Making the most out of your summer might as well be a full-time job. At the very least, you’ll need the right toys for your pool, even if that means upping your game to keep up with the Jones’. Lucky for you, you don’t have to spend as much as you think on the latest and greatest pool accessories. 

Technology has come full circle and made its way into your backyard paradise. Check out a few new items on the market to make your staycation a little more enjoyable and that guilty pleasure you need.

Also read: Pool Water Maintenance Mistakes

Four Great Pool Accessories

Everyone loves music while they are poolside. Now you can opt to drown out your neighbors with a set of ever-so-cool floating, wireless and waterproof speakers. And yes, we said waterproof. These bring the noise, with most offering subwoofers for perfect pitch.

For those brisk, chillier nights, consider a towel warmer for you and your guests. Don’t just limit these to inside the home anymore. The takeaway here is that your body will thank you with a warm hug, and your guests will have something to talk about, later on.

Now, possibly the best of the best pool accessories to have in 2019 is the ever-impressive giant inflatable movie screen. Impress all your friends by chilling out with a movie in the pool as you float and watch the latest and greatest summer flick, you may just want to hold off on a screening of Sharknado. 

And this might not be the coolest, hip accessory of the season although our amphibian friends would think so, the critter escape ramp. This is easily placed anywhere in the pool and it allows squirrels, frogs, rabbits to easily save themselves. But buyer beware: you’re on your own when it comes to those Florida alligators.

Bring Out The Best In Your Pool

You’ll be the talk of the neighborhood, even if you don’t like all the neighbors. You’ll have a smile on your face and a few dollars left in your pocket with these pool accessories. In the market for your own backyard pool? Let Artesian Pools take care of all your custom pool needs, today.

Owning a swimming pool is a lot of fun things, but it’s also a commitment. There’s cleaning that needs to be done, consistently and regular maintenance that also needs to feature.

And the biggest pressure of all? Knowing you could be messing something up without even realizing it. After all, a swimming pool is a delicate balance of chemicals, cleaners, and bacteria. Throw any of those things out of whack, and the whole system becomes compromised.

Join us today for a closer look at three of the most common pool maintenance mistakes most pool owners make.

Shocking Pool Water Directly

Treating your pool water with chemicals is more commonly known as “shocking” it, and typically involves flushing it with concentrated chlorine. As you may know, chlorine bleaches things and that applies to everything that goes into your treated pool water, as well. If your concentrations are off, it can ruin your clothes, turning them from black to pink and white to yellow.

Also read: Five Pool Safety Tips

Of course, how concentrated your chlorine is is completely within your control, and you actually can’t over shock your pool. Directly shocking your pool water can compromise the integrity of your pool liner, as well, bleaching it to the point where it becomes extremely brittle. 

Dissolve whatever chemicals you’re shocking your pool with in a bucket before adding them to your pool water. This distributes the shock more evenly, protecting your liner and producing a more even shock. 

Forgetting To Brush

We all know brushing is important, but when was the last time you brushed your swimming pool? Regular vacuuming is a standard when it comes to cleaning your pool, preventing gunk and debris from accumulating and spoiling your swimming experience. Brushing adds to this cleaning process, lifting dirt and mossy build-up.

The process is simple. Simply scrub at any accessible areas with the pool brush until they’re clean. Remember to get into the tighter areas you may not think of at first:

• Behind and around the ladder
• On and around the stairs
• Up to the water-line
• Any and all corners and crevices

A simple brush, once a week or more often, is all you’ll need for a healthier, cleaner swimming pool experience.

Automatic Pull Cleaners For An Algae Problem

Pool algae is a big enough problem, even if you’re doing a good job at it. You may be tempted to invest in an automatic pool cleaning unit in order to save yourself some time and trouble. You’re going to want to resist this urge, however, as these pressure-based cleaners don’t typically clean very well.

Automatic pool cleaners use pressure to push pool debris around the circumference of your pool and back through a mesh bag for collection, later on. This might sound ingenious, but more often than not it just means your algae is traveling around your pool, depositing at different points and not cleaning much of anything at all.

This is a pool management issue that’s actually pretty straightforward to solve. Get a manual pool vacuum and switch the filter to before removing the drain plug. This will lead to a nominal amount of water loss but the algae will leave along with it. 

A kitchen installation is about more than just slapping a new coat of paint or a few cupboards on the room itself. It’s about reinventing your home. Bringing out something special with a few well-thought-out items and accessories. It’s about taking a space you already know and making more out of it.

Today’s kitchen installation hits that balance of decor and comfort just right. So, without any further ado, we’d like to introduce you to the Desert Rose, from Cabinetry Creations, Inc.

Also Read: Just A Pop Of Red: A Daring Kitchen Installation

Warm and Comfortable

One of the best parts of being at home is feeling like you’re at home. And, while a gorgeous, expensive home installation full of new devices and furniture is great, the truth is nothing beats a warm, inviting home space. 

Desert Rose is exactly that home installation. Featuring warm, comfortable wood cabinetry flanking an offwhite kitchen island and wicker-backed furniture, this is a place for making happy memories. Whether you’re cooking dinner for the family or enjoying a good book while the kids are away for the weekend, the dark wood shelving and muted walls of this installation give it that classic home feeling.

Bright and New

Of course, a brand new kitchen installation should look at new, and Desert Rose has new looks to spare. Modern and spacious, you’ll be able to take in all corners of your open-plan home, from the gleaming island sink to the recessed lighting, dishwasher flush with cabinets and gas stovetop.

An Open Living Space

This kitchen installation is ideal for smaller living areas, owing to its open plan design. Installing a kitchen island and opening up your kitchen area is a great way to use limited space. It also looks great, creating a more welcoming and open living space. 

Get the family over for dinner and enjoy a great evening in the “Desert Rose Kitchen”, designed and installed by Cabinetry Creations Inc.

Desert Rose

For a home to be both comfortable and attractive, you need to know how to balance colors with comfort elements. With its warm colors and elegant simplicity, the Desert Rose embodies that balance perfectly.

Dogs are one of mankind’s most beloved companions, spanning cultures, genders, income brackets, and, especially, ages. Elderly people derive a lot of love and affection from their pets, keeping them company and preventing loneliness. Dogs help their owners stay healthy, keep a schedule, and find the motivation to go about their daily lives. Studies have shown they help to improve moods, reduce stress, and aid in their owners’ overall cognitive ability.

But what factors should you consider when buying dogs for elderly loved ones in your life? Join us today as we unpack several of the best breeds out there, and learn why they’re the perfect fit.

Also Read: Elderly Fall Alarms: The Threat Of Taking A Fall As An Elderly Person

What To Look For

Finding the right dog to match an elderly lifestyle is a balancing act. You want a dog that is small enough to not worry about it injuring the owner, but large enough that they won’t trip over it.

An overly powerful dog could easily pull or push their owners over if they get excited and that can lead to serious injuries. Avoid pets that were bred to do work, guard or fight because their size and strength will not be appropriate.

Lastly, be sure to look for a breed with fewer known health problems. Specific dog breeds have more common health issues than others, so avoid breeds with hip dysplasia or early blindness for best results.

Poodle

Poodles are the classic “elderly” pet, owing in no small part to their small size and “permed” hairstyles. Available in small, medium and large sizes, this is a dog for all occasions, with their calm and loyal sensibilities. Unquestionably smart and trainable, they also score points for being completely hypoallergenic.

Pug

The pug may be one of the goofier pets on the market, but they are also a wonderful pet for the elderly. This dog enjoys being around people and does not require a lot of exercise, which is a bonus for somebody with a hip problem.

They are also extremely affectionate, making them an ideal companion. Add to that their small size, ideal for apartments, and you’ve got an adorable pet with a winning personality, perfect for grandma.

French Bulldog

One of the easiest companions anywhere in the dog world, the French Bulldog brings a playful and obedient element to any home. You’ll enjoy a mostly-quiet experience, with easy obedience and very little need for trimming and maintenance.

Dogs For Elderly: Now You Know

When it comes to choosing dogs for elderly companionship, it’s important to know what you’re looking for, and why. Find a dog that is physically the right size, as well as the right temperament and volume, for improved elderly health. Remember to take your time during your search and find an animal that really speaks to you.

Elizabeth Cooler Ross’s “five steps of grieving” framework has been the go-to method recommended to grieving families and loved ones for many years. It’s a famous breakdown of the process, dividing into five individual stages. These steps proceed in the same order almost every time, after which the person in question can achieve resolution on their grief. 

But is it accurate? Are the five stages of grief a myth or a convenient story we tell ourselves to help make dealing with the passing of a loved one easier. Join us today as we break down the 5 steps of grieving, their efficacy, and how the process holds up in the light of day.

Also read: Introducing: The Death Positive Movement

What Are The Five Stages?

The traditional five stages of grief include:

1. denial 
2. anger 
3. bargaining 
4. depression 
5. acceptance 

It’s safe to say these stages are applied across the board when people are obviously processing grief. These are a standard by which most of us navigate these turbulent waters, but what’s interesting is that newly published studies have indicated this might not be true. 

New research describes the sadness of mourning as more of a stress response than something we can plot out and create standard rules for. Every person is unique, and no two people experience sorrow in the same way. So, with that said, how could we claim that everyone would have the same standard set of recovery steps as each other? 

Taking it a step further, there are claims that actually sticking to these five steps can have the opposite effect, robbing you of your peace because you’re not reaching each step “on time”. Or even in order. Because it’s completely possible to experience a different order of emotions or even none of these emotions and be completely normal.

Final Thoughts

Sadness is a 100% natural experience following the loss of family or a loved one. You don’t need to worry about processing it “properly”, so long as you are being good to yourself during the process. Reach out, ask for counseling or support, and lean on the people around you if you need. And, if you need assistance with an upcoming funeral, visit Woodward Cremation and Funeral Services.

With fall approaching and fewer reasons to get in the pool, this is the perfect time to check your pool equipment ahead of next Summer. Because the truth is, we all have the best intentions but most summers we’re too busy enjoying the pool to keep up with maintenance.

So join us, today, for a super quick roundup of what pool equipment to check and why, and get ready for a great summer.

Also read: Pool Water Maintenance Mistakes

Pool Water Maintenance Mistakes

Pool Equipment: Check and Check

The whole point of a swimming pool is being able to enjoy it when and where you want to. This goes out the window, however, when Summer finally arrives and your pool isn’t working the way it should.

Your pool and equipment are the twin pillars of a safe, clean, fun-filled summer swimming experience. During the upcoming “off-season”, make sure to keep the following checks under wraps:

• Holes In Skimmers: Once the structural integrity of your pool skimmer goes out, you can’t rely on it to work 100% properly anymore.
• Compromised Leaf Rakes: Sun and weather damage over time can make a rake less effective, so it’s best to check on these while you have the time.
• Pool Vacuum Bags: Check to confirm that you have enough bags and that the bags you have aren’t degraded.
• Cracks and Damage: Weathering on the plastic components of your brushes, handles, and vacuum hoses compromises their efficacy, so replace or repair these as soon as possible.
• Clean, Functional Equipment

A swimming pool is a system with many parts, all of which need to be in working order for the system to work properly. When a cleaner, filter, or other component fails, it can let the entire system down. This is why it’s important to repair, replace, and maintain any tools and parts in order to avoid issues in the coming Spring and Summer months.

Increasing the value of your home is something you can accomplish in various ways. Sometimes, homeowners choose to upgrade their kitchens or convert their bathrooms. They may hire a topiary designer, slap on a new coat of paint, or finish their basement.

Alternatively, replacing or adding windows may help add to bring out the best in your home. Join us today as we put home window installations under the microscope, and let’s boost that home value with a high-end window.

Also read: Home Grants For First Time Buyers: More Options Than You Think

Does Adding Windows Add Home Value?

Installing windows in your home is, hands down, one of the most straightforward ways to increase its value. Realtors have recorded cases where, for instance, investing $ 10,000 in simple vinyl replacement windows for homes raised a home’s price to $ 8,000. This represents 80% of your return on investment.

Adding a new window to your home makes your home more valuable for a variety of reasons. Curb appeal improves almost as soon as your new windows are installed. When passersby pulll up in front of your house, and old, ugly windows greet them, what do they see?

Replacing your windows as soon as possible is a great way to enhance your home’s visibility, making it look more modern, well kept, and valuable. And as your curb appeal swells, the value of your house will increase exponentially.

A Note On Energy-Efficiency

Worried you’re spending too much money every month running heating and cooling systems? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many homeowners face this same problem, every year, with hundreds of dollars and their HVAC systems on the line.

Adding new vinyl windows to your home has been shown to help. These replacement windows make your home more energy efficient, helping to avoid wasted energy and skyrocketing bills. And the concept’s simple enough:

• Install a new window
• Prevent air from coming in
• Prevent warmed / cooled air from escaping

This is another great way to increase the market value of your home. 

Death is never an easy process, even when it follows after years of sickness. But are we as a society giving death too much negativity? Is there a more positive way, beyond funeral flowers and services, to look at this thing that comes for us all in the end?

When Did The Movement Begin?

Good Death founder, Caitlin Doughty, started the death positive movement in 2011 as a play on the “sex positive” movement. Doughty described the movement as developing a positive outlook on the culture around death. 

Mostly, the idea was to lead a movement to stop seeing death as a negative thing, and not to be too embarrassed to ask about the things that confuse or scare you.

Also read: Seeking ‘a Good Afterlife,’ and Not Just for Humans

What Is This Movement?

Doughty’s Order of the Good Death was started with the goal of changing how we think about death. Through work in the public sphere, the Death Positive movement is helping people realize that the best way forward is actually to accept death and prepare for their own passing.

Their website wraps up the deeper meaning behind the movement a little more thoroughly:

• open examinations of death through discussions, art, and education
• Becoming more closely involved with burial preparations
• completing advance directives no matter your age or physical health to make things easier for those left behind
• spreading and adopting environmentally-friendly burial concepts 

Why It’s Important

One of the most tragic parts of living in a society where we don’t embrace death is that we tend not to want to think about it. And, when we ignore death, we neglect to plan for it. As a result, we lose all control over our personal death experience, passing away at the hospital instead of at home as we wanted, for instance.

They say failing to prepare is preparing to fail. It’s best to face death upfront, so nobody has to guess at what you would have liked best. At the end of a long life well-lived, you’ll be happy you considered these questions.

This is not to mention the psychological benefits of being able to process death in a more healthy way. With so much of what we do every day impacted by our own lifespans, there’s a lot of personal growth to be had when we accept death as a natural part of life.

If you’re in need of funeral services from one of the industry’s most trusted names, visit Woodward Funeral Homes today!

It’s Summer, and that means pool time with friends, family, and, most importantly, the kids. And, while the opportunity to cool off for a couple of hours can be a lot of fun, it’s the children we really need to look out for around the pool, whether at home or a friend’s house.

Join us today, as we break down four important pool safety tips for pool fun this year. Then, get out there and enjoy some good safe fun with your children, this Summer.

Also read: Five Great Dominican Republic Vacation Visits

Constant Supervision

The sad truth is, roughly 3,563 are accidentally killed from drowning every year in the United States. One out of every five of these people is a child under the age of 14. Beyond that, even a non-fatal drowning can result in serious injuries and even brain damage from lack of oxygen.

Always supervise young children in the water no matter how strong their swimming may be. Babies, especially, should be kept within arm’s reach at all times in the water, for their own safety and pool hygiene.

Take Advantage Of The Buddy System

It’s important to never leave your children in the water alone, as we’ve said, but mistakes do happen. A good addition to this rule is to implement a buddy system, where if your child finds themselves alone, they have someone nearby to either help or run to find help.

Accidents or dangerous situations can become fatal extremely fast. Even with a buddy system, should make sure your children know to tell an adult where they’re going and keep an eye on them in the water.

Learn CPR

As far as possible, everyone at the pool should ideally know CPR. Parents. Children. In an emergency, paramedics will do their best to arrive soon, but if someone onsite is already trained, they can get to work immediately. 

This is obviously a big responsibility, so make sure to actually train, at a class with an instructor. YouTube videos may be better than you’d expect, but they’re not fool-proof.

Foam Toys Aren’t Safety Devices

Summer days with your kids at the pool are an awesome opportunity to break out the foam toys and swimming accessories. That said, these are not in any sense of the word, a tested, reliable safety device. Life jackets, water wings, and other flotation devices can’t be replaced by pool noodles, balls, and other toys. They will not prevent children from drowning, and shouldn’t be relied on to do so.

Pool Safety First

Ultimately, a day out at the pool should be a fun experience for everyone involved. If you can keep the kids in line and remind them that pool safety is fun, you’ll be able to relax while still being able to have a good time yourself.

Of course, it’s always more fun to spend time around a great looking pool. For custom-built swimming pools perfect for any summer frolicking, visit Artesian Pools today.

The Dominican Republic is fast becoming one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world. With gorgeous beaches, lovely people, and plenty to do, it’s not hard to see why its popularity is skyrocketing.

Join us today for three pro tips for your next big Dominican Republic vacation.

Ditch The Crowds

The best way to experience a new country, especially the vibrant Dominican Republic, is to go on a solo trip. It’s all about the freedom to stop whenever you want, the charm of your own experience, and letting you change plans in the blink of an eye.

Forget the sightseeing bus that seems so central to your itinerary. Tour buses will always be there and you can opt-in whenever convenient. But, for a better experience, it’s not exactly fun to watch the clock on your vacation.

Also Read: 5 Attractions You Must See In Las Vegas

Go With A Local Guide

Obviously, the single best way to guarantee you’ll see the best parts of the country is to go with someone who knows it like the back of their hand. They may offer their own car, know where and when to park, and generally bring more to the table than you might have on your own.

Take a break in the back seat of their car for a little bit and enjoy your trip without worrying about navigation. This is also a more reliable way to discover hidden secrets and fascinating historical sites you may not have seen, otherwise.

Spanish: Speak It

This isn’t so much a travel tip as it is a survival hint. The spoken language in the Dominican Republic is Spanish, and learning a few words can smooth your way. In many of the most important tourist sites in the world, people who take care of tourists usually know some English and manage to communicate without a problem.

However, you should not expect everyone to know and understand you, just by learning the basics like “Hola” or “Muchas Gracias”, can help you improve your vacation.

And there you have it: three great tips for a really great Dominican Republic vacation.