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Creating A Fun, Safe Garden For Your Children

As the mum of five young children, I know how important it is to have access to a safe outdoor space for your children to play. Being cooped up in the house all day isn't good for the kids or the parents, but you also can't let young kids play in a space that's hazardous. When we bought our new family home, there was a lot of work to do in the garden to make it childproof, and we also wanted to make it a fun place for the kids to play. We erected a new fence, fitted a combination lock on the garden gate, had poisonous plants removed, cordoned off the pool and created a play area complete with swings, a slide and outdoor games. I started this blog to share my DIY gardening tips, and I hope you find it interesting and useful.

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Creating A Fun, Safe Garden For Your Children

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Keeping your house safe in summer

As the weather heats up, it can be tempting to leave doors and windows open to get a much needed breeze through a hot house. However, this can leave you vulnerable to home intruders. Up to two-thirds of home burglaries occur through open windows and doors, with almost as many burglaries taking place during the day compared to at night. Here are some some steps you can take to keep your home safe without overheating.

A Look at Some Common Car Door Lock Issues and How They Can Be Fixed

The power locks on your car's door are built to be pretty reliable, but they can act up. There are many reasons why this may happen, but some are more common than others. Here is a look at a couple of reasons why your auto door locks may not function properly as well as some possible ways to unlock the problem. Frozen locks If you insert your car keys in the keyhole and they do not turn to open the door locks, this is a sign that your locks may be frozen.

Planting a low maintenance garden

While some people love spending time maintaining their gardens, other people find that gardening is just another chore. If you don't enjoy gardening it can be a great idea to plan out a low-maintenance garden that takes less work but is still fun to spend time in.  Choose the right plants Generally, native plants are less work to maintain than imported plants, as they require less fertilising, pruning and watering. It can be worth speaking to the local nursery and asking what plants are likely to work in your garden and look good year round.

Why Built-In Wardrobes Are Perfect for Your Child's Room

Deciding on furniture for your child's room is always tricky. You need to consider safety, convenience, and design, while making sure you don't pick things they're going to grow out of too quickly. A wardrobe is an essential storage item, and there are so many options. Do you pick a canvas wardrobe? A simple metal rail? Just put all of their clothes in a chest of drawers? If you're stumped, then maybe it's time to consider a built-in wardrobe.

Make antimacassars and cushion covers from your old curtains to revamp your living room

When the curtains in your living room are looking worn out or faded and you want to replace them, use this as the opportunity to revamp the whole living room without changing your colour scheme or having to spend a lot of money on new covers for the furniture, or on new cushions. Choose new curtains that match the existing colour scheme and use the old curtains to make antimacassars and cushion covers.

A Few Things You Might Overlook When Buying a New Water Storage Tank

Water storage tanks are common on farms and in areas where there is a high risk of brushfire or other types of fires, and in places where the city-supplied water might be consistently interrupted. Even for a residential home, a water tank can mean paying less money for fresh water to water your lawn or wash your car and other such chores. When you're ready to get a new water storage tank, note a few features you might easily overlook so you ensure you get a tank that will work for your needs and which will last for many years to come.

Window Blinds | 3 Useful Steps To Clean Wooden Venetian Blinds

Wooden Venetian blinds are gorgeous window treatments in your home or office because they deliver both aesthetic and functional appeal. Wooden Venetian blinds cannot be soaked or sprayed with harsh chemicals because the wood can easily become warped and damaged. Here are some useful steps to clean wooden Venetian blinds. Wipe Dust Off Using Paper Towels And A Vacuum Cleaner Window blinds are bound to have a layer of dust and dirt accumulated on them over time.

A Few Important Tips and Cautions When Sending Flowers and Similar Gifts

Sending flowers is a good way to tell someone how much you care, and they can also be sent to colleagues and coworkers for special occasions and holidays. However, it can be a bit more complicated to send flowers than you realize, as there are many details you need to consider. Note a few quick tips and simple cautions to make it easier on you.  Roses You want to be careful about sending roses to anyone other than your romantic partner and possibly your mother; roses are typically considered a symbol of love, and red roses for romantic love.

Buying guide | Tips in purchasing the best LED work lights

In these modern times, LED lights are becoming more of a lifestyle than a product. They are very effective in helping you see clearly and work at any time of the day. As a plus, LED work lights are more energy efficient as compared to ordinary lights. However, not all LED lights are created equal. You need to be careful when making your selection if you intend on getting more bang for your buck.

Teak Furniture | 4 Easy Steps To Winter Proof Your Outdoor Teak Chairs

Your outdoor teak furniture is great during summer when you're lounging around your patio or backyard. But when winter comes, you're probably not going to use it, so you may want to store it away until the next time summer comes once again. Winter proofing your outdoor teak chairs is a great way to retain and protect their original condition, so follow these easy steps. Clean Your Teak Furniture Thoroughly

Why Choose Window Roller Blinds?

A lot of today's homeowners are looking for home improvement features that can add the most value to their property. One such feature is window blinds. Here are a couple of good reasons showing why you should fit these window products in your home. Light control  Windows allow sunlight to enter your home and light it up. Sometimes, however, the light coming into your home through the windows can make it difficult for you to enjoy watching your favourite TV series due to excessive glare.

How to get rid of pests in your self storage unit

Storage units are good options for putting away things you don't really need but you don't want to throw away. They might also prove to be useful if you're moving but can't move all your things into your new home at once or if you just want to put away seasonal items that take up unnecessary space in your home. Regardless of the reason for renting a self storage unit, you want your stored items to be in the same condition when you take them out as they were when you put it in.

4 Step-By-Step Directions To Remove Rust From Metal Blinds

External blinds and awnings are ideal for keeping the hot sun's rays away from your home's interiors. Metal blinds are well suited to exterior windows, but rough weather conditions and improper maintenance can cause rust to form on them. Rust is a common compound known as iron oxide, which can cause your entire home to look tacky. This guide is designed to help you with step-by-step directions to remove rust from your external metal blinds.

3 Reasons to Have an Awning Installed

If you are thinking about having an awning installed over a backyard window or over your patio, you might currently be deciding if it worth the money. An awning is often made of sturdy fabric material that protects the outdoor space from the elements, while also adding an extra design element. Here are some reasons to have an awning installed. You Have Protection from the Elements One of the main reasons people choose to get an awning installed in their backyard is because it protects that space from the elements.

House Designs: Going Green On Your Roof

Green roofing (growing vegetation on rooftops) is a common trend nowadays when it comes to roof designs, and this is not just down to its aesthetic purposes but also due to its numerous benefits. Heat insulation, sound absorption and air quality improvements are some of these benefits. The only downside of green roofing is its high cost of maintenance, which is also the factor that is making some people avoid to it.

Key Factors To Help You Buy The Best Air Purifier To Match Your Needs

Air purification will help you clear your house or office of allergens such as molds, dust, and pollen. Removing these allergens will help in reducing the severity of allergies and respiratory ailments. The type and size of purifier you buy will be determined by your needs, so it's important to pay attention to the key guiding principles when buying your purifier. Below are major factors to consider before you buy your air purifier.

Outdoor Improvement: Classic Material Options for Patios

If you are planning on enhancing your residential outdoor space, you should consider building a patio. This feature will provide an exterior entertainment and relaxation area. Moreover, it may add some value to your property and attract more buyers when you choose to sell your home. If you decide to take up this type of project, there are different pertinent elements that you must consider. The most critical aspect is probably the patio building material.

Your 3-Step Solution to a Low Maintenance Yard

Do you love your yard but hate the amount of time you spend gardening? While gardening can be relaxing and therapeutic, there's not always enough hours in the week to keep it looking gorgeous. Luckily, there are a few ways to minimise the amount of time you spend in gardening gloves and gumboots. Here are 3 tips for keeping your yard low maintenance. Container Planting Growing flowers and vegetables in your yard can quickly get out of hand.

Simple DIY Procedures on Installing Vinyl Flooring

If you are looking for a good flooring option for your house, then look no further, as vinyl flooring will provide you with the best results. Through vinyl flooring, not only will your floor get that elegant touch, but also your entire home in general will appreciate in beauty and value. Installing vinyl Flooring When installing vinyl flooring, you can either hire a professional or you can decide to try some "

Why Opt for a Roller Garage Door for Your Home?

While you may often see roller doors in industrial settings and repair shops, they can also be a good choice for your own home. If you need a new garage door or are having a new garage built, note a few reasons why you might opt for a roller garage door instead of one that swings out and slides up onto a track inside the garage. 1. More secure A roller garage door may actually be stiffer than standard garage doors, as they are made with corrugated sheets that are designed to hold the door in place.

Stain Removal | Top 4 Carpet Cleaning Methods

Have you just bought your first carpet and are having trouble making that dirt and stain disappear? Do not worry, help is just a sentence away. If you want a spotless floor cover, below are some of the most effective ways you can use. Sectional Cleaning With Absorbent Compound This method can be rather slow but guarantees a thorough clean. As the name suggests, you are going to have to divide your carpet into small quadrants.

Antique Persian Rugs And Moth Damage

Although the 'clothes moth' is not as common as it once was, largely due to the increase in synthetic fibres used around the home, these insects are still around and can wreak havoc if you have antique Persian rugs or carpets.  So how do you know if your rugs are at risk from moth damage, how can you get rid of the insects and how can your local Persian rug repair specialist help to restore your damaged rugs?

Components to Guide You before Installing Under Cabinet LED Lighting

You may have realised that good design in lighting is essential for your kitchen. As such, introducing the LED lights to your kitchen can get you started. You may wish to place these lights under the cabinet to create the functional task of lighting as well as create a welcoming and warm feeling and mood, but you may wonder where will your power supply be located? To help you properly install your lights, here are three components that can help you in answering these questions.

How To Waterproof A Patio Umbrella

A fabric patio umbrella makes a stylish sunshade, but an unexpected shower can ruin the material, and if you put the umbrella away while it's still damp, mould and mildew can form, leaving unsightly stains and a nasty smell.  However, waterproofing your patio umbrella is a simple job that can be done in a couple hours.  Read on to find out how to do it. What you'll need fabric waterproofing spray large drop cloth rubber gloves face mask A good quality waterproofing preparation will not only protect your umbrella from the rain, it will also help to repel dirt and will offer protection from the fading effects of the sun.

3 Benefits of Choosing the Most Practical Blinds

When decorating or remodeling your home, blinds are not only a necessity, but also a valuable resource. The blinds you choose are important to your home's lighting and maintenance. They are an important item to focus on. And double roller blinds are a fun and practical place to start. Double roller blinds offer the best of both worlds. You can maintain your privacy without obstructing any view. There are a variety of options, and every company has their own unique product features.

Kitchen Design | 4 Nifty Tricks To Design An Easy Maintenance Kitchen

If you're planning renovations for your timeworn kitchen, then choosing an easy maintenance layout is an important part of the kitchen design process –– especially if you don't want to spend most of your free time cooking and cleaning. An easy-to-clean kitchen design layout will deliver the appeal of a fully functional kitchen, while minimising those mundane maintenance chores you despise. Here are some tricks to help you design an easy maintenance kitchen.

2 Important Things to Consider Before Hiring a Custom Homebuilder

When you're ready to have your own custom home built, you want to find and work with the right home builder. He or she needs to work with you to create the home of your dreams and ensure the job gets done right and according to schedule. Before you do hire any home builders, note a few important things to consider and discuss with him or her. 1. Note if they're a public or private company

Maintenance Tips for Your Lawn Mowers

A lot of people perform routine maintenance on their belongings. You might change the filters on your furnace before winter sets in, or you could sweep the chimney to make sure that the fireplace works properly before lighting it up. What do you think would happen if you never changed the oil on your car? Maintenance helps everything last longer and run more efficiently. This also applies to lawn mowers, but many people neglect routine mower maintenance.

3 Outdoor Blinds Tips for Your Home

Outdoor blinds can be a good choice for areas that are prone to storms as they can protect the windows from damage due to winds and hail, and they may work better at blocking out sun and noise than indoor blinds. Choosing exterior or outdoor blinds can be difficult only because there are so many options available to homeowners, but this also means that you're sure to get the blinds that will work for your home and your needs in particular.

Key Benefits of Dual Occupancy Investment Properties

Real estate is quickly becoming one of the preferred investment opportunities due to the current decrease in real estate prices. It is possible to purchase a property at an affordable cost and rent it for a long-term profit. Many investors are quickly starting to choose properties with dual occupancy designs that offer more value. A dual occupancy home is similar to a duplex and offers two separate dwellings that can be rented out.

Questions to Ask When Calling an Emergency Locksmith for a Car Lockout

Calling an emergency 24 hour locksmith is the right choice when you've been locked out of your car, as trying to break back in can mean damage to the car or a risk to your own safety. When breaking into your car, this can mean a shattered window that can cause cuts and gashes. That shattered window can also be very expensive to repair. When calling an emergency locksmith, note a few questions to ask before you have them meet you at your location.

Repairing A Small Crack In An Outdoor Glass Table

Homeowners who like to sit out in their yard and enjoy the weather may well have a glass table to sit at. Although this kind of material is aesthetically pleasing, it can be easy to crack, depending on the circumstances. If, for example, you have kids and they are playing with a ball in the yard, the glass table can be damaged if the ball were to hit it. Repairing a small crack or cracks on the table is easier than you may think and will save you a decent amount of money compared to replacing the whole table or even a panel of glass in the table.

Maintenance Tips to Make the Most of Your Air Conditioning Unit

Air conditioning units are an important aspect of households. This becomes apparent during extreme weather when you need to keep your home either excessively cool or warm. However, if you neglect this unit then you will find that you require regular air conditioning services to keep it running optimally. Here are some handy maintenance tips that can enable you to make the most of your unit. Clean the air conditioning unit on a regular basis

Double Glazing Options for Better Effect

Transparent glass, which is the most popular material used for home windows, looses much heat from your home as well as allowing too much noise and light to penetrate. Double glazing is a concept of window temperature control that eliminates these negative characteristics of glass by use of two glass panes separated by a layer of insulation. Double glazing can drastically change your internal room temperatures and minimise your heating cost within a home by nearly half.

3 Enemies of Air Conditioning & What Homeowners Can Do

Air conditioning is a must have for many homes in Australia. During the summer months, and even during warm periods of spring and autumn, we rely on our air conditioning units to keep us cool, comfortable and sane. Unfortunately, many units don't function as well as they should, fail to cool a room, and could be responsible for higher power bills. If your air conditioning may be performing poorly, it may be one of these three common culprits.

What You Need to Know About Roll-a-Doors

Roll-a-doors are doors that are opened by travelling vertically and gatherig up into a roll. They are used for both residential and commercial purposes for garages, stores, warehouses, factories and shops where they provide convenient and easy access while offering security to your valuables. They come in different types, styles and designs depending on your needs. Types of roll-a-doors Generally, roll-a-doors come in two different types: the section roll up doors and rolling steel doors.

Is It Your Air Conditioner That Needs Servicing, or Something Else?

Sometimes you will just know that an air conditioner needs servicing; it may never come on no matter what you check, or you hear it make a terrible noise right before it grinds to a stop. However, for those who are new to owning a central air unit or who may just now be experiencing problems with their home's central air, you might want to note a few troubleshooting tips. In some cases, it might not be that the air conditioner itself needs servicing.

Why Furniture Hire Is the Best Way to Furnish Your Short-term Rental Investment Property

Short-term rental can be a great way to maximise your rental returns on an investment property. Short term rental rates are usually higher and can be regularly adjusted as the market demand indicates. Short term rentals do need to be fully furnished, as short term renters are not usually bringing a house full of furniture for their short stay! As an investor starting out in the real estate game though, furnishing a home can be an expensive proposition.

3 Kitchen Layout Mistakes You Don't Want to Make

A new kitchen is a significant investment, so of course you'll want to get it right. You'll probably want to replace all your old appliances with gleaming new versions of themselves (which will hopefully be energy efficient). You might envision cooking amazing meals for your family in your brand new kitchen, putting all those TV cooking show competitors to shame. Of course, you will be able to do this, but only if you have the right space to work in.

Simple Tips for Interior Motorhome Design

Motorhome living presents a unique and fun opportunity to explore the country within a restricted budget. The alternative accommodation choices such as motels and hotels are expensive and they will not provide the comforts of home. A new motorhome is convenient and you will enjoy the freedom of traveling within your own timetable. Moreover, it promotes family bonding and you can bring pets on your extended travels. If you choose this traveling option, it is important for you to create ideal interior motorhome space to enhance aesthetics and comfort.

Choose Timber: Top Five Benefits of Timber Bifold Doors

If you're installing bifold doors and wondering about the advantage of timber, it's important to note that different projects merit different types of materials, and timber bifold doors aren't right for every scenario. However, if you do opt for timber bifold doors, you receive several advantages. Take a look at these five: 1. Sound Proof If you are installing bifold doors between two rooms, timber is typically the best material to consider.

Creating an Outdoor All-Weather Living Space with Blinds and Awnings

When you see outdoor living areas, you tend to find a covered option deck style fenced option. Both of these options leave you and your guests exposed to the elements. If it rains or there is a hard wind, you will need to retreat indoors. Instead of retreating from the weather, consider creating an outdoor all-weather living space option using blinds and awnings.  Here are considerations to get your plans started.

Stylish Furnishing: 4 Outdoor Furniture Materials to Transform Your Patio Space

Spending time outdoors in summer is a favourite Aussie pastime—whether it's a casual afternoon get-together with barbeque and beers or an evening soiree to celebrate a special occasion. With so much time spent outdoors, it's natural that you'll spend time considering your outdoor furniture—almost as much as the time you spend with your indoor furniture. Outdoor patio furniture ultimately boils down to style, appearance and preference. Here are some outdoor furniture materials that will transform the look of your patio in different ways.

Native Gardens: Tips on Cultivating Indigenous Plants

People sometimes assume that growing native Australian plants in small gardens is difficult. This notion is misplaced. Most homeowners focus on low maintenance plants which lack unique aspects such as the bird of paradise or oleanders. If you want to make landscaping changes to your residential space with some of the local plants, consider using these tips for a healthy garden. Right Selection The success of your garden will heavily depend on your choice of plant species.

Frequently Asked Pool Installation Questions

If you're thinking about installing an inground pool, but you've never had any experience with this type of construction, you probably have a lot of questions about the process. So to help make you feel more comfortable about what you're about to do, here are the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about building pools. What Are Some Benefits of Installing a Pool? -- In addition to having a place where you and your family can swim any time you want, there are other benefits to installing a pool.

2 Major Things to Consider When Buying a Bunk Bed Mattress

Bunk beds come in handy for families who can't afford to have separate bedrooms for their kids. The furniture not just helps save space, but is also an ideal place for siblings to interact with each other and learn living together. Though there are several benefits to bunk beds, there are some serious problems attached as well. Let us not dig too deep here but just focus on the mattress part.

Commercial Plumbing Problems To Watch Out For

Commercial spaces should provide a tranquil working environment without the hassle of plumbing problems. However, unlike residential homes, commercial spaces are exposed to even more plumbing issues due to the huge water needs involved. Have a look at the most crucial commercial plumbing problems you need to watch out for to avoid ruining your premises and suffering plumbing interruptions. Wear of fixtures Due to the high frequency of use, plumbing fixtures in commercial building are guaranteed to wear fast.

Go Green this Summer - Buy a Portable Air Conditioner

With 2013 being the hottest year on record in Australia since 1910, and 2014 being similarly warm, it is more important than ever to ensure your home is cool and comfortable during the summer months.  However, due to the rising cost of electricity as well as a generally increased interest in being environmentally friendly, many Australians are unsure of whether the investment in air conditioners is really worth it.   If you harbor these concerns, a portable air conditioner may be the perfect solution for you.

All You Need To Know About Aquarium Removals

Moving is always a daunting task. There is always the worry that some of your property may get lost or the fragile items may get broken. It is even more nerve wracking when you are moving an aquarium. You do not want to lose your fish while you are trying to get them to a nicer place. It is, therefore, very important that you handle the aquarium removal very carefully. The best way is to have aquarium removalists to handle the moving for you.

Benefits of Switching to Solar Pool Heating Options

If you have been using traditional pool heating options, you may have already faced maintenance and repair issues. If you are looking for a way to heat your pool, cut maintenance costs, and cut energy costs over time then you may want to consider solar pool heating options. If you are unfamiliar with these options, here are a few benefits of switching to solar. Reduced Maintenance A key difference between traditional pool heating and solar heating options is the reduced maintenance cost.

How to Choose the Right Relocatable Home

Do you require an extra living area that has all the amenities and privacy for a friend or loved one? Perhaps you are looking to add another rental property on your plot of land. If this is the case there are some affordable avenues to go down. Everywhere you turn people are coming up with fresh ideas to create and produce both eco-friendly and relocatable homes. If you are looking for one such home there are many companies that provide affordable options for you to choose from.

How To Properly Maintain Your Air Conditioning Ductwork

Maintaining your air conditioning system's duct work can allow the system to operate more efficiently, as well as save you money. When the ducting is clear from dust and debris, the quality of air you and your family breathe in is also improved. Although there is a lot of debate regarding whether or not you should pay to have your ducting cleaned – or simply replaced – it is acknowledged that good measures will prevent the ducting from becoming too clogged in the first place.

How To Get A Broken Key Out Of A Lock

Having the key to your door snap off in your hand as you try to lock or unlock the door can be very stressful. It can also be expensive, as hiring a locksmith to get the key out will cost money. There are a few methods which you can try to extract the key from the lock before calling the locksmith out. Take a look at some of the more common lock types used for propertie, and the method of extraction.

3 Reasons to Use a Ducted Vacuum

You can save yourself a lot of time, aggravation and even money if you invest in a ducted vacuum. A ducted vacuum is just a fancy term for a vacuum system that is built into your home, and isn't a mobile unit like a standard vacuum. It's called 'ducted' because a special system of piping is built into your walls that flows back to a separate container unit that's installed in another part of your home, usually your garage.

Which Type Of Fire Pit Is Best For Your Patio?

Do you wish you could enjoy your patio in the evening after the temperature drops? One of the best ways to do so is with an outdoor fire pit. They're popular because they let you enjoy the warmth and comfort of a fire while still keeping the flames restricted to a safe space. There are a few different types of fire pits available. One of the biggest differentiating factors is the fuel that's used to create the fire.