3.30.2023

Ensure the Safety of Your Loved Ones with this Comprehensive Guide to Home Emergency Preparedness

In an emergency, it is vital to be prepared and plan for your family's safety. From natural disasters to home invasions or medical emergencies, having the right supplies and knowing precisely how to respond can make all the difference. Through this blog post, I will provide comprehensive information on different types of preparation so that when disaster strikes, you are ready with knowledge and resources!


Via Pixabay


Be knowledgeable of potential home-related crises.

Being aware of all the potential dangers that can occur in your home is the initial step to ensuring your family is ready for any emergency. From the devastating effects of floods and tornadoes to non-natural disasters like fires and break-ins, these unexpected events can leave us feeling vulnerable. To be on top of it, creating a plan with your family should become a priority: that way, you'll know what to do if each scene takes place. As part of the emergency plan, decide who will do what specific tasks if an emergency arises, and ensure each family member understands their responsibilities. Hence, they are ready no matter the situation.


Stock up on essential items.

Water, non-perishable food, first aid supplies, batteries, and a battery-powered radio are all necessary items to purchase ahead of time in preparation for a potential emergency. Good backup power sources like flashlights, generators, and Emergency Home Backup Power systems are also a good idea. Not only do these provide a secure environment, but they also add convenience during power outages. Make sure to keep these items in an easy-to-reach location within your home to ensure quick access if needed.


Teach children how to use 911 in case of an emergency.

When a medical emergency arises in the home, children need to know how and when to use 911. Teaching children how to use this critical resource can be an invaluable asset in their knowledge base. Begin by showing them how to dial 911 from any phone. Next, explain to your child that the call is answered by a dispatcher trained to help guide them through whatever situation they may be facing. Let them know that even if they are feeling scared, it is ok to still ask for help and use 911 when needed. Demonstrate proper phrases such as "I need help" and "I have an emergency" should be used for the dispatcher to understand their need and take appropriate steps.


Create an emergency contact list and ensure everyone has it stored on their phones.

It's vital to keep detailed contact information for local emergency services, like the fire department, police, and ambulance. But it is equally important to include contacts who can help in times of crisis - like relatives and close friends or neighbors you trust. Having a comprehensive list of both types of potential assistance ensures that if ever needed, they are available quickly when time matters most. In addition, having this vital contact information readily available on each person's phone will make it easier for them to access help should an emergency occur at home. Ensure that when compiling this contact list, each mobile phone contains the same information and a clear understanding of how these contacts are organized and labeled on their phones. Hence, they are quickly accessible in an emergency.


Emergencies can be scary, but preparation is vital to keeping your family safe. Knowing the types of disasters that can happen in your home, having a plan prepared, and stocking up on must-have items allow you and your family to manage any crisis or emergency confidently. 




His Only Son.



This is a movie that the whole family will not want to miss. Angel Studios who brought you Chosen is releasing a new movie “ His Only Son”, this is about Abraham and Sarah

This is a movie about a mothers love for a son which is a strong love.  I had to watch it multiple times and each time I was brought to tears. 


Abraham’s faith is tested on the three day journey to sacrifice his son. His only son recounts one of the most controversial moments in the Old Testament.  Abraham was commanded by God to sacrifice his son Isaac on the mount Moriah, while traveling to the place of sacrifice, with him were two servants and his son.  Abraham is flooded with memories from the years him and Sarah had spent longing for a son that God had promised them…



NOW HE MUST LAY HIM ON THE ALTAR.

#HISONLYSONMIN Movie release March 31- you can buy tickets here here

Watch the Trailer here

Leave a message and tell me you bought your ticket, there is a $10 amazon card give away.


Disclosure: Many thanks to Angel studios and #Momentuminfluencernetwork for providing a sample of the product for this review, all opinions are my own.

 

 


3.26.2023

5 Tips For Cooking When You Have No Time

 

Pixabay


Cooking meals at home is the easiest way to know exactly what you’re eating and manage your diet well. However, even if you enjoy cooking, it can be difficult to find the time to do it. Whether you’re working a full-time job, parenting your children, caring for elderly parents, or have any other number of responsibilities, cooking may not be at the top of your priority list.


So, how do you find the time to cook when you have no time? Here are some tips for making it easier.

Cook Together

Cooking together is a great way to cook faster. If two of you are cooking at the same time, you won’t have to spend so much time in the kitchen creating a delicious meal. It’s also a great way to bond with your partner.


In addition to having to work around each other, you’ll also learn each other's likes and dislikes and gain inspiration from each other when it comes to getting creative with meals.


Prep Ingredients

If you only have an hour to cook and eat during the week but have a few free hours on the weekend, prepping ingredients can really help. It can help to pre-chop vegetables and store them in the fridge for when you need them. You can also make batches of fruit porridge and smoothies for breakfast.


You can pre-cook ingredients like pasta and rice too. Batch cooking entire meals is a great idea for the evenings when you only have time to eat. Stews and casseroles are ideal for freezing and warming when you need them.

Air Fryer Recipes

Cooking with an air fryer has become increasingly popular. With people looking to save money on energy bills, air fryers present a great solution. They can cook many recipes in less time than conventional ovens so they don’t use as much electricity.


For instance, using a papas rellenas recipe in your air fryer is ideal for creating a small protein dish that can accompany an array of different ingredients of your choice.

Fill Your Pantry

Make sure your pantry is full of healthy options that take a few minutes to put together. For example, soups, tinned vegetables and tinned fruit will always come in handy. When you have no time, it’s easy to order takeout and eat junk food.


If your pantry is full of healthy food, you’ll always be able to create a meal that gives you the vitamins and energy you need to get through the week.

Boil Eggs

Eggs are a wonderful addition to many different meals but boiled eggs are a fantastic way to fill your stomach in just a few minutes. Slice up boiled eggs and add them to your salad for lunch for an ideal protein source.


They also go well with pasta and rice to add additional flavor. Boiling an egg can take less than three minutes so they’re also perfect for breakfast when you need to get out of the door in a hurry.


3.24.2023

How to Make Kids Enthusiastic About Mealtimes'

Image Pexels CC0 License


Many parents struggle to get their kids to eat at mealtimes. While some kids are happy to snack throughout the day when sitting at the dining table and eating a full meal, it can be a different story. Whether your child is a fussy eater or simply doesn’t like to stay at the table, having a child that is unenthusiastic about mealtimes can turn into a nightmare. Eating dinner should never be stressful, but if your child is reluctant to eat what they have been given or to sit down for meals, you may become increasingly frustrated. Many parents struggle to get their kids to eat dinners, so you are not alone if you are experiencing this issue. But what you can you do about it? The good news is there are several ways you can help to get your child feeling excited about mealtimes. Approaching dinner in a positive way is far more likely to deliver successful results, so you may want to try one of the following ideas to get you started:


Get the Kids Involved


Giving kids small, age-appropriate jobs to do that are related to mealtimes can help them to feel more enthusiastic about eating. Having a small amount of responsibility and ownership of a task can fill kids with a sense of pride and help them to feel more engaged. Even simple jobs like setting the table can make children feel more involved in mealtimes. You may also find it helpful to get the kids involved in grocery shopping and thinking of meal ideas to engage them even further.


Teach Kids to Cook


If your child often refuses the food you cook, why not involve them in making their meals? Getting kids involved in the cooking process is beneficial for so many reasons. Firstly, cooking is a life skill and something everyone needs to learn how to do. Secondly, kids are far more enthusiastic about eating if they have been involved in preparing the meal. As adults, cooking can sometimes feel like a mundane activity. However, for kids, being actively involved in cooking food is really exciting and has a novelty factor. It is wise to start with simpler recipes that involve food that can be eaten as part of a main meal, such as this corn muffin recipe at blessthismessplease.com. You should find that helping to cook makes a significant difference and that kids are far more willing to try their meals when they have been involved in preparing them.


Add Some Color


Making your dinners a little more interesting can help capture a child’s attention and encourage them to try foods they would usually immediately refuse. Adding some extra color to your meals is an excellent way to get kids interested in what they are eating and make their plates look more appealing. Chopping up some colorful vegetables, such as bell peppers, tomatoes, carrot sticks, etc., can create a rainbow of colors that kids cannot resist eating, making for a vitamin-packed meal.



3.22.2023

Are You Unsure About How To Design Your Dream Kitchen? Here's What You Can Do!'

Are you envisioning a magnificent kitchen transformation but are unsure of where to begin? Are you struggling to place together the vision of your ideal cooking space? Designing an entirely new kitchen can be daunting, so having some support on this journey is highly beneficial. 


To make this dream come true for yourself, here are several steps that will guide you in designing your dream kitchen:


Via Pexels

Set A Budget: 


Before you can begin designing your dream kitchen, it's essential to establish a sensible budget that works for both the scope of work and the services needed. For example, consider how much should be allocated towards appliances and countertops, as well as labour costs associated with installation - this way, you'll stay within your financial means while still creating a great space!


Search Online For Ideas:  


To get your kitchen design project off to a great start, take advantage of the plethora of resources available on the internet. Peruse different websites and magazines for inspiring ideas that you can include in your own concept board or sketchbook - this visual material will help guide you while deciding which main elements should be included in your space.


Go To Showrooms: 

 

After completing your online research, it's time to visit showrooms in the vicinity. Showrooms provide an unmatched experience; they allow you to come into close contact with cabinets, countertops, and appliances that could be ideal for your dream kitchen! For example, at Cabinet & Stone Kitchen Showroom, they present a tactile display of materials so you can get a sense of what would make up your perfect space.


Draw Up A Floor Plan: 


Now that the ideas have been sorted out, your next step in turning those dreams of a new kitchen into reality is to draw up a floor plan. This is where all of the vision will be brought together on paper! A well-crafted draft with accurate measurements and perspectives can help you determine how countertops, appliances, and other items should be arranged for maximum space utilisation. 


Get Input From Family and Friends: 


Your family and friends' opinions are steadfastly priceless - their input can provide you with a great deal of knowledge about what could work in the kitchen and what may not. Collecting their feedback before concluding on your end decision is an essential step towards designing the ideal kitchen that you have been dreaming of.


Take Your Time: 


If you're designing a dream kitchen, remember that it won't be constructed overnight. So be patient and select the materials wisely - these decisions will result in an astounding space!


It can be an overwhelming task to design your dream kitchen, but the reward of finally getting it done is well worth it. If you ever feel stuck or need a helping hand throughout this process, don't hesitate to reach out for expert help! An experienced designer will provide invaluable insight and ideas that'll turn your cooking space into a true masterpiece. With their guidance, all you have to do is sit back and enjoy watching your vision come alive before your eyes!



3.18.2023

Life Fences


Everyone has seen fences. We have them along our property; usually wood and or chain link. Just walk down the street and you’ll pass fences of all descriptions. They can simply be for decoration along the front of a lawn; to surrounding a schoolyard; to mark the perimeter of a farmer’s field.

The reality is that fences serve two purposes only.

They are used to keep things in or to keep things out. We build them ourselves or someone else builds them for us. They don’t spring up out of the ground, like dandelions on our lawn.

People also build another barrier or fence—an invisible one.

These are the mental or emotional fences in our lives to keep things in or out… whether they be people, emotions, hurt, or pain, just to name a few. These invisible fences seemingly provide a sense of protection and comfort, as we live our lives.

Emotional fence building starts early in life. Unfortunately, these fences get re-enforced and strengthened as time goes by. They get built a little higher on a daily basis.

In as much as physical fences can be made of wood, concrete, brick, or wire, the emotional or mental fences and barriers we build can be constructed out of:

Fear
Self-Worth
Trusting Others
The Past

Fear
The building supplies needed to construct the emotional fence of fear can be found all around us.

For many of us, there were two or three things about fear we figured out, or conversely didn’t get a good grip on:

– we never learned how to overcome fear,
– we learned that if we avoided making mistakes there was nothing to fear in life, and/or
– we learned to never take any risks due to the risk of failure.

Because we feared failure; we also learned the “fear to try.” The hideous part of all of this is the spiral of “fear to try and fear of failure.” This corrals us into a never-ending cycle of mind-numbing conformity of living life on a treadmill.

Fearing what?
We may fear to start a new career or asking a special someone out, or being in a long-term relationship. Perhaps it’s the fear of success as it is unknown how life could be changed as a result. Are you afraid of being pushed out of your comfort zone?

It is fear that tells us that we don’t have the correct skills for a new position; when in fact we do. Fear convinces us that our new colleagues may not like us. Fear also convinces us that we are comfortable where we are; that life is good enough.

We fear intimacy or to be in a relationship. We may have been hurt in the past and the fear of rejection or being hurt again whispers to us; “don’t go down that road again.” As a result of this fear; we don’t. We turn down an invite for coffee, afraid it may go further. We come up with every excuse under the sun when that perfect someone shows interest in us. Even if we get into a relationship, our subconscious sabotages it because we fear the emotional intimacy.

The fears we have can appear to be real. Nevertheless, fear can pin us down like superglue. This results in us being stuck in a place we truly don’t want to be. We desire to move on in our lives; to grow and live life full-out, but fear holds us back.

The fear of failure leads to the fear to try; which leads back to a fear of failure. It is a vicious cycle.

Fears are personal—people are afraid of failure, rejection, and possible conflicts.

Self-Worth
Self-worth (how we view ourselves) is often tied directly to the level of self-esteem we have. At some point early in our life, we started to build those emotional fences, because we may have felt unloved, awkward, or incompetent.

This can be a life-long construction project. The materials needed to construct the fence of self-worth can get delivered right to your front door by the truckload. Perhaps they show up on a daily basis. People with low self-worth are hyper-sensitive to the criticism and actions of those around us. The greater threat, however, in the construction of this emotional barrier can be found within.

We don’t believe in ourselves as everyone else does. Everyone encourages you saying, “you have got a great talent for this or that,” but you don’t believe them, so you never try.

Every time that happens, you add yet another board to the fence of low self-worth. It slowly gets constructed higher and higher; year after year, until it becomes almost impossible to knock down.

The nails holding the boards together become stronger each time it happens. The boards become thicker and heavier.

You may hear negative comments, so you choose to never try. What might have been your destiny in life had you not allowed others to erect your fence.

We come to believe we don’t have the talent, ability or skills to succeed in various areas of our life; while those around us believe we are capable.

Poor self-worth keeps us penned in from entering into meaningful relationships. Why would they like me? How can I love others, if I can’t even love myself?

Like fear; negative self-worth and low self-esteem are personal… real personal.

Trusting Others

Like the boards on a wooden fence rotting away over time, so does trust.

I read someplace that trust is a “fundamental human experience” necessary for society to function and for any person to be relatively happy. Without it, fear rules. Trust is not an either/or proposition, but a matter of degree; and certain life experiences can impact a person’s ability to trust others.”

Issues of trust may come from experiences in childhood, such as inadequate love and affection, mistreatment or abuse. Perhaps you experienced bullying during your school years. Whatever the reason, these experiences have culminated into our adult relationships. It is harder to trust people if your self-esteem has been kicked out of you over time.

As an adult, it could be a traumatic life event such as the loss of a loved one, an accident, illness or perhaps you have been the victim of physical, verbal or emotional violence. These issues could very well lead to your inability to trust in the goodness of others. It might have been with a partner who broke that trust bond with you.

It could be all of the above. Trusting others, as well as trusting one’s self-care becomes a major issue.

It can be helpful to remind yourself that your current circle of friends/family may not be responsible for past events. It isn’t fair to them to make assumptions based on the actions of someone completely different from your past. It can be a hard process, but building trust is a choice, and building trust in any relationship takes time, especially if your trust has been shattered.

The fence of “trusting others” can be hard to change and renovate. But, it can be done.

The Past
The past often creeps into perceptions about the future. Unfortunately, the past gets carried into the present as the “baggage of life.” And we allow it to happen.

The tricky thing about emotional fences is that we may not even know we’ve built them. We don’t realize we allow the past to build yet another fence of emotional baggage when we get involved in a new relationship. The hideous part of this is, if we haven’t dealt with issues from our past, we are potentially sabotaging this new relationship; which just may be the one that has long-term potential.

If we never deal with past events, our feelings of fear and hurt continue growing until we somehow crazily justify the whole mess… and the cycle continues.

We do the same thing over and over and wonder why the results are always the same.

Fences that went up in the past don’t have to define our future.

So…
Some fences we build on our own; some get built by others.

Regardless of who constructed them, complex structures require complex solutions.

We travel through life and convince ourselves we’re comfortable. We tell ourselves this is all we deserve. We base this on the fences and barriers we have built around us.

We build fences made out of our insecurities; our fears, our self-defined inadequacies, our lack of faith or our approval from others. Other fences get built to protect a broken heart, or to hide who we really are. Maybe we build a fence so we can’t be wrongly defined by society.

Board by board; wire by wire; higher and stronger the fence gets built. Thus; we live within the fences created.

A good reminder when we build fences around our emotions is that it doesn’t just keep people away from us, it also keeps us from moving forward. Fences keep things in and inhibit us from moving forward. Like fences surrounding a prison, we become emotional prisoners.

Often, fences have a window that looks out at others. Every so often we peek out admiring those who appear free. They walk freely, run freely, love freely, seemingly without any walls stopping them.

“How can I be like them?” Our window to the world opens in the fence WE ourselves have built.

What now?
There is good news. It’s not all doom and gloom.

As physical fences can be torn down, emotional walls and barriers can be knocked down and overcome.

Yes, it will likely be difficult. Speaking from my own experience, it is  a difficult and challenging process to go through. But, a necessary process.

Even if the fence only becomes smaller, we’d still be better off. When the fences come down, we can be like those walking freely, running freely, and loving freely.

How?
How do we start dealing with the complex, difficult, and painful issues surrounding those emotional barriers in our lives?

(I’m just going to say this and only because it relates to me and me only. This may not be you or you may not be in a place right now that reflects this…)

Decide
First, you need to make a decision to start; a real decision. That is what I did with a little push from a co worker, I found the most amazing counselor. With fear and anxiety in making that difficult choice, it was a decision I needed to make. In fact, it was the only correct decision.

Identify
What are the fences or barriers made of?

A critical component is to identify what is keeping us a prisoner. Identifying and exploring those barriers help to give us perspective, self-compassion and thus the catalyst to start the healing process. Remember, when you were born, you weren’t worried about building walls to keep from getting hurt. All that came later; much later.

Once we identify them, the work starts to destroy those false beliefs, and to get rid of them so that you can move forward in life. If we think we’ve dealt with them but have only done so on a superficial basis; we can easily fall back into them. We revert to what is familiar to us.

You can’t escape from behind these barriers and move on in life if you keep retreating back into what is familiar.

This may not be an easy process, it certainly isn't for me. If you know you need to deconstruct these emotional barriers, remember you are not alone.

3.15.2023

Change is hard....


As a little girl ( elementary school) anytime someone asked me what I would like to go when I was all done in grade school- I always said a teacher because I thought teacher jobs were so cool and you got your summers off... My idea changed as I got older and then I wanted to be a funeral director but the long hours weren't ideal for someone who wanted a husband and kids. 

Somewhere in there, I wanted to a transport truck driver, I am glad that changed because I do not like to drive

My boyfriend lived about 7 hours away so I decided to go there and attend a little college called "Lawrence College" and decided to do Office administration. Once I moved back home I worked at the Police detachment as detachment assistant, I was there for two years when we got married and then I found out I was pregnant while also doing some courses at the local college- I left the Police detachment and we moved 7 hours back to St John's. 

I was a stay at home mom with Brooke until she was two then my sister came and lived with us and babysat her. 

I went to work in a call center as a customer service rep, working with  my husband who was my supervisor 😐. It really wasn't that bad but we saw each other all the time so he got a job in the IT field which is what he went to school for so I stayed where I was and he moved on. The days were long,  the calls were horrible and the management was some of the worst. 

Someone gave me the idea to call Manpower and work contract work with them which I did... I worked with them for almost 10 years, barely ever without a contract.  They were mainly office admin jobs, some were short contracts, some were longer and even a year for some.   

One day my husband came home and said I have a job offer in Halifax, PEI or Fredericton, I had some good friends in Fredericton so I said Fredericton.  We sold everything and packed up and started over in New Brunswick.  

I continued working for Manpower which I did for a year and a bit. Then I was an apt coordinator for a car dealership which I did not mind doing at all. I left that job for more money which turned out to be horrible decision. I was verbally, mentally and emotionally abused at the job.

Fast forward to the world shutting down for Covid and I lost my job which was a blessing in disguise.  I stayed home for several months then I went to work for NNY holdings/Pharmachoice which was a healing spot for me.   The first day I walked in the door, I felt peace. I was appreciated and I learnt so much.  The office manager had so much patience with me, she taught me a lot about bookkeeping, in fact she taught me everything she knew ( ha ha).

I was visiting with  my counselor and she told me about a job at a law firm which I have no legal experience at all but I thought well why not go see what this is about... so I did because years ago I have realized that I was always interested in law but never thought I would be a legal assistant... but here I am. He hired me and I am here.  I cannot say content yet as I am learning but I feel I am where I need to be. 

All this to say I have moved around some, but as I get older I am learning to become more content with what I have and where I am.  This firm is a great place to be, it is a whole new world for me but I think back to how far I have come and I say to myself “ Self, I am going to make you so proud”

Cutting Down The Stress Of Home Renovations: 5 Genuis Tactics'

Apart from moving, getting married, and having a baby, renovating your home is one of the most stressful things you can do. After all, renovation means huge amounts of disruption to your living space, your hard-earned routines, and even your rest time. The good news is there are ways to make renovating your home a great deal less stressful. Read on to find out what they are.

Make sure you have the right tools and equipment 

Before attempting any renovation tasks yourself it is crucially important that you have all the right tools and equipment at your disposal. The specific items you will require will depend on the types of renovations you will be doing, although you can find a very useful basic list here that will help get you started. 


Picture sourced at Pexels - Licence CC0 

For larger and more specialist items of equipment such as belt sanders, rotavators, and mini diggers, hiring a company will often the best bet. Indeed, by hiring these items you can make sure you get access to the specialized equipment you need, without having to shoulder the financial burden of paying for it outright. 

Other items of equipment you will need for a renovation include protective covers for your carpets, soft furnishings, and furniture as well. Indeed, by properly protecting these pieces you can greatly reduce the chances that they will be damaged during the renovation process. 


Hire a specialist 

One of the best things you can do to reduce renovation stress is to know your limits when it comes to DIY and hire a specialist when the situation requires it. For example, instead of struggling to measure, design, build, and fit the windows in your renovation, working with a window replacement service that deals with the process from start to finish is a much better idea. Indeed, they will be able to do every aspect of the process for you, reducing stress, and ensuring a high-quality finish every time. The same goes for the upgrades that are making significant alterations to your house, such as a loft conversion or side extension. These projects may be too ambitious to tackle alone, so working with professionals from a company like TN Design and Build is probably the best choice in such scenarios. 


Plan out the practicalities of the renovation 

A great deal of the stress involved in home renovation is caused by disruption to typical family life while it is going on. One major issue that householders find stressful is the increased amount of dirt and dust that renovations can cause. Then there is the limited access that is often needed for renovation work to be carried out, meaning you cannot easily get to or use specific parts of your home.

The good news is that by planning for the practicalities of these issues ahead of time, it's possible to lessen their impact and reduce associated stress. For instance, to deal with the added dirt, dust, and junk associated with a renovation project, you can find a company offering roll off dumpster rental Winston-Salem (or wherever you are) to remove all waste efficiently. Additionally, you can also carefully cover any furniture and textiles that cannot be removed from your home with protective coverings while work is being carried out will stop unnecessary damage.

Preplanning what you will do when you have limited access to some of the rooms in your house can also reduce the stress involved. For example, moving your bed into another room so you do not have to sleep on the couch, or setting up a hot plate and cooler in your garage so you can still cook while your kitchen is being renovated. 



Picture located at Pexels - Licence CC0 


Take your renovation one step at a time 


Another way you can reduce the stress that a renovation can cause is to take things one step at a time. This means instead of attacking every issue across the entirety of your home at once, you pick one room and deal with one task at a time. 


Now, it's true that this approach can take up more time, which can be stressful too. However, by limiting the chaos of renovation to a single area in your house, you have a better chance of keeping life for your family as normal and stress-free as possible everywhere else. 


Move out during your renovation 


OK, so not everyone is in a situation to do this, but if possible leaving your home and moving out for the time when the renovation is happening can make it much less stressful. This is because you won’t have to deal with the noise or the mess, or the workers arriving and leaving your home at all times. 


You won’t need to deal with the lack of access to a specific area of your home either, which can be particularly useful if you are renovating your kitchen or bathroom, as finding working alternatives to these can be tough. 


If the renovation will only take a few days to complete, staying at a hotel may be the best option. Although, if it's longer or if this is out of your price range you may wish to spend time with friends or family while the work is being carried out. 


3.09.2023

Transform Your Garden from Drab to Fab with These Steps

Gardens can be very therapeutic. Whether it’s tending to the plants and flowers or simply enjoying the beauty of nature – a garden is a great way to relax and unwind. But gardens don’t always look their best. So if you want to transform your drab garden into a showstopper, here are some steps you can take.

Via Pexels

Step 1: Order New Turf

The first step in transforming a garden is to order new turf. This will instantly give your garden a fresh, neat appearance. At Westland turf, you can order various turfs from Palmetto to Sapphire. So be sure to shop around and find the best turf for you.

2. Create a Sitting Area

Another great way to make your backyard more enjoyable is to create a sitting area. This can be as simple as adding poly outdoor furniture like a couple of chairs and a table, or you could go all out and build a pergola or gazebo. Either way, having a place to sit and relax in your backyard will make it much more enjoyable.

Step 3: Plant Colorful Flowers

Adding colorful flowers is essential for bringing life into a drab garden. You could choose perennials, annuals, or tropical varieties – whatever fits best with the style of your garden. Also, consider planting some roses or tulips to attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. 


Step 4: Plant Trees and Shrubs


Planting trees and shrubs is a great way to add texture and height to your garden. For example, you may want to plant a cherry tree for its sweet-smelling blossoms or an evergreen bush for privacy. Trees also provide shade, while shrubs can be used as borders in your garden. 


Step 5: Create a Patio or Decking


To make the most of your garden, you should create a patio or decking area. This will give you somewhere to sit and relax in the summer months. You can use paving slabs, wood decking, or composite boards – just choose something that suits your budget and style. To add extra charm, you could include ornamental features like water, an outdoor fire pit, or hanging baskets filled with colorful flowers. 


Step 6: Add Some Privacy 


Using hedges or walls is a great way to add privacy to your garden and keep out prying eyes from neighboring houses. There are many different types of hedges and walls, so choose something that fits the style of your garden. If you’re on a tight budget, bamboo fencing is a great option as it’s both attractive and cost-effective. 


Creating a showstopping garden doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. With just a few simple steps, you can transform your drab garden into something truly fabulous. Choose some new turf, prune and trim existing plants, plant colorful flowers, trees, and shrubs, create a patio or decking area, and add some privacy – these steps will ensure that your garden looks its best all year round!




The 3 Hobbies Parents Should Start to Look After Their Mental Health

 


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Many parents can feel the pressure of looking after children in the modern world. Life is not getting any simpler, and when we fall into bad habits of constantly checking social media, not living in the real world, having to work more than one job, as well as look after our children, it's hardly a surprise that we can feel full to the point of bursting. 

Mental health concerns amongst parents are on the increase, with a study showing 38% of first-time fathers were concerned about their mental health. This is why parents need to be more aware of how they can look after their mental health, not just in terms of recognizing the signs, but also having a proper dialogue about mental health concerns and taking appropriate steps to minimize or prevent them. 

One of the most important practices is having a hobby. It sounds simple, but having something that's for you can help you to distract yourself from concerns, while also doing something that is purely for your benefit. Let's show you some hobbies that can make a big difference and why they are so good.

Crafting

The greatest reason that crafting is so good for people who are concerned about their mental health is because it gives them that distraction and also gives them something to do with their hands. Having an abundance of GANXXET macrame materials stored at home can help you to start creating as soon as you notice some form of anxiety. When we feel anxious, having a tool that distracts our senses can help us lose ourselves in a task that has a worthwhile end goal. 

A lot of people don't like the idea of meditation, and this is primarily because they are of the belief they have to sit down and not think of anything. This is why it's essential for us to start using tools and tactics like crafting or woodwork as a way to pour our energies into something that is meditative in nature. 

Knitting or sewing is a very similar practice because there is a repetitive motion that you do with your hands that becomes meditative and provides something worthwhile at the end of it. After all, it's something that our grandmothers knew was beneficial for them all along!

Stepping Outside

Being outside in any form can be invaluable for our mental health. Lots of people take to walking later in life because it gives them that literal and metaphorical momentum. Of course, there are the benefits to being outside and exercising, but when we are taking part in practices like hiking or just going for a walk, it can help us feel less claustrophobic. 

More people are having to spend time indoors because they are working from home and they are looking after their children with little opportunity to escape. Getting outside is a great way to have fresh air that will make you feel less pressure within yourself, but there are a number of things you can do outside that make you feel happier. 

Gardening is one of those things that is an amazing tool for mental health and physical health. Lots of people feel more connected to nature when they start to garden. For those people who don't necessarily like the idea of getting into nature, gardening provides a sense of pride in one's property while also having that exercise that gives our body endorphins. 

There are so many other fantastic hobbies you can do outside, such as fishing. It's not something that many mothers particularly like to do, but fishing is another almost meditative practice that helps you to slow down. One of the biggest problems we all have as parents is that life goes too fast for our brains and our bodies to comprehend. When we feel overwhelmed, we invariably fall back on terrible habits. Getting outside is an amazing way to put things into perspective. Something like fishing helps us to slow down and get used to a slower pace of life, which can make us feel more rested.

Exercising

It is the one hobby that people talk about time and time again when it comes to the mental health side of the equation. The biggest problem most of us have is believing there is absolutely no time to look after our physical health. It is easy to see why this is the case; working at home, looking after our children, and then having to fit things in between is going to make us feel overwhelmed. However, exercise doesn't have to be an hour and a half at the gym three times a week, which is absolutely impossible for most parents to maintain. 

What you can do instead is find little ways to squeeze in exercise at home. We can all wake up feeling sluggish and low in energy, even if we had a good night's sleep, but there is a concept known as exercise snacks, where you literally do something for 30 seconds without needing a warm-up. It could be jumping jacks, running up and down the stairs, or whatever you want that gets the heart pumping. Most people talk about how fresh they feel after exercise, and if you feel like you are not prioritizing your physical health, it is time to look after it better because this can have an immediate impact on your mental health. 


We all feel stressed and overwhelmed. This is why we should not just think about the right hobbies but actually carve out time to do things that will benefit us and nobody else. Whether you are a full-time parent, a carer, or you have a lot of responsibility, looking after your mental health can slip down the pecking order and you start to believe that you're not the most important person. We have to make sure that we are functioning at our optimum because when we are not, we end up having off days all too regularly. This means that we've got to know how to step away but we also must start paying attention to the right habits that will do a lot for our sense of self.


3.06.2023

Become a Master Chef With Delicious Home Cooked Recipes

 Cooking is a great way to show creativity, impress friends and family, and most importantly, enjoy some delicious meals. However, becoming a master chef requires practice and skill. It involves more than just following a recipe; it involves understanding flavors, techniques, and ingredients that transform simple dishes into extraordinary culinary delights. Fortunately, many resources are available to help you become an expert in the kitchen. This article will provide tips on becoming a master chef by cooking delicious home-cooked recipes.

Photo by Lukas from Pexels:

1) Start Small:

It is important to start small and not overwhelm yourself. Begin with simple recipes such as scrambled eggs or grilled cheese sandwiches. These dishes require minimal ingredients and are relatively easy to make. As you become more confident in the kitchen, try adding your unique flair by changing the ingredients or techniques used. Also, start by familiarizing yourself with the basics of cooking. Learn about different cooking techniques like baking, sautéing, and braising. Knowing the fundamentals will help you create delicious dishes more quickly and efficiently.


2) Experiment With Flavors:

One of the best ways to develop your palate is to experiment with different flavors. Explore different spice combinations, ingredients, and techniques to broaden your culinary horizons. For example, try adding a bit of cumin to grilled chicken or using smoked paprika for a smoky flavor. You could also experiment with herbs like basil or oregano to bring out the natural flavors in a dish. You can also explore international cuisines. There are so many recipes and flavors to try; you’ll indeed find something that appeals to your taste buds. Incorporating new ingredients and flavor combinations can help you create unique dishes that will wow your guests.


3) Read Cookbooks:

Cookbooks are a great way to learn about cooking techniques and gain inspiration for new dishes. If you’re feeling adventurous, try making something from one of these books that you’ve never made before. Not only will this help increase your skill level in the kitchen but it can also be an exciting challenge! Reading cookbooks is also helpful for discovering new ingredients and flavor combinations. Also, keep in mind that cookbooks are not just for traditional recipes. There are also plenty of cookbooks with ethnic and global influences.


4) Test New Recipes:

When you’re feeling confident in the kitchen, take on a new challenge and test out recipes that you have never made before. For example, this dill pickled garlic recipe is one option to try; it's simple to make and uses fresh ingredients like dill, garlic, vinegar, and sugar. Start with a tried and true recipe such as this one and then customize it for your desired flavors. Making variations of traditional dishes allows you to experiment with different combinations and begin creating unique recipes.


By following these steps, any aspiring chef can become an expert cook who creates delectable dishes that impress family and friends. By experimenting with flavors, reading cookbooks, testing new recipes, and starting small, anyone can gain impressive culinary skills. Put these tips into practice and you’ll become a master chef in no time!


3.04.2023

Southern Gospel- a movie review


Four-time Emmy nominee Max Ehrich stars in Southern Gospel as Samuel Wells, a 1960s rockstar who finds himself in jail after years of running from his faith catches up to him. Forced to reevaluate his life, he chooses to pursue his lifelong dream of becoming a pastor. See Samuel's amazing story unfold in Southern Gospel on March 10!

Sam Allen finds himself in jail after years of anger and blame toward a religion that had him walking down a road of rebellion. He was running for years then faith catches up to him. He believes everyone deserves a second chance. While in prison he reevaluates his life and decides to follow his life long dream of being a pastor. The judge dismissed all charges against him with the pretense that Sam will speak to kids about the dangers of drugs.   

#SouthernGospelMIN is the story of a man overcoming brokenness and never surrendering the dream on his journey to find the gospel... Southern Gospel.



You do not want to miss this movie.  Buy tickets today to see SOUTHERN GOSPEL exclusively in theaters March 10!

Links

Movie Website: LINK

Buy Tickets Link: LINK


Disclosure:

Many thanks to BMG for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.Also thank you to #MomentumInfluencerNetwork for giving me the opportunity to review this movie,

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