Author Archives: paulaspring

About paulaspring

I work at S & R Compression in Tulsa, OK. My passions are writing, music and anything home. I'm a little bit gruff and very western. However, I love alternative music and especially from the 80's. If you wonder the difference between Southern and Western; well, there is a very big difference, indeed. The same difference as could be seen in a "Wyatt Erp" and a "southern belle or gent."

Disinfecting Herbs That Promote Cleaner Air

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Image by gate74 from Pixabay Rosemary, lavender and thyme.

tophat.tips disclaimer: Remember. Tips are the same as suggestions. Any suggestion used from this site is to your own discretion. Also, any search engine or web host is not responsible for suggestions nor content within this website.

In these times, of infectious disease that reek havoc upon our earth. We are cautiously, diligently and aggressively disinfecting our surroundings. Not only are we doing it more often in our homes, but in our workplaces, as well. There is virtually, nowhere that isn’t disinfecting harder and more consistently.

With all of our hard work and diligence toward disinfecting, there is one place that may have been overlooked. That place could further enhance our disinfecting efforts and it has been sitting under our noses, all of this time. That place is the air.

Natural ingredients can be added to a steaming, hot pot of water on a stove. It could also, be added to an electric hot diffuser. This releases into your air and thus, your air has those properties, too. There are many ways to use them. However, the most effective way, for air quality control, is via;

  1. electric diffuser
  2. tealight candle diffuser
  3. a hot pot on the stove.

Choices 1 and 2 are at the top of the list, because they will release aromas for longer periods of time. Furthermore; there would be no need to consistently watch them. A boiling pot empties too quickly. Thus, the danger of fire and the aromas only vaporize while the pot is boiling. Never leave a boiling pot on the stove unattended.

Choice number 2, is not as helpful as choice number 1. Although, it takes a lot longer for the water to evaporate than a boiling pot on the stove. The water does boil out and the candle keeps burning.

Choice number 1 is best, because the electric diffuser usually, comes with an automatic sensor that turns itself off when the water has gotten, too low. Plus, they can run from 6 – 8 hours at a time. That is 6 – 8 hours of naturally, disinfecting herb essence vaporized straight into your air. Not to mention, they can be purchased from Walmart, the Dollar General, Walgreens and many other stores for as little as $8.00.

Keep in mind, cleaning and cleaning often will still be needed. However, it is possible for these herbs to enhance the clean by adding disinfecting properties to your air and for a long time.

Image by emilytrue from Pixabay

These are some of the herbs that contain some disinfecting properties. They can be purchased in essence form (oil) that can be utilized in an electric diffuser, candle diffuser or a boiling pot of water on the stove. Remember. Never leave a boiling pot unattended.

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus; naturally antiseptic and probably #1 on most antiseptic herb lists. It is also, an ingredient in medications for the treatment of colds, cough and flu. Yet, not limited to just these.

Rosemary

Rosemary; contains both antibacterial and anti-microbial properties. Rosemary is also, thought of as a stress reliever. This property offers an additional benefit to these tense and frightful times.

lavender

Lavender; known for its fragrance and calming effects. Lavender like eucalyptus also, contains camphor which is a natural antiseptic found in many cold and flu medications. Lavender can be found in disinfecting multi-surface cleaners, as well as, laundry soap.

Citrus: lemon, lime and oranges

Citrus: highly fragrant and tantalizing oil. You can buy citrus as its own name; or you can buy it in individual scents. The scents being lemon, orange, lime and others. Citrus scent, on its own, is a combination of different oils of citrus fruit. The oils are usually, expressed from the outer rine. Its properties are within its acidic content. The acid kills germs and bacteria and can also, be used as a bleach substitute. Citrus works well combined with any of these essential oils listed above.

Remember. If you choose, to add these oils to your home cleaning in any form; make certain that it is essential oils and not a perfume only. Do not let the oils be in direct contact with your skin. Essential oils are naturally concentrated and can cause damage to skin. If direct contact does occur, wash affected area immediately.

Active Shooter Safety! Learn Prevention.

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Every year we are faced with the news of an active shooter. We live in daily fear of when and where it could happen next. Yet, with no choice at all, we must go out there and face the possibilities of it happening to us. So, we get in our cars, ride our public transits and do what we have to do. Go to work, go to the grocery store or take the kids to school. Most of the time, we are only doing what we must do. Is there any help out there before it costs us our lives?

From the year 2000 to 2018 there have been 277 incidents of active shooters. Resulting in a total of 884 deaths and 1,546 wounded. This is not a trend among the criminally insane, but a more than negative evolution into criminal how to.

FBI Quick Look: 277 Active Shooter Incidents in the United States From 2000 to 2018

Unfortunately, unless, we can walk and live our daily lives with an army of armed men and women to protect us. There is very little that we can do. Furthermore, we cannot blame the government nor the police. They simply cannot predict the future. However, there is something that the Department of Homeland Security has provided. They have provided a website with videos, links and ways to form organizations; that help us help ourselves during an active shooting.

The Department of Homeland Security has given a plan of action to take, in order to help ourselves and possibly others, in case of an active shooter. Similar to “stop, drop and roll.” Home Land Security says, “run, hide, fight.”

Photo by Kehn Hermano from Pexels
  • Run: Run and escape away from the shooter. Leave personal belongings where they are and warn people as you go. Warning people might help save lives.
  • Hide: When running is not possible, hide and away from gun fire as much as possible. The objective is to stay out of the shooters view and don’t hide in groups.
  • Fight: Fight is the last resort. When all else fails, fight for your life.

Along, with these guidelines is also, what to do after. After, the police have arrived and it is safe to move. You must always, keep your hands in the air. Keeping your hands in the air helps police identify you from any other possibly opposing threats. Not having anything in your hands is also recommended. Make certain your hands are always visible to the police.

Walk toward the police. The area that the police have entered from is regarded clear. This is why this area is possibly safest after, the police have arrived.

Remember. The police are armed and it is necessary for them to push their way toward the shooter. They may have to push or shove to break through a crowd or a person obstructing their way. Do not be surprised to see this happen or experience yourself. They will also, overlook the injured. The police have to do this in order to quickly apprehend the shooter. Don’t forget that the objective is to stop the shooter before others are killed or injured.

To get all of the information you need, to be prepared in case you are in any active shooter situation. To also, learn more about how to help the injured, find or form training organizations and more. Go to https://www.ready.gov/active-shooter.

How to Start a Home From Scratch, Stylishly!

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We have either seen it, lived it or living it. We have found a place to live, but we have little to no furniture. We want it all now, but our budgets will only pay for a little at a time.

Do not despair! You can make it a home, now. No matter if your home is large or small; apartment or house. Your home can feel like home while you gradually build your dream. Plus, remember. You can make anywhere a dream!

If your style is contemporary or something else, it only matters to one thing. Your style counts as elemental. Your style matters. It is the key ingredient in the total expression of you. That may mean combining your style with a minimalist perspective.

What you must do first is start with what pieces of furniture you truthfully need, now! Do you have a place to sit? Do you have a bed or something soft to sleep upon? These are the types of questions you should ask yourself. Then make a list based upon your greatest need and start from there. However, be warned! You may have to mix it up a little in order to make it feel like home…now.

For example: You want a couch, but need a bed. Do you buy a couch and use it to sleep on; or do you buy a bed and use it for a couch? Either way you choose; you can style it home. Just think about the minimalist perspective. A minimalist lives buy need only basis. This should not imply that all minimalist are bland. This is also, not a convert you to minimalist. It is, however, a means of making more out of less.

The view of this gray couch with a plant and gallery wall is a good example of applying minimalist ingenuity. As you may see, part of this room’s style is it’s architecture. The room itself has only a couch, planter with plant, a rug and a few pictures clustered on a wall. Try using the architecture of where you live. Perhaps a window, as this room has done. Combine with some other character building properties. Such as a rug, family photos or throw pillows for color. Small additives will bring character to your space.

As it has been stated before, “It is not how much you have, but how you use it.” Your style and “character” are one and the same. Use what you have to present your style. Adding a little cleverness to what you have already will get you a long way.

See, how these pallets combined with the crisp, white of these sheets and the potted plants beside portray a natural, calming atmosphere. Allow your senses to help you define your character. It is a great aspect of decorating.

Utilize the feature wall technique. Make the main area, of whatever room you are working on, be where your eyes go first. Select that space, for your main area. This is for the time you have to live with less than what you want. It will automatically draw your eyes, away from the emptiness, of the rest of the room. Allow that area, to be your warm and cozy spot.

Utilize savvy. Place things on the wall that will add interest. Whether it is something that already goes on a wall; or something that can go on a wall. Utilize it, for interest sake and you have created a feature wall or focal point. Remember. You are creating an area for your eyes to see immediately, as well as, to stay focused on. In doing that, the rest will only seem “in the making“. It will not appear to be only empty. It is a pallet for the future!

Lean it! Mount it! Love it! Placing wall art on a wall in your blank space areas will also, remove eyes away from remaining emptiness. You may not be on that area of the room, just yet, but your eyes will draw to the picture or sculpture. Not the empty space.

Store it on the outside. Things that normally would be put in a closet can serve as room decor. If at all possible, store it outside of the closet. Just make sure it is neat and well organized. Once again, use savvy to bring out a more decorative side than just outside storage. Doing this will provide time and space to think storage within the closet, while temporarily filling the empty space outside of the closet. It will provide the opportunity to begin within- closet-organization from the beginning. Don’t store in until it can be done with permanent organization. Kill two birds with one stone!

How to Truthfully Manage Toothache Pain!

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Toothache pain can be an excruciating experience. It can also be quite debilitating. Almost, everything under the sun has been tried to relieve toothache pain. After all, we can’t always just run to the dentist. As much as we should and would like to, even the dentist can’t always be available.

There is also the cost. This cost is not in reference to seeing the dentist. After all, that is inevitable. It is in reference to money spent on home remedies that don’t work. Speaking of work, the time spent at home, in pain missing work!

What can we do in-between making a much needed dental appointment and the time it might take to actually get in to see the dentist? This may come as a surprise to you, but there is a solution to the mean time and still live our (overly) active lives.

  1. Go to any pharmacy and pickup…
    • Triple antibiotic ointment
    • Peroxide
    • Echinacea
    • Anti-inflammatory pain reliever
    • Dandelion daily detox tea (must be daily detox).
    • An electric heating pad.
  2. Brush your teeth well or as best as you can. Start by rinsing first with water, then follow with peroxide. Do not dilute. Rinse 2-3 times with peroxide. then brush.
  3. After brushing, rinse again with peroxide followed by water.
  4. As you would apply Orajel, apply the triple antibiotic ointment onto the affected area. That is, the gum line. Not the tooth! Look for a polyp or blister. This is the source of pain. Infection!
  5. Allow the triple antibiotic ointment to sit for about 30 minutes before eating or drinking.
  6. After about 30 minutes, make yourself a hot, warm or cold cup of the dandelion detox tea (use twice daily). While drinking this tea, take an anti-inflammatory pain reliever. Such as, ibuprofen and according to the directions on the label. Remember. You should, also, not take any anti-inflammatory on an empty stomach. Nor should you take more than the directions call for. However, take every 4 hours as directed on the label.
  7. After eating and taking your anti-inflammatory, repeat the rinse process and reapply the triple antibiotic ointment. Sit and relax with the heating pad applied to your soar cheek. Repeat after eating or drinking and before bed.
Important Reasons for this Process!

Triple antibiotic ointment, is not truthfully antibiotic, but fights infection in much the same manner. A plus is that it does not become ineffective, as would regular antibiotics.

Using triple antibiotic ointment will not harm you to apply to the gums of your mouth. In fact, because of your mouths ease of absorption, your gums will absorb it’s properties and thus, fight the infection. Fighting the infection will promote pain relief. You should start feeling results within about 1-4 hours. Depending on how severe the infection.

Peroxide deep cleanses within the mouth. It will work more rapidly and effectively and also, helping fight infection. It’s effectiveness is greater than regular mouthwash.

Echinacea helps fight infection by promoting your bodies able to cleanse. You should buy a good strong bottle (about 1,000 mg) and take as directed. Cleansing must work from inside out. Trust me. You will be happy you used it.

Anti-inflammatories reduce swelling, as well as, numb some of the pain.

Dandelion daily detox tea is almost instantaneous as to removing toxin, in this case infection. It works fast and rapidly. That is why it is important to use daily detox. Daily is mild, but works fast. Stronger than daily could cause adverse reactions. Especially, if you’ll need it about twice daily.

The heating pad soothes pain.

Important! You will also, need to drink plenty of water. Water will help remove toxins, as well and will prevent dehydration. Dehydration could occur from the usage of the dandelion detox tea. It is diuretic! Drink plenty of water!

This procedure should take effect within 1-4 hours. Take all pills and capsules as directed on their labels. The directed amount will, truthfully, be all you’ll need. That includes discontinuing use. Such as, within 24 hours, as according to the anti-inflammatory label.

The rinsing, the twice daily brushing and the triple antibiotic should continue on until you can see a dentist; or when all signs of infection are truthfully gone.

How to Add Greater Realism to Your Electric Fireplace!

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Photo by Milly Eaton-Pexels

There is nothing like coming in from the cold and warming up in a nice, cozy home. We’ve all done things to make home cozy and warm. We’ve added blanket throws and pillows. We’ve bought cocoa and added the marshmallows. We’ve even provided a fireplace. Yet, what can we do to make that electric, light show fireplace become more real? Here’s how!

In pictures, the flame of an electric fireplace can draw our attention and money. Some of us, “that own one, still like it. Others are disappointed. “It just isn’t real enough.” Well, here are some tips to make realism come to life.

Treat your electric fireplace as you would a real fireplace.

With a real fireplace, decorating around it makes it a centerpiece or focal point. Although, a fireplace is generally a focal point of its own. Not leaving it too bland and blank, as a surround, brings out beauty and enjoyment to any fireplace. Even when it sits unused. It stands a well decorated focal point that brings enjoyment to the eye.

Increase the ambiance effect.

Ambiance is the total reason why people buy electric fireplaces. For some, the results of an electric fireplace can be dissatisfying. Usually, due to the lack of realism in the flame effect, itself. Don’t despair! Candles, faux or real add a fantastic realism to any electric fireplace.

Using faux flame fire effect candles are next to impossible from telling the difference between real and not real. That same effect latches on to the the faux fireplaces effect by causing a blending of all of the flame effects into one big, beautiful fiery effect. A bonus, is when your electric fireplace is particularly small, the addition of candles broadens the flame. It gives the effect of a larger flame than what is actually there.

Use all of your senses.

There is more to a fireplace than meets the eye. Your nose and ears play a very important role in the total ambiance effect. Burning incense conveys the effect of burning wood. It also, leaves behind that smokey smolder, of lingering in the air, a wood fires smell.

Sound effect boxes made for adding greater ambiance to an electric fireplace sell for very little. You can find them online easily. Just search for fireplace sound effect boxes and they should pop right up. They make the relaxing crackling sound that mesmerizes our ears.

Photo by Ylanite Kloppens-Pexels

Don’t forget your taste buds! Enjoy your favorite drink or treat directly by the fire. The sight, sound and smell of that great fireplace experience is waiting for you. Your taste buds will enjoy the same!

Be Home Alone for Christmas and Still Have Fun!

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Public Domains Picture by Pexels

Christmas seems to always be a time for being around others. When Christmas turns into a day when alone is all there is to be. Think again! This might be the one day out of the entire year when you’ve finally gotten blessed with some serious “me time!” Top Hat Tips wants to inspire you to take Christmas alone and turn it into a self rewarding day. After all, you deserve it!

First- prepare ahead for your Christmas “me time.” Decide what you are going to eat. Make a list of what good foods your going to eat for the day. Plan your snacks, your drinks and even your dinner. This prep could help you spend more time on yourself, having this part done.

Plan your day. Get that music playlist together. Have it ready. So, you can just turn it on. Relaxation is merely waiting for you. Turn it on and let those cares fade away.

Photo by Burst

Have a spa day! Whether you are male or female, you can have a spa day. From a long hot shower to a nice relaxing soak in the tub. Get out your herbals or favorite after shave. Groom those hands and feet and take advantage of the free day and finally, have the time to pamper yourself.

Photo by Burst

Get on line and plan next years look. How do you want your hair? What unique style are you going to wear? A fun and easy way to picture yourself for next year is by getting online and hitting the Google Play Store. Download free apps that will help you style yourself by utilizing one or more photos of you. There are apps for fashion and hair. You can see yourself with a whole new look without paying a penny. Don’t forget to save your changed photos. You’ll want to refer to them when you start shopping for your new image.

Photo by Pixaby
Photo by Mentatdgt from Pexels

Send the ones you love electronic greeting cards. The Google Play Store has all the tools you’ll need to design your own personal graphic images. You can edit pictures of yourself, your friends and family. You could edit pictures of your pet. Also, available are free images from sites like Pixaby and Pexels.

If all else fails… Elf Yourself!!!

Top Hat Tips Brings to You…

tophat.tips disclaimer: Remember. Tips are the same as suggestions. Any suggestion used from this site is to your own discretion. Also, any search engine or web host is not responsible for suggestions nor content within this website.

“A Very Micro Christmas!”

T’was weeks before Christmas and all through the apartment. Not a Christmas was stirring, not even on my parchment. There was no room. No room for a tree. Only because my home was too tiny. There was furniture and things that could not be removed. The corners were all filled and I was behooved! I shut my eyes in sad dismay. Then chirping noise seemed to gather my way.

I looked out my window to see the sound and found tiny redbirds fluttering around. I was amazed to see so many. Usually one or two, but not that many!

I reached for my phone to snap a shot. Then one of them said, “Hey, guess what we’ve got?” I looked all around, ’cause I was in shock. “We’ve got good tips for you; You’ll like them a lot.”

My eyes grew big as I spoke my wonder. “Was that you little redbird? I truly ponder.” All the redbirds fluttered with wings a span. “Yes! We have spoken; We are your biggest fans!” Then with a hop and a sweet chirping sound. The leader ( I guess he was) waived his wing around. “You have a catalog called “limited Commodities” that just came in; don’t throw it away! Upon this, you must depend!” I said, “I cannot afford such things of delight.” Another bird answered, “You can on this night; look inside you’ll see, you’ll see; the one thing affordable will make you so happy!”

My package arrived very fast and swift. There was a larger box with a smaller one inside of it. Pictures I took for you to see. The box sent to me from “Limited Commodities!” There are a few more places on-line that sell these trees, too. I just wanted to relay were I bought this to you. Here are the pictures of the tree and inner box.

The tree hangs from the hook and requires three AA batteries for its lights. The hook and the star are one piece. The back of the star has a nail eyelet. It is exactly like hanging a picture.

Once the tree is unrolled, it can re-roll for storage. It refits back into its box that is only about two feet long and twelve inches wide.

The branches can bend. Out stretching them, like most false Christmas trees makes the tree look fuller.

Back again, the birds flew in; bringing to me another suggestion. “Go, again to the store you love; the Dollar Tree has gifts from above.”

Off to the Dollar Tree I went. My heart full of excitement. I didn’t expect to find much there, but what I found made me stair. I reflected back to the tree I bought. My mind finally caught– the tree had little redbirds on it. The Dollar Tree had them, too! Little redbirds to place here and there. How amazing! I do swear! This was most definitely a blessing from above. Little redbirds I do love.

Rushing straight home, I hoped to find the little redbirds still chirping their chime. I opened the door in haste to see. They were all there waiting for me.

I told the little redbirds my design. Hearing every word, the leader gave a sign. Up in the air flew up my bags, little redbird beaks removing the tags. Carefully they began to hang, every ribbon and bell. I photographed it all. So, to you I could tell.

First, there was the wrapping paper. Then the tree. The wrapping paper in the back; as you can see. Followed by the ribbon on all four sides. No blank spaces here. They cannot hide.

The two antique style signs to hang left and right. Don’t forget the presents. They’ll suit just right. They are card boxes all ready to see. They’ll cling perfectly beside the tree.

The star on top was a perfect match. A better star, I couldn’t attach!

I put the tins on the counter above, an arrangement of holly, some candles and a garland of love. Faux little redbirds positioned with care. To remind me of the real ones there.

A long story short. So, you can view. “A Very Micro Christmas” is what you can do. A flat wall tree and merely pennies, brings you elegance and Christmas glories!

So here is the view, come one, come all. My tale is the truth it is never tall! See what the little redbirds and I have done. In a tiny apartment, room for just one. Just down below, the pictures will show, a miracle had happened! I need you to know!

Merry Christmas to all with Blessings, plenty! A wonderful Christmas and barely a penny!

Enjoy the slideshow!

Season’s Greetings!