Archives for March 2020

Three Tips to Maintaining a Clean and Hygienic Home

March 31, 2020 By Leave a Comment
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Your home is a place to feel safe, secure and happy. Of course, your health is a vital ingredient in the cocktail that makes up your overall well-being, and it’s incredibly important that your home is perfectly suited to maintaining your health.

In this short guide, you’ll learn three tips to keep under your belt in order to maintain the cleanest and most hygienic of homes year-round so that you and your family are safe and happy.

Regular Deep Cleans

An effective way of getting through to those patches of your home where germs and bacteria can develop is through regular deep cleans. A deep clean is different from the normal cleaning you do in a number of important ways, such as:

  • Targeting areas of your home where dirt and waste may fall over time
  • Dusting surfaces that you rarely clean
  • Anticipating places where your home may be growing mold or dampness
  • Using high-quality cleaning products in order to kill off germs for good

In this way, you’ll be able to ensure that your whole home is germ-free throughout the year. Remember that deep cleans are especially important in the days after a party or gathering has taken place in your home, and should take place at least once a month.

Keeping on Top of Pests

Next on the agenda is keeping a keen eye on the intruders in your home. It’s not irregular to find a fly buzzing around your windows in the summertime, or spiders holing up in corners in the winter. That’s something that’s incredibly difficult to prevent entirely, and you should simply usher these insect invaders out of your home when you spot them.

But for more significant intruders — whether that’s vermin, or a group of insects that are breeding fast — you need to take decisive action. You can do this by contacting pest control Kansas City, or similar professional companies, who know exactly how to rid your home of any pests you’re experiencing. The sooner you cleanse your home in this way, the sooner you’ll rid your home of bacteria-spreading animals and the health issues that go along with them.

Recognize Hot Spots

The most common way people become ill in their homes is through poorly managing their germ and bacteria hotspots. It’s in these locations that you’re most likely to find germs, and where they are most likely to multiply and spread around your home. These locations include:

  • The kitchen, especially places like the trash can, the basin, and chopping surfaces
  • Appliances, like your fridge, dish washer, and laundry machines
  • The bathroom, where all surfaces should be kept clean with regularity
  • Any room where your pet sleeps and eats, like the side room by a door to your home

In all of these locations, you need to be extra vigilant in order to keep your family safe from illnesses derived from the home.

There you have it: the three most important tips you need to keep your home safe from bacteria all year round.

Filed Under: For The Home
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The Most Annoying iCloud Problems and How to Go About Fixing Them

March 20, 2020 By Leave a Comment
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Are you an Apple user? Are you having problems with your iCloud? Do you wish to put an end to these nagging issues but do not know where or how to start?

There are roughly 850 million iCloud users. Although all of them enjoy the storage and syncing benefits of iCloud, they also share in the headaches that come from different annoying issues.

For example, outages happen from time to time. One such instance happened in 2019. It affected all iCloud users, leaving them with a problematic dashboard for four hours. 

And then there are the less serious iCloud problems that happen more often. Sometimes, these issues pop up when you need to use iCloud the most. 

So how do you deal with these problems? Continue reading below as we give you a lowdown of the most common iCloud problems and how to fix them accordingly.

Understanding iCloud

To get a better grasp of how these issues can affect your iCloud usage, let us first revisit how iCloud works. iCloud is a collection of Apple’s extensive cloud-based services. It offers storage, access, and sharing features for various types of content.

You can use iCloud to save, share, and sync emails, music, videos, and photos, among others. It serves as space where you can back-up all your files without taking up space on your Mac, iPhone, or iPad.

You can also manage iCloud backups without many complications.

Addressing the Most Annoying iCloud Problems

Though some of the most annoying iCloud problems are easy to resolve, it is the timing of their occurrence that makes things worse. Thus, you need to learn how to fix some of the most common iCloud issues you may encounter. 

Let’s take a look at six problems and how to address them the right way.

1. Cannot Connect

The Symptom/s:  This is perhaps one of the most common issues you will experience with your iCloud. The screen says “Cannot connect to iCloud” when you’re logging-in or syncing new data. 

Sometimes, the message also appears on your iPad and iPhone when using some third-party apps.

The Fix: The first thing you should do is check if all of Apple’s systems are offline. Head on to the System Status website and check if the systems are working. You want to see if there is a green circle beside every cloud-related service.

If you see a red or yellow circle, it means there is a problem. All you can do with those red and yellow circles is to wait for Apple to fix the issues.

But if there are no issues with the iCloud, you may need to check for other possible sources of the problem. Hit the “Settings” app at the top of the screen and tap [Your Name]. Agree to the new terms and conditions if a pop-up screen appears.

Check if your iCloud works. If it doesn’t, sign out of the iCloud and log-in again. Upon signing in, head on to “Settings” then [Your Name]. Tap on “Sign Out” at the bottom of the screen.

Enter your Apple ID password then look for “Find My Device” and turn it off. Select the data you wish to keep then hit “Sign Out.”

Complete the fix by going back to “Settings” and log in again.

2. Updating Never Stops

The Symptom/s: You see a loading screen saying “Updating cloud settings” and the updating doesn’t seem to stop.

The Fix: Before proceeding with the fix, wait for at least 5 minutes. If nothing changes, press and hold the Sleep/Wake button on your device. Slide to turn it off and wait for at least a minute.

Restart your device to see if it becomes responsive. If not, you will need to force restart your iPhone or iPad. Thereafter, open “Settings” and sign in to your iCloud account.

3. Not Enough Storage

The Symptom/s: You see a message saying there is “Not Enough Storage.” The message also tells you that a backup is impossible because of insufficient storage. 

The Fix: When you see this message, it means the free 5GB storage that came with your iCloud account is almost full. To fix this, you can free up some space on your iCloud. You can also upgrade your storage for a certain fee.

To buy more storage, go to “Settings” and hit [Your Name]. Select “iCloud” then hit “Manage Storage.”

Select the “Change Storage Plan” option. From there, buy the amount of storage you need and confirm your monthly subscription.

4. 3P Apps Don’t Save

The Symptom/s: Your third-party apps do not sync and save data on your iCloud account. 

The Fix: First, check the sync settings of your iCloud. Go through each of the Apple devices. Turn on the apps that you wish to sync. 

If you don’t see your third-party app on the list, then you need to get in touch with the developer. Confirm if the app is compatible with iCloud.

5. Authentication Error

The Symptom/s: A message saying “Authentication Error” appears, saying you could not connect to the server. Sometimes, this happens when you input an incorrect username or password. 

The Fix: Visit the Apple ID website. Log-in using your Apple ID credentials. If you cannot log in, hit “Forget your Apple ID or password?” option.

Reset your credentials and try logging-in again.

6. Syncing Problems

The Symptom/s: iCloud doesn’t automatically sync your new photos or documents across all your devices.

The Fix: Press and hold the Sleep/Wake button of your device. Slide to power off then wait for a minute before restarting.

Stream a video over the web while monitoring the speed of your internet connection. If things move at a snail’s pace, restart your Wi-Fi router.

If restarting the router doesn’t work, head on to “Settings” then [Your Name]. Do this for each device that you linked to your iCloud. You want to have the same Apple ID account for all your devices.

If not, hit “Sign Out.” Sign in again but this time using the correct login details. Go back to “Settings” and select [Your Name] then choose “iCloud.”

Turn on the services you wish to sync to complete the fix. 

Master Your Apple Devices

Learning how to solve the most common iCloud problems will save you time. It will also improve your overall Apple experience and keep your data safe and secure. But don’t stop with these iCloud tips.

Expand your knowledge on all your Apple devices by checking our other articles. We provide tips and tricks to help you maximize and master your Apple devices.

Filed Under: Tips and Tricks
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The Top 5 Family Attractions Across the US

March 17, 2020 By Leave a Comment
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Want to plan the family vacation of a lifetime?

Wondering what the best family attractions in the US are?

If you want to plan an amazing family vacation that your kids will remember for years to come, you should do your research. Some spots are better than others for giving your family a great experience and ensuring that your kids, no matter what their age, are never bored and have more than enough to do.

Luckily, we’re here for you. Below we’ll give you our list of the 5 best family attractions in the United States.

1. Disney World

Out of the many attractions in the world, few have garnered the amount of attention as Disney World.

The Florida park is not only one destination but is actually a bundle of 4 amazing parks wrapped into one. With its amazing rides, dining experiences, and events, a visit to the attraction will have both kids and parents jumping for joy.

If you want to extend your trip past your time at Disney, however, the fun doesn’t stop there. You could easily add a trip to the beach into your itinerary or visit one of the many Orlando family attractions located nearby.

2. Yosemite National Park

If your family loves outdoor adventures, there are a few places that will scratch your itch more than Yosemite National Park. The national park that has been in operation since the late 1800s, and still attracts a massive number of visitors every year.

The park is also a lot of fun to explore with kids of all ages. Whether your family is interested in hiking, checking out the waterfalls and rivers, viewing the wildlife, or looking up at the grand Sequoyah trees, Yosemite has something for everyone.

3. Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon is one of the nation’s wonders and is also a great place to take a family vacation that will be unforgettable.

While hiking is best done if your kids are a bit older, there is a lot to do and see no matter what age your kids are. In addition to looking out over the rim, your family can also learn about geology at the Yavapai Geology Museum, take a ride on the Grand Canyon Railway, bike around the rim, or take a river rafting trip.

4. Las Vegas

While many people think about the wild nightlife or glamorous casinos when they think of Las Vegas, the city has become something of a family destination in recent years. 

Featuring the world’s largest Ferris wheel, a three-story children’s museum, and plenty of great outdoors spots nearby, Las Vegas, as a whole, is an attraction that the whole family will be sure to love.

5. Cedar Point

If visiting a Disney park seems a bit too expensive or if you can’t make the drive down to Florida, Cedar Point serves as a great alternative. Cedar Point is considered by many to be The Roller Coaster Capital of the World and features coasters that reach up to 120 mph and feature 80-degree drops.

If your kids are a bit too young for the biggest and most thrilling rides, however, don’t despair. There’s also an entire kids section called “Camp Snoopy” that is filled with fun activities and rides for them as well.

Discovering the Best Family Attractions in the USA

If you’re in search of family attractions that will allow you to create lasting memories with your kids, you can’t go wrong with any of those on the above list. Each of these attractions has given families many trips to remember over the years, and your family could be next in line.

Looking for more vacation and travel tips? Start exploring our blog now to discover more destinations and to get more useful insights.

Filed Under: Travel
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5 Ways a Pet Can Affect Your Budget

March 17, 2020 By Leave a Comment
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As a pet owner, you will have calculated the costs of your pet into your monthly budgets —things such as food, insurance, and other extras you might treat them to. Most people will think carefully before committing to a pet, considering how they will be able to afford to care for an animal. Even though it might seem as though having a dog, cat, or any other pet is perfectly affordable, you should be aware of the ways in which they can unexpectedly eat into your budget. They might not happen very often, but if they do, it could have a big impact on your bank account.

1.   Emergency Vet

In the event that your pet is involved in an accident, or they become seriously ill, it will mean a trip to the emergency vet. Making appointments to see a vet for annual check-ups and other basic healthcare can be costly enough, but depending on what kind of attention your pet needs in an emergency, those prices could spike dramatically. If you don’t have the expendable cash, or you are unable to dip into your savings to cover these costs, you could find yourself facing a difficult choice.

2.   Medications

If your pet develops a medical condition, the ongoing prescriptions will add up. If you’re lucky, the illness will only be temporary, but you will still have to find the extra cash for the medicine. Alternatively, if this becomes a permanent problem for your pet, it also means a permanent addition to your budget.

3.   Change in Diet

If your pet becomes overweight, or you find that they have developed a condition that requires a specific diet, this too can have an impact on your finances. Specialty food tends to cost more than the average bag you will find at the pet store, and it can be at a higher price. However, you don’t have to worry about wasting money on the wrong expensive food, as easyvet Frisco and other veterinarians can advise you on your pet’s dietary requirements, and recommend products for you to use.

4.   Daycare/Kennel Stays

It’s common knowledge that dogs require more attention than other pets. Therefore, most dog owners either work from home, are in a job where they can take their dog with them, or are at least around often enough in the day to keep them company. However, there could come a time when you need to put your dog into a daycare or kennel for a short while. On average, for a one night’s stay in a kennel, it is $40 per night, and dog daycare rates start at $25.

5.   Increased Insurance

While you might have already budgeted for your pet insurance, like anything else, these rates can go up. It might not seem like much at the time, but every cent adds up, and by the end of the year, you could be spending a lot more than you realize.

Having a pet is great because they can bring a lot of happiness into a home. However, as a pet owner, you should always make sure you can afford to look after it properly and be aware of the unexpected costs.

Filed Under: Pets
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7 Steps to Take to Improve Your Home

March 10, 2020 By Leave a Comment
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The idea of home improvement can be an overwhelming thought for many individuals but improving your home doesn’t mean expensive renovations or massive overhauls. Often, it’s the most straightforward method, which makes a huge difference.

  • Clean and Declutter

A simple, clean and declutter can be all it takes to have your home looking like new again – as well as having it feel a whole lot bigger. Cleaning and decluttering can easily go hand in hand, as it’s hard to give your home a thorough deep-clean when there is too much clutter around.

Take the time to organize your belongings and get rid of anything which is gathering dust. You can give certain items to charity or better store away items which you might want to keep, but which you don’t necessarily want out on display.

  • Take Care of Any Pests

Pests in the home are no good for anyone. Common household pests can leave even the cleanest and happiest home feeling compromised. You should seek out pest control companies if you are having any issues with pests in your property so that the problem can be tackled efficiently and quickly, and so that you can return to enjoying your home as it should be.

  • Give it a Freshen Up

If your home is looking tired and neglected, a freshen up might be in order. A fresh coat of paint can make all the difference, especially if you have a bright, open room with white or neutral walls, and it may only take a few new and simple accessories to have your space feeling fresh and vibrant again.

  • Add Some Plants

Plants can make any space feel updated and healthy. Plants are essential for a good, clean home environment, as well as being very attractive and natural additions to any home. House plants come in all shapes and sizes, so you can have fun choosing the best type for your property.

  • Tidy Your Outside Space

A messy outside space can instantly have your home feeling less than welcoming, especially if you have an unkempt lawn that has overgrown and looks shabby. All it takes is a quick maintenance run of your garden or yard to tidy up, trim back, and instantly have it looking fresher and cared for.

  • Update Your Windows

Outdated and old windows not only look forlorn within a home, but they also mean that your home might not be as energy-efficient as you might like. Updating to new, double-glazed windows means not only can you give your home a bright, aesthetic appeal, but also ensure that your property is always retaining enough heat.

  • Embrace Natural Light

Natural light is one of the biggest transformers of a living space, and it costs nothing. You should do everything you can to entice more natural light into your home, such as blinds instead of thick curtains or rearranging rooms to seek the biggest source of light from windows, which you can then enjoy.

Filed Under: For The Home
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5 Facts about Gold that Might Surprise You

March 6, 2020 By Leave a Comment
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Gold has been in use for thousands of years, and throughout history, we humans have always had a weakness for it. Whether we are talking about the ancient necropolis of Varna, which existed in roughly 4,600 BC, or the soaring gold rates today in 2020, the demand, desire, and love for gold has remained largely unchanged throughout the millennia.

In spite of our obsession with the yellow metal, most of us don’t really know everything that there is to know about gold though. Today, we are going to focus on five specific and quite amazing facts about gold that you probably have not heard about or read before.

Golden Yellow is the Really Unique Color of Gold

Yellow gold is the only metal on earth that has that golden yellow color, and any other element which resembles that characteristic golden yellow is a product of oxidation or some other controlled/uncontrolled chemical reaction.

Some of the Gold is Alien in Origin

Although gold may not be proof of extraterrestrial life, it is most likely proof of the fact that heavy meteor showers were a real nuisance hundreds of millions of years ago! That’s right, a huge portion of the gold we use today is most likely not terrestrial, that is it came from those meteors which bombarded the planet from outer space.

Gold Bearing Quartz is Rarer than Gold

Compared to extracted gold or even any other form of natural gold, gold-bearing quartz pieces are the rarest by far. This is also the reason why fake gold quartz jewelry is so commonly seen in the industry. They cost more than gold because they are truly unique, and no two gold quartz jewelry pieces will look exactly like the other.

Out of the few jewelers who have access to the natural gold quartzes necessary for crafting these rare pieces of unique gold quartz jewelry, Orocal, is the leading name in the US.

Gold Has Surprisingly Contrasting Chemical Properties

Consider the fact that gold is extremely dense and consequently heavy, but at the same time, gold also happens to be the most malleable natural metal in existence! For example, every ounce of gold can produce roughly 96.9 square feet in translucent sheet metal.

You Can Technically Eat Gold to Relieve Pain

Before chomping down on any jewelry, let us assure you that although gold is not known to be toxic, it can only be ingested safely in microscopic quantities at a time. Also, in order for the metal to be effective in pain relief, gold must be combined with sodium in the form of auranofin and sodium aurothiomalate. Isotope gold-198 is used quite effectively in certain types of cancer treatment as well.

Just in case none of this comes as a total surprise to you, then congratulations, you probably know more about gold than most people. However, as everyone who loves collecting and/or wearing gold knows, it’s not just about the knowledge when it comes to the alluring metal; it’s about holding that unique piece in your hands and knowing that you now own something that was valuable from the moment it came out of the earth, made even more precious by the unique talents of the goldsmith.

Filed Under: Life in General
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