Tag Archives: improve

New Year’s Resolution Check In

Standard
New Year’s Resolution Check In

Hello! We are already getting close to wrapping up the first month of 2021 and if you made New Year’s Resolutions, then now might be a good time to reflect on these past few weeks and see how you have been faring. Consider the following and make adjustments accordingly so you can achieve all of your goals this year:

How often are you working on your goal?

If you have been dedicated to working towards your goal several times a week, you might want to buff up the time you’re spending by an extra five to ten minutes. However, if you’re struggling to work on your goal during your set scheduled times – don’t fret! There is no need to be hard on yourself. Rather, make a schedule that you know you can accomplish and then add more time to it gradually. Remember, a resolution is supposed to last you until the next New Year so it’s important to not let yourself get discouraged or burned out.

Is your resolution something you want to do?

It’s all well and good to say resolutions that sound well and good like losing weight or taking a class for your own enrichment. But, if you’re not one hundred percent dedicated to what you’re saying, then what’s the point? If there is something that you’d like to accomplish but it doesn’t fit in with a traditional New Year’s resolution, then it’s time to change things up while it’s still early in 2021.

Think carefully about all of the goals you have in the back of your mind, big or small. You are sure to feel an “Aha!” sensation about something and that means you are on the right track. And, don’t let anyone else’s goals intimidate you because resolutions are about bettering yourself. Start small and work your way up to big moves.

Are you feeling different?

Achieving goals feels awesome and if you’ve been steadily working on your resolutions, then you might already be feeling the benefits of small gains. Feeling discouraged is a totally different story, though, and that’s the polar opposite of what making New Year’s resolutions is all about. It’s impossible to start something new and be an instant expert because good things take time. If you’re feeling a little glum, take a break for a day or two and come back to your goals with a clearer head so you don’t completely turn yourself off to the process. Everyone needs time to relax and, if that’s the case for you, then it is one hundred and fifty million percent okay.

January has been flying by and that can make New Year’s Resolutions feel even more intimidating. I hope everyone is making huge wins in their goals and I, for one, am very proud of all of your successes big or small. Keep your chin up no matter where you’re at in achieving your resolutions and you are sure to accomplish everything you set your mind to! ❤

What is one of your New Year’s resolutions? How are you faring so far? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Pandemic Worthy New Year’s Resolutions

Standard
Pandemic Worthy New Year’s Resolutions

Hello! I, personally, never make New Year’s Resolutions. But, that doesn’t mean that I can’t help you come up with yours! I’m sure it feels difficult to set goals when leaving the house isn’t the best option so how about some ideas that you can accomplish from the comfort of home? Like the following:

Doing workout videos:

If losing weight is one of your goals, then there are a plethora of work out videos online that you can do from your living room. From yoga and Zumba to simple stretches, there is sure to be something that works for you. Maybe some of the trainers at your local gym even have classes recorded! Start with one or two classes a week and continue adding on from there once you feel ready. Hey, just one half hour class is an awesome achievement if it’s something you’re not used to. And Netflix isn’t going anywhere, I promise. 🙂

Caring for indoor plants:

If you want to improve on your green thumb, try caring for some indoor plants until it gets warm enough to garden outdoors. Not only will they beautify your space but they will help clean the air as well as give you something productive to do. Check out Pinterest and create a photo worthy succulent garden. Or grow some herbs indoors to use while you test out new recipes. It feels good to take care of a plant and help it grow and it will be exciting to track its progress every day.

Scheduled video chats:

The COVID-19 pandemic has meant that family and friends do not get to see each other as often as before. If this is something that you have been down about, then pencil in scheduled video chats with those you miss. It is the next best thing to hanging out in real life and it feels nice to have something to look forward to marked in your calendar. I live for my FaceTime dates with my besties and this reminds me that I have to schedule some calls, myself!

Fostering/adopting a pet:

If you have always wanted a furry, scaley, or feathery friend to keep you company, then there is no better time than the present – especially if you are working from home. Do your research and visit a local animal shelter or rescue organization for your new best friend. If you are not ready for the full time commitment of a new pet, then fostering is also a great and much appreciated option.

If you love animals but cannot commit to having a pet, you can also help local shelters by providing old blankets or towels, food, and toys. Organize a community drive and help make a difference.

Work on a new/old hobby:

As always, the New Year is the best time to learn a new hobby or get reacquainted with an old one. Set aside a half hour every day or few days to work on a hobby that is fun for you. It’s impossible to be good at something overnight but the improvements that you will make with steady practice will help motivate you to keep working at it. Learn a new language, paint that picture from a tutorial, or try your hand at Photoshop. Practice makes perfect and by 2022 you will be amazed at how far you’ve come!

Get inspired with the tips above and carve out some time at home to begin working on your goals!

What are your resolutions for 2021? Have you been sticking to them so far? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Want To Improve Your Blog? Try The Following!

Standard
Want To Improve Your Blog? Try The Following!

No one ever said that blogging was easy and writing throughout a pandemic is even more difficult when there is a huge lack of activities to write about. If you find that the stats for your blog are steadily declining as the days go by, the following tips might help to put you back on track. Let’s discuss:

Communication is key:

Like social media, the blogosphere is amazing because it puts you in touch with friends old and new. Your faithful readers want to communicate with you and it is important to be prompt when replying back to comments and getting a dialogue started on your page. Showing support to your fellow bloggers by liking and commenting on their blogs is also a great way to get yourself out there.

If you are still finding that views on your page are lacking, it might be worth checking out blogging or marketing experts to help improve your page’s position on search engines for better results.

Writing more frequently:

Writing during a pandemic is insanely hard and can sometimes feel impossible. But, as a writer, it is still essential to come up with content as often as you can. Your readers want to hear what you have to say, even if it is just a short and sweet post. It lets your viewers know that you are dedicated to your craft and entertaining them and it will make them even more eager to return to your page knowing that there is fresh content available.

Remember the joy of writing:

People blog because they love to write and, even though it’s hard, you have to remember the joy of writing every time you sit down at your keyboard. Writing is something that you found fun enough to dedicate an entire web page to and you can’t forget that! Blogging shouldn’t stress you out, so take a deep breath and get to work. Putting a lot of pressure on yourself can lead to even more writer’s block and that’s the last thing you need!

Take notes:

I am constantly writing down notes of potential blog posts throughout the day and I recommend to anyone to do the same. No matter how many times I tell myself I will remember what I want to write about, I rarely ever do (lol) which is why my notes are so handy. Inspiration can come from anything and as soon as you have an “aha!” idea, take note of it. You will find that you have a lot more to write about than you think. 🙂

Keeping up with your blog during the pandemic is a sure fire way to not only keep your mental health in check but keep your page running smoothly. Happy writing!

Improving Your Staff’s Work From Home Experience

Standard
Improving Your Staff’s Work From Home Experience

Working from home has become the new norm amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. While some have taken to it like a fish to water, others are still struggling with not being at the office every day. If you are managing a staff that is working from home, it’s important to do what you can to keep their overall work experience a positive one. You could start with the following:

IT support:

Working from home can turn into a nightmare if one of the programs that you use crashes. Having the best IT support for your staff is a must so that your employee’s can get their tech problems solved quickly and stress free. It also might be a good idea to offer tutorial videos for new programs and updates for those who are not super tech savvy. Having a good system in place for your IT management can only help you, your employees, and your business. Looking into services like those offered by CK Computer Solutions can boost efficiency and give you peace of mind that tech support is just a phone call away.

Checking in:

Remember the good old days when you could simply pop into an employee’s office to give them updates or shoot the breeze? It’s definitely not the same over email and instant messaging but it’s important to continue a rapport with each of your employees. They are looking to you for guidance during these unsettling times and it will be nice for them to know that they can still come to you for help or just a quick chat!

Offering for staff to continue to work from home:

So many of my friends would love to continue working from home post pandemic and I am sure that countless others feel the same way. A lot of employees have found that they are much more productive and comfortable when they are doing their job in their own space. If some of your staff is interested in continuing to work from home, giving them that option might be a good thing to consider. Should some of your employees remain at home rather than in office, be sure to continue to utilize these tips for them. It will be so important that they still have access to yourself and their coworkers as well as the best tools to complete their tasks. This can include upgraded software and a strong team of IT Support Edinburgh (or your local area) should any of their programs go haywire. 

A weekly just for fun meeting:

It is probably really difficult for some of your employees to not be around their coworkers when they are on break or have a spare minute. It’s a wonder what a little social time can do to improve your mood during a work day! Break up the day to day routine by offering a a fifteen or so minute Zoom meeting just for fun. Your employees will enjoy hearing updates from all of their work friends and will be in a much better mood for the rest of the day.

Hate it or love it, working from home is here to stay for a while longer. Use the tips above to continue to help your employees succeed and feel their best during these crazy times.

Keeping Your Life Running Smoothly Mid Pandemic

Standard
Keeping Your Life Running Smoothly Mid Pandemic

2020 has been a true testament to events happening that feel completely out of your control, which can make life seem so overwhelming. But, it’s good to remember that there are plenty of things that are one hundred percent up to you despite all of the craziness that happened in 2020 and still continues. If you are feeling a bit lost right now, anchor yourself with doing the following to get you back on track and keep you there:

Get things done:

Time does not stand still and nor can you. It’s important to take care of problems as they arise instead of brushing them off. Get any appliance repairs that need done fixed immediately, get your oil in your car changed, have your computer looked at if it runs slowly when you are working from home. Holding off on essential fixes will just give you even more stress in the future.

Create a daily to do list:

So much free time and a lack of a set schedule is enough to make a lot of people feel anxious. If this sounds like you, then map out your day with a to do list. Having an idea of what you’re going to do each day can be a lot less stressful than making it up as you go along. Be sure to pencil in some time each day for self improvement through exercise or a hobby. There is also nothing wrong with scheduling in TV time once all of your tasks are complete, either!

Talk it out:

Is there someone in your life who you feel immediately comforted by when you speak? Sometimes, all you need is to hear the caring voice of a friend or family member to get yourself centered. Have a weekly phone call with that person and catch up as well as confide about anything that’s bothering you. Your mood will be improved by the time you hang up and you won’t feel as hung up about previous stressors.

Add variety:

Every day might be feeling exactly like the last and it can feel like you’re never going to get out of the cycle of work, Netflix, repeat. So, it’s up to you to add variety into your life. Try your hand at cooking something brand new for dinner with ingredients you have never tried, watch a film in a foreign language, explore a different hiking trail, or read a book outside of your favorite genre. It might not seem like much but changing up small things can make a really big difference.

Keep yourself going in the right direction with the advice above because smooth and steady wins the race… Or however that saying goes!

 

Boost Your Curb Appeal With These Ideas

Standard
Boost Your Curb Appeal With These Ideas

You can only rearrange your furniture, redecorate, and clean so much inside until you have exhausted all of your ideas to change up your space. So turn your focus to the exterior of your house, instead! Spring is going to be here before we know it and with warmer weather, you can finally get started on outdoor projects. Not only will you love making big changes but they will definitely help boost your home’s curb appeal, to boot! Try out the following:

New windows and doors:

Installing new windows and doors can totally transform your home’s exterior. If you have been living at your place for several years now and are starting to feel blah with its appearance, this might be just the boost it needs. Don’t forget to have fun with your choices, too! A bright colored door can sure make a statement and it will set your house apart from the rest in your neighborhood.

Sometimes, new windows and doors aren’t enough to give your home the update it needs. For example, if you have a brick home that is looking rundown or has areas in need of repair, hiring experts like Brickwork Pointing might be the way to go. This should be the first order of business when trying to boost your curb appeal by targeting problematic, noticeable areas.

Fresh paint:

If the paint on the outside of your home has seen better days, then perhaps a fresh coat is in order. Chipping paint and discoloration can really lower your curb appeal and makes your place seem less inviting. Fresh paint can fix this quickly and give your house a much needed face lift.

A patio or porch:

Having a new concrete patio outside for your friends to sit this summer is so important so that you can finally socialize! If you don’t have a lot of space to work with, expanding it even slightly can make a world of difference for accommodating guests. If you have enough space in the back yard, you could go all out and have a large area prepared though. How nice would it be to have the space for furniture, a grill, and a fire pit for your guests to enjoy with this new addition?! (Note: Unless you’re very handy, a patio expansion should be left to the professionals. Valley View Excavating or experienced pros in your area are highly recommended). There is nothing like enjoying the sunshine with your friends and a porch or patio will give you the opportunity to do so while boosting your curb appeal.

Repave your driveway:

The driveway might be one of the last things you think about but it is one of the first things that people see when they look at your yard. If winter weather has left your driveway cracked and damaged, then repaving it will definitely be in order as it will stick out like a sore thumb on an, otherwise, well taken care of property.

Expand your garage:

If you have a single garage and more than one car, your property can look a bit jumbled with multiple cars parked on the driveway. Not to mention that playing musical cars every morning when people are leaving is super annoying! Adding more space to your garage and some Custom garage doors by Bulldog Garage Doors is always a good bet to boost your curb appeal and you will never have to go into a freezing cold or insanely hot car again.

We have had ample time to improve our home’s interior and now we can turn our focus outwards as we transition into spring!

Pandemic Problems: Is Your Home Haven On Rocky Waters?

Standard
Pandemic Problems: Is Your Home Haven On Rocky Waters?

For years, the human species has adhered to the fact that no person is an island. With that in mind, we’ve put ourselves out there and generally socialized as much as possible. In the last year, however, that advice has very much changed and, for many, this shift hasn’t exactly been a smooth transition. Luckily, as we seek new ways to communicate, many of us are finding that we can get by with far less extroversion than we’ve been led to believe. Unluckily, a failure to take care of your island could soon see your mental health suffering regardless.

Our homes have gone from being places where we sleep to being our entire worlds. In many cases, the landscape simply isn’t prepared for this level of usage. That’s bad news for your happiness and efficiency throughout these lock down days, and it’s something you need to address. To help you do that, we’re going to consider three common problems that could be leaving your home lacking:

You haven’t put a personal spin on things:

If you’re used to spending just a few hours at home, you may not have ever done much with the space. That needs to change sooner rather than later now that your home time hours have extended so much. Something simple like decorating to your tastes or framing a few personal snaps could make a huge difference to helping you settle despite what’s happening outside of your four walls.

There’s no space to breathe:

A cluttered home has never helped with mental health, and certainly won’t now. Sadly, getting rid of a mess is harder than ever at the moment, but that doesn’t mean you can keep putting it off. There’s no excuse to let clutter rein free when you consider that skip bin hire is still available, and companies have taken significant steps to keep it safe. By investing sooner rather than later, you can get rid of all of the rubbish that’s been building up through lock down. With space to play with, you’ll soon feel like you can breathe again despite continued restrictions.

rocky1

Pexels Image

You haven’t split the space:

Lastly, your trouble may be due to something as simple as a lack of segmented spaces. With many working from home, splitting work and living areas is fundamental. It also pays to have daytime and nighttime spaces to break things up. Even in a small flat, changing furniture or lighting could be a split enough from day to night, etc. If you have the space, though, keeping each room for a different purpose could soon see you feeling like you’re traveling a whole lot further than you actually are.

We may have been existing solely at home for a while now, but this is still a difficult adjustment to make. Ease your passage by considering these home issues and doing what you can to get your island right at last.

Featured Image By: Pexels

Bathroom Renovation Ideas For The New Year

Standard
Bathroom Renovation Ideas For The New Year

When it comes to our homes, there are often two rooms that will really sell your house or perhaps add the most value. This tends to be the kitchen and the bathroom. The kitchen happens to be a big job, but the bathroom can actually be made over quite simply if you have the time and investment for it. The bathroom is one of the most used rooms in the home, and we want to ensure that it not only looks good but is also very functional too.

You may be wondering what parts of the bathroom you can makeover or even the things you can do easily to improve the look. It doesn’t matter whether you have a full renovation or just make small changes, whatever you do will have a big impact on your home. So what can you do? If a bathroom renovation is in the cards this year, then here are some ideas to consider:

Look for inspiration in different places:

When it comes to deciding on what you want to do, the best thing would be to try and get some inspiration and ideas from different sources. There is a real mix of inspiration out there if you know where to look. Websites like Pinterest are full of great ideas as well as hacks and DIY tricks you can get. Instagram is also a wonderful place to see real life homes and what other people have done. Many share their homes online through their feed and it can be a great source of information and advice. Perhaps you will have an HGTV binge watch session for your inspo. Even visiting the websites of renovation specialists like acbathrooms.au can be most helpful in determining what styles and materials you like. It is a good idea to do this first before you start any renovations or get quotes. You need to know exactly what you want.

As you build your vision board, it might be easy to think that the DIY route is the way to go. After all, the renovation experts on TV make it look like a snap! If you don’t have the professional skill set, however, we urge you to reconsider. Renovating without proper knowledge can result in expensive repairs later down the line, wasted time and money, and can be harmful especially when it comes to the electrical aspect. If you’d like to get a bathroom renovation underway, the best thing you can do is begin researching specialists near you. Simply enter a search for “Bathroom Renovations Sydney” (or your local area) to find a well reviewed team to handle the hard work for you. With the inspiration you gathered, they will safely bring your vision to life to create the perfect bathroom for you.

Replace the bathroom suite:

One of the biggest and possibly most expensive changes to make would be to replace the whole bathroom suite. This could be an especially good decision if your bathroom is a little dated. You may want to try out a new sized bath or have a standalone shower instead of it being over the tub. If you are doing any pipe work and installation, it may be advisable to look for an expert in both design and plumbing like this Bathroom remodeler Rockwall, TX (or a similar professional in your area!). Calling in the professionals is important so that the installation of pipes is correct and they don’t leak or cause damage. Otherwise, it can end up being a huge disaster.

If you are replacing the full suite, you will need to do some shopping to refurnish the space. Remodeling shows on HGTV or posts on Pinterest can be a great source for inspiration. You can also browse the selection of different stores like Westside Bathrooms to start putting your wish list of must have items together.

Make changes to one area:

Maybe you want to focus on just one change that you want to make in the bathroom. This can still make a dramatic difference to how a bathroom looks and feels. It might be that you replace the flooring or choose a new tile for the walls. It could even be replacing the light fittings or lowering the ceiling so you can fit modern spotlights. Another thing you could consider is the vanity, the cabinets, and the storage. Replacing those can make a big difference. Places like Pinnacle Cabinetry and Design could be a good option to consider. They may seem like small changes but they can make a big difference to how your bathroom looks and could certainly give it the wow factor with little effort and upheaval for you.

Do you want a theme for your bathroom?

A great way to make a simple change to your bathroom is to consider a theme. This is especially easy if you have a blank canvas to work with such as a white bathroom suite or plain walls. A theme can be a great way to add a different touch. It could be a nautical theme where you add subtle features such as toothbrush holders, ornaments, and pictures on the wall. It could be that you want to think about adding a color which we cover a bit more about in the next idea. Finally, a theme could be as simple as going for a modern, vintage, or even retro vibe.

Change up the color scheme:

Finally, a change of color scheme, although sounding very simple, can make a big difference to your space. It could be changing the accessories or adding a splash of color through the towels you have on display, for example. A hint of color here and there or going all out with color everywhere can instantly freshen up a bathroom space. If you have a singular color palette for your bathroom’s fixtures, a more drastic change won’t be possible by simply adding accessories. Companies like The Bathroom Workshop (or a similar one in your local area) can assist with the design and installation of fixtures for a fresh new look with a color scheme you love. It will make a huge difference and might inspire you to take on the other bathrooms in your home too.

We’re leaving blah bathrooms behind in 2020 and with some inspiration from Pinterest and help from the experts, this will be your best home renovation yet!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Looking To Spruce Up Your Space? Try The Following!

Standard
Looking To Spruce Up Your Space? Try The Following!

It is so easy to feel “blah” about the decor in your home right now. The COVID-19 pandemic has left all of us cooped up and it’s no wonder you’re itching to try something new when you’re surrounded by the same four walls every day. From big renovations to simply rearranging your furniture, there are plenty of options to spruce up your space and turn chez vous into a more exciting place to be. Get started with your home makeover with the following ideas:

Ceiling Tiles:

If you’re looking to change up your space, how about starting from the top? Ceiling tiles are an amazing way to add visual interest to a room without cluttering your walls with artwork and pictures. From plain and simple tiling to gorgeous baroque style patterns, your options are truly limitless. Unique ceiling tiles are something that begs to be shown off so your living room or entryway would be a great place to start.

New To You Furniture:

Do you have any furniture that has seen better days? Wobbly tables, stuffing coming out of couches, and stains tend to be main culprits! New furniture can be expensive so how about new to you furniture, instead? My apartment is completely furnished with secondhand pieces from Goodwill, Abbey Anne’s, and friends. Take some time to browse one of your local secondhand shops and see what you can find. You know what they say about one man’s trash, right?

Bathroom Makeover:

Perhaps you want to go all out and do a complete renovation of your bathroom. We’re talking new tiles, fresh paint, and updated appliances – the works. There is no better time like the present! Especially considering that most of us are home all of the time now. How would you design your dream bathroom? Write it or sketch it out and enlist the best professionals to help.

If you are not interested in a full on bathroom overhaul, then try a bit of redecorating. Consider what theme you would like for the room and do some online shopping for all of the little trinkets that will make the space yours. Most bathrooms are small in comparison to the rest of the home so this is a project that can be knocked out quickly.

DIY Fun:

A lot of the artwork that I have at my place was made during crafting nights with my best friend and I smile whenever I see them and think of the fun we had. If your walls are looking bare, how about a Zoom paint night with your friends? Get inspired on Pinterest and decide what you would like to try your hand at. Art isn’t about right or wrong but having a good time with those you are creating with. No worries if your masterpiece didn’t turn out as you wanted – you can always hit up your local Goodwill. I am quite fond of their wall decor section, myself.

New Flooring:

We started at the tippy top of the house with ceiling tiles and now we are going to examine what’s underneath your feet! If your carpets are matted down and stained, try replacing it with some new flooring. Vinyl, hardwood the choice is yours but I promise your place will look infinitely better once that old carpet is gone. Sleek flooring really opens a space as well as looking much cleaner than a tatty carpet. Warm up the room with plush rugs and runners for the final touch.

Use the tips above to create a new space for yourself in 2021. Let’s kiss 2020 goodbye – your old home decor included!

Featured Image By: Mansour Kiaei on Unsplash

Everything Going Wrong? Let’s Take Care Of It!

Standard
Everything Going Wrong? Let’s Take Care Of It!

We are all under a lot of stress right now given the world’s current state and it is not a great place to be mentally. Especially when you are constantly having “straw that broke the camel’s back moments” when anything else goes wrong. I feel it one hundred million percent so let’s all take a deep breath (Did you do it?) and we’re going to address some common problems and feelings that might happen and how to deal with it with a level head:

Appliances Breaking:

In the words of Bender from The Breakfast Club, “Screws fall out all the time, the world is an imperfect place”. Unfortunately, this means that things are subject to break and when you notice that one of your home appliances is on the fritz, it’s important to deal with it quickly. We rely on appliances to make things easier for us and hand washing dishes or trips to the laundromat is the last thing you need. Seek out the best appliance repair services and get things back in working order so you can breathe easier.

Difficulty Working From Home:

Working from home is not for everyone and not even being able to leave the house to go to the office can make things very monotonous. If you are struggling with working from home, try doing all of the things that you would usually do if you were to go to the office in the morning. Take a shower, get dressed in something other than sweatpants, fix your hair, and eat a good breakfast. Also try having your lunch or breaks at their normally scheduled times. Sticking to a schedule and checking off everything on your morning to do list will help make you more motivated and add some normalcy to your day.

Feeling Lonely:

Sadly, feeling lonely is very common for people during the COVID-19 pandemic and it’s no wonder why. It’s hard not being able to see friends and family regularly as well as not having much to look forward to. If you are feeling alone it is important to reach out and talk to someone even if you don’t want to. I live for my scheduled FaceTime chats with my friends and it is the next best thing to seeing them in person. Send a text, make a call, or hop on Zoom to see some friendly faces or hear a familiar voice. It will do you a world of good.

Feeling Bored:

Also sadly, feeling bored is very common for people during the COVID-19 pandemic and it’s no wonder why! There is only so much Netflix you can watch, video games you can play, and books you can read until you are officially one with your couch. You need something new so now is the perfect time to begin that hobby you always wanted to try or work hard on your New Year’s resolutions. Take time out of your schedule each day to work on your new skill and you will be surprised at how far you’ve come when things are finally normal again.

These are overwhelming times, indeed, and it is important to know how to deal with problems even when you are so stressed. Think rationally about what you are experiencing or feeling and then make the best decision on what you can do to make the situation better. Let’s do this!