Pool Basics: Skimmer Baskets and Their Importance
The pool area is the place where you relax, spend time with your family and friends, or simply take a few hours for yourself and indulge in some “me time”. However you may choose to use this space, debris and bugs simply don’t match that ideal scenery. Unfortunately, I have noticed that these little buggers enjoy the water as well, and that is when I realized there must be something that can fix this problem. Of course, the pool filter and pump do work their magic by filtrating the water, but you need an additional helper for collecting the larger pieces often found in the pool. Fortunately, the solution is quite simple – I am talking about skimmer baskets. Stay with me for a more detailed explanation on what skimmer baskets are and how they work.
Cuddly Buddies: The Benefits of Playing with Plush Toys
One of the very first toys a child receives is often a teddy bear or some kind of stuffed animal. But these soft, plush animals are more than just a toy. For a young child, they become instant friends – companions that are always available to play with when mummy and daddy are tired or busy. So, over time, kids can grow quite attached to their plush toys. But what makes these toys so special and different from all the other play items in a child’s bedroom? To answer that, here are some of the reasons plush toys are especially beneficial for children to play with.
Plush Toys Provide Instant Comfort
The greatest benefit of stuffed animals and other soft, cuddly plush toys is that they can ease stress and anxiety in young children. For babies and toddlers, the world can seem like a big and overwhelming place and having something secure and soft to hold on to can help them cope with their emotions. By cuddling with a stuffed animal, children can learn how to self-soothe instead of calling for mummy and daddy to provide instant comfort. What’s more, a child’s stuffed animal can be his/her own personal companion which they don’t have to share with anyone else. This can be especially beneficial for a child that splits the parents’ affection and attention with other siblings.
They Help Build Social Skills
In a child’s imagination, stuffed toys are animate creatures which they can interact with. So, when you see a child spending time with their favourite plush animal, it often looks like they’re having a conversation or playing different roles. Doing so, they often mimic everyday activities and some of the grown-up conversation they overheard. As a result, this pretend play can help children learn how to form social bonds and express themselves.
They Encourage Language Development
Besides bolstering social skills, pretend play with stuffed toys also helps develop speech and language skills. Just think about it. What encourages your child to speak more – Lego blocks or stuffed toys? The stuffed toys’ effect on language skills can start even when the child is a small baby. Seeing the distinct features of a face encourages babies to babble more which can help speed up the development of language.
They Teach Compassion & Empathy
Besides seeing them as friends they can play with, as children continue to grow, they start assuming the role of a caretaker for their stuffed toys. As they pretend to feed, clothe and bathe their stuffed animals, children learn how it is to nurture and care for others. As a result, this can help children become more considerate about the needs of other people.
Let Your Western Style Vibe be Felt with a Cool Cowboy Belt
More than just as a way to support our pants, we wear belts to make a fashion statement. If you appreciate the western style and are looking for something aesthetically appealing but also functional as to communicate that appreciation, including a western belt in your wardrobe may be one great option. Given the fact that they are various different types of such belts, here are some details you ought to consider. Read More
What Makes Yoga Popular?
Ever feel like you’re at the end of your tether, frequently dealing with stress and anxiety, as well as a restless mind and are in need of a break? It’s time to give yoga a try. There are reasons behind all the hype enough to convince you to make it part of your lifestyle. Read More
Ergonomic Furniture: Invest in Your Workers’ Mental and Physical Health
Today’s society brings people, chairs and desks closer together than ever before. Most people spend at least 8 hours at work, strapped to their chair. So, it is only natural that each worker should share a good working relationship with his/her chair. That being said, one great way for the employees to stay healthy and productive is to include ergonomic supplies in the form of chairs into the picture.
Gardenia 101: How to Take Care of This Lovely, Fragrant Shrub
Do you feel like your outdoor space lacks a little something to set the mood? A fragrant addition to your garden can be a great way to create a pleasant ambience that will make you want to spend more time outdoors instead of in. And when it comes to scented plants, gardenias always come to mind first.
Due to their intoxicating scent, lovely, white flowers and evergreen leaves, the gardenia’s many varieties are some of the most popular shrubs. Starting from early spring, this hedge will reward you with flowers throughout the summer and into mid-fall. What more could you ask for? However, in order to enjoy this shrub in its full glory, you need to treat it right. So, here are a few tips on how to keep your gardenia happy and healthy.
Know Your Variety
While all gardenias generally have the same requirements, some varieties can have additional needs. With that being said, it’s helpful to know which variety grows in your garden. For instance, one of the most popular varieties, the Gardenia Florida can reach heights up to 1 metre, which is great if you use it as a hedge along the borders. To promote thick and bushy foliage, prune straggly growth in early spring and them prune again after flowering. On the other hand, if you want to use the Gardenia Florida as a small decorative element, you may want to prune it more often. Other popular types of gardenias are Radicans, Augusta, First Love, Mystery and Kleim’s Hardy.
Plant in the Right Spot
Gardenias have tropical origins, which means that they can handle the sun. However, they still need protection from the scorching mid-day sun. Considering this, north and east-facing spots are ideal because the plants can get a lot of morning light and some late afternoon light, but won’t be burned during the hottest part of the day. Also, make sure that your gardenia isn’t planted in a crowded spot where there are competing roots. With that being said, it’s best to place them along pathways, fences or the corners of your house.
Meet Its Water and Soil Requirements
Gardenias grow best in soil that is moist and well-drained. The trick is to keep the soil consistently damp but not soggy by watering your gardenias with 2cm of water each weak. Whenever it rains, skip one week of watering. Be careful not to overwater your plants as this can cause problems. As for the soil, in order to improve its drainage, you can apply a layer of organic mulch. Organic matter such as peat moss and manure can also provide the soil with nutrients that help improve the plants’ growth.