You may be wondering how some couples keep their spark alive. While it could be the bedroom for a few, working out together has proven beneficial for a considerable lot. During a recent UK study, 66% of couples said that exercise with their partners improved their relationships. What’s more, 53% said spending time together in the gym was valuable to them. Although some challenges can derail most couples’ success, you can look for ways to improve your relationships for long-term success. That said, here are some benefits of working out with your partner.
Deepens emotional bond
Psychologists have proposed practising nonverbal mimicry to bond with your partner. Nonverbal mimicry is a way of coordinating your actions with another individual, for example, dancing together to the same tune, running or walking at the same pace with others, or lifting weights simultaneously. More so, working out with your partner offers several opportunities for nonverbal mimicry, which can help you and your partner feel more emotionally attached.
Improved results
Several studies have shown significant performance benefits for working with your partner. Exercising with your spouse motivates you to push harder since you wouldn’t want to look like a weakling in front of your partner. Whether you don’t want to look weak or competition heats up, research proves that you can get up to twice your performance when exercising with your spouse. You may also improve your performance with supplements from reputable online vendors like Recov, which are helpful for growth and recovery post-workout.
More accountability
Working out with your partner builds automatic accountability since nobody can monitor your progress more than your spouse. It also creates consistency, especially for those mornings when you don’t want to get out of bed. At this point, your partner will take charge of encouraging you. The motivation of two individuals with a common goal helps you avoid those days when you want to put off a workout session. Although you rarely miss a session, you have to reschedule when you do.
Fortunately, your partner can assist you with the additional effort in planning a workout schedule most ideal for you two. This way, chances of reaching your workout goals are high.
Shared goals bring you closer
Like the famous quotes – love isn’t just about looking at one another but looking in the same direction. This is an excellent metaphor for how impactful sharing similar goals can bring couples together. Every couple disagrees sometimes, and you wouldn’t want your partner to be precisely like you. Everybody grows and changes over time, yet one sure way to ensure a healthy relationship is sharing an activity or goal. Working out together offers an opportunity to share a common dream about getting fit and prioritising your health. The feeling of being on the same page with your partner can bring you two much closer.
Although solo workouts are great, involving your partner will yield more results. What’s more, it will strengthen your bond and improve your relationship. Hopefully, you’ll consider these benefits as you create a workout plan for your overall wellness.
Setting up the perfect living space comes with so many decisions you need to make right. From your choice of furniture to the colour themes you opt for, every decision you take can help make or break your interior decor efforts. The wrong decisions will also end up costing you money. So, are you planning a home decor project? Do you want to create a living space you’ll love? Then you might want to avoid making these home decor mistakes.
Not knowing where your ability ends
Today, the internet has countless sources offering various DIY tips and tutorials on sprucing your home. Although you may do a few home decor projects, you need to know where your ability ends and where you need professional assistance. For example, purchasing the right furniture, installing wallpaper, painting your walls are pretty easy to handle. But it is best to have experienced hands take care of bathroom installations, roof replacements, and so on. You may try to save costs by managing some projects on your own, but the results of your mistake could cost you more than the services of a professional.
Not giving yourself enough time to plan and budget
Any home renovation project requires enough time to plan before you hit the ground. Although an average renovation may take four to eight months, how much time you’ll need will depend on the nature of the project. But the last thing you want to do is rush into it on impulse because of a design you saw somewhere. First, ask yourself why you want to remodel or renovate. Next, you should find out how much it will cost you in detail. Giving yourself enough time to think through it will keep you from regret.
Going cheap to save cost
There is always the temptation to cut costs as much as possible for any home remodelling project. Although you can go for cheaper artworks and decorative pieces to give a room a new look, it is not advisable to do the same for flooring types, rugs, furniture, etc. The cheaper your fittings and fixtures are, the shorter they’ll last. That means you’ll have to replace them sooner than you want, which will cost more money.
Trying to do too many things at the same time
If you’re planning on carrying out an extensive remodelling project, it is advisable to create a plan that allows you to complete one task at a time. For example, if you must renovate more than one room, go about it one room at a time. You might think that trying to remodel everything at once will reduce costs, but you’ll find it less expensive to go one room or space after the other.
Ignoring your home’s natural style
No matter the design theme you opt for, you want to make sure that it blends with the design of your home while reflecting your personality. Find ways to incorporate your favourite design elements into your home’s natural style in a seamless manner.
Ah, bedrooms! Bedrooms deserve all your attention. In fact, in many ways, the bedroom is the most important room inside your home. It’s the place where you go to rest so you can wake up ready for a new day. Therefore, homeowners are constantly looking for new ideas to improve the decor and the atmosphere of the bedroom. In a previous article, we already reviewed some of the best changes you can make to create a big difference. Elegant lighting can change the focal point and create a dim ambience before going to bed. Elegant cushions paired with a throw can dress the bed and make it look more appealing. Add a rug by the side of the bed so you can set out of bed in style and with warm feet! The addition of mirrors can add depth and light to the bedroom. Pair photos or artworks with greenery to build a welcoming and soothing atmosphere.
But that’s not all. There’s so much more you can do to improve your night’s sleep.
A special bed for your pet
If you have a dog or a cat, you might be familiar with the struggle of sharing the bed with your beloved pet. Pets want to stay close to you, even at night. So, it’s not unexpected for a pet owner to wake up feeling sore and tired after sharing the bed. If you are not comfortable with keeping your pet out of the bedroom, you can consider the addition of a mattress from Pawpedics or a similar brand for your pet. A dog or cat bed can maintain your bond with your pet without having to share the bed!
Make it screen-free
As tempting as it is to watch a film while lying down in bed, you want to keep the TV out of the bedroom. Screen time makes it hard to sleep. The average person watches over 35 hours of TV in a week. That’s approximately 5 hours of TV each day. When you include working hours, you are likely to go to bed late at night and feel tired. Besides, a screen-free room allows for a better and deeper bond with your partner. You can lie down together, make plans for the future, and talk about your days rather than turn on the TV.
Air purifier
The bedroom contains a lot of allergens and VOCs, ranging from pet dandruff to bedding fabrics. Additionally, mould spores, dust mites, and synthetic materials can also be a source of discomfort. Unfortunately, these issues are invisible to the naked eye, so most people don’t realise how unclean the air is inside the bedroom. A portable air purifier can be crucial to clear the air and preserve your sleep.
Breathable beddings
Nobody likes to be sweaty at night. The previous heatwave in the UK has made us aware of the essential role of our beddings. Breathable fabrics such as cotton and linen are much better suited for the bedroom. They reduce overheating at night and keep a healthy air circulation around your body. In short, you wake up feeling refreshed.
It’s time to make your bedroom a sleep haven. Increasing comfort level inside the bedroom doesn’t need to break the bank. Sometimes, it’s the little things such as adding a bed for your dog or changing your bedsheets that can make all the difference. Lie down, relax, and catch up on your zzz.
If you follow alternative energy news, you might have heard that are already over 2 million solar panel systems installed just in the US. Of course, even people who follow alternative energy don’t always know everything about the technologies themselves.
For example, wind energy works by using the rotations from the blades to spin the internal workings of an electrical generator. What about solar energy, though? Solar energy depends on the work done by photovoltaic cells. Not familiar with photovoltaic cells?
Keep reading for our explanation to the question, “how do photovoltaic cells work?”
How Does Electricity Work?
Before photovoltaic cells will make sense, you need a basic understanding of how electricity works. If you dig back into those middle school and high school science classes, you’ll remember that your basic atom is made up of three things:
Protons
Neutron
Electrons
While neutrons and protons reside at the heart of an atom, the negatively charged electrons orbit the protons like satellite orbits the earth. With the right conditions, you can knock electrons loose from atoms and create a flow of them along a conductor. That’s electricity in a nutshell.
What is the Photovoltaic Effect?
The whole basis of solar power is that light carries energy. You typically see that energy in the form of heat as it gets warmer when the sun comes up. When light is at the right wavelength, though, it can give some of its energy to the atoms in semiconductor materials, like silicon.
Specifically, the energy goes to the electrons in the silicon atoms. The increased energy lets the electron jump to something called the conduction band. What it means in practice is that electrons can move around more freely in the semiconductor.
How Do Photovoltaic Cells Work?
Your basic photovoltaic cell is a kind of sandwich of materials. You get two layers of silicon known as P-type and N-Type, for positive and negative charges. Where these two layers meet is the P-N junction. When the light hits the top layer of silicon and makes electrons jump, they essentially jump to the P-N junction.
The cell is designed with electrical contacts that give the electrons a path to follow, which creates an electrical current. In solar panels, you get a bunch of these cells working together. For more information on how solar panels work, you can contact a local solar installer, such as Blue Raven Solar.
Solar Energy and You
The question of how do solar cells work takes you into some interesting areas of science. However, it’s really combining those cells into solar panels that make solar energy a viable energy option for homeowners and businesses.
Those solar panels let you access an energy source that otherwise goes untapped most of the time. Even better, you’re not taking anything away from nature. The energy you capture is only what would normally hit your roof on a given day.
Looking for more ways you can make your home more nature-friendly? Check out the posts in our Home/Lifestyle section.
The boiler is a frequently used appliance in UK homes. A Boiler Guide UK study revealed that London had the highest repair rates, followed closely by the West Midlands. Although significant faults are only detected when it’s too late, you can avoid being taken by surprise by the heating system in your home. That said, here are signs to look out for when your boiler needs repairs.
It emits a yellow-coloured flame
Ideally, your boiler should have blue flames. Therefore, a yellow flame can be attributed to carbon monoxide leakage in your boiler. This gas is hazardous and has a high fatality rate, making it a case to address immediately. Moreover, its colourless and odourless features cause its leakage to go unnoticed until it has caused significant damage. What’s worse, this harmful gas can be fatal when inhaled in large quantities.
Fortunately, some boiler manufacturers lace this gas with noticeable odours as a security feature. Therefore, when you perceive a foul smell such as rotten eggs coming from your boiler, please do not ignore it. It is also prudent to call in the heating and boiler experts to assess the situation. If you’re unsure who to call, experts like Wixon Gas and Heating can come to your aid. You can visit their website for further details.
Delayed radiator heating time
Ideally, a well-functioning radiator heats up a few minutes after activation. However, when you notice that it feels cool after several hours, you might be dealing with a faulty radiator. The manufacturer’s instructions will give you a fair idea of how long it takes for your radiator to heat up. Although most brands adhere to regulated standards in the UK, you are better off determining it yourself. According to boiler experts, a non-heating radiator could be due to a physical obstruction in the central heating system. If allowed to persist, your electric bills will bear the brunt of it all.
Irregular noises from the boiler
In ideal situations, your boiler should function silently. However, it might create gurgling or banging sounds when it is faulty. According to plumbing experts, it can happen due to a blockage as heated water tries to force its way through the internal pipes. These sounds happen when the boiler is working or slows down its function when deactivated. Again, you will need experts to attend to it. Never attempt a DIY on your home’s boiler unless you have substantial practical knowledge of how it functions.
Leakage
A leaking boiler is not a sign to ignore as it could cause more expensive repairs if not addressed immediately. In worst-case scenarios, your best option would be to change the boiler entirely while you think of resolving the damage to your home. Moreover, there’s likely to be a gas leak when there is a water leak.
In conclusion, stick to regular maintenance routines to get the best of your boiler. Additionally, never doubt the severity of a fault you detect, no matter how harmless it may seem. Faulty boilers is not an issue to deal with when the cold season returns.
You can’t have a healthy marriage or relationship with trust. However, most of us can think of a time when our trust has been broken. How do we develop trust in the first place? Can you rebuild the trust that has been broken?
Be True To Your Word And Follow Through With Your Actions
To build trust, your partner has to believe what you say. Keep in mind that being trustworthy means keeping the promises that you make, and not making any promises that you know you can’t keep.
Keeping your word, whether it’s a small thing like doing the dishes when you promised you would or something bigger like visiting a sexual health clinic when you told a new partner you would, shows others what you expect from them in and means they will be more likely to trust you.
Learn How To Communicate Effectively
Poor communication is one of the biggest reasons why relationships break down. Good communication means being clear about what you have or haven’t committed to and what you’ve agreed on.
Building trust does come with a risk. You will both have to take risks to prove that you are trustworthy. To do this, effective communication is essential. Without clear communication, it can be easy to misunderstand each other and cause accidental hurt.
Remind Yourself That Trust Takes Time To Build And Earn
Building trust is a daily commitment. Don’t expect too much straight away. In order to build up trust, you will need to take small steps first and take on some smaller commitments. As trust is built, you can accept bigger commitments. Put trust into your relationship and you can get trust back in return.
Take Time To Make Decisions And Think Before Acting Too Quickly
Only make commitments that you are actually happy to agree to. Sometimes you will have to say no, even if it causes disappointment. If you agree to something and can’t follow through with it, trust will be damaged.
Be clear about what you have on your plate and keep track of everything you’ve agreed to. Being organised is a part of building trust with your partner as it lets you make clear decisions on whether or not you should agree to requests they make and whether you have enough time and energy.
Value The Relationships That You Have And Don’t Take Them For Granted
Trust comes from consistency. We usually have the most trust in people who are there for us in a consistent way through both bad and good times. Showing someone that you are there for them is a very effective way to build trust.
Always Be Honest
The message that you put across to your partner should always, always be the truth. If you are caught out in telling a lie to your partner, no matter how small the lie is, your trustworthiness will be damaged, and you will need to work to rebuild it. Being honest can be tough, but make it a priority in your relationship.
There are so many ways that you can give your bedroom a brand new look without blowing your budget out of the park. There are so many things that you could be doing that make your bedroom look beautiful, from changing up the curtains to adding a lick of paint to the front door.
You don’t have to spend much money, but you may have to consider the bigger ticket items. If you need to research the best divan beds, you should do so before you choose to buy it. You need to know your bedroom is comfortable, and the bed that you buy is the focal point of your room, so you need to make the right choices where possible. You can change your room for free, but there are still things you will need to buy to make the place look good. The new bed, a new rug and even a new bureau – it will all make a big difference.
Here are the smaller changes that will make your bedroom stand out
Consider your lighting. Do you have pendant lamps or a chandelier in your room? Changing these out for wall lights or lamps will make a difference to the way your room feels. You can even create a whole new focal point by hanging the lights in a different area of the room, which will change the way that it looks entirely!
Add cushions. You can really improve the look of your bedroom by adding piles of cushions to the bed. Throw pillows can change the way that your bedroom looks and dress up your bed to be far more comfortable. Cushions can decorate the room in your armchair, your window seat or your bed. What a way to make your room more comfortable!
Lay down rugs. Even with a carpeted bedroom, you can add texture to the room with rugs, too. They’re cosy and they add colour to the bedroom while making you feel like you’re more secure and comfortable.
Add some mirrors. Adding space to your room may be an issue but you can surely create that illusion when you add mirrors to the spaces in the bedroom that are opposite windows and lights. It creates the illusion of space that you need!
Add your photos and artwork to one wall. A gallery wall is beautiful and it offers you the chance to display an interesting collection that makes you feel comfortable and safe. Being surrounded with your favourite pictures is going to make your life much happier, too.
Add a little nature. Bringing vases of flowers and greenery into the house is going to make a big difference to the bedroom. You are going to breathe in fresher, cleaner air and you’re going to feel good about that. Take the time to make such a small change and you can really feel a difference in the place you’re supposed to relax. Be smart about the changes you make, too, as they will change the feel or the look of the home itself.
When you have a room that you want to do a complete makeover on it can seem like the biggest task in the world. There is so much that you’re going to need to do it will be so worth it in the end. It could be that you want to turn your spare room into a nursery if you’re expecting or you might want to turn your junk room into a home office. This could be from working at home due to the pandemic or simply starting your own business and needing a place to work. There are so many different possibilities and reasons why you do a complete room makeover but here are some tips on how to make it as easy as possible and to make sure it all goes smoothly.
Starting off
When you are completely getting the room and wanting to start fresh the first thing you need to do is figure out if there’s anything in that room that you want to keep. Be sure to really think about it and make sure you’re going to use the items as a lot of people go through things and keep them and never use them. Then they’ll be there for years to come just gathering dust and cluttering the house up. So once you have chosen the things you want to keep and then you have all the stuff left that either needs to be chucked or recycled then you will want to look at getting help from a house clearance service. This way it’s less stressful for you and they will be able to take all the items away in one go and recycle the things that need to be recycled so you know that it is still being disposed of in the correct way.
Building the character
When you think about decorating the new room the best thing to do is use a base that is neutral whether that’s wooden flooring or light Beige or grey carpet paired with very light and plain walls. By having a plain base in the room you will be able to build on top of it to create a character, this will be from art, photos, curtains, and home decor. So if you want to change the color scheme or re-decorate in the future you don’t have to completely redo carpets and walls, you just need to do textiles and the interiors. It will be a lot more cost-effective in the long run as well. Then all you need to do is enhance your home environment and enjoy it while you make memories to last a lifetime.
Unwanted items
When you are decluttering the room and getting ready to get rid of a lot of the rubbish and any old items, be sure to check through first in case there are things that are intact and in good condition that can be used for charities or those less fortunate than yourselves. By doing these simple steps you will be able to transform your room with ease.
Normally, your partner may show a considerable amount of affection towards their pet, especially if you came into the picture after. They’re (usually) cute, friendly, and attached to their owner, so there’s no doubt there will be a lot of love in the air between them. If they own a dog, then you just know that there is going to be a secure bond that will be hard to interfere with.
It’s even becoming the norm for pet owners to throw their furry friend a birthday party, feed them pet-friendly cakes and alcohol and even, in the unfortunate event of them passing, honor them with elegant pet urns in wood.
But, in a relationship, there is a line that has to be drawn. It is enough to have to compete with other humans to get the attention of your partner, but to compete all day every day with a fluffy companion is where most draw the line.
When your partner loves their pet more than they love you, it can leave you feeling like a third-wheel. If this is the case, it can often be a sign of a problem in the relationship or just a difference of opinion. It is important to consider if there is a problem in the relationship, so it can quickly be resolved. In some cases, it is just the way your partner is with animals vs. partners and something you will have to learn to live with.
To help you determine if your partner loves their pet more than you, here are 6 signs you can look out for.
1 Your partner is too quick to forgive their pet
…but finds it too easy to hold a grudge when you do something wrong. Does this sound familiar? They may be cute, but if they tend to get away with everything and you struggle to gain their forgiveness… there may be a problem. If you were both to accidentally smash a glass, how would the reaction differ?
2 Your partner shows their pet constant affection
… and shows you very little. This can mean that your partner does enjoy physical contact, especially if they are showering your pet with kisses and cuddles, but for some reason, does not want any affection from you. If this is the case, then it sounds like there may be an issue worth exploring here. Affection from a pet is very different from a partner, especially if their pet has been in their life a long time, through the good and the bad. Show some compassion and try to speak with your partner.
3 Your partner gets more excited for their pets birthday
…and frequently makes no effort with yours. This can be exacerbated if your partner likes to go all out for your pet and throw a party, invite friends over, buy a cake and lots of presents. Is there something going on which means your partner does not want to throw you a party or is it just a standing tradition your partner has with their pet?
4 Your partner finds it harder to say goodbye to their pet
…and is not bothered if and when you leave the room. It can be a clear sign that your pet is much more important than you are if your partner is heartbroken if they have to leave your pet, especially for a short period and there is a clear difference with the behavior when you leave.
5 Your partner compliments their pet
… and you don’t so much as get a smile. If you fail to get affection and any kind of compliment from your partner, this could mean there is an issue, especially if they shower their pet with kind words and cute nicknames. This doesn’t, however, always mean there is something wrong, especially if you are in the early stages of a new relationship.
6 Your partner goes above and beyond when their pet is unwell
… and you are left to fend for yourself when you are sick. Your partner probably cares a lot more about their pet if they turn the world upside down and go beyond the usual for their pet when they are sick. This usually looks like rushing your pet to the vets and providing them with all their attention.
Many signs can show your partner loves their pet more than you. If you resonate with any of these signs, it is not always a bad thing. It can just mean that your partner behaves differently, especially if the relationship is relatively new or their pet has been in their life a long time.
Finding a new house is an exciting prospect but it’s not always plain sailing. Many prospective homeowners experience a rollercoaster ride and it can be difficult to find the perfect home. If you’re looking for a new nest, here are some top tips for a successful property search.
Set a budget
One of the most important tasks to cross off your list is to set a budget. Analyse your finances, figure out how much you can afford to pay as a deposit and explore mortgage offers. It’s wise to go into a search with a maximum price in mind and to filter results accordingly. If you set your budget too high before you’ve looked into mortgages properly, there’s a risk of falling head over heels for a house you can’t afford. Once you have an accurate figure, you can set your search criteria and let agents know how much you can spend.
Explore a diverse range of options
Many of us conjure up images of attending viewings, putting an offer in and moving into a new home a couple of months later when we think about buying property. In reality, there is an ever-growing range of options available to buyers and prospective homeowners. If you’re open to ideas, you could consider buying a plot of land and building a house, taking on a fixer-upper or getting advice about purchasing a new development from a buying off the plan guide. You may find that you can make your money stretch further and that there is less competition if you choose to explore these avenues rather than a more conventional transaction. If you are planning to do work on a house or even build a property, it’s essential to calculate costs in advance and make sure the project is financially viable.
Create a wish-list
Every buyer is unique and one person may have a very different wish-list from another. When you’re looking through listings and determining search criteria, think about what matters most to you. Is location the top priority or does your new home need to have a large garden or stunning views? Are you desperate for four bedrooms or do you dream of having an open-plan kitchen-diner? Try to be realistic when making your list. If you have a tight budget or there are very few houses on the market in your chosen location, you may need to compromise.
Arrange second viewings
During a first viewing, it’s natural to get carried away if you get that warm and fuzzy feeling when you walk through the door and you leave thinking that you’ve found ‘the one.’ No matter how much you think you love a house, always go back for another look. Use your second viewing to inspect every room closely and think about whether the property will work for you. If you still think it’s perfect after a second or third visit, this is a brilliant sign.
Are you on the hunt for a new nest? If you’re looking for the perfect home, take these tips on board.
Your home environment can significantly impact your health and general mood. The first thing people see when they visit is how tidy or untidy your home environment is. This can make your home inviting or uninviting.
Your home is where you retreat to after a long day’s work. It, therefore, needs to have a serene environment that is suitable for maximum relation and peace.
Here are a few ways you can enhance your home environment:
Get An Air Purifier
Breathing fresh air is the first step to achieving good health. An air purifier combats air pollution and filters fine particulate matter, which can cause lung problems and heart disease.
Clean Your Home
It is essential to keep your home clean to ensure its environment is appealing and healthy to live in. Generally, dirt can cause many infections.
For starters, begin with rubbish removal with Easy Skips, tend your lawns and garden, and clean the inside of your home thoroughly. By cleaning, you destroy any favourable environment for the breeding of pests and the spread of germs.
Invest In Home Decor
Home decor is the best way to personalise your home. A well-designed interior significantly enhances your home environment. You can buy antique or trending pieces that blend seamlessly with your home’s finish and design. Alternatively, you can make your DIY custom decor pieces. DIYs help awaken the creative genius and allow you to recycle some items making them cost-effective and budget-friendly.
Use Scented Candles
Scented candles make your home environment inviting and appealing and create a good atmosphere for relaxing and unwinding. They are accommodating after a long week’s draining activities. So if you feel tired, worn out, and overwhelmed, light up your favourite scented candles and enjoy the ambience and coolness.
For your wellbeing, invest in vegetable-based scented candles as they do not emit harmful chemicals.
Avoid Chemicals
It is essential to avoid using chemical-based cleaners and pesticides. Instead, use basic soap and water, plant-based products, or essential oils to clean or as pesticides. The chemicals in cleaning products cause health problems like aggravating asthma and are carcinogens. Other natural cleaning solutions you can use are baking soda, lemon, and vinegar.
Control Your Light
Uncontrolled light can interfere with sleep. Too bright light or flickering lights can disturb your downtime and rest. It is wise to invest in eyeshades or eye masks to block out the light, especially if you live in a city environment. Inadequate sleep is known to cause memory loss and mental illnesses.
Plant A Garden
A garden is eye candy when adequately tended. To add a touch of class to your home environment, you can plant vegetables, herbs, or scented flowers even if you are a beginner. You get to enjoy a beautiful view and at the same time enjoy a fresh supply of spices and vegetables.
You can also plant trees around your home. Trees help purify the air, and you are assured of a fresh supply of breathing air.
Conclusion
Whatever you do, make sure you go all out to enhance your home environment. It is the best thing you can do for yourself and your family. It is essential to let your house exude calmness and serenity. Such favourable and restful conditions will boost your health in the long run.
We totally understand if you’re someone who tends to amass a great many possessions over a short amount of time. It might be that you’re a creative individual, and so absolutely love having ornaments, antiques, craft materials, decorations and wall art dotted around your home. You may have a strong sense of style, and simply cannot pass up a bargain relate to home furnishing when you see it.
Or, perhaps you just have a family. Even the most minimalist home designer will struggle to keep their home uncluttered should they have children running around. For this reason, while it’s nice to have a clear-out or simply redefine your space from time to time, don’t feel bad or chastise yourself if it’s gotten a little out of hand. The solutions are there, and they can be applied with care and diligence.
In fact, that’s exactly what we hope to chive with this article. With some of the following advice, we hope you can reclaim your space once more, only to decorate it and enjoy that happiness all over again:
Consider Storage Options
It’s good to store your items when you no longer need or wish to present them in your house for the time being. With secure storage solutions, you can make sure they’re safe and protected in the right conditions for long-term use. It may also be that valuable items you would have otherwise stored in the attic are given more space and are protected under lock and key as well as security staff for some time. This way, you can help your house shine anew without having to stuff your attic or basement all the way to becoming a fire hazard, and potentially damaging your possessions in the process.
Represent Your Personality
Those of us who love decorating our homes may find it fun to use the latest home furnishings or trend packages to help the rooms in our property shine. But really, we can get much more enjoyment out of representing our personalities within our home and everything that entails. So, instead of a massive and expensive piece of artwork above your mantlepiece, why not have your holiday photographs probably framed and placed? Perhaps you like antiques, but why not stick to a setting and an area you love, such as the 20s and 30s art deco scene? This kind of approach can be tremendously helpful.
Enjoy A Home Sale!
Even the most organized avid home decorator can find themselves with an abundance of possessions they don’t really know what to do with. It may be a great idea, then, to run a home sale, or to place all of these items on eBay, or maybe even to donate them to charity. This way, you can find them a new home, while raising funds either for yourself or a good cause. Then, you can enjoy this cycle which you’ve become so adept at once more.
With this advice, we hope you can help your home space feel new again. It’s the least you deserve!
Looking for the best way to add some personality to your windows? Maybe you’re looking for an upgrade for your home’s exterior? Whatever impact you want for your home’s exterior space, windowshutters are an exciting choice. The installations are not only about looks but also functionality, and more.
If you plan to give your home a makeover, consider the following shutter systems for your home.
Raised Panel Shutter Style
This shutter style is like what you have in your home’s cabinets. It’s one of the most popular styles in wood applications and for a good reason. The low-profile panels work with any home style from Colonial, ranch style homes, Greek revival, Cape Cod, Victorian to Federal, and others. The decorative, raised panel shutter system gives your home a distinct laid back country style.
Louvered Shutter Style
The louvered shutter style is popular as it easily combines beauty, privacy, and protection for your home. The shutter system features overlapping slanted slats which block light and keep away prying eyes. However, it’s easy to open and let in natural light and cool air whenever you like.
The shutter style can work with any architectural style though it blends most perfectly with classic architectural styles where homes have an ornate, or casual style. Such homes include Federal and Colonial, Victorian, Italianate, Georgian, and Ranch among others.
Board-and-Batten Shutter Style
If you want to give your home a rustic or old world outlook, the board and batten (BnB) shutters will work for you. The shutter style also works perfectly with old world architecture, Mediterranean, Cape Cod/Ranch, and French Country homes. You can choose from a versatile range of styles including spaced, arch-top or square, or joined styles to personalize your home.
Bahama Shutters (Bermuda Shutter Style)
This is a type of louvered shutter style but with a unique installation system at the top of windows. When fixed on top, the shutter style is stronger than classic louvered shutters. The shutter system is popular for tropical areas frequently hit by powerful storms. The fitting style also makes it easier to open the shutter to let in the cool breeze on hot days.
Plantation Shutter Style
Plantation shutter style is one of the most popular types of louvered shutters you’ll find on homes. These are a magnificent upgrade for your home and feature larger spacing. Plantation shutters improve curb appeal, enhance indoor light control, and increase your home’s value. If you’re in a storm-prone area, these shutters enhance protection for your home and the occupants.
Cut-out shutter Style
If you want to add some unique personality to your exterior space, considercut-out design shutter style. You can choose unique cut out shapes and motifs to give your windows a makeover and improve your home’s exterior outlook.
If you’re thinking of a way to make your windows stand out from the rest of the house, consider these shutter styles. They combine aesthetics and function to improve your home. You get a more attractive, energy-efficient, and safer living space with the window upgrades.
There are several reasons why a homeowner may want to sell their house much faster. It could be to get a new job, a personal situation and many others. Selling a house can be stressful and something strenuous to do within a given timeline.
If you don’t hire a real estate agent to save on money, you must ensure you put in the needed effort to sell your home. Though the process will be nerve-wracking, you will have buyers flocking in with the proper research and attitude.
If you want to reduce your house’s time on the market, here are a few practical tips to help you attain that.
Clean Your House Thoroughly
This strategy you should adopt when you are on short notice for selling your home. Nothing can keep away potential buyers than a dirty home, so you should ensure you list a clean home. Cleaning and decluttering can make any house’s interior attractive and appealing to the eye of a buyer.
You can begin by storing old stuff no longer in use in large storage boxes to make the rooms look less crowded or messy. It would help if you also organised all closets and cabinets to create an illusion of big storage spaces in the house. Besides, buyers are always on the lookout for homes with large storage spaces.
If this is a lot to handle, then hiring a cleaning company can get the work done appropriately within a short period.
Repair All Damages
You cannot begin to market your home when you have a lot of damages. For instance, if you have broken cabinets and doors, a leaking roof or cracked walls, you should take care of such issues before you begin to market your home. Otherwise, this will be a significant turnoff to a buyer as no one wants to buy a house to incur repair costs.
If the home’s lighting has an issue, hire the best Electrical Contractor to get everything fixed. Good lighting can go a long way in increasing the value of your home, which not only means selling it faster but at a higher price.
Depersonalise
This is one primary mistake that most sellers make, which they never realise. If you want to sell your home and move on as quickly as you can, you should depersonalise it. This simply means getting rid of personal belongings like wedding photos, religious and political items, your kid’s artwork and more.
Having such items on sight when buyers tour your home is another significant turn off that can distract them. In addition, it will be tough for buyers to picture themselves living in the house. Therefore, you should replace personal items with neutral things such as paintings which can be a lot more attractive.
Hire a Professional Photographer
Lastly, you should hire a professional to take pictures and record amazing videos to make your home sell much faster. Then, editing the photos and videos with filters and effects will not only seem professional, but they are quick to attract buyers.
The above tips are a surefire way to sell your home quickly. Of course, if you are working solely, be sure to consider them, but if you hire an agent, no need to worry because they will do everything on your behalf.
Stress can affect us all in different ways. It can affect our mental, emotional and even our physical wellbeing. It even affects how we behave and react to things. Stress isn’t all bad, we all deal with some form of stress in our lifetime, some on a day-to-day basis in our everyday lives, whether it be financial, family, work or even due to health stress. Learning how to cope and deal with the stress is key!
We all get so caught up in work deadlines, our hectic lifestyles, home/work-life balance that we forget to take five minutes to relax, have a hot cup of coffee, breath or even get some air. Stepping away for just five minutes could make all the difference to our stress levels. However if we stay in a state of high stress levels it can be damaging to our health.
Even life events such as having a baby, buying a house or even planning a wedding can lead to feelings of stress.
Signs of stress:
Headache
Dizziness
Muscle pain/tension
Stomach pain
Chest pain/faster heartbeat
Struggling to make a decision
Feeling overwhelmed
Constantly worrying
Being irritable
Sleeping more/less
Eating more/less
Avoiding people or places
Stress is sadly something we are unable to avoid, but we can learn how best to manage it. When at work try and schedule in five minutes to de-stress throughout the day, get some fresh air, call a friend or loved one, enjoy a hot drink and something quick to eat. Have five minutes to yourself, have a breather and relax the best way that suits you. When at home it is really important to still take time out to relax too.
I have had an awful couple of months lately, and have really been suffering with stress, anxiety and depression. Here are a few things I have found to help me manage and get through, alongside professional support.
Enjoy a relaxing bath
There is a certain kind of magic to bathing. Sinking into a nice warm bath helps you to relax and unwind, amongest many health benefits. A nice warm bath can be a way to indulge in spa-like bliss at home, surrounded by a few of your favorite things. Whether they may be a book or magazine, bath-bomb, candles, soft relaxing music or even a nice cool glass of wine or beer. Having a nice warm bath is a great way to help improve our health, such as help with a better nights sleep, helps to relax achy muscles, relieve tension, pain and inflammation. Taking a nice long soothing bath can be the perfect antidote to a stressful day. Closing that bathroom door and taking some much deserved me-time provides us with the chance to get away from things for a while and relax.
Hobby
Everyone is creative in their own way, having a hobby is a great way to spend any spare time you may have. It is a great way to help you unwind from a stressful day you may have had, or even unwind from your daily routines. Spending time doing something you really enjoy can help improve your health and wellbeing massively. My personal favourite is sewing. Whether it be something outdoors, artistic, musical, learning a new skill or even just sitting quietly and reading, all will benefit your health as it is time out for you, doing something you love and enjoy. I am a great believer that those with a hobby are a lot less likely to suffer from stress, low mood and depression. Having a hobby or activity you enjoy will help to relax you, help you to feel happier and much more relaxed.
Fresh air
Demanding schedules and a busy home life leave many of people feeling trapped inside. Our busy lives can make it difficult to get outside and enjoy breathing in some fresh air from time-to-time. However the benefits of fresh air are endless. Spending time outdoors is one of the fastest ways to lift people’s moods and improve health and happiness. Being outdoors helps to lower stress levels, blood pressure, and even heart rate. Being outdoors also helps to keep your vitamin D levels up and also allowing our serotonin levels to increase. Being outdoors breathing in some fresh air will also help to clear our mind and lungs. Being outdoors can really benefit our physical and mental health. Trying to add half an hour into our daily routines can really benefit our wellbeing. Perhaps an after dinner stroll, taking the dog for a walk or even a lunchtime walk can make all the difference.
Loved ones
Interacting with loved ones, whether it be friends or family really does help. It helps to create emotional support to help you overcome life challenges. The best way to stay focused, and if needed then help to get back on track is by reaching out to loved ones. Our friends and family are our safe haven and people we can rely on at all times, helping us to feel at ease, even in the most stressful of situations. Speaking with loved ones can help ease our stress levels and help ease the pressure off of ourselves. Allowing us to have a much healthier coping mechanism for stress with the help and support if needed.
Meditation
Have you ever tried meditation? I haven’t as yet, but it is something I am looking into trying and possibly adding into my daily routines. It is said to be one of the most popular ways to relieve stress. It is said that by calming your body and mind, your physical and emotional stress can melt away, leaving you feeling better, refreshed and ready to face the day with a much healthier attitude. For anyone not knowing what meditation entails it involves sitting in a relaxed position and clearing your mind. Making sure you are not distracted for at least twenty minutes, find a comfortable position, close your eyes and focus within. Try to focus your attention on your breathing by counting your breaths, or there are meditation soundtracks you can listen to. Meditation is free, always available and very effective in short-term stress reduction and long term health.
Exercise
Many people think that exercise only has an impact on your body, when infact it has a very positive impact on your mental wellbeing too. It is said that those who are physically active are much more less likely to suffer from anxiety or depression than those who are not. This is said to be true because exercise causes particular chemicals to be released called endorphins, which are known to positively alter your mood. Exercising helps to relieve any feelings of anger, helps promote better sleep and also helps to relieve any tension you may have.
Bedtime ritual
While stress is the body’s natural response to protecting itself, chronic stress or anxiety can have many long-term effects, including poor sleep or even sleepless nights. You dont have to wait until its lights out to start winding down, if you are struggling with sleeping. Try changing up your evening routine to see if it helps. Set the mood lighting down a little earlier, have a relaxing bath, try aromatherapy, listen to relaxing music or even try mindful colouring. A bedtime routine is a great way to start training your brain to trigger the process of going to sleep.
Massage
Stress unfortunately is an inevitable part of life, and it is impossible to take away all the stress and anxiety we may feel on a day-to-day basis. Taking time out for yourself to have a massage can massively help. Having a massage is a great way to seek relief from stress as it helps you to relax and de-stress. It helps to reduce your stress hormone and increase your serotonin and dopamine levels. Along with rebalancing your hormones a massage also releases muscle tension. When stressed your muscles tighten in response and can become painful. A massage can help offer stress relief and aid relaxation.
Writing
Writing is said to be a medicine for the brain. Whenever you are feeling mentally or emotionally exhausted try writing down what is bothering you. This will help you structure your thoughts and hopefully bring you some peace to your mind. Writing down our thoughts and feelings can help us become more aware/self-aware and also help us detect any sneaky/unhealthy patterns in our thoughts and feelings. This then allows us to be in/take more control over our lives and put things in more perspective. Furthermore it can help us to shift from a negative mindset to a much more positive one.
Gardening
Chronic stress can be hard on our bodies and can also contribute to anxiety and depression. Finding healthy ways to help us all cope and take care of our minds and bodies is very important. Working out in the garden can help reduce cortisol levels – this is a chemical our bodies produces in response to stress. You dont even have to be working in the garden, just sitting out there helps too. Sow some seeds, pull some weeds or even give the garden a water. it all helps to take our minds off things for a while and before you know it time has flown by. Gardening can reverse the effects of stress, these benefits include better health, exercise, nutrition from homegrown vegetables if you grow them, improved mood from exposure to vitamin D in the sunlight and an improved focus and increased creativity. Getting dirt under our nails isn’t half as bad as we thought.
It is not always easy to recognise that stress is the reason why you could be acting, feeling or even behaving differently. If you are experiencing any unusual behavior then please do seek medical help or advice. You may find it hard to explain how you are feeling but talking about how you’re feeling really does help.
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Thank you.
Anita & Ian
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