5 Quick Tips for a Successful Fusion DIY Project

Attaining a successful fusion DIY project and decor takes time, patience and an understanding of balance. It can be a challenge, but here are some quick tips to get you started.

Fuse Similar Styles

Combining themes that naturally go together would be best. Take Scandi home decor and accessories, for example, and mix them with modern Japanese. The way it looks, how it works, and how it fits together make for a good balance of the two styles. Also, the materials and colours are made to look the same. These two styles are very distinctive. But have enough in common to work well together as a combined and successfully fused project.

Pay Attention to the Size

When most people think about fusion, they don't think about scale. Scale is just a word for dimensions and how they fit together. Some styles of decorating work well together in terms of size, and some don't. Japandi is a great example of how size and scale work well together. But you wouldn't put your old hardwood antique French pieces with modern glass and steel. The style and scales are just wrong. And don't neglect to consider the size of the room as well.

Create a Focal Point for Successful Fusion DIY Project

There are things you can't get rid of when you clean a room so you can decorate it. Most of the time, these are big building parts like panels, frames, and fireplaces. Even though you can't get rid of them, they can help you design a room in a lot of ways. You can create a focal point out of anything that stands out. The trick is to make it less noticeable by using colours that go well with it and bordering it with pieces that are the right size and have the right texture for the style.

Blend Texture and Colour

Because colour can decide the fate of a room, it is used a lot in interior design. The same is true for fusion. Start with a base colour and build around it with hues and shades of a similar colour that go well together. But soften harsh tones by using neutral colours in fabrics and materials like walls and fixtures. Each style of decorating from around the world uses colours, textures, and patterns that have been around for a long time. The idea is to balance each naturally.

Add and Remove to See What Works

Lumping everything together will waste time and ruin your project. So, if you want to try out a fusion project, you should do it systematically. So you don't find yourself with a slew of things in the same space that doesn't belong there. By putting things in a room in a smart way, you can determine what goes well together before the room is done. Try to only move onto the following part once you're sure that the features that came before it work well together.

Summary

There are many things you need to consider for a successful fusion DIY project. These often include finding matching styles, developing a focal point and seeing what blends well together.

3 Smart Tips To Boost Your Child's Academic Success

Your child’s success in school depends on multiple factors, each of which can be essential. It goes beyond what they do in the classroom, however, and you’ll need to know how to boost your child’s academic success in various ways. That can seem quite complicated, but it doesn’t need to be.

Instead, it’s a matter of taking advantage of a few smart tips. By putting the time and effort in, you can make sure your child is learn effectively while still enjoying themselves. Three school tips can help with this, as they’re easy to and help your child learn.

How To Boost Your Child's Academic Success: 3 Smart Tips

1. Have A Routine

If your child doesn’t have a routine, they might find it difficult to get their schoolwork done, and mightn’t even be able to get ready for school properly. You’ll need to make sure they have this routine and stick to it to make sure everything goes as smoothly as possible.

That means getting them up at the same time every day and doing the same things before heading off to school. When they get back, make sure they’re able to complete their schoolwork before doing anything else.

The more of a routine you make this, the easier it’ll be for them to stick to it and learn.

2. Consider An Educational Trip

Sometimes, it’s worth looking beyond the classroom to boost your child’s academic success. Educational travel can always be recommended when it’s tied to schoolwork. Schools already know this, and have age-appropriate trips lined up for their students.

It could be worth going beyond this and planning a few educational trips of your own. As long as it’s tied to what they’re learning in school and doesn’t interfere with their term, it can be a recommended and effective option.

You could even make it a family holiday.

3. Have A Homework Space

Children all learn in different ways, but many find it difficult to do so without a dedicated area to study and learn. While the classroom is a great place to do this, they’ll also need somewhere at home where they can also study. They could need a dedicated homework space.

You could make sure they have this and that it’s solely dedicated to letting them do their homework. While this means giving up a bit of space for it, it’ll help them much more than you’d think. It could even help with their routine quite a lot.

Make sure this space has everything they need to learn.

How To Boost Your Child's Academic Success: Wrapping Up

If you don’t know how to boost your child’s academic success, it can seem like an overwhelming and stressful process. It’s far from it. Instead, it can be an enjoyable time, both for you and your child, provided you use the right tips and strategies.

Going on an educational trip, having a routine, and giving them a homework space can all be some of the better-recommended options. Not only will it make your children more interested in learning, but they’ll get as much as possible out of it.

5 Essential Care Tips For Your Dog

Having a dog as a pet can be a lot of fun, but that doesn't mean you will always have a good time. Just like with anything else, things might not go as planned. You must make it happen. You'll find that it's much more fun to have a dog in your life when they're happy and calm instead of angry and upset. People often think that dogs are always happy, but this isn't always the case. They can be hard to figure out. In this blog, we'll talk about some important things you can do to keep your dog happy and calm.

The Right Amount Of Exercise 

When you're trying to relax, having dogs that run around your house all the time can be more than just a mess. To avoid this, make sure your dog gets enough exercise every day. You have to take your dog outside every day. What matters is how much time is spent outside. If your dog can run and run, he will be ready to relax by the time they get back home.

Make Them Welcome And Feeling At Home 

When you feel like you belong somewhere, you'll feel more comfortable and at ease. The same will be true for your dog. If they feel like their home is also their home, they are much more likely to sleep, rest, and be calm in general. There are two important things you can do to make this true. First, everyone in the house needs to be on board with the idea of getting a dog. You should also give your pet a space of his or her own in your home. If you give them their own space in the house, they will find it much easier to unwind.

Give Them A Calm Zone

Just like people, dogs can get nervous. Don't ignore your dog's stress if you spot it. You can calm them down in a lot of different ways. Hemp treats can naturally calm down your dog. There are also scent diffusers that give off smells that are made just for dogs. When you deal with your dog's stress and anxiety, you will see that it acts much better. Pawpedics dog beds can help you do this. 

Get To Know Their Needs 

Every dog has its own unique personality. If you know what your dog likes and doesn't like, you can make sure he is healthy. There will be things that make your dog nervous or scared. If you know what they are, you can make sure they don't happen to your dog. Understanding their needs can go a long way toward making them happy.

Plenty Of Love And Affection 

Lastly, don't forget to bring your whole heart! Dogs are the best because they are such loving creatures. What you give them will come back to you ten times over. If your dog seems sad, give them more love and attention.

You can use this guide to keep your dog happy and calm. Do you have any more ideas that might help? Please tell us about them in the comments.

Staying Calm through Increased Living Costs

We are all feeling the current and future increased living costs. Yet you might be getting really stressed out by not knowing what to expect as cold weather and the holidays approach.

Try Alternative Relaxation Therapies

It's always crucial that you take some time for yourself to do what gets you through. And relaxation from work and responsibilities is a massive part of this. You must make time for yourself, even if it's an hour every Sunday. Relaxation can be tricky, though. Some people get a massage, and others take a hot bath. Other holistic and alternative therapies include CBD. Rather than smoking, you can consume CBD as a drink or as food items like CBD gummies.

Remember, It's Only Temporary

It feels like there's a massive cloud of dark times ahead. But increased living costs happen every now and then. World events, such as war, and economic factors, contribute. But they're always temporary. And you can get through it. Fortunately, in the UK at least, there is some good news as Liz Truss has capped energy bills at £2,500 rather than Ofgem's recommended and frankly ridiculous £3,800. So hang in there, and you can get through as you need to.

Increased Living Costs Can be Beaten

Of course, there are some things you can do to help yourself through tougher times. Just making some lifestyle changes can be a massive help. Here are some of the easiest:

• Make a list of expenses and see what you can do without, such as streaming channels.

• Turn down your heating and water temperature by a couple of degrees.

• Plan your weekly meals and buy only what you need within your budget.

• Unplug anything you aren't using, and don't leave electricals on standby.

• Wash clothes at a lower temperature and air dry rather than tumble dry.

The savings you make with a single use of any of these are small. But together, they can add up to a considerable savings. For example, buying to a meal plan can half your shopping budget.

Explain Changes to Your Family

For some households, the costs of living today can have a significant impact on household funds. Some experts predict that even homes with between £35,000 and £45,000 income will be severely affected if they don't make changes. Therefore, your children might feel the burden, which is the hardest part for some parents. However, you must explain that changes will happen, such as reduced pocket money, switching food brands and a change in energy use.

Keep Informed as Much as Possible

You can plan for the worst by paying attention to the news as much as possible. Outlets like BBC News and Sky News are excellent at keeping us informed of any changes. Just today, it was announced that inflation has decreased because of a drop in wholesale fuel prices. A slight reprieve, yet still welcome news. And if you are entitled to any help with costs, such as an energy rebate, the news is the first place you will likely hear about such government schemes.

Summary

No one wants increased living costs. But it's how you deal with the impact that determines how you will get through it. Remember to relax now and then, assess your budget and stay informed.

Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Family Relationship

In any family, there will be good times and bad times. It's how we deal with the bad times that determine the strength of our family relationships. If you're looking for ways to maintain a healthy family relationship, look no further! This blog post will discuss seven tips that will help you keep your family close and strong.

1. Communication is key.

In order to maintain a healthy family relationship, communication is key. You need to be able to communicate effectively with your family members in order to resolve conflicts and keep the lines of communication open. If you're not communicating effectively, it can lead to misunderstandings and resentment.

Make sure that you're taking the time to really listen to what your family members are saying, and try to see things from their perspective. It's also important that you're honest with your communication. Don't withhold information or try to sugarcoat things, as this will only make things worse in the long run.

2. Spend time together.

In order to maintain a healthy family relationship, it's important that you spend time together. This doesn't mean that you have to be in each other's pockets 24/ Seven, but it does mean making time for quality family time. Whether this is sitting down for dinner together every night, going on a weekend getaway together, or just taking a walk around the block together, make sure that you're spending time doing things as a family.

3. Support each other.

In any relationship, it's important to offer support to one another. This is especially true in a family relationship. If one of your family members is going through a tough time, be there for them. Offer your support and let them know that you're there for them no matter what.

It's also important to celebrate the good times together. When one of your family members achieves something great, make sure that you're there to celebrate with them. Showing your support during the good times will help to solidify your bond during the difficult times.

4. External help professionals

Sometimes, no matter how hard we try, we just can't seem to fix things on our own. If you find yourself in this situation, it's important to seek out professional help. A therapist or get in touch with Family solicitors in Corby can help you and your family work through any issues that you're having. They can offer impartial advice and guidance that can help to improve your family relationship.

If you're not sure whether or not you need professional help, ask yourself if you're feeling hopeless or helpless about the situation. If the answer is yes, then it's time to seek out some external help.

Remember, there's no shame in admitting that you need some help. We all need help from time to time and seek out professional assistance.

5. Be patient.

Change doesn't happen overnight, and neither does the healing. If you're working on improving your family relationship, it's important to be patient. Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither is a healthy family relationship. Give yourselves time to work through any issues that you're having, and don't expect things to be fixed immediately.

It's also important to remember that some members of your family may not be ready or willing to work on the relationship right away. That's okay! Just because they're not ready doesn't mean that you have to give up. Continue working on yourself, and eventually, they may come around.

These are just a few tips that can help you maintain a healthy family. Just remember to be patient, communicate effectively, and spend time together. With a little effort, you can improve your family relationship in no time!

How To Feel Informed As A First-Time Dog Owner

Bringing a furry friend home can feel like a wonderful new life milestone, particularly if they complete a family unit or provide you some companionship as you live alone. That said, the first time we own a pet can feel relatively daunting. Of course, you may have had practice such as with plenty of exposure to dogs as a young child, or perhaps we may have lived on in a rural setting where farmyard animals were no uncommon sight. 

Regardless, there can be a big difference between living with and loving certain animals, and being responsible for their care in all things. As they say, a dog is for life, not just for Christmas. Don’t worry, however, as having those concerns only shows that you care about the pet you’re bringing into your home, and wish to perform a worthwhile job caring for them. That’s a fantastic sign. So, in this post, we hope to help you manage those first-time pet owner feelings, and perhaps help you feel a little more excited about the entire affair:

Join A Dog Ownership Forum

Joining a dog’s ownership forum is a good place to start. It might be that this forum has a dedicated website or may be a public forum such as on Reddit, but either way, talking to others, asking questions, reading their experiences and even sharing photos of your loving pups can be a good way to start.

Of course, just be careful about what you read on the internet and anecdotal reports outside of official veterinarian advice from qualified sources. Someone may swear by the fact that they feed chocolate to their dog, but this isn’t ever acceptable, and it’s worth reporting to the site moderator.

Still, a large degree of user experiences on there can be enjoyed anonymously and may lend you some insight into the best local trainers, how to doggy proof your home, and how to help your growing dog deal with their separation anxiety.

Consider A Well-Written Pet Resource

Following a regular doggy blog, or better yet a dog magazine, can provide you with constant updates and posts about all manner of dog ownership - such as how to care for their coats, what to do if your dog finds itself in an altercation with another walker’s pet, and how to prepare for a long hike with your energetic pup.

A steady stream of information like this is not only a healthy means of curating your social media timeline, but will no doubt remain interesting for you as you grow, develop and ultimately become thoroughly experienced as a dog owner. In the end, information like this helps you build up all kind of tangential knowledge that may, and probably will, come in useful one day.

Head To A Local Trainer

It’s heavily encouraged for new pet owners to bring their dogs to a trainer. It might seem as though this is the right place to learn doggy tricks, but that’s just a supplemental technique you may or may not learn.

The real value a trainer offers you is learning how to handle your dog, how to present your authority and set boundaries, and how to grow the bond with your pet so they trust you. This will mean that in a range of situations, private and public, you can enact better and healtheir control over your dog.

This will also serve the additional purpose of making sure your dog is comfortable around other dogs and owners, and this may be their first true exposure outside of their breeder’s environment. A local trainer will also help give you specific advice and work on your weaknesses so you, as a pet owner, become more capable and informed too.

Make Certain You Have The Right Documentation

Of course, in order to take care of your dog you need to know its history and medical records, and any official or licensed breeder will be able to show you this, including their full vaccination status, and perhaps where they might fall in their immediate family tree should they be of pedigree breed.

On top of that, a registration certificate, veterinarian documents, and a contract of sale should all be yours to verify the legitimate purchase of your dog. You should be able to get most of this information when rescuing a dog also. Of course, not all breeders are registered, and not all of them will come from verified spaces. It’s best to always go legitimate so that you don’t support the continual operation of unhealthy puppy farms.

If buying from a friend or relative, or if being given a pet in this way, they should be able to give you the correct documentation should you ask for it.

If In Doubt, Head To The Vet

While it’s true that many people have been caught out by particularly theatrical animals time and time again, it’s always a good idea to head to your vet service should your dog display strange behaviors and especially physical symptoms you may not recognize.

If you’re in doubt, then heading to that vet can provide you peace of mind, worthwhile guidance, and necessary treatment so you feel more experienced and informed in caring for your pet. Sure, vet bills can rack up, but providing for our animal is the reason we brought them into our homes to begin with.

Don’t Be Afraid To Ask

It’s okay to admit you're not sure of what to do, and so Googling, asking dog owners in your life, and asking forums like Reddit for how to properly care for a pet in a given situation (should you allow them to continue sleeping on your sofa, for instance,) will make a big difference to how much you learn and how comfortable as an owner you become over time.

With this advice, you’re certain to feel the most informed as a first-time dog owner. Perhaps one day you’ll be the person giving advice to a friend or relative going through the same journey you are now!

Tips on Transitioning From Baby to Toddlerhood!

The transition to toddlerhood is so bittersweet. On one hand, you no longer have a tiny baby in your arms any more. But on the other, you really get to see your child flourish; their personality starts to shine through and it’s so exciting seeing them meet all of their milestones. Toddlerhood ‘officially’ begins on your child’s first birthday, and while it always feels too soon, many are starting to take their first steps and toddle around so it’s clear that they’ve reached a new stage. 

Update the nursery

Most people transition their toddler from a cot to a bed after around eighteen months old. If you’re planning on doing this, there’s more to it than simply taking off the sides of the cot, or purchasing a new bed. You need to make sure your child’s room is safe since they’ll be able to get up and move around freely. Secure all furniture to the walls using safety chains so nothing can tip or be pulled over. Lock windows with a key, and ensure blinds are child friendly so no strings or cords that can pose a strangulation risk. Remove anything that could be a choking or suffocation hazard (such as nappy bags) from any areas they could reach or climb onto. And fit a baby gate on their bedroom door so that they’re not able to let themselves out and wander around the house while you’re asleep! If you decorated your baby’s nursery beautifully for when they were born, it won’t need to be redone again so soon however you might want to make some decor changes. You could add things like educational posters to the walls that are suited to toddler age, such as shapes, colours, numbers and animals. 

Purchase new items

As your baby grows into a toddler, chances are you’ll need to buy some new items to fit their new needs. If they’ve outgrown their baby hooded towels, replace with some nice soft bamboo towels for their bath times instead. These are really soft against their delicate skin, so are ideal for toddlers and children. They might no longer need suction plates to prevent them from tipping their food over at mealtimes, you could swap these for simple plastic or melamine toddler plates instead. As the months go by, you might find they’re no longer content sitting at their high chair and prefer sitting at the dining table with the rest of the family- so invest in a booster seat for your dining room chair instead. Things like books and toys will always need to be replaced periodically to keep up with your child’s current age and stage. Facebook marketplace can be great for bargains if you’re on a budget. 

Consider new activities

If you and your baby signed up to classes like baby sensory, baby massage and other new baby and parent classes, chances are these will come to an end once they reach their first birthday. If there are no follow-on toddler groups, it might be time to start looking at new activities specific to their age. Check out local playgroups, art classes, music classes and more that are all aimed at children over the age of one. Once your little one is moving around and has gone from crawling to walking, their interests and needs will change so suitable groups will continue to support their development at this new stage. 

Consider nursery options

Unless you’re using nursery as a childcare option to return to work, most children will start at age two or three when their funded hours become available. For this reason, it might feel early to start thinking about nursery as soon as your baby transitions to a toddler, however, it might be the perfect time. If you want to enrol your child into a very popular nursery or one of the preschool programs in Dulles, VA, for example, some can have waiting lists of several years. It would therefore be wise to find out if the one you intend to send your child to has a long wait and, if so, get signed up early. That way you’ll avoid disappointment and be more likely to be able to use the nursery that you want.

Have you recently gone through the baby-to toddler transition? What kinds of changes have you made in your lifestyle and routine? 

6 Benefits of Hyaluronic Acid

Also known as hyaluronan, hyaluronic acid is a clear and sticky substance that the body produces naturally. Its most extensive amounts are found in the skin, eyes, and connective tissue.

The core function of hyaluronic acid is to retain water to ensure your tissues remain moist and lubricated. It also has a wide range of uses, with many people taking it as a supplement. It's also integrated into injections, eye drops, and topical serums. Let's discuss how hyaluronic acid works and some of the scientifically proven benefits of taking hyaluronic acid. 

How does Hyaluronic Acid Works?

Hyaluronic acid belongs to a type of complex long chain-similar molecules known as polymers. The chain features various spots where various chemical compounds clasp on. A small amount of hyaluronic acid can retain around one and a half gallons of moisture, making it one of the most effective artificial or natural polymers for water absorption.

Hyaluronic acid has additional space for other molecules to clasp on, making it ideal for circulating different molecules across the body. It can also latch on cells, explaining why many experts study the targeted delivery of hyaluronic-based medications.

With its chain-similar structure, hyaluronic acid can act like a frame structure facilitating the development of tissues. This is a significant step in helping wounds heal in the body. Scientists have discovered hyaluronic acid in human embryos and are researching its role in reproduction and development. Here are the benefits of hyaluronic acid. 

1. Promotes a Supple and Healthy Skin

The hyaluronic acid in the human skin holds on to water to retain moisture. However, exposure to various components like UV rays from the sun, the natural aging process, and pollution can lower the amount of hyaluronic acid in the skin. As a result, taking supplements can limit this reduction, giving the body additional amounts to retain in the skin.

Doses of between 120-240 mg each day for slightly a month have been found to boost skin moisture and reduce dry skin in adults significantly. The more the skin is hydrated, the less the appearance of wrinkles, explaining why various studies suggest that taking hyaluronic acid supplements can improve the appearance of the skin.

Applying hyaluronic acid serums on the skin can also reduce dermatitis and redness. Some dermatologists inject hyaluronic acid fillers to maintain a youthful and firm appearance on the skin. 

2. Hyaluronic Acid Can Speed Up Wound Healing

Hyaluronic acid plays a core role in wound healing. While it's naturally present in the skin, its absorption increases where there is damage requiring repair. This substance speeds up wound healing by controlling inflammation levels and stimulating the body to develop more blood vessels around the damaged area.

Applying hyaluronic acid to skin wounds relieves pain while quickly reducing the wounds' size. This substance features antibacterial properties, reducing the risk of infection once applied to open wounds. Furthermore, hyaluronic acid effectively fights gum disease and accelerates healing following tooth surgery. When topically used in the mouth, hyaluronic acid eliminates ulcers.

Research on hyaluronic acid gels and serums is promising. However, no study has confirmed whether hyaluronic acid supplements can offer the same benefits. Still, oral supplements improve hyaluronic acid levels available in the skin, meaning they may have various uses. 

3. Lipid Barrier Improvement

The core function of the human skin is to safeguard the body. The skin secures internal organs, bones, and muscles from the harmful effects of the external elements. It also protects you from the dangerous toxins you encounter every day. The top layer of the skin bears the most damage, and as you age, the lipid barrier starts slowing down.

The lipid barrier comprises fatty acids that retain water, preventing irritants from penetrating the skin. Various factors like lifestyle choices, environmental pollution, and UV rays cause damage to the skin, resulting in fine wrinkles and lines, dry skin, and dark spots.

Hyaluronic acid strengthens the skin's natural barrier, allowing it to in moisture for an excellent hydrating effect. Over time, moisture retention can slow down the damage to the lipid barrier, fortifying and protecting it. 

4. Tightens the Skin Tone

While everybody wants tight skin, its elastin reduces as we age. As a result, the skin loses its bounce back. One of the best ways to test your elastin is by pinching the skin at the top of your hand. If it bounces back fact, your elastin is still intact. However, the more you age, the more the elastin reduces.

While hyaluronic acid won't replace the elastin on your skin, it can give your skin the appearance of tightness. This substance moisturizes the skin and tightens the entire complexion. It firms facial contours, giving users a youthful appearance.

5. Keeps Bones Lubricated to Relieve Joint Pain

Hyaluronic acid is available around the joints, where it maintains lubrication between the bones. Once the bones are well lubricated, they are unlikely to rub against each other, causing uncomfortable pain.

Hyaluronic acid supplements can be ideal for you if you suffer from osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease triggered by wear and tear around the joints over time. Taking between 80 to 200 mg of hyaluronic acid supplements for approximately two months can reduce knee pain in osteoarthritis patients.

Your physician can inject hyaluronic acid directly into the joints to relieve pain. However, an assessment of more than 12,000 adults established a slight pain reduction. Research suggests that combining hyaluronic acid injections with supplements can prolong pain-relieving benefits. 

6. Relieves Eye Dryness and Discomfort

Nearly one out of seven aged adults experience dry eye symptoms due to fast evaporation or reduced production of tears. Hyaluronic acid is powerful moisture retaining substance, explaining why it's often used to treat dry eyes.

Eye drops with between 0.2 to 0.4% of hyaluronic acid have been found to reduce the symptoms of dry eyes and boost eye health. Contact lenses with slow-releasing hyaluronic acid are now available for treating dry eyes. Further, hyaluronic acid-based eye drops are commonly used to accelerate wound healing and reduce inflammation after eye surgery. Scientists have yet to prove whether oral hyaluronic acid supplements can minimize eye symptoms and boost overall eye health. 

Finally

Many people can take hyaluronic acid supplements to acquire the benefits above. This substance is famous for its skin benefits, such as relieving dry skin, accelerating wound healing, and reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. It's also ideal for osteoarthritis patients. Hyaluronic acid is an effective supplement for a wide range of skin-related conditions. 

Tips For A Better Nights Sleep When you Suffer from Chronic Pain

 As someone who has recently been diagnosed with Spinal Disease, and someone who has been suffering with chronic pain for the past 2-years, sleep has changed for me, it’s become much more difficult. I am someone that needs my sleep a good 8 hours, thus, creating a comfortable, cosy sanctuary in my bedroom is a must.

There are 4 key points for me, the bed, mattress, the pillow, and the temperature .

The Bed Frame

Due to the pain that makes it harder for me to get comfortable I do fidget a lot, moving around to get in a position where the pain is bearable so I can doze off into a slumber. Thus, I need a solid bed frame, one that doesn’t creak or move around as I fidget. Additionally, a good solid bed frame will provide an even and stable support for the mattress, thus, i’m considering buying a box-spring - do I need a box spring ?! A box spring provides a solid surface for your mattress to lay on, for added support and it improves airflow and circulation around the mattress.

The Mattress

I converted from a spring mattress to a memory foam mattress and it was the best decision ever. It allows me to get in a more comfortable position. It moulds to your body. As you lay down on the mattress, you can feel your body comfortably sink slightly into the mattress, this gives me some relief from pressure points and is much better for my back and supporting my back.

The Pillow 

There's nothing worse than waking up with a crick in your neck – especially when you have spinal disease. So making sure you are using the right pillow is a must. My pillow is a feather pillow and I find it supports my neck and head – more so as I sleep on my back, it allows me head to sink in slightly, but still giving my head enough support. I’m also considering buying a body pillow, one I can wrap myself around, where I can make myself more comfortable on restless nights.

The Temperature

As well as living with chronic pain, I am also peri-menopausal, and although I am on HRT, I am also on pain medication, and so my body temperature can change, especially if I have a flare up, then my body temperature can be warm and uncomfortable, thus, having a fan in the bedroom is a must. However, some days I just feel chilli, my feet/legs due to nerve pain can get very cold, thus, I pop on warm socks, but also having a nice cosy quilt helps too. I also have a sheet, for the more warmer nights.

Putting these steps into practice have helped make my bedroom into a more comfortable and cosy environment for me, to allow me to get a better night sleep.

What Cities Do Tennessee Residents Like to Live In?

Photo by Drew Beamer on Unsplash

Tennessee is a great state to live in because of its low cost of living, low crime rates, and great weather.

Tennessee has some of the lowest costs of living in the country. This makes it affordable for people to live there and also helps attract new businesses to the state.

It also has a low crime rate and great weather. It is an outdoor lover’s dream!

Of course, you need a good home base for all this activity, and we think we have just the right ideas for you: let’s go right to the source! Which Tennessee cities do the state’s residents like living in the most? Let’s explore!

Chattanooga

Chattanooga is a city that has a lot to offer. With its low cost of living, stunning natural beauty, and friendly people, it’s no wonder everyone loves living there.

Chattanooga has been recognized as one of the best cities for outdoor activities and outdoor enthusiasts. This city is home to world-class mountain biking, hiking, and kayaking.

The city is also home to the Tennessee River Gorge Trail System that offers more than 80 miles of trails for people of all fitness levels and interests.

Chattanooga also has a vibrant urban scene, with a number of restaurants, bars, breweries, coffee shops and music venues, as well as a thriving art scene with galleries around town showcasing local artists' work.

Nashville

Nashville is a great place to live, work and play. It has a lot of activities to do, and it’s easy to get around thanks to its public transit options.

Nashville is the capital of Tennessee, but it's also home to some of the best country music in the world, on top of all the other genres you can catch live in a music bar. There are lots of things in this city for visitors and residents alike.

Nashville is one of the most popular places in America for musicians and artists from all over the world. The city offers an artistic climate that is unmatched anywhere else in America.

The city has hundreds of parks spread across its 526 square miles, which means there's no shortage of green space or outdoor activities you can enjoy in Nashville.

Knoxville

Knoxville has a great selection of things to do. From the Tennessee River to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, there is always something fun and exciting happening in Knoxville.

You can go on a tour of the city and see the sights, or you can take the kids and go to the zoo. You can also enjoy the food, which includes, you guessed it: sweet Southern BBQ!

Knoxville is a city that offers many opportunities for people of all ages and interests. Whether you want to eat some amazing food at one of the many restaurants or explore some historical sites, Knoxville will have something for you.

Other incredible things to check after you’ve picked up some Knoxville real estate as a home base include:

-The Tennessee River

-Great Smoky Mountains National Park

-Downtown Knoxville

-The Knoxville Zoo

Researching the Cost of Changing the Family Car

With the current unprecedented prices of petrol and diesel, owning a large engine car is not ideal. Especially, when you need your car as a means for mobility and/or work.

Due to my recent diagnose of spinal stenosis, walking to take and collect Summer to/from school is not really an option for me - my mobility is not great at the moment, so my car is must.

For those like me who own a gas guzzling car, and are feeling the pinch, looking to replace the car is probably a good idea. For me a smaller engine, or even, a hybrid or electric car is a must! something cheaper to run during the currently financial climate. Owning a car in the current crises is certainly a luxury, but for many people, a lifeline.

Photo by Jennifer Latuperisa-Andresen on Unsplash

I purchased our current car online, and we went and picked it up from a car showroom - it was a smooth process and positive experience, but at the time there was no cost of living crisis. I hadn’t carried out much research into the overall cost of owning the car. However, that is now coming to bite us in the bum, as our car has a large engine, and with the rising cost of diesel etc. we soon felt the pinch of owning and running our car.

Researching for a change of car online is a good place to start, but, this time round, I will be carrying out a much more in-depth research, especially looking at the estimated overall costs of owning ‘said’ car. There are website like Car Payment Calculator that offer you calculation methods to research the cost of the new car you are looking for– if you want to search for a car that fits in your budget and/or other needs.

As we are considering changing our car, my first port of call is to check calculate and compare our current car operating costs vs. new cars overall cost, allowing us to see how much we can save overall, which not only includes the cost of diesel, but, insurance costs (as our current car insurance is more costly due to the size of the engine), finance costs, and wear and tear costs (car maintenance) etc.

The effect of COVID-19 on employment, the difficulty in transportation and commutes, the increasing fuel prices and a lot of other things has been a contribution to the rising cost of living. This current situation you need to have a more in-depth knowledge of the amount you need and/or can save by replacing your current car.

Car Payment Calculator offers you an effortless and quick results, so easy to use and made my job of looking for a new car online, much easier.

Modern Executive Desk For The Home Office

I’ve worked from home for over 15-years now, first working for as a International Project Manager for a good 14 years, but loosing that job at the start of the pandemic, to starting up and running my own business from my home.

One thing I do find important, is having my very own desk (rather than trying to work off the dinning room table and/or kitchen worktops), where I can work from, and organise myself. I have a set-up that I am content with and that is my desk where I go and do my work. However, with my current desk, it is small, and I am quickly out growing it. Thus, I am looking for a Modern Executive Desk to upgrade my working area. The desk has to be a large one, where I can organise and keep my work within that one area.

Establishing the organised and comfortable space with a executive size desk gives me not only the functionality I needed but also the focus where I can give my full attention to my work; an area where I can grow and thrive.

Although my desk is wall facing, I am right next door to my patio doors, and enjoy in the warmer months, working with the doors open, and / or taking a few steps to the garden to take 10 minutes rest and screen breaks. It’s peaceful and the area offers natural light.

Storage is also important to keep my office work from encroaching on the house, storage that tidies everything away out of sight once the working day is done.

Having a comfortable office chair to sit in and allow good posture, and especially as I have just been diagnosed with a narrowing spine, my back needs all the support and comfort a good quality office chair can offer.

I spend most of my time at my home office, thus, I strongly believe it is well-worth investing in a good desk and a good chair, allowing you to personalise the workspace to work better for you.

With changing times and technology, more and more people are working from home and/or running a business from home. I’ve written about it before, as I love the flexibility and really couldn’t imagine not working from home. Don’t get me wrong, it can be lonely as there are no office colleagues to speak to, no office parties, no staff room, just me sat in my dining room at my desk, with my two beagles, (as the kids are at work/school and hubby is at work). But it’s the way I love to work.

Plays.org Review

Plays.org offers family-friendly Internet/browser games for free - with many of the games being mobile browser friendly too. Plays.org offers a wide range of fun games that range from simulation type games to arcade classics, or jigsaw puzzles.

Over the past few months I have back and forth with GP, Hospital and physio appointments, and whilst sat waiting in the waiting room, I’ve been keeping myself amused by playing on Plays.org.

The games are organised by categories, but unfortunately it doesn’t have a search function, but you can save your favourites (which make it easier to find). Or if you are not sure what game you feel like playing, and want to try something else, you click on the ‘Random’ button on the top menu, and it will randomly select one of the games for you to play. This is my favourite function, as I been discovering some great, fun games this way.

What I also like is that it automatically saves your progress on your browser, and there is no need to create an account, so when you return to the website, you can pick up where you left off on your previous playing session.

You can also leave a review on each game, and read the reviews others have left. Also you can leave comments/feedback via the reply board.

Slime Maker game:

For the ASMR fans, there are a few Slime making games, which include all the sounds of squeezing slime! With the Slime Maker, you choose the colour of slime you want and you can also add stickers to your slime, where when you add a sticker, you’re not only decorating your slime, but you also get to hear different squelches. That’s it, it’s that simple, but very satisfying. A good boredom buster.

You will also find classic games like Solitaire, Mahjong, Crosswords (you can even print the crossword off), quiz, sudoko and so much more!

Plays.org is a great fun website full of free games, perfect to keep you busy, whilst travelling, or just simply to pass time. You could spend hours discovering new games, old classics and so much more…

Best part is there are no annoying pop-ups, or ads. It’s full of fun, free games.

Solitaire the Timeless Classic

Solitaire, I played a lot as a kid with a deck of cards (going back 30 years ago) - although we called it ‘Patience’ back then. Then later on in life we embraced and enjoyed Windows Solitaire (dragging and dropping those cards on a screen with the mouse....…. that takes me right back) - the perfect game to kill time.

Fast forward to now, and there are many different ways to access and play Solitaire, from phone apps, to websites like solitaire.org/.

As a hard core procrastinator, or wanting to engage in something to pass sometime, I now play on Solitaire.org website, and it is free. I can play on my own (as there is zero need to engage with other players), and the website also has an array of different versions of the game, you can literally spend hours discovering and playing all the different types of Solitaire games. Classic Solitaire is my favourite, it’s the one I always return back to play. Also there are no pesky distracting ads that cause the web page to jump around, or cut in while you play. It’s undivided and simple game-time.

For me it is the perfect quick game that simulates the brain and kills the time. Just like reading a book or listening to the radio, it can be a great way to kill time.

My new favourite version is Pyramid Solitaire (although you can’t beat Classic Solitaire, Pyramid Solitaire is a great alternative) - What is Pyramid Solitaire?

Well, you start with a ‘pyramid’ of 28 cards, with the rest of the cards left on the deck. Your objective is to clear the entire pyramid by matching pairs of cards where the value adds up to 13. e.g, a five and an eight, from any suit, totals 13 and will match. Kings have a value of 13, Queens value is 12, Jacks are 11, and Aces 1.

As you play through the pyramid and as you expect with Solitaire’s base rules, you can only match the exposed cards. As the layout of the cards is that of a pyramid shape (instead of the classic straight row layout), two cards have to be removed to reveal one behind.

Back in the day Solitaire was probably everyone's favourite time-waster - pretty much every household owned a deck of cards, and then when it became accessible on Windows PC, people got to experience the game in electronic version; playing it work, at college/school or if you were lucky enough to have a PC at home.

How To Save For a House Deposit with Cryptocurrency

Photo by Kanchanara on Unsplash

My two oldest sons are adults, one in his early 20’s and the other is 19. Both working full time and both still living at home. I love that I still have them at home, and I have always encouraged them to stay at home so they can save for a deposit to buy their own homes.

And saving is what they must do. They want to be able to buy their first home, and with it being harder than ever to get on the housing market, they need to save, invest, and earn.

There are a few options out there to save /earn money for a deposit, i.e. my boys both have a Lifetime ISA, to which they save a little each month. However, instead of putting all their eggs into one basket, they also look to save/earn and add to their ‘deposit pot’ in different ways. And, Cyprocurrency is one that they have been earning a passive income from. It’s a modern (albeit volatile) way to save/invest, and they get to to use any profits from it to add to their house deposit pot.

My boys have grown up in a digital world, and for them non-physical currency is something they’re much more confident and understanding off than us parents are. You hear and read of more and more young people turning to cryptocurrency as a way of saving money. Due to this, it has made me realise I too need to understand how earning passive income from bitcoin works, to understand the risks etc. so I can guide / help my boys if needed.

So my novice beginners guide on how to save with Cryptocurrency:

Research

Research. Research. Research! Buying cryptocurrency is similar to buying stocks (but without the protection). With thousands of currencies out there, you'll have to look into individual coins for yourself and decide which ones you believe will be profitable.

Pick a Crypto Trading platform

There are a few available in the UK, but it is important to find a Cryptocurrency Exchange that are beginner friendly; check if they are secure (against hackings), insured, and what their fees are.

Tax on Cryptocurrency

Understand you may have to pay Capital Gains Tax - Anyone who makes a profit from selling cryptocurrencies will pay taxes on the portion of the profit above £12,300 there is information available on the .gov website. Please note that this amount also applies to investment gains from stocks and shares.

Finally, it’s important to understand that Cryptocurrency can decline in value, making it risky, it can be a volatility way to save. It can also be a passive way to earn. Thus, I encourage my boys to save most of their money into their ISA, and to look at Cryptocurrency as a passive way to earn, to ultimately add to their house deposit savings.

Who is debt consolidation for?

Photo by Avery Evans on Unsplash

Anyone can try to consolidate their debts, but it is not guaranteed to work and can be quite a daunting process. This is because you are trying to borrow more, and as such you will find that some creditors may not provide further credit because of your existing debts. 

Debt consolidation can be a smart move, but it is not always possible.

Who is debt consolidation for?

• If you've accumulated lots of different credit and/or loans and you're struggling to keep up with repayments, you can get one loan to consolidate them together to lower your monthly payments. You take out one loan to cover and pay all your current credit commitments and owe money to just the one lender, with just one monthly repayment.

• You’re looking and will benefit from a lower interest rates on your credit cards and loans: if the interest rates on your current debt are high, then you can possibly save money by merging it all into a debt consolidation loan.

• You struggle to manage the different repayment dates on your credit cards and loans: e.g. credit card due on the 10th, car loan comes out the 1st, loan repayment is on the 28th, 2nd credit card on the 25th and so on.. it's a bit of a headache managing the repayments on different dates. With a debt consolidation loan you roll all of those monthly charges into one payment that comes out on the same day every month.

What are types of Debt Consolidation Loans?

Consolidation loans are either secured (homeowner) or unsecured (Personal).

• Personal loans: An unsecured loan is a loan where you do not risk your property and you do not need to be a homeowner. Additionally, it can be a much faster application process, e.g. in some circumstances you may be able to take the consolidation loan out the same day. However, the loan amounts available can be smaller and therefore, may not cover all your debt.

• Homeowner loans: A secured consolidation loan can offer better rates, longer repayment terms and larger loan amounts. However, they are different type of loan as you could lose your home by not paying it back. Additionally, for legal reasons the application process will take weeks to complete.

Is Debt Consolidation Right for You?

Consider the following points when deciding whether loan consolidation is in your best interest.

• Is it cheaper in the long run? If you can't get a lower interest rate with a consolidation loan, then it's not worth the move.

• Can you afford the consolidation loan? Even if the consolidation loan reduces what you have to pay each month, if not, then consolidating probably won't help your finances.

• How long will it take to pay off the consolidation loan? If you extend the repayment term when consolidating your debt, you'll most likely pay more interest over the life of the loan.

Everyone’s debt circumstances are different, and the best way to know if it is right for you to consolidate your debt, then you should carry out research and get advice to learn more.

How Can Videos Help Promote Your Business Online?

Photo by SAMUEL HENRY on Unsplash

Are you aware that videos can act as an effective marketing tool? Have you considered using it? If you haven't, you are certainly losing customers & potential lead generation. Videos are an essential part of any successful marketing campaign today. There's no doubt that videos have become the most popular option for content consumption today.

Using videos as a part of your marketing strategy can significantly improve online business conversion rates. An engaging product promo video can boost users' confidence in purchasing decisions. People often believe marketing is just about advertising and selling. However, it is much more than that. The key is creating a perception in the minds of customers. But, how do videos act as a marketing medium? To understand that, we must first believe in the power of videos.

The Power of Videos

With Videos, One can demonstrate concepts faster and with greater clarity. Viewing content involves using both the senses of hearing & sight together, resulting in a rich learning experience. While text-based content only reaches our eyes.

Videos enable us to access platforms such as YouTube, where videos are the only way to play the game. And, It's not just YouTube, but Videos that are also available on many different platforms & services. As powerful as a video can be, you will need to create them to resonate with your target audience & ideally feature your products and services.

Steps to Be Followed While Creating Videos

• Define Your audience: Start by thinking of whom your product or services intends to serve. To best serve your readers, you must consider your audience's gender, age, occupation, and interests when creating content.

• Define a primary objective: What is the purpose of your Video? After you become aware of the goals you seek to accomplish & the target audience you hope to reach, you can determine the type of content required. 

• Creating Content: What shall be the average Video length? The length of a video depends upon the purpose it is serving. For example, a Branding video might be short in length to a video created for any other category.

Any Pre-defined Format or Rules for Creation?

Speaking of format, this is where you'll see quite a bit of variance as it depends on your audience, objective, industry, and the message you want to give across. Businesses must not simply sell their story through video content. They must create a tale that their intended users are looking for in the niche in which their company operates. 

What to Do After Plotting & Scripting the Flow?

Select the Most Appropriate Video Marketing Tools:

Once your script is ready, you need some tools to bring your concept into reality. In addition to a camera, there should be a way to upload, digitally record, and edit the video. It's critical to pick the correct video marketing tool.

 Every video marketer should have at least three marketing tools in their kit:

1. A video maker that is easy to use and pre-filled with content.

2. User-friendly social media scheduler.

3. A social media dashboard to compile social media metrics, gauge ROI, and refine your video marketing efforts.

Once everything is ready, you can either host a video on your server or use a third-party video hosting site for viewers to watch and share.

Ways to Market Your Videos:

Your choice of content creation depends upon the customers you want to fit. Your videos depend upon the consumer you target and must be relevant to your goals.

1. Explainer Videos: Explainer Videos are short marketing videos embedded on a landing page or a home page of a company's website. These videos describe the activities of the business & narrate the business story.

2. Video Testimonial: Video testimonials offer more credibility than text-based reviews. They are more effective in educating target customers & building trust. Consumer testimonials that include brand reviews and product reviews become an essential aspect of a company's marketing tutorial.

3. Vlogs: Vlogs represent "video-blog". Vlogs are increasingly accounting for more internet traffic & paving the way towards the mainstream. Vlogging offers customers a more personalized experience by enhancing sentiments. Vlogging makes customers feel that they are buying directly from the individual and not just from a Website.

4. Company Culture Videos: Company Culture Videos have become the best recruitment marketing asset by winning top talent and creating an edge over competitors. Positive cultures encourage employee engagement and help companies stand out from their competition.

5. Employee Interviews: These types of Videos share employee stories so that customers can familiarize themselves with the people behind the brand.

6. Educational Videos: Educational videos are a great asset to have during the awareness stage of the buyer journey. These videos emphasize educating the audience and making them aware of the problems. And gather their interest to move further down in digging the possible solutions.

7. Product Videos: A good product video enhances consumer confidence in the product and the brand. Explainer videos can help organizations generate leads, and they typically rank higher on search engines like YouTube.

Benefits of Adopting Video Marketing Strategy

• Rise in Conversion Rates - It may happen that your high-quality website content is driving traffic but isn't converting into paying customers. You cannot create leads or accelerate sales if you don't have a proper video conversion rate optimization (CRO) plan.

• Improve in Search Engine Positioning - Having video content on your website can help you receive high rankings. Visitors draw attention to video content & try to dig deep into the content. 

• Better Customer Relationships - Videos help in increasing trust & building better relationships. Video contents succeed in communicating the sender's intent and hence psychologically become tough for the user to shut off.

• Increase in User Participation - Engagement is about accumulating your customer's emotional connection. No other tool is quite as effective in achieving this as a video.

• A higher return on investment - Research shows that about 89% of video marketers are satisfied with the ROI from video content. Thus it's a growing part of their marketing strategy.

Conclusion

Video Marketing continues to evolve. There is a need to take advantage of videos to keep up with the competition. If you are not using video marketing yet, begin now. There is no doubt that video marketing helps increase engagement, educates the audience, and allows you to reach them with a new medium.

How to Help Your Relatives Adjust to Moving to a Care Home

Photo by Gert Stockmans on Unsplash

Everyone has different needs when they reach a certain age. Many elderly family members maintain active and independent lives, whereas many others experience significant difficulties around caring for themselves without assistance and may need to consider senior living options. If you have decided with your relative to try a residential care home, it can be daunting to face the prospect of helping them settle into their new environment and adjust to all the changes. Here are a few tips to keep in mind that will help ease the process.

Choose a Good Care Home

The most important step in helping your relative move into a care home is to find and evaluate a good care home in the first place. Make sure to do plenty of research before making a final decision as this will have a huge impact upon your family member's quality of life. Involve them in the decision as much as possible to help them feel more in control. For example, looking for good care homes in Surrey might be important to you and your family depending on where you live.

Get to Know the Staff

When you find a potentially suitable care home, take the time to meet with the staff and have a conversation about your expectations of the home. Find out how they run the establishment and what kind of care your family member can expect to receive. If your relative can make connections with the people who will be looking after them, this is a good start to adjusting in a new home.

Bring Their Belongings

Personalise your relative's room as much as the care home will allow. Bring sentimental items such as photographs and small pieces of furniture to help your family member feel more at home. Similar to when moving house, putting down roots can be as simple as decorating with your own possessions. Check with the home how much your relative can bring.

Visit Regularly 

Adjusting to a new way of life is understandably very difficult and may cause your relative some distress in the early days. Take the opportunity to visit them whenever you can so as to reassure them that you are still there for them and still want to see them. Often the worries of moving into a care home revolve around feeling abandoned or forgotten, so do as much as you can to alleviate those concerns.

Have Patience

It isn't easy for anyone to move into a new place, least of all someone who might not have a full understanding of where they are going and why. This is why it is so important to be patient with your family member so as to give them time to settle in. It's not fair to expect them to adjust immediately to their new surroundings and you might find it difficult to see them unhappy for the trial period. However, resist the urge to act in haste. After some time, your family member will either grow to enjoy their new home or you can consider alternatives.

The Complete Guide To Selling Your Property In 2022

Photo by Breno Assis on Unsplash

Selling your home can be rather stressful. After all, you want to make sure that everything goes smoothly and that you get a price you are happy with. However, there are quite a few things you are going to need to do in order to get to this point. So, if you are planning on selling your home in 2022, here are a collection of tips to help you out…

Thoughts that are holding you back when selling your home

A lot of people have thoughts or misconceptions that prevent them from selling their homes. Here are some of the main ones.

“People always offer less than the asking price anyway” - Yes, we would all love that extra ten or twenty grand, but it’s important not to kid yourself! So many home sellers talk themselves into setting their home at a higher price than what it is worth. Any of these sound familiar…?

 “I know the value of my home better than anyone else” – Wrong! No one loves your house more than you do, but you definitely don’t know its value better than anyone else, no homeowner does! Why? Because they are too emotionally attached. You need an unbiased perspective.

“My neighbour sold his house in a matter of days” – Yes, well, that’s not your house is it? Your neighbour may have got lucky! There could quite easily be another house nearby that has had their home on the market for a year!

“People always offer less than the asking price anyway” – This isn’t always true. Plus, if you over-price your property then people with a budget that coincides with the actual valuation will actually overlook your home when searching.

“There is no harm in trying it at a higher price for the first month or so” – Oh, but there is! If you put your house on the market for one month at a rate that you know is too high and then you reduce it, what are buyers going to think? They are going to wonder why you have lost confidence in your home and assume that there is something wrong with it.

People often convince themselves that the above statements are true so that they can put their property on the market at a price higher than what it is valued. You certainly won’t get a quick sale if you do this. You might be better off looking into home buyers like these guys who pay cash. This is the quickest and most effective way to sell your home and have money in your pocket.

Make sure you show off your property effectively

When it comes to selling your home, you need to show off your property in the best possible light. To do this, you need to think about what buyers would want from your property. What are they looking for?

We always recommend that you look for affordable skip hire so that you can get rid of all of the clutter. It's easy to book a skip for delivery online today, and it is important to do so. After all, your property viewers are never going to be able to see the true potential of your home if you have clutter everywhere. Now is the perfect opportunity for you to get rid of the things you don’t need, as you don’t want to move clutter with you to your new home. 

You should also make sure you show off the space to full effect. Some people like to use professional home staging to do this. You will be surprised by how much of a difference this can make. 

Why overpricing rarely works

Many homeowners convince themselves that it is a good idea to set their asking price higher than their home has been valued! This can ruin your chances of selling your property, and here’s why…

The seller knows everything – Well, not literally, but the seller may know more than you and your estate agent when it comes to the prices of homes like yours. After all, they have been searching for a new property. So, they know all about the value and they won’t be fooled by your high asking price, they will know it’s way too much.

Missed opportunity – The first few weeks of your home being on the market are usually the busiest as your fresh meat! You will miss out on a huge opportunity to sell your home quickly. Why? Buyers that search within the range you have priced yours at will see that your home is inferior in comparison to others priced at the same rate. Whilst you won’t appear in the searches of those that have a budget that falls in line with your actual home’s worth. Thus, you are entirely missing the mark when it comes to aiming at the right buyers.

Longer market time – Your house will definitely be on the market a lot longer than you would like if you price it too high! It’s common sense, you are asking for a greater amount of money than most people will think it is worth, and so you will find it more difficult to sell your home.

Are you putting buyers off by being inflexible? 

We are all a bit guilty of wanting things our own way! But, you have to go that extra mile to accommodate the buyer if you want your house to sell. It is likely that they will have a moving in date in mind and thus you should do your best to adapt to this. Yes, it may mean inconvenience for you, but surely it is worth renting on a short-term basis if it means you can sell your home?

Short-term hassle is worth the long-term gain! Put yourself in the buyer’s shoes. If you want to purchase a property, yet the seller is putting barriers in the way, it is going to be disheartening and frustrating. You may foresee a hassle-filled process and so you could decide that it is not worth all of the stress! Instead, you will go for a property whereby the buyer is willing to accommodate your moving in needs.

You will massively regret not budging if it costs you the deal. To make sure the deal goes over the line and you sell your home, try and be accommodating of the buyer’s needs, especially when it comes to their moving in date. A little compromise can go a long way.

Use a friend to help your property sell!

Other people realise things that we don’t about our home. You are used to seeing the same coffee table each and every day, and you have walked on those tiled floors in the kitchen for years! This makes it difficult to look at your property from the eyes of a potential buyer. So, enlist the help of a friend! 

Your friend can walk around your home with you and point out any areas he or she thinks stand out for the wrong reasons. You should also ask them to point out anything that is too personal. You may love your photographs from your most recent holiday, however, they distract the buyer and they make it difficult for them to connect with the home. They will struggle to envisage themselves living there.

Not only can your friend help you to point out areas that need de-personalising, but also those spaces that need de-cluttering. If items do not add to the presentation of the room you should get rid of them. After all, they will be merely cluttering the room and covering up the floor, making the room in question look smaller than it actually is. So, don’t underestimate how beneficial a fresh pair of eyes can be!

How to sell your home by getting rid of children’s toys and wall stickers

We all love our children. We love the little pictures they draw us. We love watching them play with their favourite toys. But, the truth is, the buyer won’t! Before a viewing, you need to ensure you get rid of the stamp your kids have put on your home.

The first thing you need to do is ensure you get rid of all the clutter and any toys they have lying around. You need to carefully inspect every inch of every room. You don’t want the buyer to trip over a Barbie doll or a piece of Lego.

Tame the walls in your children’s bedrooms if necessary. It’s unlikely your buyers are going to be fans of Scooby-Doo or Peppa Pig! And, bright green paint certainly doesn’t appeal to all! There is no guarantee your buyers will have children, and even if they do, you should paint rooms in a neutral shade so that they appeal to everyone.

Make sure your children are not around during the viewing. If possible get your partner to take them out for ice cream or something. Kids are bound to make noise and this will distract from the viewing and could make the buyers feel uncomfortable and leave feeling negative.

Mums Can Fit In Fitness Too

Make it stand out

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

When you’re a busy mum with an endless to-do list, fitness can seem like a laughable goal. 

In reality, though, mums who are both setting an example and doing the hard work of raising the next generation can often benefit from making time for this more than most. To ensure you can achieve that goal for a little me-time with the best results, we’re going to consider just three ways that mums could fit in fitness after all. 

Work out at playtime

Depending on how young your kids are, the chances are that playtime is typically a high-energy pursuit. Instead of letting your youngsters run around while you kick back on the sofa, your fitness quest could benefit from your making the most of this opportunity. After all, whether you volunteer to be the seeker in a game of hide and seek or just get stuck in with the mad running around, even half an hour of active play with your children can see you enjoying a world of fitness benefits. You could even set up active games like a football friendly or a tennis match that’s sure to keep your kids happy and serve the physical purpose that you need it to.

Incorporate fitness into family diets

Outside of workouts themselves, fitness is all about what you eat both before and after exercising. Unfortunately for mums who are already spending all of their time in the kitchen, it’s easy to overlook these fitness-based food allowances, but you can change that by simply incorporating fitness into family diets. Adding more protein rich-foods like lentils, meats, and so on to everyone’s diet can certainly help family health overall. Furthermore, supplementing your portions of existing family meals like breakfast with protein-rich options like these Growli porridge oats means that you needn’t necessarily cook whole new meals, but can instead enjoy a fitness-boosted version of what everyone else is eating. Before you know it, this, paired with your fitness efforts elsewhere, could quite easily start having an impact. 

Use the time you do have

Much as we might not realise it when we fail to consider our days on the whole, even busy parents have down periods, whether that be an hour or two once the kids are in bed, or even just your lunch break at work. As much as you might want to use this time to do nothing much, making sure to utilise even these short periods for fitness purposes is the best way to get the most from your workouts. For instance, going on a quick run during your lunch break will soon see you with more energy, and generally feeling better, by the time the school run comes. Equally, taking a little time out of your evenings for a yoga session could soon see you enjoying some much-needed me-time, and a truly relaxing evening routine that outstrips, even, your plans to stay on the sofa. 

Finding time for fitness as a busy mum is undeniably tricky, but it’s by no means impossible when you keep these tips in mind.