Tag Archives: decorating

Creating A Perfect Nursery

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Creating A Perfect Nursery

Once you have a child, you will spend the rest of your life doing what is best for them. The home decor and layout is one area where this certainly rings true. This mindset will be present in virtually every part of the home, including the backyard. Thankfully, many of the rooms only need minor adjustments until your child is up on their feet. For now, though, the main goal is to master the nursery. Here are some simple steps to help you do it in style:

Build around the bed:

The clue is in the title, the bedroom is a room that is primarily a place to sleep. While your son or daughter will spend the first few months in your room, they will soon outgrow the Moses basket. Finding a suitable crib at Foryourlittleone establishes a solid platform to build upon. It is the most important item in the bedroom or nursery. When you get this aspect right, it should provide guidance for all other elements. A baby will spend anywhere up to fourteen hours of the day sleeping so you want their crib to be just right!

Get a nursing chair:

Whether it’s an armchair, a rocking chair, or a small sofa is up to you. One way or another, though, you will benefit from having a seat for the night feeds or when your child wakes up in the night. Moving your tot too far may increase their alertness and make it harder for them to drift back to sleep. So, it is a purchase that will deliver benefits for parents and children alike.

When the nursing chair aesthetically matches the cot or the other room surroundings, it becomes a big part of the decor. In later years, it can move to the office or living room.

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Pixabay Image

Focus on warmth:

Maintaining a comfortable atmosphere for your child is vital for promoting healthy sleep. Aside from checking your central heating, you will want to ensure that the flooring choices are suitable. Experts at a Carpetwarehouse can help you find the thick solution that will keep the warmth in while also boosting the looks. The right choice of window coverings should avoid unnecessary heat loss too.

Conversely, you’ll need to keep the room cool in the summer. A good aircon system should be supported by big windows and/or an uncluttered design.

Have space:

Uncluttered designs aren’t only useful for maintaining a good temperature. It also provides your child with a place to play. Even when introducing them to tummy time, enjoying these activities in the bedroom can boost their bond with it. As they get older, there needs to be enough room for playing with toys and games. Many parents are surprised by the amount of storage that’s required as their child reaches their toddler years. Planning ahead with shelving and storage solutions is highly advised.

Keep your newborn comfy as can be in their nursery with the tips above!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Creating The Perfect Focal Point In Any Room

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Creating The Perfect Focal Point In Any Room

The focal point of a room is one of the most significant parts of interior design and should never be ignored. Put simply, this is the center of the space. It is the first item that your visitors notice when they enter the room, giving their eye something to rest on and it is the focal point around which you construct the remainder of your design. It also offers minor clues to the homeowner’s personality or hides an undesired design aspect that cannot be otherwise eliminated.

It is crucial to make sure that you have chosen the correct place for this showcase. This guide will help and offers all you need to know about finding the proper focal point for your space:

Emphasize the most desirable feature:

In an ideal situation, each of the rooms in your home would have an integrated focal point. In that instance, all you have to do is construct your design and decor in such a way that it draws attention to the already existing element. As a result, determining how to arrange a room becomes considerably simpler.

The following are some of the most popular forms of built-in focal points:

Windows and Outdoor Views: Windows and outdoor views are a natural choice for a focal point in any room. Regardless of what else is going on in the room, the eyes are drawn here. If you are fortunate enough to have this kind of view, all you need to do is open the windows as wide and as fully visible as possible to take full advantage of it.

Fireplaces: Fireplaces can help to bring a sense of calm to a room. It is important to create a comfortable seating area around the fireplace and hang a daring piece of art hanging over it.

Integral shelving: Shelves and fireplaces are frequently found together in the same space. Even if this is not the case, the concept is still very close. Create a seating area around the shelving and be sure to incorporate your personal style into the design.

You can build your own focal point:

Make a custom one for yourself if you do not have anything that creates a natural one for you. While this will require a little more effort, it is by no means insurmountable. As previously stated, there are numerous possibilities to pick from so select the one that best suits your needs.

Accent walls: As a general rule, if there are no built-in elements to work with, an accent wall can be constructed on the wall that is the furthest away from the room’s entrance. Make use of eye-catching paint or wallpaper, like the one found here to capture people’s attention.

Artwork: A large piece of art or a mirror can stand on its own and command attention. As a result, you will want to make certain that the item you select is large enough to accommodate the wall on which it will be installed. It should be placed at or near eye level, and accent lighting should be used whenever feasible to make the piece even more noticeable and appealing.

Furniture that makes a statement: A huge piece of furniture that is distinctive or bold might serve as an excellent focal point in a room. The dining room and the bedroom are typical examples of this, as there is clearly a focal point in the room. You will want to use accessories, such as a table centerpiece or some cushions on the bed to help direct the viewer’s attention to this area.

Some things to avoid when creating a focal point include:

  • Having more than one focal point: This can confuse the eye and distance the room
  • Only using color: Texture and pattern can also create a focal point for the eye to land on
  • Ignoring lighting: Lighting is crucial, and if possible, your focal point should have its own light source
  • Poor scaling: Not properly sizing and furnishing the area can result in a jarring tone that detracts from the overall effect of the room.

Making a decision on a focal point is one of the most crucial aspects of interior design and for good reason. This feature is the first thing that visitors notice when they walk into the space and it serves as the focal point of your design. You may take your design to the next level by making a few little adjustments to make it perfect for your space.

Featured Image By: Pexels

5 Tips For Creating The Perfect Jack-O-Lantern

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5 Tips For Creating The Perfect Jack-O-Lantern

Before we visit a pumpkin patch or farm, we might want to brush up on our pumpkin decorating skills. A well decorated front yard for Halloween is a joy for children and adults alike so why not go all out? If you are looking for an activity that extends beyond choosing a pumpkin and decorating it, which will happen too, then click here. Let’s get started:

Select the Right Pumpkin:

A thorough inspection of the pumpkin should include checking for soft spots. This is to make sure that you do not end up choosing a pumpkin that has already begun to spoil. Also avoid pumpkins with deep ridges and go for a smooth-surfaced one. At pumpkin farms, there will be plenty of choices as opposed to you trying to pick the best among limited options within a grocery store, when customers have already bought the best ones.

The design that you have in mind should also dictate the pumpkin that you choose. In other words, do you need a short and round pumpkin or one that is skinnier and taller in terms of its shape? Know in advance what you are looking for.

Prepare Your Design Before Applying to the Pumpkin:

Draw out your design and then use tracing paper to transfer it onto the pumpkin. This can be a design that you have approved yourself or that has been checked with someone else first. However, it is nice to surprise people by not showing them your design until it is carved on your finished pumpkin.

With your design, think beyond just a traditional triangular face and consider creating other Halloween symbols such as bats, stars, or moons. More adventurous still, you could attempt a graveyard scene or a spooky forest. If designing your pumpkin further down the line, perhaps at Thanksgiving in November, then think about alternative creations of say puppies, cats, or rabbits. Children tend to prefer animals because of their familiarity and the cute factor.

Know How to Hold Your Pumpkin:

It is a good idea to hold the pumpkin in your lap as you are carving it. This is the most supportive and safest way to carve a pumpkin. Have the right equipment of a serrated kitchen knife for the main carving and a small saw for the more intricate parts of the design.

Consider Shaving:

We are not talking shaving your legs or facial hair, but the alternative of not cutting right through the pumpkin with every stroke. Instead, sometimes deciding to just scrape pieces of pumpkin away to allow just enough light to glow through your open-design creations. It is always important to be patient when creating any pumpkin design. The best designs have taken much thought and a good deal of carving, and your other technique of shaving should make for a design that is more dynamic than it might otherwise have been.

Incorporating Scraps Within the Design:

Do not waste anything because you can incorporate your scraps or discarded pieces of pumpkin within your design. The ones that you do not intend to cook, that is. For example, you could make hair, a tongue, a pipe, or a chimney from these spare pieces. This will make your pumpkin into more of a character with a personality, a more sophisticated structure, or make it more three dimensional in form. You can be as artistic as you like, creating something for your pumpkin that merely started as a basic idea on paper. Think as creatively about your scraps as you do about the main part of your creation.

Turn your ordinary pumpkin into something extraordinary with the tips above and you will delight your whole neighborhood with your creation!

Our Spooky Shelf

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Our Spooky Shelf

Hi!! In my household, it is Halloween all of the time. Johnny and I love scary movies, spooky decor, and all things true crime. We have a fairly large amount of Halloween themed decor and, until this past weekend, we never had anywhere to display them because of limited space in our apartment. So, I was absolutely delighted when Johnny cleared off the game shelf on our cabinet record player and turned it into our spooky shelf, instead. Check it out:

Whenever Johnny and I are running errands, we often tend to bring home little surprises when we find something that each other would like. For example, I purchased the cowboy skeleton and undead bunny statue for Johnny when I had my Halloween Haul with my sister and niece. And last Friday, Johnny brought me home the little bat plushie front and center on the shelf. He also got the vampire puppy for both of us! ❤

We got the Frankenstein and Skeleton Man plushies on our family vacation to the Poconos and we are particularly fond of them. They are so cute! The rest of our decor was given to us by Johnny’s mom and we are insanely appreciative of that. A lot of the statues are from Johnny’s childhood but all of the orange pumpkins were hand painted by his grandma. It is incredibly special to have them and they are just adorable. My favorite is the one in the middle that is sitting on its side. 🙂

Johnny’s executive decision to create our spooky shelf was an inspired one, indeed. And, trust and believe we’ll be leaving it up all year round!

What is your favorite holiday to decorate for? Do you leave seasonal decor up all year too? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Revamp Your Bedroom With These Tips

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Revamp Your Bedroom With These Tips

What does your perfect bedroom include? A nice big bed? Soothing lighting? How about a plush carpet or rug? Today, we are going to explore some easy changes that you can make to revamp your bedroom to turn it into the ultimate place to relax after a long day. Let’s get to it:

Sweet Dreams:

The most important part of the bedroom is, of course, the bed! Start off by finding a good mattress for sale. This might mean getting a newer model of the mattress size you already have or treating yourself to a California King sized bed! Just like any good outfit, it is not complete without accessories so don’t forget the soft bedding, decorative pillows, and a nice comfy quilt or comforter. In fact, once you have a color theme sorted for your bedding, it will be simple to decorate the room accordingly from there.

Paint, Please:

Never underestimate the power of some fresh paint on the walls. The purpose of the bedroom is to help you relax and get a restful night’s sleep. This means that you are better off with softer, muted colors on your bedroom walls. A pale blue accented with cream colored decor should do the trick just fine. While pops of color are fun, they are much more appropriate in rooms like the kitchen or living area.

If you’re looking for a bigger project than repainting, you could try your hand at making your own bedroom furniture if you have the skills. Find some machine tools for sale and create one of a kind masterpieces!

Don’t Bring Work To Bed:

It is so important to use your bedroom for its intended purpose, rather than extra office space. It can be hard to get into a relaxation mode at night when you are working in there during the day! Rather, use technology to your benefit in the bedroom with music set to something soothing like waves crashing on the beach or the rain falling. Lighting is essential too, and there are lots of handy tools to put projections of the night sky or a forest right on your walls.

Play With Texture:

There are so many fun textures that you can play with when it comes to your bedroom decor. A faux fur style rug beside your bed is a great place to start. You can try billowy curtains on the windows or even go totally lux with a velvet headboard! The bedroom is not the place for rougher textures like burlap or canvas, so keep things soft and plush when you are choosing your decor.

Ready, set, relax with the tips above for simple suggestions to revamp your bedroom. Turn on your calming music and have sweet dreams!

 

7 Home Decor Ideas For Any Budget

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7 Home Decor Ideas For Any Budget

Want to do some serious home improvement but have no idea where to begin? We’ve got you covered. Listed below are seven home decor ideas that work for all budgets, so keep on reading to find out more:

Add a pop of color:

Bring your dull faded walls back from the dead with a fresh lick of paint. Color can help you achieve any atmosphere – so paint is a powerful home improvement tool. It is also DIY too! Painting yourself is not only super fun but is ideal if you want to cut back on costs. Ensure you know what you are doing first by first reading some simple instructions.

Color-wise, pale light colors like yellow and peach will work great if you want to recreate a vintage style home, while colors like red or dark blue will leave a bold statement. You don’t have to pick just one color either – you can combine colors. And, remember, paint doesn’t have to be reserved for just your walls. You can paint the floorboard, the front door, your picket fence, or your cabinets.

Remodel:

If you want a bigger home improvement than paint, opt for a full remodel as this is a change that will not go unnoticed. You can remodel any room but one of the most common rooms that people remodel is their bathroom. Source out a professional bathroom remodel company who can get the job done at a reasonable price. When it comes to the design of your new bathroom, there are so many options that you can choose from, and it can be overwhelming to know where to start with this. If you are looking for some inspiration for a bathroom remodel, check out these ideas for an updated bathroom to get started.

Accessorize:

A home just doesn’t feel right without the little quirky things. You can visit thrift and antique shops or browse Ebay to get your hands on some adorable nick-knacks that will add character to your home. A bonus is that these will be pretty cheap too!

Get a fireplace:

If you’ve got a chimney, make the most out of it by getting a stylish fireplace. This will be in the heart of your home and is perfect for those cozy winter nights. There are many styles to choose from and you can even modernize your current one.

Invest in a stair runner:

Improve the aesthetic of your boring staircase by purchasing some stair runners. You can get whatever color or patterns you like, regardless of design it is a sure way to add charm to your home. Don’t be afraid to purchase a few because you can change them out accordingly to the season!

Change your lighting:

You don’t have to settle for the typical light bulb in a plain lamp. You can get fairy lights (of whichever colors) to achieve a story book look, a chandelier if you’re feeling classy, or if you’re a lover of all things retro – buy some lanterns. You can improve the lighting anywhere in your home – including the garden.

Buy flowers:

Don’t neglect the exterior of your house! Decorating outdoors with flowers really helps to beautify your property. If you’re scared of bees or don’t trust yourself to look after plants, get artificial flowers (nobody will be able to tell the difference anyway). Read more on exterior home decor tips.

Restyling your home is so fun but don’t forget that these things cost money. Set a budget, stick to it, and see what you can achieve!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

How to Easily Brighten Up Your Home On a Budget

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How to Easily Brighten Up Your Home On a Budget

If your home is looking a little dull, what are some of the things you can do to brighten it up without spending much? If you want to get creative with your living space but don’t have a huge budget, there are plenty of ways that you can change the look and feel of your house without breaking the bank. Here are a few suggestions for easy ways to brighten up your home on a budget:

Paint the Walls:

A fresh coat of paint can significantly brighten up space and, when on a budget, you don’t have to work on the entire house but can paint one or two walls in each room. Make sure to choose bright colors that coordinate well with your decor. For a more professional outcome, consult interior painting companies. You’ll make fewer mistakes and end up with satisfactory results. For affordable color schemes, try pastels or choose a single color for the whole space.

Add Plants or Flowers:

Plants add life to any setting and are an affordable option when livening up space. You can also use plants and flowers to hide out-of-place furniture in your living room, hallway, or kitchen. Choose vibrant flowers that will make the space feel fresh, new, and elegant. Flowers and plants also make a room look expensive without spending a fortune. If you have some extra time, try planting some vegetables in containers for decoration inside the house. For the best results, place the plants at strategic locations near the windows and the front door to give your home a more natural look.

Buy New Curtains or Rugs:

One of the easiest ways to change a room is by replacing the curtains with new lighter or brighter ones. For some inspiration, you could start by browsing the selection with a company like Regency Knights (or a similar business in your local area). From sheer and gauzy curtains to thick panels in a variety of shades, you will be sure to find options that match your home’s aesthetic. You will be amazed at the difference it makes! Switching your rugs up is another good option too. If you can’t replace all of the curtains or rugs in your house, start with the ones in the living room, then move on to other rooms such as bedrooms and the kitchen. The most used rooms should come first.

White and Off-White Décor:

Just about any color scheme looks good with white or off-white décor, so it’s a great way to create a new look without spending much money. To get the most out of your investment, buy furniture, wallpaper, and artwork in coordinating but bright colors. This will make your home feel more spacious and radiant.

Lighting:

Think about the colors of light bulbs you use. Warm-colored light will create a cozy atmosphere that can make any room feel more inviting. This type of lighting is better in rooms for relaxation like the living room and bedroom. Brighter white lighting is good for rooms with high activity like the kitchen. You may also want to consider adding decorative lighting like table lamps or wall sconces for an even softer glow.

Refresh Carpets:

Vacuum and shampoo carpets, then add a deodorizer to keep smells at bay and refresh the color so they don’t look dull. If you’ve had the carpets for a while, replacing them eventually would be a worthwhile investment.

As you will realize, these suggestions don’t require much money and most of them are easy DIY projects – no local professional required!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Summer Check List For Your Home

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Summer Check List For Your Home

Whether for yourself or your home a makeover is always a good idea! There is no need to overspend to refresh your home as the weather changes. All you need are a few simple but effective solutions to suffice so let’s discuss further with a summer check list for your house:

First Things First:

There is literally nothing worse than returning home from work on a hot day to an equally hot house. If you haven’t already, it is so crucial to get your air conditioning checked by a professional for the continued comfort of yourself, family, and pets. Don’t forget to get your refrigerator repaired if it is on the fritz by a local professional or appliance repair Winnipeg to keep your ice cream and popsicles from melting! Summer party foul.

Refresh Your Fabrics:

During the warm weather, it is all about breezy flowy fabrics both in fashion and in your home. Ditch the heavy drapes on your windows with gauzy curtains and pack up your throw blankets and plush rugs for the fall. Less is more when it comes to summer home decor and just the sight of heavy fabrics on a hot day can feel suffocating! Opt for bright throw pillows, thin and colorful traditional rugs, and billowy curtains for a cool and comfy atmosphere.

Change Up The Color Palette:

Nothing looks more chic in the summertime than neutral colors like white or beige paired with bold pops of color. Of course, the same goes for fashion too! Don’t bother making over your entire home, just focus on improving the room you will spend the most time in. The living room is an excellent option. Could you imagine relaxing on a beautiful beige canvas recliner with pleasing pops of orange or turquoise scattered throughout the room? That sounds heavenly to me!

Plants & Landscaping:

If you have a green thumb, a potted plant display in your house could make a unique statement as well as improve your air quality. No worries if you can’t even keep a cactus alive – that’s what wildflower bouquets from the farmers market on your kitchen and coffee tables are for! Flowers go a long way on both the interior and exterior of your house and the beautiful blooms are sure to make your family and neighbors smile. Start a gardening club with your friends and have fun getting your hands dirty.

Check, check, and double check. Your home is now perfectly summer ready!

Instant Transformations To Any Room

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Instant Transformations To Any Room

The COVID-19 pandemic has been long and incredibly difficult and I am sure we are all SO sick of our houses by now! If this sounds like you, then it’s time to shake things up in your home to get it feeling like new again so you can better enjoy your space. From big projects to small, the following suggestions will add an instant transformation to any room. Let’s get started:

Update Your Flooring:

Threadbare carpets and old linoleum flooring that never looks clean no matter how many times you Swiffer have got to go. Think modern and sleek with interesting tile floors in the kitchen or bathroom while opting for grander options in the living room like oak hardwood floors. Cozy up the space with plush rugs and blankets for the perfect rustic chic motif. Sometimes, the best place to start when transforming a room is from the ground up!

Let The Light In:

If a lack of sunlight in your home office is making it feel like five PM at one in the afternoon, then your productivity is sure to suffer. How about having some large windows installed? Not only will the natural lighting instantly transform the space but it will make your home office the best in the business – especially if you were working in a cubicle pre-pandemic! The sunlight pouring in will eliminate cozy home office vibes to a more work appropriate space and it might just be the cure for that mid afternoon slump.

Make A Statement:

A surefire way to transform any space is with a new piece of statement furniture. A great place to start would be with the couch because I am sure we can all agree that it has gotten an ample amount of use in the past year and change! Shop for sales or explore secondhand stores to find that special piece that you didn’t know you needed. If your home is feeling blah but you can’t pinpoint why, a few new pieces of furniture should quickly solve that problem.

Clear Some Space:

The new hobbies we began during the pandemic deserve an appropriate space to be practiced in. Once you are done with an overall decluttering of your home, target a specific area to turn into your new painting studio or writing nook. Having a special space to continue perfecting your new craft will help shake the boredom blues and will, surely, become your favorite place in the house because it is just for you. Home gyms or game rooms are another good option to turn a space into something brand new.

We all deserve a little home makeover after living through a global pandemic and the ideas above will instantly transform any space!

Hobbies That Can Be Turned Into Side Hustles

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Hobbies That Can Be Turned Into Side Hustles

If you have been working hard at new or old hobbies during the COVID-19 pandemic, then you might be interested in taking it to the next level by starting a side hustle. It’s always an amazing feeling to have your work verified by people willing to pay for it and who doesn’t want to make a bit of extra cash? If you are interested in starting a side hustle, the following hobbies can very easily be turned into one! Let’s get started:

Reupholstery/Refurbishing Furniture:

The change of seasons is an ideal time for furniture shopping as there tend to be a lot of good sales to help cut the cost. From living room furniture to new dining sets, many will surely want to give their home a bit of a makeover after being cooped up for so long. Reupholstering or refurbishing furniture is an amazing skill to have and it gives people the opportunity to purchase a one of a kind piece. The idea of no one else in the world having something is an appealing one that people would most definitely want to pay for.

Secondhand Shopping:

From selling used clothing on apps to making a pretty penny if you have an eye for vintage finds, selling secondhand is an incredibly popular side hustle. Next time you have a closet clean out, post your no longer wanted items in excellent condition on Poshmark and see how you fair. Educate yourself when it comes to brands, trends, and the best secondhand shops in your area and your trips to the thrift store could turn into an extra income.

Cake Decorating:

I have so many friends on social media who are skilled at baking and decorating sweet treats and have made successful side hustles out of their hobby. I am constantly seeing adorable cutout cookies for baby showers, cake pops, and themed birthday treats that I’m sure are as delicious as they look! If you can bake and decorate with the best of them, post your creations on social media and see if there would be an interest – it can’t hurt!

Cleaning/Organizing Services:

There are many out there who simply detest cleaning and are willing to pay for someone to do it for them. If you don’t mind getting your hands dirty and love the satisfaction of a sparkling countertop, then offering home cleaning services could be the way to go. You could even try your hand at home organization to get your client’s space running more efficiently. If this is the side hustle for you, take some time to look at your competitors by entering a search for “House cleaning in Victoria BC” (or your local area). Can you offer services that they don’t have listed? Are there promotions you can run to boost your clientele? This will be a most helpful step in gaining traction for your hustle.

Sports:

Believe it or not, sports is a great avenue worth exploring for a side hustle. Engaging in sports can be a hobby, and some individuals may turn their passion for sports into a source of income through various aspects like coaching, playing professionally, or working in sports-related professions. Others may take to sports betting and have some success, albeit with some risks. Fortunately, you can follow sports enthusiasts like Jeffrey Rusert Jefferson County if you require extensive data to boost your chances of success and make an informed decision.

The key words when it comes to betting truly are “informed decision” and is a potential side hustle that you should skip on if you are really lacking in sports knowledge. Before you place any bets, it is so important to do your research and learn the ins and outs of the game because it will turn into all risk and no reward. Watch the games, get up to date on all of the players, look up advice on tennis betting or the sport you are interested in. Knowledge is power and will give you a far greater chance of success.

Of course, betting is a hobby that should be done in moderation. However, it can be something exciting to partake in every once in a while and can provide a nice boost to your wallet. You can explore the Top 20 UK betting websites to get started and put your sports knowledge to the test. This is a side hustle that can be done from the comfort of your home or favorite sports bar while you watch the big game.

While success for your side hustle often doesn’t come over night, it is a great thing to start working for. Consider your hobbies, skills, and interests to find the best side hustle for you!