Books I Recommend You Read [March]

Tuesday, March 31, 2020

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


Read more awesome books this month! Check them out!


3 Practical Home Improvement Ideas

Monday, March 30, 2020



Want to improve the appearance and value of your home? There’s no time like the present to complete some home renovation tasks! Follow these three tips to choose home improvement projects that will give you the best bang for your buck.

6 Tips for Self-Improvement



Everyone is going through something different in their life and I think we can all agree that our common goal is to live a good life and be the best version of ourselves possible. But that’s such a vague concept that really, what does it mean to work on self-improvement? Is it just identifying our faults and being aware of them? Is it working on them and feeling more mentally and emotionally stable? Or is it just being happier both inside and out, despite the hardships we experience? No matter what self-improvement means to you, there are several things that we can ALL practice in order to grow as a person and find happiness in our lives.

How to Find the Right Personal Stylist

Friday, March 27, 2020

Having a personal stylist means you can take your style to the next level. It means no longer having to spend hours browsing clothes racks or browsing online. You will have someone at hand who knows what they're doing and can make your life easier. If you are on the hunt for a stylist, then, here are the ways you can find the right one for you. 

How Much CBD Should You Give Your Pets?



CBD products are a very popular treatment for a wide range of physical and mental health issues, and they can also be very effective for treating pets. As a pet owner, it is very distressing when you see that your cat or dog is nervous and anxious or that they are in pain. Sometimes, you may feel a bit helpless because it doesn’t seem like there is anything that you can do to help them, but CBD products can make a very big difference to your pet’s overall wellbeing.

What is the Wheel of the Year?



You may think you’ve never heard of the Wheel of the Year before but I’m sure you’re familiar with certain seasonal festivals like Summer Solstice, Winter Solstice, Samhain, and the word Yule. Because so many people these days are embracing their earthy spirituality I figured it would be fun to explain the Wheel of the Year, what it is, how it’s used, and how you can celebrate it or recognize celebrations of it.

3 Things You Need To Commission When Buying A Property

Wednesday, March 25, 2020



Hundreds of thousands of dollars could be transacted right before your eyes when you settle on buying a new property. It's at this point it will really hit you, that you have just bought a property and given a stranger an incredible amount of your money. This is not the time to be having doubts and second thoughts about something you didn’t like. You should have been completely thorough when you were viewing the property and weighing up your options. If there’s one type of regret you don’t want in life, it's real estate buyer’s regret. You could be saddled with a no-hope property if you didn’t take your time and do these three crucial things.



Benefits of Animal Companionship


If you're on the fence about whether or not to add a furry member to your family, you're not alone. There is a lot to consider when thinking about taking on the responsibility of an animal friend. Here are some of the top benefits that the companionship of a pet can bring to your life.

How To Look Out For Your Elderly Parents


The older generation has been an inspiration to us all, so they deserve to be treated with love and respect. It can be upsetting to see your parents appear more vulnerable, and you realize it’s your turn to look after them now. This doesn’t need to be a negative thing necessarily, they are still might surprise you and you can have fun together. With a few basic tips on how to work through their loneliness, health problems, and mobility issues, you can help to give them the support they need to get the spring back in their step. 

3 Ways Your Home Could Be Draining Your Finances



If you're looking to save a little extra money, and most people are, you more than likely need to look no further than your own home. Your house may be draining your finances more than you think and in ways that are often overlooked. Below are some quick tips and tricks on how you can save a few dollars by making small changes around your home and tweaking your routine a bit:

10 Self Defense Tips for Women



You may have remembered my post a few years back where I shared what I truly believe was an attempted abduction when I was a child. I’ve always been in tune with my gut and I truly believe that and some stuff I’d seen on TV saved me from that potential experience. But as a woman, at any age, you can still be a victim or even just a target. That’s why today I wanted to share some self defense tips for women.

Your Guide To Spring Cleaning The Exterior Of Your Home

Tuesday, March 24, 2020

Although we are all happily acquainted with the idea of spring cleaning, most of us see the activity as taking place only indoors. However, it is time to think again. After all, there are many good reasons for extending spring cleaning to the outside of your house.

It is not just a matter of improving the curb appeal of your home, although it is worth thinking about the first impression that your house makes on the arrival of visitors. It is all about getting the absolute most of your outdoor living areas. And, ultimately, do not forget that upkeep plays a crucial role in maintaining the overall integrity of your home and prolonging the life of its various elements.

Let’s take a look at some of the things that you can do to spring clean the exterior of your home.
Image credit: Pixabay CC0 License

Keep Calm And Carry On! Staying Intact When Renovating Your Property


Renovating is is a necessary evil. When you are looking to create a comfortable home or reinvigorate the space it's likely that you will have to undergo a renovation of some sort. But when you are gutting your home and are starting again it can prove to be pretty stressful. But what is it take to keep a home intact while you are in the middle of renovating?

Spring DIY Projects To Try



Now that many of us are in lockdown due to COVID-19, and we cannot leave the house without a real reason for doing so, it is the ideal time for us to get down to business and do some DIY.

There are plenty of home projects we likely need to complete during the spring before summer comes along and it is important for us to get these done while we have the time to do so.

Here are some of the simple and essential home projects you should do this spring while you are at home!

Tips To Look After Yourself In The Workplace

Monday, March 23, 2020

 

Your employer or the company you work for has a duty of care over you, but ultimately they’re also looking after themselves. That means that you as an individual should take the steps necessary to be sure that you are treated with respect and kindness, and that your safety in the workplace is handled in the right manner. Here are some tips to look after yourself in the workplace.

What to Look for in a Belt Gun Holster


Choosing the right gun holster for your needs is almost as important as choosing the right gun for your needs. There is no one perfect holster out there, but a good holster should be comfortable to wear, fit the style you're looking for, and be able to be concealed or not (depending on what you'd rather it do). Below are some specifics to look for when purchasing a gun holster which can be attached to a belt.

Comfort

When it comes to comfort in a gun holster, the main thing to look for is what the holster is made out of. Depending on the brand, (with some great brands being Galco, Undertech, and desantis holsters) you will be able to pick from a variety of materials.
Typically, holsters are made out of leather, suede, or Kydex. All of these materials have their own pros and cons. Kydex holsters are usually the thinnest but not the most comfortable. Leather's comfort depends mostly on the weather, as it can get hot on summer days. Suede is one of the best materials to look for, as it is flexible and does not heat up as much as leather.

Concealment

The next thing to look for it how concealed the holster allows the gun to be. It should be noted that concealed carry laws vary by state, and you may not be allowed to conceal your gun if you do not have a concealed carry license. For the most part, these laws (ignoring all personal preference) will determine whether your holster should be concealed or not.
Once you know whether you want/can have a concealed holster or not, you can move onto finding the right style. A concealed gun holster that attaches to a belt will not be fashionable, but it should be comfortable and made of a soft/padded material. Unconcealed holsters can focus more on style. In this case, leather holsters would work well, as heat buildup wouldn't be a problem.

Style

Once you have considered the comfort and functionality of your holster, you can then focus on style. The style of your holster is only important if you are not planning to conceal your weapon. Consider whether you want the holster to look like something out of a cop show or our of a western movie. Once you do this, you can better search and find what you are looking for.
The next time you want to buy a holster for a belt, consider the things above. Once you know whether or not your gun should be concealed, what style you want, and what fabric you want, picking out the right holster for your needs should be a breeze.


| FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA |
Photobucket Photobucket Photobucket Photobucket  photo googleplus.png  photo 23838acc-c845-40e1-a704-cde81cdac700_zpsjuxfuv35.jpg

Fixer Upper Done Right



Remodeling an old home can be a do-it-yourselfer’s dream project. There is much anticipation in finding an ugly duckling and transforming it into a swan. You can do much of the work on your own, but there are also some items that need professional attention. The following guidelines can help explain the difference.

Getting Certified Help

For some projects certifications are required - the wiring for instance. Professional electricians will make sure there is no danger or defect in the installation of the wiring, and circuit breakers and fuse boxes will be tested for overload situations. Another instance is the plumbing. Springing a leak inside the wall or under the dishwasher is not okay - water can be very destructive to any of the structural materials in a home, so call a trained plumber like Fox Valley Plumbing. Installation of a water heater or furnace also has to be inspected, as does lead paint or asbestos removal.

Certification not Required

Although it does not require inspection, you may still prefer to hire a certified technician just to be sure the following jobs are done correctly: Installation of windows or new panes; painting interior or exterior finishes and taping and mudding sheet rock or texturing the walls. A solar tube or skylight coming through the roof needs professional installation to prevent a leak. Carpet and pad should be laid by a pro, ensuring a tight fit.

Use a Mentor

Tiling a floor may be easy enough to work out, however when facing a vertical surface such as a shower wall or fireplace front, you need someone who knows what they are doing to make sure there is enough mastic and grout to adhere to the wall. Take a class at a home improvement store or get a friend with skills to help you out. You may need two people to put up sheet rock on a ceiling. If new shingles, but new decking are necessary, someone with experience can give you a hand.

Do It Yourself

Certification is not necessary for every aspect of a home rehab. Many other projects are perfect for those who want to get their hands dirty and are not afraid of a little elbow grease. Sanding and refinishing hardwood floors, stairways and railings, painting doors and mill work, or staining a fireplace mantel are perfect examples. You can also scrape old popcorn ceilings, or apply a German smear over a brick wall.
The day you complete your remodel on an old hope will be a day of great joy. Get the help and inspections you need and you will have a home to be proud of.

 



| FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA |
Photobucket Photobucket Photobucket Photobucket  photo googleplus.png  photo 23838acc-c845-40e1-a704-cde81cdac700_zpsjuxfuv35.jpg

How I Use the Wheel of Life



Maybe you’ve seen it before or maybe this is the first time you’ve even read about it, but the Wheel of Life or Life Wheel as others call it, is super cool and it’s a tool that ANYONE can use to improve ALL aspects of their life. The Wheel of Life let’s you visualize the different areas of your life and once you fill out the different areas, you can really see where you need to improve to balance your life more.

Keeping Your Home as Comfortable as Possible

Sunday, March 22, 2020


If you’re going to be spending a little more time at home, you’re going to want to make sure it’s as comfortable and positive an environment as possible. After all, this is your safe haven. It’s really not all too hard to make your home the best space it can be and you don’t have to spend a lot of money either. You just need to spend a little time making it as appropriate, functional and cosy as possible. Here are a few steps that you can take to achieve this!

Simple Kitchen Maintenance You Shouldn't Overlook

Friday, March 20, 2020

 
The kitchen is one of the central parts of the home, and it is important to make sure that you are going to look after it as best as you can at all times. There is plenty that you might want to think about doing in order to make sure of this, but most people will find that it is generally pretty simple to do these things, and that doing them is going to make the kitchen a much nicer and cleaner place. In this post, we are going to take a look at some of these simple kitchen maintenance things that you should be doing, to ensure that you are going to actually get to the bottom of it and keep your kitchen in the best state possible.


10 Things I Can’t Live Without


It’s Friday which means it’s time for another fun post and some easy enjoyable reading. I was thinking lately about the things I always say I could not live without. People excluded of course (because I could always live without other humans, kidding!) So this list is 10 things that make my life easier, make my life complete, or just make me flat out happy.

The Ultimate Guide To Avoiding Lifestyle Inflation

Thursday, March 19, 2020

 
If you want to stay on top of your finances, whether you’re saving for retirement or you simply want to ensure you have the money to continue living your current lifestyle in the future, you need to avoid lifestyle inflation.

You can still live a comfortable lifestyle when you avoid lifestyle inflation, sometimes called ‘lifestyle creep’. You just need to remain mindful and ensure you know what’s truly important to you and your family.

Below, we’ll go through a few pointers that will help you to avoid lifestyle inflation now and in the long run:

8 Places to Check Out in Central Pennsylvania

Wednesday, March 18, 2020



I’ve lived in Central Pennsylvania my entire life so I’d like to think that even though I don’t have kids, I still know of some really fun and unique places. So if you’re from the area and want to explore more or you’re just passing through, here are 8 places to check out in Central Pennsylvania!

Planning A Hassle Free Home Move

Monday, March 16, 2020


Whenever you outgrow your surroundings and decide that it’s time to look for a brand new home to nest inside, it can be an absolute whirlwind experience that can so easily become overwhelming. There are so many different vital tasks that you have to get done, and usually such short time frames to play with too! Rather than spending above and beyond to try and organise your home move in the most suitable way, there are many simple tips and tricks that can help you to reduce your stress levels and stay on top of your game to ensure you can really make the most of your new space. So, if you’re ready to find out how you can plan your next home move without the usual mayhem and madness, then read on to uncover the best stress busting steps that you can follow today!

My Strict Strategies to Save Money and Avoid Spending



There are times in life where we have no choice but to crack the heck down on ourselves and our spending. Maybe there’s an emergency going on and we need to come up with the money for it, maybe we need to get out of an immense amount of debt as fast as possible, and maybe it’s just when we know we’re out of control with bad habits and we HAVE to put a stop to it. I’d like to think I’m pretty good at doing this by now so I put together some of my strategies that work for me when I need to stop spending and start saving.

5 Life-Changing Home Upgrades

Sunday, March 15, 2020



While you likely still love your house, if you come in the front door and regularly sigh at the changes to do to it, then now is the time to make some improvements. Consider doing these five home upgrades to make your life easier.

Life Lately

Friday, March 13, 2020


Life lately is going good. The weather is improving, the daylight is lasting longer, and I’ve been doing a lot of cool things.

Providing Your Dog With The Perfect Diet

Thursday, March 12, 2020


A great dog food will provide your pooch with all the nutrients it needs to stay strong and healthy. It’s also a good idea to add a few fresh vegetables to your dog's diet now and then. For a range of health benefits, try spicing up your dog’s bowl with these tasty veggies.

How To Get A Loan If You're Self Employed

Wednesday, March 11, 2020



Self employed loans are a great thing but unfortunately, people don't always know that it's possible.  When you're self employed whether it's as a blogger or any other type of career field, you don't get pay stubs or tax documents from an employer that show you're employed so it can be a daunting task to get a loan that requires you to prove you're employed and what your income is.  That's why knowing how to get a self employed loan is very important. 


Sleeping Tips and Tricks For Better Health



If you can improve your sleep then you can go a long way to improving your health. When you have some healthy sleep habits, then it can impact your life in a big way and make a difference to the quality of your life. So what are the best things to be doing? We all know that cutting back caffeine before bed is wise, or to keep your phone out of your room. But what else can we try? Here are some things that you can do to improve your sleep, and as a result, improve your life.

3 Reasons For Blood In Your Mouth

Have you recently noticed that there’s a lot or even just low amounts of blood in your mouth? You might be concerned that this is a sign that something serious is going on. Is that this case? While it’s possible that this is the sign of a serious health issue, there are other possibilities that should be explored before you jump to that type of conclusion.

8 Tried and True Productivity Tips


#1 Put It In Writing

Writing everything down is a great way to ensure it’s always out of your head so there’s less chaos and clutter in your mind. I have a yearly checklist of things that need done, quarterly, monthly, weekly, and daily. This also makes it super easy when you are filling in your planner (GET A PLANNER!). I never have to worry about when something needs serviced because I know when I get to that time in my planner, the reminder is there. In order to manage your life and your time the best way possible, you must have it all down in writing. Whether it’s writing your daily tasks down for the day when you get in your office, or making a to do list on your phone for the things you need to do as soon as you get home, get it all written down.

Before You Unpack Those Boxes… Your Priorities After Moving Into Your New Home

Tuesday, March 10, 2020





A new home is a new start and when we've got the keys to the property and finally stepped in through the door after months and months of teetering on the edge you have finally got a place that is all yours! But for some people, this is where certain problems can start to rear their heads. Perhaps there are structural issues that need addressing or there are other components that need prioritizing. With this in mind after you've moved into a new home what are your biggest priorities?

Changing Your Locks

You have no idea who has got access to the property. It's a good idea to get a locksmith around as soon as possible to change the locks. As soon as you've done this you can rest easy. Because you've moved into a property that might have changed hands quite a few times you have no idea who's got keys or even if the locks have been changed at all over the last few decades!

Finding The Circuit Breaker

Even if you're not electrically minded there will be times when you need to replace a fuse or reset one of the numerous circuit breakers. If you just moved into the property and the power goes out, do you know where it is? The usual location for circuit breakers tends to be in storage closets or hallways. If they aren’t located there it's usually in the basement or can be outside.

Look At The HVAC System

It's a good idea to get someone to check out your HVAC system a week or so after you've moved in. It's one of those systems that if it breaks down you will spend a lot of money getting it fixed. It's a good idea for you to inspect the heating and cooling units on a regular basis just to see if there's something not quite right. If it looks like repairs are needed it's crucial to get on top of these as soon as possible.

Assessing Urgent Home Maintenance Needs

If you aren't at all knowledgable in the ways of DIY it might be a good idea to do some homework. In any home, there can be signs of wear and tear or there could be a small leak that has been left to progress over time. When you start to become a bit more hands-on with regards to DIY you can start to do things like landscaping or cleaning the gutters. But the great thing is that there's plenty of resources online to get you started. If you can hammer a nail into a wall you can build up your home maintenance skills in no time!

Think About Your Home Security

It all depends on where you live. You may live in a nice neighborhood but you don't know if there has been a wave of crime recently. It's always a good idea to get a security system installed and if there's a neighbourhood watch scheme, you should join it.

A new home is a new start so make sure that you are on top of the most pressing issues.



| FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA |
Photobucket Photobucket Photobucket Photobucket  photo googleplus.png  photo 23838acc-c845-40e1-a704-cde81cdac700_zpsjuxfuv35.jpg

Top Tips for a Better Night's Sleep


We all want a good night’s sleep. None of us enjoy tossing and turning for hours feeling restless at night. None of us enjoy feeling worn out and exhausted when we’re trying to get through our daily tasks and responsibilities when the morning comes around. But what can you do to get a better night’s sleep? We’re all used to the worn advice that we shouldn’t drink caffeine before bed, or that we should put our phones down to avoid blue light that messes with our circadian rhythms. But what other simple tips and tricks can we try out to nod off a little more easily? Here are a few things you might want to consider trying out!

A Weary Welcome: Common Concerns For New House Buyers

Monday, March 9, 2020





A new home is a new start. And so many people that are desperate to get onto the property ladder, they will overlook numerous hazards. But this is an incredibly common oversight. Many people feel that they will disregard so many different things in order to get onto the property ladder that they think they can fix these things up, when in fact they are setting themselves up for a very expensive few years. What are the things that you need to keep an eye out for in a new home?

Planning Your Bathroom Renovation Like an Expert

 
The bathroom is one of the essential rooms in your house. It makes a good starting point for remodeling a house. You want to own a bathroom that is practical, serene with a bit of luxe. But there are a lot of tiny details, options to make, and processes to follow if you want to renovate your bathroom.
Image via Adobe Stock by 4th Life Photography

What's more, renovating a bathroom is not cheap. Replacing your tiles, fixtures, and vanities may cost you thousands of dollars. You can imagine how much it would cost you if you were to install high-end amenities such as heated floors.

The Things In Life We Take For Granted


As a human race we're terrible at taking things for granted. Life is so short when you think about how quickly time is passing, and there's just not enough time in our lifetime to be able to do all of the things we might want to do. We end up taking so much for granted because of how easy everything is now. When you think about the amount of luxuries that we have in our life and how accessible they are, you'll understand how easy it is to take it all for granted. The device you're using to read this article, the roof over your head, the car you most likely have, it's all more than someone else in the world has, yet we tend to find a million and one things to complain about. So sometimes it's good to just sit and reflect on the things that you have in life and how lucky you are. We're going to try and help you to do that by showing you some of the things in life that you're probably taking for granted. Keep on reading to find out more.