It's Time To Get Neighbourly

When you move into a new area, you tend to spend time on the home you’ve just purchased making improvements and changes to suit your taste and style. You may tag on an extension or add a few interesting features into the garden – all with planning permission, of course. One of the biggest adjustments to moving into a new area is integrating with the neighborhood and the community that already exists there. The last thing you want to do is be the odd one out for your new neighbors and the best thing you can do to avoid that is to get to know people and immerse yourself into the community in a way that gives you a place.

Being the newbie of the neighborhood means that people are going to be curious about you. In neighborhoods where children play together often, they’ll always eyeball new people and wonder their background and whether you would be a good neighbor. You want to be the type of neighbor that really gets involved in the spirit of group activities such as neighborhood watch, bake sales and community outreach groups that may be present in the area. Making a point of smiling, saying hello and introducing yourself can help to reassure the people you are moving next to that you’re not likely to be someone who won’t take in packages and be someone instead who can be relied on in a crisis.

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There are many fantastic ways you can and should make yourself a part of the neighborhood that goes beyond adding curb appeal to the outside of the home. A good neighbor always has a tidy exterior, as it brings down the value of a neighborhood as a whole if the outside of a home is unkempt. It also shows you have a little bit of pride in the appearance of your house. So, how can you bring something new and exciting into a new neighborhood? How could you stand out as a great neighbor?

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Community Outreach

If you are aware of the community and whether it needs some improvement, you could get stuck in from the moment you move in. Set up a local recycling group so that as a neighborhood, you take it in turns to take the recycling of the community over to the centers that provide recycling services. Contract a civil engineer and as a group, get the local authority’s permission to build something new in the area, whether that’s a park or a new community center. Being involved in the community can include anything from running clubs to litter picking rotas to get everyone involved in keeping the area tidy. When you all chip in together to run things in the street you’ve moved into, you get to know your new support system outside your family, help to make improvements and be a pillar of the community that people can rely on.

Neighborhood Watch

Almost every neighborhood has some sort of look-out service for each other, and it’s one that is revered among many people. Local enforcement like the police force in the city is a wonderful asset, but having people on your doorstep looking out for each other every single day and taking the time out of their lives to volunteer to keep an eye on the neighborhood is a comfort. If you join the local neighborhood watch team, you can reassure your new friends that you are a good neighbor and that you care about their welfare. Taking an interest in a neighborhood watch alliance can really show people you are unlikely to be that house that parties until 3am with the music up as loud as possible. You want to be perceived as a good source of reliability, so join your local watch group and volunteer for shifts.

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Controlling The Kids

If you have children and you’re headed to a new, suburban home, you’re going to be acutely aware of how your neighbors will judge you based on their behavior. It may not seem very fair to be judged on the behavior of the kids, but they are your reflection. If you have children playing out until very late at night and screaming outside at the crack of dawn, you’re going to come up against neighbors. Keeping an eye on your children is imperative anyway, but in a close-knit community, it’s important to teach them about noise levels and what times they are allowed to be out until. If you find out your children are being too boisterous; pulling up flowers and knocking down mailboxes etc, nip it in the bud as soon as possible and make a point of apologizing to the neighbors affected. Children are always going to be out and having fun and making noise – everyone knows this. However, that doesn’t mean being disrespectful by allowing them out at 6am or after 7pm. Make people aware they can come to you with any concerns or issues and you will be respected in your neighborhood.

Controlling The Pets

Dog mess is a huge issue for a lot of neighborhoods, especially those where dogs are the pet of choice. Cats are a little trickier, as you cannot control where they mess, but you can check out this advice as to how to keep an eye on the cats better. Sometimes, you may find your neighbors are not keen on animals and as you get to know them you’ll learn who you should and shouldn’t bring your pet around. Don’t let your animal bark, howl and cry for hours on end, either. Being a nuisance neighbor is not how you want to be known so attend to animals and their mess and you can keep nice in the neighborhood.

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Park Right

Neighbours who want to know about you will notice if you are a troublesome driver. They’ll notice straight away if you park on their drive, over their drive or generally drive in a manner that is unsafe. If you block their access to their garage or home, you could find yourself in hot water about it. The bad feeling that this creates can lead to parking disputes and it’s just not something you want to be involved in! If you have a driveway or garage of your own, park on that and keep yourself out of the line of fire for dispute. Perhaps your neighborhood project could be a parking lot if there’s enough land? Either way, you could come together as a community to discuss any niggles or issues that may be brewing. Doing this prevents a huge argument in the street and gets everyone on a respectful page with the same point of view.

Look Good!

Okay, so this doesn’t refer to you, but to your home. We talked earlier about curb appeal and the importance of it. You’ll have noticed when you looked around the neighborhood to buy your home whether you are moving into a place that has little to no care for their front yard, or whether they have perfectly manicured lawns. If the latter, you need to confirm. This means no rubbish-strewn front yard. No dog or cat mess in the front of the home or the back if you can avoid it and it also means a new lick of paint if the front door is peeling. You want your home to fit in with the rest of the neighborhood, as it doesn’t just affect the value you have, but theirs, too.

Noise Issues

When you want to have a celebration and you know it’s going to go on for quite late, speak to the neighbors about it. You could even invite them along! Summer BBQs tend to go down a lot better if they can be involved and included, and if they cannot come you still get kudos for asking them along and notifying them of the festivities you’re about to have. If you want to avoid getting too noisy or upsetting anyone, perhaps offer to organize group evenings for the big celebrations in the year for fireworks and general merriment. This way, everyone has a chance to integrate and be together in a community way that is very social.

Your neighbors can be the key to safety in some instances and by immersing yourself into the community, you can create lifelong friendships, links to improving the environment around you and a way to really put down some roots. Relying on your neighbors can mean extending your family in ways you didn’t think possible. Being neighborly can be far more than bringing a hot pie to a potluck dinner. It could be your lifeline in times of trouble or crisis. Make yourself a part of the community and get comfortable getting to know new people, and everyone will appreciate your presence for what it is.

Why You Can't Nod Off Even When The Kids Are Sleeping Through

If you’re a mom, you may be used to sleepless nights. In the early stages, parents tend to run on adrenaline, and it can take a long time to get back into the swing of getting enough rest. As children go through stages of development, there are different causes of disturbed nights, and for some parents, it can take years to regain those precious moments of peace. As a parent, you’re probably geared up for restless nights, but what happens when the kids are sleeping through, and you still can’t sleep? If teething, nightmares or feeding are no longer a valid excuse, here are some of the reasons you may be struggling to nod off. 

Your routine

If you have kids, you’ve probably devoted a lot of time and effort into getting them into a routine. The trouble is that many parents neglect their own regime. Your body has an internal clock, and if you’re going to bed at a different time every night, you’re taking naps during the day or your alarm is set for a different time each morning, you’re going to struggle to establish patterns. Once the kids are in bed, take a bit of time to chill out and unwind. Put some soothing music on, run a bath or read a book. Go to bed at a similar time each night and keep your alarm set for the same hour each morning. You should find that your body gets used to the new pattern and you find it easier to doze off and get up the next day. 

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Anxiety

Do you find it hard to sleep because you can’t switch off? Do you lie in bed with thoughts whizzing around in your head? Do you feel anxious about leaving your children, do you worry about things at work or do you simply feel like you can relax? Anxiety is a natural human response to certain scenarios, but if you feel uneasy all the time, this could be a sign that you have an anxiety disorder. Anxiety is a common mental health disorder, which can be treated using medication, talking therapies and in severe cases, rehabilitation and support programs. It’s wise to talk to your doctor if you can’t switch off. You may also find it beneficial to research facilities online and read pages with articles with titles like learn about our partial hospitalization program or find out more about what we do. Often, there’s no need for intensive treatment, and anxiety is part and parcel of becoming a parent. However, it’s important to differentiate between feeling anxious and suffering from anxiety. 

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Your lifestyle

Your lifestyle can have a significant influence on your ability to sleep. Try and exercise on a regular basis and avoid eating or drinking alcohol or caffeinated drinks late at night. Leave work at the office, and try and refrain from checking emails or looking at your social media timelines when you get into bed. If you’re feeling stressed, do something that enables you to have fun, release tension or burn off excess energy. Go to a yoga class, do a fitness session at home, call a friend for a chat or put your favorite funny movie on. 

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Are you struggling to sleep, even though the kids are sleeping through? If you’re running on empty, hopefully, these tips will help you get some rest.

Eye Problems Aren't Just For Old People

Eye problems are a regular health concern for the older generation. As you start to age, your eyesight will naturally start to degenerate and most of us are prepared for it. However, people often forget about kids when it comes to eye health. They consider it something that only affects the elderly but the truth is, children can develop all sorts of eye conditions and if they aren’t dealt with quickly they can lead to lifelong sight problems. Look out for the signs of any of these eye conditions in your kids and get them to a doctor straight away if you spot any. 

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No Chill: Keeping the Heat in Your Home This Winter

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Winter is fast approaching. If you've grown used to mild temperatures and amiable weather, but reaching that time of year when temperatures drop rapidly and, more often than not, you will find yourself tackling winds, rain and frost each time you leave your home. Now, there might not be all too much that you can do to heat things up when you’re stood at a bus stop or on a train platform waiting for your transport to arrive. You might have to grin and bear short walks against the elements into the office. But there is one aspect of your life that you can hold a little more control over when it comes to keeping things warm and comfortable: your home. Your home should be your safe haven, where you can kick back and relax without tensing up, shivering and huddling into whatever layers you have on in order to preserve heat. Here are a few hot tips to keep the heat within your property over the coming winter months.

The Problem With Pests- Kick Out These Uninvited Guests!

Tempted into our homes by warmth, shelter, and food- pests are a common nuisance even in tidy and well-kept homes. As well as being unpleasant to be around, pests can cause expensive damage to the home and in some cases spread diseases in humans as well. Insects and rodents can carry bacteria that cause serious health problems in humans and in some cases, even death. Dysentery, salmonella, and gastroenteritis are just a few illnesses that can come about from pests in the home. Plus, if you have respiratory issues or allergies already, pests will certainly make them worse. Here are some things to bear in mind if you’re dealing with pests or looking to prevent them. 

Common Pests

Common pests that you might come up against are insects such as ants, cockroaches, termites, beetles, and moths. Rodents are also common, particularly if you live near areas of wild, undisturbed land such as fields or woods. Even some species of birds can be considered pests, pigeons, for example, can nest in the eaves of buildings and cause damage with their corrosive droppings. This can lead to leaks, structural damage and damage to the outside such as on bricks or rendering. 

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Repairing Damage

In many cases, you might spot pest activity before you see the pests themselves. This could be damaged electrical cables, ripped open food in the pantry and droppings caused by rodents- click here for more information on this. It could be dead insects, balding carpets and holes in textiles caused by beetles and moths. As soon as you see any indication of pest activity it’s important to act quickly- since they can multiply so quickly, a small problem can fast become a very large one. There are plenty of DIY products which can help to kill pests. However, it’s often best to leave it to the professionals. Since the problem can re-emerge from just a few eggs or live pests being left behind you can find yourself in a vicious cycle. Contact an exterminator and find out if they deal with the type of pests you have, you will save yourself hassle in the long run. 

Preventing Future Pests

Any home can be invaded by pests, even clean and tidy homes. However it’s always best to keep your home clean and tidy since you reduce your chances of being infested, and you will also notice pest activity more quickly, If you’re surrounded by clutter and mess, it could be long before you spot the signs which mean the infestation has more time to spread. 

Since food is one of the driving forces for pests entering homes, make sure that this is always stored away. In your pantry, put dried food into glass lidded jars since pests aren’t able to gnaw through. Make sure crumbs, general food mess and even pet food are put away at the end of each day to prevent pests targeting your home.

What steps do you take to prevent pests in the home? If you keep away from chemicals, do you use screens, traps, or any other method to stop them from invading?

Winter Family Occasions You Can Count On

It often seems as though once it gets to winter you can’t really go out and do much with the family. But this doesn’t really need to be the case. As long as you use your imagination and widen your view a little, you should easily be able to come across some great family outing ideas which are great for this time of year as well as any other. The good news is that there is plenty to choose between - you just need to make sure you choose one that really works for your family. In this post, we are going to look at some of the best ideas for winter family occasions which you might want to consider.

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Brilliant Breakfasts to Boost Your Brittle Winter Health

Here in the Philippines, we do not have the winter season. I don't know if I'll survive the winter because I'm the type of person who easily feels cold and loves wrapping myself with a blanket when I sleep. Winter season is coming up in some parts of the world and it affects their health in many ways. You probably know how your immune system weakens when the temperatures drop, but being cold isn’t too healthy for your heart either. And to top it all up, there’s the hazard of slippery roads as well, making it easier just to stay inside rather than facing the horror of snow and ice. 

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Staying inside is, sadly not always an option, so it’s a good idea to start your day with a health-boosting breakfast - perfect for those early winter mornings. 

Assemble your own ideal winter breakfast by making sure each is a combination of good fats to help your skin hydrate, some antioxidants to mop up your system, and a generous portion of fiber for a healthy heart. Here are three examples to get you started. 

Porridge with blueberries and yogurt

Winter demands a lot of attention - not just in terms of breakfast choices. Cold temperatures make your blood vessels narrow, first of all, putting you at an increased risk for heart attacks. It’s crucial that you dress properly when you’re outside, get someone to inspect your heating system at home, and have a look at Triumph Roofing before the first snow falls. 

Freezing is terrible news for your health, so stay warm and dry by taking care of your home and start your day with a warm bowl of porridge. It has, by many dietitians, been hailed as the king of breakfasts - and for excellent reasons. High in fiber, low in sugar, and full of slowly released energy, porridge will keep you full until it’s time for lunch.

That these lovely warm bowls are packed to the brim with fiber is great news in terms of heart health, too, reducing blood pressure as well as cholesterol. 

Sprinkle a handful of blueberries over it and top it up with a scoop of greek yogurt if you’re interested in that extra protein. It keeps you full too, you know. 

Danish rye bread with egg, avo, and apple

Since we’re already talking protein, you can follow up with this easy breakfast the next day. Eggs are very quick to cook and even hailed as the best breakfast for children, while Danish rye bread is nourishing and, of course, bursting with fiber. 

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Layer the bread with some avo, for example, for a dose of healthy fats to keep your skin glowing - at least that’s what the avo fanatics claim. Have an apple afterward or snack on one while you’re still eating your eggs, whatever floats your boat. 

Apples are full of flavonoids which is excellent for your heart, and you’ll have an ideal flavor combination with that egg - in addition to being perfectly nourished throughout the day. With so many benefits, you’re going to need another fifteen minutes to enjoy those early mornings.

Remember that you can swap whatever you want to with something else; just keep the theme rolling. Stay warm, wash your hands often, and look forward to one of these mood-lifters in the morning and you might make it through the season without all the sniffles. 

Here's How Throwing An Outdoor Party In The Winter Is Snow Joke!

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In countries that experience winter season, the chilly weather is starting to settle in, but that doesn’t mean you need to scurry indoors just yet. The air may be cold, but that doesn’t mean you have to forego the idea of a garden party. Okay, this may sound like madness, but there are still excuses for social gatherings that could take place outdoors. Bonfire Night is almost upon us, as is Christmas and New Year, with social events that could easily happen outdoors. Furthermore, you won’t need to worry about your guests spilling drinks on your beautifully plush carpet!

Still, think the idea of a winter garden party is a crazy one? Keep reading, and you may change your mind.

Cold Days, Smooth Skin

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So long as you slap on the sunscreen, the summer rays help your skin glow and fizz with youthfulness. And then comes the woe of winter/rainy season to shut this down. To put it bluntly, winter or cold weather is no fun for your skin. The cocktail of cold weather, lower humidity, and air so dry it puts your favorite white wine to shame, your skin is being robbed of all moisture it needs. The bad news is, the bad news isn’t over yet because indoors, where you enjoy having the heating on and taking hot baths with harsh cleansers, makes life even harsher for your skin. 

So, this holiday season, we recommend you try these tips to keep your skin looking smooth and youthful this winter. 

Lucky Luke

One of the best things about the winter months is standing beneath the hot waterfall that is a shower or soaking in an excessively steaming bath. However, you should try and stick to lukewarm temperatures when you can, such as when you are washing your hands or face. This is because hot water strips your skin of its natural oils, which isn’t ideal. 

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Magical Moisturizer

As soon as you are done washing or soaking, slap on the moisturizer straightaway. This is because applying moisturizer to damp skin will help you seal that dampness in your skin, which is just what your body wants and needs in winter. As a little tip, choose a cream that has retinol in which, as www.retinol.com explains, is the number one anti-aging ingredient. Then pop a bottle in your bathroom and then use liberally after every variation of wash going, 

Wonderful Water

It’s no wonder that we drink less water in the winter when there are so many mug-warming options out there like pumpkin-spiced lattes, hot chocolate, English tea and whatever else warms your belly. However, you need to remember to drink water as well because hydrating your skin from the inside out is just as important. Don’t worry, you can still go down warm route by drinking hot water and lemon- which has lots of benefits according to www.gyanunlimited.com - or green tea, both of which are nutritious, delicious, hydrating and refreshing. 

Excellent Exfoliator

Once upon a time, there was moisture that was trying to get into your skin, but it couldn’t because your dead skin cells were too thick and too plentiful. Luckily for you, Prince Exfoliation turned up to save the day, helping the dead cells disappear and your skin gets the moisture needed. That is why we recommend you find yourself a good exfoliator and then apply, focussing on your face, hands, and lips. Once you’ve washed this off, apply some moisturizing cream and smile at your soft and smooth skin. So, stock on exfoliating masks and body washes and fight back against the winter months. 

And there we have it, everything you need to protect and love your skin all year round, from summer through winter. All you have to do is remember these tips and you’re skin will smile like never before. Until next time.

Garage Ideas And Inspiration For Renovators

How do you want to feel when you open up your garage? How do you want to feel even before you’ve done that, and you’re simply gazing upon it just raring to open it up and enjoy what’s inside? The fact is, most people don’t feel the way they want to feel. They have a sense of dread because the garage is messy, and isn’t nearly organized enough. Not only that, it has no real purpose - is it a junk room? Is it a playroom for the kids? A garage gives a homeowner the opportunity to create another room that they can play with, so you need to make sure you’re taking advantage! 

Here are some garage ideas and inspiration for renovators - prepare to have your mind blown!

Go Minimal

The garage can actually be a minimally designed room where you store things without making a mess. Isn’t that incredible? Don’t use it as an excuse to store junk, like many people do. Get rid of the things you never ever use. Neatly tuck everything you want to keep away with hooks, cubbies, and storage bins. Think carefully about what you put in the garage, just as you would every other room in your home. You can even consider painting it a nice bright color so it doesn’t make you feel gloomy every time you open the door. Minimal could very well be the decor idea of choice for the modern garage! 

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Go Monica

If you have a lot of stuff, you can’t go minimal. But you can go Monica. Now, if any of you are wondering what or who Monica is, we can only assume you’ve never watched the hilarious and legendary TV show ‘Friends.’ If you had, you’d know that Monica is a neat freak who loves nothing more than cleaning, organizing, and making sure that everything is in its right place - at all times. If you have lots of stuff, then find a way to organize it properly. You can find boxes and label them things like ‘Beach’, ‘wreaths’, ‘ornaments’, ‘camping’, ‘emergency’, and so on and so forth. 

Create Your Very Own Hobby Den

If you have a hobby or two that you like to spend time on, why not use the garage as an opportunity to create your very own hobby den? You could turn it into the perfect place to create wooden ornaments, items of jewelry, or any other craft you want to try your hand at. 

Make An Exciting Children’s Playroom

How about creating an exciting children’s playroom for your little ones? This could be the perfect place for them to go and use their imaginations (without messing up your home, might we add). You can paint the walls and make it fun and colorful. 

Put Together A Productive Home Office

Work from home permanently or occasionally? A productive home office could be the perfect use for your garage. Make it nice and bright so that you stay awake while you work, and include things like plants to give it a homey feel. 

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Create An Awesome Exterior To Match

You must create an awesome exterior to match the interior of your garage. You need to start with the right garage, ensuring it’s a door fit for purpose. For example, a side hinged door if the room will get heavy foot traffic, recommend A-1 Door Company. You can visit the website for more inspiration on the right door. Keeping the outside of your garage clean is also important! 

Here are a few other ways you can create a better garage:

• Make it super modern - some people have wooden and glass garages that look totally modern these days. 
• Paint a mural - love art? Paint a mural inside and outside of your garage. 
• Hide it away - cover your garage with winding plants and vines to create a cozy, hidden away feel.

Which of these ideas do you like the best?

Give Your Child A Head Start

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Your child is your most precious possession. They’re one of the only things you’d do absolutely everything for, and give your all to. You’ll be there for them in their time of need, as will they be for you. You’ll help them through every stage of life and won’t stop until the time comes when they need to start caring for you. There are obvious things you need to do as they’re growing up, e.g. feeding, washing, roof over their head etc. But what can you do to make sure their future is bright as well? 

Read on to find out.

Maptime: How Moms Can Nap Away Insomnia

Okay, so you don’t have insomnia, but it feels like you do! Part of being a parent is enduring a lack sleep. But, what the “experts” don’t tell you is that late nights and early mornings don’t stop. Even when the kids are out of their baby phase, they want to sleep in bed with mommy and daddy. Or, they have nightmares and can’t get to sleep without a parent. A mother who has to endure this is going to be one tired mommy. Thankfully, it turns out you can nap your way back to full health. 

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Here is what every mother should know.

• The 30-Minute Limit

We all know about a power nap, yet most of us wake up feeling worse than before. Why? It’s because we break the 30-minute limit. Experts say that any time after half an hour is when the body goes into deep sleep. It is called REM sleep and it’s what you should aim for at night time. During the day, however, it will only make you feel groggy and more fatigued. A nap, if it is short, should last no longer than 30 minutes but 20 minutes is the optimal amount of time.

• The Full Sleep Cycle

If you are feeling adventurous, there is the full sleep cycle which lasts for 90 minutes. Yes, the experts said the 30-minute sequence was the limit, but that was for a short nap. It is possible to take a long nap and not feel as tired when you awake. One hour and a half should allow you to enter into the Rapid Eye Movement phase and make up for lost sleep. Be warned, however, that it is only an option if you have 90 minutes to spare. Go over the 30-minute limit without lasting the full ninety and your body will suffer. 

• Don’t Nap At All

Napping is an excellent way to boost your energy levels, but it isn’t the only option. If you need an eye opener (literally), you might be better to talk a walk. Walking in the sunshine or the wind and rain is a great way to kick the body into shape. The light levels, for example, tell the brain that it isn’t time to sleep, which in turn increases hormone production. Just changing the interior design pattern of the house is another option. Painting with colors which are less likely to make you want to sleep in the day could help you get to bedtime. 

• Don’t Break The Routine

Everyone has a sleep cycle, otherwise known as a bedtime. Just because you had a nap during the day doesn’t mean you get to push back your bedtime. Why? It’s because a nap makes up for lost sleep. By going to bed later, you will negate the effects of your power nap. Plus, it will ruin your routine and knock your body clock out of sync. The side-effects will result in less sleep and extra tiredness. So, whether you have a nap or not, don’t go to bed any later. 

Remember - 30 minutes or 90 minutes if you have the time. But, no more, no less. 

A List Of Leg-Lengthening Lessons For Non-Leggy Ladies

Legs are a powerful tool in the arsenal of a woman’s look. If you don’t have the longest of limbs, then you might not think that this applies to you. However, that’s not strictly true. You deserve to have legs that look good as every super tall supermodel out there. A few tricks are going to help you do just that, too.

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Tips For Going From Renting To Buying

The fact is that there are thousands of people in the country who rent rather than buying because buying can seem out of reach for many of us. That being said, that doesn’t necessarily have to be the case, just because buying a home of your own can be expensive, that doesn’t mean that it is a dream that is out of reach. 

If you have always wanted a family home of your own, but so far have only been able to afford to rent, you may feel like buying a home of your own is something that is out of reach for you. However, the fact is that is not the case - your ability to buy a family home of your own all comes down to how you go about it. 

Bearing that in mind, below are some tips and pieces of advice for going from renting a home to buying one. For everything that you need to know to get a foot on the property ladder, read on. 

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Taking Date Night to a Whole New Level: Turning Your Home into a Cinema

The times where cinema date night had to actually take place in the cinema are gone. Now, the fact that home cinemas can be installed and can be made to feel like an authentic cinema experience, means that a trip to the movies can be as easy as just entering another room in your home. For advice on how to turn your home, or specifically a room in your home, into a cinema, then make sure to read on.

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Water A Lot Of Bathroom Bother!

Home renovations are pretty much the most exciting time for a homeowner. Being able to look around your home and make changes that suit you, your children and your lifestyle are simply exciting and if you have the time and money to do it – you should! For most people, home renovations only begin when something goes wrong, but if you wait for something to go wrong before you make some tidy upgrades or give a space a fresh lick of paint, you could be waiting for a long time.

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When you have children, home renovations become a necessity and the kitchen and bathroom are often the first places to be looked into. These rooms often have more wear and tear than the rest of the house, as they are the ones used the most. Kitchens are to be upgraded every time your gas pipes and boiler need a replacement, as sometimes the piping is on the walls and you will need a fresh coat of paint. It’s exciting to choose the design of your new kitchen, but what about the bathroom?

5 Ways To Change Your Home With Color

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Whether you’ve recently moved into a new place that needs a lot of work, or you find yourself wanting to spruce up the space you currently live in, your brain is probably running with all of the ideas you have. The renovation process can be quite tiring, so add to that a range of ideas that you’re not even sure will work, and it can get so much more complicated. But if there’s one thing that always works, it’s color. Color can really transform the look and feel of a space, and ensure that it gets an instant update. And here’s how you can do it.

Not Up To Scratch: Dealing With Bad Work From Tradespeople

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Look through a guide online of how to carry out DIY repairs or maintenance to your home. Literally, any one of them. You will probably see instructions. There will be photos. Probably a few frequently asked questions answered.

Then there will be the addition along the lines of: “of course, if you’re not sure your DIY skills can handle this, ask a professional to do the work for you!” 

This line is often included as a disclaimer more than anything, but it’s something we tend to take to heart. The conclusion we draw is simple:

DIY = Potential for a bad job to be done. 

Professional = Work will be exemplary. 

Anyone who has ever had any work done will know that the above doesn’t always quite work out like that. Though one might hope that a professional builder, plumber, electrician, or whichever tradesperson you require can do a job better than you can, that’s not always the case. If you hire someone to do work and then realize they’re doing bad work, what can you do about it? 

5 Reasons to Teach Your Kids How to Code on Their Computer

Coding is a term used to describe the act of writing a computer program. Whether it’s an android game, an application on the internet or even a website, it’s all done with code. If you don’t understand the language it’s written in, then it’s incredibly difficult to understand how your favorite mobile apps were created from a few thousand lines of code. However, even if you personally don’t understand it, your kids might.

Coding is one of those skills that should be seen on the level of playing an instrument or taking up a creative art. It’s part creativity and part logic, which makes it one of the most enjoyable hobbies to have when your child grows up. It gives them a lot of freedom to make their own applications, and it opens up plenty of career opportunities in the future. If you want more convincing, then here are five reasons why it’s a good idea to teach your kids to code.

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Peaceful Family Bedtimes With These Top Tips For Overcoming Night Time Phobias

Bedtime is stressful for any mother. It’s that part of the day we most want to get out of the way. In truth, while adults can think of nothing better than slipping between the sheets, children see sleeping as wasting time. As such, very few kids would willingly go up to their bedroom when the time comes. The good new is, there are many guides about how to get stubborn kids into bed, and a quick Google search will lead you straight to them.

But, sometimes, reluctance to go to bed is more than stubborn behavior. If your child develops a fear of the dark, going to sleep could become a major issue for them. And, if this happens, their health and happiness are at risk.

Many parents, when faced with this issue, either turn to night lights or utilize natural light with methods like those mentioned at http://www.shesthemom.com/2017/09/using-natural-light-to-style-your-home.html. These options can help your child get to sleep, and thus overcome the largest hurdle. But, these methods cover the issue, rather than curing it. And, if you want an easy night routine anytime soon, a cure is essential. Find one by following these steps. 

Understand their fear to help them overcome it

The first thing you need to do is understand the source of this nighttime fear. Without knowing that, there’s no way you can help to ease your kid’s anxieties. Take the time to sit down with them and ask what frightens them so much. It may be that they’re worried about burglars, or monsters. Or, they may have seen something scary on television which happened at night time. Any number of issues can cause fears like these, and each needs to be handled in slightly different ways. 

Ensure they feel safe

Once you know where the phobia stems, you can take action to help them feel safe. If burglars are their main fear, it’s worth installing a home alarm system like those mentioned on https://homesecuritysystem.co. This is a good idea for family safety anyway, and letting your child see you set the alarm is sure to put their mind at ease. 

If monsters are their phobia, you could develop a routine to check the cost is clear before bed. This could involve checking in any hidey holes, such as cupboards, and under the bed. It may even be worth developing something like a ‘monster spray’ which your child can keep with them. A spray bottle with water in it will do the trick here.

Bunk them with their siblings

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If issues persist, it’s time to take more drastic action. It might even be worth moving your children into the same room so they can offer each other comfort. Though there’s now a focus on each child having a separate room, this is a new concept, which many are already questioning. As you can find from this article on https://www.babble.com, there are actually many benefits to kids sharing. And, curing that phobia could very well be one of them.

Mom-believable Life Tips For When You Want A Baby

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Having a baby is the greatest feeling in the world, and is one that will change your world like no other. However, parenthood isn’t easy. So, if you’re in the stages of preparation, it’s crucial that you take control at the earliest stage possible. Even before conception. 

Here are five tip lifestyle tips that will put you in the best position for conception, motherhood, and a happy future. The most exciting times of your life await. 

Renovate More, Spend Less

Everybody loves giving their home a change around from time to time. Everybody loves giving their walls a fresh lick of paint. Everybody loves rearranging their living room and bedroom. Everybody loves modernising their kitchen. Unfortunately, however, not many people tend to do this too often because of one very important element of it: the cost. Unfortunately, many people put their desired home renovations off or on indefinite hold because they believe they cannot afford it. But this need not be the case; home renovations can be achieved even on the tightest of shoestring budgets. Read on to see just how.

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Dear Moms, Here's What Can Be Done In Half An Hour

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There is not a mom in the world that wouldn’t wish for more hours in the day. That is because it is always so fast and furious, and when we do get a half hour break here and there we don’t really know what to do with ourselves. Not because we don’t have anything to do but because there isn’t much we can do in that half an hour between dropping the eldest off at school and the little one’s doctor’s appointment. At least, that is what we tell ourselves. 

The truth is, however, that there are plenty of things that can be done during those half-hour breaks where your kid has fallen asleep or whatever; it is just a matter of knowing what, prioritizing and being efficient about it. 

With that in mind, I have pulled together a list of things you should consider doing next time you find yourself with an awkward gap of time available to exploit:

Keeping Connected: Simple Technology All Seniors Should Be Utilizing

As you get older, your circle grows smaller. You are generally not out and about meeting as many people as you were when you were younger- health problems and disabilities can mean getting out is more difficult so it’s no wonder many seniors can feel lonely and isolated. Research has shown that eighteen percent of older adults live alone and that forty-three percent report feeling lonely on a regular basis so it’s something that can be a huge problem for those later in life. One way you can combat this is to get on board with technology. While seeing loved ones in person is always going to be best, for times when that’s not possible technology and the internet are incredibly useful. Here are some of the ways you can keep in touch.

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Owning The Catwalk: What It Takes To Become A Model

There are many different beauty and fashion careers mentioned on this blog, but the articles are yet to include the idea of modeling. That is because only a few lucky individuals will ever achieve that goal. The process of making contacts and creating earnings can take a long time and involve lots of different aspects. Also, it’s not an exact science, and many ladies who do everything right will still fail. With that in mind, those who want to work in the fashion and beauty industries should probably try to find a job that offers more stability. That said, there are lots of girls out there who dream of strutting their stuff on the catwalk and working with world-famous designers. So, the step by step guide published below should help to point those people in the right direction. 

Meaty Reasons Why It's Time To Go Vegan

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Have you been thinking about ways you could improve your lifestyle lately? This is something that many people often think about, especially as they start to get older and creep ever closer to old age. 

Lots of people try to change their diet in an attempt to overhaul their lifestyle, and one option that people have is to completely cut out all meat and dairy to go vegan. Are you intrigued by the vegan way of life? Hopefully, these following reasons will give you all the encouragement that you need to make this life change.

United Home: Keeping the Family Healthy Together

When you're a mom, there is nothing compared to the feeling that your family is healthy. Nothing's wrong in wanting the best for our family. But do you know where we might be wrong? We tend to put our children's health first before ourselves, when in fact we should treat ours as equally important as theirs. After all, who will take care of them when we get sick? 

Being a mother entails a lot of sacrifices but that shouldn't include our health. So the next time that you're buying vitamins for your children, don't think twice and get for yourself too! Money shouldn't be a hindrance because there's Unilab who provides affordable yet quality healthcare products for the whole family. 

Unilab is the biggest pharmaceutical company in the Philippines and has continuously provided Filipinos with trusted and quality healthcare products and services for the past 70 years. Unilab is known as the makers of biogesic, neozep and a lot more but they also carry the United Home product line.

Here are some of United Home's products that you may give a try:

UNITED HOME® FERSULFATE IRON

Do you sometimes feel weak and tired? Do you lack energy? You blame it on your workload but have you ever checked if it could be anemia? Studies have shown that there is an increase in the number of Filipino women with anemia. If you suspect that you're anemic, consult a doctor and include Fersulfate Iron on your daily vitamins.

Formulation: Ferrous Sulfate 325mg

Target Market: Women of reproductive age – 12 YO and above

Price: Php 1.05 per piece

Main Benefit: Treats anemia and eradicates different causes of fatigue, weakness, and headache

UNITED HOME® FERSULFATE PLUS

Formulation: Ferrous Sulfate 300mg, Folic Acid 250mcg

Target Market: Pregnant mothers –20 to 40 YO

Price: Php 3.50 per piece

 Promotes healthy pregnancy for the mother and baby –healthy blood and avoidance of birth defects

UNITED HOME® CEETAB PREMIUM

Formulation: Sodium Ascorbate 568.18mg

Format: Capsule

Configuration: 10 Blister Packs x 10 capsules

SRP: P 4.50/PC

Sodium Ascorbate is a good alternative for ascorbic acid because it is non-acidic and it is more soluble which lessens gastrointestinal upset. Ceetab can prevent and treat Vitamin C deficiency. It also increases the body’s resistance. 

UNITED HOME® FEVERTAB

Formulation: Paracetamol 500mg

Format: Tablet

Configuration: 10 Blister Packs x 10 tablets

SRP: P 1.50/PC (INTRO PRICE)

LP: P 1.26/PC

There comes a point when we can' avoid sickness, that's why we have to make sure we fill our medicine cabinets with maintenance medicine if you have certain health conditions as well as over the counter medicines such as Fevertab. It's for fever reduction and for the relief of minor aches and pains.

UNITED HOME® BRONCHO 500MG

Generic Name: Carbocisteine

Format: Capsule

Configuration: 10 Blister Packs x 10 capsules

Each Tablet contains: Carbocisteine 500mg

SRP: P 4.50

Here's another over the counter medicine that relieves cough characterized by excessive or sticky sputum or phlegm. Help treat respiratory tract disorders such as acute or chronic bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Mommies, you and your partner deserve an equal amount of care as what you give to your children. Don't deprive yourself with good health. A healthy parent equates healthy children. Who says being healthy has to be expensive? With Unilab's United Home healthcare products being healthy together as a family is within reach.

Visit and follow United Homes online for more updates:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unitedhomeproductsph/

website: http://unitedhomeproducts.com.ph/home

Autumnal Updating: Simple Ways To Create Comfort and Coziness At Home

Is there anything nicer than a cozy night in when the weather is bad outside? Movies, hot chocolate, and cozy pajamas, now that the summer has come to an end it’s all about being as warm and comfortable as possible again. When you’re spending less time outdoors, and more time in your home, you of course want it to be as inviting and pleasant to spend time in as possible. So if you’re hoping to make some updates before the colder weather really sets in, here are a few things to consider. 

Sort Your Heating

Chances are your heating won’t have been used since the start of the year. But now that the summer is coming to a close and the nights are getting colder it’s time to fire it up. Since it’s not been used in a while, it’s worth putting it on and doing a test run, go around the house and make sure all radiators and things like heated towel rails are warming up properly. If radiators aren’t hot all the way up, there might be air trapped in the system. This is a simple fix, you can ‘bleed’ them which removes this and will ensure they work correctly again. Any issues you can call a heating repair company now and get it up and running again before the cold weather really sets in. If you have a wood burning stove, now is the time to start stocking up on wood. If you have a shed or somewhere to store it, you could start stockpiling now to spread the cost meaning you have less to buy later in the year. 

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Get Rid of Drafts

There’s nothing worse than feeling a big chill or gust of cold air come through the home when the weather cools down. Old houses are particularly bad when it comes to drafts. Two things you can do from a home improvement perspective are to get new windows fitted and have the walls and loft insulated. Not only is this better for the environment since you’re wasting less heat but it will also save you money in the long run and mean you’re much more comfortable at home. Companies like Renewal by Andersen windows specialize in energy efficient windows and patio doors which will be a welcome upgrade if you’ve been dealing with drafty windows for a while. Cavity wall and loft insulation will provide your property with almost a thermal jacket, heat stays trapped in instead of escaping keeping you far more warm and cozy. Other things you can do is ensure that doors fit right in the frames. If for example you once had a thick carpet but replaced this with wooden floors, you might now have a gap along the bottom where drafts can get through. Also, houses can settle and shift over the years meaning doors don’t fit as well as they once did. Having all new internal doors fitted will not only look nice but keep the heat trapped in the rooms more efficiently. At the very least, use draft excluders along the bottom of doors to keep the cold out. 

Refresh The Beds

There’s no cozier place to be than in bed, and when the colder months roll back around there’s plenty you can do to make this the loveliest, comfiest place in the world. First, if your mattress is over seven years old, it’s time to buy a replacement, since after this time it will no longer be supporting your body properly. Plus it can harbor dust mites and their waste, which can set off allergies. Replace duvets after five years and pillows after one or two for the same reason- plus new bedding feels extra plush and cozy. For bedding, brushed cotton or flannel will be extra soft and cozy, and you could pile up your bed with throws and a bedspread for added warmth. An electric blanket is useful for those really chilly evenings, pop it on for a few minutes before you get into bed. Whether you spend your evenings curled up with a book or watching Netflix, a comfortable bed is a perfect way to relax and unwind at home. 

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Make The Sofa Cosy

Another way you can get cozy at home is by making the sitting area a warm and comfortable place to be. If your furniture is leather, we all know how cold and unpleasant this can be to sit on! One way you can get around this is by using throws. You can get large throws big enough to cover a kingsize bed on places like eBay. Pop one underneath you and then a couple for over the top. Perfect for snuggling up within your pajamas after a hot bath on a chilly autumn or winter’s evening. If you buy a basket or a storage ottoman to go in your living room, it’s easy to put the blankets away when they’re not in use. Otherwise, you could just fold them up and hang them over the back of the sofa or armchairs. Plenty of plush cushions too will make everything extra comfortable. 

Work On The Bathroom

Cold nights are all about long soaks in a hot bubble bath, but if your surroundings in the bathroom are lacking you might not feel like luxuriating in there for long! If you can’t afford a full bathroom refit, there are a few things that can make all the difference. First, remove any moldy sealant from around the bath, and re-do this, so it looks nice and clean. Next, using a grout tool scrape some of the grout from between the tiles and fill it again. This gives you the look of a freshly tiled bathroom for a fraction of the cost! Replace your shower curtain if yours has gone moldy, and bring in some new accessories. A new bath mat, some soft fluffy towels, and a new soap dispenser are all practical while making your bathroom look nice. Another important thing to get right in the bathroom is storage. Instead of being surrounded by products and kids toys, these can all be neatly put away. Then when you run your bath, you have clean and tidy surroundings so you can properly relax. Buy some bath bombs or oils and light a candle. 

Make it Look Nice

A cozy home isn’t just about it being warm, although that is important. It should look pleasant and inviting too. Plenty of soft textiles like cozy rugs, throws, cushions and sumptuous curtains will make it feel cozy. Display some personal touches like art and photographs, along with some plants and decorative accessories. Rooms that look homely and personal tend to have a cozy feel, so don’t overlook the decor if you want to feel as comfortable as possible over the colder months. If your home is decorated in neutral colors, bringing in an accent color is a good way to update it. Choose an accent shade, brown, terracotta, gold, navy, deep purple- all of these shades work well for the autumn. Buy your accessories and soft furnishings in this color to bring depth and dimension to space and update it for the season ahead. Generally decluttering and keeping everywhere tidy helps too, people go crazy for spring cleaning at the start of the year, but really this is worth getting on board with at the start of every season. Have carpets professionally cleaned, wash windows, curtains, vacuum behind large pieces of furniture and organize cupboards. Basically, tackle the jobs that would usually get left (or don’t need doing) during a normal clean. Lighting is another element to get right when it comes to the look and ambiance of the home. If you go with LED smart bulbs, you can easily tailor how dim or bright you want them meaning you can perfectly set the scene for whatever you’re doing. If you’re crafting or kids are doing homework, for example, you could have them brighter, if you’re relaxing with a movie you could dim them. If you have a voice-controlled speaker, you can change up the lighting mood using this. Otherwise, it’s from an app on your phone. It’s a useful way to make the room feel cozy. 

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Think About Fragrance 

Another way to bring a homely ambiance for the colder months is to fragrance your home. Plug in air fresheners, fabric sprays, reed diffusers, wax burners, candles, potpourri- there are tonnes of ways you can do this. Opt for seasonal scents such as autumn fruits, vanilla, and spices like cinnamon and gingerbread. It’s another way to add a level of coziness to your home and make it a space that you love spending time in. 

A few updates to your home can really make the difference, and when you’re spending more time indoors you want it to be as nice as possible. Whether you’re looking to renovate or just make some simple changes you can set yourself up for a much cozier autumn and winter. 

Set Sale! Preparing Your Home For A Big Sell

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It can be one of the most stressful things you will ever go through, although not as stressful as childbirth, selling your house is a long and difficult process sometimes. And the selling process can mean a lot of going back and forth to the estate agents, bartering with a potential buyer, and, of course opening up your house for incessant viewings for an extended period of time. Preparing your home for selling can be a bit expensive, but this should only relate to essential fixes. When you are selling your home, it makes no sense to completely overhaul the house, but you also want to strike the right balance for potential buyers by presenting a welcoming atmosphere. So how can you do this?

5 Tips to getting rid of water in your basement

When water has seeped into your basement, whether due to flood or pipe damage, it’s important that you clean it right away. Water may look harmless but it can damage furniture and even the structure of the home if not removed properly.

If you find yourself needing to get rid of some water in your basement, refer to the tips below or go to waterdamagerestorationdallastexas.com for more information on how to make sure that your house will be cleaned and free from water that may cause damage or disease.

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Mothers, Treat Yourself To The Little Things

As a Mother, our jobs are to put everyone else before ourselves - that's just the way our minds work, we are prone to care and nurture and make sure our children and our other half have everything that they need in order to be happy. But who do you have to do that for you?

Motherhood can be tough at times, and we all deserve that little treat to make things just that tad bit better. But who said about waiting for someone to come along and save you? We're Mothers; we don't need to wait around for anybody, right ladies?

So the next time you're out doing the grocery shopping and you see that dress that you wanted or that fancy coffee maker - indulge yourself for once!

Have a bestie

What better way of unwinding than with a girlfriend over a nice drink and a good old gossip. Not only that though, but friends are there to lean on when times get tough, so don't worry about feeling like a burden - you'd do the same for them. So when you feel like things are getting to you, open up and tell them about how you're feeling, it will make you feel so much better.

Schedule unplug times

Although you may think that it's near impossible to find free time with all that you do - if you look hard enough, you'll be able to create at least an hour. This is so important to do because it's what will keep you sane and balanced. So every now and then, take an afternoon or an evening off and do something that you enjoy, like going out to watch a movie, or treating yourself to a spa day. Or even if you just decide to stay home and do nothing - that in itself can work wonders on the mind.

A better night's sleep

It's hard enough to get a proper night's rest when you have so many different responsibilities and tasks running around in your head, so how much worse is that going to be if you have a ten-year-old mattress that has broken springs inside? Don't suffer in silence, even if you think you can put up with it ‘for now’, it'll soon start grating away at you physically and mentally. So visit some mattress stores and pick out a brand new piece of heaven - it'll make all your dreams come true... Really.

Exercise

A lot of people can associate exercise as being a chore, but if you figure out what you love doing, it will work as an amazing stress reliever. Take dancing for example, even if it's just in your living room when no one is around - this counts. So stick on your favorite tunes and dance like no one's watching. - The neighbors don't count...

As you can see it's really not that difficult to treat yourself, in fact, these are all just things that ordinary people do, but now you're a Mother it seems like a luxury. So take them - take as many as you want. You deserve it.

Strong and Able: The Best Diet in Old Age

As we grow older and have children, we also watch our own parents go from active adults to sedentary seniors. They’ll be more or less depending on us in the same way we used to depend on them; the only difference is, that as adults with children of our own, we don’t always get to spend as much time with them as we’d like. 

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They will be able to hang around for a while longer with the right kind of diet and exercise, though, and a specific diet seems to be working better for people in old age than others. Here is a neat guide on how you can help keep your parents healthy with the right kind of food - and company.