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Bleach Pregnancy Test - Procedure, Results and Precautions
Bleach has been used in every household as a cleaning agent for kitchen and toilets. Bleach can also be used for a pregnancy test at home. This home pregnancy test using bleach is known as Bleach Pregnancy Test. It is a quick and cheap alternative to a conventional pregnancy test.
Note: However, the results from Bleach and powder pregnancy test are not 100 % accurate.
What is a Bleaching Powder Pregnancy Test?
Bleach Pregnancy Test is an easy homemade pregnancy test using bleach as the testing indicator. Pregnancy can be easily detected without spending too much money by this method. The Bleach Pregnancy test is a good method to try as a precursor to another pregnancy test.
Bleach and pee pregnancy test is possible due to the highly reactive nature of bleach. The reaction between the bleach and urine indicates the result of this test. If the reaction produces fizz, bubble or froth, this could mean that you are pregnant. While if you don’t see any visible reaction, it suggests that you are not pregnant.
How does it Work?
Pregnancy tests are based on the ability of a substance to identify a hormone called Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) in the urine. Your placenta starts producing HCG early when you are pregnant. The level of HCG production continues to rise each day during most of the first trimester. After crossing a certain threshold concentration, HCG starts coming out along with the urine.
In the Bleach Pregnancy test, when HCG present in urine reacts with bleach to produce fizz, bubble or froth. This is a clear indication that HCG is present in the urine, and you are pregnant.
If there is no noticeable change when urine and bleach are mixed together, then it indicates that HCG is not present in the urine and you are not pregnant.
What will you need to Perform the Test?
For Bleach Pregnancy test, you will need the following items:
Two clean cups- Mark them as cup 1 and cup 2.
Standard household bleach
Fresh Urine Sample (try to conduct the test in the morning since the concentration of HCG in urine is maximum at that time)
Which Bleach to Use for this Test?
To perform the Bleach Pregnancy test, you do not require any expensive industrial bleach. You can use standard household bleach that we generally use for general cleaning purposes. Try to use the normal bleach rather than scented or coloured bleach as these might disrupt the reaction between bleach and pee.
How to Perform a Bleaching Powder Pregnancy Test?
Following are the steps to perform the Bleach Powder Pregnancy Test:
1. Prepare The Urine in Cup 1
Urinate in the cup directly. Try to fill one-fourth of the cup with urine. It is advised to perform the test in the morning since the concentration of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) is highest at this time. Hence it will give you better results.
2. Prepare the Bleach in Cup 2
Put some bleach into the Cup 2. There is no specified measurement for this, but it is advised to take one-fourth cup of bleach.
3. Add Your Urine to Cup 1
Pour the fresh urine sample from cup 1 to cup 2. You will be able to see the reaction immediately.
4. Observe The Reaction
After mixing, if the reaction produces fizz, bubble or froth, this could mean that you are pregnant. While if you don’t see any visible reaction, it suggests that you are not pregnant.
What if There is No Reaction?
If you cannot see any reaction after bleach and urine is mixed, then you are not likely not to be pregnant. However, you should not conclude that you are not pregnant since the bleach and pee pregnancy test is not 100 % conclusive. You should try another standard pregnancy test to find out for sure.
Test Result
The Bleach Powder Pregnancy test will need your patience for interpretation of results. Froth will be generated as soon as you add urine in bleach. You will have to be observant as the reaction lasts for a few seconds.
1. Positive Result
If the solution produces fizz, bubble or froth, this is the positive pregnancy test with bleach and urine. If the mixture foamed within a few seconds, there is a very high chance that you are pregnant. A positive bleach pregnancy test indicates that you are pregnant.
A false positive pregnancy result is when the pregnancy test shows positive, but you are not actually pregnant. If you leave the mix for too long, it will froth due to other reasons. It will be considered as a false positive pregnancy result.
2. Negative Result
If the mix doesn’t produce any frothing or effervescence, then you are not likely not to be pregnant. But this result is not 100 % conclusive. You should try another standard pregnancy test to find out for sure. A negative bleach pregnancy test suggests that you are not pregnant.
A false negative pregnancy test is when you are pregnant, and the pregnancy test gives a negative result. However, a false negative pregnancy test is very uncommon. A false pregnancy result can be observed if you take a bleach pregnancy test before a missed period.
How Accurate is the Bleach and Urine Pregnancy Test?
The pregnancy test with urine and bleach is a homemade pregnancy test. You cannot expect it to be 100 % conclusive. The pregnancy test conducted by hospitals and nursing homes is far more superior than bleach and urine pregnancy test.
However, when you think that you might be pregnant and you want a little bit of reassurance, the bleach and pee pregnancy test is a great method for that.
Does Taking Health Supplements Cause A False Result?
Since, most of the Heath Supplements in the market do not have any particular hormone including the Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG), which is the main factor for this test, you do not have to worry about false results due to the health supplements.
However, if the health supplement prescribed to you has a diuretic effect (which causes more urination than normal), the concentration of HCG in your urine might not be sufficient for the test, and it might produce false results.
Note: If you drink too much water, the concentration of HCG in your urine might be lower than required for the test, and this might produce false results.
Precautions to Take while doing Home Pregnancy Test with Bleach
It is very important to take safety precautions while doing the Bleach Powder Pregnancy test. Here are some precautions you should take:
Do not pee inside the container for this test. It will cause splash and splatter all over. Also, if you pee in the container, it will cause froth and bubble because of the force of falling urine. It might give confusing and false results.
Use the normal bleach rather than the scented or coloured bleach as these might disrupt the reaction between bleach and pee.
The fumes caused by mixing bleach and urine may cause watery eyes, nausea, suffocation and chest pain. The fumes from the bleach and pee pregnancy test can be toxic to your unborn baby if you inhale them.
The observation has to be made in the first few seconds. If you leave the mix for too long, it will froth due to other reasons. It will be considered as a false positive pregnancy result.
Ensure that the room where the testing is done has proper ventilation. Never inhale the gases that come out during the test.
Do not allow the bleach to come in contact with your skin. Bleach is corrosive in nature. It can cause irritation and burns.
Do not shake the mixture of urine and bleach. The froth seen after shaking the mixture will not be the proper indicator of pregnancy. The foam or froth might have been caused due to the stirring action.
Risks of Taking Bleach Pregnancy Test at Home
Bleach and urine should be combined with utmost care. When bleach and urine are combined a very toxic fume called chloramine gas is created that can be risky for you and your baby if you inhale even a small amount of it. Depending on the amount of chloramine gas you inhale, you could experience minor symptoms such as difficulty breathing, nausea, throat irritation and skin irritation, or could even possibly lose consciousness if you inhale too much. Hence it is necessary to perform this test in an open area with a lot of ventilation.
The Bleach Powder Pregnancy Test is a very useful home-based test to check pregnancy. However, the results of this test are not 100 % conclusive. It is highly recommended that you get a standard pregnancy test done at a hospital for confirmed results.
Also Read:
Baking Soda Pregnancy Test
False Positive Pregnancy Test
How to Know Pregnancy Without Doing Test
15 Easy Homemade Pregnancy Tests Read more
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12 Brain Development Foods for Kids
Did you know that a two-year old’s brain produces over 10 lakh neural connections every second? Just like the body, the brain develops quickly during childhood and needs the right nourishment to capitalise on that growth. We’ve curated twelve brain-optimising foods that you just can’t miss out on.
Brain-Boosting Foods for Children
Here are some of the best brain foods out there to keep your little Einstein’s brain ticking:
1. Spinach
“Popeye” the cartoon that started in 1919 and ran well into the 90’s got things wrong. While building strong biceps isn’t likely to be one of the attributes of spinach, it certainly helps to strengthen the brain cells. Spinach contains antioxidants that help rectify the damage caused by free-radicals (toxic by-products produced due to various factors). It is thought that free-radicals damage brain cells and leads to mental decline. Spinach also contains folate that helps in all round brain development.
How to Serve
Getting kids to eat spinach by itself can be a complicated affair. The trick lies in combining the spinach with a dish that compliments its tastes. One can try serving it with macaroni, chicken and cheese. Be sure to finely chop the spinach so that its small enough that the kids don’t notice it, but big enough to give a pleasant green colour to the dish.
2. Eggs
Eggs contain Choline, a nutrient that helps in retaining neural pathways to keep memories intact. Did you know that a single egg is enough to supply a kid with a quarter of their choline needs?
How to Serve
A boiled egg neatly cut into thin slices can be served in a sandwich made from whole grain bread. Make sure you slap in some lettuce for that extra crunch along with some ketchup.
3. Curd
We all know that curd has the power to help with digestion, but what if we told you that probiotics helped in brain development? A study showed that consuming fermented dairy products had an impact on the part of the brain that controls emotions and sensations. This has made scientists believe that curd could help in controlling anxiety and depression. Some scientists even speculate that there is a connection between improved social skills and curd, though the reasoning seems far-fetched. It puts forth the idea that the symbiotic relationship between gut bacteria and humans has a role to play in this. As the bacteria benefit from increased human hosts, it has somehow helped to improve the social skills of humans to propagate their own genes.
How to Serve
Many kids love curd, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if they devour the curd alone without a second thought. To those kids who have some difficulty with this, add a teaspoon of honey and they’re bound to be satisfied.
4. Fish
Fish is the holy grail of brain food due to its vital ingredient of Omega 3 fatty acids. The brain has over 50% of its fat mass based on this, and it is thought that consuming fish helps increase this mass. The power of this is so widely accepted that numerous manufacturers of baby formula often boast of their product containing Omega 3 fatty acids. A study conducted shows that the consumption of fish has a strong bearing on maintaining the brain’s structural integrity.
How to Serve
Fish can be marinated in curd, lemon, turmeric and other spices before being baked and served. While fried fish may seem delicious, the aforementioned study noted that its nutritional gets diminished as a result.
5. Berries
Just like spinach, berries too contain anti-oxidants that help stop or even reverse the harmful effects of free-radicals on the brain. Another brain enhancing component found in berries are flavonoids. These make their way to the hippocampus and are known to help improve learning capabilities.
How to Serve
Berries that can be consumed include blackberries, blueberries and strawberries. You can serve them in a variety of forms or as accompaniments to various dishes like pancakes. You could also make smoothies which require just a cupful of berries along with yoghurt, orange juice, a banana and honey for taste.
6. Turmeric
One of the overlooked foods to improve kids brain power is turmeric. The main ingredient that gives turmeric its magic is curcumin which has anti-inflammatory as well as antioxidative properties. Turmeric is a spice that is remedial in nature & both the stated properties reduce any damage the brain may have sustained over time. Another benefit of turmeric is its ability to stop the growth of beta-amyloid plaque in the brain. A study showed that a build-up this dangerous element in our brain can reduce our mental strength.
How to Serve
Turmeric blends well with milk and a smoothie filled with fruits such as pineapples, mangoes or oranges. Make sure you add some pepper as it can help in the absorption of curcumin in the blood by over 2000%. Serve chilled with some honey to get those taste buds tingling.
7. Walnuts
We’re nuts about this brain food! The Omega 3 fatty acids present in walnuts help improve memory as well as reduce inflammations in the brain. If that weren’t enough, it also removes excess protein deposits in the brain which helps in revamping memory power.
How to Serve
Walnuts, like berries, can cost a pretty penny. You could mix it up with some other healthy foods, preferably yoghurt. A combination of yoghurt, bananas, walnuts with a dash of honey will have your kids begging for more.
8. Oatmeal
While oats are famous for their powers to aid the digestive system, they haven't received due credit when it comes to helping the brain. Children who eat oats for breakfast consistently perform better at school as it regulates the blood sugar in the body.
How to Serve
While oats by themselves are bland and tasteless, they work well by adding a couple of fruits to the mix. Put in half a pomegranate and a kiwi fruit to a bowl of oats and you’ll find it all empty in less than a few minutes. The natural sugar in the pomegranate means that there is no need to add any refined sugar.
8. Beans
Beans are one of the best foods for children's brain development. They have a high content of omega fatty acids which help improve memory.
How to Serve
Beans, specifically kidney beans are great for the brain. Serve your kids some traditional rajma-chawal (kidney beans and rice).
10. Apples
Apples can help in the production of a chemical called acetylcholine which helps in the transmission of messages between nerves in the brain. The presence of antioxidants is a bonus that helps to reverse any damage done by free radicals to the brain.
How to Serve
The best part about an apple is that it requires no fancy presentation. Just make sure you thoroughly clean the apple or peel off the skin as some producers add wax to the skin to increase its shelf-life.
11. Avocados
These exotic fruits are coveted by health enthusiasts around the world for its high nutritional content. Apart from Vitamin K and potassium, they contain folate which helps in brain development. In fact, pregnant women are advised to have a regular supply of folate in their diet to prevent any neural birth defects in the foetus.
How to Serve
An acquired taste, avocados are creamy in nature and can be easily used as a bread spread. Add some cucumbers along with some cheese and your kids will keep wanting more.
12. Amla
Also known as the Indian Gooseberry, Amla is known for numerous health benefits such as boosting immunity and improving eyesight. Amla contains antioxidants that help in fighting off harmful free radicals in the brain.
How to Serve
Amla can be made into chutney and goes well with South Indian dishes such as idlis, dosas and upma.
Now that you know what the best foods are, that can be used to give your child’s brain development a boost. Feel free to tweak the ingredients in the recipes to cater to your kid’s palette. Over time, you’ll have the best combination of brain food available for every day of the week.
Also Read: Best Foods to Increase Height in Children Read more
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Nesting Instinct During Pregnancy
Parents find themselves doubting and thinking twice about the smallest things, things which would have never even gotten a second thought in normal times. However, it is the hardest on the mother - she is not only affected physically but also goes through a lot of changes emotionally.
Mothers who were least interested in housework before pregnancy may find themselves fussing about the smallest stain when they are expecting. This is a part of a phenomenon called nesting. Nesting might make the mother doubt every single aspect of the house, and think about whether it is good or harmful to the baby. This instinct usually strikes in the third trimester, a few weeks before the due date. Instead of enjoying the well-deserved rest like you are supposed to, you might find yourself rearranging and scrub diligently. So here, let us take a look at this instinct that mothers have, so beautifully called nesting.
What is Nesting Instinct in Pregnancy?
Nesting refers to the process or act of preparing your home, or ‘nest’, to welcome the baby into the world. Nesting before the baby is a common biological trait observed in many species- birds and many other animals also exhibit this urge during pregnancy. Generally, a nesting mother prepares the home physically in order to ensure the safety of the newborn, engaging in baby-proofing the home, deep cleaning it, sometimes even doing loads of laundry. Female nesting is not harmful in any way - it is simply a biological condition that points to our animalistic pasts, our instincts. Women have also been observed to stay closer to their home when the nesting stage during pregnancy arrives.
Does Every Pregnant Woman Nest?
It is impossible to think that all expecting mothers will go through the nesting period. In fact, it was found in a survey that three-fourths of all expecting women went through the nesting phase, while the rest did not. It does not signify the health of the pregnant woman in any way; some women nest, and the others do not.
When Does an Expectant Mom Start Experiencing the Urge of Nesting?
In many cases, nesting can strike the woman as early as the second trimester. This is because the energy levels of the women are higher at that stage, and they might find themselves channelling all this energy into cleaning their home. However, nesting is surer to affect the woman closer to the due date, in the last weeks of pregnancy. Adrenaline flows through at high levels during this time, and women usually tackle that by improving their living conditions. It is even said that when a woman starts cleaning her home in a frantic manner in the third trimester, it can be taken as a sign that she is about to go into labour.
Symptoms of Nesting during Pregnancy
There are no outright symptoms to nesting, as it is more of a psychological condition than anything else. If you are wondering if you may be nesting, there is a huge chance that you probably are. There are other social effects too- you find yourself staying closer to home, and becoming choosier about whom you spend your time with. You might even think too far into the future and stress out about it, like the impact the child may have in your professional life. Other common signs include an unstoppable urge to clean every inch of the house, do all the laundry and organize everything you see at home. Symptoms indicate that you are going to become a mother soon, and that is a good thing because mothers become more accustomed to the idea as time progresses.
Is Nesting a Symptom of Labour?
Nesting instinct before labour is not a symptom of it- it does not mean that the baby will be arriving soon. There have been women affected by the nesting instinct as early as 5 months into their pregnancies, and women who are affected only by the 39th week - in some women, nesting does not occur at all. It is not connected to labour in any way, as it is merely a psychological condition. Doctors say that the burst of energy in mothers occur as a result of them trying to get everything in order.
How Long Will Nesting Instinct in Pregnancy Continue?
In most cases, nesting instincts reduce after the newborn baby has arrived into the household. However frantic the mother may have been in the nesting period during pregnancy, nesting is sure to stop after pregnancy. This is because parents spend most of their time after the baby is born tending to the child, that they have no energy left for any other activity. This also means that they never have enough time for normal household chores, let alone neurotic cleaning impulses. Due to this lack of energy, time and motivation in the mother, nesting instincts drop down dramatically after the baby is born.
Will Nesting Re-occur in Every Pregnancy?
If you had the instinct your first time, there is a huge possibility that you will experience it in subsequent pregnancies. ‘Expanding the nest’ is more the focus for the first time, and mothers may find themselves preparing for the eventual arrival of the second child. However, it is usually mellower this time- you might just have to repeat the previous activities to satisfy the craving. So activities, like getting the old baby clothes out and installing the toddler seat in the car, might be all you do the second time around.
Do Expectant Fathers Also Nest?
Male Nesting is not a common occurrence, but you might find your partner helping out while you frenetically clean the home. This is not due to any biological conditions, as they are just helping you out and become more comfortable. Fathers only have a theoretical understanding of pregnancy until the baby comes around, so it can be hard for them to feel the same thing you feel.
Is Nesting Harmful to Pregnancy?
Nesting on itself is not harmful in any way, but the activities you do as a result can be harmful to you:
If you feel like painting or cleaning using chemicals, make sure that the area is always well-ventilated.
Never climb ladders for any reason, whether it is to dust your old painting or to hang a calendar.
Do not overexert yourself with the chores- always be hydrated and take regular breaks.
If you find yourself attacked by anxiety and losing sleep over minor things, be sure to talk to a doctor regarding those problems.
Nesting is beneficial in most ways, as it gives you the energy and the motivation to make those last-minute arrangements to welcome your child into the world. All that matters is the things you do with the adrenaline rush you get- you can get a lot of arrangements done in the short period. However, if you feel that things are getting out of hand with all the fretting, make sure to pay a visit to the doctor.
Also Read: Third Trimester Pregnancy Checklist Read more
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Renovate Your Home with These Innovative Budget Friendly Ideas
A lush bedroom or a kitchen just like a professional chef's, a living room spacious enough for family get-togethers are tiny dreams we all cherish. When the time comes to change things, we often back out thinking too much about the cost. But it doesn’t have to be an overhauling change. Petite changes here and there can uplift the feel of your rooms. All home renovation ideas for interiors and exteriors do not come with a costly tag. Some of them are pretty pocket-friendly, only if you know where and what to do.
Innovative Ideas to Remodel Your Home
If you wish to have all within a budget, then be open to innovative ideas. A little texture change here or a slight remodelling there can do wonders instead of a complete makeover. Only you have to know what to do exactly. Here are some old home renovation ideas that can help you get close to your dream home in a budget-friendly way.
Living Room
This is the first place that your guests would notice in your home - you would spend a lot of time here watching your favourite spot or a mood-lifting film with your loved ones. If it is a party, then people would gather here to have lively conversations. You would surely feel joyous if they shower the living room with compliments. After all, who doesn’t like to hear good things about their home?
1. Build Some Shelves
Shelves are always a great way to enhance the look of a room. With tasteful trimming and framing, these shelves can look more attractive and expensive. You can always buy DIY products that would curb the end price by a great margin. This house remodelling idea for small homes can bring in a lot of stuff in one place and yet, put them on display with a good taste.
2. Display Collectibles
Next time you go to the flea market or travel to some cities, don’t forget to buy collectibles. A mask with an African feel, a little colourful puppet, vibrant relics, or curios can always change the look of the room. Just, while putting them on display keep colour, subject and shape in mind. These collectibles would bear your taste and put forward the person you are. With this old home renovation idea, you can add a cheerful look to your living room.
3. Use Layer Rugs
Rugs can change the look of the floor. If your furniture sits atop rugs, then the outline of it gets a highlight. Smaller rugs can be used for areas where you can have small chit-chats with your buddies. Such rugs are extremely affordable and can be incorporated into your home remodelling floor plans.
Bedroom
Old home renovation ideas are incomplete without a proper strategy for your bedroom. This is the room where you would sleep and spend most of your private moments. The room has to be decorated accordingly so that the sleep comes with sweet dreams and make you feel rejuvenated every morning.
1. Light up Your Bedside
You can always buy a small table lamp to put it on your bedside table. These lamps are inexpensive and come in handy at times. Small bedside lamps are cosy, and with the right kind of shades, they can make your bedroom look comfortable and reflect the lifestyle you have adopted.
2. Headboard to Give Heads up
Often understated, but a headboard of classy design that goes in sync with the decor of the bedroom can enhance the rooms appeal. This old home renovation idea is a gem in itself. If you have time, you can always design it yourself. Sleek designs are always available in stores.
3. Add a Storage Place in Your Bed
The bed takes a lot of space in the bedroom. But if you can add storage units in it, it can do good by hiding a lot of rarely used stuff. Take time and design accordingly to optimise the functionality of your bed. Especially as a house remodelling idea for small homes, this can save a lot of space.
Kitchen
This nook in the house dishes out delectables to family members and guests. We all know the importance of a hearty meal as it can lift spirits high. That is why the chef’s corner should be decorated accordingly. Right from your home kitchen colour to shelving units and the dining area, everything must be planned properly.
1. Place Drawers Under the Sink
Mostly unused space, but the place under the sink can come handy if you create drawers there. As a house remodelling idea for small homes, these drawers can garner accolades. It would be an ideal spot to keep essentials and drawers will make it easier for you to find stuff there.
2. Spice up with Colors
Your home kitchen colour ideas can go either classy or bold. A few vibrant brush strokes can completely change the look of your kitchen. Choose anything from blue to green to chrome, explore different colour palettes and schemes to make it a happening corner. Let the ideas brew there over some innovative tidbits or sumptuous meal. But always add white or neutral colours in the corners to complement the colour scheme.
3. Add Space with Pull-out Cabinets
Pull-out cabinets and corner cabinets are a great way to use space to their optimum potential. These are fairly cheap and can help you in having your kitchen stuff organized. You can put your utensils, plates, cups, and bowls inside. The kitchen would look tidy and spacious once you place everything inside the cabinets. If you specifically look at an Indian home, this can be deemed as a great home renovation idea on a budget.
Bathroom
Your bathroom adds a bit of serenity to your life. There you go to wash your worries of the day down and emerge as a revitalized person. The sprinkling water cools you and lets you enjoy a brief moment of self-indulgence. To make the experience even better, you can check these house remodelling ideas for small homes.
1. Change the Fixtures
Little details often bring in great change. For sure you would not want some old brass taps displayed in your bathroom. As an inexpensive old home renovation idea, you can update the towel rack, lights, and sink faucets in a cost-friendly way.
2. Choose Tiles Wisely
If you have a thing for artistic tiles, don’t buy them for the entire bathroom. This will cost you a huge amount. Instead, buy cheap tiles to cover the maximum available space and a few artistic tiles to place them in between. This will lower the total cost substantially and at the same time, accentuate the beauty of the artistic tiles. This is one sure shot budget-friendly house renovation idea for small homes.
3. Use Vinyl Tiles
As a home remodelling floor plan, changing the old laminates of your bathroom floor can be a good idea. Vinyl tiles are inexpensive but attractive. Dig up the old floor and put some vinyl tiles to give your bathroom a fresh new look. You can put a rug on it with a matching towel set to enhance the finished look.
Basement
The basement of a house can be a good place to hang out with friends on weekends without disturbing others much. People often ignore it as a clunky place but giving it a makeover can change the holistic decor of your home.
1. Give the Floor a New Look
If you want to avoid concrete flooring and carpets, you can always add vinyl planks to improve the look of the floor. A part of the entire home remodelling floor plan, this material is quite inexpensive, yet adds extra pizzazz. A plus, these planks are better than hardwood when it comes to water.
2. Use a Barn Door
You can cover the pantry with a sliding barn door. The door would require some metal wheels and rails and a few wooden planks. But it can enhance the beauty of the room considerably. This old home remodelling idea can put a vintage touch on the basement and uplift the look drastically.
3. Build a Half Wall
Separating the basement area with a half wall is an effective house remodelling idea for small homes.Put up the half wall in between the space with all the furniture and the empty zone. This would cost less as the wall would require less raw material. But the basement would not look all hunched up. It would allow movement.
Other Renovation Ideas You Can Try
When guests arrive, they look at each and every corner to form an impression of the house. A little left out corner or space can be an eye sore. It is your dream home after all, so give it the best. The beauty in details can always cast a charming spell on your visitors. And seeing them like that would extend your smile to your ears.
Other areas in the house such as the hallway, staircase, foyer, and closets should look radiant in tandem with the rest of the interior space. These are the spaces that often connect one room with the other and need closer attention to better the chances of the extensive impact. Old home renovation ideas are never complete without specific attention paid to them.
1. Panelled doors
Doors connect two different spaces which may have two distinct types of furniture and wall decor. And the chances are there that the door may look out of place or too simple. In such cases, panelled doors can work really well. If you already have a wooden door, then keep yourself free for a few hours and do it yourself. Just put some planks on the door horizontally, and a fresh coat of paints. The end product can heighten the beauty. Putting a broader frame all around the door with contrasting colour can accentuate the visual impact of it. But the frame colour should also go in sync with the wall paint. With such doors, the decor of the hallway would definitely improve. This can be applied on the front door as well, as it is an excellent home renovation idea for interior and exterior.
2. Minimalist closets
If done right, minimalist closets can give your room lots of spaces and uplift the total look of your rooms. Aptly a part of house remodelling ideas for small homes, these type of closets can store more than you can imagine. Choose the correct shelving unit for your room and add a lot of hooks, hangers, and place small baskets to keep the odd things in. A fresh touch of some bright colours on your closet would make the room vibrant.
3. Wooden Stairs
The staircase can also have a new lease of life. Wood is classy and the sound that it makes when someone climbs it adds elegance. But you don’t have to make the entire staircase out of wood. Just the top part of each stair can do good. This can significantly curb the renovation cost without compromising much on the finished look. The side part with its own colour would complement the wooden part. You can also put a nice carpet on the staircase just to make it more sophisticated.
4. Home office under the stairs?
As a home office renovation idea, you can always put a table with a shelve and a chair under the staircase. The empty space, the staircase creates, can then be utilized to its maximum potential. At the same time, it can be of more impact as a house remodelling idea for small homes. You can also create an altogether different room there where you can focus more on your business plans and official works without much disturbances. The space can also be used for kids who want a little nook to play on their own.
5. Kids zone
If you have a foyer area with a lot of space, use that as a zone for your kids. Just create a wooden floor there where your kids can play or you can put away a few shelves. This way of utilizing unused spaces can be termed an excellent house remodelling idea for small homes, where even a square foot matters.
Most of the changes mentioned as old home renovation ideas, you can do on your own. The materials required for such renovation needs a careful looking around. And all this you can do with only a little investment. But don’t rush into buying things before comparing them with other sources for quality and price. With a little planning and aesthetic steps, you can turn your old home into a dream one.
Also Read:
Living Room Centre Table Decoration Ideas
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Boxing Day - History, Traditions, and Celebration
Everyone loves the spirit of Christmas. Oh, the lights, the decorations, the festivities, and all the joy of gift-giving and goodies-eating! We love to have that Christmas weekend off from work and school, and spend it with our loved ones. And it’s never just about the day of the 25th, right? We celebrate Christmas together with Christmas Eve on the 24th and Boxing Day on the 26th. It’s wonderfully festive to have those days celebrated together! But, do we really know what Boxing Day is? Does it have anything to do with boxes, or boxing? Are we supposed to do something special on this day? Read on to find out about Boxing Day’s history, origin, and celebration!
What Is Boxing Day & Why Is It Called By This Name?
Boxing Day falls on the day after Christmas (December 25). It is a public holiday in many Western countries such as the United States and Canada, the United Kingdom, many European countries, and Australia and New Zealand.
Now, what is the meaning behind Boxing Day? The origin of this name is quite humble, and has nothing to do with boxing, the sport! In the 1800s, the rich in Britain used to “box up” gifts for people, especially their servants and helpers, and present these gifts to them on the day after Christmas, thus earning the day its name, “Boxing Day’. It was the day when the servants could go home to their families, carrying these boxes of gifts and goodies, as they had been required to work the day before, i.e. Christmas Day.
In addition, during that time, churches used to collect money from its congregation throughout the year in a box, and then “un-box” the money after Christmas Day and hand it out to the poor as alms and charity. Thus, the day after Christmas got its moniker.
When Is Boxing Day Celebrated?
Boxing Day is traditionally celebrated as a public and bank holiday on December 26, the day after Christmas.
In countries where Boxing Day is a bank holiday, there is a certain custom that is followed. If Boxing Day falls on a Saturday, the bank holiday is taken on the following Monday. If Boxing Day falls on a Sunday, the bank holiday is moved to the following Tuesday. (Sounds like a nice long weekend, doesn’t it!)
When And How Did Boxing Day Become An Official Day Off?
The celebration of Boxing Day has been around since the early 1800s. It was the day that rich employers in England gave their employees and servants boxed-up gifts and bonuses, and they took them home to their families that day.
However, it wasn’t until 1871 that Boxing Day legally became a public bank holiday in England, Wales, and Ireland. Since then, it has been celebrated as a holiday from work and school. For Scotland, Boxing Day became a legal public holiday in 1974. And, for colonies under the British Empire, such as Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, Boxing Day is a public holiday since 1871.
An interesting point to note about Boxing Day is that it coincides with St. Stephen’s Day, a day that honours the death of a Christian martyr. In parts of Ireland and Spain, December 26 is actually celebrated as St. Stephen’s Day.
Boxing Day Celebration and Activities
Boxing Day has now become a popular holiday, and is celebrated in many different ways, both modern and traditional. Let’s take a look at what some of these are!
Going Shopping
Boxing Day is now of the biggest days for shoppers, as most shops and stores keep massive sales and discounts that day. Boxing Day shopping is equivalent to Black Friday sales, especially in the United States and Canada. Many people even buy their Christmas gifts after the festive day, because they can get plenty of amazing goodies at discounted prices on December 26, meaning that they can buy cartloads of gifts for everyone without feeling a pinch on their pockets! Examples of items on sale are electronics, gadgets, home décor and furniture, skincare products, luxury products, and of course, clothes and winter wear.
Meeting People
Boxing Day is also reserved for meeting up with friends and family members that you did not meet on Christmas Day. These can be people from your immediate social circle, your workplace, your community, your church, etc. It is a time spent happily with dear ones. Most people reserve tables beforehand at restaurants, as they can get filled up quickly by social groups getting together for food and drinks.
Eating Together at Home
If you don’t want to go outside with your friends or family, you can invite them to your home, and set out a delicious Boxing Day feast for them. Traditional foods at such a feast include ham, pudding, and leftover Christmas cake. You can also use leftovers from the Christmas feast you had the day before! The idea is to bond over wholesome, home-cooked food with your near and dear ones, and enjoy the holiday spirit together before it’s time to go back to work again.
Enjoying Sports Events
Of late, it has become a tradition of sorts that sporting leagues and organizations have Boxing Day matches of different sports. There are many football, rugby, cricket, and hockey matches that take place on Boxing Day, and families and friends can enjoy these games by getting together in homes or pubs to support and cheer on their favourite teams. Other events that are organized on Boxing Day are horse racing, and occasionally, car racing.
Going Fox Hunting
In the old days in Britain, Boxing Day used to be celebrated by going hunting for foxes in the woods. While that activity has now lost its popularity, some old residents, and those living in the countryside, still choose to commemorate Boxing Day by going fox hunting. After their hunt is over, many of them gather at their local restaurant or pub, celebrate the catch of the day, and make merry over food and drink.
Celebrating St. Stephen’s Day
In countries where December 26 is celebrated as St. Stephen’s Day, families mark the day by organizing a big feast at home, attending mass at their local church, and enjoying parades and processions. A traditional St. Stephen’s feast has meat-stuffed pasta or pies, either turkey or leftover Christmas meat. You can also serve pudding or Christmas cake as dessert. The celebrations for St. Stephen’s Day vary by country. For example, in Ireland, people wear straw hats and peasant clothes. In parts of Germany, horseback processions are organized.
Interesting Boxing Day Facts
Boxing Day is quite an enigma around the world! It is an interesting time of year, and this exciting day after Christmas comes with its own tidbits of history and culture. Here are some fun facts about Boxing Day that you can share with your family and friends:
Boxing Day has been a mandatory public bank holiday in the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand since 1871.
There is no official story as to why Boxing Day is called so. There are only theories by historians!
December 26, the date when Boxing Day is celebrated, is also St. Stephen’s Day. It is celebrated in Ireland and the Catalonia region of Spain.
In some Eastern European countries like Romania and Hungary, Boxing Day is celebrated as a “second” Christmas Day.
Boxing Day is one of the biggest shopping days of the year due to large discounts and sales at many stores. In countries like the UK and Canada, Boxing Day sales are the biggest throughout the year, beating out Black Friday.
There is no boxing (the sport) involved on Boxing Day. (Of course, if you have little kids at home during this day, then there may be some impromptu wrestling happening!).
Are you excited for this month’s festive weekend? Are you all set to celebrate Christmas Eve, Christmas, and Boxing Day with your loved ones? Be sure to dazzle them with your newfound knowledge of Boxing Day, its history and origins, and different ways to celebrate it! Season’s greetings to you! Read more
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क्या बांझपन के लिए केवल औरत ही दोषी है - हमारी सोच में परिवर्तन लाना जरूरी
संगीता आज घर पर ही थी, रविवार अवकाश जो था, पति और बच्चों को नाश्ता कराकर बस वह खाने की तैयारी कर रही थी कि उसकी सहेली सुधा का उसे फोन आया और बोली दोपहर को एक मीटिंग रखी है "महिलाओं की जरूर आना"। फिर क्या संगीता जल्दी से अपने काम पूर्ण करके पहूंच गई मीटिंग मे।
सुधा एक प्राईवेट स्कूल में शिक्षिका थी, साथ ही साथ समाज सेविका का कार्य भी कुशलता पूर्वक कर रही थी । संगीता और मीटिंग से संबंधित सभी महिलाएं शीघ्र ही उपस्थित हों गई। संगीता सुधा के घर जल्दी पहुंची तो सुधा ने उसके साथ कुछ विचार विमर्श किया और मीटिंग की कार्यवाही शुरू की ।
सुधा ने सभी महिलाओं को संबोधित करते हुए बताया कि आज की मीटिंग कोई ऐसी मीटिंग नहीं है, कि जिसके लिए किसी को कोई कार्य करना है अपितु सोचना है क्यो कि यह आजकल के बदलते तकनीकी स्वरूप में महिलाओं के अधिकार और अस्तित्व के लिए सोचने की आवश्यकता है।
सुधा ने बताया कि कुछ दिन पहले हमारी कालोनी में प्रतिमा नामक महिला एक घर में रहने आई । वह विश्व विद्यालय में उच्च स्तरीय प्रोफेसर के पद पर कार्यरत थी। कालोनी में रहने आते ही सब लोग अजीब सी बातें करने लगे और छींटाकशी भी । मुझसे रहा नहीं गया और मैं पहूंच गई उस महिला प्रोफेसर के घर। बहुत ही सरल और शांत थी बेचारी । फिर वह कहने लगी मुझे कुछ फर्क नहीं पड़ता है दीदी "बाहर के लोग कुछ भी कहें तो " फर्क तो तब पड़ा मुझ पर जब मेरे अपने पति ने मुझे बांझ बोलकर तलाक़ दे दिया और ना ही कोई चिकित्सकीय परीक्षण कराया और ना ही किसी से कोई परामर्श। बस अपने घर वालों की पुरानी सोच के चलते बिना सोचे समझे फैसला ले लिया।
प्रतिमा और अमित दोनों ही प्रोफेसर थे, अच्छी खासी ज़िंदगी चल रही थी, बस कमी खलती थी बच्चे की । पांच साल हो गए थे उनकी शादी हुए। काफी प्रयास किए पर सफलता प्राप्त नहीं हो रही थी। चूंकि आजकल सभी अस्पतालों में कुछ उपयोगी सुविधाएं उपलब्ध कराई गई है, जिसके माध्यम से किस कारण बच्चा नहीं हो रहा, यह ज्ञात हो सके इसलिए प्रतिमा के कहने पर अमित अपनी जांच कराने हेतु राजी भी हो गये थे।
लेकिन इतने में अमित की मां और बहन मंजु आ गई और अमित से कहने लगी जांच वांच कुछ नहीं कराना, तु तो इस कलमुंही को छोड़ दें, खराबी इसी में होगी । तु तो बेटा दूसरी शादी कर ले, तेरे लिए हमने लड़की भी देख रखी है। । मंजु की चचेरी बहन है माया, वह भी पढ़ी लिखी है, उससे शादी कर ले, कम से कम मैं मरने से पहले तेरे बच्चे का मुंह देखना चाहती हूं ।
इतना बताते हुए वह सिसक रही थी और बोली दीदी मां और बहन के कथन से सहमत हो गए और मुझे तलाक दे दिया और उन्होंने माया के साथ दूसरी शादी कर ली । फिर मैं क्या करती दीदी मैं यहां रहने आ गई और लोग क्या कहेंगे इसका मुझे कोई फर्क नहीं पड़ता, नौकरी तो करना है न दीदी और "मेरी जिंदगी भी मुझे हंस के जिंदादिली से बितानी है" ।
प्रतिमा का उस समाज सेविका सुधा से एक अहं प्रश्र यह था कि "इस समाज में बांझपन के लिए क्या अकेली औरत ही दोषी है" ? साथ ही साथ यह भी सोचा जाना चाहिए कि औरत ही औरत की दुश्मन क्यो होती हैं ? वह उसके विकास हेतु सहायता नहीं कर सकती?
समाज सेविका सुधा द्वारा मीटिंग में उक्त प्रतिमा ने जो प्रश्र किया था, वही सभी महिलाओं के समक्ष प्रस्तुत किया और कहा कि आप समस्त महिलाएं भी सोचिए कहीं आपके साथ भी ऐसा समय ना आए इसीलिए इस समूह की महिलाओं को एकत्रित होकर ही समस्या का समाधान निकालने की आवश्यकता है ।
मेरी कहानी कैसी लगी आपको, बताइएगा जरूर ।
धन्यवाद आपका ।
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