Rebecca Alston, Author at Mamas Like Me

Planning a Perfect Anniversary? Here’s How to Wow Your Partner

A wedding anniversary is a deeply intimate and happy occasion that deserves to be celebrated. However, since keeping the marriage fresh and safe and dealing with day-to-day life can be stressful, it’s important to plan a perfect anniversary free of obligations and anxiety. That way, both spouses would be able to celebrate in peace, without worries.

Therefore, if your anniversary is approaching, and you’re intending to celebrate, then here are some amazing and useful planning tips that will help you organize it, and also wow your partner in the process.

Make sure you’re both free and available

Whether you’re planning a dinner at home or going out, it’s crucial to ensure everything is in order. Meaning, if you or your spouse have certain tasks and chores to take care of, be sure to do that before the celebration, so you won’t have to worry about that. In case you have kids, then try finding a reliable nanny, or if possible, ask friends or relatives to watch them for a bit. That way, you’ll feel relaxed knowing that everything and everybody is taken care of and safe.

Glam up!

Now, a perfect anniversary doesn’t mean you have to wear clothes and accessories that you don’t enjoy, but investing a bit in your looks can drastically boost the atmosphere and your confidence alike. Simply, your partner will appreciate the fact that you’ve invested some effort to look your best on your special day. Therefore, feel free to buy some new clothes or to book an appointment with a hairdresser or a beautician, if that’s possible in the current situation. Of course, feel free to expect some effort in return from your partner, but also, don’t forget to focus on yourself.

Think of some decor options

In case you’re planning to have a cozy and romantic celebration in the comfort of your home, then you might also want to consider some decor ideas and options. Of course, if you’re thinking about a romantic dinner, then aromatic candles and some flowers are always a great idea. But, recently, more and more countries and cultures, such as the USA and Australia are coming up with elegant and fairytale-like decor solutions. Hence, feel free to take things a bit further and choose light-up letters for hire in Sydney as that is a great way to show you love and gratitude to your partner by selecting a meaningful phrase or word and displaying it for them to see. Choosing some new decor pieces will definitely turn your celebration into a special and memorable event.

Do something fun

If dinner and a movie aren’t your things, or you simply want something a little extra, then feel free to consider some other events, such as revisiting the locales of your early dating days, or going for a picnic, or taking a cooking class. However, before you make any definitive plans, make sure that your partner is on board to a degree, especially if you’re thinking about surprising them. There’s nothing worse than planning a fun surprise for someone, only for them to dislike it. That’s why it’s essential to give them at least a semblance of an idea of what’s going to happen.

A short trip is also a great idea

This is a perfect suggestion if your partner is a bit of a wanderlust, but in order for this to work, it’s important to choose a destination that will fit you both. So if your partner loves outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling, and you don’t, then it’s best to find a middle ground and choose a trip that will allow you both to relax and have fun. Swimming, visiting wineries, or sightseeing are always good suggestions, as long as both partners are up for it.

Give them something nice

An anniversary gift is a wonderful way to show your partner that you value them as a person and the time that you’ve spent together. When choosing a gift for your partner, it’s important to take their needs and preferences into account. If they love reading, then a book is always a good idea. And in case they have a unique hobby they enjoy, then buying them something related to that will likely make them happy. If you’re buying them clothes or footwear, always take a receipt, so they’ll be able to exchange the gift in case it doesn’t suit them.

Conclusion

You and your partner deserve an amazing anniversary celebration and these tips will help you woo your partner and have a wonderful experience that you’ll both cherish. Just remember to enjoy yourselves and to relax, as that is the true way to have fun and enjoy the company of one another.

How to Style Monochrome Outfits With Statement Accessories

Accessories have the power to transform and instantly elevate an outfit, especially when it comes to monochrome ensembles. While achingly stylish and effortlessly chic, monochrome outfits are nowhere near effortless, and there’s a lot of thought that goes into the tonal dressing.

While incorporating various materials and textures is key to creating stylish tone-on-tone outfits, adding the right statement accessories such as bags, shoes, and jewelry is what actually makes the biggest difference. Here are a few tips to help get you started.

Dress up your outfit with a statement bag

Statement bags are unique accessories that are quite effective in breaking up top-to-toe color and adding a little pizzazz to a monochrome outfit. Surely, your standard black crossbody bag may work just fine for other outfits, but if you’re wearing a monochrome outfit and want to make a statement, you’re going to have to rely on some “louder” pieces.

Depending on the occasion, you can rely on everything from your small clutch to your large tote to dress up your outfit and make a stylish statement. Bedazzled handbags can be great additions if you want to add a glamorous touch to your outfit. If you want to create eye-catching contrast, get a bag in vibrant complementary color. You can also rock animal prints such as snake or leopard – they pair perfectly with neutral outfits. Or, go for a bag that matches your tonal look but has an interesting detail like a shoulder strap or a ring handle.

Have fun with statement shoes

While evergreen accessories like neutral shoes are essential for creating a capsule wardrobe (think white sneakers, black flats, and nude heels), statement shoes are there to make your outfits more fun. They can be used to take one-color ensembles to another level, and there are plenty of ways to do it.

Sometimes, this will mean grabbing a pair of sculptural heels in untraditional shapes to create an eye-catching silhouette. Other times, this will mean relying on various patterns and prints to make your feet the center of attention. Go for a pair that matches your outfit but also has an interesting detail to them that makes them unique (the cut, the material, the color, etc.).

Rely on statement jewelry to add sparkle to your outfits

If you’re in need of a statement piece that you can rely on to revamp your monochrome outfits year-round, look no further. A couple of ornaments go a long way in transforming a simple monochrome outfit. Investing in just a couple of unique pieces of fine jewelry such as necklaces, medallions, charms, and lockets can be a great way to spruce up your collection with some effective statement pieces.

The right statement jewelry can help you enhance and flaunt your features and it’s perfect for adding sparkle to your look. Just make sure to keep the rest of your outfit fairly simple when wearing such pieces so that your statement jewelry can take center stage.

Add a belt for a more polished look

Just like jewelry, belts are effective elements that you can use to make a stylish statement regardless of the season. These functional add-ons will define your waist and accentuate your curves, which will instantly make your entire outfit look more polished and put together.

When it comes to styling a statement belt, there are several routes you can take. You can go for a chunkier model and match the color to your monochrome outfit. You can also rely on 90s favorite buckle belts to inspire nostalgia and add definition to your dress, blazer, or a coat. Even something as simple as teaming your belt up with a crisp white oversized shirt and white sneakers can make your monochrome ensemble so much sleeker. Narrow, wide, embellished, or simple – it’s up to you to decide!

Spice it up with stylish specs

Last but not least, another way you can step up your monochrome outfit game is to simply put on a pair of statement glasses. Stylish specs are all the rage right now, and wearing them is a low-cost way to spice up your outfit combos and really transform your look. Large frames in understated colors are great for commanding attention, while red and orange frames can take years off your appearance.

Of course, you want to pay attention to the shape of your face as well as your skin and hair color so you can find the most flattering glasses. If you wear glasses every day, don’t be afraid to splurge!

Wrapping up

Nailing the monochromatic style can be tricky, but it’s doable! With these few tips in mind, you’ll manage to find the right statement pieces to add to your one-color ensembles so you can look chic, polished, and put together.

7 Tips To Start Your Own Bakery Business

The bakery business is among the remunerative businesses that anyone can venture into. One primary reason for starting any business is to make money; however, this may become difficult if the business owner fails to plan the startup efficiently.

If you decide to go into the bakery business, there are several tips you must know before taking the bull by the horn. It’s paramount for a business owner to keep learning and grow to promote their business.

Here are seven vital tips if you are starting your bakery business.

1. Be Specific About Your Products

The bakery business deals with tons of products like bars, cookies, muffins, cakes, bread, pizzas, and sweet rolls. As a starter, when you consider funds and risk involved with the business, it is essential to specialize in a specific bakery product.

Therefore, select the products you would love to begin with or the ones your financial capability can accommodate. As your business grows, you may add other products to increase your cash flow. For now, have a confined list of the products you can offer your customers.

2. Choose The Type Of Bakery You Can Run

After knowing the products you want to offer, decide the type of bakery system you would prefer to operate. This is also based on your availability, funds, and purpose. There are four different bakery businesses; the online shop, counter service, specialty service, and the sit and dine option. Presently, the sit and dine option is trending. All you have to do is get open space in a public area where you can bake and take people’s orders.

Besides, make sure the bakery system you run does not violate the rules of your locality.

3. Create Your Bakery Business Plan

Your bakery business plan might not be similar to that of another, even though the business is the same. That’s because your products and the operating system of the company are not identical.

In creating a business plan, make sure it satisfied the following:

Executive summary
Overview and description of the business
Market analysis
Business products and services
Management plan
Ownership structure
Marketing and advertising strategy
Financial projections

4. Get A Nice Space

Above all, you need a pleasant space to run your business. Even if you would be operating an online bakery, ensure your home kitchen or dining is pleasantly appealing, as you will be displaying your products there.

If you are renting a space, you need to get an affordable, suitable place based on your business size. The type of bakery system you want to adopt matters as it will determine the type of space you will rent. For instance, if you plan to operate a counter bakery shop, all you need is a commercial kitchen counter. That means your customers will only walk in to buy your products. You can also give options to the customer for different occasions like personalized diwali gifts.

5. Get Permits And Licenses

The bakery and other food businesses are regulated by federal, state, and local governments. Therefore, a bakery owner must get valid permits and licenses before launching the company to avoid legal issues.

The permits you will obtain will depend on your location. Also, check your state or territory’s laws and regulations to confirm the relevant agency that issues the permit. Finally, make sure you are aware of any laws associated with your new bakery business.

6. Look Out For Reliable Suppliers And Vendors

In the bakery business, you will be dealing with vendors and suppliers to get the necessary goods and equipment required for success. At the onset, you wouldn’t want to ruin your business by offering inferior edibles. If you do not get the right equipment and supplies such as flour and other ingredients from a good supplier, your products may come out bad.

As a result, to offer fantastic edibles, you need the services of vendors and suppliers that will get you durable baking equipment and raw items to prepare your bakery products. Make sure the people you choose are reliable, trustworthy, and prompt to deliver the goods.

7. Advertising And Marketing Method

Your business will start, strive, and thrive through marketing and advertisement. Hence, before you kick start your bakery business fully, it’s vital to identify the best strategies to publicize your business. Presently, bakery business owners have a wide range of techniques to advertise and market their business successfully. First, to pick the most suitable and affordable ones, research the available marketing and advertising methods. After that, stick to them and adopt other means as your business grows.

Another advantage of choosing the most appropriate marketing tactics is to make your business proliferate. Assuming your goal is to run an online bakery business, you will need to concentrate on online marketing methods, such as social media, business website, blog, email marketing, etc. That doesn’t mean you will neglect all these methods if you are not operating an online bakery business.

Conclusion

In venturing into the bakery business, it is essential to be armed with vital tips necessary for success. They will guide you from making costly mistakes that could affect your success. These are crucial tips that can go a long way to position you on the path of success as you commence the business.

Time Management Skills: Why They Are So Important for Every Mom

People learn to understand and apply time management principles and rules from their early age. A child needs to have enough time to do homework and then rest. A teenage student should understand when it is suitable to complete all assignments on their own and when they should buy essay online to control their grades better. Adults have many things to do during the day and long-term plans they want to achieve within a month or year.

Still, a lot of things change when a baby appears in your life. It is always great to have a child, of course. But the fact that they require a lot of your time and energy is undeniable. Let’s try to discuss this point in detail.

Why Is Time Management Important for Moms?

Both new and experienced mothers try to do everything at a time, so they constantly switch from one priority to another randomly. A job or business, a partner, a child (or children), fitness and weight control, cosmetic procedures, and everything they “have” to complete require time. Finally, moms start feeling that they’re losing control because they normally get tired.

Back in my studentship days, I could just ask a reliable pro to do my assignment online, and my time management failure became fixed right after that. Moms might want to try going the same way. In their case, it is not about “outsourcing” assignments, of course, but the principle remains the same.

Time Management Tips for Moms

Your goal is to simplify your entire life. Well, nothing will become easy, and most probably, you won’t have time to sit still. However, time will not be your weakness anymore. Time is a resource, and you can balance it appropriately. It is the way to do more things within 24 hours while enjoying the processes at the same time. You want to enjoy your work, moments spent with your partner or kids, and even moments when you’re alone and free. To make all that possible, try keeping up with the following recommendations:

1. Stop Your Routine Run

Is a child asleep? Perfect. That’s the ideal moment to think over your current priorities. What is important in your life? What requires your time because you want to do it and not just because it “should be done”?

Moms don’t always understand the importance of time spent with their children fully. Like, playing with your baby for at least 60 minutes daily without switching to any other “task” is better than running around and trying to check their job emails, cook meals for all the family members, clean the house, and prevent a kid from playing with the iron at a time.

So, what is important? And what can wait?

2. Write Down Regular Tasks

These are cleaning, cooking, washing, shopping, etc. Then, think how much time all of those tasks would take if you distribute them throughout weekdays. Then, take into account the daily regime of your child and all other critical tasks (job, for instance). Finally, just “fit” all the routine things in between your priorities.

It may seem that a scheduled life is dull absurd. Still, you need to set that pillar if you really want to keep your time under control. You’ll be able to add flexibility after the system becomes fully functional.

3. Know Things You Should Not Do

How would you not like to spend your time? I bet that “empty” web surfing is one of those things you would like to fix, for example. Your day can have more than one “time stealer”, and all of them should be under your control as well.

Ask yourself what these activities give you, and then try to understand what you really would like to get. There always is a value.

A rest, for instance. Try to replace a “time-stealing” activity with something that brings you relaxation and recharges your inner batteries without leaving that guilt feeling inside your mind. You’ll be much better pretty soon. Just try it.

4. Have Plans for the Near Future

What would you like to achieve in a year?

Let two big goals arise. These goals should be big enough but possible. For example, to master photography art, to leave for a trip to India, or to set a functional business startup.

So, what would your goals need you to do? Set up a to-do list with every milestone and minor task, define time to be busy with your dream, and start implementing them one by one. A listed dream isn’t abstract anymore. It’s a plan.

5. “Mom! Mommy! Mama!”

What to do if a child wants your attention and doesn’t plan to give it up?

Try to postpone all your current tasks and share that time with your kid entirely. Don’t think or do anything else. Just give yourself to your child entirely and enjoy those moments.

Your kid will have enough with a contact after some time. Then, it will be ready to let you go and do whatever you need and want. And both of you will be calm. Moms guarantee!

6. Use Special Equipment

Special forces use gadgets to handle their tasks. Being a mom is similar to being a SOF unit operator, so you should use equipment, too. For instance, a simple baby sling will let you have more control over a child and give them more contact with their mom at a time. Isn’t it cool?

To Conclude

Time management is critical for every mom. It allows you to do more within tight timeframes without getting tired and mad. Although many moms think it is difficult to organize their days, time management is not difficult to apply. It will only require some attention first and some discipline after the system is set to function. But the result is definitely worth a try!

7 Mind Games To Improve Your Critical Thinking Skills

Critical thinking is an essential skill for all productive individuals. It refers to one’s ability to think creatively outside the box and dissect issues before passing judgment or settling on a decision that is crucial for progress. It matters very little if one is a scientist or a creative worker. Having an open mindset is the key as it allows you to think through issues and establish your conclusions logically and reasonably. But how does one develop such a perspective or improve their critical thinking skills without straining? Several games exist to help you build on these vital skills. Establish the type of game that works perfectly for you and be a better critical thinker by applying the lessons from such games.

1. Sudoku

This is a critical thinking game that challenges players to think critically. Being a logical game of numbers, players need to identify different patterns to complete them. While the game is not necessarily easy or straightforward, it involves a lot of thinking. Regular players get to exercise their minds and develop important pattern recognition and analysis skills.

Sudoku is a game that urges players to think mathematically, which is one of the most crucial things to do. It is not surprising that it features among the best games when critical thinking games come up.

2. Crossword Puzzles

Depending on the type of crossword puzzle you go for, these are games that help players develop a unique way of thinking. It encourages critical thinking because it encourages people to use the clue to make deductions. It is not surprising that it features among the top nt times answers when questions regarding the best mind games come up. Most crossword puzzles will use words to hint about something hidden. It is up to the players to join the dots and accurately deduce the meaning of the puzzle. People who play such games continuously tend to have a better vocabulary and grammar. It is an excellent game for developing kids, especially if the aim is to make them great orators. Adults who enjoy playing crossword puzzles are also gifted and imaginative since they always pause to think through a situation instead of reacting to it.

3. Chess

Anyone who is into board games knows how powerful chess is. Only intelligent people can play chess successfully because it is a game of tactics and strategy. This means that players develop critical thinking skills in the process of facing their opponents. To win a chess game, one needs to think outside the box and outsmart one’s competitors. It is one of the most practical games that encourage players to focus on a single strategy of solving issues.

Anyone who wants to succeed in this game must be a creative thinker since it is constantly changing. Chess players are different people who can adjust and adapt to changing environmental situations. If you intend to become a great thinker who is not intimidated by changing environments, you need to start playing chess. It teaches you to be smart, resilient, and a creative thinker, all in one.

4. Board Games

Board games are as old as they come. These are games that will stimulate your brain to think clearly and critically. They come in a variety, depending on the age and stage of the player’s growth. Most people love board games because of their versatility and that they are accommodating to people of all ages. You can quickly learn to play a specific board game and enjoy it with friends and family.

What’s more, these games are an excellent way to improve your communication skills and develop logical problem-solving skills. Incorporate board games at every gathering of family and friends to promote productive thinking.

5. Jigsaw Puzzles

Puzzles are generally excellent for people who want to develop their mind-thinking capacity. One of the most effective puzzle games is the jigsaw. This one pushes players to create a pattern, shape, or image using pieces of clues. Sometimes, there is no map to guide the puzzle, making it even more challenging and exciting.

Besides thinking, these puzzles also force players to develop concentration and focus abilities because a slight distraction could mean starting again. As much as the games can be frustrating, they are thrilling and rewarding when one finally gets the puzzle right.

6. List Games

These are more like challenges than they are games. The idea is to build it from a foundational concept. Players need to remember everything on the list to win. This game encourages people to be creative as the rules are unique and diverse. Depending on the theme you choose to go with, lists can be as exciting as they come. It is a perfect game for all events and age groups and can help determine people’s creativity.

7. Computer Games

Computer games may be the obvious choice of games today. Advancements in technology make it easier for people to access computer games than they did some years back. Software developers are also working overtime considering the news games that keep emerging. Fortunately, these games also accommodate people of different ages and stages. Some of the games are competitions that foster critical thinking because the rewards at the end are lucrative and worth it.

Final Thoughts

Regardless of the choice of games one goes for; the important thing is to ensure that they are fun and exciting. Most games that encourage critical thinking are fun to play. Choose what works for you and your circle of friends or family.

Stress Management | 4 Ways to Cope Smartly With Stress

Stress is not always a bad thing. There are two kinds of stress that fall upon a person, eustress and distress. Eustress is the good kind that pushes us and motivates us to achieve our goals and finish our tasks on time, it creates a sense of urgency that helps us thrive. Distress, on the other hand, is when we are overwhelmed by stressors all around us. If this continues for a long period of time, it can have adverse effects on both our bodies and our minds. It affects our ability to function effectively, think rationally, and enjoy life. Here are a few ways to help you manage your daily stressors.

Practice 4 A’s of stress management

Stress is usually an automatic response that arises out of our nervous system. There are quite a few stressors that have a tendency to arise at predictable times such as during a meeting, on your way to work, or even family gatherings. It is important to understand that there are two things you can do in such a situation. Either change the situation or change your reaction to it. You can use the 4 A’s to help you; alter, avoid, adapt or accept. Understand that you should accept the things you cannot change, avoid the things that are unnecessary, adapt to certain circumstances, or alter your fraction to such situations.

Smoke weed

Weed has been great as a supplementary therapy for dealing with chronic stress and anxiety. A study published in the International Journal of Stress in 2020 showed a significant amount of improvement in the stress levels of more than 65% of the participants enrolled in the study after using weed for one month. Most users report gods green crack as the best strain to help you calm down and relax after a long and hard day at work. It is best to smoke weed once a week and refrain from smoking regularly if you want to use it for stress management.

Identify your triggers

It might sound quite straightforward, but it is not so easy to identify your triggers. There are certain stressors that you can identify, which bring about a major change in your life, such as a job change, divorce, or even moving. Sources of chronic stress are much more complicated, such as your feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. Look at your daily routine and habits. Until you realize the part you play in inducing stress for yourself, it is not easy to deal with and change your stressors.

Start a stress journal

A journal can help you identify triggers in your everyday life and help you understand how you deal with them. Maintaining a daily journal will help you realize where you need to change, and what you need to avoid. It will help you understand your patterns and themes that invoke a stressful response.

Dealing with stress is not an easy job. It is important to lower these levels down so that you do not suffer physical and mental symptoms that will cause burnout later.

Spring Cleaning Time – Follow These Ways To Clean Your Home Appliances

You will totally agree with us that we need a strong motivation to clean the appliances we use. Isn’t it? So with full excitement and interest, take this point into consideration that spring is coming, and it’s time to do spring cleaning. This way, you will feel good, excited and motivated for sure.

Now, the most important thing to remember is every appliance has a safety tip to consider and a trick to clean. Make sure you take into consideration this, otherwise you can ruin the functionality of any appliance. Let’s pick up some most common appliances that we use in our house and see how to clean them safely.

Vacuum cleaner

The vacuum cleaner is the appliance that gets dirty the most and people normally find it hard to clean it. But it’s not that hard, as it contains a filter that needs to be cleaned first. Now find the filter in your vacuum cleaner and remove it then tap against a hard surface to remove any clumps of dust. Make sure you do not do it with full force but gently, so it doesn’t get damaged. In case you have a washable one, then dip it in the lukewarm water and let it air dry for 24 hours and then insert it back into the machine. This way gently you need to clean the filter as it is the main part of the cleaner.

Fireplace

The wooden fireplace needs too much cleaning, so make sure you soot and dust. Make sure, you use local wood in your fireplace so that it doesn’t spread any disease or pests. Now, the dust and ashes can be cleaned easily, but what about the cleaning process of the chimney. When you will start cleaning the chimney you will find a thick soot layer and it’s hard to clean it. The fireplace safety tip that you need to consider is to wear gloves when cleaning the fireplace and don’t use sharp objects to clean the soot layer, as it can damage the area. Instead of it use some potato peelings and rock salt in the cleaning process. The starch that is present in the potato peel will soften the soot and decompose it. Isn’t that easy? Make sure you follow this tip as it will not damage your chimney. Yes, we know that cleaning chimney and fireplace brick is a long process, hence it’s better to switch from a wooden to an electric fireplace. As it doesn’t need much maintenance.

Coffee maker

Coffee makes the first appliance that you use when you wake up, thus it needs regular cleaning. For cleaning the coffee maker appropriately, you need to remove all parts of the coffee maker after every use to clean the coffee grounds and oils present after we use it. Now wash the parts with lukewarm water, soapy water, or you can even use the dishwasher to clean them. Just place them on the top rack. Then, empty the drip tray and reservoirs and wipe down the outside of the machine. The safety tip here is that don’t forget how to put back all the parts of the coffee maker and ensure that you have not used too much force to clean it but gentle pressure and check that it is unplugged when you start the cleaning process.

Final Words

The appliances that we use daily are expensive and need special care in the cleaning process. Following certain ways will only expand the life of your appliances, and you will be able to use them wisely as well. So follow the ways mentioned above and enjoy the use of your valuable appliances.

Interior Design And Decor Ideas For 2021!

With 2021 just around the corner, it’s time to think about how to keep your home up on the latest trends! For interior and exterior alike, there are many home trends to check out for the upcoming year. Whether you’re planning a big renovation or a small redecoration, be sure to keep up with which trends are over, which ones are on their way, and which are here to stay! Here are a few to keep your eye on, if you’re looking to mix things up.

Nepal And Tibet Hand-Knotted Rugs – Rugman

What do you do when you want the comfort and quality of a hand-knotted rug (which, unfortunately, does not exist in machine-made rugs) and the fashionable style of a modern rug? In this case, Nepal and Tibet hand-knotted rugs would be an appropriate choice for you, since they have modern design and high-quality material, usually a combination of silk and wool.

Rugs from Nepal, Tibet and the Tibetan diaspora in India are collectively called Tibetan rugs. Tibetan rugs have existed since antiquity and some of the earlier ones have floral and tribal designs. They had a different knotting style than rugs of other regions and also lacked the intricacy of Persian rugs. Traditional Tibetan rugs, however, were never very popular on the world market, and so Tibet and Nepal rugs were little-known until their weavers accommodated themselves to the change in Western preferences toward modern home decor. When this happened, Tibetan rugs became very popular worldwide, particularly in the West, such that almost all Tibet and Nepal rugs on the market today have a modern design.

Today, thanks to Nepal’s and Tibet’s strong export industry and the popularity of modern rugs in the West, the rug industry in these regions are booming.

Build Your Own Shoe Cubby – Art And Home

When you are short on space, storage can be at a premium. This clever and creative DIY storage idea will help you maximize your space and minimize the clutter in your home by giving you a place to store things until they are needed.

From some of the brightest minds in DIY storage solutions, we have pulled together some truly unique and clever ways that you can create storage areas in almost any room in your home.

Here’s antique mail sorter turned stylish shoe storage was seen last year in my mudroom reveal and in my DIY chalkboard Calendar post.

The Best Curtain Colors for a Cool Winter Vibe – Lushes Curtains

Color psychology is so important when you are decorating for a cool winter vibe. Some colors can actually make you feel calmer, more relaxed and more laid back and create the sense of cold and chilliness. Here are a few examples of the best luxury velvet curtain colors to choose when you want to create a chilly winter vibe;

Light blue – Yes, light blue is of course on the top of our list. The color blue is great for relaxing your mind but it also creates a sense of cold. When you step into a room with light blue velvet curtains you will immediately feel a lot chillier even though the room might be warmer.

Mint green – Mint green gives a fresh and minty vibe and is also great for creating a cool winter vibe in a room. You can definitely choose a minty or light green luxury curtain to simulate a wintery look.

Light purple – Light purple is also a chilled and cool color that will make your home feel a lot chillier on a hot summer day. It is a great color for a modern home look and light purple curtains will certainly look beautiful.

Light denim – A light or washed out denim color also simulates a chilled and cool feeling and the fact that denim is so laid back also makes this a good color for a chilled room.

Turquoise – Turquoise is a mix of green and blue which means it will also work perfectly for a winter vibe. Just stick to a light turquoise and you can instantly create the sense of winter in a room.

Cool colors are great for controlling your home’s temperature much better and with the right set of light velvet curtains, you can enjoy a fresher and cooler home with a sense of luxury.

Looking for remodeling inspiration? Start with your floors – MK Remodeling and Design

Some people struggle to commit to remodeling because they can’t settle on the reason to do it. Should you remodel for yourself? Should you remodel for resale? The answer depends on your timeline!

If you see yourself moving in five or so years, think about remodeling for resale. That means going over a list of things buyers like with an expert, such as a designer or real estate agent, and coming up with a cost-efficient plan.

If you don’t see yourself moving for 10 years or so, if ever, then personalize away! Make that home the living space of your dreams. Remember, the best return on investment is happiness.

We would like to suggest hardwood floors!

First, they offer great value. Most hardwood floors recoup 70%-80% of their value! Getting their money’s worth is often the most important factor to consumers.

Second, they have universal appeal. If you plan on selling in the future, hardwood floors are in demand, according to the real estate pros.

Finally, they last a long time. With proper care, hardwood floors offer the longest life span versus other flooring materials, the article says. And that threshold for proper care is pretty minimal.

Top Trends In Bathroom Tile Design – Superior Renovations

Nowadays, picking out the best tile for bathroom renovation is an overwhelming task because of a variety of factors you need to consider, such as texture, color, shape, and design. In the past, it was easy to choose the best tile for remodeling purposes since functional benefits such as low maintenance, durability, and water resistance were the only things considered. However, this is the opposite of this era. Today, the tile’s aesthetic impact has the same weight as its functions. As a result, manufacturers have made several changes on their selections to provide unique tiles to the homeowners. From the current research, we have come out with the top trends in bathroom tiles in 2019 that every homeowner should consider when deciding to renovate their home. These trends essentially covers the tiles’ patterns, finishes, shapes, and colors.

Subway Tiles
Hexagonal Tiles
Geometric Tiles
Dark And Stormy Tiles
Spanish And Moroccan Tiles
Mosaics Tiles

The Interior Design Trends of Spring/Summer 2021- CB Homes

Although we’re not interior designers, we always like to see the choices our clients make when it comes to kitting out their home. It probably comes as no surprise, then, that we’re back with another interior design trends post – we’ll be predicting all the styles you’re going to see in stores and magazines this spring/summer. If you’re looking to spruce up your home in 2021 and want to be on-trend, look no further.

Textures are back in a big way
The safari fashion theme spills over
Yellow shades will be everywhere
70’s colors mix with Scandi lines
Brave it with black
Delicate neutrals are in this year

How Anxiety Can Affect Immunity

Stress is a normal part of life. Some people cope with it well, handling the ups and downs of life with healthy means, such as meditating, eating well and exercising. Other people deal with their stress in ways that aren’t so great, like smoking, drinking alcohol or criticizing themselves. Handling your stress in unhealthy ways or not dealing with it at all has a negative effect on your quality of life. Learn how chronic anxiety and stress can affect your immune system and find healthy ways to boost immune system working from home.

What Anxiety Does to the Body

Anxiety and stress trigger your body’s fight-or-flight response, sending hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol, into your bloodstream. This gives you a boost to respond to an intense situation. Your heart beats faster. Your breathing rate increases. Your brain and body need more oxygen to react to the crisis. Once the stress is over, your body returns to its normal state.

However, when you are constantly in a state of stress or anxiety, your systems never return to normal. Your body becomes accustomed to extra cortisol, which causes inflammation, weakening your immune system. Stress also decreases the white blood cells that help you fight off infection. This leaves you vulnerable to bacteria, germs and viruses. The longer you have stress and anxiety, the more it affects your body.

7 Things That Can Boost Your Immune System

Stress is a part of life. You can’t avoid it, but you can find healthy ways to cope with it to give your body a rest from the effects.

1. Eat healthily – Instead of bingeing on foods that are high in fats and calories, opt for a healthy diet of lean proteins, fruits and vegetables, and whole grains.

2. Get enough sleep – Adults still need between seven to nine hours of sleep each night. Sleep renews the cells in your body, helping you function better every day.

3. Meditate – Find something that helps your body relax, whether that’s meditation, yoga, mindfulness or prayer.

4. Exercise – Getting your body moving lowers the stress hormones and helps improve your mood. It can also help you sleep better.

5. Consider supplements – Many supplements help you reduce your anxiety symptoms. Talk to your doctor if you’re taking other medications to make sure there aren’t any interactions. Read the Brillia reviews for anxiety to learn more about Brillia.

6. Spend time with friends and family – Supportive relationships help you deal with stress. There is even research that interacting with your pet is a way to relieve stress. Being with those you love gives you self-worth.

7. Talk it out – There’s no shame in getting help from a professional therapist or counselor to learn better ways to manage your stress.

When you do get stressed, have a plan to reduce it to avoid the negative impact to your immune system and body. Brillia’s nonprescription formulation is one option to reduce symptoms of stress and ADHD. Read the Brillia ADHA reviews to learn more about how the active ingredient in Brillia also helps reduce feelings of hyperactivity to improve focus and attention.

7 Garden Design Ideas to Turn Your Home Into a Peaceful Refuge

The pace of modern life can be exhausting. Once in a while, you would want to stop the world from turning and go to a place where you can relax and unwind. For some, it would be a reading nook, a coffee shop or to go fishing. Meanwhile, others would love to spend time in their gardens, gazing and experiencing nature to reduce stress. If you’re like those who would retreat to a garden for serenity, you probably would want to transform your outdoor area into a place where you can feel safe and relaxed when life gets overwhelming.

To help you achieve your garden zen, here’s a collection of garden ideas to turn your home into a peaceful refuge. If you’re not sure if you can do these in your garden, try quality landscaping services.

1. Include a water feature.

If a chill factor is what you want, a water feature is a wonderful option for any garden. The gentle murmur of water is so soothing that it can calm you down.

A private swimming pool that can cool you off is perfect for a yard, but a small stream or bubbling water will do in your garden. To do this, you can use natural materials like wood or stone for a harmonious feel of your laidback water feature. Other water features that you can consider are a garden pond, a koi pond, small waterfalls or a birdbath.

2. Clear out the clutter.

A cluttered space will appear chaotic. And what happens when you go to a place that looks chaotic? You will feel anxious and overwhelmed.

If you want to make your garden a peaceful refuge, make sure to pull out the trash. Get rid of furniture and accessories that don’t belong in the yard. Or try small storage options to make the space neat and clean.

Also, do your hedges need trimming? Are the slides and swings too small for your kids already? Are there broken pots lying around or pots with dead plants? Let them go. Sort out your greenery and relocate those that need an arrangement. All of these for a clutter-free garden of peace.

3. Put a comfortable seating set.

Don’t just create a seating area in your garden. Make one that’s for deep seating.

When your garden seating is comfortable, you would choose to stretch out and relax in the midst of the greens and flowers rather than sitting inside the house.

Why shouldn’t you be afraid of putting these loungers in the garden? Because a functional seating set doesn’t mean it’s boring. Although it’s meant for convenience and a place to be at peace, it can also add colour and character to the garden. It can be the focal point. So the next time you plan about your garden, don’t forget the seats. The comfortable ones.

4. Opt for a hammock.

What about a hammock in your garden? The idea alone is so appealing! This timeless addition to any garden is a serious piece of relaxation.

Whether it’s strung between two trees or that with a stand, a hammock will cause you to bring out your favourite book and spend the afternoon just lounging around the garden. For extra comfort and an inviting finish, fill your hammocks with cushions and blankets. Add a stool beside it for snacks and drinks, and no one can resist this place of tranquillity.

5. Ensure a shaded retreat.

Umbrella, table, and chairs? A shady area to retreat when you get too hot or when you simply want to rest will make you think of a vacation on a resort or on a sandy shore. Not only that it offers protection from the sun, but it’s also a perfect place to be with yourself, enjoying the sound and the sight of your garden.

Aside from umbrellas, other ways to create shade in the garden include gazebos, pergolas, awnings, trees and even vines growing on overhead roofs or arbours.

6. Add an oriental feel.

Japanese gardens are originally created as places of meditation and reflection. It’s no wonder why having their elements in your own garden can bring serenity to your crammed life. They can even remind you of a natural landscape.

To recreate this oriental feel, think about a rock garden that has the sand element or some volcanic rocks to symbolize rivers and mountains, respectively. Or a moss garden that has a soft feel which can provide comfort to your mind and body. Other very common features of an Asian-inspired garden are bamboo fences and small stone pathways.

If you really want to ace that zen feel in your oriental garden, pull the glamour and bright colours aside. Make it simple with monochromatic green as your main palette.

7. Make the patio more inviting.

Leaving the patio with chunks of concrete and a few plastic chairs won’t give you that peaceful feeling. Why not design a more inviting patio? A place that will tempt you to leave your chair and spend time outside, reading or practising yoga.

A layer of comfort is surely enticing. Adding outdoor rugs, fun pillows and string lights can give your outside space a cozy feel. A touch of greenery or flowers can also enliven your space, making you feel like you’re away from the hustle. Paint a pattern, stain the concrete and add curves with pavers. How about sand and pebbles? Create a patio that’s more than just for sitting purposes. Make it your getaway place.

If you need help, there are professionals to help you transform your outdoor area like garden and tree maintenance provider in Leander, TX.