Tag Archives: advice

Feb27

Remote Career Ideas That Are Here To Stay

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Remote Career Ideas That Are Here To Stay

Working from home once felt like a fantasy. But over the last few years, we’ve all realized that not only is remote work possible, it’s more popular than we could have imagined. Here are a few remote career paths that aren’t just trendy fads but are sticking around for the long term:

Virtual Medical Assistants:

If someone had told you ten years ago that you could help patients while wearing your pajamas, you might have laughed. But surprise! Virtual medical assistants are a real thing, provided by companies like My Mountain Mover. These behind-the-screens healthcare heroes handle scheduling, patient inquiries, and follow-ups, all from the comfort of a home office (or, let’s be honest, the kitchen table). Think of it as modern medicine meets the world’s coziest dress code.

Social Media Managers:

Social media managers don’t just lounge around scrolling Instagram all day. Okay, they do scroll a lot, but it’s their job! Whether it’s curating cat memes for a local business or marketing the next must-have gadget, social media managers create content that sparks engagement, conversation, and sometimes viral mayhem. Plus, if anyone asks, you can always say you’re “developing brand synergy,” which sounds fancy enough to silence any skeptic.

Online Tutors:

Remember the days of chalkboards and overhead projectors? (No? Congratulations, you’re officially too young or you’ve blocked out those memories.) These days, you can tutor students from anywhere with a decent WiFi connection. Whether it’s helping kids conquer math or fine-tuning adult language skills, online tutors are bridging educational gaps from their living room or a sunny patio – no chalk dust required.

Content Writers and Copywriters:

Raise your hand if you ever daydreamed about typing away on a beach, sipping something fruity while your keyboard glistens in the sun. Content writing is the perfect gig for wordy folks who prefer to craft witty sentences over dealing with office politics. With countless companies craving fresh blog posts, newsletters, and social media engagement, the demand for remote writers isn’t going anywhere. (Your biggest challenge? Not getting sand in your laptop.)

Virtual Event Planners:

If you thought planning a wedding was stressful, try organizing a virtual conference with attendees spread across five time zones. Yet, for those who adore logistics and throwing confetti (digitally or otherwise), virtual event planning is a golden opportunity. From hosting epic Zoom parties to coordinating global corporate gatherings, you can orchestrate show-stopping events while sipping tea in your pajamas.

Remote Customer Service Representatives:

Customer service is one of the top areas embracing remote work. Why? Because irate phone calls are easier to handle with a favorite pet on your lap or a motivational latte at your side. Customer support reps can troubleshoot everything from cable errors to rogue waffle irons, all without stepping foot in a cubicle. Headsets on, meltdown averted—next caller, please.

What are you waiting for? Time to take your career remote!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Feb27

DIY Home Office Makeover On A Budget

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DIY Home Office Makeover On A Budget

Who says your home office has to cost an arm and a leg to look stylish and work-friendly? Your office space can be lovely and easy on your wallet. No makeovers, no logos, just a bit of creativity, a little budget advice, and some patience. Here are some tips on how to give your office a new face for a fraction of the cost:

Start With What You Have:

Stop for a moment and take a good look around your house. What is it that you currently have that can be used to make your office work? Oftentimes, your best furniture is in your own possession. Paint it a new shade, change its hardware, and make sure your old furniture is new all over. Organize that bookshelf, move a lamp, and see a difference. It’s unbelievable how a fresh perspective can change a room.

Develop A Realistic Budget. Stick To It:

Budgeting isn’t exactly fun. Yet, it’s necessary. You don’t need a ginormous budget in order to have a stylish home office, but you must have a plan. Maybe you’ll budget a little extra for a snuggle-up chair just for the sake of your back’s comfort, and that will be worth it. Or maybe you’ll budget for some awesome lighting since doing your job in the dark is a total downer. Before buying, write down what you need, what you want, and what is optional. This keeps your mind in focus when temptation strikes.

Thrift and Secondhand Stores are Treasures:

The real magic is in thrift stores, garage sales, and online marketplaces. Don’t overlook non-traditional options. For example, a sewing cabinet can be a creative office fixture and double up for your hobbies, adding a splash of personality and functionality. Such an item typically contains inbuilt compartments, perfect for keeping office supplies organized without extra mess.

Adding Personality With DIY Decor:

Personalize your workspace. Add framed prints, a corkboard, or a gallery wall. Consider adding plants for some greenery. Plants can give a room new life, too. Low maintenance options such as pothos, succulents, or snake plants can provide a pop of color for minimal price. Fresh flowers can majorly brighten your day or you could hang a bird feeder outside the office window to appreciate nature’s beauty.

Lighting Makes a World of Difference:

If your screen is giving you a headache, it’s time for a change. Natural light is ideal, so position your desk in a window, if possible. Utilizing natural light can be a game changer in your home office and is a good thing to focus your budget on. Take the time to find a Glass Company in your local area for repairs or installation and let the light shine in. No harsh overhead lights or lamps required! If you don’t have a window, that’s okay because the ideal stylish lamp can make a big difference. Scour thrift stores for vintage lamps in hip designs, or replace your current fixture with a dimmable bulb for malleable moods.

Cushioning is Important:

The throne of your office. Comfort is not an optional commodity here. Ergonomic chairs, though, can be pricey. So, in this case, how do you find a balance between cost and comfort? Try secondhand first. You’d be amazed at all of the great chairs that go on sale on online marketplaces. If you end up being stuck in a not-great chair, however, a seat pillow or lumbar pillow is an excellent investment.

Make The Best of Wall Space:

Walls in an office home are prime real estate. Make the most of them. Floating bookshelves can hold books, plants, or prints. Wall grids can hold reminders, a calendar, or motivational sayings. If you want to be bold, paint a solitary wall a fun color. Accent walls give a room excitement without overwhelming it. Accent walls provide an affordable, potent means of adding personality.

Cables and Technology – Organized and Practical:

Nothing kills a mood faster than a snarled mess of cables. Organization of cables is not a sexy phrase, but it is a lifesaver. Velcro straps, cable organizers, and stick-on clips keep everything organized and in place. Place your router, your printer, and other electronics in inaccessible locations. Consider a cordless keyboard and a cordless mouse to maintain a clutter-free space. An organized workspace is a productive space.

Make Your Space Yours:

Your home office should be an expression of who you are. But there is a fine line between personal and distracting. Be intentional. Add a few personal, thoughtful touches – a treasured family portrait, a book, a piece of art. Make your working space a source of inspiration rather than stress. Simple touches make it personal, though functionality is paramount.

Additional Ways of Uplifting Your Space:

A wonderful, cost-effective solution is multi-purpose furniture. One can have an ottoman as a secondary place for visitors to sit, in addition to a location for supplies. Likewise, a folding desk extension can be inserted when there is a need for more room, perfect for busy days when multitasking is a must. Such convenient extras make your office flexible and cost-friendly.

Your home office can be a place that makes work a little easier, a little cozier, and more productive. With some creativity, time, and smart budgeting, you can create a space for work that you’ll enjoy – without it costing a fortune.

Featured Image By: Pexels

Feb21

Invisible Shields: How Professional Services Fortify Your Home Against Disasters

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Invisible Shields: How Professional Services Fortify Your Home Against Disasters

Home is supposed to be the safest place in the world. But when disaster barges in, uninvited and unannounced, it doesn’t care about your peace of mind, your years of hard work, or the memories wrapped up in every wall. Fire. Floods. Storms. Even the smallest accident can spiral into a home-altering catastrophe. But here’s the thing: you don’t have to face it alone. There’s an entire industry of professionals there to help. They’re the invisible shields, the ones who step in to prevent, mitigate, and, when necessary, bring your home back from the brink:

Preventing Disaster Before It Strikes:

Some people say you can’t control fate. But you can definitely prepare for it. A house isn’t just four walls and a roof – it’s a living, breathing structure that needs constant care. And when it comes to disasters, the best strategy isn’t to react but to stay ten steps ahead.

Fire Prevention and Protection:

Nobody wakes up thinking, Today’s the day my house might catch fire. But fires don’t wait for invitations. They start in forgotten corners – faulty wiring, a neglected chimney, a dryer vent clogged with lint. The good news? Fire prevention experts know where to look. They install smoke detectors in the right places, check fire suppression systems, and inspect the overlooked hazards before they become newsworthy. A simple checkup today can mean a home that’s still standing tomorrow.

Weatherproofing Your Home:

Water is sneaky. A single weak spot in your roof, a poorly sealed window, or an overwhelmed drainage system can start leaks that turn into nightmares. And if a storm decides to drop a tree branch through your ceiling? That’s a whole different level of destruction. Professionals who specialize in weatherproofing don’t just patch things up, they fortify. Reinforced roofing, flood-resistant barriers, and storm-proof windows aren’t just nice-to-haves. They’re shields against nature’s worst moods.

Security Systems – Protection from the Unexpected:

A security system isn’t just about keeping burglars away. It’s about having eyes on every threat – fires, gas leaks, flooding. Today’s smart home security does more than beep when someone jiggles the doorknob. It warns you when there’s smoke in the kitchen or water creeping into the basement. And those extra minutes? They make all the difference.

Emergency Response – When Every Second Counts:

No matter how well you prepare, disasters have a way of showing up anyway. And when they do, response time is everything. The first few hours after a crisis can mean the difference between salvaging what’s left and losing everything.

Fire Restoration Services – Restoring What’s Lost:

The flames are gone, but the real damage is only beginning. Soot clings to everything, smoke burrows into fabrics, and the water from firefighting efforts lingers in the walls, waiting to invite mold. It’s overwhelming. And it’s exactly where fire restoration specialists step in. JDB Builders Inc. Fire Restoration Services don’t just scrub away the damage, they rebuild what’s left. They clear out the smoke-stained debris, dry out the waterlogged remains, and restore what can be saved. It’s not just about repairing a house. It’s about making a home feel whole again.

Water Damage Restoration:

Water moves fast. So does mold, rot, and structural instability. A minor leak, left alone, can turn into an unlivable situation within days. The experts who handle water damage don’t just clean up the mess, they act like detectives, hunting down moisture in places you didn’t even think to check. Industrial dehumidifiers, professional-grade drying techniques, and mold prevention measures aren’t overkill. They’re the only things standing between you and a home that’s slowly rotting from the inside out.

Tree Removal and Structural Repair:

A tree crashing through your house is one of those things you never think will happen until it does. One storm. One strong gust. One old branch hanging on by a thread. Suddenly, your living room has an unwanted skylight. Tree removal specialists don’t just clear the debris. They assess whether your home is structurally sound or if deeper repairs are needed. Sometimes, the damage is obvious. Other times, it takes an expert eye to spot the cracks forming under the surface.

The professionals who step in to prevent, respond, and rebuild are more than just service providers. They’re the ones who make it possible for you to come home again. And at the end of the day, that’s what really matters!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Feb9

Budget Friendly Valentine’s Day Gifts

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Budget Friendly Valentine’s Day Gifts

Hello! Mine and Johnny’s typical MO for Valentine’s Day is seeing a show at Playhouse Square. However, we are incredibly partial to a low key celebration too! Yes, it’s nice to go on a date for V-Day but it’s also just as nice or even better to spend true quality time together from the comfort of your home or a cozy cafe. Whether you go all out for the occasion or keep things simple is your prerogative. As long as the intent to truly celebrate your relationship is there, it’s going to be a great time! Let’s explore some ways that you can make V-Day special on any budget:

Extra Cleaning:

A deep clean of the home or taking on a chore that your partner is in charge of is completely free and will be completely appreciated. How do I know? I would be ELATED if my V-Day gift from Johnny was that he would take care of the bunnies in the morning for a few weeks! A gift like this is twofold. Your home will be squeaky clean AND completing some extra chores will give your SO time for themselves. Maybe they will use it to get twenty more minutes of shut eye or read a few chapters of a good book. Don’t underplay the gift of taking some weight off of your partner’s shoulders!

Good Morning, Sunshine:

Breakfast in bed? Yes, please! Talk about a fantastic way to make someone feel spoiled. You could whip up a big breakfast or brunch from home. Or you could grab takeout from your favorite restaurant. If your partner is not big on breakfast, that’s okay. You can still work with the idea! Surprise them with their Starbucks order, go to energy drink, or in my case – a McDonald’s Diet Coke and present it with a pretty bouquet. This is a surefire way to start the day off right and keep your main squeeze smiling from such a sweet gesture.

Sentimental:

One of the most beautiful gifts you can give is by using your words. Tell your partner how much they mean to you with a love letter on their pillow. This is so sentimental and will always be treasured. It is also an especially effective gift if you have a hard time expressing yourself. In the same breath, you could go the photo album route too. Compile your favorite shots from date nights, vacations, and just hanging out and create an album. It will be a welcome trip down memory lane as you flip through it together and remember the hilarious, romantic, and adventurous moments that you shared.

Matchmaker:

Having matching items with your SO is a match made in heaven! Johnny and I have countless matching T-shirts and it just makes us happy lol. The possibilities for a gift like this are truly endless. Will it be his and hers bathrobes? Two of a kind coffee mugs? Matching jerseys to cheer on your favorite team? Are you going to custom make it or find something perfect at the store? This is an awesome opportunity to get creative so have fun with it! I know I will be because I’m getting myself and Johnny a matching T-shirt set from one of our comfort shows as a bonus gift. 😀

As you can see, there are countless ways to make this Valentine’s Day one to remember while adhering to your budget. Your partner will LOVE any of these gifts!

What would you like for V-Day? What is your least favorite chore? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb8

Valentine’s Day Outfit Builder

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Valentine’s Day Outfit Builder

Hello!! I love getting dressed up for any holiday, but Valentine’s Day just hits different. Why? Because it’s different! While I do have a lot of very feminine clothes, I wouldn’t call my personal style “girly”. So, it is always fun to play with that too sweet aesthetic for V-Day. This year, I treated myself to a brand new OOTD for mine and Johnny’s Valentine’s Day date and I can’t wait to wear it! Today, let’s explore some options for all different kinds of styles to elevate you to the V-Day Best Dressed List too:

Sweet:

Whenever I think about Valentine’s Day, the first word that comes to mind is always “sweet” because it really is. You and your main squeeze are celebrating your love and each other and it’s a special occasion. Luckily, there is no shortage of ways that you can invoke sweetness into your OOTD. We’re talking soft, pastel shades. Silky, flowy fabrics. And, of course, dazzling and well placed accessories. Sweet outfits can benefit from one item in the OOTD being more form fitting and pairing it with something voluminous to balance it out. Cute kitten heels, tumbling curls, and makeup that enhances your natural beauty will complete the look for the ultimate in girly girl style.

Sexy:

In stark contrast to sweet vibes, let’s talk sexy. For Valentine’s Day, this means some va va VOOM baby! This is the opportunity to tap into a bad romance so leather and lace, anyone? Can you imagine a skin tight, black leather bodycon skirt paired with a deep red lace top? You will be turning everyone’s heads so don’t be afraid to show off! Choose pieces that hug every curve or accentuates a part of your body that your partner loves and let their eyes dance with accessories. For example, if you are primarily featuring your legs, a delicate anklet can push that pure sex appeal even further. Opt for smokey eyes, berry lips, and mile high stilettos to fly you into the oh so sexy stratosphere.

No matter what your Valentine’s Day style is, you can always opt for sexy underneath the clothing! Your partner will go gaga when they see the surprise of Valentines Costume lingerie. Whether your lingerie style is classic and chic or playful and sassy, there is an option for you and no matter what you pick is going to be a good one! Lingerie is an amazing way to express a different side of yourself and what better day to show it off than on Valentine’s Day?!

Sassy:

Sassy Valentine’s Day outfits are quirky and gives you free reign to play with patterns. How about a button down top with embroidered hearts? A cami with lipstick kisses? Even polka dots can transform your OOTD into something unique while still feeling classic to the Valentine’s Day standards. Sassy looks are adventurous and might not adhere to the usual silhouettes so experiment with how your clothing can create different shapes. A perfect example of this is cinching a cascading maxi dress with a belt to give your waist dimension. Screw the stilettos and go for chunky platforms, a bright lip, or try some funky eye makeup art to make your outfit pop even more!

No matter what you do for Valentine’s Day, put your best OOTD forward with these tips!

How would you describe your personal style? What is your favorite holiday to dress for? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan31

5 Reasons To Move To Edinburgh

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5 Reasons To Move To Edinburgh

There’s no shortage of great cities in the UK. Brighton has a lovely charm, Bristol has a bohemian feel, and cities like Manchester and Liverpool very much have their own identities. And then, of course, there’s London, which is rightly regarded as one of the best cities in the world. People looking to move north of the border will find much to love, too. Glasgow’s identity is even more distinct than Liverpool’s, while Abderdeen’s cosmopolitan feel contrasts well with its wild surroundings.

But there’s nowhere quite like Edinburgh, a city that is highly sought after by people looking for all the convenience of living in a city without the “big city” feel. Let’s take a closer look at some of the key reasons people choose to move to the Scottish capital:

It’s Easy to Get Around:

Don’t like having to drive everywhere? Then Edinburgh will be just right. This highly walkable city makes it easy to get virtually everywhere on foot. Whether you’re going for a meal, to the shops, or even to the city’s main tourist attractions, you’ll find that you can get there using your legs — and what’s more, you’ll have great views to accompany you on your journey, too.

It’s Picturesque:

And we mean, really picturesque. There’s a reason why tourists who visit Edinburgh fall immediately in love with the city. After all, it’s hard not to be enamored when there’s just so much charm to be found wherever you look. From cobbled streets to centuries-old buildings, it feels like a place right out of the movies or books. And actually, that shouldn’t come as a surprise — many iconic, famous stories have drawn inspiration from the city; you can even go on a Harry Potter tour of the city.

There Are Properties Available:

Edinburgh is a much-visited city, and there are plenty of Airbnbs and hotels available. But what about actually living there? Well, there’s good news on that front. As you can see by visiting https://www.estateagencyedinburgh.co.uk/properties, Edinburgh’s property market offers excellent homes at reasonable prices. And because the city is so compact, you’ll find that it’s possible to get just about everywhere regardless of where you live.

There’s a Strong Job Market:

Moving to Edinburgh with the intention of finding a job? You’re in luck — Edinburgh has one of the best job markets in the country, with many different types of industries having a big presence in the city. While you can’t expect to simply turn up and land the job of your dreams, you’ll find that the city rewards the professionally-focused.

It’s Well-Connected:

You’ll love spending your weekends exploring all the attractions and events that Edinburgh has to offer, but should you decide that you’re ready for a weekend away, then you’ll have plenty of options available. Edinburgh’s train station connects with all parts of Scotland and England, while the city’s airport offers low-cost flights to Europe and beyond. And when you come back, you’ll have beautiful Edinburgh waiting for you.

Need a change of scenery? Edinburgh might be just the place for you!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Jan21

Digital Marketing Tips

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Digital Marketing Tips

The world of digital marketing is vast and, honestly, can be a bit overwhelming! Creating a healthy and successful online presence whether it be for your business or yourself takes time and work. It also takes trial and error because every online presence is different. What works for your best friend’s brand might not work for you. Thankfully, some constants in digital marketing remain despite an ever changing online world. Let’s take a look at what you can focus on in this moment to take your brand to the next level:

Patience Is a Virtue:

We all know that what we put out online whether that be through social media or your own website has the potential to go viral. Of course, going viral is an excellent goal to strive for – imagine breaking the internet with one single piece of content! Is this achievable? Sure! Many people have done it. However, your page may not be as healthy as others if you are simply focusing on a viral status. Rather than a “do it quick” mentality, take the time to truly cultivate your page and allow it to grow naturally through your content and interactions. Viral status can be short lived but a stable platform with true fans, followers, and customers lasts forever. Don’t forget the importance of that, even if it is taking longer than you would like to see growth. Good things take time!

Creating meaningful content is the name of the game and if you are a business owner, you might not have the time or staffing to commit to this crucial aspect of marketing. If this is the case for you, patiently waiting for when you can squeeze in a few posts or run a handful of ads is not a virtue! Until you have the resources to handle your marketing in house, you might benefit from a digital marketing agency NZ (or your local area) to help you get started on the right foot. The team you choose will work with you to help bring your visions to life so you can focus on the priorities of your business.

Be Boldly You:

Let’s take a moment and think about all of the different websites and social media pages that exist. It’s too many to even put a number on! Knowing that, you must develop a marketing plan that showcases yourself and your vision. Out of all of the places on the internet, people are on your page so what makes it unique? When you can pinpoint that special something, the magic happens and your marketing can revolve around it. This could be with clever social media campaigns, a total website overhaul, or allowing your niche to branch out and cover more topics centered around your key interest. Regardless of what route you take, make one hundred percent sure you are happy with what you are putting out. What people see is their first impression of you even if they live halfway across the world and you want that impression to be a good one.

If you are creating amazing content but find that your website is lacking visual appeal, you might want to get help with its design. The appearance of your page is a direct reflection of your content and you will want it to look as high quality as what you are creating. Consider the help of Pacific IQ Shopify Marketing Services to assist with the design of your page. You will be amazed at the difference a fresh, beautifully designed layout can make!

Know Your Audience:

As your pages develop, you will be able to have a much clearer picture of where your viewers are coming from as well as their age demographic. This. Is. Huge! With this information, you can better curate your strategies to improve the experience for your current audience as well as have the insight to expand the demographic even more. For example, if your primary audience is senior citizens, the chances are high that they are only on Facebook for social media. They also might prefer email marketing like alerts and newsletters. Younger viewers are all about that in app experience with short and sweet video content, bold graphics, and eye catching statements. Your digital marketing should be all encompassing no matter the age or location of your audience so find ways to tap into each demographic with strategies that can be accessed in a variety of ways.

Know When to Get Help:

Feeling lost when it comes to SEO? Not sure where to start with building a website? This might be the perfect opportunity to explore how a marketing agency can support your efforts. The key is finding an agency that specializes in your industry – after all, a fashion website has completely different needs than a car dealership site. For instance, if you work in insurance, you could benefit from services tailored specifically to insurance broker seo. Partnering with specialists can fast-track your progress and give you the confidence to tackle more ambitious marketing goals as your business grows.

When you consult with a digital marketing agency like Dragonfly Digital Marketing, your goals for your website will be front and center. It’s a good idea to have some milestones you are hoping to achieve in mind before a consultation so the experts can put together a plan to help you meet them. Working with a marketing agency could be just what your page needs to expand your audience even further.

Digital marketing is strategic, yes, but it should be fun too. This is your chance to put your big idea front and center so develop a comprehensive plan, seek help as needed, and have a blast creating!

Jan19

Moving Right Along

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Moving Right Along

Howdy!! One of the comments that I get several times a week from the people I see and talk to frequently is: “I don’t know how you manage everything”. I have three jobs that keep me very busy, but I like to think that I have my juggling act down to a science. This isn’t something that happened overnight, rather something that has been perfected over time as I have been self employed for over a decade. It can be a delicate dance when you have a crazy schedule to keep your head above water. However, once you have it down, you can do that dance backwards and with your eyes closed! Here is what helps me:

I love my jobs:

The most important thing is to love what you do for a living and I certainly do! I love working with people with special needs, I love my blog, and I love being a social media manager. If I was absolutely miserable in any of these positions, I wouldn’t dedicate so much time to them. It makes me feel good to be a boss lady, but boss ladies know when to take a step back. As soon as I start feeling like something isn’t a good fit, I make immediate plans to change it and follow through until that is accomplished. It’s what keeps my work exciting and makes each day a joy rather than a chore.

It’s all in the timing:

Of course, time management is the next most important step to making a hectic schedule work. Through trial and error, I created a schedule that allows for me to complete every single task and be done when I return home so I can enjoy my evening with Johnny. Making a perfect schedule for yourself is like assembling a puzzle and once you get the pieces right, there is nothing that you can’t do. For a long while, I would still work a bit once I got home for the day no matter how badly I wanted to sink into the couch. The last step in my master schedule was eliminating this and I feel even more capable because I’m using my evenings for what they were intended for – relaxing!

Listen to yourself:

No one knows you better than you and rather than push yourself, you need to listen to yourself. I can’t tell you how many times I avoided taking breaks or simply a day off and it did me no favors. It made me resentful, exhausted, and overwhelmed. Honestly, this is one of the major things I still need to work on but I am getting better at it. You can only push yourself so much until you break so don’t let yourself get to that point. If something is feeling off, don’t just brush it aside because it’s your mind and body sending you a message. Listen to it because burnout is a very real thing and you have all of the tools to prevent it.

Go with the flow:

It’s no secret that my schedule is god lol. I have to admit, that I do tend to get a little panicky when my day isn’t moving as it should. This is why I am really making an effort to implement a go with the flow attitude. Being high-strung all day is exhausting and I always have to make a conscious effort to remind myself that things might not go accordingly to plan no matter how much you plan. While I do still experience some anxiety during a not to the T day, it has decreased substantially as I have to remind myself that even the most well thought out schedule needs some wiggle room.

I am well aware that there are still things that I need to work on when it comes to my work week. Keeping all of the above at the forefront of my mind helps me and I hope it does the same for you!

Do you follow the same schedule every day? How do you improve your work flow? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan17

Driving Safely In The Snow

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Driving Safely In The Snow

Hello!! In my youth, winters in Ohio were brutal. The snow was extreme, the temperatures were frigid, and school cancellations were frequent. When I began driving over a decade ago, it was so important to be well versed in driving in the snow, even if the weather wasn’t “as bad” as I could recall. In fact, I vividly remember driving an hour home from the dealership in my new car during a crazy snow storm and it was terrifying! As the years passed, winters in my neck of the woods became far more moderate and it felt like we barely got snow at all anymore. Then, winter weather came back with a bang this year. Not just in the AK-Rowdy but all across the country. It snowed in Atlanta where my brother lives and the whole city shut down!

I drive a lot for work and I can tell that so many people on the road now have little experience driving in snow. I have to admit, it took me a good minute or two to shake off the rust once it really started coming down here. So, I thought it would be helpful to compile a few pro tips for driving safely in the snow should it hit your area next:

Tap Those Breaks:

The natural instinct should something unexpected happen while driving is to slam on the breaks. But in the snow, this is the worst possible thing you can do because you’re not going to stop. You’re going to slide and that has the potential to cause accidents. Give yourself plenty of space between cars because that will give you the time to be able to break accordingly. Pump those breaks with a tap, tap, taperoo and keep it in mind every time you are prepping to come to a stop.

Proceed With Caution:

No matter the weather, there is always going to be someone on the road driving faster than you. This can be intimidating when it’s snowing because you might get the urge to speed up too. DON’T. Driving in the snow is all about being fully comfortable in regards to handling the car and your speed. Once you push yourself beyond what you feel capable of doing, panic can quickly set in and that can cause even more problems. DO YOU on the road and anyone who doesn’t like it can go around you.

Practice Makes Perfect:

Honestly, I’m pretty lucky to have more years of experience than I care to admit driving in the snow. Many people can’t say the same so don’t let your first trial run be on the road itself. If you are not familiar with driving in the snow, find yourself an empty parking lot as soon as snow starts to fall. Practice breaking, turning, slowing down, speeding up, and anything else you need to get a feel for it. Then, it’s a good idea to take some drives through your own neighborhood or residential areas so you can get experience on less busy streets before hitting the major roads.

It Sounds Silly:

For those who live in snowy areas: How often do you see people inquiring about the conditions of the road on social media? In my neck of the woods, our talk of the town page is always exploding with them! Now, ninety-nine percent of the time, people are happy to let you know. The other one percent is someone saying you’re stupid and they’re a hater! Anyways, if you do find yourself questioning driving conditions – just make a post because the chances are high that you are going to almost immediately get a real time update. If your question has been answered and you’re uncomfortable driving because of it, just stay home until the plows come through. And, yes, you are sure to get an update on that too!

I have driven in some NO joke snow storms this winter and it was scary even with my experience. There is no shame in pulling to the side of the road or hibernating the day away. Your safety is the most important thing!

What is winter weather like where you live? What is the worst weather you have driven through? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan3

The Best Investments You Can Make In A Rural Household

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The Best Investments You Can Make In A Rural Household

Escaping to the countryside is a common dream for many people, and most often comes when we’re stuck in a traffic jam on a busy morning work commute! But of course, moving to a rural area and enjoying a more remote home is work and an adjustment to make. For this reason, learning some of the best investments you may need to make in a rural home, even if you find a worthwhile deal, is absolutely worth it. In this post, we’ll discuss some choices that may help you on that path:

Property Fencing & Markers:

You’ll find that solid fencing really does transform a rural property. Many newcomers to country living discover that boundaries help maintain excellent relationships with neighbors while keeping the local wildlife from treating gardens like their personal buffet. But it’s also true that in rural areas, sometimes homeowners just leave their property borders unattended. Sometimes this is fine, but other times it might confuse rural walkers or those who encroach on your property without permission. You’re not being over the top for wanting to make these lines clear.

You can achieve a good-looking option by investing in simple wooden fencing or hedges, which can prevent confusion about where maintenance duties begin and end. Many rural homeowners have learned through experience that clear boundaries prevent somewhat tense conversations about fallen trees or building projects that accidentally cross property lines. Before you buy a property, have the land and borders surveyed so you know what the outlines are.

Septic Tank Installation:

Most rural homes need their own waste management solutions since they sit too far from main sewage lines. You might be surprised to learn that current septic systems work quite efficiently with minimal fuss, even if it’s not the most romantic idea or home upgrade you want to think about. While the upfront costs can feel substantial, a well-installed system often serves a property for decades when properly maintained, and emptying duties might only be needed once a year or so. If you share this with a neighbor you can split the cost. Care and mindful use makes all the difference here.

Private Road Maintenance:

Many rural homes sit on minor and private roads that may be your task to maintain, or it won’t get done. They could be owned by a house or perhaps part owned by everyone on the road. It’s fair to say that sometimes, a private less maintained road can be a bit of a headache. That’s because rain can reshape paths overnight and you’ll find out that winter brings its own set of challenges with snow removal becoming a personal responsibility. Many rural communities will be keen in sharing these duties and having good co-operation about it, which helps you split both effort and expenses. You might want to consider either investing in good equipment or building a relationship with a reliable local contractor. This way you can discuss potential issues with potholes or water pooling before it affect your vehicles. As everyone has an interest in avoiding such issues, it’s a worthwhile investment, but one you need to prepare for.

Motion Sensitive Lighting:

The countryside is amazing in that it offers wonderfully dark nights for stargazing, but you’ll likely want some lighting solutions for practical purposes too. You may find success with modern LED systems because they use minimal electricity while providing excellent illumination when needed. A great portion of rural homeowners discover that carefully placed motion-activated lights are good for security and energy efficiency.

Backup Supplies:

We’re not going to suggest that living in a rural environment is akin to posting in the International Space Station, but power interruptions tend to last longer in rural areas, and weather can sometimes limit access to town. That’s why even if you haven’t experienced an issue yet, maintaining a well-stocked pantry as a matter of necessity rather than convenience is a good idea. You might want to consider keeping emergency water supplies, basic medical items, and a reliable generator on hand if that’s possible. Grit and other snow-fighting materials can help too.

Renewable Energy:

On a rural property, you have more options for renewable power, which might be an investment now but could pay off over time! Rural properties often have good exposure and conditions for solar power, with plenty of open roof space and unobstructed sunlight if you’re lucky enough. You may even have a water wheel as part of your building that might take some time to get rebuilt over the river, or a place you can use for biofuels. While setting up renewable systems does require renovation and installation that comes with a cost, the long-term savings could be quite significant. Back that up with functional utilities such as furnace installation for appropriate heating, and you’ll be set up perfectly!

With this advice, we hope you can more easily make some good investments in your rural household, should you ever escape to that country life you dream about!

Featured Image By: Pexels