Tag Archives: pro tips

Jun9

Protecting Your Home From The Elements

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Protecting Your Home From The Elements

Your home is the biggest investment you will ever make, in most cases, at least. So, it is really important that you do everything you can to keep it safe and ensure the safety of yourself and your family too. That includes protecting your home from the elements.

From heavy rains to high winds and hail, there are so many elements of the weather that can cause serious damage to your home if you are not careful. The tips below will help you to keep your home safe:

Install siding:

Siding is not just there to make your home look good and improve curb appeal. It also helps to insulate your home and more importantly, it is great at protecting your home from water damage, which can cause your home’s beams to rot and damp to take hold.

If you do not already have siding installed it may be worth getting in touch with James Hardie Siding Installation Experts. When you have a professional selected to come to your home, they will walk you through both the aesthetic and practical choices for siding. On the practical side, there is a lot to consider like pest, fire, and weather resistance. There are two common choices for siding and the experts will help you with Comparing Hardie Board and vinyl siding and their pros and cons. The sooner you have siding up on your home, the sooner you can stop worrying about adverse weather conditions and their effects on your home.

Keep drains and gutters clear:

After calling a few siding replacement contractors to get quotes, the next order of business is your drains and gutters. These fixtures are there so that water does not get the chance to build up on your property which can cause flooding and rotting. That is why it is so important that you regularly clean and clear them. You can either do this yourself or hire a professional to do it for you.

Replace roof tiles:

If your roof tiles are cracked or especially if any of them are missing, you will need to call in a roofing expert to replace them as soon as possible. If your roof is in a bad state of repair and heavy winds or rains hit, it could spell disaster for your property, rendering it structurally unsafe and potentially allowing flooding to occur.

Deal with cracks:

If there are cracks in your home’s rendering, then you will want to deal with them and get them fixed quickly. If you do not, then they are an easy route for moisture and damp to get into your home, and if there is a serious frost where you live, this could result in water getting into the cracks, freezing, and then causing even bigger cracks as they do so. It really is not safe to leave cracks in your home as they are for any length of time.

Have sandbags available:

If you live in an area that is prone to flooding it is a good idea to always have sandbags available on the property. That way when the forecast is bad, you can bring out the bags and use them to create a barrier between your home and the flood water.

You can’t stop the weather from doing its thing, but you can do your best to protect your home from the consequences!

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Jun9

Housewarming/Birthaversary Party Success!

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Housewarming/Birthaversary Party Success!

Hello!! At the end of May, Johnny and I had a housewarming/birthaversary party to celebrate our big move. We also decided to clump it together with Johnny’s birthday on the first, our first wedding anniversary on the fourth, and my birthday on the seventh. It was such fun and we were so proud to show off all of our hard work on the new place to our friends and family.

In my humble opinion, the event was a GREAT SUCCESS and I thought that I would share some pro tips on get togethers now that it’s all said and done. I definitely learned a lot for next time:

Prepare & Prepare Some More:

I am the planner in mine and Johnny’s relationship and he is, easily, the more spontaneous one. Therefore, I insisted on hardcore party prep the entire week beforehand and I am so glad that I did. No one wants to be stuck with a monumental task the day before the big event. The week leading up to the party, we kicked our unpacking, cleaning, and rearranging into high gear. And, the night before, Johnny finally (!!!!) finished readying his domain of the game room and it turned out great.

Preparing the home is a given before a get together but don’t forget about food prep and table caps to display your dishes on! I spent a good amount of time planning a menu and making a shopping list so that we had everything we needed. The night before the party, I spent a solid four hours cooking everything that could be made ahead of time. Any food prep that you can do in advance should be taken advantage of because it can be such a time consuming task. Also, no one wants to be frazzled in the kitchen before guests start to arrive. I couldn’t imagine doing all of the food preparations that I did the day of!

Have Plenty Of Seating:

Johnny and I have two small love seats, a chaise lounge, and four chairs for the kitchen table and that is it when it comes to seating. We knew that this wouldn’t be enough and were lucky to have been able to borrow folding chairs from Johnny’s parents. I highly recommend having additional seating as a backup if what you already have is limited. Folding chairs can be borrowed, rented, or bought on the cheap at a secondhand store. You want your guests to be comfortable at your party and that means having the seating arrangements to back it up.

Stay On Top Of Cleaning:

As the host of a party, you are in charge of everything. It’s easy to get wrapped up in the excitement of the day but it will really help you to stay on top of cleaning throughout the party. When there were lulls between guests leaving and arriving, Johnny and I were cleaning up spills, taking the trash out, and making additional drinks. An overflowing garbage can is a disaster waiting to happen! Also, if you clean as you go during the day, then you won’t have a huge mess to take care of after everyone has went home.

Ice, Ice Baby:

Johnny and I don’t have the space in our freezer to account for bags of ice. If this is the case for you too, then buying a cooler for the event is the way to go. Johnny bought a cooler and ice the morning of the party and that worked out so well. The ice stayed frozen all day, we had somewhere to put canned drinks, and it took up a small amount of space. Plus, a cooler will come in handy afterwards for picnics and outdoor events!

Make Use Of Outdoor Areas:

If the weather is nice the day of your party, making use of outdoor areas will add additional space to the event. The new apartment has a great front balcony that was perfect for people to hang out on and get some air. Even if you don’t plan on using your outdoor space, opening windows and doors with a screen will help keep your indoor space from getting stuffy. As always, comfort for your guests is key.

At our old apartment, a party like the one we had simply would not have happened because we didn’t have the room for it. It was an absolute delight to be able to host our friends and family the way we have always wanted to. I already can’t wait to do it again on a smaller scale!

What are your party pro tips? Do you have any big events happening soon? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jun2

Selling Your Home? It’s Not So Easy

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Selling Your Home? It’s Not So Easy

Are you under the impression that it’s easy to sell your home? You’re not alone here. A lot of people who have never sold a property before think that it’s going to be a walk in the park. But this isn’t always the case and there are multiple problems that you can encounter. So, let’s look at the issues that you can face when selling your home and the best way to manage these problems effectively:

A Slow Market:

First, you should think about whether or not you are dealing with a slow market. A slow market will mean that there are less buyers looking for homes which can increase levels of competition that sellers face. If you are worried that you are facing a slow market, then it might be worth holding off on a home sale until the situation improves. Your real estate agent should be able to provide you with more information and advice here. Of course, sometimes you can’t wait until the market improves should you need to relocate for a new job or a family emergency. If this is the case for you, simply enter a search for “We buy houses in Charlotte” (or your local area). These businesses will often pay cash for houses so that you can sell and move on to your next big adventure.

Problems That Turn Off Buyers:

It’s possible that there are also problems with the home that are turning off potential buyers. This could include repairs that are required. If you don’t repair your home before you put it up for sale, then you do run the risk of it being treated as a fixer upper. You might want to hire a contractor to assess the property and determine what work should be completed before you move forward with a sale.

Issues with curb appeal can also be enough to make someone think twice about buying your property. Particularly, if there are certain eyesores like a dilapidated driveway, scorched grass, or a shabby exterior.

Low Offers:

Another problem that you can run into is low offers for your property. When you sell your home, it’s important to ensure that you do get the right offer. This is particularly important if you are hoping to move to a larger property or if you are thinking about investing in a more expensive home. It could also be critical if you are selling because you are ready to retire. The best way to avoid low offers is to make sure that you are fixing some of the issues that we mentioned above. You can also renovate your property to boost the value. Experts such as Giuseppe Caira have some ideas on the right way to do this.

Buyers Dropping Out:

Finally, even if you get the offer that you want for your property, there’s no guarantee that a buyer is going to commit completely. It’s possible that they drop off further down the line and this will lead you into a difficult situation. The best way to deal with this is to make sure that you try and get a good feel for the buyer when you meet them. Are they someone that you can trust and are they even in the right financial position to buy your property?

We hope this helps you understand some of the issues that you can encounter when you are selling your home and the right steps that you should take from there. Good luck!

Featured Image By: Pexels

May26

Top Tips To Start Your Day Off Right

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Top Tips To Start Your Day Off Right

Are you a morning person or do you find it impossible to feel energized and motivated until at least 10 AM? Getting the morning off to a good start sets the tone for the rest of the day. If you struggle to get up or you feel like you rarely start the day with energy and enthusiasm, here are some simple tips to help you make positive changes:

Establish a sleep routine:

Most people don’t want to jump out of bed as soon as their alarm goes off because they are tired, and staying under the covers is a much more appealing option. If you experience tiredness in the mornings, it’s a good idea to review your sleep routine. You might not be getting enough sleep or your body clock may be out of kilter. Try to establish a routine, which involves setting a time to go to sleep and get up in the morning. Stick to those times as much as possible to enable your body clock to adjust and ensure that you get the rest you need.

Stretch:

Stretching is a brilliant way to make your body feel more alive and get your mind ready for the day ahead. Take five or ten minutes to stretch your body, do a yoga session, or enjoy benefits from Surya Namaskar sun salutations. Stretching is beneficial for your joints and muscles, it increases flexibility and suppleness,  reduces stress, and makes you feel calmer and more focused. The beauty of daily stretching is that you can do it whenever and wherever you like. You can follow workouts or guided sessions or simply do your favorite stretches when you wake up, you have a break at work, or there are a few minutes to spare after dropping the kids off at school.

Eat a healthy, balanced breakfast:

Most of us are familiar with the old adage, ‘breakfast is the most important meal of the day’. Eating breakfast fires up your digestive system and it can help to raise energy levels and prevent you from experiencing hunger and a lack of energy and motivation later in the day. Try to opt for nutritious foods and meals such as wholemeal toast with poached eggs or avocado, oatmeal, whole grain cereals, omelets, and fruit and natural yogurt. Foods that release energy slowly will help you stay fuller for longer. If you need some caffeine along with your breakfast to get the day going, you could try a VALR Nitrogen-Infused Energy Drink. You will always feel like you woke up on the right side of the bed!

Get organized the night before:

Stress and anxiety can make it difficult to sleep. If you know you’ve got an important meeting the next day, you won’t have time to go out and buy lunch, or you need to look sharp, get organized the night before. Make a wrap, salad, or sandwich to take with you, decide what you’re going to wear, pack your bag, and take half an hour before you go to bed to de-stress and relax. Run a bath, read a book, watch TV, listen to music, or meditate. Avoid checking emails, scrolling through social media, or doing anything that will stress you out or stimulate your mind late at night.

Some people jump out of bed in the morning ready to attack the day, but for many, it’s a struggle to get motivated. If you find it hard to approach the day with energy and vigor, use these simple tips to get every day off to the best possible start!

Featured Image By: Pexels

May14

Housewarming Party Pro Tips

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Housewarming Party Pro Tips

Hello! Johnny and I have been working hard to get our new apartment in order after our big move with a housewarming/birthaversary party as our goal at the end of the month. With the party in mind, it has encouraged us to pick up the pace with our unpacking to get our place in as good of order as we can for when our guests show up. Here are some of my pro tips to help you prepare for a housewarming party that I have been following closely:

Preparing The Home:

Moving is incredibly stressful and a big bash afterwards is the best reward! While your new digs don’t have to be completely perfect, there are some things that need to be in order before your party:

Make use of closet space: Some things simply can’t be unpacked yet due to needing additional furniture, which is definitely the case for me and Johnny. Make good use of your closet space and place these items accordingly so they’re not taking up room around the house. Out of sight, out of mind!

Get rid of packing supplies: One thing that is taking up lots of room in our new apartment is empty boxes! Do not fall for the trap of “I might need them eventually” because I promise you will be able to acquire more. Post on social media if anyone else might need them or get them to your nearest recycling center. I am lucky enough that one of my best friends is moving so she is getting all of our packing supplies as we continue to unpack.

Have plenty of seating areas: As I said before, the place doesn’t need to be just right for your party and things can be stowed away for the time being in rooms that guests won’t be in, like bedrooms or offices. However, plenty of seating areas is a must for your guests. Arrange your chairs and couches so everyone has a comfortable place to be.

Invites:

I sent out a Facebook invite well in advance so that I know how much food I will have to prepare and order (Which we will discuss more in the next header). In the invites, I let our guests know that in the afternoon, it will be mainly family coming by and if you want to rage, then arrive in the evening. That way, your invitees will know which time slot better applies to them.

Food & Drinks:

While you don’t need a ten course meal for your party, food and drinks are an obvious must. I have been scouring Pinterest for yummy dips and finger foods to make and then Johnny and I will just order a couple of pizzas. As far as drinks go, do make sure you have nonalcoholic options too if you plan on having booze. Mocktails, pop, water, and juice are a necessity if you have friends and family who don’t indulge in the drink! I plan on making up some mocktails as well as a party punch for the guests who are so inclined.

Entertainment:

Parties where everyone sits around and talks are fine but everyone likes games! Have an area with some table top or video games set up for your guests to play. Classic games are sure to go over well like Uno, Catch Phrase, or the Five Second Rule. If you have games that others haven’t heard of, just make sure you’re around to explain the rules to make the gaming experience more fun. And, of course, don’t forget to have some great music playing but not too loudly!

Our party has Johnny and I working double time after our move and I am so not mad about it. The place is looking wonderful and I can’t wait to celebrate! 😀

What are some of your party planning pro tips? How did you reward yourself after a big move or life event? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May11

Taking Care Of Yourself Post Pregnancy

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Taking Care Of Yourself Post Pregnancy

After nine months of pregnancy and the exhausting journey of childbirth, it’s important to take care of yourself too. You need to heal your body, which will usually take about six weeks. And you also need to recover from all of that emotional chaos both during and after pregnancy, which can be a bit more complicated.

This postpartum period is vital for your health and well being and for your baby’s health. It’s a time to focus on you and your needs. So in this blog post, we’ll share some tips on how to take care of yourself after pregnancy. But first, let’s talk a bit more about what to expect during this postpartum period:

What Happens During the Postpartum?

During the postpartum period, you will experience many changes in your body. You will likely be tired and may have trouble sleeping. You may also have mood swings and feel overwhelmed. All of these are normal reactions to the stress of pregnancy and childbirth.

Your body is going through a lot of changes, too. Your hormone levels will drop, which can cause you to feel moody or anxious. You may also have trouble with your digestion and may experience constipation or diarrhea. It’s essential to listen to your body during this time and to take things easy. Try not to do too much at once and give yourself time to rest and recover. You can also experience postpartum hair loss, which is normal and usually temporary, but if the problem persists, you should consult a female hair loss clinic.

Let’s check out some more tips:

Get Enough Sleep:

This one is easier said than done, especially if you have a newborn at home. But it’s important to get as much sleep as you can. Try taking naps when your baby naps and go to bed early if possible. If you can’t seem to get enough sleep, talk to your doctor about it.

Eat Healthy Foods:

You need to fuel your body with healthy foods so that you can have the energy you need to take care of yourself and your baby. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. And make sure to drink plenty of water.

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Exercise:

Exercise is important for your physical and mental health. It can help you to lose pregnancy weight, improve your mood, and give you more energy. Start with gentle exercises and build up as you feel able.

Take Time for Yourself:

It’s essential to take time for yourself, even if it’s just a few minutes each day. Do something that you enjoy, and that makes you feel good. This can be anything from reading a book to taking a bath.

Get Outside:

The most important thing we always tell people to do for themselves after pregnancy is to get outside. Fresh air and exposure to sunlight do wonders for a moody atmosphere.

Connect with Other Parents:

One of the best things you can do for yourself after pregnancy is to connect with other parents. Meeting other parents can give you a sense of community and support. It can also be a great way to learn about parenting and get advice from others who have been there.

See Your Doctor:

It’s essential to see your doctor for a postpartum check-up six weeks after you have your baby. This is an excellent time to talk about any concerns you have and to get help if you need it.

Get Help with Housework:

If you can, get help with housework and childcare. This will give you more time to take care of yourself. If you can’t get help with the cleaning, try to do a little bit each day and take breaks when you need them.

Join a Support Group:

If you’re struggling with your postpartum emotions, consider joining a support group. This can be a great way to connect with other parents and get the support you need.

Seek Professional Help:

It is estimated that one in seven women experience postpartum depression. If you feel depressed, anxious, or overwhelmed, seek professional help. This is nothing to be ashamed of, and getting help can make a big difference.

Bonus Tip: Don’t forget to pamper yourself every now and then! Get a massage, have your nails done, or just treat yourself to something special. You deserve it!

Congratulations on your new addition! After nine months of carrying a little life inside you, it’s essential to take care of yourself as you begin this new journey. Following these tips will help get you started on the right foot. Remember that taking care of yourself is not only good for you but also for your baby. Enjoy this special time and take care of yourself!

May10

When It’s Time To Take A “Mental Health Break” From Work

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When It’s Time To Take A “Mental Health Break” From Work

Slogging away at your job for months on end can earn you a lot of money, but it can also lead to mental health problems. Over time, constant work grinds you down and, eventually, you feel like you can’t move forward with your life. You want to be happy and successful, but the demands of your job bring you down. It’s not easy.

According to research, around 1 in 4 adults experience a mental health disorder during the course of their working lives. Many others experience unpleasant, but undiagnosed psychological turmoil, including burnout. For that reason, the concept of a “mental health break” from work is becoming more popular. People are now using vacation time to simply stop all activity and practice being still – something that is lacking in the modern world.

There are good physical health reasons for doing this, too. Stress, for instance, can accelerate the aging process and put people at higher risk of diseases. It can also affect a person’s financial and emotional well being by impacting their ability to earn money and relate to their partner or family.

In this post, we take a look at some of the signs that it is time you took a much needed mental health break from work:

You Can’t Focus Anymore:

If you want to be successful in your role, you need to focus on your work intensely. Not being able to do so makes you less competitive and can even result in your peers forming negative opinions of you. Making too many mistakes could cost you a promotion. Because of this, it’s worth remembering that just showing up isn’t always the best strategy. Sometimes, you need to take time off work to restore your mental health so that you can do your best work.

You Feel Anxious All The Time:

Feeling occasionally anxious is perfectly normal, but if it becomes a regular part of your daily life, it suggests that something has gone wrong. Feeling panicky or on edge constantly usually means that your nervous system is hyperactive, possibly because of job pressures.

Sites like https://greendolphincbd.com/gummies/ recommend that people take a two pronged approach. First, they should take time to relax and unplug from work. And then, second, they should use compounds that bring the body back to balance. The combination of these two factors is essential in any mental health break.

Your Face And Body Are Suffering:

Intermittent stress is natural and won’t harm your body. However, if you feel stressed constantly, it will eventually take its toll. For instance, if you are chronically stressed, you may notice that you have more heart palpitations. You may also observe how your face looks puffy or tired in the morning or you have dark circles under your eyes.

You Don’t Care For Yourself Anymore:

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Lastly, lack of self care is another sign of extreme stress, according to https://health.usnews.com/health-care/for-better/articles/2019-01-30/when-to-take-a-mental-health-break. You’re so focused on the things you think you need to do that you ignore the need to shower, eat well, or exercise. Ultimately, your physical health starts to fail. If you experience this, you should take a break sooner rather than later.

During the grind of your career, take the time to listen to your body and what it needs. If you are experiencing any of the above, it might be time for a break.

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May8

What’s The Move? Let’s Talk Unpacking!

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What’s The Move? Let’s Talk Unpacking!

Hello everyone! When it comes to mine and Johnny’s move, I think packing has been way easier than the unpacking process. While we have both been steadily chipping away at our endless amount of boxes, it’s so easy to lose motivation since we’re already at our new place! Of course, it is a necessary evil and today we are going to talk about some pro tips for unpacking at your new digs:

Start With The Kitchen/Bathroom:

The first room that I fully unpacked was the kitchen and I am so glad that I did. I enjoy eating out as much as the next person but I don’t like to do it too often. With two take out meals in a row on Saturday and Sunday, I was in desperate need of real food. In fact, just the smell of the pizza we ordered in the fridge made me nauseous.

If you feel similarly, then starting with the kitchen is an absolute must. Or, you could prepare meals that just need to be put in the oven prior to your move so you can have actual food at the ready. The first meal I prepared in my new kitchen was baked ziti and I can’t tell if it was better than normal because I was so over take out or if it actually was just really good!

Unpacking the bathrooms as a priority is a no brainer and I’m about halfway there on that project. This one is a bit of a struggle because, despite now having two full bathrooms, the counter space in each of them is significantly less than my old apartment. It will get there eventually but do make sure you have a bag with your toiletries that you use every day at the ready so you don’t have to go digging for your toothbrush.

Declutter As You Go:

Johnny and I did a significant amount of decluttering before our move and had already taken several bags to Goodwill. Don’t stop there, though! It’s great to declutter before a move but I find it much easier to do it while unpacking. When I was packing up the old place, there wasn’t much of a rhyme or reason to it other than filling up boxes and getting rid of obviously unneeded things.

While unpacking, you get the opportunity to see each item in your new setting and can decide from there if it’s worth the space. With that alone in mind, I was able to fill up two trash bags of donated items just from unpacking my closet. Like many people, Johnny and I moved for the additional space. I want the new apartment to feel as open as possible and that means donating a whole lot more.

Unpack With Projects In Mind:

I find that Johnny and I are much more motivated to unpack with a set goal or project in mind. For example, Johnny decided yesterday that he wanted to prepare our game room closet and that was the first thing he did when he got home from work. It looks great and it is completely done! Whether it’s a big task or small doesn’t matter because it needs to get done eventually, anyways. Just work at a steady pace, keep checking things off of your to do list, and you will be amazed by how much progress you will make.

Don’t Forget Your Boxes:

One thing that’s taking up a lot of space in our new apartment is all of the empty boxes! Make sure to keep breaking them down as you go. This is more of a reminder for myself than anything because I hate that chore! Find the nearest recycling facility to dispose of them properly or it might be worth posting on your social media if anyone else might need them. I was actually able to get rid of all of my boxes from my first move because of Facebook and that was the case this time around too. One of my best girlfriends is moving and almost all of our empty boxes and packing supplies are going to her next week!

I can’t say that I’m having the time of my life unpacking but the end results will be so worth it. I can’t wait to show all of you!

What are some of your unpacking pro tips? What is your least favorite part about moving? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

May7

Lil Red’s Moving Pro Tips Pt. 2

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Lil Red’s Moving Pro Tips Pt. 2

Hello! Johnny and I had our big move last Saturday and it went as smoothly as it could have gone. However, there are definitely some things that I wish were done differently looking back. A few weeks ago, we looked at some pre moving pro tips and today, we are going to focus on the actual move itself. Let’s get to it:

Eat, Drink, & Be Merry:

One of both mine and Johnny’s biggest downfalls of the day was that we didn’t eat enough prior to getting our keys. While Johnny had a snack, I had nothing and I SO wish that I would have made a big breakfast for us. Rather, we chose to sleep in and that was a mistake. Having a good meal before the move seems like a no brainer but it’s honestly an easy thing to bypass when so many other things are happening that day. Do make sure to eat your fill before the move so you can avoid getting lightheaded, which is what happened to me!

And, of course, drink water, water, and more water. If your dishes are already packed up, it will help to have a travel mug handy that you can keep refilling. Even if your move is on a fairly chilly day like mine and Johnny’s, you’ll find yourself sweating very quickly and that fluid needs replenished. Our rule of thumb was to take a water break at least twice an hour to keep ourselves firing on pretty much all cylinders lol.

Move Boxes Accordingly:

Johnny and I moved in one day and our morning was cut short because we could only pick up our keys at ten. Had this been different, I would have been much more proactive about moving the boxes into the room they needed to be in as soon as they left the car. I tried to do this as much as possible but with our time crunch, it was easier to just put boxes into a spare room.

If this is the case for you, that’s totally fine… Just make sure you label the boxes! This is also something that Johnny and I didn’t do and it hasn’t cost us too much grief but it’s enough to be annoying. I packed up almost everything in the apartment so I have a fairly good idea of where things are. The stuff that Johnny packed, however, is a different story!

Ask For Help:

Moving is a big job and outside help is a necessity, whether that be in the form of hiring movers or assembling friends and family. Johnny and I hired Two Men And A Truck for our furniture and we would have been nowhere without them. Hiring movers can be expensive, which is why Johnny and I cut costs by moving everything else by ourselves. We were wishing all day that we had them move all of our boxes too, though!

My mom was also kind enough to come over and help with cleaning tasks so that Johnny and I could focus on getting boxes to the new apartment. This was a HUGE help because all I had to do was sweep up once we cleared out our old place. Then, one of our friends came by later in the evening to help set up some of our furniture and get our mattress on the bed. All of this additional help was much welcomed and so very appreciated especially considering how exhausted Johnny and I were.

If you have the budget to hire movers, then it can save a lot of stress and time too. Especially at the end when you’re tired and those boxes need to be taken to the right rooms! Besides professional movers, a self storage unit can also make things a little easier when moving house, especially if you’re concerned that you won’t have enough space in your new property or don’t want (and need) to exchange one cluttered space for another.

Set A Time Frame:

One thing that Johnny and I did really well when it came to our move was setting a time frame that we wanted to be done by. We both agreed that if we were done by around six, then that would be ideal. The day was a mad dash but we did finish everything by the time we wanted and that was a huge relief. You don’t have to have a set in stone schedule but a general idea of when the task should be done will help you keep your pace up throughout the day.

Despite some hiccups during moving day, I don’t think it could have gone any better with all things considering. I am so happy to be in our new place! 😀

What are some of your moving pro tips? Did anyone help you when you moved? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr27

Working From Home With Kids? Follow These Tips!

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Working From Home With Kids? Follow These Tips!

One of the biggest challenges any parent has is trying to work at home with kids in tow. You may struggle to keep them occupied over the summer vacation, but when you are working at home with kids around, there is no one size fits all approach. But here are a few ideas that you may want to get inspiration from:

Don’t Work From Your Couch:

The most important takeaway from Work From Home 101 is that if you really have to sit down on the couch while your kids are running around, you are not going to get anything done! You need to have a space that is purely for work and work alone. When you go there, you need to almost instantly click into work mode.

If you have a spare room, that’s great, but if you need to set up a space in the kitchen or carve out a corner in your bedroom, it has to feel like a working environment. If there’s room for an adjustable desk, set it up with work related paraphernalia so, at the very least, you’ve got the opportunity to focus. When you’ve got a working space you need to communicate this to your children, and when you really have to get things done, they need to know not to bother you. This is not always easy, but this is where the next rule might be worthwhile.

Relaxing Screen Time Rules:

You may be very strict when it comes to screen time but if you have a chunk of time where you know you’ve got to be focused, giving your kids the tablet will help you out here. The great thing is that now there are plenty of apps out there that will help you to keep track of what your kids can and cannot watch, as well as the time limits.

Get Up a Little Earlier:

This is something that many parents swear by, but in order to do this effectively, you’ve got to understand what you need to achieve by the end of the working day. Rather than defining your day based on how many hours you work, look at the tasks you need to complete and which can be broken down into tasks where you need supreme focus or lesser focus. For example, emails may require you to focus in bursts of five minutes or so, but more time intensive tasks may require you to get up before the kids and get this done.

Keep Your Stress Levels Down:

It’s so easy to get frustrated when your children are vying for your attention. But as many people have had to figure out how to do this during the pandemic, they couldn’t wait for kids to go back to school. But the reality is that there are so many more people working from home now, so you need to get the balance right when the kids are home during summer vacation or spring break. You need to remember that it will pass. Because there’s no point in getting hugely frustrated by it as it’s only going to intensify the situation and make it worse.

Working from home with kids can be a huge challenge but it is doable. Follow the tips above to help you get started!

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