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In the fall farmers and gardeners gather in the produce that they have been looking forward to for months. But the harvest begins long before fall and, in fact, is the result of observing specific principles that can also be applied to most aspects of life.

1. Prepare the soil - It is important that the soil has the proper acidity and composition to encourage growth. In your personal life you also need to have an environment of people and places that will help you to grow and reach your potential.

2. Sow the seeds - “Wishing doesn’t make it so”. You will not reap unless you have first sown. Many people state that they want to learn a skill or become a better person but do not begin the process. Then fall arrives and they have regrets.

3. Protect the crop - Insects, disease and predators can destroy the crop if you do not take precautions. That’s why farmers spray in June and July even when it might be more fun to go to the beach instead. In life, we need to protect our dreams and ideas so that they are not destroyed before they can mature.

4. Invest your energy - The whole process of growing a crop requires a good work ethic. Supplies must be purchased. Research takes effort. Add your labor so the seed will germinate, grow and ripen. Life also requires an investment of energy.

5. Be sensitive about timing - “There’s no point in trying to talk to a farmer when it’s seeding or harvest”. Farmers understand that time and opportunity must meet to allow success. You can do all the right things and still get terrible results if your timing is off.

6. Know that you will reap in kind - When you plant wheat you will harvest wheat - not corn or watermelon or fruit. When you plant lies or nasty words or gossip you will likely not get returns that are positive. Plant what you want in return.

7. Your seed will produce more than you sowed - I once planted a handful of pumpkin seeds that resulted in a crop of ninety-nine pumpkins! You usually get more than you started with so be careful.

If you are harvesting right now and feel disappointed about the results, do not curse the crop or look for something to blame. Instead, decide what needs to be changed and then look forward to a much better crop in the future.

Dr. Linda Hancock
Registered Psychologist & Social Worker

For decades, you’ve been told to install fresh batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide alarms when you change your clocks in spring and fall. This simple reminder has no doubt saved countless lives, since fire investigators tell us that powered and properly maintained smoke alarms double your chances of escape. In addition, however, a home safety expert at the country’s leading alarm manufacturer says one more step is needed to ensure your home’s protection.

Smoke alarms scan for danger millions of times in their lifespan, so eventually they wear out. Smoke alarms must be replaced every 10 years, and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms every five to seven years depending on the manufacturer. Checking the age of your system is critical, so that you don’t put new batteries into outdated alarms. These replacement rules apply whether alarms are battery powered or hand-wired.

Here are three timely safety reminders.

1. Install smoke alarms on every storey of your home and inside bedrooms if you sleep with doors closed.

2. Never take down an alarm or remove its batteries to silence a nuisance alarm; instead install a photoelectric smoke alarm near the kitchen as they are less prone to cooking smoke.

3. If you have any fuel-fired devices or appliances (furnace, water heater, gas or wood fireplace, range or clothes dryer) or an attached garage or carport, you need to install at least one approved carbon monoxide alarm.

1. Hire a true bathroom renovation expert. A bathroom renovation is one of the most complex renovations. You'll need a specialist not a jack-of-all-trades. Someone who will know all the issues that will need to be dealt with.

2. Make sure there is a showroom. Here you can see typical bathroom displays and the quality of the workmanship. You have somewhere to go and someone to speak with should issues arise.

3. Ask for three references. These should include a) a current project being worked on b) a project that is 3 to 6 months old, and c) a project that is about a year old. If you can see the work previously done, all the better.

4. Make sure you have a realistic budget. Include everything for the project that you want done (pay close attention to this). Never hire someone to do your project because of a low price or just because it fits your time frame.

5. Stay away from cash deals. They mean no paperwork, no warranty, and nowhere to turn if there are problems afterwards.

With these simple suggestions, you could make your carpet last forever.

1. Get rid of pet hair. Put on a rubber glove and run your hand over the carpet - pet hairs should magically cling to the glove.   2. Vacuum this way. To get rid of deep down dirt move the vacuum in several directions. 3. Remove dents. Place an ice cube in the dent and let it melt, then blot the wet spot. Use a spoon to re-fluff the fibers. 4. Protect it from the sun. For carpet in a sunny area, close the drapes to prevent fading. 5. Put on socks. The oils on your feet stick to the carpet and attract dirt and grime that harm the fibers. 6. Fight odors. Sprinkle baking soda over your carpet and let it sit for an hour. Then vacuum away for a smell-free room.

Carbon monoxide, or CO, a byproduct of incomplete combustion of fossil fuels, is a colorless, odorless gas. Breathing CO reduces the blood’s ability to carry oxygen. In severe cases, CO can cause death. Defective or malfunctioning fossil fuel appliances, or inappropriate use of appliances that burn fossil fuel close to or inside the home can pose a serious health hazard.

Here are a few examples of dangerous operations:

• Running an automobile or gas lawn mower inside the garage

• Operating a barbeque inside the home

• A gas or oil burning furnace with a blockage in the chimney

• Kerosene space heaters

• Operating a generator in the home during a power failure

Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, weakness, chest pain, confusion, and loss of consciousness. Carbon monoxide poisoning can lead to death. Low level poisoning may go unnoticed because it may be mistaken for the flu.

Carbon Monoxide Detector
You should have at least one carbon monoxide detector in your home. In some geographic areas, a CO detector is required by law. The CO detector should be placed where you can hear it if, it goes off when you are asleep. A CO detector does not have to be placed on the ceiling, since unlike smoke, CO has approximately the same weight as air so it mixes uniformly throughout the room rather than floating up to the ceiling. To avoid false alarms, do not install the detector next to heating and cooking appliances, vents, flues, or chimneys. Make sure you read and follow the operating, placement, and testing instructions that come with the detector.

If the carbon monoxide detector alarms, take it seriously.

If you are installing only one carbon monoxide detector, it should be located where you can hear it when you are sleeping. For greater safety, multiple CO detectors can be installed throughout the home, follow the instructions packaged with the detector.

These are the habits most likely to get and keep your memory sharp, say researchers who surveyed 30,000 people:

1. Watching less than one hour of TV a day.

2. Reading novels or magazines.

3. Having fewer than two alcoholic drinks a day.

4. Eating fish three times a week.

5. Doing crossword puzzles often.

6. Drinking tea or coffee.

7. Keeping a journal.

8. An observant perfectionist.

Use these smart suggestions to repurpose those empty coffee canisters.

1. Gather grease. Pour hot grease from cooking into a coffee can, place in freezer until full, then toss. Save your drains from clogs.

2. Easy compost. Keep an empty coffee can on your counter to hold kitchen scraps in between trips to the compost pile - the lid will contain any odors.

3. Plant flowers. Punch a few holes in the bottom of a coffee can for drainage and fill with soil, then plant your favorite flowers. Bonus: You can use the plastic lid as a saucer.

• Have your heating systems serviced every year by a qualified technician.   • Have your fireplace chimney cleaned and inspected every year. • Install at least one CO detector in your home and replace the batteries twice per year. • Open the garage door prior to starting your car; drive the car out promptly. Do not leave it idling in the garage. Do not use a remote car starter when the car is in the garage. • Do not use a charcoal or propane barbeque in the home.

Many people are feeling overwhelmed by the need to achieve, the complexity of competition, and a fear of failure or rejection. As a result their self-confidence is like the mystical unicorn — elusive and seldom, if ever, seen. You will probably never catch a unicorn, but here are five steps to help you capture your self-confidence.

1. Focus on what’s right, not what’s wrong. Know your shortcomings and weaknesses, but it’s ineffective to constantly focus on them and what could go wrong. That thinking can nullify your strengths and kill your self-confidence.

Complete and constantly say the following phrases to build confidence:
1. I have a good chance of succeeding because…
2. Everything will work out because…
3. Today is going to be an extraordinary day because…
4. I’m great for this position or opportunity because…

2. Visualize Your Victory. Your unconscious mind makes no distinction between imagination and reality. If you imagine having confidence then you will actually experience being confident.

Take time to visualize victory. Daily, imagine what you will see, hear, feel, taste, and smell during your victory. Envision yourself successfully achieving your desired outcome. The more detailed your visualization, the more powerful your confidence will be.

3. Thoroughly prepare and be authentic. It’s difficult to be confident when you’re not prepared and pretending to be something that you’re not. Thoroughly prepare and keep it real. Be authentic. As you prepare, focus on what’s right, visualize your victory, and…

4. Avoid Disaster Dan and the Taverns of Turmoil. A Disaster Dan (someone that never has anything good to say) can mess with your mind. You talk about how things will be great and they tell you how everything is going to fall apart. You should tell people like that absolutely nothing.

Don’t tell them about your dreams, aspirations, or goals. Don’t even tell them your name, email address, or where you live. These kinds of people dwell in Taverns of Turmoil - negative environments - which should be avoided at all costs.

5. Set bite-sized goals and celebrate success. When a task, goal, or obstacle appears to be insurmountable your self-confidence can begin to wane. The good news, however, is that small, successful experiences can produce more confidence. As your confidence grows, celebrate and set another small goal. Celebrate again. This technique is a tremendous confidence booster.

Self-confidence is a priceless asset that will frequently tip the odds in your favor. Keep your self-confidence from being like the unicorn – elusive and seldom, if ever seen. Harness the power of self-confidence because with it you’ve already won.

“Proceed with [con] faith [fidence] in yourself.”

Renovations are not just about updating the design and comfort of your home. They can also be a great way to incorporate better approaches and sustainable technologies, they cost little but lead to big savings in dollars and also helping the environment.

1. When filling un-insulated spaces make them more energy efficient by considering rock wool or cellulose insulation. They contain recycled content and may reduce monthly heating cost.

2. The refrigerator in an average gas-heated home is the biggest single energy user. Consider recycling your old fridge and buying Energy Star rated appliances. Choosing a smaller size will also reduce the monthly energy cost.

3. Reducing water use and hot water bills when renovating your bathroom is easy. Install a low flow or low flow dual-flush toilet to reduce your water use by up to 25 per cent.

4. Showers use about 40% of the hot water in your home. Install a right flow shower head, especially one that is 1.75 gallons per minute (GPM) or less and you can save up to 30% energy.

5. Replace or install new windows with new Energy Star rated argon filled replacements for zone C or D. Also consider installing casement windows, which tend to be less drafty as they age when compared to slider or double hung windows.

• Romantic - Light wall colors, sumptuous textures, gold tones, gauzy window treatments, towel warmers, bubble bath, fresh cut flowers and potpourri set the scene.
• Retro - Remember the small bathroom tiles popular in the 1950s, and the bold floral and geometric designs of the 1960s? They epitomize retro style.
• Cape Cod - A natural association with water. Blue and white are classic colors for a Cape Cod bath but rustic reds, beiges and dark browns work too.
• Modern - Reflective surfaces, glass block, tile, stainless steel, mirror, enamel coupled with a minimalist approach and open space create modern.
• Country - Think organic. Stone, woven grasses, wood, plants and earth tones give a pastoral feel. Add charm with a claw footed bathtub.
• Rustic - It is a weathered mountain utilitarian vibe with handmade pine, wrought iron and woven mats on textured stone or wide plank wood floors.
• French - Refined and opulent, it makes use of gold color, pattern, architecture and wallpaper for a casual elegance that’s Old World.

These fast fixes may turn your home into a stress-free retreat.

Drape a cozy throw over the sofa or across your bed; reach for it whenever you need warmth and reassurance. It will act as a serenity blanket, recreating comfort and safety that you enjoyed as a child. Display cherished objects. A treasured possession of a favorite work of art is a symbol of safety and protection, producing a calm effect during times of stress. Fill a corner with a comfy chair and use it exclusively for quiet contemplation. The chair will soon become a serenity signal, cueing your body and mind to relax. Paint your bathroom blue. It is the most restorative space in your home - and painting it blue (or adding blue accents) will boost its therapeutic properties. Pale watery colors like blues and blue-greens are naturally soothing.

Imagine a touch-screen pad next to your tub. Enter a desired temperature and the tub fills with water at exactly that temperature. Imagine never running out of hot water again. Welcome to hot water on demand energy saving water heaters.

How It Works
A hot water on demand system heats water as you need it using gas or electricity. When you turn on a hot water tap:
1. Cold water flows into the system triggering the flow sensor
2. Powerful burners ignite and heat the water as it flows through the heat exchanger
3. Water comes out at the required temperature.
There is no tank or reservoir of water to heat up. For this reason, a hot water on demand system is commonly called a “tankless water heater”.

Saving Energy
A hot water on demand system is energy efficient because there is no reservoir of water to keep hot. The operating efficiency is not a good measure when comparing a standard system and a tankless system because it does not account for the standby losses. A better point of comparison is the energy factor. The energy factor is an estimate of the total energy cost for hot water. For example, the energy factor for a typical tank style hot water heater is about 0.55. This means that on average, for every dollar you spend on gas you get about 55 cents worth of hot water. A modern gas fired tankless system has an energy factor of about 0.84.

Saving Money
You can save money with a hot water on demand system Most product literature is misleading. A 20% energy saving is a realistic comparison of a modern tank system and a modern tankless system. Depending on your energy cost and the amount of hot water you use in a year, the payback may be 4 to 9 years. This is not bad when you consider that these systems last about 20 years compared to about 10 years for a standard tank hot water heater.

Skilled Technician
Thinking of installing a hot water on demand system? A skilled and experience technician is a must! A hot water on demand system requires a powerful burner to heat the water as it flows past the flame. The burner has to be powerful enough to heat the water even if several hot water taps are running at the same time. A skilled technician will know how to size the unit to supply the needs of the home. A skilled installer will be able to anticipate problems such as an inadequate gas line. The burner in a tankless water heater is so powerful it needs a large gas flow rate. If the existing gas line is not large enough, a new line will have to be installed.

Journal writing is proven to reduce stress. Your pen may also help you write your way to a happier healthier you.

1. Lower your blood pressure by free-writing. Write about everything that comes into your head. Induce a stream of consciousness called “flow”. It’s proven to reduce tension, even in your arteries.

2. Erase aches and pains. Write about serene nature scenes, from rhythmic ocean waves to picturesque fall foliage. Channel soothing natural imagery to lower stress hormones that ignite inflammation.

3. Erase the blues. Simply writing “happy words” such as “joy” and “happy” can make your mood follow suit. Using hopeful language makes you almost twice as likely to follow up with positive changes.

Here are some clever and cost-saving tips.

• Sinks. For non-abrasive scrubbing, sprinkle on baking soda; wipe away dirt with a sponge.
• Countertops. Fill a spray bottle with one part distilled white vinegar and one part water; use it to clean surfaces, no rinsing necessary.
• Tub, tile and shower. Clean hard-to-reach nooks and crannies - and say goodbye to back strain - with a Clorox bath wand or similar extendable tool.

When your hot water heater gets old should you replace it with another standard system or should you install a hot water on demand system?   There are three key benefits of a hot water on demand system: All the hot water you want. More energy efficient because there are no standby heat losses. Standard systems use energy to maintain the water temperature. A hot water on demand system is a small box mounted on the wall. Find some extra floor space by removing your old hot water tank.

Self-improvement is vital for success, personal growth, and self-fulfillment. Oh, and don’t forget bragging rights! Here are eight self-improvement tips everyone should know. Give this a chance. This could be the start of something great:

Self-Improvement is Like a Billiards Break. You need to force things to come apart and scatter. This is exactly how self-improvement tips work. Force yourself to go out of your comfort zone. Try new things. Don’t be afraid to travel, go back to school, learn on the job, etc. Simply put, try everything at least once, within reason of course. It is in this self-exploration that you start to discover your real self.

Overall Improvement. The popular misconception is that self-improvement tips are only concerned with education and emotions. Don’t forget that you want to improve everything about you,including your physical self. Eat right. Get enough exercise. Get plenty of sleep.

Keep a Journal. A journal allows you to keep tabs on yourself. Reading it allows you to go back to what you did a few days, weeks, months, years, ago. How is the reading? Do you need to kick things up a notch and do something for a change!

Base Value. In your journal, add a short description of yourself and your life. Update it on a regular basis i.e. quarter, semi-annually, every year. What has changed? If the answer is nothing; it’s time to do something.

Rest and Relaxation. Do it every day. A couple of minutes are enough. Find a quiet spot, close your eyes, breath in and out at a relaxed pace. Slow your breathing and just let everything go. Stop thinking! This is the basis of meditation. Clear the clutter from your mind to give room for new ideas.

Think Positive. The proper mindset is always necessary for self-improvement. If you stop and think of the expenses, lost opportunities, time spent away from your TV, PC, etc. then you won’t accomplish anything. Instead, think of the potential that you can unleash.

Set Milestones. Write things down in your journal. Set milestones or specific objectives. Make it grand and challenging but reasonable. This way you wake up each day with a sense of purpose. When you do reach those milestones, celebrate. Give yourself a well-deserved break or simply buy yourself a big chocolate bar.

Be Critical. Some experts believe that the best way to be critical of yourself is to teach. If that is to your liking, then go ahead. If not, then you can substitute teaching with other critical thinking exercises. For example, writing pros and cons, elaborating on your shortcomings, and asking for an independent assessment from a mentor.

https://www.SelfRemake.com

The Fireplace

• Never burn gift wrappings, boxes, cartons, or other types of packing. They burn far too rapidly.
• Always use a screen in front of the fireplace to protect against flying sparks.
• Never use gasoline or any other flammable liquids to start a fire.
• Use only seasoned and dried wood.
• Never leave the fire unattended or smouldering.
• Clean the ashes regularly. Place the ashes in a metal container and store outside.

Electrical Outlets

• There is often a tendency to overload outlets during the holiday season. This is unsafe.
• Inspect all cords before using. Look for loose connections or frayed or exposed wire.
• Insert plugs fully into outlets. Poor contact may cause overheating or shock.
• To avoid possible overheating, do not coil or bunch an extension cord or run it under carpets or rugs.

The Kitchen
Grease and fat fires are a leading cause of home fires, so be extra careful when doing this kind of cooking. Here’s what to do if grease in a pot or pan catches fire:

• Smother the flames by covering with a lid.
• Turn off the heat immediately.
• Use baking soda (flour can be explosive) on shallow grease fires.
• Never turn on the overhead fan, as this could spread the fire.
• Never throw water on a grease fire.

Last but not least …
make sure your smoke detectors work!

1. Determine where you would like to position the fireplace, keeping in mind, it’s typically the focal point of a room.

2. Carefully, consider your space and find something to suit the décor. Think of style, scale, color and the type of unit that will be ideal in the space.

3. Look for innovative fireplaces that encompass everything on your checklist and offer a superior flame and warmth.

4. Electric units are simply plug-and-play, but make sure you have an outlet within reach and shop for units that use lower wattage. Some units draw less than a hairdryer!

5. Go shopping.

6. Open the box, plug it in, and enjoy the warmth.

Home is our emotional heartland - a place to restore our balance. You can make your home feel even more like a relaxing haven with:

1. Candle Light. It has a hypnotic, soothing effect for most people.   2. Dimmer Switches. People respond to softer lighting by lowering their voices - an instant stress buster. 3. Plants. They awaken a “back-to-basics” appreciation for life that counteracts the hectic pace of modern living. 4. Sheers. They filter fabric-fading sunlight down to a tension-easing warm glow. 5. Carpeting. Noise is a common stressor, and rugs are great sound absorbers. 6. Soft Music. The right selection can calm instantly. Try Bach, Mozart or your favorite harmony.

Clients often ask Pillar To Post inspectors about the value of upgrading windows. There are many good reasons to upgrade windows, but it is often difficult to decide based solely on dollars and cents.

Save Energy
Replacing old drafty windows with modern windows will save energy, but the cost will not likely justify the energy savings. Break even will only occur after twenty to thirty years. Beware of claims such as 40% savings on your energy bills. Realistically, you may save 10% - 20%. If saving money is your only goal, consider weather stripping and repairing the windows you have. The decision depends on the condition of your current windows and your desire for the benefits discussed below.

Comparing Windows
U-Factor
A standardized rating system called the “U-factor” provides a single number with which to compare windows. The U-factor is a number between 0 and 1: the lower the number, the better. 0.35 is good. In cold climates, the U-factor is the most important factor for selecting a window.

Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC)
In climates where air conditioning is more important than heating, the SHGC is the most important factor for choosing a window. The SHGC represents how much heat from the sun penetrates the window. The SHGC is a number between 0 and 1. For air conditioning climates, a number less than 0.4 is good. For heating climates, a larger number, such as 0.6, is better.

Single Pane
A single sheet of glass does not provide sufficient insulation in most climates. If you have single pane windows, consider an upgrade.

Single Pane with Storm Window or Secondary Glazing
A storm window or a second pane of glass inside the home, provides an additional barrier of glass. Mounted over existing windows outside or inside the house, can significantly increase efficiency of the window. Ideal when a home owner wants to keep the existing windows.

Double Glazed
The most common type of glazing used today is double glazed, involving two panes of glass hermetically sealed with a small air gap in between.

Triple Glazed
Three panes of glass hermetically sealed with a small air space in between each. More efficient than double glazed, triple glazing also effectively blocks sound.

Argon Filled
Some manufacturers put argon gas, a better insulator than air, between the panes, resulting in a more efficient window. Most experts agree that the argon does not last forever.

Glass Coatings
Coatings or films can dramatically improve the efficiency of a window. In a heating climate, low-E glass allows short wave solar radiation into the home for a heat gain, and prevents heat loss by reflecting the longer wave heat from inside your house back into the room. In hot climates, the window can be coated or tinted to reduce heat gain from the sun.

Experts believe that with the right mindset, you can invite good luck into your life. To edge your luck along:

1. Know you deserve it. Positive thinking will keep you open to “lucky” experiences. In fact, if you look for it, you’re much more likely to find luck.

2. Use a mantra. Try saying, I’ve been taken care of in the past, and I will be again now. You will open up more good things coming in.

3. Listen to your instincts. Our gut instincts usually lead us to “lucky” outcomes.

4. Break your normal routine. People who try new things - and who are flexible - are more likely to find luck.

5. Imagine being lucky. Visualizing yourself triumphing or getting a lucky surprise, like a promotion, can lead to real-life luck.

Pamper overnight guests with these simple steps to preparing a restful guest bedroom.

1. Put a reading lamp beside the bed. Who wants to get out of a cosy cocoon to turn off the ceiling light?

2. Display books and magazines. Many people love to do a bit of reading when away from home. It’s a great way to unwind.

3. Hang a fresh robe on a hook. It’s too bulky to pack when travelling, so it is a great indulgence to have one waiting for guests.

4. Provide note cards, postcards and stamps. Receiving an actual piece of mail is so special these days.

5. Put out a wonderful candle. Create some ambiance - and don’t forget the striker and the matches.

6. Decorate with a sweet little bouquet. Fresh flowers are always welcoming, even if it is just a small vase with a simple bloom.

1. Modern windows are more energy efficient. Using less fuel preserves our environment.   2. New windows eliminate drafts and cold spots. 3. New windows look better, potentially increasing the value of your house. 4. New windows function better and are often easier to clean. 5. Modern windows block street sounds better.

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