How Green Is Your Home?

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You don’t have to believe that we each have a duty towards the environment in order to want to do something to help it. If, like many others, you have come to realize that you could probably be doing a little more to help out the environment, then it is worth taking a look at some of the things you could do towards that end. One of the most common things stopping people from doing more is that they do not think that they can actually achieve much. They think that one person is not going to affect in any positive or lasting way the future of the Earth. But this is not true, and we hope to show you why in this post. Let’s have a look at some of the best ways to make your home as green as possible.

Take A Look At Your Water Consumption

It is surprising how few people look at how much water they are using when they hope to be a little greener at home. As it happens, your water consumption is going to be one of the biggest changes you can make, as well as actually being one of the easiest all in all. You can do plenty to improve your water consumption. It begins with little acts, such as switching off the tap as you brush your teeth. You can then move on to limiting your shower time, or washing your clothes less often or hand-washing them instead. By doing this, you can easily and swiftly reduce your consumption, and that will help the environment immediately and hugely.

How Is Your Home Powered?

One of the biggest changes you can make is to look at how your home is actually powered, and change it to a greener, more environmentally friendly option. You actually have a number of options here. First of all, it might be worth contacting a solar panel company to see how easily you could get some panels installed on your roof. These can save a lot of energy and soon pay for themselves, meaning that in the long run they are a financially viable option. Another common green energy source is to have heat pumps installed, which draw heat from the ground in a sustainable way to heat your home. However you do it, changing the power source will likely make a huge difference, and is well worth doing.

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Using Appliances Rarely

As a general rule of thumb, you should endeavor to only use appliances when absolutely necessary. You might be surprised at how often you can wash your clothes in cold water, or how rarely you really need to use the dishwasher. Using appliances as little as possible will make a most significant difference to how much energy you use, and therefore how efficient your home is. It is also a relatively easy thing to incorporate into your home, so consider making that essential change today. You just might be the one who makes the difference.

A Gentle Aside... Simple Ways To Earn Part-Time Money

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We all have financial woes at some point in our life, and whether we are working our fingers to the bone already, it can be difficult to try and save money when your outgoings are much more than your total income. While we can all try to get an extra part time job, does it result in as getting a lot more money? Not really. In fact, it may just be enough to get you by, so why don't you try and make the most of some of the most popular ways to make money on the side right now?

Going Freelance

Have you got a skill that you don't use much? If so, why don't you make the most of that and work freelance on the side of what you're already doing? If you can play an instrument, you could teach students online or if you blog, there are plenty of content sites that will pay for your opinions. Or if you like taking photographs there are stock photography sites. Have a look at www.careerfoundry.com/en/blog/career-change/successful-freelancer/ for more information on how to do it properly. There are plenty of options for you. And on the topic of expertise…

Writing Ebooks

If you have a skill set that is very niche, and you have enough knowledge that could fill a book you could write an eBook and sell it via Apple's iBooks or Kindle Direct Publishing on Amazon. In fact, Amazon pays 70% royalties on books that are priced between $2.99 and $9.99 which is a decent amount of money if you sell enough eBooks. But it's always best to do your research first if you can find a gap in the market that you can fill.

How Many Old Smartphones Do You Have?

With every new phone contract every couple of years, you've probably got piles of old mobile phones stashed away, so why don't you sell them? There are plenty of websites that pay for your old items such as Buyback Express which can pay you easily via PayPal, check out www.buybackexpress.com/sell-electronics/ for additional information on what other electronic devices you can sell for a quick cash injection. If you've been using a mobile phone for around the 20-year mark you've probably got a few stockpiled somewhere, so why don't you make the most of them?

Focus Groups

Various focus groups will pay you for your time and opinions on products or services, but the best way to make the most out of this venture is to sign up with more than one focus group company. This will increase your chances of being called for a group. And as far as costs are concerned some can pay upwards of $300 but the vast majority pay much less, which means it's a good way to earn money on the side rather than a full-time money-making venture.

As well as these, there are plenty of other options you can find online such as taking surveys or doing transcription work. But it's always important to realize that there are plenty of options out there for you if you want to make some more money on the side without having to work a night shift in a supermarket!

How To Create An Amazing Garden Without All The Maintenance

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Gardens can really determine if a home is good or great. There are loads of houses that might look great on the outside, be wonderfully decorated on the inside, but have an awful back garden that lets it down. 

The main problem is, people just can’t keep up with regular garden maintenance. There are lots of things to do; mow the lawn, water the plants, get rid of weeds, sweep up leaves, and so on. As such, many people decide that a nice garden just isn’t worth their time and they don’t bother making it look nice at all. 

But, I’m here to tell you that you can have an amazing garden without all the maintenance. Here are some ideas that show you exactly how:

Lay Down Some Artificial Grass

Gardens with grass look so beautiful as the green really complements the area. Naturally, the problem is that you have to mow the grass and tend to it, so it stays nice and green. Well, you can have an amazing lawn without needing to maintain it if you lay down an artificial grass rug instead. These days, artificial grass looks and feels very real. So, you can have the perfect lawn without worrying about grass dying or getting too long, or having weeds grow through it. 

Get Some Fake Potted Plants

I think that every garden should have some sort of plants or flowers in it. They add some great color to the place and really make it look better. Again, plants come with the extra baggage that is regular maintenance. You need to water them, feed them, and make sure they don’t die out. But, if you get some fake potted plants, you can have gorgeous flowers without the extra work. They’ll sit around your garden and remain the same regardless of how the weather is, and you never have to feed them. As a consequence, you never have to fret over plants dying out and making your garden look horrible. 

Install A Patio Area

For me, a patio is a great thing to have in your garden. It gives it an extra dimension as you have a patio and then the grassy area too. It makes the garden feel more complete, and also provides extra functionality. With a patio, you can sit out on some deck chairs and eat dinner during the summer. Or, you could have a barbecue and host a garden party. The best thing is, patios require almost no maintenance at all. Compare this to wooden decking, and you have loads of extra maintenance to do. It’s a great thing to add to your garden if you want it to look nice without having to do extra work. 

You see, it’s easy to create an amazing garden that doesn’t require a lot of maintenance. Now, you’ve brought your whole home together by ensuring your backyard is just as gorgeous as the rest of your property. Not only that, but you’ve given yourself a garden you can go out in and enjoy. There’s a grassy area for your kids to play on and a patio for you to sit on a chair and relax. 

Ensure That Your Elderly Relatives Still Feel Young At Heart

Getting older and entering your golden years can be challenging for anyone; people can become frustrated that their bodies don’t do what they used to be able to, and with the health deteriorations that can occur in old age. Therefore, it’s vital that you do all you can to ensure that your elderly loved ones are able to feel young at heart and enjoy a great quality of life. You’ll want your older family members to remain a part of family life for years to come, and enjoy lasting memories with them. The following are some things to consider if you have ageing loved ones and want to make sure that they a leading a full and happy life.

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Communication

One of the most debilitating things to any person’s welfare is the feeling of loneliness and isolation. Therefore, keeping up a regular line of communication with your loved ones is a crucial part of making them feel needed and a key part of your family. Ensure that you phone or video call the seniors in your family on a regular basis; set a time each week, so that it’s something that doesn't get forgotten in busy household life. The odd call here and there, or a greetings card during the holidays, will make your relatives feel like an afterthought; so make as much effort as possible to contact them as much as you can.

If the distance is not too far; ensure that you visit your older family members and have face-to-face contact. As people age and their families grow up; their social life can often become narrow, so occasions where they mingle and go places will lessen. Be the one to invite your relative over for lunch at the weekends, or to watch your kid’s football practise at the school. You can learn more at www.agingcare.com on how to keep the elderly active, so pick up some advice and tips. Keeping someone as an integral part of family life will keep them feeling young and able, and will be a positive part of them getting older.

You should enjoy the various members of your family; older relatives can often provide an insight into life that you won’t have because they have been through more experience. Advice is another benefit of a mature loved one; learn from their hindsight and ideas on life. Grandchildren will always help to keep their grandparents young; there’s nothing quite like the innocence and humor of kids to keep an elderly person laughing and sharing stories. Therefore, make sure that you keep your ageing parents close to your family, by making them an integral part of bringing up your children.

It’s essential that you make allowances for health and mobility issues; don’t make your loved ones feel like a burden, if they have any problems, just accept them and adapt your plans so they can get involved successfully and enjoy their time with you. Many of the older generation don’t want to feel like a burden to their families, so make sure that you remind them of how important they are in your lives and you’re thankful for all they do and have done. Making your elderly relatives feel appreciated is the best way to keep up communication with them, and will prevent them from feeling isolated and unloved.

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Care

As mentioned earlier; your ageing family may be experiencing certain health and mobility issues, that prevents them from doing what they want to each day. You don’t want a person to deteriorate because they are under stimulated and depressed from a lack of normal life, so make sure that you’re doing all that you can to keep them active, well-fed, and thinking regularly. Simple gestures, like bringing over a hearty home-cooked meal and staying to watch a movie with them, each week, will be something they will look forward to and keep them in the loop of everyday life and entertainment.

Sometimes, you loved ones will need more care than you’re able to give them so that they can have a great quality of life. Therefore, it’s essential that you know when and where to seek expert help, care, and advice for your family. Whether your parent is afflicted by bad memory or mobility issues; there are a number of facilities that can assist them and will give the peace of mind that they’re being well looked after. You can learn more at www.parcprovence.com about how qualified carers can enrich your family member’s lifestyle and what their environment will be like. Care homes and facilities will still allow you to visit and communicate with your parent or relative regularly, so don’t be fearful to research into utilizing one.

Your elderly loved one’s needs will change with time, and you shouldn’t feel guilty about seeking help outside of your family environment. Often, nurses and carers become a new member of your family, and you’ll begin to put your faith and trust in them to look after your relative and to make sure that their needs are being met. Don’t be nervous to ask questions, and keep checking on the progress of your family member. You may be able to spot an issue that a professional can’t, as you’ve known them your whole life, so speak up and change things if needed.

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Understanding

The best thing that you can do for the senior members of your family is to understand their process and changing needs. It can be difficult to relate what someone is going through if you haven’t experienced any of it for yourself. However, putting yourself into the shoes of your loved ones may help you to see how daily life could be a struggle and a challenge. You have the power to help to enrich their life and encourage them to stay young at heart; so it’s worth taking every opportunity to do so. You’ll end up getting just as much out of helping and enjoying your elderly family members as they do; just give them your love, time, and patience.

Thoughtful Housewarming Gifts That Couples Will Love

Finding a housewarming gift for someone for when they move into their home can be tricky, especially if you’re unsure of items that they may or may not already have. The typical houseplant or set of plates is an easy gift if you’re unsure of what to get, but if you want to get something a bit more thoughtful, particularly for couples that you’re close to, you may want to think of something else. These great gift ideas are some of the ideal suggestions for welcoming a couple into their new home.

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A boxset/Netflix subscription

The expense of moving into a new home could leave little room for date night or dinners out, so a boxset or a subscription to Netflix will be the gift that keeps on giving. Give them a list of shows they should watch, and you’ll effectively give them their date night viewing for months or years to come! Taking time to chill in front of a thrilling TV show at the end of the day is a good way to unwind, as well as give couples a shared interest to enjoy together.

Matching bathrobes

Nothing is more comforting than snuggling up together in a fluffy white bathrobe. Get some matching bathrobes that can give that ‘luxury hotel’ feeling. Even if they already have bathrobes, they make useful items for guests that come to visit so you can be sure that they won’t go to waste. An additional touch could be to have them embroidered with their names or initials or simply a his/hers design.

Personalized glassware

Etched and engraved glassware is another great way to welcome a couple into their new home, after all, you can never have too many glasses. Get them personalized with the couple’s names or the date they moved into their home for a gift that can either be used or displayed as a wonderful reminder. Alternatively, you could choose personalized coffee mugs, pitchers or other items that will make a very thoughtful housewarming gift - the choice of products is endless, but that personal touch will make it special.

Food gifts

Food gifts are another great idea for a housewarming gift, and you can find several creative food gift ideas on Pinterest. You could choose from recipe books or a hamper of ingredients to make a particular type of dish or even cookery lessons that they can take together to learn how to make something great in their new home. A hamper of fruit or baked goods is another great suggestion if you have a limited budget for your gift. 

If you’re still struggling to find the perfect housewarming gift, then this article on making a house a home could give you some inspiration based on personal touches to transform a home. Whatever gift you decide to give, it’s important to remember that it’s the thought that counts and the happy couple will be touched that you’ve taken the time to choose something for them to celebrate a huge milestone in their lives.

Now It’s Personal: How To Transform A House Into A Home

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A home is your castle, the place you feel the most comfortable. It is the place you yearn for after a hard day’s work and the building that holds the most memories. It makes sense, then, that your property is a home and not a house. What is the difference, you ask? Well, simply put, a house is a property that lacks personality. Scratch that – it’s a property that lacks your personality. As the owner, it is your job to imbue it with as many of your character traits as possible. That way, the transformation process can begin. 

Obviously, adding personality isn’t as easy as saying it out loud or in your head. To make it happen, it is essential to take action and start the process. So, if you don’t know where to start, you should take a look at the following. These are the tips that will instill character into your house. 

Move Out

‘Seriously? I Need To Move?!’ No, you don’t have to go if you don’t want because it is a long and stressful process. However, a new property is a chance to stamp your authority into a property. The problem with old houses is that they have too much going on to be able to concentrate on one area. If you look around, it is probably almost impossible to see where you are going to make any changes. Indeed, homes are notorious for being stubborn from a design perspective. Thankfully, a new house allows the owner to start over again. The right property is a blank check, and, like a painter’s easel, it is waiting for you to throw color. Anyway, the average person moves more than eight times in a lifetime. For those who are below this number, then moving might be on the agenda in the future. Better to get ahead now than to react later. 

Visualize & Buy

Okay, moving out is a bit too much for now. That isn’t a problem as there are other options. The first is to add furniture throughout the house. Furniture is important in any property because it takes up lots of space and acts as a focal point. From an interior design perspective, the right pieces will add warmth and the style you want. More importantly, the comfort of the furniture should play a part in the decision process. A sofa, for example, is a place to sit and relax to take off the edge after a stressful day. As such, it’s vital to picture yourself using the item before you sign on the dotted line. Armchairs that aren’t comfy or mattresses that aren’t relaxing don’t fit the brief, and the only way to tell is to try before you buy. 

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Play Around

Once you have the items at home, there is no reason to keep them in the same place. Static furniture is boring, and it soon loses its appeal. Even if it adds a level of character, it is hard to see it when you aren’t pleased or perceive a different reality. The solution is simple: restructure the room. It is worth noting that some fittings will have to stay put, like the shower or sink. Still, the ones that are moveable are the perfect candidates for a restructure. All you have to do is swap the armchair with the sofa, or turn the attention away from the TV to an alternate focal point. This is a minor change but it makes all the difference in most homeowners’ minds. It is amazing what a play around with furniture can do for the entire property. 

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Accessorize 

For now, let’s focus on the furniture because accessorizing the whole house is a big deal. Thankfully, decorating furniture is a lot easier. The trick is to add cushions and pillows and blankets to give the piece a new contrast. The fact that you do this, and it is unique to your home, makes it personal. However, it is possible to add personality by accessorizing the accessories. What does this mean? It means you can take one and add another level of character. Think about a throw pillow for a moment. Most people buy them from the store and stick with the same style. But, you can change the pillow’s cover by knitting a new one which is less generic. Or, in the case of the blanket, don’t buy an industry one. Instead, use one that you have had for a while, one that has sentimental value. You can even take it further by stitching one together with your belongings. 

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Add Artwork 

The great thing about art is that it is incredibly personal to the individual. So, there is no reason to use a piece that has been in your family for years. Let’s face it; most families don’t have a piece of artwork they pass down through the generations. Therefore, you can go out and buy the pieces which take your eye. They don’t even need to have a backstory as art can simply make you feel a certain way. Of course, using pieces that have sentimental value does take it to the next level. If you like to paint, don’t be afraid to use your drawings and paintings around the house. Or, you can opt for artwork that a friend has created with you in mind. A reminder: artwork doesn’t have to be a painting or a drawing. For all you pottery buffs, homemade antiques are a perfect addition. Artwork is a broad term for anything creative. 

Decorate With A Hobby

There aren’t many things more personal than a hobby. A hobby is something you do a couple of times a week which keeps you occupied and happy at the same time. As a result, it is a huge part of your life. The good news is that you can use a hobby or hobbies for interior design purposes as long as you think outside the box. Take music as an example. A musician like you will have instruments lying around the house. But, instead of ushering them into a corner, you can put them on the wall or create space. Not only are they striking, but they are a beautiful addition to any home. Just think about how often you see a home piano and think ‘I would love one of those.’ This works for any hobby, from a sports enthusiast to a gym lover. 

Display Achievements 

When you reach a certain age, accomplishments are more readily available. The problem is that they don’t have the same glamor when you are older. It’s something about having perspective. As such, most people hide them away or put them in storage and forget they exist. Apart from being a sign of disrespect, it is always a missed opportunity. Achievements are personal to the individual because only a handful of people can say they have done the same thing. Therefore, they are unique and need displaying around the house. Whether it is a trophy or a medal, or a plaque or whatever, there is no better way to add personality. Plus, looking at them evokes memories, and memories are another great way to set to create an atmosphere. 

Finally, don’t forget about the exterior. Everyone thinks turning a house into a home is all about the inside when it is not. If anything, the outside of the home has a big a role as any to play because people make quick judgments. Also, it’s a huge space which you can tailor to your needs and wants. 

Don't Let Your Home Come Crashing Down!

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There comes a time when you realise that your house just doesn't look or feel the same anymore. The appliances are breaking, the door keeps getting jammed, the window still hasn't been replaced, and the roof has holes in it. Sound familiar?

This happens to the best of us, but then one thing seems to add to another, and it feels as though the whole house is going to come crashing down on us!

It's not a nice feeling, and it can really take its toll on you mentally, because it's a constant stress hanging over your head, (literally). We begin to question why we even bother trying to sort it out. It's too much time, effort and money, right? - But what's your plan? You're just going to wait until you're forced to move out? - There's no need. You just have to tackle your problems head on, and once it's done - it's done. You don't have to think about the issues anymore because they no longer exist!

Here's how.

Start with a few

Don't try and get everything done at once. Although it's tempting, you will just exhaust yourself, and it will work out being even more difficult than you originally expected because you are limiting yourself to time, and that's not only stressful, but unrealistic in general. So instead, pick a few things, and give yourself a week (or more depending on the job) to complete them. Then you can cross them off your list of things to do until there's nothing left.

Know your DIY Limit

You'd be surprised by the amount of things you can actually fix yourself with the right YouTube video and tools! Having said that, know your limit. If the task is feeling rather intimidating - it's for a reason, so don't push yourself otherwise you could end up breaking whatever it is you're trying to fix for good, or even worse, cause yourself an injury. Instead, get a quote fast and see whether your expenses can cover it. Then you can take it from there.

Don't cut corners

If you have a repair in which requires you to purchase the top of the range materials - do so. Otherwise, you won't be doing it properly, and even at the time it may look and feel as if there's no problem, but after a while, you will come to realise why you should have got the more expensive stuff. 

It really isn't worth being cheap, especially because you will just end up buying it anyway! The same goes for paying someone to do the job for you - you get what you pay for.

Befriend online forums.

Nowadays the internet is the only source of information you need, and forums are just a gold mine for issues.

People come together collectively to share tips and tricks from all aspects of life, whether that be Mommy tips, business ventures or relationship advice. So put out your issue and wait to hear back from other people that have gone through it and are more the wiser.

The Steps to Take to Modernize Your Old Home

Modernizing your home might seem like a daunting project to take on, but it doesn’t have to be. And just focus on the outcomes; your home will look stunning and up to date, and that’s worth the effort and investment required. If you’re wondering which steps to take in order to get started, read on and get inspired.

Brighten Up the Exterior

You should start on the outside. After all, people always see the outside of your home before they see the inside. If you want to make the exterior look fresh and modern again, you should start by brightening it up. This is easy to do, but it has a big impact on the initial impressions people get of your home. If the windows have shutters, you should paint them bright and vibrant colors. You should do the same with your front door. Add some flowers, and the transformation will be complete already.

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Make the Most of Contemporary Art

Adding some new contemporary art to your home could have a big impact on how modern and up to date it feels. It will make the space fresh and interesting. If your home currently feels stuck in the past, this modern blast could be just what it needs to switch things up a little. There are so many options out there when it comes to choosing modern art. And you don’t have to just stick to hanging paintings on the wall. You might want to choose sculptures instead.

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Install Solar Panels and Embrace Renewable Energy

Installing solar panels is a great way to make your home modern. Sure, it doesn’t necessarily do much for how the home looks, but looks aren’t everything. You also have to make sure that your home functions in a way that is modern and up to date. Solar panels allow you to embrace renewables and live in a way that is clean and green. This is just what you need if you want your home to be modern. Solar panel installation is affordable and easy these days. And you’ll end up saving a lot of money, so take action today.

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Opt for Some Unexpected Colors and Patterns

Older homes can often seem a bit drab and dull. If that’s the case in your home, you should make an effort to liven up the space a little. By doing that, you can give the home a new look right away. It will be bright, vibrant and striking as soon as anyone walks in. It’s even better to opt for colors and patterns that are not usually associated with older homes. When you make design decisions that are not what most people would expect, you can make the home feel new and modern again, which has to be a positive.

There is no reason why your home has to be stuck in the past just because it’s old. If you take the steps mentioned above, you will be able to blend the old with the new in a way that works wonderfully.

What Appliances Are Essential In A Modern Kitchen?

Because there are lots of appliances available, it is hard to sort out the weak from the strong. Some people will think there is no need to bother when you can have your cake and eat it, too. However, they have yet to consider the implications of running dozens of high energy appliances all year round. The effect on the environment is pretty substantial, as is the impact on your bank balance. To avoid these pitfalls, it’s best to review what you need and don’t need in the kitchen. Here are a couple of the essential devices you shouldn’t throw away. 

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Eco-Friendly Fridge

If there is one appliance you need more than anything else, it is a refrigerator. Quite simply, it never stops regardless of the situation or time of year. The majority of people even leave it running while they go on holiday. But, the problem with this is that it constantly guzzles electric, and energy prices are on the rise. To lower the energy bill at the end of the month, you need a fridge which isn’t as hungry. Eco-friendly fridges fit the bill as they emit have a lower output and emit fewer emissions. If yours is a hungry hippo, try turning it down a notch or two. 

Washer And Dryer

No, a washer and a dryer are not two separate appliances. Yes, they can be, but there are front loading washer and dryer combos that come in one neatly wrapped package. Unlike a refrigerator, most houses don’t use them twenty-four hours a day for seven days a week. Instead, they are only necessary when you have dirty clothes to wash and clean ones to dry. Still, its impact is no less. Quite simply, a washer/dryer makes life much simpler. Because there is no need to worry about a time deadline, you can wash and dry clothes at will. It sounds lazy, but every homeowner will agree. 

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Water Purifier

In the western world, you can turn a knob and clean water floods out of a faucet. It’s an amazing amenity that people take for granted, especially when you look at other situations around the world. However, the water isn’t as clean as people like to imagine. It may not kill you, but it does have substances that aren’t great in large quantities. And, you may consume them if you drink a lot of tap water. Thankfully, a purifier solves the issue as it takes out the potentially unhealthy materials beforehand. 

Coffee Maker

There is no doubt that coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the world. And, as it has become more prominent, people have become coffee snobs. Nowadays, nothing but the best brew will do, which is where a coffee machine comes in handy. Instead of drinking the swill that is instant coffee, you can brew your own and make it to your tastes. For those of you that depend on caffeine, this is not an indulgence but a necessity. 

Add these and your kitchen will have everything it needs to run smoothly. 

Time To Buy: New Build vs. Lived In

Choosing a new home is never simple, but perhaps the trickiest part of the decision is a question that has troubled buyers since the beginning of time: do you want your home to be newly built, or already lived in?

While you may instinctively think you already know the answer to that question - most people have a preference off the bat - there’s always a chance you’re overlooking something. Before you throw yourself into a search that only covers one base, why not consider the pros and cons of both options?

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PROS: New Build 

• You’re going to spend a lot less time doing maintenance if you buy a new build house. When you get the keys, that should pretty much be it - the build is complete, and you won’t need to do anything drastic to the appearance unless you choose to do it. 

• Somewhat inevitably, this is going to save you a lot of money. The cost of renovating or remodeling a house is incredibly expensive, especially if you have a lot to do. From the exterior siding repair to the interior complete bathroom overhaul, there’s going to be a lot of problems you have to fix. Issues on the exterior of the house are particularly problematic, as you’re going to see them every single time you arrive home - a constant reminder that your house isn’t quite up to scratch. While these things can be repaired, that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re going to want to do it immediately. It’s nice to be able to give yourself a few months after moving to be able to just settle in, rather than having to launch yourself straight into a repair job.

• A new build is a blank canvas. You’re going to be able to choose all the decor right from the off, especially if you buy off-plan and can then be involved in choosing the flooring, countertops, etc. 

• With brand new properties, you have the chance to fit them how you like, as opposed to retrofitting new elements in an old design. The latter can sometimes be difficult, especially in older properties that may be listed or have aged character you don’t wish to change. In a new build, you can add renewable panels with the best solar company, design custom flood defense systems, and more from the ground up.

CONS: New Build 

• You are not settling into an established community. There’s going to be a sense of a lack of the familiar, as the neighborhood has been thrown together rather than evolving organically. If you tend to rely heavily on having friendly faces close to you and a sense of community spirit, then you might find this difficult to cope with. 

• Some people find that new build houses have a tendency to be rather sterile. Obviously, your mileage may vary on this one - it entirely depends on your preferences, but it’s worth keeping in mind. Knowing that your house has no history might be something you struggle with.

• The fact that a house is newly built is not a guarantee that is has been built well. There’s every chance there have been mistakes made in the construction process, some of which you might not discover until years later - when the house is well and truly out of warranty. It can be dangerous to assume that just because something is new it is perfect, so don’t fall into that trap. 

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PROS: Lived In

• You get a house with history, with a story, in a neighborhood that is already well established. If you want to quickly foster a sense of belonging in your area, you will be surprised to discover just how much quicker this can be obtained in a lived in house.

• Lived in houses tend to be cheaper when you compare them on a room-by-room basis, which is important if you’re trying to get the most for your money. If you’re willing to opt for a house that is in need of a little bit of TLC, then you can lower this purchase price all the further. 

• There are going to be no surprises with lived in houses. The house is already established, the address is on all the databases, the routines and routes of the local services have already got your house included. New builds can sometimes take awhile to officially appear on maps and such services, which can be incredibly frustrating for the first few months of living in your new home. 

CONS: Lived In

• The problem with houses that have already been owned is you might find yourself dealing with the mistakes of other people. If, for example, the former owners knocked a wall down where they shouldn’t, then it’s going to be you dealing with the consequences of that. This is one of the fundamental reasons you should always have a survey completed before you make an offer on any house.

• You might be faced with a lot of renovation. While it’s not impossible that you will find a house on the market that is exactly to your taste, in which you don’t want to touch a thing… it’s not exactly likely. When viewing lived in houses, you have to train yourself to see past the decor to the underlying structure. Only when you remove the previous decor efforts are you going to be able to put your stamp on things. 

• There may be hidden problems that you have no way of knowing before you move in, but which the owners were well aware of. For example, you might discover that you have moved into a house where the outdoor space frequently floods during bad weather. Technically, the owners are meant to tell you about these risks, but a lot of people just don’t - after all, they’re trying to sell their house! It would definitely put a dampener on their sale efforts to tell you this, so they just won’t mention it. However, you might find out when you try to insure the house and are told your policy is going to be hundreds of dollars more than you budgeted for. 

With a better idea of the pros and cons of the situation, which idea stands out to you? Do you like your houses to be new, fresh and waiting for a history to be created within them, or to buy somewhere with an established character? The choice, ultimately, is yours - but hopefully this will have provided some insight that can help you along the way! 

Your Bedroom Should Only Be For Sleeping! Here's How To Do It...

You don’t need me to tell you how important sleep is for you. You know the feeling well enough when you don’t get as much sleep as you'd like. You feel groggy, and you're more susceptible to illnesses. There is a big focus on sleep by health authorities now, because the more we learn about sleep, the more we find out how good it actually is for us! Even a catnap in the afternoon has proven to have rejuvenating effects. But it all starts with the bedroom. So many of us don’t have the right type of sanctuary for sleep, so here is your one stop shop for making your bedroom the cozy and comfortable place you need for some shut-eye.

Are You Comfortable?

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There could be many things that are stopping you from getting a relaxing night’s rest. Your bed is the best place to start. If you have sheets that are too thick, then you could be too warm in the night, so make sure you have the right thickness in relation to the temperature to where you live and what time of year it is. Have you changed the mattress in the last 10 years? If not, this could be another factor. Get comfy, keep the temperature low and it will help you relax. Another simple hack to get yourself at a good temperature is to have a cold shower a couple of hours before bedtime, you don’t want to do this just before bed because you’ll wake right up!

Get Rid Of Electronics

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Yes, for the perfect bedroom, you need to leave you electrics at the door. The big CEOs like Ariana Huffington swear by leaving their phones outside their bedroom, and you should do the same. A lot of people think that they can't fall asleep without Netflix or a DVD in the background, but this could stop you entering the deeper stages of sleep, and your children can benefit from this too, especially if they have games consoles and TVs in their room. If you really need to use your phone or computer, then install a filter like F.Lux to cut back on the blue light that interrupts your body’s production of melatonin.

Have A Routine

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Much like when you were a child, and you were sung to sleep after a nice bath, or a story was read to you, these are things which highlight the importance of a pre-bedtime routine. With life being as busy as it is, we are going to bed at the last possible minute and hoping to fall asleep right away. This isn’t possible without a routine. Some people journal and others take some time to breathe, but by winding down and getting rid of the troubles of the day, it’ll help you to prepare for a sleep state.

Sleep should be a third of our lives, and we need to keep it this way. A lot of us are in danger of not getting enough sleep, and while we tend to think that being busy is good, it’s interrupting our lives. So get to bed early once in a while!

How You Can Set Up A Local Child Daycare Business In Your Local Area

Starting a daycare business is a fantastic way to do what you love for a living and get paid to do it. If you value the joy of working with children, and you’d like to cultivate a small group of people all with a similar goal in mind, you might need to think about opening a daycare center. It’s simpler than you might think because essentially the concept of a daycare center is a modern evolution of how human beings used to take care of the community’s children in the Mesolithic Period. The key is to get the community involved or look for professionals in your local area to be part of the guardians. Wrap the business around the human connection, because caring for children as a business is an entire people person job. 

Source: The Irish Labour Party

Is the need there

Assessing the need for a child care in your community is the next step to finding the relevant information so that you can make future decisions. Research the market and look specifically for a demand in your local area for day care. There are a number of ways you can gather this information and the easiest way to do so, if by testing the waters. Go around the neighborhood with a questionnaire, knock on people’s doors, or put fliers through their letterboxes.

Opening your own center

There are pros and cons to opening your own childcare center. If the properties around your neighborhood or the desired location you’ve chosen are far from sufficient, the only other option is to open your own. The size of the property you finally settle on will be determined by a number of children you’re willing to take on. Community centers of Moreover, the buildings designed for such an institution are the exact type of building that can be used for day care also. A company such as armstrong can provide you with affordable steel, so as to give you strong material which won’t cost you an arm and a leg. The structure and floorplanning can be an integral part you can discuss with the company, who will use their best technicians to wire the building safely considering they’ll be children inside.

Credit: Bureau of Reclamation

What kind of care will your provide

Next, you need to decide what kind of childcare you will offer parents and the various different ways of administering it to the kids. You could start a center which specializes in caring for children with mental health issues, who need very specific care. You might have a history of healthcare in this area so you can use your experience to help children with special needs, short attention spans, anxiety disorders, autism and learning difficulties. On the other hands, you may care specifically for children with physical deformities, children who are wheelchair bound, having missing or misshapen limbs, diseases such as cancer, blindness or lack of hearing. The staff you hire and the rules and practices you assign them to adhere to will characterize the type of daycare you’ll provide. Helping you to make this decision will be a gap in the local market, where this is an exploitation to be had, you could capitalize it and thus, charge competitively immediately rather than if you were a standard care center. 

How To Give New Life To Your Living Room

Living room is the center of homeowners’ universe. It is the place where we spend most time and engage in conversation with our loved ones. Given this special purpose (both functional and emotional) it is the part of our home that matter the most.

Although people spend most of their life in this small room, they tend to neglect it awfully lot. Sometimes, you can see that interior design hasn’t been changed for decades and there is no indication it will be in near future.

Homeowners do not like addressing their living room as they often think that the costs will be too high. This isn’t always true. Sometimes, you can accomplish a lot with just a small investment. Let’s see what the best ways to do it are.

1. Adding a few mirrors

Mirror can do a lot for your space. Due to its specific form and the fact they reflect things; you can accomplish various effects with them. In fact, mirrors are a cheap alternative to expensive paintings. Instead of decorating your whole walls with lots of paintings you can accomplish almost the same effect with one larger mirror.

Hollywood mirrors are especially neat. Besides the mirror itself, they come with lots of light bulbs that can deepen the experience for the viewer. You can start your mirror search by visiting HollywoodMirrors.co.uk where you will find a decent collection of illuminated mirrors for your home.

2. Go for intricate wall paintings

Again, instead of getting paintings, you can paint a picture on the wall. This form of art is really modern and artsy and it can be a good substitution to anything else you would’ve put on wall otherwise. It is something that sticks with a viewer and completely solves your problem.

However, do not do this yourself. It is much better if you get a proficient person to do the job. In the end, you wouldn’t like to repaint your walls again, wouldn’t you?

3. Switching up things a bit

The oldest trick in the book is switching up your furniture. It might not be the best option and you can accomplish much more by simply purchasing a new set of items but it is by far the cheapest option at your disposal.

You should always try and reposition your stuff so that the room feels more homey. Try creating an oval shape with your sofas and chairs. This way, when your guests arrive, they will all be placed in a circle instead of rectangle. It is a small trick that most people neglect. However, it will have such a mental impact on your guests that they will feel as if you completely changed the whole room.

4. Remove obstructive things from your windows

Here is a similar trick as the one with furniture. You are not actually changing anything; instead you are simply removing excess things. 

Most living rooms are exposed to the sunlight. There are likely windows or glass doors on one side of the room. Unfortunately, homeowners tend to ruin the atmosphere by adding curtains, putting plants near the windows or obstructing the view in some other way. 

Natural light is great for your eyes and your psyche. Even if the light may seem overbearing at times, it definitely helps more than it makes the issue. So, make sure to introduce more of it.

5. Buy new trinkets, refresh your photos 

Everybody has small trinkets, items and photos in their living room. Although they may be important for us or remind us of something, think about changing them once in a while. If a photo is significant for you, you can simply relocate it to bedroom or some other area of your house. However, this swap as small as it may be is really significant for your living room décor. 

15 Words That Changed My Mindset From "Stressed" to "Blessed"

A year ago, I quit my post as a Quality Assurance Specialist in the Business Process Outsourcing industry.

The pay was good, but it was not worth all the stress and the toll it had on my health. I hung up the towel after a decade of working the night shift.

My job as a QA with various companies were all memorable, but the best ones were the unexpected responses from the agents either during a live call, or during coaching sessions.

During one ordinary shift, I came across a bad call and gave an agent Auto-Fail. I approached her station and took her in for immediate coaching. She cried and said she wanted to quit. I told her, "Hey, its just a bump in the road. Now you know what you shouldn't do. This job brings food to the table and sends you kids through school. Don't give up! I'll be here if you need help or when you need advice. Remember, every time you encounter difficulties, just F.I.G.O. - Forget It and Go On."

Touching base with my friends who still work in that company told me this girl is now a Team Leader. I guess I did something right.

Three years later, in another company, I got to do the task of being a Virtual QA (which means the agents I handle are off-shore), I came across a most unforgettable statement from one of the agents assigned to me. Markus was very upbeat in handling the customer's concerns and while the customer was waiting for her order to be completed, the customer asked him, "So how are you doing today?" I was expecting a canned response in the likes of. "I'm doing good. Thank you for asking." But no! Markus responded with something that hit home. He said, "Well, I'm breathing, I'm employed, and I get paid on Friday. Everything's good. All is good."

Wow.

That was one wake up call for me. Why worry about the unimportant stuff when waking up is already a blessing in itself. Being able to breathe, walk, talk, interact, love and be surrounded with family and friends is a blessing! Doing what you love to do and get paid for it is a bonus! God is really good!

So now I go about living my life, my perfectly imperfect life. And when I get frustrated or depressed, All I have to do is remember Markus' words and carry on through the day. Fifteen words that touched my heart and made me be thankful of even the tiniest thing. 

Blessings sent! Have a great day.

Deals and Steals: Check out this Ernie Ball VP JR Volume Pedal Now!

If there is a gadget that is ever present in every performance, it is definitely the volume pedal. The Ernie Ball VP JR features a compact design, an optimized potentiometer for passive instruments and a micro taper switch to provide two distinct swell rates. Those three features alone are enough to prove that this is worth its price.

Normal wear and tear is expected, however, buy up options for coverage are provided upon purchase. Warranty beyond the manufacturer's warranty period is an offer difficult to refuse. Unexpected breakdowns, normal wear and tear, damage brought about by spill, drops, and cracks, dust, internal heat and humidity, and power surges are covered for only a few pennies each day. 

I believe this is the best deal I've seen today. You know of someone who would need this? Click on the link and purchase it for them. They'll be ecstatic, I'm sure.  

 

Treat Yourself! Simple Ways To Save On Shopping

From time to time, we all deserve a treat. Many of us would like to have more disposable income to spend on going out for dinner, a weekend away or a new outfit, and it may not be possible to treat yourself every month. However, with these savvy shopping tips, it is possible to save on shopping. If you like to indulge in some retail therapy now and again or you’re hoping to try and cut the cost of your weekly grocery shop or monthly gift haul, bear these pointers in mind.

Image by https://www.flickr.com/photos/pictures-of-money/16678606754

Clothes and accessories

We all need clothes, and if you have an interest in fashion, you probably like to add new pieces to your wardrobe on a regular basis. The cost of updating your closet every season can soon mount up, but there are some crafty ways to save on shopping.

The first thing to do if you love fashion is to embrace online shopping. If you shop online, you often get a much better choice, but you can also take advantage of lower prices and flash sales. If you have stores that you love, go online, visit their website, and join their mailing list. When you’ve done this, register with some discount sites, and sign up for alerts. Every day or week, you’ll receive an email full of the latest sales and promotion codes. Even if you’re only saving 10%, you could still save a significant amount over the course of a few months or a year. If you do find items you like, and you’re thinking of adding them to your basket, always compare prices first. This is particularly beneficial if you’re buying branded items, for example, a pair of trainers. Type the make and style into the search engine, and it will show you prices from different retailers. Sometimes, there’s a huge difference, and spending a couple of minutes doing some research will have saved you all that money. 

Image source: http://maxpixel.freegreatpicture.com/Shopping-Money-Woman-Online-Credit-Card-Wallet-2125548

If you often find yourself looking in magazines and sites like Pinterest for style inspiration, it’s always a good idea to look for copycat items. If you see a designer coat you’re desperate for, but you can’t afford, have a look around for high street copies. Popular stores are really good at offering cheaper alternatives to the styles and pieces you see on the catwalks, so you spend less and still be on trend. 

Buying secondhand clothing or items that people don’t want is another way of making shopping more affordable. If you don’t already have an account for online auction sites, it’s really easy to set one up. All you need to do is sort out your profile and your payment information, and you can start bidding on items you like. You can tailor your search. If you’re looking for a black coat, for example, you can choose which brands to include and select size and style options. Once you have an account, you can also consider selling. If you have clothes, bags, or shoes that still have the tags on, or are barely worn, you can sell them, and put the money you make towards some new purchases.

Image by https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Application_for_online_shoppers.png

Saving on gifts

If you have a large family or you’ve got into the habit of buying your friends and their children gifts, life can get pretty expensive. Before you know it, you’re devoting a significant sum to buying presents every month. It’s always a nice gesture to buy gifts, but if you can’t afford to keep spending like you are, there are ways of reducing costs. Now that you’ve got to grips with Internet shopping, you can use it to save on gifts, as well as clothes. Look out for special offers and online sales, and shop around for the best prices. If you’re buying vouchers or gift cards, it’s worth checking out sites like Cards2Cash and if you’re stocking up on toys, look out for bundles and multi-buy offers. Often, you can save money by buying 2 or 3 items at the same time. If you’re a creative person, you can also reduce spending by doing some DIY gifting. If you can bake or sew, make the most of your talents. You could buy some mason jars and fill them with brownies or homemade cookies or create some bespoke cushion covers, quilts, or t-shirts. 

Image credit https://pixabay.com/en/gifts-wrapping-paper-presents-932349/

Grocery shopping tips

If you added up how much you spend on food each month, you’d probably be amazed. We tend to spend a lot on putting meals on the table, and once you throw in additional items like pet supplies, cleaning products, and toiletries, the costs can soon spiral. If you’re spending too much at the grocery store, these saving tips should come in handy.

Plan ahead

Always go to the supermarket with a list. If you just grab things here and there, you’re likely to miss items you need, and you’ll end up spending more. Work out what you’re going to eat in the week ahead, and write down the ingredients you need. If you’re keen to cut costs and save time in the week, batch cooking is a fantastic idea. If you have a few hours on a Sunday afternoon free, you can cook up meals like casseroles, pasta dishes, and curries, and freeze individual portions. Later in the week, all you have to do is defrost as many servings as you need and then heat them up when you get home. 

Image via https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Shopping_list_(2098182380).jpg

Unless you spot offers on products that you usually buy, try and avoid promotions. If you find this hard, shop online. This way, you’ll have a running total to show you how much you’ve spent, and you won’t have neon signs or eye-catching displays trying to lure you away from your list. If you’re buying items like pet food or nappies, which you tend to buy in bulk, go online and compare prices first. If you find a store that has them on offer, you can stock up.

Image courtesy of https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%AB%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%A1%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%99.jpg

If you’re spending too much on shopping, but you’d like to be able to afford the odd treat, try adopting these savvy shopping tips. Hopefully, you’ll be able to save more and get more for your money when you do decide to treat yourself.