Lifestyle

Many people all over the world have been on another round of lockdown as the Covid-19 pandemic returned with a 2^nd or 3^rd wave of infection that does not seem to abate. With home-schooling, online classes and WFH for many of us, the reality might seem pretty daunting knowing that the pandemic may not die out so easily or quickly.

Keeping children busy and happy and making sure they’re not glued to their screens for long periods is a tall order! Ask any parent and they’ll give you the same frustrated answer. We know that it might seem like a futile battle with no end in sight yet, fret not as there is a whole range of educational and out-of-classroom stuff that you can plan into their day. Don’t beat yourself up if you can’t fill every moment of your kids’ day with activities. We are all in an unprecedented situation and it’s all about balance. Here are three fun activities that your kids can do during their home quarantine:

1. Indoor games

Teach your kids fun board games and indoor games that we used to play when we were children. Playing board games like Uno, Monopoly, Scrabbles, Business, Snakes And Ladders, etc. used to fill up all our free time decades ago when computers, mobile phones and tablets were not heard of yet. There are also several games you can print off the Internet.

2. Get them involved in cooking

Cooking is one of the best ways to bond with your kids. And your kids will appreciate the food more as they were involved in the preparation. You could get them with cleaning groceries, peeling, kneading dough, mixing batters, etc.

3. Fun art activities

Most kids love art activities such as oil pastel painting, coloring with crayons, vegetables stamping, blow painting with straws, making miniature figurines from clay, paper origami, designing handmade birthday cards, salt puffy paint, playdough modelling, marble painting and the list goes on and on. Exposure to art and craft will help children to act and think like designers and artists, working intelligently and creatively.

As it may not be easy for you to go out to get your art supplies in unique times such as now, thankfully with the convenience of online shopping, buying your art and craft supplies has never been that easy and quick. No matter which part of the world you’re in, eCommerce has made shopping for your art materials as easy as a few clicks on your mouse.

The current popularity of online shopping has led to speedy and affordable delivery for e-commerce orders. When you purchase your art materials online, you can choose different carriers on the seller’s panel to ship the items to you. However, if you wish to explore other shipping methods, Shiply is an excellent online platform for you to explore.

At Shiply, there is a vast range of licensed and insured movers ready to give you personalized international transport rates, often up to 75% cheaper than usual rates. All you have to do is to enter a few simple details about your shipment and hundreds of rated shipping companies will send you quotes. Thus, you can compare quotes and get cheaper rates through Shiply. Through this platform, you will be able to find a courier company that offers the best rate for your online purchase of art materials.

From throwing BBQ parties to relaxing in the evening sun, decks let you do so many great things. They can also add value to your home. In fact, according to Remodeling Magazine, the right wooden deck can increase the value of your home by $9,000.

But if you’re looking to build a deck, it can be difficult to know which decking options are right for you. Which deck types will let you make the most out of the space you have?

Keep reading for a guide that’ll explain some of the different types of decks, as well as which types of houses they pair well with.

Wraparound Deck

If you’re a fan of old-fashioned porches that extended around most or all of a house, a wraparound deck could be the perfect choice for you. Yet unlike a porch, you can extend different parts of it out. This creates ample space for you.

Aside from large amounts of space, you’ll also get to decide between whether or not you want to bask in the sun or lay in the shade at any point during the day. You’ll also enjoy excellent air circulation that’ll prevent things from ever feeling stuffy.

Multi-Tier Deck

If you have a large property, a multi-tier deck can be a good way to take advantage of it. It can also be great if your lot has many different elevations.

Multi-tier decks let you maximize the space you have. The different levels also allow you to create areas with distinct feelings. One area of the deck can be a sitting or lounge area, while another section can be for cooking and dining.

Attached Deck

An attached deck is a type of deck that extends off of your house. In this sense, it’s like a patio. However, it’s made of wood in most cases.

An attached deck can increase the amount of living space your home has, but you need to make sure that you give it the necessary deck care and repair for it to look its best.

Detached Deck

A detached deck, as its name suggests, is the opposite of an attached deck: it’s a deck separate from other buildings and constructions. In many ways, it resembles an island or oasis.

You can position detached decks on rocky areas, uneven terrain, or areas with poor drainage. This makes them flexible for different situations. Adding shrubs, flowers, and other landscaping will make them pop. As detached decks will draw the attention of people visiting you, make sure that it looks its best.

Types of Decks for Every Home

When you decide that you want to build a deck, it can be difficult to decide from the many different types of decks. Yet after reading this guide and considering your own situation, you’ll be able to choose the perfect one to complement your home.

Do you have a better understanding of the different deck types now? What style will you build? Leave a comment and let us know!

If you enjoyed reading this article, check out some of our other blog posts to find some other home-related guides and tips.

When it comes to keeping your house tidy, some people can admit that they have more room for improvement than others. It can be difficult to keep up with housework when you’ve got multiple members of your family leaving behind trails, particularly if you’ve got a busy schedule. An untidy house isn’t doing you any favors, however.

Not only is it unsightly, but it can even lead to a pest infestation. Additionally, statistics show that people who have well-kept houses are less susceptible to stress. A clean house means a clean state of mind.

So, how do you start tidying your house so that you can start reaping the benefits? Take a look at some of the best tips for keeping your house clean.

Always Make Your Bed

It may seem insignificant in the grand scheme of things; however, making your bed is one of the most effective ways to make your house look much cleaner than it is. Since your bed is the center of your bedroom, an unmade bed will make your entire room look messy.

Get into the habit of making your bed every morning. If you hate tucking in your sheets, then consider only using a duvet. A duvet makes it much easier to change the cover each week rather than having to worry about sheets.

Once you get into the habit of making your bed every morning, it will start to become like second nature. You’ll start to appreciate it over time and won’t even remember life before a made bed!

Clear Out Your Sink

It can be tempting to leave your dishes in the sink after eating and telling yourself that you will worry about it later. However, the reality is that leaving your dishes until later can lead to much more work.

Rinsing your dishes off immediately after eating is much faster and less messy. A sink full of dishes isn’t only unpleasant to look at, but it can be downright smelly.

If you don’t want to attract critters or scare away your guests, then get into the habit of always keeping your sink clear.

Do Laundry Every Day

If your laundry basket is frequently overflowing, then chances are you’re not doing laundry often enough. Try to get into the habit of doing your laundry at least once a day. This is especially important if you have multiple members in your family. The more laundry that gets piled up, the more that it is likely to get neglected.

If you hate doing laundry, then don’t leave it until the last minute. Small daily loads are much less exhausting than having to do it all at once!

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.

 

 

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.

 

 

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

Some people dream of living in a large house while others dream of living in a tiny house. This is a more attractive option for those who don’t need a lot of space and prefer to use only what they need.

Building a tiny home and living in it can save you a lot of money. Over 50% percent of people say living in these homes saves them $400 a month.

Before you live out your dreams in constructing the little home, you should plan the construction out first. Keep reading to learn a few tips to consider before you start building.

1. Make the Most Out of Your Space

You want to use every square centimeter you have to the most. This will make any little house feel larger than what it is.

What plans do you have to do this? Will you add more height to the walls? Will you incorporate sliding doors?

How about maximizing window space which will allow you to feel as if the outside is an extension to your place?

2. You Do Not Have to Shrink Everything

Just because you have a small home does not mean you should limit yourself to getting tiny things. All you want to do is make your space more efficient. This means you only want to keep items in your home that are essential.

You do not have to purchase small items alone. It is more effective to get large, multifunctional furniture. For example, you can buy a bookshelf that can become a chair or desk when you need it.

3. Keep Storage in Mind

Having a small home doesn’t mean you cannot have items you consider important to you on a more personal level. You can still make the most out of your space by hiding your storage in areas like beneath the bed or floorboards. The main thing is you do not want your storage space to take over the general space that you need.

4. Take Ideas from Others

You can get incredible inspiration on the perfect tiny home design by looking at what other tiny homeowners do. You’re more likely to figure out what to omit, add, or edit in the design of your place. Installing a deck or garage could be a great addition you never thought of.

5. Know What You Can Do Yourself and What You Can’t

There are some projects you can do on your own, but it can turn into a disaster when you do not know what you’re doing, especially when working with plumbing or electrical equipment. Only do projects you are certain you can do yourself. Otherwise, it’s better to work alongside a contractor.

Building a Tiny Home You’re Happy With

You are already at an advantage when you’re building a tiny home over buying one because you are able to customize the things you want. Although you are in more control, you can make a lot of mistakes when you do not have a good blueprint.

The best way to ensure you are happy with your little home is to create a general layout on what you want even if it is just a little bit

If you enjoyed this article, you can read more content like this and more by browsing through other blogs on our website.

Do you have moles in your yard that you’d like to get rid of? If so, there are solutions to this frustrating problem! With a little extra lawn care and a solid strategy, you won’t have to deal with these troublesome creatures tearing up your backyard.

Interested in finding out what to do? Keep reading to learn how you can get rid of moles in your yard!

Maintain a Clean Lawn

An easy way to deter moles from taking up residence in your yard is to keep your yard clean and free of weeds or excess mulch. By maintaining trimmed grass and avoiding debris, you eliminate opportunities for moles to do what they do best: hide.

Another tip? Don’t water your yard too much since damp areas attract moles!

Cut Off the Food Supply

Lawn grubs are one of the main food sources for moles, so if you get rid of the grubs, you stand a better chance of getting rid of moles, too. Grubs are beetle larvae that can destroy your grass, so it’s not helpful to have them around anyway.

Try applying grub control products to help clear them out of your yard. Head to your nearest gardening center or hardware store to find the best option for your space.

Castor Oil May Mean No More Moles in Your Yard

While castor oil can serve as anything from a moisturizer to laxative, it also has the potential for getting rid of moles in your yard. Moles don’t like the smell of castor oil, so if you apply it to your soil, you’ll send them running.

Try to find a repellant that contains castor oil, and check to make sure it’s safe for use if you own pets or have children.

Trap Moles for an Efficient Solution

Sometimes trapping moles is the most efficient solution. There are ways to do this without killing the mole — as long as you’re comfortable catching and releasing them out in the country.

These subterranean creatures can disrupt the beauty of your yard, so the only truly effective way to keep your lawn clear is to remove the moles. And if you’re concerned about safety, it may be better to call the experts when you want these creatures gone!

Create a Natural Barrier Against Moles

Since moles like to dig, another strategy is to create a barrier that they can’t get around. Create a trench that’s roughly three-feet deep, and line it with rocks or aluminum to keep the moles out. While a standard fence might seem like a tempting solution, it won’t be deep and secure enough to keep out the moles.

Get Rid of These Pests

Having moles in your yard is a pain, but it doesn’t have to be a problem forever. Follow these tips to help prevent your grass from turning into a sea of molehills. You’ll be much more proud to show off your yard.

When you’re ready to find the latest tips and trends related to home decor and lawn care, check back for more great articles!