Tag Archives: pro tips

May1

The Ultimate Guide To Help You Understand Telecommuting

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The Ultimate Guide To Help You Understand Telecommuting

We live in a digital world and the concepts of a daily commute or corporate cubicles can be a thing of the past for people who telecommute. What is telecommuting? It’s when an employee of a company can do their work from home.

This can be full-time at-home work or part-time, but the key is the ability to do almost all of one’s daily work activities from home. There is no need to visit the office or even have an office. While telecommuting is more popular than ever, it’s not as easy as it seems.

In today’s post, we’ll explain some of the best practices for telecommuting and how you can be more efficient:

What Is Telecommuting and Is it for Me?

There are some jobs that are more suited for telecommuting than others. Jobs that require the use of computers can be done anywhere. If your job requires hands-on labor or to use assets only available at the office, then telecommuting would be difficult.

The digital world of today is suited for telecommuting because cloud storage, Internet use at home, and reasonably priced computers have made it possible for people to have everything they need without leaving their homes.

Telecommuters can connect with company assets and data via their Internet connection, password protected online servers, and company websites. There are also high speed connectivity solutions that can be utilized so you can have reliable, fast internet no matter your location. Types of jobs that allow for telecommuting include sales and marketing, healthcare, education, customer service, and information technology.

If this sounds like your job or a type of living you want, then telecommuting might be right for you.

Reasons Businesses Offer Telecommuting:

With telecommuting jobs on the rise, companies understand the benefits of offering it to their employees, but not all companies. If you’re a business owner, then consider allowing your employees to work from home at least part-time.

How much money do you spend to rent or buy office space every year? Has your company grown, and you need to expand your office to accommodate new employees? Telecommuting decreases these costs substantially. You don’t need an office at all or you can have a small office to meet with clients, etc. and never worry about expanding. Since most of your employees work from home, you can hire new ones without expanding your office space.

Studies show employees will work for less money if telecommuting is an option for their job. You can also hire employees from anywhere in the world and not worry about them moving to the area. They can stay wherever they are, so your pool for potential employees grows.

Telecommuting and Efficiency:

If you’re planning on telecommuting, then you need to have a good work ethic and be efficient. One of the biggest motivators for in-office employment is the ability for the manager to make sure the work is done on time. You can’t procrastinate if there is a manager hanging over you that wants daily meetings. When you work from home, it’s more difficult to focus and work because you’re surrounded by the familiar.

Before telecommuting, the home was a place of leisure. It’s where you could forget about work and enjoy your family and the comforts of home. It can be difficult to shake that feeling when you need to work from home.

Don’t work in your pajamas or from your bed. Treat the telecommuting day as you would any other. Wake up, get dressed in work-appropriate clothes, and work from an at-home office area. This will help you focus on work time and not home time. If you can’t be efficient from home, then your company may not offer the option.

Working from home is great because it offers you flexibility, lower stress, and an atmosphere that you control. It also requires focus and discipline to get the necessary work done and not be distracted by the comforts of home.

Keeping Telecommuting Secure:

The biggest worry an employer has about their data is security. Your servers house everything about your company and customers and it needs to be secure, but how can you do that with telecommuting employees? We’ve seen countless stories about data breaches in the news and you don’t want that to happen to you. You can provide your employees with computers that have security programs or provide them access to the security programs for at-home computers.

Keeping data secure 2021 is so important because our whole lives tend to be on our devices. Whether working from home or on vacation, always do checks for viruses or unusual activity frequently to prevent from getting hacked and having sensitive information stolen.

Beating the Telecommuting Blues:

At first, telecommuting seems amazing for employees. They don’t have to commute and still get paid without dealing with an office. After a while, the employees begin to miss having coworkers and may get cabin fever because they never seem to leave the house. Work friends and human interaction are important, and telecommuting removes that.

If you want to beat the telecommuting blues, then you need to continue having work relationships despite working from home. Video chat meetings via Zoom or other programs allows people to see their co-workers and chat about not only work but life as well.

Schedule time to leave the house during the week for fun activities with your friends. Have a drink after work or go see a movie. It’s important to maintain relationships when telecommuting or else it can be lonely.

Keep Employees in the Loop:

When dealing with telecommuting employees, the manager must remember to keep them in the loop. This involves not only ensuring they have the appropriate help like managed IT  support at home, but also the necessary data and information required to do their jobs. In offices where the employees are a mix of in-office and at-home, managers may forget to loop virtual workers in on meetings or changes to projects.

This not only hurts the business but also makes the telecommuting employees feel less important than those working in the office. You must maintain communication with telecommuters and provide the same feedback for projects, success, etc. that you would for those working in the office.

If you are considering working from home or letting your employees telecommute, use the tips above for the best success!

Apr28

Making The Most Of Spring When You’re Stuck Indoors

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Making The Most Of Spring When You’re Stuck Indoors

Hello! In an effort to keep everyone occupied, I have offered guest blogging opportunities on lifewithlilred during the lock down. Not only is it interesting and fun to hear from people all around the world but it also is a huge favor to me to keep content coming when there’s not much to write about!

In today’s post, you can find plenty of great tips to get you in touch with nature from your home from my friend, Helen, at The Feminist Gadabout. Her page is a wonderful treasure trove of cool content so do be sure to give it some love. Now, let’s get to it:

Making The Most Of Spring When You’re Stuck Indoors

With many of us around the world stuck indoors, the usually cheerful season of spring has taken on a frustrating note as we are unable to get outside and enjoy it. It is vitally important that we follow government advice about physical distancing, and do our best to avoid unnecessary contact with other people. But that doesn’t mean that we have to completely miss out on the joys of the season! Here are just a few ideas for how to make the most of spring, without having to leave your house:

Nature webcams:

Now is a time to take advantage of everything modern technology has to offer. From HouseParty to Zoom, we’re all even more reliant on our devices, and internet speed, than we were before. If you feel you’re missing out on your usual dose of nature because of the lock down, webcams are here to help! There are hundreds of different nature webcams to choose from all over the world. Yellowstone National Park, for instance, has its own full set of webcams, offering views of the Old Faithful Geyser, Mount Washburn, and Yellowstone Lake.

These are a great way to watch spring emerging in one of the US’s most stunning natural locations. For a close look at wildlife you can head over to the Explore website, where you can see everything from eagle chicks growing up in Iowa to a hummingbird nest in California. These cute little birds make remarkable parents! Watching nature go about its day is a nice way to feel in touch with the wild, even if you can’t get out in it.

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Grow Something:

Spring is the season of sprouting shoots and new leaves. Even if you don’t have access to a garden, you can still get in on the action. All you need is a bit of soil and a few dishes.  You can even use old toilet paper rolls or egg boxes to make pots! Growing plants from seeds is hugely therapeutic. It is a wonderfully positive reminder of the steady progress of life and the seasons when you see your first baby plants poking up through the compost. There are thousands of plants to choose from, but herbs like basil and cilantro are fun (and edible!) places to start. If you’re looking to add a little color to your indoor life, go for miniature sunflowers or sweet peas. Watching your little pants grow is enormously satisfying, and will provide you with interest for months to come.

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Nature Diary:

Lots of wildlife charities host annual animal and bird counts. All you have to do is note down what birds, animals, and sometimes butterflies and moths, you see in your local area in a given period. Having year-on-year information is really helpful for scientists and organizations tracking wildlife populations and the impact of human activity. You may think you’ll be left out of this is you live in an urban area, but it can be just as useful to know what creatures are thriving in our cities as in our countryside.

Sit out in the garden or at your window and take some time to chill out and watch the world – and all of its creatures – go by.  This is a great one to do with kids, as it offers a chance to teach them as you go. My grandfather used to tell me about the names and habits of all of the different birds, and gave me knowledge that I still cherish to this day.  So take a look at what your local groups are offering, and get involved! You may be surprised by the biodiversity of your area, and with spring progressing you’re sure to spot some cute baby birds and critters.

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Celebrate your personal growth:

Spring is all about renewal and rebirth. You don’t just have to turn to nature to get into this spirit. Spring offers an opportunity to look back and appreciate how far we’ve come, and think about where we want to go next. Why not try something as simple as taking a selfie of your lock down hairstyle, grow-out and all? Think about all you’ve managed to achieve, and thank yourself for your fortitude and perseverance. This is going to be a tough year for all of us, so why not indulge in a little springtime self-love, and take a moment to appreciate and celebrate yourself. We all deserve to be kind to ourselves, now more than ever.

Get Crafting:

Spring is a singularly creative season. The world is bursting with newness, all waiting to inspire you. Whether you craft all the time or rarely pick up a paintbrush, spring is a season for starting projects, and having a go at something new. There are lots of simple crafts, from origami and painting to crochet, which are easy to learn and require minimal equipment. The satisfaction of creating something new that you can proudly display in your home is its own reward, and you’ll also have mastered a new skill!

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What are you doing to keep busy and happy during these indoors spring days? I’d love to hear your ideas!

Helen runs The Feminist Gadabout, a culture, lifestyle, and travel blog that looks at the world through the lens of social awareness. It covers everything from product, film and book reviews, to social justice long-reads and travel recommendations. With the new indoor life tag there’s also plenty of material to help you stay healthy and happy indoors during lock down.

Thanks again to Helen of The Feminist Gadabout! If you are interested in guest posting on lifewithlilred, please email me at: sarah.mush6794@gmail.com !

Apr27

Taking Advantage Of The Internet In Self-Isolation

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Taking Advantage Of The Internet In Self-Isolation

Hello! Thank god for the internet while we’re all hunkered down at home, amiright? Personally, I would be going crazy without my access to social media and all of the entertainment streaming services that Johnny and I have. The internet is a wonderful tool to help fight the boredom blues and, amidst the stay at home orders, it is now being used for a lot more than aimlessly scrolling through Facebook. Bored? Try some of the following:

Take A Class:

Right now, there are so many free courses being offered online from reputable colleges to teachers hosting Zoom lectures. I have even seen that Yale is offering free admission to their course entitled “Happiness” or something of the like. I, myself, have been participating in an online American Sign Language class being taught via Zoom and have been having a blast. It feels great to learn something new and you can’t beat free!

Streaming:

Amazon, Netflix, YouTube, and iTunes provide endless new shows, short films, and movies that you can watch from the comfort of your home. Lying on the couch, in bed, or relaxing on your patio requires entertainment; therefore, a good internet connection is necessary. Making the internet as effective as possible in your home can go a long way toward relieving your boredom. Take advantage of the cox internet with a high speed, and you may not buffer even when you connect different devices.

Tour A Museum:

In the mood to travel? How about taking a virtual trip to one of the many museums offering tours online. Play some classical music, enjoy a glass of wine, and get a taste of the finer things as you admire art from around the world. Take a look and get inspired and then, who knows? Maybe you’ll be creating your own masterpieces afterwards.

Watch A Play:

Many theaters and opera houses are offering online streaming of their shows. I have seen advertising from everything from theaters in New York City to the Paris Opera House virtually opening their doors to the bored general public. I would love to watch a few operas in my free time and I am interested in checking out a viewing of the Phantom Of The Opera which I have seen advertised all over Facebook. So cool!

Connect With Friends:

Who says getting online has to be all about learning? Of course, connecting with friends is a given on social media. But, how about scheduling a chat over Zoom? You could play trivia, watch a show all together, have a paint night, or participate in a happy hour drink. Yes, it’s fun to catch up but actually doing an activity together will be a nice reminder of old times and could be a new weekly tradition to look forward to until real life meetings can happen.

Start A Club:

If you are trying to connect with like minded individuals, try hosting a virtual club. You could form a group based around anything from books and writing to movies and art. Schedule a weekly Zoom meeting to discuss the latest few chapters or the cliffhanger in the TV series you’re watching together. Intelligent conversations always perk me up when being plopped in front of the TV is the norm and everyone can benefit from that!

So many resources have made the internet even better than it already is during the coronavirus panic and these ideas are sure to entertain during those times when it feels like there is “nothing to do”. Enjoy!

Have you been doing anything similar to the tips above? How have you been using the internet to your advantage right now? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr24

Tips For The Best Ways To Feed Your Horse

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Tips For The Best Ways To Feed Your Horse

If you’re a new horse owner or you simply want to become a better one, one of the things you’ll need to think about is how you feed your horse. It’s one of the most important things you have to consider when you own a horse and there are many decisions to make. We’re going to discuss all of that and cover the most important issues around feeding your horse correctly, so read on to learn more:

Stick to Trickle Feeding:

Trickle feeding is the process of giving horses small amounts of food at a time. This way of feeding horses is used because it’s how horses naturally eat and it suits the size of their stomach, which is relatively small. Because they’re being fed small amounts, they can be fed more often. Horses 400kg and above should only be fed around 2kg of food per meal.

Feed Plenty of Forage:

You can still feed horses plenty of forage, though, as this is essential for their digestive health and they’ll graze on it throughout the day. As well as helping their digestive health, it also makes it easier for horses to absorb vital nutrients from other sources, aiding their health and fitness generally. You should give them more than 1.5% of their body weight per day in forage.

Ensure Fresh and Clean Water is Always Available:

It’s essential that your horse always has easy access to fresh and clear water at all times. Without this, they’re only going to get dehydrated and it’ll eventually have a massively detrimental effect on their general health and well being. Don’t underestimate the importance of the water and replacing it with fresh, clean water at regular intervals.

Get the Logistics Right:

It’s also important to choose the right food and to ensure you always have a reliable supply of it heading your way. Places like https://www.naturafeed.com/production-distribution/ can help with the distribution of horse feed, and it’s a good idea to select an option that offers those provisions. Once you have a feed, you want to keep it consistent and always have it in stock. It’s best for your horse if you’re not making changes all of the time and swapping their feed.

Keep Feeding Times Consistent:

Horses like routines and form strong habits. That’s why it’s so important for their general happiness that you keep their feeding times as consistent as possible from day to day. You should also offer the amount of food that matches up to the amount of work that’s been done by the horse that day so their energy reserves are adequately replenished.

Feeding your horse correctly is a vital part of being a horse owner. Nothing should be left to chance and you should put real time and thought into working out how much feed your horse needs and what kind it needs. These variables will differ depending on your horse.

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Apr22

Feeling Stressed In Isolation? Let’s Fix That

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Feeling Stressed In Isolation? Let’s Fix That

Do you feel stressed being confined to your home? Well, you’re not alone. Studies seem to suggest that while social distancing may be reducing the spread of the coronavirus, it’s also causing a surge in mental health issues and that’s a problem. However, there are ways to beat back the stress and protect your mental health in your own home. Here are some of the best options that we recommend:

Keep Your Schedule:

This one is particularly important according to the experts. You need to make sure that you are sticking to the same schedule that you were on before lock down began. If you don’t do this, you’ll throw your levels of energy and your sleeping pattern off course. This can cause you to feel more stressed because you’ll be getting less sleep at night. So rather than throwing the alarm away, make sure that you rise with the sun. Start work if you’re working and if you’re not, why not begin the day with some light exercise.

Exercise will help too. Staying active is going to help you burn off that stress and keep your mental health in check. It will mean that you don’t have to worry about your body starting to succumb to aches and pains simply because you’re not using it enough. Remember, you can be creative with different types of exercises too. For instance, you can throw a dance party on Zoom with friends and family members.

Eat Well:

Various studies have shown time and time again that issues with your diet can cause problems with your mental health. If you don’t eat right, then there’s a good chance that you are going to feel more stressed than usual and it will impact your mood. The problem is that you might not have the energy or the motivation to cook a full meal and that’s okay. You can make this easier by using a meal preparation service. With a solution like this, you will be able to make sure that you get the delicious meal you want without having to worry about all of the issues with preparation. There are lots of great companies that offer this service. For instance, you can consider Hello Fresh vs Home Chef to find the right choice for you.

Me Time:

Finally, while it might seem odd to say, you could be finding it difficult to get the time to yourself that you need. Particularly, if you are a parent and working from home while still trying to make sure that your kids stay on top of their school work. But it’s important that you do take an hour or so out of the day to just relax, unwind, and forget about what’s going on in the world for a little while.

It’s tough to stay positive at times like this but looking after your body and your mind is always going to be a step in the right direction.

Featured Image By: Pexels

Apr22

Pampering Yourself At Home

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Pampering Yourself At Home

Hello! I, like many of you, am absolutely itching to get back to all of my normal pampering routines once the coronavirus dies down. Heck, I’m absolutely itching to get back to ALL of my normal routines! But, the pampering aspect holds a special place in my heart because it’s something I value and enjoy a lot. If you are ready to get your beauty on in self-isolation, start with the following tips:

Do Your Makeup:

I know it’s easy to blow off doing your morning makeup routine if you’re at home right now but I promise it makes a huge difference. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve had many a makeup free day and it feels great. However, it feels even better to do your makeup after a long stint of makeup free days, lol.

Whenever I am feeling a bit down, I wake up early and do my makeup before work and I always have sky high confidence the whole day. Doing your makeup gives a nod to the normalcy of a “regular” day at work and did I mention all of the quarantine selfies you can take after? Bonus!

Do Your Nails:

Of course I just had to get a DIY acrylic kit because I literally can’t live without my claws. This is a great option for those who are going crazy without their scheduled trips to the salon! If you’re not too bent out of shape about your acrylics, set up a manicure bar at home for something more low key. Soak your nails, shape and file them, and pick a perfect spring color to paint them. (This is also a great idea for a little mommy and me time, too!)

Do Your Hair:

Right now I am doing nothing to my hair because I plan on changing it up post quarantine. But, if this is not the case for you, then do keep up with your hair maintenance if you dye it. This suggestion is not a suggestion to cut your hair on your own because we all know that it can lead to catastrophe!

Rather, this is a suggestion to take some time to yourself in the evening for a long shower and maybe a deep conditioning treatment. To really bring the beauty salon to you, have someone in your house wash your hair for the ultimate pampering.

And Remember:

Many of your favorite salons are offering gift cards right now and that is a wonderful way to support them during this crazy time. I plan on buying gift cards to all of my stomping grounds so that as soon as this passes, I will be the first one in the salon chair! 😀

How do you pamper yourself at home? What helps you relax during this stressful time? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr21

Community Fun In Self-Isolation

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Community Fun In Self-Isolation

Hello! While all of us are basking in the boredom of self-isolation, I am sure that those who were active members in the community are itching to get back to planning and participating in events for all to enjoy. Although seeing each other from a distance is the standard now, there are still plenty of ways for us to come together as a community and make the best of a difficult situation. Perhaps with some of the following ideas:

Parking Lot Events:

The inspiration from this post actually came from a client’s mom who told me her family attended Easter mass from a broadcast in the church parking lot. What a great idea! Just like at the drive in movies, people filed in with their windows up and were instructed by signs to tune into a radio station for the mass. She said it was such an amazing, refreshing, safe community event and it sure sounds like it.

If attending a parking lot religious ceremony isn’t your thing, how about a neighborhood drive in movie night, instead? I could definitely go for that one!

Social Media Groups:

My city in Ohio has a Facebook “talk of the town” group where people can post news and chit chat with each other. If your area doesn’t have such a page, why not create one yourself? Have everyone vote on a different show to watch in unison from the comfort of their home so all of you can discuss it later. Or how about a neighborhood book club? As long as everyone is communicating with each other, that’s all that matters.

Neighborhood Games:

On your neighborhood social media group, you could post the rules for a neighborhood participation game. You could try something like I Spy for people to walk or drive around and find the clues. Maybe you could encourage everyone to put their dog in a Halloween costume if they are going out for a stroll. Or how about a quarantine edition of Bingo to play from the porch? There are tons of possibilities if you get creative!

Decorate Your Yard:

Something fun for your neighborhood to participate in could be a yard decorating extravaganza for everyone to enjoy. Perhaps you could plant beautiful flowers in your yard? Or what about putting some of your holiday themed inflatables or lights back on display? You could even do something totally random like a snowman made out of tires if you feel like it! Get inspired and create a lawn display for all of your neighbors to be proud of when they walk or drive by.

It’s hard not being able to see each other traditionally but it’s important to still enjoy your friends and neighborhood even if it is from a distance. Use the ideas above and have some fun!

How have you been interacting with people from a distance? Has your community done any social distancing activities like the ones above? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr19

Taking Care Of A Dog When Practicing Social-Distancing

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Taking Care Of A Dog When Practicing Social-Distancing

Having a dog can change your life. A dog means that you’ve got a constant and loving companion. Someone who loves you and shows it. Who is loyal and affectionate and who is always there when you need them. Owning a dog can improve your mental health, boost your social interactions, and encourage you to get more exercise.

But now, normal life is very different. We can’t take our dogs to our favorite dog parks. We can’t let them run free, playing with their friends while we chat with other dog owners. If you are ill, you might struggle to look after them, and getting to the vets can be difficult.

The good news is, that there isn’t currently any evidence that COVID-19 affects dogs or that they can transmit the virus to humans. Having a dog shouldn’t make you sick, and you shouldn’t be able to affect them if you become unwell. But that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t take some extra precautions. Here are some tips to help you to look after your dog while practicing social-distancing or even living in self-isolation:

Find a Quiet Time to Walk:

At the moment, as long as you are in good health, at no increased risk, and have no symptoms of COVID-19, you are allowed to take your dog out for a walk. But, it’s best practice to stay at least two meters away from anyone else, to avoid the possible spread of the virus. If you usually walk in quite a busy park, you might find it easier to avoid other people if you find a quieter time to walk, perhaps first thing in the morning or late in the afternoon.

Keep Him on a Lead:

Social distancing becomes a lot harder when your dog is off the lead, and you’ve got less control over where they run. Keep them on their lead whenever you go out, and remember to wash the grip before you go out and when you get home.

Save Money on Pet Care:

Pet care can be expensive, and if you can’t work at the moment, you may be keen to save money wherever you can. Save money by printing a petmeds coupon and try shopping around for pet food and any other supplies. Don’t forget to shop on sale!

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All smiles!

Find Out More About Your Vet’s Policy:

Hopefully, your vet is still open and seeing patients. Even if you don’t need to see them, it’s a good idea to be prepared, as their policies may have changed. Look on their website or social media pages to see if any restrictions have been put in place. You may have to book in advance, and you might not be allowed into the surgery until your appointment time, to minimize contact in the waiting areas. If you do need to see your vet, wash your hands before and after, avoid touching your face, and consider wearing a mask while you are out of the house.

Minimize Contact If You Are Symptomatic:

If you are symptomatic, however mild your symptoms are, you should go into self-isolation straight away. Then, while there is no evidence that your pet could become affected, not enough is known about how they may carry the virus on their fur or collar, so avoid too much contact until your symptoms subside.

Arrange for an Alternative Walker:

If you are self-isolating, you shouldn’t even leave the house to walk your dog, nor should anyone else in your household. If you have a garden, you may be able to manage, but if not, it’s important that your dog gets some exercise. Arrange for someone else to collect (without entering your home or coming within two meters of you) your dog for walks, bringing their own lead, and not making contact with anything from within your home.

Keep Stocked Up on Food and Other Supplies:

You don’t need to stockpile pet food and supplies, but it is a good idea to have at least a week’s worth at all times, in case you struggle to get out and can’t get a delivery.

Use the tips above to keep taking the best care of your four legged friends during this difficult time.

Featured Image By: Pexels

Apr19

Keeping Things Exciting In Self-Isolation

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Keeping Things Exciting In Self-Isolation

Hello! It has come to the point in Ohio’s stay at home order where I am beginning to realize that this shit sucks. Lol, of course being at home is for the best right now and I completely agree with it but, damn, I’m going bored out of my mind. A few days ago, I decided that a little more excitement needs to be happening at my apartment before I go crazy. Here are a few of the ideas that I know I’ll be trying and a few extra ones for all of ya’ll:

Drinks On The Balcony:

Literally one of the first things my boyfriend, Johnny, and I say to each other on a nice day is how we wish we could be outdoors at one of our favorite bars in Kent. So, the next time the afternoon is bright and sunny when we both get off work, we are going to make a delicious mixed drink, set up some chairs on my balcony, and enjoy an evening pretending we’re out with our friends.

So, that last part was lame. But, concocting a rum punch, making some snacks, and spending an evening outside isn’t! If we can’t go out to our old stomping grounds, we might as well just make “Sarah’s Balcony” our new favorite bar!

Build A Model:

Johnny and I have been on a big Lego kick lately because of the insanely fun contest show “Lego Masters”. We have watched the documentaries and the movies and, now, we are ready to try our hand at building some for ourselves. One of our next plans is to order a big Lego set like the two thousand piece pirate ship and work on it together.

I have never played with Lego before and Johnny loves it so I know it will be a fun evening or two spent in block building harmony. Plus, seeing the end result of what we created is a huge exciting bonus. 😀

Make Things Grow:

Although there is nowhere in my apartment community to garden or plant flowers, I can still have some indoor plants! Potted flowers, herbs, or plants are a great project to work on. Or, if you have space to plant on your property – take it outdoors! Tending to a plant and helping it grow is so rewarding and there is nothing more exciting than seeing the first sprouts of your success.

Take Advantage Of Your Options:

In Ohio, carry out is still going strong at restaurants. And, what’s better? It just became approved to do take out drinks, as well! Although Johnny and I have cooked at home almost every day of this quarantine, it is still nice to get a treat. Hopefully this upcoming weekend, we will be ordering Mexican food from our favorite restaurant and Margaritas to go for a day date.

Is this the best option? No. But it’s a damn good one and no matter how bad I want to eat at a restaurant, sitting on the couch while eating Mexican food, drinking Margs, and watching Community with my beau sounds like an enticing close second. Take advantage of the options going on in your area and use it to spice up your day!

There is nothing wrong with saying that everything about right now sucks. But, be that as it may, there are still options to have some fun. Use the ideas above to help you get started!

How do you keep things exciting in self-isolation? How do you plan on treating yourself during this crazy time? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Apr17

Can Interior Style Ever Be Practical? Let’s Find Out!

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Can Interior Style Ever Be Practical? Let’s Find Out!

If you’re an avid fashionista, you’ll know the conundrum of balancing style and practicality all too well. Should you wear a midi dress or baby blue jeans with pockets? Looking good is often achieved by making practical sacrifices. The home is in the same boat. A cool, sleek, black leather corner sofa isn’t very comfortable in the summer or winter. It’s either too hot and sticky or cold and rigid. That leaves it impractical for half the year. ‘Just cover it with a throw’ you might say. Well, that would defeat the purpose of the leather sofa, which is to be seen. It’s a style statement and it would stop being so if you ‘modified’ it. So, the question that begs for a clear answer is, can style ever be practical in the home?

Display versus the dresser:

One of the greatest traditional and modern style statements for any home is the display cabinet. It’s used to display photographs, your expensive china, artistic crystal fruit bowls, trophies of sporting achievement and academic awards. The display cabinet is housed in fine glass doors, so the light in the room entering inside is not impeded in any way. As you can imagine, you’re not going to be placing your everyday household items in such a decor piece. This renders it, practically useless. However, there is a similar alternative; the dresser cabinet.

The dresser cabinet is not like the dresser in your bedroom. It’s not built to just waist-height, indeed it is a large wooden and glass cabinet. The dresser cabinet is used to store your dinner plates, spoons, knives and forks. However, it can also be used to store books, acting as a mini-library. If you get a three-column cabinet, it will be far more dexterous to your needs. Store your tea set, with tray, kettle and cups in the same port. Small plants or flowers may also be placed on the shelves. Fitting a wine rack in the lower levels would be a superb vintage stylistic choice. Of course, you can opt for shopping in a store for new cabinetry, but you could really take your decor up a notch with a custom built piece. Companies like Eleven Oaks can provide you with gorgeous cabinets tailor made to fit your space and style.

Classic Americana:

Some say that America doesn’t really have its own decor style. They’re wrong because the classic America or ‘colonial’ style, is very much still alive. The Patriot window style from Advanced Window Products is a clear example of how chic and debonair window frames can be. It’s a slider style that fits into a strong large square frame. The sliding window adds a double depth layer so you have privacy but practical means of opening the window.

They’re also more energy-efficient as windows are within a thicker frame which does a better job at trapping heat. These types of windows are largely bought in bulk because you need the exterior windows to all match. They have a replacement payment, no payment, and no interest scheme for 24 months and $1,200 off the whole cost if you’re buying 10 or more. The vinyl windows they fit last up to 40 years, so it’s really a long-term investment that should be given serious thought.

Not-so-humble shoe rack:

Do you open your pantry door to fetch your shoes? Some people are of the opinion that hiding your shoes away is polite to guests and that a home that has an open-air for shoes is less hygienic. Both of these views are true but in the end, when deciding on a style, they are subjective. It’s not practical to hide your shoes away because whenever you’re in a rush, you will find your shoes buried under other shoes, coats, and god knows what else. Explore the different possibilities of stylish shoe racks. This humble piece of furniture can be given a truly contemporary feel, and you’ll want to display your shoes more than ever. A pyramid show rack would go well in a geometric art-deco home. A closet shoe rack would be brilliant for a more modern home with sleek lines and smart storage spaces.

Light your mood:

Mood lighting has suddenly jumped in the number of searches made in Google. Purple and pink are often touted as relaxing shades that any home would do well to have. However, you need a table lamp which can be changed to whatever kind of color you want. That’s where something like the Teckin LED table really makes a subtle yet awesome impact. With just a touch of your finger, it can light to the color you want, stopping on the shade you want during its rainbow display.

Use the tips above to add a touch of practical style to your place!

Featured Image By: Pixabay