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Skipping Stone Design

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3 Tips For Setting Up A Bedroom For Your Elderly Loved One

Whether they’re living with you or staying in their own home, as you have loved ones that start progressing in age, it’s wise to take a more active role in their care and comfort to ensure that they’re getting the things that they need.

One area that you might consider checking out for your aging loved one is their bedroom. Depending on their living situation, like if they’re in an assisted living facility, they might be spending quite a bit of time in their bedroom. If this is the case, you’ll want to help them make their space as safe and welcoming as possible. To help you in doing this, here are three tips for setting up a bedroom for your elderly loved one.

Make It Easy To Get In And Out Of Bed

For many older adults, it becomes increasingly necessary to use the bathroom in the middle of the night. Knowing this, you should try to do everything in your power to make it easy for them to get in and out of bed on their own.

To do this, AgingCare.com recommends installing bed rails on each side of the bed so that your loved one can get some leverage when trying to get out of bed. Additionally, bed rails can make it easier to steady themselves as they get back into bed as well.

Get The Right Lighting Options

As people age, their eyes need more and more light in order to adequately read and see their surroundings. As a result, the lighting needs of your loved one might be different than what you need for yourself or what’s typically included in a bedroom.

According to Lucy of ResidenceStyle.com, it’s a good idea to install motion activated lights in bedrooms of elderly people. Then, if they enter the room in the dark or need to get up from bed at night, the lights will automatically come on for them. You may also want to put overhead lights on a dimmer so they can choose the exact brightness they need at any given time as well as adding a lamp near their chair or bed for task lighting.

Choose Safe Flooring

The flooring of your loved one’s bedroom can help to keep them safe from slipping, tripping or falling. Not only should the floor not be slippery for them to walk on, but AgingInPlace.com, shares that it should also help to anchor furniture and other items so they don’t easily move either. This means that you’ll likely want to keep rugs out of the room, as they can be more of a hazard than a help.

If you think your elderly loved one could use some updates to their bedroom, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you create the perfect bedroom space for them.

3 Ways to Rescue Your Restaurant From Failing Amid COVID-19

The global outbreak of the novel coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) has caused a health crisis that has been an unprecedented obstacle for people who aspire to start a small company and experienced business owners. Social and economic conditions caused by COVID-19 have been uniquely challenging for people who plan to enter or are already in the foodservice and restaurant industry. For many restaurants across the United States, business may be slow because fewer people go out to eat, as they’re afraid they may contract the virus if they go out in public.

 

Furthermore, many restaurants have been relying on drive-thrus or carryout and delivery services because lockdown orders and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations forced them to close off their dining rooms from customers indefinitely.

 

Some restaurants continue to enjoy steady business and success during the pandemic by adapting their operations and methods of servicing their patrons to the new normal created by the virus. Listed below are three ways for business owners to keep their restaurants afloat and save it from failing amid COVID-19.

 

 

Get the Best Restaurant Equipment

It’s nearly impossible to run a restaurant or foodservice business when you lack adequate equipment. For this reason, restaurant equipment is a significant startup cost. Essentials include furniture, flatware, barware, and glassware. Large purchases such as ovens, fryers, grills, coolers, walk-in freezers, refrigerators, and other appliances are critical for commercial cooking and proper food storage.

 

When choosing refrigeration products, purchase energy-efficient equipment from a reputable brand, such as True Manufacturing Company, a commercial refrigeration industry leader. True refrigerators and other commercial refrigeration products can suit any restaurant, catering company, food truck, or foodservice business.

 

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Furthermore, janitorial supplies, disposables, and sanitizing and cleaning equipment are necessary purchases, as restaurateurs must do their best to limit and stop the spread of the coronavirus among their staff and patrons.

 

Implement Technology Into Business Operations

Technological equipment is of equal importance as physical equipment, especially at a time when online orders may be surging. One way to avoid hard times and failures during this pandemic is to have a website and an online delivery system that’s easy for your customers to navigate. This way, you can efficiently serve patrons who may engage in curbside pickup options, as well as your customers who want your food but might be nervous or unable to leave their homes.

 

Business owners can harness technological options that are convenient for customers and benefit the productivity of their staff members. Restaurateurs can use technology to manage OKRs, for instance. OKRs—objectives and key results—are a goal-setting framework that enables restaurateurs to define and track objectives and outcomes for a specified period. Using OKRs, you can measure your team’s performance at achieving set goals, and determine which strategies are useful and which ones need changing. Visiting workboard.com, for instance, you can discover OKR software offered by Workboard and get an idea of how effective OKR solutions can be for your business.

 

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Reach Your Customers and Attract New Ones Through the Internet

Considering how high the use of digital devices and the Internet is, it’s crucial to enhance your brand visibility with an online presence. Prioritize customer engagement and post content tailored to your target audience that they’ll find relatable, exciting, and useful.

 

Investing in new operational strategies and implementing the tactics mentioned above can help your restaurant or foodservice business weather the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, enhance long-term operations, and increase profits and success. Through hard work, adherence to CDC guidelines, and technology implementation, restaurateurs can show their customers and community members that running a successful restaurant amid this pandemic is possible.

5 Great Financial Reasons to Do Your Own Home Repairs

Owning a home can be expensive. Beyond just the mortgage payment and utility bills, you are financially responsible for any and all maintenance and repairs. And the cost of hiring a repair person does not always come cheap. Being a new homeowner is already a steep learning curve, but it may save you money in the long run if you commit to learning a bit about how to keep up with your maintenance needs.

 

Relying on your own skill and knowledge for basic home repairs can be a gift to your finances. Rather than calling an expert for every leaky sink and chipped paint job, you can handle these issues on your own and save on the cost of hiring a professional. Of course, big jobs may require more expert hands, but for your basic home repairs, there’s no reason you shouldn’t be able to conquer those on your own. If you need more reasons to commit to becoming an at-home do-it-yourself repair person, here are just a few examples of how it can save you some cash.

 

You have flexibility in paying for repairs.

Once you call an expert, they bill you right there and then. If you chose to handle your own home repairs, they will get done on your timeline. Not only do you have flexibility with time, but with your finances as well. If you need to purchase a new part, you can pick up an extra job or research specific investment opportunities to help you make some extra money. Companies like Yieldstreet encourage alternative investments that can help you quickly turn a high profit without putting all your money into the stock market and big business. If you’re asking is Yieldstreet legit, know it’s a crowdfunded asset-based system that has helped many investors turn a profit. So if you have a maintenance bill coming in, you can plan for that with proper investments and pay for the repairs on your own schedule.

 

Googling a solution is always free.

 

In the past, if you had an issue with your home and knew nothing about it, you had no choice but to call an expert. But now, with Google at your fingertips, the solution to almost any problem is available online. You can find straight-forward guides on how to fix a clogged toilet or instructions on how to repair a problem with water heater leaking with just a few quick online searches.

 

More often than not, the solution is a simple one.

 

The biggest annoyance is when you spend the money to call someone and the solution they provided was a simple one. Maybe you just had to flip a switch or clean out a part of the machine. Why spend the money on professional help when you could have fixed the problem on your own? Do your research first to be sure the solution actually needs a professional before you make the call.

 

No one will be looking for extra problems and expenses.

 

You’ve probably experienced the scenario where a repair person comes in to fix one issue and ends up alerting you to a bunch of other things that need repairing as well. The truth is, those aren’t serious issues, the repairman is just trying to get you to spend more money. If you chose to do at-home repairs on your own, you don’t have to worry about someone pointing out extra, superfluous problems that aren’t really affecting your living situation.

 

Doing it yourself prioritizes your time, and time is money.

Calling a repairman is typically a full-day affair. You’re given an eight-hour window that you have to stay home and wait for someone to come to fix your problem. Time is money. Choosing to handle these issues yourself means you can do them on your time and not miss out on work or social events while waiting for the repair person to come.

How to Earn Passive Income in Retirement

Passive income may seem like a unicorn to many. It’s the idea that your money can generate its own cash flow, enough for you to take advantage of. But this stream of income is not unheard of. In fact, you are probably already taking advantage of one way to create this passive cash infusion already.

 

Put simply, income of all types requires an input of either time or money. You either must work for a wage, or put your money to work in an investment vehicle that will hopefully return a great profit. Passive income requires an input as well, but once that has been completed, you can simply sit back and watch the profit roll into your account without any extra thought. Here are a few ways to have more passive income flowing into your account.

Invest in dividend stocks

 

As a trader, your stock portfolio includes dividend stocks. You would have to go out of your way to invest in assets that don’t pay a dividend. As you reach retirement, your portfolio is likely a worthy collection of cash that nets a healthy return based on years of trading experience and regular deposits. Whether you prefer tech startups or blue chip industrials and manufacturing sector businesses, finding stocks that pay healthy dividends and then cashing in on the payouts every month is the simplest way to grow your checking account without a single ounce of work. Many traders buy into the ‘buy low, sell high’ mentality, and this is that principle working to full effect.

 

Long term hold strategies allow for the most growth over time and net incredible dividend profits in the process.

The best part of dividend growth is that you can invest in a class of growth stocks classed as dividend aristocrats. These are companies that have increased the payout every year for the last 25. This means that not only will you make more per share every year, your price to earnings ratio also skyrockets over the years you hold the shares. Microsoft, for instance was priced around $50 per share in recent memory. If you had bought shares then, you’d be cashing in on today’s $200 price tag and the payout that comes along with it for a quarter of the buy in price. With a little preplanning, you can build a formidable collection of high-yield dividend shares that pay out in alternating quarterly patterns, meaning that you get paid monthly.

Write a book.

 

As a new retiree, you have all this newfound free time and a wealth of expertise in the field you have just left. Another way to generate passive income is to write a book about your profession, or even a memoir of your life, to market for online sales. These days, authors no longer need an agent and professional book publisher to get behind them. Amazon’s Kindle platform allows anyone to publish their work and market it for sale on the world’s most powerful online storefront. Alternatively, you could start blogging and sell the book directly to your audience from your website. Writing is also a great hobby that might spark your curiosity and interest as a newly retired person, above and beyond the prospects of passive income generation.

Buy a rental property.

If writing isn’t for you, then buying real estate might be the answer. Utilizing collateral or probate loans from an inheritance can even get you a favorable rate or cut out the mortgage process altogether. Buying a home to rent out is another easy way to make your capital work for you. You can even hire out the property management aspects to a professional entity in your area so that all you have to do is collect the check every month.

 

Whatever your preference, there is a passive income strategy out there that works for you. Put your savings to work while you sit back and enjoy the fruits of its labor.

Home Improvement: 5 Simple Ways to Increase Home Value (Quickly)

Not everyone agrees that your home is one of your biggest assets. Using wisdom from the Great Recession, many critics rightly claim that a home’s value can quickly drop leaving the homeowner upside down on a mortgage.

But these situations happen very rarely in history. There are many ways to increase your home value that will typically allow you to profit when its time to sell your home.

If you’re looking for a fast turnaround on increasing your home’s value, look no further. Here are 5 tried and true ways to turn your house into an asset.

1. Work Outside In

The best ways to increase home value isn’t to renovate. Not always.

It’s far more important to make your home’s existing features stand out. This means if you live on a hillside with large boulders, taking the time to create a rock garden around those boulders is your best move.

Upgrading your landscape brings your home value up by around 5 percent. Take a look at where you can enhance the features of your yard.

There may not be much to improve at all, but a fresh set of colorful flowers can work wonders for your yard. Look at the area from the curb where buyers will approach the property.

They’ll notice any fencing, walkways, address signs, the mailbox, etc. Make sure all of these elements are in mint condition even if you’re only applying a fresh coat of paint.

Replace your address numbers with fresh copies from a hardware store to make your home look as good as new. Cut back menacing tree branches or overgrown shrubs blocking the doorway.

2. Declutter

No, this post wasn’t sponsored by your mother. Decluttering has actual monetary value that you’ll appreciate when its time to sell your home.

A cluttered home keeps people from being able to see its real potential. It’s also a safe haven for pests and other home invaders.

Don’t give dust mites a place to hide. Rid your rooms of unneeded furniture, paperwork, and other personal items. If you have heirlooms you’d prefer not to get rid of, consider renting a storage unit.

You can take your time with the decluttering process since it won’t be relevant until its time for showings. A showing is when your realtor brings potential buyers to tour the home.

It’s still recommended that you declutter well in advance of putting your home up for sale. This allows you time to deal with large, awkward pieces of furniture and schedule charity pickups at your leisure.

3. Get the Kitchen Updated

There are a few exceptions to the renovation rule. For example, if you choose to make any changes to update your kitchen, it’ll help boost its overall value.

A full remodel isn’t necessary but you might consider replacing the cabinet fronts or putting a fresh coat of paint on the walls. The newness of the changes makes the kitchen appear fresh and well maintained.

Your realtor can give you clues as to what buyers really want in your market. In some places, homebuyers aren’t willing to skimp on granite countertops.

In other areas, an accent wall might be a key selling point. Take the emotion out of your home when putting it up for sale. Think of it as a model home you need to update in order to draw the right kind of attention.

Other kitchen updates include switching to stainless steel appliances. Your black or white fridge won’t sell the kitchen as modern or updated.

Stainless steel immediately changes the look of your appliances which take up most of the space in the room.

4. Go Green

Making your home more energy efficient isn’t just great for the environment, it’s great for your pocketbook. You’ll save around 30 percent on heating and cooling costs with the right appliances.

Make sure you have energy star certified appliances since these are regulated. You’ll receive a tax break for a certain amount of energy efficiency in your home.

These bonuses make your return on investment for swapping out appliances much more meaningful over the long term. You don’t need a complete solar panel installation for the energy efficiency to produce a good return on your home’s value.

Even adding dimmers to the lights is an upgrade that can wow a buyer. Dimmers are energy efficient because they allow you to use only what you need.

5. Make it Impressive

When you’re adding value to your home on a budget, there are few cheats that’ll get you ahead of your competitors. One is to make your house look far more impressive than it really is.

For example, you can invest in technology that automates many common household features. A doorbell upgrade is an easy example.

Video doorbells make the home feel more high tech. As do smart microwaves, smart outlets, and more.

An automated home, even on a small scale, keeps your home looking cutting edge even if its several decades old. Mix the old and the new to bring a stylish contrast to the home.

Make sure these tech upgrades work well for your lifestyle so you aren’t stuck with features that don’t really help you manage your household. Check with https://www.homesinmeridian.com/blog/increasing-selling-value-your-home/ to make sure you’re making the upgrades buyers like the most.

Ways to Increase Home Value

You can look into ways to increase home value, but they may not make sense for your area. Remember to think local when exploring upgrades.

Not every market has choosy buyers. You might be able to simply sweep the floor and get top dollar because it’s a seller’s market in your area.

For more information and tips, visit our blog for updates.

 

How Marketing Works Online: 7 Tips for Selling Online

If you’re starting to sell online in the digital world, online marketing is going to look like a beast that can’t be tamed. Yet, to a seasoned vet, selling things online is a walk in the park.

You’ve heard all the success stories of selling things online and now you want to give it a shot. Yet, you’re still wondering how marketing works online!

Well, there are plenty of tips and tricks that you can use to break into the online world of digital marketing and selling things online.

Keep reading for our guide to seven tips you need to know to start selling online.

1. Choose the Right Platform

Something you’re going to have to do when you start selling online is choosing the right platform to sell your products. There are tons of different platforms to choose from such as Shopify, Amazon, Etsy, Squarespace, and so much more.

Each platform has it’s own pros and cons to setting up an online store. Some platforms give you complete control over the look and feel of your website, while others give you a bigger audience to sell your products.

Do your research and find the best way to sell things online for you when looking for the right platform. It is up to you to decide on how you want to start selling online.

2. Build Your Online Brand

What you need to know about internet marketing is building your online brand. With a reputable online brand, you could sell pretty much anything online. Whether you want to sell land online, selling t-shirts online, or even selling online shopping assistant services.

Marketing online is a way for you to create a personality for your brand. Social media is one of the best places for you to express that personality for your target audience. You can build a following on social media by creating content that your audience will appreciate.

3. Customer Service is Important

When you’re learning how to sell things online you need to make sure that you make customer service a priority. If you take pride in your customer service, then you will be more likely to have customers who want to shop with you again and again.

There are several ways that you can improve your online customer service. The first is to make sure that your customers can easily navigate your website and buy your products. If it is difficult to make a purchase, then customers aren’t going to want to buy products from you.

Next, you need to make sure that you’re always accessible to your customers.

One thing that you can do is make sure that you respond to questions, comments, or concerns from clients almost instantly. This will show your customers that you’re there for them when they need you. Resolving issues fast is another way to show that you have excellent customer service skills.

4. Collect Email Addresses

One of the best tips for selling online is to collect email addresses from potential and current customers. Having an email address list will give you the ability to send out a newsletter to your customers. You can include updates on products, new deals, and upcoming promotions.

An awesome way to collect email addresses for your email list is by offering something in exchange. Many people will give you their email address if you offer them a discount code. The discount code can be around 15% off and will give you another email address to add to your list.

Plus, when you offer potential customers a discount code, then you have the chance to make a sale!

5. Interact With Your Followers

Besides having good customer service skills, you should also interact with your followers on social media. This is a great way to build a good connection with your customers and for them to trust your brand.

Having a brand that customers can trust is an awesome way to sell things online. People have a harder time shopping with brands that they can’t trust.

It can be hard work building trust with customers when you’re first starting to sell online. This is why you should interact on social media as much as possible. Be sure to respond, like, and retweet comments.

6. Make Sure People Want to Shop Again

Convincing someone to shop with you for the first time is great, but how can you get them to shop with you over and over again? Many businesses will only focus on getting the first sale and then forget about having the customers buy from them again.

You want to get as many repeat customers as possible. The best way to do this is to make sure that the sale went as smoothly as possible from start to finish.

Something that businesses tend to forget about is speedy delivery. No one likes waiting for their online orders, so make sure your delivery speed is fast!

You should also make sure that your products are packaged properly and securely. This is so that nothing is damaged in the shipping process.

7. Online Reviews

Another great internet marketing tactic is having good online reviews. Potential customers like to buy products that have real reviews.

How do you get reviews on your products from actual customers? Well, you can wait around until customers decide to review, but sometimes that doesn’t always work.

A great way to speed up the process is by asking clients to review your products after they’ve made the purchase. This is a great way to bulk up your reviews and have them be accurate.

Learn How Marketing Works Online

There are plenty of different ways that you can learn how marketing works online. Be sure to use these tips and tricks so that you’ll be selling your products online like a pro in no time.

Our website is filled with tips on home renovations, lifestyle, health, budgeting your money, and so much more! If you’re interested in keeping up with all our advice, then make sure that you bookmark our page. You can keep coming back for more tips and tricks that will help you out.

 

Landscape Ideas: How to Do the Most Amazing Exterior Landscaping

Exterior landscaping is not only a way to add more beauty to your home̦—did you know it can also increase the value of your home?

Updating your home with curb appeal and landscaping, on average, adds 3-5% to its value. From planting trees to building a deck or patio, there are plenty of ways to spruce up your home’s exterior.

Looking for some landscaping ideas? If so, keep reading for a few tips on how to make your home’s exterior into something incredible.

Create a Beautiful Stone Path

To make your entryway a beautiful, appealing entrance, add a stone pathway. These will look good leading from the driveway to the front door or winding around the backyard.

Look for large paving stones, and add some stones of varying sizes to add texture and variety. For a cheery landscaping design, line your walkway with flowers or shrubbery.

However, if your stone path will need to go up an incline, add rocks to stop erosion and keep the land looking its best.

Add Outdoor Living and Dining Areas

When it comes to amazing backyard landscaping ideas, think about converting some of your lawn into outdoor living space.

If you live in a mild climate, make the most of your weather by enjoying outdoor dining. You can add a patio with dining furniture, a sunken fire pit, or even an outdoor kitchen or pizza oven.

Outdoor living areas are perfect for entertaining and are sure to impress the neighbors!

Build Raised Garden Beds

Another top landscape idea is to add raised garden beds, either for flowers or veggies. They are an easy DIY project and the raised beds should keep your plants safe from wildlife or pets.

Planting your own carrots, tomatoes, strawberries, or your veggie of choice is a fun project to get kids involved with too. Or, use your beds to plant colorful wildflowers, brightening up the yard.

A few garden beds will reduce the area of lawn you need to mow as well, which is helpful in bag yards.

Think About Color

A gorgeous way to approach landscaping is with color. There are plenty of easy ways to add color to your yard.

Planting ornamental flowering trees, bright flowers like tulips or roses, or even by adding a garden shed to your backyard can get your landscape a pop of color.

Browsing your local nursery or garden way is a good way to get inspiration, and you can also learn more from the staff about which plants and flowers are best for your area.

Use These Exterior Landscaping Ideas to Create the Perfect Yard

Exterior landscaping is a beautiful way to add more value to your home, plus it enhances the look and enjoyment of your property. Use the tips above to get started and come up with some creative and gorgeous ways to improve the look of your home.

Get started today and start enjoying your amazing, manicured yard!

Did you enjoy this article? If so, please check out some of our other content for more inspiration.

How Long Does It Take to Build a House? A Useful Guide

Did you know that the U.S. Census Bureau estimated in August 2020 that around 1.4 million housing starts would take place this year? Popular reasons for having a new house built range from a need for customization and value to an interest in new architectures and the building process.

However, building a house will take a lot of planning and waiting. Not only do you have to think about the type of house you want, but you need to consider the location, building method, and risks that can delay the process.

Are you wondering, “How long does it take to build a house exactly?” Read on to learn what you can expect.

So, How Long Does It Take to Build a House Generally?

As a general rule, you can expect it to take around nine months to a year for building a house.

However, this can be a shorter six months if you’re having a mass-produced home built. You may need longer if you want a home with a special style like eco-architecture.

Further, homes in the South and West usually take a shorter time to build than in the Northeast and Midwest.

Considering the Steps to Build a House

To get a better look at why it can take so long to build a house, consider all the steps involved.

Before any work can take place, you have to go through the process of finding land and getting a permit, which can take a month on its own. That doesn’t even count the months you may spend searching for your dream home plan.

Once you have permission for building a house, you’ll need to find contractors or a building company unless you go it alone. This can take a month or two. Then, the contractors can spend up to a month simply preparing the land for building.

Once building begins, processes like building the home’s foundation, installing framing, putting in mechanical systems, and insulating the house can take a few weeks each. After all interior and exterior work gets done, you can expect another few weeks for inspections and closing.

Knowing What Can Slow the Process Down

While you can expect most homes to get completed within a year, delays can unfortunately occur that extend the time to build a house. For example, you may have issues finding contractors, dealing with bad weather, or requiring an especially complex design.

Even before you start, there may be a backlog of people seeking permits, or the inspector may find your land not suitable for the type of house you want to build. Also, consider quality issues that can require things to get rebuilt or repaired during the process.

Prepare for a Quicker Home Building Process

To get your home completed in the fastest time possible, it pays to start planning long before you want the building to start.

This means researching the land, understanding building rules in the community, and deciding on exactly which home design you want. It also means considering your budget and weighing the pros and cons of building options.

Now you know the answer to the question, “How long does it take to build a house?” So, check out our other posts for some ideas for home designs!

 

Top 5 Places to Live in Canada—Ranked!

For hundreds of years, Canada has been a land of immigrants. Throughout most of Canada’s history, the majority of immigrants have been Europeans. In recent years, this has changed, with the majority of modern immigrants originating from China and South Asia.

Regardless of which demographic someone falls into, it’s no wonder why so many people move to Canada. It’s an amazing country that has a lot to offer. However, being so large can make it difficult to know where to go.

Keep reading to learn about five of the best places to live in Canada.

1. Toronto

Many people from all over view New York City as the cosmopolitan center of the world, making it a favorite destination. If you feel that way, you’ll be happy to learn that Toronto is, in many ways, a cleaner and more compact version of The Big Apple.

Like New York, Toronto is multicultural, open-minded, and tolerant. This makes it easy for expats to assimilate and fit in regardless of their cultural backgrounds. Today, you can find more than 230 nationalities in the city. This makes it the most diverse city in Canada.

With a population of almost 3 million, Toronto is Canada’s most populous city. You can find excellent museums and parks, fantastic international dining, and a number of cultural activities to enjoy. The city is also located on Lake Ontario, giving you plenty of options to get out on the water during the summer.

People often struggle with finding a place to live in any big city. Check out this house buying guide to learn what you can do to make finding a home easy.

2. Vancouver

Some cities are beautiful, but they feel like concrete jungles at odds with nature. At the opposite end of the spectrum, you have cities like Vancouver.

Surrounded by mountains and the Pacific Ocean, Vancouver is one of the most beautiful cities, not only in Canada but in the world. This makes it an amazing place to observe wildlife, go surfing, ski or snowboard down mountains, and embark on a number of other outdoor activities.

Vancouver is one of the most diverse cities in the world, with half of the population speaking an additional language besides English. The city is also famous for being tolerant and diverse. There is a huge LGBTQ+ community, and the government has legalized recreational marijuana.

Like San Francisco, Vancouver is a large city located on a small area. It has a population of around 700,000 people.

3. Montréal

If you check any list of the best cities in the world for expats, you should find Montréal somewhere near the top. Residents of Montréal love the work-life balance that the city offers, as well as the affordable and accessible housing options.

Montréal is in the province of Québec. Founded by the French hundreds of years ago, the city has maintained it’s cultural heritage through the years. Today, Montréal feels like a mini-Paris, with French being the official language. You can enjoy a number of other elements of French culture, all with a Canadian twist.

Montréal has a population of 1.7 million, making it one of the larger Canadian cities. Keep in mind that due to the multiculturalism present, not speaking French may set you back. In fact, to get a work permit in Montréal, you need to have at least a basic understanding of the French langauge.

4. Ottawa

Ottawa is, in many ways, a typical capital city. It lacks some of the excitement and trendiness that other larger and more modern cities offer, but it’s a great place to live.

Located between Toronto and Montreal, Ottawa is also in the province of Ontario. Although the population is around one million, it’s the largest city in Canada. You’ll have plenty of things to do, from museums and theaters, to restaurants and nightlife. There’s also a huge number of parks and green spaces.

Being the political center of Canada means that there are plenty of job opportunities for nationals and foreigners alike. Technology, finance, education, and the federal government are some of the biggest industries in Ottawa.

5. Calgary

If you’re looking for an atypical Canadian city, Calgary may be up your alley. Many people refer to Calgary as being the most “American” city in Canada. The city has a unique cowboy vibe, and also tends to lean more towards the traditional and conservative side.

Located in Alberta, Calgary is the center of the Canadian oil industry. This has led to rapid economic growth. Today, it’s full of skyscrapers and has evolved into a cosmopolitan metropolis. Although it lacks the multiculturalism of other cities such as Toronto or Vancouver, this has changed in recent years.

Having a population of 1.3 million means that you won’t ever run out of things to do. You can enjoy outdoor activities, art and film events, and delicious food, all for a cheaper price than in some other Canadian cities.

Wondering About the Best Places to Live in Canada? Try One of These Five Places

Canada is a big country, which means that it can be difficult to know where to go if you’re planning to move there. Yet by following this guide that explains the five best places to live in Canada, you’re certain to move to the place that’s perfect for you.

What do you think is the best place to live and work in Canada? Make sure to let us know in a comment down below!

If you found this article to be helpful, don’t forget to check out some of our other blog posts to read more guides and tips.

 

10 Essential Items Every Child’s Room Should Have

Decorating a child’s room is an important step in interior design. Whether you’ve just moved into a home or you’re planning a new build, every child deserves a room that has these 10 essential items. Work with a Malibu interior designer to find out how to incorporate all of these items into a convenient, comfortable design.

1. Quality Bed

A good night’s rest starts with a comfortable bed. Just like you, your child can toss and turn on an uncomfortable mattress. Look for a memory foam mattress or other comfortable option for your child. Don’t forget to look for sheets and a comforter that match the interior design and provide a warm, comfortable bed for your child.

2. Personalized Clock

Clocks are great for setting routines. Whether your child is an infant or a teenager, a clock in the room starts the process of your child sticking to a schedule. It’s a great way to teach young children about counting and time.

3. Nightlight

Your little one may be afraid of the dark, and older children enjoy a soft, natural light for reading. Avoid harsh lighting from screens and other blue light, but choose a natural nightlight that adds a comfortable ambiance to your child’s room.

4. Cherished Books

Foster a love of reading with a dedicated bookshelf for your child. Be sure the shelf is safely secured to the wall for young ones. Children can help pick out their own books to create a personalized library.

5. Storage Space

A child’s room shouldn’t be a cluttered space. Teach organization and create a stress-free space with a kids room design for girls or boys that naturally incorporates plenty of storage for clothing, toys, books and school work.

6. Room for a Sleepover

Sleepovers are a timeless tradition for children. Create a room that has a spare bed, day bed or plenty of sleeping room on the floor. A large enough bedroom keeps your living room free from sleeping bags.

7. Handmade Creations

Children, especially younger ones, love to show off their creations. Make a dedicated space for displaying artwork, sculptures or school trophies to help your child take pride in their accomplishments. Make it an area your child can update or update it yourself every week, month or year.

8. Favorite Toys and Images

When decorating the walls, keep in mind your child’s hobbies, interests and desires. Find posters or create murals that feature their favorite animal, color or toy. A few personalized touches can help your child feel safe in their room.

9. Study Area

Whether studying means scribbling with crayons or studying for the SAT, incorporate a desk and workspace for your child. This area needs to have few distractions, plenty of lighting and a comfortable chair. The contents of the desk may change through the years, but all children should have an area to sit and do school work.

10. Timeless Designs

A two-year-old may love a unicorn mural, but will an 18-year-old? Work with an interior designer Manhattan Beach team to strike a balance between personal style and designs that grow with your child. Enjoy a stunning design that artfully incorporates all the practical spaces needed without affecting the overall aesthetic.