Four Tips On Roofing For New Homeowners

 *This is a Sponsored Post*

I can't believe that New Year's Day will mark one year since we moved into our new house! It has been a year full of learning, to say the least! I really thought I was good at being a grown up, but as it turns out, I really had no idea of what I was getting into! I mean, hot water heaters, mailbox installation, privacy fence rules, are you kidding me right now? One of the biggest things that I quickly learned when we moved in was that I had NO actual idea about roofing. As soon as we hired our home inspector, he quickly schooled me in all things roofing, and passed along some valuable tips that every new homeowner should know.  Here's just a few things that I have learned in the last year: 

#1. Know Your Roof's Age

The age of your home is not equal to the age of your roof. In many cases, your home's roof will have been replaced several times before you ever move in. And roofs do not last forever. One of the biggest things our home inspector taught me was to know the age of your roof, and to pay careful attention to that age, especially as your roof begins to reach the end of it's lifespan. I began to pay careful attention to this when I started to notice several of my neighbors replacing their roof this spring. Many times, once a roof starts to reach the end of it's lifespan, it will start to need costly repairs. These repairs, in some cases, can be close to the same as the cost of replacing the roof. This is why knowing the age of your roof is helpful, so you can start to save up some money for when it is time to replace it. 

#2. Find a Trusted Roofing Contractor

Even if you are not in the market currently for roofing repairs, it is a good idea to find a licensed roofing contractor in your area, just in case the need arises. There are so many great roofing contractors, like Greater American Roofing, but you will have to do your research and find one in your area. Having a roofing company that you trust is a must, even if your roof is not currently experiencing any problems. Your roofing contractor can help to inspect your roof and let you know if there are any potential problems that might be lurking around the corner. Cracked or peeling shingles, debris on your roof, nearby trees that could cause damage, or attic issues can all be problems on down the road. A roofing contractor can help to pinpoint these issues and give you a head's up as to things that could be costly issues for you on down the road. 

#3. Don't Forget The Attic

One thing that I didn't know was how much the attic is related to the health of the roof. Did you know that ventilation problems or insulation issues can cause problems for your roof, and vice versa? Make sure to have someone check your attic to make sure it is properly insulated and that warm or wet air is ventilating properly so that you won't have to worry about any issues. Likewise, it is important to have someone (a Louisville Roofing Contractor, for example) to check your roof for any leaks that could cause horrible issues with your attic on down the road. Even though it might seem like a pain in the butt now, a little work will go a long way towards prolonging the life of your roof. If you are not sure how to go about doing that type of thing, you can get advice from a roofing contractor or general handyman on that. 

#4. Do Your Part

Another thing that it is important to remember, is that you can't just count on a professional to take care of everything for you. It's really important to do whatever you can on your own to try to prevent any roofing issues. For example, if you can periodically check your roof for any debris, especially after a storm, that can be a good first step. Also, remember to keep an eye on any trees that might have limbs or branches sticking out near your roof. It doesn't take a very long amount of time for a wayward branch to cause a hole to develop in a roof, so pay attention to that. If you do notice debris or limbs on your roof, use a blower or a soft brush or broom to clean the roof off to prevent problems from developing. Another important tip? Check your gutters too while you are getting debris off the roof. Clogged up gutters can also cause huge roof issues if left untreated, so make sure to check those from time to time. A good rule of thumb is to clear those gutters out at the change of seasons. 

As you can see, none of the things shared here about roofing are exactly rocket science. They are all just things that are easily overlooked, especially if you are a new homeowner like me. I am really making a concerted effort to learn more about being a responsible homeowner. There really are lots of things that you can do on your own to take care of your home, but it is still a great idea to find a trusted professional to contact just in case you do come across something that is beyond what you can handle on your own. 

Do you have any tips for new homeowners that you can share? Let us know in the comments! 

4 Things To Do After Getting An Injury

 4 things to do after getting an injury

No one enjoys having an injury. It can be totally frustrating and debilitating. Activities that once seemed simple like making a coffee or dropping your kids off at school seem unbearable, and you wish you could just recover as quickly as possible.

While injuries aren’t pleasant, they are often a fact of life. There’s no point beating yourself up about it. Instead, you need to try to adapt your routine and make life as easy for yourself as it can be while you recover. Here are 5 things to do after getting an injury. 

Contact a lawyer

If your injury occurred because of someone else’s negligence or inappropriate behavior, you may wish to contact a lawyer. For example, you might have tripped on a hazard at work or had a car accident because of a drunk driver. A lawyer might be able to talk you through the next steps and assess whether you are entitled to compensation. If you don’t know how to go about finding a lawyer, check out personalinjury.com. It’s always worth finding out more information so you can make sensible choices.  

Speak to your boss

It’s common to be worried about your work situation after getting injured. You might not be able to work at all, or your boss might need to make some adjustments. While the thought can be frightening, it’s important to speak to your boss as soon as possible. A good boss will support you through this difficult time and help to make your working day as straight forward as possible. You might be able to work from home or reduce your hours while you recover. So, have the conversation and make sure your needs are met.    

Make home adjustments

You might find that your home is difficult to navigate when you’re injured. If you have a leg injury, for example, you might struggle to get upstairs. While some injuries recover quicker than others, you should try to make your home as comfortable as possible during this difficult time. This might mean rearranging furniture or installing assistance rails. You should be comfortable and relaxed in your own home, so don’t overlook the importance of home adjustments.   

Ask for help

While you might be tempted to soldier on alone, we all need to ask for help every now and then. An injury can have a huge impact on your everyday life, and there’s no point in suffering in silence. This is especially important if you have children or other caring duties, as their needs still need to be met. You might find that the school run is challenging or you’re struggling to cook and clean the house. There’s no shame in asking for help, and friends and family members won’t want you to suffer alone. Ask for help while you recover. 

Flip Out Mama's 10th Annual Holiday Gift Guide!!! Accepting Products and Sponsors NOW!

 

So, it's been a bit of a crappy year for most of us, but the holidays are officially IN SIGHT! I am SO glad that it is Fall, and that the holiday season is just around the corner! I cannot believe that this year makes the 10th annual holiday gift guide for Flip Out Mama! I'm really proud of that fact, and really proud that we have been doing this for as long as we have! 

That being said, we are now accepting products and sponsors for our holiday gift guide! We are looking for a wide variety of products, from kids and teens, to pets, to tech gifts, foodie gifts, stocking stuffers, and more! If you have a product or brand that you think would be a good fit for our gift guide this year, please email me at Theflipoutmama@gmail.com, or leave a comment below! I'd love to talk with you! 

Everyday Dangers To Be Wary Of In The Workplace

 Everyday dangers to be wary of in the workplace

Whether you work in an office, a store, a school, or a building site, there will always be hidden (and not so hidden) dangers that you need to be aware of. Your employers have a duty of care to help keep you safe while you are working, and if you ever do find yourself injured in the workplace, find a Riverside based personal injury lawyer to talk to. 

Tripping hazards

Slips, trips, and falls are incredibly commonplace; however, they can cause some serious damage, and so must be taken seriously. This means ensuring that floors are clear, and any wires are taped down safely or covered up. Spillages should be wiped up immediately, and any wet floors need clear signages. To avoid falling, or tripping yourself, wear sensible shoes and be aware of your surroundings at all times. 

Lifting

Even in an office job, you might find yourself having to lift something heavy, and the wrong technique, or lifting something that is far too heavy, can cause some catastrophic damage to your back. You should always practice the correct lifting technique to reduce the risk of pulling your back, and if something is too heavy, ask for assistance. 

Machinery accidents

If you’re working with any type of heavy machinery, it’s vital that you check it over regularly to ensure that it is still working correctly and, most importantly, safely. Follow all the right procedures before operating machinery, and wear any safety gear provided. It’s also important to focus and don’t allow yourself to get distracted - carelessness is where a lot of accidents happen when it comes to potentially dangerous machinery. 

Repetitive strain injury

It might not sound serious, but an RSI can be really painful and can be caused by something as simple as using a keyboard every day. You may find that your wrist feels particularly sore, and you experience tingling or weakness. You may want to get wrist support when typing and take regular breaks away from the computer. Make sure you are in the correct position to avoid straining your back, neck, or eyes. For example, your eyes should be in line with the top of the screen, and your feet should be able to touch the floor with your knees at a 90-degree angle. 

Chemicals

If you work with any type of hazardous chemicals, you must exercise extreme caution at all times. If you are provided with gloves, goggles, or other protective equipment, be sure to use it appropriately, and don’t get complacent. If you are working in a kitchen, it might be easy to forget just how dangerous something like boiling oil can be, so be sure to keep your wits about you. 

Remember that although your job might be important, your life is more so, and it’s crucial that you put your safety first. Be aware of the dangers around you, and follow the relevant safety advice to keep yourself safe at work. 

Looking Your Best Each and Every Day

Your appearance isn’t the most important thing in the world, but neither is entirely unimportant. We don’t
look our best for the benefit of others; we do so for the benefit of ourselves. It influences how we see
ourselves, our confidence levels, and all-around benefits our day. Of course, wanting to look at our best
and actually being so are two different things. There are, however, things you can do that’ll push things in
the right direction. In this blog, we’ll take a look at a few useful tips that’ll have you look your best each
and every day. 

Pexels - CC0 Licence

Well-Refreshed

Everything is more difficult when we’re tired. Even if you did look great, you’d find it more difficult to
enjoy the benefits if you were exhausted! But we all know that a poor night of rest has a negative
impact on our looks. We have bags under our eyes, our skin looks flat, and we’re less likely to put the
required effort into making sure our hair and makeup are on point. If you find that you’re not getting as
much sleep as you need to wake up feeling your best, then look at making some changes. This could
involve modifying your pre-sleep routine, improving your bedroom, or cutting down on the things that can
keep you awake at night, such as caffeine and alcohol.

Bright Skin

If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and thought, ‘wow, I look great’ but couldn’t quite put your finger on
why, then it was probably your skin. This has a huge -- yet often underrated -- impact on our looks.
There’s a big difference between someone with clear, bright, healthy-looking skin, and someone that has
tired and lifeless skin. While some people are just born with good skin, if you’re not one of them, then
there are things you can do. Working up a sweat, limiting your intake of toxins, and showering using
cold (or at least not hot) water can all have a big impact. 

Presentable Clothes

You can say a lot with your clothes. Indeed, if you’re trying to improve your appearance, then this is
probably the best way to do it. There are a few simple, easy to enact style rules that you should
incorporate into your dressing style. The most important two rules are to wear clothes that go well
together, and also wear high-quality clothing. A lot of us hold on to those old pieces of clothes for too
long, purely because we have an emotional attachment to them. But if they’re old and past their best,
then they’ll only be bringing your appearance down. 

Complimentary Accessories

It’s not just your clothes, either: your accessories and essentials play a role in how good you look too. In
the winter, you’ll be wearing a scarf and gloves set; in the summer, you’ll have hats and sunglasses.
Are these accessories currently boosting or holding your style back? If you were glasses, remember that
these can be stylish as well as functional. If you’re currently wearing basic glasses, then check out this
website, and invest in glasses that’ll nudge your style credentials in the right direction. Your glasses can
have a huge impact on your overall appearance, so it’s important that you’re wearing a high-quality pair
that suits your face. 

Looking Your Best 

It doesn’t matter what shape or size you are; we’re all different. But if you’re going to look at your best,
then it’s important that you’re staying at a healthy size. A good indicator of that is your BMI; if it’s too high,
then you’ll want to consider picking an activity that has you working up a sweat. This won’t just keep you
looking trim, but it’ll also improve your skin and your mood, too. What you do isn’t important, so long as
it’s keeping you active. If you don’t like going to the gym, then you don’t have to! If it’s been a little while
since you’ve been active, then it might be a bit of a struggle at first, but you’ll soon move past that
uncomfortable stage and learn to love it.

Pexels - CC0 Licence

Easy Hair and Makeup Routines

As well as your clothes, it’ll be your hair and makeup that have the biggest influence on your appearance.
While you might have an excellent routine that you use when you have all the time in the world to get
yourself ready, you probably can’t dedicate the same amount of time each morning. But that doesn’t
mean that you can’t still look great! There are plenty of YouTube tutorials that you can follow along with
that take no time at all.

Eating Healthy Foods

You are what you eat! Yup, it’s a cliche, but it’s also true. If you’re eating unhealthy foods, then you’ll pay
the price in some way. If, on the other hand, you’re eating healthy meals using fresh ingredients, then
you’ll find it easier to look at your best. Some people avoid preparing fresh meals because they think it
takes time, but this isn’t the case -- there are plenty of healthy meals that you can make in around
20 minutes. 

Smile With the World

Finally, remember the number one thing you can do to improve your appearance: smile with the world!
It sounds a bit cliche, but it’s also true. You’ll be radiating positivity if you’re stepping out into the world
with a happy and confident attitude, and it’ll make people pay attention. If you find happiness and
confidence difficult to come by, then remember that there are things you can do to
improve both of these aspects. It’s a journey, but a worthwhile one. 

Conclusion

As we said at the beginning of the blog: looks aren’t everything. There are more important things in life.
But it is true that they have some bearing on our confidence levels and all-around enjoyment of life.
Take the tips above, none of which are especially difficult to incorporate into your lifestyle,
and you’ll find that you’re looking at your best in no time at all. 

Dating In The Time Of Corona: Creativity Rules

As a married mom of three who already worked from home and is an introvert by nature, I find that my daily routines haven't changed very much in the times of quarantine and Coronavirus. I am lucky in that regard, and my life has pretty much stayed the same, other than not being able to find toilet paper or chicken at the grocery store from time to time. I can't help but wonder about others who find that almost every aspect of their lives has been upturned by the onset of Covid-19.

One aspect of life in quarantine that not many people think about is dating. For singles out there who normally spent their weekends hitting up clubs and bars, going to the gym and mingling around at the mall looking for that special someone, life is no longer normal. Online dating, which used to have this huge stigma attached to it, has become the norm, and in this time that we are living in, has actually become the preferred way of connecting with others. It's crazy to think about! The options that we have to stay connected in this day and age is really something else and technology has really given us the ability to continue our lives relatively normally during an incredibly difficult time in the world.

Video calling, instant messaging, and "zoom dating" have become the norm when it comes to dating and singles connecting with other singles. Social distancing guidelines have made online dating the option of choice and it's actually pretty cool that we live in a time where this is possible at all. Singles who are looking for someone to chat with or an "online hookup" have tons of options available with online dating sites like www.nostringsdating.net. The options are really endless, and there is no reason for singles who are looking for love to have to put that on hold due to the crazy time that is 2020. I am VERY glad that I am not back in the dating game at age 34, but I can't help but wonder what it would have been like if things like online dating, virtual dates and video chatting with other singles would have been a "thing" in my single days. It is definitely a very different idea to me compared to how we dated the "old school" way when I was in my teens!

I mean really, the bottom line is that whether you are looking for an online group to chat with other singles about your favorite recipes, an adult dating site, or simply someone to talk to and help to forget reality for awhile, there is no shortage of options available! While online dating, dating in general, and heck, just everyday normal life might be looking a little bit different these days, love stops for no one and no pandemic! If you are single and ready to (virtually) mingle, get out there (online of course!) and find yourself somebody to love! Happy Love Hunting!

Ex Forces: How To Spend Your Time

Ex forces - how to spend your time

When it comes to the armed forces, people join up for a variety of reasons. To give back to the country they love. To lead a long and meaningful career that they and their family can be proud of. And, quite frankly, for the excitement of seeing the world and making a difference, all the while making friends that will stay with you for a lifetime. 

Then, there are reasons for leaving the armed forces. Which can be an even longer list. Among the main reasons are wishing to settle down and start a family and being home to watch the children grow up. Another main reason is poor health, both in terms of minor issues such as bone or muscular complaints, or more major issues that rule you out of continuing your duties (for example, see getting veterans (VA) disability for heart conditions). 

Whatever your reasons for joining up, and whatever your reasons for leaving, the fact is that you now have time on your hands. A lot of time. And you may be wondering what you’re supposed to do with it.

Retrain 

Depending on your age, you may wish to consider retraining in another career. This is actually easier than it sounds, with many companies offering veteran schemes - multinational firms got to be where they are today through regimented efforts on the business front, meaning these companies often place a high value on the ‘goal oriented’ personality traits of ex-forces people. 

You don’t just find grit, determination, and problem solving skills everywhere you look for employees, but you sure do stand a higher chance of bringing those qualities into your company if you hire ex forces personnel. Look around at what’s available. You may just find that you have more choice than you thought. 

Become a social media star

There’s a strict two step formula that must be followed to the last detail if you wish to become a social media star. We’ll talk about why you might want to do this in a second, but for now, here’s the secret formula (you may wish to write this down). 

Step 1 - upload whatever content you like

Step 2 - hope for the best

Got that? Good. That’s literally it. Start a social media channel on YouTube or Instagram, for example, and upload text and images or videos about anything you like. It helps if there’s a theme, so if you know about gardening you might want to stick to that, but really there are no rules. Just be you. And if people like you? … There could be mega bucks involved. As in, super mega bucks. Read over the two step process again and think about your angle.

Remember, being retired from one job doesn’t mean you’re retired from all jobs! 

Why do people make birth injury claims?

Why do people make birth injury claims?

When what should have been the happiest moment of your life goes horribly wrong, it can leave your
mind spinning in all different directions. You’re worried about your baby, how they will recover, your own
health, and what the future might look like. Mothers who have gone through a traumatic birth and have
had their infant severely injured might be worried about the future financial implications of looking after a
disabled or sick child, or how they’ll cope with this unexpected tragedy. 

This is when many parents decide to seek further information – looking for a cerebral palsy lawyer in
Davenport? Click the link to find out more. When you’ve been let down by your medical provider, it can
often seem like the only option. 

But, why do people make birth injury claims?

For the unnecessary suffering

A birth is a joyous event and although painful and daunting, any birth should ultimately, be safe. Or it
should be if the mother has been properly monitored, screened and cared for every step of the pregnancy
. The health of the mother and child should be at the forefront of every decision made in the delivery room
, however that’s not always the case. 

A lack of care, attention, improper use of equipment, failure to recognise the signs of fetal distress can
result in devastating injuries and even death. It’s these kinds of negligible acts that create completely
unnecessary suffering for both the mother and the child. In many cases, it can be compensated for by
those responsible. 

Future care for your child

If your child suffers a brain injury, or an injury that leaves them requiring complex care for the rest of their
lives, many parents are left worrying how they’ll pay for such treatment and rehabilitation. How can they
adapt their home? Pay for private physio or even respite care? The costs of giving your child the highest
quality of life possible is incredibly high. Therefore, a successful birth injury claim could potentially help
cover these costs. 

Psychological trauma

Experiencing something like a traumatic birth can impact the mother for the rest of her life. Leaving her
with psychological trauma. These kinds of injuries should be accounted for, especially if the mother’s
quality of life is impacted.

Preventing it from happening again

Pursuing a medical negligence case like this can put steps in place to prevent it from happening to anyone
else. This alone would make it a worthwhile cause. 

Take Time To Clean Out Your Financial Records This Spring

Take the Time to Clean out Your Financial Records This Spring

Nowadays, you and your family may have spent a lot more time indoors than usual. This change has the
ability to upend routines, and it takes no time at all for clutter to collect all over your home. 

As spring cleaning guides fill the web, it’s easy to take control of your messiest, most disorganized spaces.
And with the kids home from school, you’ll have extra hands to help you get it done faster. 

As you move through your space and find things to clean, don’t forget one extra chore: organizing your bills.

Let’s be honest — this may be your least favorite task. But before you simply throw everything out, check in
with this guide. Some bills and receipts are important for your finances, and we’ll let you know how long
you should keep them.

Receipts

Do you always say “yes” when the cashier asks you for a receipt? Then your wallet, pockets, and drawers
may show off a pretty impressive collection of paper. 

Luckily, you can confidently throw away most of these receipts. The only exceptions may include:

• Receipts for a major purchase or service. If you’ve recently bought a new furnace or hired a

plumber, you’ll want to keep this proof of payment, as you may need to present it to activate a
warranty or return the item.

• Receipts used for taxes. Did you claim a purchase on your income tax? You’ll want to keep these

as proof of payment. Jump to the section about taxes to learn how long. 

Loan Agreements

Have you relied on a personal loan or line of credit recently? If so, you may have a few loan or line of credit
agreements hanging around.

At the very least, you should keep a hold of them until the term of your loan or line of credit. But to be safe,
you may want to retain these for your record for much longer. 

If you’re still not sure about the lifespan of your loan agreement, get in touch with your financial institution.
If your financial institution is anything like CreditFresh, a team of customer service representatives will be
available seven days a week, happy to help answer any question you may have.  

Financial Statements and Bills

Broadly speaking, you don’t need to keep your monthly bank statements or bills indefinitely. 

A general rule of thumb is to keep line of credit or credit card statements for 60 days. Once again, the only
exception is those documents you’ll need for taxes. 

During those 60 days, make sure you review your checking account statement, line of credit or credit card
bills. If you spot any purchases you didn’t make, get in touch with your financial institutions right away.

Taxes

Officially, you only need to keep tax returns and supporting documents for three years after you filed. But
unofficially, you may want to keep them as long as six. That’s how long the IRS may take to audit your tax
returns if they suspect you grossly underreported your income. 

Some financial advisors recommend you keep them forever. This will protect you in case an error occurs
decades later. 

After being cooped up indoors for so long, it may feel good to throw out any paper or receipt you come
across. But this relief may be short-lived if it ends up being something important. Follow this guide to
make sure you don’t discard what you need. 

Crossover SUV Profile: The 2020 Ford Escape 

Drivers everywhere are flocking to crossover sports utility vehicles for their versatility: having one vehicle
that can handle adverse road conditions while also nimbly navigating through the densest downtown is
understandably appealing.

Visit a family-owned dealership to check out the new Ford models available right there on the lot, because
you won’t believe the advanced features to make riders safer and more entertained in the new 2020 Ford
Escape.

Choices in Engine

Just like you can choose which colour of Ford Escape you’d like, you can also pick what type of engine you
want under the hood. The 2020 Ford Escape comes in a choice of Hybrid, Plug-in Hybrid, and EcoBoost
engines, which includes a 1.5L EcoBoost Engine and a 2.0L EcoBoost Engine.

There are also different drive modes that each vehicle can choose from, such as:

• Normal
• Eco
• Slippery
• Sport
• Deep snow or sand

All you need to do is select a driving mode, then the vehicle will adjust the electronic stability control system
and traction control system automatically.

Ford Co-Pilot360

The 2020 Ford Escape comes with a modern suite of advanced safety features known as Ford Co-Pilot360
that help you drive confidently, and help to keep everybody on the road safer. They are designed to work
effortlessly, so drivers don’t need to even do anything to simply be safer.

For example, the Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking will scan the road for objects which
may potentially cause a collision. If it detects one, the system will send an audible and visible alert in the
appropriate side mirror.

If the driver still doesn’t take any corrective action, the vehicle itself can put on the brakes. Other features
include a: lane-keeping system, rear view camera, Blind Spot Information System with Cross-Traffic Alert,
and more.

Modern Technological Amenities

Given the amount of time people spend on average in their vehicle, it’s a good thing that Ford has loaded
the 2020 Escape with features that make drivers and passengers feel entertained and at home.

The available Sync3 makes it super easy and safe to use your smartphone while you’re behind the wheel.
Accessing your phone for navigation, to keep in contact via messages, phone or email, and for music will
be simple. 

Plus, the FordPass Connect app makes it easy for drivers to contact the dealership or emergency roadside
assistance. It also acts as a Wi-Fi hotspot for up to 10 devices at once. This way, passengers can while the
time away on a road trip without having to consume their own data.

You’ll be able to remotely start your vehicle, and remotely lock and unlock it too. Access to the vehicle itself
and the wider world of online information is easy when you’re in the new Ford Escape.

We live in a world of dazzling technology — from your smartphone to crossover SUVs like the 2020 Ford
Escape, it would have been hard to imagine this world just years ago. Between the advanced technology
which makes driving safer and more fun, plus the advanced and varied forms of power under the hood, the
2020 Ford Escape truly is something to behold.