LIFESTYLE

How To Keep Your Apartment Cool Without Air Conditioning

Published

3 weeks ago

June 8, 2024

How To Keep Your Apartment Cool Without Air Conditioning | Fab.ng

As temperatures rise, keeping your apartment cool becomes a top priority. While air conditioning is the go-to solution for many, there are several effective ways to cool your living space without AC. By implementing a combination of strategies, you can create a comfortable environment even during the hottest days of summer.

1. Utilise natural ventilation

Natural ventilation is one of the simplest and most effective ways to cool your apartment. Open windows and doors on opposite sides of your apartment to encourage cross-ventilation. This allows for fresh air to flow through your space, dissipating heat and creating a cooling breeze.

2. Harness the power of fans

Fans are invaluable tools for circulating air and creating a cooling effect. Invest in portable fans or utilise ceiling fans if available. Position fans strategically to maximise airflow, such as by placing them near windows or doorways to draw in cooler air from outside or create a cross breeze within your apartment.

3. Block out sunlight

Direct sunlight can quickly heat up your apartment, so it’s essential to block out as much sunlight as possible during the hottest parts of the day. Close curtains or blinds to keep out sunlight, particularly on windows that receive direct sunlight. Consider using reflective or blackout curtains for maximum effectiveness.

4. DIY air conditioning

Create your DIY air conditioning system by placing bowls of ice in front of fans. As the ice melts, the fan will blow cooler air into your living space, providing temporary relief from the heat. You can also hang damp towels in front of open windows to cool incoming air as it passes through.

5. Reduce heat-generating activities

Minimise activities that generate heat within your apartment, especially during the hottest parts of the day. Avoid using hot water appliances, cooking on stovetops, or running electronics that produce heat. Opt for cooler cooking methods like grilling or using a microwave instead.

6. Optimise insulation

Ensure your apartment is well-insulated to keep cool air in and hot air out. Seal any gaps around windows and doors to prevent air leaks. Consider using heat-reflective materials on windows or exterior walls to reduce heat absorption.

7. Stay cool with smart habits

Incorporate heat-resistant materials into your living space, such as lightweight, breathable fabrics for bedding and clothing. Additionally, create a comfortable sleeping environment by using cotton sheets and lightweight blankets.

Conclusion

Cooling your apartment without air conditioning is achievable with a combination of simple yet effective strategies. By utilising natural ventilation, fans, sunlight-blocking techniques, DIY air conditioning methods, and smart habits, you can create a comfortable living space even during the hottest days of summer. Experiment with different approaches to find the combination that works best for your apartment and lifestyle, and enjoy a cool and refreshing environment all summer long.

Long-term solutions to keep your apartment cool

Weather Stripping: Draughty windows and doors can allow hot air to seep in. Invest in weather stripping to seal any gaps and improve your apartment’s insulation.
Attic Ventilation: If your apartment gets particularly hot, consider improving attic ventilation. This helps to remove hot air trapped in the attic before it radiates down into your living space.

By implementing these strategies, you can effectively cool your apartment and create a comfortable haven during the hottest summer months. Remember, consistency is key. By making small adjustments to your daily routine and utilising these cooling hacks, you can keep cool and beat the heat without relying on air conditioning.

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HEALTHY LIVING

6 Ways To Stay Informed Without Sacrificing Your Mental Health

Published

14 hours ago

June 30, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

Staying informed without sacrificing your mental health | Fab.ng

In today’s fast-paced world, staying informed about current events feels like a constant race to keep up. It’s a double-edged sword. On one hand, staying informed empowers us to be active citizens, make informed decisions, and feel connected to the world around us.

But on the other hand, the constant barrage of news, especially negative stories, can leave us feeling overwhelmed and stressed. This negativity can be a real drain on our mental health, leading to anxiety, fatigue, and even feelings of helplessness.

The good news is there’s a way to navigate this information overload and find a healthy balance. Here are some tips to help you stay informed about current events without sacrificing your mental well-being:

1. Be a savvy news consumer

Not all news outlets are created equal. Instead of passively consuming whatever pops up on your social media feed, take some time to identify reliable sources known for accurate and balanced reporting. Look for established news organizations with a track record of journalistic integrity.

Steer clear of sensationalized headlines or news that seems to constantly push a specific agenda. Critical thinking is essential – ask yourself “Who is reporting this?” and “What is their perspective?”

2. Set boundaries and avoid the news cycle abyss

It’s easy to get sucked into a constant news cycle, endlessly refreshing apps and websites. Instead, set boundaries for yourself. Schedule specific times to check the news, maybe once in the morning and again in the evening.

This allows you to stay informed without getting overwhelmed by a never-ending stream of information.

3. Focus on solutions and uplifting stories

It’s easy to get bogged down by negativity. Don’t let all the bad news drown out the good. Make a conscious effort to seek out uplifting stories or news that highlights acts of kindness, progress, or human achievement.

Knowing that positive things are happening in the world can help counteract the negativity bias and boost your overall mood.

Look for stories about scientific breakthroughs, community initiatives, or acts of heroism – these can all help restore your faith in humanity.

4. Schedule digital detox breaks

It’s perfectly okay to step away from the news entirely sometimes. Schedule regular digital detox breaks to allow yourself to disconnect and recharge.

Pursue activities that help you relax and de-stress, like spending time in nature, reading a book, meditating, or enjoying a favourite hobby. Giving your mind a break from the constant news bombardment can improve your focus, creativity, and overall well-being.

5. Listen to your body and mind

Pay close attention to how the news you consume makes you feel. If you start feeling anxious, stressed, or overwhelmed after checking the news, take a break and come back to it later.

Importantly, be mindful of the types of news that trigger these negative emotions and try to limit your exposure to those sources. If you find yourself constantly dwelling on upsetting stories, consider taking a break from the news altogether for a few days.

6. Discuss news with friends and family

Talking about current events with trusted friends or family members can provide different perspectives and reduce feelings of isolation.

Sharing your thoughts and feelings about the news can also help you process information more effectively, making it less overwhelming. Discussing complex issues with others can lead to a better understanding of the world and your place in it.

By following these tips, you can transform your news consumption habits from a burden into a tool for empowerment. Remember, it’s all about finding a balance. You can stay informed about the world without sacrificing your mental health.

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BEAUTY

How To Strengthen Falling Hair With Castor Oil

Published

15 hours ago

June 30, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

Castor Oil: How To Strengthen Falling Hair | fab.ng

Hair loss and thinning can be a frustrating experience for men and women alike. It can be caused by various factors, including genetics, stress, hormonal changes, and even certain hairstyles. Fortunately, there are natural options like castor oil you can explore alongside consulting a doctor or dermatologist to help strengthen and regrow hair.

Castor oil, derived from the castor bean plant, is a popular natural remedy used for centuries to promote hair health. While scientific research is ongoing, many users swear by its effectiveness.

Let’s delve into the potential benefits of castor oil for hair and explore how to use it in your hair care routine safely and effectively.

What are the potential benefits of castor oil for hair?

Castor oil boasts a unique chemical composition, rich in a fatty acid called ricinoleic acid. This fatty acid is thought to have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

Here’s how these properties might contribute to hair health:

1. Improved scalp health

A healthy scalp is essential for healthy hair growth. Castor oil’s anti-inflammatory properties might help soothe a dry, itchy scalp. Additionally, some believe it can help combat dandruff and scalp conditions that impede hair growth.

2. Enhanced scalp circulation

When applied to the scalp, castor oil’s viscosity creates a gentle massaging effect. This massage can help stimulate blood circulation, potentially delivering more nutrients to hair follicles and promoting hair growth.

3. Moisturization and shine

This oil is a humectant that attracts moisture to the hair shaft. This can be especially beneficial for dry, brittle hair, as it helps add moisture and prevent breakage. Additionally, the oil’s lubricating properties can leave hair looking shinier and smoother.

4. Strengthening hair strands

Castor oil is rich in ricinoleic acid, which some studies suggest may help promote keratin production. Keratin is a protein that forms the building blocks of hair, and adequate levels are crucial for strong, healthy hair growth.

It’s important to note that while these potential benefits are promising, more research is needed to definitively confirm the effectiveness of castor oil for hair growth. However, many users report positive experiences with castor oil for strengthening and improving the overall health of their hair.

Is castor oil right for you?

The oil is generally considered safe for topical use on the scalp and hair. However, it’s always a good idea to do a patch test before applying it liberally.

Apply a small amount of castor oil to the inner side of your elbow.
Wait 24 hours to see if there’s any redness, itching, or irritation. If you experience any negative reactions, discontinue use.

Castor oil is a thick, viscous oil. While it offers moisturizing benefits, it can also weigh down fine hair if not used properly. If you have fine hair, consider diluting the castor oil with a carrier oil like coconut oil, jojoba oil, or almond oil before applying it.

Incorporating castor oil into your hair care routine

There are several ways to incorporate this oil into your hair care routine. Here are a few methods to explore:

Hot oil treatment: This is a popular method for deeply conditioning the hair and scalp.
- Warm a small amount of the oil until slightly warm. Be careful not to overheat the oil, as it can burn the scalp.
- Massage the oil gently into your scalp and hair, focusing on the ends.
- Cover your hair with a shower cap or wrap it in a warm towel. Leave the oil on for 30 minutes to an hour.
- Wash your hair thoroughly with a gentle shampoo and conditioner.
Scalp massage: Castor oil can be used for a quick scalp massage to stimulate circulation and promote relaxation.
- Apply a few drops to your fingertips.
- Massage the oil gently into your scalp using circular motions for a few minutes.
- Leave the oil on for 30 minutes or longer.
- Wash your hair thoroughly with shampoo and conditioner.
Hair mask: Combine castor oil with other hair-nourishing ingredients to create a deeply conditioned hair mask.

Here’s a simple DIY recipe: 1 tablespoon castor oil, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 tablespoon yoghurt, 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
- Apply the mask to your hair, focusing on the mid-lengths and ends.
- Cover your hair with a shower cap or wrap it in plastic wrap. Leave the mask on for 30 minutes to an hour

if you enjoyed this article, consider reading more here.

FOOD

How To Bake Original Shortbread Cookies

Published

18 hours ago

June 30, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

How To Bake Original Irish Shortbread Cookies | Fab.ng

Are you a cookie lover? Do you like shortbread cookies? If you’ve ever dreamt of enjoying those melt-in-your-mouth, melt-in-your-heart shortbread cookies but thought they were complicated to make, think again!

These crumbly delights boast a rich history in Scottish baking, dating back centuries. But fear not, because despite their impressive lineage, homemade shortbread cookies are surprisingly achievable for bakers of all levels.

The beauty lies in their simplicity. You only need a handful of basic ingredients – most likely already sitting in your pantry – to create a batch of these buttery perfection.

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need for your delicious homemade shortbread cookies:

225 grams (1 cup) of unsalted butter: Make sure your butter is softened at room temperature for easier creaming.
100 grams (1/2 cup) of granulated sugar: This will add the perfect amount of sweetness to your cookies.
280 grams (2 1/4 cups) of all-purpose flour: This is the base that will give your cookies their crumbly texture.
(Optional) 1/4 teaspoon of salt: A little bit of salt can actually help enhance the flavor of your cookies, but it’s totally up to you.

Now that you have your ingredients gathered, let’s get baking!

Irish Shortbread Recipe

Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating these melt-in-your-mouth shortbread cookies:

1. Warm up the oven

Get the baking mood going by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). While your oven reaches the perfect temperature, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This will save you time and frustration later – no one wants to wrestle with stuck-on cookies!

2. Creamy magic

In a large bowl, combine your softened butter and sugar. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, or a good old-fashioned wooden spoon with some elbow grease, cream the mixture together until it becomes light and fluffy.

This step is important because it incorporates air into the dough, which is the secret weapon behind those melt-in-your-mouth cookies we all love. Imagine tiny air bubbles throughout the dough, creating a light and airy texture – that’s what you’re aiming for here.

3. Building the dough

Now, it’s time to gradually add the flour and a pinch of salt (if you’re using it) to the creamed butter and sugar mixture. A helpful trick is to start by adding half the flour, mixing it well until there are no streaks of flour remaining.

Then, incorporate the rest of the flour and continue mixing until everything comes together and forms a firm but pliable dough. Remember, you don’t want a sticky mess – a dough that’s slightly firm but still easy to handle is ideal.

4. Getting creative

Here comes the fun part – shaping your dough! Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. If you have cookie cutters in fun shapes, this is your chance to get creative. Roll out the dough to about ½ inch thickness and use your cookie cutters to create unique shapes.

Don’t have cookie cutters? No problem. Simply press the dough into an ungreased baking pan (think an 8-inch square pan) and prick it all over with a fork. This will create tiny holes for even baking and prevent the dough from puffing up too much.

Shortbread Cookie Recipe | fab.ng

5. Chilling out (optional)

If you have some extra time on your hands, consider chilling the dough in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This step helps the cookies keep their shape during baking, resulting in clean edges and a more uniform look. But if you’re short on time, you can skip this step and proceed straight to baking.

6. Baking time

Place your shaped cookies on the prepared baking sheet, or if you pressed the dough into a pan, pop the whole pan in the oven. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown.

Remember, shortbread cookies shouldn’t be dark brown; they should maintain a pale color with a hint of golden brown around the edges. Resist the urge to overbake – that’s the enemy of a perfectly soft and crumbly shortbread cookie.

7. Allow the shortbread cookies to cool

Once the cookies are done, take them out of the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet or in the pan for about 10 minutes. This allows them to set a bit before you transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

If you baked a large piece of dough in a pan, cut it into squares or bars while it’s still warm, but not too hot to handle.

8. Store your delicious shortbread cookies

These delightful cookies store well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to several weeks. So go ahead, bake a big batch and share them with friends, family, or simply indulge in a homemade treat yourself. You deserve it after all that baking magic.

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