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As a homeowner, you probably make upgrades to your house constantly. Whether you’re replacing a dead light fixture, upgrading flooring or just changing batteries in a smoke detector, you know that a house can feel like a money pit from time to time. One place you can’t afford to skimp though is home safety.

While many of the issues in a home might seem small today, the fact is that they add up over time. If you don’t deal with them now, you might just find that you’ve got thousands of dollars in repair bills you can’t really afford down the road.

Keep reading to learn more about how you can protect your home, your family and your valuable possessions without emptying your bank account. It might seem impossible from time to time, but it really is something every homeowner can do.

Upgrade Your Alarm

Alarm systems work to keep your family protected from intruders, but newer systems do more than just that. Newer systems can also tell you about fire, smoke and other problems like radon gas through updated detectors.

While many of the older alarm systems out cost a ton of money, many today are portable and relatively cost-effective. You can even take them with you if and when you move, so they’re an ideal investment for many people.

Focus on Flooring

Uneven flooring or flooring that’s warped or wobbles when you walk on it can be very dangerous, especially if you have children or pets in your home. After all, small kids are prone to falls and pets have a tendency to get in the way at exactly the wrong time.

Fix uneven or damaged flooring as soon as possible. This isn’t something you want to live with – even for a short period of time.

Update Your Windows

Like an alarm system, your windows have likely been in place for quite a while. If that’s true it could be time for an upgrade if you want them to look their best and keep you safe.

Upgrade your windows to heavier, thicker ones that will save you money through reduced emissions. Double-pane and lo-E windows are your best bet. You’ll also want to upgrade any locking mechanisms you have on your windows to help keep people out of your home.

Windows are still a viable entry point for thieves.

Whew, time flew so fast, we are now on the second month! I am also slowly recovering from my pregnancy discomforts and it seems like I am now eating a lot! Well, I should not deprive myself from eating all the foods I want because I was in severe diet two months ago. There are also lots of reflection being done for myself regarding my work and my personal decisions in life... a sign of being mature and really acting like one.

Challenges are there, yes, but God gave me the wisdom to think and rethink. Good thing He never leaves me in spite and despite of being so unfaithful...

One more thing, I am looking for a more challenging and a roller coaster ride to life's adventure in the months ahead. But I am confident that along that rides, God is there to guide me always. 

That's the spirit!

Being pregnant while trying to comply all the requirements for my Masteral studies is not an easy tasks. I have to recondition my mind everyday that everything will be okay especially now that I am still going through hyperemesis gravidarum (excessive vomitting). Have I known that I was pregnant during enrollment period, I will never take the risk. But here I am, I have to pursue my studies, otherwise, all my effort will just be in vain.

I have four consecutive subjects (all for three hours per meeting) that is why Saturday for me is a dreadful day.  All these subjects require much reading and reporting. Honestly, only God's wisdom can save me out from this "dilemma". This is what I want actually. I want to finish my Master's degree however, since I got pregnant, my tolerance for stress is getting low. No matter how I tried hard to be okay but as the day ends, so does my energy. My last subject was often compromised, that's 5-8PM because that is the time that I lost all my energy and could hardly concentrate.

Well, maybe things will change when I will be on my second trimester (hopefully). I could only pray that God will give me that kind of strength that would survive me throughout the semester. Amen to that!

Christmas is over yet due to limited resources, I wasn't able to give special present for my hubby. It's been awhile that he is eyeing for a new acoustic guitar and I was thinking that those guitars by Epiphone would surely suit his taste. His old acoustic guitar is already 7 years old- though still in good strumming condition. My hubby is very meticulous when it comes to taking care of his musical instruments. Those guitars I've browsed on the website of Epiphone is a thing to keep and die for. I know it is durable. Now, I should have it on my wishlist since his birthday is still in June. Hopefully.

People come and go in our lives. That's a fact. Right now our school is quite busy for the Despedida and Bienvenida Program for both Out-going and In-coming School Heads. I know this is going to be tough considering the adjustments that we have to make for our new School Head. I could only hope that she's as accommodating and approachable as our previous School Head. 

To you, Sir Alfredo C. Tongco, Jr.- Hasta la vista!

To Ma'am Charlyn S. Baylon- Welcome to our school!

James Hunt Library
Raleigh, NC

When you head outside on a bright and sunny day, you don't hesitate to grab a pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun. You may know that those bright rays can irritate your eyes, make it hard to see and even cause some pain in the form of a headache. Employers should think about the sun and the effects of that sun on their employees too. The sun coming in through the windows can make it nearly impossible for workers to see their computers and complete all the tasks they need to do. There are now several types of products designed to reduce the impact of the sun on those working in commercial buildings.

Louvers

One of the more common products designed for use on commercial structures is a louver. Louvers resemble the same blinds that you might use in your home but on a larger scale. Each one consists of several vertical pieces that sit along a central piece. You can adjust the louvers to let in more or less light based on your needs. Louvers are especially common on libraries that want to create a peaceful place for people to read without the sun getting in their eyes.

Sunshades

If you have a car, you know how quickly the temperature can rise inside that vehicle on a hot day. Manufacturers now make sunshades that cover your windshield and block out the sun to better regulate the temperature. Companies make similar products for use on commercial buildings. These shades may consist of large pieces of fabric that completely cover the windows, but you'll find shades made from other materials too. The newest designs are clear enough that you can still see clearly as you block out the sun. Learn more about sunshades like the one used on the Port Canaveral Welcome Center in Florida.

Vision Screens

What happens when you have larger windows across the front or sides of your building? While those windows provide workers with great views, those windows can also increase the temperature inside and make it hard for employees to focus on their work. Vision screens are an alternative to other products that usually consist of large fabric screens that attach directly to the windows. You can raise or lower those screens every day. These products help reduce the harmful rays of the sun and increase the efficiency of your employees.