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Home Fire Safety Tips

Protect your home and your family with these 4 essential home fire safety tips:

 

1) Create multiple fire escape plans for your family to adhere to in the event of an emergency. Having an escape plan is a critical and proactive step to keeping your family safe. As part of your family’s escape plan, designate a specific individual(s) to get infants and small children out of the home safely. Ensure that you review and practice the escape plans with the entire family several times. You can never be too cautious.

2) In the event of a fire, exit the building immediately. Beforehand you will need to identify the most appropriate exits to be taken in the event of a fire. Ensure that the entire family is aware of where the exits are located. Also take into consideration any obstacles that may be in the way such as burglar bars or furniture that might block these exits. When you get out of the building, stay out and call for help. Do not go back into the home for anything.

3) If you are trapped in the building and cannot safely escape try your best to keep smoke out of the room by covering the spaces around the doors and other points of entry with tape, towels, or whatever you have available. If you are trapped in a room with a window, stay near it and keep it opened. If you are unable to escape through the window then signal for help with a light-colored cloth or a flashlight.

4) As a family, develop fire safety habits:

  • Prevent the start of fires by avoiding having several appliances plugged into a single electrical socket.
  • When you are cooking do not leave the stove unattended. Any item that can catch on fire should be kept away from your stovetop especially if it is lit.
  • Keep candles at least 12 inches away from anything that can burn easily and always have them placed on a non-flammable surface. Remember to blow them out when you are leaving a room and especially before going to sleep.
  • Lastly, keep matches and lighters in a safe place, out of the reach of children.

 

Were the above tips useful?  Share this article with family and friends.  If you need any clarification on this topic, feel free to email us at feedback@millenia.dm.

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Summer Plant Care Tips

The summer heat is on and you are trying your best to keep yourself cool. Your plants are also feeling the brunt of the heat and require some cooling and a little tlc too.

 

Here are some tips that you should follow to help your plants make the best of this growing season:-

 

-Water your plants more than you normally do to make up for the lack of humidity in atmosphere. Potted plants need special care as they can’t grow deep into earth in search of water. Even though the quantity of water would vary according to the soil and plant type, the soil should generally be moist at all times of the day.

 

-If your pot soil is sandy, try mixing it with some amount of clay. Sandy soil becomes dry easily and mixing it with some clay will help retain moisture.

 

-You can also cover the top layer of the soil with mulch, containing wooden pieces, twigs, dead plant leaves, etc. It will not only provide extra fertilizer for the soil but will also help retain the moisture of the soil. Small pebbles may also be used to cover the soil.

 

-Potted plants can be kept in a cluster instead of being scattered. This way they will lose water only from the external sides and will also face sun from only one side.

 

-During summer water the plants during early morning or just after sunset, to avoid evaporation of the water.

 

-Proper pruning of the plants should be done and unnecessary foliage should be removed from the plants to avoid excess loss of water trough transpiration.

 

-The plant soil should be provided more fertilizer in summer to sustain their high growth and extra energy requirement.

 

-All kinds of weeds should be rooted out of the plant soil, so that the nutrients and water meant for your plants are not used up by weeds.

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HOME OFFICE LOOKING LIKE THE GAME JUMANJI?

You once worked in a well laid-out and organized office, but now the Coronavirus pandemic, COVID19, has demanded that you work from your home to support the “Stay at Home” drive, which will assist in curbing the spread of this deadly disease.

In some cases, this situation now calls for starting a makeshift office at home.  A piece of your personal space, is now being used to create a workspace, and it may just seem like a misfit.

No need to worry, we can help you work through this and succeed in creating a comfortable workspace at home.

Here are some vital tips on how to create an organized home workspace, which will surely contribute to an environment that will contribute immensely to your productivity.

 

Firstly and most importantly…


1. Keep it clutter free – clear your desk whenever you step out; it could be for a short break.  A clean desk policy should be a usual practice, to keep all information confidential.

2. Give everything its space – everything deserves its space and must be kept there at all times. When you have a designated space for everything, items are easier to locate, and this saves time.

When everything is in place…
3. This makes your desk a combination of inspiration and efficiency. Place a wall art or a framed client testimonial within your line of sight – when things get tough, one needs a little motivation.   You can also keep a vision board close by to remind you of your long-term goals and a calendar to keep track of important activities and appointments.


You are inspired and motivated, now…
4. Reduce stress and improve creativity and productivity, by adding a few plants to your office space. Some plants are known to help reduce noise levels, and provide clean air.


Keep your space well lit…
5. Ample lighting is important for every type of workspace.  This improves motivation level and functionality.  Working near windows, also increases your access to natural light, which has a positive effect on how you feel.

Whether you work from home or in a formal business setting these tips can be quite useful.

Contact us for a free consultation at feedback@millenia.dm.

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Out With The Old, In With The Steel

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Putting the Cart Before the Horse

If you actually wanted to get to your destination, would you put the cart before the horse? We dare say that you would answer no.

This is why it is amazing that many potential home buyers put the cart before the horse and go out to search for homes without going to a financial institution first to find out what mortgage amount they could qualify to receive.  We share the following 3 main reasons why prospective buyers should visit their lender before searching for homes.

Be ready to compete

Most times a buyer finds a great deal on a home, there are many other buyers who have also found it.  A buyer who has been to their lender, brought in all the requisite information and has been advised of the mortgage amount they would qualify for is in a position of strength.  This buyer knows for sure how much they should offer in negotiations with a seller and is able to offer a shorter time to complete the purchase because they have already begun the loan application process.

Do not short-change or disappoint yourself

A buyer who guesses how much house he can afford could easily be placed at a disadvantage. If a buyer thinks he can afford less, he could waste time looking at lower quality homes although he may be able to afford more.  However, if a buyer can afford more than he thinks, he could be setting themselves up for great disappointment if he falls in love with a home that he eventually finds out he cannot afford.

It is practical.

It is just sensible for a buyer to first begin the loan application process and find out how much a

lender is able to provide to him as a mortgage loan then go out to view properties at an appropriate price.  This will save the buyer, seller and real estate agent the time and inconvenience caused from discussing and visiting homes that the buyer cannot afford.

 

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Season’s Greetings from the Executive Director

It is the Christmas season; a season many of us look forward to every year. It is the time when we spend more time with our loved ones, reflect on the year’s activities and look towards the New Year. For the Millenia Group of Companies, this past year has been very challenging with many changes, and opportunities.

Two of the most significant achievements for the Millenia Group in 2019 include: arriving at an agreement with the Office of the NAO Dominica for design and construction of 2 regional emergency shelters. The second achievement is that we have begun the process of renewal as we innovate and adapt to the changes faced in the industry and develop plans for the future that build on our strengths.

During this season, it always brings about a time for pause and reflection, so I write this Christmas message expressing my appreciation to those of you who have supported our group either directly as clients or through referrals or merely considering us through your development goals. Behind the scenes, thank you to our dedicated staff who have supported with your talents and time — designing, supervising, preparing and reviewing, and sharing your positive energy where needed. I am always humbled by your drive to make our organization better. The words “thank you” do not begin to express my gratitude.

To those of you whose expectations we did not meet this past year, we trust that 2020 will be our year to serve you with the greatest pleasure and satisfaction.

To all of you— have a wonderful season and may the peace & joy that this season brings be yours today and always.

Warm Regards,

Alistair Grell.
Executive Director

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Embrace the Christmas Season

Written by Garn Todd Joseph

Website & Advertising Assistant for the Millenia Group of Companies

Millenia Architects | Millenia Realty | Sorell Consulting Ltd. | Kaliber Construction & Homes

 

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, not a single Christmas decoration could be found. No stockings were hung, no mistletoe in sight, such a terribly dreadful Christmas night. As we celebrate this most joyous time of the year, let us take the time to make our homes feel as festive as our merry hearts. Turn your home into a festive gathering place for family and friends by sprucing it up with a few simple and creative holiday décor ideas.

 

  • Are you unsure of how to display your collection of holiday cards? Turn them into works of art. Use clips or clothespins to string them around your living room or against the wall.

 

  • Create Christmas themed slipcovers for your chairs. Cover your dining room chairs and wrap a bow around each one; Christmas ornaments can also be incorporated for extra pizazz. Ensure that the underside is properly secured with tape, if necessary.

 

  • Use Christmas themed curtains and other drapery around your home. If you do not have any with Christmas designs, simply use any with colors that most associate with the holiday: red, white, green, gold, etc.  Even your dining table can come alive with a Christmas themed table cloth fabric.

 

  • Lighting is an important aspect of Christmas. If you’ve grown weary of the traditional Christmas lights another option would be to purchase colored light bulbs to replace your regular bulbs.

 

 

  • Tie a bow around your throw pillows on your couch, bed, etc. with holiday-colored ribbons, and they’ll look just like Christmas presents! Add a few rhinestone pins for additional sparkle.

 

 

  • If you can’t get access to a real Christmas tree don’t lose hope. There are many alternative methods that you can use this holiday season. Click the link below for a few creative alternatives provided by Elle Décor to choose one that suits you. You can also search for other alternatives, or create one yourself. Be as creative as possible.

http://www.elledecor.com/life-culture/cleaning-organizing/g13/alternative-christmas-trees/

 

  • Homemade Christmas decorations can make wonderful additions to your home this holiday season. Spend time as a family creating decorations to make this holiday season feel more personal.

 

What other Christmas decorating ideas can you think of?

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Organize Your Office Space

Written by Garn Todd Joseph

Website & Advertising Assistant for the Millenia Group of Companies

Millenia Architects | Millenia Realty | Sorell Consulting Ltd. | Kaliber Construction & Homes

 

Here are six (6) tips to help you create a workspace that is efficient, well-organized and improves productivity.

  1. Keeping your office space clutter free helps reduce stress and improves organization and efficiency. One way to ensure that your work station remains free of clutter is by clearing your desk whenever you step out. When you are going out for a break, to do a few errands or you are stepping out for the day, clear out your space.
  2. Keep everything in its place.When you have a designated space for everything, items are easier to The familiarity of your workspace also removes distractions making it easier to focus and prioritize your work.
  3. Make your desk a combination of inspiration and efficiency. Consider having wall art or client testimonials close by to inspire you and keep you motivated. You can also keep a vision board close by to remind you of your long-term goals and a calendar to keep track of important activities and appointments.
  4. Adding a few plants to your office space or working in an area with a view of outside helps to reduce stress and improves Working near windows also increases your access to natural light which has a positive effect on how an individual feels.
  5. Ample lighting is important for every type of workspace. This improves your motivation and functionality by creating a productive atmosphere that is conducive for working.
  6. The design of your office space should reflect your company’s character. By your design choices you can communicate your brand to customers/visitors. Your choice of decor, furniture, etc. should reflect your business culture and appeal to the type of customers you want to attract.

Whether you work from home or in a formal business setting these tips can be quite useful.

Were the above tips useful?  Share this article with family and friends.  If you need any clarification on this topic, feel free to email us at feedback@millenia.dm.

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Should You Rent Out Your Property?

Written by Garn Todd Joseph

Website & Advertising Assistant for the Millenia Group of Companies

Millenia Architects | Millenia Realty | Sorell Consulting Ltd. | Kaliber Construction & Homes

 

Your existing property may become vacant for many reasons: move overseas, purchase of another home, etc.  This presents an opportunity to go into the property rental business.

Renting out your property rarely results in sudden wealth. However, it can be a great source of immediate income as well as a long-term investment.

 

Consider these 3 excellent reasons for renting out your property:

 

  • Homes placed on the market for sale can take several months, even years before a serious buyer comes along. Finding a suitable tenant is often much quicker and will bring in income while you wait for a sale.
  • Not only are rental transactions quicker but they also provide the benefit of assisting with the payment of any mortgage loan related to the property.
  • If you’re not satisfied with your current home value, renting out the property to obtain income to make upgrades that will increase the home’s value is a great idea.

 

While renting a property brings income, it does come with its share of headaches.  As a landlord you will be responsible for maintaining the property and sometimes you have to deal with difficult tenants. This is why many property rental owners hire a Property Manager to handle tenants’ concerns, deal with rent collection, etc.

 

Should you rent your house or sell it? Do your research; weigh the pros and cons of your situation before making a final decision.

 

Were the above tips useful?  Share this article with family and friends. If you need any clarification on this topic, leave a comment below or feel free to email us at realty@millenia.dm.

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Getting Organized Before School Starts

Busy ticking off items on your list of to-do for school opening?  I’m sure by now you have checked books, pencils, uniforms, bags, and even new looks (hair cut, hair accessories)… I bet you didn’t include anything for the home.  At home is where learning continues and creating a good learning environment is important in facilitating our children’s learning experience.  What can we do at home to make this new school year more exciting and rewarding?

 

  1. A dedicated study area – Place a table and chair in the bedroom or in an area with minimum distractions. Designating a desk and study area emphasizes the importance of schoolwork.  The child will associate this area with learning.  This works for me, whenever I go into my study area my mind automatically gets into study mode.

 

  1. Organizers/calendar – Place a large calendar on the wall or bedroom door. A paper calendar with large squares lets you enter information easily.  Enter school events and activities and probably even home schedules into the calendar.  You can also colour code entries, based on urgency or importance.  If you have more space, use it to hang up projects and test papers or newspaper articles.

 

  1. Put up some hooks – Tired of picking up after your son/daughter? Place hooks in selected areas of the room to encourage them to hang their stuff up instead of throwing it on the bed or even on the floor.  Be sure to place the hooks at a level the child can easily reach.

 

  1. Create a snack/lunch making area – If you prepare snack and lunch for your child, especially if it’s different from your meals then it would be helpful to place these ingredients and items together in one area or in a particular cupboard. This will surely help you beat the morning rush.  Put in anything you use to prepare the lunch and snack and anything you send them to school with, like lunch bowls, foil paper, bread and peanut butter. My son loves peanut butter!

 

  1. Organize clothing storage– “Mom I can’t find my ….” You know this phrase right? Before the new clothes are added throw or give out those that are not in use and arrange the others appropriately to avoid that call.

 

  1. Organize and store papers and notes – Designate a spot in the house where you will store and organize papers that will later require your attention and projects that you want to keep. If you do not have a designated area, use a small storage box and file folders to store and arrange test papers, and used exercise books so that when it’s time to revise, they will be easy to locate.

 

Get your children to participate in the organizing process, after all you are doing it for them too.  They may have some good ideas and this could make this activity fun and add to the back to school excitement.