That Time Someone Asked Me If I Was Pregnant

Monday, December 31, 2018



Yes, you read that correctly and actually I'm wrong.  It's the SECOND time that happened.   First of all, let me preface this story, which I'm sharing today in hopes that someone else who has this shitty experience will realize they're NOT alone, with an explanation. 

My stomach sticks out and I can't help it.  Even at my thinnest, my stomach sticks out more than the rest of my body and my rib cage really juts out which doesn't help either. I also have really narrow hips so I always look like I have an inner tube around my waist. Enter Title Image Above and delete this line.

So anyways, where was I? Oh yea, the two times I nearly died when I was asked if I was pregnant.

How To Save Money On Motoring This Year

Saturday, December 29, 2018


 
Image via Unsplash

If you're looking to economise, one of the best places to start is parked right on your driveway - your car! Motoring may be a convenience, but it can be quite an expensive one. Whether you're prone to long road trips in the summer or just rely on your wheels for school runs and commuting, there are are no end of costs to contend with. Luckily, if you're careful and conscious enough, there are definitely ways to cut your motoring costs. A few quick wins can save a little cash here and there which soon mounts up before you know it.

Our Christmas

Friday, December 28, 2018




 
I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas with your loved ones.  I know I did.  Take a look at our Christmas.


The Family Road Trip

Thursday, December 27, 2018



When you are thinking about what kind of holiday to take with your family, one of the possibilities that is not quite so frequently considered is the family road trip. But this can actually be one of the better ways to holiday together as a family, and it is certainly worth thinking about if you want to try and make your next vacation together a little different and a little special. Of course, as with anything, you will want to make sure that you are considering all of the things you will need to get right in order to make it work as well as possible, and that is what we are going to look at in this article. Consider these things if you are to ensure you can have the best family road trip possible.

Books I Recommend You Read [December]

Wednesday, December 26, 2018

This site has affiliate links and sponsored content. Read my Disclosure Policy.


Such a busy month! Luckily, I still managed to read a few good books! Check them out! 

Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe

Friday, December 21, 2018


Easy Christmas Cookie Bars Recipe


Ever been so busy that you completely blank on what you should bring to a Christmas party, potluck, or even what you should make as a dessert for your kids to enjoy around Christmas? 


This Christmas Cookie Bar Recipe is super simple to make and has minimum mess.  You can make it in the same dish that you can bring along to celebrations for all to enjoy.


Simple Ways To Increase Your Home's Value

Thursday, December 20, 2018




Whether you want to add to the value of your home because you’re getting ready to sell it or you think that selling it is something you’ll be likely to do in the next few years, there’s really not a bad reason or a wrong time to want to add value to your property - in fact it’s actually a very smart way to get the most out of your investment.
However, as you already know, renovations - especially larger ones tend to cost quite a bit, and if you don’t have a big budget available for this, then you might start to feel like it’s not going to be possible for you to carry out the renovations needed to increase the value of your property.

The good news is, there are always solutions, and there are absolutely things you can do in your home to increase its value without going overboard on the spending side of things.

In this post, we’re going to share with you some simple and effective ways that you can increase your home’s value.

Fix up the garden:If you have a garden, but you haven’t really done much with it over the years, then now is the time to start paying it some attention. You don’t have to call in the professional landscapers to make your garden look nice, and you certainly don’t have to spend a fortune. Simply taking some time to do things like mow the lawn, add some nice plants and maybe even a nice vegetable or herb garden and some nice furniture are really all that’s needed to give it a whole new lease of life.
Install new flooring:If your floors are starting to look worn and old, then a simple fix that could increase the value of your home is adding new ones. Whether it’s a new plush carpet in the bedroom to add a sense of warmth, or dark hardwood floors in the living room or kitchen, new flooring in your home will really make a big difference and is far more affordable than you probably think.

Fix or replace the roof:A roof is a pretty crucial part of a house and when something goes wrong with it, it can really cause all kinds of problems and stress, so if you want to avoid this and also want to add value to your house by being able to tell potential buyers that they’ll have a brand new or fully updated roof, then you should definitely consider taking care of this. Roofs may not be cheap to install or fix, but they’re also more affordable than you think, and are definitely a worthwhile investment, so don’t be afraid to shop around for companies in your area like the Northface Construction roofers to see what kind of quotes you can get.

Make it more secure:A home should be a safe place, so make it more secure by adding things like a small alarm system, automatic garden lights and even a gate or fence if you’re able as this will definitely add to the appeal and value of your house when it comes time to sell up.



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5 Ways to Use Rugs In Your Home and Office

Wednesday, December 19, 2018

Rugs can be a great addition to a residential or commercial building. Not only can they be beautiful decorative elements, but they can also protect your floors from scuffs and stains.

But what if you've never shopped for rugs before, or what if you need some advice on how to use them around your home or office? Is there more that you can do with rugs than simply toss them on the floor of your entryway?

If you're ready to get a little creative with your interior design, here are just a few rooms that could use a rug.


1. Nursery

You'll be glad that you put a rug on the nursery floor when it's 3AM and you're walking in circles with a cranky baby. Thankfully, there are plenty of safe, stylish nursery rugs to choose from, so you'll have your pick of things like colors and patterns. You can make them match whatever theme or gender palette that you have going.


2. Foyer

Foyer rugs are one of the best ways to welcome guests to your home or clients to your office building. They'll give off the first impression of your interior design, and they can be used to set the tone or theme for the entire space. For example, lodge style rugs will make everything feel rustic. Microfiber rugs will be classy and contemporary.


3. Dining Room

Dining room rugs are absolutely essential to a well-styled space. Who wants to kick their feet against a cold hardwood floor while they're enjoying their supper? Look into a brand like Roth Rugs to help you find the ideal dining room rug for your space. It should be something both functional and fashionable to heighten the appeal of the room.


4. Bathroom

Bathroom rugs serve multiple purposes. In addition to keeping your toes warm on a cold morning, they'll also provide traction on slippery tiles so that you won't fall after your shower. Just make sure that you're looking into rugs with textured "grip" bottoms that won't slide as you step on them.


5. Office

Office rugs are important when you're renting a space rather than buying it. You don't want to fork over a large deposit because you've damaged the floor with your desks, chairs, bookcases and file cabinets, so putting down a rug can provide a valuable barrier between your goods and your flooring.


These are just a few ways that you can use rugs in both residential and commercial properties. Whether you're looking for a simple hallway rug or an elaborate dining room rug, let these suggestions guide you in the right direction for an amazing interior decor!
                

Our 2018 Christmas Card Reveal

Here it is! Our 2018 Christmas Card!!! My friend who enjoys photographer (and did our wedding!) took the photos and got some really great shots.  Check them out below!

What To Get Your Pets for Christmas

Tuesday, December 18, 2018

 



Christmas is such a fun time of year and everyone loves to celebrate by giving.  But what about your furry friends? You can't forget them!  Every year since I've been a pet owner, I've given gifts to all of my pets for Christmas, yes, even my fish.  So today I'm going to give you some ideas of gift ideas for different types of pets you may own.

Feeling Off Track? Maybe This Is Why…

Monday, December 17, 2018



At different stages throughout your life, it’s only natural that you’re going to feel different ways. Sometimes, it’s easier than others to feel happy and content and motivated. And sometimes, it’s just not. Sometimes, life throws things at you that are incredibly hard to deal with. Or you go through periods of hardship. Or external factors in your life make things hard to cope with. But the positive of this is that we all go through it. We all have things in our lives that are hard and that we feel might break us. But they are often things that we can all conquer if we just learn to put our minds to it. Because it really is natural to feel off track at some point. Sure, it is possible to go through life happy and content and feeling great, but more often than not, we fall. And then we have to get back up.

6 Practical New Year's Resolution Ideas

6 Practical New Year's Resolution Ideas

Yes, it's totally cliché, but who cares?! When a new year starts, it's a new opportunity for better habits and new goals, so it's totally fine to jump on the New Year's Resolution bandwagon.  I think resolutions are a great way to set attainable and realistic goals for the future and give yourself a timeline.  After all, a goal is really a dream with a time limit.  So if you're looking for some resolutions for 2019, check out these ideas below.

Give Yourself The Gift Of Confidence This Christmas!

Thursday, December 13, 2018


For most Christmas is a time of great joy. It’s a time for giving, family, friendship, togetherness and love. However, there are many who will not be feeling either happy or merry this Christmas. There are some who will feel depressed beyond the remit of Seasonal Affective Disorder. There are many who will have experienced loss, breakups, arguments or other forms of emotional trauma over the holidays. Not to mention those for whom the season can bring back less than pleasant memories.

Gifts for the Outdoor Lover In Your Life


Most people enjoy the outdoors, but then there are people who like it more than most. To those people, it’s not a place where you explore every now and again; it’s a hobby, a space to be enjoyed every weekend, if circumstances will allow it. While there may be times when you’d wish they’d be happy, you know, visiting a museum or something, there is one upside to having an outdoor lover in your life: they’re easy to buy gifts for! Below, we take a look at a few ideas, any of which they’ll be happy with.

Source: Pexels.com

6 Side Hustles to Boost Your Income

6 Side Hustles to Boost Your Income

No matter how hard you work, sometimes your full time job just isn't enough.  Maybe you aren't able to work overtime at your job or you just aren't bringing in enough to pay your bills on a weekly basis so you want to start making some additional income.  Either way, I have 6 side hustles you can consider to boost your income and I'll discuss the pros and cons of each one. 


There's no shame in the side hustle!


Get A Job In One Of These Fields If You Want To Increase Your Income

Tuesday, December 11, 2018


Your income is such an essential part of your financial life. People who have a minimal income will find it harder to save money, harder to afford certain things and generally struggle to balance their finances. If you want to boost your income, then it all boils down to your career. Here are a few fields/industries you might want to think about a career in to give yourself more monthly income:


The Health Industry

Jobs in the health industry are usually very well paid. This is because caring for people’s health is such an important job that it deserves to have a high salary. The drawback of careers in this field is that they tend to be very hard to get into because of the studying requirements. Doctors, surgeons, and dentists all have the best salaries, but gaining these degrees is easier said than done. However, there are other careers - like nursing - that are more accessible. Studying to become a registered nurse isn’t as challenging as some other courses, and then you can find an online RN to BSN program to become a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. This lets you apply for more advanced positions and get a very decent income! If you like helping people and are passionate about health, then this field might be one to consider. 




The Engineering Field

If you search for the highest paid careers out there, then the majority of them will be in the engineering field. It’s such a massive field that encompasses everything from civil engineering to aerospace. Again, it’s a tricky one to get into, but even a general engineering job has a higher salary than most. Plus, there are plenty of courses online where you can train to be an engineer, along with online degree programs as well. If you like designing things and can solve problems very quickly, then this field could hold the key to your future career.




Link

The Web Design World
This is a more modern field, but the income you can generate from a career in web design & development is quite mind-boggling. A lot of people choose the freelance route and charge thousands of dollars to design a website for people and businesses. The crazy thing is, companies are willing to actually pay this much. When you factor in the low overhead costs, then running a web design business as a freelancer is a desirable prospect. The best thing about this field is that success is born out of talent rather than your education. Some of the best designers out there don’t even have degrees, but their work does all the talking for them! Anyone with a background in graphic design or web development will make an excellent living in this career field.

Increasing your income becomes a lot easier if you have a job in these fields. Now, I know what some of you are thinking; I can’t get a job in any of these fields and nor do I want one. That’s fine but consider this post as an example of how you can boost your income. Don’t just sit around in the same dead-end job as you struggle to pay your bills or save for a mortgage. Make a change in your life and seek out a different career where the financial rewards are far greater and can keep you economically safe and secure.




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Introducing A Dog To Your Home: How To Care For Your Canine Companion

Monday, December 10, 2018


Dogs are one of the most popular types of pet in the US. If you’ve decided that it’s time to embark upon a new friendship with a canine companion, you’re probably counting down the days until you can bring your dog home. Owning a dog is incredibly rewarding, but it is hard work. If you’re introducing a pup or an older dog to your home for the first time, here are some tips you may find useful.


Save $1,378 with the 52 Week Savings Challenge

52 Week Savings Challenge free printable

I know how hard it can be to save money when you're working on other financial goals like getting out of debt, or even just trying to afford the things you need to get with next week's paycheck. 


I totally get it!

So I have an easy and very underwhelming way for you to save a chunk of change ($1,378 to be exact) by the end of next year.   You can start at any time technically, but you just have to do it for 52 weeks.  Since January is right around the corner I figured this would be a good time to share about the 52 Week Challenge.


Dental Implant Care For Long Lasting Teeth

Friday, December 7, 2018




Dental implants are a permanent solution for missing teeth, and if you have just had implants fitted, it is essential you take good care of your new teeth. Technology and titanium combined to bring us a prosthetic solution that is as strong as can be, and once fitted and cared for correctly, your implants will last a lifetime, and with the following advice, you can always be sure that your teeth are in tip-top condition.

10 Practical Gift Ideas for Anyone on Your List

Thursday, December 6, 2018

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10 Practical Gift Ideas for Anyone on Your List

We all have those people on our gift list that either seem to have it all or they just aren't big into material things. Either way, it's silly to get a wasteful gift that won't really get utilized or just ends up being a waste of money for you to even buy it.


So today, I've put together a list of some SUPER practical gift ideas for pretty much anyone on your list.


Stylish Technology for Your Home

Tuesday, December 4, 2018




Technology has come a long way in the past few years, with everything from lamps to litter boxes connected to the Internet of Things. As you browse the technology section of the home improvement store, you may be wondering which options are a smart investment for your home. There are a few tech options that can save you money and improve the quality of your living. Check out these three essential items to improve the style and technology in your home.
Smart Lighting
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Image via Flickr by webhamster

Stress Free Christmas Shopping in 4 Easy Steps


Tis the season for horrendous traffic, long check out lines, and crowded aisles, right?   Well, if you're smart about Christmas shopping this year, it doesn't have to be miserable for you. 

I've been a pro with this and I'm here to teach you my ways.   If you take the stress out of Christmas shopping you can actually sit down and enjoy the beauty of the holiday season. 

How to Deal with Household Cash Problems

Monday, December 3, 2018



If you are finding it hard to make ends meet at home, and would rather not compromise your lifestyle, it might be time to think through your budget and make some improvements. There are several ways you can make your money take you further, and you can add an income stream or two to cover the increased living costs. Below you will find a few tips on how to make the most out of your limited budget without getting into debt.


Image via Pexels

How To Easily Save Money on Groceries

Saving money on groceries

When it comes to your expenses, groceries probably take up a huge chunk of your budget each month, don't they? ? But you NEED groceries so most people think there's no way around it.  I'm here today to tell you that there is.  You can easily stay within a budget on your groceries each week and get all the food you need. 


Today' we're going to look at some really easy ways to save money on groceries!


Amazing Gift Ideas [Ask Away Holiday Gift Guide]

Friday, November 30, 2018

This site has affiliate links and sponsored content. Read my Disclosure Policy.

The most wonderful time of the year is finally here! It's time to get a head start on your Christmas shopping this year.  If you're Christmas shopping on a budget, great! Because the ideas I'm going to share with you today are budget friendly and there's something for everyone on your list!

2018 Christms Home Tour

Wednesday, November 28, 2018


   I love this time of year, mostly because I love transforming my home completely into a festive wonderland.  I put all of my regular home decor away, very carefully, and I spend Black Friday putting up the tree and decorating the entire house.  It's been a tradition of mine since I had my first apartment when I was 21 so of course I've kept it going.

Today, I'm super excited to show you my home tour of my Christmas wonderland!

Saving Money When You are Bad with Money

Tuesday, November 27, 2018

 Some people are great with money. They always were. They put themselves through school without ever borrowing money. They got a job as soon as they were able. They put some aside each week for a rainy day. They’ve always had savings, and they’ve never needed to borrow. These people never spend more than they can afford to and they always make sensible and well thought out financial decisions.

Unfortunately, we’re not all like this. Especially when we are young. Credit is offered as soon as we are old enough to take it and it’s all too tempting to accept. We spend more than we earn on things that make us happy and we soon find that we are in debt. Repaying these debts can mean that we’ve never got any spare cash, we struggle to afford day to day expenses, and money is always tight. There’s no chance to save, and when there is, we’re so used to our financial situation that we don’t save it. We spend it, enjoying the little extra in our pockets for a change.

But, saving is crucial. If you never save any money, you’ll never be able to pay your debts off. You’ll never be able to afford large luxuries like holidays, and even without these, at some point, you’ll want to start putting some money aside so that you can retire in comfort. Here’s a look at how you can save money, even if you have always been a spender.



Photo Credit




Change Your Mindset

If you’ve spent a long time with debts, it’s probably just become a way of life. Something that you never give much thought to. Sit down and look at what you owe. Work out what you are paying each month in interest — times that by 12 for a year. Then by 20, which is perhaps how long you’ll have that level of debt without paying it off. Which you will have if you keep spending.

This can help you to realize just how much your debts are costing you. It’s sure to be a lot more than you think and taking ownership of this information is often enough to change your mindset and your attitude towards money.

Invest it

If you are bad with money and always spend whatever you’ve got, investing can be a great option. Almost like you are hiding your money from yourself, while also letting it work to make you more money. If you’ve never invested before, read ‘https://budgetboost.co/betterment-vs-wealthfront-vs-vanguard-review/’ for some help on how to get started.

Set Yourself a Goal and Set up a Direct Debit

Ask yourself how much you want to save in the next year. Give yourself a goal. Then, divide that by 52 to see how much you’d need to save per week to hit your target. Compare this with your budget to make sure it’s a realistic target and reduce it if not.

Now, set up a direct debit to automatically transfer this amount into a separate savings account each week. Even if it’s only a small amount of money, it’s saving, and it will soon start to add up. Read more about savings accounts here, https://www.magnifymoney.com/blog/earning-interest/best-online-savings-accounts275921001/.

Enjoy it

Let yourself feel good about your savings. Even a small amount is you working to make a positive change to your life. Enjoy watching your small savings pot grow.




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Affordable and Safe Ways for Dogs to Celebrate the Holidays

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Affordable and Safe Ways for Dogs to Celebrate the Holidays


Everyone knows my dogs ARE my children so it's no surprise they play a major role in the Holidays in our home.  That being said, there's a few things you need to do in order to ensure they stay safe, and also some ways to celebrate with them that won't break the budget.  So today, I'm going to share some affordable and safe ways to celebrate the Holidays for your furry friends!