CBD Oil vs Hemp Oil vs THC

CBD Oil vs Hemp Oil vs THC: What’s the Difference?

Today we are witnessing the gradual legalization of cannabis products (even marijuana) around the United States and the world. This has led to an increased interest from consumers everywhere as to their choices. An incredible 40 percent of Americans have expressed an interest in trying oils from one of the cannabis products.

Consumers today can pick from CBD Oil (cannabidiol), Hemp Oil, and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). This can make it confusing for individuals to understand which they should buy. Many people are interested to learn what the difference is between the three forms. We look at what sets them apart from each other in their similarities and differences here.

About CBD Oil

CBD comes from the Cannabis hemp plant flower, stem, and leaves. It is a cannabinoid that naturally occurs in a number of different plants, yet it is most abundant within the hemp plant. Your body also produces trace quantities of CBD.

Labs extract CBD oil from either marijuana or hemp. The advantage that hemp plants provide is that they have smaller than .3 percent quantities of THC. Marijuana plants come with larger concentrations of the THC. CBD appears on the market in various forms. These include oils, gummies, gels, extracts, supplements, and other methods of delivery.

CBD oil can be extracted in two ways. In the first, processors remove only CBD and convert it to an isolate. Such CBD isolates are right for you if you only seek out the health advantages that this CBD offers. The second extraction process is called full spectrum CBD. Manufacturers of this oil collect it using Co2 extraction. Such full spectrum CBD yields pure oil that is taken from the flower, stem, or plant leaves of the cannabis plant. Many consumers prefer the full spectrum extraction process as it yields the full health benefits along with other cannabinoids contained in these plants.

If you want to make certain that you are purchasing CBD oil, it is important to realize that it sells under several differing names. A frequently utilized alternate name is hemp extract (which should not be confused with hemp oil). If you come across a product that does not have the CBD label, then check the ingredient listing for hemp extract or a milligram breakdown of hemp extract to verify it.

Hemp Oil and Its Differences from CBD Oil

Generally a seller vending hemp oil is referring to oil taken from the plant seeds of the Cannabis Sativa. They utilize a special process to obtain this hemp oil known as cold pressing. The benefit of cold-pressing hemp oil is that the purity of this seed oil is preserved. Products that are really hemp oil will list out hemp seed oil in their ingredients. An important differentiating characteristic of this hemp oil is that tests reveal there to be no CBD or THC in hemp plant seeds. This makes it perfectly legal to purchase around the United States.

As far as the uses of hemp oil go, it is considered to be one of the powerful super foods. Consumers seek it out because of its large quantities of the important Omegas that occur naturally in the oil. The oil from hemp seed has a three to one ratio of vitamins and omegas. It is this powerful combination of vitamins and omegas that make hemp oil to be so edifying to your all-around health.

THC and Its Differences from CBD and Hemp Oils

THC is actually the primary psychoactive element contained in marijuana. It is this THC that provides the sensations of being "high." While THC is commonly obtained through smoking joints of marijuana, consumers can also buy it in oils, tinctures, edibles, capsules, and other forms.

THC and CBD possess remarkably similar chemical structures, yet they do not deliver similar psychoactive impacts. CBD is actually a non-psychoactive compound that will not give the same "high" as THC offers. While THC binds with your brain's cannabinoid receptors to give you that feeling of euphoria, CBD barely binds to the receptors if it does at all. Interestingly, CBD will often interrupt such binding processes of THC to reduce the psychoactive impacts.

THC is also noteworthy for being a controlled substance within the United States today. This means that you can not consume it or marijuana according to federal laws. A number of states plus the capital Washington, D.C. have passed legislation allowing medical marijuana to be legal. In this capacity, the THC within the marijuana is permitted to be prescribed by a licensed doctor.

Besides this, a few states have passed laws allowing for the recreational consumption of marijuana. In these states, THC is in fact fully legal. Those states that allow medical or recreational uses of marijuana make it perfectly legal to purchase CBD as well. It is a good idea to learn more about your own state's particular laws in advance of attempting to purchase products that contain either CBD or THC. As far as Hemp Oil is concerned, you should be able to buy this in any state as it does not contain any THC whatsoever.

5 Wrist Accessories That Go Well With Watches

Wearing a watch alone is boring. Sometimes, you need to spice up your outfit and put details outside your timepiece. Bracelets, rings, or even locally-made twines can complement your look when done appropriately. And having to pair these with your iconic watches in your every day can make you feel more confident.

Wearing accessories has been a necessity and not a trend alone. Some would wear more to juxtapose their minimal fit, and some would wear a little for subtlety. The thing is, you cannot wear a timepiece alone without something to complement it with. So, here are 5 wrist accessories that go well with your watches:

1. Braided Bracelets

Have you noticed some shoelaces dangling on someone’s wrist? This trend has been in the streetwear scene, mostly worn by skaters. No, they don’t use them for back-up when their shoes get destroyed. These comfy adjustable bands are worn day in and day out and are very much washable when rugged.

Pioneering brand Rastaclat has developed many variations of braided bracelets throughout. A lot of colorways have also been available, and some are from brand inspirations. They have also collaborated with Champion, Sriracha, Sanrio and other famous brands.

You can collect a couple or more for your watches. Rastaclats are available in various concept stores worldwide.

2. Chains

If you want something luxurious to pair with your watch, then these should be on your list. Investing in gold and silver is good, especially when its prices increase over time. If you have kept some in your wardrobe, you can also liquidate them whenever needed.

Try pairing your watch with gold or silver bracelets on your other wrist. This will make your wrists looked balanced and complemented properly. You can also shop online, but be careful of fake ones.

3. Bangles

Ladies, there is nothing more fashionable than wearing bangles at any time of the day. Whether you are going on a date, or just doing some groceries, bangles are the way to go. Bangles come in different colors and designs and are very easy to wear. These are perfect for those who are always on the go.

4. Rings

You can invest in rings as part of your accessories. A ring symbolizes many things, and having a few in your drawer can always complete any fit. With various colors and materials, these accessories can be worn anywhere you go.

What separates rings from the others, aside from being worn on a finger is its material. Just like chains, these rings come in silver and gold bases. Some rings are made from carbon and other tempered materials.

You might want to invest in high-end brands like Gucci. But, there are also online markets that sell concept rings for cheap. They usually produce more unique products that are not found in physical stores. In this way, you can choose more for the styles that you opt for.

5. Straps

This could be the most unique pair for your watches. If there are headbands for your head, there are also wristbands that come stylish. And these are not tennis accessories that stop sweat from dripping down to the hands. These are so elastically durable, they can last for years.

Zox is a brand that delivers amazing designs of strap bands that match your fits. You can choose from their crazy prints, along with some motivational sayings. They also sell bags and hoodies but don’t get them wrong. They still give the quality and heritage signature for their products.

This LA-based brand that started in 2010 is available online. They also ship worldwide.

Takeaway

 Complementing your watch depends on your preferences. Sometimes, you would want to wear one timepiece for itself and nothing else. That is more than okay, but if you try to invest in accessories you might be able to explore more in styling yourself.

Five Skin Care Tips For Gardeners

Gardeners need to take care of their hands and face while they are working in the garden, and there are five tips below that explain how you can keep your skin youthful and taut. Plus, you should take a look at how you can use these products in your daily skincare routine. You want to be ready for working hard in the garden, but you also need to make sure that you have chosen products that can work for you when you are going to work, going on dates, and trying to look as young as possible.

1. Always Use Sunscreen

You should always use sunscreen when you are going outside. You want to put sunscreen on your hands, neck, and face. You can use sunscreen before you put on makeup every day, and you can keep extra sunscreen outside to make sure that you have more for your hands. You could get your hands wet and wear down the sunscreen quickly.

Using extra sunscreen on your hands while you are gardening makes sure that you have the softest possible hands. You do not want everyone to know that you were in the garden all day, and you do not want to allow gardening to ruin the skin on your hands. People will notice if they skin on your hands is damaged, and sunscreen is a good first step in the process.

2. Use CBD Oil Cream

A CBD oil cream is perfect for you to use to moisturize. When you are using CBD oil cream you are doing very good things for yourself. First, you are introducing a lot of moisture to your skin so that you feel soft at all times. Plus, the cream has a calming odor that you will enjoy when you are working in the garden every day.

You can also use CBD oil cream when you have cuts and scrapes. The cream will help repair any damage to your skin and start working almost instantly. You could use this cream on your arms when you have cuts and scrapes from dealing with plants and bushes.

You could injure yourself at any time when you are in the garden, and the CBD oil cream that you use will help you prevent any scarring. Plus, you can put this cream on scars that you got in the past.

3. Use A Nail Hardener

You can use a nail hardener when you are trying to care for your nails as much as you can. You might think that you will chip a nail here and there simply because you are working in the garden. However, this is not the case. You can put on a nail hardener just like nail polish every time you go in the garden. The nail hardener will prevent nail damage, and you can keep your hands in very good condition when you are gardening almost every day.

Some people actually put the nail hardener under their nail polish, and you can refresh the nail hardener over your polish because it is a clear substance. Ladies who wear gloves in the garden still need a nail hardener because you never know when you could break your nail while wearing the thin gloves you need to use in the garden.

4. Use A Cuticle Balm Or Oil

You should use a cuticle balm or oil every day because you will damage your cuticles just by gardening. You cannot avoid cuticle damage because you are grabbing branches, brushing up against leaves, and irritating your hands while you garden. Even if you wear gloves, you will feel a bit of irritation on your cuticles.

You can get a balm that you can slather on your fingers to make sure that your cuticles are healthy, and you can soak your fingertips in a cuticle oil if you need even more moisture. Plus, you have to make sure that you have invested in a product that you can keep outside. You could leave the oil or the balm near your garden tools, and you should put it on every time you go in the garden.

5. Use An Oatmeal Soak When You Come Inside

You could use an oatmeal soak when you come inside after you have finished in the garden. An oatmeal soak is a good way to repair your hands and help you calm down if you have been working in the garden for a long time. This soak is a good way to repair your hands even after you have used a cream or oil, and you might want to use the soak every time because you are concerned about damage to your hands.

Plus, you might want to use this soak when you have cuts and scrapes. Oatmeal is very good for your hands because it helps you to exfoliate, and you also need to make sure that you have set up the soak before you go outside. Put your hands directly in the soak when you get inside.

Conclusion

 When you are setting up to work in your garden, you need to use all these skincare items to keep your hands, neck, and face in good condition. You can look youthful and have taut skin even if you are working in the lawn every day. Plus, you can repair your skin if you have cuts, scrapes, and cuticle damage.

6 of the worst weeds to watch out for in your garden

We are all aware that weeds are bad for our gardens, in fact, humans have found extreme ways to remove weeds. You may be aware of the recent Roundup lawsuit in which several people received compensation because their cancer was linked to the infamous weed killer. Yet, some common weeds such as field bindweed or dandelions are actually very pretty. In fact, even the definition of weeds is questionable. Weeds are plants which grow where they are not wanted. And so, what may be considered a weed in one place by a particular person, may not be considered a weed to someone else! Generally, weeds are plants which grow quickly. They spread fast and compete for sunlight and nutrients and stop other plants from growing.

Plants such as chickweed and dandelions which are generally viewed as weeds will not cause any major issues in your garden. Despite this, there are some weeds which you should watch out for in your garden.

Bermuda Grass

If any plant can be universally classified as a weed, it’s this one. Bermuda Grass actually releases chemicals in its roots which harm other plants. Furthermore, while you may be able to only see a small plant, its roots can be extensive. To remove this weed, you need to dig it up, by hand if possible. Ensuring you get all the weed while disturbing the soil as little as possible. Disturbing the soil can bring new weed seeds to the surface and encourage them to grow. You can learn more about dealing with Bermuda Grass here.

Johnson Grass

Johnson Grass can invade other plants quickly and stop them from growing. It can also produce prussic acid, which can be dangerous for animals if it is eaten in large quantities. It has been known to be toxic to livestock who show little sign of poisoning before it is too late.

Poison Ivy

Despite it having a great name, it can cause serious rashes even when dead. This is why you must deal with it very carefully. You should deal with the plant using gloves and then clean the gloves thoroughly before using them again. Any tools which you use should also be cleaned. Do not put Poison Ivy in your compost bin, dispose of it properly and put it into heavy-duty bin bags. Refrain from burning it as the fumes which can come off it from burning it can also be toxic.

Canada Thistle

This weed is prickly and painful if it crosses your path. They also produce lots of seeds, and so once they are grown, you are likely to get many more. What makes these plants particularly troublesome is that they are resistant to many herbicides.

Bindweed

Despite its beautiful appearance, the problem with bindweed it that it is fast It grows fast and has deep, wide roots. This means that once they start growing, they are hard to stop. They also fight for resources from other plants

Burdock

 Another irritating plant. This plant develops big spiky balls which fall onto the floor and get stuck to you. They can get caught in dogs’ fur and be nasty if you step on one!

Ways to Design a Calming Kid’s Bedroom

Your child’s bedroom should be a haven and it should feel like the safest place on earth. Your kid is going to spend a lot of time there playing, learning, sleeping and simply growing up and you should make sure the room provides peace and safety. If you don’t think that the kid’s bedroom brings peace, and it’s time to do some redecorating. Here are some things that can help create the most calming design of a kid’s bedroom.

Provide Plenty of Light

Lighting is the first element that you need to consider when designing your kid’s bedroom. This is the most important element and you need to be careful when choosing the lighting. Make sure to avoid too warm or yellow and too cold or blue (white) lighting because these can cause anxiety or depression. So, the first choice is natural light and plenty of it. If there is a big window, provide some blinds or curtains that can easily be slid to the side when it’s daylight so your child can enjoy natural lighting. Also, consider installing dimmer switches and table lamps so your kid has several sources of light depending on their needs.

Invest in Toys

No matter how old your kid is, they will love playing with their toys, reading their books and simply having fun with their siblings and friends. However, don’t just get them any toy they want or you see. Make sure the toys are educational and appropriate for your kid’s age. Also, if your kid loves reading more, you should invest more in kid’s books, or if your kid loves singing and dancing, consider checking out musical toys at Funtastic Toy site and provide them with their favorite type of play.

What is more, in order to keep the room clean and tidy, make sure there is enough storage space for the toys. Install shelves for all the lovely books but keep them at your kid’s reach. For smaller toys, you can provide bins and baskets that can fit underneath the bed or shelves.

Change Up The Colors

When your child was really young, you probably relied on pale pink, baby blue, and soft yellows to paint the nursery. However, now that your kid is older and has probably already expressed tendencies towards some colors, why not repaint the room? Ask your kid what color do they like the best and paint the room so they can feel safe and calm in their new-looking room. However, if you don’t want to take any risks, you can always rely on soft neutrals, such as grays and taupes mixed with pastels and create a handy base for the rest of the decor. Just make sure to avoid busy patterns and high-contrast palettes in order to make the room feel peaceful rather than hectic.

Make It Cozy

Kids love cuddling so make sure their room is filled with cozy items they can use to self-sooth. Consider large stuffed animals or body pillows they can simply lounge on. Also, provide some soft blankets that are heavy so your kid can feel hugged while taking a nap. Don’t forget that pillows, rugs, and bedding should also be soft to touch, so test the material before buying. There are other tricks to make the room feel cozy, such as family photos, their favorite drawings, and a few plants, which will clean the air as well!

Your kid is probably the best thing that happened to you, so make sure to swaddle them with love and comfort. Besides the love and hugs they are going to get from you, they also need a cozy bedroom that can be a safe place for them. So, make sure to rely on calming colors and soft materials and you won’t go wrong with creating a calming design.

How to Create the Perfect Family Garden

Do you want to encourage your family to spend more time outdoors in 2020? Well, there’s no better way to spark their interest than to build a nice natural zone in your garden. With only a few plants and comfort items, you can create a space that’s perfect for every member of your family, from your playful kids to parents and grandparents looking for fresh air and relaxation. Here are some ideas you can steal.

Engage all the senses

Every outdoor space needs greenery, gardens especially, so before you start constructing any additions for your garden, make sure to plant a few natural elements. And be smart with your choice of plants. Flowers with large blooms like sunflowers will instantly attract your kids’ attention. On the other hand, plants with sweet fragrances like lavender, honeysuckle or basil will invite them to smell and touch them. By planting a few veggie and fruit plants, you can get kids to care for their sustenance and enjoy it at the end of the day. Engaging all the senses with plants is the way to go because it’s the best way to awaken interest and get kids to spend time outside.

Add some furniture for relaxation

There’s nothing better than relaxing outdoors after a meal or enjoying a nice glass of wine or a piece of cake in your garden after a long day. So, you definitely need to add some comfort with furniture. This will not only give you a place to sit and relax, but also allow you to monitor your kids as they run around the garden. Make sure to add some low furniture sets to your garden, and if you have space, include a dining table for al fresco gatherings.

Add space for playtime

Kids will need to run around and roll on the ground, so don’t go too crazy with seating area and plants. A major section of your garden needs to be left plain for kicking the ball, playing catch or just running around. If you know your little ones prefer a more quiet and peaceful way to play, you can build a little shelter for them and fill it with toys, books and building blocks. If you want to grab some fun and educational toys, you can find more info at Born Cute and get a good idea on what kids want and need. When it comes to shelter, a tepee is a perfect solution because it serves as a nice focal point while providing a cozy space that will stimulate their imagination.

Consider investing in a fire pit

If you love to roast marshmallows and sip hot cocoa by the fire while camping, you don’t have to wait for special occasions to hit nature. With a handy fire pit, you can have that chill camping atmosphere right in your garden! Today, you can find many models from very modern to very rustic ones, but you can also DIY your own fire pit with only a few materials. If you’re handy, you can get a fire pit with a great design for as low as $60.

Don’t forget pets

If you want to make a garden your entire family can enjoy, you must not forget about your furry family members. Dogs and cats will love to run and dig around the garden, so try to keep one part of your garden overgrown and perfect for foraging—this will encourage them to leave your veggies and flowerbeds alone. Keep in mind that cats will want to use freshly-dug dirt as their litter tray, so cover any soil with cloche, twigs or fleece.

If you equip your outdoor space with plants, play areas and relaxation nooks, your family will definitely spend more time outside instead of glued to their smartphones. That’s something worth spending money and time on!

Creating the Perfect Gym in Your Garden

With the emergence of the green movement and the more prevalent eco-consciousness people are also increasingly starting to pay attention to their own health and well-being. Lately, it appears that more people are being careful with that they choose to put in their bodies and how they choose to treat them. The overall willingness to exercise and hit the gym also appears to be on the rise.

However, that brings forth another issue. Due to such a surge in health-conscious individuals, commercial gyms have become practically overcrowded. And the fact is that not everyone likes to fight the crowd in order to be able to squeeze in their daily workouts. That’s why home gyms have become such a popular trend.

More so than the indoor home gyms, the outdoor gyms are arguably stealing the limelight. That being said, here are some tips on creating a perfect gym in your garden.

The equipment

Before you get down to building your gym, you should first think about the equipment you want to include in it. This will determine how much space you will need to have in order to have enough room for everything. Additionally, you need to remember that certain machines, such as a stationary bike or a treadmill will elevate you slightly off the ground, so you need to account for that as well when designing your gym. Also, yoga mats and dumbbells won’t require as much room as a bench press will, so that’s another thing to consider. However, if you’re not yet sure which equipment you’d want to include in your gym, you can always find more info at Walk Jog Run before you make your final decision.

The position of the gym

The next thing you’ll need to consider is where you want to place your gym. If you’re thinking about implementing glass doors in your gym design, you probably don’t want to have them face the sunny side. The reason is that it can be a bit difficult to fully enjoy your exercise if the sunlight is constantly in your eyes. Therefore, take some time and observe how the sun travels across your yard throughout the day so that you can find the perfect place to build your gym. Keep in mind that some natural light is great to have but make sure it’s not hindering your exercising attempts.

The aesthetic appeal

Another thing you should consider is the aesthetic appeal your gym will have, both indoors and outdoors. Ideally, you should consider how your garden room will look like from the outside because it will be easily visible from the house. For instance, you can go for a more natural look and cover the exterior for your garden room with wooden panels. Also, consider bi-folding doors so that you can open the space up when the weather allows it. This way, you will let the much-needed fresh air into your gym and allow it to naturally air out.

The functionality of the space

Finally, again depending on the amount of space you have and the equipment you choose to implement you can even make your gym multifunctional. For instance, you can use it as a gym and a pool house – if you have a pool, or you can use it as a storage space for your outdoor furniture during the colder months. If you decide to make it multifunctional, however, make sure you account for all the extra space you will need before you get down to building.

Having the perfect gym right in your yard will motivate you to exercise regularly in an environment that’s completely tailored to your particular needs. The best part is that you can change out the equipment as you like and move things around and arrange them according to your personal preferences.

The Basics of Pruning Your Garden

For amateur gardeners, pruning can be a difficult subject. Nearly all gardeners know what pruning is but the when and how of pruning can be tricky to understand.

If done correctly, this tricky-but-important process can become one of the most satisfying parts of gardening. The results are an abundance of flowers, foliage or fruits - a spectacular garden of envy. But, if it’s done incorrectly, the damage to the plants can be tenfold.

Pruning might appear difficult and complicated but with the right knowledge, you can treat it like any other day-to-day gardening activity. Before you decide to become a pruning master, the first thing you need to do is build up your knowledge about the types and varieties of plants you own. This is because different types of plants require different pruning methods.

So, let’s get down to the basics of how to prune your garden.

So, What Exactly Is Pruning?

Most of us are aware of the snips and the snaps that go into pruning but what is pruning exactly and why do we need to prune our gardens?

To define it simply, pruning is controlling the growth and development of the plant. You can control the growth by pruning your bushes or your plants in a specific and clear-cut pattern. This is done to stop a chemical from reaching the bud, slowing down the growth of the buds behind it.

The endpoint of a shoot or a branch is called a terminal bud and this where the chemical is secreted. By pinching off the terminal bud, the secretion of the chemical is slowed and other buds or branches can spread out or quickly grow. The result is a healthier-looking plant.

There are four ways a bud can form in a plant - whorled, spiraled, opposite or alternate. Each individual species has a different pattern of budding and this is where it gets a bit complicated. To get the best results, you need to pinch or prune according to the type of bud pattern.

Why Should We Prune?

If plants are not regularly pruned, their branches or shoots can grow in a haphazard pattern. Especially in spring, the shoots can grow really fast and with more vigor.

Some people are against pruning. They claim it to be against the natural order or growth pattern of the plant and all the pinching and cutting can truly damage a plant long-term. The cuts can make the plants more vulnerable to diseases and make it harder for the plants to flourish.

The logic behind pruning is that your garden plants should be managed in a controlled environment. It starts with a plan of symmetrical plots, borders, and hedges. Successful planning is crucial as you need to have a rough idea of how much space a plant or bush will take up as it grows. No amount of pruning will help if there isn’t enough space.

The next step is to routinely prune young plants as they heal from cuts very quickly. Routine pruning for four to five years will give the plant a great shape. The best part is that after it matures, it’ll only need occasional pruning to keep it in shape until it gets really old.

When plants reach a certain age, they require annual pruning. This removes any dead or damaged parts that can obstruct the growth of new shoots.

Pruning keeps plants in a firm and youthful shape. It’s hard to cut off damaged and diseased shoots without bruising the healthy parts. Diseased shoots need to be burned to stop it from affecting the other healthy plants. Needless to say, pruning is essential for bringing a plant back to health.

When Is the Best Time to Prune?

The best time to prune is when a plant is dormant. If you’re unsure when each species of plants is dormant, you can consult a nursery or an online forum. The easiest thing to do is to search online but it’s always best to seek expert advice.

For most plants, the dormant season is between late fall and early spring. If you need to stimulate growth in your plants, you should prune them in winter. And, if you wish to slow down the growth, you should prune them in  summer.

The general rule is a bit different for flowering shrubs. If you wish to stimulate a full bloom of flowers in the next spring, you need to prune right after the flowers die.

Keep a good basic gardening book within reach as this will help you find the right information on each species of plant and the correct time to prune.

What Else Should We Keep in Mind?

Now that you know the basics about pruning, it’s time to do some serious research before you start snipping the branches of your beloved plants.

Treat each plant with patience and love. Your time, resources and labor can bring out the best in your plant. Don’t neglect regular gardening tasks like weeding, watering, feeding, supporting and deadheading flowers. A good gardener knows they need to do these tasks daily.

Gardening is not only about watering and feeding your plants. Grooming and taking care of diseases is also very important. If you don’t keep that in mind, the fruits of your labor will go to waste.

There are three things you need to keep in mind for a magnificent garden: remove the dead parts (stems, branches, roots), take meticulous care of the healthy parts and encourage the growth of new shoots or branches. Nurture and care for your plants so they can reach their full potential!

Is rainwater collection for you

As a gardener, you want to do all that you can to keep your plants healthy. In the hot and dry seasons when it isn’t raining frequently, this often means finding ways to water your own garden.
The only problem with watering your garden is the amount of water it takes. This can run up a pricey water bill or drain your well. One possible solution is rainwater collection. 

What is rainwater collection? 

Rainwater collection (also known as rainwater harvesting) is exactly what it sounds like. You use barrels to collect rainwater. The water sits in the barrel until you’re ready to use it.

Most barrels have a spigot so that you can easily attach a hose or drain the water into a watering can. You can then water your garden with the rainwater.

The size of the barrels depends on how much room you have available. Most barrels collect between 50-60 gallons of water, but there are smaller and larger barrels available as well.

Why use rainwater collection?

Believe it or not, water is a precious research. Freshwater is not as abundant as you might think. While we shouldn’t drink collected rainwater, it is fine to use it in your garden.

Using collected rainwater helps you practice sustainable gardening. Sustainable gardening is one of the ways that we can help make sure future generations have enough supplies and resources.

Collecting rainwater is just one small way that you can help practice sustainability. Scientists are finding other ways that we can create a greener earth.

 Currently, research is being done on a process known as desalination, which will convert saltwater to usable water. If this sounds intriguing, you can read more about desalination and other technologies that could help create a more eco-friendly world.

How do you get started with rainwater collection?

If you’re interested in getting involved with rainwater collection, the first thing you’re going to need is a barrel with a spigot.

You can buy rainwater collection barrels at most home and garden stores. If you have a large plastic barrel, you can also create your own.

Once you have your barrel, you’re going to place it so that the runoff from your downspout goes into the barrel. To keep dirt and animals out of your water, make sure you place the lid on your barrel.

And that’s all there is to it! The next time it rains, the water will go into your barrel. Then, when your garden needs a drink, all you have to do is collect some of the water and tend to your plants.

Is rainwater safe for humans?

You may be wondering if you can further lower your water bill by using your rainwater collection system as a source of drinking water or a way to bathe.

Rain can wash harmful contaminants into the barrel, such as the chemicals from roofing materials. Rainwater barrels do not have any filtration system, which means rainwater really isn’t that clean.

That being said, you really shouldn’t drink rainwater from your collection system unless you absolutely have to. It also isn’t safe to cook with it or give it to your pets. Even if you boil or filter it, it still is not as clean as distilled water.

And while you might not want to bathe with it regularly, it is safe to wash with as long as you don’t put it in your nose or mouth.

If you really want to drink or bath from your rainwater collection system regularly, you should contain a healthcare professional in your area to go over the health risks.

Are there other ways to collect water?

If you don’t have the space for a barrel, but you’re still interested in collecting water for your garden, you do have other options.

Some people will collect the water from their shower or bath in a bucket and then use this water for their garden. Other people will use the leftover water from washing their dishes or from their laundry in their garden.

Keep in mind that this does add soap to your garden. Certain soap products have chemicals that could damage your plants. Always test a small section of your garden to see if the water will kill your plants.

Another method is to simply put a smaller bucket out. You won’t collect as much water, but it is still helpful.

Wrapping up

A rainwater collection barrel is great if you’re worried about how much water you’re using in your garden. Rainwater is perfectly safe for your flowers and veggies, plus it helps conserve water!

Effective Office Moving: How To Conduct An Easy Office Move

When your company is set for an expansion, you'll likely be extremely excited for your office move. After all, this can be quite a momentous occasion for your business. Be it an office upgrade, relocation, or a branch expansion - an office move can be an exciting way to try out new office layouts and even implement structures that might be beneficial for your business at large. How do you make it worth the while, though?

Check your location before planning the office move. Regardless if you're renovating an existing office or if you're scouting for a new branch, always check your location before starting the actual move. And when we say location, we don't just mean the property in itself. When you're moving to Manhattan, we don't just mean check out the Manhattan property. Rather, check the neighborhood first. Where are relevant and important places in case of emergencies, like hospitals and police stations? Are there establishments, restaurants, and malls nearby? What about public transportation access?  How are the people in the area? The more of these in close proximity, the likelier it is to have a more expensive rent or even other costs of services. You should also consider licenses and other documents needed by the state when you hire services, as sometimes states do require moving companies to have a license or a permit to do business in their territory.

Settle your inventory first. Before you do the move in itself, make sure you've settled matters related to inventory. It's recommended that you make a digital inventory where you list down not just everything you want to be placed in your new office, but also everything your office might need for the next couple of years. These include things related to logistics and supplies such as paper, staplers, ink cartridges, and even pens. If possible, have spare electronic parts such as batteries and bulbs as reserves ad well. When making an inventory for your office move, consider how things can affect your office in the long-term so these scenarios won't suddenly catch you by surprise.

Make sure your office layout and spacing are decided. Unlike a house move where furniture and accessories don't necessarily need to be used all the time, office spaces do run on the principle of saving as much space in the area but at the same time filling it with useful materials. When you visit your upcoming office space, do immediately consider the placement and layout of your inventory to avoid confusion with regards to object placement during moving day. This can greatly help save time, money, and manpower as you already have a layout you want to follow. Given the materials you have and want to buy, think of an office layout that makes sense given space, time, and the budget you have. That way, moving said materials to your new office won't be as time-consuming.

Create a moving schedule that won't interrupt workflow. It's important to understand that when it comes to office moves - be it upgrades or expansions - it's important to make a schedule that wouldn't interrupt your current operations. A few days' worth of moving can be catastrophic to your earnings, and as such, you should pay closer attention to how you schedule things from hiring movers, to buying and organizing your supplies, to actual transportation.

Consider getting professional moving services. It might not hurt you financially to actually get the help of moving companies when it comes to your office move. Remember, not all movers focus solely on house moves. Most, if not all, moving companies have personnel, training, and the skills needed to transport virtually any kind of furniture, equipment, and material from one place to another. As such, while most long-distance moving companies are known for their house-to-house service, other moving companies do specialize in transporting office supplies, and moving services long distance. This makes a moving company quite an investment to consider for your office move.

Your Office Move: Make It Easy With A Plan

An office move can be both an extremely stressful and extremely fulfilling endeavor. This is especially if you consider conducting an office move with new supplies, new equipment, and even a new layout. Regardless, an office move can be truly worth the while and hassle-free if you move towards it in a way that maximizes your resources, your time, and fits the direction of your company's goals. Remember to keep the above tips in mind, so you have a basic idea as to how to approach your move efficiently and effectively.

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