Categories
For the Home Home

Is Your Home Security Up to Par? Here are the 3 Reasons It Should Be

According to the FBI, a home is burglarized every 30 seconds in the United States. That’s 1,579,616 homes per year! That number is only increasing as time goes on. However, many people don’t report burglaries to the police. People often don’t think they will become a victim or assume their insurance will cover any damages. But what if your home got broken into and you didn’t have insurance? Or what if your insurance company refused to pay because you didn’t have a home security system? It’s essential to protect yourself and your family from becoming a statistic. 

Why Your Home Security Should be Up to Par

1. It deters burglars.

Burglars are looking for an easy target. They want to be in and out of your home as quickly as possible without detection. They’re more likely to move on to another target if they see that you have a security system. 60% of burglars say they would try another house if they saw signs of an alarm system. Just the presence of a security system is often enough to deter a burglar.

If you’re looking for an extra layer of protection, large safes are also a great option. However, burglars will typically avoid houses with large safes because it takes too long to break into them. Even if they get the safe open, most safes have a loud alarm that will notify you and your neighbors of the break-in.

2. It protects your family.

Your family is your most valuable asset, so you must do everything you can to protect them. If a burglar manages to break into your home, a security system will notify the authorities and help ensure your family is safe. Many security systems also have panic buttons and two-way voice communication for emergencies.

In addition to protecting your family from burglars, a home security system can protect them from fires, carbon monoxide leaks, and flooding. Some security systems even come with medical alert pendants that elderly or disabled family members can wear in case an emergency occurs.

3. It saves you money.

You might not realize it, but a home security system can save you money. Insurance companies typically give up to 20% discounts for homes with security systems. They know that homes with security systems are less likely to be burglarized. If your house gets burglarized and you don’t have a security system, your insurance company may refuse to pay your claim.

Recap: Home Security

A home security system is a wise investment for any homeowner. Not only will it deter burglars and protect your family, but it can also save you money. 

Categories
For the Home Home Winter

5 Ways to Make Your Home Winter Warm

Winter can be arduous, with the short days and cold nights, freezing water pipes, and expensive energy bills. On the other hand, winter can be cozy, especially if you can think ahead and put the pieces into place. Here are some ideas to make your home winter warm this year.

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

How to Make Your Home Winter Warm

Warm Colors 

Experts have studied colors for centuries, beginning when Sir Issac Newton discovered the light spectrum in his Oxford dormitory. Nowadays, colors can evoke certain emotions. For example, green indicates safety and healing, while red implies danger and strength.

With this in mind, it’s a good idea to consider the colors in your home this winter. When it’s cold and icy outside, you want colors that will inspire a sense of warmth and coziness. Choose reds, yellows, oranges, and gold. You don’t have to re-paint the entire home, just an accent wall.

Cozy Lighting 

One of the best ways to make a home cozy this winter is to use lighting. Cozy lighting can be in the form of string lights, dimmer lights, twinkle lights, and paper lanterns. Sometimes you need the main light on, but not when you’re making the place cozy in the evenings and weekends. 

Using a selection of string lights, standing lamps, and dimmer lights, you can create an ambiance in gloomy corners, making them perfect for reading or watching a festive movie. If you don’t want to buy new lighting, you can change the bulbs to more efficient warmer ones.  

Use Rugs to Stay Winter Warm

Some people make wholesale changes to their homes around wintertime; they install new carpets, insulation, and heating systems; but that’s not always necessary to make your home warmer in the winter. All you have to do is introduce rugs in some rooms.

Like carpets, rugs are very comfortable and cozy; they give the rooms a sense of hominess and an atmosphere. Of course, rugs come in different textiles and colors to fit every style. Alternatively, invest in a rug cleaning to bring existing rugs back. 

Natural Elements 

The winter season might be barren outside, but there is still a lot of nature around that can help to make your home cozy and seasonal. If you enjoy a nature walk now and then, why not collect some twigs and holy for a front door wreath or create a candle holder from a log you’ve found?

Natural elements can be authentic and collected from the local environment, but they can also be manufactured products. Bringing more wood elements into the home, such as wooden coffee tables, standing lamps, and bookcases creates a warmer atmosphere for your family in the winter.    

Cozy Throws

Why would you want to be without cozy throws in the winter? Cozy throws are perfect for creating a little nest on the sofa at a moment’s notice or adding warmth to a bedspread on an extra cold night. Add in some cozy throws this winter and experience the benefits of winter warmth.  

Recap: Winter Warm

Winter is cold, but you can stay warm in your home. Being winter warm involves using cozy items to bring comfort. Do you have any other ideas? Leave a comment and let us know. 🙂

Categories
For the Home Home Winter

4 Easy Tips To Keep You Cozy At Home This Winter

Temperatures are falling, and winter will be upon us before we know it. As cool climes and dark evenings loom large, it’s wise to think about getting your home ready. Here are some top tips to keep cozy at home this winter. 

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

How to Keep You Cozy At Home This Winter

Insulation

Insulating your home is one of the best ways to create a warmer, more comfortable environment. The goal is to boost heat retention to ensure that your living spaces stay warmer for longer. If your home loses heat quickly, it’s an excellent idea to research insulation options and get quotes.

You can explore options such as loft and cavity wall insulation online and find out about incentives. Incentives may make insulating your home cheaper. If you don’t have the funds to pay for professional insulation services, there are DIY tutorials on the Internet. You can also opt for inexpensive methods, such as filling holes in walls and door frames and using draft excludes

Replacement windows and doors

If you have an old house with windows and doors that have seen better days, or you have a broken window, consider adding new windows and doors to the property. Look for the best replacement window company in the local area, get quotes and explore styles and designs. Modern windows and doors are strong and secure and boost heat retention to keep your home warm. They can also save you money on your energy bills. You can choose from a range of options to suit the style of your home. 

Energy-efficient heating systems

With the increased cost of living, many of us worry about the cost of heating our homes this winter. One way to stay cozy and save money is to invest in energy-efficient heating systems. New boilers and heating systems lower carbon emissions while optimizing performance. It’s also helpful to set a thermostat so you can regulate the temperature without overspending. If you have a thermostat, the heating system will turn off automatically once your home is warm enough.

Soft furnishings

Adding soft furnishings to your home is an easy, inexpensive way to stay warm during the winter. Throws, blankets, cushions, and rugs create an inviting, cozy aesthetic, but they also have a practical function. If you’re watching TV on the couch, putting a blanket over you, resting your head on a pillow, and placing your toes on a rug will keep you toasty. Hot water bottles or bags are also ideal for keeping you warm on a budget. 

Recap: Stay Cozy At Home

Winter is fast approaching. As the cost of living increases, it is essential to look for ways to stay warm without breaking the bank. Leave a comment and tell us some of your favorite ways to stay cozy at home during the winter.

Categories
For the Home Home Winter

5 Easy Ways to Get Your Home Ready for Winter

Winter is around the corner, and it’s time to start thinking about how to get your home ready for winter. With the right planning, you can avoid some of the expensive repairs and inconveniences that happen in the colder seasons. Improve your insulation to save energy, and install carpets for warmth. 

How to Get Your Home Ready for Winter

Improve Insulation 

Energy will be at a premium this winter, thanks to geopolitical events and supply issues, so it makes sense to prepare to be as frugal as possible with your winter energy consumption. Improving your insulation is one of the best ways to reduce your consumption and save money. 

Improving your insulation can be done on a large or small scale; to get the best value out of insulation, you might want to invest in spay foam or cavity wall insulation, which uses special expanding foam to fill all the nooks and crannies. Hanging heavy curtains is also very effective.  

Smart Thermostats 

Smart thermostats are programmable thermostats that allow homeowners to regulate the temperature of particular rooms at particular times; of course, this is a very useful feature if you want to save money on your energy bills through the winter; they can be pre-programmed. 

Unfortunately, it’s not possible to simply buy a smart meter from the internet and install it as a DIY job; instead, you have to contact your energy provider and request a device; an energy engineer will also have to install it for your in the home and make sure everything is connected.    

Clear the Gutters 

When it comes to preparing your home for winter, there are two main areas you want to concentrate on, heat and water. Improve your energy consumption by switching your energy plan and improving your insulation, but you also don’t want your home to suffer water damage. 

Winter follows autumn closely, which means there is a build-up of leaves in the gutters and drains, these need to be cleared out before the winter sets in. Otherwise, they can cause flooding and water damage in your home. Water damage is inconvenient and expensive.  

Install New Carpets 

If you want to enjoy a cozy winter in your home this year, consider installing new carpets. Wooden flooring might have been trending for the past few years, but it doesn’t provide the same comfort value, noise reduction, and safety value as new carpets installed for the season. 

If you have carpets in your home already, consider a high-quality carpet cleaning service instead of new carpets. If you invest in a cleaning service, you can bring your carpets back to their original condition at a lower cost. Carpet cleaning can also create a cozy winter home. 

Check the Boiler and Furnace

The last thing you want is for your heating to go down during winter. It can be inconvenient and expensive to call for a repair at short notice. Getting it checked ahead of time can save money and ensure you’ll stay warm. Double-check your furnace or boiler in the autumn and avoid heating issues when you least expect them.  

Categories
For the Home Home Work From Home

How Can You Make Your Home Work the Best For You?

Have you been thinking about your home lately and decided that it’s not working for you right now? If that is the case, then you need to start making some changes as soon as possible. While it might not feel like a big thing, your home should be the one place in the world where you feel most safe and comfortable, but this isn’t going to happen if it’s not working for you. Down below, we’re going to be taking a look at some of the things that we suggest to make your homework for you, so keep reading if you would like to find out more.

How to Make Your Home Work the Best For You?

Think About Your Needs

The first thing that you’re going to need to do is to think about your needs. For example, if you have some additional needs when it comes to mobility or accessing places, this needs to be taken into account. You can look into some tips to make your home more accessible if this is the kind of path that you need to go down. Some people try to avoid this as they feel as though it’s going to be massively expensive to change their home in the way that they need, but it doesn’t have to be. Similarly, you may want professional services instead of trying DIY techniques for repairing AC units, HVAC systems, and more. So, you might as well connect with professionals; go here to know more. Knowing your needs and implementing them can work wonders for your home. You will find that there are some pretty simple ways that you can make some changes, you’ve just got to be willing to do so.

Design It How You Want It

Another thing that we want you to consider is how you’re going to design the home. A lot of people feel as though they can’t design a home the way that they want because it’s going to put guests off when they come in. If you’re worried about the people in your life not liking your design choices, then we highly recommend not inviting these people into your home at all. Your home is your safe space and your comfortable space, which means it should be designed how you like it, not someone else.

Don’t Feel Pressured To Conform

The last thing that we want to say is that you should not feel pressured to conform to standards of design these days. For example, the minimal design is in right now, but if you’re a clutter lover then go for the clutter look. You do not have to alter what you want simply because the majority of people are choosing something else for their home. It’s your home, and that means you do what you want, without the pressure of other people weighing in.

Final Thoughts: Make Your Home Work the Best For You?

We hope that you have found this article helpful, and now see some of the things that you can do to make your home work for you. It’s important that you are taking all of the necessary steps to ensure that you’re making your home work for you as best you can, by whatever means necessary. We wish you the very best of luck, and hope that you find your home better suited to your needs sooner rather than later.

Categories
How To Parenting

4 Ways to Make Sure Your Child Gets to School Safely

Parents have a million things on their minds, including the safety of their children. One common worry is how to ensure your child gets to school safely. If you are within walking distance, you may be able to walk them there until they are old enough to go themselves. Or, if you have time, you can drive them. However, some parents will need to rely on school transportation. No matter what transport you need to rely on, one thing that will concern all parents is how safe their mode of transportation is. To help you, here are a few ways you can ensure your child gets to school safely.

How to Ensure Your Child gets to School Safely

Travel in Numbers

Whether it’s walking, riding a bike, catching the bus, or even going in the car, it is safer to travel in numbers. In terms of driving, a carshare may be a great option to reduce the amount of traffic at the school entrance. Fewer vehicles make the school parking lot safer for all concerned. If you’re walking, walking in groups ensures people see you, especially on those dark, dismal days. It also offers protection. A lone child is a far easier target than someone in a group.

The Safest Route

It may be tempting to take that shortcut, but is that the safest option? That country road may be quicker, but you are far more likely to have an accident, especially in bad weather, than when taking the most common route. Again if you are walking or riding, you should avoid dark alleyways or crossing that overgrown field, even if it does cut your travel time in half. Being safe sometimes means taking a long route.

Stranger Danger

Do not be afraid to discuss stranger danger with your children. They need to know what to do in case someone approaches them. Talking about it helps them understand how and why to stay safe when traveling.

Bus Safety

If your child needs to get the bus, then you may have school bus safety concerns. Worrying is only natural because there are many aspects to consider. Generally speaking, the most dangerous part of the bus trip is entering and exiting the bus, so if you can teach your child bus safety in these terms, they will be far more prepared. 

Teach them to:

  • stand back when the bus is pulling up
  • not distract the driver
  • exit safely, holding on to the bar if need be
  • wait for the road to clear before crossing

Recap: Child Gets to School Safely 

For most of us, keeping our children safe is a priority. These tips can help ensure they arrive safely, giving you peace of mind each morning. If you have any other suggestions to add, leave a comment and let us know. 🙂

Categories
Adulting Health

3 Practical and Simple Ways To Manage Pain

Pain is often related to a condition, but there are occasional times when there’s no underlying cause. Regardless, it’s not something you’ll need to put up with constantly. There are countless ways to manage pain, many of which don’t involve medications.

You can focus on multiple options that can be easy to work into your lifestyle and help manage your pain more than expected.

It’s worth looking into them to see how much they’ll help.

Ways To Manage Pain: 3 Top Options

1. Breathe Right

Breathing right can be one of the most effective ways to manage pain. It not only helps take your mind off the pain but can also help relax you. That relaxation could also impact how much pain you’re feeling.

The trick to this is breathing deeply and slowly. Taking this approach also helps with any panic or anxiety you could feel when experiencing pain. That stress often worsens the pain.

Taking the time to do this when you’re experiencing pain is a recommended way to manage it.

2. Try CBD

CBD has quickly grown in popularity worldwide, not referring to the high chemical found in plants. Instead, it involves the healthier part that’s been legalized in quite a few countries. It has quite a few beneficial impacts on your health, with pain management being notable.

CBD liposomes and similar products can help relieve your pain when taken long-term. While you’ll need to take these for a little while before they impact your life, they’ll help more than you’d think.

3. Distract Yourself

If you’re suffering from low levels of pain, then distracting yourself can be an effective way of moving your mind away from it. It gives you something else to focus on, which could be enough to take your mind off the pain.

If properly distracted, you might not even notice the pain at all. While this could be limited by the type of pain, you’ll have options to choose from. The key to this is ensuring you’re mentally engaged in the distraction so it has as large of an impact as possible.

Combining this with the above also helps.

Ways To Manage Pain: Wrapping Up

If you don’t want to take medication, there are still multiple ways to manage pain. You don’t need to suffer for long once you’ve taken advantage of these. By breathing properly, distracting yourself, and even trying CBD, you can make it much easier for yourself.

You wouldn’t need to put much effort into them, and they could impact your pain levels. Combining them could dramatically improve your overall quality of life. There’s no reason not to try them.

Categories
Parenting

8 Ways to Take Your Life in a New Direction as a Single Parent

Life as a single parent can be difficult, but you can have live the happy life you deserve. There are many things you must keep in mind as a single parent, including making decisions differently. However, there are ways single parents can live enriched and happy lives, becoming the people they’ve always wanted to be.

As a single parent, you likely put yourself last and focus on making decisions that are right for your child. However, it is also important not to lose sight of yourself and the direction you want your life to take. Making decisions that will benefit you is very important, and you need to think about yourself from time to time.

How to Take Your Life in a New Direction as a Single Parent

Try to be the best parent you can be

Being a parent is hard, and there is no right or wrong way to parent your child. Every situation is different because every child is different. One of the best things you can do to improve your life is to be the best possible parent. There are many ways of achieving it, and seeking advice from other parents and experts can have an impact. However, all you have to do is make the best possible decisions to help raise your child in the way you feel works best.

Improve your mental wellness

Mental health and well-being are a part of being the best possible parent you can be, and you need to look after yourself better to make sure you are focused on how you can improve your mental health and well-being. Parenthood can be stressful and tiring, and many people feel like they can’t deal with the intensity. It can be a difficult time, and you must take steps to help you deal with this effectively. That means you should look at how you can improve your mental health and well-being as much as possible. Focus on reducing stress and anxiety and being calmer and more serene about how you deal with things. Getting a handle on your mental wellness is one of the best things you can do.

Improve your learning

One thing many people overlook when they become parents is learning and making the most of their education. Just because you are a parent doesn’t mean you cannot do many of the things you enjoy doing before. There is plenty of opportunity to go back into education or learn from home and create more opportunities. Whether you’re looking into maths & physics online tuition or want to train in a specific discipline, there are many great ways of doing this as a parent. The Internet has made it easier to learn and improve, and you can work around your schedule as a parent. 

Budget better

One essential aspect you need to get right as a modern parent is making sure you can budget better. Keeping on top of your money and your family finances plays a part in helping you enjoy a comfortable life. With the cost of living crisis looming, it is important to look after your money and budget better.

You must make the most of this and look at areas you can save money and reduce expenditure. Being able to improve your financial situation, and ensure that you budget better, is one of the best things you can do as a parent, but it’s also one of the most challenging. You might consider hiring an accountant or financial advisor to help give you the best chance of better money management.

Get back on the dating scene

There are many ways to have a more fulfilling life as a modern parent. One of the ways of doing this is to make time for yourself as much as for your kids. It is easy to make your life purely about your children, and while you have the best intentions, it isn’t always promising for your future. For this reason, think about your wants and needs and how you can work towards a happier life.

One of the best ways to do this is to start dating again, although it can be a challenge. The good news is that there are opportunities to meet new people and go on dates. Experiences like online dating offer a much more diverse pool of options when you’re looking to get back out there. Though dating as a single parent can be hard, there is more opportunity than ever to meet other single parents. It can hopefully make for a more positive experience.

Move to a new house when you become a single parent

Something else to consider if you’re looking to take your life in a new direction as a single parent is to look at moving house. Moving could be downsizing or upsizing, depending on how your situation changed. Regardless, being happy with the home you have is a huge part of being a family. Moving to a new house is something that could help take your life in a better direction moving forward. Of course, moving house can be stressful. However, it can be an essential and positive change long term.

Eat well

Now that you are a parent, it is more important than ever to focus on a healthy and balanced diet. Not only do you need to think about what you’re putting into your body, but you also must set a healthy example for your kids. Eating well, and enjoying a more balanced diet, is one of the most important things you can do these days. Try to improve your culinary skills so that you can whip up delicious and healthy dishes on a regular basis. It is also important to consider meal planning and how it can encourage healthier eating habits.

Get into shape

Healthy eating is only part of the process because you also must get into shape and maintain an active lifestyle. Having kids means you must ensure you are the healthiest you can be. Come up with a fitness regimen that you can use to get into shape and keep fit and healthy, and there are many ways of achieving this. For example, you might join the local gym to have a place to go and work out every week. You might consider activities such as swimming, cycling, and playing sports. Even something as basic as walking as much as possible can impact your physical health.

Recap: Take Your Life in a New Direction as a Single Parent

There are many ideas for taking your life in the best possible direction. As a single parent, you must consider some ideas that allow you to make positive changes.

Categories
Decor fall Home seasons

9 of the Best Fall Decor Pieces for Your Home

Fall is such a beautiful time of year, not only because of its colors. This time of year is gorgeous because it conveys the message of comfort and coziness. It brings people together, and we all get to find ways to stay warm or embrace the crisp fall air before temperatures drop further. There are bonfires, fall festivals, and Halloween parties. There are flannels, boots, and cute beanies. Oh and let’s not forget the basics… pumpkin spice. While fall is befalling us, it’s time to put out our best fall decor to fully embrace the season.

I like to collect holiday decor, pulling out my favorite pieces each year. However, I also want to add a few new home decor pieces to my collection each year. Choosing which decor pieces to add to my collection this fall was hard because there were so many good ones. I’m sharing the 8 best decor pieces I found this year, and I’m looking for advice on which ones to get!

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

Best Fall Decor Pieces for Your Home

1. Precious Moments Halloween Ornaments

I’m obsessed with these Halloween ornaments! If you don’t have a Halloween tree yet, you should get one. They are so cute, and these Precious Moments ornaments are perfect.

2. Tiered Tray Decor

I love a tiered tray, and this decor is so cute. If you have a small space to fill, you can get a tiered tray like this one. Or, you can add these pieces to the tiered tray you already have. It’s perfect for Halloween.

3. Carving Pumpkins Figurine

I love a good figurine to sit on a shelf. This one is so cute, and you can gift it to a friend you love carving pumpkins, too.

4. Fall Garland Leaves

You can use garland anywhere, so this leaf garland is perfect for your fall decor.

5. Spooky Season Figurines

The figurine with spider webs is my favorite, but the one with the kitten is a close second.

6. Reversible Fall Decor: Halloween and Thanksgiving

I love reversible decor because I don’t want to have to change it all out each month. This banner is perfect because once Halloween is over, you can quickly flip it around to the Thanksgiving sign.

7. Pumpkin Spice With You Figurine

One thing I’ve learned in my 30s is that friends are such an essential part of my life. My closest friends want what’s best for me, and I cherish every moment I have with them. This figurine reminds me of them – basking in the fall weather and enjoying treats while our kids run a little wild. I love it – it’s perfect for my living room, and it can be a good gift.

8. Fall Bouquet is the Best Fall Decor

A fall bouquet is a must, and this one is perfect. It would look good in any room and fit with any decor style.

9. Cutting/Cheese Board With Dip Bowl

Does a cheese board count as decor? I’m not sure, but I love it. It sets a vibe for your fall parties and get-togethers.

Recap: Best Fall Decor Pieces for Your Home

I love the changing of the seasons, and part of that excitement is changing the vibe of my home. These fall decor pieces can help you get into the spirit of the season. Which ones are your favorites? Leave a comment and let us know. 🙂

Categories
Food Health Healthy Living

What Are The 3 Best Secrets to Healthier Cooking?

With more people learning to prioritize their health better, you must be more conscious of what you eat. Statistics show that more than 80% of people have diets low in vegetables, fruits, and dairy. When you have a busy lifestyle, the idea of quick and easy pre-made meals sounds appealing and convenient. However, most of those meals tend to be processed and unhealthy. Instead, you can learn about healthier cooking to help you focus on taking care of yourself while still enjoying your food.

One of the best ways to make a conscious effort to eat healthier is by cooking your meals from scratch using natural and organic ingredients. Although it might take up more of your time, it would be worth it. Making healthy and delicious meals can be easy, and these tips can help you get started.

The Best Secrets to Healthier Cooking

1. Incorporate more fruits and vegetables into your diet

Most people fail to include fruits and vegetables in their diets, which are essential to their well-being. Fruits and vegetables have anti-inflammation properties and are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and fiber. Ideally, you must eat about 2-3 cups of fruits and vegetables daily. 

If you don’t like eating raw fruits and vegetables, you can get creative with how to incorporate them into your meals. There are tons of delicious smoothie recipes and salads you can make. You can also use vegetables as replacements, especially if you want to reduce your carb intake. 

2. Explore vegetarian options

Vegetarian meals are healthy and delicious, and it’s easy to include them in your diet and meal plans. A vegetarian diet, whether whole or partial, has many benefits. Apart from making you healthy, it’s also a more sustainable option, especially if you’re concerned about animal treatment and environmental conservatism.

You may not always get the necessary nutrients from a vegetarian diet, especially proteins. Fortunately, there are several high-protein vegetarian meals that you can try out. Other vegetarian-friendly foods can also provide you with additional nutrients.

3. Enjoy treats

Just because you’re eating healthy doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a treat or two. So, if you’re wondering if you can have some dessert, you should go for it! Depriving yourself of treats will only cause you to binge and would prevent you from enjoying your meals. 

However, it would be best if you didn’t go overboard. Don’t eat desserts simply because you feel you must or because it just happens to be around you. Instead, you can use it as an occasional treat. Even then, remember that moderation is essential. If you have a sweet tooth and are trying to reduce your sweet intake, you can start by eating dark chocolate. There’s no problem indulging in dessert; you only have to be mindful of your portions.

Recap: The Best Secrets to Healthier Cooking

Cooking healthier has many benefits, including helping you look and feel great. It’s also a great way to get back into cooking and enjoy the process of creating dishes from scratch. If you have a busy lifestyle, there are many quick and easy recipes you can easily fit into your schedule.