Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

Wood is an ancient material humans have been using for millions of years, for the construction of housing, ships, and as a source of fuel for burning. Its also a renewable source, and one way to capture excess carbon dioxide from the Earths atmosphere. Today, the main component of wood cellulose is produced annually at 20 times the volume of steel.

One thing you wouldnt use wood for is making windows. Instead, we rely on glass and plastic, which are transparent and, when toughened, can give structural support. But buildings lose a lot of heat through glass, and while light can bring some heat through the material, its not a good insulator. This is why we need double glazing. Wood, on the other hand, is highly insulating but its not transparent. Usually.

In recent years, materials scientists have been experimenting with making wood transparent. Making wood see-through, and retaining its high mechanical properties, would provide a good alternative to glass from a sustainable and renewable source. Previous methods of doing this were highly energy-intensive and used harmful chemicals, but a new study has shown a way to make wood transparent without using huge amounts of energy in the process.

Woods lack of transparency comes from the combination of its two main components, cellulose and lignin. The lignin absorbs light, and the presence of chromophores light-activated compounds in the material makes the wood look brown. The fibers in the wood, which mainly comprise cellulose, are hollow tube-like structures. The air in these hollow tubes scatters light, further reducing the materials transparency.

Previous work on making wood transparent has involved removing the lignin completely from the structure and replacing it with a resin material. The removal of lignin requires a lot of environmentally harmful chemicals, and it also considerably reduces the mechanical properties of the material makes it weaker.

The new study, by researchers at the University of Maryland, demonstrates how to make wood transparent using a simple chemical hydrogen peroxide commonly used to bleach hair. This chemical modifies the chromophores, changing their structure so they no longer act to absorb light and color the wood.

The chemical can be brushed onto the wood, and then activated using light to produce a brilliant white material blond wood if you like. The chemical reaction of wood with hydrogen peroxide is well known. Its the basis for bleaching wood pulp used for paper making one of the reasons why paper is brilliant white.

The other reason paper is white is because pores or holes in its structure scatter light, just like the hollow cellulose fibers in wood. Filling these fibers with resin reduces that scattering, allowing light to pass through the wood and making it transparent, while retaining its original mechanical properties.

This is a very exciting development that uses well-known chemical reactions of hydrogen peroxide with lignin. The approach could also be applied to large pieces of material, leading to production of transparent building materials, offering a real potential to replace glass.

Because the chemical is brushed onto the wood, there might be opportunities for decorative effects to be added to the material. This could make panels of material popular for indoor applications, while also offering additional insulation.

Further work needs to be done to optimize the reaction with wood, and to incorporate it into an industrially automated process. But one day, in the future, you might be sitting in a home or working in a building with wooden windows.

This article bySteve Eichhorn, Professor of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Bristol,is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Read next: This Slack bot lets you relive StumbleUpons glory days

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Scientists are making see-through wood, and it could replace glass - The Next Web

Weve all seen it. As snow or ice falls, a car is parked with its windshield wipers lifted up, off the glass.

Then, you think, should I be doing that?

As New Jersey braces for an ice storm Monday into Tuesday, this is a good time to weigh the pros and cons behind this technique.

The idea behind getting the wipers off the glass is that they wont freeze to the windshield and it will be easier to clear the snow or ice with a couple of unobstructed swoops of the snow brush.

Robert Sinclair Jr., manager of media relations at AAA Northeast, says it also eliminates the chance of burning out the windshield wiper motor when you start your car and the blades try to push their way through the frozen stuff.

But the convenience of an easy-to-clean windshield could cost you.

The National Weather Service says leaving your wipers pointed up can cause stress on the springs that hold them to the windshield and can lead to cracks in the glass if the ice-covered wipers slap down too hard when you lower them or if theyre blown down by the wind or some other force.

Glass.com puts it this way, a windshield wiper blade costs about $25 and takes about five minutes to replace. A windshield costs, on average, $350 and can take several hours to be replaced by a professional.

Instead of lifting your wipers, some suggestions are to cover the windshield with a blanket or tarp that you can later lift off, along with the snow or ice; cover the wipers with a towel; park in a garage; or just be patient and let your cars defroster do what its designed for.

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Allison Pries may be reached at apries@njadvancemedia.com.

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Should you leave your windshield wipers up during a storm? Its debatable. - NJ.com

Artists in a Nottinghamshire town have been left disappointed after an arranged display in a former Argos store's window was paused due to concerns over Covid-19.

Creatives in Beeston had planned to install some of their work into the empty shop window in the town's square to "lift hearts" during the pandemic and improve what can be a "lifeless" area with a display called The Beeston Showcase.

Organised as an off-shoot of the Beeston Street Art Project, the display was put on hold after concerns were raised over a potential Covid-19 risk despite organisers saying social distancing measures were observed and only one household bubble being inside the premises.

The full display - which was due to be installed on Monday (February 15) and seen by artists as a way to keep spirits high in the town during the lockdown - has now been put on hold until restrictions have eased.

Local artist Jet Black, who lives in neighbouring Attenborough and had a number of pieces due to be displayed at the empty shop, said: "We are all in extreme anxiety right now and the lockdown will have some sort of post-traumatic impact on people.

"I live on my own with my cat and it can be really lonely. People are hardly going into Beeston's Square because of the restrictions.

"This a mass experience of fear - none of which is joyful.

"Seeing some art and creativity really lifts the heart and can open people's eyes. There's a sense of joy and perspective that it brings and that's what the Beeston Street Art Project aimed to do here.

"It would be a great pleasure in a time of gloom for The Square which is lifeless at the moment.

"People are stopping to look at the partial display that has gone up and that's good to know.

"So many artists are self-employed or freelancers. They're out of work right now, not eligible for furlough, and their incomes have been drastically hit.

"I think the council made this decision without fully looking to see if its organisers were operating safely, which I believe they were."

A letter written by Jet and sent to Broxtowe Borough Council regarding it's u-turn over the display has been signed by 76 people.

Jet believes the display offered the artists opportunities to make a sale on their work. It currently only has around half as many pieces of work on display as planned.

Jeanie Barton, a local musician who organised The Beeston Showcase and Beeston Street Art Project was dressing the shop window with art pieces when she was told to leave the site.

She said: "It's disappointing that the installation was stopped by a complaint. I look forward to completing and improving the windows as soon as I'm allowed."

A spokesperson for Broxtowe Borough Council added: "The Governments current Covid regulations and restrictions do not allow non-essential activity.

"As a local authority, we are required to provide a community leadership on public health issues, therefore we continue to retain a prudent and cautious approach to prevent the spread of Covid infections.

"Previously, due to a misunderstanding, the premises were opened mistakenly, and once this was discovered, we were required, under government guidance, to close the premises.

"Over the coming months, we will review the position, in line with the Governments announcements on easing Covid restrictions."

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Disappointment in Beeston as art installation in empty shop window is stopped - Nottinghamshire Live

It is not complicated at all know the installation date of applications or programs installed in Windows 10. We are going to teach you four extremely simple methods that anyone can perform in a matter of seconds.

In this way, you will be able to know the exact date an application or program was installed on your Windows 10 computer.

We can use the Control Panel to find out when we have installed a certain program. We press Start and we are going to write Control Panel we give it Enter and then we will have to go to the top right and click on View by and we are going to select Large icons.

Now we are going to click on Programs and Features and from the Was it installed column we will be able to know when that program was installed.

Certainly the Control Panel does not show all the dates, especially of the applications that we install from the Microsoft Store. To be able to find the date of these applications. What we must do is press Windows + i to open the Windows Settings.

After this we will have to go to Applications and we will have to consult the list of installed applications in the Applications and features tab. Just on the right side of each app, we will see the date it was installed.

While it does not show the exact install date. What you can do is show the modification date of the applications, it can help in some occasions.

We are simply going to have to open the Microsoft Store on our computer. We are simply going to open the Microsoft Store. Then we will have to click on the three points that appear in the upper right part of the store and we will click on Library. Here you can see all the Microsoft Store apps that you have installed on your PC.

If we use a program to uninstall applications and other programs that we have in Windows, some, like Revo Ininstaller in its free version, collect information about all the apps and programs that we have installed in Windows. In this way we can know the exact date of when said program or application was installed.

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Know installation date of applications or programs in Windows 10 - Explica

This Thursday, Dec. 10, 2015 photo shows a Dow Chemical plant in La Porte, Texas. Dow Chemical and ... [+] the DuPont will attempt to merge in an all-stock deal that would create a colossal chemical producer worth $130 billion, before splitting into three separate companies. The deal announced Friday, Dec. 11, 2015 is being billed a merger of equals, to be called DowDuPont. (AP Photo/Pat Sullivan)

As the Biden administration makes good on its promises to heat up the conversation on climate change, owners of refineries and chemical plants are zeroing in on ways to cut their use of carbon-emitting fuels.

Refineries and other industrial plants are widely recognized as significant contributors to carbon emissions: industrial processes accounted for 27% of all carbon emissions in 2019, according to data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

The challenge is that industrial processes require massive amounts of energy for the transformative processes that make gasoline or cement. Many of these processes require really high temperatures sometimes 1000 degrees or more; and heating is responsible for more than half of carbon emissions. The remaining emissions mostly come from the electricity required to run motors and other equipment, and from carbon dioxide produced as a byproduct in in some of the processes.

There are several reasons oil refining and chemical companies in the US are thinking hard about their carbon footprint.

The first is the growing acknowledgement by the vast majority of the public that climate change exists and is a result of human behavior.

An added incentive is the very real possibility that carbon pricing might be adopted by the Biden administration, given worldwide trends.

And then there is the growing investor and shareholder interest in how companies are making the transition.

Independent refiners are absolutely feeling the same pressure and the same premise of the energy transition as majors like BP and Shell, said Pavel Molchanov, an energy analyst at Raymond James RJF . The independent refiners are also subject to shareholder pressure to decarbonize.

So, what are the options for refineries hoping to lessen their carbon contribution, other than abandoning the sector?

Theres a number of them, according to Alan Rossiter, the executive director, external relations and educational program development for UH Energy at the University of Houston. Rossiter spent much of his career as a chemical engineer advising refineries and chemical plants on how to become more energy efficient.

Energy efficiency is great place to start decarbonization, as it not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions, but also brings in cost savings from reduced energy consumption, Rossiter explained. And there is a range of improvements plants can make for example, operational improvements, better maintenance, and facility improvements. The first two options are relatively cheap for plants, but facility improvements typically require additions and upgrades, or even completely new plants, which can be extremely costly.

The most common applications of energy efficiency in a refinery or a chemical plant are around recovering and reusing heat, Rossiter explained. This means recovering heat that would otherwise be wasted.

As a result, improvements like upgrading an inefficient boiler system can reduce the need to burn fuel. Yet while these improvements are significant, a typical boiler upgrade, for example, only reduces energy demand by two to three percent. More can be achieved by major process revamps, but even these have limitations.

There is just so far you can go with energy efficiency, Rossiter said. These plants make chemical transformations and separations that require a certain minimum amount of energy, and well before you get to these limits, you find that the equipment gets very expensive and you run into practical problems.

Using electricity to replace natural gas or coal-fired heating is another option for plants. However, the electricity must come from low-carbon or carbon-free sources, or electrification would simply move the plants emissions to power generation facilities.

Electrification can reduce your steam demand, therefore reducing the cost of environmental upgrades, said James Turner, an executive director of process technology for engineering company Fluor FLR FLR , in a recent webinar. Burning less fuel already means that youll make less CO2, which is a strategic driver for many companies.

One of the biggest hurdles in using electricity to replace fossil fuels in industry will be the delivery of power to the industries that need it. A multibillion-dollar investment in power transmission and distribution lines will be needed, along with huge batteries.

Furthermore, Inside the plant youll need a whole lot of investment for new equipment to electrify processes that currently use natural gas or other fossil fuels for heating, Rossiter said.

In theory, about 70% of the services that currently burn fuel in these plants could use electricity to replace it.But for the oil refiners, the biggest challenge will be the costs of revamping the equipment.

Using hydrogen as fuel is another interesting option for refineries under investigation.

It is a virtually unlimited store of energy, and it is available everywhere. It is contained in water, Rossiter said. However, it takes much more energy to convert it into a fuel than you get when you burn it. This is a major challenge.

The use of hydrogen in cars is already popular in California, which now has more than 40 hydrogen fueling stations. And hydrogen is also being used as a fuel in refineries and chemical plants but only in small amounts, mixed with natural gas.

The leap to using pure hydrogen as a fuel is still under development, with companies like Shell and Dow Chemical studying the challenges involved in a transition from natural gas to hydrogen.

If you want to burn it, you can, but you might have to do a lot of redesign on the furnace, Rossiter said. Hydrogen is very corrosive, and damage can occur to conventional materials if you expose them to hydrogen in high concentrations.

Biofuels are yet another option. And while used cooking oil and algae tend to capture the publics imagination when discussing biofuels, synthetic natural gas is actually a better option for decarbonizing refineries and chemical plants, as it can directly replace natural gas. This is a big advantage, as plants can use their existing equipment pretty much as is, greatly lowering the investment bar.

Yet biofuels face production challenges, as they take precious water and land resources as well as additional energy to produce.

All of the options involve a balancing act. Its all part of the transition, while keeping an eye on containing the costs to ensure that the business itself remains competitive.

Emily Pickrellis a veteran energy reporter, with more than 12 years of experience covering everything from oil fields to industrial water policy to the latest on Mexican climate change laws. Emily has reported on energy issues from around the U.S., Mexico and the United Kingdom.Prior to journalism, Emily worked as a policy analyst for the U.S. GovernmentAccountability Office and as an auditorfor the international aid organization, CARE.

UH Energy is the University of Houstons hub for energy education, research and technology incubation, working to shape the energy future and forge new business approaches in the energy industry.

Excerpt from:
With A Decarbonized Future Bearing Down, Refineries Look At The Nitty-Gritty Of The Transition - Forbes

Each fortune comes with a story, and mine is a tale about when a primordial being named Pangu visited Earth during a time when humans werent created. During his visit, he separated heaven and earth, creating the in-between space for humans to live.

Much like the in-between, my luck will hover in the middle as well, explained Master Tsang. Youll be under a lot of pressure at work, and will be surrounded by lots of gossip in your daily life, he says. However, after June of this year, the pressure will ease at work and in your personal life.

Aside from the slight worry about my work, everything else seems like itll be more or less stable. However, Master Tsang did note that Ill be going through fan tai sui, and reminded me to follow the following core steps to invite better luck in my life this year.

See also: 5 Best Astrology Apps To Try In 2021

Visit a temple

Visit a Taisui temple to pay respects to Tai Sui to ask for the Gods blessing. You can prepare a package containing a piece of paper with your name and date written on it. Pray, and kau tau (), which means bowing your head to the ground to all of the 60 Tai Sui Gods to show respect, and burn the package afterwards.

Avoid funerals and hospitals visits

Funerals and hospitals are the hotspot for evil spirits, which will add on to the bad luck youre already suffering due to fan tai sui. Attending funerals and visiting patients at the hospital are highly discouraged, and if its an unavoidable situation such as a family members death, try and avoid seeing the body and wait outside the room after offering incense.

Attend more red events

To absorb more positive energy, attend more red, joyous events such as weddings and birthday celebrations.

Carry a Tai Sui protective amulet

While wearable jade objects such as pendants, earrings and rings are recommended, other Tai Sui protective amulets are also able to help protect yourself against Tai Suis fury. Many temples also sell protective blessing cards that you can tuck away in your wallet to give yourself 24/7 protection against fan tai sui.

See also: How To Create Good Feng Shui In The Year Of The Ox: Expert Tips From Thierry Chow

Continued here:
Year of the Ox: What A Feng Shui Master Taught Me About Battling Fan Tai Sui - Tatler Hong Kong

Make sure you have plenty of light

Lighting is essential when it comes to preventing eye strain and headaches. Natural light is best, so ensure your window treatments allow sufficient daylight through. In the evenings, you will need both general and task lighting. Opt for warm white, which best mimics natural daylight.

Studies have shown that temperature can have a significant impact on your concentration and memory. The optimal temperature for focused work is 23-25 deg C. While this varies between individuals, it is generally agreed that a working space that is too warm can be most detrimental, causing alertness and energy levels to plummet.

Keep your study cool with air-conditioning or a standing fan next to your desk.

A clean study helps the mind focus. Keep essentials organised on your desk. The rest of the clutter should be stored out of sight.

It is also a good habit to set aside time for tidying your study after you complete your work. This simple routine ensures you start each day on a fresh, distraction-free note.

One of the best places to position your desk is next to a window. It ensures sufficient natural light and air circulation.

However, veteran feng shui practitioner Liu Tian Huang cautions against placing young children directly in front of the window as it can result in them being distracted. Similarly, avoid placing your desk too close to high-traffic places like a doorway.

Feeling sleepy? That could be due to poor ventilation. Maintain constant air circulation in your study with a fan and open window.

Alternatively, invest in an air purifier that helps filter out allergy-causing particles and microbes. The best ones have a HEPA filter, which can trap harmful particles such as pollutants, pollen, pet dander, dust mites and tobacco smoke.

In feng shui, paintings depicting mountain and lake sceneries are good in a study as they symbolise academic excellence.

"They are a representation of knowledge, wisdom and problem solving," said Mr Liu, who is also the author of a best-selling Mandarin book, Mastering Eight Characters: Practical Case Studies.

Fragrances like peppermint and citrus can improve concentration and lift spirits, making it easier to focus.

Add scent to your study in the form of a low-maintenance reed or electric diffuser.

Adding greenery instantly enlivens your study or home office. Shop for low-maintenance plants that do not require frequent watering.

For the feng shui-conscious, Mr Liu suggests the plum blossom, orchid, bamboo, chrysanthemum or chamomile.

In Chinese culture, these are associated with qualities of uprightness and perseverance. Artwork depicting these plants work just as well.

He added: "Avoid plants that have an overly strong scent or are sharp and pointy, like cacti, since they create negative energy (she qi)."

Colours set the tone and mood of a space. In a study, where calmness for a focused state of mind is needed, it is recommended that you use tranquil, earthy tones such as pale green and eggshell blue.

Stimulating colours, like red, are great for promoting creativity, but should be used sparingly.

Ms Lynn Lee, senior product specialist at Nippon Paint, advises balancing strong colours with a neutral palette of whites and greys.

Avoid aches and strains by ensuring your furniture gives you adequate support. This means adjusting your desk height or adding a laptop stand so that your screen is at eye level for comfortable viewing, as well as investing in a chair with good lumbar support.

This article was first published in Home & Decor Singapore (homeanddecor.com.sg)

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Design and feng shui tips for a productive home office - The New Paper

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Your bathroom gets a lot of action. One minute its tidy, the next its a mess so its probably not your favorite room in the house to clean.

But were of the mind that when kept neat, this personal space can actually be an oasis a place to disconnect and recharge while you shower, soak in the bath, or stand in front of the mirror for your daily pep talk.

So instead of letting your anxiety about cleaning this well-visited space build up until you have to do a serious, time-consuming deep clean, we suggest staying ahead of the grime and clutter with little weekly or daily cleaning habits like the ones below.

Here, weve rounded up the cleverest cleaning hacks for each part of your bathroom plus how often you should do each one.

Some of whats inside

Here are a few of the bathroom cleaning secrets were excited to let you in on:

Even though your toilet is one of the germiest places in your house, you dont actually need pricey products to make it gleam. Heres what we mean.

Frequency: Once a week

This hack is great for those trying to switch to natural cleaning products. Combine 1 part baking soda and 1 part white vinegar. Pour the mixture in and around the bowl, using your toilet brush to push it up under the rim. Let it sit for 15 minutes, and then scrub and rinse clean.

If you build this into your weekly routine, youll stay ahead of the buildup and wont need to intervene with harsh products.

Frequency: After every use

You know how, over time, that little puddle of disgusting water accumulates at the bottom of your toilet brush holder? Avoid this ick factor by letting your toilet brush drip dry after you use it.

An easy way to do this is to close the toilet seat and lid onto the handle of the brush so the brush part is hanging over the bowl.

Frequency: Daily

Cleaning with baking soda is so effective because baking soda is abrasive. This means you can also use it cut down on toilet bowl cleanings. Simply sprinkle a dash of it into the bowl daily.

Bonus tip: Find a cute salt or pepper shaker to fill with baking soda and leave it within reach of your loo.

Your shower should be a Zen place. Its where you wash away the day, not to mention where you sing your best. Luckily, there are easy ways to keep it spick-and-span.

Frequency: Once a week

Glass showers exude luxury, but theyre also notorious for pesky lime deposits. Luckily, you probably have something in your pantry that can beat the grime: black tea!

Using two or three tea bags, make hot tea in a bowl. Let it cool enough so that you can dip a microfiber towel into it. Then watch in awe as it cuts right through the film.

Frequency: Every time you shower

Wiping down shower walls with a squeegee after each shower is a common practice in Scandinavian countries, where the water is rich in calcium and leaves a white residue. It takes just a few seconds and will drastically cut down on how often you have to scrub the lime from your shower walls.

Frequency: Every time you shower

Is there anything vinegar cant fix? We think not. If you want to work through grime in your shower, keep a mixture of 1 part vinegar and 1 part water in a spray bottle in the bathroom. Spritz the walls generously after each shower, and youll soon notice a mega difference.

Frequency: Whenever you notice buildup

If you have grout between tiles or in other nooks and crannies in your shower that are tricky to scrub, baking soda may be the answer. To start, wet your shower and sprinkle all the problematic areas with baking soda. Let it sit for 10 minutes, and then scrub with an old toothbrush.

Frequency: Once every 2 weeks

Fess up: When was the last time you washed your shower curtain? If you cant remember, heres your gentle reminder to add it to your next load of laundry.

To eliminate the mildew, add 1/2 cup of baking soda to your laundry detergent. Run the machine on its hottest cycle, and then add 1/2 cup of white vinegar right before the rinse cycle starts.

Frequency: Once a month

Another item in your shower that you likely dont clean enough is your showerhead. Were all guilty of neglecting it, but it does need occasional attention.

To give the showerhead a thorough clean, remove it and place it in a bowl full of white vinegar. If its super gunked-up, add some baking soda. If your showerhead doesnt detach, fill a plastic bag with the same mixture and secure it with a rubber band. Either way, let it soak for an hour, and then rinse.

Frequency: Whenever you see lime deposits build up

For quick spot cleans and buildup removal, a Magic Eraser is a miracle worker. Because a Magic Eraser is activated by water, its handy to keep one in the shower to use when youre finished.

Thanks to stray hairs, leftover toothpaste, and makeup residue, sinks get dirty fast. Keep them clean with these methods.

Frequency: Whenever you notice deposits

First things first: If you have a porcelain or ceramic sink, scrub away any dirt with soap, water, and a sponge. Then, line your sink with paper towels soaked in white vinegar and let them sit for 30 minutes before rinsing.

Frequency: Once a week

Theres no trick to it: Just cut a lemon in half and rub it over all the chrome parts of your sink (and your shower!). Rinse it off, and then buff with a towel. Magic!

Frequency: Once a week, or whenever buildup appears

For faucets that need a deeper clean, sprinkle baking soda on the chrome. Then, wet an old toothbrush and scrub it clean. Rinse when youre done.

Frequency: Once a week

For those hard-to-reach spots in your sink, you may need an even smaller tool. Consider wrapping a cloth around the tip of a chopstick to get into even the tiniest areas. If theres tons of gunk, sprinkle the area being cleaned with water and baking soda first for an extra-deep clean.

Frequency: Once a week

Cooking spray does more than grease your grill or frying pan it can also shine those faucets to look brand new. Its easy: Spritz, then wipe down with a rag.

From soothing sore muscles to catching up on me-time to diving into a book, baths are a time to recover. To ensure your tub time is spa-like, keep it sparkly with these tricks.

Frequency: As needed

Clogged drain got you down? Tums to the rescue! Drop four tablets and 1/2 cup of white vinegar down the drain. Leave it for 10 minutes before pouring boiling water over top.

Note: This probably wont work on clogs involving hair youll likely need a snake for that task.

Frequency: Once every 2 weeks

Truth be told, you can use any type of citrus fruit to clean your tub, but grapefruit is ideal since itll cover more surface area.

To start, splash water all over your tub and the walls surrounding it. Cut the grapefruit in half and sprinkle each half with coarse sea salt. Then, scrub every inch before rinsing.

Frequency: Whenever you see lime deposits start to build up

Fun fact: Oil cuts through lime deposits! Pull out that cooking spray again and give your tub a good spray. Rinse with very hot water.

Giving the mirrors and windows in your bathroom some weekly love can make all the difference especially if you or someone you live with brushes their teeth vigorously!

Frequency: Once every 2 weeks (or after every each mirror cleaning)

Apply a thin layer over the entire mirror, and then wipe off with a cloth. This will keep your mirror from becoming cloudy for 2 weeks or until you wash it off with glass cleaner.

Frequency: Once a week

To keep the windows transparent and sparkly, combine 2 parts white vinegar and 1 part rubbing alcohol and use a microfiber cloth to clean the glass with this mixture. For the best results, clean at a time when direct sunlight isnt hitting the glass, so you can better look out for streaks.

Yes, your bathroom trash can needs a little TLC from time to time or every time you take out the trash! Here are some hacks.

Frequency: Whenever you take out the trash

When you remove the plastic trash bag, rinse the can with warm water, and then sprinkle baking soda on the bottom. This will help prevent an unwanted stench.

Frequency: Only once!

Is there anything more annoying than a trash bag that falls into the bin, creating a big mess? To the rescue are 3M Command hooks that ensure the bag stays in place.

Frequency: Whenever you take out the trash

Choose your favorite essential oil and drip 10 drops onto 3 cotton balls. Then, place them in the bottom of your trash can. Repeat this each time you take out the trash.

To go the extra mile, these mind-blowing tricks will really upgrade your bathroom experience. Challenge yourself to try one per month!

Frequency: Once a month

Did you know that rice naturally absorbs smells and soaks up moisture in the air? To help prevent mildew and odors, add 2 cups of rice and 10 drops of an essential oil to a wide-mouthed mason jar. Cover the jar with thin fabric or cheesecloth and place it in your bathroom.

Frequency: As needed

Out of baking soda? No prob. Simply crush some aspirin and combine it with water to create an abrasive paste.

Frequency: As needed

To get extra crafty, you can take that cheap toothbrush and melt it into any shape you need to reach small areas of your bathroom. Just boil it, and then while wearing protective gloves! bend it into the shape you need.

Frequency: As needed

Rather than throw away an old kitchen sponge, repurpose it for cleaning the bathroom. This is a small way to cut back on waste and save money. Just cut off one corner, so you dont get it confused with a new sponge!

Read the original:
Cleaning Hacks for the Bathroom: 27 Ways to Stay Ahead of the Grime - Greatist

According to Cho, to understand why the Rat is a lucky symbol in Chinese astrology, you need to know the story of the Great Race.

"There was a wise empress in Ancient China," Cho explains, "and she and the emperor had decided they'd like to have a great race where they would invite all the animals in the kingdom to participate, in order to determine the order of the Chinese zodiac animals."

The Rat, which was quite smallbut also quite clevercalled on his friend the Ox and said they should win the race together. The Ox agreed, and so the Rat rode the Ox through the entirety of the race, through rivers and over mountains. "As they approached the finish line," Cho says, "the Rat jumped off the Ox and came in first place. And that's the story of how the Rat came in first and the Ox came in second."

Now, it might sound like trickery on the Rat's part, but Cho says the Ox was happy to come in second, and they're still considered friendly zodiac signs. "They're actually the most compatible relationship in the Chinese zodiac system," she adds.

So, in the Year of the Ox, embracing the symbolism of the Rat is thought to help ward off bad luck.

View original post here:
The Lucky Chinese Zodiac Symbol You'll Want To Carry Around This Year - mindbodygreen.com

No matter what language she's speaking in, Selena Gomez sure knows how to command a stage even when it's done virtually. Celebrating the best of Latin music, the singer made her Premio Lo Nuestro debut on Feb. 18. Joined by Rauw Alejandro, Gomez performed their sexy new Spanish-language single, "Baila Conmigo." All about dancing and falling in love, the prerecorded performance is an alternative to the track's official music video, which features snippets of the artists on television screens. While the rest of the show was filmed live from Miami, the duo went virtual for their debut performance.

Though Gomez has been nominated for Premio Lo Nuestro awards in the past for "Taki Taki" with Cardi B, Ozuna, and DJ Snake, as well as for "I Can't Get Enough" with Benny Blanco, J Balvin, and Tainy this performance marks her first appearance at the event. "Baila Conmigo" is off her upcoming Spanish-language EP, Revelacin, which will be released on March 12. Gomez debuted her first-ever Spanish-language single, "De Una Vez," back in January after much anticipation. Above, check out Gomez and Alejandro's performance.

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Selena Gomez Really Brought the Heat For Her Debut Performance of "Baila Conmigo" - POPSUGAR