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You love your child and you want to give them a wonderful birthday party with great food, fun games, plenty of activities, and all their friends. However, you’ve also invested a lot of time, effort, and money into your home’s interior design, and the last thing you want is for a child’s birthday party to cause any damage or make (too much) mess. With that in mind, here are some of the things you can do to protect your home during a kid’s birthday party.  Photo by Ivan Samkov
Store Fragile Items Kids will be kids, and excited kids will be clumsy, so it’s a good idea to remove any fragile, breakable, or precious (whether they’re worth a lot of money or you just really love them) objects away from the party area. If you’re letting the kids run wild in the living room or dining room, those are the rooms to clear. If they’ve got the entire downstairs, you’ll need to do more. Make sure everything’s covered, and consider whether it’s worth just storing things in a spare room or whether you need to get them out of the house and even rent a storage unit. Although it’s extra work and cost when you’re already dealing with a party, taking your stuff out of the house could be the best option you have if you want to ensure you can have things back to normal once everyone’s gone home. Protect The Floor If you don’t have too much time or you’re pretty sure the kids aren’t going to run around too much, then you might not have to remove everything that could be broken or damaged in some way. However, it’s still a good idea to take care of your floor and protect it as much as possible. Spilled food and drink can cause havoc and easily stain, and it’ll be hard work to remove trodden-in cookie crumbs and pizza crusts from the carpet or rug. If you have a rug, you can take that up and put it somewhere else, leaving the tiled or wooden floor underneath. Yes, it might still get messy, but at least it’s easy to clean. If you have carpet, you can invest in a cheap rug to place over the top (or more than one if it’s a large room) - make sure it really is cheap, though, as the easiest thing to do when you’re clearing up is simply to throw the rug away. Leave The House If you’re really worried about the house getting messy and you don’t want to compromise on the fun your child deserves for their birthday party, then it’s probably best not to have the party at home at all and instead book a party somewhere special. If you find somewhere that specializes in birthday parties, you’ll find all the hard work is done for you, your child (and their friends) will have the time of their lives, and your home won’t suffer in any way. It’s possibly the very best option of all.
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Learn The Rules First up, it’s a good idea to learn as many rules of investing as you can. It’s time to sit down and go through the different types of investing, the different rules associated with them, and learning as much as you can. Of course, there is no way for you to swallow the entire load of information in one go, so you should take your time learning before you jump into investing. For example, it’s important that you understand terms like the 506b rule when it comes to property investment, and it’s always helpful to understand how the stock market actually works before you get involved with it. Never Spend More Than You Can Afford As a general rule when investing, it’s a smart idea to never spend more than you can afford. Investments are never guaranteed to make any money, and if you are putting money that is allocated somewhere else into investments then you are taking a massive risk. Of course, if it pays off then that’s fine, but if it doesn’t then you could find yourself in huge trouble. If you’re going to be starting out in the investment game, ensure that you set yourself a budget to begin with. It’s tempting to spend more than you should, but for the sake of your own finances, make sure that you don’t. Make A Decision That’s Best For You We mentioned above that there are many different types of investing, and you are going to want to choose the one that suits you the best. Once you know a little more about each type, it will be easier to make this decision based on what you are hoping to get out of the investment. For example, if you are hoping for something with a fast return then property investment might be a better option than a high-yield savings account. To get started, we always recommend that you speak to a broker and allow them to help you establish a footing on the market. You might even find that you enjoy using the services that they provide and continue down the line. Brokers are specialists, and always worth the money that you pay. So there you go then! These are some of the steps that will help you to get involved in investing the right way. It’s not always going to be a walk in the park, and not all of your investments are going to pay off, but what’s life without a little risk?  Give the gift of interior design services: Online or in person (LA/OC areas). A one hour interior design consultation for anyone, anywhere looking for interior design advice, feedback, remodeling questions, furniture layout ideas, home office design, paint colors, or any other design advice. $150 for 1 Hour
While many people believe that working from home was a trend that would fade away at the end of the pandemic, a reported “36.2 million Americans will be working in remote positions by 2025.” This is likely due to the fact that there are many benefits associated with working from home, such as:
However, if you are going to be remotely long-term, you need to set up the perfect work-from-home space. After all, you may otherwise find yourself prone to distractions, making it difficult to stay on top of your work.  Photo by Windows on Unsplash
With that in mind, here are some top tips for decorating and designing your home office! 1. Don’t work from your bedroom. If you don’t have a spare room, you’ll have to set up an office within a pre-existing space within your home. In doing so, you may feel tempted to use your bedroom. However, studies have shown that “if you work in your bedroom, your brain may start to associate your bedroom with working. This can make it harder to get to sleep at night. “ As your bedroom needs to be a relaxing space, it is far better to set up your office elsewhere, such as in your dining room or living room. You could even renovate unused spaces such as your attic or basement. 2. Embrace natural light. Various studies have explored the benefits of natural light in the workplace. For example, it is often found that natural light promotes productivity and heightened focus, whereas artificial lighting can leave us feeling sleepy and distracted. As such, you should position your desk in a place where you’ll get plenty of natural light while also protecting your screen from the glare of the sun. For example, you could install custom window treatments, such as wooden blinds or plantation shutters, so that you’re able to better control the amount of light filtering into the room. 3. Think about the color scheme. The majority of offices or workspaces are painted white. This is because neutral colors tend to be associated with professionalism, meaning they serve as the perfect backdrop to a working environment. However, you can afford to be more experimental with color schemes when decorating your own office. For example, studies have found that “blues and greens create a sense of balance and serenity to help you concentrate on the task at hand,” which means they could be an excellent choice for a home office. 4. Invest in high-quality furniture. Working from often gives you control over your work schedule. However, if you’re working a standard 42 hours a week, that’s a lot of time to sit at your desk, which means that you need to invest in your comfort. For example, you should purchase an ergonomic chair so that you receive the appropriate neck, back, and shoulder support. 5. Ask your employer for financial support. It is the responsibility of your employer to provide you with access to the tools and materials you need to do your job - even when working from home. This means that many companies have set aside funds to help employees cover the cost of WFH tools. For example, this could include second screens, keyboards, and ergonomic mouse pads. As such, before you start shopping for supplies, reach out to your employer. Otherwise, you can save a great deal of money when decorating your home office by shopping for these items second hand. For example, many people who are required to return to the office full-time are selling office equipment they purchased during lockdown on online groups such as Facebook marketplace. Some online sleuthing may even help you to find these items for free of charge, though you may have to pay for them to be delivered to your home. 6. Surround yourself with inspiration. If you struggle to maintain high levels of motivation when working and worry that you may be more prone to distractions when working from home (especially if you are at arm's length of your TV), try to surround yourself with inspiration. For example, you could hang up some posters that feature your favorite motivational quotes and sayings. This way, you only need to look up from your screen to find a source of inspiration. Alternatively, many people find that being surrounded by pictures of friends and family can give them a boost of productivity! Becoming a homeowner is a great accomplishment in life. However, it’s also an incredibly stressful one! After all, being a homeowner puts you in charge; if you’ve only ever rented until this point, that’s a big step to take. If you’re thinking of buying a house at this point in your life, it’s very important to understand what you’re getting into. Because owning a house isn’t just exciting; if you don’t know the length of the work you’ll need to undertake, this period in your life is going to be super frustrating! So take the points below into account. When you know what’s going to be annoying, and take a lot of effort, you’ll be much better equipped to keep your budget in check and make homeownership work for you.  Pexels Image - CC0 Licence
Being Responsible for Everything If there’s a hole in the wall that needs patching, it’s up to you. If there’s a broken or cracked pipe in the bathroom, it’s up to you. If there’s a wasp infestation in the attic, it’s up to you. As a homeowner, everything is your responsibility now! You can’t call on the landlord and get a service done as part of your rent payment. You either take care of the problem yourself or have to find a tradesperson to get the work done for you. And for the latter issue, we highly recommend calling in a specialist! Being a ‘Good’ Neighbor You’re probably going to be a bit loud at times. You’re probably going to let the garbage build up because you’re busy with work. You’re also probably going to forget to smile and wave at the neighbors when you pass on the street, because you’re busy walking the dog or attending to your kid. None of these one time incidents are a big problem. You’re still a good neighbor! After all, you care about making sure you’re a good person to live next door to. Bad neighbors don’t think about any house other than their own. Don’t let this stress get to you; if you think you’ve genuinely annoyed them, you can always take some brownies around to make peace later. Finding an Accurate Price for Renovation Work If you decide not to go the DIY route, you’re going to need to call a professional in. That’s going to cost you money, and if you choose the wrong person for the job, who knows how long those costs could go on for? Don’t make a mistake. It’s why it’s so important to get recommendations from friends and family. If someone has worked with them before, take their word for it when they’ve found a good tradesperson! Deciding to Sell You’ve just moved in - why would you ever want to sell? Well, one day you might have to make the decision. Whether the area is too expensive, you don’t like your neighbors, or you’ve found a dream home somewhere else, selling will be on the list at some point in your life. That is one of the most annoying things about being a homeowner. At the very least, going through the process of selling can take months, and for a lot of people it’s upwards of a year. Even with an experienced realtor like Peter Heim on your side, you might just find the whole thing overwhelming! Gardens Tend to Grow Fast And you’re never going to quite keep up with the green explosion that can happen out there. As such, it’s best not to stress too much about how to keep the grass short and the trees trimmed back. Instead, have a general gardening timeline to follow and cut back at strategic times of the year. As long as you keep things neat and tidy and you’re genuinely happy with the look of your garden, even if it’s an accidental wilderness garden, you’re not going to lose value or disappoint the neighbors. And no, that housing association isn’t going to fine you for having slightly long grass! You’ve got at least a couple weeks before the appearance becomes a ‘problem’, so calm down and get the mower out tomorrow. Owning a property is one thing. Living in and looking after that property is another. Determine your needs ahead of time using pointers like these and spend your time and effort wisely. You don’t have to be a perfect homeowner, but you should have a good action plan when it comes to DIY fixes and trying to find a reliable plumber!  Pexels
Owning a home is a big responsibility. As a homeowner, there’s a lot that requires your time and attention on any given day. You may feel like you’re in a slump living in your current residence and moving may not be a practical option. The good news is that you can take actions that will help you enjoy your time more while living at home. Be happier and feel more content living in your house by implementing the following tips and pieces of advice. Make A List of the Positives Sometimes all it takes to be happier at home is to change your mindset and outlook. You should avoid focusing on the negative or what may be lacking and missing. There have to be things that you like and enjoy about your property currently. Therefore, sit down and make a list of positives and go over it regularly. You may also want to make a list of what you are most grateful for and review these items daily. For example, maybe you like your neighborhood or feel thankful that you have a big and cozy bed to sleep in each night. Practice Self-Care & Treat Yourself Be happier and more content living in your house by taking good care of yourself. Make self-care a top priority so that you feel your best and are full of energy. You may also want to treat yourself every so often. For example, you can have a spa day at home or go out and get a new piercing. In this case, you’ll want to review dimple piercing aftercare instructions in greater detail. You’ll want to make sure you take good care of your piercings so that they don’t become infected. You will feel much happier overall and be a better caretaker when you put your needs above all else. Decorate & Display Sentimental Items You may not like living in your home because you haven’t taken the time to decorate your home and make it look nice. Now is your chance to go room by room and put out items that you love. It’s also important that you furnish your rooms and have comfortable places to sit. You should also focus on displaying sentimental items that put a smile on your face daily. One idea is to make a gallery wall of family photos or trips that you’ve taken. Once you are done decorating you can also think about painting the walls a soothing color that helps you feel more relaxed and at ease. Keep it Clean & Organized A messy home can make you feel stressed and anxious. You may also waste a lot of time looking for what you need. Instead, make it a point to keep your home clean and well-organized. You’ll be happier and feel more content living in your house when you keep up with regular cleaning. You may also want to perform a deep clean every so often or with the change of seasons. Keep the cleaning supplies handy and get your family members to pitch in and help you maintain your home inside. You may also want to invest in more storage solutions so you can avoid tripping hazards and place your belongings out of the way. Create Relaxing Spaces You may find yourself around your home more often these days. It’s one reason why you might feel bored or not content living at your property currently. Don’t be afraid to create relaxing spaces that are made for you to enjoy. For example, you can create a reading nook where you can get lost in a good book. You may also want to set up a meditation and yoga room where you can retreat to and take up these practices in your free time. You’ll want to have quiet and attractive spaces you can go to when you want to regroup or take some time off from thinking and doing. Think about adding plants and outdoor elements and choosing areas that get a lot of natural sunlight. Conclusion It is possible to be happier and more content living in your house. These are some ideas that will help you achieve your goal. Consider implementing these tips and noticing what a difference they make. You’ll feel less inclined to want to move and can get more comfortable staying put and living in your current home. Moving can be stressful and overwhelming so be glad that you have some ideas for enhancing your property. Notice how much more you like living at your house when you put these suggestions into practice. Hello, dear reader! Yes, you, crammed in that corner of your “cozy” studio apartment, wondering if your coffee table should also serve as a dining table or, perhaps, a bed? Worry not! You’re about to embark on a whimsical journey to transform your humble abode into a functional wonderland where space is merely a concept.  Via Pixabay
1. Mirrors: Your New Best Friend First, let’s talk about mirrors. They are not just for checking out your amazing self (though that’s a perk). Mirrors are magical portals to the land of ‘My Apartment Looks Bigger.’ Strategically place a large mirror opposite a window and watch as your room not only becomes brighter but seemingly expands. Bonus: It’s a great way to check if you’ve got spinach in your teeth before a Zoom call. 2. Vertical Illusions: Walls Have Feelings Too Your walls are crying out for attention. Why waste all that vertical space? Think floating shelves, wall-mounted desks, and even a drop-leaf table that folds away when you’re done pretending you’re a MasterChef. These additions are not just space savers; they are your ticket to an organized lifestyle. Plus, you get to avoid the horror of stubbing your toe on unnecessary furniture. 3. Multipurpose Mania: The Transformer Furniture Get furniture that does more than one thing. A bed with storage, a sofa that turns into a guest bed, or a coffee table that transforms into a workstation. It’s like having Optimus Prime in your living room, but more stylish and less likely to engage in a robot war. 4. Color Me Smart: The Palette of Space Ditch the dark, moody colors. Go for light, airy hues to make your space feel bigger. Remember, every time you paint a wall dark, a studio apartment loses an inch of space. It’s science. Or magic. Or it’s just a really good design tip. 5. The Rug Revolution: Define Without Walls Rugs: not just for covering unsightly stains. They help define areas in your small space without the need for walls. Plus, they add a cozy factor. Just be sure to get the right size. A tiny rug in a small space is like wearing socks with sandals – it just doesn’t make sense. 6. Lighting: Set the Mood, Enlarge the Room Goodlighting can make a cramped space feel like a cozy haven. Use a mix of floor lamps, table lamps, and string lights to create depth and warmth. And when your mom asks why you have so many lights, tell her it’s mood lighting for your one-person parties. 7. Plants: Oxygenate and Decorate Plants are your leafy companions that make any space lively. They don’t just add color; they breathe life into your square footage. Plus, talking to your plants is a perfectly acceptable pastime. They’re great listeners. In conclusion, decorating a small space is like playing Tetris with furniture, but way more fun. Embrace the challenge, inject your personality, and remember, in the realm of tiny living spaces, creativity is king, and you’re the ruler of your pint-sized kingdom. So go forth and conquer those square feet! |
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