Year: 2022

Categories
Adulting Life

9 Smart Things You Should Have In Place In Life

Having a set of rules or standards in place is essential if you want to have the most successful life possible. Having a clear idea of your goals and what you expect from yourself can help to ensure that you stay motivated and on track. It can also help keep you from making impulsive decisions that could negatively affect your life. With this in mind, here are nine things that everyone should have in place in their lives.

Things You Should Have In Place
Source

Things You Should Have In Place

1. A Vision For Your Future

Knowing what you want and planning how to get there is essential. Have an idea of where you want to be short-term and long-term, and make sure that it’s something attainable and realistic.

2. A Financial Plan is One of the Essential Things You Should Have In Place

A financial plan can help ensure you don’t fall into debt and can meet your long-term financial goals. It includes having an emergency fund, funeral expense insurance, budgeting for the present, and investing in the future.

3. Self-care Practices

Self-care is essential for maintaining both physical and mental health. Make sure you’re taking time for yourself each day, whether it’s through exercise, meditation, or simply getting enough sleep.

4. A Network of Supportive People

Surround yourself with people who will lift you when life gets tough and support you on your journey. It could be family, friends, or even a support group.

Source

5. A Flexible Schedule is One of the Things You Should Have In Place

Having a flexible schedule can help to ensure that you’re able to make time for the things in life that are important to you while also meeting your daily obligations. Working ahead of deadlines, delegating tasks when possible, and budgeting time wisely can all come in handy here.

6. Access To Quality Education

Education is essential to success, so find ways to invest in yourself and access quality education as often as possible. Whether that’s through online courses, seminars, or other learning opportunities — making sure you’re constantly improving and growing is essential.

7. An Open Mind

Life can throw surprises at you, so make sure you’re always open to new experiences and ideas. Learning from your mistakes and being willing to try again can help ensure success in the long run.

8. A Healthy Relationship With Technology

Technology is everywhere these days, but it’s essential to maintain a healthy relationship with it. Make sure you’re not letting yourself get too distracted by social media and other forms of technology, and take breaks from your screens when necessary.

9. A Positive Outlook

Your attitude can make all the difference when it comes to success. Stay positive as often as possible and have faith that things will turn out alright.

Recap: Things You Should Have In Place

These nine things can help set you up for success and ensure that you stay on track toward reaching your goals. Investing in yourself and staying organized can ensure you create the best life possible.

Categories
For the Home Home

5 Smart Tips For Making Your House Look Brand New

Look Brand New

Homes that look brand new look more welcoming and appear expensive too. Newer-looking homes tend to be more sought-after by homebuyers. While older houses aren’t particularly energy efficient, they are eco-friendly compared to building new houses. On top of that, new homes are more expensive. So, the best of both worlds is making an older house look new. So, if you’re looking to boost property value, here are some ways to do so!

Source

How to Make Your House Look Brand New

Painting

When you’re working towards making your house look brand new, one of the best and most affordable options would be painting. It could go for your interior, exterior, and even your furniture. Plus, you can make your house a home by doing this. Pay attention to undertones when choosing a color for your walls (or anything else).

Medium tones can produce the opposite effect you’re looking for. Using the same undertones will also help you avoid painting a choppy strip down the center of your room. Choosing a color can make or break a room, and the right paint can make your home look cleaner. A light, neutral color can be the perfect solution for small spaces, while a bright accent can help a room look bigger.

Replacing or updating hardware

Adding a new piece of hardware to a room is a great way to freshen up the look of your home. For as little as $10 or less, you can find a set of drawer handles or doorknobs. The old cabinet knobs and drawer pulls get loose and squeak.

The best thing to do is to replace the old hardware with a new set that is stylish and durable. And for a fraction of the cost, you can install your new pieces in a day. If you aren’t ready to replace your entire cabinet hardware, try painting the existing knobs and pulls instead. It doesn’t need knobs because you can also include light fixtures and faucets.

Change the siding to Make Your House Look Brand New

The siding of your house is an essential part of the exterior. It protects the walls and the windows from weather damage while giving your home a finished look. It is a part of the aesthetics of your house and is the first thing people see. If you want to learn more about siding and why new siding can help make your home look brand new, you’ll understand why it’s needed. Just make sure to read up on resources and do not DIY this.

Modernizing

Some houses have an outdated appearance, whether it’s the architectural features or the color palette used. You can modernize the interior or exterior of your home, giving you many options. Consider painting the outside of your home or the decor inside your house.

Power washing

Power washing the exterior of your house can keep it looking fresh and clean. It’s a good idea to get your home power washed before you paint it. Power washing will ensure the new paint will stay in good condition for longer. The exterior of your home is up against the elements, so it’s going to deal with grime and dirt. It’s not a good look for your house, so you’ll need to give it a good power wash. Brand-new homes look clean and are stain-free; this is why power washing can be a great way to make your house look brand new. 

Recap: Make Your House Look Brand New

Making your house look brand new doesn’t have to be difficult. You can choose one task at a time and make all the difference. Which task would you start with?

Categories
Health Healthy Living

Learn How to Recover from Workouts Faster with These 4 Easy Steps

A good workout can leave you feeling wrung-out, even if you also feel the positive emotions from an active session. Your body needs time to recover, but you might also be keen to get to your next workout too. You don’t want to spend days recovering every time you do a short workout, so it’s important to know how you can recover quickly and start feeling energetic again. Firstly, it’s important to remember that you need time to recover, so don’t be in too much of a hurry to get back to your workouts. You can take several steps to recover in good time, ready for your next workout.

How to Recover from Workouts Faster

Hydrate and Refuel

Remember to give your body what it needs after a good workout. Rehydrating is one of the most important things you can do if you want to give your body what it needs to recover. You can lose a lot of fluids when you’re working out, so it’s essential to replace them afterward. Another thing you can do is eat foods that will help you to refuel and recover from your workouts. High-quality protein and carbohydrates are good choices to help you recover. It’s recommended that you have something to eat within 60 minutes of the end of your workout.

Recover from Workouts
Source

Use Supplements

Another way to give your body what it needs is to use supplements. There are various health supplements that are formulated to help with post-workout recovery, as well as certain vitamins, nutrients, and more that can help you recover. CBD products from CBDistillery could help you to rest, relax and allow your body to heal after your workout. You can try different options and see what works for you. It can be a quick way to provide your body with what it needs to recover.

Rest and Relax

You might want to get back to your workouts, but it is important that you allow yourself time to rest. If you push yourself too hard, you could find you don’t do too well or even that you hurt yourself. You might want to avoid working out every day or alternate between more gentle and more strenuous workouts. Even just switching between different activities can help you to rest different parts of your body. Make one day at the gym leg day and another arms day, or do a cardio workout one day and focus on strength-building on another day.

Care for Your Muscles

Your muscles deserve to be pampered after a hard workout. There are lots of ways to give them the care that they need. You can do some gentle exercises or stretch as an active way to help them recover. A massage can also be a good idea after a tiring workout. Using heat and cold therapy can be good for your muscles too, especially if you have an injury. Allow your muscles time to recover if they feel sore and avoid overtraining.

Recap: Recover from Workouts Faster

Don’t forget to allow time for recovery after your workouts. It will help you to perform better when you next exercise.

Categories
Home Moving

4 Easy Ways to Keep Kids Entertained During a Move

Keep Kids Entertained

Moving can be an exciting and stressful time for any family. Not only do you have to plan and organize the move, but you also must figure out how to keep everyone entertained. It is especially true for families with children, who can get bored quickly. Read on for tips on keeping your kids entertained as you prepare for your big move.

Keep Kids Entertained
Source

How to Keep Kids Entertained During a Move

Organize a Fun Activity Box 

One of the best ways to keep your kids entertained during a move is to create a fun activity box filled with age-appropriate items like coloring books, puzzles, craft supplies, and small toys. Having these items handy during the move can occupy younger kids while ensuring older children don’t get too bored. Pack the activity box in an accessible spot where they can quickly grab it when they need something to do.

Plan Out Family Activities 

It can be a good idea to plan some family activities before the move. Try planning one last outing or adventure before you leave so everyone has something positive and memorable associated with the experience. It could include walking around town together or having a picnic in the park. Or, it could include anything special and unique that eases the adjustment for adults and children alike. 

Encourage Creative Expression 

The moving process can be overwhelming for children of all ages, especially cross-country moving, so it’s important to encourage creative expression throughout this time. Allowing your child some space and freedom can help them constructively work through their feelings. It can also allow them to express themselves artistically through music, art, or writing. This can include anything from singing songs together as you drive down the highway or allowing time alone with their favorite instrument or sketchbook. Make sure that whatever creative outlets they choose are age-appropriate.

Involve Them In The Process

 Finally, involving your children in the moving process is essential. Make sure they understand what is happening and why it’s necessary. It helps them feel like an equal part of this experience. You can also give them small tasks to help with, including packing their room or unloading the moving truck. Not only will this help them feel a sense of ownership and responsibility, but it can also help keep them busy and entertained during the process.

Recap: Keep Kids Entertained During a Move

Moving with young children doesn’t have to be a negative ordeal. With some preparation and planning, it’s possible to make it fun instead of stressful!

Packing an activity box filled with age-appropriate items will provide plenty of entertainment along the way. Plus, planning out family activities beforehand ensures that everyone has something enjoyable associated with their move into their new home.

Additionally, encouraging creative expression and involving them in the process gives your kids some much-needed breathing room as they adjust. With these tips in mind, your next big move should go smoothly!

Categories
For the Home Home

More Space, Please: Why We’re All longing for More Room to Roam

In our ever-shrinking world, it’s no surprise that the longing for more room to roam is growing. We’re all crammed into tiny apartments and homes, and there’s barely enough room to breathe, never mind move around. Everyone is talking about this issue lately, with people calling for more spacious living conditions both in the city and the suburbs. So what’s driving this need for more space? And what can be done to address it?

Source

Why We Want Room to Roam

One of the primary drivers is a need for privacy and separation. In today’s busy world, it’s hard finding time to relax and be alone with your thoughts. With people in ever-closer proximity, the longing for a separate space that’s all yours is growing stronger. It might come in the form of a home office or study area or just a room where you can escape from everything else going on around you.

Another factor is affordability. Many people cannot afford large homes anymore, especially ones with multiple bedrooms and bathrooms. The prices are out of reach for most households, even those with reasonable incomes. It has led to an increased demand for smaller spaces that are still livable and practical.

Finally, the need for extra storage space pushes many people to seek out more room. Clutter can seriously impact our mental and physical well-being, but keeping things organized is hard in cramped spaces. It further contributes to the growing demand for larger living areas with more rooms and closets to store items.

So what solutions exist for those looking for more space? 

How to Find Room to Roam

1. Home extensions or renovations

Home extensions or renovations are often the most expensive option, but it’s worth considering if you can afford it and have enough land space. Building a separate room for a study or office or adding a second story to your house could make all the difference.

You could also consider building a garage or converting an existing one into a living space. If you decide to build one, contact a reputable garage builder and follow all necessary building codes.

2. Declutter

Decluttering is an often-overlooked solution. Your home may appear cramped and small, but it can feel more spacious if you get rid of clutter. To start your decluttering process, focus on one room at a time and sort out items you don’t need or use. Then, hold a yard sale, donate items to charity, or sell them online.

3. Invest in multi-functioning furniture

Multi-functioning furniture can help maximize the space in your home. For example, an ottoman with storage space inside or a bed frame with drawers underneath can save you from needing separate pieces for each purpose. Investing in specialized furniture can also open up floor and wall space, making your room look larger. 

4. Utilize vertical space

Using walls and shelving will help you maximize the vertical space in your home. Wall shelves or hanging organizers can free up floor space while still providing storage for items that don’t need to be easily accessed. You can also consider using ladder shelves, which take up less room than traditional bookcases but still offer plenty of storage. 

Recap: Room to Roam

Finding ways to make more space in your home doesn’t have to be expensive or difficult. Various creative solutions can help transform a cramped area into a spacious, welcoming sanctuary. So if you’re feeling squeezed for room, try out one of these ideas – you may find that all you needed was a little more room to roam. 

Categories
For the Home Home

4 Easy Tips on How to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

Most people would like to help the environment and save themselves a bit of money along the way. A great way of doing this is considering how you can make your home more energy efficient. It will not only reduce the amount of energy used to run your home but also reduce energy bills. Let’s look at some top tips on how to make your home more energy efficient.

***This post contains affiliate links. It costs you nothing extra, but I may receive a small commission.***

Energy Efficient
Source

How to Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

1. Install solar panels

A popular and ever-growing trend for many homeowners is to figure out how to create and store their energy. An option that offers many benefits is the use of solar energy. If you install solar panels, you are not only going to be making your home much more energy efficient, but you will reduce your monthly costs on your energy bills. It is important to note that solar panels may cost you to start. This cost should be seen as an investment as the cost will come back to you over time. You may even make money by giving the excess energy they produce back to the grid.

2. Upgrade windows and doors

Once you heat your home, you want to hold onto that heat for as long as possible. Doing this will reduce the time and energy required to keep your home at the temperature you like. If you have single glazed or draughty windows and doors, all the heat will escape, leading to wasted energy. Depending on your budget, you can upgrade your windows to double or triple glazing. You can replace your doors with newer, better-fitting counterparts or investigate draft-proofing methods.

3. Change light bulbs

Something that everyone has a lot of in their houses is lightbulbs. A great way to help reduce your energy consumption, reduce maintenance costs, and make your home more energy efficient is to replace your high-wattage halogen bulbs with LED bulbs. Although LED bulbs are slightly more expensive than halogen bulbs, they cost a fraction of the price to run. Plus, they will generally outlast a halogens life span by years, saving you time and money on your investment.

4. Reduce the thermostat

Another great way to increase your home’s energy efficiency is to turn your central heating down. It might not sound ideal during winter when you want to keep warm. However, even if you reduce your central heating by one degree, it impacts your energy consumption.

Many people keep their thermostats on 68F+ when 65F is more than comfortable for most people. The few degrees are nothing a sweater can’t fix to save money and improve energy efficiency. I work from home and keep a warm blanket scarf near my workspace for when I get chilly. I can use it as a blanket on my lap, wrap it around my shoulders, or wear it as a scarf, depending on what part of my body gets cold.

Recap: Make Your Home More Energy Efficient

There are many other ways to improve your home’s energy efficiency, but these are great places to start. Do you have any other ideas? Leave a comment and let us know. 🙂

Categories
Dental Health Healthy Living Parenting Pregnancy

4 Ways to Take Care of Your Oral Hygiene While Pregnant

Oral Hygiene While Pregnant

While you know you must take care of your health while you’re pregnant, did you know that you should pay special attention to your dental health? Sure, while you’re dealing with morning sickness and weird cravings, your teeth aren’t exactly going to be your top priority. Plus, you’ll try to do what you can to ensure your body is comfortable. However, your oral hygiene while pregnant can help ensure that your pregnancy stays safe and that your baby will be healthy. So, here is everything you need to know about taking care of your oral hygiene while pregnant.

Oral Hygiene While Pregnant
Source

How to Take Care of Your Oral Hygiene While Pregnant

Brushing and flossing

During pregnancy, keeping your teeth and gums in good condition is essential. Good oral health can improve your overall health and help your baby get the best start in life. Some women are affected by pregnancy gingivitis, which is gum inflammation. It is a common occurrence in pregnancy and generally goes away after delivery.

It commonly happens during pregnancy due to hormones, but you can visit your local family dentistry to get a second opinion. It’s a good idea to see your dentist during pregnancy because they’ll be able to monitor your gums and check for any oral health issues. In addition, dental work performed during pregnancy is safe for you and your baby.

Avoiding sugary snacks

While those pregnancy cravings are very common, you’ll have to be careful. A high-sugar diet during pregnancy may increase the risk of preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and obesity later in life. Having a high-sugar pregnancy diet can also hamper your baby’s metabolic rate.

It can lead to type 2 diabetes in the future. Instead, focus on healthy whole foods, including lean protein and fresh fruits and vegetables. These foods contain essential vitamins and minerals. They also contain phytonutrients, which help strengthen your immune system.

Prenatal dental check-ups are essential for oral hygiene while pregnant

During pregnancy, a woman should visit the dentist for a dental check-up. These visits help the mother maintain healthy teeth and gums and also help prevent dental problems for the baby. During pregnancy, a woman’s hormonal changes can affect her oral health. Some of these changes can lead to erosion and tooth decay.

Also, a pregnant woman may be more susceptible to changes in her diet. If there are high levels of progesterone or estrogen, this can have the potential to make women lose their teeth. While every six months is typical to see your dentist, you might want to go one or two more times during pregnancy.

Watch out for bacteria

During pregnancy, women face several oral health issues, including gum disease. It can lead to poor birth outcomes for both the mother and baby. Fortunately, there are treatments available to help alleviate this condition. Periodontal disease is the inflammation of the gum tissue caused by bacterial infection.

This infection can spread to the bones of the mouth and into the fetus’s membranes, putting the baby at risk. It’s also linked to preterm birth and low birth weight. While this isn’t too common, it’s still something that soon-to-be mothers must keep a close eye on.

Categories
Family Activities Holiday

9 of the Best Thanksgiving Movies to Watch With Your Family

best thanksgiving movies

Do you have a favorite Thanksgiving movie? Better yet, did you even know Thanksgiving movies exist? I’ve found that so many people don’t know what movies go with the upcoming holiday. If you’re looking for something to watch with your family in the coming week, look no further. Here is a list of some of the best Thanksgiving movies.

***This post contains affiliate links. It costs you nothing extra, but I may receive a small commission.***

Best Thanksgiving Movies
Source

The Best Thanksgiving Movies

1. Stepmom – My Favorite of the Best Thanksgiving Movies

Stepmom is one of my favorite movies ever, so it tops my Thanksgiving movie list. It’ll have you laughing and crying, and offers so many of the best movie scenes.

2. Free Birds

Free Birds involves two turkeys who go back in time. They want to change history to get turkey off the Thanksgiving menu, and they’ll keep you laughing throughout the entire movie. It’s a good option for little ones, and older kids, teenagers, and parents will love it, too.

3. Grumpy Old Men

This movie is about two older men who constantly feud about everything. A pretty woman movies into their neighborhood, making the rivalry worsen.

4. The Blind Side

Many of us have already seen this, but The Blind Side involves football and thanksgiving, making it a perfect Thanksgiving movie. It’s heartwarming in every way.

5. Pieces of April

I’ve loved this movie since I was a teenager. The main character, April, is hosting her family for Thanksgiving for the first time. However, she finds out that her oven doesn’t work and has to solve the problem quickly. It’s a little dark, so it might not be best if you have little ones joining in, but your teenager will love it.

6. A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving

This classic is essential to watch with your little ones. Charlie Brown only knows how to cook cold cereal and toast, but Peppermint Patty invites everyone to his house anyway.

7. Turkey Hollow is one of the Best Thanksgiving Movies

Turkey Hollow isn’t a cartoon, so your older kids will enjoy it just as much as the little ones. Two kids visit their aunt in a town lacking technology. They end up tracking a local monster that most residents thought was only a legend.

8. Garfield’s Thanksgiving

Garfield’s Thanksgiving is funny, but would you expect anything else from the movie? Jon invites Garfield’s veterinarian to Thanksgiving dinner after she puts Garfield on a diet.

9. Looney Tunes Thanksgiving

You can introduce your kids to the Looney Tunes with this Thanksgiving movie. It involves two features, including Bugs Bunny’s Thanksgiving Diet and Daffy Duck’s Thanks-for-giving special.

Recap: Best Thanksgiving Movies

Halloween and Christmas movies are popular, but not everyone can identify a Thanksgiving movie. This list should help you choose one of the best Thanksgiving movies to watch with your family this year. What’s your favorite? Leave a comment and let us know!

Categories
Adulting Health Healthy Living

Mom, Never Miss These 8 Check-ups and Health Screenings

Moms are superheroes. They always put their families first and manage to do it all while looking great. But even superheroes need check-ups and health screenings to stay in top shape. Here are the check-ups that every mom should never miss!

Check-ups and Health Screenings
Source

Check-ups and Health Screenings You Shouldn’t Miss

Annual Physical

Even if you’re feeling good, you must get a check-up with your doctor every year. Your doctor will do a physical exam, including assessing your heart rate and breathing. They may also do blood work and other tests to detect any issues before they become serious problems.

Mammogram

For women over 40, getting an annual mammogram is not just recommended – it’s essential! This screening test can catch signs of breast cancer early on so that you can take action quickly if necessary. Don’t wait too long between appointments – put it on your calendar now!

Dental Check-Ups

Make sure you see the dentist twice a year for regular check-ups and cleanings. Your dentist will assess your teeth, gums, and mouth to ensure there aren’t any underlying issues that need attention. A local dentist can also do a professional teeth whitening when you want to dazzle the room.

Eye Exam

Visiting an optometrist for an eye exam is essential for moms who spend long hours on the computer or behind the wheel. These exams can pick up signs of macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts, and other vision-threatening issues. They can also detect potential trouble before you even experience symptoms!

Skin Cancer Screening

If you have fair skin or spend lots of time outside in direct sunlight, getting a skin cancer screening from a dermatologist is essential. Early detection of skin cancer can make all the difference in getting successful treatment.

Mental Health Check-Ups

Being a mom is one of the most rewarding yet challenging jobs. Make sure you’re taking time to check in with yourself and ensure you’re feeling your best. Consider reaching out to a mental health professional for ongoing support and guidance.

Colon Cancer Screening

Getting a colon cancer screening is an essential part of preventive health care. Most doctors recommend these screenings for women starting at the age of 45, but some may recommend them sooner if you have a family history of the disease.

Vaccinations

Vaccines are one of the best ways to protect yourself and your family against contagious illnesses. Make sure you’re up to date on all recommended vaccinations, including flu shots and the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine.

Recap: Check-ups and Health Screenings

Moms are busy, but that doesn’t mean they should neglect their check-ups! Make sure you prioritize your health and get to your appointments on time – your family will thank you. Schedule any necessary check-ups today, and you’ll be less likely to forget about them later. It may take some juggling, but ensuring your health is taken care of should always be a top priority! And when you go in for those check-ups, remember that even superheroes need to take care of themselves. Go get ‘em, mamas!

Categories
Life Parenting

5 Ways to Make Sure You Give Your Kids a Good Life

It’s no secret that being a parent is hard work. You want to do everything to give your kids the best life possible. But what does that mean? How can you be sure you’re giving your kids everything they need to grow up happy and successful? With these tips, you can rest assured knowing you’re giving your children the best chance at a good life.

Give Your Kids a Good Life
Source

How to Give Your Kids a Good Life

1. Make Sure They’re Healthy

As a parent, you want your kids to be healthy. To do this, encourage them to eat a healthy diet. Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in their meals, and limit sugary and fatty foods. Also, make sure they’re getting enough exercise. An hour of physical activity daily is ideal, but even 30 minutes can make a big difference. Finally, focus on their health basics to avoid medical issues, oral surgery, and mental health problems in the future. It will start them off on the right foot.

2. Teach Them the Value of Money to Give Your Kids a Good Life

Next, one of the most important things you can do for your children is to teach them the value of money. It’s never too early to start instilling good financial habits in them. Show them how to save their money and make wise purchases. As they get older, you can teach them about investing and budgeting. The sooner they learn these skills, the better off they’ll be financially later.

3. Encourage Them to Be Active and Explore Their Interests

It’s important to encourage your kids to be active both physically and mentally. Get them involved in activities they enjoy and help them explore their interests. It will help them stay healthy and well-rounded as they grow up. Who knows, they may even find their passion in life thanks to you—which could support their future and career choices.

4. Help Them Develop Good Social Skills

Another crucial element of raising happy and successful children is helping them develop strong social skills. Teach them how to interact with others, how to resolve conflicts, and how to make friends. These skills will serve them well throughout their lives.

5. Teach Them to be Kind to Others

As a parent, you want your kids to grow up to be kind, well-rounded people. A big part of that is teaching them to be kind to others. It’s essential to start early, and there are a few things you can do to help. So make sure to model the behavior you want to see. If you’re rude to the cashier or honk your horn at the person in front of you, your kids will think that’s acceptable behavior.

Recap: Give Your Kids a Good Life

Giving your children a good life doesn’t have to be complicated. By teaching them the value of money, encouraging them to be active and explore their interests, and helping them develop strong social skills, you’re setting them up for success now and in the future. With these tips in mind, you can rest assured knowing you’re doing everything to give your kids the best life possible.