Halloween 2020

Halloween is one of Scarlett's most favorite times of the year.  She enjoys picking out her costume and getting her plastic pumpkin bucket ready to be filled to the top with candy.  That Halloween buzz is always in the air among the children at this time.  Last year, Jack had his first Halloween and he was a koala! This year is sadly very different for my children.  There are no trunk-or-treats, no haunted houses, and of course no trick-or-treating either.

It almost feels like a cruel joke, but it's the way of the world right now.  Scarlett was going to be a unicorn again this year and Jack would have been Elmo.  Our covid cases in my town are heavily rising and our mayor strongly suggests not doing anything Halloween related that is in groups.  It's important to follow those guidelines so we don't have a complete shutdown like we did earlier this year.  

I feel sad for the kids because so much of this year has been taken from them.  I really would have loved to have seen Jack's face as we pushed him in his stroller from house to house while he watched all the costumed children.  I even was hopeful and got him a mini pumpkin basket for his treats.  I guess it will have to wait to be used until next year.  We did decorate in a big way inside and outside. 

Honestly, I am not exactly sure what what we'll do on Halloween itself.  Hopefully the kiddos can still wear their costumes outside? Maybe we'll walk around the block or something. 

 I am taking Scarlett Friday night to Coldstone Creamery to get a special Halloween ice cream that is black with Oreo's, M&M's, and Kit Kat pieces in it.  I can't wait! I know she'll love it.

Wherever you are, please have a fun and safe Halloween! 

The Most Effective Hair Loss Treatments

The Most Effective Hair Loss Treatments

Many men and women experience hair loss in heavy blows throughout their lifetime. It is not easy to adjust to, and individuals often times find it very difficult to go through the process. Unfortunately, most individuals experience hair loss at one point in their life.

Just know that you are not alone! Men and women are searching for treatments for their hair loss every day. This includes scientists and medical professionals looking for a cure. Although a permanent cure has yet to be found, there have been proven ways to slow down the hair thinning process. Keep reading below as I go through the ultimate treatments for hair loss to help you or a loved one get through this tough time.

At Home Laser Caps

Laser caps for hair loss are a newer device on the market. They implement low level light therapy that is emitted through medical grade laser diodes to regrow hair. These caps are designed for both men and women ages 18 and older and target problematic areas on the scalp. They are used at home for your convenience and are FDA-cleared to be both safe and effective to use.

The low-level light therapy used in the laser cap stimulates the hair follicles on the scalp by promoting blood flow. This in turn encourages new cell growth and health. It also helps promote thicker, stronger hair along with a healthy scalp and hair follicles that are already growing. The caps are a non-invasive and chemical free hair growth option.

The hats are to be worn every other day to allow your scalp a day of rest in between. The longest you will have to do treatment is 30-minutes. This depends on what company you purchase your cap from. Typically, a user can see improvement in their hair after several months of use. Like any other treatment option, results will not be visible overnight.

Hair Restoration Surgeries

Hair restoration surgeries are an option for individuals suffering from extensive hair loss. These are usually recommended to patients by medical professionals. Unfortunately, hair restoration surgeries are very expensive so not everyone can afford to have one done. They also require a surgical procedure, so it is not as simple as it sounds.

These surgeries can be done all over the United States and the surgeons do amazing work. There are different hair restoration procedures that are done depending on your form and extent of hair loss. This will be something to consult with your surgeon at your consult appointment. The difference in procedures is how and where they take the hair grafts to place in your balding areas. If this is something you can afford, it is well worth looking into.

3 Achievable Ways that Young Families Can Improve Their Homes

As a young family investing in their starter home, 2020 could be the perfect time. Real estate prices are low and falling interest rates are the right environment to buy a home to start a family. You can look for a property that has the potential to appreciate or hold its value. In the coming years, when you’re ready to sell the house, you should expect an attractive return on investment. Possibly, at that time, you could move to a bigger house as the family grows and requires more room. 

One of the best ways to drive up the value of the house would be to gradually make home improvements. Here are some of the best areas where you might want to start:

1. Remodeling or Replacing the Roof

A sturdy roof is one of the most critical elements for maintaining the strength and integrity of your structures. Having a leak-proof roof ensures protection against all kinds of weather conditions. With this one consideration, you avoid the possibility of moisture and related problems like rot, insects and pests, and above all, fungi, allergens, and mold. 

One of the first things you would want to do is get in touch with a local, certified roofing contractor. Get a thorough inspection, so the experts can identify signs of leaks that can potentially turn into bigger problems down the line. 

Getting remodeling and replacing the roof shingles, tiles, and other fixtures have more positives. You’ll add to the curb appeal of the property and ensure that you stay compliant with building codes. When you’re ready to sell the house, you’ll likely get higher value thanks to the upgraded roof with the latest roofing materials that are better resistant to rot and weather damage. Of course, while you’re living in the house, you’ll save on utility bills and energy consumption. 

2. Sealing Concrete Flooring and Dustproofing

The flooring is the next area that you would want to focus on. A well-insulated floor efficiently seals the unconditioned areas beneath the house from the air-conditioned rooms within the house. Without proper sealing, you’ll lose warmth during the winters and the floors will leak cooled air during the summers. Any gaps, cracks, openings, and porous flooring materials will result in higher energy bills. 

The best approach is to call in a qualified floor sealing company and get the entire house examined. You’ll also want to pay special attention to cantilever floors. Any cracks allow in moisture that condenses on the coldest surfaces under the house. Since these areas may not receive direct sunlight, the dampness can lead to rot and mold in the future. Proper floor sealing can prevent such hazards and maintain the integrity of the foundation.

3. Upgrading the Bathrooms

Most millennials are keenly interested in upgraded bathrooms with the most innovative of fixtures and fittings. Since the bathrooms are usually high-traffic sections in the house, you’ll want to make sure they look elegant and functional with shower and bathtub replacements. Many families are now opting for walk-in bathtubs that are suitable for older adults and people with limited mobility. Low-flow faucets that conserve water are yet another preferred option for homeowners along with smart vanities, stylish mirrors, toilets, and beautiful tiling. 

In case you choose to sell your house in the future, the bathrooms are one of the first sections that appraisers are likely to check.  Buyers are likely to appreciate bathroom improvements that match contemporary tastes.

Home renovations and remodeling projects need not cost a lot, but they can give you great return value. Contact the contractors in your area and ask about the best options available to you.