Tag Archives: warm

Mar28

Spring Renovations: Are These Projects Worth The Money?

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Spring Renovations: Are These Projects Worth The Money?

When spring arrives, it can feel only natural to want to get outdoors and start tending to your yard or garden. After a long and cold winter, it could really need it! Surely, you’ll want to make everything look as good as new.

That can all seem very well, especially if you are thinking of selling the home soon or just want to make it look a little different. But are some of the home projects or renovations that you have planned in your mind going to be worth it? Here are some suggestions for you, to make sure that you’d be getting your money’s worth for each project:

Yard/Garden Landscaping

If the sun shines and the flowers are blossoming, then who wouldn’t want to be outdoors? But if you want a super-styled outdoor space, rather than just a rose bush by the picket fence, then it can cost you quite a bit to get it done. It can mean some major changes to the yard, with some digging up, possibly concrete being added, and things like ponds being made. It can really change the look of the space, so you need to decide if it is going to be worth it for you.

If you are planning a move sooner rather than later, then in reality, there are plenty of other things that you can do to improve the curb appeal of your home, rather than getting the yard landscaped. Getting new plants and generally tidying up the outside space could be a much better use of your cash. If you’re not planning to move, then you just need to weigh up the pros and the cons. If you do want to landscape, consider it carefully. Will you need to outsource to bring your landscape design vision to life? Are there aspects of your design that you could DIY? Be realistic about what you are capable of. At the end of the day, the yard is the first thing people notice and sometimes the best thing is leaving it to the professionals if you are lacking the time or green thumbs.

Driveway Repairs:

If you have a driveway, then over the winter it can take a beating with the ice, snow, rain, and salt being added to it on a daily basis. The thing is, just putting a new layer of concrete or asphalt over the top isn’t always going to be that simple. You have to think about the foundations and any cracks, as they could lead to problems if they’re not dealt with. So it can involve some heavy machinery to get it looked at and repaired.

The thing is, though, is that a driveway is something that a potential buyer would be looking at right away. So if you are looking to move, it could be the thing that tips the scales for a buyer. On the flipside, if you’re planning to move, then you may not be bothered about the driveway and leave it for the new owner. So it comes down to how long you’ve got left living there and if you’ve got it in the budget. Should the driveway be a project you would like to tackle, simply enter a search for “asphalt driveway portland, OR” (or your local area) to begin researching the right team to take on the job. A driveway is one of the first things people see and you will want it looking its best the first time around.

Repainting:

Winter brings with it lots of shades of gray, and can often leave you feeling that you need some color in your life. Many experts agree that painting can change the look of a home, both interior and exterior, for a pretty low cost. So it can be worth doing, as if you do it yourself, all you are paying for are tins of paint. Professionals like Textbook Painting would be able to provide the right equipment, if you were painting the outside of the house, for example, but can still keep costs down. So if you want to freshen things up, then repainting is an easy win, and would be worth doing, moving home or not.

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A bright colored accent wall always goes down well!

Repairing/Replacing Siding:

The siding on your home is what takes the brute force from bad weather. A particularly harsh winter could have wreaked havoc on the condition of it. So if yours is looking a little worse for wear, then right about now could be a good time to repair or replace it. But it is going to be worth it? In short, yes, it is going to be worth it. But the actual process can be long and quite costly.

First of all, this isn’t something that you can do easily by yourself. So really, you will be paying the cost of labor for contractors to do it for you. And that can reach into the region of around $10,000. So to justify the cost, then you probably need to ‘wait’ until the siding is looking in particularly bad repair. If it is not peeling, coming away, or there are no loose parts, then it could be worth leaving for a little longer, simply to get more bang for your buck.

If only some of it is looking bad, then you could replace just those panels rather than the whole lot. That would be a good way to save money but still improve the look and condition of things. You could also consider simply repainting your siding, if there are just a few parts that are peeling off. Get them sanded down, ready to paint, and it can look like new afterwards.

While spring is a great time of year to be making changes, think carefully and plan out any projects or renovations before you get started on them!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Mar2

Hello, Spring!

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Hello, Spring!

Hi everyone!! A few days ago when I was walking my pups, I noticed some lovely little flowers poking out from underneath the layer of leaves that are still damp with melted snow. It was such a sight for sore eyes, especially because the sun was shining and it was FIFTY DEGREES at the end of February. Oh my goodness, guys, it was amazing.

To walk outside with a light jacket on, with my pups keeping up pace beside me and the sun shining on my face was such a treat after a long and grey winter. And, then, to make things even more glorious, I look down and see bright yellow crocuses and another yellow flower that I’m not sure what it is popping out to say hello:

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Of course, it’s not quite lovely spring time yet. But, on that day, it felt that way and I could literally feel the crippling weight of seasonal depression on top of normal old depression being lifted from my shoulders. I was so happy to be breathing in fresh, clean air and looking up to no clouds in the sky. And seeing the first promises of spring flowers in tiny yellow buds peeking out just added to the delight. It was a great day.

Are any flowers popping up in your neck of the woods? What is the weather like in your area? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jan7

Hair Raising Heating Bill? Here’s How You Can Stay Warm For Less!

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Hair Raising Heating Bill? Here’s How You Can Stay Warm For Less!

The months between Christmas and spring are pretty miserable – it’s wet, it’s dark, and it’s absolutely freezing. As well as feeling the pinch from Christmas, many of us will also receive a hair raising gas bill in January, too, where we’ve cranked up the heating in a bid to stay warm. However, it doesn’t have to be this way, and if you’re fed up with forking out huge amounts of money to your energy suppliers every winter, there are ways that you can cut costs.

Before we take a look at some pro tips, remember to get your heating system checked by a professional first. A malfunctioning system could be what is increasing your bill. Schedule an appointment with a Greensboro heating and air contractor or a well referenced professional in your area. Now, let’s get to it:

Set Your Heating on a Timer:

Instead of letting your heating run all day, it’s far more energy efficient (and cheaper for you) to put it on a timer. Set it to come on for an hour in the morning as you’re getting ready for work and a couple of hours in the evening. It has been suggested that leaving your heating on low all day is cheaper than having it come on and off but this is a myth. This is especially true when you consider that if your system is in need of a service it may not be entirely accurate on it’s output. Using a timer system is a great way to ensure that you don’t bake the house in heat all day, it is important however to ensure that your timing systems work properly in conjunction with your heating system so that you don’t come home to a cold house! Using a reputable servicer such as Snows Fuel Co. or another in your area will ensure that your system works as intended to give you a comfortable temperature to return home to all year round.

These days you can get smart home devices that link with your heating and give you full control over it. It makes it easy to set it to come on when you want and gives you the flexibility to do it from an app – you don’t even need to be in the house. Imagine you’ve been out on a long hike in the cold, for example, and want the house toasty and warm for when you get in. If you know it’s not during your set heating hours, you could put it to come on when you’re on the way home so the temperature is perfect when you arrive back! Either way, it’s useful to have control over your heating like this, and keeping the times you use it to a minimum will save you money.

Get a Wood Burning Fire:

A wood burning fire is an awesome, rustic looking addition to any living room – plus it can save you money, too. If you chop your own firewood or stock up on hardwood logs for use on stoves when they’re on sale, you will have plenty of kindling to get you through the coldest months. Just be sure that your fireplace and chimney is kept clear to avoid dangerous accidents. If you’re not sure how to go about this, just call in a company like Capitol Chimney. Using a wood burning fire like this can keep your whole living room warm and prevents you from having to heat the entire house, which is pointless when all of the family is gathered together in one room.

Wrap Up Warm:

During the evenings when you’re lounging around, instead of blasting the heating on the highest setting, why not put it on low and wrap up warm, instead? You can buy cozy throws for your sofa on places like eBay, Amazon, or any home-ware shop. Load it up with cushions and then invest in some fleecy warm pajamas and slippers and you can stay comfy and cozy during the evenings without having to spend a lot of money. Even during the day, popping on a jumper or a dressing gown means that you don’t have to have the heating up, and you might be able to leave it off altogether. Keep your cozy home furnishings in good condition and they’ll last you year after year.

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Fluffy bathrobe, anyone?

Buy Essentials to Keep Your Home Warm:

Thick, lined curtains will help to keep out drafts – while they might cost a bit up front they will last for many years and can help you keep your heating bill down. Draft excluders and radiator reflectors are cheap and cheerful, and will keep the cold out and maximize the heat when the heating is on. Soft, plush rugs, carpets, and throw blankets can help trap heat too. It might also be smart to get a few extra bottles of propane from Gibson Oil & Gas or a similar company in your area. You never know when you might need it!

Finally, if you move big items of furniture like sofas or wardrobes away from radiators, this will also allow the heat to circulate better and allows you to make the most of the money you’re spending on the gas bill!

Being mindful of the heating you use can go a long way. Don’t just turn up the dial whenever you feel a little chilly! It’s not to say that you should sit at home shivering, wrapped up in every jumper you own, but there is a happy medium to be found. Keeping your heating low or not using it unless it gets very cold is good for both the environment as well as your bank balance.

And of course, your heating isn’t the only bill you need to keep an eye on – there are plenty of things you have to pay for around the home to make it a comfortable, safe place to live, so maybe it’s time to check on all your outgoings, and shop around to see if there’s a better deal out there – American Water could be a good place to start because you never know what savings you might make.

Featured Image By: Pexels

Jul19

The Best Sports For The Whole Family

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The Best Sports For The Whole Family

Getting your kids to exercise often means fighting an uphill battle. Most of the time they’d rather be inside on the computer than outside moving about. The best way of getting them to be active is to find an activity that they’ll enjoy doing. Don’t forget about yourself, either, it’s just as important for you to get a good amount of exercise, especially as you get older.

Exercise is the best way to combat any of the health complaints that come with age, so it’s vital that the whole family gets outside and does some exercise on a regular basis. As well as getting exercise, sports teach your kids a lot of good values. They will learn the importance of teamwork and sportsmanship, which will stand them in good stead later on in life. You can have great quality time together by playing some sports. For families that are looking to explore a much wider range of hobbies, activities such as recreational riding may be interesting. Taking a look at equestrian reviews by Freddie Vasquez Jr
can also help to enhance knowledge of horses making it much easier to appreciate the beauty of riding. Here are some of the best sports for you to do as a family:

Baseball: Baseball is a good one to play when you first start exercising because you’ll get a lot of rests between bursts of energy. You can play at the local park with fairly limited equipment. As long as you have a bat and a ball, you can use pretty much anything to mark out the bases. Alternatively, if you don’t have a local park nearby and there isn’t space in the garden for a full game, you can just practice your throwing and catching skills. Baseball is a great sport for the family, which helps you get some good cardiovascular exercise as well as improving your hand eye coordination skills.

sportss#1 😀

Golf: People don’t always consider golf when they’re thinking of sports that are good for exercise, but you’d be surprised by how many calories you could burn on the course. You won’t be running up and down all day but you’ll be doing a fair bit of walking so it’s still going to get your heart going. If you’re going to play a family game of golf, you need to get all of the right equipment. A good set of clubs is vital, otherwise you’ll find yourself stuck in a bunker all day. Look for the most forgiving golf clubs, they’re perfect for beginners and they’ll help you to avoid missing all of your shots. If you get a bad set of clubs and it’s difficult for the kids to make any good shots, they’ll soon get frustrated and give up (Me.).

Before you go, check the rules at your local course because a lot of them have specific dress codes and they won’t let you play if you don’t have the right attire. Subscription boxes like Mullybox can provide golf course appropriate clothing as well as accessories to improve your game too. Golf is a good choice when the weather is particularly hot and you still want to get some exercise without doing anything too intense. You might soon find that golfing will become one of the family favorite activities. As all of you continue to progress, you can begin looking at more advanced gear like Ping golf clubs, electric caddies, and custom fitted gloves. As long as you remember that patience is a virtue, you’ll be going pro in no time!

Swimming: On those boiling hot summer days, the whole family can cool off in the swimming pool. It’s a brilliant way to beat the heat and it’s one of the best ways to exercise there is. When you swim, you exercise every single muscle in your body and get your heart pumping at the same time. It’s great for heart health, lung capacity, and general muscle strength. The cool water also means that you can sustain that exercise for much longer than you’d normally be able to. As well as being good exercise, swimming is an important skill for children to learn for safety so it should definitely be a part of your summer exercise routine.

sportss1Those shades!

Volleyball: When summer comes, there’s no better way to spend time with the family than down at the beach. You could spend all day sunbathing but that won’t keep you and the family healthy. A great sport that you can play at the beach is volleyball. It’s a very active sport that’s great for cardio in short bursts. Short bursts of energy, with small breaks in between, is one of the most effective ways to exercise and helps you to keep a healthy heart. You can get yourself a net if you’re serious about your game but a line in the sand will do just as well.

Quidditch: Quidditch started as a fictional game in the Harry Potter series but since then, fans have developed it into a real game. It’s not quite the same as in the books and movies, of course, but the basic rules and play are the same. It’s a great way of getting some exercise and the kids are sure to love it. To play a proper game, you’ll need quite a few people and lots of different balls so this is one that you could perhaps play with a few other families in the park. There are plenty of different positions to be played so by switching everybody around, you can keep everybody interested in playing for a long time. If you get really into your game, there are teams and leagues that you could consider joining.

sportss2Lol.

Insect Soccer: Although the name might suggest it, insect soccer isn’t a game of soccer played by ants. It’s a variation on a normal game of soccer that’ll make it much more fun for the kids. Group everybody into twos and threes depending on how many players you’ve got, and get each group to link arms, these are the insects. Each team plays against each other until one scores a goal, and they have to stay linked at all times otherwise they lose the round. This is the perfect game to play with the kids because it has all of the exercise benefits of a normal soccer game but it also teaches valuable teamwork and cooperation skills.

Basketball: When the good weather goes away, it can be easy to fall into bad habits and your exercise regime can fall by the wayside. One of the best indoor sports to play in winter is basketball. There should be a local indoor court that you can use but you’ll probably need to hire it out so check beforehand. Basketball is a good team sport for kids to play and it’ll massively improve their ball skills. If they enjoy it, you can carry on into the summer on a free outdoor court.

sportss3#Ballin

Summer time is all about going out and getting active – and what better way to do that than as a family?!

Jul13

Backyard Beauty

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Backyard Beauty

Hello everyone and happy Thursday!! As you all know, I don’t care for summer in the slightest. And by that I mean that I friggen hate it. But the one thing that I actually do like about it (Other than my birthday!), is my glorious backyard. Saying that my beloved father has a green thumb is a severe understatement. Over the years, he has nurtured our back as well as front yards into an outdoor garden fit for a king. This year’s bounty has been particularly beautiful and I just had to share some pictures with all of you. It brightens my day whenever I see the fruits of my dad’s hard work and I’m sure that all of the lovely flowers seen below will do the same for you!

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What are your likes and dislikes about summer? What is your favorite flower? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

Jul5

Creative Summer Cooking Ideas That Are Simple And Scrumptious

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Creative Summer Cooking Ideas That Are Simple And Scrumptious

As soon as the weather warms up and the days get brighter, we all want to change our eating habits. There’s just something about an increase in heat that makes you want to go for fresher, lighter, and less indulgent food choices. But, at the same time, you still want to be able to enjoy a delicious dinner that’s full of flavor. To find that perfect balance, you’re going to want to get your creative summer cook on.

So where should you start? When you’re busy, you definitely want your summer cooking ideas to be super easy to make. But at the same time, they have to taste good and look like a small slice of summer, too. To give you the ultimate inspiration for your light evening meals and tasty long lunches, here are a few ideas to get your taste buds tingling:

One-Tray Bakes: When you want something super easy, balanced, but incredibly tasty, always turn to a one-tray bake. During the summer months, you want to be outside with your family and not slaving over a hot oven, so the tray bake is perfect for that reason. By throwing all of your ingredients into one tray and baking it all at once, your meal is done. More often than not, you’ll have veggies in the mix, but you can also serve a salad on the side if you’re feeling saucy!

Summer Pasta: For something super filling but also light, you’re going to want to pull together the perfect summer pasta. Pasta is a great ingredient to play around with. Not only can you choose from a range of different styles, but you can mix up your sauces and ingredients to create completely different dishes. For summer, try using fresh shrimp and crunchy veggies to create healthy but delicious meals.

Low Carb Favorites: Sometimes you want a really light meal that is easy to snack on and won’t make you feel bloated in the heat (Which is the literal worst.). Summer is the perfect time to go for low-carb versions of your favorite dishes. Hello, beach body. Craving pizza? Build your ingredients on a tortilla base, instead. If you want fajitas, why not go for lettuce wraps? And if you want tacos (who doesn’t?), fill them with fresh fish and shredded salad for a lighter alternative.

Rainbow Salads: Then, we get to the salads, because a summer menu wouldn’t be complete without a bunch of them! Don’t think about the kind of diet food you’d usually expect, oh no – these salads should be big, bold, bright, and beautiful. Rainbow salads packed with exciting, crunchy, and flavorful veggies are the best. Create your own dressing and serve with a protein source for a colorful and complete meal.

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YUM

Smoked Meats: When you love meats, you want to make sure that they’re packed full of flavor and are served super succulent in the summer. There’s just something about a lighter version of the tastiest meats that screams summer. And when you want to go tender and melt-in-your-mouth, you smoke. You can read the pros and cons of the Brinkmann electric smoker to see if it’s a cooking method that you can work with. If so, throw in your meats and even a few veggies and prepare for a flavor overload.

Mixed Rice: Rice is a great grain that we don’t give enough credit to. It’s always tasty and it’s a super light carb source, too. As a part of your summer meal frenzy, try making a bunch of rice based meals. Stir in your favorite meats, serve with crunchy veggies, and dress with delicious sauces to create some of the most exciting dishes around.

Ultimate Burgers: Summertime is all about the burgers. When you love a good burger, you’ll take one all year round, but there’s nothing like a hot summer day with a burger in hand to make you feel happy (Any food in my hand makes me feel happy!). But don’t just stick to a standard beef patty – pimp them up! There are so many amazing burger recipes here, just take a look. If the chipotle turkey, chicken Caesar, or even the taco burger doesn’t tempt you, you’re not a true burger fan! And if you’re a vegetarian, like me, the veggie burger is a thing!! 😀

Asian Anything: If there’s one kind of cuisine that works the best with summer meals, it’s got to be Asian. Asian cooking is full of those incredibly fresh favors that just work so well when its warm. Whether you decide to whip up a noodle dish or create a crunchy salad, sticking to Asian ingredients and flavors will always serve you well in the summer months.

Garden parties, picnics, and BBQs are essential summer activities. Create the perfect menu with the above ideas, invite your friends, and have yourself a backyard bash!

Featured Image By: Pexels

Jun27

Cool Ways To Bring Your Neighborhood Together

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Cool Ways To Bring Your Neighborhood Together

We all want to live in a better neighborhood; it is one of those inherent wants we are all born with. Of course, what makes a better neighborhood is entirely subjective. Some may want a neighborhood that feels safe like they used to feel, where kids can play outside until the sun goes down. Others may say that they want somewhere that does its part for the earth. Everyone is different. Whatever the case, though, creating a better neighborhood is all about coming together as a team to strengthen your community. Awwww. How lovely would that be? :*)

To help you achieve your ambitions of living in a little slice of utopia, we have come up with a list of ways in which you can make your neighborhood a better place to live:

Sharing Is Caring: Sometimes it’s the old cliches that ring truest, and that is certainly the case when it comes to sharing is caring. Why not set up a community that is more geared towards helping one another out. Start up a tool library and a toy library, and, yeah, a book library too. Start a neighborhood vegetable patch where you all chip in and reap the rewards. Not only will these ideas bring you closer with your neighbors, but they’re all fun and helpful!

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So. Many. Tools!!!

Eco-Awesomeness: We all wish that we could be a little greener in our community, but buying solar panels isn’t exactly cheap, although they are getting cheaper. Anyways, to avoid the big overheads, why not pool together and buy solar panels collectively to enjoy a big bulk buy discount. As you can see at oregonlive.com this is a trend that was started by communities in Portland with amazing results.

Emergency Excellence: If you can be prepared for an emergency as a community, you are going to thrive as a community. It could be that you all chip in to buy a couple of automated external defibrillators from foremostequipment.com, or it could go even further and have a full blown emergency network in place. What better way is there to strengthen your community than to have members take on various roles, have certain supplies ready, and be prepared for the worst as a neighborhood.

When shopping for emergency supplies, do your research. For example, if you buy Heartstart FRx AED from AED Leader, is it something that can be used easily? Will you have a few designated neighbors who have been trained on how to use it, or will you all go to a course? AEDs are life-saving pieces of equipment so it should be a discussion you have with all your neighbors (especially with those most vulnerable) and trained emergency staff.

Nice Nights: Building your community starts with doing things together. It could be getting together for a block party, holding storytelling evenings, serving different street foods, getting together for fireworks displays, having the children put on a theater event, and whatever else takes your fancy as a community. Whatever your summer bucket list is made up of, do it as a neighborhood. Have a calendar event that you all do once a month, where everyone knows that the second Saturday is neighborhood night.

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Partayyy

Front Yards: You are never going to bump into your neighbors if you only ever use your backyard. So, instead of this, why not move your normal backyard activities to the front and make yourself more visible and friendly to your neighbors. Sit out on the porch and say hi to everyone that goes past. Make a big jug of lemonade and invite them in. It’s only a slight tweak to your life but it can make a huge difference when it comes to getting to know your neighbors and building a better community.

Featured Image By: Pexels

Jun22

Great Ways To Get Your Kids Outdoors This Summer

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Great Ways To Get Your Kids Outdoors This Summer

Summer is upon us, and with it comes great opportunities to spend time outdoors with the family. However, try as you might, you may find it difficult to pries the smartphones from your children’s hands as you try and get them to do something different. When you mention the idea of getting some fresh air, their solution of opening another window is not going to help your cause. But don’t despair! There are some great activities for families to enjoy, and none of them require an internet connection. So while your kids may kick up a fuss initially, it is possible to get them out of the house and into the fresh air. Bribery is entirely optional! 😉

Go For a Family Bike Ride: For some reason, children hate walking almost as much as eating their green vegetables. But suggest a bike ride, and you may see their faces light up. Go somewhere as a family, such as a nearby place of beauty and spend the day on two wheels. While out, there may be the perfect opportunity to point out things of interest, such as different aspects of nature. Don’t make it too educational, but turn it into a fun activity, such as a scavenger hunt. I love those. :*)
Do Something Exciting: The one thing children seem to say more than anything else is “this is boring”. As a parent, you probably want to scream every time you hear them utter those immortal words, but let’s be honest, maybe the activities you have planned for your kids really aren’t that interesting. You might think going for a walk is a good idea but your children certainly won’t.

Look online and find activities near you that are going to give your children new and exciting experiences. Many leisure centers and parks have great summer activities. Giant hamster balls, also known as zorb balls and inflatable zorbing balls are now all the rage. They can be used on land and on the water, but make sure your kids don’t have their lunch before getting in one. There may also be rock climbing activities nearby or water based sports such as canoeing if you live near water. Do your research and plan your day so that boring isn’t an option.

Turn Your Garden Into a Play Area: You don’t need to venture far from home if you have an adequate garden space for your kids to play in. From water games including slip ‘n’ slide mats to giant games of Jenga, there are many things that you can purchase to make your garden a fun place to be. Your children may benefit from one other thing while outdoors. No, we aren’t talking about ice cream, though you really should stock your freezer. You are the important factor in your child’s fun. If you have the capability and the energy, get outside with your kids and have some fun playing with them. Build a den, play tag, or throw a Frisbee around. These are precious moments so make the most of them.

Summer is a time for new adventures and experiences. Brain storm for an evening and help give your kids the best summer ever!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Jun5

Money Management For Summer Fun

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Money Management For Summer Fun

The summer season is unquestionably the greatest time of the year. It offers the opportunity for non-stop fun through a wide array of activities. Sadly, though, those ventures can hit your wallet hard. So, needless to say, finding the right balance between amazing summer adventures and not breaking the bank is essential.

Summer is the perfect time to start generating savings at home because with vacas and day trips, you won’t be there as often. However, you will still be there sometimes, which is why you need to have some entertainment features on hand. You could probably cut down your TV package without noticing the difference, I’m sure there’s countless channels that go unused! Try downloading the Cinemabox movie app for access to the latest films and shows. Not only does it save money, but it also gives you the option to watch from the back yard hammock or on the move.

Speaking of the back yard, that could be one of your greatest assets throughout this part of the year, too. Nothing beats relaxing on the patio with rattan furniture. Whether it’s a relaxed evening with a book or spending family time together in the evening doesn’t matter. Those joys are better than anything offered during the colder months. Best of all, enjoying the garden is virtually free. Your lush back yard could even become your new place for social activities. Invite friends over for a summer BBQ or garden party, and it’ll be far cheaper than heading out to the local bar. And, let’s be honest, this option sounds like a lot more fun!

There are many other ways to save money at home during the summer. This is the ideal opportunity to complete various home upgrade tasks for long-term rewards. Increasing the home insulation will work wonders that will truly pay dividends in the winter. Meanwhile, looking for cheaper energy quotes can help decrease the bills even further. Growing food and generally living a greener life should bring ample rewards, too. Of course, it might be a bit late in the year to start with certain fruits and veggies. But that’s okay! Do your research and learn what types of produce grow best for this time of year and in your area and you’ll be well on your way to delicious summer salads in no time!

You will still inevitably go out on various occasions – it is summer, after all. The key is to make smarter choices. Leave the expensive internal activities for the autumn through spring. The summer months should be filled with hikes, sports, and exploration. I’m sure we’ll all be longing for those opportunities once the weather gets worse.

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Pretty!

Vacations are another crucial part of the summer. Most families have their big trip of the year during this time. Be sure to follow these ideas for a non-budget breaking holiday so that you can score the best deals during your big vaca. Money shouldn’t dictate every decision that you make in life. But maintaining a greater sense of control over your finances will enhance the summer and the rest of your year. If you can generate those savings without sacrificing your enjoyment, then you’re in for a fabulous summer, for sure!

Featured Image By: Pixabay

Jun1

Summer Skin Care

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Summer Skin Care
Hi everyone and welcome to my darling friend, Carlie’s, post for my Salute To Summer guest bloggers series! Carlie is one of my favorite gals on the planet and I’m lucky enough to be able to FaceTime with her pretty frequently. Be sure to check out Carlie’s blog at Bombshell and give it some love! I am sure that you will enjoy her pinup princess antics just as much as I do. Now, on to Carlie’s post that will teach you how to keep your skin healthy and glowing this summer:

Summer Skin Care

It’s that time of the year again, SUMMER TIME! So when one of my truly wonderful girlfriends, Sarah (lifewithlilred), asked me to be a guest blogger for her summer series, I was all for it. For my Salute To Summer blog post, I am going to talk about how to prevent your skin from getting sun burned and damaged in the hot sun. Here are some tips to help you and your skin enjoy the summer all of the better:

1. SUNSCREEN: This should be a no brainer, but you can’t believe how many people, especially where I live in Southern California, don’t bother to wear sunscreen. Not only do a lot of them opt for lounging in the sun unprotected, but they also do tanning beds (which I refuse to ever try) and spray on tans. Sunscreen is a god send for not just my fair skin but for my girl, Sarah, who has such a gorgeous porcelain skin tone, herself!

As far as sunscreens go, I prefer a SPORTS Cream with an SPF around 50, (you can never be too careful!). They last longer and the Sports ones are waterproof. Spray sunscreens are great, too, especially when you don’t have anyone to apply sunscreen on your back! Despite how convenient spray sunscreens are, just be aware that you do have to reapply them more often than Sports waterproof sun screen.

2. MAKEUP FOR SUMMER: If you feel like you need to wear makeup while on the beach, vacation, or lounging by the pool, first of all, DON’T wear a lot of makeup. It’s not a good look. I recommend a waterproof mascara, a lip stain, and also the brand, BARE MINERALS! I have talked about Bare Minerals since it first hit the market about ten or eleven years ago when they only had the Bare Minerals store – unlike now, where you can get it at many department stores. Bare Minerals is a great makeup brand, which originally had a powdered foundation, a cheek color, and a mineral veil (which gives an air brushed finished to your foundation.). The best thing about Bare Minerals, is that they all have SPF sunscreen in them without looking greasy.
I, of course, love the MATTE coverage foundation and mineral veil. Bare Minerals now has many different products, like delicate colored shadows and formulas. But, for me, I’m old-school and like the original powdered products. Another Bare Minerals bonus, besides the sunscreen in it, is that if you find your skin really dry during the warm months, they actually make hydrating foundations and powders. Plus, the coverage is fantastic. I recommend this brand for sunscreen on the face. You can even layer the foundations over a delicate swipe of regular sunscreen, let it sit for a minute, and then apply the sunscreen powdered foundation.
3. SUMMER ACCESSORIES: Whether you are at the beach or the pool, summer accessories are a must. Bring a big umbrella to cover your beautiful skin if you’re lounging on a bench with music or a good book. A big floppy hat and oversized sunglasses can also never hurt when it comes to covering up your precious skin. Oh, and of course, don’t walk out of the house without a cover up over your bathing suit!
XOXO Carlie

Thank you so much again to the gorgeous Carlie for walking us through some Summer Skin Care tips! How do you step up your skin care game in the summer? What is your preferred sunscreen brand? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah