Spring Klein Magazine Summer 2020

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SPRING KLEIN MAGAZINE

SUMMER 2020 VOL. 9, NO. 3

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LOCALLY

SPRING KLEIN MAGAZINE

SUMMER 2020 VOL. 9, NO. 3

Neighborhood Publications LLC 9337 Spring Cypress Road, Suite #205 Spring, Texas 77379

of CONTENTS

6 Time-saving cleaning tricks 8 Choosing the Right Roofer 10 How to create a workout that

is right for you

www.springkleinmagazine.com Editor Leanne Donelson

Head Writer Candy Cruz

TABLE

Assistant Editor Erin Lewis

12 How homeowners can reduce their

monthly expenses

Contributing Writers Josh Arcemont

14 Create a peaceful and healthy

sleeping environment

Social Media Editor Madi Wheeler

Graphics Photography Mike Reeves Audree Garcia, Kellie Cataldo

Publisher Neighborhood Publications

See page 6

See page 8

See page 10

DISCLAIMER: All articles, information, website addresses and cartoons in this publication express the opinions of their authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Neighborhood Publications LLC or its employees. Neighborhood Publications LLC is not responsible for the accuracy of any facts stated in articles, information website address and cartoons submitted by others. The Publisher Neighborhood Publications also assumes no responsibility for the advertising content with this publication and ad warranties, representations and endorsements made in the advertising content are solely that of the advertiser and any such claims regarding it’s content should be taken up with the advertiser. Neighborhood Publications LLC disclaims and denies any and all liability, therefore The publisher Neighborhood Publications LLC assumes no liability with regard to its advertisers for misprints or failure to place advertising in this publication except for the actual cost of such advertising. Although every effort is taken to avoid mistakes and /or misprints in this publication, the publisher assumes no responsibility for any errors of information or typographical mistakes. Under no circumstances shall the publisher be held liable for incidental or consequential damages, inconvenience, loss of business or services, or any other liabilities from failure to publish, or from failure to publish on a timely manner. This is not an official publication of your particular subdivision, (although we print more interesting information and take better photos) and your particular subdivision does not endorse, affiliate or associate itself or its affiliates with this publication. Neighborhood Publications and it’s Associate Publications/Business Interest, whether business or person, do not accept any assumed benefit of the QR Bar Code Readers/Bar Codes, etc. published in any of the Neighborhood Publications or it’s affiliate publications whether in print or electronic. The publisher is not liable for ANY DAMAGES for failure of the Post Office to deliver the magazine in a timely manner, so long as the publisher has delivered the magazine to said delivery point by the contracted date. All articles and photos in this publication are copyrighted.

PUBLISHED BY: Neighborhood Publications, 9337 Spring Cypress Road, Suite 205, Spring, Texas 77379.

4 Neighborhood Publications

See page 12

To advertise, call 281-401-9143 or email: info@NeighborhoodPublications.net

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Time-saving

cleaning tricks Saving vacuuming for last means you won’t be cleaning dust that settled while dusting or wiping down items twice.

• ESTABLISH A DROP ZONE. Foyers tend to accumulate a lot of clutter. Organize the space so you’re less tempted to drop items as soon as you come in.

Keep the recycling bin (or shredder) handy for dealing with junk mail.

Have a coat rack for hats, coats and umbrellas. Keep a basket available so you can transport items that belong in other rooms in the house.

H

ouse cleaning is a chore few people relish. House cleaning can be monotonous and timeconsuming. But ignoring cleaning tasks may leave you with a much larger mess to tackle.

Cleaning does not have to be such a difficult job. There are a number of time-saving strategies to keep the mess to a minimum and keep your weekend afternoons free from allday cleaning marathons.

• DO THE DISHES AFTER EVERY MEAL. A sink full of dishes can make the kitchen look like a mess, and letting dishes pile up increases the risk of an insect infestation. Although it may seem like a chore, keeping on top of dishes actually reduces your workload. If you’re lucky enough to have an automatic dishwasher, then load dishes directly into the dishwasher instead of putting dirty items into the sink.

• PROTECT YOUR MICROWAVE. The inside of the microwave tends to get dirty rather quickly. Heating up snacks or quick meals may result in spill-overs or splatter. To cut down on cleaning time, stack several paper towels on the turntable. Should a

6 Neighborhood Publications

spill occur, simply discard the top paper towel for an easy clean-up.

• SWITCH YOUR SOAP. Glycerin or liquid soaps do not have traditional binders that are in many bar soaps.

Without the binders, which are the primary cause of soap scum, you will have to contend with much less soap scum in showers and sinks. To further cut down on soap scum, use a small, flexible squeegee to wipe down tile walls and glass doors after each shower.

• WORK FROM THE TOP DOWN. Dust and dirt settles at the lowest levels.

Avoid messing up what you have just cleaned by beginning any cleaning task high up and moving downward.

Therefore, dust shelves and cobwebs from ceiling corners first, then tackle tables and other surfaces before ultimately cleaning the floors.

• CONCENTRATE ON ONE ROOM AT A TIME. Some people suffer from cleaning attention deficit disorder. This means they’ll begin one task and then go into another room for something and start a new task, and so on. Focus on one room at a time to save time. You will do a more thorough job with less frustration.

• DO LAUNDRY EVERY DAY. Invest in a hamper that enables you to sort clothing into different compartments, including lights, darks and delicates.

This way the sorting is already done when it comes time for washing.

Then aim to do a load a day so that you’re not faced with 100 pounds of laundry come the weekend.

• RELY ON BAKING SODA AND VINEGAR AS CLEANING PRODUCTS. These kitchen staples are the workhorses of many cleaning projects. A mix of baking soda and vinegar can dislodge a clogged drain and be added to a wash to freshen towels and linens.

A paste of baking soda can often scour tough stains, like marker, while vinegar has been known to neutralize pet odors from accidents.

• THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX. A can of Coca-Cola can be effective at cleaning the ring in the toilet.

An unsweetened package of KoolAid brand lemonade can be used to freshen and clean an empty dishwasher. The citric acid will scour the inside and get rid of any scaling or hard water stains.

Cleaning is a task that may not be enjoyable, but it is a necessary evil of healthy living. Keeping on top of the mess can save time in the long run.h

To advertise, call 281-401-9143 or email: info@NeighborhoodPublications.net

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Choosing the Right Roofer When choosing a roofing contractor it is important to know that not all roofing contractors are the same!

Over the years, roofing contractors have gotten a bad reputation due to both crooked and inexperienced contractors, which is why it is important for you to do your due diligence when choosing your roofer!

There are a few very important things to consider when choosing the company that will be installing or repairing one of the most important and costly maintenance items on your home. Here are the five most important things to consider: INSURANCE – As obvious as it may seem, it is very important that a roofing contractor has legitimate and sufficient general liability insurance. Unlike electrical, plumbing and HVAC trades, there is no regulation for the roofing trade in the state of Texas. Texas roofers aren’t required to carry insurance which can leave homeowners unprotected. To confirm a contractor has valid insurance, ask the contractor for a copy of their Certificate of Insurance and call the listed provider on the certificate to verify.

REFERENCES – Ask for customer and trade references!

Have your contractor provide you with the contact information of 3 to 5 customer references who have had projects similar to yours. Ask the references if the project was completed in a timely manner. Did the project have any issues that arose and how did the contractor handle them? What could the contractor have done better?

Would you recommend them to your family and friends, and why? Also, request the contact information of the material supplier that the contractor does business with. Call the material supplier’s location and ask to speak with the branch manager. Find out if your con-

tractor is in good standings with the supplier and how long they have been doing business with them.

KNOWLEDGE – How knowledgeable is the roofing contractor’s representative? A contractor needs to be thoroughly knowledgeable in not only the products that they are proposing to install, but also in the application of those products. It is important to know who is going to be responsible for overseeing your project from start to finish and ensure that you are receiving a roofing system that meets and/or exceeds the industry standards.

WARRANTY SERVICE – In the event that there is an issue down the road with your new roof, it is important to ask how, in detail, the contractor will handle the issue. Ask how long of a response time you should expect to have your issue addressed and does the contractor have dedicated staff that handles these types of issues. Anyone can install a roof but knowing that a contractor can provide continued service to you after the roof is installed is extremely important!

STABILITY – How long has the company been in business and are they locally based? We recommend that you consider doing business with a company that has been in business for at least five years and has a physical location that you can visit. Nothing can make you feel more confident in doing business with someone when you know where to find them and you know they are not going anywhere anytime soon!!!

These simple guidelines are a good starting point to give you confidence in finding and choosing a reputable roofer. Call 1st Choice Roofing & Construction at 281-378-2431 for all your roofing needs.h

1st Choice Roofing & Construction

An established and local roofing company in Spring/Tomball • In business since 2010 • 12,000 SF Office/Facility in Tomball, Texas • $2 million General Liability and Workers Comp Policy • Full Service Residential and Commercial Roofing Company with a dedicated Service Department • Insurance claims assistance for homeowners • Specialize in all roofing applications: Composition, Metal, Tile and Low Slope Roofing • Over 10,000 Roofs Completed over the 10 Years in Business • Thousands of references • Factory Certified by Several Roofing Product Manufacturers such as: GAF, Firestone, CertainTeed, Berridge, Versico • 1st Choice Roofing is a GAF MasterElite Roofing Contractor • There isn’t another roofing company that provides a Better Service or a Better Value!

We are both a Residential & Commercial Full Service Roofing Company

We provide preventative maintenance, repairs and of course roof replacement r oofing services. We specialize in all roofing applications such as composition, metal, tile and low slope roofing.

There isn’t another roofing company that provides a better service or better value!

GAF Factory Certified MasterElite Roofing Contractor In a group of less than 1% of all roofing contractors in the United States

HEALTH SECTION

How to create

a workout that is right for you Finding a physical activity you can enjoy, such as dancing, is essential to creating a successful exercise regimen.

already taken the most difficult step, and that’s deciding to make a change. Once you honestly assess your aerobic and muscular fitness, you will have a much better idea of your fitness levels.

E

xercise is a great way to improve quality of life and reduce your risk of developing potentially life threatening health conditions and diseases. But men and women are often intimidated when attempting to incorporate exercise into their lives after a long layoff from working out.

Tailoring a workout that suits you can be a daunting task, especially if it’s been years since you visited a gym or took a turn on a treadmill.

But creating a workout routine that’s right for you should be an exciting experience that marks your first step toward living a healthier, more active lifestyle.

ASSESSING YOUR CURRENT SITUATION The process of creating a workout regimen should begin with an honest self-assessment of your current fitness levels. If exercise has not been a part of your regular routine in quite some time, chances are you have little to no idea of how fit you are. You might be in better shape than you think, or you might have more work to do in the months and years ahead than you initially thought.

To get an idea of your current fitness level, measure your pulse

10 Neighborhood Publications

CONSULTING YOUR PHYSICIAN

after walking one mile and the time it takes you to walk that mile. If your heart is racing after such a brief and stress-free exercise and it took you awhile to walk a mile, then you’ll begin to get an idea of the task that’s ahead of you. To gauge your muscular fitness, perform a simple task like pushups to see how many you can do at one time. The more you’re capable of doing, the more fit your muscles are.

Don’t push it when gauging aerobic or muscular fitness, as this initial stage is intended solely to give you a realistic idea of where you are with regard to personal fitness.

In addition, it’s important not to overreact during the assessment stage, as you likely know already that you have work to do. You have

Once you have an idea of your aerobic and muscular fitness, you will be tempted to start tailoring your workout. However, it’s best to visit your physician before you dive into the specifics of your new exercise regimen. A thorough examination from your physician will reveal if you have any existing conditions that could be exacerbated by certain exercises or lifestyle changes. Your doctor can tell you if any of these conditions are likely to have an adverse impact on your exercise capacity and what you can do to overcome those conditions in an effort to improve your health and quality of life.

SETTING YOUR GOALS Once you have assessed your fitness levels and consulted your physician, it’s time to set your goals.

You likely did not decide to workout out of the blue, so you probably have a specific goal, such as losing weight or lowering your cholesterol, CONTINUED

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in mind. Establish these goals and build a workout that makes reaching them that much easier.

FINDING A WORKOUT YOU’LL ENJOY A workout regimen is far more likely to be successful if it includes activities you’re liable to enjoy. If you truly dread spending 30 minutes per day on the treadmill, then your workout should include a cardiovascular activity that you’re more likely to embrace. Riding a bicycle can be just as beneficial as an aerobic exercise as jogging on the treadmill.

If you love cycling, then make that your daily cardiovascular exercise when the weather permits. When the weather is less cooperative, use a stationary bike indoors.

If you love to dance, then you should know how great a workout dancing can be. Join a Zumba® class or another aerobics class that involves dancing, and your workout will seem more like fun than something you have to do. When building a workout regimen, keep in mind it’s going to be most successful if it includes activities you enjoy.

Building a workout routine that’s right for you depends on a variety of factors, including your present fitness levels and your preferences in types of exercises.

Honestly assessing yourself, setting the right goals and finding activities you enjoy are all essential to building a successful workout routine.h To advertise, call 281-401-9143 or email: info@NeighborhoodPublications.net

Neighborhood Publications 11

Home

SECTION

How homeowners can reduce their

monthly expenses

S

aving money is a priority for many people. But reducing monthly expenses is typically a bigger concern for homeowners, especially new homeowners adjusting to life with a mortgage, higher energy bills than they likely had while renting and other costs associated with owning their own homes.

Home ownership is a dream for many people, but the realization of just how expensive owning a home can be is often eye-opening once you get the keys and move in. Once the initial sticker shock has worn off, homeowners should know that the cost of home ownership need not be so steep. In fact, there are several ways homeowners can cut costs without drastically changing their lifestyle.

COMBINE YOUR INSURANCE COVERAGES Many lenders mandate that borrowers carry homeowners insurance for their homes. The cost of coverage varies from company to company, and one of the ways homeowners can reduce the cost of their homeowners insurance is to bundle their homeowners coverage with their auto insurance. Some companies provide discounted premiums as high as 15 percent for policy holders who combine their homeowners and auto insurance coverage. Speak with your current provider to determine if combining your coverage could save you money. If the savings are

12 Neighborhood Publications

not significant, shop around for an insurance company that can offer you the lower price you desire. Just be sure the company is accessible and reputable.

REFINANCE YOUR MORTGAGE Refinancing your mortgage is another great way homeowners can save a substantial amount of money. Even if you only recently purchased your home, your lender might be willing to refinance your mortgage with a lower interest rate. Depending on the amount of time and money left on your loan, reducing your interest rate by 2 percent can save you a substantial amount of money on your monthly mortgage payment, which can add up to considerable savings on the total interest you will pay over the life of the loan. If you think your interest rate is a tad too high, consult your lender and discuss refinancing at a lower rate.

BUNDLE YOUR SERVICES More and more consumers have decided to bundle their Internet, phone and television packages. Consumer Reports found that bundling just two of those services instead of buying them from separate providers can save consumers between 40 to 60 percent depending on where they live. Rates for bundling packages often come with an expiration date, but a Consumer Reports survey

found that even those packages come with some wiggle room. In their 2011 Annual Telecom Survey, Consumer Reports found that one-third of survey participants attempted to negotiate a lower rate for their bundled services, and 90 percent of those efforts were successful. When negotiating, discuss lower prices for bundling as well as extending the package beyond the current expiration date. It never hurts to ask, and one study has already shown that it actually helps to ask.

GO GREEN Going green benefits the environment, and it’s almost certain to benefit homeowners’ wallets. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, toilets account for more water usage in the home than any other appliance or fixture. But the EPA also notes that a family of four can save thousands of dollars by switching to a high-efficiency toilet over that toilet’s lifetime. And installing eco-friendly appliances or fixtures around your home might even make you eligible for certain tax breaks while also updating your home, something that will make the home more attractive to prospective buyers when you sell down the road.

There are many ways to make a home more environmentally friendly, and nearly all of them can save you money over the long run. h

To advertise, call 281-401-9143 or email: info@NeighborhoodPublications.net

832-592-7795 www.texasoutdoorshades.com texasoutdoorshades@gmail.com To advertise, call 281-401-9143 or email: info@NeighborhoodPublications.net

Neighborhood Publications 13

Create a peaceful and healthy

sleeping environment

Information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate insufficient sleep has become a public health epidemic. An estimated 50 to 70 million American adults report having a sleep or wakefulness disorder, and women are twice as likely to suffer from insomnia than men. Plus, one in three people suffer from some form of insomnia during their lifetime, offers the organization Better Sleep for Life.

I

t is easy to overlook the benefits of a good night’s sleep. Without adequate rest a person can be left feeling irritable, distracted and sluggish. Those who repeatedly do not get enough sleep could be facing

other health problems as well. For some, the secret to getting a better sleep is modifying their sleeping environment.

In some instances, lack of sleep or too much sleep might be indicative of a medical condition, but it could just be related to poor sleep hygiene and an uncomfortable sleeping environment. Making some changes could make all the difference.

Start with your mattress. You will spend between seven to 10 hours in your bed each and every night.

An uncomfortable mattress could be an underlying factor in your sleep problems.

If your bed is several years old, it could pay to invest in a new mattress and box spring. If you sleep with your spouse and your bed is too small, upgrading to a larger size could provide the room you need. If you cannot afford a new mattress, buying a mattress topper in memory foam could mask any problems for the time being.

14 Neighborhood Publications

Balance light and dark. In order to trigger sleepiness at the right time, it is essential to get at least 30 minutes of natural sunlight each day during the morning or afternoon. In the evening, begin dimming the lights to trigger the body’s natural internal clock and stimulate the production of the natural hormone melatonin, which relaxes the body into sleep. Keep a dark bedroom — invest in blackout curtains if need be.

Consider white noise. Giving your brain a noise to associate with relaxing sleep can help you drift off more quickly. White noise can also mask other sounds that may distract sleep, such as traffic outside or a partner snoring. White noise can come from a special alarm clock that provides soothing sounds of rain or waves. Many people find running a fan in the bedroom provides the right amount of noise and also helps circulate air throughout the room.

Make the bedroom a cozy retreat.

Your bedroom should be a relaxing sanctuary. Fill it with cozy cushions and pillows. Make sure the room is clean and clutter-free. Relaxing blues and purples can be soothing colors to use in decorating, and the use of lavender essential oil could also add to the relaxing environment.

Avoid distractions. When setting up your bedroom, do not fill it with electronics, such as a computer, tablet and television. These devices could contribute to wakefulness and actually impede your ability to get the rest you need.

Keep cool. A cool bedroom is key to drifting off to sleep. Sweating and overheating can keep you awake, so drop the temperature down at night and dress lightly for bed. You want to feel comfortable and not too hot or cold.

If sleeplessness becomes a chronic problem and is not alleviated by changing the sleeping environment, visit a doctor.h

To advertise, call 281-401-9143 or email: info@NeighborhoodPublications.net

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