Summer is here and the sun is out. Time to lather up and hit the pool, the beach, or your back deck. Protecting yourself or your loved ones from the potentially harmful effects of UVA and UVB rays requires a really good sunscreen. But what are the best ones for face, sensitive skin, and kids who love playing in water? Prevention Magazine consulted some top dermatologist to get some insight and their favorite picks. CLICK TO READ ARTICLE.
Early Spring Gardening Tips
Fertilize your garden with coffee grounds? Use chamomile tea to ward off plant infection? Before making your way to Starbucks for supplies, check out 7 helpful and somewhat unconventional tips from Beekman 1802 to get your home garden blooming again.
[CLICK HERE FOR SPRING GARDENING TIPS]
Whether you're interested in planting a little herb garden in the backyard or just want to give your home some more curb appeal, thank you for caring for property's exterior. A little landscaping and routine maintenance can go a long way to beautifying the neighborhood.
Spring is also the time to get your lawn mowers and weed whackers in shape. Here are a few places nearby that may be of assistance...
Blunard’s Lawn Mower Repair: 416 N Stonestreet Ave (Unit 1)
Rockville, MD 20850 | (301) 512-0797 | blunardsrepair.com
Sun Brite Supply of Maryland: 16620 Oakmont Ave
Gaithersburg, MD 20877 | (301) 519-9274 | sunbritesupplymd.com
Fireplace Safety
Many homes in the Amberfield community have fireplaces. And as the temperature drops, wood is gathered and fires are stoked. But before you and family gather around that warming glow, it's important to review these helpful tips provided by healthychildren.org to make sure your home and loved ones are safe during the fall and winter seasons.
- If possible, keep a window cracked open while the fire is burning.
- Be certain the damper or flue is open before starting a fire. Keeping the damper or flue open until the fire is out will draw smoke out of the house. The damper can be checked by looking up into the chimney with a flashlight or mirror. Do not close the damper until the embers have completely stopped burning.
- Use dry and well-aged wood. Wet or green wood causes more smoke and contributes to soot buildup in the chimney. Dried wood burns with less smoke and burns more evenly,
- Smaller pieces of wood placed on a grate burn faster and produce less smoke.
- Clean out ashes from previous fires. Levels of ash at the base of the fireplace should be kept to 1 inch or less because a thicker layer restricts the air supply to logs, resulting in more smoke.
- The chimney should be checked annually by a professional. Even if the chimney is not due for cleaning, it is important to check for animal nests or other blockages that could prevent smoke from escaping.
- Make sure the area around the fireplace is clear of anything that is potentially flammable (ie: furniture, drapes, newspapers, books, etc.). If these items get too close to the fireplace, they could catch fire.
- Never leave a fire in the fireplace unattended. Make sure it is completely out before going to bed or leaving the house. If you leave the room while the fire is burning or the fireplace is still hot, take your small child with you.
- Minimize your child’s chance of burns from the hot glass front of some fireplaces. Safety screens can be installed to reduce the risk of burns.
- Put fireplace tools and accessories out of a young child’s reach. Also, remove any lighters and matches.
- Install both smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Test them monthly and change the batteries at least once a year.
- Keep a fire extinguisher on hand.
- Communicate to children as early as possible the dangers of fires and the heat generated from them.
A Bright Idea
New solar-powered entrance
You may have noticed new accent lighting at the entrance to our neighborhood. But did you know that those lights, including the ones that illuminate our Amberfield sign, are all solar powered? In an effort to increase sustainability and reduce costs, the community initiated the installation back in September. Saving energy. Saving money. And making a great first impression. Brilliant!