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Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Ah, Christmas! It’s the time of year when we all do the same old things we do every year, from the start of the season to the end. Those traditions might be comforting, and they might be fun, but wouldn’t it be nice to do something a little different? Not everything, of course – changing all your traditions all at once doesn’t make sense and wouldn’t make for a particularly happy Christmas – but just a few tweaks here and there to really upgrade your Christmas might be perfect. If that sounds like a good idea, here are some things you could consider. 

Personalized Decorations 

Why not make your Christmas a little more personal and upgrade it that way? Instead of buying your decorations from the same stores as everyone else (resulting in a house that’s decorated in the same way as everyone else), you could personalize them more and even make some (or all) of them yourself. 

You can get the whole family together for a fun evening where you make weird and wonderful decorations out of whatever you can find around the house – you might even choose to turn it into a competition! This is something that’s not only a lot of fun, but you can do it every year, and the results will always be different. Or what about looking around for some classes? At this time of year, you’re sure to find wreath-making classes or classes that teach you how to trim a tree in the right way, and they can be a lot of fun too. 

Revamp Your Christmas Menu

Turkey, potatoes, veggies, stuffing, Christmas pudding, cranberry sauce… if that’s what you’re planning to serve up this year, we’re not being psychic – it’s just that that’s what most people will choose to dish up, and although it could be the tastiest thing you make all year, it’s still not very exciting because it’s exactly what everyone’s going to expect. 

Why not add some twists to these traditional menu items and make them more exciting and different? Your Christmas dinner will definitely be remembered, and you’ll find you have people asking for more and clearing every plate (always a bonus!). 

Take a look online, and you’ll find there are lots of variations on the standard Christmas lunch or dinner menu, including vegetarian options or trying out different main meats because turkey isn’t everyone’s favorite thing to eat – why else would we only have it at this time of year? Or what about organizing a potluck-style of dinner? Every guest can bring their favorite part of the meal, cooked exactly how they like it, and you’ll have a lot less work to do, so it’s perfect any way you look at it. 

Some people even book a restaurant and go out for Christmas dinner. It’s not going to  be the right thing for everyone, but it could make a nice change just once. 

Dress For The Occasion 

What do you normally wear at Christmas? If it’s your usual casual clothes or even your pajamas, there’s definitely nothing wrong with that, but if you’re looking for ways to upgrade your Christmas this year, dressing a little more formally and with clothes that are made just for the season, like those from Hometown Heritage Clothing could be a great option. 

When you dress up and take your time to choose the perfect outfit for the occasion – even if the occasion is you being at home with your family for Christmas – then you’ll feel great when you put your new outfit on, and you’ll be confident and happy all day long. Make sure everyone gets the memo about the dress code as well, and when you look back at your photos of the big day, you’ll love how it all turned out, with everyone looking super stylish. 

Boost Your Gift-Giving Game

Maybe you’re quite happy with how your food and clothes and decorations are going to be, and you don’t want to mess with any of that. Okay, but what about your gifts? Do you really like sitting around in a circle watching everyone open their things, and then that’s it, all over and done with? 

If you want to boost your gift-giving (or rather gift-opening) game, why not make it more fun? You could organize a Secret Santa with a twist where everyone has to answer riddles to find out where their gift is or who got it for them, for example. Or what about setting up a DIY gift-wrapping station with all the things everyone needs and inviting people over earlier to wrap their gifts together? 

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It’s the time of year again where family and friends gather together to celebrate and enjoy one another’s company and that means houseguests. I LOVE when family and friends come to visit. I hate the deep cleaning I have to do the day before they arrive but I love having them so my guest room is always available. It’s like my own little airBnb, only I don’t charge and it’s very unlikely that any sort of Barbarian situation will arise, as I am confident there is no basement. Everyone loves to be wowed by a stylish and inviting guest room. Believe me I know. My sister-in-law is an interior decorating goddess and every time we visit; I feel like I’m staying at the lushest resort ever. The woman has a gift. It's a great way to make your visitors feel welcome and comfortable when they stay with you. Creating a guest room that will always impress doesn't have to be complicated. All it takes is a few simple steps to make your room warm, inviting, and comfortable. From choosing the right pieces of furniture to adding personal touches, your guest room will be a place your visitors will never forget. With the right mixture of style and comfort, you can create a guest room that will always leave a lasting impression and, bonus, you’ll never have a shortage of visitors. Upgrade the bed and mattress Your bed is the focal point of the guest room. That's why you must upgrade the bed and mattress to give your guests a comfortable place to sleep. You don't want your guests to wake up with aches and pains. It’s true. I’ve had that happen to me and, needless to say, I do not frequent that home very often. I can’t afford the weeks of PT it costs to do so. A good mattress can make all the difference to your guests. When it comes to the bed frame, you have lots of options. You can choose a traditional wooden bed frame, a divan base, or a more modern metal one.  Provide empty closet space  Closets are a great place to store extra blankets, towels, and anything else you may need in an emergency. Using an empty closet can sometimes make the room feel cluttered and unorganized. Keep the closet as empty as possible to create a clean and open look in the room. This will also make it easier for guests to find the items they are looking for when they need them. If you don't have enough space in the closet to store your extra belongings, try using a dresser or a bench to store blankets and towels. You can also use a cabinet or a small bookshelf to store items away from sight. You don't need to go out and buy lots of fancy things. Your guests will appreciate a clean, tidy, and well-organized room. Add soft touches to make the room inviting. Decorating your guest room doesn't have to be complicated, but it does have to be functional and functional. Try to choose fabrics and textures that are soft and comfortable. Try incorporating as many soft fabrics and textures as possible to create a welcoming and cozy space. Adding a few decorative pillows to the couch and a comfy shag rug can make the room feel like home. Decorating your guest room doesn't always have to be about adding large pieces of furniture and flashy decorations. Small items like decorative pillows and rugs can make a big difference in the overall look and feel of the room. Adding as many soft elements to the room as possible will help make your guest room feel like home. Choose a neutral color palette. When deciding what colors to use for your room, it's essential to pick a neutral color palette. Neutral colors are easy to mix and match and can be easily incorporated into any room in the house. This will make your room feel cohesive and like it's part of the rest of the house. A neutral color palette is also a great way to create a relaxing and comfortable environment in the guest room. When deciding which neutral colors to use, you can choose a color palette that corresponds with the season or the type of guests you usually have staying with you. For example, a fall-themed palette or a palette that represents comfort and warmth would be best for guests staying during the winter months. Add personal touches to the room. Your guest room should be a reflection of you. You can personalize the room in many ways to make it feel like an extension of your living space. Add a few decorative items to the bookshelf to show off your personality. You can also add pictures and mementos to the room to show your visitors a glimpse of your life. Try incorporating various personal items into the room that show off your interests and hobbies. Or you can add pictures and prints that give off a more hotel-style vibe, such as Monet art prints, for a touch of luxury. Keep the room organized and clutter-free. Keeping the room tidy and organized is one of the best ways to keep it looking clean and appealing. You can create a clean and simple look by using only a few decorative pieces in the room. This will help keep the room from feeling cluttered and overwhelming. You can use decorative baskets or trays to hold your blankets, towels, and other items in the room. This will help keep the room tidy and make it easy to locate things when they are needed. Try to keep the room as clutter-free as possible. This will help make the room feel clean and spacious. It will also help your guests feel comfortable knowing they are in a tidy environment. Keeping the room organized and neat will also make it easier for you to clean the room and keep it looking clean and tidy. Invest in quality bedding One of the first things your guests will touch is the bedding. It's essential to have quality bedding that is both comfortable and easy to clean. Bedspreads are a great way to add texture and style to the bed. Avoid using thick, thick bedspreads that take too long to dry. Instead, try to find a bedspread that is easy to clean and dry. You can find a wide range of bedspreads at most stores, but be sure to choose a comfortable and easy-to-clean fabric. Also, try to find a bedspread that matches the room's color scheme. This will help tie the room together and make it look even more stylish. Your guest room should be a place that feels warm and welcoming and also reflects your personal style. It's a great way to show off your personality and make your guests feel at home. You can do a few things to make your guest room feel stylish and comfortable. Start by upgrading the bed and mattress to create a welcoming and stylish first impression. Next, keep the closet as empty as possible to create an organized and open look. Then, add soft touches to make the room cozier and inviting. Finally, invest in quality bedding to find the perfect bedspread. With these few simple steps, you can create a guest room that will always impress.

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

It’s the time of year again where family and friends gather together to celebrate and enjoy one another’s company and that means houseguests. I LOVE when family and friends come to visit. I hate the deep cleaning I have to do the day before they arrive but I love having them so my guest room is always available. It’s like my own little airBnb, only I don’t charge and it’s very unlikely that any sort of Barbarian situation will arise, as I am confident there is no basement.

Everyone loves to be wowed by a stylish and inviting guest room. Believe me I know. My sister-in-law is an interior decorating goddess and every time we visit; I feel like I’m staying at the lushest resort ever. The woman has a gift. It’s a great way to make your visitors feel welcome and comfortable when they stay with you.

Creating a guest room that will always impress doesn’t have to be complicated. All it takes is a few simple steps to make your room warm, inviting, and comfortable. From choosing the right pieces of furniture to adding personal touches, your guest room will be a place your visitors will never forget. With the right mixture of style and comfort, you can create a guest room that will always leave a lasting impression and, bonus, you’ll never have a shortage of visitors.

Upgrade the bed and mattress

Your bed is the focal point of the guest room. That’s why you must upgrade the bed and mattress to give your guests a comfortable place to sleep. You don’t want your guests to wake up with aches and pains. It’s true. I’ve had that happen to me and, needless to say, I do not frequent that home very often. I can’t afford the weeks of PT it costs to do so. A good mattress can make all the difference to your guests. When it comes to the bed frame, you have lots of options. You can choose a traditional wooden bed frame, a divan base, or a more modern metal one. 

Provide empty closet space

 Closets are a great place to store extra blankets, towels, and anything else you may need in an emergency. Using an empty closet can sometimes make the room feel cluttered and unorganized. Keep the closet as empty as possible to create a clean and open look in the room. This will also make it easier for guests to find the items they are looking for when they need them. If you don’t have enough space in the closet to store your extra belongings, try using a dresser or a bench to store blankets and towels. You can also use a cabinet or a small bookshelf to store items away from sight. You don’t need to go out and buy lots of fancy things. Your guests will appreciate a clean, tidy, and well-organized room.

Add soft touches to make the room inviting.

Decorating your guest room doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does have to be functional and functional. Try to choose fabrics and textures that are soft and comfortable. Try incorporating as many soft fabrics and textures as possible to create a welcoming and cozy space. Adding a few decorative pillows to the couch and a comfy shag rug can make the room feel like home. Decorating your guest room doesn’t always have to be about adding large pieces of furniture and flashy decorations. Small items like decorative pillows and rugs can make a big difference in the overall look and feel of the room. Adding as many soft elements to the room as possible will help make your guest room feel like home.

Choose a neutral color palette.

When deciding what colors to use for your room, it’s essential to pick a neutral color palette. Neutral colors are easy to mix and match and can be easily incorporated into any room in the house. This will make your room feel cohesive and like it’s part of the rest of the house. A neutral color palette is also a great way to create a relaxing and comfortable environment in the guest room. When deciding which neutral colors to use, you can choose a color palette that corresponds with the season or the type of guests you usually have staying with you. For example, a fall-themed palette or a palette that represents comfort and warmth would be best for guests staying during the winter months.

Add personal touches to the room.

Your guest room should be a reflection of you. You can personalize the room in many ways to make it feel like an extension of your living space. Add a few decorative items to the bookshelf to show off your personality. You can also add pictures and mementos to the room to show your visitors a glimpse of your life. Try incorporating various personal items into the room that show off your interests and hobbies. Or you can add pictures and prints that give off a more hotel-style vibe, such as Monet art prints, for a touch of luxury.

Keep the room organized and clutter-free.

Keeping the room tidy and organized is one of the best ways to keep it looking clean and appealing. You can create a clean and simple look by using only a few decorative pieces in the room. This will help keep the room from feeling cluttered and overwhelming. You can use decorative baskets or trays to hold your blankets, towels, and other items in the room. This will help keep the room tidy and make it easy to locate things when they are needed. Try to keep the room as clutter-free as possible. This will help make the room feel clean and spacious. It will also help your guests feel comfortable knowing they are in a tidy environment. Keeping the room organized and neat will also make it easier for you to clean the room and keep it looking clean and tidy.

Invest in quality bedding

One of the first things your guests will touch is the bedding. It’s essential to have quality bedding that is both comfortable and easy to clean. Bedspreads are a great way to add texture and style to the bed. Avoid using thick, thick bedspreads that take too long to dry. Instead, try to find a bedspread that is easy to clean and dry. You can find a wide range of bedspreads at most stores, but be sure to choose a comfortable and easy-to-clean fabric. Also, try to find a bedspread that matches the room’s color scheme. This will help tie the room together and make it look even more stylish.

Your guest room should be a place that feels warm and welcoming and also reflects your personal style. It’s a great way to show off your personality and make your guests feel at home. You can do a few things to make your guest room feel stylish and comfortable. Start by upgrading the bed and mattress to create a welcoming and stylish first impression. Next, keep the closet as empty as possible to create an organized and open look. Then, add soft touches to make the room cozier and inviting. Finally, invest in quality bedding to find the perfect bedspread. With these few simple steps, you can create a guest room that will always impress.

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How to Maximize Space In A Small Home

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

You can easily check off the same things on your wishlist in a smaller house as you can in a bigger one. Some of these ideas for decorating and organizing a small house can make you feel like you’re really living large. When space is at a premium, it’s critical to be creative with what you’ve got so you can maximize your living space. Take advantage of these pointers and tactics to make the most of your limited space and make it more enjoyable to live in your home.

Use Wall Space

The walls of a home are the best resource that isn’t being used. Even though they’re great for hanging pictures, they should be used for much more in a small space.

Use tall bookcases that go all the way to the ceiling, or put up shelves one on top of the other all the way to the ceiling. Hang your bike on the wall by putting up hooks. Try a living wall planter if you want plants but don’t have room for pots on your table or floor. Hang extra chairs and tables that can be folded up. Instead of table lights, use wall sconces.

Choose Skirted Furniture 

Skirted furniture is great because it looks nice and can hide things as well. If a sofa has legs that stick out, you can see what’s under it. However, if you add a skirt, you can use the space under the sofa to hide things. Most of the time, furniture with exposed legs makes a space feel lighter and airier and makes a small room feel bigger. However, skirted furniture is the way to go if you need more hidden storage.

Use Your Doors

Most of the time, the space between the top of the doorway and the ceiling is just right for a shelf that can hold books, storage containers, or other small items. If you’re short on space, don’t forget to look up.

Put hooks on the back of all your doors so you can attach whatever you want. Use the outside of cabinet doors as well, not simply the doors that separate rooms.

Use Double Duty Furniture 

In a small space, it’s always a good idea to choose furniture that can be used for more than one thing. For example, instead of putting a side table next to your couch, you might want to use a pretty side chair. So, when you have guests, it can also be used as an extra seat. Use a bench with hidden storage instead of a coffee table. So, you get a table, a place to sit, and a place to store things all in one. Think about sofa beds and other furniture that can be used in different ways.

Store Your Stuff

Sometimes home is just too small to accommodate all of your belongings. This might mean getting rid of some things, but that would be a shame if they are mementos and important to you. 

Instead of disposing of them entirely, you can use storage units to keep them safe and to ensure your home remains clutter-free. Look for special storage deals to keep costs down.

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Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

If you’re considering investing in a luxury vintage sports car (Hello, Aston Martin), or any car for that matter, there are a few things you need to consider. First of all, how much can you realistically afford to spend? For instance, I am currently enamored with all things G-Wagon, however, my budget is leaning more in the Infiniti direction ( but that’s for a different post on a different day). And secondly, what are your driving needs and requirements? Is a 2-seater okay or do you need three rows? In this post, we will discuss four crucial considerations that you need to think about before making such a big purchase. So if you’re ready to invest in some high-end automotive luxury, keep reading!

How much can you afford to spend?

This is probably the most important question to ask yourself before investing in a luxury vehicle, sports car or otherwise. First, you need to set a budget and stick to it. I know, it’s the worst. Remember that luxury does not come cheap, so you’ll need to be prepared to spend a significant amount of money. It’s also important to factor in maintenance and repairs, as these can be quite costly for luxury cars.

Before making any decisions, before you even test drive any car, research and figure out how much you can realistically afford to spend on your vehicle. Once you have a budget, you can start shopping around and comparing different models. If you don’t know your budget, you’ll just set yourself up for disappointment.

If you’re unsure where to start, try talking to a professional dealership. They will be able to give you a better idea of what kind of car you can realistically afford. Then, once you have a budget, it’s time to start shopping around!

What are your driving needs and requirements?

Another essential consideration to make before investing in a luxury vintage sports car is your driving needs and requirements. For example, do you need a vehicle that’s fast and powerful? Or do you prefer something more elegant and luxurious? Personally, I’d like both, please and thank you.

Think about how you will be using the car. For example, if you plan on driving it every day, you’ll need to factor in fuel efficiency and practicality. On the other hand, if you only plan on taking it out for special occasions, you can afford to be more selective with your choice.

Once you know what your driving needs are, start looking at different models that fit those criteria. Again, doing a lot of research online is critical to your success. They can recommend specific models that are well-suited for your needs.

The maintenance requirements

Investing in a luxury vintage sports car is not a decision to take lightly. These cars are expensive and require a lot of care and maintenance. Before making any decisions, be sure to factor in the cost of repairs and upkeep.

It’s essential to do your research and find out how much it will cost to maintain your chosen car. Once you have an estimate of things like 1965 Mustang coilovers and suspension parts, compare it to your budget and see if you can afford the long-term costs. If not, then it’s probably best to look at another option. But if you’re prepared to invest the time and money into maintaining your luxury vintage sports car, go for it! Just be sure that you’re realistic about the costs involved.

The resale value

Finally, you need to consider your chosen car’s resale value. Luxury vintage sports cars appreciate over time, so it’s important to factor this into your decision. If you’re not planning on keeping the car for very long, you need to make sure you can sell it for a profit down the road.

Doing your research is critical to assessing the resale value of a luxury vintage sports car. Talk to experts and dealerships to get an idea of what your chosen car is worth. And be sure to stay up-to-date on market trends to adjust your asking price accordingly.

Consider everything before investing in a luxury vehicle. But if you research and stay within your budget, you’ll be sure to find the perfect vehicle for you. Just be sure to factor in all the costs involved, from the initial purchase price to the long-term maintenance costs. And always keep an eye on the resale value so that you can make a profit down the road.

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tips to make managing your finances easier, budget tips

Managing your personal finances can be tough when you are a parent. It feels like there is never enough money and there’s alway something unexpected to pay for. It can be extremely frustrating but there are tips to make managing your finances easier. Just when you think you’re getting ahead, the car breaks or the central air goes out or there’s another tuition payment for ballet due. There are so many different things that contribute to the stress that builds up surrounding money, but if we break it down together then you might be able to work out how to cope a little better. Me too! In this article,I’m going to be taking a look at some of the things that you can do in order to manage your finances better and easier, so keep reading if you would like to find out more.

Managing Finances Can be Difficult as a Parent, Tips to Make Managing Your Finances Easier

Learn The Word No

First, I’d recommend that you start learning to say “no” without guilt. Of course, if you can say yes and you want to say yes, then this is entirely different. But, a lot of people say yes when they are in no position to do this, and that is a huge problem. It causes a lot of people a lot of money issues, and we don’t want to see that happening to you. As such, whether it’s to yourself, or whether it’s to your children, you need to be able to say no when something is not wanted if you cannot afford it.

We understand that saying no to your kids can sometimes feel awful, especially if they really want what they are asking for. But, there is only so much that you can do, and you can’t magic up money that you just don’t have.

Save For What You Want

Instead of just splurging all of your cash that should be for something else or in your savings account on something that you want, take the time to save up for it. With the money that you have leftover each month, you can take some of that and save for whatever it is that you are wanting. It might take a little while, but it’s going to be worth it in the end because you get the thing that you want, and you don’t have to use any money that was already allocated to get it.

Plus, you will know that you do actually want the product as you have spent the time to save for it. Most people will get bored of saving quite fast because they feel as though the item is not worth the amount of time and effort that needs to be spent to get it. Because of this, you will know that if you do stick it out that it’s something you really wanted.

Budget Well

Budgeting should be at the very top of your list for how to manage money. If you are not budgeting, then how do you know what you are spending? How do you know what you have left at the end of every month? How do you know how much to put into savings? The short answer is that you don’t know the answer to any of these questions which explains why you are having problems with money. It’s tough to manage money, we know, but it’s not tough to create a budget. 

To create a budget, you simply need to create two lists: one of these is going to be your incoming funds, and the other is going to be everything that you need to pay out. Take the total of the outgoing away from the total of the incoming, and see what is left. Make sure that each list is as detailed as possible, and always round up instead of down. For example, if you have a bill of 77.65, round it up to 78. It’s always nice to have a little more leftover than not enough to cover it. 

The money that is left is yours to do with what you want. However, we highly recommend that if you can afford it, you put half of this into savings so that you start to build up a decent nest egg. It’s important to have some savings for a rainy day, and even though it’s tough, it can be done if you are dedicated enough.

Find Discounts Where You Can

If you are spending too much money at the moment, then you need to start saving money, which can begin with finding discounts. When you are looking around online and doing some shopping, they often ask you at the checkout if you have any voucher codes. Now, there are a few ways in which you can find these discount codes, one of which is signing up to the company mailing list as they will often send them through this. Or, if you’re in the UK, you can use a site like NetVoucherCodes.co.uk which has a whole list of codes for you to choose from.

Try to keep in mind that if you’re struggling for money then any discount is a good discount. Any place in which you can find some savings is going to be helpful, and obviously, the bigger the discount, the better for you.

Save On Your Energy Bills

Have you given much thought to your energy bills? At the moment, the cost of gas and electricity is rising through the roof, having soared to numbers that haven’t been seen in a long time, perhaps ever. It’s tough because you need energy to be able to live the way that we do, but there are some ways that you can save. For example, if you use energy saving light bulbs, this will dramatically improve the overall cost of your energy bill. As well as this, when you leave a room, make sure that you turn the lights off. We know that it doesn’t feel as though you’re using energy because it’s what you’re used to, but if you want to stop paying through the nose so much, this is important.

You can look up other ways to save, and there are a few more such as getting better insulation. Just remember that this is more of a long-term goal, so you might not see any immediate savings.

Always Set Aside For Savings

As I mentioned earlier, you should always be setting some money aside for savings. The more that you can do this, the better it is going to be for you. I know that when you’re on a tight budget it can be tough to find the motivation to save, as you want to use the little money that you have left for the things that you love, or things for your children. However, if you can manage to put at least some of this in the savings pot, future you is going to thank you greatly when you need it.

If you think that you’re going to struggle with this, you can even start putting this into your budget if you think that it will help.

Credit Cards Are Not The Solution

The final thing that I’m going to say is that credit cards are not the solution to all of your problems, they are simply another problem that you are going to have. While it might not be a problem right now, it’s certainly going to be one when it comes time to pay it back, and that’s what you’ve got to keep in mind. Credit cards charge you interest, so even if you are borrowing some money, you’re going to be paying back a lot more than what you originally borrowed, which is not what you need in your life.

I wish someone had taught me this lesson before I went away to college and they were throwing free t-shirts and pre-approved credit cards at me. It has become like a chain around my neck. A lot of people view credit cards as something for nothing, but this is simply not the case at all. It’s no free money, as my daughters used to think when they were little. A credit card is just a way to get money right now so that you can pay it back later. While it might seem like a fantastic solution to all of your problems, what’s the likelihood of you being able to pay it back when the time comes, over the minimum payment? It’s a vicious cycle that you are better off never getting involved in as once you start, it’s extremely difficult to stop. This is especially true when a lot of credit card companies will up your limit without letting you know, and you think ‘oh well I must be doing okay so I can spend more’ but this isn’t necessarily true. Live within your budget if you can, and you will be just fine. 

We hope these tips are helpful to you. Now, you can see that even though managing finances can be difficult when you are a mom or dad, it can be made much easier. Sometimes, all it takes is breaking things down until they are small enough to be manageable. You don’t have to do everything at the same time, sometimes it’s taking your time and working through things at your own pace that is going to work out the best.

What is your best tips to make managing your finances easier for parents?

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Work Smarter So You Can Spend More Time with Your Family

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Having a demanding career while at the same time having a family and being a mom is a tough act to juggle. Believe me, I know, I am currently working three jobs. It’s all things I love and I wouldn’t have it any other way but I’m blissfully exhausted. When you have a passion for what you do, you find the will and the way, you dig deep and find the energy to do what you love and be with the people you love the most. I want it all and I think I deserve it. That’s why I have to work smarter so I can spend more time with my family.

Moms and dads, your job can be demanding and there may be a lot of pressure on you to be successful. But instead of stressing over that, take action to find a schedule that works for you. Learn how to work smarter so you can spend more time with your family and less time trying to play catch up at the office.

Have To-Do Lists & Set Priorities

You can work smarter after you become a mompreneur so you can spend more time with your family by having daily and weekly to-do lists. You should know exactly what you want to get done each day and have a good stopping point for leaving the office in the early evening hours. Set priorities so that you feel comfortable and satisfied with what you’re able to achieve while at work. Keep the to-do lists reasonable and lean and avoid taking on more than you can feasibly handle in one day.

Take Advantage of Technology Solutions & Automate

Your business must run smoothly and you need satisfied customers if you’re going to succeed as an entrepreneur. Use technology to your advantage as a business owner. Invest in the right tools and software such as testRigor so you can spend less time on mundane and repetitive tasks that you typically would do manually. Effortlessly test your web or mobile application and purchasing process with this automated software testing solution. You can perform testing faster to save you and your team valuable time and enable team scaling simultaneously.  

Hire Skilled Workers & Delegate to Them

Spend more time with your family and less time at the office by hiring skilled workers to help you. You’re only one person and can only get so much done in one day. Therefore, it’s in your best interest to have people on your team who can assist in helping you reach your goals. Delegate to them and take some of the work off your plate so you can focus on running your business and getting home to your loved ones at a decent hour. You’ll also have people you can trust to manage your company while you’re away on vacation this way.

Eliminate Distractions & Avoid Multitasking

Another way to work smarter is by eliminating distractions such as turning off your email and phone notifications while you’re concentrating on your tasks. Limit your time spent scrolling through social media or having side conversations that aren’t business-related. If you’re working from home then make sure there’s someone available to take care of and watch your kids and pets. Also, avoid multitasking at all costs and instead focus on one assignment or project at a time. You’ll likely be able to complete it faster, will make fewer mistakes, and be more productive overall this way. You may not realize it but you’ll also feel less stressed out because you won’t be spreading yourself and your brainpower too thin.

Take Breaks

You can work smarter and get through your tasks quicker by taking breaks throughout the day. For example, you should get up to stretch your legs, drink water, and eat lunch so you feel your best when it’s time to work hard. You may be hesitant to take breaks when you’re very busy but the reality is that doing so can help you be more productive. You’ll have a clear head to think and complete tasks and you’ll be less likely to experience burnout. It’s a great way to regroup and relieve stress and will help you recharge your attention and productivity.

Conclusion

Spending time with the people you love is invaluable and essential. When you work smarter you can still get done what’s necessary without putting forth more effort and energy. Instead, you’ll be able to run your business and stay on track and at the same time not have to make a lot of sacrifices when it comes to seeing and spending time with your family. These tips will help you get more done in a shorter period of time so you can work reasonable hours and workdays and maintain a more flexible schedule and have more quality time with your loved ones. You’ll be happier for it and your family will appreciate seeing and being with you more frequently.

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Tired of Waiting Around? 6 Benefits of Learning to Do It Yourself, DIY

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

I don’t know about you, but I can’t stand waiting around for other people to do things for me. I’m not sure if that’s the control freak in me, me being the oldest child of six, being a mom or my type-A personality poking through but whatever it is, I prefer to be able to do things for myself.  I love having people in my life that I can count on but I’m so independent that the occasion where I take advantage of having those people around, is few and far between. I pride myself on being capable, but I’m wise enough to also know my limitations.

As a homeowner, I’ve come to realize that every home is full of unexpected costs even if it’s a new build. Things come up that slowly but surely drain your savings accounts and sometimes, feel like a never-ending to-do list of repairs, replacements, cleaning, and just about everything else you can think of. If you’re like me, you’re probably tired (maybe even a little annoyed) of waiting around for the “handyman” (the Big Guy) to be available to do the things you need done.

Why keep waiting? If you’re reading this, you are a strong, capable woman who has probably grown and given birth to a human being, you can do hard things, Girl, you got this. Forget about waiting for someone else to do the things you want to be done. Learning to DIY is an excellent skill that means you never need to wait for someone else to do what needs to be done, ever again. You’re thinking, “But Debi if DIY is so simple, why isn’t everyone doing it?” Because some people prefer leaving things out of their wheelhouse to the professionals. I do too, in some instances. Let’s be honest, I can’t do everything.  But if I can do it right, I’m all about rolling up my sleeves and learning to do it myself. 

No More Waiting Around 

The best reason to learn to do it yourself is so you don’t have to wait around for someone else to do something you are completely capable of doing. You might be surprised at how many repairs around the house are actually pretty easy to fix, whether you need to replace door handles or fix the dryer heater element to make sure everyone’s clothes are ready in time for school or at the very least they don’t go sour. 

By taking a proactive approach to your home, you can overcome small issues quickly. You won’t need to put your life on hold while you wait for the repair company to come over, which means you can get on with it yourself and focus on the next repair. 

Save Money and Time 

Since you’re not waiting around any longer, you can save time, even if it takes you a little longer to repair it than it would a professional. Everyone has been there before where the repair company comes in, twists a nut or bolt, and leaves. You don’t need to waste their time (or your money) anymore.

This also makes saving money around the house so much easier. While some companies are happy to come out for free quotes, they will still charge you for the work and materials (especially with the price of gas right now) which is often much more than you’d have to pay if you did it yourself. 

Learn a New Skill

Learning a new skill is always a great way to boost your knowledge and help you feel better about yourself. With so many DIY tasks simpler than you think, it’s easy to expand your horizons. 

What’s more, as a student for life I can attest to the fact that the more you learn, the easier it is to learn other things, too. You can use your existing repair knowledge to identify different ways to approach problems around the house and fix them without causing significant damage. 

Pass the Knowledge onto Your Kids 

Parents always need to teach their kids how to survive in the real world. I mean they don’t even offer home ec in school anymore. And let’s be honest, without that class, most Gen X latch key kids might have starved to death. What would I have done without learning how to cook an egg in a basket and how to stitch and make my very own pillow? While our kids may not need DIY skills or other essential life skills right now, they will once they move out of our house, whether they go to college or find a place of their own on the other side of the country. 

Learning DIY skills gives you a great chance to pass your knowledge on to them. They don’t need to help you out all the time, but asking them to be your assistant and encouraging them to watch will give them the basic knowledge they need to approach DIY safely. They’ll know to switch the water off at the source while fixing pipes, and they’ll also know to turn off the mains so that they don’t electrocute themselves. They’ll also build self-confidence from being self-reliant and if all else fails, they’ll know they can call mama for some advice because mama can get things done.

You will Be More Active 

One under-appreciated benefit of DIY is how it can help you be more active. People often don’t think about all the heavy lifting or regular work, even if it doesn’t feel like hard work. 

If you wish you could be more active but don’t love going to the gym or running, DIY could be an excellent way to burn some calories and move, and the more projects you attempt, the more intense and ambitious your activities become. 

You Gain Respect 

People love people who know what they are doing, especially if you don’t look like you have a handy bone in your body. If you want to surprise friends and strangers alike, learning DIY and coming to their rescue is a solution that’ll make you popular. 

You might even be able to make some money off them once you show off your skills, as neighbors will be happy to pay you for your time, so they don’t need to wait around for the handyman.

Just Do It… Yourself

Learning DIY brings a wide range of benefits that can help your family just as much as it can help you. If you’re tired of waiting around for the handyman to get back to you and arrange an inspection or appointment, you can get ahead of all your home’s demands and upkeep by learning to fix common problems all by yourself, and you’ll be thankful you did. 

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5 ways to relax at night, chill out, get ready for bed

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Do you have trouble winding down at night? An endless list of things show up in your brain right at the exact moment you’re supposed to be drifting off to LaLa land? If so, you’re not alone. Unfortunately, millions of people have difficulty relaxing and getting ready for bed. I’ve been an insomniac since college so I know a little bit about this topic. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to help yourself calm down, relax and prepare for sleep. This blog post will discuss 6 ways to relax at night, chill out and get ready for bed. 

Disclosure: Some of the products mentioned in this post were sent to me for review purposes. All opinions and gynecological misadventures are all my own.

Listen to calm music

There is something about music that can soothe us and make us feel more relaxed. So if you’re struggling to wind down at night, try listening to some calm music. This can help you relax both your mind and body, making it easier to fall asleep.

Some suitable genres of music to listen to for relaxation purposes include classical, jazz, and nature sounds. Many apps and websites offer calming music specifically designed to help you sleep. 

Do some gentle stretching 

Gentle stretching is another great way to relax your body and mind before bed. It can help relieve tension and reduce stress. You can do several different stretches, so find ones that work best for you. Start by doing some simple neck and shoulder rolls. Then, move on to other body areas such as your back, legs, and arms. Hold each stretch for 20-30 seconds before moving on to the next one.

Doing some light stretching before bed can also help improve your sleep quality and reduce the risk of pain waking you up during the night.  But don’t do a full cardio workout unless you want that rush of endorphins at bedtime. Be warned it won’t bode well for your insomnia.

Sit outside for a while  

If you have trouble relaxing indoors, try spending some time outside. Sitting or lying down in a park or other green space can help reduce stress and anxiety. I keep a comfy sectional on my deck for just this reason. The fresh air and natural light can also do wonders for your sleep quality. If it’s not possible to sit outside, simply open a window to let some fresh air into your room. You can also try smoking marijuana outside if it helps you to relax. But you might want to invest in this spray to get rid of weed smell and keep the neighbors out of your business. Or just go the edible route, no nasal evidence left behind.

Take a relaxing bath 

There is nothing quite like a warm bath to help you relax at night. Add some soothing aromatherapy, add a few drops of lavender oil to your bathtub or light a delicious smelling candle to help further promote relaxation. One of my favorites is GYV MesoAmerican Beauty Mango pineapple candle. The heat from the water can also help reduce muscle pain and tension. Soak in your tub for 20-30 minutes to give yourself enough time to relax fully. Moisturize yourself from head to toe. I love the Mango lotion from GYV. For luxuriously attractive and beautiful glowing skin I’m obsessed with Dignity Coconuts lip balms and raw coconut oil.

After your bath, avoid any activities that will stimulate your mind or body. This means no working, watching TV, or using your phone or computer. You want your body and mind to be relaxed, so give yourself time to wind down before bed. 

Pop a gummy

IYKYK if you don’t, I’m definitely talking about a CBD gummy. Just 1 Inflamade Yummy Watermelon Vegan Sleep Solution gummy and you will sleep all night long. Deep Sleep CBD + CBN Vegan Gummies combine the power of CBD + CBN – and works to put your mind at ease and sleep throughout the night. With 20mg CBD + 5mg CBN, and 3mg Melatonin per watermelon gummy, products are lab tested to ensure 0% THC and 100% Drug Test Safe.

The compounds CBD and CBN have different impacts on the body, but when combined, they aid in alleviating restless nights and insomnia.

If you are looking for something with THC to relax your mind before bed and get a great night’s sleep, I highly recommend Berry Burst Indica Gummies by Encore Edibles at your local dispensary. It’s one of my personal favorites for overwhelmed and exhausted moms who just can’t relax. It does the job 100% of the time.

Practice some deep breathing exercises: 

Deep breathing is a simple but effective way to relax your body and mind. It can help reduce stress and anxiety, lower blood pressure, and improve sleep quality. To do a deep breathing exercise, simply sit or lie down in a comfortable position. Close your eyes and focus on taking slow, deep breaths. Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. Try to inhale enough to expand your stomach, not just your chest. 

All this to say, there are many things you can do to relax at night. By listening to calm music, doing some gentle stretching, spending time outside, taking a relaxing bath, and practicing deep breathing exercises, you can wind down and get ready for a good night’s sleep. 

These are 5 ways to relax at night, chill out and get ready for bed. What is your top tip for relaxing at night?

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how to hone your personal style

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Do you want to start dressing more stylishly? Maybe you just want to get back to dressing and feeling like yourself again, like before you were somebody’s mom. Let’s be honest with ourselves, getting dressed up in fashionable clothes that fit well and make you feel attractive makes everyone feel better. I know it sounds superficial but it’s definitely not. We deserve that little luxury. Either way, you can find out everything you need to know, right here.

How to Hone Your Personal Style

Become an Expert

The first thing that you need to do is try and gather as much inspiration as possible. You need to become an observer of all of the outfits you like, whether it is on Instagram, on fashion blogs or even in magazines. Look at all of the women and think about what makes them stand out. What resonates with you? What is it that makes you identify with that style? If possible, you need to be precise and you also need to train your eye. You then need to try and copy or imitate the outfits that you do like. Surprisingly, you can get a stylish wardrobe without breaking your budget. Believe it or not, this is a very helpful and creative technique, and it can really help you to build your foundational understanding of fashion. It also forces you to actually pay attention to detail.

Use a Mirror

If you do not have a full-length mirror, then now is the time for you to invest in one. A big mirror is so important as it gives you the chance to play around with different proportions and it also gives you the opportunity to play around with textures and colors too. You can accessorize better, and you can also become your own personal stylist. Just make sure that you are always seeing the bigger picture. If you want to help yourself then you also need to try and experiment with jewelry and accessories. You can try and buy a 1-carat diamond ring, a pearl necklace or some cute statement pieces if you like, and you will be surprised at how much of a difference this can make to your outfit and how you feel in that outfit.

how to hone your personal style

Get out of your Comfort Zone

Getting your own signature style can be very difficult to do. You may even find that it takes years of practice to fully develop your personal sense of style. At the end of the day, you have to make sure that you are not afraid to make mistakes. It’s just clothes. Knowing the trends is helpful but not the most important thing. Try and keep things fun and expose yourself to various styles and aesthetics. If you can do this, then you will soon find that it is easier for you to create an outfit that you love. Don’t be afraid to play around with patterns, colors and even accessories. Silhouettes are also a very good starting point, so explore things like this.

Proportions are Important

Proportion is everything if you want to try and create aesthetic harmony. If possible you need to try and wear clothes that are fitted to your body shape. If you want to play around with an oversized piece of clothing, or if you want to experiment with something that is an unusual shape, then you need to try and keep the rest of the clothing items you have fitted. This way you can make your outfit look fantastic, and you can also make sure that you are not dressing in clothes that look too baggy or oversized for your look.

In the end, fashion is about feeling beautiful in your own skin and it’s more about how you feel than what you wear. Be adventurous and self-confident and you’ll be the sexiest version of yourself.

What is the one piece of fashion that defines your personal style?

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How to Stop Your House from Becoming a Money Pit, home maintenance

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

As a homeowner, you find out pretty quickly that there are always unexpected issues and costs. Surprise, the central air isn’t working! Surprise, the house isn’t level! Surprise, an opossum is living in your attic and it smells like he died! Staying on top of your home’s many unexpected issues and covering the costs of them can not only be stressful but costly, as well. But there are ways to cut those costs with a little diligence and maintenance (which is less effective than fixing something that has already broken). It’ll take some awareness, planning, diligence and elbow grease but it’s cheaper than the alternative. Let’s talk about how to stop your house from becoming a money pit.

Sure Money Pit was a funny movie but no one actually wants to live that life. So if you feel like your home has become a huge financial drain on your family, now is the time to do something about it. Below are tips and ideas to help you to start making small positive changes that will save you money.

How to stop your house from becoming a money pit

Clean Everything Regularly

One of the first and most important things you can do with your home is make sure that it’s kept properly clean and in good shape at all times. By doing the basic things like this, you can make sure that no bigger issues arise later on because that’s not what anyone wants. When you clean the home inside and out on a regular basis, you can make things like mold issues less likely. It’ll help avoid problems later. I’m not saying anything crazy like dusting every week, making the bed daily or even putting away that folded laundry, I’m saying basic upkeep so you’ll notice when things aren’t right.

Create a Savings Fund for Home Maintenance

The fat is not lost on me that this is easier said than done. But if you want to make sure that you don’t get hit financially upside the head by the cost of looking after your home, creating a savings account that allows you to cover those costs without having to forgo eating and obliterating your finances in the meantime. Putting just a little money aside each month that can go towards maintaining your home and making sure all of those costs are covered is a good idea. And any savings that aren’t used can be put to use when a bigger repair needs to be made in the future or a family vacation.

Get an Energy Audit

Getting an energy audit carried out by a professional is a good idea if you want to reduce the running costs of your home. From day to day, we all use energy in the home. And it makes sense to use less of it, both from a green and eco-friendly point of view, and a money saving point of view. When you have an energy audit carried out, you’ll get to see how and where you’re currently wasting energy and what kinds of changes you can make in order to improve things.

Ensure the Ground Slopes Away from the Home

One of the problems that many homeowners face relates to water and how it impacts the foundations of the home. If you have lots of standing water around the home, that’s not going to be good for you. Make sure that the ground around your property slopes away from the house. By doing that, you can make sure that any rainwater flows away from your home and not towards it. It might sound like a small thing but it’s massively important especially if you got a “great deal” in a flood zone.

Inspect the Roof Every 6 Months

Inspecting the roof is something that you should try to do at least once every 6 months or so. You never know when a problem might arise, and when it does, you want to get it checked out as soon as possible. The truth is lots of roof problems go unnoticed for a long time, and when they are finally noticed, it costs a lot of money to get them fixed. So be sure to consider that and think about having your home’s roof inspected at least a couple of times a year.

Put a Home Warranty in Place

Putting as many measures in place as possible to ensure that home repairs don’t end up costing you a fortune is a good idea. And that’s one of the key reasons why you should think about putting a home warranty in place if you haven’t done so already. This will mean that if you do suffer any issues in your home, some of the costs will be covered for you by the warranty. It’s the kind of security measure that you definitely need to have in place if you want to avoid big financial impacts in the event of something going wrong.

Create a Maintenance Schedule

Having a regular maintenance schedule in place is something that can help a lot when it comes to taking care of all the things that need to be taken care of regarding your home. It’s so easy to overlook or forget about certain things when you don’t have a schedule in place that you can follow and fall back on. That schedule can be followed week after week, month after month, ensuring your home stays in the best condition possible.

Make Sure the Carry Water Away from Your Home

We’ve already talked a bit about the impact water can have on your home and its integrity. If you want to go further in making sure that standing water around the base of your home doesn’t become a big problem for you, you should think about the role your gutters might play in that. If the gutters are dumping water next to your home, you have a problem. Ensuring the drainage system is doing everything it should do and that water is being carried away from the home safely is going to be key.

Replace Heating and Cooling Filters Every Few Months

Your heating and cooling system is something you won’t want to overlook when it comes to avoiding financial disasters. When something goes wrong with it, it can be very expensive to fix. That’s why you should take extra care to maintain the system well and have someone look at it for you regularly if you’re not sure how to do it yourself. One of the most important things you can do is replace the filters every few months, or even monthly if you want to be extra cautious.

Fix Gaps and Damage to the Home’s Exterior Right Away

If you notice any gaps in the exterior of your home or holes that simply shouldn’t be there, it’s a good idea to have these filled and fixed right away. Any damage to the exterior should be dealt with sooner rather than later and that’s something that you can take care of yourself in most cases. The first task, however, is to check the exterior on a regular basis and make sure that you’re noticing these issues sooner rather than later.

Install Stronger Locks on Doors and Windows

Installing the strongest possible locks on the doors and windows of your property is another thing that you might want to consider. If you don’t do this, you’ll always run the risk of these entry points causing you security problems. Stronger locks and doors will avoid damage being done via a break-in and, most importantly, avoid the break-in from happening in the first place. So that’s definitely something to think about.

As you can see, there are lots of things you can do to stop your home feeling like such a financial burden for your family, so be sure to make the most of each of the tips and ideas discussed above. By making the right changes in the right areas, there’s no reason why you can’t save yourself a lot of money.

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