Undiscovered Bahamas: Top Things to do in The Exumas

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If you’re looking for an ultimate escape – a vacation in the Exumas located in the Bahamian paradise is what’s in store for you. You’re most likely swim with the charming pigs and gentle nurse sharks, see giant starfish, and even feed wild but friendly iguanas.

You may want to spend your entire year boating and floating through the 365 cays, as what locals say, one cay per day. Majority of the cays are uninhabited and some are under the ownership of celebrities. Don’t worry about the place where you’ll spend the rest of your dream escape. There are numerous vacation homes in the Exumas to choose from which will truly offer a one of a kind experience from a relaxing ambiance to waking up to the stunning views every day. 

Discover the paradise of the Exumas. Let’s make the most out of your stay in this undiscovered series of islands in the Bahamas.

Let the journey begin

You can start your adventure on Great Exuma’s northern shore which is the Barraterre. You may rend a boat together with a trusty captain and guide to show you the best spots in the area. Are you curious about the color of water? It seems like a gradient from sea green to sapphire. It will definitely be the beautiful water you’ll ever see in your entire journey.
 
The Starfish Reserve

Here, tons of starfish will welcome you as they are being seen almost covering the ocean floor. It may be your first time to them that big! It is fine to pick them up for as long as you don’t keep them out of the water for a long time. Since the water is too shallow, you can easily find them.

Conch shell diving

Not too far from the Starfish Reserve, your guide will dive into the water and come up with several conch shells. It will be later used to make tasty conch salad. It is the Bahamas’ version of ceviche. Its ingredients include the raw conch that will be pulled out from the shell, chopped onions, peppers, lime and orange juices and some spices that they want to add up to.

Little Farmer's Cay

Here is where you find a little civilization which comprises of around 70 people. Of all the cays, it is the said to be the first one to be inhabited. It is about 40 minutes if you’re coming from Great Exuma. You’ll find a restaurant and a small grocery in the island, a place where locals gather and play dominos.

Little Galliot Cay sandbar

It’ll definitely a one of a kind experience where you can step on a footprint-less stretch of pristine sand so be ready and make your first mark. It is ideal to visit in the morning during low tide. Spend a couple of hours to hang out here where complete solitude ambiance is just so perfect. 

Thunderball Grotto

As you cross the water from the Staniel Cay Yacht Club, you’ll see the Thunderball Grotto. It is a marine cave which is a perfect place to explore the world down under for snorkelers and experienced scuba divers. It’s somehow a bit of work as you paddle inside but to tell you honestly, it’s work all the effort. This grotto was featured in one of James Bond movies Thunderball and Never Say Never Again.

Staniel Cay

You’ve landed on the activity hub in the cays. It is also a favorite destination of yachters. The Staniel Cay Yacht Club is the only full-service marina that can be found in the cays. The restaurant in the club is the best place to have your lunch, dinner and ever a place to be for the nightlife.

Big Major's Cay

Here’s one of the highlights of your Bahamian paradise getaway, swimming with the lovable pigs at the Big Major’s Cay. They are so friendly. As you come to the island they automatically dive right in and swim to welcome you. Don’t forget to bring some scraps to feed them. 

Allan's Cay

Another highlight of your dream escape is can be experienced in Allan’s Cay. Get ready with your grapes and stick. This destination is home to hundreds of wild but friendly iguanas. Just put a grape on your stick and they’ll crawl towards your position. It’s really an exciting experience!

Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park

This is a protected area and the first of its kind in the world. It boasts of some of the best snorkeling and diving spots in the Bahamas. Since it’s rich with marine biodiversity and still unspoiled to the point that the water has essentially never been fished, you’ll definitely be amazed of the world down under. Other activities that you can engage yourself with when in the area are hiking and bird watching.

Compass Cay

It is notably known as an unspoiled deserted island boater’s paradise. The setting here seems to be tie up your boat and grab a Kalik Beer while hanging out with fellow boaters that came from the different part of the world. Here, you don’t need to be afraid to swim with the harmless and friendly nurse sharks. They are adorable.

Shroud Cay

If you go around at the back of the Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park by means of boating, it is possible for you to climb to one of its highest points. If you want to do it, you need to be prepared as you’ll wade through around shoulder deep water and be ready to climb a rocky path. Don’t worry, it may take much energy and effort, but it’s okay. The 360 degrees view is so stunning!

Norman's Cay

Be ready to taste the best cocktail and excellent Bahamian cooking in one of the best restaurant in the Norman’s Cay, the MacDuff.

The Difference Between Residential and Commercial Gutters

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Are you a commercial business looking to replace your gutter system? You may not know, but when replacing your gutter system for the first time there are many different factors that you need to take into consideration to ensure that you choose the perfect system for your business. One of the big decisions that you will have to make is whether to opt for residential gutters or commercial gutters and this decision is normally based on the type of property that it is needed for. In this article, we will be taking you through the main differences between residential and commercial gutters, so you can choose the one that will be best for you.

 The Installation Process

One of the biggest differences between commercial and residential gutters is how they are installed. Residential gutters are designed to be installed in your home. They will be installed on the edge of the roof and this is normally a shed, gable, or hipped roof. With commercial guttering, these are normally installed in commercial properties which are often bigger and you will also often find that they have flat roofs.

The Size and Style of the Gutter 

Another big difference to consider when choosing between residential and commercial guttering Is the size and style. The size and style used for a residential property will not be the same as that of a commercial property. In a residential property, you will tend to find that U-shape or K-style gutters are used, however, in commercial properties the preferred choice is often commercial box gutters. When getting commercial box gutters, you will first get a quote for the cost of the job. If you are happy with this quote, the work can then begin. The first stage is to remove the previous gutters and they should be recycled if this is possible. If not, then they should be disposed of properly. The next stage is to have your new commercial box gutters installed. This is done with either steel or aluminium and they will be affixed to the building with industrial strength brackets for long term secure fastening. The final inspection will then be carried out to ensure that the new guttering system is performing to the best of its capabilities.

Negative Repercussions

It is vitally important that you understand the difference between residential and commercial gutters as choosing the wrong one can have disastrous consequences for your home or commercial property. If you do not have the proper coverage then you risk having your gutters not being able to do their job properly. This can then lead to leaks in the roof and your gutters becoming damaged. This can result in lots of time and money being wasted trying to correct this problem and changing the gutter system.

Laws and Regulations 

Depending on where you live, there can be different rules and regulations that you need to follow when you are having new guttering systems installed. Make sure that you check out what your local laws and regulations are. This is particularly important if you own a commercial property as it is likely that there could be regulations about the gutter size, how they are installed and where exactly the water drains out.


Don’t Always Opt for the Biggest Guttering System

A common mistake that many people can make it opting for the biggest guttering system that they can which is often true in residential properties. The thought behind this is normally that you can achieve better coverage and it will require less maintenance, however, the experts will tell you that this is not the case. Just because a guttering system is bigger, this does not necessarily mean that it will be a better fit for your particular property. It is also worth remembering that big gutters can also require more maintenance than small gutters as they can end up collecting more debris.

The Aesthetics 

As well as all of the practical advice above to take into consideration, it is also important that you think about the aesthetics of the guttering system that you are choosing. When you put a large commercial gutter system on a residential home it can appear bulky and take away from the lovely look of your home. What’s more, it will also cover the fascia board and trimming that you want to carry out to keep your home looking the way that you desire. Take a look at other houses that you like and see what gutters they have installed. This can give you a better idea of what exactly you should opt for, just make sure you are looking at places with a similar style of roof!

The Items You Need to Improve Your Home Décor

No matter whether you are decorating your very first home or are looking to overhaul just one room that needs sprucing, interior design is lots of fun and is the ultimate way to put your own stamp on a home to make it yours. However, interior design can be a tricky, and costly, process and so it is vital that you are not wasting your money on unnecessary purchases. In this article, we are taking you through the items that you should consider implementing in your new interior design project that will instantly lift a room.

Plants 

One of the easiest ways in which you can spruce up your home is to bring the outdoors, in! Really, this type of purchase can be as expensive or as cheap as you want it to be. This can range from anything from a gorgeous bonsai tree to a simple fern. It is also important to consider the maintenance of plants and so you may want to opt for one that is not going to require a whole lot of attention from you. Plants come in a tonne of different shapes, sizes and colours, so no matter what the colour scheme is of your home, you should be able to find one that fits with your room.

Rugs 

A good investment to make in any room when it comes to interior design is a rug. This can add colour, warmth and texture to any room and it is definitely an essential for any room that has a cold wood or tiled floor. Always try to check it out in person before purchasing online so you can get a better idea of its real size and how it will fit in your room.

Artwork

Another easy way to add some gorgeous finishing touches to a room when having an interior design overhaul is to get good artwork. We would recommend getting a focal piece for a room as not only will it add that little something extra to your room, it will also act as a great conversation piece. At an online art marketplace such as Fine Art America, you can choose from a wide range of wall art prints including framed prints, canvas prints, art prints, metal prints, acrylic print and posters. With millions of unique products to choose from, you are sure to find the perfect artwork for the room you are designing.

Chairs

No matter whether you are changing up the interior design of your kitchen, living room, or dining room, chairs are normally always involved and can be a great feature in any room. Opt for a comfortable feature chair that everyone will want to sit in and that adds personality to a room.

Pillows

Finally, don’t forget the importance of a good pillow. Pillows provide the homely feel to a room and you can even match them to your artwork for a polished and sleek look. We would recommend keeping away from the unusual patterns and textures and opting for classic styles with soft edges and clean colours.

Pests in Your Home: More Than Just a Nuisance

Pests are almost unavoidable, populating every part of the globe. The problem is that for every specimen you see there are many more that you don't. Once they enter your domain, they tend to reproduce and invite others and before you know it you have a pest infestation. Not only are they a bother, but they can get into and contaminate your food supply, bite, cause allergies and disease and damage the structure of your home. The good news is that you have the ability to reduce the risks of pests entering your home through common sense measures and professional services.

When to Use Pest Control

A fly here and there or a stray ant making its way to your sink may not warrant the need for professional help. However, if you live in a bug-friendly region like Northern Virginia and turn on the lights to find many bugs scurrying to seek cover, calling the pros is certainly something to consider. Luckily there are many companies that specialize in pest control in the Northern VA area and other places where a variety of bugs pose a threat to homeowners. They can do a thorough search of your home, including the outside perimeter to see if you have an undetected infestation. Then they will then provide a monthly treatment designed to address your particular needs based on their findings.

Disrupting Your Life

Pests are more than just a nuisance. They come into your home seeking shelter and food. The problem is that if you don't properly seal dry goods or prolong your cleanups they will take root. Things like replacing the paper flour and sugar bags with plastic resealable containers are a step in the right direction. Wiping down counters and appliances, vacuuming and cleaning floors often also helps. If you have children make sure to limit their snacks to certain areas so as not to spread the insects to other areas of your home. Leaky pipes that produce moisture can also cause insects to stay around. Bugs like the cockroach hang out near moisture-prone areas. By eliminating access to water you can help to rid your home of these critters.

Hazardous to You and Your Family

During the spring and fall months, many people open their windows and doors as a way of bringing in the fresh air. Unfortunately, if your screens are not sealed properly or have holes in them, that's not all that will enter. Insects such as flies, mosquitoes, and bees will also find their way inside. Flies regurgitate every time they land on you, your furniture, countertops, or your food. Since they collect food from dirty sources like trash cans, they can spread diseases like typhoid causing family members to become sick. Many mosquitoes carry the West Nile Virus which is especially dangerous to seniors and young children and bees that have a hive near your home can become territorial and protective making them aggressive and willing to sting. Before opening your windows make sure that the screens fit tightly and that there are no visible holes.

Compromising Your Home's Structure

If you live near a construction site or an abandoned home, you may end up with insects like the carpenter ant or termites. Since they work their way from the inside out, early detection is critical to preserving your home's foundation and structure. Once you see one it's almost always too late. If you reside near suspect areas or if you think you may have a problem, have a professional take a look to confirm or allow you to breathe a sigh of relief.

Preventative Measures

Regardless of the climate, you live in, pests will find a way indoors. Thankfully, there are things you can do to reduce the possibility of them entering. Trim hedges, cut back tree limbs and remove weeds from around the perimeter of your home. Make sure your outdoor spigot is completely off and dispose of any stale source of water accumulated from recent rains. If you have a wood pile near your home, move it back at least 5 to 10 feet from your foundation.

Humans and pests coexist, so there is never a way to completely eliminate them from your home. However, there are many ways to prevent an infestation and keep them under control.

Ways to Update Your Home

It might seem like a superfluous task to fix up your home. You already live there and, as long as things work, you may feel fine with the way things are. However, taking the time to remodel and repair has beneficial effects on your cost of living, quality of life, and your overall health. The how and why might seem baffling at first, but there are a number of ways to update your home, at an affordable cost. Here are just a few tips to help you get started.

The Why

Updating your home can affect your health. A remodel is a change in your life, and change is good for you! It allows you to practice flexibility and adapt to different circumstances. Change also pushes you out of your comfort zone. When you learn to be okay with the changing circumstances around you, you get out of your rut. This can also help you manage anxiety and stress in a more healthy way, with positive coping skills and acceptance, instead of a fight. Changing your home can be a deep emotional experience. A home is full of memories and it can seem disloyal to change anything about the way it has always been. However, if you welcome the change, you may find it becomes even better than what it was when you began. You can do it.

Kitchen Remodel

A kitchen remodel is one of the most popular home updates, and with good reason. Modernizing your kitchen can improve everything from basic cooking to family gatherings during the holidays. Some ways to do this include switching to stone or glass countertops, and sanding and painting your wooden cabinets to give them a new flair. If your kitchen needs more than a few slight changes, you should consider a full and complete kitchen remodel. This gives you the opportunity to work up close with design professionals to reinvent your kitchen. The creative choices are up to you; however, you will have the chance to run them by a designer, to be sure you have what you want. Remodeling this way also takes some of the DIY pressure off of you. From the financial aspect, a full kitchen remodel can cost upwards of $15,000. If the price is too steep, a remodeling company might help you get the financial assistance to make the changes you want to make. Don’t be afraid to ask about their financial aid options.

Appliance Repair

Now is the time to fix that old dishwasher you keep saying you will address someday. Even the most state-of-the-art appliances can receive a great deal of wear and tear over the years. You want to be sure your appliances work as they should, so they last even longer. This is why you should contact a company who makes this their specialty, like appliance repair Bend. They can fix your appliances, from microwaves, ovens, and refrigerators, to more specialty appliances, like your patio heater or pizza oven. If you aren’t sure whether to repair or replace an appliance, experts suggest that if the repair costs more than fifty percent of the cost of replacing, you should purchase a new one. The best way to avoid full replacement is proper upkeep. Regular maintenance ensures the lifespan of your appliances.

Security and Locks

If your home security is not up-to-date, you need to make it so. Statistics show that 66% of burglaries are residential, and that homes without a security system are 300% more likely to be targeted. Don’t let you and your family become prey because of an overlooked necessity. Luckily, there are many self-service security technologies you can install and monitor yourself. These allow you to track video footage for specific times and dates. You can also use a company to help you set up your new security system, if you don’t feel comfortable attempting it alone. If the idea of this is baffling, you can start small. Changing your locks can be as easy as contacting residential locksmith services to help you renew your home security. By taking this step, you lessen your chances of being a victim of a forced-entry, making your home and family safe and sound under any circumstance. There are so many options to protect you, so get cracking.

New Roof

If you don’t already have a metal roof, it’s a good idea to consider getting one. In comparison to asphalt shingles, metal roofs are stronger and tend to last longer. Metal roofs have also been shown to minimize heating and cooling costs, lower insurance rates, and can have environmental benefits. The panels of a metal roof fit together to provide superior coverage. Unlike asphalt shingles, the metal panels lock together and are less likely to fall off and break due to weathering. This results in fewer leaks and fewer repairs. You very well may end up needing to replace shingle roofing as soon as seven years after its installation. While you might pay more for a metal roof up front, the cost exponentially beats that of repairing asphalt tiles. Find a local contractor to help you decide if residential metal roofing is right for you.

The changes you make to your home will improve your life. Installing newer, energy efficient technology can lower your environmental impact and cost of living. Not only will your appliances and amenities be newer, but your life will feel easier knowing that things work the way they should. No more damp clothes coming out of the dryer or putting out buckets under your leaky roof when it rains. By embracing the change that comes with fixing up your home, you will learn how to be adaptable in any situation. Remodeling will help you jump out of your rut into a brave new world--and a beautiful, fresh-feeling house.