Harboring A Hipster In Your Midst? You Don't Want To Miss Out On These Gift Ideas

Everyone knows that fashions come and go. One year, goth is in. The next, we’re taking a trip down memory lane with 80s style. For the most part, these stylistic choices have little more to do with the clothes we wear. And, when fashion shops change, so too do our tastes.

Occasionally, though, a fashion comes to mean more than simply clothes. In recent years, we’ve seen the ‘emo’ style sweeping across youngsters. It dictated everything from the way they acted, to the food they ate. More recently, we’ve seen the development of the ‘hipster’ fashion. 

Pexels Image

Anyone who’s anyone will have cottoned on to the fact that this fashion, predominantly in men, has become the latest lifestyle choice. With man buns, tattoos, and beards galore, hipsters are taking over coffee shops across the world. 

If you have a hipster in your midst, you may feel as though they’re another species. The behaviors of this fashion group are so distinct and alien that they can be baffling. While you may not understand the lifestyle choice, such a tailored choice does make hipsters extremely easy to buy for. So, if the person in question has a birthday coming up, it shouldn’t be difficult to find the perfect gift. To give you some idea of what you should look for, consider these items. 

A top-end coffee machine is sure to go down well. Hipster life and coffee shops go hand in hand. So, why not give them their own professional coffee experience, like that provided by Delonghi machines? Bear in mind that you may also want to stock up on some coffee pods, and perhaps even some espresso cups. 

Free Great Picture Image

An electric razor is also worth considering. It may seem like a contradiction, as beards are all the rage. But, hipsters beards aren’t any old facial hair. Instead, they’re manicured and perfectly trimmed. While not any old razor would offer a trimming function, a little research into the best electric shaver on the market is sure to lead to you to one that does. Options with extra clips and so on are your best bet here. 

Beard oil goes hand in hand with shaving, and should be your next port of call. Did you ever wonder why stylish men had such shiny beards? This is the answer. You could accompany your razor gift with a bottle, or buy a gift set with a few different choices. Attempt to pick out scents you know the person in question will love. They will have this right under their nose, after all. 

Pixabay Image

A record player would be another welcome gift. Vinyl has been threatening to reappear for years, and hipsters are making it happen. As such, there are a variety of affordable portable options on the market. Accompany this with a record from their favorite artist, and you’ll be onto a winner. Bear in mind that it’s worth doing your research here, too. Buying an option which is too cheap will see it breaking in no time. 

Home Comforts For Seniors – Does Your Property Boast The Necessary Features?

A happy home is important throughout all parts of our lives. The increased time spent at home during your retirement years means that it becomes even more vital during those vital stages. Ultimately, comfort is king.
 
There are many factors to consider as you transform the home into one that will leave you smiling for many years to come. Use this checklist for guidance, and you won’t go far wrong.

Credit

Great Security: First and foremost, you won’t feel comfortable if the home isn’t safe. Being older can make you increasingly vulnerable, especially if your movement isn’t as good as it once was. Investing in the right surveillance facilities is essential for gaining that peace of mind. When combined with secured doors and windows, you won’t go far wrong. A safe home is a happy home. Do not forget it for a second.
 
Garden Beauty: Outdoor spaces become even greater sources of happiness when you have the time to relax in them. Sadly, keeping them in great health can feel a little difficult. Thankfully, incorporating ideas that reduce the need for maintenance will go a long way to overcoming those troubles. This means you’ll be able to enjoy this natural beauty year after year too.
 
Easy Accessibility: Moving around can become a little tougher as the body starts to suffer aches and pains. Unfortunately, this turn seemingly simple activities into very difficult tasks. A stairlift installation and bathroom refit can work wonders as they’ll enable you to maintain independence. Meanwhile, you could look at dropping the height of kitchen counters for easier daily use.

Credit

Accommodating Tech: Technology can be used to improve the home in many ways. Most importantly, it has the ability to assist when your senses deteriorate. Thermostats for seniors can be particularly useful for those with poor sight. Meanwhile, vibrating alarms and sensors can provide alerts when you’re hearing isn’t great. Given that those health issues can be a huge source of inspiration, beating them can make a world of difference.  
 
Comfy Bed: Getting older does mean that the body might need a little more time to recover and recuperate. Therefore, it’s vital that you invest in a great mattress that allows you to do this. A good night’s sleep will leave you with more energy, increased happiness, and fewer aches. If that doesn’t improve your feelings towards your modern home, nothing will.
 
Simple Cleanliness: Keeping the property clean is one of the issues that cause major problems for millions of senior citizens. Opting for a minimalist approach to interior design is key. In addition to making it easier to clean, it removes some of the potential hazards. Special dusters and materials can be bought to further boost the cause. Otherwise, hiring a weekly cleaner should suffice.

Maintaining a happy home can feel tough during those retirement years. Still, it will become a lot easier when you take note of those simple suggestions. Ultimately, that comfortable and happy home life is the least you deserve.

Cash Control: Handing Over The Reins

Image Credit

A lot of people hate being in control of their money. Of course, having money to spend and freedom to choose what you buy is great. But, alongside these benefits, managing your finances also means you have to be very responsible. For some, this work will be too much, and it will be very hard to keep under control. It doesn’t have to be this way, though, as there are loads of ways to put the responsibility into someone else's hands. To help you with this, this post will be going through some of the best ways to achieve this goal, without having to spend a small fortune in the process.

Budgeting

One of the hardest parts of finance is making sure that you don’t spend too much. With shops on every corner and the Internet being filled with temptations, it’s easy to get into the habit of overspending. To avoid this, most people will create a budget, outlining exactly what they have to spend each week or month. From there, you can start to consider the ways you’re going to monitor your money. Using your bank’s mobile app, you should be able to create rules which warn you when your account is getting low. Along with this, you could also consider looking into the idea of a financial advisor. Your bank will usually be able to provide a service like this, but you might have to pay a little bit for the privilege.

Loans And Debt

When people get stuck with debt, it can be very hard to climb out of the hole you find yourself in. New loans have to be taken to cover living costs and the repayments on other loans, and the snowball begins to grow very rapidly. Having multiple loans makes it very hard to pay everything back, though, as you will have to pay more on the money you’ve borrowed. Instead, it’s better to find a company like https://debtconsolidation.loans to help you out with this work. They can help you to find a new loan to cover all of the money you owe, while also coming up with a good payment plan for you. This will usually be much more in line with your current requirements than a mountain of smaller debts.

Saving And Investment

Finally, as the last stage to this endeavour, it’s time to think about the money you’re able to save and invest. This part of finance is very important to those that would like to push the boundaries of their money. Enabling you to earn additional income, investment is a great way to put away your money. But, of course, you should try and have some savings first. There are loads of companies, like www.neamgroup.com, which are dedicated to helping people to invest and save their money. Using a service like this, you only have to pay a small amount of what you make to have everything handled for you. 

Hopefully, this post will help you to start taking the control of your money out of your hands. This sort of approach will usually see a lot more success than trying to manage things yourself, as the people supporting you have a lot more experience than you will with money. Of course, though, this doesn’t mean that you should ignore your own research, as this is important, too.

Be Honest: How Fun Is Your Home?

Once upon a time, humans were simple creatures. They needed food; they needed water; they needed shelter. Our homes are a shelter, but like food and water, they’ve become much more than just their original functions. We know longer eat whatever will sustain us: we season our food. And who drinks just water? The home might provide shelter from the elements, but we should strive to them much more than that. Below, we take a look at a few ways you can make your home more fun, making it a property that friends and family want to visit on its own merit. 

Source: Pexels.com

Hosting Friends

Some homes are set up for receiving friends and family, and some aren’t; but all homes can be, with a little bit of effort. For example, how’s your kitchen and eating space looking? Having an open plan kitchen will make it receptive to visitors, a space that is conducive to socialising and having fun. And while we’re talking about guests, you should ensure that your guest rooms are up to modern standards. If your extra bedroom isn’t solely there for your guest’s use, it’ll be falling short. 

And the Livin’ Is Easy 

A home can be fun all the year round, but it’ll really come into its own during the light, sunny summer months. If you build a patio, you won’t have to go searching for good times in your neighborhood; you’ll have everything you need right in your back garden. Add simple additions like a BBQ and a swing set for the children, and you’ll have everything you need to have a summer to remember. When the days are long, and the weather is fine, you’ll get your money’s worth out of your investment in no time at all. 

A Games Room

If you have a spare room, why not look at transforming it into a fun game room, for you, your family, your friends? It’s towards the top of things people want in their home, but it’s oh so simple to install. All you need is a couple of games consoles, an activity of some sort (table tennis, pool), and a few board games. Hey presto, you have a games room! This will become a go-to for those Friday and Saturday evenings when you’re deeply committed to fun, but when the weather outside is looking miserable.

Taking it Further

Of course, these are only a few things you can add to your home to crank the fun levels. Always remember that there are no rules to what you do with your home: it’s your property, do whatever you want to do to make it a more enjoyable place to be. If you want to have a cinema room, then look at getting a few comfortable chairs, a big screen, and a projector. It’s all that simple!

All that anybody needs to have a fun home is a commitment to having fun. If you do, you’ll have the a house that is the envy of the neighbourhood! 

The Lifestyle Choices That Are Causing Your Back Pain

As you get older, you’ll find yourself waking up with a stiff back. Those twinges that you feel throughout the day have become a normal part of aging that we just seem to put up with. The truth is, while you’re going to be more prone to back problems in your later years, they have a cause. Everything that has a cause, has a solution as well. Working out what is causing your back problems is the first step towards getting rid of them and living a more comfortable life. So, if you’re constantly hobbling around with pains in your back, it could be caused by one of these things that are easily fixed. 

Source

A Bad Mattress

People don’t pay nearly enough attention to the quality of their mattress, but it can cause you serious back pain if it doesn’t give you enough support. Without a decent mattress, your back will not stay straight while you sleep and putting that pressure on it every single night will make it stiff and painful. Sites like mattress.review can help you to find the best quality mattresses out there. It might be tempting to go for a cheaper one, but it won’t do you any good in the long run. A proper mattress is an investment worth making if you want to maintain good back health into your old age. 

Slipped Discs 

One of the most common back injuries that you can get is a slipped disc. This is when the soft tissue between the discs in your back becomes dislodged. It’s usually caused by general wear and tear but overstraining your back can also cause a disc to slip out of place. It’ll be incredibly painful and sustained so if you’re experiencing severe back pains, it’s best to check with a doctor. However, it can also cause you pain in your hip because it presses on certain nerves. A combination of pain in the back and the hip is a sure sign that you’ve got a slipped disc. 

Muscle Spasms

Overworking your back can also cause muscle spasms in the back that can be extremely painful. They happen when the muscles or tendons in your back get torn, usually from lifting heavy weights. If you’re experiencing muscles spasms in your back, you need to get a lot of rest and make sure you aren’t putting any unnecessary strain on your back. 

Slouching 

Bad posture is a hugely common cause of back problems. So many of us spend the day at a desk at work, but only very few of us worry about our posture. Spending all day, every day, slouching at our desks can soon lead to a stiff painful back. The way to get around this is to get a good, supportive desk chair and make sure to take regular breaks to stand up and have a walk around. 

Back pain is seen as an inevitable feature of old age, but it doesn’t have to be that way. Back pain is usually caused by something that we’re doing and can be easily rectified. So, don’t just live with it.  

Gardening for Wildlife: Tips to Attract Animals to Your Garden

Sitting in your garden with a cup of tea, the day is behind you, and just as the sun is about to set, birds flock back to the trees for an evening chat. It’s the same routine every evening; snacking on berries in couples of two and singing coarsely to each other from across the yard, the wildlife keeps us frozen, hoping we’ll be treated to more of the show by staying as still and quiet as possible.

Image by Pexels

As fall approaches and the days get chillier, you can actually line up for many evenings of wildlife entertainment, right here in your own garden. You just need to know how to attract them - and appreciate the sight of a healthy ecosystem in your backyard.

#1 Build a log-pile

Sure, we love the sight of birds, but you can easily accommodate for other types of animals as well. Hedgehogs, for example, are especially fond of log-piles and will even find it to be an ideal habitat if you shape it as a tepee. Besides from the regular hedgehogs, you’ll also be able to attract all sorts of small mammals and amphibians and insects. Visit http://www.discoverwildlife.com for more log-piling advice.

Just by building one attraction, you’ll see your garden occupied with a variety of wildlife in no time. Remember to check that nobody lives in there before you light the bonfire, though.

#2 Don’t tidy up until the end of winter

Garden maintenance is a regular part of preparing your home for winter. Many homeowners do this as soon as the last apple has fallen from the tree, often taking it to the extreme and ruining the chances for any wildlife to find shelter there during winter.

Try to leave the heaviest garden cleanup until the end of winter, and avoid cutting the hedges too so that birds can find shelter there - as well as giving them some extra time to eat up all the berries. Instead of pruning and tidying, go over your garden equipment and make sure everything is up to date for spring; have a look at http://www.chaincutting.com/ for some great reviews on gardening equipment.

It’s also a good idea to have a look at your garden, find the perfect spot for your log-pile, and spot the weaker plants in your beds to swap with some that may attract animals. Spread the fallen leaves you rake up all over these flowerbeds, by the way, to create a foraging habitat for thrushes and blackbirds during the winter.

#3 Clean the feeders

A garden in fall is perfect for wildlife, and you’ll probably notice how the fallen apples, ripe berries, and seeds of plants have kept them returning for more. As the weather gets colder and harsher, on the other hand, birds depend on your garden more than ever to find food and shelter. Clean them now already by soaking them in sterilizing fluid, and keep washing them regularly to make it pleasant for the birds.

If you’re lucky enough to have a pond in your garden, you should clean it between October and January when the wildlife activity is at its lowest. It’s a good idea to put a few clay tiles at the bottom of your pond, by the way, to make it a bit cozier for overwintering frogs. 

They’ll appreciate your warmth this winter - and you can enjoy the sight of a garden full of life, even when everything else is gray and dismal.

Make Gift Giving Hassle-Free with GC Regalo!

I have always considered gift giving as an art, simply because you cannot do it haphazardly. A gift has to be a well thought of token to convey gratitude, birthdays, Christmas, milestone life events, and exemplary work performance.

To ensure that a gift is well appreciated, we must know the recipient very well. What are their interests? What are their needs? Do they have a family? What is their favorite color? What size jeans do they wear? There are so many things to consider! 

Since most of us do not have the luxury of time to shop around for the perfect present, the best gift idea would be a GC Regalo or gift certificate! 

Gift certificates are not a spur of the moment choice for a present, an award, or a bonus. It is actually a way to let someone have the freedom to get something he or she really needs. Honestly, I would be more than happy to receive a gift certificate than the all too common photo frame, bath towels, figurines, stuffed toys or funky scented lotions and shower gels.

There are various gift certificates available for purchase but the best so far, for me, is the Sodexo Premium Pass. Why so? Read on.

I worked in a call center for 10 years before I finally called it quits last year. One company that I used to work for had a fantastic incentive program for Top Performers. Three (3) Top Performers are chosen monthly and each one is given Two Thousand Pesos ( Php 2,000) Sodexo Premium Pass gift certificates . One (1) Quarterly Top Performer is chosen and the incentive accorded are having their name displayed in the Hall of Fame Board in the main lobby, plus a bonus of Five Thousand Pesos (Php 5,000) Sodexo Premium Pass Gift certificates. This motivated me to do my best and hard work did pay off. I got the 3rd Quarter Top Performer of the year award. I bought a new washing machine from SM Appliance Center with the gift certificates I received. Awesome!

Last Christmas, I wanted to give my niece a set of books, a young adult fiction 3-book set series. I knew she loved the books by this particular author. I kept putting off buying those books because I just did not have time to shop yet. That was a blessing in disguise because around two weeks before Christmas, I saw her reading those books I was supposed to get for her! Whew. I was saved from a failed gift giving scenario. What did I get my niece instead? Of course, my go-to choice, Sodexo Premium Pass Gift Certificates. It made me happy that she was able to get other books she liked.

A Sodexo Premium Pass Gift Certificate is my fool proof and hassle free way of gifting. It makes me pleased to know that my family and friends will be able to use it for whatever item they desire not only from SM Malls nationwide but from numerous merchant partners as well! It could even buy them the gift of health. Sodexo Premium Pass Gift Certificate is accepted in selected drugstores, wellness clinics and spas. Now isn't that a fantastic gift idea? I think it is!

This is also the perfect present for those "hard-to-gift" people, like tweens, teens, or those who seem to have it all.  Check out this merchant list below. Totally impressive! 

Gift certificates cannot be packaged or boxed, but you can, just to add to the fun. So to make it more personal, I compose short poems and create special greeting cards for my GC Regalo. Here is a collage of some of the cards I have made so far:

I love making gift cards because it conveys my well wishes which they could read over and over, long after they have used the Sodexo Premium Pass.

I strongly recommend you consider this hassle free gift idea. Be ready to see the smiles, hear the squeals, and receive hugs and kisses as you hand out this gift. There are other GC Regalo Gift Certificates available too, if a Sodexo Premium Pass is not your jam.

I will be celebrating my birthday in two months. I don't give my family a hard time looking for a gift for me. They know what I want. Haha. I want nothing else but some GC Regalo - Sodexo Premium Pass Gift Certificates. I will save them up and then wait for Christmas to come around so I will have more. I have already checked out the item I will get for myself. Hopefully my family will be generous this time so I can get this counter top oven on my birthday and something else for Christmas! 

I hope I have convinced you enough that GC Regalo is the best gift idea for any occasion, whether it be for a birthday, anniversary, baby shower, baptism, or an incentive award for your employee!

Your Wildest Dreams Start When You're Asleep

Pexels

If your sleep isn't what it used to be, there are many ways that you can improve it naturally. The first thing you should do is figure out when your sleep started to go down hill - finding the source will be a big help to figuring out why you aren't sleeping so good anymore.

If you're not too sure though, here are some tips on getting a better night's sleep.

Get a better diet.

Certain foods have the ability to give you a better night's sleep, while others make it even worse. We all know that a glass of warm milk before bed can really get you in the mood for sleeping. Chamomile tea is also very good for this. If you prefer something more to munch on, bananas and oatmeal do the job.

Get more regular with your exercises.

There are so many different benefits to exercising which all help to improve your health - sleep being one of them. Don't fit in a workout before bed though otherwise you'll just wake yourself up. Try getting in a session in the morning or afternoon. This will speed up the time it takes you to not only fall asleep, but to dream too.

Minimize your screen time before bed.

Try and avoid emailing, social media stalking, and tv watching before you go to bed. It has been proven that staring at a bright screen wakes up the brain by stimulating it from the glare of the screen, and you should be doing to exact opposite before you try and sleep. 

Take a caffeine inspired power nap.

If you've got things to do but can barely keep your eyes open, have a quick turbo boost nap to replenish your body and mind. Indulge in a cup of coffee, and then take a quick 15-minute snooze. Although caffeine keeps you up, it won't kick in straight away, meaning you can have a quick sleep to restart the brain, and by the time you wake up, you'll be full of energy.

Get the right mattress.

Not all beds will suit you, even if they have great reviews online, some people prefer a hard mattress, while others only like a soft, fluffy one. So figure out what you need, and then cater it to work with your body. Memory foam mattresses are a great place to start because they work with you by molding out your shape and holding you. You can find more information about them here. Before buying anything, go to a bed store and have a lie down on everything they have to offer - you may just find the one.

Use the power of visualization.

The mind is a very powerful tool - so use it. When you're lying in bed wide awake, and can't seem to fall asleep, try out a meditation technique. Focus on shutting things down one by one in your head, until everything is silent and still. If worries on your mind are keeping you up, think about them, and then mentally delete them. Keep doing this until the only thing left to do is fall away into a deep sleep.

Understanding Your Personal Finances Before Applying for a Mortgage

Image Source

A property is the largest investment and purchase that most of us will make during our lifetimes. It makes sense. This is the space where you will spend most of your time and hopefully retire in. If you have children, you will see them grow and thrive in this space. It will be home to your pets, a place for entertaining guests and your nest to hibernate in during the winter months. So you want the best that you can possibly get. Before scouring the property market and applying for a mortgage, however, it’s absolutely essential that you understand your personal financial situation. This will prevent you being denied loans (which will negatively affect your overall credit score) or investing in a property that you will eventually have to forgo, as you are unable to keep up with payments. Here are a few things to contemplate before setting your heart on any property.

Know Your Credit Score

A mortgage is essentially a huge loan that you can use to purchase a property. In a way, you are lending the money, paying it to the property’s owner, then slowly paying back your mortgage provider in smaller installments over time. As with any other form of a loan, your mortgage provider is going to base their decision on whether to hand you the cash by evaluating your previous spending and lending habits. If you have a bad record, they are unlikely to approve you. If you have a good score, you have a better chance. As you are likely asking for a large sum of money, the lender is going to want to be confident that you will stick to your contract and pay them back. So, check your credit score to ensure that you have a good record!

Picture Credit

Overcoming Bad Credit

If you find that you do have bad credit, don’t worry. A mortgage isn’t necessarily entirely out of your reach. You may think that all hope is lost, but with good financial management, you could overcome your current negative rating and start building towards being able to apply for a mortgage with realistic chances of being accepted. For whatever reasons, you have built up a negative reputation amongst lenders in the past. So you need to regain their trust and prove yourself to be reliable. A good way to do this is to take out bad credit personal loans or credit cards. These will often start out with a low credit limit and will have higher interest rates than standard loans, but they give you the opportunity to put your foot back on the credit ladder and improve your score. Once you’ve been approved, ensure that you pay back the money borrowed on time, sticking to all aspects of your repayment contract. Avoid being late or missing payments. As time goes on, your limit will be increased and other lenders may begin to offer you loans or cards too.

Once you are confident that your personal finances are in good and reputable shape, you can start searching for the perfect property to invest in.

Don't Let Debt Ruin Your Financial Future

When you find yourself in the position where you’re wondering how you can afford to pay all of your bills, and still eat is a very scary position to be in. Unfortunately, the majority of us don’t seek help where we should and end up in bigger debt than before. There are simple ways that you can free yourself from the clutches of constant calls and letters asking you for money. In this article, I’m going to share with you some ways that you can get yourself out of debt.

Payday loans

Depending on the severity of your debt, payday loans can be a quick fix to all of your problems. If you know that at the end of the month you will have enough money to get yourself back on track then taking out a quick loan will do the trick. Do be wary of the high interest rate though, and if you do decide to take one out then make sure that you will definitely be able to repay the loan back on the agreed date, otherwise you could land yourself some hefty charges.

Debt relief

If the amount of debt that you’re in is too high to be resolved by using a payday loan, and you’re a homeowner, you should consider homeowner loans for debt consolidation. This will allow you to completely wipe all of your debts at once, meaning any letters and phone calls will stop because you will technically be debt free. All you will have to concentrate on paying now will be the consolidation loan which are normally set up in affordable repayments for you. If your income does decrease however, be wary that you may be unable to lower your repayment charge each month.

Image Source

Family

It’s understandable that not everyone has this option, but asking your friends or family for some financial help might be the perfect answer for all of your problems. Even though it can be debilitating, it may be worth borrowing money from family rather than trying to do it alone. Often, family members are more than willing to help especially if it’s not a regular occurrence. Consider asking a trusted family member for a short term loan and maybe some advice on how to better look after your money.

Be prepared

Don’t let yourself get into the situation where you’re stuck for money. Much easier said than done, but there are ways of ensuring you have financial stability. Not allowing yourself to get into any debt will prevent you from ever having to take any of these routes. Or, if you’re currently in debt, use this as a lesson so that in the future you can look forward to financial stability.

Remember, for many solutions to solving your debt like using a payday loan, your credit score will be affected. Consolidation loans boast that this isn’t an issue but some companies won’t be able to give you a good deal if your credit rating is low. Take the steps today to get yourself out of debt. Don’t let debt ruin your financial future.

What To Do With Your Empty Nest

It seems like just yesterday when you were looking to invest in a small-family home, and now all your little birds have grown up and left the nest. Suddenly that house that seemed perfect ten or so years ago feels a little big for just you and your spouse. There’s a whole new chapter ahead of you, but first you need to decide what to do with your empty nest.

Sell it

Image Source

Your first instinct might be to sell your house and move into something a bit smaller; after all, it’s too big for an older couple with grown kids, but it’s still perfect for another young family. It would be easy to get in touch with a local real estate agency or reach out to manausa.com or Zillow to sell your house. But you might not want to do that so quickly; your kids could visit during Thanksgiving or Christmas, or they might need a place to crash during the summer while they search for work. Many graduates end up moving back home after college because they can’t afford to move out completely. Even if they do manage to afford their own place, there’s always grandkids to consider; it’ll be easier to have the whole family visit in a big house than a smaller one built just for an older couple. 

Home Office

Image Source

Most people are now taking the option of working from home, so if you’re one of them you’ll need a proper place to work. Experts recommend that you shouldn’t bring your work home with you, but this is a tough rule to follow if you work at home. The best solution is to set yourself up in a now-empty room and eliminate as many home touches as possible to make the place feel more like an office. Bring in a desk, an ergonomic chair, and set up your laptop. 

Gym

Image Source

It’s a cliche to turn your child’s room into a gym once they leave, but if it encourages you to do more exercise then there’s nothing wrong with it. All you need to do is clear out all the furniture - make sure you pack up the personal items and store them somewhere safe - and put in whichever machines you’d like to use. You might also want to put up some mirrors along one of the walls so you can keep an eye on your posture.

Rent it out

If you’re open to making some extra cash, then why not rent out your empty bedrooms to a lodger. It could be a student from a local college, an international student, or someone who’s moved for work but hasn’t been able to sort accommodation yet. Each of these options means you’ll have a temporary tenant, so you can try it out for a few weeks to see if you like the arrangement. At the very least, you’ll be getting help paying the bills, and maybe some help around the house if your tenant is considerate about the mess they make. 

Organising Your Home For A Cleaner Mind

Did you know that having clutter around your home can stop your creativity from flowing and can prevent your mind from working properly? Having a clean and organized space to live will increase happiness, productivity and general well-being. This is because everything has it’s space, and there is nothing confusing the mind from more important things. Here are some ways in which you can organize your home for a cleaner mind.

This isn’t a suggestion for you to bomb around your home and throw everything away. These are simply going to be some tips on how to make your home less cluttered. Follow these four tips and you’ll soon start reaping the benefits!

1. Put things away

Making sure that all items have a place within a cupboard, drawer or closet (obviously unless it’s ornamental) is key to keeping your home tidy and organised. If some of your items don’t currently have their own place, then it’s time for a sort out. A good rule to go by when having a clear out is the six month rule. If it’s not been used in the last six months, and you don’t expect to use it in the next six months, then it’s likely that you’re holding onto it ‘just in case.’

Pixabay

2. Kitchen clean up

Don’t leave your kitchen out of the mix either. There are so many ideas online that you could adopt to organize your kitchen cupboards. Why not go the full whack and organize your refrigerator too? Not only will it make it easier to find the food you’re looking for, but if it’s done properly you can properly avoid any cross contamination within your refrigerator too.

Having a special place for your utensils, mugs, plates and everything else you use within your kitchen will make it easier to keep your kitchen organised even after regular use.

3. Toys

One thing that many parents struggle with is where to put their children’s toys when they’re not in use. Buy a large basket, or ottoman in which you could put their toys after use. It’s likely you’ll be able to find storage that matches your decor and keeps it feeling like home. Make sure your children get into the good habit of putting their toys away when they’re no longer playing, as this may affect how tidy their bedrooms are too!

Pixabay

4. Make room

Making room in your garage or shed for items that you don’t necessarily want in the house, but you know will be used again, or are sentimental items is a great way of keeping your home free of clutter, yet being able to hold on to the things that you really love.

Keep your home free of clutter and too much noise will create a much more pleasant atmosphere within your home. Having an organized home makes it easier to keep clean too. Why not apply these tips today and see the improvement for yourself?

5. Declutter

Each time you organise your home, there will be items that you can throw away or sell. Decluttering isn’t just about finding a home for things; you also have to be willing to let go of things. If you have large spaces like basements or attics full of junk, it may be time to hire junk removal services. This is one of the best ways to get rid of large items or lots of items that could be time consuming to get rid of yourself.

Sowing the Seeds to Financial Stability

For many people, financial stability is a dream for them. They want to have money when they need it, then want to be able to splash on luxuries for themselves and their family, and they want to be free of debt for the rest of their lives so they can live a comfortable retirement. Sadly, this can seem like a monumental task especially if you’ve made questionable financial decisions in the past. However, resetting your financial situation and sowing new seeds for financial stability is possible—it just takes a lot of work and discipline. To help you get started with a fresh new financial start, we’ve compiled a list of tips.

Source

Get rid of your debt as soon as possible

The more your debt lingers, the more interest you’ll end up paying. This is never a good thing, and it’ll start to eat into your wallet, your paycheck and even your sanity. One of the best ways to clear up your debts quickly is to look at debt consolidation. How this works is you take out a lump sum loan that clears up all of your existing debts. This accomplishes a couple of things. First, it lowers the amount of interest you pay. Because interest is added on top of your monthly repayments, you end up paying less if you’re able to repay your loan early. This is the first major advantage of debt consolidation loans and why it’s an attractive choice.

Secondly, it helps you by lowering the interest rate that you would’ve paid. Debt consolidation loans can be negotiated so that you get a low interest rate, which is great if you’re currently struggling with your financial situation. Lastly, it helps with your stress and mental situation. Paying several companies to cover your debts in addition to interest on top can be daunting, which is why it helps to consolidate all of those payments into a single loan. You can get more help at www.debtconsolidationloans.com if you’re interested in a debt consolidation loan. If you’re serious about starting a new financial life, then you need to clear your debts as soon as possible before they have time to fester and create more problems later in the future.

Source

Controlling your spending

Spending is a major problem that needs to be tackled before you can sow the seeds to financial stability. The first hurdle to overcome is instant gratification, which is a habit where you completely forget any financial lessons you’ve learned and splash your cash on something meaningless or out of your budget. If you struggle with instant gratification, then this article from http://blog.iqmatrix.com/ will serve as a guide to help you beat your habits. Instant gratification is usually a tactic employed by companies to get you to spend more money. Short-duration deals and sales are typical in the world of business, which is why you need to learn how to avoid these traps in order to save money.

Spending habits can also be changed. For instance, do you really need all of your luxury subscription services? Whether it’s a subscription to several on-demand video services or premium services for your favourite piece of software, ask yourself if they’re really needed in your lifestyle. Take a look at this article from https://www.forbes.com/ that shows six different subscriptions that you can live without. It goes into detail with some common things such as a landline telephone and expensive gym memberships which aren’t needed in most of our lives but simply serve as luxuries. There are cheaper alternatives and there are times when we don’t even use them (as is the case with a landline telephone) so it can save you a lot of money.

Bleeding money with subscription services and microtransactions is a quick road to debt, so make sure you take better control over your finances by learning how to budget and manage your spending. It might help to set up a budget app on your smartphone or to simply be more aware of how much money is coming in and going out. Regardless of how much money you make, you should always be in the positive and have money left over to save for emergency situations and you should never be forced to live from paycheck to paycheck.

Source

Personal finance options

There are plenty of ways to learn more about your personal finance options. For instance, you could invest your money once you’re finally out of debt instead of saving it in a bank. Most people use their savings account as a way to save up money, but saving too much money can be a bad thing. As explained in this article by http://www.investopedia.com/, there’s such a thing as saving too much money. It’s usually caused by people who have an obsession with saving money, and there’s nothing worse than reducing your quality of life for no reason. Money can be spent to improve yourself and lives of your family members, so don’t hoard it for no reason when it can be used in a positive way.

You can also make more money with your own business, a part-time job or even through your investments. This will help ensure that you always have money on hand for anything that you need, which is one of the biggest components of financial stability. Once you learn how to use your skills and multiple sources of income to grow your net worth, you’ll find that your money is better spent on investments for the future than simply rotting away in your savings account. Of course, it’s always important to have emergency savings, but the amount you need isn’t as much as you might think. Take control of your personal finance options and make sure your hard-earned cash is going to the right things instead of being wasted or given no purpose.

Hopefully, these tips have given you some insight into how you can reset your financial situation and sow new seeds to financial stability. With the right budgeting mentality and controlled spending, you can discipline yourself to manage your finances with ease.

How To Ensure Mayhem Doesn't Take Control In Your Magically Natural Garden

Nature is amazing. Nothing beats lush, unbroken expanses. In a world where untouched areas are harder to come by than ever, such natural beauty is revered and loved by all. Poems have even been written about its healing qualities!

Picture Credit

We’re all busy, though, and finding the time to head to nature reserves and beautiful locations isn’t easy. In fact, for most of us, the only contact we have with the nature is our backyard. Yet, instead of creating the untouched natural areas we crave, many of us turn our gardens into manicured spaces. Why? Because it’s the ‘done thing.'. Your neighbors can see your garden, and you wouldn’t want them thinking it’s a mess, would you? 

But, it might be time to reconsider how we approach our yards. If you want to make full use of your outdoor sanctuary, it may be worth letting go of how you think a garden should be. Forget perfectly symmetrical lawns and gardens lacking in greenery. Let nature have its say. 

Of course, it wouldn’t be practical to let things go altogether. As a lawn is an enclosed space, it doesn’t quite have the freedom of open expanses. As such, you do need to keep some control to ensure it’s still a space you can use. So, how do you achieve a balance between majestic nature and wild mayhem?

Know Where You Can’t Compromise

Before you start the journey, it’s important to know where you can’t take your eye off the ball. Some areas will always need your attention. Forgetting about these could undo your efforts to create a more natural space. 

So, where can’t you compromise? The most notable area would be your lawn. Rather than looking beautiful, long grass looks scruffy. Plus, it can make the space less habitable. Who wants to spend time outside when they have to fight through tangles of grass to get there? So, there’s no getting around the fact that you still need to mow the lawn on a regular basis. The good news is, you can do this without disturbing the more natural image you’re working towards. Something like the zero-turn mowers mentioned on this site will ensure you can get close to your flowerbeds without cutting anything you don’t want to. They’ll also take the hassle out of the job to ensure your natural yard remains low maintenance! 

Patio areas also need some attention. As this is a man made area of the garden anyway, letting it run riot wouldn’t look right. There’s nothing beautiful about weeds sprouting between paving stones. Make sure to remove them as soon as they appear to stop things getting out of control. 

Let Your Flowers Run Free, But Only Where You Want Them

Flowers are, of course, the most beautiful aspect of the natural world. As such, you’ll want these to run free in your natural haven. But, how can you let them loose and still keep some control? Raised flower beds are your best option here. They keep the flowers separate from the lawn you want to keep clear and ensure seeds don’t spread. Within the flower beds, those flowers can go as crazy as they want to without looking messy. It’ll be an organized chaos. 

Picture Credit

To ensure these beds look stunning, it might be worth mixing all different types of flowers. Too often, we plant in clumps or stick to color schemes. That’s not how plants would act in the wild, and it looks contrived. Instead, mixing things up is sure to get that wild image you’re aiming for. One thing’s sure; your flowers will create an eye catching display this way. 

Inviting Wildlife Into Your Garden Without Letting It Do Damage

Of course, no natural haven would be complete without an injection of wildlife. Yet when many of us hear wildlife and garden in the same sentence, we shudder with horror. Animals have a way of ruining gardens. They eat plants, dig holes, and make mess. So, most of us do anything we can to keep them away. 

Picture Credit

But, is there a way to invite wildlife without worrying about a ruined garden? We think so. In many ways, those raised flower beds will help here. Applying a fine mesh fence around the edges will ensure animals can’t creep in and eat your flower supply. 

It’s also worth creating some spaces for those animals to live so that they don’t destroy your lawn. Wood piles, quiet corners, and areas of dug up mud should do the trick. 

Future-Proof Your Body With These Smart Tips

We currently live in a world where we are far more conscious of the foods we eat and the activities we do, which means we are well-versed in looking after ourselves far more than we used to be. As you go through each decade, you start to look after yourself more and more in the hope of self-preservation.

Image source

A big part of future-proofing your body and trying to guide your health through each decade of life is knowing exactly what you need to brush up on. You need to be able to look after yourself enough so that you don’t succumb to illness that can be fairly debilitating. No one wants to get to retirement age and feel like they are physically crumbling, despite the fantastic care at retirement villages that is available. You can watch a testimonial here about that. While no one is totally safe from illness, you can still take steps to keep your body as healthy as possible so that you can feel in control of your body for as long as possible.

Image source

To do any of this, you need to ‘future-proof’ your body. You cannot stop the years from turning, but you can slow down the aging process! Take note of the steps below and give your body a shot at feeling younger for longer.

1. Exercise. Everywhere you go, there is advice that says that just thirty minutes of exercise a day can make a difference to your whole healthy outlook. From high intensity cardio like running, to low intensity like yoga or swimming, you can find an exercise that works perfectly well for your body and your own personal limits. Listen to what your body wants, though, as while you may feel like running a marathon, your knees may warn you against it.

2. Food. There is a phrase that says you are what you eat, and it has never been truer! It’s not as simple as an apple a day keeping the doctor away, but fueling your body with good, healthy foods and only indulging every once in awhile, can make a difference to everything from your skin tone to the fat around your heart.

3. Hydrate. Humans need what they are made of, and we are made of water. Keeping up an intake of at least 2 litres a day, every day can keep you hydrated. Headaches and dizziness, as well as general body aches, can all be alleviated by good hydration.

4. Limit Caffeine. There is a lot of food that contains caffeine, but coffee and tea are the main culprits. Switching your morning coffee to a morning hot water with lemon can shift your metabolism and get it working faster and longer.

5. Sleep. Believe it or not, sleep can keep you healthy. The body repairs its ailments while you rest and take time out and getting a full 8 hours of sleep a night can do wonders for your health.

6. Meditate. Among all the healthy options, keeping your mind healthy is crucial. You need to be able to keep on top of your mental health and you can read all about that here.

Whichever way you choose to live your life, keep your health at the forefront of your mind. It could save your life one day.

Making A House A Home: It's The Little Things That Matter

Image source

Moving into a new home is one of the most horrendously stressful, complex and exhausting things anyone can ever do (if you’ve done this then you’ll no doubt be nodding furiously right about now). There’s all the paperwork, the financial stress, the back and forth between you and seller, the agent you’re not sure you trust and then the physical act of moving. But, as if that isn’t enough, there is then the daunting realization that your house isn’t a home. 

You know that this comes with time, and you’ll make it your dream home very soon, but there are just certain things missing and little annoyances that keep making you grunt and things you wish you had to right now to make the homely feeling burst to life. 

As such, we have come up with a list of useful, fun and thoughtful things you should buy yourself as housewarming presents, to you from you. There’s nothing wrong with doing that. 

Image source

Tools For DIYing

There are certain things you are going to want to have ready for those moments of magic where you suddenly realize what needs to be done (or those moments of frustration where you need a solution). We’re talking tape measure, hammer, extension cables, screwdriver, level, those sort of bits. 

Internet Extender

We pretty sure that this isn’t the official name and that they’re actually called powerline network adapters, but whatever the case they are super useful, especially when you have just moved in. We do recommend you look at http://www.thesmartfuture.net/powerline-adapter-reviews/ to see which would suit your needs, but they will all do that thing you will really want, which is bring you internet and data to the far corners of your home. Madness managed. 

New Locks

This may not sound like much fun, but it will definitely help you get a good night’s sleep. That’s because you don’t know who has keys to your current locks. Neighbors you haven’t met, agents you didn’t use, maintenance people you haven’t heard of, coworkers to the previous owners. Yeah, time to change the locks, or put some deadbolts on. 

Image source

Bluetooth Speaker

Nothing makes somewhere more homely than a little bit of music, which is why you should definitely splash out on one of the speakers found on this list http://www.trustedreviews.com/guide/best-bluetooth-speakers. A waterproof one could be a great shout too, you know, to let you have a little sing in the shower. Music gives the world a soul and your new house a bit of je ne sais quoi. 

Temporary Artwork

If you have artwork tucked away in some of your removal boxes, then pull it out and get it up. You don’t need to go all permanent and hang it on the walls, just lean it up. If you don’t have any art, grab something fun and temporary, even if it is just a frame and piece of paper inside that reads, “I’m still saving for my Van Gogh”. 

As you can see, making a house a home is all about the little things.