Month: October 2021

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Family Activities How To Learning Life Parenting

How to Teach Your Kids Responsibility By Using a Chore Store at Home

We all want to raise responsible kids that help out, take care of things, and understand the value of money. Sometimes it’s hard to teach these concepts, though. In our house, we use a chore store to get the kids doing chores and learning about earning/spending.

The chore store is something that I set up once each week, usually on Saturdays. Throughout the previous week, the kids work to each chore store money. For each chore they do, they earn one chore store dollar. When Saturday rolls around, they can choose to save their chore money for something bigger, or they can cash it in on the items in the chore store.

Since the kids can earn one chore store dollar for each chore, they can choose how much they want to earn that week. It helps them understand that the harder they work, the more they get rewarded. If you don’t want to use chore store dollars, you can also use chore charts from Dollar Tree and implement a way to earn rewards from the chore store with the chart.

You can put anything in your chore store, as long as you know your kids will like it. I pick up small things to add to it when I see something I know they’d love, but I typically get most items from Amazon. I also go to Dollar Tree for multi-packs of items to include.

***This post contains affiliate links. It costs you nothing extra, but I may receive a small commission.***

Chore Store

What to Put in a Chore Store

The options for what to put in the chore store are limitless. I love browsing around for new items to add. Some ideas include:

1. Invisible Ink Pens

Kids love invisible ink pens, as they can pretend to be a spy or share secret messages with their friends. These pens were a hit in our chore store!

2. Play-Doh in the Chore Store

Play-doh is always a good option. No matter how careful you and your kids are, play-doh gets mixed together or dries out. When you keep play-doh stocked in the chore store, you won’t have to feel bad about throwing some away. I buy it in a 10-pack case for variety and excitement each time.

3. Pop Its

Fidget toys are super popular right now, with pop it’s being at the top of the list. These fidgets come in all different shapes and sizes, and your child will be excited to see them as a choice.

4. LED Lights

If my kids can save up the chore dollars, they can use them to buy bigger items. Sometimes I let them pick whatever they want on Amazon, but other times I keep items I know they’ll love in our store store. When they can see these bigger items, it encourages them to save up and work hard to get what they want. LED lights were a hit in my house.

5. Super Hero Capes and Matching Bracelets

These superhero capes and slap bracelets are perfect for your store. I love items like this because we can just throw them in the dress-up bin instead of having random little stuff laying around the house.

6. Kinetic Sand

Sensory play is always one of my favorites, and my kids love it, too. It’s easy to clean up and your child can do so much with it. These small, individual containers are perfect because you won’t have so much kinetic sand out at once. Plus, your child can choose it each time they earn chore store dollars.

7. Sand Art Kits

I was so excited to see these sand art kits on Amazon. As a kid, I loved sand art. I didn’t even realize they still made things like this!

8. Mini Animals Building Blocks Sets

If your child likes Legos, these are the perfect option for your chore store. The blocks are smaller than Legos, but they are still super cute. You can use them as a learning opportunity, too, if you teach your child about the animals they build.

9. Candy for the Chore Store

I don’t love including candy in your store, but occasionally I’ll add some. Ring pops are always a hit, so they are one of my go-to’s. I also add smarties and sour patch kids.

10. Make Your Own Bouncy Ball Kit

I love any toy that involves science and learning. These bouncy ball kits are so much fun, and they are easy to make. Then, your child can have fun with the ball they created, giving them positive feelings about learning.

11. Coupons

I love adding coupons to the chore store because it offers an experience rather than toys. You can print some pre-made coupons for your child, or you can create your own with paper and markers. Think about things your child loves to do, and create eye-catching coupons for them to purchase from your store. For some ideas of things to put on your coupons, check out this post – 15 Ways to Give Your Child the Perfect Day

12. Stickers in the Chore Store

My kids love stickers, and they are easy to find. I typically get the stickers from Dollar Tree, but you can pick them up pretty much anywhere. Target also sometimes has a good selection of stickers.

13. Crayons, Colored Pencils, or Markers

Crayons, colored pencils, and markers are always good options for the chore store. My kids love to have a fresh pack, so every couple of weeks they’ll choose these items. You can have fun with these items by including specialty packs or the mega box of crayons.

14. Books

We all want our children to read, but some books are expensive! I would never charge my child the same price for the book that I paid, but I still like to make them an option in the chore store. When your child gets to choose the book for themselves, they’ll be much more excited about it. Plus, the chore store is a fun treat so your child will associate books and reading with rewards.

15. Craft Supplies

Crafts are exciting, and they get your child’s mind going. When you see fun craft supplies while you’re out shopping, pick them up for the store. Your child will be so excited to see something new in there to choose from.

Chore Store

Using a Chore Store to Teach Responsibility and get Your Kids Doing Chores

Whatever items you decide to fill your chore store with, have fun with it! Be creative and choose items that you think your kids will be excited about. Anytime I see something that I think my little ones will like, I pick it up and add it to the chore store next time. My kids love seeing random little additions. What would you fill your store with? Leave a comment and let me know!

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Gifts Holiday

11 Gifts No One Wants to Get This Christmas

11 Christmas Gifts No One Wants to Get

Each year when Christmas rolls around we buy gifts for the people in our lives. We exchange gifts with our family members, friends, children, and parents. When it comes to giving gifts to those you are closest to, it’s a little easier to buy something you know they’ll like. Sometimes, however, the gift-giving occurs in a group gift exchange or among co-workers, and you may not know what to buy. When this happens, try to avoid buying the gifts no one wants to get.

In these cases, you usually don’t know what specific item to buy, because you either don’t know who will be receiving your gift or you don’t know the person well enough to make an educated decision. This leaves you searching for and buying a gift that most people would like. This can be tricky, as many commonly given gifts in these settings are gifts that no one actually wants.

Now I don’t know about you, but I love to give GREAT gifts. If I gave a gift that no one was excited about or that paled in comparison to the other gifts, I would feel terrible! I would be so embarrassed, and I would feel bad for the person who was stuck with it. No matter who is receiving your gift, you should make sure the gift will be loved so that no one is disappointed (including yourself!).

To help you out, I have compiled a list of the gifts you should avoid giving at Christmas time. Also known as The Gifts No One Wants to Get This Christmas.

11 Gifts No One Wants to Get for Christmas

1. A pet

Giving someone a pet as a gift may seem like a good idea, but it really isn’t. A pet should be personally chosen (by the pet owner) to ensure that there is a bond between the owner and the pet. By gifting a pet, you are giving the receiver a HUGE responsibility.

Welcome to the world of cleaning up after a pet, feeding, grooming, and paying vet bills. While this world is great, it should be something that the pet owner (or the gift receiver, in this case) chooses for themselves. Unless someone specifically asks for a certain pet, avoid this gift at all costs.

2. Exercise equipment

Exercise equipment is a gift no one wants for a couple of reasons.

First, it puts potentially unwanted pressure on the receiver. Either they feel pressured to begin working out, or they just got a gift that will collect dust. There is no in-between.

The second reason that exercise equipment is a bad gift no one wants is that it could be insulting to the receiver. They may feel like you are implying they need to lose weight, which you never want to do when giving someone a gift.

3. Anti-aging cream

Just like with exercise equipment, anti-aging cream could be unintentionally insulting to the receiver. This is a gift best left for personal purchase instead of as a gift.

4. Cleaning supplies

How exciting is it to buy cleaning supplies? Now, consider how fun it is to use or look at cleaning supplies? Not much fun, right? Think about that when you’re buying a gift.

Would someone be excited to unwrap a gift only to find all-purpose cleaner or sponges in the package? I wouldn’t be, especially if everyone around me was opening exciting gifts. If there is nothing pleasurable about it, don’t buy it as a Christmas gift.

5. Gag gifts

While everyone may get a good laugh out of a gag gift at first, it is going to quickly lose its charm. There isn’t much that a person can do with a gag gift, so it ends up being clutter or trash. You don’t want to give a gift that is never used and barely remembered.

Now, ignore this tip if the theme of your gift exchange is gag gifts. Also, ignore this if the gift exchange is between children because children do love a good whoopee cushion or bubble-gum zapper (their parents may hate you for it, though).

6. Lingerie

So, not only could lingerie be an embarrassing gift for the receiver, but it is also a gift that isn’t of much use. If a man gives a woman lingerie as a gift, he is essentially buying a gift for himself. Um, what?!

Men, don’t buy lingerie as a gift for women. Women, don’t give lingerie as a gift for Christmas, either. Save it for a bachelorette party.

7. Socks

Unless the person receiving the gift specifically asked for socks, don’t buy them as a gift. Socks are so impersonal, and it isn’t always very exciting. If you do buy socks as a gift, make sure they are high-quality, fashionable socks. Regular white socks from Walmart should not be a gift.

8. Fruitcake – Gifts no one Wants

I have never in my life met someone who actually likes fruitcake. Why is it still such a popular gift at Christmas time?! Please don’t.

9. Seasonal clothing

If you give someone a Christmas sweater or Christmas leggings as a Christmas gift, they will only be able to wear them that day and then not again until next December. Even if you give the gift a week early, the receiver will only get to wear it a couple of times before the Holidays are over.

10. Gift cards to expensive stores

Unless you are using a large amount of money to buy the gift card, the receiver may actually be inconvenienced here. If you give a $20 gift card to a store that only offers items that cost more than $20, you are forcing the gift receiver to pitch in money for their own gift. They can only use your gift at one store, but if they can’t even afford to buy one item with that gift card, it isn’t really a useful gift. See the problem?

When is a Gift Card Appropriate?

If you want to buy a gift card, make sure it’s to an affordable store or website and put enough money on it that the receiver can buy something without using their own money. Amazon gift cards are my favorite because the receiver of the gift card can literally buy ANYTHING.

11. A vacuum cleaner

If you have carpet in your home, you need a vacuum cleaner. This doesn’t mean anyone (even if they have carpet) wants a vacuum as a Christmas gift. You can say Merry Christmas in a better way than dishing out chores to the receiver. Unless someone specifically requests a new vacuum as a gift, don’t do it.

Gifts No One Wants

Some of the most popular gifts to give are gifts that no one really wants. You may be guilty of giving these gifts yourself. If so, don’t feel bad. Most of us have done it.

This year, avoid giving the worst Christmas gift by avoiding these 11 gifts no one wants. By figuring out which gifts people don’t want to get for Christmas, you have made your choice so much easier. Even if you don’t know what someone DOES actually want, your chances of hitting the mark are much better now.

What gift can you think of that no one wants to get? Better yet, is there a gift that you receive every year that you don’t enjoy? Tell me about it in the comments! Also, tell me what you do with the gifts that you didn’t want after you get them home.

Related post: 5 Tips to Get Away With Re-Gifting (Kidding, Kind Of)

11 Christmas Gifts No One Wants to Get
Categories
Health Healthy Living

Beneficial Drinks That Can Help You Improve Your Dental Health

When it comes to your oral health, many aspects can affect it. The drinks you choose each day can make a big difference, and some drinks assist your dental health. Increasing the amount of these fluids you consume will help you notice improvements to your overall oral health.

Dental Health
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Drinks to Assist Your Dental Health

Water

Water is very beneficial in maintaining teeth. Drinking water helps flush food debris from the teeth and mouth and helps maintain high saliva levels in the mouth. Saliva contains proteins and minerals that can neutralize the acid that damages the outer layer of the tooth (enamel), and therefore, it is the best protection against tooth decay. Saliva contains more than 95 percent water, so if you want to avoid damage to your teeth, you should drink a large amount of water throughout the day to enjoy complete and lasting protection. Consider having regular checkups at your dentist to ensure that your teeth are in good shape. You could look at Morgan Dental, for example. You will be able to get the treatment that you may need.

For those who drink water with lemon – lemon juice is an acidic drink. Acid (of any kind) damages the enamel layer of the tooth. The enamel is the coating layer that protects the tooth. Caries (holes in the teeth) occur when sugar residues remain on the teeth, and bacteria that consume this sugar residue in the fermentation process, produce acid as a by-product of the process. The acid (not the bacterium) that damages your enamel and forms a hole in your tooth. Drinking an acidic beverage frequently can cause damage to the teeth. You can reduce this damage if the consumption of water and lemon is through a straw, which will reduce the contact of the acidic water and the teeth. If you drink water with lemon every morning, rinse your mouth immediately after drinking the lemon water. It may be advisable to gargle with baking soda (an acid-contradictory powder). 

Green tea

Green tea is rich in antioxidants that inhibit the development of bacteria, causing gum damage and gum disease. The tea was brought to Japan by Buddhist monks more than 1000 years ago. The fluoride concentrations in tea are the same as those in the medical recommendations to prevent tooth decay. You can consume up to a liter of tea per day to maintain dental health. Of course, green tea is beneficial for many other things too!

Catechins and fluoride are two main ingredients in tea, and they work to maintain dental health. The catechins reduce the production of acid, which damages tooth enamel. Black, green and white tea extracts inhibit in vitro the proliferation of bacteria, which form acid. Consider drinking more green tea for better physical and dental health. 

Improve Your Dental Health

Your teeth are often the first things people see when they look at you or talk to you. Maintaining your dental health can make you feel better about yourself, but it can also improve your overall health. Are there any other drinks you can think of that improve your oral health? Leave a comment and let us know!

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Health Healthy Living

Why Visiting A Dentist Today Doesn’t Need To Be A Daunting Experience

There aren’t many people who love going to the dentist. Even if you haven’t had to have major dental work, going to the dentist causes anxiety and stress in many people. However, dental practices have changed dramatically over the years, with many advances in treatment making visiting a dentist more enjoyable. From giving your teeth a makeover to helping you stay happy and healthy, many benefits come with going to the dentist.

***This post contains affiliate links. It costs you nothing extra, but I may receive a small commission.***

Visiting A Dentist
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Why Visiting A Dentist Doesn’t Have To Be Daunting

Practices are Becoming More Luxurious and Modern

Whatever memories you have of dental practices as a child, forget about them. Today, dental offices are sleek and modern, with many looking more like a spa waiting room than a dental practice. Dentists have adapted their practices to make them more welcoming and comfortable, helping you feel at ease.

Innovative Treatments Provide Better Results

Dental treatments have come a long way in recent years. Updated technology means dental treatments can be less painful or invasive, with better, more natural-looking results. The team at Centennial Periodontics & Implants provides a range of solutions to help you treat dental issues with excellent results. Your dentist can provide different solutions to treat your dental problems, helping you feel at ease with any necessary treatments.

You Can Make Effective and Affordable Changes to Your Smile 

If you’re unhappy with your smile, your dentist can provide treatments to help you improve it. Invisible braces are a modern and effective way of straightening your teeth, while veneers can also help make improvements. Even if you can’t afford a major transformation, you could try at-home solutions to help you make changes to your smile.

It’s Easier Than Ever to Take Better Care of Your Teeth

A trip to the dentist today can be much less daunting because of the improvements in-home dental care. From more effective toothpaste to electric toothbrushes that take care of the hard work for you, you can take better care of your teeth. Taking better care of your teeth means less intervention from your dentist. Even with the best oral care routine, you still need a great dentist for you and your family for cleanings.

Visiting A Dentist Doesn’t Have To Be Daunting

Some people hate going to the dentist because of past experiences or something they’ve seen. The truth is that going to the dentist doesn’t have to be as fear-inducing as it used to be. Thanks to appealing dental practices and groundbreaking treatments, you can feel much better about visiting the dentist in the future.

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Adulting Mental Health Parenting

4 Treats To Make A New Mom Feel Great

After having a baby, it’s normal for you to dedicate all of your time and energy to caring for your newborn. There’s much to get used to in those initial weeks, and you’ll be battling tiredness and finding a routine. As things start to settle, it’s ok to shift some of the focus back onto yourself. Your happiness is essential, and a treat could be just what you need to rediscover yourself and feel a little special. These four treats will make a new mom feel great and give you a little boost.

Make A New Mom Feel Great

1. Get Your Hair Done

Make A New Mom Feel Great
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After your baby’s arrival, washing your hair can be low down on your list of priorities, let alone styling it! Heading to the salon for a refresh can be good for your soul, helping you feel more like yourself. 

Take a look at some low-maintenance hairstyles to help you find a style that helps you feel great without having to put in too much work.

2. Brighten Up Your Smile

Being happy with your smile is an amazing way to find more confidence. Taking good care of your teeth can also benefit your health. Brite Smiles Dentistry can help you restore confidence in your smile through teeth whitening, straightening, and other procedures to help you enjoy the perfect smile. Make sure to keep up your dental appointments after having your baby, and talk to your dentist about your baby’s first appointment too.

3. Invest in Some New Skincare

Investing in new skincare is a wonderful treat for yourself. Paying attention to your skin can leave you looking youthful and glowing, even if you don’t feel that way. Taking a little time to yourself in the morning and at night will help you give your skin the TLC it needs to stay cleansed and hydrated. 

Build your morning skincare routine with some new products to leave your skin glowing with health.

4. Catch up With Your Friends 

Spending time with your friends can be the perfect treat to help you relax and rediscover your favorite things. A weekend brunch or evening dinner allows you to catch up with friends and spend time away from home. WhatsApp and phone calls are great, but there’s nothing like a catch-up with your friends to help boost your mood.

Treats To Make A New Mom Feel Great

There’s much to adjust to as a new mom, but you must take care of yourself. From taking care of your mental health to finding a little time to yourself, it all matters. Give yourself a little treat and enjoy a well-deserved boost. 

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Health Healthy Living

Could You Do More To Take Better Care Of Your Teeth?

Never underestimate the importance of oral health. Healthy teeth and gums can keep your smile looking beautiful, but they can also help you boost your overall health. Not only that but keeping your teeth and gums healthy will help you avoid multiple trips to the dentist. While there are some basic things you can do to keep your teeth healthy, like brushing twice daily, there are other steps you can take to keep teeth and gums healthy. Take a look at the following tips to help you take better care of your teeth.

Take Better Care Of Your Teeth
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Do More To Take Better Care Of Your Teeth

Cut Down on Sugar

There are a lot of reasons why cutting down on sugar is good for your health. Not only can it reduce your risk of obesity or diabetes, but it’s also good for your oral health. Sugar is known to cause tooth decay, leaving your teeth and gums vulnerable. If you want to avoid cavities, try reducing the amount of sugar you consume and see the benefits it can have on your health.

Be More Rigorous When Flossing

Flossing is an essential part of your oral care. Flossing helps to get rid of the food that gets lodged between your teeth, helping to reduce plaque build-up. You can use traditional floss to help keep your teeth clean, but there are also ways to make flossing easier. An Airfloss or Waterpik could be a valuable tool to help you clean more effectively between your teeth.

Speak to Your Dentist About Your Smile

If you’re insecure about your smile or want to improve the appearance of your teeth, talk to your dentist about options. The Ashley Dental Center can help you with your basic dental care, but it can also help you with cosmetic and restorative dentistry. Making improvements to your teeth can help you feel more confident with your smile, but it could give you the motivation you need to give your teeth proper care.

Learn How to Spot the Signs of a Problem

It’s essential to pay close attention to your teeth so that you can easily spot the signs of a problem. From bleeding gums to sensitivity, these could be warning signs of a deeper issue. Don’t wait to take action. Get any issues checked out as soon as possible. Getting dental care right away is also an essential health tip to teach your kids to ensure they can enjoy healthy teeth and gums too. Assess your teeth regularly and get a regular check-up from the dentist to ensure that everything is in order.

Take Better Care Of Your Teeth

It’s easy to neglect your teeth, but there are many things you can do to keep them strong and healthy. From maintaining good daily habits to eating a healthy, balanced diet, you can give your teeth and gums the care they need. Take good care of your teeth, and they’ll take care of you in the future, too.

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For the Home Home

5 Myths About Home Improvement That You Should Know

If there is one difficult task that often pops up for homeowners, it’s home improvements. It’s not just that improving the house is a big job, but choosing which home improvements to do (and when) is tough. Home improvements should be a joy to do, and for the most part, they are. Many myths about home improvement make it even harder, so knowing the truth can make all the difference.

With the right trends, homeowners everywhere have many decisions in front of them. They need to choose colors, materials, contractors – there are a lot of questions to answer, and it can become quite the hassle for someone looking for a pretty upgrade. Whether your home upgrades include a new mailbox or a total replacement with Renewal by Andersen windows and doors, you have to think clearly about what you want. There are many myths that surround home improvements and we’ve got 5 of them for you below:

Myths About Home Improvement
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Myths About Home Improvement That You Should Know

It costs more to go green with your home improvements.

This myth is wrong and can put any homeowner off doing the right thing for their home. Yes, installing solar panels and choosing energy-saving appliances can be expensive initially, but in the long run, it saves more money. You can save a ton of money and energy all at once, which means that you’re going to end up being much better off when you go green.

Wallpaper is making a comeback.

Ah, I’m sorry, but no, wallpaper isn’t making a comeback. The only place wallpaper should be is in the recycling bin. Wallpaper doesn’t work in every room. It’s far more economical to have each room painted and decorated than wallpaper pasted to the walls. Plus, it fades fast, and it doesn’t look as great. 

Repairs for the foundation are expensive.

It may surprise you to know that this one is a myth. Cracks in the foundation are a sight for sore eyes, and they can be dangerous, too. The best thing that you can do if you’re worried about costs is to get some quotes from contractors and find out whether there is someone out there who can do the job well and affordably.

You have to follow all trends.

Nope, when it comes to home renovations, you can pretty much do whatever you want. Your home will still have good value when you upgrade it, no matter what the upgrades are! The trends are there for when you want them, but they’re not a must-have item. You can be as trendy as you like for the house you live in, and if you plan to sell, you can pick and choose the trends you want to enjoy.

Everyone wants white walls.

Instagram is to blame for this one! Believe it or not, not everyone wants white walls. Yes, it’s nice to have, but it’s not a must! No home looks lived in with just white walls, so make sure you add colors to your upgrade.

Myths About Home Improvement

Upgrading your home can be stressful, but these myths about home improvement can help. Debunking these myths will help you save money and enjoy your renovation so much more. Which of these myths did you think you had to follow? Leave a comment and let us know!

Categories
Adulting For the Home Home How To

4 Easy Ways to Repair Water Damage in your Property

There is nothing worse than coming home from a vacation to find that you have a burst pipe or that you have a basement that is slowly filling with water. Deciding how to deal with your water damage can be frustrating and downright challenging. Learning how to repair the water damage in your home will help you determine your next step.

Repair Water Damage
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How to Repair Water Damage in your Property

1. Locate the Water Source

Homes typically have three different types of water that flow through at any given moment. First, you have clean water. Clean water comes from rain or leaking pipes, and it is the easiest type of water to deal with. Next up, you have greywater. This water is from appliances that can include toilets, dishwashers, and even washing machines. Greywater is harder to clean up. Black water is up next and includes sewage and various other contaminants. It is not recommended that you do any water repairs like this yourself because if you do, you may find that you end up causing major issues.

2. Dry the Location

It is essential to act quickly when you repair water damage in your home. Mildew and mold can grow in under 24 hours if you leave water standing. If you want to dry out some of the affected areas, you need to try and take as many items out of the room as possible. Then, place fans on the wet floor and the walls. If you have extensive water damage, then you may want to invest in some industrial-strength fans if possible.

3. Hidden Moisture

After removing everything and setting up some fans to start the drying process, you need to inspect your home to see if any hidden places require extensive water damage repair. Check under the floorboards if you can, and also make sure that you look at the padding under the carpet, as this will help you see if there is any water that may have permeated the space. If you have an upstairs flood, make sure that you get the ceiling repaired. There are many local ceiling repair services out there that can come to your assistance.

4. Look out for Mold

When you know that everything is dry, you need to look out for mold if possible. You have to make sure that you look out for toxic mold that may be growing, and if you see it, you need to hire a professional. If the mold you see is standard house mold, you can use a spray to remove it. This spray will most likely damage furniture or fabric, so make sure you remove any curtains before using it.

Repair Water Damage

Water damage in your home can be overwhelming and devastating. As long as you act quickly to repair water damage, you can prevent the most severe damage. Use these tips to get started, and consult a professional whenever you need to.

Have you ever had water damage in your home? What did you do about it? Leave a comment and let us know!