portable mini ice machine that you can set up in your bedroom or living room. Most units only take a few minutes to make ice cubes that you can scoop into your cup. Just fill the reservoir with your favorite water and stay ultra-hydrated with cold, fresh ice all day.

Get a Cooling Blanket

It might seem counter-intuitive to buy a blanket to help you stay cool in the summer, but retailers now offer cooling blankets that keep you comfortable in the heat. They’re designed with a cooling technology that absorbs body heat, wicks away moisture, and is breathable to keep air circulating. You can drape it over your shoulders while relaxing in your living room, or cover yourself with it when you’re sleeping.

Floor Fan, Bucket of Ice

There’s a really neat trick offered by The Farmer’s Almanac. Get a good quality floor fan and fill a bucket or large bowl with ice to place behind the fan. The cool air that emanates from the ice will come through the fan, cooling a small room. You might have to switch out the ice every hour or so, but at least you’ll feel some comfort on those hot summer days until you can get an air conditioner. Just make sure you remember to buy a couple of $2 bags of ice from your local convenience store!

For Your Pets: Cooling Pads and Cooling Bowls

Your pets have biological and innate methods of staying cool indoors–even when it’s pretty hot outside. But if you want to give your cat or dog something that will keep them extra-cool throughout the afternoon, give them a pet cooling mat. It’s made of a gel that has a cooling effect, which lasts for hours.

Also, see the cooling pet bowl, which keeps water colder for longer (about 15 hours) without the need for electricity.

Bonus Tip:

If the reason why you’re not using an air conditioner this summer is because your windows are too small for a window unit or you can’t open them wide enough, consider getting a portable A/C instead. It uses a hose that fits in most windows to direct cool air into a room.

Enjoy your summer and stay cool!

Posted by Jade

How to Make Gel Press On Nails Last Longer

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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:

 

Pretty Metallic Nails

Gel Nails

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

kiss gel nails

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!

Gel Press On Nails

 

Posted by Kristina

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

One of the most annoying things you’ll have to deal with as a single woman is having to kill pests and bugs on your own. That’s something that we usually count on the guys to handle, but when you’re on your own you have put on your big girl pants and get the job done! It gets easier over time.

Get these three things to minimize drama with pests:

  • An ultrasonic pest repeller (keeps bugs and rodents from invading your space in the first place).
  • A fogger (kills bugs that are hiding in places you can’t even see — must leave house vacant for over 4 hours).
  • A quality bug spray (Raid Max is the best in my opinion—a little expensive but worth it. If you can’t find it only, look for it at a Shoprite or a similar supermarket).

 

A First Class Recliner (The Queen’s Seat)

When you aren’t spending time in your bed, you should have a really comfy recliner as your second option. Couches can be uncomfortable, and they might make you feel a little lonely with all that extra, unnecessary space. A recliner is for the contentedly single lady who wants to lay back in luxurious comfort while reading a book, watching Broad City, or working on her blog.

 

Bluetooth Speakers in Your Most Frequented Rooms

When you’re single and on your own, you constantly need motivation to stay in a good mood when you’re at home alone. Make sure you have Bluetooth stereos (or a little mini FM radio) set up in every important room of your home (kitchen, bathroom, dining area) so that you will always have some tunes playing. It may seem like a small matter, but it really makes a difference.

 

A Really Amazinggg Showerhead

After a long day at work, you want to come home and take a long, satisfyingly sensual shower. You can’t do that when your shower head is pitifully weak and barely spouts out any water. Invest in a quality showerhead that gives you multiple options when it comes to water flow. Some are easy to install on your own.

 

Pepper Spray

Did you know you can buy all manner of pepper spray products online at Amazon and other sites? There are items you can carry on your person and that you can keep in your home. It’s a peace of mind purchase for single women who live alone.

 

An Elegant Vanity Set

You should pamper yourself even more than usual when you’re a single girl. Self-care is important. Back in the day, our moms and grandmoms would sit at elegant vanities when they brushed their hair, did their makeup and painted their nails. A proper vanity consists of a stool, mirror, and small table. Try to find one with lights around the mirror so that you can see your face more clearly.

Check out these things that a single lady should have in her home, and get a few if think they’ll make your life easier. From one single lady to another, they are an investment in your peace of mind and happiness.

How to Use a Chromecast, Fire TV Stick, or Roku on an Old TV

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I’m sort of a sentimental type. I like to hold onto traditional things… like old TV sets that have been around for 10+ years. Well that’s not 100% true. I hold onto them because I haven’t figured out how to properly get rid of them yet! I have missed several electronic recycling days.

I have this one television that is about 10 years old and still functioning perfectly. It’s been out of commission for a while, but I decided to figure out how I could use it with my Google Chromecast device. It’s actually quite simple thanks to a simple tool that’s available at Amazon called an AV to HDMI Converter.

Here’s the simple 3-step process:

  • Connect the converter to your TV using the AV cords (red, white, yellow). They aren’t included with the converter, so make sure you have your own.
  • Connect your HDMI compatible Chromecast or Fire TV Stick to the converter and plug it in.
  • Turn on your television and see what turns up on the screen. Hopefully your usual homescreen for the device you’re using. You may have to flip the small switch on the side to see the screen you want.

One caveat: after using this HDMI converter for a few months, I found that it started to heat up while using it and caused my Chromecast device to restart often while viewing. So you may have to replace it fairly often.

In any case, here is how you can watch your favorite programs using your Chromecast, Roku or Firestick device on an old TV using this simple AV to HDMI converter. Enjoy!

Posted by Louise

The Classic Canopy Chair

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Ten seconds after I first sat outside with my new canopy chair I started getting stares. People actually stopped right in front of me, they asked “what is that and where did you get it?” I let them know that it was a canopy beach chair that someone I know had found. The canopy chair is like a regular beach chair except that it has a removable hood that can be pulled up to cover you from the sun.

Canopy Beach ChairNow, the canopy beach chair is widely available on Amazon.com. There are several styles available with varied shapes, sizes and features. You will definitely want to add one to the top of your list of outdoor summer products to purchase for fun outings this summer. It’s amazing for keeping the sun out of your eyes and your skin safe from UV rays.

This canopy chair can be packed up in a bag or folded down to be carried along with you on your outdoor adventures this summer. Convenience is key when you’re navigating the hot summer months. As far as outdoor products go, this beach chair with canopy is priceless when you find yourself on a summer outing in a location that has absolutely no shade (pretty much any beach). And hey, don’t leave your chair alone for one moment–someone in your group will surely try to take your seat to get some temporary relief!

A canopy chair is the perfect item to bring along with you to a picnic, the beach, a little league baseball game, or a barbecue. Keep in mind that a lot of hot summer products are in short supply as the season progresses due to high demand. Don’t be left out in the sun with the everyone else who missed out on this great addition to the outdoor products category.

Posted by Jade

Review: Drinkwell Cat Water Fountain by Petsafe

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I love my cats and want them to have the best when it comes to both food and water. Since I drink filtered water, I prefer to give my cats the same. A friend told me about the PetSafe Drinkwell Stainless Multi-Pet Fountain, which dispenses water to pets like a drinking fountain. Here is my quick review of this water fountain for cats.

Stainless Steel Drinkwell Fountain

Benefits
– made of stainless steel (no toxic plastic carcinogens)
– holds 1 gallon of water that is filtered, making the water taste great
– multiple cats can drink water at the same time
– ability to adjust the flow of water
– ability to choose different streams
– replaceable filters (foam & carbon filters)
– water pump is fairly quiet

Setting up this fountain is the only downside. It takes some time to assemble the various pieces properly, but once you do it’s pretty easy to figure out in the future. You also have to locate the fountain in a place where it can be plugged into the wall.

But all that aside, the cats love it. After setting the cat water fountain down, I noticed that they were extremely attracted to the streaming water. They then began to luxuriate near the water, sipping for longer periods of time. One of my cats loves to jump on the bathroom counter and sip water out of the spigot, so he particularly loves this contraption.

The clean up and reassembly of this pet water fountain is worthwhile when I consider how much cats love it, but I admit that there are times I take a break and just use the regular water bowl.

So if you are a cat parent that only buys the best cat food, why not provide them with the best water possible and a new fun experience at the same time. I give the PetSafe Drinkwell Stainless Multi-Pet Fountain 4 stars out of 5.

Posted by Jasmine