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Father's Day Gift Ideas

June 14, 2021
5 Father’s Day Gift IdeasOur dads deserve the best and with Father’s Day less than a week away, the pressure to get the perfect gift can add a lot of stress! These gifts will make dad feel special without breaking the bank so he can have an amazing Father’s Day!1. National Park Pass – This is the perfect gift for anyone who has been itching to get out and see the sites after the past year. This covers dad and 3 additional people ages 16+ and children younger than 15 are free! This isn’t just a gift; this is an experience that you and your family will talk about for years to come. https://store.usgs.gov/product/2069462. Ginmic Magnetic Wristband - If dad is a handyman or even likes to work on the occasional home improvement project, this accessory is perfect for keeping everything in one place. https://www.amazon.com/Ginmic-Magnetic-Wristband-Carpenters-Boyfriend/dp/B07FC9N2TJ3. Wise Owl Outfitters Hammock - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N45NNCL?tag=221704-goodhousekeepingfdhotlist-20 Take this 5-star hammock anywhere from the mountains to the beach. This hammock is portable and comes in dozens of colors.4. PVO Portable Projector – Whether he is watching movies in the backyard or DIY videos while working on a project in the garage, he will surely love the best-selling projector. https://tinyurl.com/46mdpteu5. Apple AirTag – This is the perfect gift for the dad who is always losing things. Attach to keychains, backpack, or anything you want to track and sync with your iPhone or iPad, and he’ll never have to look for it again. (Compatible with iPhone 6s and up and must be on iOS 14.5 or above). https://tinyurl.com/4v5whvvu

8 Easy Ways to Boost Air Quality in Your Home

May 18, 2021
Has the air in your home ever felt stale? Damp? Dusty? Modern houses are becoming more energy-efficient, which is excellent for the environment but less ideal for the air we’re breathing in our homes. Tightly sealed windows and doors mean less air is filtered in and out, which means managing air quality is more important than ever. Luckily, there are easy steps you can take to improve the quality of air in your home and maintain that new standard. Here are eight easy ways you can take control of your home’s air quality:1. Get an Air PurifierHere’s our first two-for-one recommendation. A high-quality air purifier can filter and circulate clean air indoors and reduce allergens and pollutants. You’ll be especially thankful for your air purifier during high-pollen days in the spring and summer.2. Invest in a High-Quality VacuumSpend the money to get a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter that can suction up and hold dust, mites, and allergens. And be sure to clean that filter often, so you’re getting the most out of it.3. Throw Open Your WindowsThis sounds like an easy one, but people don’t always realize how important it is to let in fresh air by opening all your windows. Be sure to open windows not just to bring in new air but also to keep your house from taking on odors when you’re cooking. Of course, don’t go for this option if it’s an especially high pollen count day or if there are natural issues causing pollutants or dust in your area.4. Regularly Clean Your Vents and DuctsIt’s time to call in the professionals and invest in a cleaning every now and again. You might be surprised how much dust, mildew, and other junk accumulates in your vents over the years – and how badly that affects your air quality.5. Don’t Neglect Your Dryer VentsThis one isn’t just a hazard to your air quality. You should thoroughly clean your dryer vents at least once a year to remove lint, hair, dust, and whatever else might accumulate in there. By keeping this vent clear, you’re also minimizing fire risk, so don’t skip this one.6. Avoid VOC ProductsHairspray, household paint, synthetic pillow stuffing, cleansers, and wrinkle-free sheets can contain volatile organic compounds or VOCs. These compounds can irritate your sinuses and make it difficult to breathe, so you should try to stick with products with low VOCs or none at all. Personal care products can sometimes contain VOCs, so check labels often to make sure you’re avoiding them.7. Check for Water and Keep Humidity LowWater leaks and humid air can cause mold and mildew to form, which are top home air pollutants. Regularly check for water damage and fix any leaks you find. Additionally, use dehumidifiers in places like crawl spaces and basements to keep humidity low.  8. Bring Some Green into the HouseDid you know some plants can act as air purifiers? In addition to giving off oxygen, many household plants like bamboo palms, spider plants, and Boston ferns actually remove chemicals from the air. Add plants in your house to bring vibrant life – and better air quality – to every room.Managing the air quality in your home doesn’t have to be a full-time job – or cost a ton of money. Installing air purifiers, investing in a high-quality vacuum, and taking care to bring non-toxic products into your home will go a long way in making sure your family is staying healthy and breathing clean air.

5 Must-Haves for the Backyard Grilling Season

April 23, 2020
The weather is getting warmer, the grass is getting greener, and cool breezes are blowing across backyards across the country. All of this can only mean one thing: It’s grilling season! For most people, that means spending tons of time enjoying your patio or porch accompanied by the sweet smells of barbequed meats and vegetables. To help you make the most of this year’s grilling season, here are our top five must-haves. Find a Reliable Grill We’re not going to weigh in on the age-old debate of charcoal versus propane or wood pellet. Instead, here’s a quick rundown of the main benefits of each type of grill:Gas Grill – Ready to go fast with easy cleanup.Charcoal Grill – Great for a strong smoky flavor.Wood Pellet Grill – Combines the flavor benefits of charcoal and the precision of electric heat.Electric Grill – Perfect for portable grilling.Whichever option you choose, make sure you have a reliable grill that can handle whatever you throw at it. That means picking the right size grill. If you often find yourself acting as the grill master for a group of neighbors, you’ll want a grill big enough to handle it. Whereas if you’re a weeknight griller for the family, you might not need such a large grill. Get the Right Tools for the Job Grilling outside can be a pain when you don’t have the right tools. You can’t use a plastic kitchen spatula to flip burgers on the grill, and you can’t use small tongs to pick up steaks or vegetables. You need to have the best tools for outdoor grilling use. Here are a few of our top picks:Spring-loaded grill tongsStiff wire grill brushAn instant-read infrared meat thermometerStainless-steel kabob skewersLong-handled metal spatulaHere’s a pro tip: Keep all your grilling accessories in a small Rubbermaid container. If you keep it outside, make sure it has a tight-fitting lid. In the same container, stash some aluminum foil, salt, and pepper. This handy grill box makes for an easy spur-of-the-moment cookout. Weather-Proof, Comfortable Patio Furniture We’ve been focusing on the grilling itself, but what about after? Make sure you have a comfortable place outside to eat that meal! We recommend a sturdy table with enough chairs for the whole family – plus one or two extra for dinner guests. Keep in mind that any fabric – like seat cushions – should be kept indoors whenever possible. The last thing you want is for your furniture to get moldy after a summer rainstorm. Make a Shady Spot Speaking of creating a comfortable space to enjoy your grilling, don’t forget about the sun and heat! Make sure to build in some shade around your patio furniture to avoid melting in the hot sun during the summer. There are plenty of options, both permanent and temporary. Here are a few ways you can bring shade to your backyard:Patio umbrellaFree-standing or home-attached pergolaGazebo (with or without netting)Canopy (perfect for large gatherings)Retractable awningFor the more permanent options, you can also dress them up with lighting or speaker systems to completely transform your outdoor space. Outdoor Fire pit or Fireplace Grilling goes hand-in-hand with summer entertaining. Take your backyard parties up a notch with an outdoor fire pit or fireplace. They’re beautiful, affordable, and can be used nearly year-round to create a cozy atmosphere. You can opt for a classic wood-burning fire pit or go for a smokeless propane fire pit. Building an outdoor fire pit is a great way to bring creativity and design to your backyard. You can construct a modern fire pit with clean-cut stones or vibrant mosaic patterns, or you can opt for brick and stone. There are endless options here, as well. Gathering these must-haves before the season hits is sure to bring you months of backyard grilling enjoyment! Have fun entertaining friends and neighbors, or get cozy with your family around a firepit, and create happy memories outdoors.
5 Must-Haves for the Backyard Grilling Season