Tag Archives: family

Feb20

Enjoying The Kitchen As A Family

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Enjoying The Kitchen As A Family

The kitchen is often considered the heart of the home so why not get better acquainted with it during your next family night as opposed to the usual movies or games. Kitchens are meant to be used and enjoyed and creating a meal with your family gives you the opportunity to work as a team in a different activity while still spending quality time together. Who knows, you might just have a secret chef in your home! Try the following during your next family night for some good food and good fun:

Agree On A Menu:

If you are going to prepare an entire dinner with your family, then it is best to agree on a menu beforehand so you can pick up all of the necessary ingredients and save you from any surprise trips to the store. Is there going to be a cuisine style that should be adhered to? Is each person going to make their own dish or will tasks be delegated? Will there be enough options for people with dietary needs? All of this should come into consideration while preparing the menu to ensure that everything goes smoothly while cooking your meal.

Don’t forget to read your recipes carefully for instructions that you must complete beforehand or a crazy long cooking time so you can plan accordingly. It also doesn’t hurt to assign stations for everyone to work in so no one gets their toes stepped on and remember to tend to any professional fridge repairs that need done so all of your leftovers can keep!

Baking & Decorating:

If you’d rather move right onto dessert than try your hand at cooking a whole meal as a family, then that’s okay too! Baking and decorating desserts is fun for children and adults alike. You could even incorporate a competition element to the evening by offering a small prize for the best tasting (or decorated) dessert. Classic desserts are sure to please but there are plenty of creative updates on old favorites that you can try like cake pops and hot chocolate bombs. Making your own chocolate is also a great activity for those with a sweet tooth. 😀

Smoothies:

Going out for a hike with the family in the afternoon and returning home to make some smoothies seems like the perfect way to spend a spring day. Encourage everyone to make their own concoctions with a wide assortment of fruits and low fat yogurts to pick from. Smoothies are also great for sneaking in some veggies like spinach, kale, or carrots.

Slime & Play Dough:

Perhaps, you’d rather use your family time in the kitchen to whip up a few batches of slime or play dough together. If so, there are countless recipes online that you can follow for some colorful, creative fun made with ingredients in your own house. Your kids are sure to have a blast!

Retire your living room for family night and head to the kitchen instead for a more hands on, interactive evening. Creating in the kitchen as a family will encourage team work and help introduce children to different concepts in math like fractions and units of measurement. It’s just as educational as it is wholesome fun.

Feb19

Don’t Wait To Tend To These Problems At Home

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Don’t Wait To Tend To These Problems At Home

When you’re a home owner, there are some problems that can arise that will require an immediate response as the longer you wait, the more expensive the solutions are going to be. Not to mention that some of these issues have the potential to be dangerous to yourself and family. If you are experiencing any of the following problems, don’t hesitate to call in the experts to help get your house functioning to its best ability again:

Appliance Repair:

A functional house means having appliances that are all working properly, which is why it is so important to address any issues as soon as you notice them. Waiting to call your local experts or Appliance Repair Oakville can result in a lot of annoyances and additional expenses like endless trips to the laundromat, having to order take out, and throwing food in the refrigerator away. Take note every time you use your appliances for any strange noises, odors, or delays so you can get a repair service in before it develops into a bigger issue.

Pest Problems:

A pest infestation is not only extremely damaging to your indoor or outdoor property but is a health hazard to your family. If you are dealing with a constant occurrence of creepy crawlies or critters, then it is definitely time to call in a local pest specialist. Infestations can get out of hand so quickly and are a surefire way to lower your curb appeal, which is going to make it much more difficult to sell when the time comes.

Leaky Roof:

A leak in your roof is another problem that requires immediate attention. Not only is it hazardous to your health, as mold will often develop if left untreated, but it has the potential to cause fires or injury if it collapses. As you can see, one small leak can turn into an expensive and dangerous home disaster.

Security Issues:

Nothing is more important than the safety of your family and any malfunctions with your security system as well as windows that could be opened easily and flimsy doors should never be put on the back burner. You should always feel well protected in your house and dealing with any potential security issues quickly will help restore your piece of mind.

Left untreated, the four problems above will not only have extremely expensive solutions but could compromise the health and safety of your family. Enlist the help of your local experts if you are currently dealing with any of the scenarios we discussed.

Featured Image By: PhotoMIX Company from Pexels

Feb16

Daily Dose Of Cuteness

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Daily Dose Of Cuteness

Hello!! I don’t know about you guys, but there is never a time for me when I don’t want to see pictures of someone’s pets. Dogs, cats, rabbits, lizards, fish – I don’t care what it is, I want the 411. Their names, funny stories, which rescue organization they came from, the list goes on! My life would not be the same without my family’s sweet rescue dogs, a tiny Terrier mix named Ollie and a Golden Retriever named Archie. They are both very good boys… Actually, they’re the best and here they are:

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My family will always be eternally grateful to the rescue organizations, Canine Lifeline and One Of A Kind Pets, for giving us the opportunity to care for both of our boys. Ollie is our more mellow of the two, who loves napping, playing with squeaker toys, and stepping out in his finest bandanas! On the other hand, we have Archie, our rambunctious puppy who is a HUGE lover of playing, kisses, and chewing all of the things! Both of our pups have such unique personalities that are so different from each other, but they get along just fine. 🙂

In my household, we are passionate about animal rescue and are so thankful to all of the amazing organizations for their hard work that saves countless lives. Nothing makes me happier than playing tug of war with Archie or snuggling up with little Ollie while he snoozes. The connection between a pet and its owner is so therapeutic as it is such a pure form of love and I am so over the moon about both of our angels.

Ollie and Archie send a virtual tail wag your way with the hopes that their precious pics puts a smile on your face today! ❤

What kind of pets do you have? What is your favorite animal? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Feb10

4 Steps For The Perfect Movie Marathon

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4 Steps For The Perfect Movie Marathon

When you’re in lock down, you have to constantly think of new ways to entertain yourself. Many people have taken up new hobbies, such as baking, gardening, or arts and crafts. These are excellent ways to keep your creative juices flowing and take your mind away from the harsh realities of the global situation.

But if none of these activities appeals to you, nothing beats the simple pleasure of watching a good film. An excellent way to keep your household entertained in lock down is to throw a family movie night. A chance to recreate the currently inaccessible cinematic experience in your own home, watching film after film with the lights off and surrounded by endless buckets of popcorn.

Anyone can have a movie marathon; you don’t need a 75-inch TV screen or a home cinema. As long as you have a selection of films and something to watch them on, you’re all set. To get your night off to a good start, here are the four steps of planning the perfect movie marathon.

Figure out your set-up:

The very first thing you need to do is set up the technology required. What will you be using to watch the film? The bigger the screen you use, the better the experience will be, so opt for a TV over a laptop or tablet if possible. If you have the budget for it, you could enlist electrical contractor services to help you install a home entertainment system and surround-sound speakers, but it’s not essential. You can make do with what you have.

Pick the movies:

The crucial decision for your movie marathon is deciding what to watch. Although you can choose anything you like, the best movie marathons follow a theme: a common element linking each one of the movies you pick. This could be watching all the films in a series, such as the Lord Of The Rings movies or the Twilight saga. Alternatively, it could feature films by a single director. If you are watching with the whole family, it’s hard to find something for everyone, so you could keep all viewers happy by getting each person to pick one of the films.

Get some snacks:

It’s not a movie marathon without something to munch on while you watch. Popcorn is a must-have and you’ll need some fizzy drinks too. If you’re planning on going through the night, you might need some caffeinated beverages on standby! Make sure there is something for everyone and you’ve covered all dietary requirements. You should try to refrain from including noisy foods like potato chips, as these will distract from the film.

Make it comfortable:

The final step is to make the room as comfortable and atmospheric as possible. Turn the lights down low, set the heating or air conditioning to a cozy temperature, and turn off phones and other distractions. Make sure there are plenty of blankets and pillows for everyone to find a comfortable position but don’t make it too comfy or you might not stay awake to the end!

You can’t go wrong with a movie night to help shake the boredom blues. Turn your living room into the movie theater and enjoy!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Jan28

Short Supply: Staying Ever-Ready For Essential Shortages

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Short Supply: Staying Ever-Ready For Essential Shortages

If the last year has taught people anything, it’s that it really doesn’t take much for the wider population to panic about supplies. The recent Covid-19 outbreaks have caused people across the globe to panic buy items, with things like toilet paper being very hard to find in some places. Of course, while this may have been a little silly, the threat of shortages is something that it can be worth being prepared for. There are several key products that need to be considered with this, but this article will be going through them to show you how you can overcome shortages without having to empty the shelves at your local stores:

Power/Heat:

The ability to power and heat your home is something that many people take for granted. While it has only been the last 100 years or so that have standardized the environmental control many people have inside their homes, it’s hard for most people to imagine what life would be like without it. Looking for residential propane companies near me and other suppliers offering fuel is a good way to prepare yourself for the event that the mains are no longer usable.

Having a store of affordable fuels will put you in a good place should you need to rely on energy off the grid, employing the services of an expert in energy solutions such as Sunshine Fuels or similar local to you can not only provide you with a supply of cheap fuel but also the opportunity to invest in the installation of a generator which uses such fuels as your property, this way you have a backup source of power should you ever need it. Alternatively, you could switch to powering your home with a standalone generator and use affordable propane gas or heating oil as opposed to being reliant on a large energy provider to heat your home, as they will likely be the first ones to hike their prices during a future shortage.

Water:

Water is essential to all life on Earth, but many countries around the world are facing shortages of this vital compound. In South Africa, for example, people often have to queue to get access to drinking water that is rationed by the government. Having your own water source can be a good way to overcome issues like this, with wells, rain collection, and even natural springs providing excellent ways to get your hands on the water you need to survive.

Essential Foods:

Food shortages are one of the scariest prospects for many people, especially when they have children to look after. Keeping a stock of essential foods like flour, rice, and dried meat can help to ensure that you are able to feed your loved ones if the shops ever close. Thankfully, most superstores have extremely robust supply networks, and this means that they are able to keep their shelves stocked in even the trickiest of situations.

Internet:

Much like the ability to power your home, most people take internet access for granted. This resource enables you to communicate with people from across the globe, while also giving you access to almost unlimited information. Mobile networks are very well-built in most places, and this makes them less likely to fail than the network that is wired into your home. Having mobile data plans or even a few hot spots can help give you peace of mind.

It can be easy to assume that the world will always keep turning, but it also pays to be prepared in case anything happens that makes life hard for you and those you care about.

Featured Image By: Unsplash

Jan27

3 Ways To Prepare Your Home For Warm Weather

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3 Ways To Prepare Your Home For Warm Weather

If you are looking forward to spring coming around, you aren’t alone. The past year has been a challenge to say the least, but one thing we can guarantee is that the spring and summer will come around again. These seasons encourage us to get outdoors, enjoy fresh air, and generally have a better outlook on life.

One thing that many people underestimate is how much your household will change as the seasons roll on. Many of us have spent more time than ever at home over the past year due to the coronavirus; although vaccinations are in sight, we can expect to still spend more time indoors in 2021. For this reason, it is crucial to prepare your home for the warm weather so you can stay comfortable and happy while isolating inside!

Here are three ways to prepare your home for warm weather:

Upgrade Your Air Conditioning:

If you live in a location that gets super hot in the summer months, now is the time to act when it comes to getting an air conditioning service. Chances are, the schedules of air conditioning companies are going to fill up quick and you will not want to be left waiting when summer hits. Air conditioning helps you, your pets, kids, and guests to stay cool indoors when the temperatures begin to rise.

How do you upgrade or fix your air conditioning? If you don’t have air conditioning, you should contact a specialist supplier who will give you a quote and install the HVAC in your property. If you have an air conditioner that doesn’t work, or has issues such as the air conditioner not removing humidity, contact your local HVAC specialist for a repair.

As summertime approaches, be sure to monitor your air conditioning unit closely. Any signs you can find that point to it not working properly should be handled immediately to prevent it from getting worse and more expensive. Being prompt will also ensure an appointment will be available before schedules fill up. Take the time to search for “AC repair in Lynnwood” (or your local area) and take note of a few trustworthy companies should you not be able to book an appointment with your first option.

Plant Seeds In The Garden:

If you have a space outdoors to call your own, you should start thinking about how you want it to look and feel in the spring and summer. Planting seeds in your garden as the spring starts to emerge means that they will be in full bloom by summertime.

You could plant a flower bed, a vegetable garden, or even an herb garden! The possibilities are endless when it comes to creating a beautiful green space on your property. Not only does planting seeds create a lovely garden, but it can be highly therapeutic and soothing for a stressed mind. We could all use a little bit of tranquility in our lives, so create it right there in your backyard.

Change Your Thermostat Gradually:

It might seem like a small change, but altering your thermostat gradually can help you create a cool, comfortable atmosphere in the home. Many people forget to do this until they are sweating buckets and opening all of the windows to compensate! In these scenarios, turning the thermostat down multiple degrees all at once can make your home feel drafty and chilly. That’s why a gradual decline is the way to go. Get ahead and gradually change your thermostat as the temperatures outdoors start to rise. Remember that it is a good idea to try this method as early as the weather allows should you need air conditioning repair. These services book up quickly as warmer weather gets nearer and you don’t want to be without cool air on the first sweltering day of the season!

If you are looking for ways to prepare your home for summer, use this helpful guide to achieve a gorgeous springtime feel in your house!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Jan26

Enjoying A Taste Of Travel While Stuck At Home

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Enjoying A Taste Of Travel While Stuck At Home

Most of us haven’t seen much beyond our own four walls since last March; and keeping ourselves occupied at home can be a real challenge after all this time. If you are itching to travel the world once more and explore your favorite destinations, consider trying some of these simple ways to get a taste of travel even when you are stuck at home in lock down:

Change your TV screen:

One super simple way to bring a taste of the tropics to your home is to change the screensaver on your TV or go into YouTube and search tropical beaches. If you have a large TV mounted on the wall; you can change the background to a beautiful scene and then have a family night with food and drink while feeling like you are somewhere else.

Have a themed game night:

Game nights are the best way to pass the time during lock down – and today we want to show you how to make your game night travel themed. You can buy a jigsaw puzzle of Washington, a monopoly board of a far off land, and consider a quiz that is travel themed. Bring all of your favorite destinations into your home through games and activities and enjoy time with your family this weekend.

Make some exotic cocktails:

If you long to be able to drink a Pina Colada on the beach once more; you can still make this happen at home. Bring a taste of your favorite holiday back home by making tropical cocktails this weekend. There are so many fun combinations to try and you can even create your own signature drink!

Enjoy cooking different cuisines:

Cooking different cuisines can be a brilliant way to transport your taste buds across the world and make you feel like you are back in that Greek restaurant or street cart in Thailand once more. Consider your favorite dishes from holidays in the past and find recipes for them online. Cook these dishes at home and enjoy taking your taste buds on a journey across the world for a little while. You can even decorate the table and the house to suit your theme and have a little dinner party with your family.

“Travel” on a virtual tour:

One great way to enjoy travel without traveling is to join a virtual tour of a city or landscape that you love. A lot of places are offering virtual tours at the moment instead of real visitors and it will allow you to immerse yourself in another place. Many museums and zoos are also offering this service and it will allow you to have some virtual days out with your family while tucked safely away at home.

Use these ideas to take yourself on a getaway this weekend – all from the comfort of your home!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Jan25

Virtual Game Night: Planning The Ultimate Night In

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Virtual Game Night: Planning The Ultimate Night In

Right now, with the state of the world and the pandemic that continues to rage around us, it’s not possible to see our friends and family as much as we might like. Life is complicated, things are complex, and it’s difficult to spend as much time with those we care about the most, which can leave you craving social interaction in a normal way. Enter Zoom, FaceTime, and every other video chat app that’s taken the world by storm.

These video chatting apps have made virtual get togethers with friends and loved ones doable, and have meant that while we cannot be physically close, we can still spend time with those who mean the most to us, which is amazing. If you’re getting bored of virtual quizzes, then perhaps you might like to plan a virtual game night for you and a group of your friends. The great thing about virtual game nights is that they’re fairly easy to organize and can be a lot of fun for everyone involved.

Wondering what it takes to plan the perfect virtual game night? Below are a few tips and ideas for how you can get started:

Do your research:

A great way to make planning a virtual games night a little easier is to take the time to do your research to make your night a success. You don’t want your event to be stale or boring so that everyone has a great time from start to finish. Resources like Pinterest have lots of ideas available, so it might be worth taking the time to have a browse of those for inspiration as well as finding out everyone’s favorite games to possibly incorporate.

Additional research can include shortcuts in race games, special codes like the grief runeword in d2r to improve items, and bonus maps and characters in fighting games. You can prepare this and send it off to your friends to study up on – perfect if you and your crew have a competitive streak going!

Send out kits to everyone:

Don’t just rely on technology to make your game night amazing, get creative with the games that you play. Yes, utilizing resources like Jackbox TV which can be played via smartphones is a great idea, as there are various digital games to choose from, but it’s always fun to try something different. If you plan on organizing a more traditional game, make sure to send out kits along with dice from skullsplitterdice.com for everyone to use during the evening. Make the kits fun and exciting; you could even opt to theme them if you’re having a themed games night, such as a murder mystery event. The more creative you can be, the better.

Incorporate drinks and snacks:

Don’t forget to incorporate drinks and snacks into your games night, just like you would have on a face-to-face hang out. Send off snack packs to all of your guests and if you really want to go all out, incorporate the ingredients to a signature cocktail for everyone to enjoy.

Seeing your friends and family over the computer screen is not the same as real life but it’s sure better than not seeing them at all! A weekly or monthly virtual game night will be the perfect way to keep in touch until it’s safer to meet in person.

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Jan20

How To Keep Your Home Healthy During Quarantine

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How To Keep Your Home Healthy During Quarantine

Right now, you are probably growing used to spending pretty much all of your time at home. Rather than being a place that you spend your evenings and weekends; your home is now your gym, workplace, and everything else besides. During the quarantine, you may have spent time perfecting your work from home set up, trying to keep yourself entertained, and the majority of it trying to stay in touch with friends and family via Zoom.

One thing that you may not have considered is whether your home environment is beneficial for your health. As everyone is spending far more time at home, it is more crucial than ever to make sure that your home helps your health rather than damages it. Here is how you can ensure that your home is as healthy as possible so that you can quarantine in the knowledge that your home is the best place to be right now:

Deal with Damp:

Dampness is a common problem in many homes and can cause health problems if it is left untreated. Mold and mildew are things that no one wants to see in their house, especially when you are spending all your time there. Ensuring that your home has adequate ventilation can help reduce damp, but if mold and mildew have already developed, you will need to remove them effectively. Using a bleach solution or proprietary mold remover should help clean off the mold and kill the mold spores. Remember that you will need to take care when using these treatments.

Clear the Air:

There is nothing more important than the air that you breathe, but it is easy to forget that you can play a part in improving the air quality in your home. Breathing in low-quality air can lead to a range of health problems and cause some potentially serious issues. Asthma and allergies can flare up when air quality is compromised, and your HVAC system could be causing these issues.

If your HVAC system is not maintained by a reputable air duct cleaning specialist such as DUCTZ, it can cause a range of problems. Over time, dust and dirt collect in your air ducts and if they are not cleaned regularly, then they will be spread throughout your home every time you use your heating and cooling system and pollute the quality of the air that you breathe. For this reason, scheduling regular HVAC maintenance is essential to ensure that your system is working correctly and that your air ducts are kept clean. A quick search for ‘HVAC contractor in Frederick, MD‘ or wherever it is you are located will put you in touch with the right professionals to guarantee good air quality in your home throughout the year.

Try a Deep Clean:

Deep cleaning your home is an excellent way to freshen it up and remove any potential health hazards. Deep cleaning removes the dust that can cause allergies and aggravate eczema-prone skin. Having a thorough deep clean of your house will also help to eliminate any harmful bacteria that could be lurking on your surfaces. Tend to what you can clean safely and leave the rest to the professionals should there be high places you can’t reach or your home is in need of a professional air duct cleaning. A freshly-cleaned, healthy home will make staying in it a far more pleasing experience.

Make your home even safer to be at during the pandemic by following the tips above!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Jan19

What Are Some Of The Most Unusual Pets?

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What Are Some Of The Most Unusual Pets?

If you want to bring a pet into your family, but are not interested in a cat or dog, then you might want to consider one of the more unusual animals. There are lots of different unusual species of animals that you can actually keep as a pet. Below, we will take a look at some of the different options to give you some inspiration for your new family pet:

Bearded dragon:

Yes, that is correct; you can own your very own bearded dragon. This is an animal that certainly lives up to its name, as it is very much like a dragon. It has an armor of reptilian scales, which are shiny. It also has spikes under the chin, which look like a beard, hence the name. The spikes underneath the chin will puff depending on the mood of the bearded dragon. You can find more @ beardeddragonguidance if you are interested in this pet and want to know the care requirements.

Tarantula:

A lot of people do not like the sound of owning a spider as a pet. In fact, for a lot of people, they can’t think of anything worse. However, giant spiders definitely can be pets, and they can make good ones. You do need to make sure that you consider your choice of spider species with care and consideration, though. Curly hair tarantulas and Mexican red knee tarantulas are excellent pets. They live on insects and they are certainly not advisable pets for anyone who is a bit squeamish.

Sugar gliders:

Another weird yet wonderful pet that you may want to consider is a sugar glider. Sugar gliders are also known as pocket pets. They are very small creatures that will add a lot of excitement and joy to your life. They can be taught a number of different tricks, they are very loyal, and they are extremely playful as well. A sugar glider is one of the most exotic pets out there today, and they are great for families, couples, and single people alike. One thing you do need to be mindful of, though, is that they are nocturnal by nature, which means they enjoy staying up during the night.

Pygmy goat:

If you have a large outdoor property, a pygmy goat could be a great choice. These pets are very active and fun. However, they are also high maintenance, so you will need to make sure that you are able to give the goat the care and attention they need. Although they may be very small in size, they can also be incredibly noisy. Loneliness is one thing that pygmy goats can’t stand, so if you are someone who is not home a lot, this probably is not going to be the pet for you. Make sure you have a lot of leaves, grass hay, and space if you’re going to purchase this type of goat.

Hedgehog:

Although they may have prickly spines on their back, hedgehogs are very friendly. They can also become very affectionate with their owners, which makes them the perfect pet if you’re looking for a loving animal that is a bit different from the norm. It gets better too, as these pets are very low maintenance and they are calm. Nevertheless, do keep in mind that when they are small, they are going to require plenty of attention. You will need to keep up this attention as they get older as well, although they won’t be as needy. There are a few other things that you will need to keep in mind. For example, a hedgehog is a nocturnal animal, and so this pet is only going to be suitable if you are a night owl. Another thing that you will need to consider is the legislation in your local area. You need to make sure that it is legal for you to keep a hedgehog as a pet.

There are lots of different unusual pets that people can own. We hope that this has helped to give you some ideas for the sort of pets that could be right for you. Of course, irrespective of the sort of pet you decide to bring into your family, it is important to consider this with care. You need to make sure that you are able to provide the pet with the love and care that is required so they can lead a happy and healthy life.

Featured Image By: Pixabay