My Home Town
My Home Town is a community of blog writers, focused on bringing some of the wonderful local businesses and their services to the public.Local Businesses exist within our own communities and need our support.We are focused on bringing out some interesting articles, which our local businesses have contributed their insight on.
We hope you not only enjoy these articles, but you also show your support for these local businesses in your community.
Chiropractic Care and Active Living
Maintaining an active lifestyle is important. And chiropractors can help you maintain it.
Minimize Bed Bugs from Entering Your Home
No one wants to deal with bed bugs in the home. Luckily, there are ways to protect your home and family.
Gutters on Rental Properties
Gutter Cleaning is necessary for all properties. But what if you are a tenant? Who is responsible?
How to Correctly Paint a Ceiling
Painting your ceiling can be a challenge. You will want to make sure you do it right the first time!
Eyelash Extensions and What You Should Know
Eyelash Extensions are very common these days. There are a few things you should know about them.
Choosing Hardwood Flooring
Hardwood Flooring is an investment. Knowing the ins and outs of the different options is important.
Pro Tips on Sealcoating your Parking Lot
One of the most important tasks you can do for your parking lot is to ensure that the asphalt has sealcoating applied to it.
Chiropractic Care and Active Living
Strive Spine and Sport is a clinic located in West Edmonton that specializes in chiropractic and sports injury care. Formerly known as Canora Chiropractic, they have a thriving patient practice and are one of the most respected clinics in the city. Their experienced team of chiropractors, physiotherapists, acupuncturists, and massage technicians work together to create custom treatment plans for each individual. They provide combination treatments to maximize the effectiveness of healing and recovery. If you're dealing with pain or injury, make an appointment with Strive Spine and Sport. They have knowledgeable staff, modern amenities, and a convenient location, so you can expect a great experience.What chiropractic care can do for youChiropractic care is a means of diagnosing, treating, and preventing problems related to the spine. Through this treatment, people can get relief from either acute or chronic pain. To find out more about this service, one should arrange an appointment with a chiropractor. During the meeting, the doctor will assess the individual's condition, review any relevant medical history, and explain potential remedies or services to address the issue. It is possible that a spinal adjustment or other manual therapies will be used to lessen pain and boost flexibility. By having regular chiropractic care, an individual is expected to enjoy better posture, amplified mobility, and an improved sense of overall health. Don't hesitate – make a chiropractor appointment today to learn how they can help!Chiropractic SessionAt the start of a chiropractic therapy session, the chiropractor will generally carry out a physical examination of the patient. This inspection will typically involve assessing the alignment of the spine and asking questions concerning the patient's symptoms and past medical history. Once the chiropractor has gathered this information, they will be able to make a personalized plan of treatment for the patient. This may involve making gentle adjustments to the spine to help realign it and reduce any pain or discomfort. Additionally, the chiropractor may use massage or stretching techniques as part of the treatment. Every session is designed to meet the specific needs of the patient, in order to help them manage their symptoms and improve their overall health and wellbeing. Chiropractors are experts in treating these conditions and can offer safe, efficient care to help the patient reach their goals.Strive Spine and Sport offer Relief and CareStrive Spine and Sport is an Edmonton-based chiropractic and sports injury clinic, dedicated to providing gentle care and relief for their patients. They are committed to meeting each individual's health needs and the website offers plenty of information on the services they provide and how they can assist in achieving a person's health objectives. If anyone has any questions or would like additional information, they are encouraged to get in touch with Strive Spine and Sport or make an appointment. All inquiries will be answered promptly and with the utmost respect for privacy.Dedicated TeamThe Strive Spine & Sport Team is devoted to supplying their patients with the highest quality of care. Their experienced practitioners specialize in a variety of chiropractic and sports injury treatments and techniques such as shockwave therapy, orthotics, acupuncture, massage, spinal adjustments, and more. The team is passionate about helping people reach their health and healing targets through individualized treatment plans which are crafted for each individual patient. In Edmonton, they make sure that everyone gets the best possible care through comprehensive visits with highly qualified practitioners.Strive Spine & Sport is devoted to helping clients reach their top health and wellbeing by providing comprehensive treatment plans that are tailored to their individual needs. Whether aiming for pain relief or just wanting to maintain your current level of health, Strive Spine & Sport can help you on your journey. Get in touch with Strive Spine & Sport today!
Minimize Bed Bugs from Entering Your Home
Professional Pest Management has been serving Edmonton and the surrounding areas as bed bug extermination specialists. With many years of experience in the industry, they are experts in all things related to bed bugs. And they have helpful insight into the prevention of bed bug infestations.You may not be aware that items you move or bring into your home contain bed bugs. To protect your residence from these pests, it is important to be proactive. Here are some tips to help:
• • Avoid acquiring any objects left in alleyways as they may have been abandoned due to bed bug infestation.
• • When returning home after visiting an area where there could be bed bugs, take precautions.
• • Regularly check for bed bugs in your house, such as inspecting your mattress whenever you change the sheets.
• If you reside in an apartment complex, ask your landlord or property manager regarding their strategies for avoiding bed bug infestations. They ought to be knowledgeable about the topic and ready to converse with you on it. It is achievable to take measures during a renovation that can impede or halt bed bugs from migrating between units.
• Covering your mattresses and box springs with protective cases is beneficial. This eliminates the potential hiding places for bugs, preventing infestation of the mattress and the need to replace it. Additionally, encasing your mattress makes it much simpler to inspect periodically.
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• Encasement is the term used to describe the process of enclosing a mattress in a bed bug-proof cover. These covers typically have six sides and a zipper, and are available from department stores, mattress stores, and some pest control providers. It is important to check that the cover is labeled as "bed bug proof" before purchasing it. As an alternative, a mattress can be wrapped in heavy plastic and the seams sealed with tape such as duct tape, although this is less reliable as the plastic is more likely to get a hole in it.
• Check your accommodations when travelling and take necessary precautions when you return home, just to be cautious,Purchasing Second Hand ItemsBed bug droppings are usually a mix of black and red, and they resemble tiny dots or large smudges. It's almost like a felt pen has been used, but the edges are slightly blurry. The shed skin of bed bugs is a pale tan color, which is similar to the appearance of a dead bed bug. To find these pests, a flashlight is useful as they will scurry away when exposed to light.
It's important to check every surface of furniture, such as the outside and inside, drawers, joints, screw holes, and the back of bookcases; if a credit card can fit into a space, then a bed bug can hide there.
Furniture that's undamaged (no tears or holes) offers fewer areas for bed bugs to hide.
Additionally, it's important to check household items such as stuffed animals, books, or DVDs. Lastly, when buying clothes, it's essential to look at the seams and hems for any signs of bed bugs.
Bringing your Items home
When you have purchased an item second hand, there are some precautions that can help you minimize the risk of bed bug infestations.• Before taking the item home, it is a good idea to put it in a plastic bag and seal it.• Once you are at home, you can put any items that are not prone to damage from heat into the dryer for 30 minutes on high temperature. Before doing so, you can also wash it. If you are not ready to launder the item yet, you can keep it in the sealed bag until you do. The heat from the dryer will eradicate the bed bugs and their eggs.• For bigger items that can't be laundered, such as furniture, it is best to keep them away from the home until they can be thoroughly cleaned. A great location for such items is a detached garage or shed. If feasible, it is better to leave the item outside until it has been cleaned and inspected a second time.Clean ItemsTo get rid of bed bugs, it is important to clean the items that may be infested. For soft furniture such as mattresses, couches and chairs, use a vacuum cleaner with a crevice tool to get into all the gaps and crevices. For hard furniture like dressers, TV stands and bookshelves, wipe them down with soap and water and seal up any joints with something like silicone. Once you've vacuumed, throw away the contents of the vacuum outside the home. If you think you have a bed bug infestation, don't donate or give away the items - throw them away and, if possible, destroy them so no one else can take them.
Gutters on Rental Properties
Who is Responsible for Gutter Cleaning – Landlord or Tenant?Cleaning out gutters is a recurrent chore that safeguards a house's foundation, prevents soil erosion and decreases the odds of flooding the basement or lower sections. But who is in charge of cleaning the gutters for rental homes? Here we provide information about gutter cleaning for lease properties to make clear who should do it—landlord or tenant—and how to discover the answer.Check Your Lease ContractLease contracts usually make it clear who is responsible for cleaning the gutters. If you are uncertain, look in the agreement for words such as gutters, roof, "exterior upkeep," or "general care." If there is no reference to gutters in your lease, inquire with your landlord. As a rule of thumb though, tenants are not obligated to clean the gutters.
For both tenants and landlords alike, it can be easy to overlook gutter maintenance until they become malfunctioning. This issue is compounded when tenants do not know if they should be cleaning the gutters or not. That is why all rental agreements should include details on gutter upkeep and assign responsibility for other household duties like lawn care, HVAC systems and plumbing repairs.Landlords to Provide Safe HomeProperty owners in Alberta are obligated to make repairs that guarantee a secure home, including those that could compromise the safety of the property if neglected. Malfunctioning gutters can cause water to overflow and damage the foundation, leading to an inhabitable house. Furthermore, landlords may be held liable if tenants attempt to clean out their own gutters as it is hazardous work involving ladders and roofs. It is hence wisest to hire a professional gutter cleaning service for rental properties.Why Gutter Maintenance is ImportantMaintaining clean gutters is a wise decision for property owners. Clean gutters are beneficial in numerous ways, such as: stopping erosion, preserving the foundation from moisture, keeping landscaping intact, decreasing the likelihood of basement flooding, and avoiding paint harm due to dampness. If your house has been affected by water damage due to flooding, it is important to get specialized help right away.Protect your Rental Property Investment with Routine Gutter CleaningTenants and landlords both gain advantages from professional gutter cleaning services that occur twice a year. Tenants will have a more secure and dry home, while landlords can decrease their responsibility and safeguard their investment.Capt Clean Window Cleaning and More is well equipped to assist you with your gutter cleaning in Edmonton. With competitive pricing and the ability to combine other exterior cleaning services, you can get all of your routine maintenance needs taken care of by one company.
How to Correctly Paint a Ceiling
Most of us don't fully understand how to go about painting a ceiling properly. We often just start without any clear plan and the results tend to be unsatisfactory. We end up with paint everywhere and the coating on the ceiling is not attractive. Our efforts do not yiels the desired outcome. To learn some tips and tricks, we consulted a professional painter. Let's see what Painters Enterprise had to say on the matter.Before beginning this project, we urge you to make sure you have done the necessary preparation. Not taking this step will create a lot of chaos. It may be tedious, but do it anyway. Take down all wall decorations and roll back any carpets or mats. If possible, take them out of the area altogether to keep them safe from paint. Move any furniture that can be stored somewhere else for the time being. Place the items that need to stay in the center of the room and cover them with a plastic sheet to prevent paint from spilling onto them. If you're worried about the floor, you can put a drop cloth over it as well.Once you have your painters tape, it's time to start taping off the room. Begin by taping off all of the corners of the ceiling, as well as any light fixtures or ceiling fixtures. Make sure to press down firmly on the painters tape, so that the paint doesn't have a chance to bleed through. It's important to make sure that you cover all areas of the ceiling and fixtures, as any areas you've missed may result in paint bleed. If you are unsure, it's always best to err on the side of caution and use a little extra tape. Once you've finished taping off the ceiling, you can move on to the walls. Again, make sure to press down firmly on the tape, and check that it is securely attached to the wall. If you are taping off windows or door frames, make sure to use a little extra tape to ensure that the paint doesn't seep through any gaps.Once you're sure that all edges and corners have been properly taped, you can start the painting process. Just like painting any wall, you'll need to "cut in" the ceiling area with an angled brush. After that, use a roller to apply the paint to the entire interior of the ceiling. When you roll the paint, don't overload the roller as this can cause it to drip or splatter. However, make sure you use enough paint so you don't have to keep reloading during the same pass. This will help keep the paint evenly distributed. Once the first coat has dried, apply the second coat.Once the second layer of paint has dried, it is time to take the painter's tape off. Carefully pull the tape away in one direction to ensure that no paint gets transferred to the wall. If you have applied the tape correctly, there should not be any paint that has leaked onto the wall.Put everything back in its rightful spot. Unroll the carpet or floor covering, move the furniture in the desired layout, and hang up artwork or add new pieces to the walls.We asked Painters Enterprise what the most difficult part of the process is, because in reality it is actually quite easy. They replied that many people struggle with getting the room ready before beginning. People often try to work around furniture and neglect to lay down a drop cloth, which results in more paint accidents and damage than would have occurred if the prep had been done correctly from the start. Additionally, be sure to pay attention to the tape you are using and make sure it is sticking properly. If it isn't, take it off and try another piece.It can be a challenge for some to paint ceilings. There may be some discomfort and strain for some individuals. Climbing ladders can be cumbersome to shift about. Furthermore, extension poles can be unwieldy for some to manage.
If the task of painting overhead seems too difficult for you due to the size of the room or your physical condition, you can always hire a professional residential painter in Edmonton to do it. And you can rest assured that you will get excellent results.
Eyelash Extensions and What You Should Know
Eyelash Extensions and What You Should KnowHaving eyelash extensions can help you achieve a more glamorous look. They provide your lashes with a fuller appearance than mascara can alone. Eyelash extensions can be found in Edmonton and they are designed to add thickness, length and fullness to your lashes.Over recent years, eyelash extensions have become increasingly popular as many women don't have the time to apply false lashes every day. They look so natural that you would hardly be able to tell the difference, however, it is important to be cautious when selecting a technician for the procedure as incorrect application can cause permanent damage. To ensure a successful outcome, here are some things to keep in mind before getting eyelash extensions:Customize Your Lashes to YouFalse eyelashes may be a one-size-fits-all product, whereas extensions are tailored to the individual. Different volume sets, shapes, and thicknesses are available, and expert technicians are able to determine the perfect set to achieve the desired look. Whether you want to add length, a curl, or just fill out your lashes, they know just how to accomplish that. Prior to the procedure, they assess your brows, natural lashes, and face shape to determine the ideal lash length and weight for your facial features. This ensures that the fringe will continue to look natural as it grows out.Clean Your Lashes
This is a mistake that many people who have eyelash extensions make: they don't clean their extensions because they think it may harm their new lashes. At Studio Vanassa, they emphasize that it is safe to get water on your lashes and to do water activities. Eyelashes are there to keep dirt and other particles from entering your eyes, but with time makeup, dust, and other particles accumulate, making it hard to refill them. To make sure all the makeup, dirt, and pollen is removed, clients can use two reusable lip gloss applicators soaked in oil-free makeup remover and gently guide them down the lashes. This will help keep them from getting tangled.AVOID OIL-BASED PRODUCTS NEAR YOUR LASHESIt's essential to adhere to one rule when looking after your lash extensions: stay away from anything that contains oil near your eyes. Oil can break down the adhesive and cause the lashes to come off more quickly. Instead, opt for products such as a gel-based eye cream, gel-based moisturizer, and cleansing water.Seek Qualified Technicians Only
You may have seen people applying eyelash extensions on YouTube, but this isn't something you should try at home. Before booking an appointment with a technician, it's important to do your research and make sure they are properly trained. A good technician will know how to attach the extensions to each individual eyelash strand, as well as the right type of glue to use. The glue should be free of any hazardous ingredients like formaldehyde. Ultimately, eyelash extensions are a serious commitment and should not be done without the help of someone knowledgeable.Avoid Caffeine
Prior to your eyelash extensions appointment, it's best to avoid consuming coffee as it can make your eyes move around a lot, making it difficult for the technician to isolate and attach each lash. Additionally, this can also be quite dangerous as the technician will be using pointy tweezers and an adhesive.When searching for eyelash extensions, it's a good idea to get advice from friends or read reviews on a technician's website. These can provide helpful information about the quality of service and the style of lashes available. At Studio Vanassa, they use only the highest quality materials to give clients amazing results. The technicians are all highly trained and qualified, so you can have confidence that they will make your lash goals come to life.
Choosing Hardwood Flooring
When investing in a costly item, there are a multitude of points to weigh before making a purchase. Buying hardwood floors is no exception. Your money will be going towards more than just the flooring; it can have a long-term effect on your home's value. It is essential to select flooring that will not only look great initially, but also remain a valuable asset for many years to come. Here are a few elements to keep in mind as you shop for hardwood floors, so that you can make an informed decision that will benefit your home and your needs.RoomWhen deciding on the spot for your hardwood flooring, it is important to consider a few factors. How much light will this area receive during the day? Is there a chance that dirt will be tracked in, such as at a beach house or near the garden? Is moisture a factor? These are all important considerations as they will influence the type of flooring you select. Some floors are better suited for higher levels of foot traffic, while others are not as durable.The spot you intend to lay your floors has a bearing on the kind of hardwood you should get. Solid hardwood must be positioned "above-grade", thus if you're setting up your new floor in a basement or other "below-grade" area, engineered hardwood is the way to go. Humidity levels in the place you are going to install your flooring should also be taken into consideration. Bathrooms, kitchens, and mudrooms are prone to moisture, spills, and other mishaps. If you select engineered or finished surface wood, you'll have greater coverage in these settings.Type of FlooringWhen picking out hardwood flooring, you will be presented with two primary options. The first is solid wood flooring, which involves floorboards made entirely out of hardwood.
The second option is engineered wood flooring, a more modern choice that involves having a thin layer of hardwood on top, while the bottom is stabilized with a wood core board. This type of flooring has the same visual appeal of hardwood, but it is designed to be more resilient.FinishPrefinished hardwood floors are the most popular choice for DIYers. The planks come with a chemical or stain applied to them, along with a top coat for protection. On the other hand, unfinished flooring is usually installed by a professional. These planks are left unfinished so they can be customized and tailored to a homeowner’s preferences. Additionally, the professional can add extra protection with chemical agents which help to prevent moisture or scratching. To keep hardwood floors looking their best, they require some gentle maintenance. The type of finish used on the planks will determine how to go about cleaning and maintaining them.Type of WoodA plethora of hardwood flooring exists, with a myriad of colors, shapes, textures, and levels of strength. To help you decide, here's a rundown of the kinds of hardwood that can be acquired. With so many varieties available, the possibilities are endless!
• American Cherry is a highly adaptable type of wood due to its medium Janka rating. Its attractive colouration can darken and become richer with exposure to light, which can be desirable for some homes but a disadvantage for others.
• Ash Hardwood is a naturally beautiful light-coloured wood that rarely needs to be stained. It has a unique texture, with larger pores requiring special treatment. It is one of the most durable flooring options, offering great shock resistance.
• Black Walnut is a great option for anyone looking for a richly grained wood. Like American Cherry, its colour will deepen with exposure to light, making it look more luxurious. Its Janka rating is just slightly higher than Cherry at 1010.
• Brazilian Cherry provides a beautiful, deep red color to any floor. It is much harder than American Cherry wood, with a Janka rating of 2345, making it suitable for areas with high foot traffic.
• Oak is a popular choice for flooring because it is both strong and has a relatively neutral color. White oak is the harder of the two varieties, but both are robust enough to withstand regular use. Red oak is the other type of oak that is commonly used for flooring.Flooring GradeDifferent grades of hardwood flooring are based on the uniformity of the planks. The grade you choose will determine the amount of knots and grain marks you have, as well as the coloration and look of your floor. There are set standards for each grade, however some companies may use their own terms to describe them. For instance, they may refer to “Clear” as “Premium”. In this case, they should provide an explanation of their grades. Generally, the “clear grade” is the best quality and most preferred, whether the wood is pre-finished or unfinished.CostBefore you can finalize your hardwood floors, you need to take into account the costs beyond the materials. These may include the installation fee, which can vary based on the technique used and the amount of flooring needed. If you have existing flooring that needs to be removed, you may need to pay extra. If you require subfloor repair or have radiant heat, the costs will be higher than usual. Site finishing the flooring is also more costly, and moldings usually cost more with hardwood.Before investing in hardwood floors, it is important to consider all these factors. If you have any doubts, it is wise to consult an expert. That way, you can rest easy knowing you made the optimal decision, as opposed to spending time questioning it afterwards.DesignNot only should your hardwood flooring be reliable and strong, but it should also look attractive in your home. To find the ideal style, take into account the design of your home. Here are a few pointers to help you pick the perfect one that suits your taste:Modern homes can benefit from choosing grey, white, or dark flooring. These neutral shades can create a really striking look.
For a more traditional vibe, opt for oak, cherry, or hickory. These colors and types of wood can be used to match any decor.If you want something a bit more rustic, consider weathered or recycled woods. You can even find flooring with aged finishes and planks of varying widths.If you want something really unique, exotic woods like teak, tigerwood, and acacia could be the way to go. However, these materials are sensitive to temperature, so it's important to get samples to make sure it'll work in your home.Befloored Flooring Installation in Edmonton can assist you with all of the above. Helping you choose the perfect flooring option for your space. They have the experience and expertise in this area so you can rest assured you will get the results that will floor you!
Pro Tips on Sealcoating your Parking Lot
One of the most important tasks you can do for your parking lot is to ensure that the asphalt has sealcoating applied to it. It is advised that you hire a professional pavement company to carry out the sealcoating process as it involves hard work and specialized tools. If you wish to do the task yourself, here are some key steps to follow for successful completion of the project.Steps to Sealcoat your parking lot1. Close your Lot to VisitorsThe initial action to take when sealcoating a parking lot is to cordon off the area so that it can be prepped for the sealant. Ensure that no one or anything can enter the vicinity and any sprinklers around its boundaries are deactivated. The space should be restricted for at least 24-48 hours so that the sealant has enough time to set.2. Thoroughly Clean the Surface of the LotOnce the parking lot is closed off, the next step is to clean it. Everything from rocks to mulch, wood chips, leaves, stems and grass patches should be cleared away from the top layer of asphalt. This can be done with air blowers, brooms and brushes with small bristles for more difficult places around curbs or in any existing cracks.3. Prime Your Parking LotPriming areas where oil or gas spills have occurred is an important step in the sealcoating process. It ensures that the sealant will adhere to the asphalt, rather than just sitting on top of the surface. The primer will help to fill in any irregularities or voids in the asphalt, as well as prevent the sealant from being absorbed too quickly. When applying the primer, make sure to cover the entire area that has been affected by the chemical or oil spill, and not just the areas that are visible to the eye. After the primer has dried, you’ll then be able to apply the sealant. This will provide a uniform, long-lasting seal on your parking lot. Without priming the affected areas, the sealant will not adhere properly and you may end up with an uneven, patchy appearance. So, make sure to prime the affected area before sealcoating your parking lot for the best results!4. Apply the Sealant and Let it Dry
Once your parking lot is prepped, you can go ahead and apply the sealant to the surface. If your parking lot is older and has a more porous aggregate, you will likely need two full coats of sealant for adequate coverage. You should apply the second coat once the first one doesn't come off on your shoes anymore. It's important to time it properly with the right weather conditions; since most sealants used for parking lots are water-based, they can freeze if temperatures drop below 5°C at night. Additionally, be mindful of areas in shade as they will dry more slowly than sunny spots; if your parking lot has partial or full shade, adjust when you apply sealant accordingly.5. Repaint the Parking Lot
Once the parking lot has been completely sealed, it is important to wait for it to be completely dry before moving forward with re-striping the area. This will ensure that the new paint will adhere properly and that it will last for a long time. It is also important to make sure that the sealant has been given enough time to cure before applying any new paint. If the sealant is not given enough time to cure, it may not provide the necessary protection for the newly painted surface. Additionally, you should make sure to use a high quality paint that is designed for outdoor surfaces and that is highly resistant to fading. This will help to ensure that the newly re-striped parking lot will look attractive and last for many years.6. Final InspectionAfter the parking lot's asphalt has been marked with lines and pavement markings, you should take a final look to make sure that the sealant was applied correctly. If it is sealed and dry, then it can be opened again for use.How Long Does It Take to fully Dry?It's important to wait until the sealant has completely dried before re-opening your parking lot; however, fully cured, dry to the touch, and dry to traffic are all different stages of drying. To be safe, we suggest waiting a period of 48-72 hours before allowing cars onto the lot in order to prevent tire tracks from being created due to the weight of vehicles lifting up the sealant.How Often is Recommended to Sealcoat Your Parking Lot?
The frequency of sealcoating a parking lot depends on the climate in that area and how much traffic it gets. Generally, if a commercial-grade sealer is being used, it should be done every 1-3 years. For new asphalt lots, however, it is best to wait 6 months to 1 year before applying a sealcoat so the asphalt has time to set.If it's time for you to reseal your asphalt parking lot, you can reach out to Edmonton Parking Lot Maintenance. They have been providing top notch service to many different businesses across the city. You can trust them with all of your parking lot maintenance in Edmonton.