You’ve packed the swimsuits and the sunscreen, the bug spray and the camera, but did you remember to properly lock up and secure your home? While making that long vacation “to-do” list, don’t forget to include the proper safeguarding of your home on your list before you head off on your summer getaway.

If you’ll be away from your home for an extended amount of time, you might want to consider hiring a house sitter. Someone actually living in your home can help keep it safe from thieves, and your house sitter can also water your plants, retrieve your mail and newspapers, mow your lawn, or even take care of your pets while you’re away. And because your home will continue to look lived-in, it can hold less of an appeal to burglars. Hiring a house sitter is not the cheapest option for home security, but it can solve many problems at once and it is likely to be a solution that will give you the most peace of mind while you are away from home.

Nothing says “I’m not home” more than yellowed newspapers on your doorstep and mail overcrowding your mailbox. If you’ll be leaving your home for an lengthy holiday and if you don’t have someone you can ask to retrieve your mail and newspapers each day, you can ask for a stop delivery on both. The United States Postal Service will stop delivery and will hold your mail for up to 30 days for free, and you can either cancel your newspaper subscription or choose a stop delivery on your newsprint for however long you’ll be away. All you have to do is ask, whether in person or possibly even online.

With social media and online networking an ever-present entity in modern times, it’s easy to want to brag about your upcoming cruise or your month long road trip across America to all your online friends and family. But you may be unwittingly letting criminals know when your home will be an empty and easy target. Keep in mind that online information can be read by anyone, often even if your accounts are private, and you probably don’t want the entire world knowing that your property and home will be unattended during your vacation.

Don’t make your home a tempting target for possible criminals. Remembering to secure your home while you’re away can help keep your home and property safe, as well as help relieve any possible worries you might have so that you can actually relax and enjoy that much-needed vacation.

This post is part of a series designed to help newlyweds get the most out of lighting. Also be sure to check out our post about Click here for the perfect soundtrack for this post, then grab your bags and passports, because we’re taking you on a worldwide tour to find the most exsquisite, romantic lighting around the globe! The following list details some of the best honeymoon destinations in the world that are perfect for lovers of light.

1) Paris, France.

2) Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.

3) Alaska, Norway, Greenland… etc.

Basically, anywhere you can see the honeymoon packages that include viewing the northern lights, so you’ve definitely got a lot of options. Bonus: the University of Alaska has an Image via niagarafallslive.com

4)  Niagara Falls, New York, USA.

What’s better than mixing the breathtaking power of North America’s biggest waterfall with the dazzling glow of colored lights? You can enjoy the raw beauty of nature and the fascinating art of a light show at night. Combine that with the rustic charm of upstate New York and the Canadian border towns, and you won’t be disappointed!

5) Outer Banks, North Carolina, USA.

6) Anywhere you can get away from light polution.

7.  Convert the extra closet into a sewing/hobby center.  Install a custom-cut countertop and a little task light… “Viola!” You are done.

8.  Or, maybe you are not done….Why not literally “Knock Her Socks Off” and build her a bigger closet?!

Whether you are building a new closet or updating an existing one, there are specific rules for lighting an enclosed closet space.  The National Fire Protection Association’s National Electrical Code (NEC) sets standards for safety:

Because closets contain flammable material with limited ventilation, strict building codes dictate that specified lighting fixtures must be installed 18” to 24” from walls depending upon which lamp source is being used.  Surface mounted and recessed fixtures must allow for 6”-12” of clearance from any storage space, such as shelving or clothing rods.

♦Of course,these standards are not a problem for Mariah Carey whose closet is as big as a bedroom!

One of the latest changes to the NEC code is the addition of LED (light-emitting diode) fixtures.  LED lighting may cost a bit more, but energy-savings, greater illumination and safety features will prove to be well worth the investment over time.  The quality and adaptability of newer LED lighting makes it an excellent choice for closets and dressing rooms.

9.  Don’t leave Mom in the dark!  Create a cozy corner with a new den floor lamp so she may relax and read, while you watch the ball game! Try a lamp with full-spectrum lighting to elevate her spirits.

10.  Reward yourself:  Clean out the garage and carve out a space for a workshop that is all your own!

People are investing more into floor covering, cabinetry and shelving to make the most of their garage space.    Fluorescent fixtures, track lighting and simple portable lamps are making their way into upgraded organized garage systems.

If you are looking for a Plano electrician, you undoubtedly want one who cares about saving you time and money. Many electricians, even good ones, are motivated by money, so it is rare to find one that will share with you this trade secret: not all problems require a visit from an electrician. Fortunately, right here in Plano, TX, there is an electrician willing to troubleshoot common problems over the phone. This is a great benefit to customers, who can handle some issues without waiting around for a service call or shelling out tons of cash. The electrician Plano homeowners can call for advice is Electric Man, and here are a few scenarios that have been resolved over the phone:

Electrical systems all fit certain specifications, but electricians are not all the same. For a Plano electrician who knows the ropes and cares about your needs, consider Electric Man, Inc. To learn more, connect with us on all our social sites, or call us (972)792-7270.

analysis released by New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer, from 2003 to 2015, New York spent an average of $1.9 million per inch of snow. The city’s average annual cost over the past 14 years has been $95.5 million. One way to cut costs is to invest in LED snow plow lights. While it might cost more initially to replace halogen or incandescent bulbs with LEDs, the long-term payoff is worth it. LED snow plow lights can last 25 times longer than standard bulbs and fixtures, which means a significant reduction in maintenance and replacement costs.

LED snow plow lights are available in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and styles. From beacons, first state to use green lights on their snow plows, and they have also started using multiple color combinations, including amber, green, and white. Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Newfoundland, and the Yukon are using blue/amber combination lights to increase the visibility of their plows. All of these colors and color combinations are available in LED lights. The list below includes some of many LED lights that are perfect for snow plows in any part of the world.