This ‘Flex House’ is the sustainable home for people who think tiny houses are too small

Many people just love small houses. Those of us who find these types of houses very convenient pinpoint a lot of advantages of such houses. The possibility of relocating these houses is a huge advantage. Moreover, the idea of living a simple lifestyle is also present.

Small houses are really amazing. These tiny roofed spaces can provide a comfort equal to the comfort of the huge houses. It’s unbelievable that with a careful planning, these houses can have all elements of the big mansions. You can have a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and even storage room.  

However, small houses are more convenient for small families, or couples. Having children and living in such houses may be a real challenge.

Usually families with children are into search of a bigger house with enough space for all family members. The notion of a family living into 400 sq foot house is usually unreal.

No matter how much we like to live green, all of us want to have enough space for comfortable and relaxing life.

Fortunately, there is a solution for such kind of people. Having a small house and enough space. Meet the Flex House! A tiny house with lot of space!

Flex House was introduced at the Consumer Electronics Show. The Green Builder Media and Shelter Dynamics presented this 760 sq foot house as a mansion in a small shelter terms. The Green Builder Media CEO, Sara Gutterman says:

“We live big here in America, but at the same time there’s a growing awareness about resource conservation. What I like about the Flex House is we’re not asking people to sacrifice; we’re just asking people to not use any more room than they need.”

It turned out that the house provides a lot of space. The Flex House has got a fully equipped kitchen, including washer and dryer. Moreover, it has got a dining room, two bedrooms and an office. Of course, there is the bathroom and the living space. Everything planned within the 760 sq feet.

Since we are living in the period of smart technology, this house has got smart gadgets as well. The Flex House has got smart doorbell, smart lock and a smart thermostat. Very useful indeed!

The low-flow plumbing system and the electric vehicle charging station are one of the best features of the house. The future owners of these type of house will find the Jinko solar system particularly useful and economical.

Flex House basic model is $85,000. Once you purchase the house, it can be delivered to you in period of 8 to 12 weeks.

Great idea, right?

Salon client’s shoes humble stylist

To be able to talk about someone, give an advice or recommend a solution, you have to put yourself in his or her position. You have to understand the person’s problems or struggle so you can help the person as much as you can. Judging people without any clue of his issues is the worst thing someone can do.

Ashley Bolling, the owner of Captivate Salon and Spa from Kentucky, knows this. She posted a photo and very powerful message on her Facebook regarding one small event that happened in her salon. A woman fell asleep while she was sitting on her chair and waiting for the hairstylist.

Ashley took a picture of the woman’s ‘sleeping position’. She posted the message and the photo, not to mock the woman, but to send a very meaningful message to all of us. It turned out that the woman, the client, was a nurse. The hard-working lady has just finished the night shift and therefore she couldn’t stay awake any longer. With no energy nor strength, she fell asleep. This made Ashley think very hard.

“I wondered how many miles those shoes have walked. I wondered what they’d walked through. Blood? Tears? In & out of the countless rooms of the patients she’s cared for? I wondered how many hours they’ve carried her, and all those like her, while they literally save the lives of those we love and hold the hands of the ones who can no longer fight that fight.

But with those shoes propped up in that chair, phone in her lap, I got the chance to take care of her (even if it was just for a few hours) and I felt extremely honored to take care of such a hardworking, inspiring woman I’m so lucky to call my friend.”

Ashley used this photo in order to express her gratitude to all of those people who give everything just to help the others. These are the ‘unseen heroes’ of our societies that keep us safe and sound, healthy and protected. Moreover, she points out that even though she was exhausted because of the night shift, she didn’t have a choice but to go straight to the salon immediately. She even remembered to bring Ashley a breakfast. What a thoughtful person!

This was an instant hit. Ashley’s post went viral and the photo and the message were shared by thousands of people. People who identified with this started commenting and giving support and posting kind words to the nurse and Ashley. Nurses, doctors, officers and many others who have similar working conditions unconditionally supported the idea of the post itself.

These heroes, nurses and doctors, even though cannot be seen on regular basis by the ordinary people, they are still there. Their skills and knowledge saved millions of people and their hard work cured millions of kids and adults.

At the end of the visit to the salon, the nurse did something very kind and unforgettable. Her husband got into the salon. When he entered the salon, he told her that their daughter forgot the shoes for track. The nurse gave her shoes to her own daughter. As a result of that, this hero went home in socks. A real human rarity!

Share if you understand these types of people! Let people know what kind of people help us when we are in need. These people deserve more respect by the society, which means, by all of us.

Celine Dion gives surprising update of new lease on life

The loss of her husband left a huge gap in the private life of Celine Dion. The death of René Angélil was the loss of the singer’s husband, friend and companion. However, after three years of René’s death, the famous Canadian singer is ready to share some of her experience with us. For a recent interview she added that she also lost the love of her life. In addition, she explains that it was difficult to adapt to the new situation since every decision in her life was made in agreement with the husband. Now, she is alone and everything has to be done by her. Nevertheless, in the interview with Deborah Roberts, she says that she is getting back on track and feels perfect. She says:

“I feel so powerful, and in charge, and grounded and happy. I can’t say more.”

She also says that now she is the only one that is responsible for the children. Celine explains that René is the one who gave her power and strength to raise her children into healthy and responsible human beings. His positive attitude affected Celine’s ability to take over the parenting alone. Since the tragic loss is behind and she managed to deal with the pain, Celine gives her advice to everyone who has lost someone in their lives. She says:

You cannot stop living. Go forward.

She also adds:

Today is the first day of the beginning of my life because I know that I don’t have to worry.

Additionally, Celine Dion tells us what’s her secret in staying healthy and happy. She says:

I don’t need to prove myself to the industry, to my family, my friends because I think I’ve done it for many years. I do it because my passion has grown through the years. And now I do it because I have so much fun.

Now in the 50s, Celine Dion says that she is very happy, fit and healthy. The age did not stop her feeling strong, beautiful and grounded. She also points out that being thin is not a bad thing and that does not mean that something is wrong with you.

Celine Dion thinks that maturity comes with power and strength, and she says “that vintage thing- that is priceless.”

Take a look at the interview with Celine Dion. Pay attention to her new ‘love’ and the events that shaped her personality. Dion shares pieces of advice that may be useful to anyone out there.

Twin soldiers surprise little brother at school

Being deployed means being away from your family and many times missing lots of important events such as birthdays, weddings, and gatherings. Military members love their job so much that they simply learn how to come to terms with these types of drawbacks their profession imposes on them. What gives them strength to endure those long months of deployment is the joy that the reunions bring. Yes, every member of the army awaits those encounters with their family and friends with anticipation.

An eight-year old boy from Stewartville, Minnesota knows what is feels like to be away from someone you love. His two twin brothers are in the army and this young gentleman misses them really badly. There is no one he can have fun with while at home, no one to prank him and tell him jokes. He would spend every minute of every day around his big heroes, and now he feels lonely and is looking forward to their next meeting. But what he doesn’t know is that the reunion will take place sooner than he expected.

The brothers got a permission to get home for the holidays and both of them though it would be great if they keep it a secret from their little brother and give him the surprise of his life. They did tell their parents about the arrival, and got some help from the school staff too.

The boy was at school and never in his wildest dreams could he imagine the day would turn into one he would never forget. As the brothers and their mother arrived at the school, they headed towards the boy’s classroom. The mother made sure she got everything on tape as she was certain this reunion would be something the siblings would cherish forever. One of the brothers opened the door and the teacher said, “Look, who’s here!” That’s when all the students turned their heads around, including the boy. His soldier brother greeted him with the words, “Hi buddy.” The boy couldn’t contain his excitement and rushed towards his big brother and gave him a big hug. He couldn’t get off his arms when the other soldier entered and said, “Don’t worry, I’ll just wait my turn.”

People are taking their time to comment how these brothers’ reunion is the best and sweetest thing they’ve seen. It’s touching and emotional, and reminds us about the importance of the family.

The boy’s classmates were also surprised and a bit shocked, but they say how they loved the surprise and are happy for their friend who got to see his brothers after so long.

You can take a look at the emotional moment in the video below. You may have to grab some tissues, just in case you start crying as we did.

Mom responds to rude note after parking in handicap spot

Justine Van Den Borne is a wife and a mother from Melbourne, Australia. At the age of 35 she has been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, in short MS, and since then her life has changed drastically. She has to struggle with this illness on daily basis.

The illness has several different symptoms. Some days she feels just fine, like every other healthy person. However, most of the days are real struggle. Sometimes she feels numb and extreme fatigue. In addition, she has problems with vision and slurred speech.

All of these things made the Australian authorities to issue her a handicap parking pass, among the other things. The idea was to make her life easier, but sometimes people make sure she has not easy functioning.

One day, she took her daughter, started the car and drove to the local shopping centre. Since she got the parking pass from the authorities, she pared in the handicap spot and they were ready to have some fun and quality time together. But, someone shocked her by leaving her a rude message.

That day she was feeling well and the expected good day turned out to be a very unpleasant one. Someone left a message on her car saying:

“Did you forget your wheelchair???”

People, obviously, started judging due to the parking spot. The woman on first glance looks very normal to all of us, but we have no idea what kind of pain and problems she is facing with. These kinds of things make her feel even more depressed.

Upon arriving home, she opened her Facebook  page and wrote:

“To person that left this on my car last week at Mitcham Shopping Centre – I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis when I was 35. 

Not just MS but the worst one that never goes away and is slowly crippling my life. 

My kids have had to deal with things that kids shouldn’t ever have to deal with and all of our futures are forever changed. On the day you saw me I was having a good day, I was walking with my daughter, unaided, having a nice day. 

Thank you for ruining that.”

“You made me feel like people were looking at me, the exact way I feel when I can’t walk properly. I am sick of people like yourself abusing me on my good days for using a facility I am entitled to. 

A disability doesn’t always mean a person has to be wheelchair bound but lucky for you I one day will be. 

Right now my focus is to walk into my best friends wedding next September and not have to be pushed. I will be 42. Before you ruin another person’s day remember you don’t know everything and just because you can’t see it it doesn’t mean a person isn’t struggling to put one foot in front of the other.”

This message reached a lot of people in the world. Her post was spread throughout the world. Hopefully, this will help us understand what these people are struggling with and instead of hurting them, we may help them and support them.

Why her controversial parenting technique is raising eyebrows

Nowadays, breastfeeding is one of those topics that results with countless of debates. Depending on the people involved in the debates, the opinions regarding the breastfeeding differ. Some support it, some prefer bottles, and some are totally indifferent on people’s opinions regarding it.

The story that comes from the UK is about breastfeeding and the debate that resulted from the story itself. However, this is in no way a normal breastfeeding story, but a very controversial interview that was published in the British newspapers.

Miira Dawson is a mother of two kids. She loves them a lot, she is very protective towards them and she is parenting them in a very unusual way.

Miira’s interview was published in The Daily Mail. The mother, at the age of 36, has got a 5-year old daughter and 2-year old son. What is strange about the way she is parenting them is the breastfeeding. She plans to breastfeed them until they reach the age of 10. She says:

“I think it is a lovely thing for a baby to grow up and remember being breastfed, as not many people would be able to say this,” Miira says. “Plus, there are all of the health and IQ benefits.”

She also explains that the their bonding, i.e. the relationship between the older child and the mother, is going to be even stronger. The mother goes on by explaining that the relationship between them is healthy and normal.

“She’s never had a blanket or dummy (pacifier) so that is her equivalent,” Miira says. “I’m sure if I could detach my boob and just give it to her, she would be extremely happy.”

However, breastfeeding is not the only thing that’s unusual. The mother and the two kids sleep together in one bed. The son and the daughter are sleeping with their mother, while their father Jim is comfortable in another bed in another bedroom.

“Naturally I feel left out when it comes to the sleeping situation,” Jim laments. “I feel like it restricts mine and the children’s time together and it doesn’t give me the chance to do things that I would like to, such as reading bedtime stories.”

Experts’ opinion on extended breastfeeding

This story resulted with different opinions. Many are against that unusual parenting style, while some support the mother. Nevertheless, the scientific community has not found anything wrong regarding the extended breastfeeding.

Tightly connected to this issue is the publication of the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). These experts say that the natural weaning age for humans is from 2 to 7 years-old.

They even go further. The experts say that the long breastfeeding process decrease the chances of breast cancer. What’s more, the experts say that the child who has been breastfed for longer period has better immunity against contracting illnesses.

Interesting! The majority of the people find Miira’s parenting style very strange and not ‘normal’. However, after reading the experts’ opinions, maybe that’s not that strange after all. What’s you opinion?

Mom bans mother who smokes from touching baby

Passive smoking and its negative lasting effects on non-smokers is something many people are already aware of. No matter if you don’t smoke yourself, being around people who do and inhaling the smoke may affect one’s health. This is the reason why people should avoid places where smoking is allowed and forbid friends or family members to smoke inside their home.

Recently, however, one mother-to-be raised the question of the health consequences of third-hand smoking. This is something not many are aware of, but it’s there, and it’s real.

Third-hand smoking are the chemical residuals of tobacco smoke that remain on clothes, fabric, furniture, and even walls. The smoke can also be found in any place where someone lights a cigarette. You are probably familiar with that unpleasant scent when entering a place where smoking is allowed. Unfortunately, it sticks with your skin and hair even after you leave.

“Thirdhand smoke clings to clothes, furniture, drapes, walls, bedding, carpets, dust, vehicles and other surfaces long after smoking has stopped. The residue from thirdhand smoke builds up on surfaces over time,” M.D. J Taylor Hays wrote on MayoClinic.

A study about the effects of third-hand smoking had been done on mice and the results are likely to be more or less the same for us humans. It was reported how the group of rodents affected showed increased level of stress, molecular damage, and inflammatory diseases. Some even showed signs of hyperinsulinemia.

The studies that are expected to give clearer image of the consequences this has on humans are still ongoing, but people are still advised third-hand smoke should be avoided as much as possible.

“People are exposed to these chemicals by touching contaminated surfaces or breathing in the off-gassing from these surfaces,” Hays added. “This residue is thought to react with common indoor pollutants to create a toxic mix including cancer-causing compounds, posing a potential health hazard to nonsmokers — especially children.”

Learning about the damage this is likely to cause, the mother-to-be was determined to keep her child out of the hands of the heavy smokers, including her mother-in-law, unless they shower and change clothes after smoking. This may sound as a ridiculous request, but she says she does it for her bundle’s of joy well-being.

She wrote a letter to Slate’s Care asking for advice on how to tell her mother-in-law about their decision. She said she was aware her husband’s mother may be offended by her request, but her child’s health is what she is most concerned for.

“I am expecting my first baby soon,” she wrote. “When the baby is born, my in-laws will be coming for a visit. My mother-in-law is a heavy smoker. I’m not worried about her smoking in front of my child, but after researching thirdhand smoke, I am very concerned about her holding the baby after she has had a cigarette. My husband and I have decided that after she smokes, she needs to shower and change her clothes before she can pick up the baby.”

The columnist’s initial though was that this mother was simply overreacting, but after doing a research, he changed his opinion and wrote how he believes the future mother has all the right to ask from smokers to stay away from the little one, unless as she states above, they change clothes and take a shower first.

At the end of the day, this woman is just a mother concerned for her offspring, and no one should get offended for her trying to keep the baby safe.

While children are in the process of growing, their immune system is still weak and they are likely to suffer the consequences of passive, as well as third-hand smoking more than the adults. When a baby comes close to a smoker, they get contaminated by that person’s skin and clothes themselves.

Researchers and doctors are urging people, especially parents, to learn more about the damage third-hand smoking causes and do their best to keep their children as little exposed as possible.

Airline employee serenades mother of fallen soldier on flight

Travelling, especially for more than 10 hours, can be tiring and annoying. However, sometimes people do things that may make us laugh or mark the day as a quite memorable one. The passengers of a flight to Louisville were pleasantly surprised by what had happened on the plane.

Thanks to Sean Warren and his camera, we can all see what really happened on the place. He was travelling to Louisville and since he wanted to spend the rest of the flight in peace, he was listening to music. However, a message announced by the cabin interrupted his comfort.

The person who made the announcement was Scott Wirt. He is an operations agents at the Southwest Airlines. His message was very emotional as a matter of fact. He told the passengers that among them there is a mother of a son who died on duty on 25 July 2018.

The mother, Debbie was on her way to attend a ceremony in her son’s honour. He graduated from Jeffersontown High School in Louisville, Kentucky. Debbie’s son was called Tylor Edenhofer.

In Tyler’s honour Scott did something very touching. He started singing You ‘Raise Me Up’. This song, especially the performance, deeply touched the passengers and brought everyone to tears.

Sean Warren was among ‘the Scott’s audience’. He saw the performance and heard the singing. He immediately started recording the event and the video ended on-line. This was not the first on-line video of Scott, though.

Sean posted the video on his Facebook page. The video was an instant hit and reached more than 110,000 views. The comments are wonderful. Many expressed their gratitude of sharing the video, but also honoured Tyler’s dedication to serve the country.

Scott’s contribution to Tyler’s honouring is great, especially to Tyler’s mother. Since her son meant the world to her, these kinds of gestures remind her that people may not forget her son and his work.

Undoubtedly all people on the plane were deeply touched. We are sure they will remember this day for the rest of their lives.